Chinese researchers make breakthrough in ferroelectric materials Xinhua) 09:23, January 24, 2026 This photo taken on Jan. 21, 2026 shows a sample of ferroelectric thin film in experiment at a laboratory of the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang) BEIJING, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers recently made a breakthrough in ferroelectric materials that promises to dramatically increase information storage density. The research team from the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, successfully identified one-dimensional charged domain walls within a fluorite-structured ferroelectric material. These walls are tiny, with both thickness and width measuring just a few hundred-thousandths of the diameter of a human hair. This discovery, notably, provides a scientific basis for developing next-generation ultra-high-density devices. Their findings were on Friday published in the journal Science. Postdoctoral researcher Zhong Hai conducts an experiment on ferroelectric thin film deposition at a laboratory of the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang) Postdoctoral researcher Zhong Hai tests ferroelectric performance at a laboratory of the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang) This photo taken on Jan. 21, 2026 shows a sample of ferroelectric capacitor waiting to be tested at a laboratory of the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang) Researchers Jin Kuijuan (L) and Ge Chen discuss the experiment plan at a laboratory of the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang) This photo taken on Jan. 21, 2026 shows a sample of ferroelectric capacitor at a laboratory of the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang) Researchers Zhang Qinghua, Jin Kuijuan, Zhong Hai and Ge Chen (from left to right), who have successfully identified one-dimensional charged domain walls within a fluorite-structured ferroelectric material, pose for a group photo at a laboratory of the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Chinese vice premier urges efforts to consolidate poverty alleviation achievements Xinhua) 14:19, January 24, 2026 GUIYANG, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has called for efforts to improve policy measures and carry out assistance work in a solid manner to continuously consolidate and expand the achievements of poverty alleviation. Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an investigation tour of southwest China's Guizhou Province from Wednesday to Friday. During his tour, Liu visited formerly impoverished villages, industrial bases, relocation communities, vocational schools and health centers, where he learned about local residents' production and living conditions, as well as work related to drinking water safety, industrial development, employment and health. Liu underscored the importance of guarding against large-scale lapses or relapses into poverty. He also called for developing industries based on local resource endowments and market demand, strengthening skills training and employment support, and making every effort to boost farmers' incomes. With the Spring Festival approaching and population movement and gatherings on the rise, Liu said it is important to strengthen monitoring and prevention of major infectious diseases to better safeguard public health. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) News / National by Staff reporter Calm has been restored at the gravesite of late former Home Affairs minister and Zapu president Dumiso Dabengwa after illegal miners who had been threatening the area vacated the site following public outcry.Dabengwa, a revered national liberation war hero, died in May 2019 at the age of 79 and was buried alongside his wife, Zodwa, at Emanxeleni in Ntabazinduna. He passed away in Kenya while en route to Zimbabwe from India, where he had sought medical treatment for a liver ailment.Mabuthweni Ward councillor Haward Phangwana confirmed that peace had returned to the area after concerns raised by villagers were brought to public attention."There is now peace following the publishing of that article," Phangwana said."The illegal miners (omakorokoza) have vacated the place due to the outcry. They have been instructed to stop their illegal activities."Phangwana added that local leadership had moved swiftly to engage relevant authorities, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), to restore order and prevent further disturbances.He noted that police reports had linked rising crime in the area to illegal gold panning activities."Police have indicated that they receive a number of cases such as assaults and rape. Some people have even sold their homes to allow illegal miners to carry out mining activities," he said.Ntabazinduna headman Mathilika Khumalo also confirmed that the situation had stabilised."There are no reports of violence for now," Khumalo said."Those that are mining here are locals trying to earn a living."Zapu president Sibangilizwe Nkomo condemned the disturbance of Dabengwa's gravesite, describing it as a serious affront to a national liberation icon. He said the party would engage villagers and stakeholders to find an amicable and lasting solution.Meanwhile, Matabeleland North provincial police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda said police were following up on the matter."I'm not aware for now, but we will make a follow-up on the matter," Banda said.Authorities say continued monitoring and community engagement will be key to preventing a recurrence of illegal mining activities in the area. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code News / National by Staff reporter Heavy rains and recurrent flooding across parts of the country have heightened the risk of a cholera outbreak, prompting the Ministry of Health and Child Care to issue a public alert and urge citizens to take immediate preventive measures.In a statement released this week, the ministry warned that cholera, an acute diarrhoeal disease transmitted through contaminated food or water, can be fatal within a short period if not treated promptly.Health officials said flooding has increased the likelihood of water sources being polluted by sewage and waste, creating conditions conducive to the rapid spread of the disease."Cholera causes severe dehydration and, if left untreated, may lead to death," the ministry said, stressing that early detection and swift medical attention are critical to saving lives.The ministry urged communities, particularly those in flood-affected areas, to take extra precautions. Members of the public were advised to drink only safe water that has been treated, boiled or chlorinated, and to practise strict hand hygiene by washing hands regularly with soap and clean running water. Where water is unavailable, the use of alcohol-based sanitisers was encouraged.Food safety was also highlighted as a key defence against infection. The ministry advised people to thoroughly cook food and consume it while still hot, buy food only from approved and certified vendors, and wash fruits and vegetables with clean water before eating.Proper sanitation was emphasised as central to preventing transmission, with the public encouraged to use safe toilet facilities, dispose of waste responsibly and maintain high standards of personal and environmental cleanliness.Health officials further urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as watery diarrhoea, vomiting or signs of dehydration to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility."Prompt treatment can prevent complications and death," the ministry said, warning that delays in seeking care significantly increase the risk of severe illness.As the rainy season continues, the Ministry of Health and Child Care called on communities to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to the recommended preventive measures."The cooperation of the public is essential to prevent a cholera outbreak. Vigilance now can save lives," the statement said. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the twenty-two analysts that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, seventeen have given a buy recommendation and two have given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price target among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $140.7895. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: ABT has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $155.00 to $140.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday. Sanford C. Bernstein reduced their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $154.00 to $125.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $147.00 to $135.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday. BTIG Research reduced their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $145.00 to $140.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $152.00 to $140.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. Get Our Latest Research Report on ABT Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance NYSE:ABT opened at $107.46 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $124.77 and its 200 day moving average is $128.36. The firm has a market cap of $186.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.89, a PEG ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a current ratio of 1.70. Abbott Laboratories has a 52-week low of $105.78 and a 52-week high of $141.23. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The healthcare product maker reported $1.50 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.50. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 17.94% and a net margin of 14.72%.The business had revenue of $11.46 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.80 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.34 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.120-1.180 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.550-5.800 EPS. Research analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current year. Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, January 15th will be paid a $0.63 dividend. This is an increase from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.59. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, January 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 67.74%. More Abbott Laboratories News Here are the key news stories impacting Abbott Laboratories this week: Positive Sentiment: MedTech and pharma strength, and EPS resilience Abbott reported adjusted Q4 EPS growth (company highlighted margin improvements) and strong MedTech (+~12%) and Established Pharma (+~9%) performance that partly offset Nutrition weakness; management still projects FY2026 adjusted EPS growth. Press Release MedTech and pharma strength, and EPS resilience Abbott reported adjusted Q4 EPS growth (company highlighted margin improvements) and strong MedTech (+~12%) and Established Pharma (+~9%) performance that partly offset Nutrition weakness; management still projects FY2026 adjusted EPS growth. Positive Sentiment: Analysts keep buy/outperform stance despite cuts several major firms trimmed price targets after the print but largely maintained buy/overweight ratings, signaling conviction in the longerterm story even as nearterm expectations were tempered. Analyst Reaction Analysts keep buy/outperform stance despite cuts several major firms trimmed price targets after the print but largely maintained buy/overweight ratings, signaling conviction in the longerterm story even as nearterm expectations were tempered. Positive Sentiment: Some commentators view the pullback as a buying opportunity market commentators highlight ABTs dividend history, cash flow and buyback capacity, suggesting the drop may create an attractive entry for longterm investors. MarketBeat: Pullback Analysis Some commentators view the pullback as a buying opportunity market commentators highlight ABTs dividend history, cash flow and buyback capacity, suggesting the drop may create an attractive entry for longterm investors. Neutral Sentiment: Full earnings call and transcripts available investors can review management commentary and segment detail in the Q4 earnings call transcript for color on nutrition, diagnostics and Exact/other strategic items. Earnings Transcript Full earnings call and transcripts available investors can review management commentary and segment detail in the Q4 earnings call transcript for color on nutrition, diagnostics and Exact/other strategic items. Neutral Sentiment: Dividend/valuation commentary circulates value and dividendfocused outlets are flagging ABT as attractively valued after the pullback; this is background context rather than a nearterm catalyst. Zacks: Value Take Dividend/valuation commentary circulates value and dividendfocused outlets are flagging ABT as attractively valued after the pullback; this is background context rather than a nearterm catalyst. Negative Sentiment: Revenue miss driven by Nutrition and Diagnostics Q4 revenue (~$11.5B) fell short of consensus, with Nutrition down sharply (~89%) and Diagnostics weak, sparking the initial selloff. Reuters: Revenue Miss Revenue miss driven by Nutrition and Diagnostics Q4 revenue (~$11.5B) fell short of consensus, with Nutrition down sharply (~89%) and Diagnostics weak, sparking the initial selloff. Negative Sentiment: Guidance slightly below Street Abbott set Q1 EPS and FY2026 EPS ranges that sit near or a touch below consensus, increasing nearterm revenue/growth concerns. Guidance Details Guidance slightly below Street Abbott set Q1 EPS and FY2026 EPS ranges that sit near or a touch below consensus, increasing nearterm revenue/growth concerns. Negative Sentiment: Multiple pricetarget cuts a raft of firms (Citigroup, Goldman, Raymond James, Sanford Bernstein, Oppenheimer, RBC, etc.) trimmed targets, which can amplify selling pressure even if ratings remain constructive. Benzinga: PT Cuts Multiple pricetarget cuts a raft of firms (Citigroup, Goldman, Raymond James, Sanford Bernstein, Oppenheimer, RBC, etc.) trimmed targets, which can amplify selling pressure even if ratings remain constructive. Negative Sentiment: Options and hedging activity spiked an unusual surge in put buying suggests traders are positioning for further nearterm downside (heightened bearish sentiment). Options and hedging activity spiked an unusual surge in put buying suggests traders are positioning for further nearterm downside (heightened bearish sentiment). Negative Sentiment: Regulatory scrutiny in India reports of an investigation into alleged misuse of a codeinebased cough syrup (Abbott Healthcare) add an extra headline risk in emerging markets. Reuters: India Scrutiny Hedge Funds Weigh In On Abbott Laboratories A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in ABT. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 172,800,851 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $23,502,644,000 after acquiring an additional 2,977,715 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 78,354,270 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $10,656,964,000 after purchasing an additional 689,517 shares during the period. Capital International Investors lifted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 2.5% in the third quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 61,614,739 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $8,251,974,000 after purchasing an additional 1,478,076 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 3.8% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 38,293,067 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $5,184,589,000 after purchasing an additional 1,390,554 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the second quarter worth approximately $3,026,180,000. Institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock. About Abbott Laboratories (Get 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. Featured Articles 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. Shares of Meritage Homes Corporation (NYSE:MTH Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the twelve ratings firms that are covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, six have given a hold recommendation, four have assigned a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $84.25. Get Meritage Homes alerts: Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on MTH shares. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and issued a $90.00 price target on shares of Meritage Homes in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Bank of America restated a neutral rating and issued a $82.00 target price (up from $75.00) on shares of Meritage Homes in a report on Friday, January 16th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Meritage Homes from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Sunday, January 11th. UBS Group dropped their price target on Meritage Homes from $104.00 to $101.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded Meritage Homes from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. View Our Latest Research Report on MTH Meritage Homes Stock Down 3.6% Shares of NYSE MTH opened at $71.89 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.31 and a beta of 1.48. Meritage Homes has a one year low of $59.27 and a one year high of $84.74. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $70.56 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $71.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 1.95 and a quick ratio of 1.95. Meritage Homes (NYSE:MTH Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The construction company reported $1.39 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by ($0.32). The business had revenue of $1.42 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.48 billion. Meritage Homes had a net margin of 8.96% and a return on equity of 10.37%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 11.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $5.34 EPS. Meritage Homes has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.510-1.700 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Meritage Homes will post 9.44 EPS for the current fiscal year. Meritage Homes Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 17th were issued a $0.43 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 17th. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. Meritage Homess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 17.48%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Meritage Homes A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Larson Financial Group LLC boosted its stake in Meritage Homes by 265.5% during the third quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 402 shares of the construction companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 292 shares during the last quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp acquired a new position in shares of Meritage Homes during the 2nd quarter valued at about $33,000. Brown Lisle Cummings Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Meritage Homes during the 4th quarter valued at about $39,000. Signaturefd LLC grew its holdings in shares of Meritage Homes by 54.9% in the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 618 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 219 shares during the period. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in Meritage Homes by 194.9% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 699 shares of the construction companys stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 462 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.44% of the companys stock. 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. Further Reading 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. Baillie Gifford & Co. cut its holdings in Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 919,290 shares of the companys stock after selling 26,105 shares during the period. Baillie Gifford & Co.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $141,249,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Brighton Jones LLC grew its position in Procter & Gamble by 51.5% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 40,068 shares of the companys stock worth $6,717,000 after purchasing an additional 13,617 shares in the last quarter. Taylor Financial Group Inc. raised its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 10.6% during the first quarter. Taylor Financial Group Inc. now owns 2,891 shares of the companys stock valued at $493,000 after buying an additional 277 shares in the last quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 19.8% in the second quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 6,144 shares of the companys stock worth $979,000 after buying an additional 1,016 shares during the last quarter. Auxano Advisors LLC lifted its position in Procter & Gamble by 10.8% during the 2nd quarter. Auxano Advisors LLC now owns 7,315 shares of the companys stock worth $1,165,000 after acquiring an additional 714 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Perigon Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 67,749 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,794,000 after purchasing an additional 717 shares during the period. 65.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have commented on the company. Barclays set a $155.00 price objective on Procter & Gamble in a research report on Friday, January 16th. TD Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Dbs Bank upgraded Procter & Gamble to a buy rating in a report on Friday. Finally, Raymond James Financial lowered their target price on shares of Procter & Gamble from $185.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 20th. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $167.21. Insider Activity at Procter & Gamble In related news, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 725 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $149.57, for a total transaction of $108,438.25. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 979 shares in the company, valued at $146,429.03. This trade represents a 42.55% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. Procter & Gamble Stock Performance NYSE PG opened at $150.19 on Friday. Procter & Gamble Company has a 52-week low of $137.62 and a 52-week high of $179.99. The stock has a market cap of $350.95 billion, a PE ratio of 22.25, a P/E/G ratio of 5.07 and a beta of 0.39. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $144.72 and a 200-day moving average of $150.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a quick ratio of 0.51 and a current ratio of 0.72. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $22.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.36 billion. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 19.30% and a return on equity of 32.10%. Procter & Gambles quarterly revenue was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.88 earnings per share. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 EPS for the current year. Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be paid a $1.0568 dividend. This represents a $4.23 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is presently 62.67%. Key Stories Impacting Procter & Gamble Here are the key news stories impacting Procter & Gamble this week: Procter & Gamble Company Profile (Free Report) Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, P&G has grown into one of the worlds largest producers of branded consumer packaged goods. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of household and personal care products sold to consumers and retailers worldwide. P&Gs product offering spans several core business categories, including Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. QRG Capital Management Inc. lessened its holdings in shares of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK Free Report) by 56.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 8,599 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 11,217 shares during the period. QRG Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Alaska Air Group were worth $428,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Get Alaska Air Group alerts: Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its position in shares of Alaska Air Group by 10.8% in the 2nd quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 123,947 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $6,133,000 after acquiring an additional 12,041 shares during the period. First Pacific Financial raised its stake in shares of Alaska Air Group by 5,268.0% in the second quarter. First Pacific Financial now owns 10,736 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $531,000 after purchasing an additional 10,536 shares in the last quarter. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. bought a new position in Alaska Air Group in the second quarter worth $594,000. U S Global Investors Inc. boosted its stake in Alaska Air Group by 12.0% during the second quarter. U S Global Investors Inc. now owns 479,052 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $23,703,000 after buying an additional 51,492 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Summit Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Alaska Air Group in the 1st quarter valued at $1,192,000. Institutional investors own 81.90% of the companys stock. Alaska Air Group Stock Performance NYSE ALK opened at $50.88 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $5.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 58.48, a PEG ratio of 0.50 and a beta of 1.22. The company has a 50 day moving average of $47.94 and a 200-day moving average of $50.79. The company has a current ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 0.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12. Alaska Air Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $37.63 and a 1-year high of $78.08. Analyst Ratings Changes Alaska Air Group ( NYSE:ALK Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The transportation company reported $0.43 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.11 by $0.32. Alaska Air Group had a return on equity of 7.26% and a net margin of 0.70%.The business had revenue of $3.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.64 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.97 EPS. Alaska Air Groups revenue for the quarter was up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. Alaska Air Group has set its Q1 2026 guidance at -1.5000.500 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 3.500-6.500 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Alaska Air Group, Inc. will post 6.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. TD Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Alaska Air Group in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Susquehanna raised their price target on shares of Alaska Air Group from $52.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Cantor Fitzgerald set a $65.00 price objective on Alaska Air Group in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Raymond James Financial reissued an outperform rating and issued a $71.00 target price on shares of Alaska Air Group in a report on Friday, December 19th. Finally, UBS Group set a $77.00 target price on Alaska Air Group and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $71.80. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on ALK Key Headlines Impacting Alaska Air Group Here are the key news stories impacting Alaska Air Group this week: Alaska Air Group Company Profile (Free Report) Alaska Air Group is a publicly traded holding company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, that operates two main airlinesAlaska Airlines and Horizon Air. Through these carriers, the company offers scheduled passenger and cargo services across a network spanning the United States, Canada and Mexico. Its core business activities include domestic and international air transportation, loyalty program management under the Mileage Plan brand, and ancillary revenue streams such as baggage fees, in-flight sales and code-share partnerships with other global airlines. The roots of Alaska Air Group trace back to the foundation of its flagship carrier, Alaska Airlines, in 1932. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ALK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE:ALK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Alaska Air Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alaska Air Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC decreased its position in shares of Tecnoglass Inc. (NYSE:TGLS Free Report) by 70.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 5,591 shares of the companys stock after selling 13,226 shares during the period. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLCs holdings in Tecnoglass were worth $374,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get Tecnoglass alerts: A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of TGLS. First Horizon Corp acquired a new position in Tecnoglass in the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Tecnoglass by 314.6% in the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 796 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,000 after purchasing an additional 604 shares during the period. Valley National Advisers Inc. acquired a new position in Tecnoglass in the second quarter valued at $120,000. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. increased its stake in Tecnoglass by 5.7% in the second quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. now owns 2,485 shares of the companys stock valued at $192,000 after purchasing an additional 135 shares during the last quarter. Finally, R Squared Ltd purchased a new position in Tecnoglass during the second quarter worth about $202,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 37.35% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have commented on TGLS shares. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Tecnoglass in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Zacks Research raised shares of Tecnoglass from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Finally, DA Davidson lowered their target price on shares of Tecnoglass from $95.00 to $80.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. One equities research 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 company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $90.00. Tecnoglass Stock Down 3.7% Shares of NYSE TGLS opened at $50.55 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.98, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. Tecnoglass Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $44.26 and a fifty-two week high of $90.34. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $50.84. The firm has a market cap of $2.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.13, a PEG ratio of 0.58 and a beta of 1.71. Tecnoglass (NYSE:TGLS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $1.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.11 by ($0.11). Tecnoglass had a return on equity of 26.64% and a net margin of 18.46%.The firms revenue was up 9.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.08 earnings per share. Tecnoglass Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. Tecnoglasss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 15.58%. Tecnoglass Company Profile (Free Report) Tecnoglass, Inc is a vertically integrated designer, manufacturer and distributor of architectural glass, windows and aluminum products for the construction industry. The companys product portfolio includes tempered, laminated and insulated glass units, highperformance aluminum windows, curtainwall systems and storefront solutions tailored to commercial, residential and institutional projects. Established in 1994 as a familyrun enterprise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Tecnoglass has grown through significant investments in automated production lines, research and development, and international quality certifications. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TGLS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Tecnoglass Inc. (NYSE:TGLS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Tecnoglass Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tecnoglass and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC lowered its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 24.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 300,830 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 95,676 shares during the period. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLCs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $12,319,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in CMG. Norges Bank bought a new position in Chipotle Mexican Grill in the second quarter worth approximately $1,001,668,000. Sustainable Growth Advisers LP purchased a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill in the second quarter valued at approximately $597,031,000. BlueSpruce Investments LP raised its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 24,760.7% during the second quarter. BlueSpruce Investments LP now owns 3,930,732 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $220,711,000 after purchasing an additional 3,914,921 shares during the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP lifted its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 2,705.6% in the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 2,126,682 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $119,413,000 after buying an additional 2,050,882 shares during the period. Finally, Winslow Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 20.1% in the 2nd quarter. Winslow Capital Management LLC now owns 10,705,985 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $601,141,000 after purchasing an additional 1,794,175 shares in the last quarter. 91.30% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Chipotle Mexican Grill News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Chipotle Mexican Grill this week: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have recently commented on CMG shares. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 29th. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. TD Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $48.00 to $44.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 13th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have given a Buy rating and thirteen 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 price target of $50.23. Check Out Our Latest Report on CMG Chipotle Mexican Grill Trading Up 0.8% Chipotle Mexican Grill stock opened at $40.87 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $54.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.84 and a beta of 0.97. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 52 week low of $29.75 and a 52 week high of $59.57. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $36.38 and a 200-day moving average of $39.96. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $0.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.29. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 45.39% and a net margin of 13.04%.The company had revenue of $3 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.06 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.27 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Chipotle Mexican Grill Company Profile (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant company known for its Mexican-inspired menu of burritos, bowls, tacos and salads. Founded in 1993 by Steve Ells, the chain emphasizes fresh, customizable meals made from a limited menu of core ingredients and a focus on ingredient quality. Chipotle operates primarily company-owned restaurants and offers dine-in, takeout, catering and delivery through its own digital platforms and third-party partners. The company is headquartered in Newport Beach, California, and traces its roots to Denver, Colorado. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Catholic Schools Week was celebrated by Fr. Shaun Doherty with Mass in the oratory in St. Josephs Boys School on Wednesday afternoon when grandparents joined the students and teachers to mark the importance of grandparents in our lives A number of the students took part in the readings and Fr. Shaun spoke how family is so important in the home and the love of ones grandparents plays a major role in developing us through our teenage years. READ NEXT: IN PICTURES: St. Josephs Boys School welcomes families for heartfelt Grandparents Day Mass Fr Shaun referenced the late Pope Francis and how he valued the role of his own grandmother in passing on a deep faith. The school Chaplain reflected on meeting his own grandmother who was from Blucher Street in the Bogside. He spoke about meeting her when she came to the family home in England when he was around 10 years of age. She left a profound effect on him although she died shortly afterwards and it was to be a once only meeting. Fr. Doherty added: Like many of her era, Granny Mary Ellen Gallagher was a woman who lived out her faith and lived it out in love and sacrifice. He went on to stress the importance of doing the small things for love of God impressing the point that grandparents and grandchildren have the ability to make positive memories that live on through the generations. The schools choir was also on hand to provide a number of hymns, under the tutelage of Mrs. Emma Barnaby and Mrs. Serena Doherty. Speaking after Wednesdays event, Principal Mrs. Ciara Deane said she was delighted to see such a huge turnout at both the Mass and afterwards for refreshments in the adjoining classroom. This continues to be a truly wonderful day celebrated in our school calendar and the boys just love to see their grandparents coming through the doors. We are very happy to see so many grandparents play an active part in the life of St. Josephs. Indeed, we give thanks for our grandparents, for all that they do for us and with us, for all that they teach us; for the love we share with them and, most importantly, for being the face of Gods love to us always. A huge thank you to everyone who made it such a special day at St. Josephs to mark Catholic Schools Week and special mention of Fr. Shaun Doherty to give of his time and join us to celebrate everything that is special about family life and grandparents in particular. We all look forward to seeing everyone again next year. News / National by Staff reporter Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has called for the strengthening of relations between the Zulu nation and neighbouring countries, particularly Zimbabwe, citing deep historical, cultural and familial ties that date back generations.The monarch made the remarks yesterday while addressing hundreds of people at the annual Isandlwana Battle commemoration in KwaZulu-Natal, an event marking the 1879 battle in which Zulu forces defeated British troops. His address blended reflections on history with concerns over contemporary social challenges, including growing tensions between South Africans and foreign nationals."We need to build relationships with other nations and not fight," King Misuzulu said."There are Zulus in Zimbabwe; do not forget that," he added, highlighting the long-standing cross-border connections between communities in the region.The commemoration was attended by traditional leaders from Zimbabwe, who were invited to engage directly with the Zulu kingdom as part of efforts to foster dialogue, cultural cooperation and mutual understanding.Chief Thulane Jubane, representing Zimbabweans living in South Africa, emphasised the importance of respect and shared values between the two nations."Zimbabweans in South Africa should always respect, value, appreciate and embrace South Africa, which has opened up to them over the years," Jubane said."We share the same cultural and traditional values, which give our nations common ground and a reason to work together."Chief Mbusi Bhekithemba Dakamela echoed similar sentiments, noting that many Zimbabwean communities share close cultural links with the Zulu nation."Our people have traditions and customs that are closely linked with the Zulu nation," he said."We must work together, honour our shared heritage and ensure that Zimbabweans are humble, respect South African laws and appreciate the welcome we have received."The king also addressed the sensitive issue of illegal immigration, urging a calm and measured approach rooted in dialogue rather than confrontation."I promise you, there will be no war here," King Misuzulu said."We will talk to those who are illegal to go back home; everyone has a home."His comments come against the backdrop of recent tensions in Durban, including confrontations outside Addington Primary School, where disputes between locals and foreign nationals over school placements escalated into clashes. King Misuzulu noted that similar challenges had confronted his late father, King Goodwill Zwelithini, and said his administration was continuing efforts to manage the issue peacefully.KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli supported the monarch's call for calm and social cohesion."We should find a way to ensure that there is no black-on-black violence," Ntuli said."We also promise His Majesty that if there are people here illegally, that will be addressed through the help of the police to deport those here illegally."The gathering also drew attention to the broader role of traditional leadership in promoting stability and unity. Speaking recently, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe underscored the importance of chiefs and kings as custodians of culture, heritage and social cohesion, particularly in rural communities.The presence of Zimbabwean traditional leaders at Isandlwana underscored the enduring historical bonds between the Zulu nation and Zimbabweties that continue to shape cultural identity and regional relations.King Misuzulu's call for dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation was widely viewed as a timely intervention, offering a framework for managing cross-border relations and easing social tensions through shared heritage and understanding rather than conflict. Over eight and a half million euros has been granted to a cross-border initiative to help disabled people become more actively engaged in society. PeacePlus funding of 8,661,034 euros has been announced for Onside Evolution, a new project designed to tackle social and digital exclusion among disabled people and carers across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. PeacePlus is a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The 7.54 million project will aim to help disabled people across the region to live more connected and independent lives by expanding digital access, strengthening active citizenship and supporting carers. The project will run from January 2026 to June 2029, delivering care to 5,800 people. Measures include a digital inclusion training programme, an Active Citizenship course and access to technology to enhance social connectedness. There will also be a focus on carers, with 2,000 carers receiving training to better support disabled people to live independently and participate actively in society. Stormont Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said he values the ongoing collaboration with our Irish counterparts and looks forward to following the positive difference this project makes to our citizens in both jurisdictions. By scaling support for people living with disability and their carers across the island, this project aims to advance digital inclusion for participants through training and skills development, he said. In line with my Departments HSC Digital Strategy 2022-2030, it further seeks to reduce digital inequalities and provide better support for people living with disability to live independently, experience better community connection and benefit from networks. Irish Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said the initiative will equip disabled people with the tools needed to participate fully in public, social and digital life. It is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we work together for equality and inclusion, she said. SEUPB is a North South Body with the statutory remit for managing EU funding programmes within Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. Gina McIntyre, SEUPB chief executive, said the project will help disabled people in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland to live more connected, independent, and fulfilling lives. This initiative demonstrates the transformative potential of the PeacePlus Programme in addressing shared challenges, improving wellbeing, and building a more inclusive and cohesive society across the island of Ireland, she said. An outbreak of bluetongue has been detected in County Wexford, the Minister for Agriculture has said. On Saturday, Martin Heydon confirmed that the disease which affects livestock including cattle and sheep as well as goats, deer and llamas had been found in a herd. Mr Heydon said: This is unwelcome news but unfortunately it is not surprising, given the spread of this virus across Europe, Great Britain and recently Northern Ireland. I want to emphasise that bluetongue cannot infect people and does not pose any food safety or human health issue. This finding arose from the routine ongoing surveillance my department has been carrying out, so that we can find the disease as early as possible. He also extended his sympathies to the affected farmer. The minister said the virus is unlikely to spread widely at the moment, because of low temperatures. It is carried by infected midges and does not replicate when temperatures are below 12C. Mr Heydon said the outbreak will have an impact on exports of cattle and sheep with additional costs and logistical issues required in order to comply with the rules set by the countries of destination. He said there are no implications for meat and dairy exports to the EU, UK and most other international markets. He added: My department has been actively negotiating revisions to many trade certs for third countries so that the impact of any outbreak would be minimised, and that work will continue after this news. A vaccine for the virus is being introduced in Ireland this year. Mr Heydon made the announcement in December after suspected cases were found on four farms in County Down. He described it as a valuable tool to protect cattle and sheep against the disease. Adding that the high risk period will be this summer, he said farmers could consider whether to use the vaccine this spring to protect their stock in advance of any midge-borne virus spread in the warmer months. In a statement, the Irish Farmers Association said the detection of bluetongue in Wexford is very disappointing. President Francie Gorman said: The highest level of vigilance is needed across the sector. He added that restrictions only apply on the farm in question, which means farmers can continue to market animals within the country while exercising the maximum level of vigilance. The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) said the overriding priority should be to contain the outbreak, and said farmers should take the Department of Agricultures biosecurity advice. In a statement,its president Denis Drennan said the news was hugely worrying for the family concerned. He said his organisation had met with the department on Saturday and was satisfied that a whole sector strategy is going into place on this issue. Everyone and every effort must be directed towards supporting that, he added. Protesters demanding the expulsion of Iranian diplomats gathered on Dublins OConnell Street on Saturday. Roshin Farahani, organiser of the Iran Solidarity Protest, said: Why should they access the internet; and live in the free world; and live their luxurious lives in Dublin, or in Europe or the US or Canada, when people in Iran are dying. Iran-wide anti-government protests started on December 28, triggered by the collapse of Irans currency, the rial. The demonstrations were met with a brutal response by the countrys regime that left thousands of people dead. Information has been scarce since an internet blackout was imposed more than two weeks ago. Ms Farahani who is originally from Tehran but has been living in Ireland for 15 years said what is happening is a critical moment for the people of Iran. She said: How could we stay quiet when this is a mass massacre? We are seeing a massacre by the regime of Iran. The group of demonstrators, numbering a few dozen, stood by the spire with placards and Iranian flags. They chanted in Farsi and English, played music and delivered speeches. Protester Milad Mohebbi said he had joined the demonstration as Iran is my homeland, but the Islamic regime is not, is not the government that should be ruling my country. He said most of his friends at home had taken part in the protests and while he has managed to get in touch with some of them despite the blackout, he does not know if the rest are safe. A Louth councillor has said some border towns in Louth are left without running water for between 8 to 10 hours as a result of "inadequate water infrastructure". Fine Gael councillor for Dundalk/Carlingford John Reilly said the issue is a damning indictment on Louth County Council. Cllr Reilly who lives close to the border told the January meeting of Louth County Council he also has no running water, and has had to install a water pump to access running water. He said areas such as Creggan, Sheelagh and along the Castleblayney Road are without adequate water supply. He added these areas currently get their water supply from Knockbridge. The Fine Gael councillor said these areas are sometimes left without water for between eight to ten hours. "There's a pumping house that builds up pressure and there's no water that goes down into Sheelagh". "Our neighbours in the North of Ireland all have running water. The Hackballscross area is forgotten about. You come across into Faughart and Ravensdale and we don't have running water in 2026," he said. Read Next: Louth County Council sign contract for Ardee Castle regeneration Cllr Reilly acknowledged that Uisce Eireann is responsible for water infrastructure in Ireland but said "surely as a council it's damning on us that we can't provide water to people on the border". He said the infrastructure had previously been in place when water supply came from Northern Ireland. "The infrastructure was previously there, the water can be brought in and we cut off the supply and put in an inadequate supply on our side," he said. Louth County Council said in response that this is a matter for Uisce Eireann, but said it would raise the issue with the State's water provider when they next meet. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Above: Eoin Morton, Head of Policy & Public Affairs, Skillnet Ireland; Teresa Hanratty, Network Manager, Learning Waves Skillnet; William Burke, Cluster General Manager for the Fairways and Gateway Hotels, Dundalk; Aidan Browne, Head of Innovation and Business Development, DkIT; Thomas McDonagh, Promoter, Dundalk Chamber Skillnet; Aoife O'Sullivan, Head of Network Development & Innovation, Skillnet Ireland; Mark Jordan, Chief Executive, Skillnet Ireland; Minister James Lawless; Erin McGreehan TD; Ken Finnegan, Chief Strategy Officer, Skillnet Ireland; Paula Butterly, TD for Louth; Aidan Callan, Network Manager, Dundalk Chamber Skillnet, Shona Kelly, Network Manager, M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet; and Michael Dwyer, Skillnet Ireland Policy Research Advisor Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, and Louth TD, Deputy Erin McGreehan, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, attended a Skillnet Ireland regional roadshow enterprise event in the Creative Spark Hub, Dundalk, last Friday 23 January. A recent research report from Skillnet Ireland entitled Irelands Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business, authored by Ipsos B&A, shows a strong demand for upskilling among businesses in counties Louth, Cavan and Monaghan with a particular focus on digitalisation and the green economy. The enterprise event was attended by a broad range of businesses from across the North-East region. Speaking at the event, Minister Lawless said: Workforce development is at the heart of Irelands competitiveness in an era defined by digital transformation and the transition to a low carbon economy. The findings of this research show that businesses in the North-East are not just responding to change, they are actively leading the way in developing their talent. This Government, working closely with Skillnet Ireland, is committed to ensuring that employers and workers have access to the targeted, flexible upskilling they need to adapt, innovate and grow. Read also: Appeal lodged against Kellystown Wind Farm in Louth Deputy Erin McGreehan said: The findings presented today underline the scale of the skills transition facing Irish businesses in the years ahead. It is encouraging to see strong engagement from enterprises in preparing for changes driven by digitalisation and the green economy. Ensuring access to high-quality, responsive upskilling supports will be central to building a resilient workforce in the North-East region and sustaining enterprise growth across the economy. The findings revealed that over one-third (36%) of businesses in Irelands North-East will require digital upskilling for their workforce in the next two to three years. The report will inform Skillnet Ireland's strategic commitment to the regional development of businesses facing an increasingly digital future, and a low-carbon and sustainable economy, as well as aiming to bolster foreign direct investment through a focus on talent development. Five Skillnet Business Networks are based in the North-East, including Dundalk Chamber Skillnet, M1 Drogheda Chamber Skillnet, Midland Border East Skillnet, Learning Waves Skillnet and Positive2Work Skillnet. Over 1,200 businesses and 5,800 individuals in the region participate in upskilling programmes with Skillnet Networks. Mark Jordan, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, added: The findings from Irelands Talent Landscape 2025 reinforce the vital importance of industry-led upskilling to support business resilience and long-term growth. With significant demand for digital, sustainability and innovation skills, Skillnet Ireland, through our Business Networks and National Initiatives is supporting companies to respond directly to change, strengthen productivity and build the talent base required to compete both nationally and internationally. The research, part of the national talent development agencys Irelands Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, highlights the upskilling demands of companies in counties Louth, Cavan and Monaghan to remain competitive in Irelands rapidly evolving digital and green economy. 96% of businesses surveyed in the North-East regard their business as strong or very strong, 62% expect a change in their core skills in the next two to three years, while 72% say it is important that their employees have access to further education. Over one-third (35%) of businesses in the region said they will need sustainability upskilling for their workforce in the coming years. Energy efficiency (81%), innovation and creativity (79%) and circular economy top the list of climate action skills needed by local enterprises, while digital skills such as Microsoft Office proficiency (72%), cloud computing (62%) and Internet of Things (51%) are in particularly high demand. The research also notes that over half (53%) of businesses surveyed reported that time commitments prevent employees from upskilling, while 91% said increased dedicated industry support would help encourage engagement and uptake in upskilling. The greatest uptake of training by sector across the North-East came from the Services sector, followed by Medtech/Pharma, Food & Drink, Agri-business, Manufacturing, Retail & Wholesale and ICT/Technology. For business leaders, skills development plays an important role in delivering key projects related to climate action, digitalisation, innovation and modern methods of construction. The Skillnet Ireland Irelands Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, authored by Ipsos B&A, has built on the inaugural Irelands Talent Landscape study of last year. The Irelands Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report is available to view here. Louth County Council has given the go ahead for a solar farm on a site of c.108.6 ha (268.4 acres), just under five kilometres from Ardee, in spite of a huge number of submissions lodged voicing concerns, and objecting to the development, from local residents and Louth County Councillors. Lightsource Renewable Energy Ireland Ltd, which is owned by British multinational oil and gas company, BP, applied to Louth County Council in December 2024 for planning permission for the development, on lands c.4.87km northeast of Ardee, Derrycammagh and Bawn, Co Louth. The applicant sought permission for a development consisting of a 10 year permission for a solar PV energy development with associated Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) compound with a total site area of c. 108.6 ha (268.4 acres). The proposed development included solar panels mounted on steel support structures, associated cabling and ducting, inverters, transformers, switchgear substations, auxiliary transformer, permanent storage containers, monitoring houses, composting toilet, BESS customer substation, battery blocks, BESS inverters and Power Conversion System (PCS) twin skid, BESS interface cabinets (BIC), and backup generator. The planning application also provided for temporary construction compounds, tracks, boundary security fencing and security gates, CCTV, landscaping and ancillary works including a sheep pen, with a 40 year operational period. Read also: Louth County Council exceeds social housing target a year ahead of schedule Construction access to the development was proposed via an upgraded and widened access point off the R166, together with a newly created access and a widened existing access off Derrycammagh Lane (south off L51774). Operation and maintenance of the development was proposed from an existing access point off Derrycammagh Lane, south of the L51774 local road. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) had been submitted by Lightsource Renewable Energy Ireland Ltd to the Planning Authority with the application. A decision had initially been due in the first quarter of last year on the application, but Louth County Council sought firther information on the proposed development in February 2025, which was subsequently received on 19 November. Submissions were made by many in relation to the development, on both the application and in relation to the further information submitted by Lightsource Renewable Energy Ireland Ltd. Loss of agricultural land, visual impact, additional traffic during construction were among the issues highlighted. Mid-Louth councillors, Cllr Pearse McGeough, Cllr John Sheridan, Cllr Jim Tenanty, and Drogheda councillor, Cllr Kevin Callan were among those who made submissions. Cllr Tenanty said in his submission that the site is too close to homes in the area and it would impact on family and community life. In his submission, Cllr McGeough said that the land on which the development would be taking place is fertile agricultural land and that it would not make economic sense to use it for a solar farm. Among the concerns highlighted by Cllr Sheridan in his submission, he asked that concerns of neighbouring houses be taken into account in relation to the proximity of solar panels and transformers to their homes; specific flood reports be carried out; and an audit/climate impact report to demonstrate the climate contribution to the solar panels versus the non-use of the land for food production. Cllr Callan raised concerns and objections in his submission in relation to the construction phase, including the length of time it would take and its impact; the use of good agricultural land for a solar farm, including the impact the installation of panel units would have on local terrestrial eco systems; the impact on the local water supply; and drainage and the local water network. Louth County Council granted planning permission for the development on 16 January, subject to 22 planning conditions, saying that the development shall be carried out in strict accordance with the plans and specifications submitted to the Planning Authority on 19th December 2024 and as amended by plans, details and specifications received as further information on 19th November 2025, save for the 22 conditions it laid out in its decision. While Louth County Council granted planning permission for the development, the decision may still be appealed to An Bord Comisiun (formerly An Bord Pleanala). Louth TD and Labours Finance Spokesperson, Deputy Ged Nash, has called for the immediate introduction of a targeted net wealth tax in Ireland. He made the call following a new Oxfam report which found that Irelands 11 billionaires now hold more wealth than 66 percent of the population. He called on the Minister for Finance to finally cost and bring forward a credible, discrete net wealth tax proposal to fund public services and support poverty reduction." Deputy Ged Nash said: We are very poor in Ireland at taxing non-productive assets, where the real wealth lies. The carefully crafted Oxfam proposals on a net wealth tax for Ireland is as much a call to protect our democracy as it is an economic imperative. "Growing wealth inequality is leading to the breaking of the social contract, disenfranchisement and the rise of populism and extremism. While the political left is persuaded of the merits of net wealth taxes, it is time that the centre-right and all of us who say we believe in liberal democracy, to demand a greater share from those who have the most." Read also: 4.6 million for Louth for Carlingford Greenway and Active Travel The Louth TD continued: While a lot of the focus will inevitably be on Irelands small number of billionaires, it is the call for a modest recurring net wealth tax including on land, and with few exemptions on those with cash and assets in the millions is the feature if the report that ought to attract the most attention. "This is eminently achievable, it will not see a flight of capital if exit taxes are attached, and such a measure makes economic and political sense. The Oxfam report exposes a reality that so many families already know. Ireland has become a country of extremes, where obscene levels of wealth sit alongside poverty, insecure work and families struggling to get by. When 11 individuals can hold more wealth than two thirds of the population, the case for additional and targeted wealth taxes is not just clear, it is overwhelming. This is a moral and ethical issue as much as it is an economic one. Workers in retail, healthcare and childcare keep our society functioning, yet too many of them do not earn a living wage, while a small group at the top continue to amass enormous fortunes, with sizeable portions inherited. Choices not taken by Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have protected excessive wealth while squeezing those who work hardest. That imbalance must end. There is a clear case for introducing a series of discrete and carefully designed wealth taxes that focus on those with the most. Property, land and inheritance represent the primary and most significant forms of wealth in this country, and they must attract a fairer and more proportionate share of the tax take. Anyone who claims to be serious about equality and democracy needs to accept that reality and stop pretending we can fix inequality without touching concentrated wealth. Labour has consistently brought forward growth-friendly proposals that target excessive wealth and wasteful tax breaks in our alternative budgets. We have shown that it is possible to raise additional revenue fairly while supporting economic activity and protecting ordinary workers. In our 2024 election manifesto, we indicated our support for a net wealth tax introduced by our Spanish Socialist colleagues, in government. Despite the evidence and the authoritative research available, consecutive Ministers for Finance have repeatedly batted away requests to even cost a discrete Irish wealth tax proposal, telling us that CAT and CGT are our wealth taxes. It is time for Government to broaden the tax base, take the focus away from work and towards wealth, to fast track public housing, to reshape childcare, education and transport, and to properly invest in meeting our climate targets. Ministers must act now and bring forward a credible wealth tax that finally starts to close the gap between the haves and the have nots and make our country fit for an uncertain future. More than 250 secondary school students gathered in Dundalk yesterday for a Business Expo hosted by Dundalk Chamber and Dundalk Credit Union, designed to connect young people with local employers and showcase future career opportunities. The event, which brought together 17 local businesses and enterprises, gave students the chance to meet directly with local employers from a range of sectors and gain insight into the skills needed for successful careers, including communication, teamwork to problem-solving and adaptability. A key feature of the day was an interactive Skills Match Challenge, which encouraged students to engage with every business stand and identify the skills used across different roles. This hands-on approach helped broaden students understanding of how skills are applied in real workplaces and highlighted the many career paths available locally. Students explored a diverse mix of sectors, from further education and adult learning to volunteering and hospitality, and from accounting and engineering to finance, healthcare, business support, manufacturing, IT, robotics and sustainable energy. From further education and adult learning to volunteering and hospitality, and from accounting and engineering to finance, alternative therapies, business support, manufacturing, IT, robotics and sustainable energy, students had the opportunity to learn about a wide and diverse range of businesses. The expo also underlined the importance of strong partnerships between schools and businesses in raising awareness of career opportunities and helping young people understand how their skills can be developed and used in the workplace. Hanna McDonnell, President, Dundalk Chamber commented: This expo was about giving students real exposure to the world of work and helping them understand that there are many different paths to a successful career. The engagement from both the students and the businesses was hugely positive. John McGahon, CEO, Dundalk Chamber added: We are extremely grateful to all the local businesses who took time out of their working day to support this event. Their willingness to engage directly with students is invaluable. Partnerships between schools and local employers play a vital role in helping young people understand the range of career opportunities available and the skills needed to succeed in the world of work. Naomi O Donoghue of Dundalk Credit Union said: We were delighted to provide the venue again for another hugely successful business expo. We spoke to hundreds of students this morning, who were curious about the various career paths and student placement options we have available at the credit union. It's great to see such high levels of participation from both schools and businesses, for what was undoubtedly a very valuable morning for students." Read Next: Giving false details backfires for disqualified driver in Dundalk A spokesperson for Dundalk Chamber said: "Dundalk Chamber would like to thank Denise Collins (ForeBee Consulting), Ann Gallagher (Skills to Advance), and Karen Morgan (LMETB) for organising todays highly successful event. Sincere thanks also to Dundalk Credit Union for their generous sponsorship and support. "Organisers also extended a sincere thank you to all the schools and teachers who participated in the event, making the day such a success." News / National by Staff reporter Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu is set to announce an interim party leadership and implement sweeping changes within Parliament as part of efforts to restore discipline, coherence and stability in the opposition party.The move follows a High Court ruling that dismissed an application by a faction led by Welshman Ncube, which sought to overturn an earlier judgment nullifying the CCC's leadership structures.Speaking to journalists, Tshabangu's spokesperson Nqobizitha Mlilo said the impending changes are aimed at stabilising the party's legislative arm and ensuring effective parliamentary conduct."As we have said before, Parliament, as a depository of national sentiment, is an important institution in representative democracy. When a country enters momentous periods of historical significance, Parliament ought to reasonably guide society towards national consensus," Mlilo said.He added that the interim secretary-general, who he said is legally empowered to oversee the party's parliamentary affairs, would soon announce changes affecting CCC representatives in Parliament, including their deployment to parliamentary committees."As such, the party, through the interim secretary-general, being clothed with the legal power to control Parliament, will in due course announce certain changes to the composition of its members in Parliament, including committees of Parliament," Mlilo said."The changes are necessitated by the need to bring coherence, discipline and stability to the party Parliament Caucus."Mlilo also confirmed that Tshabangu would soon unveil an interim leadership core to steer the party as it prepares for its congress."Further, the interim secretary-general will announce the interim leadership core of the party to enable the party to prepare for congress," he said.He called on CCC members to prioritise unity and national cohesion, stressing that the party has a responsibility to contribute to peace and stability in Zimbabwe."It remains the duty of all members of the party to safeguard the unity of the party," Mlilo said."To each is the task of building national fault lines. Zimbabwe is our country, and we shall do all that is necessary to protect its present, future and permanent stability. Our people deserve to live in an environment of peace and economic stability, guaranteeing a prosperous future for everyone."Mlilo further said the courts had now clarified the legal standing of the party's leadership structures."The correct and final legal position is that the terms of office of all office bearers, and organs of the party parliamentary caucus and the Local Government caucus, expired on 27 May 2024," he said."It follows that the office of the interim secretary-general, the party parliamentary caucus and the Local Government caucus are presently in both factual and legal control of Parliament. This position accords with the legal opinion sought and provided to the party preceding the institution of these two court matters."The developments are expected to further reshape the internal dynamics of the CCC as it navigates ongoing legal and organisational challenges. A man who has mentored and recorded the work of young rappers and songwriters has been announced as the Cork Person of the Year. Garry McCarthy was given a standing ovation when he received the accolade at the 33rd annual awards ceremony in the Metropole Hotel on Friday. Joe Duffy, who stepped down from his role as RTE Radio One Liveline presenter last year, was named an 'Honorary Cork person and former Barnardos chief executive Fergus Finlay was inducted into the Cork Person of the Year Hall of Fame. Mr McCarthy, who leads the non-profit community music centre The Kabin Studio in Knocknaheeny, and who is known creatively as GMC, has been a key figure in the music industry for more than 20 years. This studio was the birthplace for the hit song The Spark, which got more than 1.5bn views on TikTok and 9m views on YouTube. The track was performed by a group of children, many from a direct provision centre in Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare, together with children from the northside of Cork City who attend The Kabin. McCarthy has organised more that 2,500 music workshops through his GMCBeats and Song-in-a-Day projects. These initiatives provide an inclusive environment for young people to express themselves and gain experience with recording technology. His recent work includes virtually mentoring young international artists and composing the soundtrack for the award-winning film Christy. Im shocked with this, especially with the amount of legends in this room. I love working with the kids and now even the grandparents are rapping in Knocknaheeny. Its like one big family up there, McCarthy said. He was chosen as the winner by the judges, the respective chief executives of Cork City Council and Cork County Council, Valerie OSullivan and Moira Murrel,l and was presented with his award jointly by Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy and the Mayor of Co Cork councillor Mary Linehan-Foley. Meanwhile, the legendary The Dixies drummer Joe Mac, who is approaching his 90th birthday, was presented with a Supreme Cork award in recognition of his decades of contributions to Cork music. This surprise presentation was made by previous Cork Person of the Year winner Shane Casey aka Billy Murphy of The Young Offenders. Joe Mac said he was overwhelmed by the honour. He proceeded to tell a few jokes and then said: I have to sit down, Im shagged. Iranian nationals based in Cork have spoken of their anxiety about what is going to happen next as they watch on from afar the current events taking place across their homeland. Iran has been experiencing its most significant and violent upheaval since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. What was initially triggered by a collapsing economy and currency, the unrest in Iran has evolved into a nationwide movement of protests demanding regime change. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented Iranian security forces using lethal force, including live ammunition, against protesters. Mastoureh Fathi, an Iranian lecturer working at University College Cork (UCC), told The Echo: It is a very dire situation now from many angles. It is also a very complex issue, a complex matter politically, for human rights and safety of individuals. They shut down the internet. In the absence of any communication from inside Iran, they started killing people. But also afterwards by going into hospitals and killing the injured on hospital beds. By shooting at people who were injured and who had just operations, they have arrested and taken away doctors who treated these patients. They have actually taken injured bodies from hospitals. So these are quite brutal examples of what is actually happening. Difficulty contacting family Ms Fathi spoke about the difficulty she has experienced when trying to contact family and friends in Iran. I just had one phone call from my brother for about one minute, after six days that I hadnt heard from him. They said that they are OK, she said. My uncle has a group of friends, there were about 14 of them. Half of them are missing. There is actually no news of them. So we dont know if theyre dead, if they have been arrested, we are not sure. Were not talking about numbers. We are talking about human beings who have been treated like this. For no reason, for just protesting and saying that we dont want this regime, because we have tried any other way to protest in the last 47 years. We have even voted for an alternative. We have participated in peaceful protests. We have even been silent in protest, not saying anything. None of these worked, none of these. People are literally up to the point that they are breaking down. They are morally breaking down. They are psychologically breaking down. Reports on the death toll vary due to the ongoing internet blackout in Iran, with some suggesting the number of dead could be 12,000 or more. Blackout Shadi Mahjoum, a 28-year-old medicine student at UCC, has been robbed of any contact with her family due to the internet blackout. They have cut us off from our families because they dont want any news of the killings to get out, she said. They dont want the world to see whats really happening. We have to show the world that this is a massacre and that action needs to be taken. People ask me if my family is OK. I tell them that my family is made of 90m people and no, they are not OK. Sure, I care about my loved ones, but when I see these pictures of young people of 19 or 20 getting killed on the streets, it breaks my heart because these are my brothers and sisters. Hadi is also an Iran native who lives in Cork. As he still has family and friends living in Iran, he requested The Echo not publish his full name. He said: If I put myself in your shoes and hearing all these dark stories, Im pretty sure you think this is too dark to be true. But unfortunately this is all true. Lone-parent migrant families with legal status in Ireland are being forced to leave direct provision and their communities but with no realistic way of securing housing, according to new research published by ActionAid Ireland. Deborah Oniah, who lives in Cork, was among six women who led the research and authored the report, which documents how lone parents largely women face discrimination, unaffordable rents, and inadequate supports that leave families trapped between direct provision and homelessness. Ms Oniah told The Echo that the findings reinforced things she had experienced: Speaking for myself, you get really excited when you get your papers, thinking, Once I get them, I am going to find a house. You want to move on with your life, integrate in the community, but you face a reality that it is not that easy to find a house. Barriers We know theres a housing crisis in Ireland, but the barriers are worse when youre a single mum and a person of colour. Youre judged before you even go to a viewing; the decision has already been made. They think you cant afford the rent. One woman that we spoke to in the research was told by a landlord that he thought she would bring a lot of men to the house, because shes a single mother. As mothers, our number-one priority is our children and their survival, being able to bring enough money into the home, take care of your mental health, because we have often come through trauma. You want to heal, you want to breathe: The priority is not men. Ms Oniah added: Once you leave these centres, you have to navigate life on your own again. A lot of us had been in centres for five years, and the people there become like a family; its like leaving home again. The system programmes you to be dependent, and you must now learn to be independent. Support They were able to point women towards services like Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) and community centres to help them get support. Its a difficult transition, so integration is so important, even while youre in the centre, because if you dont have anybody on the outside, then that isolation we feel going in to direct provision can replay again. For me, it was a really emotional experience doing these interviews. You have to create space for people to cry. It was great to do this research, especially with everything that is happening now with the far right, to see how bravely people embraced the research. Before Electronic Arts goes private in a groundbreaking sale, some US lawmakers are pleading for some federal oversight. Democratic members of the US Congress, as part of the Congressional Labor Caucus, penned a letter asking the Federal Trade Commission to "thoroughly review" the $55 billion acquisition of EA. EA confirmed the sale to the Public Investment Fund, or the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners in September, but the deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027. Before the official change of ownership, the 46 House Democrats who signed the letter to the FTC are calling for more scrutiny into the impacts of the deal. The letter noted some of the most consequential effects, including the worsening of an unstable industry, the potential for more layoffs and increased market dominance for EA. "We respectfully urge the Commission to conduct a thorough investigation into the labor market consequences of this proposed acquisition, including EAs existing wage-setting power, the likelihood of post-transaction layoffs, the degree of labor-market concentration in relevant geographic and occupational markets, and the role of cross-ownership in shaping labor outcomes," the letter read. The letter already earned support from the Communications Workers of America union, who also supported a petition from the United Video Games union. As spotted by Eurogamer, the petition calls on regulators and elected officials to "scrutinize this deal and ensure that any path forward protects jobs and preserves creative freedom." News / National by Staff reporter The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has advised members of the public of the planned movement of army vehicles through parts of Mashonaland East Province on January 29, 2026.According to the ZNA, army trucks will be traveling along the HarareRuwaBromley route and back as part of a scheduled maintenance exercise. The movement is routine and forms part of regular upkeep of military equipment.The ZNA emphasized that the convoy's presence should not cause alarm, as the activity is not linked to any military operation or security exercise. Instead, it is a standard logistical procedure carried out in the normal course of duty.Members of the public, particularly motorists along the affected route, are advised to remain calm and exercise patience as the vehicles pass through the area. The army thanked citizens for their cooperation and understanding. King Charles III has reportedly tasked Princess Kate with helping to mend the ongoing rift within the royal family. The National Examiner has an exclusive report that says this move comes six years after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gave up their royal duties, which caused a lot of problems in the monarchy. A source close to the king revealed that Charles has directed Kate to play a key role in welcoming the Sussexes back into the fold. "Charles acknowledges that the Sussexes have made a lot of missteps, but he's willing to forgive them," the source said. The initiative is believed to be part of Charles's broader effort to ease tensions, especially as he manages serious health challenges. The king recently disclosed that his treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer will be reduced in 2026, after initially announcing his diagnosis in 2024. "Charles is dealing with serious health issues while running the monarchy and he genuinely feels like the family infighting is ridiculous in the grand scheme of things," the source added. "As far as Charles is concerned, this petty drama has gone on long enough. He has no patience left for it." The relationship between Kate and Meghan has been strained, particularly after Prince Harry and Meghan spoke critically of Kate in interviews and Harry's 2023 memoir, Spare. The couple alleged that Kate's behavior caused emotional distress for Meghan before their 2018 wedding. Despite past tensions, King Charles reportedly believes "life is too precious to hang on to resentments" and trusts Kate to act as a mediator. "He isn't asking her to be best friends with Meghan, but he wants to see real effort on her part to play nice," the source said. Meanwhile, as per Marca, the monarch is reportedly considering a rare meeting with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their planned visit to Britain this summer, but sources say the monarch's primary motivation is to see his youngest grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The royal family has been marked by tension and estrangement for several years, with relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the monarchy remaining strained. Since Harry and Meghan relocated to California, contact has been limited, especially between Charles and his grandchildren. According to insiders, the King's desire to reconnect with Archie and Lilibet could override ongoing hostilities and pride, prompting a brief reunion. Harry is expected in Britain in July as part of preparations for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. "There is a great deal of hostility here, and if Harry and Meghan are looking for a way to ease tensions with Charles, bringing the children into the picture would be the most natural and effective approach," a palace source said. Colorado investigators have reaffirmed that gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson died by suicide in 2005, dismissing concerns raised by his widow that prompted a months-long state review of the case. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation released its findings on Friday, concluding that "all speculative theories could not be substantiated" after a comprehensive review launched in September 2025 at the request of Thompson's widow, Anita Thompson. The review examined original law enforcement records, autopsy reports, and conducted new interviews with family members and officials involved in the initial 2005 investigation. Thompson, 67, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in the kitchen of his Woody Creek home, known as Owl Farm, on February 20, 2005. The legendary journalist, famous for pioneering gonzo journalism through works like "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," had been suffering from significant depression and chronic pain in his final years, according to the New York Times. The reinvestigation was initiated after Anita Thompson contacted Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione with concerns she had heard from friends and possible relatives about the circumstances of her husband's death. Sheriff Buglione, who was not the sheriff at the time of Thompson's death but had long believed the original investigation was handled appropriately, requested the Colorado Bureau of Investigation conduct an independent review. During the investigation, state agents interviewed Anita Thompson, Thompson's son Juan, his ex-daughter-in-law Jennifer, the original lead investigator, the county coroner, and former Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DiSalvo. Investigators also examined the death scene and analyzed bullet trajectory evidence. The findings directly addressed the widow's concerns by confirming that Thompson's body was not moved or staged after death, contrary to speculation that had circulated among some acquaintances. Crime scene photographs supported the conclusion that the body position aligned with the bullet's trajectory, indicating no post-mortem manipulation. In a statement accompanying the announcement, Anita Thompson expressed gratitude for the investigation, saying it allows "all of us who loved Hunter to move forward with a clean conscience". However, the dismissal of her concerns marks the end of a process that had reopened questions about the iconic writer's final moments for the first time in over two decades, CPR reported. The original investigation in 2005 determined Thompson used a .45-caliber handgun. His then-6-year-old grandson was in the house at the time, and his son, Juan, discovered the body in the kitchen. Anita Thompson had been on the phone with her husband when he died, later recalling she heard the "clicking of the gun" before the fatal shot. Coroner Dr. Stephen Ayers noted during the review that Thompson had shown physical and mental decline and idolized fellow author Ernest Hemingway, who also died by suicide. No toxicology report was conducted at the time of death, a point that had fueled some speculation. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation concluded that interviews confirmed Thompson endured severe depression and chronic pain, supporting the suicide determination. The agency found no new physical evidence, facts, or circumstances that would lead to a conclusion different from the original investigation, as per Yahoo News. The case review cost approximately $45,000 and took four months to complete, providing what officials hope will be final clarity for Thompson's family and the public. For the literary world, the confirmation brings closure to the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of one of journalism's most unconventional and influential voices. Support Us Your Support will ensure EPWs financial viability and sustainability. The EPW produces independent and public-spirited scholarship and analyses of contemporary affairs every week. EPW is one of the few publications that keep alive the spirit of intellectual inquiry in the Indian media. Often described as a publication with a social conscience, EPW has never shied away from taking strong editorial positions. Our publication is free from political pressure, or commercial interests. Our editorial independence is our pride. We rely on your support to continue the endeavour of highlighting the challenges faced by the disadvantaged, writings from the margins, and scholarship on the most pertinent issues that concern contemporary Indian society. Every contribution is valuable for our future. Opinion / Columnist Former Citizens Coalition for Change leader Nelson Chamisa has formally returned to frontline politics, unveiling what he called Agenda 2026, a broad-based citizens' movement aimed at unseating President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government and delivering what he described as a "fresh start" for Zimbabwe. Below is his full press release.Fellow citizens,Our nation faces a pivotal moment and stands at a critical juncture. The promise of independence has not yet translated into rapid accelerated transformation, shared prosperity, dignity, and opportunity for all. Today, Zimbabwe is gripped by disputed national processes, deepening economic hardship, political uncertainty, social collapse and moral decay. Government services and support to citizens is upon partisan considerations.The unfolding instability has heightened national anxiety and eroded public trust. We have endured decades of crisis, political instability, political intolerance and national decohesion. Hatred has been foisted on the citizens on account of politics. Zimbabwe suffers from a debilitating legitimacy crisis borne out of rigged elections, institutionalized idolatry, sponsored hate, contrived intolerance, endemic corruption, illegal recalls, hijacking of genuine opposition and state capture.For Zimbabweans in the diaspora, the struggle is real. Many have left the country. The immigration issues affecting Zimbabweans are numerous, the harassment, embarrassment and humiliation they endure is despicable. Some are locked up in unlawful detentions.Concurrently, the resilience of the citizens of Zimbabwe remains unbroken. From our towns to our villages, the diaspora and here at home, the call is clear: CHANGE must happen. Zimbabwe must reset. This is the moment for A FRESH START, a new beginning anchored in transformation, unity, hope, and purposeful action.We are all aware that the crisis in Zimbabwe is a crisis of governance. It is a leadership crisis characterized by disputed national processes, discredited elections and a stolen mandate which creates, instability, uncertainty and hardships. It has led to abuse, desperation and division. We have been working tirelessly behind the scenes, to reignite our hope and establish the trust and confidence necessary for our nation.A false fight breeds a false victory. The entry point to defining the Zimbabwean crises is a governance crises which is in itself a breakdown of a national consensus. A breakdown of a national consensus is characterized by a breakdown of a constitutional order and a breakdown of governmental order. Zimbabwe has been through a vicious cycle of violence, disputes and tensions.We have a disputed government, disputed elections, disputed mandates and a disputed constitution. The citizens are treated as subjects because they have been stripped of their citizens dignity and sovereignty.We have engaged our regional body SADC and other stakeholders with the view to end our problems and chart a new course of prosperity. We remain vigorously seized with the mandate you gave us to unite the nation and create opportunities for all. We are acutely aware that if we want to progress and prosper as a nation, we must abandon the politics of the past and embrace a fresh start.The case for A Fresh StartZimbabwe needs a fresh start! What happened before must never be repeated. Zimbabwe needs a NEW WAY. This NEW WAY is born out of long-term reflection on a critical truth: the challenge of our politics is that the alternative has too often been built on a rotten, compromised, exhausted, and sterile past. A past that stifles the organic emergence and growth of an authentic and credible alternative in Zimbabwe.Instead of progress, the old ways have produced entitlement, fatigue, exhaustion, compromise and corruption. Such foundations cannot sustain a credible alternative.Agenda 2026 is about a clean break from the mistakes and missteps of the past. It is a commitment to reimagine Zimbabwe and to rebuild our nation on democratic values, constitutionalism, competence, and compassion. A fresh start means rejecting fear, violence, corruption, selfishness, greed and exclusion. Embracing ethical leadership, accountability, and citizens service.This agenda is not about personalities; it is about citizens. It is not about political parties but all the citizens. It is not about positions; it is about purpose. It is a national renewal agenda - by the citizens and for the nation.BUILDING A NEW NATIONAL CONSENSUSA new national consensus by the citizens, with the citizens, and for the citizens. Zimbabwe needs a unity of action, direction and destiny. Unity is not imposed; it is built through communication, connection, conversation, consultation, and consensus. We are reawakening and re-exhorting citizens to define a NEW NATIONAL CONSENSUS anchored in the people - not a small elite of politicians, opportunists, and careerists - clearly answering the central questions: What Zimbabwe do we want, and how do we achieve it? (the process and the destination).This unity is grounded in oneness. We fall together, and we rise together. We share one nation, one vision, one future, and one success or even one fall. There is no separate destiny for a few and another for the many. Our faith is collective, our struggle is shared, and our victory will be common.This new unity is built around a shared understanding of what is wrong (the problem), what must be done (the process), and what outcome we seek (the destination) - towards a new and great Zimbabwe for everyone. Oneness is sustained through continuous conversation, because unity is not a moment; it is a managed, nurtured, and lived national commitment.Communication + Connection + Consultation +Conversation + Consensus = A New National Consensus.Unity peace and forgiveness, healing of wounds (oneness).Zimbabwe cannot move forward while divided against itself. Hence, Agenda 2026 places unity at the centre of national reconstruction. Let us choose peace over violence, dialogue over friction, and forgiveness over vengeance. We should acknowledge the losses and wounds of the past (political, social, and economic) and commit to healing and restoration together as a nation.Let us see each other not as enemies, but as compatriots bound by a shared destiny. There can be no lasting development without reconciliation, and no reconciliation without truth, justice, and empathy. Let us turn away from primitive modes of engagement and embrace a new way.2) RECLAIMING CITIZEN AGENCY AND LEADERSHIPTrue national transformation begins with the citizens themselves. We are cultivating a politically awakened, conscious, and responsible citizenry. People who understand their agency, their role, and their responsibility in shaping Zimbabwe's destiny. Real change is not delivered to citizens; it is built, defended, and driven by the citizens themselves.We are building an agency: the practical capacity to act. We are mobilizing, organizing, recruiting, conscientizing, educating, and sustaining information flows, using platforms, forums, and grassroots mechanisms that are citizenocratic, organic, and mass-based.We aim to build a nation of leaders, not followers, where every citizen actively shapes policies, monitors government, drives development, and defends democratic principles. A key component of this vision is a community-based focus. Citizens are encouraged to contribute to their communities, make a tangible impact, and give back, ensuring that change begins at the grassroots and radiates outward to transform the nation.Citizen agency and consciousness is about spreading the word (citizen organizing, mobilizing, advocacy. Agenda 2026 is a citizen-driven movement. Every Zimbabwean has a role to play. I call upon citizens to organise peacefully in their communities, workplaces, universities, colleges, churches, unions, professional bodies, and civic spaces. Mobilise, educate, and advocate.Zimbabwe stands at a crossroads. While our nation boasts vast mineral wealth and the most resilient workforce on the continent, our politics remains trapped in a cycle of "us vs. them." The current climate - marked by corruption, the complexities of the institutional decay and capture, and the fragmentation of society and capture of the opposition - demands more than just another political party. It demands a Citizens Movement. We are not here to fight for "positions, titles or entitlements"; we are here to fight for a functioning economy and institutional dignity.Let us spread the message of hope, renewal, and democratic participation. Let us build strong grassroots networks grounded in non-violence, inclusivity, and constitutionalism. Change will not come from silence or apathy. Change will come from organised, informed, and active citizens.Stewardship of the environment and community actionOur land and our environment is our inheritance and must be our paramount responsibility. The wealth of our nation lies not only in minerals, but in our soils, water, forests, wildlife, and people. Agenda 2026 commits to sustainable development, environmental protection and climate resilience.Let us promote responsible resource management, community beneficiation, food security, and green economic opportunities. Protecting the environment is not a luxury, it is essential to our survival and prosperity.3) PREPARING FOR THE NEXT GOVERNMENTOur Strategic pivot and ultimate endgame is to form the Next Government, a CITIZENS GOVERNMENT supported by all citizens.Preparing for a new government is about competence, capacity and capability. We are consciously shifting from the oppositional orientation to a propositional posture. This phase is about readiness to govern. From a MOVEMENT TO GOVERNMENT.This requires deliberate investment in capacity, competence, and character. We must develop policy depth, administrative readiness, ethical leadership, and institutional thinking. Government is no rhetoric; it is responsibility, systems, and execution.Preparing for the next government means identifying talent, building teams, developing credible policy alternatives, and cultivating leaders who are ready to govern with integrity, skill, and vision from day one.The destination is clear. Government is no longer a future idea; it is the work of the present. Our destination is not participation in councils, legislatures, or isolated positions. Our destination is the government.We aim to build and form a government that is God-centered, citizen-centered, and nation-centered. Our mission is clear: to build a nation. We are one people, one nation, and beyond that unity, we are committed to transforming the very culture of our nation - our politics, our governance structures, and our strategies for leadership.We aim to return government to the citizens, because today, government has been taken away from the people and placed far from their reach. Yet in our vision, the citizens are the government. It is through their empowerment, their voice, and their agency that our nation will truly flourish.We must not only demand change, we must prepare for it. Agenda 2026 is about readiness; developing policy solutions, nurturing ethical leadership, strengthening institutions, and building the capacity to govern effectively from day one.This preparation includes assembling competent professionals, engaging the youth and women, learning from global best practices, planning for economic recovery, service delivery, and social protection. We are taking the necessary steps to serve, govern, and deliver results for all Zimbabweans.4) A NEW MORAL REVOLUTIONRebuilding Zimbabwe requires more than politics - it demands a radical revival of our national moral fiber. This is a revolution of values, ethics, and behaviors, reshaping how we interact, lead, and govern. It calls for selflessness, forgiveness, integrity, and service, rejecting vengeance, corruption, and selfishness as drivers of our society.The church, traditional leaders, and civic institutions are central to this transformation, guiding citizens in cultivating character, ethical judgment, and social responsibility. By embedding morality at the heart of governance, politics, and daily life, we create a society where leadership is accountable, justice prevails, and national unity is strengthened.This revolution is the foundation for a Zimbabwe that is not only politically free but morally and socially whole, ensuring that every citizen participates in a just, ethical, and inclusive national project.A Youth Focus Investing in the next generationZimbabwe's future belongs to its young people. This pillar is about investing in the youth, preparing them for nation-building, and equipping them to lead. We will create opportunities that develop skills, leadership capacity, and civic consciousness, ensuring young people are ready to take responsibility for the country's political, economic, and social transformation.Our commitment is to set up young Zimbabweans for success and prosperity, empowering them to innovate, create, and contribute meaningfully to national development. By nurturing the next generation, we ensure a pipeline of capable, principled, and visionary leaders, securing a Zimbabwe that is progressive, inclusive, and resilient.5) THE INTERNATIONAL AGENDAThe world is in crisis. Coups, rigged elections, illegitimate regimes, and the collapse of global governance have left societies, especially in Africa, vulnerable to exploitation, inequality, and systemic injustice. Contemporary international politics prioritizes power, profit, and strategic alignment over human rights, justice, and citizen welfare, while weak national and regional institutions, including SADC and other bodies, fail to protect citizens, allowing corruption, elite capture, and marginalization to persist.As a values-centered and principled alternative, as Zimbabwe, we will be a leader, not a passive observer. Our philosophy is clear: we stand for a Nation-centered, Citizen-centered and God-centered governance.We aim to embark on a robust global advocacy campaign. We will engage, disrupt, and hold accountable global and regional institutions, forging alliances with progressive forces across Africa and the world to advocate for transformation, uphold legitimacy, and defend citizens rights.Our global advocacy ensures that Zimbabwe is principled, proactive, and respected, advancing a people-centered vision of governance, justice, and sustainable development both at home and internationally.CALL TO ACTIONFellow Citizens, the time to reset is now. Agenda 2026 is a rallying call to courage, unity, and action. Go and mobilise. Go and organise. Prepare for a New National Consensus and a New Citizens Government founded on transformation, accountability, integrity, justice, and service. Let us open ourselves to constructive conversations and discussions about bringing the citizens together and building one nation. We Are One People!We call on all citizens to mobilize, organize, and join the NEW WAY for a New Great Zimbabwe for everyone and forever, a Zimbabwe that transcends tribe, color, race, and party affiliation. This is a movement of the people, by the people, and for the people, where every Zimbabwean has a role to play in shaping the country's future.To Zimbabweans abroad, Our Diaspora front, we recognize you, the millions of Zimbabweans who continue to be the backbone and lifeblood of our economy. You will no longer be "observers"; you will be active participants in this citizens movement's governance and support system.Key Actions:Mobilize: Raise awareness and inspire citizens to take part in the NEW WAY.Organize: Build local and national structures to coordinate collective action.Recruit: Encourage every Zimbabwean to become an active participant and recruiter in the creation of the New National Consensus.The Immediate Agenda (The Next 180 Days)Our priority is not showmanship; it is the Legal and Institutional Fortification and Building the Grassroots Resilience and Consciousness. We will be establishing a presence in everywhere, securing our legal standing, and building a digital platform that allows for transparent subscription and donor tracking.47.We are entering a season of foundational groundwork. This is the period of "grassroots strength"- hoche koche, dande mutande, zeve zeve-building the structures that will withstand the storms of a tyranny and despotic torrential winds.Let us rise together; peacefully, purposefully, and patriotically, to reclaim our future. Zimbabwe can and will work again. The new dawn begins with us. In due course, we will be executing a program of action to fulfil this Agenda.I am calling on the professionals, the farmers, the street vendors, and the students. If you believe that Zimbabwe's best days are not behind us, but ahead of us, join us. We need your expertise in policy, your local influence, and your financial support to build a solid momentum that ensures our message reaches the furthest and remotest parts of our beautiful country.The journey to a New Great Zimbabwe does not start when we become a government; it starts with the foundation we lay today.Fambai neshoko. Hamba lomlayezo. In Solidarity,God bless you.God bless Zimbabwe. Farmers have stepped up direct action across the UK this month, using tractors to blockade supermarket depots and the Port of Felixstowe in protests over inheritance tax reforms and food policy. Farmers say recent and proposed changes to inheritance tax rules risk making it harder for family farms to be passed on to the next generation, while rising costs and low returns from retailers continue to squeeze margins. The latest action saw farmers block vehicle access at the UKs largest container port overnight, with tractors positioned outside the Port of Felixstowe in Suffolk from just after midnight on Friday (23 January) until around 7am. The Port of Felixstowe handles a significant share of the UKs container traffic, making it a high-profile target for protest despite assurances that shipping operations were unaffected. Banners attached to tractors read Save our farms, save our future, fight the tax and Back British farming, as demonstrators voiced opposition to current government policy. (Photo: East Anglia Farmers Unite) East Anglia Farmers Unite, the campaign group behind the Felixstowe action, said the protest formed part of coordinated national action. Farmers are out at the port of Felixstowe in alliance with other farmers across the UK blockading supermarket depos and ports in protest against cheap lower standard imports and inheritance tax, the group said. In a statement, a port spokesperson said the protest had been anticipated and steps were taken to limit disruption. We were made aware of the proposed protest and worked with port users to mitigate its impact, they said. They added: The protest caused no disruption to shipping operations but some minor inconvenience to landside operations. We would like to apologise to any of our customers who were affected. More than 15 farmers were reported to have taken part in the Felixstowe protest, which formed part of a wider series of actions by farmers across the country. Supermarket distribution centres have been targeted as part of efforts to pressure major retailers to pay higher prices for British-produced food and reduce reliance on imported goods. Earlier this month, tractors descended on Tesco distribution centres in Peterborough, Doncaster and Hinckley, where lorries were prevented from entering or leaving the sites. On Thursday (22 January), farmers also blockaded Lidl distribution centres across England, including locations in Peterborough, Doncaster close to the retailers UK headquarters and Houghton Regis near Luton. The protests have gathered pace in recent weeks, moving from early-morning depot blockades to high-profile infrastructure sites such as the Port of Felixstowe. The long-running censor controversy surrounding Jana Nayagan is set to reach a decisive moment on January 27, when the Madras High Court delivers its verdict on the writ appeal filed by the Central Board of Film Certification. The division bench led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan will pronounce its judgement following the boards challenge to an earlier single judge order that had directed the film to be granted a U-A 16+ certificate. Directed by H Vinoth, Jana Nayagan is widely seen as one of the most high-profile Tamil films of recent years, not just for its scale and cast but also because it marks Vijays final film outing before he enters full-time politics. The action drama has been in censor-related limbo since December 2025, a delay that forced the makers to push back its originally announced January 9 release. High Court to decide fate of Vijays swan song At the heart of the dispute lies the CBFCs decision to send the film to a revising committee after an initial examination. The move triggered legal action from the producers, who argued that the board was unnecessarily delaying the certification process. Justice P T Asha of the Madras High Court, sitting as a single judge, had on January 9 ordered that the film be issued a U-A 16+ certificate. The CBFC, however, immediately filed an urgent appeal before the division bench, leading to a stay on the single bench order and pushing the matter back into judicial scrutiny. With the court now having reserved its judgement after detailed arguments, all eyes are on January 27, which will determine whether Jana Nayagan finally gets a green light or continues to face uncertainty. CBFC says 14 cuts are not final During the most recent hearing on January 20, Additional Solicitor General A R L Sundaresan, appearing on behalf of the CBFC, told the court that the examining committees suggestion to remove 14 portions from the film should not be treated as a final verdict. He described it as merely an intermediary step in the larger certification process and stressed that the CBFC chairperson had yet to take a final call on the matter. Sundaresan went on to explain the sequence of events under the Cinematograph Act. According to him, the producers were officially informed on January 6 that the film was being referred to a revising committee, even though earlier communication had created the impression that the board had already reached a conclusion. He added that the CBFC was not given sufficient time to file a counter affidavit when the matter came up before Justice P T Asha the very next day, on January 7. The decision to send Jana Nayagan for revision, Sundaresan said, stemmed from a complaint raised by a member of the advisory committee who had initially viewed the film. That complaint flagged issues including the alleged misrepresentation of certain religious sentiments and the use of armed forces logos without what was claimed to be proper consultation. The bench also sought clarity on the origin of the communication that referred the film to a revising committee. During the hearing, Chief Justice Shrivastava asked whether the decision had come from the CBFCs Chennai regional office or its Mumbai headquarters. The court was informed that the message had originated from the boards Mumbai office. Sundaresan further questioned the producers claim that Jana Nayagan had been made on a budget of 500 crore, suggesting that announcing a release date even before the certification process was completed was a risky and questionable move. He reiterated that the board was still in the process of arriving at a final decision and that the 14 suggested cuts were not binding until the chairperson approved them. After hearing arguments from both sides, the Madras High Court reserved its judgement, setting the stage for a crucial ruling that will decide whether Vijays last film before politics can finally move forward. Beyond the courtroom drama, Jana Nayagan continues to carry enormous industry and fan interest. The film stars an ensemble cast that includes Mamitha Baiju, Bobby Deol, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Priyamani, Pooja Hegde, Narain, and others. On the technical front, the film boasts Anirudh as music composer, Sathyan Sooryan as cinematographer and Pradeep E Ragav as editor. It is co-produced by Jagadish Palanisamy and Lohith N K. With its political undertones and the weight of Vijays impending transition into public life, the film has become more than just another big-budget release. The High Courts verdict on January 27 will therefore not only decide the immediate fate of Jana Nayagan but could also set an important precedent for how certification disputes involving high-profile films are handled in the future. Also Read: Jana Nayagan Certification Row Reaches Crucial Juncture As Madras High Court Reserves Order Mahesh Babu recently took to social media to share an interesting story for his Varanasi co-star Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The actor praised her performance as he shared the trailer of her new movie The Bluff. Taking to social media, Mahesh Babu wrote, "Loved the trailer... @priyankachopra is uncompromising and formidable yet again. Wishing the entire team of #TheBluff the very best for Feb 25th..." He ended the note with three hug emoticons. The two were previously seen promoting the upcoming SS Rajamouli directorial in Hyderabad during its title launch. Previously called SSMB29, the project has now been named Varanasi. Priyanka had attended the event in a white traditional ensemble. Taking the stage, she had praised Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran, while receiving praises from them. Addressing the audience, she had said, "Thank you for welcoming me. You know who I am going to talk about, right? What do you call him Bob or Lion? There are many other names, but I know him as MB. I know him as the incredible, legendary Mahesh Babu." Priyanka had further added, "Thank you and your beautiful family, Namrata and Sitara have made me feel like Hyderabad is my home. So thank you so much for treating me like your family and making this experience so wonderful for me." Priyanka had also noted that her daughter Malti Marie had a wonderful time while she was shooting for Varanasi. Sharing further, she stated that Malti spent some quality time with Mahesh Babu's daughter Sitara. In Varanasi, Mahesh Babu portrays Rudhra, whereas Priyanka Chopra will be seen opposite him as Mandakini and Prithiviraj Sukumaran steps in the shoes of the main antagonist as Kumbha. The other details about the movie have been kept under the wraps. Also Read: Mahesh Babus Heartfelt Birthday Note for Wife Namrata Shirodkar Is All Heart Not for distribution to United States wire services or for dissemination in the United States VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 23, 2026 / Onco-Innovations Limited (CBOE CA:ONCO)(Frankfurt:W1H, WKN:A3EKSZ)(OTCQB:ONNVF) ("Onco" or the "Company") announces that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of up to 2,272,727 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.88 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000. Each Unit shall consist of one common share (each a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one Share at an exercise price of $1.10 for a period of thirty-six (36) months. The Company also intends to issue Shares equal to 1.0% of the total of Shares issued in the Private Placement (the "Admin Fee Shares") to an arm's-length third party, as an administrative fee for their assistance with the Private Placement. In connection with the Private Placement, the Company may pay finders' fees and/or issue finders' warrants on the same terms as the Warrants, to eligible parties who have assisted by introducing subscribers to the Private Placement. Closing of the Private Placement is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals. All securities issued pursuant to Private Placement will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day pursuant to applicable securities laws. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Private Placement for general corporate and working capital purposes, including in pursuit of the Company's operational and research and development objectives and for investor relations purposes. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or available exemptions from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States, or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Onco-Innovations Limited Onco-Innovations is a Canadian-based company dedicated to cancer research and treatment, specializing in oncology. Onco's mission is to pursue the prevention and treatment of cancer through pioneering research and innovative solutions. The company has secured an exclusive worldwide license to patented technology that targets solid tumours. ON BEHALF OF ONCO-INNOVATIONS LIMITED, "Thomas O'Shaughnessy" Chief Executive Officer For more information, please contact: Thomas O'Shaughnessy Chief Executive Officer Tel: + 1 888 261 8055 investors@oncoinnovations.com The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Caution. This news release contains forward-looking statements, including in relation to the Private Placement generally, and the anticipated use of funds and closing date thereof, as well as to the Company's business and plans generally, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "potential", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the failure to complete the Private Placement as contemplated, or at all, that the anticipated proceeds may be lower than expected, the failure to receive regulatory approval in respect of the Private Placement, and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward- looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law. SOURCE: Onco-Innovations Limited View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/onco-innovations-announces-private-placement-1130382 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 23, 2026) - STRACON Group Holding Inc. (TSX: STG) (BVL: STG) ("STRACON" or the "Company") rejects false claims made by SLC Holdings Inc. ("SLC") in an application filed with the Ontario Securities Commission. As described in the Company's prospectus dated December 16, 2025, on November 1, 2025, the Company and STRACON Holdings S.A. ("STRACON Peru") completed a long-form amalgamation in accordance with Section 183 of the Yukon Business Corporations Act. For Peruvian legal purposes, the amalgamation was carried out as a merger pursuant to Section 344 and following of the Peruvian Companies Law. Herein, this cross-border business combination is referred to as the "Merger." As a result of the Merger, STRACON Peru would cease to exist separately from the Company for both Canadian and Peruvian legal purposes, and the assets and liabilities of STRACON Peru would be assigned to the Peruvian branch of the Company as of the effective date of the Merger (which was November 1, 2025). On January 22, 2026, SLC filed an application with the Ontario Securities Commission (the "Commission") seeking to, among other things, halt trading in the Company's shares. In its application SLC alleges that, as a matter of Peruvian law, STRACON Peru is not part of the Company and therefore the Company does not own any of the former subsidiaries of STRACON Peru. This allegation is without merit. For Peruvian purposes (as well as for Canadian legal purposes), the Merger became fully effective on November 1, 2025, and on such date all assets, liabilities, operations, rights and obligations of STRACON Peru were assumed by the Company through its Peruvian branch (as expressly established in Sections 344 and 353 of the Peruvian Companies Law). The SLC application will become available in due course on the Commission's website. The Company will contest SLC's application. As disclosed in SLC's application, SLC previously commenced litigations against STRACON Peru and it objected to the Merger in Peru on December 5, 2025 (the Company having been served with the objection on December 30, 2025). However, it does not have any legal power and there is no legal mechanism in Peru for SLC to reverse the Merger. The Company believes that the litigations commenced in Peru, which have motivated SLC's application, are entirely without merit. In those litigations, SLC has sought damages of US$26.8 million. As a matter of Peruvian law, SLC's objection to the Merger is directed at securing SLC's claim to this amount, not at challenging the effectiveness of the Merger. The Company reaffirms the accuracy of its prospectus and is confident that its position will be vindicated before the Commission. About STRACON Group STRACON is an integrated, engineering-led and technology-enabled mining infrastructure and services group operating across the Americas. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, STRACON provides end-to-end solutions across the mining lifecycle, including engineering and technology solutions, industrial services, equipment and support services, and infrastructure development and ownership. The Company partners with leading global mining operators to design, build, operate and maintain critical infrastructure that supports safe, efficient and sustainable mining operations. Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes statements relating to the Company's intention to contest SLC's application, the provision of expert evidence regarding the Merger, the expected outcome of proceedings before the Ontario Securities Commission, and the Company's confidence that its position will be vindicated. Forward-looking information is based on management's expectations, estimates and assumptions as of the date of this press release and is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks include, among others, regulatory and legal proceeding risks, the outcome of the Commission's review, and other risks described in the Company's public disclosure filings available on SEDAR+. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. STRACON undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281501 Source: STRACON Group Holding Inc. Amsterdam Partners LLP, longtime international counsel to Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine, issues an urgent warning regarding public threats made against Mr. Wine by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and a senior commander within Uganda's security apparatus. These statements, made publicly in the immediate aftermath of Uganda's January 15th election, constitute a grave and credible threat to Mr. Wine's life and physical safety. When viewed in the context of Uganda's long-documented pattern of violence, torture and unlawful detention of opposition figures, the risk posed by these threats cannot be dismissed as rhetorical or political posturing, and must be treated as an immediate, operational risk requiring preventive action. Robert Amsterdam, Founder and Managing Partner of Amsterdam Partners LLP, stated: General Kainerugaba exercises command authority over armed forces that have repeatedly been implicated in serious human rights violations. His statements therefore carry the weight of state power and have operational significance, and they materially elevate the risk of unlawful harm. Under international law, such threats trigger immediate obligations on the part of the Ugandan government to prevent violence, protect life and ensure the safety of those at risk. When threats are issued by senior officials and remain unrepudiated, they may be understood by security forces tacit authorization. That ambiguity is itself dangerous and must be removed immediately through clear public and operational directives. In light of these reckless statements, we urgently call on the international community, including the United Nations, to demand immediate, verifiable guarantees of Mr. Wine's safety and ensure he can return to his family without harm. Based on my personal knowledge of the torture Mr. Wine has previously suffered at the hands of Ugandan security forces, it is not hyperbolic to state that his arrest or detention now carries a real and credible risk of death or grievous bodily harm, including through enforced isolation or unlawful interference by state-linked actors. Mr. Wine has committed no crime. His only offence is exposing, once again, the brutal and dictatorial nature of President Museveni's rule, through peaceful political opposition and the exercise of fundamental rights. The Government of Uganda has clear and binding duties under international law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the African Charter of Human and Peoples' Rights, to protect its citizens. Failure to restrain General Kainerugaba and ensure Mr. Wine's safety would constitute a serious breach of those obligations, engaging state and individual responsibility. These threats are well beyond the pale. Amsterdam Partners LLP emphasizes that Uganda is a party to multiple international and regional human rights instruments that impose an affirmative duty on the state to protect political opponents from violence, including when such threats originate from senior members of the ruling family or military command. The responsibility for Mr. Wine's safety rests squarely with the Ugandan government and, ultimately, with President Museveni himself. The firm calls on the United Nations, foreign governments and international human rights mechanisms to treat these threats with the utmost seriousness, to demand immediate guarantees for Mr. Wine's safety, and to make clear that any harm to him will carry consequences under international law. About Amsterdam Partners LLP Amsterdam Partners LLP is an international law firm specializing in human rights and political advocacy, based in London and Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.amsterdamandpartners.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260123986294/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: amsterdamandpartners@icrinc.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 23, 2026) - Carlyle Commodities Corp. (CSE: CCC) (FSE: BJ4) ("Carlyle") is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") for gross proceeds of $2,855,000 through the issuance of 285,500,000 subscription receipts (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.01 ($0.20 on a post-Consolidation basis) per Subscription Receipt. The Private Placement was conducted in connection with Carlyle's proposed business combination (the "Transaction") with Silver Pony Resources Corp. ("Silver Pony"), as previously announced by Carlyle on December 31, 2025. As previously announced, Carlyle intends to consolidate its common shares in connection with the Transaction on a basis of 20 pre-consolidation shares for 1 post-consolidation share (the "Consolidation"). The Company anticipates closing the balance of the Private Placement next week. "We are pleased to have successfully completed this initial tranche of our financing in support of the proposed transaction with Silver Pony," commented Morgan Good, President and Chief Executive Officer of Carlyle. "This funding begins to provide us with the resources in order to rapidly advance the Trout Lake Projects, subject to closing of the Transaction, and well positions the Company to move forward with a focused exploration program and an enhanced treasury." Each Subscription Receipt will automatically convert into one unit of Carlyle (a "Unit") (for no further consideration and without any further action by the holders thereof) upon all conditions for the closing of the Transaction being satisfied or waived (the "Escrow Release Condition"). Each Unit will consist of one common share of Carlyle (each a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of Carlyle (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share of Carlyle (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.015 ($0.30 on a post-Consolidation basis) per Warrant Share for a period of 18 months following the date on which the Escrow Release Condition is satisfied, subject to adjustment in certain events. The expiry date of the Warrants may be accelerated if the closing price of the Shares on any Canadian stock exchange equals or exceeds $0.025 ($0.50 on a post-Consolidation basis) for five consecutive trading days. In such event, Carlyle may, within 15 business days following the occurrence of that condition, accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by issuing a news release, in which case the Warrants will expire on the date that is 30 calendar days after the date of such news release, as specified therein. The net proceeds of the Private Placement will be held in escrow pending satisfaction of the Escrow Release Condition. In the event the Escrow Release Condition is not satisfied or waived within 180 days following the closing date of the Private Placement, the net proceeds of the Private Placement will be returned to the subscribers in accordance with the terms of the subscription receipts. If the Escrow Release Condition is met, Carlyle anticipates that the net proceeds will be used for exploration work on the Silver Pony Resources Trout Lake Projects and general working capital. In connection with the Private Placement, Carlyle: (i) paid to certain eligible finders an aggregate cash commission of $128,000; and (ii) issued to certain finders an aggregate of 12,800,000 finder's warrants (each a "Finder's Warrant"). Each Finder's Warrant is exercisable into one unit of the Company (a "Finder's Unit") at an exercise price of $0.01 for a period of 18 months from the date of issuance. Each Finder's Unit is comprised of one Share and one-half of one warrant (a "Finder's Unit Warrant"). Each full Finder's Unit Warrant is exercisable into one Share at an exercise price of $0.015 per share for a period of 18 months from the date of issuance. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance. For more information regarding the Transaction, please refer to Carlyle's news release dated December 31, 2025. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. About Carlyle Carlyle is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties. Carlyle owns 100% of the Quesnel Gold Project located in the Cariboo Mining Division, 30 kilometers northeast of Quesnel in central B.C, as well hold the option to acquire 100% undivided interest in the Nicola East Mining Project, located approximately 25 kilometers east of the mining town of Merritt, B.C., and is listed on the CSE under the symbol "CCC" and the Frankfurt Exchange under the ticker "BJ4". ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CARLYLE CARLYLE COMMODITIES CORP. "Morgan Good" Morgan Good President and Chief Executive Officer Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of Carlyle regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "anticipates", "plans", "believes", "expects", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the completion of the Transaction and the Consolidation; the timing and closing of the balance of the Private Placement; the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Condition and the timing thereof; the conversion of the Subscription Receipts; the use of the net proceeds from the Private Placement for exploration on the Trout Lake Projects and for general working capital; and the advancement of the Trout Lake Projects. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: that the Escrow Release Condition will not be satisfied, that the Transaction will not close, that the Consolidation and the balance of the Private Placement will not be completed as anticipated and that the net proceeds will not be used as anticipated. In making the forward looking statements in this news release, Carlyle has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that: the Escrow Release Condition will be satisfied, the Transaction will close, the Consolidation and the balance of the Private Placement will be completed as anticipated and the net proceeds of the Private Placement will be used as anticipated. Although management of Carlyle has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281513 Source: Carlyle Commodities Corp. SUEZ, Egypt, Jan. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ELITE Solar, a global leader in integrated solar manufacturing, today announced the commissioning of its new 5GW photovoltaic manufacturing facilities in Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone, marking a major milestone in the company's global expansion strategy. The facility includes 2GW of high-efficiency solar cell capacity and 3GW of solar module production, creating a fully integrated manufacturing platform designed to serve utility-scale, commercial, and industrial clients across the globe. Egypt's Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, attended the official commissioning ceremony earlier this month, underscoring the project's importance to Egypt's renewable energy and industrial development goals. The new facility supports local workforce development while strengthening the region's role in the global clean energy supply chain. On January 23, ELITE Solar welcomed regional clients, strategic suppliers, and industry partners to the site for a firsthand look at the facility's N-type solar cell and module production lines. The visit included discussions on supply chain coordination, production planning, local sourcing, and long-term collaborationhighlighting ELITE Solar's focus on operational reliability and scalable manufacturing. "This facility strengthens our global manufacturing footprint while reinforcing our commitment to dependable, market-ready solar supply," said Arndt E. Lutz, CEO of ELITE Solar USA. "By combining advanced N-type technology with integrated production and disciplined execution, we're positioned to support our clients with consistent quality and long-term reliability across multiple markets." The Ain Sokhna facility is a key component of ELITE Solar's international growth strategy, pairing centralized technology leadership and global standards with localized manufacturing in strategic regions. This approach enables the company to respond efficiently to customer demand across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and North America (MENA). With its expanded manufacturing capabilities, ELITE Solar continues to strengthen its position as a trusted global partner for large-scale renewable energy deployment. About ELITE Solar Founded in 2005, ELITE Solar is a global provider of high-efficiency, intelligent solar solutions for utility, commercial & industrial (C&I), and residential markets. Headquartered in Singapore with U.S. operations in California, the company operates integrated manufacturing facilities in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Egypt, covering the full value chain from wafers to modules. ELITE Solar's vertically integrated model and global reach support its mission to drive customer success and accelerate the transition to clean energy. Learn more at www.elite-solar.com Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 23, 2026) - Metals Group is pleased to announce that its member companies will be exhibiting at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) 2026, taking place January 25-26, 2026, at the Vancouver Convention Centre, West Building. Representatives from Metals Group and its portfolio of resource companies will be on hand at Booth 528 throughout the conference, engaging with investors, partners, and industry stakeholders to share insights on their respective projects, growth strategies, and exploration milestones. Metals Group Member Companies Attending VRIC 2026: Altiplano Metals (TSXV: APN) - A Canadian resource company focused on the exploration, development, and advancement of copper-gold mineral assets, primarily in Chile, supported by existing mining and processing infrastructure. - A Canadian resource company focused on the exploration, development, and advancement of copper-gold mineral assets, primarily in Chile, supported by existing mining and processing infrastructure. Emperor Metals (CSE: AUOZ) - Exploration company advancing the high-potential Duquesne West Gold Project in Quebec's prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt. - Exploration company advancing the high-potential Duquesne West Gold Project in Quebec's prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt. Metalero Mining Corp. (TSXV: MLO) - Canadian exploration company focused on copper and precious metals projects in the Americas. - Canadian exploration company focused on copper and precious metals projects in the Americas. Omega Pacific (CSE: OMGA) - Focused on exploration in British Columbia's Toodoggone Mining District, including newly discovered bulk-tonnage gold mineralization at the Williams Property. - Focused on exploration in British Columbia's Toodoggone Mining District, including newly discovered bulk-tonnage gold mineralization at the Williams Property. Torr Metals (TSXV: TMET) - A discovery-focused explorer advancing porphyry copper-gold systems across British Columbia and Ontario, leveraging systematic exploration and established regional infrastructure. - A discovery-focused explorer advancing porphyry copper-gold systems across British Columbia and Ontario, leveraging systematic exploration and established regional infrastructure. Sankamap (CSE: SCU) - Advancing high-grade copper and gold exploration in the South Pacific, with fully permitted assets in the Solomon Islands. - Advancing high-grade copper and gold exploration in the South Pacific, with fully permitted assets in the Solomon Islands. Laiva Gold Inc. (CSE: EDGM) - Owner of the Laiva Gold Mine in Finland, targeting the transition into production. - Owner of the Laiva Gold Mine in Finland, targeting the transition into production. Vulcan Resources (Private Company) - A strategic exploration company within the Metals Group portfolio focused on advancing early-stage gold and copper properties while actively progressing toward a public listing. "VRIC is one of the most important gatherings for the global resource investment community, bringing together world-class projects and the capital necessary to advance them," said Founder, John Williamson. "Our member companies look forward to connecting with investors and peers, highlighting our collective progress across diversified metals and mining assets." Attendees are invited to visit Booth 528 throughout the event to meet senior management from each company, explore project highlights, and learn more about Metals Group's collaborative strategy that helps accelerate discovery and value creation across its members. About Metals Group Metals Group is a consortium of exploration and mining companies backed by teams of technical, financial and corporate professionals with experience in raising capital, advancing projects, and delivering impactful results for shareholders. Through shared expertise and a disciplined approach to project selection and development, Metals Group companies are positioned for growth across multiple jurisdictions and commodities. (metalsgroup.com) To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281505 Source: Cambridge House International Company's ?750 crore investment in Maharashtra; 1,000 new employment opportunities PUNE, India, Jan. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hirschvogel Components India Pvt. Ltd., a German automotive components manufacturing company operating at Sanaswadi, has taken an important decision to make an additional foreign direct investment of ?750 crore in Maharashtra. The MoU related to this investment was signed during the World Economic Forum 2026 held in Davos, Switzerland, in the presence of Honourable Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, by the company's CEO, Mr. Sahil Jain. On this occasion, Industries Department Secretary - Dr. P. Ambalagan, Hirschvogel Group Plant Head - Mr. Markus Obolzer, Director - Mr. Kartar Chavan, and other dignitaries were present. The primary focus of this investment is to increase manufacturing capacity and to manufacture parts required for electric vehicles. This investment is expected to provide a significant boost to the industrial development of Maharashtra. The Hirschvogel Group is a leading automotive parts manufacturing group operating across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, with an annual turnover of approximately ?15,000 crore. In India, the company commenced production at its Sanaswadi plant in 2016, and so far, investments of around ?1,000 crore have been made in this project. The passenger vehicle market is currently witnessing substantial growth. Due to the industry-friendly policies, strong infrastructure, and incentives offered by the Maharashtra Government, several reputed companies are coming forward to invest in the state. A notable example of this is the major investment made by Toyota at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. With a similar industrial outlook, Hirschvogel has taken the significant decision to invest in Maharashtra. Hirschvogel is a leading supplier to Toyota and has also received the prestigious 'Toyota Supplier of the Year 2024'. For more information, visit https://www.hirschvogel.com/en/. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2868067/Hirschvogel_Sanaswadi_investment.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/from-davos-to-maharashtra-hirschvogels-investment-signals-manufacturing-confidence-302669031.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 24, 2026) - Gold Runner Exploration Inc. (CSE: GRUN) (FSE: CE70) ("Gold Runner" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it will be attending the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC), January 25th and 26th. VRIC is taking place at the Vancouver Convention Center West Building (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, B.C.) Sunday, January 25 - Monday, January 26, 2026 (8:30 AM - 6:00 PM). Chris Wensley, CEO, accompanied by Dan Stuart CEO of Juggernaut, a member of the B-ALL Sndicate, will deliver a corporate presentation on Sunday, January 25 (2:10 PM) in Workshop #4. About the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference: The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) is the World's Premier Mining Investment Event at a time when Gold & Silver are breaking records. The event will host 120 keynote speakers, 300 mining companies, and over 12,000 attending investors. VRIC brings together the dealmakers, analysts, and operators shaping the future of precious metals - right when capital is surging back into the sector. For tickets and more information, please visit: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference 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 and Geopolitically stable mining districts of North Western British Columbia and Nevada. In British Columbia, Gold Runner recently entered into an option agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Golden Girl Property, located in the prolific Golden Triangle of North Western British Columbia (See Gold Runner's news release of January, 23, 2026), comprising approximately 8,471 hectares, in proximity to numerous significant discoveries, including Goliath Resources Limited's, Surebet discovery at Golddigger, and Juggernaut Exploration Ltd.'s Big One discovery, near Galore Creek.. In Nevada, 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 statements relating to the properties exploration work and its results and potential, interpretations prospecting and exploration activities, geological, geophysical, and geochemical surveys, studies and interpretations of historical exploration and geological information, permitting, licences, environmental laws and regulations, changes in government regulations and laws, obtaining social licence to explore and operate, community engagements, timing of exploration activities, economic, competitive, reliance on third parties, the actual results of operations, and other risks of the natural resources industry, and 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.sedar.com. 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/281521 Source: Gold Runner Exploration Inc. LONDON, Jan. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following a year marked by growing interest in precious metals and the wider jewellery market, Apollo Art Auctions is delighted to begin the New Year with a sale of historically significant works: Important Ancient Jewellery. Commencing on the 31st of January 2026 at 1 pm G.M.T. The auction brings together one of the most comprehensive assemblages of ancient jewellery to appear on the market in recent years, appealing to collectors, institutions, and investors worldwide. The bidding will take place at the Apollo Art Auctions Showroom 63-64 Margaret Street, London, W1W 8SW as well as online via Apollo Art Auctions Platform, LiveAuctioneers, The Saleroomand Invaluable. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. This remarkable auction brings together nearly 500 lots, crafted with gold, silver, and other precious metals, gems, jewellery and inlays. Spanning over three millennia of history, it ranges from the early Bronze Age to the Late Medieval Period, celebrating the intricate craftsmanship of ancient jewellery. Notable highlights include: Lot 18, An incredibly rare Roman high-karat gold architectural openwork ringset with an amethyst intaglio depicting imperial busts. This exceptional piece reflects the high social status associated with elite jewellery in the Late Roman period and was likely commissioned by, or for, a member of the upper class of society, possibly as an official or diplomatic gift. Such rings functioned not only as personal adornment but also as symbols of authority and vessels of imperial imagery. Amethyst, long associated with power, sobriety, and the god Bacchus (Dionysus), was especially favoured by Roman elites and later imperial circles. The ring originates from the collection of Maurice Bouvier (1901-1981). Lot 32, A Crusader high-karat gold ring depicting Saint Maurice,a historically significant object likely associated with a knight of the Third Crusade (1189-1192). Led in part by Richard the Lionheart, Crusader forces advanced toward Jerusalem in an effort to 'reclaim' the Holy Land from Ayyubid control under ?ala? ad-Din (Saladin), leading to battles such as the Battle of Arsuf in 1191. Rings of this nature served as personal expressions of faith, protection, and penitence, and would have accompanied their owners on both military and spiritual journeys. This piece stands as a powerful testament to medieval devotion, chivalric identity, and crusading ideology. Lastly, is lot 129, an outstanding Roman solid high-karat gold ringengraved with the mythological scene of Leda and the Swan. Gold, a highly priced material in Ancient Rome, was worn by the wealthy as a clear indicator of social rank and privilege. This heavy, solid 23-karat gold example features one of the most popular mythological themes of the Roman world, symbolising fertility, sensuality, and divine interaction. The subject reflects Roman fascination with Greek mythology and the complex relationship between gods and mortals. The auction presents an exceptional selection of well provenanced pieces, highlighted by notable examples from the Prince Collection, distinguished by its royal associations, the Nolte collection, which held an exceptional selection of Phoenician beads, and the Groppi Collection, one of the most important private collections of ancient Egyptian glass of its time. With more than 70 jewels being published and studied in New York in the early 1990's by Dr. Jack Ogden, accompanied by the original scholarly publications, offering a rare opportunity to acquire works of established academic importance and rarity. Register to place your bids now via Apollo Art Auctions Platform, LiveAuctioneers, The Saleroomand Invaluable. For enquiries: enquiries@apolloauctions.com or callfor more information. After three globe-trotting adventures, Kakababu finally turns inward. Set against the ruins of Hampi, the film trades spectacle for cultural memory. History, not heroism, becomes the real pursuit. Director: Chandrasish Ray Language: Bengali Cast: Prosenjit Chatterjee, Aryann Bhowmik, Chiranjeet Chakraborty, Pushan Dasgupta, Satyam Bhattacharya, Sreya Bhattacharya and Rajnandini Paul. After three globe-spanning adventures, Kakababu finally turns inward, both geographically and thematically. Vijaynagarer Hirey (The Diamond of Vijaynagar), adapted from Sunil Gangopadhyays beloved Kakababu novel of the same name, marks a significant moment for the franchise. Not only does it shift the narrative focus to Indias own historical and cultural legacy, it also signals a generational transition behind the camera, with creator-director Srijit Mukherji passing the baton to Chandrasish Ray. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The film opens with a tightly choreographed prologue in Kolkata that immediately establishes tone and temperament. Raja Roychowdhury aka Kakababu played with assured gravitas by Prosenjit Chatterjee, single-handedly foils an attempted museum heist. A still from Vijaynagarer Hirey As he overpowers one of the goons, he declares: This is Raja Roychowdhurys Kolkata. Invaluable artefacts cannot be smuggled from here on a whim. The line functions as both a warning and a thesis statement, this is a story deeply invested in the ethics of history, ownership, and preservation. Disguised as a holiday, Kakababu sets off for Hampi with his nephew Shontu (Aryann Bhowmick) and young Jojo (Pushan Dasgupta). They check into a heritage hotel run by a royal family, accompanied by Kakababus friend Rinku (played by Sreya Bhattacharya) and her husband Ranjan (Satyam Bhattacharya). But the pretence quickly unravels. Kakababu has been summoned by his former mentor, Professor Bhagwati Prasad Sharma, ailing, enigmatic, and burdened with unfinished business. Professor Sharma urges Kakababu to resume the quest for the legendary Hens Egg, a priceless diamond believed, according to myth, to be the lost jewel of the Vijayanagar dynasty. Games View All Through their shared past, the film offers one of its most poignant moments: a glimpse into Kakababus younger days and the tragic incident in Afghanistan that cost him one of his legs. Veteran actor Chiranjeet Chakrabortys Professor Sharma is understated yet deeply effective, much like salt in a well-cooked dish, elevating every scene he inhabits. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A still from Vijaynagarer Hirey Immaculate in its visual design, Vijayanagarer Hirey strikes a careful balance between information and immersion. The camera moves through the ruins of Hampi and along the banks of the Tungabhadra with reverence and restraint, allowing the landscape to speak without turning it into a visual lecture. History is folded gently into the storytelling, present and evocative, yet never overwhelming, so that the film flows organically, letting the weight of the past enhance the narrative rather than interrupt it. The visuals never reduce the location to postcard imagery; instead, they allow the weight of history to seep into the narrative. The Vijayanagar Empire, once one of the richest and most powerful kingdoms in the world, becomes a silent yet commanding presence. The plot unfolds through riddles, coded clues, and layers of myth tied to the Kavach clan, a secretive lineage sworn to protect the diamond for centuries. Their unwavering devotion is sharply contrasted with the moral corrosion of a few guardians who have strayed from their duty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While some antagonists are predictable, the films focus remains firmly on ideas rather than individuals. This is less a whodunit and more a meditation on cultural inheritance, greed, and guardianship. The run up to the climax keeps on the edge and leaves you awestruck. Music composer Indraadip Dasgupta, a constant in the Kakababu universe, once again elevates the film. His score blends seamlessly with the narrative, featuring vocals by Rupam Islam, Durnibar, Shaan, and others. The music underscores both the thrill of discovery and the quiet melancholy of lost civilisations. A still from Vijaynagarer Hirey Director Chandrasish Ray steps into big shoes but does so with confidence. While Srijit Mukherji laid the foundation of the cinematic Kakababu, blending intelligence, adventure, and moral clarity, Ray brings a slightly more stylised approach. The pacing remains tight, the narrative focused. Every character, from seasoned performers to supporting roles, is firmly in control. Nothing feels exaggerated or indulgent. Prosenjits Kakababu attains a distinctly larger-than-life stature in this instalment. Stylised action sequences, special effects, and a few overtly heroic dialogues, elements that were sparingly used in earlier films are more pronounced here. Yet rather than diminishing the character, these choices heighten the sense of myth and spectacle. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shontus evolution is particularly noteworthy. No longer just Kakababus young shadow, he emerges as an able partner who is seen participating actively in action and investigation. Aryann Bhowmick brings a maturity to the role that reflects the characters natural growth over the series. Ultimately, Vijayanagarer Hirey stands out as more than just an adventure film. Rooted in Sunil Gangopadhyays literary vision, it uses popular cinema to reintroduce audiences to a forgotten chapter of Indian history. In choosing Hampi and the Vijayanagar legacy as its narrative core, the film reminds us that history is not inert, it lives on through those willing to protect it. For the Kakababu franchise, this inward journey feels not just timely, but necessary. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 WATCH the trailer of Vijaynagarer Hirey here: Ahead of the 77th Republic Day, the Presidents Bodyguard is training over 70 horses for their most defining duty in the calendar year. With rare access inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Firstpost reveals the intense training, equine science, and traditions behind the flawless 90 minutes India witnesses on Kartavya Path Col Amit Berwal, Commandant of the PBG (left) along with Lt Col Angad Singh Thind, Second-in-Command of the PBG (right) can be seen at the forefront of the contingent as they halt and await the President to deboard her buggy at the centrestage on Kartavya Path, during a Republic Day parade rehearsal, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firstpost The winter sun hasnt quite cleared the smog over Raisina Hill, but the rhythmic, metallic clack-clack-clack of hooves acts as a morning wake-up call for the national capital. Mere days remain before showtime. While the rest of Delhi is just stirring, the Presidents Bodyguard (PBG) is already deep into its final rehearsals for the 77th Republic Day. At the helm of this magnificent silver-and-scarlet spectacle is Colonel Amit Berwal, the Commandant of the PBG. In his third year with the regiment, this also marks his third Republic Day parade a milestone that carries the weight of 253 years of history. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Firstposts Anmol Singla was granted rare, exclusive access to the PBGs inner sanctum as they transitioned from the red Badarpur sand of the Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt to the unforgiving concrete of Kartavya Path. In this special report, we look into the sheer physical toll that goes behind-the-scenes as Berwal details the Herculean efforts to ready nearly 70 horses and their riders for an event where perfection is non-negotiable. The horses that lead the Presidents buggy can be seen warming up ahead of a Republic Day parade rehearsal, at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost Firstpost has previously given its readers rare access to the PBGs stables at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in an exclusive feature published in November. Behind-the-scenes with the PBG at a Republic Day rehearsal The PBG has close to a 100 horses. For Republic Day, 70-plus are involved in various roles to participate. Usually, you will see about 60 odd horses escorting the President, Berwal tells Firstpost. Why horses need special preparation Ceremonial parades demand the opposite of a horses natural world. Berwal contrasts them sharply with equestrian sports. The soldiers of the PBG astride their horses arrive at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, ahead of a Republic Day parade rehearsal, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost In show jumping, a horse warms up for 15 minutes, then jumps for 90 seconds max. Tent pegging? 6-7 seconds per run, four runs totalling 24 seconds of stress. Polo limits a horse to one 7.5-minute chukker after a 10-minute warmup. Eventing spreads efforts over days in soft, controlled arenas with referees ensuring safety. Parades flip this script. Major Risaldar Niranjan Ohlyan can be seen inspecting the turnout of the PBG soldiers, ahead of a Republic Day parade rehearsal, at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost Here, horses and riders must remain calm, poised, and immobile by design sometimes standing still for long periods before and after movement, and almost always performing on hard, unnatural surfaces like tarmac and tiles. We will have our Badarpur red sand in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. But on Kartavya Path, its tarmac and tiles. The surface is totally divorced from what a horse likes to work on. That has issues in terms of stress, safety, slipperiness, traction and slope, he says. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lt Col Angad Singh Thind, Second-in-Command of the PBG, can be seen astride Sultan (a 16-year-old veteran horse of the PBG who is preparing for his 7th R-day parade and 3rd as a charger), ahead of a Republic Day parade rehearsal, at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost Kartavya Path, slopes between the North and South Blocks, and Vijay Chowk itself are not flat; descent can cause a horse to slip if not properly acclimated. Even extending into rehearsals for the Beating Retreat and Parliament opening ceremonies, which have their own surface challenges like cobblestones. Major Risaldar Niranjan Ohlyan (right), astride PBG horse Vardaan, reports the turnout to Lt Col Angad Singh Thind, Second-in-Command of the PBG, at a Republic Day parade rehearsal, at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost To mimic that latter surface, the PBG has constructed practice tracks within its own grounds a testament to the regiments forward-thinking approach to training. Special nailed shoes with iron dots enhance traction as experiments continue for slopes and speed breakers. So, now the horse must be trained to negotiate this kind of surface, stay still or calm in an environment which appears to be completely non-friendly to him, explains Berwal. Lt Col Angad Singh Thind, Second-in-Command of the PBG (left), reports the turnout and hands over the command to Col Amit Berwal, Commandant of the PBG, at a Republic Day parade rehearsal, at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost How horses are trained for the noise' What sets the PBG apart from other ceremonial units is how closely its rehearsals emulate actual parade conditions. Acting Lance Dafadar Amit Singh Rajawat of the PBG poses for Firstpost with Vijay, a PBG horse who will be making his debut on R-day, ahead of a Republic Day parade rehearsal, at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost This includes simulating noise, crowd reaction, music, and rhythmic stresses. Loud music like the sounds that will blare through Kartavya Path on Republic Day is played near stables both in the mornings and evenings during rehearsals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Drummers walk past the stables to accustom horses to sudden rhythmic patterns, and horses are walked repeatedly through these conditioned soundscapes. The Nishaan Toli, carrying the two Nishaans of the PBG, arrive on horseback, comprising Risaldar Rajender Singh astride PBG horse Gurjeet; Major Harsh Vardhan Udawat astride PBG horse Vijay; Risaldar Om Parkash astride PBG horse Arihant; Risaldar Hirdesh Kumar astride PBG horse Aryan; and Risaldar Gurpreet Singh astride PBG horse Avro, at a Republic Day parade rehearsal, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost Horses are inherently flight animals and riding them in such hostile-seeming conditions is counter-intuitive. Yet, through patient exposure, trust-building, and controlled rehearsals, they learn to cope. You need to make friends with the horse, Berwal stresses. The soldiers of the PBG astride their horses arrive at the centrestage of the Kartavya Path, during a Republic Day parade rehearsal, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost In a very soft manner we introduce him to these disturbances, and sort of make him realise that its okay, its safe, youre safe with me, and together both of us are safe. This is not a cursory training regimen. It is 40-45 days of discipline, starting mid-December and continuing up to and beyond January 26. The Presidents buggy, led by the PBG and their horses, arrives at the centrestage of the Kartavya Path, during a Republic Day parade rehearsal, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost Rehearsals build gradually. Horses start lightly mounted with minimal bits, progressing to full ceremonial gear by January 15-20. In the beginning, we dont mount all the ceremonial gear on the horse at once. Initially, we mount as light as possible with the lightest bits. Once the horse gets used to the duration and surface, then we start adding the ceremonial weapons and eventually full ceremonial uniforms, Berwal explains. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The soldiers of the PBG, led by Col Amit Berwal, Commandant of the PBG (centre), prepare to take a turn at Maan Singh Road, after having escorted the President to the centrestage at Kartavya Path. They will head now to a special temporary barrack off Janpath Road to await and prepare for their next contact with the President, during a Republic Day parade rehearsal, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost This gradual layering is pivotal because ceremonial tack including ornate uniforms, decorative bits and additional weight alters a horses movement and balance. What to do if a horse spooks on parade at Republic Day Rehearsals cant cover every chaos fighter jets thundering low, 21-gun salutes, and sudden crowd surges so there is a chance a horse may still get uneasy. The soldiers and horses of the PBG can be seen taking a break and awaiting their next contact with the President, at a special temporary barrack off Janpath Road, during a Republic Day parade rehearsal, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost The environment is dynamic, there are people moving, shouting and clapping. There are security personnel with various kinds of devices, weapons, and there are different types of flags, and there are different types of paraphernalia, reflects Berwal. So, the horse is not used to all this, and it spooks him, he feels for his safety. The soldiers and horses of the PBG can be seen taking a break and awaiting their next contact with the President, at a special temporary barrack off Janpath Road, during a Republic Day parade rehearsal, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost Riders are trained for this possibility: not to pull back or tighten reins, but to release pressure and allow the horse to calm itself comfortably. Berwal outlines this clearly. An average rider or even a sportsman, when a horse misbehaves, takes rein, pulls the horse. Our riders are trained to release the rein. Release pressure on the jaws and the mouth of the horse so that he has enough leeway to move his neck, de-stress and calm down. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How a PBG trooper is defined through his horse The rider-horse duo is symbiotic. One flank of the PBG soldiers astride their horses with Risaldar Vinod Kumar on PBG horse Viking at the helm, can be seen ready to go for their next contact with the President, at a special temporary barrack off Janpath Road, during a Republic Day parade rehearsal, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost First you have to learn to respect the horse. You have to respect the power of the horse At the end of the day it is the horse permitting you to ride him, Berwal states explicitly. And it is us riders who need to tap into that power, seek permission and ride along with the horse and not on the horse. Two white/grey PBG horses named Alexander (left) and Ace can be seen in the centre, astride which are PBG trumpeters Dafadar Manjeet Dagar and Acting Lance Dafadar Deepender Singh, towards the end of a Republic Day parade rehearsal, at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost This years contingent includes debutante horses first-timers stepping into the parades chaos alongside veterans whose grooming makes them gleam. You would notice that when the Bodyguard [PBG] horses are on display, they outshine any other horse which you would have seen, Berwal says proudly. In ceremonial terms, horses are more than mounts they are ambassadors of discipline and heritage. Their grooming from the shine of their coats to the condition of their hooves is subject to daily, fastidious attention. Col Amit Berwal, Commandant of the PBG, astride PBG horse Glorious, can be seen as the PBG escorts the President back to her residence after a rehearsal of the Republic Day parade, at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost Our animal husbandry practices are such that we invest a lot in the health of the horse, personally. The riders are very close to the horse, reveals Berwal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Daily checks are ritualistic. Evenings involve trotting to detect limps, with riders personally involved in grooming for hoof condition, skin shine, and gait. Between escorts, PBG uses staging areas near Janpath crossing temporary stables behind grandstands for refreshments, injury checks, and prep. Col Amit Berwal, Commandant of the PBG, can be seen (right) calming Glorious as he attempts to make the horse acclimated to the protocol for when the President reaches her residence after the Republic Day parade, at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost As the rehearsal concluded, the sun finally broke through the Delhi mist, glinting off the brass of the trumpets and the steel of the lances. The PBG turns back toward the North Block, ascending the slope they had just spent hours mastering. For us, it is a matter of pride to serve the honourable President. We cannot accept even one error, one flaw on the parade. We strive for a sort of forever excellence. That is how the Bodyguard operates, Berwal concludes with a tone of finality. The Presidents buggy is brought back to her residence, led by the PBG on horseback, Naib Risaldar Jiternder astride PBG horse Long Stride; Sawar Manoj Dedu astride PBG horse Paras; Sawar Lokendra Singh astride PBG horse Eicher; and Acting Lance Dafadar Gurshivtajdeep Singh on PBG horse Partap, towards the end of a Republic Day parade rehearsal, at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firspost Firstposts glimpse reveals a world of sweat-soaked tunics, midnight stable checks, and unbreakable wills. On Monday, when the President descends from her residence, escorted by 60 of these magnificent beasts, the world will see a display of unwavering focus. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But for the men of the PBG, the real victory was won here, in the cold January mornings, through the quiet bond between a rider and a horse that trusts him enough to walk through fire or at least, through the cacophony of Kartavya Path on Indias Republic Day. This Republic Day, European leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa are Indias chief guests. Their visit gains more importance as India is expected to finalise negotiations on the trade agreement with the bloc. Our weekly roundup talks about the FTA and more European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is expected that the EU and India will finalise negotiations on the free trade agreement on January 27. File image/Reuters On Monday (January 26), India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day. Like every year, there will be a grand military parade. This is the first R-Day since Operation Sindoor, Indias strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the aftermath of last Aprils Pahalgham attack. As India showcases its military might it is for the first time that the public will witness military assets in the sequence they would appear during actual combat. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The other showstoppers will be European Union leaders, the chief guests at the parade. Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, will be in India for a three-day visit, starting today (January 25). After the R-Day celebrations, the leaders will be back to business. India and the European Union are set to conclude negotiations in the crucial free trade agreement that the two sides have been working on for nearly two decades now. This comes in the backdrop of Donald Trumps trade policy pressures. Meanwhile, India-US ties have been a seesaw. Donald Trump has unveiled the Board of Peace, before which he had invited India to join. However, New Delhi has stayed away from it, fearing that this committee would interfere in conflicts beyond Gaza. Like the rest of the world, shaken by Americas many flip-flops, India is looking at strengthening ties with other allies. One of them is the UAE. Earlier this week, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a sudden visit to Delhi for only three hours. During this, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who went to the airport to welcome the leader. The visit that comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia created quite a buzz in geopolitical circles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As far as domestic politics goes, the BJP got its youngest president in Nitin Nabin. The 45-year-old assumed charge on Tuesday (January 20) in a swearing-in ceremony attended by PM Narendra Modi and other senior leaders. The Bihar leaders appointment highlights a generational shift in the party. In a heartbreaking story from India, Yuvraj Mehta, a 27-year-old techie, died after his car fell into a ditch. He was standing on his vehicle and calling for help for nearly two hours. And while police and firefighters reached the scene, none rescued him. We talk about all this and more in our weekly wrap. 1. With Trump and his tariffs, its been an unpredictable year for trade. While the India-US trade deal remains in limbo, New Delhi has made progress in its ties with other allies. India and the European Union are all set to conclude negotiations for the landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Tuesday (January 27). This comes a day after Republic Day (January 26), where European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are invited as chief guests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At the recently concluded World Economic Forum in Davos, von der Leyen spoke about the agreement that some call the mother of all deals. Heres why this pact is historic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the latters arrival, in New Delhi. PTI 2. It was a short but important visit. United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was in India for about three hours. He landed in New Delhi, where PM Narendra Modi welcomed him. They carpooled and then held talks at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Monday (January 19). The two leaders agreed on a range of bilateral agreements and outcomes, from defence to space and LNG. We decode this surprise visit that came at a time of rising tensions in West Asia. US President Donald Trump is all smiles as he takes part in the unveiling of the Board of Peace initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts, alongside the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland. Reuters 3. US President Donald Trump unveiled his Board of Peace. However, India stayed away from the ceremony at Davos. New Delhi has received an invitation to join this committee, which was originally conceived to oversee the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, reduced to rubble by Israels war. But now the body is seeking to resolve global conflict. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heres why India has not joined this board yet. The soldiers of the PBG astride their horses arrive at the centre stage of the Kartavya Path during a Republic Day parade rehearsal in New Delhi, January 21, 2026. Anmol Singla/Firstpost 4. Ahead of Indias 77th Republic Day, Firstpost gets rare exclusive access to Rashtrapati Bhavan to first-hand witness a rehearsal of the Presidents Bodyguard (PBG), the Indian Armys most senior regiment. Through an in-depth interview with its Commandant, Colonel Amit Berwal, this explainer reveals how elite riders and nearly 100 horses undergo 40-45 days of rigorous preparation to escort the President on Kartavya Path. From training on hard tarmac and slopes to noise conditioning for gun salutes, fly-pasts and cheering crowds, the feature details the intense discipline, skill and humane horse care that underpin one of Republic Days most iconic ceremonial moments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with newly elected BJP president Nitin Nabin and his family members at the party headquarters in New Delhi. PTI 5. PM Narendra Modi has a new boss. He is 45 and has been picked as the BJPs youngest president. Nitin Nabin, whom Modi refers to as a millennial, took over from JP Nadda, who held the position since January 2020. Nabin, a product of the partys youth wing, entered electoral politics in 2006 by winning a by-election from Patna West. The five-time MLA now represents the Bankipur constituency. Heres how he rose through the ranks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 6. Noida gave us the most heart-wrenching story of the week the death of a young engineer. Yuvraj Metha, 27, was returning home from work when his car fell into a water-filled pit dug for a commercial site. He called his father, who immediately informed the authorities. Police and the fire brigade rushed to the spot, but no one entered the pitch to help the man. He called for help for two hours and then drowned. But could his death have been avoided? 7. Ahead of the February 1 Union Budget, the focus is on taxes and household incomes. In India, while several homes run with shared incomes of spouses, they file their taxes separately. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has proposed a novel idea an optional joint tax filing for married couples. It is a practice followed in the US and Germany. Under the proposed framework, the households combined income would be assessed under a distinct tax slab system. This could lower the tax liability for families where one spouse earns significantly more than the other. How helpful would this be? We explain. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thats our recommendation list of stories from India. You can find more such explainers here. Have a good weekend and happy Republic Day. The White House has posted an AI-generated image depicting US President Donald Trump walking toward a range of snowy peaks while holding a penguins flipper. Trumps meme on Danish territory has drawn swift backlash and mockery. But what does it mean? At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, the United States President Donald Trump said that he would not use force to control the island. He even walked back on tariff threats to European nations. So, now the US administration has resorted to a new weapon: memes. The White House official X account shared an AI-generated image of Trump along with a penguin, as it tapped into the nihilist penguin meme trend. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The cryptic post on Greenland assured one thing: the presidents fixation on the territory continues. However, not enough to get the facts right. The White House and Trump are being viciously trolled on the Penguin post? Here is why. Trumps cryptic penguin post on Greenland The White House on Saturday (January 24) put out an AI-generated image depicting US President Donald Trump walking toward a range of snowy peaks while holding a penguins flipper. The picture shows that the penguin is carrying the US flag, while the surrounding mountains are emblazoned with the Greenland flag. The caption of the White House post reads: Embrace The Penguin. Embrace the penguin. pic.twitter.com/kKlzwd3Rx7 The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 23, 2026 The Nilhist or lonely Penguin trend A clip of a penguin trudging away from its colony and heading toward the distant mountains has taken social media by storm in 2026. Millions shared it online, with the internet calling it the nilhist penguin, lonely penguin, or wandering penguin. The trend originates from German filmmaker Werner Herzogs 2007 documentary Encounters at the End of the World. The short video shows a lone Adelie penguin leaving its usual coastal route and heading towards the Antarctic, some 70 km inland. While most penguins stay near the sea and their colonies, this individual marches alone across the ice, a behaviour considered unusual for its species. There is a scientific explanation for this pattern, such as disorientation. Young or inexperienced birds may stray from familiar routes. An illness or injury could also alter normal patterns. Another explanation could be exploration or dispersal. Some birds sometimes test new territory, especially younger ones. The case of the lone Adelie penguin has been intriguing. In the documentary, Herzog is interviewing marine ecologist Dr David Ainley, who explains that even if they caught the penguin and brought him back to the colony, he would rush right back to the mountains. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Well, Ive never seen a penguin bashing its head against a rock. They do get disoriented, said Dr Ainley, according to a Moneycontrol report. According to scientists, wandering penguins do not signal a crisis, and they saw this short clip as scientifically interesting; an instance of individual behavioural variation, the outlet reported. However, as the clip circulated, the penguin became a social media meme. The internet interpreted it as someone who is rebellious or having an existential crisis, with many relating to this lone individual. No penguins in Greenland The White House decided to tap into the trend. However, the embrace the penguin post received massive criticism online. Many pointed to the big, obvious error. There are no penguins at the Arctic North Pole. X account Patriot Takes writes, There are no penguins in Greenland. All Penguins live in the southern hemisphere except one species from the Galapagos Islands. Perhaps you shouldnt have dismantled the Department of Education so quickly. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There are no penguins in Greenland. All Penguins live in the southern hemisphere except one species from the Galapagos Islands. Perhaps you shouldnt have dismantled the Department of Education so quickly. https://t.co/aDroJeLycP PatriotTakes (@patriottakes) January 23, 2026 The Guardian Journalist, Pippa Crerar, said, You dont get penguins in the Arctic. You dont get penguins in the Arctic https://t.co/sGQyYMoEHB Pippa Crerar (@PippaCrerar) January 23, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Former Canadian Minister of Defence and Premier of Alberta, Jason Kenney, also reacted to the post: In the same week as his humiliating climb down on Greenland, he confused Iceland and Greenland multiple times, and now his staff is confusing Antarctica with Greenland (penguins inhabit the former, not the latter.) The most powerful nation on Earth is being run like a clown show. In the same week as his humiliating climb down on Greenland, he confused Iceland and Greenland multiple times, and now his staff is confusing Antarctica with Greenland (penguins inhabit the former, not the latter.) The most powerful nation on Earth being run like a clown show. https://t.co/CtKyuY1z3T Jason Kenney (@jkenney) January 23, 2026 Reacting to the post, Anders Aslund, a Swedish economist, even called the US President an idiot on X. Trump wants to reconfirm once again that he is a complete idiot. Greenland harbours no penguins & Trump has no right to either Greenland or penguins. Is this really the white House? Then the White House is an ignorant joke. Trump wants to reconfirm once again that he is a complete idiot. Greenland harbors no penguins & Trump has no right to either Greenland or penguins. Is this really the white House? Then the White House is an ignorant joke. https://t.co/H57mfOnGUv Anders Aslund (@anders_aslund) January 23, 2026 That was not the only mistake. Others pointed to the penguins footprints, which were identical to the presidents. A different user commented, And they certainly dont have man-size footprints or stride. Its just so embarrassing that they put this out. And they certainly don't have man-size footprints or stride. It's just so embarrassing that they put this out Sue Keogh (@sookio) January 23, 2026 Larry the Cat, a Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office with 875,000 followers, also weighed in: Cat check: Penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere. The Trump administrations use of AI images The penguin post is not the first time the US administration has used to send out a message on Greenland. On Tuesday (January 20), his post on Truth Social displayed an extended US map that included Greenland, Canada, and Venezuela. The image appeared to be a digitally edited version of a real photograph captured during his meeting with European leaders in August 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The fake image shared by Donald Trump shows Canada, Greenland and Venezuela as US territories. Image courtesy: @realDonaldTrump/truthsocial.com/ A few days ago, the US president put out an AI image of himself, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which showed that Trump was holding the American flag, next to the board that reads: Greenland - US territory est. 2026. With inputs from agencies Hundreds of dogs have been killed in villages across Telangana over the past few weeks. Cases have been registered against sarpanches, who allegedly ordered the killings as part of their poll promises to get rid of strays Mass killings of stray dogs have been reported from across Telangana. The animals were said to be poisoned because village administrations had promised to do away with the stray dog menace during the recently held panchayat elections. Representational picture/Reuters Mass dog killings have rocked the state of Telangana. Authorities have launched an investigation after more than a hundred stray dogs have been killed in at least six villages in the past few weeks. According to police, at least 354 killings have been confirmed so far, and nine people have been arrested in connection with some of the cases, reported the BBC. However, some reports say that the number of canines killed across the state is nearly 900. There have been mass killings reported from Kamareddy, Jagtial, Hanumakonda and Ranga Reddy districts of the state. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The latest incident was reported on Thursday (January 22) from Pegadapally village in Jagtial district, nearly 200 kilometres from Hyderabad. The killings came to light after nearly 300 dog carcasses were found. Animal rights activists and local villagers confirmed that the dogs were either poisoned or given injections. But why have mass killings of stray dogs been orchestrated in Telangana? We take a closer look. Why have there been mass killings of dogs in Telangana? Mass killings of stray dogs have been reported across Telangana. The latest incident has come to light after about 300 carcasses were found buried in a pit in Pegadapally village in Jagtial district. The killings were allegedly ordered by the sarpanch and the secretary, who promised to do away with the stray dog menace if they won the panchayat elections, which were held in December 2025. Telangana police have lodged an FIR against the village sarpanch and the gram panchayat secretary under Sections 325 read with 3(5) of the BNS, and Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, reports The Indian Express. The action was taken after a complaint was filed by Preethi Mudavath from the Stray Animal Foundation of India. Section 11(1)(a) deals with the killing and poisoning of animals by multiple persons. However, a Jagtial police officer was quoted as saying by The Indian Express, We have recovered a good number of dog carcasses. We have not ascertained who poisoned them. Mudavath visited the village on Friday (January 23) and approached the police after she found the carcasses near the boundary limit. Villagers told her that two women had administered lethal injections to the dogs, according to a report in The Times of India (ToI). According to the complaint, when they first saw the pit, it was half full. But by evening, 75 per cent was filled with bodies of dogs. Later, the bodies were transported with the help of gram panchayat workers in tractors and buried in a pit about two km from the village, the activist told TOI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A similar incident was also reported from the Yacharam village in Ranga Reddy district earlier in the week. Mudavath alleged that the Yacharam village sarpanch, a ward member, the village secretary and others conspired to poison the dogs, reported NDTV. She filed a complaint, with locals confirming that dogs died after receiving the injections. Hundreds were reportedly targeted here as well. According to villagers, the culling of dogs in Yacharam was also linked to promises made by candidates during the gram panchayat elections. Hundreds of dogs were poisoned in villages in Telangana, claim locals and animal activists. Representational image Based on Mudavaths complaint, Rachakonda police registered an FIR against the village sarpanch and two others under relevant sections of the BNS and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, according to a media report. Mudavath also alleged in her complaint that in a phone call, a ward member stated the dogs had been relocated, but in another call, he admitted that the dogs had been given anaesthesia injections, reported NDTV. An official said a probe has been launched, but no arrests have been made yet in Yachram village. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Cases of mass killings have reported from Kamareddy, Jagtial, Hanumakonda and Ranga Reddy districts of Telangana. About 300 dogs were killed by administering lethal injections in Hanumakonda, another 200 carcasses were found in Kamared, 100 in Ranga Reddy and 30 in Jagital earlier, the ToI report says. However, there is no official figure on how many strays have been killed. Telangana state minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka called the killings illegal. Representational picture/Reuters What actions have been taken? Police officials say that killings of dogs in Telangana were spread across three districts and took place between late December and mid-January, BBC reported. Officials also noted that the killings may have taken place over several days in each location. In most cases, FIRs have been registered against newly elected sarpanchs and other representatives who ordered the killings to fulfil their poll promises. While speaking to BBC Telugu, S Anil, a police sub-inspector, said, 244 dogs died and were buried in four locations in Kamareddy district. Government veterinary doctors have conducted post-mortems and sent samples to the lab. He noted that leaders from three villages were found to be involved. The dog culling in Telangana was allegedly aimed towards fulfilling promises made during the gram panchayat elections to tackle the stray dog menace. Representational picture/PTI Hundred and ten dogs were killed in Shayampet and Arepally villages near Telanganas Warangal city. Nine people, including village council heads, have been arrested, Police Sub-Inspector J Parameshwar told the BBC. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As per officials, they are probing allegations that about 40 dogs were killed in Jagtial on December 28 and 30 last year. Now, more killings have been reported from here. While speaking to the Hindu newspaper, Telangana state minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka said, killings were illegal and inhumane. Seethakka assured that those responsible would face stringent action. She also told the media outlet that killing stray dogs in the name of population control cannot be justified under any circumstances, adding that the state government has issued clear instructions to all village councils to ensure such incidents do not happen again. What are the villagers saying Public outrage over stray dog bites has intensified to the extent that certain voices have defended the killings in Telangana. The son of the Arepally village head, Raju, told BBC that merely rabid dogs were killed, as they were diseased, aggressive. Another resident, Vijay, asserted that several villagers backed the decision, citing fears of dog attacks and disease. Telangana recorded nearly 122,000 dog bite cases in 2024, the BBC reported, citing government records With inputs from agencies Chikungunya cases tend to rise during the monsoon season, causing high fever and severe joint pain that may last for months. Firstpost talked to expert to understand the nuances of this viral infection and how patients can navigate the recovery process effectively. As monsoon showers bring relief from the summer heat, they also mark the return of mosquito-borne diseases across many parts of India. Chikungunya, a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes is once again surfacing as a major public health concern during the rainy season. While the illness is rarely fatal, its hallmark symptom debilitating joint pain can linger for weeks or even months, disrupting daily life and mobility. With symptoms often overlapping with dengue and other viral fevers, early recognition, correct treatment and preventive measures are crucial to avoid complications and prolonged recovery. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Firstpost talked to Dr Bikramaditya Deb, Consultant Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital (Patparganj) to know how Chikungunya affects the body, the right treatment approach, warning signs that require hospitalisation and why long-term joint pain is common after the infection. What is Chikungunya and how does it spread? Dr Bikramaditya: Chikungunya is a viral fever spread to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoesspecifically the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus varieties. These mosquitoes usually bite during the day. During the rainy season, they breed in small amounts of stagnant water found in flower pots, coolers, and discarded tires, which leads to sudden outbreaks in the community. What are the early symptoms and when do they appear? Dr Bikramaditya: Symptoms usually show up 3 to 7 days after being bitten. The most common signs are: *A sudden, very high fever. *Intense joint pain (often in the hands, feet, and knees) that can be quite disabling. *Headaches, muscle aches, and a red skin rash that usually appears a few days into the fever. How is it diagnosed and how is it different from dengue? Dr Bikramaditya: A doctor confirms the diagnosis through a blood test. It is very easy to confuse Chikungunya with Dengue or a common viral fever because the symptoms are similar. While both cause high fever, Chikungunya is known for causing much more severe joint swelling and pain. Unlike Dengue, it rarely causes dangerous internal bleeding or a life-threatening drop in platelet counts. Who is most at risk of getting seriously ill? Dr Bikramaditya: Most people recover well but we must take extra care of: Senior citizens (65+): They are more likely to have long-term joint issues. Newborn babies: Especially if the mother had the fever during delivery. People with existing health issues: Those with diabetes, heart disease, or kidney problems should be monitored closely. What is the standard treatment and which medicines should be avoided? Dr Bikramaditya: There is no magic pill or antibiotic to kill the virus; your body must fight it off naturally. What to do: Get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids (water, coconut water, or ORS), and take Paracetamol for the fever and pain. What to avoid: Do not take Aspirin or common painkillers like Ibuprofen or Diclofenac during the first few days. If your illness turns out to be Dengue instead of Chikungunya, these medicines can cause dangerous bleeding. Always ask a doctor before taking any painkiller. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How common is long-term joint pain and how is it managed? Dr Bikramaditya: It is very common. About 30% to 40% of patients continue to feel joint pain for weeks or even months after the fever is gone. This is best managed with gentle exercise, physical therapy and specific medicines prescribed by your doctor once the initial infection has passed. Can it lead to serious complications? Serious complications are rare but can happen. In some cases, the virus can affect the eyes, heart, or brain. Patients who already have weak immune systems or other chronic diseases need to be extra cautious and stay in touch with their doctor. When should a patient go to the hospital? Dr Bikramaditya: Most people can recover at home, but seek hospital care immediately if you notice: *The patient cannot stop vomiting or keep fluids down. *Confusion, extreme sleepiness, or fainting. *A sudden decrease in how much the patient urinates. *A fever that does not come down even after taking paracetamol. How can we prevent infection and is there a vaccine? Dr Bikramaditya: The best way to stay safe is to stop mosquitoes from breeding. Empty any water from containers around your house once a week. Use mosquito nets, wear long-sleeved clothes, and apply mosquito repellent creams on exposed skin. As of early 2026, while some vaccines have been developed globally, there is currently no vaccine available for general public use in India. For now, protecting yourself from mosquito bites is your best defence. The Irish Government is agreed on whether to join Donald Trumps so-called Board of Peace, the deputy premier Simon Harris has said. The Tanaiste said they had concerns about its very peculiar governance structure and the involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee said the Irish Government had asked for clarification on whether the groups remit would focus on Gaza and on the one billion dollar price tag. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board approved by the UN in November had expected to be a small group of figures overseeing the ceasefire in Gaza, but appears to have evolved into a wider organisation. At a signing event held at Davos on Thursday, the US president said the group had the chance to be one of the most consequential bodies ever created, and that he was honoured to be its chairman. Among the invitees to the board are Mr Putin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko. Irish premier Micheal Martin said while they have concerns, Ireland is anxious to contribute to conflict resolution in Gaza, while deputy premier Simon Harris told the Irish Parliament he cannot see any scenario in which Ireland joins the board in its current guise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about whether the two comments indicate a divergence of stances, Mr Harris said the two things are consistent and he and Mr Martin were agreed on the very significant red flags. I cant see any scenario in which Ireland can take (a) place on the Board of Peace, the Tanaiste said at Government Buildings in Dublin. Helen McEntee, right, insisted the Government is at one on the issue (Brian Lawless/PA) (Brian Lawless) A board that President Putin has been invited to? I mean, theres a complete oxymoron, Putin and peace. Secondly, youre paying a billion dollars? We wont be doing that. And thirdly, the idea that youd end up setting up some form of a structure that I think essentially would compete with the United Nations or something is very hard to understand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was reading its charter and its governance structure yesterday, the president of the United States would get to pick his successor, could decide who has to leave the board, who could come on the board. So could you have a situation where somebody would raise a viewpoint and speak up for the values of their country, and youd be kicked off the board? He said Ireland would consider joining a board that would oversee peace in Gaza and consider financially contributing in any manner or means. I just think what weve seen in the last number of days, though, quite frankly and respectfully, has nothing to do with the UN decision (on) 17 November in relation to a comprehensive peace plan for Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms McEntee said earlier on Friday that her party leader Mr Harris and Mr Martin were at one on this issue. We are very clear that the Board of Peace, as it was voted for in the UN Security Council, was to focus solely on Gaza, on the next stages of the peace plan, on rebuilding Gaza, but what has become very clear and apparent is that it has a much wider remit. We have been asking for clarifications on whether or not the remit could focus solely on Gaza, so if that doesnt change, I think the Tanaiste is right. We dont see a way in which we can join this. She said clarification is being sought on a number of issues, including the one billion dollar price tag for joining. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cannot join a structure that essentially will try to mimic or undermine the UN Security Council, she said. We do have to get clarification on a number of things, and one of them being the price tag, I suppose, or the request of financial support that is due to come in after three years of membership. So again, its not clear if the boards main focus is on Gaza, on the reconstruction of Gaza. We would hope that so much progress can be made within those three years, so what happens after that. So the reason that were not saying no to this immediately is, I think we need to get more answers. We need to get more clarification. Donald Trump is preparing the US as a dominant core, not as a constrained leader. His destruction of the old order is not a retreat; it is a clear positioning of American dominance Trump is ensuring that when the final multipolar system solidifies, the United States will firmly control the Western sphere rather than merely belong to it. Image: AP/Evan Vucci When Donald Trump returned to the political centre of the global attention as the 47th US president, many observers framed his worldview as erratic, isolationist, or impulsive. Yet this interpretation misses something fundamental. Trumps foreign policy, both in his first term and in the worldview he continues to articulate during this term, is not a random destruction of the world order. It is an attempt to replace a failing system with a new one, one in which American dominance is no longer hidden behind rules, institutions, or moral language but is asserted openly through leverage, coercion, and civilisational control. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Seen through the lens of Samuel P Huntingtons The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, Trumps strategy looks less like chaos and more like a late, blunt execution of a theory that predicted the collapse of liberal multilateralism three decades ago. Huntington had then argued that the post-Cold War order would not be governed by universal norms, global institutions, or shared values. Instead, he wrote, the world would reorganise around civilisational blocs led by core states, with power exercised not through institutions but through bargaining, pressure, and dominance. Trumps America is now acting as though this transition has already occurred and that the United States must move first to secure its position as the core state of Western civilisation before others do the same. The End of the Illusion of Universalism At the heart of Trumps worldview lies a rejection of what Huntington called the universalist illusion of the West. After the Cold War, the United States and its allies believed liberal democracy, free trade, and multilateral institutions represented the natural endpoint of history. International bodies like the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the International Criminal Court were treated not merely as tools, but as moral authorities meant to transcend power politics. Huntington warned this belief would not survive contact with reality. The West, he wrote, is no longer the universal civilisation. It is one civilisation among many. Trumps foreign policy begins precisely from this assumption. He does not see the UN as a neutral platform. He does not see Nato as a sacred alliance. He does not see trade as a cooperative project. He sees all of them as mechanisms through which American power stands diluted, restrained, or moralised away. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is why Trumps first instinct was always to weaken the institutions rather than reform them. He treated the Paris Climate Accord not as a global necessity but as a mechanism through which European states constrained the American industry. He treated the WTO not as a guardian of fair trade but as a legal structure that limited the US leverage. He treated Nato not as collective defence but as a system where America footed the bill while others gained autonomy. His utter disregard and the subsequent weakening of these institutions are not isolated decisions but are systemic rejections of a postwar order that Trump believes no longer serves American dominance. Huntingtons Core State and Trumps America In Huntingtons framework, civilisations survive and project power through core states, with the dominant nations that define identity, set norms, and impose order within their civilisational sphere. Without a strong core state, civilisations fragment, drift, and become vulnerable to rivals. A world in which core states play a leading or dominating role, Huntington wrote, is a spheres-of-influence world. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps project is fundamentally about restoring the influence of the United States in this role. But unlike previous presidents, he does not hide this ambition behind the universal language. Instead, he embraces open hierarchy. As per his assertion, the US allies are not equals; they are part of Americas sphere. And those who drift must be corrected. This logic explains Trumps hostility toward Europe. After the Cold War, Europe gradually moved away from American strategic dependence. It built its own regulatory systems, climate policies, digital sovereignty laws, and diplomatic frameworks. In Huntingtons terms, Europe was becoming a semi-autonomous civilisational actor, that no longer fully aligned with the American core. Trump is responding not with a carrot of diplomacy but with a stick of discipline. It is in this context that his open declaration to grab Greenland from Denmark, an EU and Nato ally, draws a clear picture. Trade Tariffs as Civilisational Weapons Trumps use of trade tariffs is often misunderstood as economic nationalism. In reality, tariffs for him function as civilisational enforcement tools. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When Trump imposed steel and aluminium tariffs on European states, it was not about trade deficits alone. It was about signalling that the economic access to the American market was conditional on political alignment. When he threatened German automakers, it was not about cars; it was about punishing Berlins strategic independence, energy ties with Russia, and refusal to follow Washingtons lead. The same logic applied to the United Kingdom. Trump supported Brexit not because he cared about British sovereignty, but because Brexit weakened Europe as a competing civilisational pole and forced the UK back into a bilateral dependency relationship with Washington. The preference for bilateral trade deals over multilateral frameworks was not about isolationism; it was about the control through direct leverage, exactly the kind of power politics Huntington predicted would replace institutional governance. In a civilisational world, Huntington argued, economics becomes a tool of alignment, not efficiency. Trumps tariffs were signals that loyalty brings access, but on the other hand, independence brings punishment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Deliberate Collapse of the Old Order Trumps critics often describe him as a wrecking ball. But wrecking balls are used intentionally to clear space for new structures. Huntingtons theory makes clear that the old liberal order could not coexist with a civilisational system of power. It had to be weakened first. International institutions, Huntington wrote, are the reflection of the distribution of power in the world. Trump understands this instinctively. As long as the institutions remained strong, American dominance would be constrained by consensus, procedure, and law. By weakening them, Trump is aiming to recentre the global politics around raw power and bargaining, the terrain where the United States remains unmatched. This is why Trump prefers direct summits over multilateral conferences, personal diplomacy over bureaucratic negotiation, and deals to treaties. It is also why he openly admires leaders who have exercised unchallenged power like Putin and Xi, not because he shares their values, but because he recognises their civilisational clarity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gaza and the Death of the UN-Centred Conflict Order Nowhere is this shift more visible than in Trumps approach to Gaza and the broader Middle East. His proposal to create a Board of Peace for Gaza, bypassing the United Nations entirely, is not just a diplomatic disruption. It is a declaration that the UN is no longer relevant as a conflict arbiter. In the post-World War II order, legitimacy flowed through international law and multilateral consensus. Trump rejects this model entirely. In his view, legitimacy flows from power and enforcement, and not from procedure. Huntington predicted exactly this erosion of global legitimacy: The authority of international institutions depends on the power of the states that support them. As that power fragments, institutions lose relevance. Trumps Gaza initiative reflects a world where the US no longer seeks permission to mediate conflict, but it asserts its right to decide outcomes. This envisioned Board of Peace is not merely about Gaza. It is about establishing a precedent where the future conflicts will be managed by core states within their spheres and not by universal institutions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Return of Civilisational Bargaining Huntingtons most overlooked insight was that the post-Cold War world would not be unipolar or bipolar but multipolar and multicivilisational, managed through negotiation between core states. The relatively simple bipolarity of the Cold War, he wrote, is giving way to the much more complex relationships of a multipolar, multicivilisational world. Trump is preparing America for that world by ensuring it enters as a dominant core, not as a constrained leader. His destruction of the old order is not a retreat; it is a clear positioning of American dominance. By weakening Europes autonomy, disciplining allies, undermining institutions, and restoring leverage-based diplomacy, Trump is ensuring that when the final multipolar system solidifies, the United States will firmly control the Western sphere rather than merely belong to it. A New World Order Without Illusions Trumps doctrine can be summarised simply with the punchline that power must be visible to be effective. For him moral language obscures power, institutions restrain it and consensus weakens it. Trump wants to remove these constraints not because he hates order, but because he is building a different kind of order, one closer to Huntingtons world than to Woodrow Wilsons or Francis Fukuyamas. In this system emerging under Trump, institutions will survive only to the extent that they serve the interests of dominant powers rather than restrain them, and their authority is no longer derived from moral consensus but from the strength of the states that stand behind them. Alliances, once framed as enduring partnerships rooted in shared values, become conditional arrangements maintained only as long as they deliver tangible strategic or economic returns to the core state. Trade ceases to be a mechanism of mutual prosperity and instead becomes an instrument of pressure, calibrated to reward compliance and punish defiance. Peace itself is no longer negotiated through neutral forums or international law but imposed through power, leverage, and the credible threat of escalation. In such a system, legitimacy no longer flows from rules, procedures, or global approval; it flows from dominance, from the capacity of a core state to enforce outcomes and shape reality in its own image. Viewed through this prism, it is fair to say that this is not the end of the world order. It is the end of the liberal illusion that power could be hidden behind rules and equal fairness. Conclusion: When Theory Becomes Policy What Samuel Huntington wrote in The Clash of Civilisations as a warning, Trump has turned into a practice manual and a perceived reality. By dismantling the old multilateral architecture, disciplining allies through economic pressure, and asserting American dominance in conflict resolution, Trump is accelerating the transition for the US to a civilisational order where core states rule their spheres and negotiate the boundaries between them. Whether this perceived world will be a more stable or more violent one remains an open question. But one thing is certain: Trump is replacing the system that his predecessors built. And in doing so, he is proving Huntingtons most unsettling prediction correct: that when universalism collapses, power returns naked, and the world is reordered not by ideals, but by those strong enough to impose them. (Raja Muneeb is an independent journalist and columnist. He tweets @rajamuneeb. The views expressed in this article are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.) As an emerging power with global ambitions, India must develop the analytical sophistication and diplomatic flexibility to engage effectively with leaders and systems that dont conform to established patterns What is the least that can be said about US President Donald J. Trump? For there is no end to the most that can be said in this regard. Ranging from the Donroe Doctrine to Tantrumps, not only has Trumpism contributed scores of new words to English vocabulary, but his actions have lent new meanings to the global language of realpolitik and diplomacy. The least that can be said about him is that he has baffled and flummoxed both his admirers and adversaries. This has given him an unfair agenda-setting advantage wherever he goes. Including Davos, where he deftly dialed back his sabre-rattling on Greenland and already announced a deal gaining control on the island before leaving. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But heres the rub. As a famous historian and conservative commentator puts it, most world leaders make the mistake of either not taking President Trump seriously or taking him too literally. Some make the mistake of being even more egregious, if not outrageous, in their bewilderment by calling the US President mad. I would argue that much of the world has misread President Trump much to his benefit. The principal cause are his own statements, off-the-cuff, impromptu, unrehearsed, even outrageous though they may seem. For instance, a good deal of what he puts out on his platform, Truth Social, cannot be taken at face value. But the global press does precisely that, even amplifying how unconventional, undiplomatic, and unreasonable his pronouncements seem. To my mind, President Trump is clearly gaming the international system to the advantage of the US. He does not seem to mind what and how much the people around the world name-call, even abuse him. He seems to revel in being the centre of the worlds attention. In the process, not only are world leaders false-footed, but a number of the tight-knit and exclusive club of experts everywhere, including those who supposedly have a 360-degree view, find themselves in deep waters, gasping for breath. Trump has rendered them ineffectual, even irrelevant. It therefore behooves other world states, especially middle powers such as India, to distinguish the grain from the chaff. Given this reality, what should India do? Indias approach to President Trump requires a fundamental recalibration of its age-old, even sage, diplomatic playbook. The conventional international relations toolkit, built on carefully parsed statements, doublespeak, incremental negotiations, not to speak of cunning and subterfuge, proves inadequate when dealing with a leader who operates through strategic unpredictability. Dismissing Trump as erratic or mentally unstable is not merely uncharitable but dangerously myopic. Such characterisations reveal more about the limitations of conventional diplomatic thinking than about Trumps actual calculus or power. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let us never forget that there is the entire machinery of the US behemoth, including the State Department, the Departments of Defense, Treasury, Commerce, Treasury, even the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and Energy, which are involved in any international exchange or deal the US makes with other countries. But the Trump phenomenon seems to distort this with world attention overly focused on one individual. However powerful, controversial, or colourful he may be, Trump alone does not shape US domestic or foreign policy. What we in India need is to recognise that Trumps communication style is itself a negotiating tactic. His seemingly chaotic pronouncements serve multiple purposes. They not only signal American priorities but also test our mood or resolve. What is more, they create a negotiating room, while dominating media attention. When Trump floats an extreme position, he establishes a psychological anchor that makes subsequent pullbacks appear reasonable. These apparent compromises actually still favour American interests. Indias leadership must understand that what appears as volatility is often calculated pressure designed to extract concessions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India cannot afford to respond emotionally to every provocative statement while missing the underlying strategic game being played. The mistake of literalism is equally perilous. Taking every Trump statement as binding policy leads to analytical paralysis and reactive diplomacy. India must develop the sophistication to read between the lines, understanding that Trumps transactional approach to foreign policy creates opportunities as much as challenges. Similarly, Indias strategic community must recognise that Trumps America First doctrine is not all that different from the ruling regimes own proudly vaunted India first nationalist posture. If anything, ours was articulated much earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi than by US President Trump. In fact, while seemingly isolationist and protectionist, Trumpism reflects a recalibration of American engagement rather than withdrawal. The United States under Trump remains deeply invested in shaping global outcomes but does so by leveraging economic and military power more aggressively and demanding explicit reciprocity. Indias trying to be over smart by over-leveraging its swing-state or balancing power advantage runs the risk of being snubbed or poked by both superpowers, the US and China. This we can ill-afford. The alternative is not to succumb to bullying but enter into consistent and convincing negotiations based on long-standing national self-interest. However, many in the Indian establishment are over-sensitive to neo-colonial bullying at the hands of the US while conveniently forgetting that Chinas salami slicing is perhaps much more brutal, even if couched in lofty platitudes and sweet-sounding deception. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India must also take the personal out of the equation. The pageantry of the Howdy Modi and Namaste Trump are clearly behind us as are the Modi-Xi Mahabalipuram or Gujarat extravaganzas. India must not mistake personal rapport for policy alignment. Grandstanding jumlas may create engaging optics, but substantive negotiations require hard-nosed bargaining and clear articulation of Indian interests. What India must absolutely avoid is the trap of either overreaction or complacency. Overreacting to Trumps rhetoric leads to unnecessary concessions made in haste. Complacency, assuming that strategic convergences on issues like China or terrorism guarantee American support, is equally dangerous. Trumps transactionalism means that past cooperation earns limited goodwill; each interaction is effectively a new negotiation. Ultimately, calling Trump mad is a failure of strategic imagination. It represents an unwillingness to grapple with the uncomfortable reality that international relations are becoming less predictable and more nakedly interest-based. India cannot afford such intellectual laziness. As an emerging power with global ambitions, India must develop the analytical sophistication and diplomatic flexibility to engage effectively with leaders and systems that dont conform to established patterns. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (Makarand R. Paranjape, author and public intellectual, is currently Sri Aurobindo Chair, Vedere University & Director of Education, AHCP LLC. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) Donald Trumps Board of Peace will function more like an imperial court than a multilateral diplomatic body. While Trump said that the board would work in conjunction with the UN, critics view it as a US-led rival to the Security Council US President Donald Trump is all smiles as he takes part in the unveiling of the Board of Peace initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts, alongside the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland. Reuters In a 1995 New York Times opinion piece which he authored, Donald Trump said that his ego plays a major role in his life. The title of the article was What My Ego Wants, My Ego Gets. Trump discussed the role of his ego in his business transactions. There can be no doubt that Trumps ego also plays a big role in shaping his approach and policies as the President of the United States of America. His behaviour is characterised by inflated self-esteem, often projecting himself as superior or better than others. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Board of Peace (BoP), formally launched by President Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, 2026, has been widely characterised by critics as a vanity project and a manifestation of Trumps personal power and ego. While originally endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803 to oversee Gazas post-war reconstruction, the boards new charter has mutated into a broader global governance mechanism that many observers argue is designed to centre around Trump himself. The charter explicitly names Donald Trump as the inaugural chairman, a position he will hold for life or until voluntary resignation, even after he leaves the White House. Trump holds sole power to invite or dismiss member countries, set agendas, issue resolutions, and exercise a tie-breaking veto power over all decisions. Permanent membership on the board requires a $1 billion contribution within the first year. Countries that do not pay are limited to three-year terms subject to the chairmans renewal. The boards executive is dominated by Trumps family members and political allies, including Jared Kushner, Marco Rubio, and Steve Witkoff. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will also be on the board. Trump invited approximately 60 world leaders to join the founding body. The launch has been met with a mix of enthusiastic support from allies and scepticism from others. Leaders from Argentina (Javier Milei), Hungary (Viktor Orban) and Pakistan (Shehbaz Sharif) signed the charter. While Israel, Egypt, Morocco and several Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain have also joined, the inclusion of autocratic leaders has led some to describe it as a club of autocrats. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Major G7 allies, including the UK, France, and Germany, have largely stayed on the sidelines or declined invitations. Russian President Vladimir Putin was invited and is reportedly studying the details. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed receipt of an invitation but expressed difficulty in joining a board alongside Russia. Some leaders, such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, stated that joining such a board would be incompatible with their national constitutions. Trump himself stated that the board might replace the UN because it never helped him. Major Western allies like the UK, France, Norway, and Sweden have declined or raised serious concerns about its compatibility with international law. The Guardian newspaper described it as a privatised UN with one shareholder: the US president. France stated the boards charter contradicts the UN Charter and raises major questions about respect for international governance structures. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, France emphasised that the UN remains the keystone of effective multilateralism and cannot be bypassed or supplanted. Paris criticised the boards charter for extending beyond the sole framework of Gaza, noting it lacked a specific Gaza mandate and appeared to establish a global authority with broad, powers. French officials expressed concern over the boards funding model, which requires member nations to contribute $1 billion in cash to secure permanent membership. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The UK has also officially declined to sign the charter for President Donald Trumps Board of Peace. UK officials are wary that the boards charter does not explicitly mention Palestinian territories and appears to grant Trump sweeping decision-making powers. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the UK will not join due to the invitation extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin. She argued that it is inappropriate to involve Putin in a peace initiative while there is no evidence of his commitment to ending the war in Ukraine. Cooper described the proposal as a legal treaty that raises much broader issues beyond its original focus on Gaza. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasised a common sense pragmatism. While the UK supports the 20-point peace plan for Gaza endorsed by the UN, it remains sceptical of the boards structure and its potential to undermine or replace the United Nations. Germany has officially declined to join Trumps proposed Board of Peace in its current form. Berlin views the board as a counter-draft to the United Nations. German officials were also reportedly surprised by the documents content. Although originally envisioned to manage a Gaza ceasefire, the final charter proposes a permanent international organisation with a mandate to resolve global conflicts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Germany remains committed to a multilateral international order with the UN Charter at its core and believes that the new body undermines existing institutions. The invitation extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin has also unnerved Germany, as it complicates efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader European security. Trumps egoistic behaviour is also characterised by an extreme intolerance for criticism or dissent, and an example of this is how Trump has reacted to Canadas comments on their bilateral relationship. On January 22, 2026, President Donald Trump officially uninvited Canada from his proposed Board of Peace. Trump rescinded the invitation via a post on Truth Social, formally notifying Carney that the board was withdrawing its offer. The withdrawal of the invitation followed a series of public disputes between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The uninviting occurred just hours after Prime Minister Carney hit back at Trumps claim made at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Canada lives because of the United States. Carney responded by stating, Canada doesnt live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During his address in Davos, Trump had complained that Canada should be grateful to the US and specifically warned Carney to remember that the next time he made public statements. Relations between the two leaders have been strained by Trumps recent suggestion that Canada be annexed as the 51st state and ongoing trade disputes involving tariffs. India has not yet joined Trumps Board of Peace, choosing instead a wait and watch approach. While India received an official invitation and has not formally declined, it was notably absent from the signing ceremony held on January 22, 2026, at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Indias decision to remain non-committal is driven by several strategic, legal, and geopolitical concerns. First, New Delhi is wary of the BoPs potential to bypass or weaken the existing United Nations framework. India has historically insisted that international peacekeeping and reconstruction efforts must occur under a UN mandate. The fact that several key partners of the US, including France, Germany, and the UK, have decided not to join has led India to question the boards global legitimacy and whether it will survive beyond the current Trump administration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Second, India seeks to maintain its independent foreign policy, avoiding becoming an instrument of unilateral US initiatives that may have unclear legal standing or decision-making processes. Thus, India would not like to take any action which could erode its strategic autonomy. Third, the board includes Israeli leadership but excludes Palestinian leadership, which conflicts with Indias long-standing support for a negotiated two-state solution and Palestinian self-determination. Moreover, the permanent membership on the board reportedly requires a $1 billion contribution to a reconstruction fund, creating concerns that the initiative is more transactional than humanitarian. Fourth, Pakistan formally joined the BoP at the Davos ceremony. India is cautious about sharing a diplomatic platform with Pakistan, especially given concerns that the boards broad mandate could eventually be expanded by Trump to include the Kashmir dispute. During his debut appearance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on January 22, 2026, Elon Musk mocked President Donald Trumps Board of Peace by using a pun to suggest it was more about territorial acquisition than global harmony. Musk questioned the spelling of the initiative, asking the audience, I heard about the formation of the peace summit and I was like, is that, is that p-i-e-c-e? He followed the pun by joking that the board was actually interested in a little piece of Greenland, a little piece of Venezuela. Musk concluded by laughing and stating, All we want is a piece, directly lampooning Trumps previous high-profile interest in controlling Greenland. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Musk appeared to be cracking a joke, he was exactly right in his comments and his assessment of Trumpism, especially due to developments relating to Venezuela and Greenland. Donald Trumps foreign policy involves both direct military intervention and aggressive economic coercion to secure strategic territory and resources. The US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife has been labelled as an action not of peace but a violation of international law and an act of imperial aggression. Trump explicitly cited the need to control Venezuelas oil infrastructure, to recoup stolen oil money and to benefit US firms. In his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, 2026, Trump stated he wont use force to acquire Greenland, reversing previous threats that had included military action. Thus, the immediate military threat to Greenland appears to have been temporarily averted. However, Trump continues to demand eventual ownership and has issued veiled warnings to those who refuse him (stating that the US will remember their refusal). It cannot be ruled out that he may re-escalate his demands if negotiations do not yield the ownership he seeks. Thus, Trumps persistent demands for Greenland are a long-term risk to regional stability. Summing up, Trumps Board of Peace will function more like an imperial court than a multilateral diplomatic body. Trump will serve as the inaugural chairman with no specified term limits, granting him potentially lifetime control. The chairman will hold final authority regarding the interpretation of the charter and has veto power over all decisions. While Trump said that the board would work in conjunction with the United Nations, critics view it as a US-led rival to the UN Security Council. Trump maintains the board is a nimble and effective body that can achieve peace where traditional diplomacy has failed, but many analysts are questioning its long-term viability and describing it as a non-starter. (The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Ambassador in Kuwait and Morocco and as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) The US is rediscovering Japan to pit it against its ancient enemy: China, which has not forgotten what Japan did to it in the 1940s The subtle moves by the US to 'remilitarise' Japan have rattled China. Image: Reuters Picture this: China held the worlds largest forex reserves, totalling $3.3579 trillion, in December 2025. Amid uncertain ties with America, however, it is fast reducing its US Treasury holdings and diversifying its foreign exchange reserves towards gold, non-US currencies, and overseas equity investments. In just one month, its US Treasury holdings fell from $688.7 billion in October 2025 to $682.6 billion a month later, its lowest since 2008. In contrast, Japans holdings in the US Treasury rose by $2.6 billion to $1.2 trillion, while the UKs pool rose by $10.6 billion to $888.5 billion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Beyond headlines and routine geopolitical brouhaha, this subtle movement of gold as god indicates changing power dynamics in the Eastern Hemisphere: both Japan and the UK are part of this hemisphereand they have fought to retain their empires in the 20th century. By 1905, when the British Empire started declining, Japan surfaced as the West in the East. Tokyo took only 50 years to rival Londons geopolitical influence. Japan is amazingly fast. After the US Navys Commodore Matthew Parry opened up the Shogun-controlled feudal islands in 1853, the isolated nation quickly ended its centuries-long seclusion and began trade with America and the world at a breakneck speed. Japan rapidly industrialised and decisively defeated Tsarist Russia in a naval war in 1904-5. It was a landmark conflict that forced Russia to cede influence in East Asia, marking the first time a rising Asian power defeated a European one in modern times. It surprised the world, galvanised anti-colonial movements against Europe, and sparked internal Russian unrest that led to the Communist Revolution in 1917 With the US nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, however, Japan quickly scaled down its geopolitical ambitions. Recovering fast under the US security umbrella, it didnt have to spend on defence; so, it focused solely on the economy and became an industrial giant. In 1968, it emerged as the worlds second-largest economy, surpassing (West) Germany, until China overtook it in 2010. In the 1980s, Japan entered an era of massive wealth and property bubbles and its economy downgraded like Chinas has now. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But China is not only the worlds second largest economy, its also a threat to Americas global power. That makes a difference to the Eastern Hemisphereand the Western. No Free Lunches! Thats why the US is rediscovering Japan to pit it against its ancient enemy: China, which has not forgotten what Japan did to it in the 1940s. Since the Second World War, power dynamics gradually transitioned in favour of the Western Hemisphere. Until recently, the US was spending heavily to shield Europe against Russia. For example, the US contributed nearly 16 per cent ($750 million) of the overall Nato defence budget in 2024 ($4.7 billion). The EU countries spent 343.2 billion euros in 2024 on defence, a 19 per cent rise, and planned to hike it by another 11 per cent in 2026 to 381 billion eurosall because of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and under persistent US pressure to defend yourself. Many Americans, especially Republicans, complained that the US taxpayers money was being used unproductively to secure Europe from Russia. Most US presidents, for ideological reasons and the Second World War promises and hangovers, did not do much to reverse the policy of protecting Europe. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Then Donald Trump, businessman and self-proclaimed dealmaker, happened. In his post-Truth Social era, he offers no free lunchesnot even to Pakistans Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir! The Maga president has overturned all conventional apple carts, traditions, diplomatic subtlety and finesse; he has rudely woken up the world from its so-called UN-flagged and vetoed World Order siesta by pushing through the long-held American deep states agenda and revived the Donroe Doctrine. Since his return to the White House in January 2025, for example, Trump has refurbished the nearly forgotten US agenda in Canada, Panama, Mexico, Venezuela and is now fighting on multiple fronts to eject China from geodynamicswhile accommodating Russia for the time being. In these wide-picture sweepstakes, neither Iran nor the Arabs nor the Turks nor the Pakistanis would matterone way or another, each one of them could face regime change. Only their sequence, not fate, would likely change. Sabka time ayega! In this no-nonsense New World Order, there is no moral, ethical, or ideological dilemma. Each country will be treated as a grown-up kid. Pay if you want to stay with us. Even Israel is not excluded! Period. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The chief business of the American people is business, US President Calvin Coolidge famously told journalists in 1925. Others went much further, claiming that business was nothing less than Americas religion! A century later, Donald Trump represents the Age of Digital and Dollar Diplomacy, volatile like a stock market! Realpolitik This is a humongous transformation from the laidback politics, diplomacy, and wars of the feudal era. Ask the Kingdom of Denmark, which claims Greenland! The problem with Europe is that it has failed to move on after the Second World War eras ideological battles. America has fast-forwarded. After the fall of the USSR in 1991, Nato increasingly became rather irrelevant; America started distancing itself from Europe. The Russia-Ukraine war, beginning in February 2022, exposed the faultlines between the US and the 27-member European Union; in January 2026, the EU even dispatched symbolic troops to guard Greenland from America! Although there seems little immediate threat to Greenland from Russia or China, consider this: Russia has been actively militarising the Arctic, reviving Cold War-era bases and expanding its naval presence, which directly affects the security of the North Atlantic (specifically the GIUK gap between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK). Russia also plans a new shipping route next to Greenland. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And China considers itself a near-Arctic state; it has pursued a Polar Silk Road strategy, investing in infrastructure, mining, and research, with roughly $90 billion in investments in the Russian Arctic. China is a major investor in Greenlandic rare earth mining, with firms like Shenghe Resources holding significant stakes (12.5 per cent) in the Kvanefjeld mine project, according to media reports. Greenland is a crucial node at the crossroads of North America and Europe, with its strategic importance growing as melting ice opens new routes. The US views it as critical to its national security; unlike his predecessors, the current US President has openly advocated purchasing or strengthening Greenland to counter Russian and Chinese influence. Greenland has now become a pawn, even a flashpoint, between the US and its frenemies Russia and China. It is among the last of the European colonies, being decolonized by America! Enter Japan! In this era of post-ideology and post-religion geodynamics, Japan re-entered Americas overall strategy, not now but over a decade ago when Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Polar Silk Road strategy began to take shape. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD From 1945 to 1990, Japans defence budgets were generally constrained by its pacifist constitution (Article 9) and the US security umbrella; largely unburdened with defence spending, Japan focused on the economy. In the early 2000s, however, a gradual increase in the defence budget began, and Japan started funding new equipment like warships and stealth jets. As the four-nation Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) began to emerge in 2007a worried China has since denounced it as Asian NatoJapan became an active member of the US new security policy in the Indo-Pacific Region. America has since been pushing not only Europe but also Japan to fund their security and outsource to them the overall security of the Eastern Hemisphere. In this franchisee and part-self-financing model of US-led collective security of the Eastern Hemisphere, Japan fits well. Between 2021 and 2025, Japans defence budget increased from $51.7 billion to $58 billion and is now racing towards meeting Natos 2 per cent of GDP goal by 2027, a major policy shift. Next year, Tokyo plans to increase its defence budget by 9.4 per cent. This will fund long-range strike, missile defence, drones, and naval expansion (like F-35B integration on Izumo-class carriers) to counter regional threats, especially from China and North Korea, a significant change from its post-war pacifist constraints. In essence, Japan is undergoing a major defence overhaul, increasing budgets and capabilities to become a more capable security partner in the Indo-Pacific. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Spreading its net far and wide, Japan is also expanding its Official Security Assistance (OSA) across Southeast Asia, with Thailand as the 11th recipient by March 2026, and Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos as priorities. Launched in April 2023, the OSA provides military support to strengthen the security and deterrence capabilities of developing nations that Japan hopes to partner with on security. A strong supporter of Taiwans independence, Japans Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis diplomatic debut at the Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025 was significant. She specified the OSA as a vital policy tool to achieve their shared objective of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). Thats why her Cabinet allocated 18.1 billion yen (S$147.6 million) for the OSA in 2026, a sharp increase from previous budgets. Dragon is worried! These subtle moves by the US to remilitarise Japan have rattled China. For example, on January 6, 2026, Chinese Foreign Policy spokesperson Mao Ning said, It reflects the dangerous trend of Japan remilitarising itself faster, which is bound to undermine regional peace and stability. The international community must stay on high alert. China, which tried to assert itself in East Ladakh in 2020 and has been claiming parts of Indian territoryindeed, it has simmering border disputes with many of its 14 neighbours!then parroted international law, including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, requiring Japan to be completely disarmed and not to maintain such industries as would enable her to re-arm for war. She even cited Japans Constitution, which made strict restrictions on the countrys military forces, the right of belligerency and the right to war. However, in recent years, right-wing forces in Japan have been expediting military buildup and gradually breaking free from post-Second World War norms, such as the exclusively defence-oriented principle and a series of international rules, which constitutes a challenge to the post-war international order, Mao Ning noted. Whats the difference between their practice and what the Japanese militarists did in the last century? Mao asked. Indeed! Japan is rising again. (The author is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) Russian missile strikes knocked out heat for thousands across Ukraine during sub-zero temperatures as negotiators from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States met in Abu Dhabi for a second day of peace talks Firefighters extinguish semi-trucks damaged during Russian overnight drone and missile strikes, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on January 24. (Reuters) Ukraine on Saturday condemned a wave of deadly Russian strikes that left nearly 6,000 buildings without heat in freezing temperatures, as delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the United States gathered in Abu Dhabi for a second day of negotiations aimed at ending the nearly four-year war. The temperature in Kyiv was at minus 12 degrees Celsius (10.4 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday morning. Peace efforts? Trilateral meeting in the UAE? Diplomacy? For Ukrainians, this was another night of Russian terror, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ukraines foreign minister accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of cynically ordering the assault during the negotiations. Cynically, Putin ordered a brutal massive missile strike against Ukraine right while delegations are meeting in Abu Dhabi to advance the America-led peace process, Sybiha said. This barbaric attack once again proves that Putins place is not at the board of peace, but at the dock of the special tribunal, Sybiha wrote on X. Russia launched waves of air strikes against Ukraines two largest cities, with one person killed and at least 23 injured. Ukraines air force said Russia had launched 375 drones and 21 missiles. The strikes again targeted energy infrastructure, cutting power and heat to large parts of the capital. Talks continue amid caution Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy said on Friday it was too early to draw conclusions from the first day of meetings in Abu Dhabi and urged Russia to show it was ready to end the war. The talks were expected to resume for a final day on Saturday morning. Ahead of the discussions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that Russia had not dropped its insistence that Ukraine yield all of its eastern Donbas area, the industrial heartland comprising the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. Russian President Vladimir Putins demand that Ukraine surrender the 20 per cent it still holds of Donetsk, about 5,000 sq km (1,900 sq miles), has been a major stumbling block to any agreement. Zelenskiyy refuses to give up land that Russia has not been able to capture in four years of grinding, attritional warfare. Polls show little appetite among Ukrainians for territorial concessions. Russia says it wants a diplomatic solution but will continue working to achieve its goals by military means as long as a negotiated settlement remains out of reach. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinas top general, Zhang Youxia, long seen as President Xi Jinpings trusted deputy, has been placed under investigation for grave violations of discipline and the law, the Defense Ministry said. (FILES) Zhang Youxia, first-ranked vice chairman of the CMC, attends the opening ceremony of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 4, 2025. China said on January 24, 2026, the senior vice chairman of its powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) and another high-ranking official were under investigation for suspected "serious violations of discipline", a common euphemism for corruption. (Photo by Pedro PARDO / AFP) Chinas highest-ranking general, Zhang Youxia, long seen as President Xi Jinpings trusted second-in-command, has been placed under investigation, the Defense Ministry announced on Saturday. Zhang is accused of grave violations of discipline and the law, marking the most significant escalation yet in Xis yearslong purge of the Peoples Liberation Army elite. Investigation targets senior military leaders Zhang, 75, serves as vice-chairman of the Communist Partys Central Military Commission (CMC), the body that oversees Chinas armed forces. He is being investigated alongside Liu Zhenli, 61, chief of staff of the CMCs Joint Staff Department. The Defense Ministry said both were suspected of serious violations of discipline and the law but provided no further details. Central Military Commission left with just two members The investigations leave the CMC with only two members: President Xi, who chairs the body, and General Zhang Shengmin, who has overseen Xis military purges. All six uniformed commanders appointed to the commission in 2022 have now been removed, while General Zhang Shengmin himself was promoted to the commission only last year. Analysts describe Zhang Youxias removal as one of the most consequential military purges in decades, reflecting Xis determination to consolidate control over the PLA and eliminate potential rivals at the highest levels. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zhang Youxia joined the Peoples Liberation Army in 1968 and is a general from its ground forces. Last October, the Communist Party expelled the other vice-chairman of the CMC, He Weidong, replacing him with Zhang Shengmin. In 2024, two former defense ministers were expelled over corruption charges, highlighting the ongoing sweep of senior military leadership. Meanwhile, the Trump administration released a new National Defense Strategy on Friday, identifying China as a military power that must be deterred from dominating the US or its allies. The strategy stressed that this does not require regime change or an existential struggle. A decent peace, on terms favourable to Americans but that China can also accept and live under, is possible, it said. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this week, Trump reiterated his plan to take over Greenland. During his speech, Trump mentioned the Golden Dome, saying, Were building a Golden Dome thats going to, just by its very nature, be defending Canada" Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and US President Donald Trump attend the draw for the 2026 Fifa Football World Cup taking place in the US, Canada, and Mexico, at the Kennedy Center, in Washington, DC, on December 5, 2025. (Photo: AFP) US President Donald Trump has rebuked Canadas business deal with China, saying that Beijing will eat them up, as he lamented Prime Minister Mark Carneys opposition to the building of the Golden Dome in Greenland. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that the missile system in Greenland would protect Canada, too. Canada is against The Golden Dome being built over Greenland, even though The Golden Dome would protect Canada. Instead, they voted in favor of doing business with China, who will eat them up within the first year! he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The presidents recent comments come as he and Carney engage in a war of words over Greenland and Washingtons relationship with the US going downhill. What did Trump say about Golden Dome? Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this week, Trump reiterated his plan to take over Greenland. During his speech, Trump mentioned the Golden Dome, saying, Were building a Golden Dome thats going to, just by its very nature, be defending Canada." He went on to say that Ottawa benefits from the US-Canada relationship disproportionately. Were building a Golden Dome thats going to, just by its very nature, be defending Canada. Canada lives because of the United States. Canada doesnt live on freebies Carney on Thursday sharply rebutted Trumps controversial claim at the WEF that Canada lives because of the United States. In a national address, Carney said, Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership, adding, Canada doesnt live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian. Carney on Thursday sharply rebutted President Donald Trumps controversial claim at the World Economic Forum that Canada lives because of the United States. In a national address, Carney said, Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership, adding, Canada doesnt live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian. Frederiksen travelled to Greenland immediately after meeting Nato Chief Mark Rutte in Brussels. Rutte posted on his X account that he and the Danish PM agreed to enhance deterrence and defence in the Arctic Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen welcomes Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen on the day of the European Political Community summit in Copenhagen, Denmark, on October 2, 2025. Reuters File Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is on a visit to Greenland to meet her counterpart, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, in a show of support for the island country amid US President Donald Trumps ramped-up acquisition efforts. Frederiksen travelled to Greenland immediately after meeting Nato Chief Mark Rutte in Brussels. Rutte posted on his X account that he and the Danish PM agreed to enhance deterrence and defence in the Arctic. I am first and foremost in Greenland today to show our strong Danish support for the Greenlandic people. Its a very difficult time, everyone can see that, Frederiksen said after landing in Nuuk. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is a serious situation we are in. Everyone can see that. Now there is a diplomatic, political track that we will pursue, she said. Her trip was a working visit to prepare their next steps, she added. Trump says framework ready Trump this week said that a framework is in place to acquire Greenland and announced that he would drop tariffs on European countries that opposed his plan to purchase the island nation. Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America and all NATO Nations, Trump said on Truth Social. He added that officials are currently discussing matters related to the Golden Dome and that Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will be among those leading the negotiations from his team. Authorities ask citizens to stockpile Authorities in Greenland have advised citizens to stockpile sufficient supplies for five days in the event of a crisis. Greenland has prepared a brochure for the public in response to frequent power outages, aiming to strengthen the security of the population and to ensure that societys overall preparedness is even stronger. The document does not make any mention of Trump and officials say that they began preparing it last year. Peter Borg, Greenlands minister who oversees self-sufficiency, said, The publication of the brochure with practical and simple advice for households is not an expression that we expect a crisis. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has hinted that the Trump administration may roll back 25 per cent of the tariffs imposed on India, after a sharp decline in the countrys purchases of Russian crude oil. After months of trade tensions, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that the President Donald Trump-led administration may consider rolling back half of the 50 percent tariffs imposed on India, citing a sharp decline in New Delhis purchases of Russian crude oil in recent months. Speaking to American news outlet Politico, Bessent said Indias decision to scale down imports of Russian oil had created favourable conditions for easing at least 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tariffs imposed in two phases The United States imposed the duties in two tranches. While a 25 per cent tariff was introduced over alleged trade imbalances, another 25 per cent levy was imposed as a punitive measure in response to Indias continued purchases of Russian crude, even as Washington sought to intensify economic pressure on Moscow. Our 25 per cent tariff on India has been a huge success. Indian purchases of Russian oil have collapsed. The tariffs are still on. I would imagine there is a path to take them off now, Bessent told Politico. EU spared tariffs amid trade talks Bessent also said the European Union had refrained from imposing tariffs on India because it wants to sign a big trade deal with New Delhi, describing the Europeans actions as stupid for purchasing refined energy products from India. Claims of reduced Russian oil imports Speaking to Fox News on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, Bessent claimed that India, the worlds third-largest oil importer, had significantly reduced its purchases of Russian oil. India started buying Russian oil after the conflict began, but President Trump put a 25 percent tariff on them, and India has geared down and has stopped buying Russian oil, he said. Possible shift in US trade stance Bessents remarks point to a possible recalibration of the Trump administrations hardline trade approach towards India, even as both countries have engaged at various levels in recent months to reach a mutually beneficial trade deal and ease tensions that emerged after the tariffs were announced in August last year. India rejects US pressure on energy ties However, New Delhi has maintained that purchases from Russia continue without interruption. As part of efforts to step up pressure on Moscow, the Trump administration has urged countries, including India, to cut oil ties with Russia. India has rejected this pressure, calling the US action unfair, unjustified and unreasonable, and reiterating that its energy policy is guided by national interest. India, the worlds third-largest oil importer, emerged as the biggest buyer of discounted Russian crude after Western countries distanced themselves from Moscow following its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has claimed that American tariffs forced a sharp reduction in Indias purchases of Russian oil, calling it a major policy success. His remarks come as India and the European Union move closer to concluding a long-pending free trade agreement. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has speculated that the $2,000 could be given in a variety of ways. Reuters Ahead of the expected conclusion of IndiaEU trade deal negotiations next week, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said American tariffs were responsible for a sharp fall in Indias purchases of Russian oil, calling the move a major policy success. Speaking in an interview with Politico, Bessent said the US imposed 25 percent tariffs on India over its purchases of Russian crude, leading Indian refiners to significantly cut imports. He said the tariffs remain in place but hinted there could be a path towards easing them. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We put 25 percent tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, and the Indian purchases by their refineries of Russian oil have collapsed. So that is a success, Bessent said. The tariffs are still on. I would imagine that there is a path to take them off. Criticism of European allies Bessent also criticised European allies, accusing them of refusing similar measures against India while seeking to finalise a major trade agreement with New Delhi. I will also point out that our virtue-signalling European allies refused to do it because they wanted to sign this big trade deal with India, he said. Surge in Russian oil imports after Ukraine invasion He noted that before Russias invasion of Ukraine, Russian oil made up just 2 to 3 percent of Indias total crude imports. After the invasion, that share rose to around 18 to 19 percent, which he said helped India generate huge profits. Bessent added that European countries were then buying refined petroleum products from Indian refineries made using Russian crude, calling it the ultimate act of irony and stupidity. They are financing the war against themselves, he said. IndiaUS tariff tensions In August last year, Donald Trump imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on India, citing New Delhis energy ties with Russia. Alongside the tariffs on India, the US also imposed sanctions on Russian oil companies. In January this year, Bessent claimed that India had stopped buying Russian oil following the imposition of the 25 percent tariffs. More recently, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the IndiaEU Free Trade Agreement was close to being finalised, describing it as the mother of all deals. The agreement is expected to be a major milestone in strengthening Indias economic ties with the European Union. The deal would be Indias ninth trade agreement in four years and could help restore competitiveness lost after the EU began withdrawing tariff concessions under its Generalised System of Preferences. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Traces of Denmarks 250-year imperial reign are still visible on St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and the smattering of tiny islets that today make up the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cities and street signs hold Danish names, like Frederiksted; buildings feature yellowish-red bricks brought on boats across the Atlantic; and the stone facades of sugar plantations where enslaved Africans were forced to labor still stand. Theyre interspersed with evidence of the islands' vibrant Caribbean culture from colorfully costumed dancers to drum-driven melodies and the McDonald's and Home Depot stores that reflect its now century-long status as an unincorporated territory of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As President Donald Trump negotiates a "framework of a future deal" with Denmark for access to Greenland, some residents of the tropical territory say they feel like they're rewatching their own past. People attend a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People bear Greenlandic flags as they march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. Protesters take part in a demonstration to show support for Greenland in Copenhagen, Denmark on Jan. 17, 2026. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen walks with people during a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. A child is wrapped in Greenlandic flag as people attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. Jens Kjeldsen, a 70-year-old carpenter and former judge from Greenland, paces with flags of Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland (Kingdom of Denmark) protesting outside the US consulate's wooden cabin in Nuuk, Greenland, on Jan. 20, 2026. The 70-year-old carpenter and former judge from Greenland is holding daily early morning protests outside the US consulate this week in hopes of getting his message across to US officials. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen waves a flag during a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People wave Greenlandic flags as they take part in a demonstration that gathered almost a third of the city population to protest against President Donald Trumps plans to take Greenland, on Jan. 17, 2026, in Nuuk, Greenland. Trump escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until his purchase of the Danish territory is achieved. Trump's threats came as thousands of people protested in the capital of Greenland against his wish to acquire the mineral-rich island at the gateway to the Arctic. People wave Greenlandic flags as they take part in a demonstration that gathered almost a third of the city population to protest against President Donald Trumps plans to take Greenland, on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Trump escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until his purchase of the Danish territory is achieved. Trump's threats came as thousands of people protested in the capital of Greenland against his wish to acquire the mineral-rich island at the gateway to the Arctic. People wave Greenlandic flags as they take part in a demonstration that gathered almost a third of the city population to protest against President Donald Trumps plans to take Greenland, on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Trump escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until his purchase of the Danish territory is achieved. Trump's threats came as thousands of people protested in the capital of Greenland against his wish to acquire the mineral-rich island at the gateway to the Arctic. A mother and daughter with their faces painted with the Greenlandic flag stand on a street after they participated in a march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. People bear Greenlandic flags as they march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. A couple depart after they participated in a march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. Protesters on City Square during a protest in support of Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The United States president continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, even by military means if necessary. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, which has forcefully pushed back on the U.S. threats, saying they jeopardize the future of NATO. Greenlanders march in defiance of Trumps efforts to claim the island 1 of 20 People attend a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. More: Trump says US getting 'total access' to Greenland History never repeats itself in the same way, but it shows up in a different form, said Stephanie Chalana Brown, an Afro-Caribbean visual historian with deep roots in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Brown said her ancestors were among the first enslaved by Danish colonial powers, and she is now among a cohort of people working to secure reparations from Denmark. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As slaves, then as residents of the Danish-turned-United States territory, Brown said her relatives were sold without their consent. A century later, she worries residents of Greenland are facing the same threat her ancestors did: not having a seat at the table over decisions on the future use of their lands. I understand it because the same thing happened to my relatives, Brown said. I don't want to see it happen to another place. A cruise ship is docked on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, October 22, 2025. The annexation of the Virgin Islands More than a century ago, President Woodrow Wilson bought the islands, then called the Danish West Indies, from Denmark for $25 million after threatening to take them by force. At the time, a war was raging in Europe and the United States was seeking to assert its dominance in Latin America. Using many of the same arguments Trump has in jockeying for control of Greenland, Wilson said he wanted the islands for strategic reasons: to secure new trade routes and prevent adversaries from dominating the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nations rival then wasnt China or Russia but Germany, the aggressor in World War I. The war heightened fears that Germany would absorb Denmark and its territories a perceived threat to the United States. After the 1917 purchase, the islands served for decades as a strategic Caribbean outpost for the United States military and a hub of naval operations. But the Navy air station on the territory closed in 1948, and the islands never became the significant military asset once envisioned. Boats fill a marina on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, October 22, 2025. More: Greenland isn't the first territory America wanted from Denmark. Here's another. The roughly 26,000 inhabitants scattered across St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas in 1917 were not given a say in the acquisition, though Denmark did hold a referendum for its mainland residents. After the transaction, it took more than a decade for Virgin Islanders to gain United States citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Islanders were given the right to vote for their own governor in 1970. Today, like residents of other U.S. territories, citizens in the Virgin Islands cannot vote for president and do not have a voting representative in Congress. Virgin Islanders reflect on Greenland Felipe Ayala, a member of the St. Thomas Historical Trust, said hes heard conversations about Trumps Greenland desires, but mostly in private circles. People, he said, are more focused on the international actions happening right in their backyard. Two Navy aircraft carriers, the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Iwo Jima, docked in the U.S. Virgin Islands in December to aid in the Trump administrations efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and later to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The ships marked the first major Navy presence on the island in decades. Some residents welcomed the ships and the sailors they brought, as a welcome economic boost for the island, Ayala said. Others were frightened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we step off our porches, most of the houses overlook the harbor and the bay, he said. To see aircraft carriers and knowing the political climate of the region, it took us a little off guard. Tourists pose for a selfie at the Charlotte Amalie Overlook with the U.S. Navy USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier (CVN-78) in the background, in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, December 1, 2025. In the aftermath of his military actions in Venezuela, Trump ratcheted up calls to annex Greenland and refused to rule out doing so through military force. Trump on Jan. 23 appeared to walk back some of that rhetoric, saying that the United States would have total access to the Arctic island through a deal he was negotiating. He conceded that he may not end up formally acquiring Greenland. It's possible. Anything's possible," Trump said of U.S. ownership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The details of the emerging agreement remain murky. So does the role Greenlands own legislature is playing in the discussions. For Brown and other Virgin Islanders with ancestry tied to Danish colonialism, the recent discussions over Greenlands future have spurred heightened empathy and concern for the 57,000 inhabitants of the 836,000-square-mile island with a climate much different from their own. Stephanie Chalana Brown, 42, is an Afro-Caribbean visual historian in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Is he bringing them to the table to talk about policies? she asked of Trumps plans for America's military footprint on the island. Those things weren't extended to Virgin Islanders. Most Greenlanders are Inuit, an Indigenous people who also live in Alaska and Canada. Greenlandic, the language they speak, is vastly different from Danish. And their traditions are distinct from those found in Denmark, Western Europe and America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the United States builds up its military presence on Greenland, Brown also said she worried the island could experience some of the same Americanization she says is happening in the Virgin Islands. You see the washing of our children's identity away, where you know they're learning about American culture from the influence of things like television and radio, she said. We are losing our own Caribbean identity. I hope that doesnt happen to them as well, Brown said of Greenland. Contributing: Michael Loria, Francesca Chambers and Kim Hjelmgaard Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Karissa Waddick, who covers America's semiquincentennial for USA TODAY, can be reached at kwaddick@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The Virgin Islands, bought by the US, have a message for Greenland Speaking via audio message to the Foreign Correspondents Club in Delhi on January 23, 2026, she described the current state of Bangladesh as an age of terror, lawlessness and democratic exile Ousted Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death. However, it seems unlikely that India will extradite her. File image/Reuters In her first address since arriving in India in 2024, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched a blistering attack on Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, accusing him of heading an illegal, violent regime. Speaking via audio message to the Foreign Correspondents Club in Delhi on January 23, 2026, she described the current state of Bangladesh as an age of terror, lawlessness and democratic exile." Hasina framed the crisis as an existential battle, calling on her supporters to overthrow the foreign-serving puppet regime and restore the nations constitution. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hasinas rhetoric was unsparing, repeatedly labelling Yunus a murderous fascist, usurer, money launderer, and power-hungry traitor." She claimed her removal on August 5, 2024, was the result of a meticulously engineered conspiracy that had since turned the country into a vast prison, an execution ground, a valley of death." She further alleged that Yunus is pushing the motherland toward a multinational conflict by bartering away resources and territory to foreign interests. Demands to heal nation To heal the nation, Hasina outlined five core demands. She first called for the removal of the illegal Yunus administration to restore democracy, asserting that Bangladesh will never experience free and fair elections until the shadow of the Yunus clique is lifted from the people." Her second demand focused on ending the daily street violence and lawlessness to allow for economic recovery. Third, she demanded an ironclad guarantee for the safety of religious minorities, women, and the most vulnerable citizens. Fourth, she urged an end to politically motivated lawfare used to silence journalists and Awami League members, calling for a return to an impartial judiciary. Finally, she requested that the United Nations conduct a new and truly impartial investigation into the events of the past year to ensure a purification of truth." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Restore homeland Positioning the Awami League as the nations essential custodian, Hasina urged pro-Liberation forces to unite and restore the state. She concluded by assuring her followers that the international community stands with you and vowing that her party would help restore the thriving homeland that was snatched away." Her hour-long indictment, broadcast to a packed hall in Delhi and over 100,000 viewers online, ended with the traditional slogans Joy Bangla and Joy Bangabandhu." This speech comes less than three weeks before the national elections scheduled for February 12, 2026. China was Britains fourth-largest trading partner with trade totalling around 100 billion pounds in the 12 months to the end of the second quarter in 2025, according to government data UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is all set to visit China next week with Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, as countries look to open business to Beijing amid volatility posed by US President Donald Trumps decisive policies. Among the goods Britain hopes to sell to China are financial services products such as pensions, insurance and wealth management services, luxury cars and clothing, and whisky. While China has been prevented from investing in certain parts of the British economy, such as nuclear plants and core mobile networks, it has invested in renewable energy systems, infrastructure and real estate. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Signs of improving ties? The trip was expected to be postponed if Beijing had decided that a lack of progress on approving Chinas contentious plan to build what would be Europes largest embassy in London represented too significant a political setback for the leaders to meet. But earlier this week, the British Parliament approved the building of the mega-embassy, rejecting objections from some politicians who said the new building would make it easier for China to conduct spying operations. China was Britains fourth-largest trading partner with trade totalling around 100 billion pounds in the 12 months to the end of the second quarter in 2025, according to government data. Among those travelling with Starmer to China as part of the business delegation will be Brendan Nelson, the chairman of HSBC, Europes biggest bank, a source familiar with the plans told Reuters. A revamped UK-China CEO Council is also set to be unveiled next week, with representatives from companies including AstraZeneca, HSBC and Jaguar Land Rover expected to participate. Countries move closer to China Starmers trip to China follows Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys visit earlier this month. The Canadian leader hailed a landmark deal under a new strategic partnership with China, marking a turning point in years of diplomatic spats, tit-for-tat arrests, and tariff disputes. Carney has sought to reduce his countrys reliance on the United States, its key economic partner and traditional ally, as President Donald Trump has aggressively raised tariffs on Canadian products. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is scheduled to visit China in February 2026, marking a critical moment in his de-risking strategy. In a deliberate break from tradition, Merz prioritised a high-profile trip to India earlier this month to signal a shift toward economic diversification. His upcoming visit to Beijing is intended to stabilise relations with Germanys largest trading partner and secure market access for German industry, particularly as global trade tensions rise. Italy has protested Switzerlands decision to grant bail to the owner of a bar where a New Years Day fire killed 40 people, recalling its ambassador and triggering diplomatic tensions between the two countries. People weep outside the "Le Constellation" bar, after a fire and explosion during a New Years Eve party where several people died and others were injured, according to Swiss police, in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana in southwestern Switzerland. Reuters Italy on Saturday lodged a formal protest against Switzerland over the release on bail of the owner of a Swiss bar where a deadly New Years Day fire killed 40 people, recalling its ambassador as the decision triggered sharp criticism in both countries. Jacques Moretti and his wife Jessica, owners of the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, are under investigation for negligent homicide and other offences linked to the blaze, which also injured more than 100 people, many of them teenagers. Moretti was detained on January 9 and released on bail on Friday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meloni calls release an affront to victims Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the decision, calling it an affront to the memory of the victims and an insult to their families. Six of those killed in the fire were Italian nationals, as were 10 of the injured. Italy conveys strong indignation to Swiss authorities In a statement, the Italian government said Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani instructed Italys ambassador to Switzerland to immediately contact Beatrice Pilloud, chief prosecutor of Switzerlands Valais canton, to convey Romes strong indignation over Morettis release. The statement said the court took the decision despite the seriousness of the alleged crimes, the risk of flight and concerns that evidence could be compromised. The whole of Italy is clamouring for truth and justice, and is calling for respectful measures that fully take into account the suffering and expectations of the families, it said. Ambassador recalled to Rome Meloni and Tajani also ordered Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado to return to Rome to assess what further action Italy could take. Prosecutor Pilloud confirmed to Swiss news agency Keystone SDA that she had been contacted by the Italian ambassador but said a separate court had ordered Morettis release. She added that she would not yield to political pressure and had advised the ambassador to raise the issue with Swiss political authorities to avoid a diplomatic incident. Bail conditions and victims anger Moretti was released under strict bail conditions, including the payment of 200,000 Swiss francs and a requirement to report daily to a police station. Lawyers representing the victims and their families said they were struggling to understand the ruling, warning that their clients feared evidence could disappear. It is another slap on a wound that will never heal, Andrea Costanzo, whose 16-year-old daughter Chiara died in the fire, told Italian newspapers. Owners pledge cooperation The Morettis have expressed grief over the tragedy and said they will cooperate fully with investigators. Following Jacques Morettis release, their lawyers said they would continue to comply with all requests from the authorities. Elizabeth Cannon has resigned from the Commerce Department office focused on foreign technology risks as several China-related measures remain on hold An official whose office kept nearly all Chinese cars out of the US market on national security grounds has left the Commerce Department, according to people familiar with the matter. Elizabeth Liz Cannon resigned as executive director for Information and Communications Technology and Services, an office established in 2022 to examine supply chain threats from foreign adversaries. Two sources said that had she not resigned, Cannon would have been reassigned, and that the administration plans to place a political appointee in the role. Her final day is expected to be February 20, people said, reported Reuters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Recent policy developments Her impending departure follows the departments decision to abandon a proposal to impose restrictions on Chinese drones, despite concerns that US adversaries could remotely access and manipulate the devices, exposing sensitive US data. The ICTS office, which operates under the Bureau of Industry and Security, has also not issued expected restrictions addressing medium- and heavy-duty truck imports. A year earlier, under then-President Joe Biden, the office finalised rules that effectively barred Chinese passenger vehicles due to concerns about data collection and the manipulation of vehicles linked to navigation systems. Those rules remain in place, and the current administration has not indicated plans to alter them. Donald Trump has at times said he would welcome a Chinese carmaker building vehicles in the US. 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 a speech in Detroit earlier this month. Let China come in. BIS is committed to using its ICTS authorities to address national security risks from foreign technology, a spokesperson for the bureau said in a statement Friday. Recent staffing changes at the ICTS Office will strengthen the Office and ensure that it continues to deliver for the American people. Trade context and export approvals Measures restricting both imports from and exports to China have been put on hold at the department following a fragile trade truce reached last year between the worlds two largest economies. The administration also recently approved exports of Nvidia H200 and other advanced AI chips to China ahead of a meeting scheduled between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in April. The Commerce Department said in September it planned rules that could restrict or ban Chinese drones and withdrew the proposal on January 9, months after sending it to the White House for review. It also said in September it was considering a rule covering trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds from China and other foreign adversaries, after curbs on passenger vehicles. That rule is currently on hold, sources said. Previous actions and responses In 2024, in what was described as a first-of-its-kind determination, Cannons office barred the sale of antivirus software made by Russias Kaspersky Lab in the US, finding Russias influence over the company posed a significant security risk. Its going to be hard to find somebody who can come in and replace the job Liz Cannon was doing, said Geoffrey Gertz, a senior fellow at the Center for New American Security, a Washington think tank that specialises in national security. Even if we are in a period of detente, its important to have the expertise to think through the risks and possible actions, said Gertz. If not, its going to come back to haunt us. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Cannon is the latest Commerce Department official to leave government under the Trump administration. Kevin Kurland, who held several senior roles during 28 years at BIS, left in December. Dan Clutch, former acting director of the Office of Export Enforcement, started at Caterpillar in August. Matthew Borman, a long-serving export control official, joined the Akin Gump law firm after being pushed out last spring. Cannon joined the Commerce Department from Microsoft in January 2024 after more than a decade at the US Department of Justice, where she supervised and prosecuted criminal cases involving export control and sanctions violations, including the 2017 case against Chinese telecommunications equipment firm ZTE, which paid nearly $900 million as part of a guilty plea. Top European airlines have suspended flights to several Middle Eastern destinations amid rising geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, citing safety and security concerns. The cancellations affect key routes operated by KLM, Lufthansa and Air France, including services to Israel, Dubai and Riyadh. People watch as an American Airlines plane takes off near the air traffic control tower at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Airline insiders and the Trump administration have noted that the flight cuts will take time to settle. File image/AFP Top international airlines have cancelled flights to parts of the Middle East as geopolitical tensions escalate. Dutch carrier KLM, Germanys Lufthansa and Frances Air France are among the major airlines to suspend services amid fears of a possible military confrontation between the US and Iran. Key destinations affected by the cancellations include Israel, Dubai and Riyadh. Airlines cite safety and security concerns Citing the volatile geopolitical situation, Air France said it would temporarily suspend services to Dubai. Dutch airline KLM also halted flights that would require aircraft to enter the airspace of Iran, Iraq and other countries in the region. At least two European airlines cancelled flights to the Middle East on Friday, as tensions between Washington and Tehran flared. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Air France said it was constantly monitoring the evolution of the geopolitical situation in the territories served and overflown by its aircraft to ensure the highest level of safety and security for its operations. Air France is monitoring the situation in real time and will provide further updates on its flight schedule, the airline said. KLM suspends routes across the region Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported on Friday that KLM had suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh until further notice, without specifying the reason behind the decision. The airline also said it would avoid flying through the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Israel and several Gulf nations, adding that it was in touch with Dutch authorities. Meanwhile, Germanys Lufthansa had earlier said it would not operate flights from and to Tehran up to and including March 29. Escalating USIran tensions drive disruptions The flight suspensions come amid growing fears that the US could use military force against Iran, raising concerns of a direct confrontation with Tehran following a violent crackdown on recent protests against the Ali Khamenei regime. The situation intensified after US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that a US armada was heading towards the Gulf. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said Washington was closely monitoring Iran, even as Tehran announced the suspension of planned executions of protesters. Due to the current situation in the Middle East, the company has decided to temporarily suspend its service to Dubai, Frances national carrier said in a statement to AFP. Trump issues warning from Air Force One Were watching Iran, Trump said while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his return to Washington from Davos. We have a lot of ships going that direction just in case. We have a big flotilla going in that direction. And well see what happens. Claiming credit for halting executions in Iran, Trump added, We have a big force going toward Iran. Id rather not see anything happen, but were watching them very closely. I stopped 837 hangings on Thursday. They would have been dead. Everyone would have been hung. This is like from 1,000 years ago. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He further said, We have an armada. We have a massive fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we wont have to use it. Well see. US Pentagons 2026 National Defence Strategy downgrades China as the primary threat, prioritises homeland security and Western Hemisphere defence and signals more limited military support to allies amid calls for greater burdensharing. The US Department of Defense has released its 2026 National Defence Strategy, outlining changes to Washingtons military priorities that identifies China no longer regarded as the Pentagons top security threat and indicating more limited support for traditional allies. The document revises earlier assumptions about US global defence responsibilities and places greater emphasis on homeland protection, adjusting Washingtons approach to overseas military engagement. As US forces focus on homeland defence and the Indo-Pacific, our allies and partners elsewhere will take primary responsibility for their own defence with critical but more limited support from American forces, the strategy said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China was depicted as the most consequential challenge to US security in the 2018 and 2022 iterations, ranking at the top of Washingtons threat hierarchy. The updated document, however, relocates China to a secondary position, placing primary strategic weight on homeland security and deterrence in the Americas, while retaining deterrence of China in the Indo-Pacific as an important but not dominant concern. The change reflects a broader recalibration of the US defence posture, driven by a desire to balance domestic security priorities with external commitments. The strategy underscores a focus on defending American citizens and securing critical economic and military access across key terrain stretching from the Arctic to South America, signalling a more selective approach to global involvement. A strategic downgrade: The new threat matrix For years, the US defence establishment focused largely on the Indo-Pacific, viewing Beijings military modernisation as the greatest threat to global stability. The 2026 NDS recalibrates this stance, arguing that prolonged hyper-fixation on a single competitor has left the US exposed to domestic vulnerabilities, including economic instability, border security challenges and erosion of the industrial base. The strategy suggests Washington will no longer seek to match China ship-for-ship in contested waters such as the South China Sea. Instead, it prioritises internal strength and homeland defence, signalling a move away from the expectation that the US must police every region. The analytical shift reflects a judgement that the costs of sustained containment outweigh the direct benefits, favouring a framework of managed competition rather than confrontational rivalry. The end of collective security? Allies on notice The most contentious element of the 2026 strategy is its message to US allies in Europe and Asia. The Pentagon makes clear that future engagement will be characterised by limited support rather than automatic protection, placing greater responsibility for regional security on partner nations. This shift is likely to unsettle allies already questioning American reliability. In East Asia, countries such as Japan and South Korea may face renewed pressure to bolster independent deterrence capabilities. European Nato members, meanwhile, could interpret the recalibration as a signal to accelerate defence spending and modernisation amid changing threat perceptions. For Taiwan, the language suggests a more transactional approach, where support is weighed against US domestic priorities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Experts note the repositioning is not merely rhetorical. The strategys burden-sharing provisions outline clearer expectations for allies to assume primary responsibility for local defence, reflecting a broader trend toward self-reliance. Analysts caution this could create short-term security gaps if partners are unable to adjust rapidly. At the same time, the document rejects isolationism, stressing that the United States will continue working with partners through focused engagement rather than expansive security guarantees. The reduced emphasis on blanket commitments nevertheless marks a tangible recalibration of US global strategy. Chinas evolving role and global strategic context Despite the downgrade, the strategy does not dismiss Chinas significance. It acknowledges Beijings military build-up as substantial and advocates deterring China in the Indo-Pacific through strength, not confrontation, aiming to maintain balance without provoking escalation. The framing departs from the harsher rhetoric of earlier strategies, suggesting an effort to blend deterrence with diplomatic engagement as Washington prioritises homeland and hemispheric defence interests. The broader implications of the 2026 strategy are expected to unfold as allies and rivals respond to Washingtons revised priorities. For partners, the shift may prompt policy recalibrations and defence investments. For China, it could open space for engagement within a less confrontational strategic framework. Either way, the updated doctrine signals a period of transition in US security policy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Restore military dominance The 2026 NDS also includes no mention of the dangers of climate change which Bidens administration had identified as an emerging threat. Like Trumps national security strategy, which was released last month, the NDS elevates Latin America to the top of the US agenda. The Pentagon will restore American military dominance in the Western Hemisphere. We will use it to protect our Homeland and our access to key terrain throughout the region, the NDS said. The document called that the Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, a reference to the declaration two centuries ago by the then-young United States that Latin America was off limits to rival powers. Since returning to office last year, Trump has repeatedly employed the US military in Latin America, ordering a shocking raid that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, as well as strikes on more than 30 alleged drug-smuggling boats that have killed more than 100 people. Trumps administration has provided no definitive evidence that the sunken vessels were involved in drug trafficking, and international law experts and rights groups say the strikes likely amount to extrajudicial killings as they have apparently targeted civilians who do not pose an immediate threat to the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Police have ended rescue efforts and moved to recovering bodies after a landslide buried campers at a holiday park in Mount Maunganui. A general view shows a landslide while a search is underway by local emergency services for missing people at Mount Maunganui in Tauranga on January 22, 2026. (AFP) Operations to save at least six people trapped by a landslide at a holiday park in Mount Maunganui have concluded, with police now focusing on recovering human remains. The mudslide struck the campsite on Thursday, when a large mass of dirt and debris fell onto the area. Police Superintendent Tim Anderson said it may take several days to locate all bodies. Anderson described it as heartbreaking that six people, including two teenagers, were still missing after camper vans, caravans and a shower block were buried following heavy rain. The missing, who are presumed dead, include one foreign national, 20-year-old Mans Loke Bernhardsson from Sweden. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The other victims are New Zealand nationals: Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50; Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71; Susan Doreen Knowles, 71; and 15-year-olds Sharon Maccanico and Max Furse-Kee. Hope fades after days of searching For two days, the holiday area in the north of the country hosted vigils, as people hoped search and rescue teams might find survivors. Anderson said it had become clear that survival was unlikely for those buried. This is heartbreaking news for us and obviously the families involved, he told reporters on Saturday, calling the operation complex. Theres still a lot of mud and other aspects, so my primary consideration today is actually the safety of the staff working on it. There are really strict parameters around those that are working on site right now. Government response and wider impact Prime Minister Christopher Luxon offered condolences and said families would receive support. Police have confirmed fatalities at the campground and the reality that no one would have been able to survive, therefore the rescue operation taking place there is now moving to a recovery, he said in a statement. To the families who have lost loved ones - every New Zealander is grieving with you. Authorities are also facing questions over why evacuations did not take place after reports of a landslip at the campsite and nearby areas earlier on Thursday. Two people also died in a separate landslide on Thursday in the neighbouring harbourside city of Tauranga. Officials said one of those killed was a Chinese national. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ukraine, Russia, and the US held peace talks in Abu Dhabi, with Zelenskyy urging Moscow to show readiness to end the war as territorial demands over the Donbas stalled progress In Kyiv, Zelenskyy says Russia must end the war as he outlines Ukraines clear stance on trilateral peace talks. (AP/File) Peace negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the US were held in Abu Dhabi on Friday, marking the first such three-way meeting since the war began in February 2022. As discussions ended for the day, Ukraines President said Moscow must show readiness to end the conflict it initiated. In his evening address to the nation, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, The key is that Russia must be ready to end the war it started. VIDEO | Kyiv: "Russia must end the war it started; our position is clear, " says Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy on trilateral peace talks held in UAE between US, Russia and Ukraine. (Source: Third Party) (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/ja1bgT1QIN Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 24, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Territory remains central issue The three countries are continuing to seek an agreement on territorial matters. Earlier in the day, the Kremlin outlined what it called a very important condition that Kyiv give up the Donbas. Zelensky told reporters the talks would focus on the eastern Donbas region, which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk areas that are largely but not entirely occupied by Russia. President Putins demand that Ukraine surrender the remaining 20 percent of the Donetsk region in the Donbas about 5,000sq km (1,900sq miles) still under Kyivs control has emerged as a major obstacle to any breakthrough agreement. Zelenskyy has rejected giving up territory that Russia has failed to seize during four years of grinding, attritional fighting. Surveys indicate there is little public support in Ukraine for making territorial concessions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that Russias insistence on Ukraine yielding all of Donbas was a very important condition. Negotiations to continue The UAEs foreign ministry said the negotiations are scheduled to continue over two days, as part of ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis. Both Moscow and Kyiv said military intelligence officials would attend the talks. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to mediate. Zelenskyy said he hoped the negotiations would be a step towards ending the war. The talks follow his remarks to European leaders on Thursday, when he criticised them and called for material action against Russian aggression in a speech in Davos, suggesting he does not see an imminent resolution as likely. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russia launched a massive aerial assault on Ukraine overnight, killing civilians and damaging energy infrastructure, just as US-led peace talks involving Ukrainian and Russian officials were under way in the UAE, prompting Kyiv to accuse Moscow of deliberately undermining diplomatic efforts. This handout photograph taken and released by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine on January 8, 2026, shows rescuers working to extinguish a fire in a heavily damaged residential building following a Russian missile attack in Kryvyi Rig, Dnipropetrovsk region, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP Russia carried out its largest aerial attack on Ukraine so far this year overnight, killing civilians and triggering widespread power outages, just hours after Ukrainian, Russian and US officials held trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi. Ukraine later on Saturday accused Moscow of deliberately undermining efforts to end the nearly four-year-long war by launching fresh deadly strikes even as negotiations continued. Civilians hit in Kyiv and Kharkiv Overnight bombardments killed one person and injured at least 27 others in Kyiv and the northeastern city of Kharkiv, Ukrainian authorities said, as negotiators from both sides prepared for a second day of talks on US-brokered proposals. Peace efforts? Trilateral meeting in the UAE? Diplomacy? For Ukrainians, this was another night of Russian terror, Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ukraine says strikes timed to sabotage talks Sybiha accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of ordering the massive missile and drone assault precisely while diplomatic efforts were under way to advance a US-led peace process. He said Kyiv and Kharkiv were hit hardest, with Russia launching dozens of ballistic and air-launched missiles along with hundreds of drones. Energy infrastructure and residential areas were again targeted, which Sybiha described as further evidence that Moscow is waging a genocidal war against civilians. Nearly 400 aerial weapons used Ukraines air force said Russia fired more than 370 drones and 21 missiles overnight. Other estimates put the total number of aerial weapons used at close to 400, including hypersonic, ballistic and cruise missiles. Vitaliy Zaichenko, chief executive of state energy company UkrEnergo, said around 80 percent of the country would face emergency power outages on Saturday. Talks continue despite escalation Explosions were reported shortly after the first round of talks between Kyiv, Moscow and Washington concluded in Abu Dhabi, with discussions expected to continue. The negotiations brought together senior Russian military and intelligence officials, top Ukrainian diplomats and security officials, and a US delegation that included President Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and White House adviser Josh Gruenbaum. Cautious outlook from Kyiv Ukraines chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said the talks focused on achieving a dignified and lasting peace and confirmed that further meetings were planned. President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, struck a cautious note, saying it was too early to draw conclusions and stressing that Russia must demonstrate genuine intent to end the war. In Kharkiv, Mayor Igor Terekhov reported an attack by Iranian-made Shahed drones had damaged several residential buildings near the Russian border Ukrainian firefighters extinguish a fire at the site of a Russian drone strike in the city of Chuguiv, Kharkiv region, early on November 7, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP file image Russia on Saturday launched an overnight strike in Ukraines Kharkiv, killing one person and injuring 23 others. The attack came just a day after the US, Russia and Ukraine held a delegation-level bilateral talks in Abu Dhabi yesterday. The country was under an air raid alert, with military authorities in Kyiv warning of drones and ballistic missiles. Kyiv is under a massive enemy attack. Do not leave shelters! Mayor Vitali Klitschko posted on Telegram, adding that several non-residential buildings had been hit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Currently, one person is known to have died and four to have been wounded, he wrote in a separate post, adding that three of the injured had been hospitalised. In Kharkiv, Mayor Igor Terekhov reported an attack by Iranian-made Shahed drones had damaged several residential buildings near the Russian border. Trilateral talks In a diplomatic breakthrough, senior delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the United States have met in the United Arab Emirates for their first trilateral talks since the full-scale war began in February 2022, even as Moscow reiterated it would not drop its demand that Kyiv withdraw from the eastern Donbas region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said territory remained the key issue and would be on the agenda for the talks. They are the first direct public negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv on a plan being pushed by US President Donald Trump to end the almost four-year-long war. The talks commenced today in Abu Dhabi and are scheduled to continue over two days, as part of ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis, the UAE foreign ministry said in a statement. Russia should stop the war In his evening address to the nation, Zelenskyy said, The key is that Russia must be ready to end the war it started. President Putins demand that Ukraine surrender the remaining 20 percent of the Donetsk region in the Donbas about 5,000sq km (1,900sq miles) still under Kyivs control has emerged as a major obstacle to any breakthrough agreement. Both Moscow and Kyiv said military intelligence officials would attend the talks. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to mediate. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest at a wedding in northwest Pakistan, killing seven people and injuring 25 others as the blast caused a roof collapse Volunteers transport an injured victim of suicide bombing at a wedding, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at a hospital in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan. (AP) As many as seven people lost their lives, and 25 others were injured after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest among guests attending a wedding ceremony in northwest Pakistan on Friday. The incident took place at a private residence during the celebrations, turning the crowded event into a scene of chaos and destruction. The blast occurred at the residence of Noor Alam Mehsud, described as a pro-government community leader, in the Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. According to local police chief Adnan Khan, the explosion triggered panic among those present. Debris and bloodstains were left scattered across the venue. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Guests had been dancing when the attacker struck. The force of the explosion caused the roof to collapse, which hampered rescue efforts and made it difficult to reach people trapped under the debris. Casualties and emergency response Police said those killed and injured were taken to a nearby hospital. Several of the wounded were reported to be in critical condition. Security personnel sealed off the area and began a search operation to identify possible accomplices, news agency AP reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, suspicion has fallen on the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The group has carried out numerous attacks in Pakistan in recent years. Images of an apparently terrified pre-schooler, Liam Conejo Ramos, being held by immigration officers who were seeking to arrest the boys father have rekindled public outrage at the federal crackdown, during which an agent shot and killed a US citizen Protesters gather in front of the Minnesota State Capitol in response to the death of Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer last week, on Wednesday (January 14) in St. Paul, Minneapolis. AP Thousands of people braved icy conditions on Friday to protest the Trump administrations immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and businesses closed their doors amid anger over the detention of a five-year-old migrant boy. Dozens of eateries, attraction sites and other businesses shuttered as part of a day of coordinated action to defy the weeks-long federal immigration operation underway in Minnesota.Images of an apparently terrified pre-schooler, Liam Conejo Ramos, being held by immigration officers who were seeking to arrest the boys father have rekindled public outrage at the federal crackdown, during which an agent shot and killed a US citizen. The superintendent of Columbia Heights Public Schools, where Ramos was a preschool student, said the child and his Ecuadoran father, Adrian Conejo Arias both asylum seekers were taken from their driveway as they arrived home on Tuesday. Ramos was then used as bait by officers to draw out those inside his home, superintendent Zena Stenvik added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One protester, who declined to be named, told AFP he was marching because if we dont fight, we dont win. If we dont fight, fascism wins. The local man held a sign reading five-years-old, dude, a reference to Ramos. This shouldnt be happening to anybody, but it absolutely should not be have been happening to children, he said. Thousands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been deployed to the Democratic-led city, as President Donald Trump presses his campaign to deport undocumented immigrants across the country. On a visit to Minneapolis on Thursday, Vice President JD Vance confirmed Ramos was among those detained. But he argued that agents were protecting him after his father ran from officers. What are they supposed to do? Are they supposed to let a five-year-old child freeze to death? he said. UN human rights chief Volker Turk called on US authorities to end the harmful treatment of migrants and refugees. Arias, the father of the boy, was at a Texas detention facility, according to an ICE database that does not list the whereabouts of under 18s. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD - Dealing with children - Border Patrol senior official Gregory Bovino defended his officers treatment of Ramos, telling reporters Friday: I will say unequivocally that we are experts in dealing with children. ICE commander Marcos Charles said Friday my officers did everything they could to reunite him with his family and alleged that Ramoss family refused to open the door to him after his father left him and ran from officers. They would be detained pending their immigration proceedings, he added after alleging they entered the United States illegally and were deportable. Ramoss teacher, whose name was given as Ella, called him a bright young student. In Minneapolis, where temperatures touched -23C (-9F) on Friday, protesters wrapped in hats, gloves and scarves chanted ICE out as part of a broader anti-ICE day of action. Separately, protesters picketed outside Minneapolis St. Paul airport over the facilitys use for deporting those swept up in immigration raids, with local media citing organizers as saying some 100 clergy were arrested. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD - Being brutal - Former US vice president Kamala Harris said she was outraged by Ramoss detention and called him just a baby. Ramos is one of at least four children detained in the same Minneapolis school district this month, administrators said. Minneapolis has been rocked by increasingly tense protests since federal agents shot and killed US citizen Renee Good on January 7. An autopsy concluded that killing was a homicide, a classification that does not automatically mean a crime was committed. The officer who fired the shots that killed Good, Jonathan Ross, has neither been suspended nor charged. Marc Prokosch, the lawyer for Ramos and his father, said they followed the law in applying for asylum in Minneapolis, a sanctuary city where police do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Children have been caught up in immigration enforcement under both Republican and Democratic administrations. Minnesota has sought a temporary restraining order for the ICE operation in the state which, if granted by a federal judge, would pause the sweeps. There will be a hearing on the application Monday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ICE were not following the law, and really theyre being mean to all our neighbors here in Minnesota, a protester who gave their name only as Aron told AFP. Theyre actually being brutal. President Trump says the United States will gain sovereignty over Greenland territories hosting U.S. military bases under a proposed deal amid opposition from Greenland and Denmark and broader Arctic strategic tensions. People wave Greenlandic flags as they take part in a demonstration to protest against the US President's plan to take Greenland, outside the US Embassy in London on January 24, 2026. (Photo by Brook Mitchell / AFP) The United States is set to obtain sovereignty over areas of Greenland where its military bases are located, President Donald Trump told the New York Post, in a potentially historic shift in Arctic geopolitics. Trump said Washington would secure everything we want in negotiations over the strategically vital territory that hosts key US installations. Trumps comments come amid ongoing discussions with Denmark and NATO partners about a possible framework allowing the US to hold sovereignty only over the specific Greenlandic parcels containing American bases, a model reportedly similar to Britains sovereign base areas in Cyprus. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Officials have emphasised that the intent is to safeguard long-term US military access in Greenland, particularly at sites like Pituffik Space Base, which play significant roles in regional defence and early warning systems. American leaders fear that if Greenland were to move toward full independence, existing access agreements could be renegotiated or restricted. However, the proposal has drawn firm resistance. Greenlands premier, Jens-Frederik Nielsen has made clear that granting sovereignty to the US over Greenlandic territory is a red line, highlighting widespread local opposition to any erosion of self-rule. Likewise, Danish authorities have insisted that Greenlands sovereignty is not up for negotiation, reaffirming Denmarks jurisdiction over the island and its determination to preserve international law and territorial integrity. Meanwhile, Greenland and Denmark have formed a united front to face down US President Donald Trump, momentarily setting aside the troubled history between them. The Arctic island, a Danish colony for three centuries, still has a complicated relationship with Denmark, which now rules it as an autonomous territory. Greenlands main political parties all want independence, but disagree on how exactly to get there. Trumps designs on the island led them to forge a coalition government in March last year. Greenlands leaders made clear last week they had no interest in Trumps bid to take over the vast island an idea he pushed hard, before backing off on Wednesday after reaching what he called a framework deal on Arctic security with NATOs secretary-general. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies China is sharply increasing its intake of Russian oil in January as tighter Western sanctions force Moscow to redirect crude previously sold to India and Turkey. The United States and the European Union imposed sweeping sanctions in late 2025 targeting Russian oil sellers and shippers. (Reuters) As US President Donald Trumps push on oil tariffs loses momentum, China is set to lift Russian oil imports in January, taking barrels that had been bound for India and Turkey as sanctions force Moscow to redirect flows, LSEG data and traders said. The United States and the European Union imposed sweeping sanctions in late 2025 on Russian oil sellers and shippers, including Rosneft and Lukoil, complicating deals for global buyers and tightening oversight of Russian crude exports. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Preliminary LSEG figures show China is set to receive nearly 1.5 million barrels per day by sea this month, up from 1.1 million barrels per day in December. Beijing, already a major buyer of Russian Far East ESPO Blend, also lifted imports of Russian Urals crude to a record 405,000 barrels per day in January, the highest level since mid-2023, according to data from energy consultancy Kpler. Purchases fall in India and Turkey India, which had been the largest seaborne buyer of Russian Urals since the EU embargo in 2022, reduced purchases to below 1 million barrels per day in December, down from an average of 1.3 million barrels per day last year, LSEG data showed. Indian refiners are expected to keep imports near 1 million barrels per day in January as they diversify supply. Turkey also lowered Urals imports in January to about 250,000 barrels per day, compared with an average of 275,000 barrels per day in 2025 and well below the record 400,000 barrels per day recorded in June last year. Price discounts widen As Indian and Turkish buyers cut purchases recently, some Russian Urals cargoes headed for China, said a trader involved in Russian oil sales. He added that the surplus of Urals barrels weighed on prices. Discounts for Urals crude delivered to China in late 2025 widened to as much as $12 per barrel below ICE Brent for some cargoes, while current Urals differentials are near minus $10 to the benchmark, according to two traders active in the Asian market. Demand for Urals in India and Turkey, both significant exporters of diesel to Europe, weakened following the EU ban on fuels made from Russian-origin crude, traders said. Trump has warned Canada of steep tariffs, saying Washington would impose a 100 percent duty on all Canadian imports if Ottawa moves ahead with a trade deal with China. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney and US President Donald Trump attend the draw for the 2026 Fifa Football World Cup taking place in the US, Canada, and Mexico, at the Kennedy Center, in Washington, DC, on December 5, 2025. (Photo: AFP) US President Donald Trump on Saturday warned that he would impose a 100 percent tariff on all Canadian imports if Ottawa proceeds with a trade deal with China, escalating tensions over North Americas economic and strategic alignment. In a post on Truth Social, Trump directly targeted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, saying he would not allow Canada to become a conduit for Chinese goods entering the US. If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a drop-off port for China to send goods and products into the US, he is sorely mistaken, Trump wrote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China will eat Canada alive, Trump says Trump accused China of posing a serious threat to Canadas economy and society, claiming Beijing would eat Canada alive and completely devour it, including its businesses, social fabric and way of life. He said any trade agreement between Canada and China would prompt an immediate response from Washington. If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100 percent tariff on all Canadian goods and products coming into the US, he said. War of words with Mark Carney intensifies Trumps warning came amid an escalating war of words with Carney, as the US presidents push to acquire Greenland placed fresh strain on the Nato alliance. Speaking in Davos, Switzerland, earlier this week, Trump said that Canada lives because of the United States. Davos speech seen as rebuke of Trump Soon after the China deal was signed, Carney delivered a sharp speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, warning against coercion by great powers remarks widely interpreted as an implicit criticism of Trumps leadership. Invitation to Board of Peace withdrawn Trump later withdrew his invitation to Carney to join his proposed Board of Peace, an initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts. US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow before travelling to Israel for talks on Gaza, as Washington pursues parallel diplomatic efforts in Ukraine and the West Asia. Senior US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff held extended discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow before travelling to Israel for talks focused on Gazas future, as Washington pursues parallel diplomatic tracks aimed at easing two of the worlds most entrenched conflicts. The meeting with Putin lasted nearly four hours and focused on outstanding issues ahead of the next round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks, a US official said on Saturday. The discussions come as negotiations involving Moscow and Kyiv continue under UAE facilitation, even as fighting on the ground persists. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They met for just about four hours, and it was a very productive discussion, addressing the final issues that remain open, the official said during a media briefing. Ukraine talks amid continued fighting The Moscow meeting preceded trilateral discussions involving Russia and Ukraine that have been hosted in Abu Dhabi. A senior official said the next round of talks is scheduled to begin on February 1, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy describing the previous discussions as constructive. A lot was discussed, and it is important that the conversations were constructive, Zelensky said, adding that another round could take place as early as next week. The UAE government has characterised the talks, which involved senior military officers from both sides, as having taken place in a constructive and positive atmosphere. However, optimism on the ground in Ukraine remains limited. On the eve of the second day of talks, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack across Ukraine, disrupting electricity supplies for millions during sub-zero temperatures. Kyiv accused Moscow of undermining diplomatic efforts by carrying out what it called another night of Russian terror. For residents in the Ukrainian capital who endured renewed overnight strikes, hopes of an immediate breakthrough appeared faint, underscoring the fragile nature of negotiations occurring alongside active hostilities. Gaza diplomacy follows Moscow visit From Moscow, Kushner and Witkoff travelled to Israel, where they were set to hold talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the future of Gaza. A US official said the envoys were working to assess next steps to preserve the current ceasefire and build conditions for a longer-term peace arrangement. The visit comes as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in place since October 10, has entered its second phase, even as both sides continue to accuse each other of violations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israeli media reported that US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper was also visiting Israel on Saturday. Netanyahus office confirmed that meetings with the American envoys were taking place in Jerusalem. The discussions are also expected to address the return of the remains of the last Israeli hostage believed to be held in Gaza. Of the 251 people taken during Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, the body of Ran Gvili is the only one still in the Palestinian territory. Gvilis family urged the Israeli leadership to prioritise the issue during talks with the US delegation. Anyone who truly seeks to advance the rehabilitation of Gaza and peace in the Middle East must first and foremost bring Rani home, the family said in a statement. New Gaza vision and reconstruction debate The Israel visit follows remarks by US officials, including President Donald Trump, at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this week, where they outlined a vision for a rebuilt Gaza following the war. Describing Gazas coastal location, Trump said redevelopment could transform the territory. Im a real estate person at heart look at this beautiful piece of property. What it could be for so many people, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kushner echoed that view, pointing to rapid urban development elsewhere in the Middle East and calling for investments of at least $25 billion to restore Gazas infrastructure and public services. However, international estimates suggest significantly higher costs. A UN- and World Bank-backed assessment from February 2025 placed reconstruction expenses at $53 billion, while the UN Conference on Trade and Development later said costs could reach $70 billion and require decades to complete. Meanwhile, tensions on the ground persist. On Saturday, Gazas civil defence agency reported that two teenagers were killed in an Israeli drone strike. The Israeli military said its forces had targeted and killed two militants who were planting explosive devices near troops. As US envoys engage simultaneously with Russia, Ukraine and Israel, Washingtons efforts highlight the challenge of advancing diplomacy across multiple conflict zones, where negotiations remain vulnerable to developments on the battlefield. With inputs from agencies An Indian national has been arrested in the US after allegedly shooting dead his wife and three relatives during a domestic dispute. The incident took place inside a residence in Georgia, where three children, were present at the time but survived by hiding in a closet. An Indian man has been arrested in the US after allegedly shooting dead his wife and three relatives inside a home, in what police described as a domestic dispute. The accused has been identified as 51-year-old Vijay Kumar. Investigators said three children, including Kumars 12-year-old child, were present in the house at the time of the shooting but managed to hide in a closet and survived. Indian mission extends assistance The Indian Mission in Atlanta said it was extending all possible assistance to the bereaved family. We are deeply grieved by a tragic shooting incident linked to an alleged family dispute in which an Indian national was among the victims. The alleged shooter has been arrested, and all possible assistance is being extended to the bereaved family, the mission said in a post on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Early morning police response Police received a call at around 2.30 am on Friday reporting a shooting at a residence in the 1000 block of Brook Ivy Court. When officers arrived at the scene, they found four adults inside the home with fatal gunshot wounds, Fox5 reported. Kumars vehicle was still parked in the driveway, prompting police to deploy K-9 units to search the surrounding area. A police dog tracked him to a nearby wooded area, where he was located and taken into custody. Gwinnett County Police identified the victims as Kumars wife, Meemu Dogra, 43, of Atlanta, and Gourav Cumar, 33, Nidhi Chander, 37, and Harish Chander, 38, all residents of Lawrenceville. Childs 911 call proves crucial Police said Kumar and Dogras child was the one who called 911 and provided critical information, allowing officers to reach the scene within minutes. The children were unharmed and were later picked up by a family member, according to Fox5. According to investigators, the incident began with an argument between Kumar and Dogra at their home in Atlanta. The couple then travelled with their child to the Brook Ivy Court residence, where Gourav Cumar, Nidhi Chander and Harish Chander lived along with two minors aged seven and 10. Charges filed Vijay Kumar has been charged with four counts of aggravated assault, four counts of felony murder, four counts of malice murder, one count of first-degree cruelty to children, and two counts of third-degree cruelty to children. JD Vance will travel to Armenia and Azerbaijan in February to further a US-brokered peace deal, including a transit corridor and related strategic and commercial initiatives. The US State Department said this month Armenia would give the United States a nearly three-quarters stake in the development of the corridor. US Vice President JD Vance is set to travel to Armenia and Azerbaijan in February, President Donald Trump said on Friday, as part of efforts to reinforce a peace agreement signed between the two countries and to advance initiatives tied to that deal. Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a US-brokered agreement in August aimed at ending a decades-long conflict over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, which Azerbaijan most recently took over in 2023. Trump thanks leaders and outlines corridor plans I want to thank President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia for honoring the Peace Agreement we signed last August, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. In February, Vice President Vance will travel to both Countries to build on our Peace efforts, and advance the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, he said, referring to a transit corridor created as part of the agreement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The corridor through Armenia connects Azerbaijan, which is to its east, to its Nakhchivan exclave to the west. The agreement gives the United States development rights to the corridor. Strategic, industrial and defence elements Trump said the United States would strengthen our strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, a beautiful Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation with Armenia and organise Deals for our Great Semiconductor Makers. He also mentioned the sale of Made in the U.S.A. Defense Equipment, such as body armor and boats, and more, to Azerbaijan. The US State Department said this month Armenia would give the United States a nearly three-quarters stake in the development of the corridor, an agreement Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed as a model for the world. Rubio met with Azerbaijans foreign minister this week and commended the countrys recent shipments of fuel to Armenia as evidence of a continued commitment to the historic peace deal, the State Department said. The storm could bring catastrophic ice accumulation, the National Weather Service said, potentially causing long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions, including in many states less accustomed to intense winter weather US President Donald Trump has taken a dig at climate activists as he commented on the impending ice storms in the country, which are expected to cause power outages and could be life-threatening. Record Cold Wave expected to hit 40 States. Rarely seen anything like it before. Could the Environmental Insurrectionists please explain WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GLOBAL WARMING??? Trump said on Truth Social. The storm could bring catastrophic ice accumulation, the National Weather Service said, potentially causing long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions, including in many states less accustomed to intense winter weather. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How are states preparing for the storm? A state of emergency has been declared in Arkansas, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina, which means that the National Guard troops can be mobilised in these states. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the state has over 1,600 snowploughs and 114,000 tonnes of salt ready ahead of the winter storm. She urged New Yorkers to work from home and stockpile essential supplies. On Thursday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott assured residents that there is no expectation whatsoever of a statewide power grid failure as a major winter storm approaches. He emphasised that the grid has never been stronger and is fully capable of handling the upcoming freeze, seeking to distance the states current readiness from the catastrophic 2021 storm that resulted in hundreds of deaths. More than 2,700 weekend flights have already been cancelled, according to the tracker Flightaware, including many in and out of Texas. Schools in Chicago and other Midwestern cities called off classes, airlines cancelled thousands of weekend flights, churches moved Sunday services online, and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, decided to hold its Saturday night radio performance without fans. Carnival parades in Louisiana were cancelled or rescheduled. Polar vortex The brutal storm system is the result of a stretched polar vortex, an Arctic region of cold, low-pressure air that normally forms a relatively compact, circular system but sometimes morphs into a more oval shape, sending cold air spilling across North America. Scientists say the increasing frequency of such disruptions of the polar vortex may be linked to climate change, though the debate is not settled and natural variability plays a role. With inputs from agencies Finnish industries call for deeper economic engagement with China Xinhua) 14:21, January 24, 2026 HELSINKI, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Finnish industry representatives have highlighted the importance of deepening economic and business engagement with China ahead of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's visit to the country from Jan. 25 to 28, which will include a business delegation. Timo Vuori, director for international trade at the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK), told Xinhua on Friday that Finnish businesses attach great importance to stable economic and political relations with China. He noted that amid a complex international environment, regular exchanges between the European Union and China remain essential for sustaining cooperation and mutual confidence. Vuori said Finnish industries support a predictable and level playing field in the EU market, with the same rules applied to EU-based companies and firms from outside the bloc, including those from China. He added that China's technological strength in many sectors makes it an important market for Finnish companies seeking to enhance global competitiveness. "If a Finnish company is successful in China, it will flourish in other markets as well," he said. China is one of Finland's key trading partners, with cooperation focusing on areas such as the low-carbon economy, the circular economy and climate change mitigation. In 2023, 239 subsidiaries of Finnish companies operated in China, generating a turnover of more than 14 billion euros (16.5 billion U.S. dollars). In 2024, Finland's goods exports to China reached 3.5 billion euros and service exports totaled 1.82 billion euros, while goods imports from China amounted to 7.5 billion euros, the release said. While acknowledging that Finnish companies may face practical challenges in China, Vuori stressed the need to address issues through continued engagement to safeguard international trade and ensure sustainable growth. During Orpo's visit, the China-Finland Committee for Innovative Business Cooperation will hold its sixth meeting, with around 50 companies expected to participate. Established in 2017 and coordinated by EK and the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, the committee aims to promote bilateral trade and investment. Peikko Group, a Finnish manufacturer of concrete construction connection technology and slim floor structures, will join the delegation. Peikko CEO Topi Paananen told Finnish business daily Kauppalehti that such visits are vital for Finnish companies amid shifting global geopolitics. He said the trip would help strengthen Peikko's presence in the Chinese market and enhance recognition of its products and quality. Peikko has operated in China since 2011 and has expanded its local plant. Paananen said the company expects revenue in China to reach about 10 million euros this year, with the local factory aiming to produce goods worth around 30 million euros. (1 euro = 1.17 U.S. dollar) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) 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. Previously on Computers Are Bad, we discussed the early history of air traffic control in the United States. The technical demands of air traffic control are well known in computer history circles because of the prominence of SAGE, but what's less well known is that SAGE itself was not an air traffic control system at all. SAGE was an air defense system, designed for the military with a specific task of ground-controlled interception (GCI). There is natural overlap between air defense and air traffic control: for example, both applications require correlating aircraft identities with radar targets. This commonality lead the Federal Aviation Agency (precursor to today's FAA) to launch a joint project with the Air Force to adapt SAGE for civilian ATC. There are also significant differences. In general, SAGE did not provide any safety functions. It did not monitor altitude reservations for uniqueness, it did not detect loss of separation, and it did not integrate instrument procedure or terminal information. SAGE would need to gain these features to meet FAA requirements, particularly given the mid-century focus on mid-air collisions (a growing problem, with increasing air traffic, that SAGE did nothing to address). The result was a 1959 initiative called SATIN, for SAGE Air Traffic Integration. Around the same time, the Air Force had been working on a broader enhancement program for SAGE known as the Super Combat Center (SCC). The SCC program was several different ideas grouped together: a newer transistorized computer to host SAGE, improved communications capabilities, and the relocation of Air Defense Direction Centers from conspicuous and vulnerable "SAGE Blockhouses" to hardened underground command centers, specified as an impressive 200 PSI blast overpressure resistance (for comparison, the hardened telecommunication facilities of the Cold War were mostly specified for 6 or 10 PSI). At the program's apex, construction of the SCCs seemed so inevitable that the Air Force suspended the original SAGE project under the expectation that SCC would immediately obsolete it. For example, my own Albuquerque was one of the last Air Defense Sectors scheduled for installation of a SAGE computer. That installation was canceled; while a hardened underground center had never been in the cards for Albuquerque, the decision was made to otherwise build Albuquerque to the newer SCC design, including the transistorized computer. By the same card, the FAA's interest in a civilian ATC capability, and thus the SATIN project, came to be grouped together with the SCC program as just another component of SAGE's next phase of development. SAGE had originally been engineered by MIT's Lincoln Laboratory, then the national center of expertise in all things radar. By the late 1950s a large portion of the Lincoln Laboratory staff were working on air defense systems and specifically SAGE. Those projects had become so large that MIT opted to split them off into a new organization, which through some obscure means came to be called the MITRE Corporation. MITRE was to be a general military R&D and consulting contractor, but in its early years it was essentially the SAGE company. The FAA contracted MITRE to deliver the SATIN project, and MITRE subcontracted software to the Systems Development Corporation, originally part of RAND and among the ancestors of today's L3Harris. For the hardware, MITRE had long used IBM, who designed and built the original AN/FSQ-7 SAGE computer and its putative transistorized replacement, the AN/FSQ-32. MITRE began a series of engineering studies, and then an evaluation program on prototype SATIN technology. There is a somewhat tenuous claim that you will oft see repeated, that the AN/FSQ-7 is the largest computer ever built. It did occupy the vast majority of the floorspace of the four-story buildings built around it. The power consumption was around 3 MW, and the heat load required an air conditioning system at the very frontier of HVAC engineering (you can imagine that nearly all of that 3 MW had to be blown out of the building on a continuing basis). One of the major goals of the AN/FSQ-32 was reduced size and power consumption, with the lower heat load in particular being a critical requirement for installation deep underground. Of course, the "deep underground" part more than wiped out any savings from the improved technology. From Air Defense to Air Traffic Control By the late 1950s, enormous spending for the rapid built-out of defense systems including SAGE and the air defense radar system (then the Permanent System) had fatigued the national budget and Congress. The winds of the Cold War had once again changed. In 1959, MITRE had begun operation of a prototype civilian SAGE capability called CHARM, the CAA High Altitude Remote Monitor (CAA had become the FAA during the course of the CHARM effort). CHARM used MIT's Whirlwind computer to process high-altitude radar data from the Boston ARTCC (Air Route Traffic Control Center), which it displayed to operators while continuously evaluating aircraft movements for possible conflicts. CHARM was designed for interoperability with SAGE, the ultimate goal being the addition of the CHARM software package to existing SAGE computers. None of that would ever happen; by the time the ball dropped for the year 1960 the Super Combat Center program had been almost completely canceled. SATIN, and the whole idea of civilian air traffic control with SAGE, became blast damage. In 1961, the Beacon Report concluded that there was an immediate need for a centralized, automated air traffic control system. Mid-air collisions had become a significant political issue, subject of congressional hearings and GAO reports. The FAA seemed to be failing to rise to the task of safe civilian ATC, a perilous situation for such a new agency... and after the cancellation of the SCCs, the FAA's entire plan for computerized ATC was gone. During the late 1950s and 1960s, the FAA adopted computer systems in a piecemeal fashion. Many enroute control centers (ARTCCs), and even some terminal facilities, had some type of computer system installed. These were often custom software running on commodity computers, limited to tasks like recording flight plans and making them available to controllers at other terminals. Correlation of radar targets with flight plans was generally manual, as were safety functions like conflict detection. These systems were limited in scalethe biggest problem being that some ARTCCs remained completely manual even in the late 1960s. On the upside, they demonstrated much of the technology required, and provided a test bed for implementation. Many of the individual technical components of ATC were under development, particularly within IBM and Raytheon, but there was no coordinated nationwide program. This situation resulted in part from a very intentional decision by the FAA to grant more decision making power to its regional offices, a concept that was successful in some areas but in retrospect disastrous in others. In 1967, the Department of Transportation was formed as a new cabinet-level executive department. The FAA, then the Federal Aviation Agency, was reorganized into DOT and renamed the Federal Aviation Administration. The new Administration had a clear imperative from both the President and Congress: figure out air traffic control. In the late 1960s, the FAA coined a new term: the National Airspace System , a fully standardized, nationwide system of procedures and systems that would safely coordinate air traffic into the indefinite future. Automation of the NAS began with NAS Enroute Stage A, which would automate the ARTCCs that handled high-altitude aircraft on their way between terminals. The remit was more or less "just like SAGE but with the SATIN features," and when it came to contracting, the FAA decided to cut the middlemen and go directly to the hardware manufacturer: IBM. The IBM 9020 It was 1967 by the time NAS Enroute Stage A was underway, nearly 20 years since SAGE development had begun. IBM would thus benefit from considerable advancements in computer technology in general. Chief among them was the 1965 introduction of the System/360. S/360 was a milestone in the development of the computer: a family of solid-state, microcoded computers with a common architecture for software and peripheral interconnection. S/360's chief designer, Gene Amdahl, was a genius of computer architecture who developed a particular interest in parallel and multiprocessing systems. Soon after the S/360 project, he left IBM to start the Amdahl Corporation, briefly one of IBM's chief competitors. During his short 1960s tenure at IBM, though, Amdahl contributed IBM's concept of the "multisystem." A multisystem consisted of multiple independent computers that operated together as a single system. There is quite a bit of conceptual similarity between the multisystem and modern concepts like multiprocessing and distributed computing, but remember that this was the 1960s, and engineers were probing out the possibilities of computer-to-computer communication for the first time. Some of the ideas of S/360 multisystems read as strikingly modern and prescient of techniques used today (like atomic resource locking for peripherals and shared memory), while others are more clearly of their time (the general fact that S/360 multisystems tended to assign their CPUs exclusively to a specific task). One of the great animating tensions of 1960s computer history is the ever-moving front between batch processing systems and realtime computing systems. IBM had its heritage manufacturing unit record data processing machines, in which a physical stack of punched cards was the unit of work, and input and output ultimately occurred between humans on two sides of a service window. IBM computers were designed around the same model: a "job" was entered into the machine, stored until it reached the end of the queue, processed, and then the output was stored for later retrieval. One could argue that all computers still work this way, it's just process scheduling, but IBM had originally envisioned job queuing times measured in hours rather than milliseconds. The batch model of computing was fighting a battle on multiple fronts: rising popularity of time-sharing systems meant servicing multiple terminals simultaneously and, ideally, completing simple jobs interactively while the user waited. Remote terminals allowed clerks to enter and retrieve data right where business transactions were taking place, and customers standing at ticket counters expected prompt service. Perhaps most difficult of all, fast-moving airplanes and even faster-moving missiles required sub-second decisions by computers in defense applications. IBM approached the FAA's NAS Enroute Stage A contract as one that required a real-time system (to meet the short timelines necessary in air traffic control) and a multisystem (to meet the FAA's exceptionally high uptime and performance requirements). They also intended to build the NAS automation on an existing, commodity architecture to the greatest extent possible. The result was the IBM 9020. The 9020 is a fascinating system, exemplary of so many of the challenges and excitement of the birth of the modern computer. On the one hand, a 9020 is a sophisticated, fault-tolerant, high-performance computer system with impressive diagnostic capabilities and remarkably dynamic resource allocation. On the other hand, a 9020 is just six to seven S/360 computers married to each other with a vibe that is more duct tape and bailing wire than aerospace aluminum and titanium. The first full-scale 9020 was installed in Jacksonville, Florida, late in 1967. Along with prototype systems at the FAA's experimental center and at Raytheon (due to the 9020's close interaction with Raytheon-built radar systems), the early 9020 computers served as development and test platforms for a complex and completely new software system written mostly in JOVIAL. JOVIAL isn't a particularly well-remembered programming language, based on ALGOL with modifications to better suit real-time computer systems. The Air Force was investing extensively in real-time computing capabilities for air defense and JOVIAL was, for practical purposes, an Air Force language. It's not completely clear to me why IBM selected JOVIAL for enroute stage A, but we can make an informed guess. There were very few high-level programming languages that were suitable for real-time use at all in the 1960s, and JOVIAL had been created by Systems Development Corporation (the original SAGE software vendor) and widely used for both avionics and air defense. The SCC project, if it had been completed, would likely have involved rewriting large parts of SAGE in JOVIAL. For that reason, JOVIAL had been used for some of the FAA's earlier ATC projects including SATIN. At the end of the day, JOVIAL was probably an irritating (due to its external origin) but obvious choice for IBM. More interesting than the programming language is the architecture of the 9020. It is, fortunately, well described in various papers and a special issue of IBM Systems Journal. I will simplify IBM's description of the architecture to be more legible to a modern reader who hasn't worked for IBM for a decade. Picture this: seven IBM S/360 computers, of various models, are connected to a common address and memory bus used for interaction with storage. These computers are referred to as Compute Elements and I/O Control Elements, forming two pools of machines dedicated to two different sets of tasks. Also on that bus are something like 10 Storage Elements, specialized machines that function like memory controllers with additional features for locking, prioritization, and diagnostics. These Storage Elements provide either 131 kB or about 1 MB of memory each; due to various limitations the maximum possible memory capacity of a 9020 is about 3.4 MB, not all of which is usable at any given time due to redundancy. At least three Compute Elements, and up to four, serve as the general-purpose part of the system where the main application software is executed. Three I/O Control Elements existed mostly as "smart" controllers for peripherals connected to their channels, the IBM parlance for what we might now call an expansion bus. The 9020 received input from a huge number of sources (radar digitizers, teletypes at airlines and flight service stations, controller workstations, other ARTCCs). Similarly, it sent output to most of these endpoints as well. All of these communications channels, with perhaps the exception of the direct 9020-to-9020 links between ARTCCs, were very slow even by the standards of the time. The I/O Control Elements each used two of their high-speed channels for interconnection with display controllers (discussed later) and tape drives in the ARTCC, while the third high-speed channel connected to a multiplexing system called the Peripheral Adapter Module that connected the computer to dozens of peripherals in the ARTCC and leased telephone lines to radar stations, offices, and other ATC sites. Any given I/O Control Element had a full-time job of passing data between peripherals and storage elements, with steps to validate and preprocess data. In addition to ATC-specific I/O devices, the Control Elements also used their Peripheral Adapter Modules to communicate with the System Console. The System Console is one of the most unique properties of the 9020, and one of the achievements of which IBM seems most proud. Multisystem installations of S/360s were not necessarily new, but the 9020 was one of the first attempts to present a cluster of S/360s as a single unified machine. The System Console manifested that goal. It was, on first glance, not that different from the operator's consoles found on each of the individual S/360 machines. It was much more than that, though: it was the operator's console for all seven of them. During normal 9020 operation, a single operator at the system console could supervise all components of the system through alarms and monitors, interact with any element of the system via a teletypewriter terminal, and even manually interact with the shared storage bus for troubleshooting and setup. The significance of the System Console's central control was such that the individual S/360 machines, when operating as part of the Multisystem, disabled their local operator's consoles entirely. One of the practical purposes of the System Console was to manage partitioning of the system. A typical 9020 had three compute elements and three I/O control elements, an especially large system could have a fourth compute element for added capacity. The system was sized to produce 50% redundancy during peak traffic. In other words, a 9020 could run the full normal ATC workload on just two of the compute elements and two of the I/O control elements. The remaining elements could be left in a "standby" state in which the multisystem would automatically bring them online if one of the in-service elements failed, and this redundancy mechanism was critical to meeting the FAA's reliability requirement. You could also use the out-of-service elements for other workloads, though. For example, you could remove one of the S/360s from the multisystem and then operate it manually or run "offline" software. An S/360 operating this way is described as "S/360 compatibility mode" in IBM documentation, since it reduces the individual compute element to a normal standalone computer. IBM developed an extensive library of diagnostic tools that could be run on elements in standby mode, many of which were only slight modifications of standard S/360 tools. You could also use the offline machines in more interesting ways, by bringing up a complete ATC software chain running on a smaller number of elements. For training new controllers, for example, one compute element and one I/O control element could be removed from the multisystem and used to form a separate partition of the machine that operated on recorded training data. This partition could have its own assigned peripherals and storage area and largely operate as if it were a complete second 9020. Multisystem Architecture You probably have some questions about how IBM achieved these multisystem capabilities, given the immature state of operating systems design at the time. The 9020 used an operating system derived from OS/360 MVT, an advanced form of OS/360 with a multitasking capability that was state-of-the-art in the mid-1960s but nonetheless very limited and with many practical problems. Fortunately, IBM was not exactly building a general-purpose machine, but a dedicated system with one function. This allowed the software to be relatively simple. The core of the 9020 software system is called the control program, which is similar to what we would call a scheduler today. During routine operation of the 9020, any of the individual computers might begin execution of the control program at any timetypically either because the computer's previous task was complete (along the lines of cooperative multitasking) or because an interrupt had been received (along the lines of preemptive multitasking). To meet performance and timing requirements, especially with the large number of peripherals involved, the 9020 extensively used interrupts which could either be generated and handled within a specific machine or sent across the entire multisystem bus. The control program's main function is to choose the next task to execute. Since it can be started on any machine at any time, it must be reentrant. The fact that all of the machines have shared memory simplifies the control program's task, since it has direct access to all of the running programs. Shared memory also added the complexity that the control program has to implement locking and conflict detection to ensure that it doesn't start the same task on multiple machines at once, or start multiple tasks that will require interaction with the same peripheral. You might wonder about how, exactly, the shared memory was implemented. The storage elements were not complete computers, but did implement features to prevent conflicts between simultaneous access by two machines, for example. By necessity, all of the memory management used for the multisystem is quite simple. Access conflicts were resolved by choosing one machine and making the other wait until the next bus cycle. Each machine had a "private" storage area, called the preferential storage area. A register on each element contained an offset added to all memory addresses that ensured the preferential storage areas did not overlap. Beyond that, all memory had to be acquired by calling system subroutines provided by the control program, so that the control program could manage memory regions. Several different types of memory allocations were available for different purposes, ranging from arbitrary blocks for internal use by programs to shared buffer areas that multiple machines could use to queue data for an I/O Control Element to send elsewhere. At any time during execution of normal programs, an interrupt could be generated indicating a problem with the system (IBM gives the examples of a detection of high temperature or loss of A/C power in one of the compute elements). Whenever the control program began execution, it would potentially detect other error conditions using its more advanced understanding of the state of tasks. For example, the control program might detect that a program has exited abnormally, or that allocation of memory has failed, or an I/O operation has timed out without completing. All of these situations constitute operational errors, and result in the Control Program ceding execution to the Operational Error Analysis Program or OEAP. The OEAP is where error-handling logic lives, but also a surprising portion of the overall control of the multisystem. The OEAP begins by performing self-diagnosis. Whatever started the OEAP, whether the control program or a hardware interrupt, is expected to leave some minimal data on the nature of the failure in a register. The OEAP reads that register and then follows an automated data-collection procedure that could involve reading other registers on the local machine, requesting registers from other machines, and requesting memory contents from storage elements. Based on the diagnosis, the OEAP has different options: some errors are often transient (like communications problems), so the OEAP might do nothing and simply allow the control program to start the task again. On the other hand, some errors could indicate a serious problem with a component of the system, like a storage element that is no longer responding to read and write operations in its address range. In those more critical cases, the OEAP will rewrite configuration registers on the various elements of the system and then reset themand on initialization, the configuration registers will cause them to assume new states in terms of membership in the multisystem. In this way, the OEAP is capable of recovering from "solid" hardware failures by simply reconfiguring the system to no longer use the failed hardware. Most of the time, that involves changing the failed element's configuration from "online" to "offline," and choosing an element in "online standby" and changing its configuration to "online." During the next execution of the control program, it will start tasks on the newly "online" element, and the newly "offline" element may as well have never existed. The details are, of course, a little more complex. In the case of a failed storage element, for example, there's a problem of memory addresses. The 9020 multisystem doesn't have virtual memory in the modern sense, addresses are more or less absolute (ignoring some logical addressing available for specific types of memory allocations). That means that if a storage element fails, any machines which have been using memory addresses within that element will need to have a set of registers for memory address offsets reconfigured and then execution reset. Basically, by changing offsets, the OEAP can "remap" the memory in use by a compute or I/O control element to a different storage element. Redundancy is also built in to the software design to make these operations less critical. For example, some important parts of memory are stored in duplicate with an offset between the two copies large enough to ensure that they will never fall on the same physical storage element. So far we have only really talked about the "operational error" part, though, and not the "analysis." In the proud tradition of IBM, the 9020 was designed from the ground up for diagnosis. A considerable part of IBM's discussion of the architecture of the Control Program, for example, is devoted to its "timing analysis" feature. That capability allows the Control Program to commit to tape a record of when each task began execution, on which element, and how long it took. The output is a set of start and duration times, with task metadata, remarkably similar to what we would now call a "span" in distributed tracing. Engineers used these records to analyze the performance of the system and more accurately determine load limits such as the number of in-air flights that could be simultaneously tracked. Of course, details of the time analysis system remind us that computers of this era were very slow: the resolution on task-start timestamps was only 1/2 second, although durations were recorded at the relatively exact 1/60th of a second. That was just the control program, though, and the system's limited ability to write timing analysis data (which, even on the slow computers, tended to be produced faster than the tape drives could write it and so had to fit within a buffer memory area for practical purposes) meant that it was only enabled as needed. The OEAP provided long-term analysis of the performance of the entire machine. Whenever the OEAP was invoked, even if it determined that a problem was transient or "soft" and took no action, it would write statistical records of the nature of the error and the involved elements. When the OEAP detected an unusually large number of soft errors from the same physical equipment, it would automatically reconfigure the system to remove that equipment from service and then generate an alarm. Alerts generated by the OEAP were recorded by a printer connected to the System Console, and indicated by lights on the System Console. A few controls on the System Console allowed the operator manual intervention when needed, for example to force a reconfiguration. One of the interesting aspects of the OEAP is where it runs. The 9020 multisystem is truly a distributed one in that there is no "leader." The control program, as we have discussed, simply starts on whichever machine is looking for work. In practice, it may sometimes run simultaneously on multiple machines, which is acceptable as it implements precautions to prevent stepping on its own toes. This model is a little more complex for the OEAP, because of the fact that it deals specifically with failures. Consider a specific failure scenario: loss of power. IBM equipped each of the functional components of the 9020 with a battery backup, but they only rate the battery backup for 5.5 seconds of operation. That isn't long enough for a generator to reliably pick up the load, so this isn't a UPS as we would use today. It's more of a dying gasp system: the computer can "know" that it has lost power and continue to operate long enough stabilize the state of the system for faster resumption. When a compute element or I/O control element loses power, an interrupt is generated within that single machine that starts the OEAP. The OEAP performs a series of actions, which include generating an interrupt across the entire system to trigger reconfiguration (it is possible, even likely given the physical installations, that the power loss is isolated to the single machine) and resetting task states in the control program so that the machine's tasks can be restarted elsewhere. The OEAP also informs the system console and writes out records of what has happened. Ideally, this all completes in 5.5 seconds while battery power remains reliable. In the real world, there could be problems that lead to slow OEAP execution, or the batteries could fail to make it for long enough, or for that matter the compute element could encounter some kind of fundamentally different problem. The fact that the OEAP is executing on a machine means that something has gone wrong, and so until the OEAP completes analysis, the machine that it is running on should be considered suspect. The 9020 resolves this contradiction through teamwork: beginning of OEAP execution on any machine in the total system generates an interrupt that starts the OEAP on other machines in a "time-down" mode. The "time-down" OEAPs wait for a random time interval and then check the shared memory to see if the original OEAP has marked its execution as completed. If not, the first OEAP to complete its time-down timer will take over OEAP execution and attempt to complete diagnostics from afar. That process can, potentially, repeat multiple times: in some scenario where two of the three compute elements have failed, the remaining third element will eventually give up on waiting for the first two and run the OEAP itself. In theory, someone will eventually diagnose every problem. IBM asserts that system recovery should always complete within 30 seconds. Let's work a couple of practical examples, to edify our understanding of the Control Program and OEAP. Say that a program running on a Compute Element sets up a write operation for an I/O Control Element, which formats and sends the data to a Peripheral Adapter Module which attempts to send it to an offsite peripheral (say an air traffic control tower teleprinter) but fails. A timer that tracks the I/O operation will eventually fail, triggering the OEAP on the I/O control element running the task. The OEAP reads out the error register on its new home, discovers that it is an I/O problem related to a PAM, and then speaks over the channel to request the value of state registers from the PAM. These registers contain flags for various possible states of peripheral connections, and from these the OEAP can determine that sending a message has failed because there was no response. These types of errors are often transient, due to telephone network trouble or bad luck, so the OEAP increments counters for future reference, looks up the application task that tried to send the message and changes its state to incomplete, clears registers on the PAM and I/O control element, and then hands execution back to the Control Program. The Control Program will most likely attempt to do the exact same thing over again, but in the case of a transient error, it'll probably work this time. Consider a more severe case, where the Control Program starts a task on a Compute Element that simply never finishes. A timer runs down to detect this condition, and an interrupt at the end of the timer starts the Control Program, which checks the state and discovers the still-unfinished task. Throwing its hands in the air, the Control Program sets some flags in the error register and hands execution to the OEAP. The OEAP starts on the same machine, but also interrupts other machines to start the OEAP in time-down mode in case the machine is too broken to complete error handling. It then reads the error register and examines other registers and storage contents. Determining that some indeterminate problem has occurred with the Compute Element, the OEAP triggers what IBM confusingly calls a "logout" but we might today call a "core dump" (ironically an old term that was more appropriate in this era). The "logout" entails copying the contents of all of the registers and counters to the preferential storage area and then directing, via channel, one of the tape drives to write it all to a tape kept ready for this purposethe syslog of its day. Once that's complete, the OEAP will reset the Compute Element and hand back to the Control Program to try again... unless counters indicate that this same thing has happened recently. In that case, the OEAP will update the configuration register on the running machine to change its status to offline, and choose a machine in online-standby. It will write to that machine's register, changing its status to online. A final interrupt causes the Control Program to start on both machines, taking them into their new states. Lengthy FAA procedure manuals described what would happen next. These are unfortunately difficult to obtain, but from IBM documentation we know that basic information on errors was printed for the system operator. The system operator would likely then use the system console to place the suspicious element in "test" mode, which completely isolates it to behave more or less like a normal S/360. At that point, the operator could use one of the tape drives attached to the problem machine to load IBM's diagnostic library and perform offline troubleshooting. The way the tape drives are hooked up to specific machines is important; in fact, since the OEAP is fairly large, it is only stored in one copy on one Storage Element. The 9020 requires that one of the tape drives always have a "system tape" ready with the OEAP itself, and low-level logic in the elements allows the OEAP to be read from the ready-to-go system tape in case the storage element that contains it fails to respond. A final interesting note about the OEAP is a clever optimization called "problem program mode." During analysis and handling of an error, the OEAP can decide that the critical phase of error handling has ended and the situation is no longer time sensitive. For example, the OEAP might decide that no action is required except for updating statistics, which can comfortably happen with a slight delay. These lower-priority remaining tasks can be added to memory as "normal" application tasks, to be run by the Control Program like any other task after error handling is complete. Think of it as a deferral mechanism, to avoid the OEAP locking up a machine for any longer than necessary. For the sake of clarity, I'll note again an interesting fact by quoting IBM directly: "OEAP has sole responsibility for maintaining the system configuration." The configuration model of the 9020 system is a little unintuitive to me. Each machine has its own configuration register that tells it what its task is and whether it is online or offline (or one of several states in between like online-standby). The OEAP reconfigures the system by running on any one machine and writing the configuration registers of both the machine it's running on, and all of the other machines via the shared bus. Most reconfigurations happen because the OEAP has detected a problem and is working around it, but if the operator manually reconfigures the system (for example to facilitate testing or training), they also do so by triggering an interrupt that leads the Control Program to start the OEAP. The System Console has buttons for this, along with toggles to set up a sort of "main configuration register" that determines how the OEAP will try to set up the system. The Air Traffic Control Application This has become a fairly long article by my norms, and I haven't even really talked about air traffic control that much. Well, here it comes: the application that actually ran on the 9020, which seems to have had no particular name, besides perhaps Central Computing Complex (although this seems to have been adopted mostly to differentiate it from the Display Complex, discussed soon). First, let's talk about the hardware landscape of the ARTCC and the 9020's role. An ARTCC handles a number of sectors, say around 30. Under the 9020 system, each of these sectors has three controllers associated with it, called the R, D, and A controllers. The R controller is responsible for monitoring and interpreting the radar, the D controller for managing flight plans and flight strips, and the A controller is something of a generalist who assists the other two. The three people sit at something like a long desk, made up of the R, D, and A consoles side by side. The R console is the most recognizable to modern eyes, as its centerpiece is a 22" CRT plan-view radar display. The plan-view display (PVD) of the 9020 system is significantly more sophisticated than the SAGE PVD on which it is modeled. Most notably, the 9020 PVD is capable of displaying text and icons. No longer does a controller use a light gun to select a target for a teleprinter to identify; the "data blocks" giving basic information on a flight were actually shown on the PVD next to the radar contact. A trackball and a set of buttons even allowed the controller to select targets to query for more information or update flight data. This was quite a feat of technology even in 1970, and in fact one that the 9020 was not capable of. Well, it was actually capable of it, but not initially. The original NAS stage A architecture separated the air traffic control data function and radar display function into two completely separate systems. The former was contracted to IBM, the latter to Raytheon, due to their significant experience building similar systems for the military. Early IBM 9020 installations sat alongside a Raytheon 730 Display Channel, a very specialized system that was nearly as large as the 9020. The Display Channel's role was to receive radar contact data and flight information in digital form from the 9020, and convert it into drawing instructions sent over a high-speed serial connection to each individual PVD. A single Display Channel was responsible for up to 60 PVDs. Further complicating things, sector workstations were reconfigurable to handle changing workloads. The same sector might be displayed on multiple PVDs, and where sectors met, PVDs often overlapped so the same contact would be visible to controllers for both sectors. The Display Channel had a fairly complex task to get the right radar contacts and data blocks to the right displays, and in the right places. Later on, the FAA opted to contract IBM to build a slightly more sophisticated version of the Display Channel that supported additional PVDs and provided better uptime. To meet that contract, IBM used another 9020. Some ARTCCs thus had two complete 9020 systems, called the Central Computer Complex (CCC) and the Display Channel Complex (DCC). The PVD is the most conspicuous part of the controller console, but there's a lot of other equipment there, and the rest of it is directly connected to the 9020 (CCC). At the R controller's position, a set of "hotkeys" allow for quickly entering flight data (like new altitudes) and a computer readout device (CRD), a CRT that displays 25x20 text for general output. For example, when a controller selects a target on the PVD to query for details, that query is sent to the 9020 CCC which shows the result on the R controller's CRD above the PVD. At the D controller's position, right next door, a large rack of slots for flight strips (small paper strips used to logically organize flight clearances, still in use today in some contexts) surrounds the D controller's CRD. The D controller also has a Computer Entry Device, or CED, a specialized keyboard that allows the D controller to retrieve and update flight plans and clearances based on requests from pilots or changes in the airspace situation. To their right, a modified teleprinter is dedicated to producing the flight strips that they arrange in front of them. Flight strips are automatically printed when an aircraft enters the sector, or when the controller enters changes. The A controller's position to the right of the flight strip printer is largely the same as the D controller's position, with another CRD and CED that operate independently from the D controller'svaluable during peak traffic. While controller consoles are the most visible peripherals of the system, they're far from the only ones. Each 9020 system had an extensive set of teletypewriter circuits. Some of these were local; for example, the ATC supervisor had a dedicated TTY where they could not only interact with flight data (to assist a sector controller for example) but also interact with the status of the NAS automation itself (for example to query the status of a malfunctioning radar site and then remove it from use for PVDs). Since the 9020 was also the locus of flight planning, TTYs were provided in air traffic control towers, terminal radar facilities, and even the dispatch offices of airlines. These allowed flight plans to be entered into the 9020 before the aircraft was handed off to enroute control. Flight service stations functioned more or less as the dispatch offices for general aviation, so they were similarly equipped with TTYs for flight plan management. In many areas, military controllers at air defense sectors were also provided with TTYs for convenient access to flight plans. Not least of all, each 9020 had high-speed leased lines to its neighboring 9020s. Flights passing from one ARTCC to the next had their flight strip "digitally passed" by transmission from one 9020 to the next. A set of high-speed line printers connected to the 9020 printed diagnostic data as well as summary and audit reports on air traffic. Similar audit data, including a detailed record of clearances, was written to tape drives for future reference. To organize the whole operation, IBM divided the software architecture of the system into the "supervisor state" and the "problem state." These are reasonably analogous to kernel and user space today, and "problem" is meant as in "the problem the computer solves" rather than "a problem has occurred." The Control Program and OEAP run in the supervisor state, everything else runs after the Control Program has set up a machine in the Problem State and started a given program. IBM organized the application software into five modules, which they called the five Programs. These are Input Processing, Flight Processing, Radar Processing, Output Processing, and Liaison Management. Most of these are fairly self-explanatory, but the list reveals the remarkably asynchronous design of the system. Consider an example, we'll say a general aviation flight taking off from an airport inside of one of the ARTCC's sectors. The pilot first contacts a Flight Service Station, which uses their TTY to enter a flight plan into the 9020. Next, the pilot interacts with the control tower, which in the process of giving a takeoff clearance uses their TTY to inform the 9020 that the flight plan is active. They may also update the flight plan with the aircraft's planned movements shortly after takeoff, if they have changed due to operating conditions. The Input Processing program handles all of these TTY inputs, parsing them into records stored on a Storage Element. In case any errors occur, like an invalid entry, those are also written to the Storage Element, where the Output Processing program picks them up and sends an appropriate message to the originating TTY. IBM notes that there were, as originally designed, about 100 types of input messages parsed by the input processing program. As the aircraft takes off, it is detected by a radar site (such as a Permanent System radar or Air Route Surveillance Radar) which digitally encodes the radar contact (a Raytheon system) for transmission to the 9020. The Radar Processing program receives these messages, converts radial radar coordinates to the XY plane used by the system, correlates contacts with similar XY positions from multiple radar sites into a single logical contact, and computes each contact's apparent heading and speed to extrapolate future positions. Complicating things, the 9020 went into service during the development of secondary surveillance radar, also known as the transponder system . On appropriately equipped aircraft, the transponder provides altitude. The Radar Processing system makes an altitude determination on each aircraft, a slightly more complicated task than you might expect as, at the time, only some radar systems and some transponders provided altitude information. The Radar Processing program thus had to track if it had altitude information at all and, if so, where from. In the mean time, the Radar Processing program tracked the state of the radar sites and reported any apparent trouble (such as loss of data or abnormal data) to the supervisor. I put a lot of time into writing this, and I hope that you enjoy reading it. If you can spare a few dollars, consider supporting me on ko-fi. You'll receive an occasional extra, subscribers-only post, and defray the costs of providing artisanal, hand-built world wide web directly from Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Flight Processing program periodically evaluates all targets from the Radar Processing program against all filed flight plans, correlating radar targets with filed flight plans, calculating navigational deviations, and predicting future paths. Among other outputs, the Flight Processing program generated up-to-date flight strips for each aircraft and predicted their arrival times at each flight plan fix for controller's planning purposes. The Flight Processing program hosted a set of rules used for safety protections, such as separation distances. This capability was fairly minimal during the 9020's original development, but was enhanced over time. The Output Processing program had two key roles. First, it handled data that was specifically queued for it because of a reactive need to send data to a given output. For example, if someone made a data entry error or a controller queried for a specific aircraft's flight plan, the Input Processing program placed the resulting data in memory, where the Output Processing program would "find it" to format and send to the correct device. The Output Processing program also continuously prepared common outputs like flight data blocks and radar station status messages that were formatted once to a common memory buffer to be sent to many devices in bulk. For example, a new flight strip for an aircraft would be formatted and stored once, and then sent in sequence to every controller position with a relation to that aircraft. Legacy The 9020 is just one corner of the evolution of air traffic control during the 1960s and 1970s, a period that also saw the introduction of secondary radar for civilian flights and the first effort to automate the role of flight service stations. These topics quickly spiral out into others: unlike the ARTCCs of the time, the flight service stations dealt extensively with weather and interacted with both FAA and National Weather Service teletype networks and computer systems. An early effort to automate the flight service function involved the use of a teletext system originally developed for agricultural use as a "flight briefing terminal." That wasn't the agricultural teletext system in Kentucky that I discussed, but a different one, in Kansas. Fascinating things everywhere you look! This article has already become long, though, and so we'll have to save plenty for later. To round things out, let's consider the fate of the 9020. SAGE is known not only for its pioneering role in the computing art, but because of its remarkably long service life, roughly from 1958 to 1984. The 9020 was almost 20 years younger than SAGE, and indeed outlived it, but not by much. In 1982, IBM announced the IBM 3083, a newer implementation of the Enhanced S/370 architecture that was directly descended from S/360 but with greatly improved I/O capabilities. In 1986, the FAA accepted a new 3083-based system called "HOST." Over the following three years, all of the 9020 CCCs were replaced by HOST systems. The 9020 was not to be forgotten so easily, though. First, the HOST project was mostly limited to hardware modernization or "rehosting." The HOST 3083 computers ran most of the same application code as the original 9020 system, incorporating many enhancements made over the intervening decades. Second, there is the case of the Display Channel Complex. Once again, because of the complexity of the PVD subsystem the FAA opted to view it as a separate program. While an effort was started to replace the 9020 DCCs alongside the 9020 CCCs, it encountered considerable delays and was ultimately canceled. The 9020 DCCs remained in service controlling PVDs until the ERAM Stage A project replaced the PVD system entirely in the 1990s. While IBM's efforts to market the 9020 overseas generally failed, one reduced-size "simplex" 9020 CCC system was sold to the UK Civil Aviation Authority for use in the London Air Traffic Centre. This 9020 remained in service until 1990, and perhaps because of its singularity and unusually long life, it is better remembered as a historic object. There are photos. Brenda Wray and Theo Otte are getting ready to enjoy a well-deserved retirement when they close their restaurant, 626 on Rood, on March 28. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Mon Monday 54 /26 Mainly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s and lows in the mid 20s. Contracts Contracts for Jan. 23, 2026 ARMY Bryce Space and Technology LLC,* Alexandria, Virginia, was awarded a $79,192,056 cost-no-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and firm-fixed-price contract for services including human capital, intelligence and security documentation processing, strategic planning, business development, operations, project management, acquisition development, financial management, safety and risk management, and related mission support in chemical and biological detection, protection, decontamination, testing, sciences, toxicology, aerosol science, target defeat, veterinary services, and computational methods. Bids were solicited via the internet with 16 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 1, 2031. Army Contracting Command - Aberdeen Proving Ground, Edgewood Division, is the contracting activity (W911SR-26-D-A001). Veterans Northwest Construction LLC, Seattle, Washington, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for multi-disciplinary maintenance, repair, and minor construction in support of Joint Base Lewis-McChord Public Works and other customers supported by the Seattle District Corps of Engineers. The amount of this action is $45,000,000. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 22, 2029. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, is the contracting activity (W912DW-26-D-A002). NAVY BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., Nashua, New Hampshire, is awarded a $73,798,992 modification (P00006) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N0001924C0003). This modification exercises the option to procure 1,248 radio frequency countermeasures in support of the U.S. and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) fighter aircraft. Work will be performed in Nashua, New Hampshire (40%); Elkton, Maryland (16%); Chatsworth, California (7%); Rosamond, California (4%); Dover, New Hampshire (4%); Rochester, New York (4%); Topsfield, Massachusetts (3%); Poughkeepsie, New York (1%); and other various locations within the continental U.S. (21%), and is expected to be completed in February 2029. Fiscal 2025 procurement of ammunition (Navy and Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $3,551,657; fiscal 2026 procurement of ammunition (Navy and Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $9,441,486; fiscal 2026 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $19,355,045; and FMS funds in the amount of $41,450,803, will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract modification was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Systems Planning and Analysis Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, is being awarded a $67,519,083 cost-plus-fixed-fee term (including option years) task order (N00030-26-F-3021) to support the Trident II Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Strategic Weapons System (SWS). Tasks to be performed include systems engineering and analysis support, technical assessments and future studies, arms control and treaty support, risk assessment and high consequence event prevention framework, nuclear deterrence mission oversight counsel technical support, program integration support, strategic deterrent industrial base studies, technical studies, technical assessment and systems engineering analysis support, program assistance and analytic support, strategic partner technical studies, enterprise data management, alteration support, and SWS United Kingdom (U.K.) unique systems engineering and program support. This contract benefits a Foreign Military Sale to the U.K. Work will be performed in Alexandria, Virginia (50%); Washington, D.C. (35%); Arlington, Virginia (5%); Silverdale, Washington (4%); Kings Bay, Georgia (2%); Cape Canaveral, Florida (2%); and the U.K. (2%). Work is expected to be completed on September 30, 2030. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance, Navy funds in the amount of $3,406,963, and Fiscal 2026 weapons procurement, Navy funds in the amount of $942,040 will be obligated on this award. Funds in the amount of $3,406,963 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This Task Order will be awarded as a sole source acquisition with the authority of 15 U.S. Code 638 Research and Development and was previously synopsized on the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) online portal. Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Oceanetics Inc.,* Annapolis, Maryland, is awarded $20,000,000 for a firm-fixed price, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N39430-23-D-4050). This modification provides for an increase in contract capacity. Work will be performed within the Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC) area of operations and is expected to be completed by May 2028. This award brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $149,989,368. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Future task orders will be primarily funded by operations and maintenance, (Navy); Navy working capital fund; research, development, test and evaluation; and other procurement, (Navy) funds. NAVFAC EXWC, Port Hueneme, California, is the contracting activity. Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $19,299,600 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-23-C-5401) to exercise options for design agent and engineering support for the Rolling Airframe Missile. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (69%); the government of Japan (25%); the government of Qatar (3%); the government of South Korea (2%); and the government of Canada (1%), under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by March 2028. FMS (Japan) funds in the amount of $4,499,906 (25%); fiscal 2025 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,464,824 (25%); fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,539,029 (20%); fiscal 2026 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,334,251 (13%); fiscal 2026 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,815,000 (10%); FMS (Qatar) funds in the amount of $699,964 (3%); FMS (South Korea) funds in the amount of $514,536 (2%); fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $97,451 (1%); and FMS (Canada) funds in the amount of $29,919 (1%), will be obligated at time of award, of which $97,451 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Melbourne, Florida, is awarded an $11,506,788 modification (P00119) to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N0001918C1037). This modification adds scope for the production and delivery of 82 obsolescence redesign weapons displays (67 for the Navy and 15 for the government of Japan) in support of E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft modernization efforts. Work will be performed in Largo, Florida (89%); and Melbourne, Florida (11%), and is expected to be completed in March 2029. Fiscal 2024 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,388,857; and Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $2,117,931, will be obligated at the time of award, $9,388,857 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY DLX Enterprises LLC,* Eugene, Oregon, has been awarded a maximum $46,359,788 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for modular general purpose tent system and components. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Tennessee, with a Jan. 22, 2029, ordering period end date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2029 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-26-D-0018). UPDATE: FedMedical Inc.,* Summerville, South Carolina (SPE2D1-26-D-0007, $10,000,000), has been added as an awardee to the multiple award contract for medical equipment and accessories for the Defense Logistics Agency Electronic Catalog, issued against solicitation SPE2DH-21-R-0002 and awarded Feb. 10, 2022. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. CORRECTION: The contract announced on Jan. 21, 2026, for Genesis Vision Inc.,* Rochester, New York (SPE2DF-26-D-0005), for $41,250,000 was announced with an incorrect award date. The correct award date is Jan. 22, 2026. CORRECTION: The contract announced on Jan. 12, 2026, for Linmarr Associates Inc.,* Irvine, California (SPRDL1-26-C-0007), for $13,171,234 was announced with an incorrect award date. The correct award date is Jan. 21, 2026. AIR FORCE Accenture Federal Services LLC, Arlington, Virginia, has been awarded $38,480,659 not-to-exceed, undefinitized contract action, for Enterprise Resource Planning Common Services support. This contract provides information technology services to the Enterprise Resource Planning Common Services program management office. Work will be performed at Arlington, Virgina and is expected to be completed by Jan. 23, 2027. This contract is the result of a sole source selection acquisition. Fiscal 2026 operation and maintenance appropriations funds in the amount of $11,412,568; and fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $2,509,935, are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is the contracting activity at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio (FA877126C0001). Omni Fed, Gainesville, Virgina, was awarded a $9,911,506 firm-fixed-price contract for modeling and simulation. This contract provides enhancement and deployment of the Command-and-Control Simulated Environment Training modeling and simulation platform to improve automation, resilience, and usability across operational environments. Work will be performed at Orlando, Florida, and is expected to be completed by July 28, 2026. This contract is a sole source award. Fiscal 2026 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $3,000,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Kessel Run, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts is the contracting activity (FA873026CB002). U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND Trofholz Technologies Inc., Sacramento, California, was awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (H9224026DE002) with a ceiling of $27,100,000 for life-cycle support of NSW integrated electronic security systems. $760,000 is obligated at the time of award. The contract period of performance includes a five-year base ordering period with optional two-year ordering periods, beginning Jan. 23, 2026, until Jan. 22, 2032. The work will be performed in both continental U.S. and outside the continental U.S. locations. U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity. *Small business https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4388544/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Securing the Digital Battlefield: EUCOM & Polish Cyber Command Strengthen Cyberspace Operations Partnership By U.S. European Command Public Affairs , United States European Command LEGIONOWO, Poland Jan 16, 2026 LEGIONOWO, Poland -- As cyber warfare increasingly becomes the battlefield of the 21st century, U.S. European Command and Polish Cyber Command have taken a significant step forward in their collaboration. In a decisive move towards bolstering regional security in the digital age, the two commands formalized their partnership framework in cyberspace operations with the signing of a Letter of Intent. The signing took place January 12, at Polish Cyber Command Headquarters in Legionowo, Poland with Brig. Gen. Mathew Wenthe, U.S. European Command Deputy Director of Operations, and Maj. Gen. Karol Molenda, Commander, Polish Cyber Command, signaling a new era of enhanced collaboration and shared commitment to defending against evolving cyber threats. Molenda emphasized the significance of this milestone. "Today's signing of the Letter of Intent with U.S. European Command reflects our shared commitment to strengthening cyber defense. Since 2019, we have built this partnership step-by-step by starting from establishing cooperation principles and trust and evolving into joint initiatives and side-by-side collaboration between our experts. This agreement reinforces our ability to act together at the operational level, ensuring effective and coordinated responses to cyber challenges while reaffirming our shared commitment to advancing regional cybersecurity as a collective effort." Wenthe also highlighted the strategic importance of the Letter of Intent and emphasized the critical timing of the enhanced partnership framework, as adversaries increasingly turn to digital means to threaten NATO's security. "The cyber threats we face today impact us all and require strong partnerships. Polish Cyber Command has consistently demonstrated forward-leaning leadership in the building of their cyber forces and responding decisively to emerging challenges in the digital domain. U.S. European Command deeply values our partnership with Polish Cyber Command, and today's signing of a Letter of Intent formalizes our mutual commitment to the defense of our nations and NATO. We look forward to the continued strengthening of our cyber capabilities together to defend NATO in cyberspace, ensuring a more secure and resilient digital future for the Alliance and the region." About USEUCOM U.S. European Command is responsible for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 65,000 permanent military personnel supported by rotational forces and DoD civilians working closely with NATO Allies and partners. For more information about USEUCOM, visit www.eucom.mil. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address January 23, 2026 | 07:00 pm PT As Vietnam seeks to advance education reform, educational leadership has become an increasingly important topic in discussions on system-level improvement and school governance. These issues were examined at the seminar "Finnish Education Bridge: From Collaboration to Leadership," recently held in Ho Chi Minh City. The event brought together education experts, school leaders, and managers from Finland and Vietnam to exchange perspectives on leadership, governance, and educational practice. Finland, widely recognized for its education system and social well-being indicators, is often cited for its student-centered and humanistic approach to schooling. The seminar, organized by the Tan Thoi Dai Education System and the Vietnam-Finland International School (VFIS), gathered Finnish principals, international scholars, Vietnamese education managers, and parents from the southern region. During a discussion session focused on school leadership, Finnish speakers emphasized that school governance extends beyond administrative management and is closely linked to leadership approaches that encourage autonomy, accountability, and trust. Finnish education places strong emphasis on professional trust in teachers, with students positioned at the center of learning activities. Speaking at the seminar, Ossi Hermanni Kokkonen, principal of Karkkila High School, noted that teachers in Finland are given significant autonomy in designing curricula, which contributes to professional responsibility and instructional effectiveness. Ossi Hermanni Kokkonen, Principal of Karkkila High School, talks about Finland's culture and shared belief at a seminar in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesty of B2F According to the speakers, educational leadership is not limited to compliance, inspection, or procedural control. Instead, leaders are expected to create environments in which teachers feel supported, respected, and able to develop professionally. "At VFIS, the basic educational program needs to achieve five elements, in which student initiative is prioritized to head toward a sustainable life. Additionally, teachers need to integrate various methods and build a learning community to move toward holistic education," shared Miekk-Oja Suvi Kristiina, principal of VFIS. Sharing a similar perspective, Dao Thi Thu Thao, Deputy General Director of the Tan Thoi Dai Education System, said that holistic education and sustainability are central objectives of Finnish-inspired models. "At Tan Thoi Dai, we apply Finnish philosophy and methods to all activities, from management and operation to teaching and culture building. This has succeeded with flying colors, first in the progress of our students and subsequently in the recognition from parents," Thao added. Dao Thi Thu Thao, Deputy General Director of Tan Thoi Dai Education System, speaks on how Tan Thoi Dai applied Finnish principles in their educational environment. Photo courtesty of B2F In addition to leadership and governance, the seminar also addressed the role of technology in education. Prof. Truong Nguyen Thanh from the University of Utah (USA) presented on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning. According to Prof. Thanh, AI can function as a support tool that helps reduce teachers' administrative workload, allowing them to devote more time to mentoring and student engagement. He noted that AI can assist with tasks such as lesson planning and assignment design, but emphasized that technology cannot replace the central role of teachers. Professor Truong Nguyen Thanh discusses the role of educators in the era of AI. Photo courtesy of B2F "Students can learn from teachers and from AI. But teachers hold the role of directing, verifying, and ensuring that students are on the right track," Prof. Thanh said. He added that in the context of AI, teachers increasingly serve as facilitators who guide learning processes and support students' cognitive and personal development. This view aligns with Finland's emphasis on personalization and learner autonomy. The seminar also featured exchanges between parents, educators, and Finnish school leaders on the practical application of Finnish education principles in Vietnam. Discussions highlighted several recurring themes, including trust-based governance, human-centered education, school well-being, leadership development, and the creation of sustainable learning environments. The Tan Thoi Dai Education System and a delegation of Finnish high school principals signed an agreement to establish the Educators' Network on Jan. 16, 2026, at the Embassy of Finland in Hanoi. Photo courtesy of TT The seminar concluded with a review of collaboration outcomes and future directions. Earlier, on Jan. 16, 2026, at the Embassy of Finland in Hanoi, the Tan Thoi Dai Education System and a delegation of Finnish high school principals signed an agreement to establish an Educators' Network. The initiative aims to strengthen professional exchanges and cooperation between Vietnamese and Finnish educators, contributing to ongoing dialogue on education development in both countries. Second Meeting of Armenia-U.S. Bilateral Working Group Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia 22 January, 2026 On January 22, the second meeting of Armenia-U.S. Bilateral Working Group in Support of the Outcomes of the August 8, 2025 Peace Summit was held. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan and Sonata Coulter, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, welcomed the establishment of the Board of Peace initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as Armenia's joining the Board as a founding member during a ceremonial event held the same day in Davos. Both sides commended the progress achieved in the development of the Armenia-U.S. Strategic Partnership and highlighted, as another milestone, the adoption of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) Implementation Framework. The Working Group touched upon the issues on the agenda of economic cooperation, energy, high technologies, and other sectors, outlining the upcoming tasks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rumen Radev: Like All Bulgarians, I believe that with Joint Efforts We Can Change Bulgaria President of the Republic of Bulgaria 23 January 2026 | 17:03 We were together for nine years and kept our most important vow to work in the interests of Bulgarian citizens, President Iliana Iotova told Rumen Radev after taking office as head of state. Today was my last day as president, but also the first day as a citizen who, along with all Bulgarians, believes that with joint efforts we can change Bulgaria, protect democracy, uphold the law, accelerate economic development, so that each of us feels protected, free and a worthy citizen of a European Bulgaria. This was stated by Rumen Radev, who was seen off by citizens in front of the presidential institution today, after announcing his resignation from the post of president in an address to the people on January 19. With a decision of the Constitutional Court today, Rumen Radev's powers were terminated early, and Iliana Iotova took office as head of state. At the main entrance of the institution, President Iotova saw off Rumen Radev, who was greeted by citizens in the square. "I am glad that nine years ago the Bulgarians voted for me to be president and their support continues," Rumen Radev told the media, adding that the wave cannot be stopped. "Because we are many, because we are together and because our cause is common. It is Bulgaria," said Rumen Radev. "I am grateful that we were together for nine years and kept our most important vow, which we made in 2016 - to work only in the interest of Bulgarian citizens with responsibility to the Bulgarian Constitution," said President Iliana Iotova, adding that she will continue to work with the same strength, courage and intelligence for our Bulgaria. Rumen Radev thanked her for her professionalism, dedication and teamwork in the presidency in the interest of Bulgarian citizens. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Uganda: Statement by the Spokesperson on the general elections European External Action Service (EEAS) 23.01.2026 Brussels, Belgium EEAS Press Team The European Union takes note of the official results announced by the Electoral Commission, according to which President Yoweri Museveni has been re-elected. The EU shares the concerns highlighted in the AU-COMESA-IGAD Election Observation Mission's preliminary statement of 17 January 2026, in particular about the uneven playing field in the run-up to the elections, arbitrary arrests of civil society actors and the internet shutdown. We regret pre- and post-electoral violence and threats, particularly against opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), and call on all parties to exercise restraint and on the authorities to ensure the safety of all political actors. The European Union values its long-standing partnership with Uganda and looks forward to continuing to engage with the Ugandan Government, civil society and the private sector, based on shared interests and mutual respect. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen's speech at the opening of Finland's NATO DIANA Innovation Accelerator Finnish Ministry of Defence Ministry of Defence Publication date 23.1.2026 10.02 Type:Speech Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen held a speech at the opening gala of Finland's NATO DIANA Innovation Accelerator on 22 January 2026. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, stakeholders, and partners It is a great pleasure and an honor to welcome you all to the opening gala of Finland's NATO DIANA Innovation Accelerator. Today marks an important milestone - not only for Finland as a dedicated Ally, but for the entire Alliance as it strengthens its technological superiority and competitiveness. In today's rapidly evolving security environment, innovation is not a luxury - it is a necessity. Defense innovations shape the future of our armed forces, introducing new capabilities to emerging threats with accelerated speed and precision. On that basis, The Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic - DIANA - was created as a tailored response to ensure that NATO maintains and enhances its strategic technological advantage in a world where breakthrough defence innovations emerge faster than ever, and where strategic competitors invest heavily in technologies that may shape future conflicts. DIANA offers a unique platform for fielding and maturation of defence innovations. It brings together startups, researchers, industry and defence end-users by creating a NATO-wide market window for promising technological solutions. Furthermore, it connects dual-use innovation with real world operational needs through continuous validation and testing activities. I want to express deep appreciation to all NATO representatives who are here today for NATO's commitment to foster technological excellence and support Finland's national efforts in defence innovation scheme. In Finland, the Ministry of Defence has taken active role in ensuring the successful and effective implementation of DIANA, aligning our innovation ecosystem with NATO's strategic objectives. Since the very beginning of our NATO accession process, Ministry of Defence of Finland has acted as a single point of authority for the national governance of NATO DIANA in close cooperation with our key stakeholders. Therefore, I want to use this opportunity to highlight the crucial role played by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland in our shared DIANA journey. VTT has supported the Ministry of Defence in an exceptionally responsive way in coordinating the national implementation of the DIANA footprint in Finland. As a culmination of this fruitful cooperation effort between ministry and VTT, we have gathered here to celebrate the opening of the "crown jewel" of Finland's DIANA footprint - Next Generation Communication and Quantum Accelerator. This addition to Alliance-wide network of high-class technology accelerators demonstrates Finland's commitment to contributing actively, and with high ambition, to NATO's innovation and technology agenda - both as security provider and as a source of technological expertise. Our brand-new NATO affiliated DIANA accelerator supports the implementation of strategic NATO objectives set out in Prime minister Petteri Orpo's Government Programme. One of these goals is to strengthen Finland's posture and role in Alliance by hosting NATO affiliated function, as well as national attachment to NATO's value chains. The Finnish DIANA Accelerator complements the NATO network, especially in areas of expertise where we have globally recognized world-class strengths: Next Generation Communication, 5/6G, Cyber Resilience, Quantum, and Space Technologies. In these technological focus areas, Finland is not just a participant, but a vanguard and driver of innovations. That is really something we are proud of! Finland's active participation in NATO's innovation scheme reflects a significant shift in our approach to developing national and multinational defence ecosystems. The role of public funding is becoming more and more essential. Business Finland, which is a public organization that offers innovation funding and growth services to Finnish companies, recently released a new strategy with the highlighted defence and security focus. New funding opportunities, as stated in the strategy, enables the construction of cross-sectoral cooperation and the formation of new ecosystems and technical specializations. This is vital for maintaining future technology competence necessary for defence. The Ministry of Defence supports the implementation of Business Finland's strategy and encourages research organizations and all companies to engage in wide-ranging cooperation both domestically and internationally. In this regard, I also want to underline the active steps taken by the Ministry of Defence to promote Finland's industrial capabilities and strengthen international RD&I cooperation. We have worked systematically to support export promotion, to showcase Finnish technological excellence, and to develop partnerships with companies both bilaterally and within the frameworks of the European Union and NATO. It goes without saying, that the foundation for innovation capabilities under emergency conditions is laid under normal conditions. Within the Finnish Defence Forces' innovation activities and duties, we have taken significant steps forward with the establishment of a brand new defence innovation unit. This unit works as a "one-stop shop", engaging with companies and research institutions to evaluate and integrate new ideas and innovations for defence use. By integrating defence considerations into national innovation policy landscape, we create stronger foundations for resilience, competitiveness, and international collaboration. Above all, however the main objective is to strengthen the deterrence of Alliance. Allow me to close with a reflection on the evolving public-private partnership model in Finland's defence ecosystem. Finland has a long tradition of close collaboration between the government, industry, and research communities. Our approach is built on trust and a shared understanding that national defence and societal resilience are common responsibilities. In recent years, partnerships have deepened further, driven by increasing technological complexity and new capability requirements. VTT's DIANA Accelerator strengthens these dynamics by offering a more systematic way to match defence needs with industrial and academic expertise. In conclusion, today's event is more than a just a kick-start for the implementation of multinational innovation structures Finland - it is a practical step toward shaping the future of Public-Private Partnership Model for defence collaboration and developing innovative future warfighting capabilities. I thank all those who have worked tirelessly to make this day possible, and I wish every success to the companies, researchers, and partners who will shape the future of defence innovation through this initiative. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President at informal European Council meeting: Europe has to remain united while strengthening transatlantic ties Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Januray 23, 2026 President Gitanas Nauseda participated in an informal European Council meeting focused on transatlantic relations. During the meeting, the President emphasized that strong ties between the European Union and the United States remain essential for Europe's security. According to the Head of State, it is necessary to move towards positive cooperation with the United States, based on shared interests and transatlantic unity. The President stressed the need of ensuring a long-term U.S. military presence in Europe, urging European countries to accelerate the implementation of already agreed defense plans, particularly initiatives aimed at strengthening the eastern flank. Gitanas Nauseda highlighted the importance of enhancing security, defense, and economic cooperation, noting that a secure Arctic region is a common strategic interest, especially in light of increasingly aggressive posture from Russia and China. The Head of State proposed to develop a joint agreement on the Arctic as well as to organize joint military exercises within the framework NATO in the Arctic region, and stressed that Lithuania is ready to contribute. During the European Council meeting, the President underlined Lithuania's strong support and solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. According to the Head of State, adherence to and respect for the principles of international law are indisputableterritorial integrity and sovereignty of states cannot be questioned. The President welcomed the U.S. leadership in seeking peace in Ukraine, noting that Ukraine needs to negotiate from a position of strength. The EU has to assist Ukraine in strengthening its actual military capabilities, as only these can deter Russia. Gitanas Nauseda informed the EU leaders of Lithuania's ongoing commitment to allocate at least 0.25% of its GDP annually to military support for Ukraine. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister of National Defence R. Kaunas to see Federal Minister of Defence of Germany Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2026-01-23 International cooperation On January 26 Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas will pay a visit to Berlin where he will meet with Federal Minister of Defence of Germany Boris Pistorius. They will discuss bilateral cooperation, defence acquisitions and defence industrial cooperation, regional security situation, assistance to Ukraine, and development of infrastructure for the German Brigade in Lithuania. "Today, Lithuania and Germany are enhancing the new security infrastructure in Europe. We must keep going and deepen our cooperation. The German leadership in protecting the eastern flank of NATO is invaluable," says Minister of National Defence R. Kaunas. Lithuania and Germany are strategic partners who have taken the security and defence partnership to a new level in the recent years to reflect the growing security challenges in the region. Deployment of the German Brigade in Lithuania is the centerpiece of the cooperation and Lithuania views the stationing and corresponding host National Support as one of the key priorities. Lithuania has committed to provide all necessary infrastructure for the German Brigade and the works are in full swing: Rudninkai Military Campus is developed according to the schedule, the first phase is actually ahead even. Contracts of the second phase were signed on January 15. Priority infrastructure and interim solutions required for the Brigade stationing will be in place by late 2027. Both countries also collaborate actively in the area of defence. The Ministry of National Defence signed a memorandum on industrial cooperation on creation of assembly and maintenance infrastructure of the Leopard 2 A8main battle tanks in Lithuania with the international partners KNDS Deutschland, Rheinmetall Landsysteme and the state-owned energy group EPSO-G. 25.1% of shares of Lithuania Defense Services (LDS), controlled by KNDS Deutschland and Rheinmetall Landsysteme are planned to be owned by EPSO-G Invest. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Demolition of UNRWA premises is symbolic of Israel's attack on the United Nations system: UN expert Press releases Special Procedures 23 January 2026 GENEVA -- The UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, Francesca Albanese, today expressed grave concern about the ongoing, systematic attack against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the UN system and the Palestinian people, after Israeli forces forcibly entered and began demolishing the UNRWA compound in East Jerusalem this week. Albanese is calling on the General Assembly to convene a special session to consider next steps after these unprecedented attacks on UNRWA and the wider UN. She issued the following statement: "I am horrified by the Government of Israel's relentless destruction, carried out with total impunity. Israel is dismantling the United Nations and international law brick by brick in full view of the world. Attacking UNRWA is tantamount to bulldozing the world's efforts to sustain Palestinian life. Genocidal rhetoric by Israeli officials that has accompanied these demolitions leaves no room for doubt. On 20 January, Israel forces forcibly entered the UNRWA headquarters compound in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem and demolished it with bulldozers and heavy machinery. Israel Interior Minister Ben Gvir proudly appeared on camera while supervising the destruction and once again propagating false accusations against UNRWA. Even more appalling was the public call made in front of the UNRWA building by the Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem to "kill and annihilate UNRWA staff". This constitutes yet another instance of genocidal incitement that has become disturbingly normalised in Israel. This outrageous attack by a UN member State against a UN General Assembly-mandated organisation is unprecedented, dangerous, and should spur the international community into action, especially in view of the Provisional measures of the ICJ in the case brought by South Africa and the recent ICJ opinion, confirming that Israel has no right to interfere with UNRWA's work. This attack constitutes a grave violation of the privileges and immunities of the United Nations, and an apparent international crime which adds to the long list that Israel continues to commit in the Palestinian territory it illegally occupies. These actions are part of Israel's genocidal strategy that will not pause of its own volition; it must be stopped through tangible actions from States that must ensure accountability and cut ties with Israel. I call on the Secretary General to request that the General Assembly convene a special session and consider next steps following these unprecedented attacks on UNRWA and the wider UN. It is time for the General Assembly to suspend Israel's credentials, pursuant to Article 6 of the UN Charter, and authorise sanctions and embargoes against Israel, especially on the arms trade." Francesca Albanese is the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967 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 organisation, 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 PAF gets 5 more 'Black Hawk' helicopters Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno January 23, 2026, 6:36 pm MANILA -- The helicopter fleet of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) was further strengthened as the service formally accepted into service five more brand-new S-70i "Black Hawk" utility helicopters during a joint turnover and blessing ceremony at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City Friday. Also accepted were eight M134-H "Gatling" heavy machine guns which will be used to arm the aircraft. "This delivery marks the fifth batch, bringing the total 25 units out of the 32 units programmed under the Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization initiatives," the PAF said. Earlier reports said that these five units were delivered last December. The PHP32-billion contract for the acquisition for these helicopters was signed on Feb. 22, 2022 by then Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. The ceremony, conducted through the Air Force Systems Engineering and Modernization Office, was graced by acting Department of Budget and Management Secretary Rolando Toledo, who served as guest of honor, along with PAF chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura. "During the event, the aircraft and their armament documents were formally received by Brig. Gen. Moises Micor, Wing Commander of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing. The new air assets are set to significantly enhance the PAF's air mobility, operational readiness, and disaster response capabilities," the PAF said. Toledo highlighted the strategic importance of modernizing the PAF and said that "a modern, capable, and mission-ready Air Force is no longer optional, it is essential." He also emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring the PAF remains prepared for evolving security and humanitarian challenges. The acquisition of these platforms reflects the PAF's continuous efforts to strengthen mission readiness, support joint and combined operations, and respond effectively to both national security and humanitarian requirements. Through capability development initiatives under the AFP Modernization Program, the PAF remains committed to building a mission-oriented, capability-driven and values-based force ready to meet the nation's dynamic needs. S-70i helicopters are known for their versatility, speed and reliability in a wide range of missions. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 2 Filipinos dead as cargo ship capsizes near Scarborough Shoal Philippine News Agency By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora January 23, 2026, 6:24 pm MANILA -- Two of the 21 Filipino crew members aboard a Singaporean-flagged cargo vessel that capsized near Scarborough Shoal have been confirmed dead, while search and rescue operations continue for those still missing. The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Friday afternoon said responding Chinese maritime authorities were able to pull out of the waters a total of 17 seafarers, 14 of whom are in stable condition while one is under medical emergency treatment. "Rescue efforts are currently underway in full swing, and China' maritime authorities are organizing additional rescue teams to rush to the accident site," it said. The vessel was en route from the Philippines to Guangdong, China when it overturned about 55 nautical miles off Scarborough Shoal. Rescue was carried out after a maritime search and rescue center in Hainan Province received the report. The embassy said military aircraft were deployed to conduct continuous aerial searches over the incident area, while two nearby China Coast Guard vessels were ordered to proceed immediately to the scene for rescue work. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Army chief condemns ambush of 4 soldiers in Lanao Norte Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno January 23, 2026, 5:34 pm Updated on January 24, 2026, 7:58 am MANILA -- Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete condemned the "heinous and cowardly" ambush by Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) terrorists that killed four government troops in Munai, Lanao del Norte this Friday. "We mourn the loss of our four valiant troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding communities in Lanao del Norte. The PA pledges our full and unwavering support to their families as we honor their selfless service to our nation," he said in a message to reporters. Initial reports said the troopers were conducting community outreach works in Barangay Lininding when they were attacked by the terrorists around 10 a.m. With this development, Nafarrete said PA troops are now intensifying their operations, in close coordination with law enforcement agencies, local government units and partner communities, to go after the remaining DI-MG terrorists in the area. He added that the PA stands "resolute and unbreakable" in its mission to serve the people and secure the entire nation. "There will (be) no let up in our operations until justice is served. No safe haven will remain for the terrorists who carried out this treacherous attack," Nafarrete said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign ambassadors and representatives of international organizations have expressed confidence in Vietnam's development trajectory following the conclusion of the 14th National Party Congress, describing the event as a major milestone that sets strategic directions and opens a new phase for the country. At an international press conference after closing the 5-day congress on Jan. 23, Party General Secretary To Lam said the 14th Party Congress had concluded successfully and marked a significant moment in the 96-year history of the Communist Party of Vietnam and in the nation's broader historical development. He said the congress reflected unity and consensus, as well as the will, aspirations and resolve of the Party and the people as Vietnam enters a new stage of development. Ambassadors and international representatives in Vietnam shared similar assessments, highlighting the congress's importance for shaping policy priorities and long-term development goals. Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei said the congress was held at a critical juncture, as Vietnam marks 40 years of Doi Moi reforms and approaches the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party. He noted that Vietnam has reached upper-middle-income status, with living standards continuing to improve and the country's international standing strengthening. He said Vietnam is well positioned to achieve comprehensive development and a significant rise in overall national strength and international influence over the next five years. He also said the convergence of development phases in Vietnam and China could create new opportunities for bilateral relations and cooperation. Cuban Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes congratulated Vietnam on the successful congress and said the country would continue to pursue a people-centered development path, advance a socialist-oriented economy, protect the environment, and deepen international integration. He said Vietnam's recent achievements demonstrated the Party's leadership role and the unity and resilience of the Vietnamese people, and expressed confidence that Vietnam would meet its strategic goals in the coming period. Russian Ambassador Gennady Bezdetko described the 14th Party Congress as a central political event that both reviewed leadership outcomes over the past five years and set strategic orientations for the future. He said that despite global and regional challenges, Vietnam had maintained political stability and sustained socio-economic growth. He said the documents adopted at the congress provide a foundation for Vietnam to enter a new strategic development phase, accelerate modernization in key economic sectors, improve living standards, and promote advances in education, science and technology, healthcare and culture. He added that bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Russia is expected to gain new momentum, particularly in energy, including nuclear power and oil and gas, as well as in science and technology, technical and military cooperation, and culture. United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis said the strategic orientations and policy priorities outlined in the congress documents would continue to underpin Vietnam's deeper international integration and its rapid and sustainable development. She noted Vietnam's progress in social welfare and economic growth, as well as its rise to upper-middle-income status and strong performance on human development indicators. She also highlighted Vietnam's contributions to addressing global challenges, including its role in hosting the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, known as the Hanoi Convention, in October 2025. She said UN development agencies stand ready to continue supporting Vietnam through cooperation frameworks and projects aligned with the country's development priorities. European Union Ambassador Julien Guerrier said Vietnam has demonstrated strong capacity over the past five years in modernizing governance and maintaining an impressive growth trajectory, while also implementing reforms to make growth more resilient, innovative and attractive to long-term investment. He cited Vietnam's GDP growth of about 8% in 2025 as evidence of the countrys economic momentum. He said EU-Vietnam relations have deepened in recent years at bilateral, regional and global levels, both economically and politically. He identified the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement as a key driver of this progress, noting that it helped support Vietnams export growth even as global trade slowed. He added that the two sides have significant potential to expand cooperation in sustainable development, energy transition, digital governance, connectivity, research, science and technology, and semiconductors. Australian Charge dAffaires Renee Deschamps said Vietnam remains on track to achieve its goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045, describing its transition to upper-middle-income status as an important milestone. She said Vietnam has emerged as one of Asias stronger economic performers despite global volatility, supported by investment in manufacturing, infrastructure and digital transformation, alongside efforts to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth. She noted that Vietnam and Australia have upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and said Australia would continue supporting Vietnams economic, scientific and technological development goals. Iranian Charge dAffaires Mohammad Mirali Mohammadi said relations between Vietnam and Iran have developed steadily across political, diplomatic and economic fields, based on mutual understanding, shared interests and support for multilateralism and national sovereignty. He expressed hope that Vietnams foreign policy would further strengthen bilateral ties and said Iran is seeking to expand cooperation with Vietnam in science and technology, with an aim to upgrade relations and convene the next session of the joint economic cooperation committee. Qatari Ambassador Khalid Abel said Vietnams recent development achievements reflect political stability, strategic vision and effective leadership. He described Vietnam as one of the worlds faster-growing economies and an increasingly attractive destination for multinational companies and international financial institutions. He attributed this to Vietnams stable political environment, strategic location, young workforce, expanding network of free trade agreements, and ongoing institutional and legal reforms. He said the 14th Party Congress represents a key turning point that could further elevate Vietnams relations with international partners, including Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and help advance sustainable development that balances economic growth with environmental protection, energy transition and climate adaptation. PCG deploys ships, aircraft to search, rescue Filipino mariners in WPS Philippine News Agency By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz January 23, 2026, 5:32 pm MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday dispatched two vessels and two aircraft for the search and rescue (SAR) of the remaining missing Filipino crew of a capsized foreign cargo vessel in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) before dawn on Friday. As of 2:25 p.m. the PCG Command Center received a confirmation from the K-Line Roro Bulk Ship Management Co., Ltd., the ship's agency, that 17 individuals have been rescued by a passing China Coast Guard vessel, while four crew members remained missing. In a situation report, the PCG said the vessel M/V Devon Bay, a Singaporean-flagged general cargo shipwas loaded with iron ore and manned by 21 Filipino crew members when it departed Gutalac, Zamboanga del Sur, en route to Yangjiang, China, but was later reported listing at around 25 degrees. The search for the remaining missing Filipino mariners is ongoing. Earlier in the day, the Chinese Embassy in Manila reported that the foreign cargo vessel had capsized 55 nautical miles northwest of Bajo de Masinloc in the WPS. The rescue, the PCG said, was conducted in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), "which obliges all states to require their ships to assist persons in distress at sea, including while on passage along other coastal states' maritime zones or jurisdictions." "The last known position of the distress vessel is within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, where all ships may pass under high seas freedom of navigation as accorded by the UNCLOS," it said. However, it clarified that such freedom of navigation does not allow law enforcement patrols by foreign vessels. "The PCG continues to closely monitor the situation and remains fully committed to ensuring the safety of the remaining crew members," it said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AFP reiterates commitment to fighting extremism at all fronts Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno January 23, 2026, 12:44 pm MANILA -- With the conviction of the Tacloban court of two militant activists for terrorism financing, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday reiterated its commitment to protecting Filipinos against all forms of terrorism and violent extremism. AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, in a message to reporters, said that they will be doing this while upholding human rights and due process. "We will continue to support law enforcement agencies in building cases based on evidence and in full compliance with the law," she added. Likewise, the AFP spokesperson said they acknowledged the decision of the Regional Trial Court Branch 45 in Tacloban City convicting Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil for violations of Republic Act 10168, the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. She said the AFP respects the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. Padilla said that this conviction demonstrates that the Philippine justice system functions to address threats to national security through proper legal processes. "We recognize that the court acquitted both individuals of charges related to illegal possession of firearms and explosives, while finding sufficient evidence to convict them of terrorism financing," the AFP spokesperson said. She added that this ruling underscores the importance of allowing judicial institutions to examine evidence and render decisions based on the merits of each case. "As this case may be subject to appeal, we defer further comment on the specifics and respect the ongoing judicial process," Padilla said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PH eyes peacekeeping, defense collaboration with Germany Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno January 23, 2026, 12:42 pm MANILA -- The Philippines is exploring possible peacekeeping and defense industry cooperation with Germany as part of efforts to expand its security ties with friendly nations, the Department of National Defense (DND) has said. This was after DND Undersecretary for Defense Affairs Angelito De Leon met with German Minister of State of the Federal Foreign Office, Florian Hahn on Jan. 20, the agency said in a media release late Thursday night. "Both sides explored potential training opportunities for peacekeeping operations and collaboration in the defense industry, aligning with the Philippines' Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Program and Germany's experience on defense technology," the DND said. The two officials also discussed bilateral cooperation under the Philippines-Germany Arrangement concerning Defence Cooperation, which was signed in Berlin last May. This expanded the scope of bilateral defense partnership between the two countries. "The two sides underscored that the Philippines and Germany share a common interest in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region and a rules-based international order. Undersecretary De Leon also expressed appreciation for Germany's support for the Philippines' bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council," the DND added. And with Hahn's first visit to the Philippines, the German delegation highlighted the importance of engaging with the Philippines as the country is serving as ASEAN chair for this year. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US threat to Iran's Leader will ignite entire region: Hezbollah Iran Press TV Friday, 23 January 2026 10:58 AM The political wing of the Hezbollah resistance movement in the Lebanese Parliament has warned that the United States' rhetorical threats against Iran and Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei risk escalating tensions in West Asia. In a statement released on Thursday, the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc raised alarm at Washington's aggressive policies towards regional countries, blasting US President Donald Trump for threatening to annihilate nations and change their governments. "American aggression against nations and people in our region has reached a level of arrogance, threatening the life of the supreme religious leader of millions of Muslims, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei," it said. "This threatens to ignite the entire region, adding to threats against the Iranian people, who have stood firm against American and Zionist attempts to undermine their security and stability." Some shopkeepers last month staged peaceful protests in different Iranian cities over economic grievances, which are directly linked to unilateral US sanctions. The demonstrations, however, were steered toward violence after public statements by American and Israeli leaders encouraged vandalism and disorder. Officials said that some of the rioters were armed, trained, and recruited by US and Israeli spy agencies to damage public property, and kill civilians and members of security forces. During the unrest, Trump repeatedly threatened to attack Iran and change its leadership as part of a broader psychological warfare campaign against the country. The Hezbollah parliamentary bloc emphasized that it stands by Iran, its people, and leadership. It also hailed Ayatollah Khamenei for his "wise and brave leadership," saying it gives hope to oppressed nations in their efforts to confront injustice worldwide. It further praised Iranians' "courageous and united million-strong" demonstrations on January 12 that foiled the enemies' plot to destabilize the country. Iranians proved "once again that they are unbreakable and that no force can crush their will or undermine their independence. The Islamic Republic is today a model for oppressed people rejecting American domination," it added. 'Confronting Israeli aggression Lebanon's priority' Additionally in its statement, the Hezbollah parliamentary bloc said that the Lebanese people's choice to resist the Israeli occupation has proven effective in liberating their land and thwarting aggression. "The only option for the Lebanese is to preserve their strength, primarily the unity of the army, people, and resistance, and to unite against surrounding dangers," it noted, stressing that confronting Israeli aggression remains Lebanon's national priority. It further said that there can be no stability in Lebanon while the enemy targets and occupies the country, and kills civilians. Meanwhile, it urged the Lebanese government to confront Israeli violations of the country's sovereignty. Despite the ceasefire reached in November 2024 after more than a year of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli forces have continued to carry out near-daily attacks on Lebanon. Israeli troops also remain deployed at five locations along the border despite provisions in the truce requiring a full withdrawal. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump disinvites Canada from Gaza board after PM Carney's blistering critique of US hegemony Iran Press TV Friday, 23 January 2026 7:24 AM Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been abruptly disinvited from US President Donald Trump's newly launched "Board of Peace," a move that has highlighted growing international unease over an initiative widely viewed as coercive and politically compromised. The decision came days after Carney delivered a pointed speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, warning that the US-led global order is over and "not coming back," and describing the world as entering an era of intensified great-power rivalry. His remarks were widely interpreted as a rebuke of Trump's foreign and trade policies, including sweeping tariffs, repeated threats to force Canada to become the 51st US state, and US efforts to acquire Greenland. In a Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump announced Canada's removal from the board in the form of a letter addressed to Carney, stating that the "Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation" and casting the body as "the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled." Carney's office had previously indicated that Canada planned to accept the invitation. Trump formally launched the Board of Peace on Thursday, presenting it as a mechanism to support Gaza's fragile ceasefire. However, the US president openly framed the body as having ambitions far beyond Gaza, suggesting it could assume a global role traditionally held by the United Nations. While claiming the board would operate "in conjunction with the UN," Trump has repeatedly criticized the organization as ineffective and in need of US-led direction. According to diplomatic sources and draft documents reviewed by international media, participation in the board requires a contribution of up to $1 billion for a permanent seat, a demand that has alarmed governments and sparked accusations of extortion. Trump has invited dozens of world leaders and urged all permanent members of the UN Security Council to contribute financially. The board's composition has further fueled controversy. Chaired by Trump, its executive committee includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Trump envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff; former British prime minister Tony Blair; and billionaire financier Marc Rowan. Critics argue the inclusion of figures closely tied to past wars, financial interests and US domestic politics undermines the board's claim to neutrality. International response has been cautious. France has declined to participate, Britain has said it is not joining for now, and China has remained silent. Sweden has formally rejected the framework, while several European Union states have acknowledged receiving invitations without committing. Russia has said it is reviewing the proposal, while Turkey, Egypt, Qatar and Indonesia have agreed to join. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has "accepted" Trump's invitation despite being the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant related to alleged war crimes in Gaza. His participation has intensified criticism of the board, particularly from human rights groups who argue it risks legitimizing Israel's military campaign without accountability. Although the Board of Peace was referenced in a UN Security Council resolution tied to Trump's Gaza plan, UN officials have stressed that the organization's engagement would be strictly limited. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Chief of Defence, at the MCCS in Brussels Romania - Ministry of National Defence Press release No. 14 23.01.2026 On the second day of the NATO Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence Session (MCCS), the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghita Vlad, participated in the sessions dedicated to cooperation with NATO partners. The talks took place within the NATO-Ukraine Council Meeting, the NATO-Georgia Session, as well as in an enlarged format, with partners from the Indo-Pacific region - Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea, the officials addressing ways to enhance dialogue and cooperation in the field of security. As part of the meeting, General Vlad had a bilateral meeting with his counterpart from Japan, a state with which Romania has established a strategic partnership since 2023. The discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation, including in the field of educational exchanges between military educational institutions, as well as the possibility of Japan's participation in the Mine Countermeasures Black Sea Task Group - MCM BS TG. In this context, the Chief of Defence Staff reiterated the invitation addressed to his Japanese counterpart to pay an official visit to Romania, in order to enhance the military dialogue and identify new directions for practical cooperation between the two states. The Press Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with Haitian Prime Minister Fils-Aime US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson January 23, 2026 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Fils-Aime to reaffirm U.S. support for Haiti's stability and security. Secretary Rubio emphasized the importance of his continued tenure as Haiti's Prime Minister to combat terrorist gangs and stabilize the island. The current violence caused by gangs can only be stopped with consistent, strong leadership, with the full support of the Haitian people. The Secretary added the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) must be dissolved by February 7 without corrupt actors seeking to interfere in Haiti's path to elected governance for their own gains. Haiti's leader must choose Haiti's stability. The United States will ensure there is a steep cost for corrupt politicians who support vicious gangs and wreak terrorism on Haiti. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with Colombian Foreign Minister Villavicencio US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson January 23, 2026 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio to discuss shared priorities, including commercial ties, regional security cooperation, and counternarcotics efforts. Both officials spoke in advance of the upcoming presidential bilateral meeting in February, where President Trump and President Petro will continue to advance issues of mutual importance between the United States and Colombia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The UK urges full implementation of Colombia's 2016 Peace Agreement: UK statement at the UN Security Council Speech Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Charge d'Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Kariuki CMG Published 23 January 2026 Location: United Nations, New York Delivered on: 23 January 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) I would like to thank Special Representative Jenca for his briefing and commend the UN Mission for its continued efforts to support implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement. We encourage the Colombian Government to use its remaining time in office to drive forward comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement, and to ensure that it passes on to its successor strong institutions that are able to continue delivering on the commitments made in the Agreement. This includes the "Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion, and Verification of the Final Peace Agreement", which brings together the high contracting parties to resolve issues in implementation. President, The UK reaffirms its commitment to the implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement as a whole, including its provisions on Transitional Justice and the Ethnic Chapter. These remain essential to deliver restorative justice, accountability and reconciliation in line with the expectations of victims; and to ensure that measures taken recognise the disproportionate impact of the conflict on Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities. We hope that the parties will quickly agree a new mechanism to verify the implementation of sanctions mandated by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, now that this responsibility no longer sits with the UN Verification Mission. Respect for the Special Jurisdiction's sentences and sanctions is essential to ensuring public confidence in the Agreement's transitional justice mechanism, and by extension the Agreement as a whole. Elections this year represent a key milestone for the country but come with a heightened risk of violence and intimidation. The UK urges the Government of Colombia to strengthen security guarantees and ensure a safe and inclusive democratic process as set out in the Final Agreement. 487 former combatants have been killed since the signing of the Agreement. We call on all actors to respect the democratic process and protect the civilian population across the country. Targeted violence against signatories, civil society and other civilians must stop. President, The UK remains committed to supporting Colombia on its path to lasting peace, and we look forward to working with the Colombian Government on this and other issues of international peace and security as a member of this Council over the next two years. 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 23 January 2026 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General. Good afternoon. ** UN Economic and Social Council The Secretary-General spoke this morning to mark the eightieth anniversary of the first meeting of the Economic and Social Council, or ECOSOC. He said that, for eight full decades, ECOSOC has been an engine of progress. And yet, he noted that, despite signs of real progress, our world is in a precarious state. He said that today's intertwined crises demand urgent, collective responses, and ECOSOC can help lead the way. Mr. [Antonio] Guterres urged Member States to take immediate steps to implement the reforms they committed to in the Pact for the Future, including steps to strengthen ECOSOC's work as a principal organ for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue, and decisions on economic and social development. The Secretary-General said that ECOSOC has a vital role to play in our divided and unequal world and we must waste no time in strengthening it. ** Deputy Secretary-General's Travel Today, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, was in Paris to take part in a UNESCO event to mark the International Day of Education. In her remarks, she underscored the role of young people as co-creators in shaping education. She also highlighted education as one of the most powerful tools to change the world, and emphasized its importance for sustainable development, inclusion, and peace. Ms. Mohammed also stressed the need to prepare young people for a rapidly changing digital future, while addressing both the opportunities and risks of new technologies, and reaffirmed the importance of safe, inclusive learning environments, particularly in contexts of conflict and crisis. The Deputy Secretary-General met with the newly appointed Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Khaled el-Enany. They discussed strengthened collaboration between the United Nations and UNESCO, as well as priority actions for the post-2030 education agenda, with youth at the centre. She also met with the Chair of the UNESCO Executive Board and a group of Member States. Discussions focused on UNESCO priorities and the UN80 process, including the role of UNESCO within broader United Nations systemwide reform efforts. She is expected to return to New York this weekend. ** International Day of Education As I just pointed out, tomorrow is the International Day of Education. In his message, the Secretary-General stresses that education is a human right and a foundation for opportunity, dignity and peace. Yet, 272 million children and young people worldwide remain out of school due to poverty, conflict, displacement, discrimination and disasters. He calls on governments, partners and donors to make education a priority in policies, budgets and recovery efforts. ** Colombia This morning, the Security Council held a briefing on Colombia. Miroslav Jenca, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia and Head of the UN Verification Mission in the country, said that, over the past three months, he has met with key counterparts on the implementation of the Peace Agreement at the national level and around Colombia. Mr. Jenca noted that although violence is far lower today than at the height of the armed conflict, the presence of armed groups in areas still affected by conflict continues to inflict suffering on entire communities. He said that the consequences for the civilian population are grave, as detailed again in the latest report of the Secretary-General: threats and killings of social leaders, forced displacement and confinement, and an alarming increase in the recruitment and use of children by armed groups. He added that border areas are particularly complex. Mr. Jenca echoed the Secretary-General's call for all involved to intensify their efforts towards the full implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement. He highlighted that at a time of tensions, both globally and regionally, it is in everyone's interest to secure lasting peace and security in Colombia. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory Turning to the Gaza Strip, our colleagues in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) tell us that hundreds of thousands of people are staying in displacement sites and exposed to cold and rainy winter conditions. Our partners dealing with site management assess that hundreds of households have had their tents damaged by the strong winds this week, and partners are coordinating emergency repairs, while stressing that more sustainable solutions are required. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported yesterday that about 5,000 recreational kits with toys and stationary items had entered Gaza since last Thursday for the first time since 2023. These supplies will help more than 375,000 children, including 1,000 girls and boys with disabilities. For over two years, many children have been trying to learn without basic supplies no notebooks, no pencils, no erasers, no crayons. We continue to call for the further lifting of restrictions on items that the UN and our partners are allowed to bring into Gaza. Turning to the West Bank, you might recall that on Monday, an estimated 25,000 Palestinians were placed under curfew in parts of the Israeli-controlled area in Hebron city, disrupting their access to food, health care and in-person education. Today, OCHA reports that the Israeli forces' operation in Hebron has ended. The UN and our partners have stayed in touch with affected families throughout the operation, and we will now conduct assessments to identify any assistance required. ** Lebanon In southern Lebanon, peacekeepers of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continue to discover unauthorized weapons caches and unexploded ordnance. Yesterday, UNIFIL patrols discovered two separate unauthorized weapons and ammunition caches, including 19 mortar shells, a launch tube and hand grenades in Sector West, and 4 mortar shells and ammunition boxes in Sector East. As per standard practice, the items were referred to the Lebanese Army for disposal. Peacekeepers also continue to report daily Israel Defense Forces (IDF) ground and air activities in the area of operations. We reiterate that both parties must fully respect the Blue Line and take steps towards the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). And as part of our efforts to support stability along the Blue Line, UNIFIL peacekeepers have been refurbishing Blue Line markers damaged during the 20232024 conflict. Since October 2025, 11 such markers have been restored. Work is under way to refurbish four additional markers next week. And UNIFIL this week launched an explosive ordnance risk education campaign, in support of potentially vulnerable groups, including children and displaced people. Working in coordination with the UN Mine Action Service, the Lebanese Mine Action Centre and non-governmental organizations, UNIFIL peacekeepers will raise awareness among hundreds of children, young people and internally displaced people across 17 southern Lebanese towns and villages. About 100 children participated in the campaign's kick-off session earlier this week in Bint Jbeil, which also included a simulated disposal exercise conducted by a UNIFIL explosive ordnance disposal team. ** Syria I have an update for you on the situation in Al Hol camp in Syria. Today, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was able to access Al Hol camp together with Syrian Government officials. UNHCR was also able to establish contact with some camp residents. Essential supplies have also resumed. Trucks carrying bread entered the camp today, facilitated by UNHCR, following a three-day interruption caused by the volatile security situation inside the camp. In addition, water trucking services organized by UNICEF and facilitated by UNHCR were delivered yesterday, helping to partially restore access to basic services for the camp population. Yesterday, an inter-agency mission led by UNHCR, with participation from UNICEF, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Food Programme (WFP), OCHA and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) reached the Government compound at the entrance of Al-Hol Camp and accessed key facilities located outside the camp perimeter to support the resumption of water services. Entry into the camp was not possible due to the security situation. UN agencies and partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Government in delivering humanitarian assistance, while emphasizing the critical need to ensure security inside the camp. They also highlighted the importance of facilitating the movement of personnel and supplies between Al Hassakeh and Qamishli. And yesterday, I was asked about the situation in the city of Kobani in Syria's Aleppo Governorate. OCHA tells us that our partners operating there are concerned about the risk of the humanitarian situation getting worse there. All roads connecting to Kobani are currently closed. Interruptions to the power supply, water and Internet are hampering people's access to basic services. Our partners have started to report shortages of food and other key items. Health facilities are operating, but there have been reports of shortages of medicine. Our team is in discussion with authorities in Aleppo on how we can support them. Meanwhile, we and our partners continue to provide humanitarian aid following recent clashes in the Governorates of Aleppo, Raqqa, Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor. The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are providing medical supplies, mobile nutrition services and care for injured, children and pregnant women. We are also engaging with our partners and authorities to carry out more assessments and facilitate access. ** Afghanistan Turning to Afghanistan, our colleagues from OCHA tell us that extreme winter weather across several regions has resulted in at least 16 deaths and dozens of injuries, most of them among children. Heavy rain and snowfall triggered a deadly rockslide in Nuristan Province, while other areas have seen the weather collapse roofs and trigger traffic accidents. Our humanitarian colleagues note that Afghanistan remains one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world, with nearly 22 million people or more than two out every five people in need of assistance. This year's Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan calls for $1.7 billion to support 17.5 million people. ** Iran Volker Turk, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, briefed the Human Rights Council today on Iran, telling them that thousands of people, including children, were killed during a security crackdown that intensified on 8 January, with the use of live ammunition by the security forces against demonstrators. He said that peaceful protestors were reportedly killed in the streets and in residential areas, including universities and medical facilities. Video evidence appears to show hundreds of bodies in morgues, with fatal injuries to the head and chest, he said. The High Commissioner called on the Iranian authorities to end their brutal repression, including summary trials and disproportionate sentences. He called for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained by the Iranian authorities and for a complete moratorium on the death penalty. He also urged the Government to end the internet and communications shutdown, and to stop using this as a systematic practice. ** Mozambique In Mozambique today, we, along with our humanitarian partners, launched a $187 million appeal following the widespread flooding in the south and centre of the country. This appeal, which is an addendum to the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, aims to support some 600,000 people through the end of June. The UN continues to scale up its support for the Government-led response, despite access and funding constraints. A UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination team has been deployed, with the first members arriving today. The team will work closely with authorities and our partners to work on coordination, analysis and operations, and will be based in the provinces of Gaza and Maputo. On the logistics side, our colleagues at OCHA tell us that our partners are working with the Government on transportation plans, storage capacity and the review of access routes, including maritime, river and helicopter options. WFP is setting up a mobile warehouse in Xai Xai, the capital of Gaza Province. We are also continuing to distribute emergency aid, including tarpaulins and blankets. Our partners have set up two child-friendly spaces offering family tracing, reunification and psychosocial support. Emergency health and nutrition supplies have been pre-positioned in Gaza and Maputo Provinces to support more than 20,000 people for up to three months. Mobile nutrition centres have been deployed to carry out screening, treatment and micronutrient supplementation. In addition, antibiotics, nutrition supplements and other critical supplies to treat hundreds of children have been mobilized. ** Nigeria Turning to Nigeria: We and our partners, together with the Government of Nigeria, yesterday launched a $516 million Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan to help 2.5 million people in the north-eastern States of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. Widespread displacement, limited basic services, climate shocks, economic hardship and shrinking livelihood opportunities are driving humanitarian needs higher in that area. Women and children are particularly affected, making up 8 out of 10 people in immediate need. WFP is sounding the alarm that more than 1 million people in north-east Nigeria risk being cut off from emergency food and nutrition assistance within weeks unless urgent new funding is received. ** Noon Briefing Guests On Monday, our guests will be UNICEF's Deputy Executive Director, Ted Chaiban, and WFP's Deputy Executive Director, Carl Skau. Ted will be here in person, and Carl will join us virtually. They will brief you on their recent joint mission to Gaza and the West Bank. ** Honour Roll And last, we have a quiz for you today about the latest payment. This country's capital city is located 28 metres below sea level on the western coast of the Caspian Sea, making it the world's lowest-lying capital city. Any guesses? You are right, it is Azerbaijan; it is Baku in Azerbaijan. We thank our friends in Baku for their full payment for the Regular Budget. Azerbaijan's payment brings the number of Member States on the Honour Roll to 24. Edie? ** Questions and Answers Question : Thank you, Farhan. I usually miss them all, so I'm... yeah. First, is the UN's aim still to have the UN refugee agency manage... take over the management of Al Hol Camp, as Edem Wosornu told the Security Council? Deputy Spokesman : Yes. That's the plan. And as I was saying at the start of the briefing, the good news about that was that the UN refugee agency was able to access the Al Hol Camp. They're in touch, and they will work, with the Government authorities in terms of trying to make sure that the conditions of the camp are maintained and that supplies can go to the camp. Question : So, you had made clear at the beginning that UNHCR will actually be installing themselves there and running the camp? Deputy Spokesman : Yes. That that's what the intention is, and UNHCR was able to get trucks that are carrying bread into the camp today. They were able to help to partially restore water access. And so, some of the work that they're trying to do has begun. Question : And a second question on a completely different topic. Does the Secretary-General have any comment on plans for the United States, Russia and Ukraine to meet in Abu Dhabi, which I believe would be the first meeting of the three countries together? Deputy Spokesman : Yes. We certainly encourage efforts to bring the Russian Federation and Ukraine together in an effort to resolve the armed conflict between them. And as you know, we support a resolution of the conflict in accordance with the UN Charter and the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly. Pam? Question : Just a follow-up. Sorry. Thank you, Farhan. Just a follow-up first to Edie's question. On the [United Arab Emirates] meeting, is there any sense that any UN official would be there? Deputy Spokesman : There's nothing to announce at this stage. If that changes, I'll let you know. Question : Okay. And on the build-up of international military assets in the Middle East and the war of words between Iran and the United States, are you worried? And does the Secretary-General have anything to say about caution on a major military conflict between the two countries? Thank you. Deputy Spokesman : Well, we certainly hope that all steps will be taken to avoid any escalation of the conflict in Iran. The Secretary-General has repeatedly made clear that the region cannot afford any intensification of the situation there. And as you know, the Secretary-General has always believed that any resolution of the situation in Iran, including of its nuclear programme, needs to be dealt with through negotiations. Question : Thank you. One quick final one. Is WHO... can you say what the impact will be of the US pulling out today? Deputy Spokesman : Well, first of all, I'm glad you asked that because one thing I wanted to make clear is that the US participation in the World Health Organization was accepted by the World Health Assembly with certain conditions set out by the US for its eventual withdrawal from the World Health Organization. Those conditions include giving a one-year notice and fully meeting the payment of financial obligations. The World Health Organization has not yet confirmed to the Secretary-General as depository that those conditions have been fulfilled. So, any further questions need to be referred to WHO. Yes, Yvonne and then Namo. Question : I'm sorry, I wasn't ready. Farhan, today or yesterday, UN experts expressed alarm over reports of forced labour of Uighur, Tibetan, and other minorities in China. China says the allegations are fabricated. What does the UN Secretary-General say? Deputy Spokesman : We believe that that all of the work done by different rapporteurs and different human rights boards needs to be followed up with, and we trust that the authorities will follow up. Question : Okay. Sorry. Yeah. But, does the Secretary-General support the work of the special rapporteurs and the UN experts in this case? Deputy Spokesman : Well, as you know, special rapporteurs are independent, but we believe that all of their work needs to be taken seriously by all the Member States, including those whom they report to. Question : Okay. And one other question. Has the Secretary-General noticed the similarity between the UN emblem and that of the newly created Board of Peace? And if so, what is his view about the similarity? Deputy Spokesman : I believe that Stephane [Dujarric] commented on this yesterday. These are separate bodies with separate logos. If there was any problem, we would deal with it. Yes, Namo? Question : I was watching your press conference on the way. So, you said all roads to Kobani have been cut off. Have you reached to Syrian Government officials to ask why they have imposed this siege on Kobani, a predominantly Kurdish city? What is the reason? Deputy Spokesman : Well, we are engaging with the authorities. We want to carry out more assessments, and we want to make sure that access to Kobani is facilitated. So, we're going to continue with that work. Question : Is this, what they are doing to Kobani, consistent with their obligations under international law? Deputy Spokesman : What we want to make sure is that we have access to all those who are in humanitarian need, including in Kobani, and we'll continue to work on that. Question : Sorry. Just one last. Are you... have you reached, like, what do your people tell you about the situation for civilians in Kobani? Because the media reports I am seeing is that people don't have clean water, drinkable water and electricity for more than a week. Deputy Spokesman : Well, part of what we need is sufficient access to conduct assessments, and that's what we're trying to get. Dezhi? Question : Since Pam asked about WHO, there's another major step that soon will happen, is the Paris Accord. 27 January would be the last day that the withdrawal of the US will take effect. What does the Secretary-General have to say on the second withdrawal of the US from Paris Accord? Deputy Spokesman : Oh, of course, it's important for us that all countries abide by their obligations to deal with climate change. It's a critical problem, and what is needed is collective action. So, we want to discourage any efforts to retreat from those commitments. Question : Do you know any other formal inquiry letters from the US to withdraw from what the 66 UN entities? Do you have an updated information on that? Have how many agencies have received the official request? Deputy Spokesman : No. I have no new notifications of withdrawals to announce. Question : Okay. One last question. This might be the last question of me, due to some visa extension procrastination here. So, this might this really might be the last question for the very short near future. Hopefully, they would sort this out. First, I feel very honoured and it's a pleasure to work with everybody and ask you impossible questions. So, this question would be easier to answer. That is: From for the UN, what is the importance for correspondents to cover things happening in this building and ask all those impossible questions? Deputy Spokesman : Well, the importance of it is that you have the critical role of making sure that the peoples of the world know what's happening and know what our role is in dealing with this. So, we've always appreciated all the questions, no matter how tendentious they may be. And I certainly hope that once the snows have come and gone over this weekend, next week, we will still see you here in this room. Yes? Correspondent : I would just like to echo what you said and tell Dezhi that he's been a very important part of the UN Press Corps for all of his years here, and we have all greatly appreciated his questions and his friendship. Deputy Spokesman : Indeed. And let's see what next week brings. I really do look forward to seeing you in that chair or maybe the one next to it. Have a great weekend, everyone. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The L-39NG Skyfox, developed by the Czech company Aero Vodochody, is being promoted as a potential option for Ukraine. This makes it worth examining how long deliveries could take and what the potential cost of such a deal might be. We have previously discussed the proposal itself and why it could make sense. In general, this option is viewed as an alternative to acquiring older L-159 aircraft, which the Czech Republic has refused to sell due to its own operational needs. L-39NG Skyfox trainer/light combat aircraft / Photo credit: AERO Vodochody At present, the L-39NG Skyfox is in service with Vietnam and Hungary, as well as at the Pardubice Flight Training Centre, which is used for training Czech Air Force pilots and those from other customer nations. Aero Vodochody has also attempted to market the aircraft in Africa, though with limited success so far. Looking at actual delivery timelines, Vietnam ordered 12 aircraft in February 2021. Deliveries were initially scheduled for 20232024, but in practice the first aircraft arrived only in August 2024, while the remaining six were delivered in the first quarter of 2025. Vietnamese Air Force L-39NG trainer/light combat aircraft / Photo credit: AERO Vodochody In November 2022, the Czech Republic ordered four L-39NG aircraft with an option for four more under a contract valued at CZK 2.1 billion (approximately USD 101.5 million). Of this amount, CZK 1.3 billion (around USD 62.84 million) was allocated to the aircraft themselves, with the remainder covering support services and warranty coverage through 2028. Based on rough estimates, this places the unit price at about USD 15.7 million per aircraft, or roughly USD 25 million per aircraft when the full support package is included. Under the contract terms, deliveries were to begin no later than 28 months after signing, and the initial batch of four aircraft was delivered during 2025. In early 2026, the first aircraft from the follow-on option of four was delivered. Hungary, for its part, ordered 12 L-39NG aircraft in April 2022. However, the first three aircraft were delivered only in May 2025, slightly more than three years later. Notably, only eight aircraft were ordered in a trainer/light combat configuration, while the remaining four were configured for reconnaissance missions. Overall, this experience suggests that initial deliveries from Aero Vodochody would take at least two years, and potentially longer. In other words, if Ukraine were to acquire L-39NG aircraft, it would clearly be a long-term investment. The first three L-39NG trainer/light combat aircraft for Hungary / Photo credit: AERO Vodochody At the same time, it is highly unlikely that either the Czech Republic or Hungary would currently agree to transfer aircraft originally intended for their own air forces. This is largely due to political considerations, although the situation could potentially change after Hungarys elections in 2026. It is also worth recalling the case of Ghana, which in 2021 planned to purchase six L-39NG aircraft for USD 132 million, implying a price of up to USD 22 million per aircraft including support equipment. However, no further information followed, and given the lack of delivery data, the deal was most likely never finalized. That said, Ukraine, like the Czech Republic, faces the need to replace its aging fleet of L-39 Albatros trainer/light combat aircraft used for pilot training. In this context, the L-39NG, with its potential counter-drone capabilities, could make sense as a future-oriented acquisition. It would also allow continued operation of a broadly similar aircraft type, simplifying introduction into service for the Air Force. L-39NG Skyfox trainer/light combat aircraft in a counter-drone configuration / Photo credit: AERO Vodochody Moreover, based on available data, the overall cost of a potential deal could be relatively moderate. With EU funding or support from partner countries, it could be realistic to procure 1012 aircraft for a total cost of up to USD 300 million. However, as already noted, such a purchase would represent an investment in the future rather than a solution to immediate counter-drone needs. As a result, it remains uncertain whether the Ukrainian government and its European partners would be willing to move forward with such a contract. From the Defense Express side, we urges you to join a fundraising for what is already working: One United Fundraiser: Fundraising by the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation for interceptor drones. Gaza reconstruction talks must not distract from massive needs, say UN aid agencies 23 January 2026 - Amid reconstruction talks on Gaza linked to President Trump's just-launched Board of Peace, UN aid agencies insisted on Friday that what Gazans need most is immediate relief from the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe there. "It's absolutely critical to unlock the congestion...at crossing points and to reopen critical lifelines like the Jordan corridor," said Juliette Touma, Director of Communications at UNOPS, the United Nations Office for Project Services. Briefing journalists, Ms. Touma highlighted that although the 3 October ceasefire agreement had brought some respite to families, "people continue to be killed, day in, day out". She said that Gaza's highly vulnerable people simply "cannot wait" for a reconstruction plan to take shape - one of the stated aims of the US-led Board of Peace. "They need supplies at the same time, it's not just the services," she stressed. UNRWA commitment Echoing those concerns, the UN agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, underscored its key and longstanding role in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza. This mission was entrusted to UNRWA by UN Member States at the global body's General Assembly in December 1949. "We are the largest United Nations agency operating in the Gaza Strip," said Jonathan Fowler, UNRWA Senior Communications Manager. "We must be able to continue doing our work; that's crystal clear." Board of Peace While it has yet to be made clear exactly how the UN will support Board of Peace launched by President Trump at Davos on Thursday, last November's Security Council resolution 2803 that welcomed its creation highlighted the importance of working with "cooperating organizations" including the United Nations. "We are very strongly committed to do whatever we can to ensure the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803," said Alessandra Vellucci, Director, UN Information Service, Geneva. "There is a role for the UN there about the UN leading on humanitarian aid delivery, which we have been doing for such a long time and we will continue to do the best of our capacities." Since Sunday, humanitarian partners providing emergency shelter assistance have reached over 13,000 households in Gaza, distributing hundreds of tents and thousands of tarpaulins, aid coordination office, OCHA, said in its latest update. Gaza distribution obstacles remain The UN office noted that "capacity and funding constraints" have limited support to only around 40 per cent of the existing 970 displacement sites across the Strip. Healthcare needs remain enormous across Gaza, too, where providers such as UNRWA try to help around 15,000 patients a day, despite numerous challenges. "We had 22 clinics operating across the Gaza Strip before the start of the war, we're now down to half a dozen," said Mr. Fowler. "And we have mobile health teams that operate, but in incredibly complicated circumstances." A number of UNRWA facilities are located behind the so-called Yellow Line - a series of concrete blocks installed by the Israeli authorities which separates Gazans from the Israel Defense Forces - envisaged in the three-step Gaza peace plan. "That makes it incredibly difficult to do our work and so many of our locations have been heavily damaged or indeed completely destroyed," Mr. Fowler continued. "On top of that, we remain banned by the Israeli authorities from bringing in any of our own supplies." UNRWA premises 'stormed' Turning to the destruction of UNRWA's headquarters in East Jerusalem on Tuesday, Mr. Fowler described how visiting diplomats had been caught up in the dramatic events when Israeli forces "stormed and demolished" buildings in the compound and fired tear gas. "This is a United Nations compound, so this is an attack on the United Nations," he told journalists. Training centre threat Highlighting concerns that the UNRWA-supported Kalandia Training Centre could be shut down "within days", Mr. Fowler explained that it principally helped lower-income families to earn the skills they needed to earn a living: "If the centre were to be forcibly closed - and we do fear that this could happen within days - there is no educational alternative for these students." The UN agency remains deeply worried about developments in the occupied West Bank, one year since the Israeli forces launched operation Iron Wall. "This led to the mass displacement of people from three camps in the north of the West Bank," Mr. Fletcher explained, in reference to Jenin, Nur Shams and Tulkarem refugee settlements. Demographic shift "The camps are progressively being demolished by the Israeli military. So therefore, changing the facts on the ground, changing the topography and the demography of these large communities," Mr. Fowler insisted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN envoy highlights 'window to advance peace' in Colombia 23 January 2026 - The new year provides an opportunity for Colombia to keep advancing towards lasting peace, a decade after a landmark accord that ended more than 50 years of conflict, the UN Special Representative told the Security Council on Friday. "At a time of tensions both globally and regionally, it is in everyone's interest to secure lasting peace and security in Colombia," said Miroslav Jenca, delivering his quarterly briefing. He said the coming year "undoubtedly provides a window to advance peace as a strategic national objective, and for Colombia and its partners to engage constructively through dialogue to address shared challenges," particularly in the border area with Venezuela "where cooperation on all sides is essential." Switch in focus Mr. Jenca also heads the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, and he reported on re-organization outlined in Council resolution 2798 (2025), adopted last October. The resolution extended the Mission's mandate for a year and changed its focus to monitoring three provisions of the 2016 peace agreement signed by the Government and FARC-EP rebels: Comprehensive rural reform Reintegration of former combatants Security of both ex-fighters and communities in conflict-affected regions Previously mandated verification on transitional justice, ethnic-related issues and ceasefire monitoring was discontinued. Challenges in conflict areas Mr. Jenca has spent the past three months meeting key counterparts across Colombia who underscored that the three pillars are important for achieving peace. During visits to several parts of the country, he was "struck not only by the immense challenges facing communities in conflict-affected regions, but also by their resilience and determination to achieve a better future." In some of the most remote areas, daily life is a struggle "due to the actions of different illegal armed actors and to the limited presence of the state, public services and development opportunities." Limited opportunities He noted that re-integration of former combatants is essential to the success of peace agreements and ensuring their transition to civilian life is crucial to avoid a return to violence. "Nevertheless, nine years after the FARC-EP laid down arms under the Peace Agreement, the path has proven challenging for the over 11,000 former combatants who remain active in the government's reintegration programme," he said. These men and women often live in remote areas with limited infrastructure, access to markets, and threats to their security. "For the authorities, it has also entailed major efforts, both financial and programmatic, to facilitate their transition into civilian life," he added, noting that while substantial progress has been made but more is needed. 'Fertile ground' for armed groups Access to land has progressed in Colombia but still needs to be fully resolved, Mr. Jenca said. Meanwhile, security remains fragile. Some 487 former combatants have been killed since laying down their arms. He urged the authorities to step up investigations and prioritize security guarantees for those who signed the peace deal. Although violence is far lower now than at the height of the conflict, "the presence of armed groups in areas still affected by conflict continues to inflict suffering on entire communities." This violence is being fuelled by a mix of factors and limited State presence "provides fertile ground for the armed groups to exert control, and for illicit economies to prevail." Rise in child recruitment As a result, civilian populations have faced threats, killings of social leaders, forced displacement and confinement, and an alarming increase in child recruitment and use by armed groups. The situation in border areas is particularly complex, he said. The UN Mission's team in Cucuta, a city on the border with Venezuela, supports response to continuing clashes between rival armed groups. Thousands of civilians have been have forced to flee their homes in the Catatumbo region, which he described as "a hub of coca cultivation and cross-border armed activities and criminality." 'Holistic vision' for peace Mr. Jenca insisted that the Peace Agreement can significantly contribute to addressing many of these problems. "It offers a much-needed holistic vision, by providing for the strengthening of the State's capacity to dismantle criminal structures, to promote alternatives to coca cultivation and concrete development measures through its comprehensive rural reform," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Syria, Mozambique, UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarian operations press on as displaced families face winter hardship OCHA reports that humanitarian operations continue to address people's immense needs in Gaza. Hundreds of thousands of people are staying in displacement sites and exposed to cold and rainy winter conditions, according to partners working on site management. Humanitarian partners assess that hundreds of households have had their tents damaged by the strong winds this week, and partners are coordinating emergency repairs, while stressing that more sustainable solutions are required. On the education front - just ahead of tomorrow's International Day of Education - UNICEF reported yesterday that about 5,000 recreational kits with toys and stationary items had entered Gaza since last Thursday - for the first time since 2023. These supplies will benefit more than 375,000 children, including 1,000 girls and boys with disabilities. For over two years, many children have been trying to learn without basic supplies - no notebooks, no pencils, no erasers, no crayons. The UN and its partners continue to call for the further lifting of restrictions on items that the organizations are allowed to bring to Gaza. In the West Bank, an estimated 25,000 Palestinians were placed under curfew on 19 January in parts of the Israeli-controlled area in Hebron city, disrupting their access to food, health care and in-person education. OCHA reports today that the Israeli forces' operation in Hebron has ended. The UN and its partners have stayed in touch with affected families throughout the operation and we will now conduct assessments to identify any assistance required. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Gaza with urgent support. Afghanistan Winter storms batter Afghanistan as 2 out of every 5 people need aid OCHA reports that extreme winter weather across several regions of Afghanistan has resulted in at least 16 deaths and dozens of injuries, most of them among children. Heavy rain and snowfall triggered a deadly rockslide in Nuristan Province, while other areas have seen the weather collapse roofs and trigger traffic accidents. Afghanistan remains one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world, with nearly 22 million people - or more than two out every five people - in need of assistance. This year's Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan calls for $1.7 billion to support 17.5 million people. Nigeria UN, partners launch $516 million humanitarian appeal The UN and its partners, together with the Government of Nigeria, launched on 22 January a $516 million Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan to help 2.5 million people in the north-eastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. Widespread displacement, limited basic services, climate shocks, economic hardship and shrinking livelihood opportunities are driving humanitarian needs higher in that area. Women and children are particularly affected, making up 8 out of 10 people in immediate need. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), Nigeria is facing one of its worst hunger crises in recent years. Nearly 35 million people are projected to experience acute and severe food insecurity during the 2026 lean season, according to the most recent Cadre Harmonise, a food security assessment. An estimated 15,000 people in Borno State are at risk of catastrophic hunger, or IPC Phase 5, which is one step away from famine. WFP is sounding the alarm that more than one million people in north-east Nigeria risk being cut off from emergency food and nutrition assistance within weeks unless urgent new funding is received. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Nigeria with urgent support. Syria City of Kobani cut off as civilians threatened by shortages OCHA reports that humanitarian partners operating in the city of Kobani in Syria's Aleppo governorate are concerned about the risk of the humanitarian situation there getting worse. All roads connecting to Kobani are currently closed. Interruptions to the power supply, water and Internet are hampering people's access to basic services. Humanitarian partners have started to report shortages of food and other key items. Health facilities are operating, but there have been reports of shortages of medicine. The UN team is in discussion with authorities in Aleppo on how it can support. Meanwhile, the UN and its partners continue to provide humanitarian aid following recent clashes in the governorates of Aleppo, Raqqa, Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor. The World Health Organization and its partners are providing medical supplies, mobile nutrition services, and life-saving care for injured, children and pregnant women. The UN and its partners are also engaging with our partners and authorities to carry out more assessments and facilitate access. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Syria with urgent support. Mozambique UN seeks $187 million to support flood-affected communities The UN and its humanitarian partners today launched a $187 million appeal following the widespread flooding in the south and centre of the country. This appeal - which is an addendum to the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan - aims to support some 600,000 people through the end of June. OCHA reports that the UN continues to scale up its support for the Governmentled response, despite access and funding constraints. A UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination team has been deployed, with the first members arriving today. The team will work closely with authorities and humanitarian partners to work on coordination, analysis and operations, and will be based in both the provinces of Gaza and Maputo. On the logistics side, humanitarian partners are working with the Government on transportation plans, storage capacity and the review of access routes, including maritime, river and helicopter options. WFP is setting up a mobile warehouse in XaiXai, the capital of Gaza province. The UN and its partners are also continuing to distribute emergency aid, including tarpaulins and blankets. Humanitarian partners have set up two childfriendly spaces offering family tracing, reunification and psychosocial support. Emergency health and nutrition supplies have been prepositioned in Gaza and Maputo provinces to support more than 20,000 people for up to three months. Mobile nutrition centers have been deployed to carry out screening, treatment and micronutrient supplementation. In addition, antibiotics, nutrition supplements and other critical supplies to treat hundreds of children have been mobilized. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Mozambique with urgent support. Posted on 23 January 2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Colombia Must Protect Former Combatants and Speed Rural Reform as Peace Agreement Reaches 10 Years, Special Representative Tells Security Council Meetings Coverage Security Council 10095th Meeting (AM) SC/16281 23 January 2026 As the 2016 peace agreement in Colombia reaches the tenth year of its 15-year timeline, the Head of the UN Mission in that country called on its Government to continue to protect former combatants who have laid down arms, accelerate rural land reform and prepare for milestone elections in 2026. "I was struck not only by the immense challenges facing communities in conflict-affected regions but also by their resilience and determination to achieve a better future," Miroslav Jenca, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, told the Security Council. He was recalling visits to various departments in Colombia, from Caqueta to Norte de Santander, and meetings with "Governors and Mayors, peace signatories, women's leaders and representatives of Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities, church officials, private sector leaders and State officials". In Colombia's most remote areas, he said, day-to-day life is a hard struggle due to illegal armed actors, the limited presence of the State and lack of development opportunities. He also noted challenges facing the 11,000 former combatants in the Government's reintegration programme. From the fish farming cooperative in Narino to a coffee plantation in Cauca, it is crucial to secure the economic sustainability of their productive projects. Since laying down their arms, 487 former combatants have been killed, while the limited State presence in conflict-affected areas provides fertile ground for armed groups. "Border areas are particularly complex", he said, noting that his Mission's team based in the city of Cucuta on the border with Venezuela, is part of the response to continuing clashes. Mr. Jenca also noted adjustments to his Mission's mandate, as it goes forward in 2026 year with 200 fewer personnel and a 17 per cent resource reduction after the latest mandate renewal. It has discontinued previous verification tasks on transitional justice, the ethnic chapter and ceasefire monitoring. The Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace offers a much-needed holistic vision, and its rural reform section affords a historic opportunity to address one of the root causes of conflict in Colombia. The current Administration must expedite the implementation of the Agreement as much as possible during the remaining months of its term. As the country approaches elections, ensuring the security of candidates and voters in conflict-affected regions is crucial. "At a time of tensions both globally and regionally, it is in everyone's interest to secure lasting peace and security in Colombia," he said. Colombia Reaffirms Commitment to Peace Agreement The Council also heard from Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir, Colombia's Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs, marking the first time the delegation participated in a quarterly Colombia meeting as a Council member. Reaffirming that "peace in Colombia can only be consolidated through the full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement", he said that, regardless of the Mission's reduced focus, his Government is implementing the accord in its entirety. "The recent modification of the Mission's mandate did not fully satisfy the majority of members of this Council," he said, thanking those States that defended a broad mandate while stressing his Government's full respect for the decision adopted. He welcomed efforts to explore mechanisms that will allow such elements as the "ethnic chapter" and the Special Jurisdiction for Peace to continue to receive UN support. He outlined progress achieved during the reporting period, including the creation of several critical Government bodies and agreement on an instrument to monitor the Strategic Security and Protection Plan. Reintegration remains a central pillar, with nearly 11,000 signatories active in the comprehensive reintegration pathway, he said, while noting challenges related to the economic sustainability of projects and rural land reform. "One of the most painful and urgent challenges in the implementation of the Agreement is the security of the peace signatories," he said, noting that 45 former combatants were killed in 2025 alone. His country is confronting that reality with self-criticism and responsibility. "Colombia does not present before this Council a perfect process, but rather a real process, with progress, challenges and lessons learned." "Peace Deals Require Credible Threats of Military Force" However, the representative of the United States said Colombia's experiments with pausing combat operations and curbing coca eradication while pursuing talks with multiple armed groups have emboldened those groups. It risks creating perverse incentives, as it may encourage violence to improve negotiating leverage. Despite her President's "productive conversations" with the Colombian President, Washington, D.C., remains "deeply concerned about instability, violence and illicit drug cultivation and trafficking", she added. She urged Colombia to prioritize addressing this threat, noting that per international observers, the number of armed combatants and their accomplices has grown by more than 40 per cent over the past three years. Unchecked violence and drug trafficking would jeopardize the safety of Colombians, people throughout the region and certainly Americans, she said. The United States was heartened by President Gustavo Petro's warning to the National Liberation Army (ELN) of military action should they fail to demonstrate seriousness in pursuing peace, she acknowledged. "History shows that peace deals require credible threats of military force," she said, urging Colombia to prioritize confronting the violence and terror carried out by these groups and to guarantee security and justice for their victims. Colombia's Peace Process Sets Example as Country Joins Security Council Other speakers highlighted the remarkable progress achieved in Colombia and encouraged its Government to stay on track. Praising its efforts to implement the accord especially on rural reform and land distribution Denmark's delegate called on it to ensure the sustainable transition of these former fighters into civilian life. She commended "the resolve and determination of former combatants who remain committed to the peace agreement" and said: "Tackling the persistent violence across the country must be a priority." France's delegate urged the Government to focus on land reform because it is key to addressing the root causes of the violence. "The Colombian people have the right to hope", he said, adding: "Colombia's entry into the Security Council this month is an opportunity for us to build upon this unique experience in terms of conflict resolution." China's delegate said Colombia's peace process is "setting an example for world peace". Peacebuilding must advance in tandem with sustainable development, he said, welcoming the country's efforts in advancing land reform, development of rural connectivity and electrification and reintegration of former combatants. This is critical to eliminate the root causes of conflict, and the international community must scale up its support for the country. Liberia's representative, also speaking for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia, noted the tenth anniversary of the Final Agreement, adding: "As Colombia approaches a critical electoral period ahead of the 2026 congressional and presidential elections, we encourage continued efforts to [...] benefit communities across the country and further consolidate trust in the peace process." Several speakers highlighted this opportunity, with Latvia's speaker calling on the Government to ensure safe and inclusive participation of diverse civic stakeholders. It must provide the necessary security measures and protection mechanisms for vulnerable groups in conflict-related areas, women leaders, human rights defenders, Indigenous people, Afro-Colombian communities and former combatants. The elections come with "a heightened risk of violence and intimidation", the delegate of the United Kingdom cautioned. He also expressed hope for swift agreement by the parties on a new mechanism to verify the implementation of sanctions mandated by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace, now that this responsibility no longer sits with the UN Verification Mission. The Russian Federation's delegate said the recent mandate renewal, "at the whims of one member", removed a key Mission task verifying compliance with restorative sentences issued by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. He warned that conditions for former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP) combatants remain dire, with many losing faith in the peace agreement and considering rearmament. Expectations that key benchmarks would be met at the 10-year mark have not been fulfilled, he said, adding that Colombia's peace process remains unfinished. Rural Reform Must Go Hand in Hand with Reintegration of Former Combatants Greece's representative echoed concerns about the fate of former fighters who have voluntarily laid down their arms. "Comprehensive rural reform should go hand in hand with the reintegration of ex-combatants, to provide them with sustainable alternatives to illicit economic activities," she said. All parties to the Agreement must maintain "vital momentum", said the representative of Pakistan, encouraging them to "transform the promise of peace and hope for a better future into a tangible reality for all Colombians". Bahrain's speaker also underscored the need for coordinated international efforts to implement the peace agreement, including agrarian reform, civilian protection, and sustained financial and technical support. Panama's delegate also noted that the Mission has been operating under a reduced mandate at a particularly sensitive time "We trust that this gap may be solved promptly so that the integrity of international support for the peace process is preserved", he said. "Colombia's peace is Panama's peace and the peace of our entire region," he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese PLA, Coast Guard launch joint rescue of capsized foreign cargo vessel with 21 Philippine crew in South China Sea Global Times By Fan Wei and Li Yu Published: Jan 24, 2026 12:06 AM The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command and the China Coast Guard (CCG) launched a joint emergency rescue operation on Friday after a foreign cargo vessel carrying 21 Philippine crew members capsized in waters near China's Huangyan Dao, with 17 people rescued as of 12:30 pm, according to official statements. A Chinese expert said that the rescue serves as another example of CCG and PLA Navy providing humanitarian assistance to vessels and personnel in distress at the South China Sea under international maritime search and rescue conventions. At around 1:30 am on Friday, the PLA's Southern Theater Command received a report from the Sansha Maritime Safety Administration that a foreign bulk cargo ship sailing from the Philippines to China's Guangdong Province had capsized and lost contact at around 9:30 pm on Thursday in waters about 55 nautical miles northwest of Huangyan Dao. There were 21 crew members on board. Upon receiving the report, the Southern Theater Command responded swiftly, immediately deploying forces for rescue operations. Military aircraft were dispatched to conduct continuous aerial searches over the area, while two nearby CCG vessels were ordered to proceed at once to carry out rescue efforts. The CCG received the report at 1:34 am on Friday from the Sansha maritime search and rescue center in South China's Hainan Province regarding the capsized foreign cargo vessel. Following the incident, the CCG immediately dispatched two coast guard vessels to the scene to carry out search and rescue operations, the CCG said on Friday. As of 12:30 pm on Friday, 17 people have been rescued. Fourteen are in stable condition, two have been confirmed dead, and one remains under emergency medical treatment. Rescue operations are continuing, with maritime authorities organizing additional rescue forces to the scene, the command said. Global Times learned exclusively from a source on Friday that the two CCG vessels involved in the rescue operation were the Dongsha and Sanmen ships. At the time of the incident, both vessels were conducting routine duty and patrol operations in waters near Huangyan Dao. After receiving a notification from the Sansha maritime search and rescue center in Hainan Province, the two vessels immediately rushed to the site to carry out emergency rescue operations. The Sanmen ship, which participated in the latest rescue mission, has previously been involved in multiple rescue operations involving foreign vessels and is widely regarded as a "guardian at sea." On May 13, 2025, the South Korean Jeju-based fishing vessel "887 EOJIN" encountered danger in waters of the East China Sea. After receiving the distress call, the CCG promptly dispatched the Sanmen ship, which completed the rescue within two hours and provided medical assistance and transfer support to eight South Korean crew members. On September 16, 2025, the government of South Korea's Jeju Special Self-Governing Province held an event marking the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of China-South Korea diplomatic relations, during which four law enforcement officers from the Sanmen ship were awarded the title of "honorary citizen of Jeju Island" in recognition of their role in the successful rescue of the eight South Korean fishermen, according to another official release from the CCG on September 17, 2025. At the awards ceremony, Governor of South Korea's Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Oh Young-hun described the rescue as "a vivid example of China-South Korea friendship," saying that the four honorary titles stood as testimony to international humanitarianism and cooperation between the two countries. In a similar humanitarian operation less than one month earlier, a Chinese PLA Navy warship provided emergency assistance to a Philippine fisherman in distress in the South China Sea. On December 25, 2025, the warship (Hull 174), while also conducting routine patrols, spotted a Philippine fishing boat that had been stranded at sea for three days and nights due to mechanical failure and was running short of food and drinking water. Chinese naval personnel supplied the fisherman with food and water and notified a nearby Philippine Coast Guard vessel for follow-up assistance, according to information released by relevant authorities, as the Global Times previously reported. Chen Xiangmiao, a research fellow at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Friday that China's rescue operations are carried out based on humanitarian considerations and international responsibilities. China's provision of maritime rescue assistance in the South China Sea is not an isolated case but part of a long-standing and continuous practice, Chen said, adding that whether conducted by the navy, coast guard or other capable vessels, such operations reflect China's fulfillment of international conventions and its role in providing public humanitarian services at sea, regardless of the nationality of those rescued. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Danish PM visits Greenland, vows support in "difficult time" People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:25, January 24, 2026 OSLO, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Friday delivered a brief statement to the media during her visit to Nuuk, capital of Greenland, stressing solidarity and a shared political future within the Danish realm. "I am first and foremost in Greenland today to show our strong Danish support for the Greenlandic people," Frederiksen said, adding that it has been "a very, very difficult time." She underscored the importance of close cooperation with Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, describing their joint efforts as crucial preparations for the kingdom's next steps. "Now we will prepare to take the diplomatic and political path," she said. The visit comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions surrounding Greenland's future. It followed Frederiksen's participation in an emergency European Union summit in Brussels on Thursday and a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte earlier on Friday. Meanwhile, Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) reported that Danish troops recently deployed to Greenland were equipped with an unusually large amount of live ammunition, including so-called "KUP ammunition," typically reserved for scenarios involving a coup or hostile invasion. According to the report, the soldiers were ordered to be ready for immediate combat and had considered the extreme "worst-case scenario" involving a potential surprise attack by the United States. DR said there was a "broad political will across Denmark to fight back" should such an attack occur. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 23 January 2026 - Day 1430 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, 119 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of this day. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively give an offence to the Russian enemy's attempts to advance deep into Ukrainian territory. Russian zagarbniki made 62 aviation strikes, dropped 145 controlled bombs. In addition, 3339 kamikaze drones were recruited to impress and carried out 2779 shelling of positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, the Russian enemy launched five air strikes, dropping 11 controlled bombs, and carried out 56 shelling of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, one of which was from a jet system of arson fire. Today, Russian forces attacked five times the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the South Slobozhansky direction in the areas of the settlements of Prylipka, Vovchans ki Hutory, Barnoy and towards the settlement of Nesternne. In the Kupiansky direction, the Russian enemy's offensive actions were not recorded. In the Lyman direction, the Defense Forces repelled eight Russian assault actions in the areas of settlements Novoselivka, Tverdohlibove, Drobishevo, Torske, Yampil and towards settlements Lyman, Stavka, Dibrova. Three more clashes are underway. In the Slovak direction from the beginning of the day, the Russian opponent twice attacked near Siversk. In the Kramatorsky direction today, three Russian assault actions towards the settlements of Nikiforivka and Minkivka took place. 20 combat clashes took place in the Konstantinivsky direction today. The Russian enemy stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of settlements of Konstantinivka, Kleban-Bik, Pleshiyivka, Sofiyivka and in the direction of Illinivka, Stepanivka, Novopavlivka. One fight is still going on. In the Pokrovsky direction from the beginning of this day, Russian forces attacked 31 times in the areas of populated areas Dorozhnye, Chervony Lyman, Rodinske, Sukhetske, Pokrovsk, Kotline, Udaachne, Molodetske, Filia and towards populated areas Noviy Donbas, Bilitske, Grishine, Shevchenko, Novopavlivka. In some locations, the fights are still ongoing. Today, according to preliminary data, 109 Russian occupants have been defecated, 75 of whom - irrevocably. In addition, Ukrainian soldiers destroyed two tanks, two combat armored vehicles, five units of automobile and two units of special equipment, an ATV, one REB vehicle, 34 BPLAs and one cover of the Russian enemy's personnel. Ukrainian defenders also hit one artillery system, an ATV, two units of vehicle equipment, a REB device and ten Russian personnel covers. In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled five Russian attacks in the areas of settlements Oleksandrograd, Zlagoda and in the direction of Dobropilla, Ivanivka, Novoy Zaporizhia . In the direction of Gulyaipil, the Russian aggressor 20 times tried to go forward on the position of Ukrainian troops in the areas of Sweet, Gulyaipol and in the direction of Svyatopetrivka, Zelenogo, Varvarivka. Four clashes are underway. Under the enemy airstrikes were Vozdvizhivka, Valley, Zaliznycne, Brats ke, Rizdvyanka, Ternuvate. In the Orihivs komu direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled the Russian attack in the direction of Pavlivka. The enemy launched an air strike on the Upper Ters. In the Pridniprovsk direction, the Russian occupiers did not carry out offensive actions. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in response to terrorist attacks launched by Ukraine against civilian facilities in Russia from 17 to 23 January, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation delivered one massive and five group strikes, which hit Ukrainian defence industry enterprises, power and transport infrastructure objects used by the AFU, ammunition and POL depots, production workshops, storages, preflight checkup and launch sites of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries. Over the past week, as a result of resolute offensive actions in Kharkov direction, units of the Sever Group of Forces took Siminovka (Kharkov region) under control. Losses were inflicted on formations of three mechanised brigades of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, one national guard brigade, and two border detachments of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. In Sumy region, losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one jaeger brigade, one assault brigade, one air assault brigade, two assault regiments of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades. In total, in the Sever Group's area of responsibility, the AFU losses amounted to more than 1,110 troops, nine armoured fighting vehicles, 107 motor vehicles, and 18 field artillery guns. In addition, 10 electronic warfare stations and counter-fire radars, and 23 ammunition and materiel depots were destroyed. Over the past week, units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of six mechanised brigades, two airmobile brigades, one air assault brigade, two assault brigades of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, and three national guard brigades. The AFU losses in this direction amounted to more than 1,400 troops, two tanks, 18 armoured fighting vehicles, 150 motor vehicles, and 11 field artillery guns. Twenty-nine ammunition depots were wiped out. As a result of resolute actions, units of the Yug Group of Forces liberated Privolye (Donetsk People's Republic). Losses were inflicted on formations of six mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one airmobile brigade, one assault brigade, one mountain assault brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade, and one territorial defence brigade. Over the past week in the Yug Group's area of responsibility, the AFU losses amounted to more than 1,255 troops, 33 armoured fighting vehicles, including two U.S.-made Stryker armoured fighting vehicles and four M113 armoured personnel carriers. In addition, 80 motor vehicles, 18 artillery guns, including six Western-made samples, 13 electronic warfare stations and counter-fire radars, 11 ammunition, POL, and materiel depots were destroyed. Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces continued active offensive actions and liberated Novopavlovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of seven mechanised brigades, two jaeger brigades, one airmobile brigade, two air assault brigades, three assault regiments of the AFU, one marine brigade, one territorial defence brigade, and five national guard brigades. Over the past week in this direction, the AFU losses amounted to more than 2,970 troops, four tanks, including one German-made Leopard tank, 33 armoured fighting vehicles, 50 motor vehicles, 15 field artillery guns, including two U.S.-made 155-mm Paladin self-propelled artillery systems. Units of the Vostok Group of Forces advanced into the depth of the enemy's defence and liberated Priluky in Zaporozhye region. Losses were inflicted on formations of four mechanised brigades, two assault brigades, one unmanned systems brigade, five assault regiments of the AFU, one marine brigade, two territorial defence brigades, and one national guard brigade. In the Vostok Group's area of responsibility, the AFU losses amounted to more than 1,740 troops, three tanks, 23 armoured fighting vehicles, 67 motor vehicles, 11 artillery guns, three ammunition and materiel depots. Over the past week, as a result of resolute actions, units of the Dnepr Group of Forces liberated Pavlovka (Zaporozhye region). Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one mountain assault brigade, and two coastal defence brigade of the AFU. The AFU losses amounted to up to 335 troops, 37 motor vehicles, two artillery guns, 13 electronic warfare stations, and five materiel depots. Over the past week, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops, and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces destroyed eight MLRS combat vehicles, including three Western-made samples, as well as one Osa air defence system combat vehicle. Air defence units shot down 35 guided aerial bombs, 47 U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, seven Neptune long-range guided missiles, and 1,468 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, the enemy has lost: 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 110,812 unmanned aerial vehicles, 646 anti-aircraft missile systems, 27,279 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,650 MLRS combat vehicles, 32,775 field artillery guns and mortars, 52,611 units of support military vehicles. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Experts slam 'scientifically reckless' US withdrawal from WHO Iran Press TV Friday, 23 January 2026 9:47 AM The United States has completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, drawing sharp criticism from public health experts and leaving behind more than a quarter-billion dollars in unpaid dues. The withdrawal took effect on Thursday, exactly one year after Trump signed an executive order launching the process at the start of his second term. The decision ends all US participation in the UN health agency and halts funding, while leaving behind hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid dues. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said all financial contributions to the WHO have been terminated, US staff have been recalled from offices worldwide, and Washington has withdrawn from WHO leadership bodies, technical committees and working groups. The Trump administration justified the move by accusing the WHO of mismanaging the COVID-19 pandemic, failing to reform and operating under political influence. A senior HHS official said the agency had "strayed from its core mission" and acted against US interests, particularly during the early stages of the pandemic. Officials also criticized the WHO for questioning Trump's early travel restrictions during the pandemic. The administration further claimed that the US had shouldered a disproportionate financial burden compared with countries such as China, despite never having an American serve as WHO director-general. Despite the formal exit, the US has not settled its outstanding financial obligations. The UN figures place the amount US debt for the 2024-2025 period at more than $270 million. An administration official rejected claims that the US is legally required to clear the debt, despite a 1948 congressional resolution calling for payment of dues following a one-year withdrawal notice. Public health experts have sharply criticized the decision, warning it could undermine the US response to future health emergencies. "The US withdrawal from the World Health Organization is a shortsighted and misguided abandonment of our global health commitments. Global cooperation and communication are critical to keep our own citizens protected because germs do not respect borders," said Ronald Nahass, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Nahass said leaving the WHO would weaken US disease surveillance, including monitoring threats such as Ebola, seasonal influenza and emerging pathogens. He also warned the move could disrupt efforts to match vaccines to circulating flu strains. "Withdrawing from the World Health Organization is scientifically reckless. It fails to acknowledge the fundamental natural history of infectious diseases. Global cooperation is not a luxury; it is a biological necessity," he added. The WHO withdrawal follows Trump-era exits or pullbacks from other international frameworks, including the Paris climate agreement and UNESCO, reinforcing a broader shift away from multilateral institutions toward unilateralism. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN rights chief decries US treatment of migrants, as deaths in ICE custody rise 23 January 2026 - The UN's top human rights official has raised alarm over what he described as the growing dehumanisation of migrants in the United States, warning that current immigration enforcement practices are undermining due process, family unity and basic human dignity. In a news release on Friday, High Commissioner Volker Turk said individuals suspected of being undocumented migrants are being surveilled, arrested and detained - sometimes violently - in locations ranging from hospitals and places of worship to courthouses, schools, markets and private homes. The UN rights chief said he was "astounded by the now-routine abuse and denigration of migrants and refugees." He warned that fear generated by such federal operations is rippling through communities, with children missing school and medical appointments, out of concern that their parents may not return. "Those who dare to speak up or protest peacefully against heavy-handed immigration raids are vilified and threatened by officials, and on occasion subjected to arbitrary violence themselves," Mr. Turk said. He said numerous migration policies now being implemented by US authorities are resulting in arbitrary and unlawful arrests and detentions, as well as flawed removal decisions. He expressed concern that enforcement actions often lacked sufficient individualised assessments. Due process US immigration enforcement is primarily carried out by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a federal agency responsible for identifying, arresting, detaining and removing non-citizens deemed to be in violation of immigration law. Mr. Turk stressed that while national governments have the authority to establish and enforce migration policies, those powers must be exercised in full accordance with the law. Failure to respect due process, he said, risks eroding public trust, weakening institutional legitimacy and violating individuals' rights. He also deplored Washington's use of large-scale enforcement operations, raising concerns that force has at times appeared unnecessary or disproportionate. On 7 January 2026, a woman was fatally shot in Minnesota's largest city, Minneapolis, during an operation involving federal officers. "Under international law, the intentional use of lethal force is only permissible as a measure of last resort against an individual representing an imminent threat to life," Mr. Turk said. Families torn apart The UN rights chief highlighted the human cost of these practices, particularly for families. Mr. Turk cited cases in which parents were detained or transferred between facilities without adequate information being provided about their whereabouts or access to legal counsel, making it difficult to maintain family contact or pursue legal remedies. "I call on the administration to end practices that are tearing apart families," said the High Commissioner. He also called for independent and transparent investigations into a reported rise in the number of deaths in ICE custody. At least 30 deaths were reported last year, with six more so far this year. 'Xenophobic hostility' Mr. Turk also expressed deep concern over what he described as "dehumanising narratives" used by some Government officials to portray migrants and refugees. "I call on leaders at all levels in the US to halt the use of scapegoating tactics that seek to distract and divide, and which increase the exposure of migrants and refugees to xenophobic hostility and abuse," he said. He also recognised the efforts of a wide range of public officials, community groups and civil society representatives across the US, who are working to uphold dignity, fairness and accountability in the treatment of migrants and their communities. Net benefits of migration He highlighted that the US' history has been "shaped profoundly" by the contributions that migrants, from all parts of the world, have made and continue to make. "Demonising migrants and refugees collectively as criminals, threats, or burdens on society - based on their origin, nationality or migration status - is inhuman, wrong, and it goes against the very fabric and foundations of the nation," he warned. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Regular Press Briefing of the Ministry of National Defense on January 16, 2026 Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source Ministry of National Defense EditorHuang Panyue Time2026-01-22 11:19:30 Journalist: It was reported that General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping recently sent a congratulatory message to General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee Thongloun Sisoulith. Xi mentioned expanding practical cooperation in various fields. Please share with us the Chinese side's views on advancing China-Laos military-to-military relationship. Zhang Xiaogang: We will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-Laos diplomatic ties in 2026. The China-Laos relationship is stronger than ever before. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two parties and two countries, the Chinese and Lao militaries have maintained close high-level exchanges. The two sides have conducted regular joint exercises such as Friendship Shield and Peace Train, had border defense friendship exchanges and mutual visits among mid-and-junior level officers, and carried out cooperation in areas including military education and military culture, thereby steadily deepening and strengthening practical cooperation between the two militaries. The Chinese military also hosted several demining courses to help the Lao side better protect the safety and well-being of its people. China and Laos are friendly socialist neighbors connected by the same mountains and rivers. The Chinese military is ready to work with the Lao side to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two parties and two countries, carry forward the traditional friendship, strengthen strategic communication and coordination, and deepen defense and security cooperation to help advance the building of a high-standard, high-quality, and high-level China-Laos community with a shared future and make new contributions to peace and stability in the region and the world at large. Journalist: 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. Journalist: According to reports, the Philippine Navy recently released an assessment report on PLA Navy conduct, claiming that the PLA Navy, China Coast Guard, and Chinese "maritime militia" are working in coordination to strengthen China's de facto control over the South China Sea. What's your comment on that? Zhang Xiaogang: China has indisputable sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and their adjacent waters, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters. It is legitimate and beyond reproach for China to take actions to safeguard its rights and interests. The Philippine side has been going to great lengths to smear China's rights protection actions, attempting to mislead public opinion and cover up its own illegal, provocative and trouble-making actions. The international community sees this clearly. We urge the Philippine side not to challenge China's resolve in defending its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, stop fabricating false narratives, and stop undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea. Journalist: There are concerns in Taiwan that the mainland might follow what the US did to Venezuela to legitimize the use of force against the island. Meanwhile, some international media argued that if Beijing were to adopt a similar approach, it would face much higher risks and costs. What's your comment on this? Zhang Xiaogang: The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair. How to resolve it is a matter for the Chinese, which brooks no interference from external forces. For us, to deal with the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces is like catching a turtle in a jar, and all options that can punish the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces remain on the table. Journalist: A poll in Taiwan found that more than 60% of respondents were unwilling to fight in a war, or to have their family members do so. What's your comment on this? Zhang Xiaogang: This once again proves that the overwhelming majority of people in Taiwan desire peace, development, exchange and cooperation, not confrontation or conflict, even less to fight a war. Defying the people's wishes, the Lai Ching-te authorities are pursuing separatist goals by stoking tensions. More people will see through their nature of undermining peace, provoking crisis and inciting wars. I believe that no one is willing to be cannon fodder for "Taiwan independence" schemes. The separatist forces who go against the will of the people are doomed to be thrown into the dustbin of history. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/ The Defense Forces of Ukraine neutralized 15 missiles and 357 enemy UAVs on the night of Saturday, hits recorded at 17 locations, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported. According to preliminary data, as of 09:00, air defense forces had shot down or suppressed 372 targets 15 missiles and 357 drones, the statement said on Telegram. These included nine X-22/X-32 cruise missiles, five Iskander-M/S-300 ballistic missiles, one X-59/69 guided air-launched missile, and 357 attack drones of various types. The Air Force said that overnight on January 24, beginning at 18:00 January 23, Russia carried out a combined strike against Ukraine using missiles of various air- and ground-launched types as well as attack drones. A total of 396 aerial attack weapons were recorded, including two 3M22 Zircon anti-ship missiles launched from Russian-occupied Crimea; 12 X-22/X-32 cruise missiles launched from airspace over Russias Bryansk region; six Iskander-M/S-300 ballistic missiles launched from the Bryansk region and Russian-occupied Crimea; one X-59/69 guided air-launched missile fired from airspace over Russias Kursk region; and 375 attack drones, including Shahed, Gerbera and Italmas models, as well as other types. The drones were launched from the directions of Kursk, Oryol, Millerovo, Shatalovo and Bryansk in Russia, as well as Russian-occupied Donetsk. About 250 of them were Shahed drones. The statement emphasized that the main target of the enemy attack was the Kyiv region. A key feature of the strike was the use of strategic aviation aircraft armed with X-22/X-32 missiles to target Ukraines capital. The air attack was repelled by aircraft, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, as well as mobile fire groups of Ukraines Defense Forces. Two missiles and 18 attack drones struck 17 locations, while debris from downed drones fell at 12 locations. Information on four enemy missiles is being clarified, the statement said. The attack is ongoing, with several enemy drones still in Ukrainian airspace. Central govt's authority, HKSAR govt oppose latest resolution by European Parliament on prosecution of Jimmy Lai Global Times By Chen Qingqing Published: Jan 23, 2026 12:17 PM Updated: Jan 23, 2026 04:45 PM The Commissioner's Office of Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the HKSAR government voiced opposition against a latest resolution adopted by European Parliament on Thursday local time on the prosecution of anti-government instigator and secessionist Jimmy Lai. Recently, the European Parliament adopted the so-called "resolution on the Jimmy Lai case" as well as reports related to foreign and security policy. These documents disregard facts, distort right and wrong, and smear Hong Kong's "One Country, Two Systems" and the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). They openly interfere in the adjudication of Hong Kong national security cases, malign the state of democracy and the rule of law in the HKSAR, and clamor for sanctions against Hong Kong, a spokesperson from the commissioner's office said on Friday. In response, the spokesperson expressed strong condemnation and firm opposition, emphasizing that the adjudication of Hong Kong national security cases is an internal matter of the HKSAR, and Hong Kong's judiciary must not be interfered with. Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law, and no one enjoys privileges above the law. Jimmy Lai is a principal instigator and participant in anti-China and disruptive activities in Hong Kong, acting as an "agent" and "foot soldier" for external anti-China forces. The facts of his crimes endangering national security are clear, the evidence is conclusive, his offenses are blatant, and the harm caused is grave. The trial process is open and transparent, and the HKSAR judicial authorities have delivered a fair judgment based on ample and solid factual evidence, leaving no room for criticism, the spokesperson said. No matter how many so-called "resolutions" or "reports" the European Parliament produces regarding Hong Kong, they are nothing more than worthless scraps of paper, the spokesperson added. The HKSAR government also strongly opposed on late Thursday the so-called resolution adopted by the European Parliament against Hong Kong, condemning the Parliament for using the Lai Chee-ying case to make baseless allegations about Hong Kong and smear the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO). The European Parliament has made sweepingly generalized and grandstanding comments, completely disregarding the profound historical significance of the HKNSL and its undeniable positive impact on the HKSAR, the HKSAR government's spokesperson said, according to a statement in English released on early Friday. It has rather distorted the facts and smeared the HKSAR and the HKNSL as well as other laws safeguarding national security in Hong Kong. On the contrary, they never utter a word about the strict enforcement of national security laws by other governments against activities that endanger their national security, the spokesperson said. This is an entirely despicable political manipulation, and we must sternly denounce wrongdoing of the European Parliament to set the record straight and to expose its shameless 'double standards' to the world, the spokesperson added. The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on Thursday claiming that the so-called "arbitrary prosecution" of anti-government rioter Jimmy Lai in the HKSAR could result in life imprisonment,the Brussels Times reported. The MEPs claimed that the EU member states should suspend extradition treaties with the Chinese mainland and the HKSAR and claim that sanctions to be imposed on the HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee and other officials, the Brussels Times said. The European Parliament has entirely no respect for the HKSAR court's independent judgment of the Lai's case, which had been made on the basis of facts and evidence, the HKSAR government's spokesperson said. They also refused to acknowledge the evidence set out in the reasons for verdict, and refused to understand the court's considerations and the reasons for verdict. Instead, they wantonly launched attacks, slandered and attacked the HKSAR Government. With the European Parliament distorting facts and confounding right and wrong, its malicious intentions are clearly revealed, the spokesperson added. The HKSAR's High Court on December 15, 2025 ruled Jimmy Lai, an instigator of anti-China riots in Hong Kong, guilty on two charges of conspiring to collude with external forces and a charge of conspiracy to publish seditious materials. At the opening ceremony of the Legal Year 2026 in the HKSAR on Monday, the Chief Justice Andrew Cheung of Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal also addressed the prosecution of Lai. Sentencing remains pending, and appeals may or may not be forthcoming. As expected, the outcome of this high-profile trial has attracted significant international attention and commentary. Also as expected, given the prevailing geopolitical tensions, some of these responses have been critical not only of the prosecution and verdicts, but also of the courts and the rule of law in Hong Kong generally, Cheung said. Hong Kong's Basic Law and general laws, along with the national security laws, all guarantee the independence and impartiality of the courts, and the right to a fair trial. They require that court decisions be based on the evidence and legal arguments presented, and not on extraneous considerations or public pressure, Cheung said. "I have every confidence that the Court of Appeal and ultimately the Court of Final Appeal will, as always, act with integrity and professionalism in handling any appeals or reviews," he added. Hong Kong is a place adopting the rule of law. The European Parliament's act by applying external pressure attempting to intervene Hong Kong's affairs should be condemned, Chu Kar-kin, a veteran commentator based in the HKSAR and member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, told the Global Times on Friday. "The convicted should be punished for what he has done which had hurt Hong Kong for decades. Jimmy was treated fairly and in good health conditions under the Hong Kong Correction Service's custody and his healthy should not be an excuse for any mitigation for sentencing," Chu said. The European Parliament's resolution is based on a misinterpretation of and interference in China's internal affairs, and does not conform to international law or the basic norms governing international relations, Willy Fu, a law professor who is also the director of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong & Macao Studies, told the Global Times on Friday. The Basic Law and the HKNSL ensure that the human rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents, as well as judicial independence, are fully respected and protected, Fu said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Xi Jinping Speaks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the Phone Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: January 23, 2026 14:18 On the morning of January 23, 2026, President Xi Jinping spoke with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the phone. President Xi noted that in 2024, President Lula and I jointly announced the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. For more than one year since then, the two countries have gained strong momentum in building a community with a shared future and made solid progress in synergizing development strategies, thus setting an example of solidarity and cooperation between Global South countries. This year marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. China will pursue high-quality development through high-standard opening up and provide more opportunities for cooperation with Brazil. China is ready to work with Brazil to comprehensively advance mutually beneficial cooperation across the board, and promote greater development and usher in a brighter future of China-Brazil relations. President Xi stressed that facing the turbulent international landscape, China and Brazil, as important members of the Global South, are constructive forces for upholding world peace and stability and reforming and improving global governance. China and Brazil should firmly stand on the right side of history, better champion the common interests of both the two countries and the Global South, and jointly uphold the central position of the United Nations and international fairness and justice. China will always be a good friend and good partner of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries, and continue promoting a China-LAC community with a shared future. President Lula said that President Xi's historic visit to Brazil in 2024 elevated the bilateral relationship to a new level of a Brazil-China community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet, and significant progress has been achieved in cooperation between the two countries in all areas. Brazil will work with China to promote greater development of bilateral and LAC-China relations. Brazil and China are important forces in upholding multilateralism and free trade. Given the worrying international situation, Brazil is willing to collaborate closely with China to defend the authority of the United Nations, strengthen BRICS cooperation, and safeguard regional and world peace and stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on January 23, 2026 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: January 23, 2026 17:52 CCTV: The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 is about to close. The event is held under the theme of "A Spirit of Dialogue," yet parties expressed in their speeches concerns over greater division and more conflicts facing the world. What's China's assessment on this year's WEF annual meeting? How should dialogue be promoted under current circumstances? Is China willing to play a bigger role as a leader in international affairs? Guo Jiakun: Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council He Lifeng attended and addressed this year's World Economic Forum annual meeting. By sharing four observations on firmly supporting free trade, safeguarding multilateralism, pursuing win-win cooperation, and upholding mutual respect and equal-footed consultation, Vice Premier He Lifeng sent out a positive message to the world that China is committed to advancing high-quality development, expanding high-standard opening up, promoting a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and making the international economic and trade order more just and equitable. Increasing uncertainties and instabilities facing the world calls for stronger solidarity, cooperation and joint effort in dealing with challenges through dialogue. History proved that confrontation and antagonism will only lead to damage and regression, and only dialogue and cooperation can spell prosperity and progress. No matter how the landscape may evolve, China will always act as the anchor in this uncertain world and provide opportunities, confidence and momentum for the common development of countries through its own development. China stands ready to work with all parties to bridge differences with dialogue, enhance mutual trust with cooperation, deliver on commitments with actions and jointly respond to global challenges and build a community with a shared future for humanity. Reuters: Please could you confirm that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit China next week, that American President Donald Trump will visit China in April, and that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the U.S. at the end of this year? Guo Jiakun: On your first question, in a turbulent and volatile world, China and the UK as permanent members of the UN Security Council will benefit the world and the two countries themselves by stepping up exchanges and cooperation. On the specific visits you mentioned, information will be released in due course. On China-U.S. relations, a steady relationship serves the common interests of the two peoples and meets the expectation of the international community. Head-of-state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to bilateral relations. On the specifics that you mentioned, I have no information to offer at the moment. RT TV: President Putin in a meeting with the U.S. delegation confirmed that Russia, the U.S. and Ukraine will hold a trilateral meeting on security-related issues in the UAE on January 23 and 24. What's China's comment? Guo Jiakun: China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. Dialogue and negotiation is the only right way out of the Ukraine crisis. Reuters: UN experts yesterday expressed deep concern regarding persistent allegations of forced labor affecting Uyghur, Kazakh and Kyrgyz minority groups as well as Tibetans within the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and across other parts of China. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on this report? Guo Jiakun: The Chinese government has been committed to promoting and protecting human rights. Development and progress in Xinjiang and Xizang are there for all to see. This is an undeniable fact. The so-called "concerns" fabricated by certain experts are completely unfounded. We urge relevant special procedures experts to respect basic facts, adhere to the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate-holders of the Human Rights Council, fulfill their mandate in a just and objective manner, and avoid being used by or assisting anti-China forces. AFP: TikTok announced yesterday the establishment of a majority American-owned joint venture to operate its business in the United States. Donald Trump has welcomed this move and thanked Chinese leader. What is China's comment on this? Guo Jiakun: On what you mentioned, I'd refer you to competent authorities. China's stance on TikTok is consistent and clear. Folha de S.Paulo: President Xi Jinping and President Lula had a phone call in which they discussed the importance of maintaining the central role of the United Nations. The conversation took place after both countries were invited by President Donald Trump's peace council. Was the peace council itself specifically discussed during the call? Guo Jiakun: President Xi Jinping talked to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the phone this morning. They exchanged views on China-Brazil relations and issues of mutual interest. We've released a readout, which you may refer to. Reuters: The U.S. said it will "allow" China to buy Venezuelan oil but not at certain prices. Does China have to follow what the U.S. dictates here? Guo Jiakun: Venezuela is a sovereign state and has the right to independently choose cooperation partners. Antara: Eight Muslim-majority countries, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, the UAE, Egypt, and Pakistan, have agreed to join the Gaza Board of Peace. How optimistic is the Ministry that this board will be able to maintain peace in Gaza? Guo Jiakun: We have answered questions regarding the Board of Peace and have nothing to add. RT TV: ROK media outlets reported that the presidents of China and the ROK in their talks discussed four cooperation projects that may involve the DPRK, including a high-speed railway connecting Seoul and Beijing via Pyongyang. The reports also suggested China's mediation role concerning the relations between the ROK and the DPRK in relevant projects. Can you confirm that? If the reports can be confirmed, how does China view its role in the projects? Guo Jiakun: China released information on the talks between the presidents of China and the ROK in early January. On other issues you mentioned, I have nothing to share. Kyodo News: Japan's House of Representatives was formally dissolved today. What's China's comment? Guo Jiakun: This is Japan's internal affair. We don't have a comment on that. AFP: President Donald Trump said today that the United States is sending a massive fleet toward Iran. This follows days of strong language between Washington and Tehran. What is China's comment on the situation? Guo Jiakun: China hopes that Iran will maintain national stability and that all parties will cherish peace, exercise restraint, and resolve differences through dialogue. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese Mission to the EU expresses strong dissatisfaction, firm opposition to EP resolution on Hong Kong Global Times By Global Times Published: Jan 24, 2026 09:52 AM A spokesperson for the Chinese Mission to the EU on Saturday slammed the European Parliament (EP)'s resolution related to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and urged the EP to stop interfering in the HKSAR's judiciary and China's internal affairs. On Thursday, the EP passed a resolution concerning the HKSAR. Asked to comment on that, the spokesperson said on Saturday that the resolution disregards facts and legal principles, smears and vilifies the practice of "one country, two systems" and the Hong Kong national security law, openly interferes in the HKSAR's judicial affairs, and constitutes a crude interference in China's internal affairs. "China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this," the spokesperson said, according to the website of the Chinese Mission to the EU. Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law, where laws must be observed and violations punished. Hong Kong's judicial authorities handle the case of Jimmy Lai independently and impartially in accordance with the law. No external forces have any right to make irresponsible remarks, according to the spokesperson. Since the implementation of the Hong Kong national security law, the rule of law and the business environment in Hong Kong have further improved, the foundation for long-term prosperity and stability has been consolidated, and the legitimate rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents have been better protected in a safer environment, the spokesperson noted. China urges the EP to respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in the HKSAR, stop speaking up for anti-China and destabilizing elements in Hong Kong, and cease interfering in the HKSAR's judicial affairs and China's internal affairs in any form. The central government will resolutely support the HKSAR in governing Hong Kong in accordance with the law, the spokesperson stressed. On Friday, a spokesperson for the Chinese Mission to the EU also slammed China-related content in the EP's 2025 annual reports on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy. "The statements in the European Parliament's reports constitute a gross interference in China's internal affairs, disregarding facts on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Xizang, the South China Sea, etc. The Chinese side strongly deplores and firmly opposes that," the spokesperson said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi urges China, Brazil to better safeguard shared interests of Global South, jointly maintain UN's core role, intl fairness, justice in phone talks with Lula Global Times Leaders' exchanges inject certainty, stability into a turbulent landscape: expert By Wang Qi and Li Yu Published: Jan 24, 2026 12:16 AM Amid the current turbulent international situation, China and Brazil - both important countries in the Global South - are a constructive force in safeguarding global peace and stability and improving global governance, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Friday, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Xi made the remarks during a phone call with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The Chinese leader called on the two countries to firmly stand on the right side of history, make more efforts to defend the common interests of both countries and of the Global South, and jointly safeguard the central role of the United Nations, as well as international fairness and justice. China is committed to always being a good friend and partner to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and to jointly advancing the building of the China-LAC community with a shared future, Xi told Lula on Friday, according to Xinhua. President Lula depicted Brazil and China as important forces in defending multilateralism and upholding free trade. Against the backdrop of a concerning international landscape, Lula said that Brazil is willing to work closely with China, uphold the authority of the United Nations, and strengthen cooperation among BRICS countries so as to safeguard peace and stability in the region and beyond. Joint efforts Bloomberg remarked that the two leaders have "projected unity" as US President Donald Trump's "America First" approach reshapes global geopolitics and "raises concerns." Reuters mentioned that the Chinese-Brazilian leaders' talks "came weeks after the Trump administration seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro", which "threw Caracas into political uncertainty, and set its Latin America and Caribbean neighbors worrying about similar interventions by force on their turf." In an op-ed article published in the New York Times on January 18, Lula condemned the US action in Venezuela as a "regrettable chapter in the continuous erosion of international law and the multilateral order established after World War II." "We will not be subservient to hegemonic endeavors," Lula said, "The division of the world into zones of influence and neocolonial incursions for strategic resources are outdated and damaging." Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Friday that the exchanges between the Chinese and Brazilian leaders at the beginning of 2026 not only set the tone for the development of bilateral relations this year, but also, amid the current world situation marked by intertwined changes and turbulence, add a measure of certainty and stability to the global economic and security landscape. "This is of vital importance in boosting the confidence of the broad Global South countries," said the expert. According to Li, China-Brazil relations represent a strategically significant partnership. Their development demonstrates that only by strengthening one's own capabilities and strategic autonomy, while at the same time deepening close coordination with more like-minded partners, can external threats be effectively resisted and the foundations of the international order be safeguarded and upheld. Prior to the phone call with President Xi, Lula spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. The Hindu reported that two leaders underscored the importance of advancing the shared interests of the Global South, and reformed multilateralism in addressing shared challenges, citing an official statement. Zhou Zhiwei, an expert on Latin American studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that the world is facing an unprecedented risk, as the most powerful country is undermining the international order and the norms of international relations, building its own interests upon the misfortunes of others, which is inflicting severe blows on world peace and development. Moreover, the Western camp is displaying a state of disarray. "This makes it imperative for Global South countries to take action," said Zhou, "As representatives of the Global South, the coordination of positions and joint actions among BRICS nations are of vital importance in opposing hegemony, resisting bullying, and promoting the building of a more equitable and reasonable international order as well as a more inclusive and mutually advancing economic order." Push for greater development During the phone call with Lula, Xi said that China's high-quality development via high-level opening-up will provide more opportunities for cooperation with Brazil, according to Xinhua. Xi noted that he and Lula in 2024 jointly announced the elevation of China-Brazil ties to a community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. Over the past year, the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future has gained solid momentum, with deepening alignment between their development strategies and setting an example of unity and cooperation between Global South countries, Xi added. This year marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period, said Xi, voicing China's readiness to work with Brazil to comprehensively deepen mutually beneficial cooperation across various fields and push for greater development of bilateral relations so as to usher in an even brighter future. For his part, Lula said that Xi's historic visit to Brazil in 2024 has elevated bilateral ties to a new height of building a community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet and that bilateral cooperation in various fields has made remarkable progress. Lula voiced Brazil's readiness to work with the Chinese side to push for greater growth in bilateral ties and the relationship between Latin America and China. Citing figures from the Brazil-China Business Council (CEBC), Brasil 247 reported that Brazil's trade relationship with China reached a historic high in 2025, reinforcing the Asian country's position as Brazil's largest foreign trade partner. Total bilateral trade combining exports and imports climbed to $171 billion, the highest level since records began in 1997, reflecting a decade-long expansion in economic ties. China and Brazil have strong economic structural complementarity, which determines the stability of their bilateral economic and trade cooperation as well as their resilience in responding to external shocks, Zhou said. He noted that both China and Brazil face the practical need for industrial restructuring and continuous optimization. "Trade between the two countries was predominantly focused on agricultural products and resource-based commodities," said Zhou, "Looking ahead, on the foundation of economic complementarity, the two countries are expected to deepen cooperation at the level of production capacity and industrial chains." He added that cooperation in manufacturing and scientific and technological innovation will be key areas to prioritize and advance in the future. According to a Bnamericas report on Thursday, Brazilian minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, met with representatives of a number of Chinese companies during the week, including those from the heavy construction, mining, oil, gas, energy, and electrical storage sectors. As the US government seeks to assert more influence across the Western Hemisphere based on its latest national security strategy, Zhou believed that Latin America will be a region of particular focus for the White House over the next three years, and it is highly likely that the US will continue to use tariffs as a weapon to pursue its policy objectives. In the context of facing potential US protectionism and tariff bullying, Brazil, among other Latin American countries, is accelerating its efforts to diversify its trade partnerships. China, along with ASEAN countries and other East Asian nations, will undoubtedly be among its primary strategic directions, Zhou noted. In a Thursday article, Bloomberg said that as ties with China deepen, Latin America's exports are thriving despite US tariffs, with countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Chile reporting record exports in 2025. Washington imposed a sweeping 50 percent tariff on a broad range of Brazilian products in July 2025. "When it comes to trade, the reality on the ground in most of the region's countries is that China is more entrenched than ever," Bloomberg reported. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Tsahkna at the UN Human Rights Council: the Iranian regime must immediately end the repression of protesters Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23.01.2026 | 16:21 Today, 23 January, an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) was held in Geneva, focusing on the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Iran. According to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, who opened the session, since 28 December Iran has committed serious human rights violations, using violence, torture, killings, mass arrests and threats against protesters who are standing up for their fundamental right to live in a free and dignified society. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, speaking via video in a joint statement by the Nordic-Baltic (NB8) countries, expressed unequivocal condemnation of Iran's crimes against humanity and conveyed unwavering solidarity with the people of Iran. "Repression and terror against the Iranian people must end immediately, and all detained protesters must be released," he stressed. Tsahkna noted that the deliberate restriction of access to the internet and other information channels is a conscious tactic by the regime aimed at preventing the exchange of information within the country, limiting the flow of information into and out of Iran, and concealing human rights violations from the international community. "Keeping Iran's population in an information blackout has significantly hindered the documentation of human rights violations and worsened access to essential services," he said. "We demand the swift and full restoration of internet connectivity." On behalf of the NB8 countries, the foreign minister called on Iran to fulfil its international obligations - to guarantee freedom of expression and unrestricted access to information and communication channels and essential services. "All human rights violations committed against Iranian civilians must have clear and appropriate consequences," Tsahkna added. "This is why we support extending the mandates of the UN Special Rapporteur and the fact-finding mission on Iran." The convening of the emergency session was supported by 21 members of the UN Human Rights Council, including Estonia, and 30 observer states. Estonia has supported the imposition of additional sanctions on Iranian leaders and officials responsible for human rights violations, nuclear proliferation, and Tehran's support for Russia's war against Ukraine. Estonia also supports listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation for implementing the regime's brutal policies. Estonia has also decided to provide financial support for the Iran project under the programme, which aims to ensure access to an uncensored internet, enabling the opposition, journalists and citizens to obtain critically necessary information. Estonia is a member of the UN Human Rights Council in 2026-2028. The focus of Estonia's membership includes protecting women's rights and promoting gender equality, strengthening children's rights, ensuring human rights in the digital space, and media freedom. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Human Rights Council at Special Session condems crackdown in Iran Government of Iceland 23 January 2026 Ministry for Foreign Affairs The United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva today condemned the authorities in Iran for their recent crackdown on protesters in a resolution passed during a Special Session on the deteriorating human rights situation in Iran. Iceland led the call for a Special Session and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir, addressed the session today. "We must stand firmly with the people of Iran," said minister Gunnarsdottir in her address, asking for a strong outcome in the vote on the resolution in the Council. "We owe it to the brave people of Iran peacefully demanding dignity, justice and freedom." Iceland led the call for a Special Session through a joint request by the core group of countries in the Human Rights Council on the situation of human rights in Iran. The core group is made up of the Federal Republic of Germany, North-Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, along with Iceland. The core group drafted the resolution on the deteriorating situation of human rights in Iran which was supported by 25 member states against 7. 14 member states abstained. In its resolution today, the Human Rights Council condemned the authorities' violent response to the protests that began on 28 December which has led to the deaths of thousands of individuals, including many children. Thousands more have been arrested, and in many cases denied contact with their closest relatives. The Council emphasized that the authorities' prolonged disruptions of internet access and communications violate international human rights law and prevent the gathering of information about human rights abuses. The Human Rights Council also expressed concern about the authorities' repeated use of violence against their own citizens in recent years. The Human Rights Council urges the Iranian authorities to put an end to unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, gender-based violence and torture, and to cease threats against protesters and their families. It calls on the authorities to fully respect freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and association, and to immediately restore nationwide internet connectivity. Furthermore, the resolution extends the mandates of the independent international Fact-Finding Mission for two years and the Special Rapporteur on Iran for one year. The resolution further requests urgent investigations into alleged serious human rights violations linked to the protests and calls for full cooperation by Iranian authorities to ensure accountability and prevent impunity. Full statement of Minister for Foreign Affairs, Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran: After unprecedented violence, priority must be on gathering evidence to hold perpetrators to account, UN Fact-Finding Mission says Press releases Independent investigation 23 January 2026 GENEVA -- Following what appears to have been the deadliest crackdown by the Government of Iran against its people since the 1979 Revolution, the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran said the priority now must be on gathering evidence of alleged human rights violations and holding perpetrators to account. Addressing the 39th special session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva today, Fact-Finding Mission chair Sara Hossain said credible reports indicated that thousands of people have been killed since the protests erupted on 28 December, while the government claims at least 300 members of the security forces were also killed. Over 24,000 people have been reportedly arrested, including children, journalists, and human rights defenders. "In the context of the shocking recent events in Iran, the priority must now be to gathering evidence and establishing whether human rights violations and crimes under international law, including crimes against humanity, may have occurred," Hossain said. "The only way to prevent the recurrence of such abuses is through securing accountability and breaking the cycle of impunity. Recent events underline how critical it is to halt this cycle before yet another more serious escalation produces more irreparable harm." With respect to the demonstrations, the Government's response - which appears to have been organized - takes place against the backdrop of a legal framework that fails to protect the rights of Iranians, maintains systemic impunity and thus enables the recurrence of human rights violations. "When viewed alongside established historical patterns of violations previously identified by the Mission, the Government's response demonstrates an urgent need for the international community to act," Hossain said. "In this regard, we underscore that threats or acts of unilateral military intervention by third States are contrary to international law. We further note that allegations of double standards in the application of international law do not absolve states of their obligation to respect and protect human rights. The recent developments in Iran make it imperative to identify and hold to account the perpetrators and State structures enabling the violence, and to assist and protect victims of violations." The protests, sparked by an economic crisis and deteriorating living conditions, quickly spread to all 31 of Iran's provinces. After some Government representatives initially adopted a conciliatory tone, the State response appears to have devolved into increasing violence. Since 8 January, the Government has imposed a complete Internet and mobile services shutdown, effectively cutting off millions of Iranians from the outside world. Despite the blackout, the Fact-Finding Mission has collected witness and victim accounts and continues to gather evidence regarding allegations of gross human rights violations including unnecessary and disproportionate use of force, resulting in arbitrary killings and severe injuries, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, and forced confessions. The Fact-Finding Mission has also assessed video footage and images which appear to show security forces firing lethal ammunition into crowds that did not pose an imminent threat to life. Injuries are estimated to number in the thousands, including the elderly, women and children. Metal pellets were reportedly fired into the faces of victims at close range, recalling the pattern of blinding protesters previously established by the Mission in relation to the 'Woman, Life Freedom' protests in 2022. On 10 January alone, up to 500 protesters with pellet injuries to their eyes were reportedly admitted to a hospital in Isfahan. Video footage reviewed by the Fact-Finding Mission appears to show some individuals engaging in acts of violence such as burning vehicles and buildings. The Government claims some individuals have attacked relief workers and medical personnel, and caused considerable damage to public and private property, including healthcare facilities, religious centers and emergency equipment. "These accounts need to be verified," Hossain said. "The Mission recalls that use of lethal force in law enforcement is subject to extremely strict criteria under international human rights law. Intentional lethal force can only be used as a last resort when it is strictly necessary to protect life against an imminent threat." "International law demands an end to gross human rights violations, protection for those at risk, and a real path to truth, justice and accountability for women, men and children in Iran," Hossain said. ENDS Background: The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran was established by the UN Human Rights Council on 24 November 2022 to investigate alleged human rights violations in Iran related to the protests that began there on 16 September 2022, especially with respect to women and children. On 3 April 2025, through resolution HRC/58/21, the Council extended the mandate of the Fact-Finding Mission for one year, mandating it to investigate allegations of recent and ongoing serious human rights violations in the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China urges all parties to exercise restraint as U.S. claims sending massive fleet toward Iran People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 16:29, January 23, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- China hopes that Iran will maintain national stability, and urges all parties to cherish peace, exercise restraint and resolve differences through dialogue, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a daily news briefing in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that the United States has a "massive" naval force heading toward Iran. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran slams UNHRC session as illegitimate, says no submission to foreign pressure Iran Press TV Friday, 23 January 2026 5:32 PM Iran on Friday rejected a special session of the UN Human Rights Council as illegitimate, with its envoy in Geneva saying the country has never submittedand will never submitto foreign domination or pressure. Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations office in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, made the remark in Geneva on Friday while addressing the 39th Special Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Iran. "Iranian nation, with a civilization spanning 2,500 years, has never accepted domination, or colonial rule," he said, adding, "History has proven, repeatedly, that Iran neither submits to foreign pressure nor tolerates covert aggression disguised as concern." He added that the Iranian nation has endured war, sanctions, terrorism, and relentless pressure, yet they stand united. "It is deeply ironic that states whose historical records are stained with war crimes, genocide, ethnic cleansing, and systemic violenceeven against their own populationsnow attempt to lecture Iran on social governance and human rights," he emphasized. The envoy noted that the sponsors of the session have never genuinely been concerned with the human rights of the Iranian people; otherwise, they would not have imposed inhumane sanctions in violation of the fundamental rights of every single Iranian nor would they have supported the Israeli regime's war of aggression in June, resulting in the killing of innocent Iranians. Bahreini said since the beginning of the protest on December 28, Iran fully recognized people's right for peaceful protests, but the incidents deliberately turned into organized violence, including terrorist attacks, destruction of public properties and armed attacks on civilians and security forces. Providing the official death toll of the foreign-backed riots, the envoy added, "Unlike those who selectively mourn victims for political convenience, Iran neither hides its dead nor outsources grief." "We remain the principal claimant of justice and the sole authority pursuing accountability. No foreign power has moral authority over the lives of Iranian citizens," he added. "Accordingly, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not recognize the legitimacy or validity of this Special Session and its subsequent resolution," he stressed. Iran has its own independent national mechanisms to investigate and ensure accountability regarding acts of violence and terrorism during the recent foreign-backed riots, he explained. The Iranian diplomat emphasized that the legal status of all detainees will be examined in accordance with the country's law, saying those whose guilt is established will face full legal responsibility in fair, impartial, and transparent trials per international standards. "While Iran does not seek war, it remains fully prepared to defend its people, its territory, and its independence against any threat, at any scale, from any source," Bahreini added. Iran's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs later reported that 3,117 people died during the unrest, including 2,427 civilians and security personnel, noting that many innocents were killed by organized terrorist elements. According to a statement by Iran's Security Council, the peak of the violence came on January 8 and 9, when attackers carried out "Daesh-style crimes," including beheadings, stabbings and burning people alive, alongside systematic assaults on bazaars, shops, banks, mosques, hospitals, ambulances and other public infrastructure. At the end of the Friday session, the Council approved what it called an "urgent investigation" into Iran's handling of recent protestsraising questions over the timing, sponsors, and selectivity of the move. The probe was authorized after the emergency session was pushed by a group of Western-backed states, even as Iran and several allies warned the process was politically driven rather than rights-based. The resolution passed with limited consensus25 votes in favor, seven against, and 14 abstentions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskyy on Russias night attack: We count on reaction, assistance of all our partners Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that each such Russian attack on the energy sector proves that it is impossible to delay the deliveries of air defense systems. "Every such Russian strike on our energy infrastructure proves that there must be no delays in supplying air defenses. No blind eye can be turned to these strikes; they must be met with a strong response. We are counting on the reaction and assistance of all our partners. Every missile for Patriot, NASAMS, and all other systems helps protect critical infrastructure and enables people to endure the winter cold," he wrote on Telegram. He stressed the need for the full and mandatory implementation of agreements on air defense reached with President Donald Trump in Davos. Zelenskyy also said that overnight Russia launched more than 370 attack drones and 21 missiles of various types. "Kyiv and the region, as well as the Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv regions, were targeted. In Kharkiv, a maternity hospital, a dormitory housing displaced persons, a medical college, and residential buildings have been damaged," he wrote. According to the president, dozens of people are known to have been wounded so far, including a child. In the capital and the surrounding region, Russias main target was energy infrastructure. All necessary services are currently working at the sites of the Russian strikes to eliminate the consequences. Iran prosecutor general rejects Trump's claim on executions as 'completely false' Iran Press TV Friday, 23 January 2026 1:03 PM Iran's Prosecutor General Mohammad Movahedi Azad dismissed President Donald Trump's claim that he stopped alleged executions in Iran, calling the assertion false and stressing the judiciary's independence from foreign pressure. Movahedi Azad said on Friday that the US president had made the claim after witnessing the swift and decisive reaction of the Iranian people at nationwide rallies on January 12. Trump claimed last Friday that he had prevented the alleged execution of over 800 people in Iran. "This is a completely false claim; neither such a number exists, nor has the Judiciary taken such a decision," Mohahedi Azad said. "The Judiciary is a fully independent institution that does not bow to external pressure," he said, adding that Iran operates under a clear separation of powers and "does not take orders from foreign actors." Movahedi Azad also strongly slammed Trump's recent threats against the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. He said such language amounted to a "declaration of full-scale war," warning that any act of aggression would put US interests around the world at risk from supporters of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He added that bases and interests linked to the US "arrogant regime" and the "child-killing Zionist regime" across the world, particularly in the region, could be considered "legitimate targets" in such a scenario. He also said that supporters of the Islamic Republic are numerous, including inside the United States. The remarks come amid heightened tensions following foreign-backed unrest in Iran. Late last month, economic hardships, caused and exacerbated by years of Western sanctions, triggered a wave of peaceful protests among merchants in the Iranian capital of Tehran and other cities. Authorities recognized the protesters' demands as legitimate, but the demonstrations were hijacked by rioters backed by American and Israeli leaders, who publicly called for vandalism and disorder. Officials said that some of the mercenaries were armed, trained, and recruited by US and Israeli spy agencies to incite violence, damage public property, and kill civilians and members of security forces. In a statement on Wednesday, Iran's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs said a total of 3,117 people had lost their lives during the riot. It further noted that 2,427 of those killed were innocent civilians and security personnel. Many of the martyrs were bystanders and protesters who were shot dead by organized terrorist elements, it said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran slams EU parliament's 'meddlesome, irresponsible' resolution on terrorist riots Iran Press TV Friday, 23 January 2026 2:00 PM Iran's Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned a "meddlesome and irresponsible" resolution issued by the European Parliament on recent foreign-backed terrorist attacks in the country, saying it was based on unfounded and incorrect claims. In a statement on Friday, the ministry said that the European Parliament absolutely "lacks moral standing on human rights issues due to its members' support for cruel sanctions against Iran and complicity with the Israeli regime's aggression against the Islamic Republic in June, which was a flagrant violation of the human rights of the Iranian people." According to the ministry, the silence of the European Parliament and its leaders regarding the Israeli regime's genocidal war in occupied Palestine and their disregard for the crimes committed on the streets of Iran are "two sides of the same coin." It said the drafters of the EU Parliament's resolution based their work on US-Israeli "lies," ignoring solid evidence, including images, audio files, and field reports, that Zionist-linked terrorists drove peaceful gatherings to violence. They repeated a series of stereotypical accusations against Iranian security forces and legal institutions in a completely biased manner, the ministry noted. It said the European Parliament issued a resolution that not only disseminates falsehoods and distorts clear realities but also blatantly violates some of the most important principles of the United Nations Charter and the fundamental rules of international law. The European Parliament has once again demonstrated its disregard for the rule of law, it pointed out. The Iranian government is committed to upholding the fundamental rights of the Iranian people in accordance with the Constitution and international legal obligations, added the statement. It noted that Iran is duty-bound to safeguard security, public order, and national sovereignty against any terrorist act and foreign threat and interference. "Any unlawful or interventionist decision or stance concerning the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the guardians of the country's security will be met with Iran's reciprocal action, and the responsibility for its consequences shall lie with those who instigate it," the ministry warned. Late last month, widespread economic hardship compounded by years of Western sanctions sparked peaceful protests by merchants across Tehran and other cities. Iranian authorities initially acknowledged the legitimacy of some demands, but officials said demonstrations were hijacked by US- and Israeli-backed rioters aiming to incite violence and disorder. Iran's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs later reported that 3,117 people died during the unrest, including 2,427 civilians and security personnel, noting that many innocents were killed by organized terrorist elements. According to a statement by Iran's Security Council, the peak of the violence came on January 8 and 9, when attackers carried out "Daesh-style crimes," including beheadings, stabbings and burning people alive, alongside systematic assaults on bazaars, shops, banks, mosques, hospitals, ambulances and other public infrastructure. In a resolution adopted on Thursday, members of the European Parliament expressed what they described as "full solidarity" with Iranians while also calling for the designation of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Confused clowns': Iran FM blasts Zelensky over call for aggression on Iran Iran Press TV Friday, 23 January 2026 7:36 AM Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over his call for foreign aggression against Iran, saying the world has had enough of "confused clowns." In a post on X on Friday, Araghchi slammed Zelensky for "openly and unashamedly" calling for an "unlawful US aggression against Iran." Noting that such an aggression is a clear violation of the UN Charter, Araghchi also pointed to the hypocrisy of the Ukrainian president. Zelensky, he maintained, "has been rinsing American and European taxpayers to fill the pockets of his corrupt generals and to confront what he calls an unlawful aggression in violation of the UN Charter." "The world has had enough of Confused Clowns, Mr. Zelensky," he said. "Unlike your foreign-backed and mercenary-infested military, we Iranians know how to defend ourselves and have no need to beg foreigners for help," added the minister. Speaking in Davos on Thursday, Zelensky called for more decisive action by the United States against Iran, less than two weeks after the start of foreign-backed riots in Iran. Late last month, widespread economic hardship compounded by years of Western sanctions sparked peaceful protests by merchants across Tehran and other cities. Iranian authorities initially acknowledged the legitimacy of some demands, but officials said demonstrations were hijacked by US- and Israeli-backed rioters aiming to incite violence and disorder. Iran's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs later reported that 3,117 people died during the unrest, including 2,427 civilians and security personnel, noting that many innocents were killed by organized terrorist elements. According to a statement by Iran's Security Council, the peak of the violence came on January 8 and 9, when attackers carried out "Daesh-style crimes," including beheadings, stabbings and burning people alive, alongside systematic assaults on bazaars, shops, banks, mosques, hospitals, ambulances and other public infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Iranian minister's comments come against the backdrop of persistent corruption challenges in Ukraine. Ukraine has long struggled with entrenched corruption even amid its war with Russia. Investigations by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office uncovered a major graft scheme linked to Energoatom, the state nuclear energy company, that allegedly siphoned about $100 million in kickbacks from government contracts. The scandal implicated several high-level officials and led to resignations and criminal charges. High-profile cases, including alleged bribery involving former Supreme Court head Vsevolod Kniaziev, continue to draw domestic and international attention as Ukraine seeks continued Western support. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Says Many US Warships Moving Toward Iran 'Just in Case' Sputnik News 20260123 US President Donald Trump said that a large number of US military ships are moving toward Iran "just in case." "You know we have a lot of ships going in that direction just in case. We have a big flotilla going in that direction, and we will see what happens. We have a big force going to Iran. I would rather not see anything happen, but we are watching them very closely," Trump told reporters. Earlier, US President Donald Trump expressed support for the unrest in Iran, which initially began due to the devaluation of the national currency, and did not rule out any action against Iran, including air strikes. Tehran called these statements a threat to the republic's sovereignty. Furthermore, amid protests in Iran, Trump said that he believed the Islamic Republic needed new leadership. According to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, an attack on the country's Supreme Leader would be tantamount to a full-scale war against Iran. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Treasury Escalates Pressure on Iranian Regime for Killing Peaceful Protestors U.S. Department of the Treasury January 23, 2026 OFAC targets shadow fleet vessels and facilitators supporting Iranian oil exports WASHINGTON -- Today, amidst the Iranian regime's brutal crackdown on peaceful protestors and its complete shutdown of internet access to conceal its abuses against the Iranian people, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is increasing pressure on the regime's shadow fleet. OFAC is targeting nine shadow fleet vessels and their respective owners or management firms that have collectively transported hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil and petroleum products to foreign markets. This revenue, which rightfully belongs to the Iranian people, is instead diverted to fund its regional terrorist proxies, weapons programs, and security services, instead of the basic economic services the Iranian people have bravely demanded. "The Iranian regime is engaged in a ritual of economic self-immolationa process that has been accelerated by President Trump's maximum pressure campaign. Tehran's decision to support terrorists over its own people has caused Iran's currency and living conditions to be in free fall," said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "Today's sanctions target a critical component of how Iran generates the funds used to repress its own people. As previously outlined, Treasury will continue to track the tens of millions of dollars that the regime has stolen and is desperately attempting to wire to banks outside of Iran." Today's action was taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13902, which targets Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors. It continues the robust sanctions campaign targeting Iranian oil sales in support of the President's National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 (NSPM-2), instituting maximum economic pressure on Iran. shadow fleet ACTORS Today's action includes vessels used to transport Iranian crude oil and other Iranian petroleum products. These vessels are owned and operated by a group of companies operating out of various jurisdictions, largely established for the sole purpose of owning and managing their respective vessels. The following vessels are linked to years of Iranian petroleum shipments, including significant volumes in 2025 that continue into 2026. The Palau-flagged SEA BIRD (IMO 9088536), managed and operated by United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Horizon Harvest Shipping LLC , has transported hundreds of thousands of barrels of Iranian liquified petroleum gas (LPG) to East Asia, Djibouti, and UAE. (IMO 9088536), managed and operated by United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based , has transported hundreds of thousands of barrels of Iranian liquified petroleum gas (LPG) to East Asia, Djibouti, and UAE. The Comoros-flagged AVON (IMO 9034705), owned, operated, and managed by India-based Aayat Ship Management Private Limited , transported multiple shipments of Iranian LPG to Bangladesh and Pakistan in 2025. (IMO 9034705), owned, operated, and managed by India-based , transported multiple shipments of Iranian LPG to Bangladesh and Pakistan in 2025. The Palau-flagged AL DIAB II (IMO 9053816), owned, managed, and operated by Oman-based Black Stone Oil and Gas , transported multiple shipments of Iranian LPG to Pakistan and Somalia in 2025. (IMO 9053816), owned, managed, and operated by Oman-based , transported multiple shipments of Iranian LPG to Pakistan and Somalia in 2025. The Palau-flagged CESARIA (IMO 9251602), owned by Seychelles-based Galeran Service Corp , has transported millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil to East Asia since late 2025. (IMO 9251602), owned by Seychelles-based , has transported millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil to East Asia since late 2025. The unknown-flagged LONGEVITY 7 (IMO 9240885), owned and managed by Marshall Islands-based Longevity Shipping Limited , transported hundreds of thousands of barrels of Iranian clean condensate received via a ship-to-ship transfer. LONGEVITY 7 also carried multiple cargoes of Iranian methanol in 2022. The LONGEVITY 7 has operated as part of the Iranian shadow fleet since at least 2020, transporting Iranian petrochemicals to East Asia. (IMO 9240885), owned and managed by Marshall Islands-based , transported hundreds of thousands of barrels of Iranian clean condensate received via a ship-to-ship transfer. LONGEVITY 7 also carried multiple cargoes of Iranian methanol in 2022. The LONGEVITY 7 has operated as part of the Iranian shadow fleet since at least 2020, transporting Iranian petrochemicals to East Asia. The Palau-flagged EASTERN HERO (IMO 9353905), owned by Marshall Islands-based Odyssey Marine Inc. , has transported hundreds of thousands of barrels of Iranian high sulfur fuel oil since 2025. (IMO 9353905), owned by Marshall Islands-based , has transported hundreds of thousands of barrels of Iranian high sulfur fuel oil since 2025. The Panama-flagged AQUA SPIRIT (IMO 9197727), owned by Liberia-based Benoil Shipping Inc , has transported hundreds of thousands of barrels of Iranian petroleum products, including LPG, to Pakistan and other locations since 2025. (IMO 9197727), owned by Liberia-based , has transported hundreds of thousands of barrels of Iranian petroleum products, including LPG, to Pakistan and other locations since 2025. The Comoros-flagged CHIRON 5 (IMO 9306665) and KEEL (IMO 9176929), both of which are owned, managed, and operated by Marshall Islands-based Trade Bridge Global Inc., have transported hundreds of thousands of barrels of Iranian naphtha since 2025. The following companies are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the petroleum sector of the Iranian economy: Horizon Harvest Shipping LLC; Aayat Ship Management Private Limited; Black Stone Oil and Gas; Galeran Service Corp; Longevity Shipping Limited; Odyssey Marine Inc.; Benoil Shipping Inc; and Trade Bridge Global Inc. The following vessels are being identified as blocked property of the previously identified blocked persons: SEA BIRD (Horizon Harvest Shipping L.L.C); AVON (Aayat Ship Management Private Limited); AL DIAB II (Black Stone Oil and Gas).; CESARIA (Galeran Service Corp); LONGEVITY 7 (Longevity Shipping Limited); EASTERN HERO (Odyssey Marine Inc.); AQUA SPIRIT (Benoil Shipping Inc); CHIRON 5 and KEEL (Trade Bridge Global Inc) SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons. Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC's guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List Click here for more information on the persons designated and any property identified as blocked property today. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Human Rights Council Special Session to address the deteriorating Human Rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, 23 January 2026 Speech UK Statement for the Special Session to address the deteriorating Human Rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Delivered by the UK's Ambassador for Human Rights, Eleanor Sanders. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Eleanor Sanders Published 23 January 2026 Location: Geneva Delivered on: 23 January 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Mr President, We thank the Fact-Finding Mission and the Special Rapporteur for their powerful statements today. The Iranian authorities' horrific response has claimed thousands of lives. Many more protesters - exercising their rights to freedom of expression and assembly - remain detained...their fates unclear. Iran's abhorrent use of the death penalty continues - on average, around six people are executed every day in Iran. We do not know the full scale of the violence and killing. The internet blackout imposed on 8 January prevented crucial communications and the full documentation of violations. Restrictions remain in place today. We should be clear - the scale of this horrendous killing is shocking, but the authorities' response is not. We all remember previous devastating crackdowns, including in 2009, 2019 and 2022. It is time to end these cycles of repression. It takes true bravery to speak out in the face of an authority prepared to fire at its own people. This is especially true of women, and those from religious and ethnic minorities, who continue to face severe repression in their daily lives. The Iranian authorities must be held accountable. This is why the Fact-Finding Mission must be renewed today. We stand firmly with the Iranian people in their pursuit of justice. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. expands sanctions targeting Iran's oil trade, maritime networks People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:35, January 24, 2026 WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration on Friday expanded its sanctions targeting Iran's oil trade and maritime networks, issuing a new Iran-related general license and updating its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list with entities and oil tankers tied to Iran's petroleum sector. The Iran-related General License T, issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), authorizes "limited safety and environmental transactions and the offloading of cargo involving certain persons or vessels blocked on January 23, 2026." Meanwhile, OFAC updated its SDN list, adding multiple shipping companies and nine oil tankers in alleged links with Iran. The move is expected to effectively block their U.S. property and prohibit U.S. citizens from engaging in transactions with them. "OFAC is targeting nine shadow fleet vessels and their respective owners or management firms that have collectively transported hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil and petroleum products to foreign markets," the Treasury Department said Friday in a press release. "As previously outlined, Treasury will continue to track the tens of millions of dollars that the regime has stolen and is desperately attempting to wire to banks outside of Iran," said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on X. The move came after a series of U.S. sanctions and other measures adopted earlier this month, seen as part of a broader U.S. effort to cut off funding streams supporting Tehran amid ongoing tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that a planned 25-percent tariff on countries doing business with Iran would take effect "very soon," touting that the United States has a "massive" naval force heading toward Iran, while suggesting it may not be used. "We have an armada. We have a massive fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we won't have to use it. We'll see," Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he returned from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Despite his tough rhetoric, including a recent call for regime change in Iran, Trump has said he remains open to negotiations. "Iran does want to talk, and we'll talk," Trump said during his stay in Davos. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US threatens to block Iraq's oil revenues if pro-Iran parties join new government: Report Iran Press TV Saturday, 24 January 2026 8:03 AM The United States has reportedly warned Iraq that it could block the country's access to its oil revenues held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York if political factions linked to Iran are included in the next Iraqi government. The warning was delivered repeatedly over the past two months by US Charge d'Affaires in Baghdad Joshua Harris during meetings with Iraqi officials and influential Shia leaders, Reuters cited three Iraqi officials and a source familiar with the matter as saying on Thursday. The threat forms part of US President Donald Trump's renewed "maximum pressure" campaign aimed at weakening Iran through expanded economic sanctions, including restrictions on Iran's oil exports. The development came following meddlesome remarks by Trump, claiming that the United States would resort to military aggression against Iran in the event of what the US president called the Islamic Republic's use of violence against protesters. Sporadic economic protests that had begun in late December in Iran were soon infiltrated by riotous, foreign-backed elements aiming to hijack them towards inciting unrest. The elements were confirmed by Iranian intelligence to receive American and Israeli intelligence, arms, and logistical support, prompting Iranian forces to round up ringleaders and confiscate firearms, including weapons bound for the capital, Tehran. The riots were orchestrated to advance the long-standing US-Israeli "regime change" agenda against Iran, after they failed to achieve this objective through unprovoked military aggression in June. As part of this strategy, Washington has also sought to curtail Tehran's regional influence, particularly in Iraq. Washington has previously restricted the flow of US dollars to Iraqi banks, contributing to higher import prices for Iraqi consumers and complicating Baghdad's ability to pay for Iranian natural gas imports. However, the latest warning marks the first time the US has explicitly threatened to cut off the Central Bank of Iraq's access to oil revenues held at the New York Fed. Iraq has been required to deposit all proceeds from oil sales into an account at the Federal Reserve since the US-led invasion in 2003. Oil revenues account for approximately 90 percent of Iraq's national budget, giving Washington significant leverage over Baghdad. A US State Department spokesperson claimed that Washington supports Iraqi sovereignty but opposes the influence of Iran-backed armed groups. Several Shia political parties, including factions within the Coordination Framework, maintain links to the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU). The PMU was formed in 2014 to fight Daesh and was later formally incorporated into Iraq's armed forces. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who maintained workable relations with both Washington and Tehran, has opted not to seek a second term, reshaping the political landscape. His decision has opened the door for a possible return of Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition and the Dawa Party. Maliki, who is backed by parties linked to the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), previously served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014a period that included the Daesh takeover of large parts of western Iraq. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "Illegitimate elections yield illegitimate results": UN expert urges rejection of Myanmar junta's sham poll results UNOHCHR Press releases Special Procedures 23 January 2026 GENEVA - The international community must unequivocally reject as illegitimate the election results in Myanmar and any power arrangement that follows, a UN expert said today, as voting concludes in the country's discredited parliamentary polls this weekend. "Sunday's final day of balloting in the Myanmar junta's fraudulent election scheme will hopefully bring relief to the people of Myanmar who have faced election related intimidation, threats, arrest and lengthy prison terms if they criticised the election or failed to participate," said Tom Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. "While the election results within Myanmar have never been in doubt, the election result that matters most is the response of the international community," Andrews warned. "The junta has orchestrated the election specifically to ensure a landslide by its political proxy. It took no chances, banning credible opposition parties, jailing popular political figures, muzzling the press, crushing fundamental freedoms, and using fear and coercion to drive a reluctant electorate to the polls." "The junta is banking on the world's fatigue, hoping that the international community will accept military rule dressed up in civilian clothing," he said. "Governments must not allow that to happen." "We can all anticipate arguments from junta allies that the election, while not perfect, is a sign of progress. Precisely the opposite is the case. International acceptance of this fraudulent exercise would set back the clock on genuine resolution to this crisis," the expert said. Andrews said that sustained international pressure was a prerequisite for the junta to accept that its reign of violence and brutality against civilians is not sustainable. According to the Special Rapporteur, the three phases of voting in the junta's election scheme were marked by violence, low turnout and widespread coercion. Voters reported being monitored and pressured by local authorities, with repercussionsexplicitly threatened or impliedfor those who stayed away. Junta officials were pushing citizens to polling stations even as military jets bombed villages throughout the country. Andrews noted that most foreign governments recognised the absurdity of the junta's election ploy and refrained from sending observers or otherwise lending the exercise credibility. He commended ASEAN which, according to a recent statement by the foreign minister of Malaysia, will not certify the election results. "States that endorse the results of these polls will be complicit in the junta's attempt to legitimise military rule through a fabricated vote," he said. "The international community must maintain and intensify efforts to isolate the junta, its enablers, and any proxy government emerging from the so-called election." The Special Rapporteur called on states to focus on cutting the flow of weapons, aviation fuel, and funds that enable the military's campaign of violence and repression. "The people of Myanmar have shown extraordinary courage in resisting military tyranny," Andrews said. "They deserve a future decided by their willnot by a rigged process designed to keep their oppressors in power." Thomas Andrews is the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. 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 organisation, 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 Anger And Chaos As Thousands Displaced Ahead Of Pakistani Military Operation By Daud Khattak and Frud Bezhan January 23, 2026 Tens of thousands of people traveling in crammed cars and on packed buses have left a remote valley in northwestern Pakistan ahead of a planned military operation against suspected militants active in the area. The Pakistani Army has set a January 25 deadline for the evacuation of Tirah, a valley of some 150,000 people near the border with Afghanistan. The strategic area is a stronghold of the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) extremist group, which is waging an increasingly potent insurgency against Islamabad. "I have a shop, which was my source of living," said Saeed Khan, who rented a truck to transport 22 members of his extended family and their possessions from Tirah. "That shop is gone now and so are my earnings. What should I do now?" Khan is one of around 80,000 people who have so far left Tirah for Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Many oppose the planned army offensive and complain that the evacuation has been chaotic and dangerous. Residents must navigate multiple security checkpoints on the main road leading out of Tirah, which is choked by traffic. The drive to Peshawar, usually less than three hours, now takes up to several days, and many are struggling in freezing temperatures without adequate food, water, or sanitation. "My family includes women and children, and the weather is running below zero during the night," said Ihsanullah, a man in his mid-20s who left Tirah with his extended family. "One of my children became sick," added Ihsanullah, who goes by only one name. "I requested the security personnel to open the road for us as my child's condition was getting worse. They said they were not allowed to open the road. My child died." On January 22, two children died after the vehicle they were traveling in skidded off the road and fell into a ravine. The area has reported heavy snowfall in recent days. Ihsanullah has spent several days in Bara, a town outside Peshawar where people must register with the authorities. Each family then receives 250,000 rupees (around $900), an amount that is meant to cover rent and other expenses for two months, the expected duration of the military operation in Tirah. 'Everything Was Destroyed' For many residents of Tirah, this is not the first time they've been forcibly displaced. The region has been a hotbed for militancy for years and the scene of dozens of Pakistani military operations since the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. Major military offensives aimed at uprooting militants have killed civilians as well as insurgents and uprooted millions in the past two decades. The Pakistani Army, which has an oversized role in the country's domestic and foreign affairs, has been accused of committing widespread human rights violations. Abuses by the government have boosted support for the TTP. Northwestern Pakistan is home to the country's Pashtun ethnic minority. Pashtuns make up many of the recruits and members of the TTP. Gulalai said her family was first displaced from Tirah Valley in 2010, when the Pakistani military launched an operation there against suspected militants. "We returned to Tirah in 2019, and we were unable to recognize our houses because everything was destroyed," said the 25-year-old, adding that her family received no compensation for their losses. "Now, once again they issued a deadline asking us to vacate our houses." Fierce Opposition The planned military operation has been opposed by locals, the provincial government, and opposition political figures. Mahmood Khan Achakzai, a lawmaker and opposition leader, told parliament on January 19 that "for the past 20 years, people are being forced to leave their areas where they had been living for thousands of years." "Now they are vacating the whole of Tirah Valley in this freezing cold," he added. "Is it not terrorism to force people out of their homes? For God's sake, don't do this." Sohail Afridi, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province who is from the opposition Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf party, said he had "never supported the operation." He added that the planned army offensive was "imposed by the barrel of a gun." Peshawar-based political analyst Riffatullah Orakzai said there have been 22 major army operations in the past 20 years in northwestern Pakistan. In many cases, militants simply vacate an area before a military operation and return to the same area after the army departs, he said. "People in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are questioning the validity of those operations, and it seems they have no trust in it," he said. "There are very few areas that have not been declared cleared of militants. [But the military] again returns for another operation again. Tirah is one such area that was once declared cleared [of the TTP] in the past." The planned army operation in Tirah comes as the TTP intensifies its yearslong insurgency against Islamabad. Pakistan recorded at least 3,387 combat-related deaths in 2025, a 73 percent increase compared with 1,950 in 2024, according to the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The number of civilians, militants, and members of the Pakistani security forces killed all rose to levels not seen for years. "Pakistan's counterterrorism battlefield saw a marked escalation in 2025, with violence intensifying in both tempo and lethality," PICSS said in its annual report released on December 28. Experts have said the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 boosted the fighting capabilities of armed groups in the region, including the TTP. The TTP and Afghan Taliban have close ideological and organizational ties. Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering the Pakistani militants. Pakistan had hoped the Afghan Taliban, its longtime ally, would rein in and dismantle the TTP, experts said. But the Taliban has refused, with Islamabad responding by conducting unprecedented air strikesin Afghanistan last year. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-ttp-taliban- afghanistan/33657799.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 Photo: https://t.me/oleksiihoncharenko One woman was killed and two people were injured as a result of a hit on the production building of the Roshen company in the Holosiyivsky district of Kyiv during a missile and drone attack by the Russian occupiers on Kyiv on Saturday night. Shelling in Kyivs Holosiyivsky district caused damage to the top floor of a confectionery factory, killing one person and wounding two others, the Kyiv branch of Ukraines State Emergency Service said on Telegram on Saturday morning. The statement did not specify which factory was hit. Overall, one person was killed and at least four others were wounded in Kyiv as a result of the overnight attack, according to emergency officials. Lawmaker Viktoria Siumar of the European Solidarity party said a woman was killed in a direct strike by a Shahed drone on a Roshen confectionery factory. The woman was working in a production facility so that people would have fresh products in the morning, Siumar wrote on Facebook, adding that the workshop suffered severe damage and two other employees were wounded. She also said a fountain and an ice rink well known to Kyiv residents were destroyed. Siumar said she believed the strike on the factory was deliberate, adding that it underscored the need to step up support for Ukraines armed forces. Lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko of the European Solidarity party reported one fatality and a large number of wounded employees but did not specify how many workers were injured at the factory. "Both production and office facilities were hit. In addition to the companys premises, a square with an ice rink and a fountain was damaged," he wrote on Telegram. Honcharenko also published photos of a Roshen factory building in Kyiv damaged during the overnight attack. The production building facing the street suffered heavy damage, with the top floor of one section destroyed and windows blown out in others. The building that sustained the damage is adjacent to another factory building bearing the companys rooftop logo. Roshen ranked 27th among the worlds largest confectionery manufacturers in 2025. The corporation includes confectionery factories in Kyiv, Kremenchuk and two in Vinnytsia, as well as a dairy plant in Vinnytsia and a biscuit complex in Boryspil, all in Ukraine; a confectionery factory in Klaipeda, Lithuania; and the Bonbonetti Choco factory in Hungary. Production at Roshens Lipetsk factory in Russia has been suspended since April 1, 2017. Commentary by Aide to the President Yury Ushakov regarding Vladimir Putin's meeting with US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff January 23, 2026 04:15 Aide to the President Yury Ushakov: President Vladimir Putin has held a meeting with US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Jared Kushner and Josh Gruenbaum also attended the meeting. The latter is a White House Senior Advisor who specialises in economic matters. This was the first time he joined the US team. The talks went on for approximately four hours and they were exceptionally in-depth, constructive, and, I should say, constituted an extremely frank and heart-to-heart conversation. As you know, our counterparts arrived from Davos after taking part in a series of events together with President Donald Trump, including those concerning the Ukraine settlement. These meetings literally lasted until it was time for them to leave for Moscow. They offered what can be called their first-hand accounts of these events and shared their impressions, as well as their latest thoughts and assessments regarding the meeting between the President of the United States and Zelensky in Davos. Both Mr Witkoff and Mr Kushner were present at that meeting. They also offered their perspective on other contacts they had in December and January in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, and in several European capitals. Overall, I can say that the focus of the meeting between the President of Russia and US representatives was to obtain information resulting from the contacts the United States had with the Ukrainians and Europeans in order to define further steps between our two countries. In fact, an agreement on the next step in this direction has been reached. There was an agreement to hold the first meeting of a trilateral working group on security matters as soon as today, this Friday, January 23, in Abu Dhabi, with Russia, the United States and Ukraine. At the same time, Abu Dhabi will also serve as a venue for a meeting of the heads of a bilateral working group on economic matters. This is a bilateral group formed by Russia and the United States, and their respective heads are Kirill Dmitriev and Steve Witkoff. We have already formed our negotiating team on security matters, and it will be on its way to the Emirates in a matter of hours. The group includes senior officials from the Defence Ministry, led by Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff Admiral Kostyukov. I will also tell you that the President of Russia has just given our delegation specific instructions taking into consideration all aspects of today's conversation with the United States. Importantly, the participants in the conversation between the President of Russia and the Americans reaffirmed the fact that bringing about a lasting settlement would be unlikely without addressing the territorial issue based on the formula as agreed in Anchorage. Vladimir Putin has emphasised Russia's sincere commitment to settling the Ukraine crisis by political and diplomatic means. But as long as this is not the case, Russia will persist in its consistent effort to achieve the special military operation's goals on the battlefield, where Russia's Armed Forces hold the strategic initiative. During the meeting in the Kremlin, we also discussed Donald Trump's idea of a Board of Peace, a host of regional matters and the Greenland issue. While exchanging views on the Board of Peace, we emphasised our readiness to transfer US$1 billion to its budget from Russia's assets frozen under the previous US administration. The remaining part of the Russian assets frozen in the US can be used for rebuilding the territories damaged during the hostilities after a peace agreement is signed between Russia and Ukraine. Discussions of this issue will continue in the bilateral economic group. I would like to point out that the further development of bilateral Russian-US relations was discussed at the conceptual level, considering the huge potential of our countries for cooperation in various spheres. American representatives are already considering certain plans that could be implemented after the settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Returning to today's meeting of the working group on security, I should note that the Americans have done a great deal to prepare it, and they hope that it will be a success and will open new opportunities for progress on the entire range of issues related to putting an end to the conflict and reaching an agreement on a peaceful settlement. Overall, as I have said, the meeting that has just ended in the Kremlin was useful in every sense both for us and for the American side. It was decided at the meeting that the Russian and American sides will maintain close contacts with each other both on Ukraine and on other issues. This is where I will conclude my report. Thank you and have a good morning. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Boosting Development of Its Icebreaker Fleet - Putin Sputnik News 20260123 Russia is increasing the power of its nuclear icebreakers, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday. "This is the kind of power that no country in the world has today. Well, we are increasing, of course, this work [on the construction of nuclear icebreakers]," Putin said during a meeting with the students of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. The construction of the Leader nuclear icebreaker is taking place according to schedule, with the expected completion date being 2030, Putin added. Other statements by the Russian president: Russia is stepping up work on the development of its icebreaker fleet Development of the Northern Sea Route is important for both Russia and international trade Russia is increasing the power of its nuclear icebreakers Construction of the Leader nuclear icebreaker is on schedule, with the expected completion date being 2030 Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia, China Jointly Oppose West's Efforts to Militarize Asia-Pacific - Foreign Ministry Sputnik News 20260123 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia and China jointly oppose attempts by Western countries to militarize the Asia-Pacific region and deploy their military infrastructure there, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday. "Russia and China stand in solidarity in opposing the actions and plans by the collective West to militarize the Asia-Pacific, to impose Indo-Pacific strategies upon it, including attempts to deploy NATO-standard military infrastructure in the region," the ministry said after a meeting between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko and his Chinese counterpart, Sun Weidong. The two diplomats praised the Russia-China foreign policy coordination in the region amid the rapidly changing global situation, the ministry said. They expressed a commitment to enhance cooperation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to "avert new security challenges in the region against the backdrop of multiplying military-political quasi-alliances there," according to the statement. Rudenko and Sun also discussed bilateral cooperation in light of the evolving situation in Myanmar, Afghanistan, on the Korean Peninsula and in entire Northeast Asia, the ministry added. The talks were held in the traditionally friendly and trusting atmosphere characteristic of the Russia-China dialogue, the ministry said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Venezuela, Russia Reaffirm Commitment to Strategic Cooperation Sputnik News 20260123 On January 3, the US launched a massive attack on Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and taking them to New York. According to US authorities, they were allegedly involved in "narco-terrorism." During their court appearance in New York, Maduro and Flores pleaded not guilty to the charges. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil reported a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Caracas Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov, at which the sides discussed bilateral relations and reaffirmed the strategic cooperation between the two countries. "We held a meeting with the ambassador of the Russian Federation to our country, Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov, during which we discussed bilateral relations and the alliance between our nations," Gil wrote. He said the government expressed gratitude to Russia for defending the key principles of the UN Charter, "primarily non-interference and rejection of the use of force that violates the sovereignty of states." The minister also noted Moscow's support for Venezuela following the US kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, calling this act illegitimate under international law. "We reaffirmed our strong strategic alliance, oriented to political, economic, and diplomatic cooperation within the framework of the high-level intergovernmental commission and the strategic partnership and cooperation agreement," Gil said. In connection with the US operation, Caracas requested an emergency UN meeting, and Venezuela's Supreme Court temporarily assigned the duties of head of state to Vice President Delcy Rodriguez. On January 5, Rodriguez officially assumed the position of acting president of Venezuela and took the oath before the National Assembly. The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela, called for the release of Maduro and his wife, and for the prevention of further escalation of the situation. Beijing, following Moscow's lead, called for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, emphasizing that the US actions violate international law. The North Korean Foreign Ministry also criticized the US actions. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has said the US military operation in Venezuela has undermined a key principle of international law that prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China voices concerns over developments in northeastern Syria People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:06, January 24, 2026 UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- China is concerned about developments in northeastern Syria that have given rise to security risks, a Chinese envoy said on Thursday. According to reports, a group of Islamic State (IS) militants had escaped from detention facilities in Hasakah governorate amid turmoil. China is also concerned about the management and security of facilities where IS fighters are being held, said Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. "China firmly opposes terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and stresses that any terrorist activity constitutes one of the gravest threats to international peace and security and must never be tolerated," he told the Security Council. "We call on the Syrian transitional authorities to fulfill their international obligations and take all effective measures to resolutely combat all international terrorist organizations designated by the Security Council, including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement," Sun said. The international community's expectations for Syria are broadly aligned. It hopes that Syria will steadily advance an inclusive political transition, resolutely combat terrorism, effectively protect the rights of minority groups, revive its economy at an early date, and embark on a path of sustainable development, said Sun. China reaffirms its support for Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, and opposes external interference, he said, adding that China stands ready to work with the international community to play a constructive role in helping Syria achieve security, stability and development. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President urges rejection of China's red lines, calls for Taiwan-U.S. tax pact ROC Central News Agency 01/23/2026 10:02 PM Taipei, Jan. 23 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te () on Friday urged the international community not to allow China to unilaterally draw red lines that undermine regional stability, while calling for swift passage of legislation to resolve double taxation between Taiwan and the United States. Lai made the remarks while meeting a delegation led by U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego at the Presidential Office, thanking Gallego for his continued support of Taiwan and engagement on Indo-Pacific security issues. He said China has been stepping up military activities around Taiwan and across the region, alongside economic and diplomatic coercion, actions that have unsettled neighboring countries and fall short of responsible conduct. Lai said Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities and expressed hope that the international community will not acquiesce to unilateral actions that threaten regional peace and stability. On economic ties, Lai urged progress on legislation to address Taiwan-U.S. double taxation, saying its passage would deepen bilateral cooperation and deliver mutual benefits. Gallego said Taiwan's commitment to self-defense creates opportunities for broader cooperation with the U.S. and other partners, adding that resolving double taxation is a win-win issue. (By Wen Kuei-hsiang and Lee Hsin-Yin) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan will not aid aggressors, President Lai says after Zelensky remarks ROC Central News Agency 01/23/2026 05:21 PM Taipei, Jan. 23 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te () on Friday said Taiwan will not tolerate any assistance to aggressors or violations of international embargoes, following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent remarks about the country. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Thursday, Zelensky criticized Europe for being unable to stop Russia's invasion of Ukraine and also accused Taiwan and other countries of not doing enough to prevent Russia from obtaining electronic components to manufacture missiles. "Russia's missiles are produced only because there are ways to bypass sanctions," Zelensky said, adding that it "couldn't build any ballistic or cruise missiles without critical components from other countries, and it's not just China." He continued by saying that Russia gets components from companies in Europe, the United States and Taiwan. "Right now, many are investing in stability around Taiwan to avoid war. But can Taiwanese companies stop contributing electronics to Russia's war?" Zelensky questioned, stressing that countries need to cut off Russia from the components it needs for missile production. On Friday, President Lai did not address Zelensky's specific claims about Taiwanese companies, instead noting that Taiwan has long worked with global partners to staunchly support Ukraine through humanitarian aid and coordinated sanctions. "We remain clear: any assistance to the aggressor or violations of int'l embargoes & export control regulations are unacceptable. We pray for peace to be restored to Ukraine soon," he wrote on X. In a separate statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said that since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Taiwanese government has worked closely with the international democratic community to impose strict high-tech export controls on Russia. MOFA also said that Taiwan has expanded its sanctions list six times to date, placing export restrictions on a total of 3,300 Russian entities. (By Wen Kuei-hsiang and Ko Lin) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ex-President Tsai's think tank releases inaugural report on China ROC Central News Agency 01/23/2026 07:20 PM Taipei, Jan. 23 (CNA) Thinking Taiwan, a think tank founded by former President Tsai Ing-wen (), on Friday released its inaugural report on China, providing what it describes as a comprehensive framework to track Beijing's evolving political and economic trajectory. According to Tao Yi-feng (), project director of the "2025 China Monitoring Report," global assessments of China's political and economic direction have increasingly diverged in recent years, prompting the need for "a more comprehensive and objective" framework for long-term analysis. The framework is structured around five core dimensions -- economy, finance, fiscal policy, society and politics -- using 50 monitoring indicators to track the path of China's political economy, said Tao, who is also an associate professor of political science at National Taiwan University. Tao said the team draws on data from official, government-linked, and independent sources to provide "a snapshot of relevant trends at a specific point in time," stressing that the findings should be interpreted cautiously, given "the distinctive characteristics" of China's system and its evolving political and economic dynamics. "On the one hand, bottom-up social dynamics may be more constrained; on the other, the state's capacity to suppress, defer, and transform risks may be relatively strong," it noted. The inaugural report concluded that China's leadership continues to prioritize production and technological self-reliance over consumption-led growth, despite official rhetoric emphasizing the need to "continuously expand domestic demand." Overall, the report argued, a near-term policy shift to tackle China's structural economic imbalances appears unlikely, warning that maintaining the current approach could intensify both domestic tensions and international economic pressures. With domestic demand stalling, the report suggested China will likely offload its excess production through aggressive price cuts and a continued reliance on foreign markets. This could intensify concerns over a "China Shock 2.0," in which Chinese overproduction floods global markets, putting additional pressure on manufacturing sectors abroad and worsening trade tensions with key partners, the think tank added. Domestically, weak demand may fuel social unrest, erode public confidence in future economic prospects and trigger protests over welfare, while intensified political purges could undermine governance, according to the report. (By Lee Ya-wen and Shih Hsiu-chuan) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2026.01.24 Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. Jan. 23 (Fri.) to 6 a.m. Jan. 24 (Sat.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 26 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 18 out of 26 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 3.PRC balloon activities: 1 PRC balloon was detected during this timeframe. 1150122_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan_1 1150122_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan_2 1150122_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Serhii Sternenko appointed adviser on enhancing the use of UAVs at the frontline - Mykhailo Fedorov Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 22 January, 2026, 9:23 PM EET Minister of Defence of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov held a meeting with civil volunteer activist Serhii Sternenko. "He recently held a conversation with the President, and we are strengthening cooperation to deliver on the tasks set. From now on, Serhii will act as my adviser on enhancing the use of UAVs at the frontline. His experience will help us implement our shared vision of improving the effectiveness of units operating unmanned systems," said Mykhailo Fedorov. He noted that there are several priority tracks the Ministry of Defence must address right now. "The first priority is basic support for drone units. Supplies must also be systematized so that service members receive effective weapons that are operational immediately. Another key focus is analytics and effectiveness. This is precisely where Serhii's expertise will be valuable. At present, only 50 out of 400 units account for around 70% of all confirmed enemy engagements," the Minister of Defence noted. The objective is to enable the other 350 units to grow quickly and significantly increase the scale of destroying russian forces. Additional training, operational analysis, and experience-sharing will enhance all processes, drawing on high-quality battlefield data and feedback from the military. "We share a common vision for improving the effectiveness of drone units. I am confident that together we will be able to implement everything we have planned, help every crew grow, and reach a new level," Mykhailo Fedorov concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Brazil to grant exemptions from certain categories of short-term visas to Chinese citizens Xinhua) 14:44, January 24, 2026 RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has announced that Brazil will grant exemptions from certain categories of short-term visas to Chinese citizens, in reciprocity for China's visa exemption policy for Brazilian nationals, the Brazilian presidency said on Friday. According to an official statement, the decision was made in the context of deepening cooperation between Brazil and China, with the aim of further facilitating people-to-people exchanges and promoting bilateral interaction. The Brazilian government said the specific implementation date of the visa-free policy will be announced at a later time. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs of France Alice Rufo, who arrived on a visit to Kyiv, met with veterans and signed an ambitious memorandum of understanding with her Ukrainian counterpart, Minister Natalia Kalmykova. "I would like to start a new form of cooperation with your minister for veterans to support initiatives already underway for your veterans. As you know, France has a long history of working with veterans," she said at a briefing Friday in Kyiv. Rufo emphasized that France has many veterans who served in Afghanistan and Africa. "And we face the same challenges, such as retraining through sports, returning to a profession, reintegration into normal life, education, and so on. I discussed with your minister that caring for veterans is part of a societys resilience," Rufo said. She added that France "has much to learn from Ukrainians." Alice Rufo arrived in Kyiv Friday morning. The deputy minister of the armed forces laid a wreath to honor fallen Ukrainian defenders and paid respects at the Wall of Memory. In 2025, more than a quarter million defenders obtained Combatant Status, with nearly half granted automatically Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 22 January, 2026, 5:00 PM EET The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine reports on the outcomes of the implementation of a simplified procedure for granting Combatant Status. By the end of 2025, a total of 250,781 individuals had obtained Combatant Status within the Ministry of Defence system and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with almost half of the decisions taken automatically, outside the dedicated Commissions' review process. As reported by the Department of Welfare, a consistent trend toward transitioning from paper-based documentation to digital processes was observed over the year. While only 480 statuses were granted automatically in January 2025, this figure reached 25,733 decisions per month by November. Reference information: The automatic granting of Combatant Status is governed by the Procedure for the Automatic Granting of Combatant Status, approved by Resolution No. 1041 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine dated 10 September 2024. Procedure: An authorized official of the military unit enters data on a service member's performance of combat (special) tasks into the Unified State Register of War Veterans (USRWV). In accordance with applicable regulations, this must be done within five days of the commencement of the relevant task. The system automatically verifies and processes the data and assigns Combatant Status, provided that the required information is available. Service members are not required to submit reports or collect primary documents (certificates, extracts from orders, etc.) for review by a Commission. The granted status is entered into state registers, providing entitlement to generate a digital ID card, including through the Diia portal, or to obtain an official extract from the register at an Administrative Service Center. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mykhailo Fedorov discussed strengthening air defence and expanding cooperation under PURL initiative with Norway's Defence Minister Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 22 January, 2026, 3:32 PM EET Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, held a conversation with Norway's Minister of Defence, Tore Sandvik. The Minister of Defence of Ukraine thanked his Norwegian counterpart for the decision to provide USD 7 billion in security assistance to Ukraine in 2026 and for Norway's largest contribution among partner countries to strengthening air defence through the PURL project in 2025. "Thanks to this support, Ukraine has already received missiles that are being used to repel russian attacks. I also expressed my gratitude for the transfer last week of critically important missiles for air defence systems from Norway's own stocks to protect our energy infrastructure from cruise missiles," said Mykhailo Fedorov. The parties discussed further cooperation within the PURL initiative and the development of NASAMS air defence capabilities in 2026, including the integration of new missiles into NASAMS as a universal platform. Mykhailo Fedorov also thanked Norway for co-financing the transfer of Patriot systems from Germany and invited Norway to support the further development of Ukraine's Patriot programme. The Defence Minister emphasised that Ukraine is already establishing mutually beneficial partnerships. "Thanks to the DELTA innovation ecosystem, we receive unique battlefield data that we are ready to share with our allies. We record every enemy engagement and its parameters, including the target, location, and UAV type. For each confirmed target, military units receive points that can be exchanged for the assets they need. We have also created the Brave1 Market an innovative platform often compared to an 'Amazon-style marketplace for war' which enables direct procurement from manufacturers without intermediaries and ensures rapid delivery to the battlefield," he said. Mykhailo Fedorov proposed that Norway join a large-scale project to support Ukrainian frontline units with various types of drones. In turn, Ukraine would be able to grant access to DELTA data and assist Norway in strengthening its defence through experience in modern warfare. "We also discussed artillery requirements. I emphasised the importance of supporting the "Czech initiative" and the supply of long-range munitions. I am grateful to the people and the Government of Norway for their strong, systematic, and consistent support for Ukraine," the Minister of Defence of Ukraine concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Government approves dismissal of five Deputy Ministers of Defence Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 22 January, 2026, 2:17 PM EET The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted a decision to dismiss five Deputy Ministers of Defence: Anatolii Klochko, Oleksandr Kozenko, Mykola Shevtsov, Volodymyr Zaverukha, and Anna Gvozdiar. "We are restructuring the Ministry of Defence's management system to meet the objectives of the war. The Government has adopted a decision to dismiss five Deputy Ministers of Defence. I am grateful to each of them for their contribution to the development of the Ministry of Defence, the projects delivered, and the tasks carried out," Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov stated. According to him, some of them will continue working within the Ministry of Defence team in other roles, including as advisers or heads of project offices. In the coming weeks, new team members will be appointed to oversee key areas of activity. As the Minister of Defence of Ukraine emphasized, this is a step toward renewing the Ministry to carry out the President's task: building a system capable of stopping the enemy in the air, halting enemy advances on the ground, and strengthening asymmetric and cyber strikes against the enemy and its economy. "We have already outlined the key stages to achieve our objectives. The first involves restructuring management, a crucial step toward systemic change. Human capital and technology must work as efficiently as possibleonly then can we stop russia," Mykhailo Fedorov said. He added that the Ministry of Defence remains open to professionals with a clear vision and proven project experience who can effectively deliver asymmetric and innovative technological solutions. "We will continue to transform the Ministry of Defence into a modern institution capable of defeating the enemy," the Minister of Defence concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by the Nordic Baltic States on Russia's destruction of energy infrastructure in Ukraine Government Offices of Sweden Statement by Maria Malmer Stenergard Published 23 January 2026 The Foreign Ministers of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden, the Nordic Baltic 8, deplore Russia's continued attacks on Ukrainian cities, residential areas and critical infrastructure. Despite international efforts to put an end to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and to pave the way for just and lasting peace, Russia has intensified its attacks against Ukraine's capital Kyiv as well as Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Odesa and many other cities. As a result, last week Ukraine's authorities had to announce a country-wide state of emergency. Attacks against civilian infrastructure, including the use of nuclear capable strategic missiles, must stop. We call on Russia to immediately cease all military operations targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Attacks clearly intended to cut off Ukrainian people from electricity, heating and water supplies in times of extremely harsh winter conditions constitute a clear breach of Russia's obligations under international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. We pay tribute to the extraordinary resilience of the Ukrainian people. However, resilience alone is not enough. Russia and its leadership must be held accountable for its violations of international law. In this regard, we welcome the progress made towards the establishment of a compensation mechanism for the victims of Russia's war and a Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression. Moreover, we are extremely concerned with Russia targeting Ukraine's electrical sub-stations that are crucial for the secure functioning of Ukrainian nuclear power plants. We demand that Russia ceases actions putting into grave danger the nuclear safety and security of Ukraine and its civilian population as well as potentially affecting surrounding areas. We reiterate our support for the crucial role of the IAEA, commend the important work of its inspectors and underline the need to ensure their safe and unhindered access to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. We urge the IAEA Board of Governors to take up this urgent matter to condemn the Russian attacks and strongly urge Russia to end this reckless and absolutely unacceptable behaviour. We stand in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people and remain committed to supporting Ukraine's ability to defend itself against further Russian aggression, including with financial and additional military support. We are also working with state institutions, private companies and civil society to urgently mobilize immediate funding and assistance to restore the functioning of Ukraine's critical infrastructure and with humanitarian organisations to provide lifesaving assistance to the civilians. We welcome similar steps by other international partners. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the universal principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We continue to support all efforts to end Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and achieve a just and lasting peace, in line with international law including the UN Charter. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yulia Svyrydenko: Government held a coordination meeting of the G7+ Group to tackle energy support for Ukraine Ukraine Government Department of Information and Public Communications of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, posted 23 January 2026 16:03 Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, together with members of the Government, held an urgent coordination meeting of the G7+ Ukraine Energy Coordination Group. "Together with members of the Government, we briefed our partners on the situation in the energy sector across Ukrainian cities and regions, as well as our immediate needs to restore energy infrastructure.I thanked partners for helping organize this meeting and our partners for the assistance already provided and the new support now on its way to Ukraine," the Head of Government said. According to her, the partners announced and confirmed the provision of new support packages, which include more than 6,000 units of large energy equipment and contributions to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, in particular: - European Union: 447 generators; - Italy: EUR 10 million contribution to the Fund and an additional EUR 50 million earmarked in the 2026 budget; - Lithuania: 90 generators; - The Netherlands: EUR 23 million to finance gas purchases, power plant repairs and the supply of generators and cables; - Germany: EUR 60 million in support and additional equipment, including 33 cogeneration units, 15 mobile hybrid generators, 300 photovoltaic units, 375 battery units, 31 boiler installations, 45 units of construction machinery, and 10 water heaters; - United Kingdom: nearly EUR 23 million to the Fund; - United States: over USD 400 million for humanitarian projects to support Ukrainians affected by the crisis; - France: over 100 generators with a total capacity of 13 MW; - Japan: 140 small and medium-capacity generators, 60 small and medium transformers and repair equipment, 2 cogeneration units, 13 sets of frequency converters. Yulia Svyrydenko invited the meeting participants to visit Ukraine to see with their own eyes the consequences of russian shelling and their impact on the lives of our people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Some 100 million tonnes of grain transported via Ukrainian maritime corridor, says Oleksii Kuleba Ukraine Government Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, posted 23 January 2026 13:05 The Ukrainian maritime corridor continues to operate steadily, and ensures the export of products even under constant shelling. Since its inception in September 2023, 168.9 million tonnes of cargo have been transported through the corridor, of which 100 million tonnes is grain. For the fourth year in a row, russia has been methodically attacking Ukraine's civilian and critical infrastructure ports, logistics and energy facilities in an attempt to destabilise exports and deliberately undermine global food security. Recently, russia has significantly increased the number of attacks on ships and ports. The period from 2 December 2025 till 12 January 2026 (40 days) alone accounts for 10% of all infrastructure damage since 2022. However, despite constant shelling and threats, the Ukrainian logistics system continues to operate. More than 40% of cargo transported through the Ukrainian maritime corridor was processed in 2025, despite attacks and threats. "Behind every number in these statistics are people port workers, logisticians, sailors, dispatchers, engineers, repair crews. They work in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions, but every day they ensure the passage of ships and the fulfilment of export contracts. It is thanks to their work that Ukraine remains part of the global food system and fulfils its responsibilities to dozens of countries," said Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine Minister for Communities and Territories Development, Oleksii Kuleba. Despite constant shelling and threats from the terrorist state, Ukraine is not isolated. The logistics system is working, ports are functioning, and decisions are being made based on the actual security situation. The Ukrainian maritime corridor remains a reliable export route, continues to supply Ukrainian products to world markets, and ensures global food security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Political Directors of Baltic and Nordic Foreign Ministries discuss regional security matters and assistance to Ukraine Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23.01.2026 On 20-21 January 2026, the Under-Secretary of State - Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ivars Lasis, took part in the annual meeting of the Political Directors of the Baltic and Nordic (NB8) Ministries of Foreign Affairs which was held in Tallinn, Estonia. The meeting addressed current issues related to the Baltic-Nordic cooperation, including the priorities and planned activities of Estonia as the NB8 coordinator for this year. The meeting highlighted the importance of enhancing regional security and defence and the support for Ukraine, while also underlining Russia as the main threat in the Euro-Atlantic area and the need to continue Russia's containment, including through sanctions. The significant increase in defence budgets in the Baltic and Nordic countries was also highlighted, calling on other NATO members to follow their example. The Baltic and Nordic countries, which are among the largest providers of support to Ukraine, reaffirmed their continued political, military, and civilian support for Ukraine and also stressed the importance of keeping Ukraine high on the international agenda. The strengthening of Arctic security, vital for the NATO Alliance as a whole, was discussed by the Political Directors. The NB8 countries reaffirmed their solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland, highlighting the importance of maintaining sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Political Directors also addressed the current situation in the South Caucasus, along with issues relating to India and the Pacific region. The NB8 format is coordinated on a rotational basis. This year, cooperation among the NB8 countries in the foreign affairs sector is coordinated by Estonia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Latvian companies eager to help rebuild Ukraine's energy sector Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23.01.2026 On 22 January 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Energy Community Secretariat organised a webinar for Latvian energy sector companies about the Ukraine Energy Support Fund and the related procurement opportunities. The webinar attracted widespread interest, bringing together representatives from various companies and organisations. The aim of the event was to raise awareness among Latvian companies about the Fund, procurement procedures, and opportunities to make a practical contribution to the restoration and strengthening of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. The webinar was opened by Juris Poikans, the Ambassador-at-Large for Ukraine Assistance and Reconstruction at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who emphasised Latvia's consistent support for Ukraine in the field of energy security and the potential of Latvian companies in the practical implementation of international support mechanisms. Representatives from the Energy Community Secretariat informed about the work of the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, the procurement platform, and the current needs of Ukraine's energy sector. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Fund has contributed over EUR 1.13 billion in support, funding the supply of equipment, materials, services, and technological solutions for the maintenance and restoration of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Participants of the webinar received practical insight into the procurement procedures managed by the Energy Community Secretariat, including guidance on the application process, qualification requirements, and the overall procurement procedure. The webinar ended with a question-and-answer session, allowing entrepreneurs to obtain detailed information on opportunities to participate in procurement processes and forms of cooperation. The event confirmed the eagerness and preparedness of Latvian companies to engage more actively in supporting Ukraine's energy sector, while strengthening Latvia's contribution to Ukraine's reconstruction and Europe's energy security. Background information The Energy Community is an international organisation bringing together the energy markets of the European Union and neighbouring countries, thus facilitating the enforcement of EU energy legislation, market integration, security of energy supply, and sustainable energy development. The Energy Community Secretariat oversees the organisation's daily activities, provides technical support to member states and partners, and, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, manages the Ukraine Energy Support Fund by coordinating international donor contributions and organising procurements to address the urgent needs of Ukraine's energy sector. In 2025, Latvia donated EUR 217,000 to the Fund, raising its total support for the Ukraine Energy Support Fund to EUR 617,00. At the invitation of the Embassy of Ukraine in Latvia, the platform ziedot.lv launched a donation campaign called "Warmth for Ukraine from Latvia" with the aim to support the restoration of Ukraine's energy infrastructure and help provide heat and electricity to civilians. For more information on the campaign and donation opportunities, please visit: www.ziedot.lv. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Budrys spoke by phone with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2026-01-23 On 23 January, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kestutis Budrys, had a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha. The Lithuanian and Ukrainian top diplomats discussed the situation in Ukraine's energy sector following Russian attacks, the progress of peace negotiations, and prospects for Ukraine's EU integration. According to Minister Budrys, Russia's systematic destruction of civilian energy infrastructure is classified as a war crime under the Geneva Convention. "These actions require Russia's accountability. At the European level, Lithuania will seek concrete ways to strengthen accountability and consequences for those who order and execute this terror. We will also urge the International Criminal Court to consider issuing new international arrest warrants for those responsible," said Budrys. During the conversation, Minister Budrys informed that the Lithuanian government had taken the decision to deliver a batch of power generators to Ukraine, with a value exceeding 2.4 million euros. The Lithuanian and Ukrainian top diplomats discussed the progress of peace talks. Budrys emphasized Lithuania's consistent and strong support for Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression, as well as its commitment to peace talks. Foreign Minister of Lithuania said that in talks with partners, Lithuania constantly emphasizes military support, security guarantees, and energy assistance to Ukraine. Budrys and Sybiha discussed Ukraine's EU membership perspective. In the context of peace talks, Minister Budrys stressed the need to pursue a clear and binding plan for Ukraine's European integration, which would serve as a real security guarantee for Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine war talks begin in UAE as Russia repeats Donbas demand Iran Press TV Friday, 23 January 2026 6:31 PM The Kremlin has reiterated its demand for Kiev to withdraw its forces from the eastern Donbas region for the war to end, coinciding with three-way talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the US in Abu Dhabi. According to the UAE state news agency WAM, discussions began on Friday and are set to continue for two days in a bid to find political solutions to the crisis. Kremlin diplomatic adviser Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the first meeting of a trilateral working group on security issues will take place today in Abu Dhabi. This meeting follows talks at the Kremlin involving Russian President Vladimir Putin, US envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law. Ahead of the discussions, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Ukraine's armed forces must withdraw from the Donbas region as a condition for peace. The US has been pushing for a settlement, with representatives of President Donald Trump shuttling between Kiev and Moscow in a flurry of negotiations. Trump's peace initiative, initially a 28-point plan, has been condensed to a 20-point plan, which asserts that the Russian-speaking Donbas territory will join Russia. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Witkoff said one key issue remained to be resolved in the negotiations, without saying what it was. The Ukrainian president has indicated that while the future status of eastern Ukraine remains unresolved, peace proposals are nearly ready. Both sides have acknowledged territorial issues as vital, with Putin insisting that Ukraine relinquish the 20% it still holds of the eastern Donetsk region. Additionally, Russia demands that Ukraine abandon its aspirations to join NATO and reject any Western military presence on its soil after a peace deal. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address France does not participate in PURL initiative, but helps Ukraine in other areas minister-delegate Minister-delegate under the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs of France Alice Rufo confirmed that Paris does not participate in the initiative to purchase American weapons for Ukraine PURL, but the French side helps in other areas. "No, we are not participating in PURL. But we are assisting in other areas," she said at a briefing Friday in Kyiv. Rufo said France, together with other European partners, supports the initiative and called for the development of systems directly within the EU. "We want everyone to remember that at some point we will have to make decisions on our own and, essentially, develop European systems. So we are preparing for the next steps," she added. Alice Rufo arrived in Kyiv Friday morning. The deputy minister of the armed forces laid a wreath to honor fallen Ukrainian defenders and paid respects at the Wall of Memory. Russia Signals No Change In Demands At Abu Dhabi Talks With US, Ukraine By RFE/RL January 23, 2026 Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met with US officials for critical talks on Moscow's all-out war against Ukraine as the Kremlin signaled no softening of hard-line territorial demands following a late-night meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and a White House delegation. The January 23 talks held in Abu Dhabi were the first time that Ukrainian and Russian officials have met face-to-face, along with American negotiators, since just after the start of the invasion nearly four year ago. The meetings come as Ukraine reels in the dark and cold from Russia's pummeling of Ukraine's energy infrastructure -- power plants, substations, municipal heating plants -- that has left millions of people struggling to cope with conditions in the dead of winter. Ukraine's largest private energy company warned the country's situation had "significantly" worsened after recent Russian attacks; a day earlier, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal said the country's energy system had suffered its worst day since a widespread blackout in November 2022. Ahead of the Abu Dhabi meetings, Kremlin aides said Putin was satisfied with nearly four hours of talks held overnight with White House envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, and other US officials. It was Witkoff's seventh meeting with Putin since last January. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia's longstanding demand that Ukrainian forces leave the portion of the Donbas they still hold. The Donbas is wide swathe of territory in eastern Ukraine; Russia controls almost 90 percent of it. "Russia's well-known position is that [Ukraine's armed forces] must leave the territory of the Donbas territory, they must be withdrawn from there," Peskov told journalists. "This is a very important precondition. There are also other nuances that remain on the negotiation agenda." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who met with US President Donald Trump in Switzerland a day earlier, told reporters the talks would include the issue of territory in the Donbas. Russia has been capturing additional land in the Donbas slowly and at a massive cost in casualties, but Putin and other officials have repeatedly said its forces will seize further territory by force if Moscow does not obtain it through diplomacy. In his nightly video address on January 23, Zelenskyy said the first round of talks in Abu Dhabi had already taken place and had focused on the "parameters of ending the war." "It is imperative that it is not only Ukraine which strives to end this war and to achieve true security, but that a similar desire also somehow materializes in Russia," Zelenskyy added. Russian Demands Ukraine has said that relinquishing the part of the Donbas that its forces hold, which includes a "fortress belt" of well-defended towns and cities, would reward Russia for its aggression and leave Ukraine vulnerable to new attacks. According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine and the United States have discussed a potential compromise where part of the Donbas would become a demilitarized zone or a free economic zone, with Ukrainian forces withdrawing and Russian troops barred from entering. Zelenskyy said he was open to such a plan if Ukrainians support it, but that if Ukraine withdraws its troops Russia should do the same, pulling its forces back a comparable distance. The Kremlin has indicated it would not agree to withdraw its forces under any scenario that does not recognize the entirety of the Donbas as Russian. It has also insisted that Russian police and national guard units, which in some cases are heavily militarized, be allowed to patrol the area. Zelenskyy, on the contrary, has suggested demilitarized areas could be policed by Ukraine, with international forces. Russian officials indicated that the trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi would focus on security, while the United States and Russia would hold separate economic talks. One of negotiators was expected to be head of the Russian military intelligence agency known as the GRU. One of Kyiv's lead negotiators, meanwhile, is Kyrylo Budanov, a former director of Ukraine's military intelligence agency who is now Zelenskyy's chief of staff. The military agency's current director, Lieutenant General Oleh Ivashchenko, and a deputy were also part of the Ukrainian delegation. Zelenskyy, who has had a sometimes frosty relationship with the White House, praised his Davos meeting with Trump, though it was unclear exactly what, if anything, was agreed. US and Ukrainian officials have been trying to finalize a plan that would give US companies preferential access to Ukrainian minerals and some industries. Another crucial issue and matter of dispute has been Western security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a peace deal, with Russia opposing the deployment of troops from NATO nations in Ukraine. Security guarantees for Ukraine "are really ready, and the contract is ready for signing.... Now I am waiting for President Trump to give me a date and place. It's up to him," Zelenskyy told reporters. Trump has been seeking to broker an end to Russia's war on Ukraine since he took office for his second term a year ago. "The meeting was good with President Zelenskyy. We'll see how it turns out," Trump told reporters on January 22, adding that his message to Putin was, "The war has to end." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-war-talks-us- kremlin/33657498.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 Negotiations Between Russia, US and Ukraine Begin in Abu Dhabi - Emirati Foreign Minister Sputnik News 20260123 The UAE Foreign Ministry announced on Friday the start of the negotiations between the delegations of Russia, the United States, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, adding that the talks will continue on January 24. "The talks commenced today in Abu Dhabi and are scheduled to continue over two days, as part of ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis," the ministry said in a statement. At the same time, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed hope that the negotiations would bring the resolution to the Ukrainian crisis closer, the statement added. Earlier in the day, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said that Russia and the United States agreed that the first meeting of the trilateral working group on security issues will be held in Abu Dhabi on Friday with the participation of representatives from Russia, the US, and Ukraine. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Orban Hits Out at EU Green Light for $1.5 Trillion Ukraine Aid Sputnik News 20260123 "It was definitely a nuclear bomb-like kick in the chest," the Hungarian PM told reporters after an emergency EU summit in Brussels, MTI reports. Viktor Orban said Ukraine demands that the EU provide $800 billion in the next 10 years plus $700 billion for military expenditure needs something the bloc has already greenlighted. "I think that the Hungarian parliament won't vote for Ukraine's EU membership in the next hundred years," Orban added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Liberate Siminovka Settlement in Kharkov Region - MoD Sputnik News 20260123 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Battlegroup Sever took control of the settlement of Siminovka in the Kharkov region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday. "Over the course of a week, as a result of active offensive actions by units of Battlegroup Sever in the Kharkov direction, control was established over the settlement of Siminovka in the Kharkov region," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has eliminated over 2,970 Ukrainian soldiers over the past week, the Russian Defense Ministry said. "Over the week, enemy losses in this area amounted to over 2,970 military personnel, four tanks, including a Leopard tank manufactured by Germany, 33 armored combat vehicles, 50 vehicles and 15 field artillery guns," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Battlegroup Vostok has eliminated more than 1,740 Ukrainian servicepeople, Battlegroup Zapad has eliminated over 1,400 Ukrainian soldiers, Battlegroup Yug has eliminated over 1,255 Ukrainian soldiers, and Battlegroup Sever has eliminated over 1,110 Ukrainian servicepeople, the ministry said. Additionally, Russian forces downed 35 guided bombs, 47 HIMARS rockets, seven Neptune long-range missiles, and 1,468 drones over the past week, the statement read. "From January 17-23 this year, the Russian armed forces carried out one massive and five group strikes, which affected enterprises of the military industry of Ukraine, energy and transport infrastructure facilities used in the interests of the armed forces of Ukraine ... in response to the terrorist attacks by Ukraine on civilian targets in Russia," the ministry added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Must Leave Donbass: Kremlin Punctuates Pullout as Key Condition Sputnik News 20260123 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Ukrainian armed forces must leave Donbass, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday, emphasizing that this is a core requirement from the Russian side. "Russia's position is well known: Ukraine and its armed forces must leave Donbass. They must be withdrawn. This is a very important condition," Peskov informed reporters, adding that the territory of Donbass suffered significantly during the fighting. Moscow does not want to publicly divulge any details of the negotiation process framework on Ukraine, deeming it off limits, Dmitry Peskov stressed. "Naturally, we do not want to publicly delve into the details of the provisions that are currently under discussion, meaning, I cannot and will not disclose what explicit formula [details in the framework of the negotiation process on Ukraine] is implied under the Anchorage formula. We consider this to be inappropriate," Peskov told reporters. According to the Kremlin spokesman, the Russian security working group received instructions from President Vladimir Putin last night ahead of its participation in the Abu Dhabi talks. Earlier in the day, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said that Russia and the United States agreed that the first meeting of the trilateral working group on security issues will be held in Abu Dhabi on Friday with the participation of representatives from Russia, the US, and Ukraine. "They received instructions from the head of state last night," Peskov told reporters, adding that the security working group will consist of representatives of the Ministry of Defense. The precise starting time of the negotiations between the United States and Ukraine in the UAE will be determined upon the arrival of all participants. He added that the Russian security working group had already departed for the UAE on Friday morning. "Negotiations will take place today and tomorrow, if necessary," Peskov stated. The head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Russian special presidential envoy for economic cooperation with foreign countries, Kirill Dmitriev, and US special envoy Steve Witkoff will also hold a meeting within the framework of the bilateral working group on economic issues in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday, the official said. Commenting on the recent US-Russia negotiations in Moscow, Peskov described the work as intense and the topic as both extremely important and highly complex. "The thing is, the work is intense. The topic is very important, crucial, and very complex. And so, of course, when such serious consultations are held, no one usually pays attention to the time," Peskov told reporters. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 3-hour-and-39-minute meeting with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The talks, which began at 20:25 GMT, ended at 00:04 GMT on Friday. The topic of sending Russian funds to the Board of Peace for humanitarian purposes in Palestine was raised during talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Dmitry Peskov said. "You know, the president in his statement spoke about the decision to allocate $1 billion of these frozen ... illegally held assets in the United States to the Board of Peace so that this money through the Board of Peace would be spent for humanitarian purposes in Palestine. For Palestine. By the way, this topic was also raised yesterday during Putin's talks with Mahmoud Abbas," Peskov told reporters. Slightly less than $5 billion of Russian assets were frozen in the United States by the previous administration, the official said, recalling Putin's words that some of Russia's frozen assets in the US could be used to restore territories damaged during fighting. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's FSB Nabs Two in Crimea for Ukraine-Run Sabotage Sputnik News 20260123 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Two Russians involved in a series of sabotage and terrorist attacks in 2024-2025 under orders from Ukrainian special services have been detained in the Russian Republic of Crimea, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) told Sputnik on Friday. "Russia's Federal Security Service has detained two Russian citizens in the Republic of Crimea, both born in 1995, for a series of sabotage and terrorist acts in 2024 and 2025 directed by Ukraine's special services," the statement read. The detainees contacted an employee of the Ukrainian special services, under whose control they gathered information about the Russian Defense Ministry sites, critical infrastructure, military convoys, and Ukrainian strikes in Crimea, it added. "At their handler's direction, they torched relay cabinets of the Crimean Railway state company and the equipment of cellular base stations in the Saky and Simferopol districts of the Republic of Crimea," the FSB said. Criminal cases have been opened against the detainees for terrorism and terror training. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Olexandr Mischenko received the Ambassador of the State of Israel to Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 23 January 2026 16:01 On January 23, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Israel to Ukraine Michael Brodsky. During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of Ukrainian-Israeli relations in the context of the ongoing armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and the difficult security situation in the Middle East, as well as topical issues of the bilateral and international agenda. The parties positively noted the prospects for launching a Ukrainian-Israeli strategic dialogue on security issues in the near future. Olexandr Mishchenko informed his interlocutor on the security situation in Ukraine, in particular, about Russia's systematic missile and drone attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure. In this context, the priority of attracting international assistance for the restoration, protection and modernization of the energy sector of Ukraine was emphasized. The Ukrainian side expressed hope for a practical contribution from Israel, taking into account its unique experience in the field of protection of critical infrastructure and energy sustainability. The interlocutors also discussed the interaction between Ukraine and Israel within the framework of international organizations, primarily the United Nations. The parties noted the positive dynamics of trade and economic cooperation, in particular the results of the 13th meeting of the Joint Ukrainian-Israeli Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, which took place in December 2025 in Jerusalem. In the humanitarian dimension, the interlocutors positively noted the opening in Jerusalem of the first monument in Israel to the victims of the Holodomor of 1932-1933 and emphasized the importance of further contacts, in particular in the context of work on Israel's recognition of the Holodomor as genocide of the Ukrainian people. During the meeting, diplomats also raised the issue of Israel's participation in the restoration of the deoccupied territories of Ukraine, as well as the protection of the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens in the State of Israel. Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their determination to further develop Ukrainian-Israeli relations and maintain regular dialogue NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Ukrainian, American, and Russian Delegations Are Today in the UAE; They Are Discussing the Parameters for Ending the War - Address by the President President of Ukraine 23 January 2026 - 20:12 I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians! Today has been full of tasks, including for our diplomatic team. Ukrainian representatives report to me almost every hour - they are currently in the UAE, where a conversation took place today involving the Ukrainian, American, and Russian delegations. This is important, as such trilateral meeting formats haven't happened for a long time. They are discussing the parameters for ending the war. By now, they should already have at least some answers from Russia - the key is that Russia must be ready to end this war, the one it itself started. Ukraine's positions are clear. I've defined the framework for dialogue for our delegation, which remains in constant contact: Rustem Umerov, Kyrylo Budanov, Davyd Arakhamiia, and Sergiy Kyslytsya. Tomorrow, General Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff, and a representative from Defense Intelligence, Skibitskyi, will join the negotiations. As for the substance of today's discussions, it is still too early to draw conclusions - we will see how the conversation develops tomorrow and what results it produces. It is necessary that not only Ukraine has the desire to end this war and achieve full security, but that a similar desire somehow emerges in Russia as well. Ukraine's Defense Minister Fedorov delivered a briefing today on the specifics of the frontline situation and our technological responses. I thank every unit defending our Ukrainian positions and significantly increasing the technological component. The level of Russian losses - 35,000 in December - is very serious. We also discussed personnel matters with the Minister, not only within the Ministry but across the branches of the Armed Forces, including the Air Force. It is good to see that coordination within the Air Force and analysis of strike circumstances are increasing. The conclusions are essential to make the system more effective. I also instructed our team to process our agreements with partners on air defense missiles as swiftly and thoroughly as possible. Yesterday, there was a positive signal in talks with President Trump regarding PAC-3 Patriot missiles; now we need a positive signal here in Ukraine - in real deliveries for the defenders of our skies. Logistics must be expedited to the maximum. I also held a special energy coordination call - each day begins in this very format. Repair crews, emergency services, energy companies, and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine are all working around the clock, and recovery efforts are yielding results. Still, the overall situation remains very difficult, particularly in Kyiv and the region, the Dnipro region - Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih - Kharkiv and the region, Zaporizhzhia, the Sumy and Chernihiv regions. We reviewed the situation in Odesa separately. I want to highlight the work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs - thank you to everyone involved. Everything is as clear and concrete as possible regarding generator and equipment reserves, real help to cities, with the largest share going to Kyiv, and warming and assistance points for people. Unfortunately, many buildings in the capital remain without heating. Maximum crews and maximum equipment have been deployed to help people. We spoke with Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko about programs that can support both the economy and communities - specifically regarding generators and enabling businesses to continue operating: programs as flexible as possible to help small businesses buy and maintain generators. Government officials are expected to present everything to the public today. There is also a decision to directly support every employee in the repair crews. These are additional payments for each month of this emergency situation. We agreed today with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Energy on the format of the payments and how people will receive these payments. Each employee involved in emergency restoration work will receive a bonus of 20,000 hryvnias for January, February, and March of this year - 20,000 per month. The Government will provide additional details. And of course, I thank every country and all the leaders providing the necessary assistance. Energy aid packages, specifically, are already in place, with more on the way: the European Union, and separately Italy, Germany, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Poland, Japan, and the United States. I thank all of you who stand with us, who stand with Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UAE hosts first Russia-U.S.-Ukraine talks since conflict began People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:31, January 24, 2026 ABU DHABI, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met on Friday with the heads of delegations taking part in trilateral talks between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine, which opened later in the day in Abu Dhabi, the UAE's state news agency WAM reported. Sheikh Mohamed expressed hope the talks would yield progress toward ending the conflict and reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to supporting dialogue and diplomatic solutions, WAM said. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in a statement that the talks would last two days, adding he hoped they would lead to "tangible steps toward ending a crisis that has persisted for nearly four years and caused immense humanitarian suffering." The meeting marks the first trilateral engagement involving Russia, the United States and Ukraine since the conflict began in 2022. Participants include senior officials from all three sides, among them U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump; Russia's military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov; and senior Ukrainian officials, including Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of staff of the Ukrainian president, and Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council. The talks follow hours of overnight discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump's envoys, which the Kremlin described as "constructive, extremely candid and useful for both Russia and the United States." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that his meeting with Trump in Davos, Switzerland, had been "productive and substantive." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DTEK energy holding company CEO Maksym Timchenko said that an energy ceasefire is necessary to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe caused by Russian shelling, Reuters reports. "We need an energy ceasefire. A ceasefire on the energy assets, Timchenko said. How can you talk about peace and (keep) attacking people, and knowing that people are freezing? How can these things go in parallel? Ukraine has endured two weeks of temperatures between minus 15 and minus 20 degrees Celsius, he said, with Russia striking gas transportation, storage and production facilities. Russia says it is targeting military and energy infrastructure used in the interests of Ukraine's armed forces. "We are close to a humanitarian catastrophe," Timchenko said. "People get power for 3-4 hours, then a 10- to 15-hour break. We have apartment blocks without heat for weeks already." He said Ukraine was holding on thanks to gas imports, including from the United States, as attacks had forced gas, coal and hydropower plants to run below capacity. DTEK has lost 6070% of its generating capacity and suffered damage worth hundreds of millions of dollars, he said. Timchenko said rebuilding the energy sector would cost $6570 billion, citing World Bank estimates, and in many cases would require entirely new assets. "We are talking rather about building a new energy system in Ukraine rather than just reconstruction," he said. Unity, leadership of NB8 countries send powerful signal: Russias aggression will not be normalized Sybiha The unity and leadership of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) countries send a powerful signal that Russian aggression amid attacks on critical infrastructure of Ukraine will not be normalized, said Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha. "At a time when Russia deliberately targets electricity, heating, water supplies and nuclear safety, the unity and leadership demonstrated by the NB8 send a powerful message: aggression will not be normalised, and crimes against civilians will not be met with silence," Sybiha wrote on X. Sybiha thanked NB8 allies for their decisive joint statement and steadfast solidarity with Ukraine, saying the country deeply values the unwavering political, military, financial, and humanitarian support provided by Northern European and Baltic states. Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of the NB8 member countries issued a joint statement on Russias attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, which pose a serious threat to nuclear safety. "Russias attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical energy infrastructure aim to cut electricity, heating and water, violate international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes. Attacks linked to nuclear power infrastructure put nuclear safety at serious risk," says a joint communique on the social network X. Cote dIvoire President elevates brother who is Defence Minister to new Vice Prime Minister role Previous article: Cote dIvoire President elevates brother who is Defence Minister to new Vice Prime Minister role Featured Trump draws health attention after large bruise spotted on hand at Davos CNN International News Jan - 24 - 2026 , 14:24 2 minutes read US President Donald Trump has sparked public concern after a noticeable bruise was seen on his left hand while he delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The large purple bruise was visible as the president addressed delegates on what he described as a Gaza Board of Peace initiative, prompting speculation about his health on social media. According to the White House, the bruise was sustained earlier on Thursday during a signing ceremony at the forum, where President Trump reportedly struck his hand against the corner of a signing table. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington, DC, Trump played down the incident, insisting he was in good health. I clipped it on the table, so I put a little what do they call it cream on it. But I clipped it, the president said. Trump later suggested that the visibility of the bruise was worsened by aspirin, which he said he takes regularly. I would say take aspirin if you like your heart, dont take aspirin if you dont want to have a little bruising, he remarked. I take the big aspirin, and when you take the big aspirin, they tell you, youll bruise. He added that his doctor had advised him he did not necessarily need the medication. The doctor said, You dont have to take that, sir, youre very healthy. I said, Im not taking any chances, Trump claimed. But thats one of the side effects of taking aspirin. The presidents physician, Dr Sean Barbabella, confirmed that Trump takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily, noting that the dosage can cause increased bruising. Aspirin is commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes but is known to thin the blood, making users more susceptible to bruising. Additional Information and Context Medical perspective: According to the Mayo Clinic, a low-dose aspirin regimen typically ranges from 75 to 100 milligrams, with 81 milligrams being the most commonly recommended dose for heart protection. However, daily aspirin therapy can range up to 325 milligrams, depending on a patients medical history. Why bruising occurs: Aspirin interferes with blood platelets, reducing clotting ability. This makes even minor impacts more likely to cause visible bruises, particularly in older adults. Age factor: At 78, Trump falls into an age group where skin becomes thinner and blood vessels more fragile, increasing the likelihood of bruising from minor knocks. Public scrutiny: Any visible health-related sign involving a sitting or campaigning US president tends to attract intense public and media attention, especially in high-profile international settings such as Davos. White House stance: Officials emphasized there is no underlying medical issue and described the incident as minor, reiterating that the president remains in excellent health. What can I do to reclaim land from my girlfriend? Previous article: What can I do to reclaim land from my girlfriend? Featured Dr Gideon Assan: Ghanas youngest family physician specialist Lydia Ezit Life Jan - 24 - 2026 , 13:01 4 minutes read From quiet beginnings in a small Ashanti town to the frontlines of modern medical practice, Dr Gideon Kwame Assans journey is a testament to discipline, purpose and consistent hard work. In a profession where experience is often measured in decades, he has distinguished himself early, earning national and regional recognition before the age of 35. On December 10, 2025, Dr Assan was inducted as a family physician specialist by the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, emerging as the youngest specialist in the 2025 cohort at just 33 years. Two months earlier, in October, he had also been inducted into the West Africa College of Physicians, marking a steady and deliberate rise in a career shaped by service, sacrifice and vision. Born to Mr Francis Kwaku Assan and Mrs Gloria Assan (of blessed memory), who were both teachers, Dr Assan was raised at Akrokerri, near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region. His parents profession and principles instilled in him discipline, curiosity and a respect for learning that would later define his path. Sharing his journey with The Mirror last Tuesday, he said he began his formal education at Holy Child Preparatory School at Obuasi, where his academic promise earned him admission to Mfantsipim School. Dr Assan performing a surgery As a science student, Gideon stood out in a competitive environment and was selected for the schools National Science and Maths Quiz team, a distinction reserved for only the most outstanding studentsthough fate denied the team a chance to compete nationally that year. Petrochemical engineering He said his initial ambition was to become a petrochemical engineer, and that led him to enrol at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). He explained that along the way, he felt a deep, growing inner conviction to switch to medicine. Guided by this conviction in 2013 and encouraged by his mother, Gideon switched to Medicine at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). That decision, he explained, proved pivotal not only in shaping his career but also in positioning him to impact lives far beyond the lecture halls and hospital wards. Medicine with meaning Since qualifying as a medical doctor in 2019, Dr Assan has worked largely in peri-urban communities, where healthcare gaps are most visible and resources are often stretched. These experiences deepened his interest in hypertensive, infectious and chronic diseases, key public health challenges in Ghana, and reinforced his commitment to strong primary healthcare delivery. But his work has not been limited to consulting rooms and clinics. Innovating health education In 2021, driven by the need to address health misinformation, especially among young people, Dr Assan said he founded Health Quarters Ghana, a digital health initiative that uses social media, storytelling and comic skits to demystify medical myths and promote preventive care. His passion for digital health soon gained international attention and was selected as one of only 13 global participants for the maiden Humans for Digital Health Campaign, organised by Young Experts: Tech4Health and funded by the Fondation Botnar. His award-winning documentary, he explained, highlighted gaps in the countrys use of digital technology to enhance youth inclusion and improve patient data management. More recently, he expanded the platform with a podcast, engaging public figures and individuals with lived health experiences to discuss medical realities in a relatable, accessible manner. Leadership beyond the stethoscope Dr Assans leadership credentials have grown alongside his clinical work. He has served as the acting Medical Director of 3M&C Medical Centre at East Legon, Accra, and is currently the Medical Lead for the Ghana-German Specialist Hospital at Amasaman, and sits on the Board of Liberty Medical Health Insurance Limited. His leadership journey began early. As a student, he served as President of the University Medical Students Association (UCC Chapter) and Vice President of the Ghana Federation of Medical Students Associations, roles that sharpened his advocacy and administrative skills. Dr Assan (arrowed) is an old student of Mfantsipim School Committed to lifelong learning, he has undertaken many continuous professional development programmes, including Point-of-Care Ultrasound training organised by Worldwide Radiology in collaboration with the University of Salford, UK, and participated in a recent medical care exhibition in Germany. He remains an active member of multiple professional health bodies, contributing to national conversations on healthcare improvement. A future grounded in service Dr Assan said his journey, " is not simply about being the youngest; it is about being prepared, being purposeful, and being present where impact is most needed". "As I step into this new chapter as a family physician specialist, I stand as a compelling example of the promise within Ghanas youth and of what can be achieved through steady work, humility and vision," he said. Featured What can I do to reclaim land from my girlfriend? The Mirror Lawyer Life Jan - 24 - 2026 , 13:21 4 minutes read Dear Mirror Lawyer, I purchased land in my girlfriend's name, intending that when we marry, we will build on it and live there as our matrimonial home. The relationship, however, fell apart, and our dream never materialised. I asked her to transfer the land back to my name, but she has refused, insisting that, because the land documents are in her name, she owns it. What can I do to reclaim my property? Musah, Kumasi. Dear Musah, transactions of this nature are very common and have been adjudicated upon many times in our courts. What propels people to go to court in this case is confusion about the legal effect of the actual owner of the land (beneficial ownership) and the person whose name appears on the land documents (legal ownership). Generally, the person whose name is on the land document is presumed to be the owner of the land, and in most situations, that is the case. However, in some cases, this presumption can be rebutted. This implies that a person can buy land in another person's name for personal reasons while still treating the land as his own property. In that case, the legal title is said to be vested in one person, while the beneficial title, which is superior to the legal title, is vested in another. In law, when husband and wife or parents and their children have property in their names, advancement can be presumed to the named person. However, the law, in all other cases, says that when property is purchased in the name of another person, the named person would be presumed to be holding the land in trust for the one who advanced the purchase money unless a contrary intention is expressed by the person who advanced the purchase money that the property is being gifted to the one named in the document. Once the presumption is rebutted that the person who advanced the purchasing money did not intend a gift, loan, or advancement, the court can make orders requiring the person in whose name the property was purchased to transfer it to the person who advanced the purchasing money. It is important to state that the person who advanced the purchasing money must prove that he did so. One significant case on this issue determined by the courts in Ghana is Ussher v Darko [1977]. In that case, a man bought a piece of land, built it, and had the conveyance prepared in his girlfriend's name. The man rented the property to tenants and collected the rents. Later, the girlfriend, without the man's consent, purported to sell the house to the plaintiff, who then sued the tenants for possession. The man joined the suit and claimed the property as his own, alleging that the girlfriend was a bare trustee of the house with no beneficial interest. The Court of Appeal, relying on the English case of Dyer v. Dyer (1788) held that the girlfriend in whose name the property was purchased by the man had legal title to the property, but that she held it as a bare trustee, i.e., on a resulting trust for the actual purchaser, in this case the man, in whom resided the beneficial interest. The court also held that if the man had bought the property in the name of a legitimate or illegitimate child, a grandchild whose father was dead, or a wife, the equitable presumption of advancement to such relations would have applied. Applying the case principles and the legal rules above to the facts of your case, since you advanced the purchasing money, i.e., the money used to buy the land, it belongs to you. I would therefore advise that you obtain the services of a lawyer to sue on your behalf for the recovery of the land that you purchased in the name of your fiancee. If she has sold the land, you can trace the property and, in a worst-case scenario, recover the money realised from its sale. The success of your claim, as indicated above, will depend on whether you can prove to the court that indeed you advanced the purchasing money for the land. Next article: No recruitment yet GES warns public against fraudulent letter Featured Ghana, Jamaica to deepen ties as Foreign Minister Ablakwa begins three-day official visit jamaica-gleaner.com Jan - 24 - 2026 , 19:17 2 minutes read Ghanas Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is expected to arrive in Jamaica on Saturday for a three-day official visit aimed at deepening diplomatic and development cooperation between the two countries. According to Jamaicas Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, the visit will feature high-level engagements focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding collaboration in key sectors, including trade, investment, health, education, tourism and technical exchange. The visit coincides with the celebration of more than five decades of diplomatic relations between Ghana and Jamaica, underscoring longstanding historical and cultural ties between the two countries. We look forward to warmly welcoming Minister Ablakwa this weekend, Johnson Smith said in a statement issued on Friday. She noted that the visit would also provide an opportunity for Minister Ablakwa to interact with Ghanaian military personnel currently supporting Jamaicas recovery efforts. The visit is not only a great opportunity for him to visit with the 54 Ghana Defence Force members who are here providing excellent recovery and rebuilding support, but also an opportunity for us to advance our bilateral cooperation, bringing modern elements to our deep historical ties, she said. Ablakwa will be joined during the visit by Jamaicas ministers responsible for health, education and culture, as well as their respective technical teams, as discussions are expected to span a broad range of policy and development issues. The Ghanaian Foreign Minister is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Jamaicas Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness, and to visit Ghanaian engineers and medical personnel deployed in the country. A contingent of 49 Ghanaian army engineers and five medical doctors has been stationed in Jamaica since December 18, 2025, to support recovery and reconstruction efforts following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Youth interest in large-scale farming grows in Volta Region - Minister projects bright development prospects Alberto Mario Noretti Jan - 24 - 2026 , 09:57 2 minutes read The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has said there are very bright short- to medium-term development prospects for the region, with the steadily growing interest of young people in large scale farming. He said the trend was very encouraging and gave an assurance that the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) would continue to commit great zeal and resources towards attracting and supporting massive investments into the sector. Mr Gunu said this when members of the Awazorli Central Committee, led by the Paramount Chief of Botoku, Togbega Sei II, paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Ho last Thursday. The seven-member committee is made up of the communities of Ziavi, Botoku, Etordome, Kpando-Anyigbe, Kpedze-Todze, Mefe, and the Ando groups in Ghana and Togo. Mr Gunu said agriculture was definitely the key to progress and job creation, adding that the processing of farm produce would lift the region to astonishing development heights. He said 300 young people in the region were now poised for large-scale agriculture, involving cultivation of crops and raising livestock on vast land, using significant machinery. Mr Gunu said the government was assisting them with them land, fertilisers and various inputs, in a bold move to transform the fortunes of the region. Appeal He, therefore, renewed his appeal to traditional leaders and landowners in the various communities to make land available for such ventures which would benefit generations yet unborn. The Volta Regional Minister urged the Awazorli communities to make conscious and sustained efforts to rid all land and chieftaincy dispute in their domain, as an unavoidable condition for smooth development. Earlier, Togbe Sei, commended the Regional Minister for his dedication to duty, transparency and all-inclusive policy to work. With you at the helm of affairs, this region will continue to make rapid progress, he added. Togbega Sei said the Awazorli was one of the biggest unions of traditional areas in the region and a development force to reckon with. He pledged the unions firm stance to work hand-in-hand with the government in all development ventures and preserve the peace and enabling atmosphere for nation building. Togbe Sei said the union was also a hub for rich and diverse cultures and announced Awazorli would turn 40 years next year. He said the celebration would be a mega-festival and an overwhelming cultural exposition. Other members of the delegation included the Paramount Queen of Etordome, Magaga Tooto II; Togbega Seis personal assistant, Gloria Agbesi; the unions organiser, John Asempa; its financial secretary, Togbe Dunenyo I; and secretary, Richmond Dabi. Featured If Daddy Lumba did not leave a will: what next, and what does the law say? Richard Osei Boateng Jan - 24 - 2026 , 10:46 4 minutes read A document circulating online, said to be the result of a search at the High Court (Probate and Administration Division), suggests that the late Ghanaian highlife icon, Charles Kwadwo Fosu (popularly known as Daddy Lumba), did not deposit a will. If that document is authentic and accurately reflects the courts records, the legal position it points to is intestacy, meaning the deceased is treated, for legal purposes, as having died without a will filed with the court. That development should not be a cause for celebration by any side. In practice, the absence of a will does not create a vacuum. Ghanas legal framework is clear on how an estate must be managed and ultimately distributed. The principal statute that applies to distribution where a person dies intestate is the Intestate Succession Law, 1985 (PNDCL 111). Competing claims-Akosua Serwaas Application, Odo Bronis Caveat It has been reported in recent weeks that one of the deceaseds alleged widows, Madam Akosua Serwaa Fosu, has applied to be appointed as an administrator of the estate. It has also been reported that Madam Priscilla, popularly known as Odo Broni, has taken steps through her lawyers to oppose that move, including the filing of a caveat. That is a matter for the court to determine based on evidence and applicable law. The courts determination is not only relevant to distribution; it also affects who is entitled to priority in applying for Letters of Administration. Caveat A caveat is a formal notice filed by a person who claims an interest in the estate and wants to ensure that no grant of probate or Letters of Administration is issued without notice to them. Under Order 66 rule 11 of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2004 (C.I. 47), a caveat may be filed either before or after an application is made, but it must be filed before the grant is issued. Once a caveat is in place, the practical effect is that the registry should not proceed to issue the grant until the caveator is heard and the dispute is resolved. Probate, administration, and the court process Order 66 of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2004 (C.I. 47) governs probate administration in Ghana by setting out the procedural roadmap for administering estates, whether the deceased died testate (with a will) or intestate (without a will). Substantively, estate administration is governed primarily by the Administration of Estates Act, 1961 (Act 63), as amended by the Administration of Estates (Amendment) Law, 1985 (PNDCL 113). Under section 1(1) of Act 63, both movable and immovable property of a deceased person devolves on the deceaseds personal representatives from the time of death. The operational point is simple: no one has lawful authority to deal with the estate unless the court grants that authority. If there is a will, the executor must obtain a Grant of Probate. If there is no will, the appropriate persons must apply for Letters of Administration. Until probate or Letters of Administration is granted, the estate cannot be lawfully distributed. Applying for Letters of Administration An application for Letters of Administration is typically made ex parte, supported by an affidavit. The court may grant Letters of Administration to a maximum of four (4) persons, and the law recognises an order of priority, commonly applied as follows: Surviving spouse Surviving children Surviving parent Customary successor The Constitution and PNDCL 111 Even as procedural battles play out, the distribution framework remains anchored in law. First, Article 22(1) of the 1992 Constitution provides that a spouse shall not be deprived of a reasonable provision out of the estate of a spouse, whether or not the deceased made a will. Second, Article 28 (b) states that every child, whether or not born in wedlock, shall be entitled to reasonable provision out of the estate of its parents. The PNDCL 111 sets out the specific entitlements where a person dies intestate. Household chattels Under section 3 of PNDCL 111, where the intestate is survived by a spouse, a child, or both, the spouse and/or child(ren) are entitled absolutely to the household chattels. Residue of the estate Under section 5(1) of PNDCL 111, where the intestate is survived by a spouse and a child, the residue of the estate devolves as follows: 3/16 to the surviving spouse 9/16 to the surviving child(ren) 1/8 to the surviving parent(s) 1/8 in accordance with customary law What this means If, at the end of the main widowhood battle, the court maintains that there are two surviving spouses of Daddy Lumba, then: Partisan politics and environmental sustainability Prof. Jeffrey Haynes Politics Jan - 24 - 2026 , 09:57 5 minutes read Who will lead the NPP into the next general elections in December 2028? Will the NDCs 24-hour economic policy lead to more jobs for the youth? Such questions are indicative of a key fact of life of Ghanas post-independence political system: during periods of democracy, the country has a de facto two-party system: one party to the left, the other to the right. Around the world, political systems are undergoing radical change. For example, Britain has had a de facto two-party system for decades but no longer: Labour and the Conservatives languish in the polls while the far-right Reform UK and the notably left of centre Green Party make headway. The decline of the two-party system in Britain is indicative of a wider disillusionment with the political status quo. In Ghana, the ossified two-party system is also critiqued yet third parties fail to break the mould. Environmental sustainability is not yet a key political issue in Ghana. Environmental crisis This is surprising, given that the country is grappling with a deepening environmental crisis. Widespread pollutionair, water and plastic wastealongside illegal mining (galamsey) and poor waste management, has led to contaminated rivers, serious health risks and extensive deforestation. Compounding these challenges is accelerating climate change, marked by recurrent flooding and erratic rainfall, which continues to undermine agriculture, water security and human health. Air pollution is the leading environmental risk to public health and ranks as the countrys sixth overall risk factor for mortality out of 19. Household and ambient air pollution together account for an estimated 16,000 premature deaths each year, with infants and the elderly bearing a disproportionate share of the disease burden. Plastic waste continues to choke drains and waterwayshardly surprising given that more than 3,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste are generated daily, amounting to about 1.1 million metric tonnes annually. An estimated 86 per cent of this waste is mismanaged, contributing to environmental disasters, particularly flooding and recurrent cholera outbreaks. The impact on air quality is also significant, as about 11 per cent of Ghanas waste is burned. The burning of plastics releases toxic substances and greenhouse gases, worsening air pollution and contributing to climate change. Pollution and policy The quality of naturally occurring surface waters and groundwater in Ghana was, until quite recently, generally good. Today, water pollution causes significant damage (equivalent to three per cent of GDP) due to the ill health effects of inadequate water supply, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene (around 11,000 early deaths annually), as well as the discharge of solid waste, industrial effluents, and toxic substances into water systems. Ghana does not lack constitutional and policy frameworks to address pollution. Several bodies exist to deal with environmental management, although the institutional framework is incomplete. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources reports a combination of potentially conflicting mandates within single institutions policy coordination, regulation, and management as impeding improvements to environmental governance. In addition, the Ministry regards the wording of the 1992 Constitution as ambiguous in defining the relationship between sector agencies and parent ministries. To deal with these concerns, agencies need stronger policy direction from parent ministries to operate efficiently within the national policy framework. In addition, many institutions are not properly equipped with the legal capacity to monitor and enforce actions. Are government efforts enough? The governing party, the NDC, had a section in its 2024 election manifesto entitled: Sustainable Environment and Extractive Sector Management. The manifesto points to Ghanas rich biodiversity, vast natural resources, and resilient people. The country faces environmental challenges requiring bold and innovative solutions, including a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The manifesto highlights that the government must do more to protect the environment for the benefit of present and future generations. The NDC promises to accomplish this by reasonable legislative and administrative measures. However, in power for a year, progress is slow, and the government may be in danger of not fulfilling manifesto pledges in relation to the natural environment. Democracy functions effectively only when those in power are held to account by opposition parties and an active civil society, particularly in the implementation of election manifesto commitments. To compel the government to protect Ghanas natural environment and confront the destructive impacts of climate change, both civil and political society must speak loudly and clearly in urging President Mahama to make environmental protection a top national priority. A well-led, well-organised and adequately financed Green Party, supported by strong and effective civil society organisations, would help spotlight Ghanas severe environmental challenges and apply sustained pressure on those in power to address them. Improving Ghanas environmental sustainability requires tough political measures. The focus must be on strengthening climate governance, enforcing strict environmental laws (like the new Act 1124), promoting green energy and sustainable resource use, improving waste management through legislation and infrastructure, and integrating climate action across all government ministries, supported by public participation and international partnerships. Key actions should include legislative reform, phasing out of fossil fuels, boosting renewables, including solar, enhancing monitoring systems, and tackling pollution sources like black carbon (soot) from cooking. The writer is Emeritus Professor in Politics, London Metropolitan University, UK. The United States and the European Union aim to mobilize $800 billion in public and private funds for a large-scale reconstruction of Ukraine after the end of the full-scale Russian invasion, according to a Politico publication. The 18-page document outlines a 10-year plan to guarantee Ukraines recovery with a fast-tracked path toward EU membership. The funding strategy stretches until 2040 alongside an immediate 100-day operational plan to get the project off the ground. But the prosperity plan will struggle to attract outside investment if the conflict rumbles on, according to the worlds largest money manager, BlackRock, which is advising on the reconstruction plan in a pro-bono capacity. Think about it. If you're a pension fund, you're fiduciary towards your clients, your pensioners. It's nearly impossible to invest into a war zone, BlackRocks vice chairman, Philipp Hildebrand, said Wednesday in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos. I think it has to be sequenced and that's going to take some time. The prosperity plan is part of a 20-point peace blueprint that the U.S. is attempting to broker between Kyiv and Moscow. It explicitly assumes that security guarantees are already in place and is not intended as a military roadmap. Instead, it focuses on how Ukraine can transition from emergency assistance to self-sustaining prosperity. The projects financial model foresees the EU, the U.S., and international financial institutions such as the IMF and World Bank directing $500 billion in public and private capital over the next decade. The European Commission plans to provide an additional EUR 100 billion through budget support and investment guarantees under the next seven-year budget starting in 2028, which is expected to unlock EUR 207 billion in investments. The U.S. plans to channel resources through a special U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, focusing on American company participation in projects related to critical minerals and the energy grid. Discussions on next steps with representatives from Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia are scheduled for this coming weekend in Abu Dhabi. The Poco X7 Pro launched back in January of last year, so its successor is definitely coming very soon. In fact, the Poco X8 Pro was already certified in July. Now a new certification reveals that there will be a special edition of the handset: the Poco X8 Pro Iron Man Edition, undoubtedly in partnership with Marvel. This device has been certified for sale in Thailand by NBTC. Its model number is 2511FPC34G. The Poco X8 Pro is rumored to be based on the Redmi Turbo 5, which is due to be unveiled in China this month. There will also allegedly be a Poco X8 Pro Max, which will be a rebranded Redmi Turbo 5 Max. Thus, expect these models to sport touchscreens with "1.5K" resolution, as well as a whopping 9,000 mAh battery in some places (but most likely not in Europe due to transport regulations). The Poco X8 Pro could be powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 8500 SoC, while the X8 Pro Max might go with the Dimensity 9500. Xiaomi Poco X7 Pro Via A new report based on code inside the Phone by Google app claims Samsung will add Google's Scam Detection to the Galaxy S26 series, due to be unveiled next month. Scam Detection powered by on-device Gemini Nano AI has so far been exclusive to the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 families, and it's only available in Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, the UK, and the US. There's another version, that doesn't use the Gemini model, but relies instead on on-device machine learning, and that one also works on the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series. The code inside the Phone by Google app contains mentions of model numbers for the Galaxy S26 series in the dialer (SM-S942 is the S26, SM-S947 is the S26+, and SM-S948 is the S26 Ultra). The Scam Detection feature is codenamed "sharpie", and that appears in the last line of code above. The intriguing thing here is that Samsung phones don't use Google's Phone app, and while you can install it from the Play Store, it's unclear if it will gain the necessary permissions to use on-device AI for its purposes, seeing as how it's not a system app. Of course, there's another possibility - namely, that Samsung will switch to Google's Phone app with the One UI 8.5 release that will make its debut on the Galaxy S26 family. Only time will tell. Source Sen. Chris Barnett and Malesso Mayor Franklin Champaco, along with more than 1,000 concerned individuals, formally asked Sen. Shawn Gumataotao on Friday to withdraw his bill that would allow the use of a 242-acre property in Malesso as a training ground for the Guam National Guard and law enforcement agencies. These properties would be better suited for building affordable homes rather than for military and law enforcement training, according to their Jan. 23 letter to Gumataotao. Gumataotao has yet to respond to the Pacific Daily News request for comment. In September, Gumataotao introduced Bill 182-38, seeking to authorize the transfer of ownership for 242 acres of property in Malesso from the CHamoru Land Trust to the Guam National Guard for training areas and facilities. That was some 10 months after Brig. Gen. Michael Cruz, adjutant general of the Guam National Guard, formally asked the CHamoru Land Trust Commission to consider supporting the Guards request to transfer or lease the property in Malesso to be used as a training area. Cruz resigned in November. Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero appointed Adjutant General-select Karin Watson to replace Cruz. Barnett and Champaco met with Watson on Jan. 13. TAG-select Watson said she has no intention or interest in supporting Bill No. 182-38, they wrote. TAG-select Watson supports this withdrawal request and agrees that any attempts to use limited public lands should involve transparency, accountability and community engagement before moving forward. In their letter, the senator and mayor said they also disagree with Gumataotaos statements that the bill, if enacted, can generate economic benefit to the people of Guam and specifically the community of Malesso. After meeting with constituents, concerned voters, and residents of Malesso, we are formally asking you to officially withdraw this legislation, Barnett and Champaco wrote. Many constituents have contacted our offices with concerns regarding the direct threat Bill 182-38 (COR) poses to the environment, culture and community. The bills author and the Guam National Guard last year said there will be no construction of any live fire ranges in the proposed training site. At the time, Cruz said the Guam National Guard had committed to shouldering all costs associated with developing the Malesso property for training requirements, including cadastral surveys to define property boundaries. The Guam National Guard will also be responsible for securing all environmental assessments and approval required for its training activities at no cost to the government of Guam, he said in 2025. Gumataotao, in introducing his bill, said it recognizes the critical training resources that are required of the only U.S. National Guard established in this part of the world, particularly at a time when Hawaii contemplates adjustments to state-provided National Guard training sites. Returning home to Guam to serve as a judge for the inaugural Guam International Dance Festival felt both meaningful and full circle. I grew up dancing on this island, competing from a young age and traveling to train and perform alongside dancers from around the world. Those early experiences shaped my path and showed me what was possible long before global visibility felt within reach. That perspective is why this festival matters to me and why I believe it should continue for years to come. The Guam International Dance Festival arrived at an important moment as the island continues to build platforms that highlight local talent and creative work. Dancers from Guam and other countries, including Japan, came prepared and performed with pride, and the inclusion of cultural performances grounded the festival in Guams identity and history. Competition played a key role in that energy. Having a clear goal pushes dancers to train with intention and step onto the stage with confidence. Workshops added another layer, exposing dancers to new styles and perspectives that expand how they think about their movement and growth as artists. What excites me about this festival is its potential to be part of a dancers journey. When competition, performance, workshops, and cultural presentation connect clearly, the experience becomes more than a single weekend. It becomes a space where dancers can test themselves, learn from others, and imagine how far their dedication can take them. Im grateful to have been part of the inaugural year and proud to support a festival that reflects the discipline, talent, and heart of Guams dance community. I look forward to seeing how it continues to grow and who it inspires next. Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org The woman killed during the Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv on Saturday night was an employee of the Roshen factory's confectionery shop, the website of the European Solidarity party reported, citing the co-chair of the parliamentary faction of the same name, Iryna Gerashchenko. "A direct hit from a Shahed drone damaged the production workshops of the Roshen confectionery factory, one of Kyivs largest taxpayers and a major charitable contributor in Ukraine. Unfortunately, the attack caused more than just damage to the workshops. A woman working in the confectionery section was killed, and many others were injured and are now in hospitals," Gerashchenko said, without specifying the number of casualties. She added that residential neighborhoods and homes were also affected during the attack, and strikes hit companies "that produce everyday consumer goods and have no connection to the defense sector." "Russia is committing genocide against civilians and must be punished. Our task is to hold Russia accountable for war crimes. Today, the world once again witnessed Putins so-called peace plan. Moscow is not ready for peace. We are calling for tougher sanctions against the aggressor state," Gerashchenko added. Earlier reports said one woman was killed and two people were wounded when a production building of the Roshen company was hit in Kyivs Holosiyivsky district during a combined Russian missile and drone attack overnight Saturday. Overall, one person was killed and at least four others were wounded in Kyiv as a result of the overnight attack. Haiti - Security : Graduation ceremony for 877 new police officers On Friday, January 23, 2026, the graduation ceremony for the 35th promotion of the Haitian National Police (PNH) (and the first class of the P4000 program) took place at the National Police Academy (ENP), comprising 877 new police officers, including 156 women. Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, accompanied by Laurent Saint Cyr, President pro tempore and Coordinator of the Transitional Council (CPT), attended the graduation ceremony for the class named "Aurore" a symbol of rigor and steadfast commitment. The ceremony took place in the presence of, among others, presidential advisors Emmanuel Vertillaire and Frinel Joseph, Justice Minister Patrick Pelissier, the High Command of the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAd'H) and the High Command of the Haitian National Police (PNH), representatives of the Gang Repression Force (FRG), Secretary of State for Public Security Mario Andresol, Charge d'affaires of the U.S. Embassy Henry Wooster, members of the diplomatic and consular corps, public administration officials, and international partners. In his address, the Prime Minister, who also heads the Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN), commended the patriotic commitment of the new recruits and reiterated that Project P4000, which aims to train 4,000 new police officers between 2026 and early 2027, represents a strategic response to the national security emergency. Fils-Aime reaffirmed the determination of the CPT and the Government to sustainably restore State authority, strengthen the operational capabilities of the Haitian National Police (PNH), and regain control of territories occupied by criminal and terrorist gangs due to insecurity. "This program is a national strategy for regaining, stabilizing, and consolidating State authority. The State is no longer backing down. It is fully assuming its mission." In conclusion, the Prime Minister expressed the Haitian government's gratitude to its international partners, particularly the United States, Canada, and the European Union, for their unwavering support in restoring security, revitalizing the economy, and organizing general elections throughout the country. Laurent Saint Cyr urged the national security forces to remain fully focused on restoring security, despite attempts to undermine the national momentum of retaking the territory. "I pledge that decisions made at the highest levels of government will always be aligned with the fundamental aspiration of the people : the restoration of security. We stand with the interests of the majority. The majority is not two, three, or five people. The majority is the people. And the interests of the majority are security." He also urged the security forces to remain fully mobilized against any attempt at destabilization, reiterating that security is essential for national stability, the organization of credible elections, and the return to normal life for the population. Addressing the new police officers, Laurent Saint-Cyr called on them to demonstrate loyalty, integrity, and courage, to reject all forms of corruption, and to remember that the police serve the law, the Republic, and the people, not politics. In a particularly delicate context, the President of the CPT urged the national security forces to remain fully focused on restoring security, despite maneuvers aimed at undermining the national momentum for retaking the territory. The Minister of Justice, in his address to the new police officers, declared, "You are engaged in the battle. You must serve your country with honor, protect the population with dedication, and always act in accordance with the law and fundamental rights." Henry Wooster, the U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Haiti, stated that Haiti's security and stability are the United States' top priority. "Haitians have suffered enough from gang violence. This graduation marks the beginning of a sustained national effort to strengthen the capabilities of the Haitian National Police (PNH) [...] The approximately 40% increase in police personnel over 16 months is not just a numerical target; it is a strategic choice based on the country's security realities." HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - FLASH : Presidential advisors confirm their decision to dismiss the PM On Friday, January 23, 2024, at the Villa dAcceuil, presidential advisors Leslie Voltaire and Edgard Leblanc Fils held a press conference where they confirmed the decision to dismiss Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, despite international pressure. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46692-haiti-flash-dismissal-of-the-pm-raises-tensions-between-the-international-community-and-the-cpt.html "The international community will have to acknowledge our decisions and support us according to the guidelines we define for the country," declared Edgard Leblanc Fils. Leslie Voltaire indicated that despite all the efforts deployed by the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) to support Government action, the population's expectations had not been met. Consequently, five membersFritz Alphonse Jean, Leslie Voltaire, Louis Gerald Gilles, Edgard Leblanc Fils, and Smith Augustin, representing the majority decided to adopt a resolution dismissing Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime and appointing another member of the same government to ensure a smooth transition and help the country find the best way to manage the political transition period following the departure of the CPT on February 7 (end of its mandate). For his part, Edgard Leblanc Fils stated that the decision to change Prime Ministers, made to allow the CPT to remain in power for a short period, was judicious. He announced the appointment of a new Head of Government for a 30-day period to facilitate the political transition. Edgard Leblanc Fils stated that the official document (the resolution) should be sent to the national press this Friday for publication in the official journal. This is highly unlikely, as Laurent Saint-Cyr, President pro tempore and Coordinator of the Transitional Council, the authority responsible for publishing the resolution in the Official Gazette, is fiercely opposed to this dismissal. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46692-haiti-flash-dismissal-of-the-pm-raises-tensions-between-the-international-community-and-the-cpt.html Presidential advisors answered journalists' questions and reiterated that the international community has no power to dictate decisions in Haiti. It is up to Haitians to make decisions for Haitians to promote the country's stability. It should be noted that no copy of this resolution, which they are said to have signed, nor a copy of the official journal, Le Moniteur, has been shown to the media, nor has the name of the next Prime Minister been revealed. It should also be noted that the security forces, which have not been actively involved in politic since 1994, have sided with Prime Minister Fils-Aime and President Laurent Saint-Cyr. HL/ PI/ Haitilibre Haiti - Security : Overview of the GSF deployment schedule in Haiti In a statement, Jack Christofides, the designated Special Representative of the Force for the Gang Supression Force in Haiti (GSF), who will officially assume his duties in February 2026, announced that the first contingents of this force will arrive in Haiti in April. The FRG deployment is expected to be completed by October 2026. According to Christofides, funding for the mission has been approved for a period of one year. The Presidency of the Dominican Republic indicated that Christofides met with Roberto Alvarez, the Dominican Minister of Foreign Affairs, as part of international efforts to support Haitian authorities in stabilizing the country. Christofides expressed his gratitude for the Dominican Republic's willingness to cooperate and announced his intention to make an official visit to Santo Domingo to meet with Dominican authorities as soon as he officially assumes his duties in Haiti. Meanwhile, Roberto Alvarez met with Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). They emphasized the importance of renewing BINUH's mandate, which expires on January 31, 2026, and discussed key points for a more effective response to the current situation in Haiti. Minister Alvarez reaffirmed his country's commitment to continue collaborating on medical evacuations of GSF members and providing logistical support from Dominican territory. S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Economy : Business Associations and Chambers of Commerce gravely concerned In a statement, business associations, chambers of commerce, and private sector organizations expressed their "grave concern regarding the current political tensions," which are occurring at a particularly delicate time for Haiti as the country approaches major institutional deadlines. "[...] At this stage of the transition, the country can no longer be drawn into sterile confrontations, strategic maneuvering, or hasty decisions. Stability, restraint, respect for commitments and the rule of law, as well as the continuity of the State, must prevail. This fragile period demands calm, responsible leadership focused on the common good. The signatory organizations wish to state this clearly : any political initiative likely to plunge Haiti back into uncertainty, institutional paralysis, or further disorder, which could also delay the electoral process, would be irresponsible. In this spirit, we reiterate with the utmost firmness our commitment to institutional stability and unequivocally support the position of the Coordinator of the Presidential Transitional Council, Laurent Saint-Cyr, expressed in his message of January 20, 2026, calling for broad, structured dialogue among the various sectors of national life, institutional accountability, and the maintenance of stability as essential conditions for safeguarding the national interest. Download the full text of Saint-Cyr's correspondence (PDF in French) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/correspondance-Laurent-SAINT-CYR-CPT.pdf Over the past few months, under the leadership of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, tangible progress has been made in the fight against insecurity, thanks to the efforts of the Haitian National Police, the Armed Forces of Haiti, and their international partners. These gains are fragile, but real, and they come at a human cost. Today, the fear has shifted sides. Political instability at this stage directly threatens the coordination of security operations, jeopardizes international support, demoralizes forces engaged in complex and high-risk operations, threatens to erase hard-won progress against armed groups, and exacerbates the despair and suffering of the population. The signatories reiterate that the current transitional framework establishes clear deadlines and responsibilities. Consequently, we call upon all institutional actors to immediately refrain from any unilateral or destabilizing actions, to prioritize dialogue and consensus among the vital forces of society, and to act with a profound sense of historical responsibility toward the Haitian people. We can no longer condone a dynamic in which the State is weakened by avoidable crises while the Nation struggles for its survival. The organized private sector remains committed to contributing to lasting stability, preserving institutional continuity, defending the rule of law, and supporting an effective and peaceful transition leading to credible elections, the only path to democratic renewal." Signatories : Maulik Radia : Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH) Jean-Philippe Boisson : American Chamber of Commerce in Haiti (AmCham) Martine L. Cuvilly : Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the West (CCIO) Gerard Laborde : Haitian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIHC) Jean Sebastien Buteau : Haitian Tourism Association (ATH) Jean Paul Faubert : Macaya Institute HL/ HaitiLibre When even Microsoft is faltering while Wall Street is trading near its highs, something is amiss in the software industry. The company, long the world's most valuable, is trading at around $440 at the beginning of 2026 down nine percent year-to-date, 21 percent below its annual high of $555. Year-on-year, it still shows a gain of two percent. And what's more: the days when Microsoft stood unchallenged at the top of the global stock market rankings are over. It now only ranks fourth behind Nvidia, Google, and Apple. Continue after ad Microsoft's unusual phase of weakness is more than a footnote. Because the real tech drama is currently unfolding a tier behind the Magnificent Seven among that software aristocracy that has seen massive stock price gains for over a decade. Oracle, Adobe, Salesforce, ServiceNow, DocuSign, Workday, and SAP: the former stock market darlings are suddenly in free fall. Germany's most valuable company, for instance, has lost more than a third of its value compared to its highs from a year ago. Software Sell-off: Price losses of up to 50 percent The sell-off can hardly be classified as more than an ordinary correction; the price losses since the beginning of the year alone seem more like they're from a textbook for major stock market crashes. Salesforce, Adobe, and Oracle are all in double-digit losses in 2026. ServiceNow, Atlassian, and HubSpot are even losing 30, 40, 50 percent at times, as a price overview from Fiscal.ai on social media impressively illustrates. The narrative that has been playing out on Wall Street trading desks for months is: AI eats software. The recent sell-off was further intensified by new product announcements. When LLM provider Anthropic introduced an AI agent called Claude Cowork last week in January, which writes reports, creates spreadsheets, and extracts information from screenshots, it was the final proof for many investors that the productivity leap through AI is real. The End of the Seat-Based Model? The logic behind the fear is understandable. The classic Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model is based on per-user licenses. More employees, more seats, more revenue. A system that scaled perfectly for years until AI begins to replace or at least massively condense human work. If autonomous AI agents handle tasks in the future that used to require entire corporate departments, why pay for dozens of Salesforce or Workday licenses? If AI reviews, formulates, and closes contracts, what's the need for widespread DocuSign subscriptions? And if generative image and design models deliver in seconds what teams of graphic designers used to do how many Photoshop licenses does a company need from Adobe then? Investors' fear: productivity explodes, but software providers' revenues implode. AI is celebrated, but it could prove to be pure poison for the seat economy. Continue after ad No Reason to Own Software Stocks The stock market hates uncertainty and transition phases like the current one. If the business model actually shifts from Per Seat to Per Outcome meaning payment based on results rather than users it could change the entire revenue logic of the industry. Many buy-side investors currently see no reason to hold software stocks no matter how cheap they are or how much they have been pressured before, wrote tech analyst Jordan Klein of Mizuho Securities in a client note last week. They assume there are currently no catalysts for a re-rating, Klein sees higher valuation multiples not in sight currently. Panic or Exaggeration? Software is currently trading at price-to-earnings ratios at 10-year lows. A decade ago, the scalable SaaS business model was considered the holy grail; in the age of the AI hype, it is currently almost treated as an obsolete model. The market is now pricing in almost the worst-case scenario: that the actual value creation shifts to model providers and hardware manufacturers, and software is degraded to an interchangeable shell. It's rare for companies with such incredibly strong fundamentals (GS Score) to have such incredibly poor performance (GC Score), wonders Swiss fund manager Thierry Borgeat of the fund boutique Arvy on social media about the current sell-off. I can't remember ever seeing anything like it before. Biggest Transition Phase Since the Cloud Revolution The truth probably lies somewhere in between. The software sector is at the beginning of perhaps its biggest transition phase since the cloud revolution. AI will not simply replace software immediately, but it is likely to redefine it. However, the major providers also possess enormous data sets, deep customer relationships, and critical infrastructure. Microsoft, SAP, or Salesforce also achieve sufficiently high sales outside their classic software business. For example, the British major bank Barclays expects software stocks to finally get a breather in 2026, as valuations have reached attractive levels and customer spending is likely to remain stable. Meanwhile, the rating agency Morningstar identified nine undervalued tech stocks last week, including five software titles. (dmk) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. Photo: https://t.me/oleksiihoncharenko MP of Ukraine, leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko, who was previously the beneficial owner of the Roshen company, reported that the Russian occupiers struck the confectionery shop of the enterprise twice on Saturday night, as a result of which an employee died. "During the overnight attack, the Roshen confectionery factory was severely damaged. The attackers struck the same point twice. A female employee was killed, and many others were injured, including two seriously. This is not a military base or a strategic facility. This is a civilian factory. A workplace. A person who should not have died," former President Petro Poroshenko wrote on Facebook. He did not specify the total number of people injured at the factory. Poroshenko said Russia is attempting to create a humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine. "There can only be one response: strengthen the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including air defense. Dont steal from defense, but reinforce it. Give the army more weapons. Protect the skies. And safeguard people. People are the greatest value," he added. Earlier reports said one woman was killed and two people were injured when a production building of the Roshen company in Kyivs Holosiyivsky district was hit during a combined Russian missile and drone attack overnight Saturday. Overall, one person was killed and at least four others were wounded in Kyiv as a result of the attack. While many industries are struggling with weak demand, Germany's digital economy continues on a robust growth course. The industry association Bitkom forecasts growth of 4.4 percent to 245.1 billion euros for 2026. This would surpass the previous year's growth: in 2025, the market for information technology and telecommunications (ITK) had grown by 3.9 percent to around 235 billion euros. Continue after ad However, according to Bitkom, the development of employment figures is not keeping pace with market growth. This year, only around 11,000 new jobs, or 0.9 percent, are expected to be created, resulting in a total of 1.36 million positions. Last year, the increase was even only 0.2 percent. Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst explained the flattening of job growth compared to earlier times, among other things, by the fact that companies are trying to mitigate the ongoing shortage of skilled workers with labor from abroad. The growing use of AI could also have a dampening effect here. The increase in jobs is lagging behind general growth. (Image: Bitkom) As in the previous year, information technology was the growth driver for the industry. For 2026, the association expects sales of 170 billion euros in Germany (plus 5.8 percent). The growth is once again driven by the software business, which grew by 10.2 percent to 58.3 billion euros. A significant portion of this is generated with software for operating public clouds. Sales of this software alone are expected to bring in 38.3 billion euros (+16.4 percent) this year. Artificial intelligence, starting from a comparatively low level, is also gaining momentum as expected. The projected volume for AI platforms is expected to increase by 61 percent to 4.1 billion euros. IT services and hardware grow solidly With 3.5 percent to an expected 54.3 billion euros, IT services business continues on a solid growth course. Cloud-based services now account for around two-thirds of sales, at 35.7 billion euros. The market for IT hardware is growing slightly faster than the service business, at 3.9 percent to 57.4 billion euros. The most important growth driver here remains the Infrastructure-as-a-Service segment, which, according to Bitkom's forecast, is expected to grow by 21.0 percent this year. Growth expectations for the remaining market segments, such as workstations (plus 5.1 percent), mobile PCs (plus 4.5 percent), or servers (plus 4.3 percent), are significantly lower. In the tablet business (minus 3.5 percent) and the consumer electronics segment (minus 3.2 percent), providers will have to adjust to slightly declining sales. Continue after ad For the telecommunications sub-market, Bitkom forecasts sales growth of 1.2 percent to 75.1 billion euros. Revenues from TK services are expected to increase by 1.3 percent to 54.1 billion euros. In contrast, the business with end devices is slightly declining at minus 1.2 percent to 12.5 billion euros. One reason cited for this is the longer usage period of smartphones. Fiber optic and 5G network expansion, on the other hand, ensure that more money flows into telecommunications infrastructure (8.5 billion euros, plus 4.6 percent). The overall positive sales development is not reflected in the general mood of the industry. This is significantly worse, as can be seen from the Bitkom-ifo Digital Index. At the end of the year, the index, which is calculated from the current business situation and business expectations of companies, was again below zero with minus 4.0 points after a small interim high. While companies still rate their current business situation as slightly positive with plus 1.7 points, business expectations are significantly more subdued with minus 9.4 points. (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. On Thursday, the EU Parliament adopted a report on technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure with a large, cross-party majority of the EPP, Social Democrats, Liberals, and Greens. This broad alliance signals the determination of the MEPs to drastically reduce European dependence on US technologies and to massively expand their own capabilities. Continue after ad With the resolution, the representatives are calling on the EU Commission for bold reforms, particularly an ambitious "Cloud and AI Development Act". The adoption of an amendment, with which the Parliament reaffirms the EU's right to enforce its laws, such as the Digital Services Act (DSA). It strongly condemns US entry bans against civil society actors such as the leadership of the civil society organization HateAid, sets a political exclamation mark. In terms of content, the report focuses on a strategic reorientation of public procurement and infrastructure. The compromise line adopted stipulates that member states can favor European tech providers in strategic sectors to systematically strengthen the technological capacity of the Community. The Greens even called for a stricter regulation here, where the use of products "Made in EU" should become the rule and exceptions would have to be explicitly justified. They also pushed for a definition for cloud infrastructure that provides for full EU jurisdiction without dependencies on third countries. Shift towards Open Source With the decision, the MEPs want to lay the foundation for a European digital public infrastructure based on open standards and interoperability. The principle of Public Money, Public Code is anchored as a strategic foundation to reduce dependence on individual providers. Software specifically developed for administration with tax money should therefore be made available to everyone under free licenses. For financing, the Parliament relies on the expansion of public-private investments. A "European Sovereign Tech Fund" endowed with ten billion euros was discussed beforehand, for example, to specifically build strategic infrastructures that the market does not provide on its own. The shadow rapporteur for the Greens, Alexandra Geese, sees Europe ready to take control of its digital future with the vote. As long as European data is held by US providers subject to laws such as the Cloud Act, security in Europe is not guaranteed. GI for "European Tech First" Continue after ad The urgency of the parliamentary demands is confirmed by an analysis by the Gesellschaft fur Informatik (GI). Experts such as Harald Wehnes and Julian Kunkel warn that 2025 marks a deep cut: the new US national security strategy explicitly defines digital infrastructures as national security assets. The Trump administration's paper clearly shows a "digital imperialism" that sees Europe merely as a sales market and territory for strategic dependencies. If US monopolies are instrumentalized as a means of power, Europe risks becoming a politically disenfranchised area. The GI authors point out that the EU's services trade deficit with the USA already reached a record high of 148 billion euros in 2024. This enormous sum flows directly into the technological dominance of the other side. Considering this threat, they are pushing for a radical turnaround in public IT procurement. The "European Tech First" approach is not blind protectionism, but self-defense to secure the ability to act. The computer scientists are particularly critical of "Sovereignty Washing": Offers from US hyperscalers for "sovereign clouds" are often makeshift solutions, as final technological control remains in the US. Instead, consistent preference for open-source solutions from the European economic area is needed. The Parliament's decision offers the opportunity to give these appeals political weight. The MEPs want to pave the way for an independent, value-oriented digital Europe that is no longer controlled from the outside by algorithmic control. (wpl) 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. Party chair Antti Lindtman and parliamentary group leader Tytti Tuppurainen stated they were unaware of the incidents until the past week. The cases include alleged misconduct by Marko Asell , Kim Berg , and Jani Kokko , spanning incidents from a summer meeting in 2023 to the parliaments Christmas party in November. The leadership of Finlands Social Democratic Party (SDP) held a closed-door crisis meeting in Helsinki on Friday following reports of inappropriate behaviour by several of its members of parliament. Tuppurainen confirmed she had since reviewed the cases with the groups secretary general Rami Lindstrom, and held a very serious conversation with Asell regarding his behaviour. I told him that this kind of conduct must end, and he gave his word, she said. Helsingin Sanomat reported that during an afterparty at karaoke bar Ihku, Asell touched a party staff member in a manner described as distressing. Asell later issued a public apology via Instagram. Speaking to HS, Joona Rasanen, another SDP MP, confirmed that he had spoken with two parliamentary aides who appeared upset following the incident. He said they followed protocol by reporting the case directly to Lindstrom. Lindstrom explained that harassment cases are handled by the parliamentary group office, not shared with party leadership due to confidentiality and legal boundaries. These matters are not passed along, not even to political leadership, he said. Tuppurainen said no formal criminal conduct had occurred, and that none of the cases involved sexual or physical violence requiring police involvement. But there has clearly been inappropriate behaviour, she added. An internal party investigation is underway, and an external inquiry is being prepared to review the working conditions of parliamentary staff. No final decision has been made on whether disciplinary action will be taken. Tuppurainen said all three MPs involved had expressed regret. They have each apologised, she told reporters. The party was forced to respond after Ville Merinen, an SDP MP, spoke publicly in a Yle documentary about the mistreatment of parliamentary aides. He described staff facing shouting, excessive demands, and in some cases, sexual harassment. On Friday, the SDP leadership, including vice-chairs Matias Makynen and Nasima Razmyar, gathered at the Paasitorni conference centre in Helsinki for what was described as a pre-scheduled strategy meeting. It lasted three and a half hours. Lindtman reiterated the partys zero-tolerance stance on harassment. Nothing will be swept under the rug. We await the external report and will take conclusions after that, he said. HT The closed-door meetings focus on conditions for ending the war and on disputed territory in eastern Ukraine. The talks take place as Russian forces carried out one of the largest air assaults of the year against Ukrainian cities overnight. Ukraine, Russia and the United States resumed trilateral negotiations in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, a day after launching their first joint talks since Russia began its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Delegations began discussions on Friday under tight secrecy. The United Arab Emirates has not disclosed the location of the meetings. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said ahead of the talks that the country supports all initiatives aimed at a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Ukraines delegation is led by Rustem Umerov, secretary of the National Security and Defence Council. It also includes Kyrylo Budanov, recently appointed head of the presidential office. Most members of the Ukrainian team are senior military officials. Russia is represented by Igor Kostyukov, head of the GRU military intelligence directorate, alongside officials from the defence ministry. The US delegation is led by President Donald Trumps special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who arrived in Abu Dhabi directly from Moscow after a late-night meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following that meeting, the Kremlin said Russia would not agree to end the war unless Ukraine relinquishes territory. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that land will dominate the agenda. The Donbas issue is central, he said earlier this week in Davos, according to Reuters. Almost all of the Donbas region is currently under Russian occupation. Moscow demands full control of Donetsk and Luhansk, while Kyiv rejects any territorial concessions. Russian state media TASS reported that the talks also cover buffer zones and monitoring mechanisms, citing unnamed sources familiar with the negotiations. US broadcaster NBC said the first day of talks was productive, quoting a White House source. Zelensky said it was too early to draw conclusions from Fridays discussions. Writing on X, he said Ukraine receives regular updates from its delegation and expects clear answers from Russia on whether it is prepared to end the war. As negotiators reconvened on Saturday, Russia launched a large-scale overnight drone and missile attack on Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said 396 drones and missiles were used against multiple regions. Kyiv and Kharkiv were among the main targets. Ukrainian air defences intercepted many of the projectiles, but significant damage was reported to energy infrastructure. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said one person was killed and four injured in the capital. He added that around 6,000 residential buildings were left without heating as temperatures fell to around minus 12 degrees Celsius. In Kharkiv, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said at least 15 people were injured. A maternity hospital, a medical facility and accommodation for displaced people were damaged. Ukraines deputy prime minister said the strikes left about 1.2 million people without electricity nationwide, including 800,000 in Kyiv. The state grid operator Ukrenergo said power plants are operating at their limits following repeated attacks. Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the assault, calling it cynical and barbaric. He wrote that the strikes hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table. Sybiha said the attacks showed that Putins place was not at the Board of Peace but at the dock of a special tribunal. Zelensky said the strikes underlined the urgency of air defence deliveries and urged full implementation of agreements reached with Trump in Davos earlier this week. The talks in Abu Dhabi are scheduled to continue through Saturday. HT ABOUT 20 people gathered at a shop in Henley on Saturday for a talk and book signing by a local psychologist. Dr Rebecca Chilvers, who grew up in Caversham, has written Not Alone in NICU: A Compassionate Companion for Parents of a Baby in Neonatal Care. The mother to three boys, aged 16, 13, and 11, who now lives in Finchley in North London, has drawn on more than two decades of experience working in the NHS and the independent sector to support parents of babies in neonatal care. Speaking to the audience at the Bell Bookshop, who stood around a low-level wooden bookcase, she explained that while neonatal care is often perceived as a niche experience, it is far more common than many realise.There was a worry at the beginning that it might be seen as niche, she said. But, three children in every primary school class have been in a NICI. It affects everybody.Dr Chilvers took psychology as one of her A-level subjects at The Henley College before she went on to complete her undergraduate degree at University College London, later specialising in neonatal psychology.At some point, everybody becomes a patient, she said. When youre scared, whether its medical or not, youre looking for people who feel safe, compassionate and understanding. Were wired for people and thats what gets us through difficult experiences.Her book is structured as a supportive voice that walks parents through the neonatal journey, stage by stage and includes 50 exercises designed to help them manage anxiety and feelings of isolation.Dr Chilvers said chapter two was the most challenging to write because it explores the wide range of emotions parents may experience.She said: It goes into a lot of detail about anxiety and why it shows up.I wanted to capture the breadth of the experience but also its depth. It can be isolating and terrifying and it was important not to sugarcoat that reality. The book uses fictionalised characters based on clinical truth to help readers relate to the experiences described.It also includes chapters on how neonatal care can affect close and intimate relationships, as well as siblings and other family members.Illustrations throughout the book were produced by Alice Jordan, who joined Dr Chilvers at the event to talk them through the creative process.Mrs Jordan, a picture framer by trade, described the project as her first illustrating commission.She said: Having images in it makes it seem natural and less academic. Rebecca made it so easy and explained it so clearly. I had to have a thick skin because I asked her to be harsh so she could get what she envisioned.Among those attending was Kay Matthews, who previously helped run the National Childbirth Trust.She said the book, which she described as magic, resonated with her own familys experience.Ms Matthews said: My granddaughter was breech and born with her legs not straight. The initial feeling was fear and it wasnt until weeks later that a consultant properly reassured us.This kind of book is magic because it brings into the open the things we need to hear at that time.Dr Chilverss mother, Pamela, a musical artist and composer from Caversham, also attended and spoke of her pride in her daughter. She said: Rebecca has always been incredibly perceptive and creative.She notices the little things and thats what makes her such a brilliant psychologist.Looking to the future, Dr Chilvers said she hopes to expand the project with podcasts, videos and an audiobook, continuing the conversation with midwives and other professionals.She said: I wanted this book to speak to the reality, which is hard, but its fundamental for people not to shy away or sugarcoat it.If we can normalise something thats actually very common and bring it out into the open, it stops people feeling like it happens in isolation. GOODFULL Media, the team behind An Audience with the Movers and Shakers, last years live podcast raising awareness of Parkinsons, is back with a podcast festival. Georgie Parvin and Hattie Sanderson, both from Shiplake, have organised three podcast nights at the Kenton Theatre. The series starts on Wednesday, February 11, at 7.30pm, with Travel Secrets The Podcast with Tanya Rose, featuring the host who has interviewed people such as Dame Joan Collins and James Norton about how they travel. For this event, which will be recorded in the theatre, Tanya will interview Christopher Biggins, alongside Simon Williams and his wife, Lucy Fleming, who live in Nettlebed. Lucy is the daughter of Celia Johnson, the actress and star of Brief Encounter, and Peter Fleming, writer and older brother of Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond. They will be talking about their travels, including visits to the Goldeneye estate in Jamaica. Tickets cost 27.75.Hattie says: Its a fabulous podcast, I actually listen to it and I find it really relaxing.Simon and Lucy are touring with Posting Letters to the Moon. Thats got a really lovely angle because Lucys mother was a famous actress and its all about the letters they had during the Second World War. Georgie adds: Biggins has a personal relationship with Tanya, they know each other and hes been to the Kenton before. They like him there and he likes them.On Thursday, February 12, at 7.30pm, for Made by Mammas: Mums Night Out, Zoe Hardman and Georgia Dayton from the award-winning parenting podcast will be joined by special guests, including Georgina Bradley from Channel 4s Hunted. They will cover themes such as digital childhoods, wellbeing, relationships, fashion and more and each audience member will receive a special goody bag. Tickets cost 30.25.Hattie says: I think Georgie will agree, were local mums who wanted to do something that worked around our children, but we wanted to do something creative, and we bonded over our love of the arts and over the school gates.We get on very well and were friends outside of work, so its nice to be putting on something that is giving back to the community.On Friday, February 13, at 7.30pm, Ollie Phillips and Sophie Storm Roberts are launching The Eternal Optimist, with the first ever recording of the podcast taking place at the Kenton Theatre.They will be sharing stories from their various challenges before being joined by the Turner Twins, Hugo and Ross.Former England Sevens captain and Shiplake resident Ollie was predicted to finish in the 3,000-mile Worlds Toughest Row yesterday (Thursday), after 40 days at sea, with his team, Seas Life.We know Ollie personally, says Hattie, so we were talking to him about lots of different things with podcasts.He was thinking about launching his own which he is now doing, and has a fabulous backstory and everything with being a former England Sevens captain.Sophie Storm Roberts is just such a lovely lady and shes so inspiring and invigorating and just really great to talk to. So that should be a fun night.Hugo and Ross Turner carried out an experiment based on Andrew Sandy Irvine and George Mallorys climb of Mount Everest in 1924. George adds: The Turner twins had a bit of press back in the autumn because they climbed Mount Elbrus.One was in modern technology gear and the other was in their traditional kit that Mallory would have worn, so its looking at the differences of the two. Theyre really interesting and theyve done some really crazy challenges. Tickets cost 27.75.l The Hot Podcast Festival is at the Kenton Theatre from February 11 to 13. For more information, call (01491) 525050 or visit thekenton.org.uk Talks between Ukraine, USA and Russia in Abu Dhabi over spokeswoman for NSDC Secretary Diana Davityan, spokeswoman for the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, reported on the completion of two-day talks between the Ukrainian, American and Russian delegations in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). Talks between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia in Abu Dhabi have concluded, Davityan told reporters. Ukrainian presidential communications adviser Dmytro Lytvyn said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is currently speaking with members of the Ukrainian delegation. The president is now talking with the delegation, he told reporters. Bloomberg, citing sources, reported that U.S. delegation members Steven Witkoff and Jared Kushner are scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel on Saturday. "Shosh Bedrosian, a spokesperson for Netanyahus office, confirmed the meeting while declining to provide a specific time. She didnt immediately offer details on the agenda. Generally, Israeli leaders conduct official weekend duties after the Jewish sabbath ends on Saturday evening. The U.S. embassy in Jerusalem had no immediate comment on the meeting, which was earlier reported by Israeli media," the publication wrote. As reported, representatives of Ukraine, the United States and the Russian Federation began trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi (the capital of the United Arab Emirates) on Friday morning. Dpty PM Kuleba: 447 generators to arrive from EU to Ukraine within week Photo: https://t.me/OleksiiKuleba/5904 The transfer of 447 generators by the European Union to Ukraine for communities across the country is an important support for the uninterrupted operation of schools, hospitals, social institutions, shelters and heating points, as well as boiler houses, water intakes, treatment plants and artesian wells, said Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction of Ukraine - Minister of Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Kuleba. "It involves 445 small-capacity generators and two large-capacity generators. The total value of the aid is EUR 3.7 million. We expect delivery to Ukraine within a week," Kuleba wrote on Telegram on Saturday. He said the generators will support critical infrastructure in the capital, with additional assistance going to the Kyiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, Odesa, Sumy and Mykolaiv regions. The delivery is being carried out through the European Commissions Emergency Response Coordination Centre, or ERCC, from rescEU reserves in cooperation with the Ukrainian Red Cross, Kuleba added. As reported, accelerating assistance to Ukraines energy sector was a key topic at the G7+ coordination meeting on energy support for Ukraine held January 23. Photo: https://t.me/Ukraine_MFA Blocking Ukraines accession to the European Union makes Ukrainian Hungarians hostages of geopolitical adventures, and the complicity of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban with the Russian side once again puts Hungary on the wrong side of history, which the Hungarian people do not deserve, notes Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha. "When Viktor Orban says that he will not allow Ukraine to join the EU for the next 100 years, he is not really talking to the Ukrainian state. First and foremost, he is telling this to ethnic Hungarians in Transcarpathia. This sounds like a Freudian slip, with a reference to the peace treaty signed more than 100 years ago that was tragic for Hungarians. This is the height of your cynicism Orban simply wants to keep them as hostages to his geopolitical adventures and to continue laundering money through various foreign schemes and foundations," Sybiha wrote on X. "By blocking Ukraines accession to the EU, Viktor Orban is committing yet another crime against the Hungarian people and Hungary itself. It is obvious that the European Union is an area of peace. It was created after World War II to prevent another war. Ukraines accession to the EU would bring peace closer and guarantee security and prosperity for all of Europe and for the entire Hungarian nation. But this is not what Putin wants. He wants the war to continue. By blocking Ukraines EU membership, Orban is fulfilling Putins wishes. At the same time, Orban is blocking the restoration of peace in Europe and turning Hungary into an accomplice of the Kremlin regime," the minister noted. "Today, Orban is acting not even like Miklos Horthy, but like Hitlers henchman Ferenc Szalasi. This is a lesson from World War II. Hungary and the Hungarian people do not deserve this. Hungary does not deserve to once again find itself on the wrong side of historyas an accomplice of a new form of inhuman ideology represented by the Putin regime. The Hungarian people are a people of dignity and freedomthe people of Ferenc Rakoczi II, Sandor Petofi, and Imre Nagy, not of Orban," the minister noted. Sybiha also responded to accusations from his Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szijjarto, about Ukraines alleged interference in the upcoming elections in Hungary, saying: "As for the elections, you should not be afraid of Ukraine. You should be afraid of the Hungarian people, who are tired of your lies, your kleptocracy, and your hatred." The Foreign Ministers post was written in response to a post by Szijjarto, who wrote earlier in X: "Well, I see you started to interfere into our elections. We know you want a government which would say yes to Brussels and would be ready to drag Hungary into your war. But we will not let it happen! The sovereign Hungarian government will continue to protect the country and its people from your war!" Prairie wind propels green computing power development in north China Xinhua) 11:31, January 24, 2026 This photo taken on May 20, 2025 shows the China Mobile Hohhot Data Center in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Photo by Chen Qian/Xinhua) HOHHOT, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- On the prairie of Hohhot, capital of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the wind that has swept the grasslands for millennia now turns massive turbines to generate green electricity that powers thousands of servers in the Horinger New Area, where data centers process information at millisecond speeds. Inner Mongolia has emerged as one of eight national computing hubs under China's "East Data, West Computing" strategy. This initiative aims to have less-developed inland regions store and process data sent from the country's economically dynamic eastern areas, accelerating the development of an integrated national computing network. As the global digital economy drives data center energy use and the associated carbon emissions to new heights, China is anchoring this high-power industry in regions rich in wind and solar energy, laying a sustainable foundation from the ground up. The economic logic is compelling. "About half of the operational cost for computing industries comes from electricity consumption. Electricity costs determine competitiveness," explained Li Xiang, head of the intelligent new energy production management platform at China Huadian Corporation Ltd. Hohhot enjoys a decisive advantage. Green power flows directly from wind farms to data centers through dedicated lines, slashing grid fees. Meanwhile, the city's cool climate, with an average annual temperature of 7.7 degrees Celsius, provides natural cooling for up to six months a year, drastically reducing air-conditioning costs. "Compared to data center projects in Beijing, our electricity costs here are reduced by about two-thirds," said Bai Yang, head of the Jingmeng intelligent computing center in Horinger New Area. This powerful combination has fueled staggering growth. Hohhot's total computing power now exceeds 122,000 petaflops, with 96 percent dedicated to intelligent computing. This scale has, in turn, attracted an equipment manufacturing ecosystem. Forty-five companies producing servers, cabinets and sensors have set up locally, forming a complete industrial supply chain. Making this raw power usable requires smart networks. Sun Wenda, who oversees a local computing resource platform, says acquiring computing power here is now "as convenient as online shopping." The platform integrates resources for streamlined scheduling and billing, and connects to hubs in Beijing and elsewhere. The speed is breathtaking. "In the blink of an eye, our data makes 50 round-trips between Beijing and Hohhot," said Xiao Liangpeng, a client of the platform, referring to a round-trip latency of under 5 milliseconds. This enables real-time applications from scientific research to training the next generation of AI models. The value of this green computing power shines in its everyday impact. The raw computational power fuels advanced scientific inquiry through supercomputing platforms that are currently supporting more than 3,600 active research projects. It also serves as a critical training ground for the next generation of AI models, developed by leading technology firms. Beyond the digital world, this intelligence breathes new life into traditional sectors such as dairy farming. Here, smart systems monitor herds by tracking each cow's activity levels, milk yield and sleep patterns in clear, real-time detail. Automation takes the lead in safety and standardization, with unmanned milking equipment carrying out the entire process, from disinfection to attachment and milking, consistently and precisely. In the city itself, this computing power enables smart parking systems, smooths traffic flow and powers AI-assisted medical screenings, making urban life more efficient and responsive for residents. Hohhot's story stands as a tangible testament to China's broader pursuit of a balanced path, where vigorous economic development walks hand in hand with a commitment to green transition. Hohhot is not just building a regional data hub; it is actively fueling a cleaner, more powerful engine for the global industrial revolution. An aerial drone photo taken on May 17, 2025 shows a photovoltaic base with a capacity of one million kilowatts in Dalad Banner of Erdos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Photo by Yang Yaozhong/Xinhua) An employee conducts maintenance at a server room of the China Mobile Hohhot Data Center in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on May 20, 2025. (Photo by Su Yali/Xinhua) Employees assemble computer servers at a digital technology company in Hohhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on Jan. 20, 2025. (Photo by Zhang Jiahui/Xinhua) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) China voices three 'oppositions' at UN Human Rights Council special session on Iran Global Times) 15:23, January 24, 2026 Jia Guide, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland, speaks at a special session on January 23, 2026. Photo: Screenshot from the UN Human Rights Council video China's permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva elaborated on China's position and voiced three points of opposition during a special session held by the United Nations Human Rights Council on Friday to address the deteriorating human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Jia Guide, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland, elaborated on China's position during the special session, stressing that China upholds the right of all countries to independently choose their own path of human rights development. According to the UN Human Rights Council video, Jia said, China "opposes interference in other countries' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights. China also opposes the imposition of country-specific human rights mechanisms without the consent of the country concerned and opposes double standards on human rights." Jia emphasized that the situation within Iran is, in essence, a matter of internal affairs and should be decided by the Iranian people themselves. "China consistently advocates adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law. It opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, the imposition of one's own will on other countries," he said. The international community should, on the premise of respecting Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, "support the Iranian government and its people in overcoming difficulties, maintaining national stability, and safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests. China is of the view that all parties should resolve differences through dialogue, and China is ready to play a constructive role to this end," Jia added. Recently, developments in Iran have attracted widespread attention. At the request of countries including Iceland, the UN Human Rights Council convened the special session, the Xinhua News Agency reported. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) The dragon's blood tree is one of the endemic species found in the Socotra archipelago, which belongs to Yemen, and whose diversity, recognized by UNESCO, is endangered. Image from January 6, 2026. The small paradise in the Indian Ocean, known for being home to numerous endemic species, has suffered significant environmental damage since civil war broke out in 2014 Up until very recently, Socotra had not received much international news coverage. Mention of the paradisaical Yemeni archipelago in the Indian Ocean, located near the Gulf of Aden, was typically limited to travel magazines and tourism guides. But at the end of December, some 600 visitors became stranded there, due to tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, allies that now have conflicting interests in the southern region of Yemen, which has been devastated over the last 10 years by civil war. Discussion of how the foreigners were to be evacuated drew attention to another issue in Socotra that had previously been eclipsed: how its unique and abundant biodiversity, which led it to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, has suffered aggressions whose effects may be irreversible. Socotra lies some 155 miles from the coast of Somalia, and more than 186 miles from Yemen. Its position is strategic to global maritime trade, due to its location between the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Since 2020, Socotra has found itself under the de facto control of a separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council, funded by the Emirates, which has also contributed financially to the reconstruction of its airport and other infrastructure. These investments, many of them running contrary to UNESCO recommendations, have led indirectly to the arrival of tourist masses and, by extension, earnings. This support for the secessionists has left the alliance between the Saudis, who back the internationally recognized government, and the Emiratis to crumble. On December 30, Riyadh attacked a port in the south of the country, where there was reportedly a shipment of weapons that the Emirates was sending to the separatists. After the incident, the Emirates decided to withdraw its troops from the country and wound up imposing an air blockade, which meant that tourists could not leave the archipelago. The visitors were finally evacuated to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last Saturday, according to Reuters. Several tourists stranded in Socotra are awaiting the opening of the Yemenia Airways office on January 6, 2026, hoping to be able to leave the island. STRINGER (EFE) UNESCO estimates that Socotra, whose archipelago is composed of four islands and two islets, is home to hundreds of endemic species. 37% of its 825 kinds of plants, 90% of its reptiles and 95% of its land snails are not found in any other part of the world. All are now in danger, say environmental experts and local leaders. Socotra has suffered a lot of damage, particularly due to urbanism and the development of protected areas and nature reserves. Unlicensed investment violates regulations for places on the World Heritage list, Mohammed Jumaih, Yemeni ambassador to UNESCO, tells EL PAIS. Business or solidarity? Deterioration accelerated after the outbreak of civil war in Yemen at the end of 2014, when Houthi rebels deposed the leadership in Sanaa, the countrys capital, and Saudi Arabia, with support from the United Arab Emirates, staged a military invention in support of the internationally recognized government. Today, the country is war-torn and impoverished. The Houthis continue to control Sanaa and other areas in the northeastern region of the country. At the same time, in the south, the secessionist movement supported by the Emirates has gained strength. This vacuum of power and resulting confusion has led to abuse in Socotra, where according to activists, Emirati entities began to purchase vast protected areas, including the Diksam Reserve and Delisha Park, claiming that they would be used for non-profit projects through the Khalifa Foundation, an Emirati charity group that focuses on health, education and development. According to Abdul Latif Amer, a Yemeni specialist in biodiversity and ecotourism, the actions of the Emirates are a violation of the World Heritage Convention treaty, which established that signatory nations must not take any deliberate measures which might damage directly or indirectly the cultural and natural heritage. The Emirates ratified the treaty in 2001. But in addition, the acquisitions also violate Yemeni law concerning foreign ownership of assets and its presidential decree on environmental protection and development zones. The purchase of these large areas hurts the species that live in these places, which suffer from uncontrolled development. 90% of the area of Socotra is made up of reserves and national parks, says Amer. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has repeatedly warned about the loss of biodiversity in conflict areas, particularly isolated, insular ecosystems that are especially vulnerable to exploitation during periods of weak governance. Local leaders pay a price for speaking out Inhabitants of Socotra are trying to resist these aggressions. Social leaders who speak out have faced prison sentences and continuous threats from local authorities, says Ali Amer al Qahtani, who is the head of a committee that is organizing a meeting on the future of Socotra in which local leaders will sit down to debate what comes next for the archipelago. Al Qahtani explains that despite informing Yemeni authorities of the threats to the islands biodiversity, there has been no movement nor clear position on behalf of the internationally recognized government, which is a reflection of its impotency and lack of authority on the island, he concludes. In a Facebook post, Jumaih wrote that these alleged violations must be addressed and those responsible must be held accountable. UNESCO has sent an international monitoring delegation to the island following such denouncements, and it will submit its report to the World Heritage Committee for review at its session later this year. UNESCO, and not the Yemeni government, will determine the nature of these violations, to avoid suspicions that the report may be politicized, says Jumaih. The leader trusts that Socotra will not be included on UNESCOs List of World Heritage in Danger because, though the designation could unblock technical support and additional funds, it might also damage Socotras image as a tourist destination and complicate its recovery. Ahmed al Rumaili, a Socotra environmental activist, describes the Emiratess activities as a real threat to Socotras unique environmental diversity. One example is overfishing, the product of which is sold, according to several local sources, to a factory owned by the Emirates that is situated on the island, and then transported by plane or ship. A 2022 UNESCO report by Belgian researcher Kay Van Damme also documented the devastating consequences of local trawling for marine wildlife and coral reefs. Another example of environmental aggression is the theft and sale of coral, which is vital to the seas stability, and the introduction of at least 126 invasive species, primarily plants imported for local agriculture or ornamental use, in addition to insects, which have also altered the ecosystem. One devastating case, according to activists, is that of the red palm weevil, an invasive beetle that came to the island via palm plants imported by the Khalifa Foundation. There is also a lucrative market for sales of the archipelagos endemic species. According to UNESCO, in 2021 it was discovered that the areas butterflies were being sold online for more than $1,200 a piece. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Los Choneros, the reigning criminal organization in Manabi, Ecuador, is linked to shark hunting and finning, complimentary activities to its primary trade of drug and fuel trafficking In February 2023, an article in the Mexican press announced the capture of a vessel some 195 nautical miles from the port of Lazaro Cardenas in the state of Michoacan. It had been carrying nearly 700 pounds of cocaine packaged in plastic-wrapped bricks, in addition to 1,650 liters of hydrocarbons in 33 plastic containers. Two Ecuadorian fishermen were among the five detainees, and their immigration records showed unusual activity. Both had arrived by air from Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador on several occasions since 2016. But there were no records of them leaving Ecuadorian soil by plane. Apparently, their movements followed a pattern: they departed from the coast of Manabi province with illegal cargo that they delivered on the high seas, then abandoned their boats, only to return to their country of origin on commercial flights. The drug trafficking organization to which the detainees in Mexico belonged was headed by Leonardo Briones Chiquito, alias Iguana or Mexicano. He got his start as a fishing boat captain, and was well-versed in the secrets of the sea. Briones Chiquito had close ties to the criminal group Los Lobos, which fights for control of maritime routes in the Pacific with rival organization Los Choneros. The latter group has dominated illegal activity, particularly off the coast of Manabi. Los Lobos, a dissident faction, spread throughout the country, and expanded its criminal portfolio to include extortion, illegal mining, and kidnapping. Ecuadorian officials have been able to document Briones Chiquitos criminal group through wiretaps, surveillance, and raids that were conducted over a year. EL PAIS gained access to judicial proceedings that reveal the drug-related criminal activity now includes trafficking in marine species. Anti-drug trafficking operation in Ecuador. Marina del Ecuador The investigation revealed that the organized crime group had personnel dedicated to recruiting sailors to transport packages of drugs in speedboats from Manabi ports like Jaramijo. When they detected nearby law enforcement, crew members would quickly toss the packages of drugs into the ocean. Sometimes, they installed geolocation devices onto satellite buoys in order to recover the packages and avoid reprisals from their higher-ups, who have been known to kill underlings over loss of merchandise. Members of Briones Chiquitos organization found out that the vessel had been detained in Mexico when one of the Ecuadorians who had been apprehended was able to call his spouse. Later, they organized another excursion to rescue the merchandise that had been jettisoned. Drugs in the water Communication between the fishermen was intercepted during the investigation. Light a candle for the Virgin Mary for us to be able to move forward. They saw drones on the high seas and threw the jute bags overboard, runs an extract from one of the infiltrated conversations. In another exchange, they explain how the boat was transporting Colombian inspectors and that its engines were new, suggesting that they may be able to operate at higher speeds. In another excerpt, they asked who had caught the fish. Briones Chiquito was linked to the investigation carried out by Ecuadorian law enforcement. He did not receive a prison sentence, and was instead ordered to report periodically to the court. When authorities raided his properties in relation to a different criminal investigation, this time tied to money laundering, they found a three-foot alligator at the home of one of his relatives. In mid-July 2025, Briones Chiquito and his wife were fatally shot by hitmen while traveling in a luxury armored car guarded by former members of the military. In response to the killings, a wave of violence broke out in Manabi on the night of the crime in which 18 people lost their lives. The money laundering investigation continued, eventually uncovering links between a fishing business specializing in seafood exports and the criminal organization. The company had laundered $17 million between 2021 and 2024, according to authorities. Contraband fins In August 2018, the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Tahoma intercepted a ship carrying 16 packages containing 1,700 pounds of cocaine. Five crew members two Mexicans and three Ecuadorians were arrested and taken to Florida. Six satellite phones and GPS devices were also found on board. So began a transnational investigation that ended up lasting three years, and that unmasked a narco-trafficking organization in alliance with the Sinaloa Cartel. From the coast of Manabi, a fleet of at least 10 ships transported petroleum to fuel vessels waiting in the Pacific Ocean. Speedboats carried sacks of cocaine to Central America, Mexico, and the United States. Along the way, they passed by the Galapagos Islands to the south. Fishing boat pier in Jaramijo, in Manabi, Ecuador. Cortesia Investigators detected that certain vessels left the illicit merchandise and later caught sharks using longline fishing, a technique that consists of a long, thick line with hooks attached at regular intervals. In Ecuador, a regulation has been in effect since 2007 to encourage small-scale fishing that allows sharks caught accidentally to be kept and sold. An official who investigated the group confirmed to EL PAIS that catching sharks served as a complimentary activity to the trafficking of drugs and fuel. The fish were killed for their fins, which were then transported to the Galapagos Islands to be preserved and stored. Fin shipments were later sent to China, where they are seen as a gastronomic delicacy and attributed with aphrodisiac properties. Ecuadorian courts charged the group with drug trafficking, but not for crimes related to the illegal capture of marine species. Despite evidence that was presented in court, two of three judges who initially oversaw the case did not find the individuals guilty. According to Colonel Carlos Ortega, director of the Anti-Narcotic Police between 2024 and 2025, two fishing boats were intercepted navigating the outskirts of the Galapagos Islands. In total, they had been carrying 27 tons of shark fins destined for Asian markets. The most recent capture took place on August 10 when the U.S. Coast Guard detained a fishing boat that was transporting 10 tons of fins. 18 Ecuadorians were apprehended, 13 of whom were from Manabi, two from Esmeraldas, and one from Quito. Another operation took place in April 2024 that was part of the so-called Operation Phoenix 113, in which the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard seized 16.6 tons of fins. On both occasions, according to Colonel Ortega, the fishermen were navigating close to the Galapagos along the route used to traffick cocaine to Central America and the United States. Authorities think they had previously used the vessels to transport cocaine from Ecuadorian ports. After delivering the drugs, the sailors, who work for criminal groups like Los Choneros, fished for sharks to later sell the fins to intermediaries from the Chinese fleet that fishes for a good part of the year in international waters near the Galapagos. Shark fins seized by Ecuadorian law enforcement. FGE Guido Nunez is a security and organized crime consultant. He belonged to an elite police unit that began to detect the presence of drug trafficking vessels at the end of the 1980s. For several years, he has investigated criminal groups and environmental offenders. Nunez found a series of holes in official oversight. Up until mid-September, fishermen were receiving state-subsidized fuel, but there was no mechanism that prevented it from being used for drug trafficking. He also found that sharks trapped by longline fishing were being harvested for their fins. Typically, their fins are removed and on occasion, their bodies shipped to Manabi ports, where they were then sent on to Quito. There they were sold, labelled as corvina fish, in city markets. Criminal groups on the high seas Los Choneros is the dominant criminal group on the Pacific Ocean, according to retired police general Freddy Sarzosa. Fishermen engage in these acitivites because of the insecurity at sea, he says. They are attacked by pirates, who steal their outboard motors, but there are also critical factors like the lack of job alternatives and the precarious nature of employment. Manabi has an ancestral tradition of fishing. Local fishermen are experts at navigating without technological instruments, and that expertise is exploited by criminal organizations, says Sarzosa. A trip to transport drugs by sea can mean a payment of between $10,000 and $30,000 for fishermen, when successful. But there are enormous risks. Generally, half of the payment is received upon completion of the deal. Some are extorted when they receive their pay. There is also a considerable risk of being intercepted by maritime authorities. In such cases, fishermen often opt to throw their illegal cargo into the sea. Once captured, they are taken to prisons in Central America, Mexico, or the United States. According to organizations of spouses and family members of fishermen who have been apprehended outside of Ecuador, there are hundreds of such detainees in other countries who are not allowed to communicate with their embassy. When merchandise is lost, the fishermans family can suffer retaliations. Its a complex problem that has gotten worse. The family is left in a vulnerable state. That should drive public policy to deal with the issue, says Nunez. The role of Chinese fleets Chinese ships dedicated to large-scale fishing operations in the international waters near the Galapagos serve as a bridge for such activity, according to an intelligence agent who asked to remain anonymous. We have had cases of cocaine being transported by fishing boats that have embarked from Salinas and Manta, and been captured in Australia and South Korea. So its very likely that they are also arriving in China, he says. Operations of a Chinese fleet. Cortesia Still, the investigator says that it is difficult to get solid proof of this, as China does not share information on seizures. The explanation for that is simple, he says. The country does not disclose figures because it would affect its image as a system that works and does not have the same problems as Western countries, like drug trafficking and drug use. In the shark fin trade, it appears that Los Choneros remains the dominant group. We have evidence that many boats that serve as floating gas stations for speedboats also traffic species, says the intelligence agent. In exchange for the animals, subsidized fuel, and drugs, the ships return with weapons. The high-caliber arms are mostly of U.S. origin and have contributed to increased violence in Ecuador, where in the last year crime has reached such a point that, on average, there is a violent murder every hour. This story was produced with the support of the Pulitizer Center. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition SYDNEY, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- A 12-year-old boy who sustained critical injuries in a shark attack at a beach in Sydney Harbor has died in hospital, his family said in a statement on Saturday. Nico Antic was attacked by a suspected bull shark after jumping off a rock into the water at a beach on the southern shore of Sydney Harbor on Sunday afternoon. He was pulled from the water by friends and rushed to the Sydney Children's Hospital with critical injuries to both legs. The incident on Sunday afternoon was the first of four shark attacks that occurred at beaches in the state of New South Wales (NSW) in a 48 hour span. A 27-year-old man was hospitalized with severe leg injuries after the third attack, which occurred in northern Sydney on Monday. His family said on Wednesday that he was in a stable condition after undergoing emergency surgery. CAIRO, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Saturday discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and efforts to support the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal in a phone call with Nikolay Mladenov, "the high representative for Gaza." They discussed the next steps and the implementation of the second phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza, including the deployment of an international stabilization force, the opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions, and the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Abdelatty said that completing the second phase commitments constitutes a fundamental point for launching an early recovery path in Gaza and initiating the reconstruction process through a comprehensive and gradual approach based on the actual needs of the population. The two sides agreed to continue coordination and to intensify consultations on developments in Gaza, in support of efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the strip and the region. The Trump administration last year unveiled a 20-point, three-phase peace plan aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas conflict that broke out in October 2023. A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel took effect in October 2025. However, during the first phase of the deal, both sides repeatedly accused each other of violations. Earlier this month, Trump's administration announced the launch of the second phase of the peace plan, shifting the focus from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction. SYDNEY, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Australian authorities have charged three men over an alleged attempt to smuggle 42 kg of illicit drugs into the country from Thailand. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force said in a joint statement on Saturday that the three men were intercepted by officers on arrival at Sydney Airport on flight from Thailand on Friday. A subsequent search of their luggage allegedly located individually-wrapped bricks containing a white substance, testing of which returned a positive result for methamphetamine and heroin. AFP officers seized 34 kg of heroin and 8 kg of methamphetamine and arrested the three men, all aged 22 from southeast Melbourne, and charged them each with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug. Both offenses carry maximum penalties of life imprisonment. According to authorities, the seized volume of heroin had an estimated street value of about 17 million Australian dollars (about 11.7 million U.S. dollars) and the methamphetamine had a value of 7.4 million Australian dollars. (1 Australian dollar equals 0.69 U.S. dollars) A teacher introduces ingredients of making Laba porridge at a kindergarten in Kunshan, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 23, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Laba Festival that falls on Jan. 26 this year. (Photo by Wang Xuzhong/Xinhua) Volunteers distribute free Laba porridge to sanitary workers in Fengrun District of Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 24, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Laba Festival that falls on Jan. 26 this year. (Photo by Zhu Dayong/Xinhua) A volunteer instructs students to make paintings themed on Laba Festival in Xinghua, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 24, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Laba Festival that falls on Jan. 26 this year. (Photo by Zhou Shegen/Xinhua) Children learn to make Laba garlic, a vinegar-preserved green and slightly spicy dish, at a kindergarten in Neiqiu County of Xingtai, north China's Hebei Province, Jan. 23, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Laba Festival that falls on Jan. 26 this year. (Photo by Liu Jidong/Xinhua) Children choose ingredients of making Laba porridge at a kindergarten in Yuhuatai District of Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 23, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Laba Festival that falls on Jan. 26 this year. (Photo by Su Yang/Xinhua) A teacher introduces ingredients of making Laba porridge at a kindergarten in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 23, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Laba Festival that falls on Jan. 26 this year. (Photo by Xin Yi/Xinhua) Students and parents taste Laba porridge during an event marking the upcoming Laba Festival at a school in Qianxi, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Jan. 23, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Laba Festival that falls on Jan. 26 this year. (Photo by Fan Hui/Xinhua) Children learn to make Laba porridge at a kindergarten in Deqing County of Huzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Jan. 23, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Laba Festival that falls on Jan. 26 this year. (Photo by Xie Shangguo/Xinhua) A teacher introduces ingredients of making Laba porridge at a kindergarten in Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 23, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to welcome the upcoming Laba Festival that falls on Jan. 26 this year. (Photo by Meng Delong/Xinhua) BOGOTA, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Colombia's Foreign Ministry said Friday that Colombian President Gustavo Petro and U.S. President Donald Trump will meet in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 3. The announcement was made on X, following a call between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio. During the call, it was confirmed that Petro will be granted full protocol guarantees as a visiting head of state, according to the ministry. The agenda is expected to include cooperation against transnational organized crime, particularly along border regions, regional security issues and joint economic opportunities, said the ministry. 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 Libya signs a development agreement with TotalEnergies of France and the U.S. company ConocoPhillips during the signing ceremony of the agreement at the fourth edition of the Libya Energy & Economic Summit in Tripoli, Libya, Jan. 24, 2026. Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah announced on Saturday the signing of an oil agreement with two foreign companies, with the investments exceeding 20 billion U.S. dollars. In a post published on his official Facebook page, Dbeibah said that Libya signed a development agreement for a period of 25 years with TotalEnergies of France and the U.S. company ConocoPhillips. The signing of the agreements and memoranda took place on the sidelines of the fourth edition of the Libya Energy & Economic Summit, which kicked off on Saturday in the capital Tripoli, with participation from international and Libyan companies. (Photo by Hazem Turkia/Xinhua) TRIPOLI, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah announced on Saturday the signing of an oil agreement with two foreign companies, with the investments exceeding 20 billion U.S. dollars. In a post published on his official Facebook page, Dbeibah said that Libya signed a development agreement for a period of 25 years with TotalEnergies of France and the U.S. company ConocoPhillips. He said that the agreement aims to increase the production capacity of the Libyan Waha Oil Company by up to 850,000 barrels per day, with net revenues expected to exceed 376 billion dollars for Libya. Dbeibah also announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the U.S.-based Chevron, as well as a cooperation memorandum with Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, without providing further details. The signing of the agreements and memoranda took place on the sidelines of the fourth edition of the Libya Energy & Economic Summit, which kicked off on Saturday in the capital Tripoli, with participation from international and Libyan companies. Oil and gas exports are the primary source of income for Libya, though the sector has faced setbacks in recent years due to domestic conflicts and political instability. Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah delivers a speech during the fourth edition of the Libya Energy & Economic Summit in Tripoli, Libya, Jan. 24, 2026. Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah announced on Saturday the signing of an oil agreement with two foreign companies, with the investments exceeding 20 billion U.S. dollars. In a post published on his official Facebook page, Dbeibah said that Libya signed a development agreement for a period of 25 years with TotalEnergies of France and the U.S. company ConocoPhillips. The signing of the agreements and memoranda took place on the sidelines of the fourth edition of the Libya Energy & Economic Summit, which kicked off on Saturday in the capital Tripoli, with participation from international and Libyan companies. (Photo by Hazem Turkia/Xinhua) TEHRAN, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry on Friday condemned a "meddlesome and irresponsible" anti-Tehran resolution adopted by the European Parliament. On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution, accusing the Iranian government of violating human rights during the recent unrest in the country, expressing "full solidarity" with Iranians and calling for the designation of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps as a terrorist organization. In a statement, the ministry said the resolution contained "false and incorrect" claims about the recent events in Iran as well as "meddlesome and irresponsible" statements against the country. "Through supporting the imposition of cruel sanctions and obeying the U.S. illegal embargoes on Iran and complicity with Israel in the June military aggression against the country," the European Parliament failed to have any moral eligibility to preach about human rights, it said. Iran is obligated to protect its citizens' security, public order, and national sovereignty against any terrorist act or foreign threat and intervention, and will take reciprocal actions in response to any "illegal and interventionist" decision or stance regarding its armed and security forces, it added. Protests erupted since late December in several Iranian cities over the sharp depreciation of the rial. The Iranian government has expressed its willingness to address economic grievances but has also warned against violence, vandalism and unrest. Initially peaceful, the protests gradually escalated into violence, leading to casualties and damage to public property, mosques, government buildings and banks, especially on Jan. 8-9, for which Tehran has blamed the United States and Israel. TEHRAN, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- A senior Iranian military commander said on Saturday the country's armed forces are ready to give a "regret-inducing" response to any adventurism by the "enemies," according to the official news agency IRNA. Deputy Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Ahmad Vahidi made the remarks at a national congress in the northwestern Iranian province of West Azarbaijan as tensions remain high between Tehran and Washington over the latter's threats of intervention. "Today, we are more prepared than the 12-day (Israeli-U.S.) war (in June) ... We are ready to respond to any adventurism by the enemies in a regret-inducing manner," Vahidi said. Pointing to the recent unrests in the country, he added, "The enemies, who had received a hard slap from Iran during the 12-day war, sought to compensate for their defeat through inciting sedition, but faced another heavy defeat thanks to the Iranian people's unity and solidarity." His remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States had a "massive" naval force heading towards Iran, while suggesting it may not be used. "We have a lot of ships going that direction just in case. We have a big flotilla going in that direction. And we'll see what happens," Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he returned from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. However, the U.S. president reiterated that he preferred to avoid conflict, saying, "I'd rather not see anything happen, but we're watching them very closely." Protests erupted late December in several Iranian cities over the sharp depreciation of the rial. Initially held peacefully, the protests gradually became violent, leading to casualties and damage to public property, mosques, government buildings, and banks, for which Tehran has blamed the United States and Israel. VIENTIANE, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Preparations for the election of members of the Lao National Assembly's 10th legislature and the fifth Provincial People's Councils are intensifying nationwide, as central and local election committees strengthen coordination to ensure a smooth, transparent and lawful process ahead of polling day on Feb. 22. Across the provinces, election preparations are gaining momentum. In Savannakhet province, election officials met to review progress and strengthen coordination, emphasizing the importance of raising political awareness among eligible voters. Authorities called for the timely and accurate completion of voter registration lists and urged creative public outreach that combines national guidance with local characteristics to encourage active participation. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Technology and Communications held a dissemination meeting to brief Party members and civil servants on election guidelines. ITB Berlin 2026 to Feature Over 50 Exhibitors in Adventure and Responsible Tourism Segment - Image Credit ITB Berlin ITB Berlin 2026 will host more than 50 exhibitors from 27 countries in its Adventure Travel & Responsible Tourism segment from March 3 to 5, with Peru participating as the events first Adventure Travel Partner. ITB Berlin 2026 is scheduled to take place from March 3 to 5, with its Adventure Travel & Responsible Tourism segment focusing on sustainable and adventure travel in Hall 4.1. The segment will feature over 50 exhibitors representing 27 countries, presenting products and services related to environmentally friendly outdoor experiences, nature-oriented and community-based tourism, and responsible business models. Peru will participate as the first Adventure Travel Partner of ITB Berlin, with exhibition space in halls 23 and 4.1. New exhibitors in 2026 include Hokkaido Tourism Promotion, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), and UNESCO Global Geoparks. Returning exhibitors include the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), Myclimate, the European Centre for Eco and Agro Tourism (ECEAT), and Studienkreis fur Tourismus und Entwicklung. The programme will include the ITB Lighthouse Stage in Hall 4.1, which will host panels, keynote speeches, and presentations on topics such as adventure tourism, cycle tourism, climate protection, agritourism, safety in outdoor tourism, wildlife observation, community-based tourism, astrotourism, geotourism, and accessible travel. The stage will also feature certification and award ceremonies by organizations including Myclimate, GSTC, Travelife, ECPAT Germany, and RAL Umwelt. The 21st Green & Blue Tourism Forum will be held under the theme "Genuine Sustainability Enjoying the Great Outdoors the Responsible Way." The Responsible Tourism Lounge, organized by mascontour, will facilitate industry dialogue and the development of sustainable tourism concepts. ITB Berlin 2026 will also include a guided tour titled "Resilient Destinations: Adapting Tourism to Climate Change," scheduled for March 3 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The tour will present examples of climate adaptation in mountain, coastal, and city destinations, focusing on infrastructure planning and adaptation measures. Award presentations will begin on March 3 at 6 p.m. with the TO DO Award and the TO DO Human Rights in Tourism Award in Hall 7.1b. On March 4, Accessible Tourism Day will take place at CityCube Berlin, followed by the Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards, ITB Earth Award, and Peoples Choice Award in Hall 7.1b. The Social Entrepreneurship in Tourism Award will be presented on March 4 at 6 p.m. in Hall 6.1. On March 5 at 2:15 p.m., the Gender Equality Champion of the Year Award will be presented in the LGBTQ+ Pavilion in Hall 4.1. In cooperation with Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), ITB Berlin will offer reduced-rate public transport tickets for trade visitors and exhibitors, valid for the duration of the event. ITB Berlin 2026 will mark the 60th anniversary of the event and will be held as a B2B trade show. The ITB Berlin Convention will run concurrently, featuring speakers from business, science, and politics across multiple thematic tracks. National Grid, Foundation Energy Affordability Assistance for Seniors, Families in Need WALTHAM, Mass. National Grid and the National Grid Foundation today announced a $5 million statewide initiative to provide affordability assistance for Massachusetts customers over the next two years. The funds will be administered by community partners and will help seniors and income-eligible households manage energy costs and improve energy affordability through new resources, enhanced community outreach, and weatherization services. The efforts will: Provide up to $400 in emergency energy bill assistance for Massachusetts households that fall outside state aid eligibility. Drive enrollment in energy affordability programs through increased community outreach to seniors and income-eligible populations. Fund targeted initiatives through weatherization and preventive strategies to reduce long-term energy insecurity. Over the next two years, National Grid and the National Grid Foundation will work with several community organizations, including local United Way affiliates, The Good Neighbor Energy Fund administered by the Salvation Army, and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation to deploy community programs that will help households with winter energy costs. In addition, the Foundation will convene a cohort of community-based organizations to co-design best-practice approaches for outreach and innovative initiatives focused on energy affordability to increase enrollment in heating assistance programs such as National Grid's discount rate, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, and related partner offerings for hard-to-reach, energy-burdened communities. Initiative Highlights include: United Way Central Massachusetts, Massachusetts Bay, and affiliates In early 2026, partners will meet with nonprofit networks to establish engagement plans for the highest energy burdened municipalities in Massachusetts. Across the remainder of this heating season, United Way partners will help seniors and income-eligible households enroll in discounted rates, arrearage forgiveness, and budget billing plans and will share information through community events, senior centers, immigrant networks, and local partner organizations. Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund (Salvation Army of Massachusetts) The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund will continue to support eligible residents throughout the 2026 heating season. The program provides up to $400 per season for households with incomes between 60 percent and 80 percent of the state median income, with payments made directly to utility providers to ensure timely support during the winter months. Greater Worcester Community Foundation The Greater Worcester Community Foundation will begin work in 2026 to expand access to weatherization services and energy assistance enrollment for Worcester County families. Activities will include outreach to homeowners and renters, with a particular focus on those who fall outside Mass Save requirements. Throughout the year, the Foundation will coordinate with municipalities across Worcester County and support organizations such as libraries, senior centers, and Meals on Wheels providers to assist residents, including renters, in enrolling in available assistance programs. Co-design Partners Recognizing that lack of awareness and program access are major barriers for energy-burdened communities, the National Grid Foundation will partner with trusted community organizations to develop targeted, grassroots initiatives addressing complex energy affordability needs across Massachusetts. Through an iterative process, partners will identify best practices for engaging these communities and connecting them to support programs. Based on these insights, they will design initiatives to improve outreach and access to services for income-eligible customers. Additional Customer Assistance Resources Customers can learn about additional affordability programs including opportunities to reduce energy use, discount rate programs, balanced billing and other resources at National Grid's "Here to Help" website. Customers can also attend Customer Assistance Events, where they can meet with National Grid representatives for personalized support. UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called for multilateral cooperation to speed up development. He made the appeal at a special event to mark the 80th anniversary of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. Eighty years ago today, the ECOSOC met for the first time. Along the way, the council has stayed true to its founding principles: fostering inclusive dialogue, forging commitments, promoting coordinated action, and mobilizing financing, said Guterres. Despite signs of real progress, he added, the world is in a precarious state. Conflicts rage, as military spending goes through the roof. Inequalities grow, while development funding is in free fall. Temperatures climb, but we're slow to scale up solutions. Technology barrels ahead, threatening to leave humanity behind. Rights are violated, yet impunity reigns, he said. "These intertwined crises cannot be solved with unilateral approaches or raw power. They demand urgent, collective responses. And ECOSOC can help lead the way," he said. "Its mandate focuses on root causes. Its approach is grounded in global solidarity, shared responsibility and multilateral cooperation. Its reach encompasses functional and regional commissions, expert bodies and UN entities across the world. Its policy guidance addresses critical issues -- from the sources of inequalities to the responsible governance of artificial intelligence. And its resolutions have real impact at country level," Guterres said. But he cautioned that the council's continued success requires something more, especially in an era when multilateralism is under strain and trust is in short supply. He asked to give developing countries more meaningful participation in global financial institutions, triple the lending capacity of multilateral development banks, lift crushing debt burdens, and help developing countries move up global supply chains. "ECOSOC has a vital role to play in our divided and unequal world -- and we must waste no time to strengthen it," said Guterres. "So let us renew our commitment to safeguarding rights and speeding up development through multilateral cooperation." HERAT, Afghanistan, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Attired in the national dress, Latifa Nuri expressed that working in a saffron field gives her energy and brings her happiness. "I work in the processing sector of the saffron plant here and feel happy that I have a job," Nuri shared. Noting her failure to continue education, Nuri said, "It is very good to work here and earn money to support my family." The saffron industry has seen significant growth in Afghanistan over the past two decades, with yearly expansions in cultivation areas to harvest this valuable spice, known locally as "Red Gold." According to officials with the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Afghanistan produced nearly 41 tons of saffron in 2025 and exported 38 tons of the valuable plant, worth 67.5 million U.S. dollars. "I am very satisfied with my job and its income," another female worker at the saffron processing firm, Gulsam Khudadadi, said recently. Another working lady, Hadia, noted that sitting jobless at home could be the source of mental ailments and other diseases. "We should come here to work. It is for our economic interests and also beneficial for our family," said Hadia. Saffron is currently cultivated on almost 12,000 hectares of land across the country, and the area to cultivate saffron is on a constant rise, especially in the western Herat and adjoining provinces. Saffron ranks among Afghanistan's leading export products. Abdul Khaliq Khudadadi, the head of a local saffron company, Royan, hopes to export more saffron this year. "Currently, we are collecting saffron from the farmers. After processing and packaging, we export to the United States, European nations, India and other countries. Our customers are increasing, and they want to import Afghanistan saffron," Khudadadi told Xinhua. by Xinhua writers Shen Anni and Jiang Shengxiong BEIJING/HAIKOU, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- For five years, chronic arthritis placed a burden on the life of Nicholas from Russia, leaving him in constant pain. He sought treatment in Russia and across Europe, but relief never lasted. A chance discovery online led him to Hainan, China's southern island province, known for its tropical climate, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and longstanding visa-free entry policy for citizens of 59 countries. With few options left, he decided to take two weeks off from work and make the trip. After just half a month of physiotherapy at the Sanya Hospital of TCM, Nicholas felt a clear improvement. "Traditional Chinese medicine is incredible," he said. "The doctors' skills, together with the warm climate, are especially effective for pain in the shoulders, neck and lower back." Nicholas's experience is far from unique. Despite strict limits on the scale of special-needs services at public hospitals -- capped at no more than 10 percent of total medical provision -- international medical services in China have continued to expand. Official data show that approximately 850 medical institutions across 57 cities on the Chinese mainland currently offer such services. From acupuncture rooms to state-of-the-art operating theaters, China's hospitals have, in recent years, seen a growing number of overseas patients attracted by the unique appeal of traditional wellness therapies, the country's strengths in certain modern medical specialties, and a medical tourism industry that is coming into its own. For instance, Yuan Ailin, deputy head of the Sanya Hospital of TCM, said the hospital is currently treating nearly 100 foreign patients, mainly from Mongolia, Russia, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Canada. As of October 2025, the hospital had treated more than 100,000 overseas patients from over 40 countries. For many international patients, traveling to China is an opportunity to experience TCM firsthand, celebrated for its unique approach to managing chronic conditions, often in ways that differ from Western treatments. "Some patients with metabolic syndrome -- experiencing symptoms such as numbness or tingling in the limbs, excessive sweating, or insomnia -- seek out herbal remedies and acupuncture while visiting China," said Wu Qunli, director of the TCM Department at Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing. In addition to its time-honored therapies, China's advanced medical technologies are also attracting the interest of international patients. An official from the National Health Commission said that compared to many developed countries, China boasts richer clinical experience and leading technical expertise in certain medical specialties, and offers advanced treatments such as proton therapy and targeted drugs at lower costs. "In targeted cancer therapy, there have been cases in clinical practice where patients from the UK and Italy came to our hospital in Shenzhen for consultation after various rounds of cancer treatments proved ineffective in their home countries," said Brian Siu, an executive director of New Frontier, a Hong Kong and Shanghai-based company builder and investor which owns high-profile private health institutions including United Family Healthcare. "Some patients have even chosen to directly seek domestically developed cancer drugs from China under the guidance of overseas doctors," he said. At Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, South African paddler and former Olympic team captain Oscar Chalupsky finally found new hope for his recovery. After doctors in several other countries described his late-stage multiple myeloma as "difficult to treat and nearly hopeless," he is now receiving CAR-T therapy at Ruijin Hospital. "Doing all my research, Ruijin Hospital came up as the best," he said. "And now hopefully the results will show some benefits." Some other foreign patients are drawn to China just as much by the efficiency of its hospitals as by the advanced medical expertise. Amie from Britain, known as @amieinchina on TikTok, shared her choice to travel thousands of miles to China for medical care simply because facing the waiting list in her country felt harder than crossing an ocean. Plagued by stomach pain for two years, Amie managed to finish a full round of tests, diagnosis, and treatment in China in just 13 days. She shared her "speedy care" experience on social media, lauding the efficiency and convenience of Chinese medical services. In 2023, Franco Caputo from Canada received treatment at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, successfully resolving intestinal polyps, gastroesophageal reflux, and a Helicobacter pylori infection. Since then, he has made annual trips to China for medical care. "Canada has family doctors, but the wait times are long, and treatment isn't always effective," he said. The growing influx of foreign patients has also injected fresh momentum into China's medical tourism sector. Late last year, an international tourism cooperation agreement was reached in south China's Bama Yao Autonomous County, a region famed for its exceptionally high concentration of centenarians. The deal, concluded between Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region's Department of Culture and Tourism and the Asia-Pacific Tourism Association, aims to position Guangxi as a world-class tourist destination while boosting high-quality health and wellness tourism cooperation between China and ASEAN countries. Further south, Hainan's Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone has already served more than 200,000 patients from around the globe. A special medical area within the Hainan Free Trade Port, the zone has become a regional hub for international pharmaceutical equipment manufacturers and innovative small- and medium-sized pharmaceutical and medical enterprises. It offers patients access to overseas-approved medical devices and pharmaceuticals that are not yet available elsewhere in China. Additionally, it provides Chinese doctors with opportunities to explore the latest international medical technologies, all without leaving the country. In 2025, the zone recorded a total of 865,300 medical tourism visits, a remarkable 109 percent surge from the previous year. To make it easier for foreign patients to get care in China, experts suggest building user-friendly service platforms, offering better multilingual support, and making international payments more convenient. As the service sector opens wider and at a higher level to the outside world, medical institutions will need to place greater emphasis on strengthening their own soft power, said Cai Jiangnan, founder and executive director of a Shanghai-based research institute focusing on health development. "For example, international departments of public hospitals need to train a cohort of highly professional medical staff with strong patient communication skills to meet the standards of high-level, high-quality international medical services," Cai said. At the Sanya Hospital of TCM, Nicholas has just finished a 45-minute session of moxibustion and acupuncture. "Next year, I plan to invite my parents and friends to come and experience moxibustion, acupuncture and massage," he said. "After seeing how well the treatment has worked for me, I think they'll be more than happy to come." 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 suicide bomber set off an explosive vest during a wedding celebration in northwest Pakistan on Friday, killing at least seven people and injuring 25, police said. The attack occurred at the home of Noor Alam Mehsud, a pro-government community figure, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces Dera Ismail Khan district, close to the border with Afghanistan, local police chief Adnan Khan said. The victims were taken to a hospital, where several of the wounded were reported to be in a critical condition. Police official Muhammad Adnan said the explosion tore through a building housing members of a peace committee. Peace committees are made up of local residents and elders and supported by Islamabad as part of its effort to counter Islamist militants in the regions along the Afghan border. Three people were confirmed dead on Friday and four of the injured died later in hospital, according to police. The attack occurred at the home of a pro-government community figure ( AP ) Witnesses said some of the guests were dancing to drum music when the attacker struck. No group immediately has claimed responsibility but suspicion is expected to fall on the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, which has carried out numerous attacks across the country in recent years. The group is allied with, though separate from, the Afghan Taliban. The proscribed group has been emboldened since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, when US and Nato troops left the country after 20 years of war. Many leaders and fighters of the group have found sanctuaries in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover. 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 At least eight people died and 82 went missing after a landslide struck Indonesias West Java province on Saturday, officials said. The national disaster mitigation agency said the landslide triggered by heavy rains struck a village in the West Bandung region, southeast of the capital Jakarta. Rescue workers were searching for 82 villagers feared buried under mud and debris, Abdul Muhari, a spokesman for the National Search and Rescue Agency, said, adding that at least 24 people managed to escape the disaster. The number of missing persons is high so well try and optimise our search and rescue efforts today, Mr Muhari said. open image in gallery A woman carries a boy who survived a landslide at Pasirlangu village in Bandung, West Java ( AFP via Getty Images ) The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency had issued a warning of extreme weather for one week from Friday, forecasting heavy rain in West Java, Kompas, a local news outlet reported. The alert also warns of floods and landslides across the region, advising residents to remain vigilant and evacuate immediately if they spot soil movement, hear rumbling sounds or believe conditions are unsafe. The West Bandung landslide damaged over 30 homes, the disaster mitigation agency said, adding that debris buried residential areas, causing fatalities and affecting local residents. Authorities said the landslide hit Pasir Langu village at around 2.30am on Saturday, burying many homes in mud and debris. TV visuals showed rescue workers and villagers desperately searching for survivors through murky brown sludge, rocks and uprooted trees. open image in gallery Pasir Langu village after it was hit by a landslide in West Java province of Indonesia ( AP ) "Unstable soil and heavy rain continue to complicate search and rescue operations," Teten Ali Mungku Engkun, head of West Java's disaster management office, said. Authorities rapidly assessed the damage, he added, and deployed emergency response crews who evacuated families living within 100 meters of the landslide zone amid fears of further slope failures. Indonesia frequently faces deadly landslides triggered by heavy rainfall. The risk of flooding and extreme rainfall is particularly elevated during the archipelago nations wet season, which runs from September to April, according to the weather agency. At least 30 people died and more than 900 were displaced when landslides triggered by torrential rains struck in two regions of the Central Java province in November. In January last year, more than 20 people had been killed in the same province after heavy rains caused flash floods and landslides. 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 A woman who desperately wanted designer vagina surgery at the age of 14 wants to ban the practice after she was left in excruciating pain. Campaigners are calling for labiaplasty which alters the appearance of the folds of skin at the vaginal opening and is sometimes referred to as getting a Barbie vagina to be treated as female genital mutilation (FGM). They say the operation, which plastic surgeons warned several years ago was the world's fastest-growing cosmetic procedure, has surged in popularity as a TikTok trend in recent months. Riley Smith* said the procedure was promoted to her as a fix after she felt insecure about the size of her labia. She told The Independent that her vulgar friends reaffirmed her worst insecurities when she confided in them about her worries. open image in gallery Figures show there were 635 labiaplasty operations in the UK in 2024 ( Getty/iStock ) She had labiaplasty aged 22 after being described as the perfect candidate, and claims not to have been warned of the risks, instead being told it was super simple surgery. Afterwards, she felt extremely drained and uncomfortable and said she has since experienced irritation, dryness and recurring infections due to the removed tissue. She now cant sit directly on it for long, and finds sex excruciatingly painful and mentally distressing. Ms Smith added: Im so sad. Penetration was never painful before. I feel so angry at the surgeon, the system and myself for making this decision. It makes me so angry how casually this procedure is promoted as increasing sexual confidence, improving hygiene, and even making underwear more physically comfortable. She said a doctor has spoken to her about reconstruction surgery, applying the same techniques used for women who have suffered FGM. open image in gallery Labiaplasty has surged as a TikTok trend in recent months ( TikTok ) The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines FGM as all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is illegal in the UK and usually non-consensual, but plastic surgeons can legally perform labiaplasty on anyone over 18 who consents. Figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons show there were 635 labiaplasty operations in the UK in 2024, which was a slight decrease from the previous year. Charity The Vavengers, which works to end violence against women and girls in the UK, is fighting for labiaplasty to be criminalised like FGM. Chief executive Sema Gornall argued it is impossible to consent to that much bodily harm and claimed labiaplasty has become normalised on social media. A search for the procedure on TikTok brings up more than 7,000 posts since 2024. Google has seen a 90 per cent increase in searches for labiaplasty before and after uk in the past year, and a 70 per cent increase in searches for what is labiaplasty in the past five years. Ms Gornall added: There are over 10,000 nerve fibres on the female genitalia. If I cant consent to cutting off my arm without a medical reason... I cant consent to cutting off my genitalia as well. open image in gallery CEO of The Vavengers Sema Gornall argues it is not possible to consent to that much bodily harm ( Stephen Gornall ) FGM, as defined by the UKs 2003 Female Genital Mutilation Act, includes cutting, pricking, stitching, or cauterisation of the vulva for reasons of ritual. Dr Kate Goldie Townsend, a lecturer at Exeter University specialising in political philosophy, particularly concerning the body and childrens rights, told The Independent: [FGM] is often connected to myths about cleanliness, and that undergoing the practice makes the girl or woman more marriageable. The rise in labiaplasty as a trend on platforms like TikTok adds to the incessant pressure on girls and women to conform to rigid, patriarchal beauty norms, no doubt fuelled by mainstream hetero-pornography. She explained how current FGM legislation states it is not a crime for an approved person to perform a surgical operation on a girl which is necessary for her physical or mental health, meaning a child could technically have labiaplasty if she had intense anxiety about her vulvas appearance. open image in gallery Dr Kate Goldie Townsend from the University of Exeter said labiaplasty risks mirror those of FGM ( Dr Kate Townsend ) Dr Townsend said labiaplasty risks mirror those of FGM, including bleeding, infection, reduction in sexual function due to the removal of nerve endings, chaffing, scarring, and psychological distress due to regret. The benefits are a socio-cultural increase in confidence due to feelings of conforming to patriarchal beauty standards. However, Dr Townsend said many women express regret at having undergone the procedure, and some private clinics are capitalising on women and girls bodily anxieties. The Vavengers ambassador Payzee Mahmod, who underwent FGM, said: I know women who have pain every single day of their life, not even just through having sex, but just existing in their bodies. They live with that pain. She said labiaplasty is decorated and masked in this idea that women are choosing to have a designer vagina, that this is a sense of empowerment and freedom, but actually, this all goes back to patriarchy, because this is done for men in the same way that FGM is done for men. open image in gallery Payzee Mahmod experienced FGM and child marriage ( AFP/Getty ) The government said it has no current plans to ban private labiaplasty surgery for adults, which costs around 4,000. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: Prioritising womens health and safety is paramount. Labiaplasty is only available on the NHS in exceptional circumstances when patients have a clinical need for surgery, for instance, to remove cancerous tissue. FGM is different. It is a crime, it is child abuse, and it can destroy lives. We will not tolerate a practice that can cause extreme and lifelong physical and psychological suffering to women and girls, and offenders will face the full force of the law. A WHO spokesperson said it develops guidance and resources to support countries with high prevalence to implement prevention and care services, but decisions about labiaplasty and other forms of plastic surgery are not the focus of WHOs efforts to end FGM. *Name has been changed Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Childrens play sand has been withdrawn from sale by Hobbycraft after a parent alerted them to apparent traces of asbestos in the product. The parent warned the craft company after she sent samples of the sand off to a testing lab. The parent claimed that the testing found traces of asbestos fibres were found in the bottles of yellow, green and pink sand that were sold in the Giant Box of Crafts kit. Hobbycraft said that no UK authority had warned of a risk and that there was no evidence of harm to customers. A spokesperson said: As a precaution, we have voluntarily removed the product from sale while we carry out independent testing through an accredited UK laboratory, working in line with regulatory and product-safety guidance...We will update customers as soon as we are in a position to do so. The parent, who did not want to be named, told The Guardian: The bottles of coloured sand looked extremely similar to ones I had seen on a news report of play sand recalled in Australia. I was concerned enough to buy a set at Hobbycraft and send it to an accredited lab for testing. Three of the five colours came back positive for fibrous tremolite asbestos, she claimed. open image in gallery Hobbycraft has reportedly withdrawn some childrens sand from sale to investigate ( PA ) A government source said that Hobbycraft should recall the product itself. They told the paper: Parents are right to be concerned by this. Officials are investigating, but theres no good reason why Hobbycraft shouldnt recall this themselves, given the evidence. A spokersperson for Hobbycraft added: We have been made aware of a customer claim relating to laboratory testing of a childrens play sand product sold by Hobbycraft. While we have not been provided with the underlying samples or methodology, we take any such claim extremely seriously. Product safety is of the utmost importance to Hobbycraft. In November last year, 69 schools were forced to close in Australia after coloured play sand was recalled due to asbestos risk. Asbestos is more dangerous when it becomes airborne and can be inhaled, such as during building demolitions. Inhaling any form of asbestos can cause cancer, and there is no safe level of exposure. However, the risks increase with the amount you are exposed to. Those likely to become ill from asbestos are usually exposed to it on a regular basis. 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 Batches of infant and follow-on formula distributed across the UK and Europe are being recalled over concerns about the potential presence of a harmful toxin. Danone has initiated the recall of specific products manufactured in Ireland, following advice from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) regarding the potential for cereulide contamination. While the implicated formulas were produced in Ireland, the FSAI confirmed that none were distributed within the country. However, they have been exported to numerous EU nations, the UK, and other international markets. The FSAI has since informed the European Commission about the recall. An ingredient, ARA oil, which was manufactured in China, was contaminated with cereulide and added as an ingredient in base powder used to make infant formula and follow-on formula. Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning. This recall is associated with a contaminated raw ingredient which was also implicated in the recent recall of some batches of infant formula and follow-on formula by Nestle in its SMA product line earlier this month. open image in gallery Cereulide is a toxin produced by some strains of the bacterium Bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning ( AFP via Getty Images ) The FSAI and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine who regulate the Danone manufacturing facilities in Ireland, continue to engage with Danone to ensure that all food safety measures are being taken to protect consumers. Danone said it never compromises on food safety. In a statement, the company said: In light of the current situation in the industry, some local food safety authorities are evolving their guidance. This is a targeted recall, mainly in Europe, of only a very limited number of specific batches of infant formula products. This does not impact any Danone products in the Irish market and our infant formula products can be purchased and used as normal. It added: As a responsible manufacturer, and to comply with the latest guidance, we have voluntarily recalled an isolated batch of Aptamil First Infant Milk in the UK. This affects batch number/expiry 31-10-2026, which was on shelf in the UK for approximately two weeks in July 2025. 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 Internationally synonymous with Scottish identity, Robert Burns is Scotlands national bard, a status he has achieved through his popularity since his death in 1796. He wrote some of the countrys most famous poems, including the satirical ode, Address to a Haggis and the rousing Scots Wha Hae. His most well-known work, the emotive Auld Lang Syne, is belted out the world over every New Years Eve. On the 25th of January each year, Scots celebrate his life with good food (including the haggis he declared Chieftain o the Puddin-race) and recitations of his poetry. This Burns Night, I urge you to read one of the Bards lesser-known works from 1790, Lament of Mary, Queen of Scots, on the Approach of Spring. A figure who also looms large in the Scottish cultural imagination, Mary, Queen of Scots was executed in 1587 for plotting against her cousin, the English queen, Elizabeth I. Following her execution and the death of Elizabeth, Marys son James was crowned king of both countries in 1603, meaning Mary is often viewed as the last distinctively Scottish monarch. Marys legacy has long been contested. In her lifetime, she was depicted as either a papist jezebel, a monstrous female ruler, or a Catholic martyr. Since her death, a slew of writers, including Burns, have written fictional versions of the Queen of Scots according to their own beliefs about her cultural significance. However, Burns poem, written 200 years after her execution, played a large part in shaping her legacy. Mary was the subject of heated debate among Scottish men in the 18th century. Figures such as the philosopher David Hume labelled Mary a whore who had murdered her husband. The lost portrait of Robert Burns by artist Sir Henry Raeburn at the National Galleries of Scotland ( PA ) Hume was using the same smears weaponised by Marys contemporary political enemies to control her public reputation. The Scottish lords at the time implicated the queen in the murder of her second husband, Lord Darnley. Her marriage to the man accused of Darnelys killing just months after his death seemed to support perceptions of her guilt. They denounced her as a murderer and adulteress, and she was forced to abdicate in 1567. Burns representation of the amiable but unfortunate Mary is, by contrast, sympathetic. His lament first appeared in a letter in 1790 to his friend the heiress Francis Dunlop. He went on to describe the work, in another letter, this time to Lady Winifred Maxwell Constable in 1791, as a tribute to the memory of our greatly injured, lovely Scottish Queen. Burns sympathy for the queen was probably influenced by the popular defence of her written by his friend William Tytler. Challenging accounts from the likes of Hume, Tytler critically re-examined the evidence used to condemn Mary for her second husbands death. Burnss portrayal of Mary was also influenced by his Jacobite sympathies he believed that the exiled Stuart dynasty, represented by Mary, should be restored to the British throne. A burgeoning romantic literary tradition, oriented around natural imagery and individualistic emotional expression, also informed his representation of the Queen. Written in Marys voice as she awaits execution, Burns Mary contrasts her youthful happiness as the Queen o bonie France (she became Queen of France through her first marriage in 1558 to the French dauphin, Francis II) with her current imprisonment in foreign bands in England. She decries mony [many] a traitor in Scotland and wishes kinder stars for her son James. About the author Kate Kane is a PhD Candidate in Scottish Literature at the University of Glasgow. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The Lamentation of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots by the female poet Anne Hunter (1742-1821) may also have influenced Burns depiction of the queen. Published around 1780, it bears marked similarities to Burns later lament. Hunter and Burns both write as Mary in the first-person, describe Elizabeth I as a false woman, use nature-based imagery, and conclude with Marys defiant belief that she will live on after her death. Unfortunately, the likely influence of Hunters work on the bard has largely been forgotten, as her poem was often published anonymously. With his lament, Burns cemented Marys status as a tragic figure ripe for romantic literary representation. Burns work inspired the romantic poet William Wordsworth to write three poems about the queen of weeping captivity in the early 1800s one remarkably similar lament and two works that also appropriated her voice. With Burnss Mary declaring Elizabeth to be a lesser woman as the weeping blood in womans breast / Was never known to thee, he also helped to create an enduring trope that presents womanly, incompetent Mary as having been the victim and opposite of cold and shrewd (unwomanly) Elizabeth. This idea has been perpetuated in works from Walter Scotts The Abbot (1820) to Phillipa Gregorys The Other Queen (2008). Liz Lochheads 1987 play Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off is the most significant work to date to take issue with this portrayal of the queens as two mean girls locked in a catfight to the death. Both Mary and Burns were poets, both of their corpses were exhumed in attempts to redefine their cultural reputations, and both are now profitable attractions for Scotlands tourism and heritage industries. As Burns Night comes around again and Marys last letter goes on display for the first time in Perth, now is the time to read Lament of Mary, Queen of Scots, on the Approach of Spring and remember two figures whose lives and mythologies have shaped Scotland greatly. Vehicles damaged during the recent unrest are pictured in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Shadati) TEHRAN, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said Friday that 10 foreign intelligence services were behind recent "terrorist" incidents in the country. In a statement on its official outlet Sepah News, the IRGC described the incidents as part of a failed "U.S.-Israeli plan" to threaten Iran's territorial and national integrity. It said a foreign "command room" was set up after a 12-day conflict in June to create internal chaos, provoke military intervention, and mobilize groups seen as a threat, without providing evidence. The IRGC said it had disrupted the plots from June through late December, detaining 735 people linked to "anti-security networks," guiding 11,000 "vulnerable individuals," and seizing 743 illegal weapons. Vehicles damaged during the recent unrest are pictured in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Shadati) Separately, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf called the unrest a "quasi-coup" backed by the United States and Israel, according to the official IRNA news agency. He made the remarks during a Thursday call with his Turkish counterpart Numan Kurtulmus, in which he thanked Turkiye for its policy of non-interference in Iran's domestic affairs. Protests erupted across Iran last month over economic grievances before taking on a political dimension and turning violent, leading to casualties and widespread damage to public property, mosques, government buildings, and banks. Iranian authorities have blamed the United States and Israel for inciting the unrest. 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 When 16-year-old Damien Nettles disappeared, his mother Valerie was too afraid to leave the house. She stayed inside waiting, convinced that every set of footsteps outside meant her son was finally coming home. But Ms Nettles is now 73, and on 2 November, it will be 30 years since she last saw her child. With no meaningful leads and a stalled investigation, she fears she may never learn the truth about what happened to him before she dies. Damiens disappearance devastated his entire family and caused his parents and three siblings lives to be irrevocably altered. Thirty years is going to be hard to swallow, Ms Nettles said. But so was 29 years, so was 28 years, and so was one year. AsThe Independent has raised 165,000 to launch SafeCall a free new service to help missing children find support and safety no matter what and continues to raise more, we spoke to Ms Nettles, who still hopes she will one day find out what happened to her son. Donate here or text SAFE to 70577 to give 10 to Missing People enough for one child to get help. open image in gallery Damien Nettles was described as a gentle giant by friends and family ( Valerie Nettles ) Damiens grandparents and uncle died not knowing what happened to him, and Ms Nettles fears she will face the same fate too. Even now, she still keeps his teddy bears in his room and hangs up his stocking at Christmas. I dont buy him presents anymore because one year I found the presents from the year before, she told The Independent. It doesnt go away, its on my mind all the time and its worse because we have no conclusion as to what happened. Its an open sore. Damien, a kind and funny Isle of Wight teenager, went to a party with his friends on a wintry Saturday night in 1996. His mother had given him a curfew of 10pm, which he persuaded her to push back to midnight. She thought she didnt have to worry about Damien, as the island was a small place where everybody knew everyone. Damien and his friend left the party and began walking home at 10.30pm, but after taking separate routes, Damien returned to town to look for his older sister Sarah. open image in gallery Damien was one of four children ( Valerie Nettles ) CCTV captured him at Yorkies Fish and Chip shop in Cowes at 11.40pm that night, and shortly after, he was seen walking alone on the high street in footage which Hampshire Police later lost. When Ms Nettles realised he wasnt in his bed the next morning, she had assumed he was staying with a friend. But as the hours wore on and Damien didnt come home, she knew something was deeply wrong. After filing a police report, Ms Nettles said she was told that Damien would be home by tea time and that his disappearance was something all boys do at the age of 16. She claimed the first 48 hours of his disappearance, vital in a missing person investigation, were not taken seriously by the police and the family had to launch their own search party and obtain CCTV themselves. While the investigation ticked on for several years, and still remains open today, Ms Nettles feels Damiens case was always sidelined. She is now living 5,000 miles away in Texas, in the United States, but still makes every attempt to get any answer that she can. open image in gallery His mother Valerie Nettles still hangs up a stocking for Damien at Christmas ( Valerie Nettles ) Not one day has gone by that she hasnt thought about Damien. Its terrible, its horrible, its altered the shape of our lives, Ms Nettles said. Damien came first. Its always been Damien. I think about him every single day. It doesnt go away. Without any answers, she worries that her children, who have had to grow up without their brother, will be left with the legacy of his disappearance. In 2011, police arrested eight people, but all suspects were later released without charge. Someone is going to have to walk in their door and confess before [the police] are going to do anything, Ms Nettles said. I would much prefer for somebody to tell me where he is so we can go find him, and I can bring him home, and I can give him a funeral, and Ill have a spot where he is so that I can go and visit. Im not going to give up hope, Im always going to have a glimmer of hope. I can only hope that if there is a heaven, Ill find him up there. Detective superintendent Nick Plummer from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: Our shared objective with the Nettles family remains finding out what happened to Damien. We understand the concerns raised by members of the Nettles family about the standards of our initial investigation. A complaint was received in 2016, where two elements raised were upheld following an investigation. A detailed apology was subsequently provided to Damiens family. Its important to stress that this is still an open case and any new credible information will be explored for any viable lines of enquiry. Please donate now to The Independent and Missing Peoples SafeCall campaign, which has raised 165,000 to create a free, nationwide service helping vulnerable children find safety and support. For advice, support and options if you or someone you love goes missing, text or call the charity Missing People on 116 000. Its free, confidential and non-judgemental. Or visit missingpeople.org.uk/get-help 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 Downpours and high winds are likely to continue after Storm Ingrid wreaked havoc in the South West and washed away part of a historic pier in Devon, the Met Office said. It will be a wet weekend for many, with yellow weather warnings for heavy rain in place across parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland and south-west England and Wales. A yellow warning is in place for an area covering Somerset, Devon and Cornwall and much of south Wales until 10pm on Saturday, while separate warnings in Northern Ireland and Scotland will run until 9am on Sunday. Some 20-40mm of rainfall is expected across most of the South West while some exposed locations could see up to 50mm, the forecaster said, with a risk of flooding to areas battered by rain in recent days. Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: Its been a contrasting picture depending on where you live, but if you havent seen rain so far this weekend, the likelihood is that you will see some tonight or through Sunday. He added: Generally, its a bit of a mixed picture through the next few days. Weve got a strong jet stream powering across the north Atlantic, fuelled by a big temperature contrast across north America. As it comes across the Atlantic, it gets stormy across the UK. So, unfortunately, the weather is looking very much unsettled right the way across the coming week. Mr Morgan said high winds could cause travel disruption and flooding in the week ahead, adding that Tuesday is likely to be a particularly blustery and wet day and further rainfall warnings are likely. There is also a small chance we will see some disruptive snow, mainly across the higher ground of northern England and Scotland on Tuesday, and so, locally, if you are travelling highland routes, that could also be problematic with snow falling, he said. Storm Ingrid, as named by the Portuguese national weather service IPMA, cause chaos with powerful waves in parts of the South West on Saturday. In the Devon coastal town of Teignmouth, part of its Victorian pier collapsed with the force of the waves. The towns mayor, Cate Williams, told the Press Association that Teignmouth had seen unusually high winds and strong waves which damaged benches, flower beds and paving stones near the seafront as well as the historic pier. Ms Williams said: Ingrid really gave the pier a battering its been quite an interesting day, everyones been really supportive of the town. It [the pier] has worked its way through previous storms and wars and all sorts of things, but it has got a bit old and the legs and structures have been beaten by Ingrid. Its really sad its such a focal point of our town, she added. The Environment Agency has issued 13 flood warnings which remained in place across south west England at 5pm on Saturday, meaning flooding is expected, while 135 flood alerts indicated flooding is possible in many parts of the country. Major disruption to railway services in south-west England is expected to last all day on Saturday, National Rail said, as passengers face cancellations and delays. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings over the weekend as Storm Ingrid descends upon the UK with heavy rain, lashing winds, and snow. Three separate yellow weather warnings for rain are in place over the weekend for the south west of England, Wales, parts of eastern Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The south west of England and Wales has been under a heavy rain warning since 2am on Friday, set to last until 10pm Saturday, as the Met Office warns Storm Ingrid (named by IPMA, the Portuguese Met Service), will slowly drift northwards over the Celtic Sea during Saturday. Bands of frequent heavy showers revolving around its centre, merging into longer spells of rain at times. An additional 20-40 mm, and in a few exposed locations, 50 mm of rainfall is expected to fall. Meanwhile, eastern parts of Scotland will see a further 20-30 mm of rain, and a few spots could see 50 mm, after three days of wet weather across the region, set to last until 9am on Sunday. Some places have already seen in excess of 100mm of rain. Above 400-500 metres, however, a lot of this will fall as snow, with rain confined to areas of ground below this level. Northern Ireland will see heavy rain overnight from 8pm Saturday into Sunday at 9am. As part of the slow-moving low-pressure system, 10-20 mm is expected widely and in a few spots as much as 25 mm could fall in a 12 hour period, leading to localised flooding and difficult driving conditions. It will also become windy with easterly winds gusting 30 to 35 mph inland and to 45 to 55 mph on some coasts and over high ground. Winds will ease after midnight. open image in gallery A third weather warning covers Northern Ireland ( Met Office ) Perth and Kinross Council said many roads in the region were closed due to flooding as of 6am on Friday, including the A94 between A93 Meikleour crossroads and A923 Bendochy crossroads, and the Queens Bridge in Perth. Two people were rescued from a minibus on the B977 near Kintore at around 8.30am on Thursday, while another person was brought to safety from a car in a separate incident at around the same time near Banchory. Across the south west of England and Wales, gusts of 45 to 50mph battered the inland, with winds peaking during Friday evening before gradually easing overnight into Saturday morning. The Environment Agency has issued 30 flood warnings, where flooding is expected, and 152 flood alerts, where flooding is possible. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued 11 flood warnings and four flood alerts. Three alerts are in place across Wales, according to Natural Resources Wales. open image in gallery Waves crash against South Shields lighthouse on the North East coast ( Owen Humphreys/PA Wire ) Met Office Chief Forecaster, Andy Page, said: Unsettled weather continues for many across the UK with persistent and heavy rain in parts of Scotland with snow over higher ground, and strong winds and heavy rain in southwestern England and southern Wales. Elsewhere, while itll be a breezy weekend, there will be brighter and drier spells with occasional showers passing through fairly quickly. The areas affected are: Cornwall Devon Dorset Plymouth Somerset Torbay Blaenau Gwent County Antrim County Armagh County Down County Fermanagh County Londonderry County Tyrone 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 Angela Rayner is supportive of allowing Manchester mayor Andy Burnham the chance to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election, paving the way for his return to the Commons, according to reports. The former deputy prime minister will reportedly back Mr Burnham at Labours northwest regional conference on Saturday, piling the pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to let him stand as an MP. Mr Burnham is seen as a potential rival for the partys leadership, and deputy prime minister David Lammy this week warned Mr Burnham and others not rock the boat by making moves to challenge Sir Keir. The mayor of Greater Manchester has until 5pm on Saturday to put his name forward if he wishes to stand. The seat in Gorton and Denton has become available because the current MP Andrew Gwynne said he would stand down, citing significant ill health. For Mr Burnham to become the candidate, he would have to be approved by Labours national executive committee (NEC), which is widely viewed as being under the control of Sir Keirs supporters. open image in gallery Angela Rayner in 2024 out canvassing on the streets of Birmingham during meeting meeting with Labour mayors, including Andy Burnham (right), and mayoral candidates. ( PA ) However, some MPs have warned against any moves to prevent Mr Burnham running as an MP, worried that such a stance would provoke an internal row, The Times reported. Jo White, MP for Bassetlaw, posted on X saying: Let the North decide who their Labour candidate should be for the Gorton and Denton by-election. A London stitch up will be a disaster for Labour. While Connor Naismith, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, said: Gorton and Denton deserves the best possible choice of candidates. I agree with the prime minister that our attention should be on delivering for the public, not speculating about future leadership contests. Any decision made to limit the choice would be wrong. open image in gallery Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (left) and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, during a meeting with English regional mayors, at No 10 Downing Street in Westminster, in July 2024. ( PA ) However, when asked about Mr Burnhams potential return to Westminster on Friday, Mr Lammy said: What I would say is this, and I do feel this very strongly: all of us are in the business of Labour politics and all of us have got to be seen to be getting on with serving working people. And parties that air their dirty linen in public, that fight and bitch and moan, usually are a huge turnoff to the electorate... Please let us not rock the boat and blow it, which Labour governments have done throughout their history. That was why Labour was only in power in the 20th century for 22 years. Lets not make that mistake. He added: I dont know if Andy really wants to get back into Westminster politics. He may do, and theres much merit to him. But I would caution those often around folk that start to destabilise the ship and say that we can have a new leader. No, we cant. Because immediately youd be forced to have an election, premature probably... 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 Speculation is growing that Andy Burnham may soon make his move towards Labour leadership, after throwing his hat in the ring for the Gorton and Denton by-election. The mayor of Greater Manchester has asked Labours powerful ruling body, the National Executive Committee (NEC), whose membership includes many Starmer loyalists, for permission to stand in the contest. Andrew Gwynne, the MP for Gorton and Denton, had previously denied that he was intending to vacate the seat, saying in September that it was not a route to No 10. But the former Labour minister, who has been away from parliament on sick leave, announced his resignation on Thursday afternoon. His departure creates a potential route for the King of the North to return to the Commons for the first time in nearly a decade, putting him in a position that would allow him to challenge Sir Keir Starmers position. open image in gallery Several members of the committee told the media that Andy Burnhams chances of being selected are zero ( PA ) Just hours after the by-election was confirmed, Sir Keir warned his MPs to stop talking about potential leadership challenges, saying in an interview with Channel 4 News: Every minute we waste talking about anything other than the cost of living and stability in Europe and across the globe is a wasted minute. Mr Burnham has not yet indicated if he intends to run for Labour leader. On Thursday, he said: People shouldnt rush to conclusions. But if the mayor of Manchester does want to become Labour leader, heres what would need to happen. Step one: Getting selected Now he has submitted his intention to stand, Mr Burnham will now need to wait to be approved by the NEC. While it is the constituencys local members who vote for their candidate, the NEC oversees this process and holds the power to veto or override the selection. And in the rare case that a sitting mayor is seeking to be a parliamentary candidate, the Labour rulebook states that they must seek the express permission of the NEC even before seeking nomination. open image in gallery Home secretary Shabana Mahmood is current chair of Labours national executive committee ( Getty ) The NEC is currently chaired by home secretary Shabana Mahmood, with other MPs including Ellie Reeves, the solicitor general and sister of the chancellor, chief whip Jonathan Reynolds, and allies of Sir Keir like Luke Akehurst and Gurinder Singh Josan. Also working against Mr Burnham is the fact that he would need to resign as Manchesters mayor in order to run, with a re-election in the city set to cost about 2m. In recent days, several members of this executive body have told the media that Mr Burnhams chances of being selected are zero. However, such a high-profile intervention by the NEC could be seen by the public as undemocratic and demonstrating a lack of confidence in the prime ministers ability to see off a leadership challenge a factor which may sway the bodys decision. Step two: Winning the by-election If Mr Burnham is selected to run in Gorton and Denton, he would then have the task of running an election campaign and winning the seat. While Labour secured a comfortable victory in the constituency in 2024 with 50.8 per cent of the vote, figures suggest that the party could have more of a struggle on its hands this year. open image in gallery Andrew Gwynnes decision to leave parliament has paved the way for a possible Westminster return for Mr Burnham ( PA ) Recent polling by More in Common finds that Reform UK has risen in popularity in the area, while the Greens eat into Labours base. The latest MRP puts Nigel Farages party on 30 per cent, Labour on 28, and Greens on 23. However, the seat has returned a Labour MP at every election since its creation as Denton and Reddish in 1983. Mr Burnhams personal popularity is also high, especially in Greater Manchester, where he has been a high-profile politician in some form since 2001. Step three: Challenging the prime minister and winning After overcoming these two major obstacles, Mr Burnham would find himself in the Commons again for the first time in nearly a decade with another task on his hands manoeuvring his way to leadership. To do this, he would first need the support of 20 per cent of Labour MPs. With the partys massive majority, this would be at least 81 members. It is likely Mr Burnham would be able to find the requisite support within the Commons should he want to launch a leadership bid. Several Labour MPs in recent months have privately suggested they are dissatisfied with the direction and dire polling of the party under Sir Keir. In November, MP for Norwich South Clive Lewis publicly backed Mr Burnham for leader, going so far as to say he would give up his seat for the mayor of Manchester to run. This would lead to the last hurdle: a leadership election. Shortlisted candidates are selected by Labour members nationwide, with the victor automatically becoming the prime minister due to the partys parliamentary majority. Crucially, this has never happened before. It would be a historic achievement if Mr Burnham were able to secure victory at this stage. But with his current ranking by YouGov as the UKs most popular politician, while three-quarters now view Sir Keir unfavourably, the odds may well be in his favour. 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 Labour is facing a civil war over the future of Andy Burnham as the deadline for Keir Starmers potential leadership rival to make a Commons comeback bid nears. Speculation has been growing this week that the Mayor of Greater Manchester is seeking a return to Westminster after suspended Labour MP, Andrew Gwynne, stood down from his Gorton and Denton seat, leaving the door open for Mr Burnham to stand in the upcoming by-election. There have long been fears that any return would see Mr Burnham challenge Sir Keir for the top job, as Labours popularity wanes and the party lags behind Reform in the polls. But MPs have told The Independent the prime minister could face a leadership vote even if he blocks Mr Burnham from standing. And in a major intervention on Saturday, deputy Labour Party leader, Lucy Powell, has said the question of whether the Mayor of Greater Manchester should be allowed to stand "should be up to Andy and the local members". As a Labour mayor, Mr Burnham has until 5pm on Saturday to apply to the partys powerful ruling body, the National Executive Committee (NEC), whose membership includes many Starmer loyalists, for permission to stand. Andy Burnham said he is in the dark about whether Andrew Gwynne intends to stand down as an MP (Danny Lawson/PA) ( PA Wire ) Angela Rayner, Sir Keirs former deputy prime minister, is among those said to be supportive of allowing Mr Burnham the chance to stand and will reportedly back him at Labours northwest regional conference on Saturday. Sir Keirs supporters have already warned the party not to use the NEC to block Mr Burnham, saying it would be "outrageous" and show that nasty factionalism was more important than beating Nigel Farages Reform in the seat. One Labour MP told The Independent: If Keir Starmer and (his chief of staff) Morgan McSweeney push ahead with a stitch-up which blocks the Mayor of Greater Manchester from being the candidate it will damage the party hugely in the north and across the country and will cause a huge backlash in the PLP [Parlimentary Labour Party], amongst party members and trade unions and voters, including in Gorton and Denton. If Keir Starmer tries to stitch up Burnham and succeeds, it will seal Keir Starmers fate. If Keir Starmer tries but fails, the outcome will be the same. Starmer should pull back from this madness and instruct those around him to do the same. But even MPs highly critical of Sir Keir are angry that Mr Burnham, long seen as a potential rival to the prime minister, is considering standing. One Labour MP told The Independent: He just likes being the centre of attention. It's craven and the worst kind of politics. If he backs out again, everyone just needs to ignore him when he comments on anything nationally. He could have no doubt got elected in 2024 but chose not to. In September, after another round of speculation he would try to return to Parliament to challenge Sir Keir, Mr Burnham hit out at those demanding he make simplistic statements of loyalty to the PM, warning they were underestimating the peril facing Labour. The former deputy prime minister will reportedly back Mr Burnham at Labours northwest regional conference on Saturday, piling the pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to let him stand as an MP. On Saturday, Labour MP Richard Burgon tweeted his support for Mr Burnham: Everyone knows Andy Burnham would have the best chance of beating Reform in Gorton and Denton. Fixing the selection to keep him off the ballot would be an affront to party democracy and a sign nasty factionalism is a higher priority than reversing the rise of Farage and Reform. Ms Powell, a Manchester MP, told the Fabian Societys annual conference that she wanted to see the very best candidate, the person who can most help Labour win in that by-election selected as the candidate. Asked whether that meant Labours national executive committee should allow Mr Burnham to stand, she said: He has got to make up his own mind what he wants to do and he has got until five oclock today. Andy Burnham is incredibly popular in my part of the world. He is an incredibly popular politician because he is really changing our city for the better. She added: I think we should all come together and really celebrate where Labour is doing some great work. So, it should be up to Andy and the local members who will select their candidate, and our members are very discerning. London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan also said Mr Burnham should be allowed to stand. He told the Fabian Society conference: I think if Andy Burnham wants to be a member of Parliament, Andy Burnham should be allowed to be a member of Parliament. Im a firm believer in the best team having all the talent playing for them, and if Andy wants to return to Parliament, I will try and make some time between now and the by-election to knock on some doors for him, or whoever the candidate is. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer has delayed his Chagos Islands handover deal in the face of backlash from the US after Donald Trump labelled it an act of great stupidity. The UK governments plan to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, which was set to be debated in the House of Lords on Monday, has now been withdrawn, amid warnings it could breach a treaty with the US that asserts the UKs sovereignty over the archipelago. Ministers have furiously accused peers of interfering with Britains national security and irresponsible and reckless behaviour in response to the news. While sources insist the bill will return, opponents claim it cannot move forward without support from the US. Mr Trump, in a scathing attack on Britain earlier this week, said there was no reason whatsoever for the deal to be struck, adding that it is another national security reason why Greenland must be acquired by his country. Writing on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump added: Denmark and its European Allies have to DO THE RIGHT THING. open image in gallery Keir Starmer and Donald Trump speak at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt in October last year ( PA ) As the deal faces further delay, here is why it matters. What is the Chagos deal? Last year, Sir Keir agreed a deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while retaining control of the UK-US military base on the island of Diego Garcia. In return, the UK has been promised a 99-year lease on the base, in return for an average annual fee of 101m in current prices. The government estimates this will mean a total cost of 3.4bn. These islands are currently governed by the UK as the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), and have been in some form since 1814. In 1965, the UK and US officially detached the islands from Mauritius for joint defence purposes, creating a separate colony and forcibly removing native Chagossians soon after. Mauritius will be free to arrange the resettlement of Chagossians on all islands in the archipelago under the terms, except for Diego Garcia. open image in gallery The UK has agreed to lease a military base on the Chagos Islands ( CPA Media Pte Ltd/Alamy/PA ) Mr Trump appeared to indicate his support for the deal last year, telling Sir Keir during his visit to the White House in February that he was inclined to go with your country and that he had a feeling its going to work out very well. Why was a deal being agreed now? International law had long called into question the UKs sovereignty over the BIOT, with the feeling largely mirrored by the Chagossian community. In 2019, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion on the arrangement, finding that the UK had an obligation to bring its administration of the islands to an end as rapidly as possible. This was not a legally binding judgement, and the Conservative administration in power at the time disagreed with it. Less than a year after his election victory, Sir Keir announced that Labour was taking a different approach and striking a deal with Mauritius. This is absolutely vital for the safety and security of the British people, he said. The government argues that the deal will guarantee the Diego Garcia base for the long term, avert the risk of future legal judgments affecting the UKs ability to use the base, and secure the base and islands against China or other states that may want to set up a presence there. Following Mr Trumps comments, a government spokesperson said: The UK will never compromise on our national security. We acted because the base on Diego Garcia was under threat after court decisions undermined our position and would have prevented it from operating as intended in future. open image in gallery US president Donald Trump has criticised the UKs Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius ( PA ) This deal secures the operations of the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia for generations, with robust provisions for keeping its unique capabilities intact and our adversaries out. It has been publicly welcomed by the US, Australia and all other Five Eyes allies, as well as key international partners including India, Japan and South Korea. Why has Starmer delayed the deal? The decision to pull the deal comes as Trump disparaged the agreement on Tuesday as a great act of stupidity, despite his government having previously been content with the terms. But a Labour source in the Lords said that the US presidents remarks had no bearing on the decision to reschedule the Bill for another day, instead blaming a counter-response from Tory peers to the deal. They said: It is simply a response to Tory peers having flexed their much greater numbers in the House by tabling a wrecking amendment to a government bill just hours before the end of business ahead of a scheduled debate on the next sitting day. The Tory amendment, which has not appeared on Parliaments website but was seen by the Press Association, also called for the government to ensure the Chagos deal does not breach a 1966 treaty signed with the US, which confirms British sovereignty of the islands. It would also ensure ministers give the Chagossian people, banished from the islands in the 1960s and 1970s, a formal say over the deal. The later stages of parliamentary scrutiny, which the Chagos Deal is currently in, are known as ping pong, where it bounces back and forth between the Commons and Lords as they attempt to amend elements of it. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer has slammed Donald Trumps false claims that Nato troops stayed away from the front line in the conflict in Afghanistan as insulting and frankly appalling and demanded an apology. The prime minister joined veterans and politicians from across the political spectrum in his condemnation of Mr Trump, who has enraged Nato allies by claiming he is not sure the alliance would be there if we ever needed them. And he was joined by Prince Harry, who said the sacrifices of British soldiers who served and died in Afghanistan deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect. Sir Keir said: I consider President Trumps remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling, and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured. open image in gallery The US president has provoked condemnation from across the political spectrum after he made the comments in an interview on Thursday ( Getty ) The White House responded to the criticism on Friday night, without issuing an apology. President Trump is absolutely right the United States of America has done more for NATO than any other country in the alliance has done combined, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told The Independent in a statement. It came after the prime minister paid tribute to the 457 British personnel who died in the conflict, saying he would never forget their courage, their bravery and the sacrifice they made for their country. In response to comments from Diane Dernie, the mother of severely injured veteran Ben Parkinson, Sir Keir said: Ive made my position clear, and what I say to Diane is, if I had misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologise and Id apologise to her. Earlier, No 10 said the US president was wrong to diminish the role of Nato troops, including British forces, in Afghanistan and said their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Sir Tony Blair, who was the UK prime minister who first sent British troops to support America in Afghanistan, also intervened. Avoiding direct criticism of the US president, a spokesperson for Sir Tony said: Tony Blair knows and will always remember with deep gratitude the enormous contribution and sacrifice British troops made in Afghanistan on the front line of the fight against terrorism, following the 9/11 attacks on the US. Earlier, the former head of the Royal Navy led those criticising Mr Trumps claim, calling the comments disgraceful. Former first sea lord, Admiral Lord West, who coordinated the naval activity in Afghanistan, told The Independent: It is wrong and a disgraceful thing for anyone to say, let alone the head of state of an allied nation. open image in gallery British soldiers in Nad-e-Ali district, Helmand province, 16 years ago ( AFP/Getty ) Defence secretary John Healey said British troops killed in Afghanistan were heroes who gave their lives in service of our nation, while defence minister Al Carns, who himself served five tours in Afghanistan, invited anyone who believes Trumps claim to meet him and the bereaved families of the more than 400 British personnel who died in the conflict. More than 1,100 non-US coalition fighters died in the conflict that began in 2001, according to veteran charity Help for Heroes, the overwhelming majority of them being from Nato countries, while more than 2,400 members of the US armed forces were killed. But Mr Trump, who avoided the draft for the Vietnam war five times during the 1960s and 1970s due to a diagnosis of bone spurs in his heels, told Fox News: Theyll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines. Mr Carns said: Id suggest whoever believes these comments, come have a whisky with me, my colleagues, their families, and importantly, the families of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for both of our nations. He also uploaded a video of himself during his time in uniform, calling it a small snapshot of what its like to be on the front line in Afghanistan. open image in gallery Keir Starmer has condemned Trumps remarks ( PA ) A former defence secretary, Sir Malcolm Rifkind, told The Independent: President Trump is either willing to make accusations without bothering to check the facts, or he is just lying and knows he is lying. Either way, he is destroying his reputation and that of the United States. It just doesnt really add up what he said, because the fact of the matter is the only time that Article 5 has been invoked was to go to the aid of the United States after 9/11, care minister Stephen Kinnock told Sky News. He added: Many, many British soldiers and many soldiers from other European Nato allies gave their lives in support of American missions, American-led missions in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. The United States remains the only country to have invoked the collective security provisions of Natos Article 5, which considers an attack on one Nato nation as an attack on all, with the alliance providing support to the US after the terrorist attacks of September 11. open image in gallery Tory leader Kemi Badenoch condemned Trumps claims as flat-out nonsense ( AP ) Britain suffered the second-highest number of military deaths in the Afghanistan conflict, behind the US, which saw 2,461 deaths. In total, Americas allies suffered 1,160 deaths in the conflict, around a third of the total coalition deaths. The mother of a young British rifleman killed in Afghanistan said the president had no compassion whatsoever for anyone who doesnt serve him. Lucy Aldridge, whose son William died aged 18, said the remarks were extremely upsetting. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch also condemned Mr Trumps claims as flat-out nonsense. open image in gallery Defence minister Al Carns uploaded a video of himself, which he described as a small snapshot of what its like to be on the front line in Afghanistan ( Al Carns ) Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: Trump avoided military service five times. How dare he question their sacrifice? Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who served in Afghanistan as a captain in the Royal Yorkshire Regiment, said it was sad to see our nations sacrifice, and that of our Nato partners, held so cheaply by the president of the United States. Labour MP Calvin Bailey, a former RAF officer who served alongside US special operations units in Afghanistan and was awarded the Air Medal by the then US president Barack Obama in 2013, said: Political leaders are just like a hand in a bucket of water. They pass. I know that Trump is one man, but behind him are 300 million, most of whom disagree [with him]. I served with Americans; they are my friends. They told me to rise above those comments. 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 Donald Trump has climbed down over his slurs against British soldiers in Afghanistan after sparking widespread outrage for his false claims made about Nato allies. The US president has now paid tribute to the great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom, after previously claiming Nato allies stayed away from the front lines during the war in Afghanistan. Sir Keir Starmer raised Mr Trumps comments directly with the US president during a phone call on Saturday afternoon, Downing Street confirmed. The prime minister had joined Prince Harry, veterans and politicians from across the political spectrum in condemning Mr Trumps false claims, with Sir Keir calling them appalling and demanding an apology. Critics have pointed to both the number of non-US coalition deaths in Afghanistan and Mr Trumps own avoidance of military service in Vietnam. The US president this week also suggested he is not sure that the USs Nato allies would be there if we ever needed them, and he claimed that America had never needed its Nato partners, despite being the only member state to have ever invoked the alliances all for one, and one for all clause, in the wake of 9/11. open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer raised Donald Trumps comments about Nato troops in Afghanistan directly with the US president in a conversation on Saturday ( PA Wire ) But in a post on social media on Saturday afternoon, the US president said: The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America. In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. Its a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA). We love you all, and always will! President Donald J Trump. Following Sir Keirs conversation with Mr Trump on Saturday, a Number 10 spokesperson said the prime minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home and told the US president: We must never forget their sacrifice. open image in gallery British soldiers with the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) pose prior to a night patrol in Kabul in 2008 ( AFP/Getty ) Kemi Badenoch stated that the role of Nato allies in the conflict should never have been questioned in the first place. In a statement posted on X after Mr Trump issued his fresh comments, the Conservative leader said: Im pleased President Trump has now acknowledged the role of the British armed forces and those brave men and women who gave their lives fighting alongside the US and our allies. It should never have been questioned in the first place. Former defence secretary Grant Shapps told the Independent he was relieved that President Trump has finally acknowledged the sacrifice of British troops in Afghanistan, who fought and died alongside the US after 9/11 the only time Natos Article 5 has ever been invoked. But he warned: A president who repeatedly disrespects allies risks them not being there when it matters in the future. Ex-defence minister Tobias Ellwood said the anger felt on this side of the Atlantic has been heard in the White House - given Trump has never before climbed down so fast. This does not, however, overshadow the offence and ignorance of making these crass comments in the first place. Mr Trump, who famously avoided the draft for the Vietnam War five times in the 1960s and 1970s, suggested in an interview with Fox News that Nato allied troops stayed a little off the front lines in Afghanistan. More than 1,100 non-US coalition fighters died in the conflict that began in 2001, according to veteran charity Help for Heroes, the overwhelming majority of them being from Nato countries, while more than 2,300 members of the US armed forces were killed. The UK suffered the second-highest number of military deaths, behind the US. On Friday, the Duke of Sussex, a former Army Air Corps co-pilot gunner who undertook two frontline tours to Afghanistan, weighed in on Mr Trumps remarks, saying the sacrifices of Britons who fought and died in the country deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect. open image in gallery Harry making pre-flight checks in his cockpit at Camp Bastion, southern Afghanistan, in 2012 ( PA ) Harry paid tribute to the 457 British personnel who died in the conflict, after Sir Keir earlier also said he would never forget their courage, their bravery and the sacrifice they made for their country". Hitting back at Mr Trumps claims on Friday, the prime minister said: I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling, and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured. Earlier, No 10 said the US president was wrong to diminish the role of Nato troops, including British forces, in Afghanistan and said their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Ms Badenoch had called Mr Trumps comments complete nonsense, adding that it was a disgrace to denigrate the memory of British soldiers who died in the conflict. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said how dare Mr Trump question the sacrifice of British soldiers and commented that the US president avoided military service five times. Armed forces minister and former commando Al Carns, who served five tours in Afghanistan, described Mr Trumps comments as ridiculous. The mother of a young British rifleman killed in Afghanistan said the president had no compassion whatsoever for anyone who doesnt serve him. Lucy Aldridge, whose son William died aged 18, told The Mirror the US presidents remarks were extremely upsetting. Its Friday morning at Bradford Forster Square train station, and lawyer Graham Sweeney shudders when he thinks of some of the rail journeys hes had to endure over the years. We have offices here, Huddersfield and Leeds, and we do a lot of work in Manchester, so, as a business, were travelling a lot, the 53-year-old says. And every time I know Ill be on the train, I dread it. Among his own personal horror stories every commuter in the North has them are regular cancellations, constant delays and more time than he cares to remember standing on freezing platforms. Trains dont have wifi and, more often than not, there arent enough seats. Even when everything runs smoothly, it still takes an hour to get from Bradford to Manchester a distance of just 35 miles. You have to plan for things to go wrong, the father of three says. If you have a meeting at 3pm, you make sure youre on a train that gets you in at 1pm because theres every chance there will be a cancellation. It is extraordinary how poor it is. Things may be set to change if last weeks announcement by Sir Keir Starmer is to be believed. A proposed 45bn scheme, Northern Powerhouse Rail, will, according to the government, transform train travel across the north. open image in gallery Lawyer Graham Sweeney: You have to plan for things to go wrong ( Colin Drury ) It very much feels like a move straight out of Andy Burnhams playbook. Bold infrastructure projects are increasingly seen as one way to win support among those who have come to feel abandoned by Westminster. Labours northern mayors, notably Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, were quick to understand that this was one thing that could turn the tide on the surging support for Reform in the red wall. It is a strategy that has delivered a popularity that has seen Burnham cast as Starmers prince across the water. Under Burnhams watch, the regions buses have been taken into public ownership as part of the Bee Network. Since it launched in 2023, journeys have become more reliable, better connected and easier to understand. Underused routes have been saved from the axe, more night buses have been introduced, fares have been capped and, perhaps as a result, user numbers in 2025 were up by 14 per cent. The network will take two train routes under its control later this year, a sign of its success. open image in gallery Under Andy Burnhams watch, the regions buses have been taken into public ownership as part of the Bee Network ( Transport for Greater Manchester ) As history tells us, getting trains to run on time should never be underestimated as a political power play. In terms of affecting change that people can feel in a real way on the ground, it is a vote-winner. Martin Little is typical of Labours problem and potential. He runs the Don Little Domestic Appliances unit at Leeds Kirkgate Market but lives over in Greater Manchester. After a lifetime with the mainstream parties, the 60-year-old feels hell go for Farage next time out. Something needs to change, he sighs. But one thing, it seems, might persuade him to vote Labour: Burnham himself. He commutes every day but prefers to drive rather than take the train because, otherwise, Im stood there for an hour with my face in someones armpit. But Burnham, he says, has done a terrific job. You use public transport in Manchester now and you notice the difference. But what I like most about that is he said he was going to do something and then he actually delivered on it. Hes shown he isnt all talk. I would happily see him as prime minister. open image in gallery Martin Little: You use public transport in Manchester now and you notice the difference ( Colin Drury ) And Burnhams path to Westminster has just opened up. The departure this week of Andrew Gwynne, the MP for Gorton and Denton, creates a route for Burnham to make a Commons comeback that would allow him to challenge Sir Keir Starmers position if he stood in the upcoming by-election. If successful, Burnham could return to parliament just as the prime minister reaches his lowest ebb, with Scottish and Welsh elections and English council elections in May expected to be disastrous for Labour. As depressing as Burnhams popularity is for Starmer, it also points to a way out of the prime ministers dire polling. While Starmer has excelled on the international stage, it is in the English provinces where his real political fortunes lie. If he gets this right and people feel real change in their everyday lives, he could reinvigorate his political stock and see off the threats from Burnham and Nigel Farage. The recent rail announcements will occur over three stages: lines connecting Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, York and Manchester will be upgraded and electrified; completely new stations will be built in Bradford, Warrington and Rotherham; and a new line will be constructed connecting Liverpool and Manchester. If all goes to plan, a further new line linking Birmingham to the North West will also be built. No more paying lip service to the potential of the North, but backing it to the hilt, thundered Starmer. Were doing this properly and doing this right, added chancellor Rachel Reeves. open image in gallery Chris Hay: I should be billing Northern Rail for this pint ( Colin Drury ) The slight catch, though? While the proposals have been split into three separate timeframes, not even the earliest of the improvements will come into existence before mark your calendars the mid-2030s. The ManchesterBirmingham line has been slated for the 2040s. And commuters here in the North have heard all this before. Multiple times. Northern Powerhouse Rail was first mooted by the then chancellor George Osborne in 2014 (at Manchesters Museum of Science and Industry, incidentally). Since then, it has been held up, delayed, cancelled, pared down and rescheduled more often so goes the apocryphal joke than the 8.15 to Liverpool Lime Street. Needless to say, Starmers recent announcement has been met with not just a pinch of salt but an entire train trucks worth. If it goes ahead, it will be an absolute game-changer, says Sweeney. The connectivity that a faster and more reliable rail service will provide would be a revelation. What youd be doing is making it easier for people to live, for instance, in Huddersfield and work in Manchester in the same way its now easy to live in Reading and work in London. And if you do that, all the evidence shows the economy booms. He notes that last year, Bradford got a six-times-a-day service to London. It is, he says, reliable, comfortable and reasonably inexpensive. And, as a result, his firm Schofield Sweeney Solicitors is starting to find itself looking more towards London than Manchester. How can that be right? he asks. How can that be good for our region or for the North? As he stands at Forster Square, 30 miles away at Leeds train station, Chris Hay and David Appleyard are waiting to travel in the opposite direction. Their train has been guess what? cancelled. And since theyve both got the day off, theyve decided to pass the time with a quick drink in the stations Wetherspoon. I should be billing Northern Rail for this pint, says Hay ruefully. open image in gallery While Keir Starmer has excelled on the international stage, it is in the English provinces where his real political fortunes lie ( Downing Street ) The 37-year-old is a plumber and doesnt use the trains much as a general rule, but is frustrated at the state of them nonetheless. He has two children in their early teens and worries that the difficulties they will soon face in getting around will impact their whole lives. One of them wants to go to Oxford, he says. But you look at how hard it is to get there how long it takes it makes it seem like another world away. His friend Appleyard, a 26-year-old builder, considers the 2035 target date for the earliest NPR improvements. That means five years of talking about it, doesnt it? he half-splutters. Five years of talking about it before it gets cancelled anyway because it now costs too much. Such frustrations are widely expressed by the commuters, business owners and workers in West Yorkshire I speak to on a wet Friday morning. Very few people appear to have much faith that the changes will happen and certainly not on time or on budget. Which is why it makes sense for Starmer to double down on this as a priority. It would not only help his personal rating but also help him deliver on the national growth he so desperately needs. Better transport links would help drag the norths productivity up to the UK average. If that were the case, it would according to government estimates inject 40bn a year into the British economy. A 2021 calculation by Transport for the North suggested NPR could, in the long term, help create 74,000 jobs in the region. Perhaps of equal importance to the current government, meanwhile, are the political benefits. As Reform continues to surge, this is a way for Starmer to show he can stand up for the North as much as he can stand up for Nato. We need to invest more and tap into this amazing potential and amazing talent that is here, says Mandy Ridyard, finance director at ASG Produmax, a 120-staff aerospace engineering company based in Baildon, a town on the outskirts of Bradford. The 59-year-old herself regularly flies for business. It takes me longer to get from Bradford to Manchester airport than it takes me to get from Manchester to Schiphol, she says. Thats off-putting for me, so what are our potential international customers thinking when they see that travel time? It means our ability to realise our potential is being limited. She believes the changes will come because there is increasingly little alternative. Yet whether this transformation comes in time to stop Labours haemorrhaging support ahead of the next election remains to be seen. Its still Reform for me, says Hay at one point. Theres nothing the others could do to change that now. The rail announcement, then, was the easy part. Making people believe the trains will one day exist and then run on time will be far harder. But as a strategy, Starmer is on the right track. BOGOTA, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people were killed and more than eight others injured in an explosion in a rural area of Tumaco in Colombia's southern department of Narino, local authorities said Friday. Police said the explosion occurred late Thursday in a village in Llorente district, about 25 km from Tumaco's urban center. Narino Governor Luis Alfonso Escobar said the cause of the blast remains under investigation and stressed that the incident was not related to armed conflict. Local media reported that the blast was likely caused by a gas cylinder inside a house. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer has withdrawn his Chagos Islands bill in the face of a shock backlash over the deal from the US, days after Donald Trump labelled it an act of great stupidity. The legislation, which was set to be debated in the House of Lords on Monday, has now been delayed, amid warnings it could breach a treaty with the US that asserts the UKs sovereignty over the archipelago. In response, ministers have furiously accused peers of interfering with Britains national security and irresponsible and reckless behaviour. While sources insist the bill will return, opponents claim it cannot move forward without support from the US. The US president sent shockwaves through Downing Street this week with his attack on Sir Keirs plans to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, in a deal the government says is necessary to secure the future of the crucial UK-US Diego Garcia military base. open image in gallery Starmer withdrew the Chagos Islands bill in the face of backlash over the deal from Donald Trump, according to reports ( PA ) Ministers secured US backing for the deal last year. And in February, the president told Sir Keir during a visit to the White House that he was inclined to go with your country and that he had a feeling its going to work out very well. But earlier this week, the US president dramatically U-turned, using a post on his Truth Social platform to call it an act of great stupidity. In return, Sir Keir accused him of trying to pressure the UK to back Americas plans to take over Greenland. The new delay follows warnings that the handover of the islands could breach a treaty with the US that asserts the UKs sovereignty over the archipelago. But the government has furiously accused peers of interfering with Britains national security, and irresponsible and reckless behaviour. The legislation is intended to provide a firm legal basis for the operation of the strategically important Diego Garcia Military Base, which has been used by UK and US forces since it was built on the islands in the 1970s. Ministers have claimed the deal is necessary because international court rulings in favour of Mauritian claims to sovereignty had threatened the future of the facility. The proposed deal would lead Britain to give up the territory and lease back the base a move the Conservatives have suggested would break a UK-US treaty signed in 1966, which enshrines the UKs sovereignty over the archipelago. With promised updates to the 1966 agreement yet to materialise, the Tories tabled a motion in the Lords on Friday morning, demanding a delay in the treatys ratification for fear of otherwise breaking international law. The legislation underpinning the deal had been set to go back to the upper chamber for further scrutiny on Monday, but that will no longer happen. open image in gallery The Chagos Islands house the strategically important Diego Garcia Military Base ( PA ) Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused Keir Starmer of trying to hide behind the cover of international law, now the Conservatives are exposing that his shameful surrender may be illegal. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said: He is happy to hand over British sovereign territory and 35bn of taxpayers money to an ally of China even if it conflicts with international law. As a lawyer, he should know better. But his desire to appease Beijing clouds his judgement, as we saw with his decision to approve the Chinese spy hub super embassy this week. A government spokesperson told The Independent: The government remains fully committed to the deal to secure the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia, which is vital for our national security. This is irresponsible and reckless behaviour by peers, whose role is to check legislation, not interfere with our national security priorities. 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 Virginia Ginny Oliver, Maines legendary Lobster Lady, who spent nearly a century working in the states lobster fishing community and built an international fan base that included Star Wars icon Mark Hamill, has died at age 105. Oliver passed on Wednesday, her close friend and author, Barbara Walsh, who wrote a childrens book about her titled The Lobster Lady in 2023, announced Friday. No cause of death was revealed. I will miss how her blue eyes crinkled when she smiled, how her laughter filled the room. How each morning she put on her red lipstick and a pair of earrings because you never know who you are going to see. Walsh said in a Facebook post. Sail on, sweet Ginny. May your spirit forever soar above the sea. Oliver earned international admiration for her over 91-year career hauling lobster traps off the coast of Rockland and for her sassy, spirited approach to life. She was the oldest active lobster trapper in Maine, continuing to work up until her death, renewing her commercial lobster license at age 104 with plans to keep going. Often asked when she would retire from lobstering, Oliver replied, "When I die, both Walsh and News Center Maine reported on different occasions. open image in gallery Virginia 'Ginny' Oliver, Maines oldest lobster trapper who hauled lobsters right up until her final days, died Wednesday at the remarkable age of 105 ( Getty Images ) In August 2021, Star Wars legend Hamill, who often reposted feel-good stories at the time, shared a photo of Oliver with his millions of followers, joking that, The Force is strong with this lobsterwoman, which then inspired fans to add lightsabers to images of her and the lobster. Born on June 6, 1920, Oliver grew up between the Rockland mainland and the Andrews Islands in a lobstering family. She began hauling traps at age eight with her brother, and later raised four children who all followed the family tradition, as did her late husband. open image in gallery Olivers son, Max, now in his 80s, also fished for lobsters for decades before retiring ( AFP via Getty Images ) Olivers son, Max, now in his 80s, continued fishing into his later years before retiring, Gray said, according to NCM. Beyond her long career at sea, Oliver earned international recognition, including an invitation to join the Cardiff Royal Naval Association in Great Britain, which Gray said meant a great deal to her. Oliver's passion for the sea never waned. In 2021, Oliver told NCMs 207 that what she loved most about lobstering was being the boss, valuing the independence and freedom the life on the water gave her and her family. open image in gallery Born in 1920, Oliver grew up lobstering, started at age 8, and raised a family that continued the tradition ( AFP via Getty Images ) At the time, Max credited Olivers strong work ethic and sense of independence for helping fuel her long, healthy life. "You just have to keep going, otherwise you would be in a wheelchair or something," Oliver said. Maine Governor Janet Mills paid tribute to Oliver on Friday, posting to social media, I am saddened to hear of the passing of my friend, Ginny Oliver -- but what an amazing life Maine's 'Lobster Lady' led! A few years ago, I presented her with a special State recognition in honor of her birthday. open image in gallery Oliver was know for her sassy, unshakable optimism, often joking that shed quit lobster trapping 'when Im dead' ( AFP via Getty Images ) May Ginny's extraordinary life inspire the next century of hardworking Maine fishermen, Mills concluded. The Maine Lobstermen's Association also addressed Olivers passing, writing on Facebook, Sad news from the Midcoast. Ginny was an amazing ambassador for our industry and exemplified the incredible work ethic that defines our industry and all Mainers! Our thoughts are with her family. 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 Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker has been arrested after police say he presented a firearm for inspection without proper credentials at LaGuardia Airport. Port Authority police said Walker was arrested Friday morning after they responded to a request for a firearms check at LaGuardias Terminal C. Police said the 25-year-old had checked in at Delta and had presented a firearm for inspection without proper credentials. Arthur Aidala, the lawyer representing Walker, said his client voluntarily disclosed an unloaded, secured firearm upon his arrival at the airport. Aidala said Walker was arrested because his license wasnt valid in New York. We are confident the matter will eventually be dismissed, Aidala said via email. The Packers season ended Jan. 10 with a 31-27 loss to the Chicago Bears in the wild-card round of the NFC playoffs. Walker has been Green Bays first-team left tackle for the last three seasons and has started 48 games since the Packers selected him out of Penn State in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. Walker just completed the final year of his contract and is set to become a free agent in the offseason. He has started each of Green Bays four playoff games over the last three seasons. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL 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 Cuban immigrant at a Texas detention center tried to hang himself, was restrained by guards in handcuffs, and stopped breathing during a subsequent struggle, according to a 911 call from a private security contractor. A caller identifying himself as Lt. Paul Walden called for emergency help as medical staff tried to revive Geraldo Lunas Campos on Jan. 3 at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas. A county medical examiner ruled earlier this week that the death was a homicide. He tried to hang himself, and then we put him in cuffs, and he kept going, Walden said, according to a recording of the call The Associated Press obtained through a Texas public information request. He did not elaborate on how Lunas Campos tried to hang himself or what happened afterward. The City of El Paso redacted parts of the call to protect medical information. ICE announced the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, a 55-year-old Cuban immigrant earlier this month and said staff observed him in distress and contacted on-site medical personnel for assistance at the makeshift Texas detention facility Camp East Montana ( Immigration and Customs Enforcement ) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which oversees Camp East Montana, did not mention in its initial statement on the death that Lunas Campos had attempted suicide or been physically restrained. It did not immediately respond to questions Friday about the 911 call. The 911 call lends some support to an amended description of the incident an agency spokesperson offered days later that guards intervened to help when Lunas Campos tried to kill himself. Lunas Campos violently resisted the security staff and continued to attempt to take his life, and stopped breathing during the struggle, the spokesperson said. A witness told The Associated Press last week that Lunas Campos was handcuffed as at least five guards held him down and one put an arm around his neck and squeezed until he was unconscious. The El Paso County Medical Examiners Office ruled the death of Lunas Campos, 55, a homicide caused by asphyxia due to compression to his neck and torso. Unlike many homicides, it is unclear whether any law enforcement agency outside of ICE is investigating the death. The autopsy report said witnesses saw Lunas Campos become unresponsive while being restrained by guards. It found injuries consistent with guards holding him down and putting pressure on his neck and back until his body did not have enough oxygen to survive. Camp East Montana was built last year to house thousands of immigrants in the desert at Fort Bliss, a massive Army base just a few miles from the U.S. border with Mexico. The 911 caller, Walden, has been a detention officer with federal contractor Akima Global Services since Sept. 1, which was within days of the camps opening, according to his Texas private security guard license. Walden, 25, didnt respond to messages left at a phone number and email address associated with him. Akima, which also did not return messages seeking comment, provides detention and security services for ICE. A second Camp East Montana official called police asking for an investigation of the death shortly after Lunas Campos was declared dead, but was rebuffed, according to records and phone calls released Friday. That man said he did not witness the death but had been told it was a suicide. ICEs initial statement on the death said Lunas Campos became disruptive while in line for medication, refused to return to his dorm and was placed in solitary confinement. The statement said staff then observed him in distress and contacted medical staff to treat him. ICE took custody of Lunas Campos, who had lived in the U.S. since 1996, last July after an operation in Rochester, New York. An immigration judge had ordered his removal in 2005 after he'd been convicted of sexual contact with a minor, but his deportation never happened. He later served prison time on a drug charge, and he had been released from state supervision in New York in 2017. Walden told the dispatcher that Lunas Campos, who had a history of bipolar disorder and anxiety, had vomited and urinated on himself. He said Camp East Montana staffers were using a portable defibrillator to try to restore his heartbeat. El Paso Fire Department paramedics found Lunas Campos pulseless and apneic on the floor of his cell as staff members performed CPR, according to an incident report obtained by AP. They provided advanced life support before he was pronounced dead. An hour after Waldens call, a man identifying himself as Camp East Montana deputy director Daniel Rios called the county sheriffs office to request a death investigation. The county transferred the call to the city. Rios said he was driving to the camp and did not witness the death. I believe he just hung himself, Rios said. But he added that he didnt have details and, I dont want to lie to you. Rios called back an hour later after no one responded, asking when detectives would arrive. Records show the El Paso Police Department did not get involved. Close Thousands protest against ICE in Minneapolis On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump said he ordered the Department of Homeland Security not to intervene in protests and/or riots in Democratic-led cities unless local leaders ask for help. In a Truth Social post shared Saturday, Trump noted federal officers will still be very forceful in their protection of federal property amid protests against his mass deportation campaign, with anti-ICE rallies taking place in cities across the country. State and local governments must use the word, PLEASE before asking for the federal governments help, he wrote. Protesters stage a march calling for an end to taxpayer spending on ICE on Saturday in Minneapolis ( Getty ) Organizers said more than 300 ICE Out of Everywhere protests were scheduled Saturday as outrage grows over a surge of agents into Democratic cities and the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.Saturdays actions follow Fridays national shutdown event, in which organizers encouraged people to skip work, school and shopping in protest. Saturdays demonstrations kicked off as a federal judge denied Minnesotas request to block officers from surging into the state while a closely watched legal challenge continues. Meanwhile, Trump has labeled Pretti an agitator and perhaps, insurrectionist after the release of a video that shows a confrontation in the days before Prettis death between federal agents and the ICU nurse, who was shot dead by border patrol agents one week later. Nothing that happened a full week before could possibly have justified Alexs killing, Steve Schleicher, an attorney for Prettis family, told The Independent. 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 five-year-old Ecuadorian boy was allegedly used as "bait" by federal immigration officers to get his mother to open the door, according to neighbours and school officials. The incident, which saw the boy detained with his father outside their Minnesota home, has ignited further debate over America's immigration policies under the Trump administration. Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding whether the parents were given an adequate opportunity to leave the child with someone else, with government officials offering a different version to the family's attorney and local residents. The Department of Homeland Security calls that description of events an abject lie. It says the father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, fled on foot and left the boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, in a running vehicle in their driveway. The dueling narratives come just two weeks after the deadly shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer that witnesses also viewed as a blatant abuse of power and that the government defended as a legitimate act of self-defense. The father and son are now at family detention facility in Dilley, Texas, near San Antonio. open image in gallery Donald Trumps deputy chief of staff said the father of the boy was in the US illegally - but did not offer further details ( Getty Images ) Federal officials say the father was in the U.S. illegally, without offering details. Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, said he came illegally in December 2024. The familys attorney said he had a pending asylum claim allowing him to stay in the country. Both can be true. The government may have tried deporting him after determining he entered illegally but he may have exercised a legal right to seek asylum, putting his removal on hold until a judge rules on his claim. An online court summary shows the case was filed on Dec. 17, 2024, and is assigned to the immigration court inside the Dilley detention center. Here's a look at what various officials, lawyers and others are saying about the case: School officials say ICE used the boy as bait Columbia Heights Public Schools Superintendent Zena Stenvik told reporters that the officers instructed the boy to knock on the door to his home to see if other people were inside, essentially using a 5-year-old as bait, she said. The father told the childs mother, who was inside, not to open the door, Stenvik said. School officials said the agents wouldnt leave Liam with other adults. A photo of the boy wearing a beanie and a Spiderman backpack has circulated widely on social media, sparking strong reactions. Why detain a 5-year-old? the superintendent asked. You cannot tell me that this child is going to be classified as a violent criminal. Other adults at the scene wanted to care for the boy School officials said other adults at the scene offered to care for the boy but were ignored by agents, including a neighbor who said they had papers authorizing her to take care of Liam on behalf of the parents. Mary Granlund, school board chair for Columbia Heights, said she told agents that she also could take care of him. ICE denies what school officials and neighbors said ICE did NOT target, arrest a child or use a child as bait, said Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. ICE law enforcement officers were the only people primarily concerned with the welfare of this child. McLaughlin said the child was abandoned and officers tried extensively to get the mother to take custody of the child. Officers even assured her she would NOT be taken her into custody. The officers, she said, abided by the fathers wishes to keep the child with him." Bovino and ICE officials criticize media coverage At a news conference Friday, Border Patrol Commander at Large Greg Bovino criticized what he called the false media narrative about the case. Marcos Charles, acting executive associate director of ICE enforcement and removal operations, faulted the father for abandoning his child in the middle of winter in a vehicle. He told reporters one officer stayed with the child while others arrested the father. He said his officers then got food for the boy, and did everything they could to reunite him with his family. open image in gallery Greg Bovino has criticised the media coverage of the familys detention ( Reuters ) Tragically, when we approached the door of his residence, the people inside refused to take him in and open the door. ... Fortunately, Conejo Arias eventually requested that his child stay with him," Charles said. And Charles said he didn't know what had become of the child's mother. Where are the father and son now? They're at a family detention center in Dilley, Texas, where families have reported that children are malnourished, ill and suffering from prolonged detention. Conditions there are worse than ever, said Leecia Welch, chief legal counsel at Childrens Rights, who visited the facility last week. The number of children had skyrocketed and significant numbers of children had been detained for over 100 days, Welch said. The administration in December acknowledged that about 400 children had faced extended detention. Nearly every child we spoke to was sick, Welch said. Bovino pointed out that when U.S. citizens anywhere in the country are arrested and jailed by their local police, they get separated from their children. I challenge any other law enforcement agency anywhere nationwide to show me the fantastic care that ICE and the U.S. Border Patrol provide children, Bovino said. If Liam wasn't with his father, Bovino said, he could have ended up in the custody of social services without a parent instead. Charles said people at the family centers get top-notch care. They have medical care. The food is good. They have learning services. They have church services available. They have recreation. The familys lawyer was unable to reach them The familys lawyer, Marc Prokosch, said Thursday that he assumed Liam and his father were in a family holding cell but that he did not have direct contact with them. Were looking at our legal options to see if we can free them either through some legal mechanisms or through moral pressure, he said at a news conference Thursday. On Friday, Prokoschs office said he was unavailable to comment. What is the Trump administration's policy on detaining children? The childs immigration status may be a critical factor, and it is unclear if the 5-year-old was legally in the United States. If he wasnt, he may be subject to deportation with one or both parents. Charles, the ICE official, said Friday that the family entered the United States together, suggesting the he was not a U.S.-born citizen. Trump border czar Tom Homan has repeatedly said parents of U.S.-born children have a choice to take their children with them when deported or leave them with someone else. This is parenting 101. You can decide to take that child with you or you can decide to leave the child with a relative or another spouse, Homan said last year on CBS Face the Nation. The Trump administration last July issued a Detained Parents Directive that if minor children are encountered during ICE enforcement actions, ICE should under no circumstances take custody of children or transport them. The directive includes exemptions for when people could lose their immigration status. The directive says that ICE should allow parents and guardians to make alternate care arrangements for the children before their detention. It does not specify what happens when the parents say that they want their child to stay with them. If a parent is arrested while with their child, the government is not required to arrest the child, regardless of the childs immigration status, said Neha Desai, managing director at Childrens Human Rights and Dignity at the National Center for Youth Law. When ICE detains a parent, its own policy requires them to allow time for arrangements to be made for the childs care. 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 bloodiest crackdown on dissent since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution is slowly coming into focus, despite authorities cutting off the Islamic Republic from the internet and much of the wider world. Cities and towns smell of smoke as fire-damaged mosques and government offices line streets. Banks have been torched, their ATMs smashed. Officials estimate the damage to be at least $125 million, according to an Associated Press tally of reports by the state-run IRNA news agency from over 20 cities. The number of dead demonstrators reported by activists continues to swell. Activists warn it shows Iran engaging in the same tactics it has used for decades, but at an unprecedented scale firing from rooftops on demonstrators, shooting birdshot into crowds and sending motorcycle-riding paramilitary Revolutionary Guard volunteers in to beat and detain those who cant escape. The vast majority of protesters were peaceful. The video footage shows crowds of people including children and families chanting, dancing around bonfires, marching on their streets, said Raha Bahreini, of Amnesty International. "The authorities have opened fire unlawfully. The killing of peaceful protesters as well as the threat of mass executions have been a red line for military action for U.S. President Donald Trump. An American aircraft carrier and warships are approaching the Mideast, possibly allowing Trump to launch another attack on Iran after bombing its nuclear enrichment sites last year. That risks igniting a new Mideast war. Iran's mission to the United Nations did not respond to detailed questions from the AP regarding the suppression of the demonstrations. Protests over rial spiral The demonstrations began Dec. 28 at Tehrans historic Grand Bazaar, initially over the collapse of Iran's currency, the rial, then spread across the country. Tensions exploded on Jan. 8, with demonstrations called for by Iran's exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi. Witnesses in Tehran told the AP before authorities cut internet and phone communication that they saw tens of thousands of demonstrators on the streets. As communications failed, gunfire echoed through Tehran. Many witnesses said they had never seen such a large number of protesters on the streets, said Bahar Saba of Human Rights Watch. Iranian authorities have repeatedly shown they have no answers other than bullets and brutal repression to people taking to the streets. Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, a deputy interior minister speaking on state TV Wednesday, acknowledged the violence began in earnest on Jan. 8. More than 400 cities were involved," he said. By Jan. 9, Revolutionary Guard Gen. Hossein Yekta, previously identified as leading plainclothes units of the force, went on Iranian state TV and warned mothers and fathers to keep their children home. Tonight you all must be vigilant. Tonight is the night for keeping mosques, all bases everywhere filled with Hezbollahi, Yekta said, using a word for followers of God that carries the connotation of fervent supporters of Iran's theocracy. Already weakened by the 12-day war Israel launched against Iran in June, the authorities decided to fully employ violence to end the demonstrations, experts said. I think the regime viewed it as this was a moment of existential threat and that they could either allow it to play out and allow the protests to build and allow foreign powers to increase their rhetoric and increase their demands on Iran, said Afshon Ostovar, an expert on the Revolutionary Guard and professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, California. "Or they could turn out the lights, kill as many people as necessary ... and hope they could get away with it. And I think thats what they ultimately did. Basij key in disrupting protests In Iran, one of the main ways its theocracy can squash demonstrations is through the Basij, the Guard's volunteer arm. Mosques in Iran include facilities for the Basij. Guard Gen. Heydar Baba Ahmadi was quoted by the semiofficial Mehr news agency in 2024 as estimating 79% of Basij resistance bases are located in mosques and 5% in other holy places. Iranian state media repeatedly has aired images of mosques damaged in the protests without exploring their links to the Basij. Most neighborhood Basij bases are co-located with mosques and most neighborhood Basij leaders are associated with the mosque leadership," Ostovar said, adding that demonstrators going after regime targets associated with repression would have considered them a legitimate part of it. Videos show Basij holding long guns, batons and pellet guns. Anti-riot police can be seen wearing helmets and body armor, carrying assault rifles and submachine guns. The videos show police firing shotguns into crowds, something authorities deny despite corpses showing wounds consistent with metal birdshot. Scores have reportedly suffered blinding eye wounds from birdshot something seen in the protests around the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini. Iran's semiofficial ILNA news agency reported that Tehran's Farabi Eye Hospital, the premiere clinic for eye injuries, called in all current and retired doctors to help those injured. We received accounts that the security forces were just firing relentlessly at protesters, said Bahreini of Amnesty International. "Theyre not just targeting one or two people to create a climate of terror for people to disperse ... but just relentlessly firing at thousands of protesters and chasing after them, even as they were fleeing so that more people were just collapsing to the ground with severe gunshot wounds. Casualties grow as crackdown intensifies For two weeks, Iran offered no overall casualty figures. Then on Wednesday, the government said 3,117 people were killed, including 2,427 civilians and security forces. That left another 690 dead that Pourjamshidian identified as terrorists. That conflicts with figures from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which put the death toll on Saturday at 5,137, based on activists inside Iran verifying fatalities against public records and witness statements. It said 4,834 were demonstrators, 208 were government-affiliated personnel, 54 were children and 41 were civilians not participating in protests. Death tolls in Iran have long been inflated or deflated for political reasons. But the fact that Iran's theocracy offered any death toll and gave a number beyond any other political unrest to strike the country in the modern era underlines the scale of what happened. It also provides a justification for the ongoing mass arrest campaign and internet shutdown. State media report dozens to hundreds of people detained daily. Pourjamshidian also gave an extensive list of vandalism from the protests and crackdown, including 750 banks, 414 government buildings, 600 ATMs and hundreds of vehicles that sustained damage. Meanwhile, uncertainty looms for Iran's theocracy over what Trump may or may not do. Traditionally, Iranians hold memorial services for their late loved ones 40 days after their deaths meaning the country could see renewed demonstrations around Feb. 17. Online videos from Behesht-e Zahra, the massive cemetery on the outskirts of Tehran, show mourners chanting: Death to Khamenei! Satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC analyzed by the AP show large numbers of cars daily at Behesht-e Zahras southern reaches, where those killed in the demonstrations are being buried. Elaheh Mohammadi, a journalist at Tehran's pro-reform newspaper Ham Mihan, recently noted it had been shut by authorities. She said journalists were working on stories about Behesht-e Zahra they weren't able to publish. We send out a message to let people know were still alive, Mohammadi wrote online. The city smells of death. Hard days have passed and everyone is stunned; a whole country is in mourning, a whole country is holding back tears, a whole country has a lump in its throat." 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 Oregon woman has sued the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, claiming a bishop told her not to report years of sexual abuse by a high priest. The woman, who was a member of the Church, alleged she was raped by the high priest in 1995 when she was 10 years old, and the abuse continued until she was 15 years old, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported, citing the lawsuit filed Tuesday in a federal court in Las Vegas. The high priest, whose name the newspaper did not disclose, had served at the East Stake 1st Ward in Las Vegas, counseling congregation members. The womans identity is not revealed in the lawsuit. In 1999, the woman, then just a teenage girl, told a bishop, who oversaw the ward, about the alleged abuse, the lawsuit says, but he told her not to report it to police. The bishop told the girl that the Church would handle the situation, the lawsuit claims. But the Church ended up telling the high priest that the girl reported the abuse, and took no meaningful action to prevent further harm. An Oregon woman has sued the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, claiming a bishop told her not to report years of sexual abuse by a high priest ( Getty Images/iStock ) The lawsuit accuses the Church of negligent supervision and breach of a mandatory duty to report suspected child abuse. Its unclear whether the high priest faced or will face criminal charges for the accusations of abuse. According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website, abuse, including sexual harm, cannot be tolerated in any form andthose who abuse will be accountable before God. Reports of abuse should never be dismissed. Everyone should respond with compassion and sensitivity toward victims and their families. Those affected by abuse need to be heard and supported, an article on abuse from the Church reads. The Church said it encourages the reporting of abuse to civil authorities, and Church leaders and members must fulfill all legal obligations to report abuse. The Independent has reached out to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 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 California sued the federal government Friday for approving a Texas-based company's plans to restart two oil pipelines along the state's coast, escalating a fight over the Trump administration's removal of regulatory barriers to offshore oil drilling for the first time in decades. The administration has hailed the project by Houston-based Sable Offshore Corp. to restart production in waters off Santa Barbara damaged by a 2015 oil spill as the kind of project President Donald Trump wants to increase U.S. energy production. The state oversees the pipelines that run through Santa Barbara and Kern counties, said Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta. The federal administration has no right to usurp Californias regulatory authority, he said at a news conference. Were taking them to court to draw a line in the sand and to protect our coast, beaches and communities from potentially hazardous pipelines. But the U.S. Transportation Department agency that approved Sable's plan pushed back on the lawsuit. Restarting the Las Flores Pipeline will bring much needed American energy to a state with the highest gas prices in the country, said a spokesperson with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Sable did not respond for comment on the lawsuit. Trump signed an executive order on the first day of his second term to reverse former President Joe Bidens ban on future offshore oil drilling on the East and West coasts. A federal court later struck down Bidens order to withdraw 625 million acres of federal waters from oil development. The federal administration in November announced plans for new offshore oil drilling off the California and Florida coasts, which the oil industry has backed for years. But critics say the plans could harm coastal communities and ecosystems. Bonta said one of the pipelines Sable wants to restart burst in 2015, spilling oil along the Southern California coast. The event was the states worst oil spill in decades. More than 140,000 gallons (3,300 barrels) of oil gushed out, blackening beaches for 150 miles (240 kilometers) from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. It polluted a biologically rich habitat for endangered whales and sea turtles, killing scores of pelicans, seals and dolphins, and decimating the fishing industry. The drilling platforms were subsequently shuttered. Sable has faced a slew of legal challenges but has said it is determined to restart production, even if that means confining it to federal waters, where state regulators have virtually no say. California controls the 3 miles (5 kilometers) nearest to shore. The platforms are 5 to 9 miles (8 to 14 kilometers) offshore. Its crazy that we are even talking about restarting this pipeline, said Alex Katz, executive director of the Environmental Defense Center, a Santa Barbara group formed in response to a catastrophic 1969 California oil spill. The federal government's approval to restart the pipelines ignores painful lessons the community learned from the 2015 oil spill, said California Assemblymember Gregg Hart, a Democrat representing Santa Barbara. "California will not allow Trump and his Big Oil friends to bypass our essential environmental laws and threaten our coastline," he said in a statement. California has been reducing the states production of fossil fuels in favor of clean energy for years. The movement has been spearheaded partly by Santa Barbara County, where elected officials voted in May to begin taking steps to phase out onshore oil and gas operations. 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 Black man executed in Texas almost 70 years ago for the murder and rape of a white woman has been posthumously declared innocent, with prosecutors now acknowledging the case was built on false evidence and steeped in racial bias. Tommy Lee Walker was sent to the electric chair in May 1956 for the killing of 31-year-old Venice Parker in Dallas. During his trial, prosecutors alleged Walker attacked Ms Parker, a shop assistant returning home, on the evening of 30 September 1953. Ms Parkers killing occurred amidst widespread panic and racial division in the Dallas area, fuelled by reports of a "Peeping Tom" believed to be a Black man terrorising women, according to the Dallas County Criminal District Attorneys Office. But an extensive review of Walkers conviction by the Dallas County Criminal District Attorneys Office, along with the help of the Innocence Project of New York and Northeastern University School of Laws Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project, found multiple problems with Walkers case. open image in gallery Tommy Lee Walker, a Black man from Texas, attends his March 1954 trial in Dallas for the rape and murder of Venice Parker ( Dallas History & Archives Division, Dallas Public Library via AP ) The review found problems with statements from a Dallas police officer who claimed that Parker had identified her attacker as a Black man. But multiple witnesses denied that Parker did anything outside of convulse and hemorrhage exorbitant amounts of blood, after being attacked, Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot said during a Wednesday meeting of Dallas County commissioners that was held to ask the officials to declare Walker innocent. During the next few months after Parker's killing. hundreds of Black men were rounded up by authorities and four months later, Walker, then 19 years old, was arrested. Walker was subjected to threatening and coercive interrogation tactics by Will Fritz, a Dallas police captain who had been a member of the Ku Klux Klan, Creuzot said. Walker later testified he confessed to the killing because he was afraid for his life, Creuzot said. At his trial, Walkers lawyers presented 10 witnesses who testified that at the time of the murder, they were with Walker and his girlfriend when she gave birth to their son, Edward Lee Smith, at a local hospital, according to the Innocence Project. But this carried little weight in Jim Crow Dallas, the Innocence Project said. Walker was convicted by an all-white jury in 1954. The prosecution in this case presented misleading and inadmissible evidence, Creuzot said. This case, while it has undeniable legal errors, was riddled with racial injustice during a time when prejudice and bigotry were woven throughout every aspect of society, including the criminal justice system. open image in gallery Tommy Lee Walker is fingerprinted after his arrest in January 1954 ( Dallas History & Archives Division, Dallas Public Library via AP ) Creuzot credited the work of journalist Mary Mapes, who first began investigating Walkers case 13 years ago. He paid with his life for a crime he could not have committed, Mapes told commissioners. During an emotional moment at Wednesdays meeting, Smith, Walkers now 72-year-old son, and the victims son, Joseph Parker, hugged each other. Im so sorry for what happened, Parker told Smith And Im sorry for your loss, Smith replied. Smith had earlier told commissioners that his fathers wrongful execution was very hard for him and his mother. Im 72 years old and I still miss my daddy, Smith said as he cried. She said, Baby, they give your father the electric chair for something he didnt do.' Joseph Parker told commissioners he hopes that Walkers exoneration will help prevent wrongful convictions in the future. If nothing else comes from this situation ... it's that we learn to try not to make the same mistake again. The mistake being what? The mistake being the injustice, the taking of an innocent life, Parker said. At the end of Wednesdays meeting, Dallas County commissioners unanimously passed a symbolic resolution declaring that Walker was wrongfully convicted and executed and what happened to him represented a profound miscarriage of justice. BRASILIA, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump attempts to create a new United Nations and be its sole owner. "President Trump is proposing to create a new UN and that he alone is the owner of the UN," Lula said at an event organized by the Landless Rural Workers Movement in Brazil's northeastern state of Bahia. He said that the world is facing a "very critical" political moment, with multilateralism being thrown out in favor of unilateralism, adding that the "law of the strongest" is increasingly shaping international relations and the UN Charter is being "torn apart." Lula said he has intensified diplomatic contacts in recent weeks to help build an international response to strengthen multilateralism, citing talks with the leaders of Russia, China, India, Hungary and Mexico, among others. The goal, he said, is to explore the possibility of an international meeting to reaffirm commitment to multilateralism and prevent "the force of arms and intolerance of any country in the world" from prevailing. 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 37-year-old man is dead after federal agents opened fire on the streets of Minneapolis on Saturday morning, the third shooting by agents thats taken place this month during the Trump administrations ongoing Minnesota crackdown. The victim has been identified by his family as Alex Pretti, a resident of South Minneapolis and an intensive-care nurse. Federal officials have offered an account of the shooting as an attempted mass attack on law enforcement, though so far little public evidence supports their claims. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the shooting took place around 9am as agents were conducting a targeted operation against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault. In the course of the operation, DHS said, a man in possession of a 9mm handgun then approached agents, with what DHS has claimed without additional public evidence was an intent to massacre law enforcement. Homeland Security shared an accompanying photo of a tan pistol with an optical sight in its announcement of the shooting. open image in gallery Family members have identified Alex Pretti, 37, of South Minneapolis, as the man who died in Saturdays shooting ( Associated Press ) Trump advisor Stephen Miller alleged Pretti was a domestic terrorist who tried to assassinate federal law enforcement. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said in a press conference on Saturday that the deceased man was an American citizen, whose only previous contact with law enforcement was for traffic violations and that he appeared to be a licensed gun owner. Brief clips of the encounter that have surfaced on social media do not show Pretti approaching officers with a gun drawn. The footage captures a group of agents wrestling with a man on a city street before at least 10 shots are fired. A video from another angle appears to show Pretti yelling at agents after they push a woman to the ground. The full circumstances that led up to the shooting are not yet known. The man died as a result of the shooting, OHara later confirmed. open image in gallery A photo of the 9mm gun allegedly possessed by the victim in the shooting in Minneapolis on January 24 ( Department of Homeland Security ) I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a tweet. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now. During a press conference on Saturday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem alleged that state officials had encouraged community members to impede law enforcement, prompting incidents like todays shooting. When asked about why federal officials have deemed the shooting an attempted attack, Noem pointed to the gun and ammunition recovered on the scene. I don't know of any peaceful protester that shows up with a gun and ammunition rather than a sign, she told reporters. This is a violent riot when you have someone showing up with weapons and are using them to assault law enforcement officers. The Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear arms, and Minnesota is an open-carry state. It is not a crime to possess a weapon at a protest. open image in gallery Tensions have been high after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis earlier this month ( Stephen Maturen/Getty Images ) The shooting further escalated tensions that were already high in the city after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot Renee Good earlier this month. She, too, was 37 years old. State officials have pushed to investigate Saturdays shooting, but claim federal officials on the scene blocked them from obtaining evidence, even though they had a warrant. Were in uncharted territory here, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension superintendent Drew Evans said at a press conference on Saturday. Its been a longstanding understanding, both within our state and across the country, that entities like the BCA that conduct 80-plus-percent of officer-involved shooting investigations across the United States are asked to do these investigations of federal agents involved in officer-involved shootings." Secretary Kristi Noem did not specifically answer a question at a press conference on Saturday about whether state officials were blocked, but suggested the Trump administration was avoiding cooperating with the Walz administration. The White House has criticized the Democrat for fraud in government programs in Minnesota and because local police do not provide back-up to ongoing immigration operaitons. Who would trust Gov. Walz at this point? Noem added. We need to partner with people who truly understand that the law is the law. open image in gallery A crowd gathered at the scene of the shooting shortly after reports first emerged ( Getty ) Federal officials also alleged blocked state investigators from investigating Goods killing, according to the BCA. A senior FBI agent and a group of top federal prosecutors in Minnesota have resigned over alleged pressure from Washington not to pursue an investigation of the agent who shot Good. After Saturdays shooting, an angry crowd gathered and screamed profanities at federal officers, calling them cowards and telling them to go home. One officer responded mockingly as he walked away, telling them: Boo hoo. Agents elsewhere shoved a yelling protester into a car. The intersection where the shooting has been blocked off, and Border Patrol agents were on the scene, wielding batons. open image in gallery Community members protested against federal agents on Saturday after the showing, and riot control munitions were used to disperse the crowd ( Getty Images ) More than 2,000 federal officers are being deployed in the state as part of the Trump administrations ongoing immigration and anti-fraud crackdown in the state. More than 3,000 people have been arrested as part of the operation since December, according to DHS. The ongoing mission has been met with heavy protests. On Friday, police arrested about 100 clergy demonstrating against immigration enforcement at Minnesotas largest airport, and several thousand gathered in downtown Minneapolis despite Arctic temperatures to protest the crackdown. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A federal judge has ordered the immediate release of a Mexican man from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Minnesota after he suffered life-threatening head injuries after his arrest. A man identified in court documents as Alberto C.M., who entered the country legally on a temporary worker visa in 2022, was hospitalized with skull fractures and brain hemorrhages shortly after his arrest in St. Paul during Donald Trumps surge of immigration enforcement officers in the state. The cause of his injuries is still unknown. According to the lawsuit, officers told hospital staff that he was laying down in handcuffs when he attempted to flee, and then, for unknown reasons, purposefully ran headfirst into a brick wall. ICE has largely refused to provide information about what happened, except to say that he he got his s*** rocked, according to the judge. Hennepin County Medical Center records reflect that Albert C.M. told staff there that he was dragged and mistreated by federal agents, the judge wrote. He has remained in ICE custody since then, handcuffed to his hospital bed. open image in gallery A federal judge has ordered the immediate release of an ICE detainee who suffered life-threatening head injuries after his arrest ( REUTERS ) The Independent has requested comment from Homeland Security. Fridays order from District Judge Donovan Frank arrived as federal agents who surged into the Minneapolis area face growing protests against the Trump administrations mass deportation campaign, with demonstrations planned across the country. The surge is Homeland Securitys largest immigration enforcement operation yet, with officers accused of violently targeting immigrants and citizens alike and facing off against protesters in clashes throughout the Minneapolis area. Administration officials have denied allegations of unconstitutional abuse and use of force, while a federal judge has moved to block officers from retaliatory use of riot control weapons against demonstrators. An appeals court has temporarily frozen that order while a legal challenge continues. There is no reason to believe that Mr. Castaneda Mondragon was arrested for any other reason than that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time that is, that he was a brown-skinned Latino Spanish-speaker at a location that immigration agents arbitrarily decided to target, according to Albertos lawsuit. An ICE official told the court that Alberto was in the middle of the intake process to initiate removal proceedings when it was determined he had a head injury and needed to be taken to the hospital, according to Judge Frank. The intake process has not been completed to this day, 15 days after his initial arrest, he wrote. open image in gallery Thousands of people took to the streets of Minneapolis January 23 following a nearly month-long surge of immigration officers in the state to support Trumps mass deportation campaign ( AP ) In 2025, 32 people died in ICE custody, marking the deadliest year inside the agency for more than two decades, and tied for the most number of deaths among ICE detainees ever. Within the first weeks of 2026, at least six people have died in ICE custody, according to the agency. Healthcare workers at Minnesotas Hennepin Healthcare have spoken out against federal officers at its hospitals, fearing that their presence there disrupts care and prevents people from seeking it out over fears that they will be targeted for arrest. ICE agents are bringing in their patients with injuries that are completely inconsistent with the stories that they are telling, and they are not allowing the patient to tell their side of the story of what happened, according to state Senator Alice Mann, who spoke alongside healthcare workers and state lawmakers at the state Capitol this week. We see firsthand that when people delay or avoid care, said Dr. Roli Dwivedi, a former president of the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians. The bottom line is, is this making America healthy again? Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump has responded to the latest shooting death of a U.S. citizen at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis with a rant about alleged Democrat corruption. Trump wrote a post on Truth Social less than two hours after a 37-year-old legal firearm owner was gunned down by federal agents on Saturday morning. The post accompanied a picture of the gun that the victim carried. This is the gunmans gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why werent they allowed to protect ICE Officers? The Mayor and the Governor called them off? the post began. It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves Not an easy thing to do! Why does Ilhan Omar have $34 Million Dollars in her account? And where are the Tens of Billions of Dollars that have been stolen from the once Great State of Minnesota? The victim of the shooting has been identified as Alex Pretti, according to The Minnesota Star-Tribune. open image in gallery ( Getty Images ) The president has long been critical of Minneapolis Rep. Ilhan Omar, a U.S. citizen who was born in Somalia, and encouraged her to go back to her home country. We are there because of massive Monetary Fraud, with Billions of Dollars missing, and Illegal Criminals that were allowed to infiltrate the State through the Democrats Open Border Policy. We want the money back, and we want it back, NOW, Trump continued. Those Fraudsters who stole the money are going to jail, where they belong! This is no different than a really big Bank Robbery. Much of what youre witnessing is a COVER UP for this Theft and Fraud. The Mayor and the Governor are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric! Instead, these sanctimonious political fools should be looking for the Billions of Dollars that has been stolen from the people of Minnesota, and the United States of America. LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB! 12,000 Illegal Alien Criminals, many of them violent, have been arrested and taken out of Minnesota. If they were still there, you would see something far worse than you are witnessing today! The president quickly followed up that post by saying: AMONG OTHER THINGS, THIS IS A COVER UP FOR THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS THAT HAVE BEEN STOLEN FROM THE ONCE GREAT STATE (BUT SOON TO BE GREAT AGAIN!) OF MINNESOTA! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP. open image in gallery Rep. Kelly Morrison D-Minn., Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., arrive at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building for anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis earlier this month ( AP ) For her part, Omar has already responded to Saturdays shooting, calling it an execution by immigration enforcement. I am absolutely heartbroken, horrified, and appalled that federal agents murdered another member of our community. It is beyond shameful these federal agents are targeting our residents instead of protecting them, Omar added. The lawmaker accused the Trump administration of administration is trying to beat us into submission rather than protect us. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said a 37-year-old man was killed but declined to identify him. He added that information about what led up to the shooting was limited. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that federal officers were conducting an operation as part of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown and fired defensive shots after a man with a handgun approached them and violently resisted when officers tried to disarm him. OHara said police believe the man was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. open image in gallery A photo of the 9mm gun allegedly held by the victim in the shooting in Minneapolis on January 24 ( Department of Homeland Security ) The police chief appealed for calm, both from the public and from federal law enforcement. Our demand today is for those federal agencies that are operating in our city to do so with the same discipline, humanity and integrity that effective law enforcement in this country demands, the chief said. We urge everyone to remain peaceful. We recognize that there is a lot of anger and a lot of questions around what has happened, but we need people to remain peaceful. The shooting happened amid widespread daily protests in the Twin Cities since the Jan. 7 shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good, who was killed when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fired into her vehicle. Saturdays shooting unfolded just over a mile away from where Good was shot. After the shooting, an angry crowd gathered and screamed profanities at federal officers, calling them cowards and telling them to go home. One officer responded mockingly as he walked away, telling them: Boo hoo. Agents elsewhere shoved a yelling protester into a car. Protesters dragged garbage dumpsters from alleyways to block the streets, and people who gathered chanted, ICE out now, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has threatened to immediately hit Canada with a 100 percent tariff on all goods and products, should they make a deal with China. If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a Drop Off Port for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken, the president wrote in a Truth Social post Saturday morning. China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life. If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A. The new strategic partnership between China and Canada was announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier this month and promises to expand trade and mutual investment between the two nations, while focusing on areas such as agriculture, agri-food, energy, and finance. open image in gallery Donald Trump has threatened to immediately hit Canada with a 100 percent tariff on all goods and products, should they make a deal with China ( Getty Images ) Following a meeting between two leaders, which marked the first visit by a Canadian leader to China in nearly a decade, 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. Trump initially had said that agreement was what Carney should be doing and its a good thing for him to sign a trade deal before seemingly changing his mind Saturday. It comes shortly after both Trump and Carney gave remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last week. In his own remarks, Carney warned of an era of great power rivalry and suggested that the U.S.-led world order was over and was not coming back. "If great powers abandon even the pretense of rules and values for the unhindered pursuit of their power and interests, the gains from transactionalism will become harder to replicate," Carney said. open image in gallery In remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Carney warned of an era of great power rivalry and suggested that the U.S.-led world order was over and was not coming back ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) We understand that this rupture calls for more than adaptation. It calls for honesty about the world as it is, he continued. We know the old order is not coming back. We shouldnt mourn it. Nostalgia is not a strategy. Though he did not mention Trump by name or the U.S. specifically, the speech was seen as a rebuke of the presidents policies, including his tariff regime, his previous threats to force Canada to become the 51st state of the United States, and his efforts to acquire Greenland. Days later, Trump wrote online that he was disinviting Canada from his Board of Peace, established to help the rebuilding and transition of power in Gaza. Dear Prime Minister Carney, Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday. Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canadas joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time. Carneys office said he planned to accept Trumps invitation to the Board of Peace, Reuters reported last week. The Independent has contacted the White House and Carneys office for comment on the presidents tariff threats. 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 Minnesota activist who was charged for her role in an anti-immigration enforcement protest at a church released her own video of her arrest Friday after the White House posted a manipulated image online. The White House on Thursday posted a picture on its X page of civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong crying with her hands behind her back as she was escorted by a blurred person wearing a badge. The photo was captioned in all caps: Arrested far-left agitator Nekima Levy Armstrong for orchestrating church riots in Minnesota." A photo posted by Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem's account showed the same image with Levy Armstrong wearing a neutral expression. Levy Armstrong, who was arrested with at least two others Thursday for an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement protest that disrupted a service at a church where an ICE official also serves as a pastor, released her own video. Levy Armstrong is out of jail, said Jordan Kushner, who represented her in court Thursday. He declined to comment further. The video shot by Levy Armstrongs husband, Marques Armstrong, shows several federal agents approaching to arrest her. Im asking you to please treat me with dignity and respect, she said to the agents. We have to put you in handcuffs, one agent said, while another held up a phone and appeared to record a video. Why are you recording? Levy Armstrong asked. I would ask that you not record. Its not going to be on Twitter, the agent filming said. Its not going to be on anything like that. We dont want to create a false narrative, the agent said. At no point in the more than seven-minute video -- which shows Levy Armstrong being handcuffed and led into a government vehicle -- did Levy Armstrong appear to cry. Instead, she talked with agents about her arrest. You know that this is a significant abuse of power, she said. Because I refuse to be silent in the face of brutality from ICE. Im not in here to get in a political debate, the agent filming said. In an audio message that Levy Armstrongs spokesperson shared with The Associated Press, Levy Armstrong said the video of her arrest exposes that the Trump administration had used AI to manipulate images of her arrest. We are being politically persecuted for speaking out against authoritarianism, fascism and the tyranny of the Trump administration, said Levy Armstrong, who recorded the message Friday morning during a call with her husband from jail. The Department of Homeland Security didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. ___ Associated Press reporters Giovanna Dell'Orto in Minneapolis and Tiffany Stanley in Washington, D.C., contributed. Close Winter storm grips the south 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 major winter storm continued to blanket parts of the U.S. with snow and ice on Sunday, leaving more than a million energy customers without power and disrupting travel throughout the western half of the country. More than 10,000 flights were cancelled on Sunday, while another 934 were delayed. Heavy snow was reported from the Ohio Valley to the U.S. northeast. In the south, ice accumulation caused power outages for hundreds of thousands. Since Friday, 24 states have declared emergencies to get ahead of the cleanup and response work that will no doubt be needed once the storm has passed. The snow will continue to fall throughout Sunday evening and into Monday. Several places received record-breaking snowfall on Saturday and Sunday. After the initial storm has passed, a record period of cold is set to follow for some parts of the country, locking the snow and ice in while workers fight to restore power in sub-zero windchill. 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 12-year-old boy who was bitten by a shark in Sydney has died from his injuries, his family said on Saturday. Nico Antic was mauled by a shark near Shark Beach at Nielsen Park in Sydney Harbour and suffered devastating injuries. The boy was jumping off rocks in Vaucluse with his friends last Sunday when he was attacked. He was brought out of the water by his friends and immediately taken to a childrens hospital in Randwick where he was put in an induced coma after surgery. He had suffered severe injuries on both legs. Were heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away," his family said in a statement. "Nico was a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit. He was always full of life and thats how we'll remember him. In the wake of the incident, a family friend started an online fundraiser for Antics parents to help them through the ordeal. Tragically, their beloved child, Nico, was attacked by a shark on Sunday in Sydney harbour and sustained devastating injuries. Despite all efforts, this heartbreaking event has led to the worst possible outcome. We are raising funds to help the Antic family cover upcoming expenses and related arrangements during this incredibly difficult time, the fundraiser said. Police said they believed a bull shark, a species known to inhabit murky, brackish waters, was responsible for the attack. open image in gallery GoFundMe appeal for Nico Antics family ( Screengrab/GoFundMe ) After a series of shark attacks along Australias east coast, including three in Sydney just this past week, authorities shut down a dozen beaches. The attack that claimed Antics life occurred shortly after 4.20pm along the popular coastal path of Hermitage Foreshore Walk. Two similar incidents followed within 24 hours, heightening concern. An 11-year-old boy surfing at the Dee Why Beach on Monday morning escaped unharmed after a shark bit his surfboard multiple times and tore away a chunk from its mid-section. Northern Beaches Council lifeguards immediately closed the beach, erected warning signs, and launched jet ski and drone patrols. A piece of the surfboard was sent to the NSW Fisheries to help identify the shark. That same evening, a man was left in critical condition after being bitten by a shark at Manly Beach. open image in gallery A marine life ranger on the North Steyne Beach in Sydney ( AFP via Getty ) In the wake of the attacks, the New South Wales police warned residents and visitors against entering the Shark Beach waters. The harbour as you know is brackish, it is full of fresh water at the moment due to the amount of rain weve had, marine area command superintendent Joe McNulty said. We believe a combination of the brackish water, the fresh water and the action of the splashing may have made that perfect storm environment for that shark attack, he said, urging people to avoid swimming in Sydney Harbour and nearby river systems while water visibility remained poor. Authorities said heavy swell had prevented the operation of smart drumlines along much of the NSW coast, limiting shark detection efforts. Since 2020, Australia has recorded 23 fatal shark attacks, though experts stress the risk remains low compared with the number of people entering the ocean each year. 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 For more than two weeks, British-Iranian NHS doctor Nima Ghadiri has looked wearily at the undelivered messages on his phone to his loved ones in Iran. The 41-year-old has uncles, aunts and young cousins spread across the countrys two largest cities, Tehran and Isfahan. Sitting inside the whitewashed walls of his clinic at Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Dr Ghadiri glances at his phone again. He checks WhatsApp, Signal and Instant Messenger. Still nothing. On 8 January, at around 8.30pm local time, the Islamic Republic of Iran turned off all internet and mobile signals in the country and blocked signals coming in from abroad. According to human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, the internet blackout was an attempt by the Iranian leadership to cover up the massacres that took place across 8-9 January in the crackdown against anti-government protesters. open image in gallery A heavy military and security presence has been reported in Iranian towns and cities where protests have previously taken place ( Getty ) Due in part to the internet shutdown, it is impossible to accurately estimate the number of dead, but Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, finally admitted in a speech on Saturday that several thousand protesters had been killed. However, according to medical reports collected by The Sunday Times from hospitals in Iran, at least 16,500-18,000 people have died so far with a further 330,000-360,000 reportedly injured. When information has been successfully smuggled out of the country, either over the border or via satellite internet, it is rarely good news. My cousins wife got shot and died, Dan Vahdat, a healthcare CEO, tells The Independent from his companys office in London. Shes like 30 years old. Young. What do you do with that? And whats the crime? Nothing. Just walking in the street peacefully. open image in gallery Iran has been under a national internet blackout for more than two weeks, according to watchdog NetBlocks ( NetBlocks ) Psychotherapist Shirin Amani Azari was born in Tehran but now lives in London. She has been counselling young Iranians ever since the Women, Life, Freedom movement in 2022. That protest was sparked by the police killing of a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for failing to wear a hijab properly. Ms Azari fears for the lives of many of the people she works with: They know that leaving their homes to go out and chant and protest, you may not come back again. Before the blackout, the psychotherapist would usually complete her counselling sessions over a special landline; her clients do not trust video conferencing software, fearing it might be monitored by the regime. It is anyones guess when Ms Azari will be able to start offering sessions again, and how many of her clients are still alive. What is certain is that many survivors of this violent episode in Irans history will need serious psychological support. open image in gallery British-Iranian illustrator Roshi Rouzbehani has been posting her illustrations on social media to keep the focus on Iran ( Roshi Rouzbehani ) For British-Iranian illustrator Roshi Rouzbehani, almost all of her family members and friends still live in Iran. Before the blackout, she would speak with her mother every day, and checking in on each other was an important daily ritual. When the internet and phone services were cut off, there was no way to get in touch. Even in normal circumstances, that kind of silence is hard, but when you are terrified, not knowing whether your loved ones are alive or dead, it becomes unbearable, Ms Rouzbehani says. As those days of silence stretched into a week, anxiety started to seep into every part of her life. She had nightmares and couldnt focus. It felt impossible to separate my personal life from what was unfolding in Iran, she explains. The only way she felt she could respond was through her work. She would pen illustrations and share them on social media in an attempt to raise awareness and keep the focus on Iran when so much was being silenced. After several days of radio silence, her mother was finally able to call directly and deliver the news that no one in her close circle had been killed or injured. Another family member, who had been visiting from Germany, said they had never witnessed such brutality towards protesters. open image in gallery Two works by Rouzbehani, For Iran and The Great Wave of Executions ( Roshi Rouzbehani ) The blackout is experienced as part of the violence, says Dr Hossein Dabbagh, an assistant professor in philosophy at Northeastern University with relatives in Iran. The internet shutdown isolates people, blocks any help from coming in, and forces families to assume the worst. Dr Dabbagh does hold out hope. Yes, fear can empty streets, and a blackout can reduce visibility, but in the long run, this strategy is self-defeating, he suggests, because fear highlights that the regime cannot govern by consent. That gap between control and legitimacy keeps returning, and each crackdown tends to widen, he adds. For now, the Iranian regime shows little sign of letting up. A heavy military and security presence has been reported in towns and cities where protests took place. Eyewitness reports describe how security forces are raiding hospitals to apprehend and arrest wounded protesters. Online activity on Monday suggests the regime is testing a more heavily filtered internet according to watchdog NetBlocks as any external influence is deemed a threat by Ali Khamenei. Anti-regime activists are now lobbying the Trump administration to allow US satellite internet over Iran. But many Iranians, including Dr Ghadiri, are afraid of what they will be met with, if and when information is freely able to get out of Iran. And, even if the millions of blocked messages are one day delivered, thousands of people will no longer be around to read 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 Iran will treat any attack as an all-out war against us, a senior Iranian official said on Friday, ahead of the arrival of an American aircraft carrier strike group and other military assets in the Middle East in the coming days. This military build-up we hope it is not intended for real confrontation, but our military is ready for the worst-case scenario. This is why everything is on high alert in Iran, the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said. This time we will treat any attack limited, unlimited, surgical, kinetic, whatever they call it as an all-out war against us, and we will respond in the hardest way possible to settle this. US president Donald Trump said on Thursday that the US had an armada heading towards Iran but hoped he would not have to use it, as he renewed warnings to Tehran against killing protesters or restarting its nuclear programme. The US staged a major military build-up in the Middle East last year before joining Israels war on Iran, carrying out strikes on its nuclear facilities in June. In recent days, the Pentagon has ordered the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three accompanying destroyers to the region. The vessels left the South China Sea and began heading west earlier this week, according to a navy official, adding that they were in the Indian Ocean. A fighter jet launches from USS Abraham Lincoln in the South China Sea on 4 January 2026 ( US Navy ) Those warships would join three littoral combat ships, which were in port in Bahrain on Friday, as well as two other US destroyers, which were at sea in the Persian Gulf. The arrival of the carrier strike group would bring roughly 5,700 additional service members. The US has several bases in the Middle East, including Al Udeid in Qatar, which hosts thousands of American troops and is the forward headquarters for US Central Command. If the Americans violate Irans sovereignty and territorial integrity, we will respond, the Iranian official said. He declined to specify what an Iranian response might look like. A country under constant military threat from the United States has no option but to ensure that everything at its disposal can be used to push back and, if possible, restore balance against anyone who dares to attack Iran, the official 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 Pentagon has deployed substantial US military assets to the Middle East this week, including an aircraft carrier group and thousands of troops, amid indications from Donald Trump that he is keeping open the option of strikes on Iran following its crackdown on protests. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Mr Trump confirmed the deployment, stating: "We have a massive fleet heading in that direction, and maybe we wont have to use it," clarifying that the move was "just in case." This comes after Mr Trump had previously warned of military action if Iran carried out mass executions of prisoners or killed peaceful demonstrators. However, he recently appeared to backtrack, claiming Iran had ceased the hangings of 800 detained protesters. He has not elaborated on the source of this assertion, which Irans top prosecutor has since labelled "completely false." open image in gallery The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier and a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress ( Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian M. Wilbur/U.S. Navy via AP, File ) However, Trump appears to be keeping his options open, saying Thursday aboard Air Force One that his threatened military action would make last year's U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites look like peanuts if the government proceeded with planned executions of some protesters. Aircraft carrier heads to the Middle East The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three accompanying destroyers left the South China Sea and began heading west earlier this week, a Navy official said. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military movements, said Friday that the Lincoln strike group was in the Indian Ocean. When they arrive in the region, those warships would join three littoral combat ships, which were in port in Bahrain on Friday, as well as two other U.S. Navy destroyers, which were at sea in the Persian Gulf. The arrival of the carrier strike group would bring roughly 5,700 additional service members. The U.S. has several bases in the Middle East, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts thousands of American troops and is the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command. Moving in the aircraft carrier comes after the Trump administration had shifted some resources from the region to the Caribbean Sea as part of a pressure campaign on former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, was ordered in October to sail from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean along with several destroyers. The carrier USS Nimitz, which helped conduct the June strikes on Irans nuclear sites, also departed the region in October. More aircraft also are going in Central Command said on social media that the Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle now has a presence in the Mideast, noting the fighter jet enhances combat readiness and promotes regional security and stability. Similarly, the U.K. Ministry of Defense said Thursday that it deployed its Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar in a defensive capacity." Analysts of flight-tracking data have noticed dozens of U.S. military cargo planes also heading to the region. open image in gallery U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks at the Al Udeid Air Base, May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The activity is similar to last year when the U.S. moved in air defense hardware, like a Patriot missile system, in anticipation of an Iranian counterattack following the bombing of three key nuclear sites. Iran launched over a dozen missiles at Al Udeid Air Base days after the strikes. What's happening in Iran Iran has been gripped since late December by nationwide protests and demonstrations that were sparked by the Islamic Republics ailing economy. They have been putting new pressure on the theocracy that runs Iran and which has, in turn, responded with a deadly crackdown and shutting down the internet. Activists say the overall death toll from the crackdown rose to at least 5,032 people, with more than 27,600 detained in a widening arrest campaign. The official Iranian death toll is far lower only 3,117 dead. Iranian officials signaled last week that suspects detained in the protests would face fast trials and executions while also promising a decisive response if the U.S. or Israel intervened. OTTAWA, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne on Friday pushed back against recent remarks by the U.S. administration, asserting that one "cannot rewrite history" regarding the role of NATO troops in Afghanistan. Speaking at a press conference in Quebec City, Champagne responded to comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that NATO troops had avoided frontline combat during the war in Afghanistan. "We all know the sacrifice of the men and women during the war in Afghanistan," Champagne said. "We don't need comments from anyone else to know the strength of our armed forces. We know what they did, the world knows what they did." Champagne also rebuffed comments made Thursday by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who claimed in a television interview that Canada won't let Alberta province build a pipeline to the Pacific and suggested that Alberta should "come down into" the United States. "Thanks, but no thanks," Champagne said. "We will do our own things and we will be able to develop our resources with Albertans, with Canadians." Regarding Canada's rescinded invitation to a U.S.-led Board of Peace for Gaza, Champagne affirmed that Canada would continue to play an "important role" in the region and push for a two-state solution. With no standalone wedding insurance products on the market, couples have to shop around to find the next-best option The idea of wedding insurance might not be the first thing that jumps off a couples to-do list when planning their big day. While it is something that experts say couples should consider, getting it may not be as straightforward as it once was. Shares in Bulmers-owner C&C slump 10pc as it cuts profit forecast for the year Drinks maker has seen tough January and expects challenges into 2027 Bulmers cider John Mulligan Fri 23 Jan 2026 at 11:48 Shares in Bulmers-maker C&C slumped as much as 10pc this morning in London after it cut full-year profit expectations on the back of weak trading in the final few weeks of its financial year. Farmer buy-in to Bord Bias strategy around quality assurance has been undermined. Trust is hard earned, easily lost 'How can the chair of Bord Bia reconcile the role of Bord Bia in trying to enhance the value of Irish beef with his role in bringing Brazilian beef to our most important markets?' Photo: John Kelly The decision by the board of Bord Bia to back its chairman may well come back to haunt them. I was interviewed on the RTE Six One news before the board meeting concerning the chairman crisis and I expressed the strong view that his position was untenable. A confirmed case of bluetongue in Co Wexford has ended Irelands diseasefree status and sparked fresh concerns for the livestock sector. This photograph shows a Holstein cow during a vaccination campaign against bluetongue disease, in the region of Brittany in France. (Photo by LOU BENOIST/AFP via Getty Images The confirmation of bluetongue in Co Wexford marks a significant moment for Irelands livestock sector. While the country had long hoped its island geography might shield it from the disease that has swept across Europe, its arrival in Northern Ireland late last year and now in the Republic is a blow to the sector. Heres what you need to know. What is bluetongue? Bluetongue is an exotic viral disease caused by the bluetongue virus (BTV) and is classed as a notifiable disease, meaning any suspected case must be reported to the Department of Agriculture immediately. The virus can cause severe clinical illness and in some cases death in ruminant species such as cattle, sheep, goats and deer, as well as camelids including llamas and alpacas. While its impact on farm animals can be devastating, there is no risk to human health or food safety. There are multiple serotypes, or variations, of the virus. The Wexford case involves serotype 3 (BTV3), which has been spreading across northern Europe. What do we know about the Wexford outbreak? The Department of Agriculture has confirmed that a single bovine in Co Wexford has tested positive for bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV3). The case was detected through the Departments routine ongoing surveillance programme, which is designed to identify the disease as early as possible. How does it spread? Bluetongue is primarily transmitted by infected biting midges. These midges are found throughout Ireland, and their activity is heavily influenced by weather conditions. The virus can only replicate in midges when daily temperatures exceed 12C. Traditionally, the highest risk period runs from April to November, though milder winters could extend activity. Wind can carry infected midges over long distances, potentially transporting the virus from affected regions abroad. The virus can also be passed from pregnant animals to their unborn offspring, and there is evidence of spread through blood and germinal products such as semen and embryos. How widespread is it in Europe? Ireland had remained free of bluetongue until late last year when cases were detected in Northern Ireland. The virus has been in ongoing circulation throughout Europe. In recent years, however, BTV3 has spread rapidly. It was detected in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Great Britain from autumn 2023 and has successfully overwintered in several countries. By 2024 it had also been confirmed in France, Luxembourg and Denmark. Other serotypes continue to circulate in southern Europe. What are the symptoms? Sheep tend to show more obvious and severe signs, with mortality rates that can reach 70%. Some animals show no symptoms at all but can still spread the virus. Signs include: Fever, loss of appetite and drop in milk yield Lethargy Lesions or ulceration in the mouth, nose, eyes or teats Swelling of the face, lips or tongue Breathing difficulties Excessive drooling Eye or nasal discharge Lameness, hoof sloughing or swollen legs Abortion or stillbirth Sudden death in severe cases What should farmers do if they suspect it? Isolate any suspect animal immediately and report it to the Department of Agriculture. During office hours, contact your local Regional Veterinary Office; outside hours, call the National Disease Emergency Hotline on 014928026. Stakeholders including farmers and vets are urged to remain vigilant. What happens in an outbreak? Control measures would include restriction zones of at least 150km, movement controls on susceptible animals and possibly mandatory vaccination or enforced housing periods. With the first case now confirmed, Irelands surveillance, response planning and farmlevel awareness will be critical in the weeks ahead. What about vaccination against bluetongue in Ireland? The use of bluetongue vaccination against bluetongue serotype-3 (BTV-3) was recently permitted in cattle and sheep in Ireland in 2026. Farmers can consider the option to vaccinate against bluetongue serotype-3 in Spring 2026 to protect livestock in advance of any midge-borne virus spread in the warmer Summer and Autumn months. Farmers who are interested in BTV-3 vaccination are advised to discuss the option with their private veterinary practitioner (PVP) and subsequently apply for vaccination through their PVP. A confirmed case of bluetongue in Co Wexford has ended Irelands diseasefree status and sparked fresh concerns for the livestock sector. This photograph shows a Holstein cow during a vaccination campaign against bluetongue disease, in the region of Brittany in France. (Photo by LOU BENOIST/AFP via Getty Images News in 90 seconds Saturday January 24 This photograph shows vaccines after a vaccination campaign on cows in France. Two serotypes of this disease, FCO3 and FCO8, transmitted by midges, are currently circulating in sheep and cattle farms across Europe. (Photo by LOU BENOIST / AFP) (Photo by LOU BENOIST/AFP via Getty Images) Irelands livestock sector has been dealt a significant blow with the first confirmed case of bluetongue detected in Co Wexford, the Department of Agriculture has announced. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, said a bovine infected with bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV3) was identified in a herd through routine surveillance. The discovery marks the first time the disease has been found in the Republic, ending hopes that Irelands island status would keep it free from the virus that has caused major disruption across Europe. This is unwelcome news but unfortunately it is not surprising, given the spread of this virus across Europe, Great Britain and recently Northern Ireland, Minister Heydon said. Bluetongue is an insectborne viral disease affecting cattle, sheep and other ruminants. Crucially, it cannot infect humans and poses no food safety risk, the minister stressed. I want to emphasise that bluetongue cannot infect people and does not pose any food safety or human health issue, he said, while expressing sympathy for the affected farmer. The virus is spread primarily through midges. Fortunately, the current seasonal drop in temperatures is expected to limit transmission. The replication of the virus in infected midges cannot happen when the daily temperatures are lower than 12 degrees Celsius, Minister Heydon said. The recent seasonal drop in temperatures means that infection is unlikely to spread widely at the current time. Department officials are carrying out further sampling and investigations to establish the source and extent of the infection. However, the immediate fallout for the livestock trade will be significant. Diseases such as bluetongue can trigger restrictions for live exports, a major outlet for Irish cattle and sheep. This outbreak will have an impact on exports of cattle and sheep, with additional costs and logistical issues required in order to comply with the rules set by the countries of destination, the minister noted. This photograph shows vaccines after a vaccination campaign on cows in France. Two serotypes of this disease, FCO3 and FCO8, transmitted by midges, are currently circulating in sheep and cattle farms across Europe. (Photo by LOU BENOIST / AFP) (Photo by LOU BENOIST/AFP via Getty Images) News in 90 seconds Saturday January 24 Exports of meat and dairy products are not expected to be affected for the EU, UK or most international markets, and the Department has already been working to revise health certificates for thirdcountry markets to minimise disruption. Looking ahead, Minister Heydon highlighted the importance of vaccination. My decision last year to approve the use of BTV3 vaccines in Ireland from 2026 provides farmers with a valuable tool, he said, encouraging farmers to discuss vaccination options with their vets. The President of ICMSA Denis Drennan, was among the first to react to the outbreak in Wexford and described the news is hugely worrying for the family concerned and the wider farming community. He said it is hugely important that the sector work together to contain the outbreak as much as possible and that every support is given to farmers impacted by bluetongue. At this stage, Drennan said, that farmers should take the advise of the Department of Agriculture in relation to best practice on biosecurity and immediate measures are required to ensure that our live trade and live exports continue as normal. In a statement, the Irish Farmers Association said the detection of bluetongue in Wexford is very disappointing. President Francie Gorman said: The highest level of vigilance is needed across the sector. He added that restrictions only apply on the farm in question, which means farmers can continue to market animals within the country while exercising the maximum level of vigilance. Paddy Clancy presenting his final What It Says In The Papers radio show on Morning Ireland in 2008. Mark Stedman/RollingNews.ie *** Local Caption *** Paddy Clancy pictured presenting his final What It Says In The Papers radio show on Morning Ireland in 2008. Mark Stedman/RollingNews.ie Woman who stabbed her young daughter more than 70 times is found guilty of attempted murder Mother who fled Ukraine with her eight-year-old girl had told gardai that chaos took over my mind Jury rejected a plea of guilty by reason of insanity. Stock image David Raleigh Fri 23 Jan 2026 at 17:31 A jury has found a woman guilty of the attempted murder of her eight-year-old daughter in Co Clare four years ago. Dublin Airport warns passengers of disruption as US winter storm hits transatlantic flights A monster winter storm is expected to engulf much of the US this weekend from the Rockies to the eastern seaboard Drivers navigate through snow as Winter Storm Fern arrives in Oklahoma City ( REUTERS/Nick Oxford) Irish Independent Newsdesk Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 18:10 Dublin Airport is warning passengers of further disruption this weekend as severe weather in North America continues to affect transatlantic services. Experts share trends, top destinations and tips at Holiday World Show in Dublin Popular destinations for Irish tourists in 2026 are revealed Top travel destinations and tips at Dublin's Holiday World Show Sarah O'Mahony Fri 23 Jan 2026 at 17:37 Irish tourists are travelling more in Asia this year with Vietnam a favoured destination, according to experts at the Holiday World Show in Dublin. BEIRUT, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and French President Emmanuel Macron held talks in Paris on Friday, focusing on supporting Lebanon's armed forces, advancing government reforms, and planning for southern Lebanon after the UN peacekeeping mission ends. According to Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA), the leaders discussed a conference in Paris scheduled for March 5 aimed at supporting the Lebanese army and security forces. They highlighted the Lebanese army's expanded authority south of the Litani River, and reaffirmed commitment to a November 2024 ceasefire. Salam stressed the need to stop Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty, and called for Israel's withdrawal from all remaining occupied Lebanese territories, the NNA reported. He also reiterated his government's plan to consolidate weapons under state authority, and the importance of finding an alternative framework to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon once its mandate ends later this year, the NNA reported. Macron voiced strong support for Lebanon's financial reforms, which could help pave the way for an International Monetary Fund agreement and a future conference in Paris to support Lebanon's recovery and reconstruction, the NNA reported. On social platform X, Macron wrote after the meeting that France stands with Lebanon in defending its sovereignty, supporting its armed forces, and backing its reforms. He said Paris is preparing the March conference to strengthen the Lebanese armed forces' essential role in maintaining Lebanon's stability and sovereignty. France probes link between two baby deaths and milk formula as Irish-made products included in recall It comes as batches of formula made in Ireland and distributed to the UK and EU are recalled over the potential presence of a toxin Stock image: Getty Jenny Che and Cillian Sherlock Bloomberg Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 17:19 French authorities have received a report of a second infant death, as a tainted formula crisis that's engulfed Nestle, Danone and Groupe Lactalis widens. MetroLink boss on his battle to bring the multi-billion euro project back from the brink MetroLink boss on his battle to bring the multi-billion euro project back from the brink Ian Smith Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 10:28 On arrival at Sean Sweeneys office at Transport Infrastructure Irelands (TII) headquarters in Dublin 8, one of the first things that stands out is a mock-up of a Time magazine cover naming Dartmouth Square residents Person of the Year hanging on the wall. MetroLink boss Sean Sweeney on planning issues and how Trump has got in the way of the major infrastructure project New timelines and costs for the project will be shared with the Government this March, he said MetroLink boss on his battle to bring the multi-billion euro project back from the brink and why he's worth his 550,000 salary Amy Molloy Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 06:30 On arrival at Sean Sweeneys office at Transport Infrastructure Irelands (TII) headquarters in Dublin 8, one of the first things that stands out is a mock-up of a Time magazine cover naming Dartmouth Square residents Person of the Year hanging on the wall. 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 Mary Regan: Taoiseach is wise to avoid a scrap with Trump while his visit to the White House looms As all around lose their heads, Micheal Martin is keeping his Indo Politics - Ireland's tricky position in the middle of EU/US tensions Mary Regan Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 06:30 There was a swagger in the steps of EU leaders as they paraded the red carpet entrance to the emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday night. We felt alone mother tells of weeks spent in foreign city for sons life-saving treatment Parents forced to travel abroad as surgery is not available in Ireland Joe and Clare Lynch with their sons Arthur (5) and Oscar (15 months) Eilish O'Regan Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 06:30 A mother who had to spend nearly seven weeks of her pregnancy in Belgium in order to get life-saving treatment for her unborn sons rare condition has spoken of the stressful ordeal and desperate search for somewhere to live in a foreign city. Jim Geraghty: Some Democrats join Republicans to hold Bill Clinton in contempt over Epstein hearing Former presidents political immunity within his own party has clearly expired Chairman of the House Oversight Committee James Comer during a meeting to vote on whether to hold former president Bill Clinton in contempt of Congress. Photo: Reuters Jim Geraghty Washington Post Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 06:30 The US House Oversight Committee voted this week to hold former president Bill Clinton in contempt of Congress. Thats not surprising, but what is surprising is that nine Democrats sided with the Republicans. Conor Skehan: Irelands role in defending the Atlantic requires watchful eyes rather than warships Knowledge is the greatest weapon and policy is encouragingly moving towards Atlantic awareness The LE George Bernard Shaw, a Naval Service's vessel. Photo: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images Conor Skehan Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 15:00 As winter settles over Ireland, the Atlantic remains unseen but active. Beyond the last headlands and coastal lights lies a domain that is not scenic or symbolic. It is dark, unstable, violent and vast. This is not empty space. It is space where oversight thins. Declan Lynch: Elon Musks excess baggage gives us a rare glimpse of Michael OLeary as a hero The Ryanair chief now has a cast-iron defence against any accusations Cartoon by Harry Burton Declan Lynch Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 03:00 There must be a German word for this the elusive sensation when someone like Elon Musk makes you reconsider your opinion of someone like Michael OLeary. Not that you want to be using German words around Elon, who was giving sieg heil salutes to celebrate Donald Trumps election victory, a year ago almost to the day. Russian president Vladimir Putin has made his plans very clear ahead of the talks with Ukraine. Photo: AP It has been another milestone week in the struggle between might and right. What was at stake was perhaps best summed up by Belgian prime minister Bart de Wever when he said: Being a happy vassal is one thing, being a miserable slave is something else. His remark, in the context of Greenland versus Donald Trump, will no doubt resonate with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky as a diplomatic push begins in Abu Dhabi to end Europes worst conflict since World War II. Russias president Vladimir Putin, who ordered the 2022 invasion, appeared to crush hopes before the delegations even sat down by reasserting his maximalist demands for the vital industrial Donbas region. Mr Zelensky saw the talks as a step hopefully towards ending the war. Yet he was clear a deal could not be reached until land issues were resolved. Russias position is well known on the fact that Ukraine, Ukrainian armed forces, have to leave the territory of the Donbas. They must be withdrawn from there, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. God willing [the talks will lead] to ending the war, Mr Zelensky said, before cautioning: It could go differently, but its a step. The Ukrainian delegation is made up of his new chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov, security chief Rustem Umerov, negotiator David Arakhamia, and ground army chief Andriy Hnatov. The Kremlins delegation will be headed by General Igor Kostyukov, director of Russias GRU military intelligence agency. The involvement of so many key military personnel tells its own story. The freezing winter and crippling of its energy supplies add to the misery If Mr Zelensky agrees to any concessions, they will have to be sold to an army that has fought so heroically and sacrificed so much. Putin is quite willing to continue with a ruinous war that is said to be taking the lives of up to 1,000 Russian soldiers daily. Unconscionable though it may be, he calculates that because his population is so much greater, he can wear down Ukraine, which is also suffering heartbreaking losses. The freezing winter and crippling of its energy supplies add to the misery. Russias troops occupy around 20pc of Ukraine and Putin is adamant about taking full control of the entire eastern region by force should talks fail. It may be true that territory does not make a nation, but its difficult to be an independent, sovereign state without it. Kyiv has warned both Europe and Washington that ceding ground will simply spur Moscow to go after more. Deterrence has to be factored into thinking when it comes to any deal. Both sides have their own red lines and frames of reference when it comes to poring over maps. Yet only one has right on its side. Its the one whose civilians are under constant attack and whose borders were brutally breached. Rewarding Russia for its aggression tells the world that all wrongs can be erased once power prevails. Putin thought he would take Ukraine in a matter of days. Ukraine has survived through courage, not compromise. Russia must not now be handed what it couldnt take. RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has announced that Brazil will grant exemptions from certain categories of short-term visas to Chinese citizens, in reciprocity for China's visa exemption policy for Brazilian nationals, the Brazilian presidency said on Friday. According to an official statement, the decision was made in the context of deepening cooperation between Brazil and China, with the aim of further facilitating people-to-people exchanges and promoting bilateral interaction. The Brazilian government said the specific implementation date of the visa-free policy will be announced at a later time. Smoky coal is still being burnt by some households in County Cork with a county council official saying there is no doubt that bituminous coal is being smuggled in and sold despite a nationwide ban four years ago. The issue was raised at this months meeting of Cork County Councils Southern Committee by Cllr Patrick Donovan who said he encountered smog from smoky coal in a housing estate in Carrigaline recently. The whole place was just totally congested with smog. There was smoky coal being burnt in the properties, there's no question of it. It was blatantly obvious in the air that there was more being burnt there than smokeless coal, he said. The Fianna Fail councillor asked what the council does to enforce the ban on bituminous coal. How are we inspecting it? Is it just in shops? Are we going out into estates at evening time and looking around? he asked. Ted O'Leary of the councils Environmental Directorate responded that the inspection focus is mainly on fuel sellers rather than on households. That's the way the legislation is structured, where our focus is mainly on the wholesale and retail side of solid fuel sales, where it is illegal to sell non-compliant product. It shouldnt be possible to purchase such coal through regular supply chains, but there is no doubt that some of this stuff is being smuggled in. There is evidence of that, he said, adding that while its illegal to sell bituminous coal, it's not illegal to use it. National solid fuel regulations introduced in 2022 banned bituminous (smoky) coal, wet wood and most turf sales in an effort to combat air pollution and improve public health. Mr OLeary said Cork County Council carries out around 100 inspections a year of solid fuel retailers to ensure theyre complying with the regulations. The vast majority of your regular retail outlets and garage outlets are generally compliant. They're selling products supplied by major suppliers and wholesalers. Probably the problem areas are kind of unofficial sales, maybe at the side of the road. And we do the best we can to monitor those and we monitor online sales. But they are by their nature more difficult to deal with. We close them down in one location and they open up again, he said. We do from time-to-time target particular estates where people highlight that there are problems. We might visit an estate and do leaflet drops and that kind of thing but that would be really the only tool available to us. It is an awareness issue, making the public aware that by burning non-compliant products, be it wet timber, turf, or any of these non-compliant illegal products, they're impacting on their own health, Mr OLeary said. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Over a thousand children along with their toys headed to the Teddy Bear Hospital this week as the annual event took place at the University of Galway. From 9am on Thursday morning, Bailey Allen Hall at University of Galway was transformed into a medical centre and hospital ward for sick and injured teddies as crowds of children aged between four and eight years old from schools across the county gathered to learn more about visiting the hospital. Movement founded by artists Maryann Talia Pau following murder of Jill Meagher in Melbourne An art installation highlighting domestic violence which was inspired by the rape and murder of Drogheda woman Jill Meagher is currently on display in Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT). The Amber Womens Refuge One Million Stars LOVE installation is part of the global One Billion Stars movement, founded in Australia in 2012 by artist Maryann Talia Pau following the rape and murder of Jill Meagher, who was living in Melbourne at the time. The initiative was brought to Ireland in 2019 by art therapist Siobhan McQuillan in partnership with Amber Womens Refuge, the domestic abuse service supporting women and children in Kilkenny and Carlow. It is now on the Dundalk campus as part of the RiVeR Projects celebration of 10 years of education on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) within the Institute. The One Million Stars Ireland project is an award-winning, inclusive community arts initiative that connects communities across the country in solidarity against DSGBV. Each eight-pointed star represents light, hope and unity, while also reflecting the projects eight principles of healthy love within relationships. Recently, during DkITs 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, students and staff came together to weave stars in solidarity with survivors of domestic abuse and all forms of violence. The One Million Stars initiative united students, staff and community partners on campus, with each star serving as a symbol of unity, compassion and a shared commitment to ending violence. The Stars created by DkIT students and staff during this event will now become part of the Installation as it spends time in the Institute. We are thrilled to host Amber Refuges One Million Stars LOVE installation on campus, especially as we celebrate 10 years of DkITs commitment to education on domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence, Kathleen Nallen, RiVeR Project Lead, said It is truly inspiring to welcome such a creative symbol of compassion and purpose, as our community stands together in solidarity with victims-survivors around the world. To mark ten years of DSGBV education in DkIT, the DkIT RiVeR Project third Annual Community of Practice Conference, will take place on Friday January 23 on campus. The fully booked event will bring together over 200 stakeholders from a diverse range of organisations across Ireland, with the goal of strengthening education and support provision while further developing an All-Island community of practice for professionals working in the area of DSGBV. It includes leading voices, advocates and graduates to reflect on ten years of progress in addressing DSGBV through accredited education and collaboration in DkIT. Works to get underway in the spring, Louth County Council confirms (L-R): Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District; Geraldine Quinn, Director of Francis Haughey Construction Ireland Limited; Cllr Sean Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council; and David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council pictured at the contact signing for the Ardee Castle Regeneration project. One of Louths most historic hidden gems is set for a major revamp, with the ink dry on plans for regeneration of Ardee Castle. Louth County Council has just signed a contract with Francis Haughey Construction Ireland Limited for the long awaited project. The Ardee Castle regeneration is a major heritage project aimed at restoring the historic 15thcentury tower house. Works on site are expected to take eighteen months and are scheduled to commence in early spring. The upgrade will include structural conservation; refurbishment of the castle, bridewell building and courtyard; improved public access to all four floors of the tower; and integration of the castle into the wider Ardee 2040 regeneration vision, with the goal of increasing tourism, supporting local business, and strengthening community engagement. Commenting on the project, Cllr Sean Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: Ardee Castle is one of County Louths most important heritage landmarks and today marks a major step forward in securing its future. This project will not only preserve the building but will also help bring new life into the heart of Ardee. Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District, added: The regeneration of Ardee Castle is something the local community has looked forward to for many years. Its restoration will create a focal point for residents and visitors alike, and I am delighted to see this transformative project moving ahead. David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said: This investment demonstrates Louth County Councils commitment to protecting our built heritage while driving sustainable regeneration in our towns and villages. Revitalising this historic asset in the centre Ardee will enhance the towns tourism potential, creating an inviting and accessible destination for visitors. We look forward to working closely with Francis Haughey Construction to deliver a project that will benefit the people of Ardee for generations to come. The regeneration of Ardee Castle is funded by Louth County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme How Wexford groups can contribute to Irelands EU Presidency The eyes of Europe will be upon us In July, Ireland will take over the presidency of the EU Council, as an appeal is made to host events outside Dublin Bertie Ahern with Vladimir Putin in 2004, when Ireland hosted the EU Presidency. Photo: Getty Wexford People Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 07:40 Wexford County Council has issued an urgent call for arts and cultural festivals to express interest in participating in a national programme to showcase Irish arts and culture during Irelands upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The group say that throughout film and cultural history, trans and queer narratives have too often been shaped by and reduced to caricatures, shock value, or comedic punchlines CC Darlington, Veronica Victor, Andrea Boyd, Rian Browne, John Ryan, Spud Byrne and Mary West were pictured at the Wexford Pride in the Park at the Wexford Arts Centre on Saturday. Pic: Jim Campbell Wexford Pride has announced they are partnering with the TITE (Trans Image/Trans Experience) Film Festival to bring an exciting programme of six trans-led short films to the county. Wexford Pride is a voluntary community organisation led by and for the LGBTQIA+ community in Co Wexford. It works to empower, celebrate and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and its diverse experiences, identities and cultures. TITE is Irelands first festival of trans and non-binary cinema. Through screenings of short and feature films from Ireland and the international trans filmmaking community, TITE aims to shift the focus of trans film from representation to craft, championing trans and non-binary filmmakers and fostering lasting connections between artists and audiences. Wexford Pride say they are excited to partner with TITE to bring these films to a new Wexford, creating a powerful opportunity to celebrate trans stories, filmmakers and creativity. In 2024, Wexford Pride held its first Pride on Screen event Queer Voices, New Stories bringing together LGBTQIA+ filmmakers to explore new narratives addressing LGBTQIA+ identity and experiences from LGBTQIA+ life in rural Ireland, to the power and importance of community spaces and, the politics of belonging when negotiating society through multiple marginalised lens. Bringing TITEs programme of trans-led short films to the Southeast is, according to Wexford Pride, the next step in celebrating trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming filmmakers across genres through an eclectic programme of short films. The details of TITE in Wexford have been announced. TITE has curated a new touring programme of six Irish trans shorts representing the brilliance of Irish trans film, from a soft touch of romance to the cutting edge of horror to bring to audiences across the country. The program features six compelling short films, including the romantic awkwardness of Night Glances, the stop-motion charm of Colour Me Pink and the pandemic-era intimacy of Dirty Talk. The lineup boldly ventures into satire with Daisy: Prophet of the Apocalypse, psychological tension with Terratoma and a charged, confrontational encounter in Glory, Hole. Together, these works showcase the vital diversity and creative power of contemporary trans-led cinema. Throughout film and cultural history, trans and queer narratives have too often been shaped by and reduced to caricatures, shock value, or comedic punchlines. These enduring stereotypes have profound real-world consequences, fuelling social stigma and discrimination toward trans and gender non-confirming people. The current small but vocal efforts to curtail trans peoples rights today is a direct echo of that harmful legacy, the group say. Rian Browne, a Wexford Pride committee member said authentic representation requires trans creativity both in front of and behind the camera. It is vital to support spaces that foster queer creativity, elevate trans voices, and champion community-driven storytelling. TITE Film Festival will take place at the Wexford Arts Centre on Friday February 13. Tickets are 13 and available via wexfordartscentre.ie. If cost is a barrier to attending they ask that you please reach out to Wexford Pride directly via info@wexfordpride.ie Members of Sandyford Little Theatre with their haul of trophies after they swept the boards at the Bray One Act Drama Festival 2025, with festival adjudicator, Geoff O'Keefe (right). Photo: Leigh Anderson. With its reputation as the friendliest festival on the circuit, the launch for the 47th Bray One Act Drama Festival took place on Tuesday, January 13, at the Mermaid Arts Centre, with festival director William Mansfield opening the evening. Participating drama groups gathered alongside this years Festival Adjudicator, Tom Byrne, to mark the start of what promises to be another outstanding festival. As always, the festival proudly supports local causes. This years proceeds will benefit BARSS and Marino Special School, with Oonagh Kenny (Marino School) and Angela ODonnell (BARSS) addressing attendees and sharing how the funds will support their communities. The Bray One act Drama Festival was founded in 1977 by the late Fred Lee, initially to raise money to buy show curtains and stage lighting so performances could be put on in the local Parochial Hall. The first festival was such a success it was decided to hold it on an annual basis. A dedicated committee resulted in the continuation of the festival and and its development into one of the top amateur festivals in Ireland. Having spent its first 28 years in the Parochial Hall, the festival moved to the Mermaid Arts Centre, where it still resides today. The Bray One Act Drama Festival runs from Tuesday, January 27 to Saturday, January 31. There are two sections in the 2026 festival, with the youth section on Tuesday and the open section running from Wednesday, January 28 until Saturday, January 31. The line-up for the 2026 festival is as follows: Tuesday, January 27 Reflex Action, comedy by Douglas Cravenby (Singing & Drama Group) Nutters, comedy by Stephen Morley (Bray School of Speech & Drama) 12 Angry Villains, comedy by Jason Pizzarello (East Glendalough School) Wednesday, January 28 Penalty, comedy by Stephen Smith (Ballaly Players) Cecily, drama by Gillian Plowman (Dalkey Players) Nasty Things, Murders, comedy by Arthur Lovegrove (Delgany ICA) Thursday, January 29 Bench at the Edge, drama by Luigi Jannuzzi (St Patricks Dramatic Society) Sonny Boy, drama by Bernadette Flynn (Ashford ICA) Suppressed Desires, Comedy by Susan Glaspell (Dalkey Players) Friday, January 30 Positive Dead People, comedy by Pauline Shanahan (Coolgreany Drama) Guess Whos Coming to Tea? comedy by Lyndon House (Delgany Dramatic Society) A Visit from Miss Prothero, drama by Alan Bennett (St Patricks Dramatic Society) Saturday, January 31 Visitors from Chicago, comedy by Neil Simon, (Square One Theatre Group) The Plot Thickens, comedy by Mark Langham (Ashford ICA) Tickets, priced 19, are available from mermaidarts.ie More rain and cold on the way as Met Eireann issues Status Yellow warning Snow on high ground expected as forecaster says it will get wintry in next few days Dull weather over the next few days is set to bring breezy and wet conditions, Met Eireann has said. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Adrianna Wrona Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 11:35 The country is braced for yet more rain, and temperatures are going to plunge close to freezing in the coming days. A Palestine Action activist could die after escalating to a thirst strike, 13 days after resuming his hunger strike. British campaign group Prisoners for Palestine said Muhammed Umer Khalid, who has the rare genetic disorder Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, could die "within hours or days" due to "heightened risks" associated with the strike. US president Donald Trump has paid tribute to "the great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom", after previously claiming Nato allies stayed away from the front lines during the war in Afghanistan. Workers transfer newly-caught fish at Wolong Lake in Kangping County of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 24, 2026. A winter fishing event began here on Saturday, featuring performances, fish cuisine, and ice and snow recreational facilities. (Xinhua/Han He) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 24, 2026 shows people watching a fish-catching activity at Wolong Lake in Kangping County of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. A winter fishing event began here on Saturday, featuring performances, fish cuisine, and ice and snow recreational facilities. (Xinhua/Li Gang) A performance is staged during a winter fishing event at Wolong Lake in Kangping County of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 24, 2026. A winter fishing event began here on Saturday, featuring performances, fish cuisine, and ice and snow recreational facilities. (Xinhua/Han He) People are seen dancing during a winter fishing event at Wolong Lake in Kangping County of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 24, 2026. A winter fishing event began here on Saturday, featuring performances, fish cuisine, and ice and snow recreational facilities. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Tourists enjoy fish soup and ginger tea during a winter fishing event at Wolong Lake in Kangping County of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 24, 2026. A winter fishing event began here on Saturday, featuring performances, fish cuisine, and ice and snow recreational facilities. (Xinhua/Han He) Tourists take photos of an ice sculpture during a winter fishing event at Wolong Lake in Kangping County of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 24, 2026. A winter fishing event began here on Saturday, featuring performances, fish cuisine, and ice and snow recreational facilities. (Xinhua/Li Gang) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 24, 2026 shows people watching a fish-catching activity at Wolong Lake in Kangping County of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. A winter fishing event began here on Saturday, featuring performances, fish cuisine, and ice and snow recreational facilities. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Workers catch fish at Wolong Lake in Kangping County of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 24, 2026. A winter fishing event began here on Saturday, featuring performances, fish cuisine, and ice and snow recreational facilities. (Xinhua/Han He) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 24, 2026 shows people watching a fish-catching activity at Wolong Lake in Kangping County of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. A winter fishing event began here on Saturday, featuring performances, fish cuisine, and ice and snow recreational facilities. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Foreign tourists pose for photos with newly-caught fish at Wolong Lake in Kangping County of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 24, 2026. A winter fishing event began here on Saturday, featuring performances, fish cuisine, and ice and snow recreational facilities. (Xinhua/Han He) Tourists visit a winter fishing event at Wolong Lake in Kangping County of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 24, 2026. A winter fishing event began here on Saturday, featuring performances, fish cuisine, and ice and snow recreational facilities. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Tourists take photos of a giant snowman during a winter fishing event at Wolong Lake in Kangping County of Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Jan. 24, 2026. A winter fishing event began here on Saturday, featuring performances, fish cuisine, and ice and snow recreational facilities. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Frances future at stake: The Le Pen dynasty, a family rift and the rise of the far right In his new book, Victor Mallet is well-informed on the history of the National Rally in France, but is frustratingly neutral on its ideas, policies and racist history Countdown to next years presidential election: The far-right National Rally remains Frances most popular political party. Photo: Artur Widak/ Getty JP OMalley Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Last March, a Paris criminal court barred Marine Le Pen from running in Frances 2027 presidential election. The legal ruling came after Le Pen and several other members of the far-right National Rally (RN) were found guilty of diverting 4.4m of European funds to finance the partys domestic operations. Ukraine, Russia and US begin talks on territory as Volodymyr Zelensky says peace deal nearly ready The discussions in Abu Dhabi will focus on the future of Ukraines eastern Donbas region A woman with a hot meal passes by a Points of Invincibility centre in Kyiv, Ukraine. The government-run shelters, where residents can warm up and charge their devices, have offered services during power cut-offs. Photo: Reuters Kamila Hrabchuk and Kostya Manenkov Associated Press Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 06:30 The UAEs foreign ministry said yesterday that Ukraine, Russia and the United States negotiators had commenced talks and are scheduled to continue over two days as part of ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis. Fears grow in Middle East as Trump warns of US armada en route to Iran Human rights groups say 5,000 have been killed in Iranian protests as internet blackout in country hits two-week mark Protesters gather as vehicles burn, amid evolving anti-government unrest, in Tehran, Iran. Photo: Reuters Maira Butt Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 06:30 US president Donald Trump has warned that an armada of US military ships is sailing towards Iran, as the death toll from the regimes brutal crackdown on protesters surpasses 5,000. US president Donald Trumps Board of Peace has faced fresh ridicule after it emerged that nearly half of the countries on it are banned from entering the US under his travel ban. US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Aylesbury during Mr Trump's state visit to Britain last year. Photo: via Reuters/file photo Veterans from across Europe hit back yesterday at US president Donald Trumps suggestion that they had stayed a little off the front lines in Afghanistan, saying hundreds of their comrades had died fighting alongside American forces. LATEST | Barack and Michelle Obama say Alex Prettis shooting in Minneapolis shows core American values under assault Man who was shot was a US citizenHomeland Security says agents fired in defenceVideos appear to contradict federal officials' versionMayor and governor demand end to immigration operationTrump says local leaders are 'inciting Insurrection' An undated handout image of Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by U.S. immigration agents as they tried to detain him in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., obtained by Reuters on January 25, 2026. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs/Handout via REUTERS Tim Evans and Andy Sullivan Reuters Sun 25 Jan 2026 at 10:00 Former US President Barack Obama and wife Michelle have said the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis should be a wake-up call to every American that the countrys core values are coming under attack. A pedestrian crosses at a traffic light during cold weather in Manhattan, New York. Photo: Reuters A winter storm will bring such extremely low temperatures to the US that it could cause trees to explode, a meteorologist has warned. In a post on X, Max Velocity wrote: Exploding trees are possible in the Midwest and Northern Plains on Friday and Saturday, as temperatures are forecasted to fall 20 degrees below zero! Denmarks prime minister Mette Frederiksen visited Greenland yesterday in a show of support for the Arctic island that US president Donald Trump wants to annex. Walking off her plane at the airport in Greenlands capital Nuuk, Ms Frederiksen was greeted by Greenlandic prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. The two were seen embracing on the tarmac before driving away. SACRAMENTO, United States, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- California became the first U.S. state to join the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) on Friday, one day after the United States officially withdrew from the WHO. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the decision following a meeting with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, said a statement from the governor's office. The GOARN is a WHO-coordinated international network that brings together hundreds of public health institutions, governments, laboratories, academic centers and response organizations worldwide to rapidly detect and respond to emerging health threats, particularly those with cross-border or pandemic potential. "The Trump administration's withdrawal from WHO is a reckless decision that will hurt all Californians and Americans," said Newsom. "California will not bear witness to the chaos this decision will bring. We will continue to foster partnerships across the globe and remain at the forefront of public health preparedness." Newsom's office said the California Department of Public Health is currently the only state-led institution in GOARN, though several U.S.-based academic institutions and response organizations remain members of the network. The move is part of broader public health initiatives launched by California in recent months. In December 2025, Newsom announced the Public Health Network Innovation Exchange, a California-led effort to modernize public health infrastructure. California also partnered with Oregon, Washington and Hawaii in September 2025 to form the West Coast Health Alliance, which issues vaccine recommendations independent of federal guidance. The United States completed its withdrawal from the WHO on Thursday, ending over 70 years of membership. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cited the organization's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and "failure to adopt urgently needed reforms" as reasons for the decision. We continue to be under siege: Minnesotans hold day of ICE protests despite extreme cold General strike organised in response to surge of agents into state A police officer detains a protester during a rally on the streets of Minneapolis, Minnesota yesterday. Photo: Tim Evans/Reuters Heather Schlitz Reuters Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Scores of businesses across Minnesota were closed for the day yesterday in what religious leaders and labour unions described as a general strike to protest against US president Donald Trumps deployment of thousands of immigration enforcement officers on the streets of Minneapolis. 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. Prince Harrys court testimony deepens royal family rift RadarOnline.com Image credit : X @hmgifs | Prince Harry opens up about palace pressure. What did he say? Image credit : X @hmgifs | Prince Harry says press hurt his private life. Harrys words about media intrusion Image credit : X @hmgifs | Prince Harry defends Meghan in emotional court moment. The Impact on Meghan and personal life Prince Harry has once again found himself at the centre of a storm, and this time, it is unfolding inside a courtroom. His recent appearance in Londons High Court has not only brought attention to his fight against the press but has also stirred fresh concerns about whether he will ever reconcile with the Royal Family. Sources close to the royal household say his public statements have made that future even more uncertain.The Duke of Sussex, 41, appeared in court this week as part of his privacy case against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail and The Mail . He is not alone in this legal battle. Six other public figures, including Elton John and Doreen Lawrence, are also involved in the case, which claims there was unlawful news gathering.Harrys decision to speak openly about royal life during the hearing has drawn strong reactions from inside the palace. One source toldthat his courtroom comments have blown any chance of a royal family reunion to smithereens.In his testimony, Harry described how he felt pushed by palace officials to build friendly working relationships with royal reporters. He said he felt unable to challenge press behaviour because of the long-standing royal rule of never complain, never explain. According to him, this rule left him trapped in a system he was taught to accept from a young age.He told the court he had been forced to perform for journalists and felt conditioned to support a media system that often caused him pain.Harry did not hold back when speaking about the press. He said it was disgusting that journalists acted as though he and his wife, Meghan, had no right to privacy. I have never believed that my life is open season to be commercialised by these people, he told the court.He also shared how media intrusion caused long-lasting damage to his personal relationships. He spoke about former partners, including Chelsy Davy, saying she felt hunted and terrified by the attention.Harry became visibly emotional when discussing how press coverage affected Meghan, 44. They continue to come after me, they have made my wife's life an absolute misery, he said.He also rejected claims that stories leaked from friends, saying, My social circles were not leaky; I want to make that absolutely clear. He denied ever messaging journalists under a false name and said he cut off contact with people he once suspected of sharing private details.During the hearing, the judge, Justice Nicklin, stepped in several times to remind Harry to answer questions directly instead of restating his case. At one point, the judge told him, You don't have to bear the burden of arguing this case today.Moreover, the Associated Newspapers has denied all the claims, calling them preposterous and simply untrue. Harry, however, told the court he is seeking an apology and accountability, saying his actions are driven by truth, justice and accountability.As the case continues, so does the growing distance between Harry and the Royal Family. Returning host: Trevor Noah Image credit : Instagram @trevornoah | Trevor Noah will host the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. Rising stars Addison The Debut: Dream Academy Gabriela Image credit : Instagram @ addisonraee | 68th Annual Grammy Awards will feature Addison Rae live. Returning favourites All Things Go festival Man I Need Mans Best Friend Image credit : Instagram @ sabrinacarpenter | Sabrina Carpenter will perform again at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards 2026. Other exciting acts Back to Friends, Undressed, and We Barely Dated No One Noticed Submarine The 68th Annual Grammy Awards are just around the corner, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Set to take place on 1 February 2026 at Los Angeless Crypto.com Arena, the ceremony will celebrate the best music released between 31 August 2024 and 30 August 2025. Music lovers can expect a night full of unforgettable performances, big wins, and surprise moments. With confirmed performers now announced, lets see who will light up the Grammy stage.For the sixth and final time, comedian Trevor Noah will host the Grammys. Known for his humour, wit, and ability to connect with audiences, Noah promises to keep the night lively and entertaining. His return adds continuity to the ceremony, and fans are eager to see his final performance as host. With the stage set and performers ready, the energy is expected to be electric.This year, several new faces from the music world are set to perform. Addison Rae, the 25-year-old TikTok sensation turned pop star, will showcase her hit songs. Having released her debut album,, last year, she has been nominated for Best New Artist, and fans can expect an energetic performance.Following her is Alex Warren, another TikTok star turned music artist. His song Ordinary dominated the charts. Nominated for Best New Artist, Warrens live performance is highly anticipated.Katseye, the global girl group formed through Netflixs reality show, is also joining the lineup. They are nominated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their hit. Fans can expect a high-energy, choreographed performance that will highlight their international appeal.Leon Thomas will perform as well. The 32-year-old has had a critically acclaimed year with his album Mutt, which earned nominations for Best New Artist, Album of the Year, Best R&B Album, and multiple R&B category nominations. His live set promises to be a soulful and engaging showcase.Several artists who have appeared on the Grammy stage before are returning. Lola Young, who had a health scare last year at the, will make her first Grammy return. At 25, shes nominated for Best New Artist, and fans are eager to see her performance after her recovery.Olivia Dean, another rising star, will perform after a successful year. She is nominated for Best New Artist and recently entered the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 with her hitSabrina Carpenter will also return to perform. Last years Grammys saw her showcase her talent, and in 2026, she is nominated for Album of the Year for, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Music Video for Manchild. Her stage presence is expected to impress audiences once again.Sombr, a 20-year-old artist, will bring his chart-topping tracks liketo the stage. Hes nominated for Best New Artist, and fans are excited to see his youthful energy live.The Marias, known for their streaming hitfrom their second album,, will also perform. Nominated for Best New Artist, they are expected to deliver a performance full of charm.With a mix of new talents and returning favourites, the 2026 Grammys promise to be a spectacular night. The Voice of Hind Rajab Film Screening and Q&A with Actor Clara Khoury Date: Sunday, February 01, 2026 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Event Type: Screening Organizer/Author: AACC Location Details: Arab American Cultural Center 3968 Twilight Drive San Jose, CA 95124 Join the Arab American Cultural Center for a community screening of the Oscar nominated film The Voice of Hind Rajab on February 1st in San Jose. The film will be followed by Q&A with actor Clara Khoury who played Nisreen, one of the main characters in the film. On January 29, 2024, Red Crescent volunteers received a devastating emergency call from Gaza. A 5-year-old Palestinian girl was trapped in a car under active fire, pleading for help. As volunteers struggled to keep her calm and alive, they worked urgently to secure safe passage for an ambulance amid relentless bombardment. Her name was Hind Rajab. The Voice of Hind Rajab bears witness to this harrowing reality and honors Hinds life by amplifying the voices of Palestinians who continue to endure violence, displacement, and siege. The film confronts the brutality of occupation while affirming the humanity, resilience, and dignity of the Palestinian people. Sunday, February 1st, 2026 Doors open: 5:30 PM Film screening: 6:00 PM Arab American Cultural Center 3968 Twilight Drive San Jose, CA 95124 Join us to be in community to learn about Christian Palestinians. Come meet Mother Agapia and watch the film Forbidden Pilgrimage to learn and discuss Christianity in Palestine, their history, their challenges living in the Holy Land under a brutal occupation, their relationship with others in the region. Mother Agapia is a trusted expert on the Eastern Orthodox faith and the Christian connection to the Holy Land of Palestine.Mother Agapia was recently interviewed on the Tucker Carlson show about Christians in Palestine, how the Palestinians (Christians and Muslims) are treated, and her lived experience in the Holy Land.This event is FREE but RSVP is required: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/arabamericanculturalcenterofsiliconvalley1/2011757 Doors open: 5:30pmRefreshments: 6:00pmFilm and Discussion: 6:30pm The construction of the Holocaust Museum of Greece officially is moving ahead following the signing of a pivotal agreement between the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki and construction firm METKA. The 40 million landmark will be built on the site of the citys old railway station, the historic ground from which Nazi forces deported more than 50,000 Jews to concentration camps during World War II. David Saltiel, president of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, hailed the development as "a national project of memory and responsibility." METKA CEO Dinos Benroubi stated that Thessaloniki will "soon acquire a modern beacon of memory and culture." The museum is backed by a coalition of major donors, including the Greek government, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, and Albert Bourla, the Thessaloniki-born CEO of Pfizer. Mr. Bourla contributed to the project through the Genesis Prize Foundation. The building's design is a collaboration between Efrat Kowalsky Architects (Israel), Heide & von Beckerath (Germany), and Makridis & Associates (Greece). Fridays signing marks a decisive step in honoring the devastation of a community once known as the "Mother of Israel," transforming a site of tragedy into a permanent institution of education and remembrance. iefimerida.gr Police officers process citizens' applications at the exit-entry services hall of Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Jan. 24, 2026. The exit-entry administration division of Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau on Saturday launched a campaign to facilitate the processing of travel documents during the peak travel season around the Spring Festival holiday. Citizens can expect shorter waiting times as more service counters are opened and service hours are extended. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) Citizens use a self-service machine to process visa applications at the exit-entry services hall of Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Jan. 24, 2026. The exit-entry administration division of Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau on Saturday launched a campaign to facilitate the processing of travel documents during the peak travel season around the Spring Festival holiday. Citizens can expect shorter waiting times as more service counters are opened and service hours are extended. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) Citizens fill out paperwork at the exit-entry services hall of Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Jan. 24, 2026. The exit-entry administration division of Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau on Saturday launched a campaign to facilitate the processing of travel documents during the peak travel season around the Spring Festival holiday. Citizens can expect shorter waiting times as more service counters are opened and service hours are extended. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) A staff member provides information to citizens at the exit-entry services hall of Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Jan. 24, 2026. The exit-entry administration division of Tianjin Municipal Public Security Bureau on Saturday launched a campaign to facilitate the processing of travel documents during the peak travel season around the Spring Festival holiday. Citizens can expect shorter waiting times as more service counters are opened and service hours are extended. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue) Greek police have identified 10 additional members of a major car theft and resale ring based in northern Greece, bringing the total number of suspects to 19 in a sprawling investigation into the "cloning" and sale of high-value vehicles. The criminal network, centered in Kastoria, is accused of stealing at least 11 in-demand vehicles from Thessaloniki and the greater Athens region. Investigators say the group altered vehicle identification numbers (VINs) to match legitimate records before selling the cars to unsuspecting buyers, netting an estimated 34,750 ($38,000) in illegal profits. Police said the group had been operating systematically since at least November 2024, with members rotating roles to execute thefts and facilitate sales. Authorities had initially identified nine Greek nationals, ages 21 to 43, as members of the ring in June. The investigation gained momentum in December 2025, when one suspect was arrested in Kastoria while allegedly attempting to sell a passenger car through a popular online platform. The vehicle had been reported stolen two months earlier. According to police, the suspects marketed the altered vehicles at attractive prices via online classifieds or displayed them at car lots in central Kastoria. A felony case file has been submitted to the Kastoria public prosecutors office against all 19 suspects. Charges include forming a criminal organization, aggravated car theft, forgery, and fraud. The investigation, led by the Crime Investigation Unit of the Kastoria Police with support from the Northern Greece Organized Crime Unit, remains active. Financial records are now being analyzed to trace the money trail and map the full extent of the network's digital footprint. iefimerida.gr For Iranians abroad, the year 2026 began glued to news programs on their satellite televisions, convinced that they were witnessing the decisive revolt that would bring down a regime which, since its establishment in 1979, has driven the country to the brink of chaos, bankruptcy, and existential peril. U.S. President Donald Trumps promise that help was on the way for the brave Iranian nation further fuelled these hopes. Some frantically called relatives inside Iran and began making plans to return; others were overcome with shame for having had lost faith in the resolve and courage of their compatriots after the brutal suppression of the Woman uprising in 2022. The nationwide protests of the past four weeks have been unprecedented in both scale and duration compared to those of the previous four decades. The regimes response has been equally unprecedented: deploying extreme violence, reportedly including foreign fighters from neighbouring countries; using live ammunition and, allegedly, even poisonous gas against unarmed protesters; raiding hospitals for injured protesters; and shutting down internet and phone lines to prevent the world from witnessing these atrocities. The limited footage that has emerged has drawn comparisons to war zones. International media reported that within only a few days, as many as 12,000 to 20,000 protesters may have been killed, while human rights organizations warn that the true toll could be far higher and fear mass executions among detainees. Yet, as Iranians pinned their hopes on the U.S. presidents assurances that help was on the way within 24 hours, he ultimately declared that military intervention was unnecessary, claiming he had halted the killings and executions and thanking the regime for the deal they had reached. As killings and executions nonetheless continued, many Iranians felt betrayed and abandoned in the face of the regimes brutality. The question now confronting Iranians is how to prevent this uprising from ending like the ones before it without any change and with the totalitarian regime carrying on its oppression. For Iranians two issues stand out in this regard: the first issue is, do Iranians need international military intervention? The regimes response to the protests has made Iranians realise that domestic protests alone have little chance of overthrowing the regime. At the same time, they see that diplomatic and non-military measures of Western governments have little effect. Western governments have largely exhausted existing policy measures diplomatic engagement and economic sanctions with little discernible impact on the regimes behaviour. Calls to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and to close Irans embassies in Europe have likewise failed to gain traction. As a result, a growing number of Iranians who once opposed U.S.-led military intervention similar to that of June 2025 are now reconsidering their position. Calls have intensified for invoking the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine, which permits international intervention to prevent genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing. R2P emerged in response to the international communitys past failures to prevent mass atrocities. Others argue that a U.S.Israel coalition should strike the regime on security grounds, citing claims that missiles containing enriched uranium were used against U.S. bases in 2020 and that missiles aimed at Israel could potentially be fitted with nuclear warheads. The second issue that stands out is, who can lead this national revolution and overthrow the regime? For a long time, the protests had no clear leadership. This lack of leadership was even hailed by some people as a particular strength. During the earlier Woman-Life-Freedom Movement they claimed that without leadership divs, the regime would find it difficult to quell the protests. In the meantime, however, the situation has changed and most believe that they need to agree on a leader to guide the protests and steer the transition into a new socio-political order. They also recognise that leadership is a prerequisite for sustained international support potentially including military intervention. Foreign governments fear that overthrowing the current regime without clear leadership could trigger civil conflict, state fragmentation, and prolonged instability as seen in Iraq and Libya. While numerous opposition divs operate inside and outside Iran, Reza Pahlavis name has emerged prominently in protest slogans and an increasing number of people are rallying around him. The support for Prince Reza Pahlavi is, however, ambivalent, as he represents continuity particularly, with Irans former constitutional monarchy and the political and social order that preceded the 1979 revolution. Supporters view this continuity as a potential unifying force across social, religious, and ethnic divides and point to his long-standing opposition to the Islamic Republic while in exile. Critics, by contrast, see this continuity as a symbol of the social order they sought to overthrow in 1979 regardless of the present outcome. Despite these reservations, most critics have now come to realise that Reza Pahlavi is the only opposition div that has a chance to gather enough national and international support and thus see him as at least a transitional leader. In this sense, people refer to him as a broad-church leader an institutional focal point capable of fostering unity during a transitional period, pending a democratic decision on Irans future system of governance, whether that be a reformed constitutional monarchy or a secular republic. What will happen over the next weeks or months, is entirely open. What is clear, however, is that following the brutal slaughter of peaceful protestors unprecedented in modern Iranian history the illegitimacy of the Islamic regime in the eyes of the Iranian nation and the world is irreversible. Shiva Rahbaran was born in Tehran and left Iran with her family after the Islamic revolution in 1984. She holds a DPhil in English literature from the University of Oxford. Her books include Iranian Writers Uncensored and Iranian Cinema Uncensored. She contributes to the BBC and Iran International and lives in London. I of Constantinople has publicly addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine , recent attacks against him from Russian sources, and broader geopolitical and ecclesiastical pressures in a forceful interview with the Greek newspaper Ta Nea The Federal Government has directed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and meter installers to provide smart meters to electricity consumers free of charge, warning that any official found demanding payment will be prosecuted. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, gave the directive on Thursday, during an inspection of newly imported smart meters at APM Terminals, Apapa, Lagos. The meters were procured under the World Bankfunded Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP) to address metering gaps and improve efficiency in the power sector. Advertisement Adelabu described the free distribution and installation of the meters as unprecedented, stressing that no consumer is required to pay any fee whatsoever. It is an illegality and an offence for officials of distribution companies or their installers to request a dime from consumers before installing these meters. Installation must be done free of charge to improve billing accuracy and collections across the sector, the minister said. He explained that the programme would deliver about 3.4 million meters in two phases. According to him, the first batch consists of 1.43 million meters, nearly one million of which have already arrived, while about 150,000 meters have been installed nationwide. He added that an additional 500,000 meters were recently received, all of which are smart meters. The minister said full metering would enhance transparency, boost consumer confidence, and improve liquidity in the electricity sector. He reiterated that the government would closely monitor the installation process and act on reports of extortion. Adelabu announced plans to establish a customer complaint desk where consumers can report any illegal charges. He said such complaints would be investigated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in collaboration with state regulatory authorities, noting that offenders would be publicly prosecuted to deter others. He further clarified that the free meter programme covers all categories of electricity consumers, regardless of tariff bands, assuring Nigerians that the initiative is not restricted to any specific group. Also speaking, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ayo Gbeleyi, said the bureau coordinates DISREP and oversees the boards of the 11 electricity distribution companies. He disclosed that NERC would soon issue a new circular outlining clear protocols to ensure unhindered access for meter installation nationwide. Chairman of Mojec, Mojisola Abdul, confirmed that nearly 150,000 meters had already been installed free of charge, urging consumers not to give money to anyone. She added that a mobile registration process had been introduced to fast-track installations, with meters expected to be installed within three days of registration. The minister acknowledged previous challenges in meter distribution but assured that the current programme had eliminated obstacles such as limited supply and payment requirements. He said Nigeria currently has over five million electricity consumers under estimated billing, adding that the new initiative marks a significant step toward closing the metering gap. The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has confirmed that some of Nigerias recently gazetted tax laws were illegally altered after being passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This was disclosed in an interim report of the Minority Caucus Ad-hoc Committee on Tax Laws, set up to investigate allegations of discrepancies between the tax reform Acts passed by the legislature and the versions published in the official gazette. The controversy followed public outrage after a member of the House, Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto) raised the alarm on the floor of the chamber over the alleged discrepancies between the gazetted tax laws in circulation and the version passed by the National Assembly. Advertisement In a statement dated December 28, 2025, the Minority Caucus had vowed to unconditionally protect the independence of the legislature and our democracy, warning that any attempt to foist fake laws on Nigerians amounted to an attack on the constitutional role of parliament. Consequently, on January 2, 2026, the caucus, under the leadership of the Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, constituted a seven-member fact-finding committee chaired by Hon. Afam Victor Ogene. Other members are Hon. Aliyu Garu (Bauchi), Hon. Stanley Adedeji (Oyo), Hon. Ibe Osonwa (Abia), Hon. Marie Ebikake (Bayelsa), Hon. MB Shehu Fagge (Kano) and Hon. Gaza Gbefwi Jonathan (Nasarawa). The committee noted that on January 3, 2026, the House, through its spokesman, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi, announced that Speaker Abbas Tajudeen directed the public release of the four tax reform Acts duly signed into law by the President, alongside an internal verification process to eliminate doubts, restore clarity, and protect the sanctity of the legislature. The Acts released were the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025; National Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act, 2025. According to the committees preliminary findings, a comparison of the Certified True Copies released by the House with the earlier gazetted versions confirmed that alterations had indeed been made, particularly to the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025The report revealed that at least three different versions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act were in circulation, while the directive to align the Acts with the Federal Government Printing Press pointed to procedural anomalies that illegally encroached on the legislative powers of the National Assembly. Among the contentious alterations identified was Section 29(1) of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, where reporting thresholds were lowered in the gazetted version from N50 million to N25 million for individuals and from N250 million to N100 million for companies, contrary to what was passed by the legislature. The committee also flagged the introduction of new subsections 41(8) and 41(9) in the gazetted Act, mandating taxpayers to deposit 20 per cent of disputed tax amounts before appealing decisions of the Tax Appeal Tribunalprovisions which, it said, were absent from the authentic version passed by the National Assembly. Other discrepancies include expanded enforcement powers under Section 64, granting tax authorities powers of arrest and asset sale without court orders; alterations to the definition of federal taxes under Section 3(1)(b), which removed petroleum income tax and VAT; and changes to Section 39(3), mandating tax computations for petroleum operations in US dollars instead of the currency of transaction. In the National Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, the committee observed that oversight provisions empowering the National Assembly to summon officials and demand quarterly and annual reports were deleted in the gazetted version, a move it described as a violation of the doctrine of checks and balances. Given the anomalies, illegalities and impunity uncovered, the committee said the evidence so far warranted a deeper investigation to ensure accountability for what it described as an affront against the legislature and Nigerias democracy. The panel has therefore requested an extension of time to conduct a more comprehensive probe into the matter. Hon. Ogene, in the report, thanked the Minority Caucus leadership for the opportunity to serve and pledged the committees commitment to safeguarding the constitutional powers of the National Assembly. Thai Police Arrest 11 Nigerians Over Alleged International Romance Scam Thai immigration and police authorities have arrested 11 Nigerians following the dismantling of a suspected international romance scam syndicate operating in the Muang Thong Thani area of Thailand. The arrests were carried out on Monday during a joint operation and were reported on Thursday by local news platform Thailand News. The operation followed months of investigation triggered by a complaint filed in late 2025 by a Thai woman in Nong Khai, who alleged she was defrauded through an online romantic relationship. Advertisement According to the report, the victim said she met a Facebook user who presented himself as a Chinese engineer. After gaining her trust through prolonged communication on Facebook and Line, the suspect allegedly claimed he was unable to access funds needed for a construction project and persuaded her to transfer more than two million baht into several mule accounts. Police said financial tracking led to the identification of Thai account holders involved in the transactions, after which investigators uncovered a wider, organised criminal network. The syndicate was reportedly operating from a condominium in Nonthaburi, with members assigned distinct roles such as online scammers, cash withdrawers, and account recruiters. Based on intelligence gathered, the Immigration Bureau Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyaluck, ordered a coordinated raid on the location. Officers reportedly found the suspects actively engaging in online romance scams using computers and mobile phones at the time of the operation. A total of 13 suspects11 Nigerians and two Ivorianswere arrested. Some of the suspects allegedly attempted to flee but were apprehended by operatives. Authorities disclosed that eight of the suspects had overstayed their visas, while five Nigerians were said to have entered Thailand illegally through the Laos border. The suspects were charged with immigration-related offences, including visa overstay and illegal entry. During the raid, officers seized 34 electronic devices, including laptops and mobile phones, which reportedly contained evidence of coordinated online scams involving impersonation of wealthy European and Asian nationals to defraud Thai and foreign women. Investigators also said they uncovered links between the suspects and the Nong Khai complaint, as well as evidence suggesting that proceeds from the alleged scams were transferred to Nigeria through cryptocurrency channels. Police noted that investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider network and identify additional accomplices. The arrests came just a week after another Nigerian was apprehended in Thailand over alleged drug-related offences. PUNCH Metro reported that a Thailand-based Nigerian, Ukoma Jefta Nuzbech, was arrested after allegedly fleeing an ongoing trial linked to a drug-peddling case in the Koh Pha Ngan area. He was first arrested in March 2025 for allegedly selling 25.71 grams of cocaine to an undercover police officer. Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged Nigerians to take collective ownership of public infrastructure in their environment and ensure its protection. He made the appeal at the parade of vandals arrested through the newly deployed CCTV monitoring system in Lagos. 156 cat-eye reflective lights which are meant to enhance the aesthetic of the road were being pried opened by the 3 vandals on the Third Mainland Bridge and were caught in real time by the CCTV monitoring team Advertisement The vandals who claimed to be scavengers popularly called Bola failed to give coherent answers to the questions directed at them. Minister of Works, David Umahi, while appreciating the police for their diligence expressed his discomfort over the indifferent attitude of some Nigerians towards public infrastructure. Umahi also condemned the appalling indiscipline of Nigerians on the temporarily opened section of the coastal highway which had led to the death of a construction worker on the corridor. The Minister directed the State controller of Works to ensure the vandals are prosecuted and warned intending offenders that the Eagle Eye on the Third Mainland Bridge is ready to thwart their nefarious activities. Watch video: https://x.com/i/status/2014773842657620328 A Virginia teen who admitted in court that he wanted to join ISIS pleaded guilty Thursday to attempted murder and related offenses for a stabbing attack last year on a Florence Township police officer, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw said Friday. Fasihullah Safar, 17, of Alexandria, Va., was charged as an adult and will be sentenced to 18 years in prison under a plea deal, Bradshaw said. He is scheduled to be formally sentenced on March 26 in Superior Court in Mount Holly. Advertisement The police officer who was stabbed several times in the chest was wearing a ballistic vest that prevented more significant injuries, Bradshaw said. On March 21, 2025, Safar, who was 16 at the time, was driving a stolen vehicle when he intentionally caused a crash with another vehicle, Bradshaw said. A Florence police vehicle responding to the scene was then struck multiple times by Safars vehicle. Safars vehicle became inoperable on Route 130 near Station Road. When officers arrived, Safar charged them while armed with a knife, Bradshaw said. Besides the officer who was stabbed, suffering a laceration to his torso and facial injuries, two other officers sustained minor injuries. During the struggle, Safar also cut himself. In court, Safar admitted that in the months before the confrontation, he had begun following the Islamic State organization, Bradshaw said. Safar had indicated on social media that he planned to join the group. Safar admitted that he shouted Allahu akbar during the confrontation with police, and that he intended to kill one of the officers, Bradshaw said. Prior to the violent encounter with police in Florence Township, he was being sought by authorities, including the FBI, after he allegedly trespassed at a school in Fredericksburg, Va., causing the local district to close all schools. A school resource officer approached Safar, who then fled and later allegedly stole a vehicle. One report later said Safar had been investigated by the FBI after the teen allegedly posed on social media with what appeared to be a firearm. Lagman noodles at Uyghur Noodle King Ive been following the lagman trail for some time now, savoring these chewy, hand-pulled Central Asian noodles from the Uzbek soup bowls of Northeast Philadelphia. Try them at Uzbekistan Restaurant , or in chef Temir Satybaldievs stir-fried tribute to his Kyrgyzstani grandmother on the Slavic fusion menu at Ginger . Now, another version of lagman noodles traditional to the Uyghur ethnic minority in Western China has landed in University City with Uyghur Noodle King. Located in an airy glass box of a space next to Paris Baguette near 38th and Chestnut, this is the first restaurant for co-owners Husenjan Yush Damolla and Abdurahman Tawakul. Damolla came to Drexel to study finance 13 years ago and ultimately stayed, working in real estate before finally turning this November to his passion for the food of his hometown, Kashgar, China. The all-halal recipes come from Damollas cousin, Mirkamil Rozi, who has a restaurant in Australia and has been training the duo remotely through Zoom sessions between their kitchens. So far, its paid off nicely with a tight but tasty menu of flaky samsa turnovers, fragrant kebabs, big plate chicken stews laced with numbing Szechuan peppercorn spice, and excellent handmade dumplings stuffed with lamb. The lagman, though, are the main event, with twine-like noodles that have the kind of elastic snap that can only be achieved through hand-pulling a vigorous game of cats cradle that transforms a single lump of dough into a fistful of 30 or so longer strands. The final dish tosses those noodles into a hot wok with morsels of bell pepper, ginger, chives, and a dried pepper paste that combines with vinegar and soy to create a zesty glaze that glows with tang and spice. Damolla concedes theyre still working on consistency, but relies daily on his cousins best advice: Just follow your heart and imagine youre cooking for the people back home. Uyghur Noodle King, 3816 Chestnut St., 347-507-8788, instagram.com/uyghur_noodle_king Advertisement Craig LaBan The MVP (VIP style) from Emmy Squared As an ex-New Yorker, its my birthright to hate Detroit-style pizza. At its worst, its just soggy-yet-burnt bread that lacks the je ne sais quois of a good tomato slice. But at Emmy Squared Detroit pizza by way of two New York City hot shots who cant stop opening satellite locations the square pies rank among the best non-traditional pizza in the city. Emmy Squareds MVP pie is composed of ingredients that border on sacrilegious: a Wisconsin cheese blend, a mix of vodka and red sauce swirled with parsley pesto, and a sesame seed crust with an almost focaccia-style crumb. A VIP version is topped with Calabrian chilies and pepperoni slices so crispy the edges fold up to form tiny cups. The result is a flavor combo that hits all the right notes: a little bit of tang, a touch of spice, and an herbaceous finish from the pesto. Good pizza, after all, really is just excellent bread slathered with sauce and cheese. So if the elements are all there, who cares if the form is a little off? 632 S. 5th St., 267-551-3669, emmysquaredpizza.com Beatrice Forman Caramel toast at Meetinghouse How transformative can a piece of bread be? Turns out, very. Especially if youre able to keep it perfectly crunchy (almost funnel-cakelike), douse it in a bath of decadent caramel, then top it off with a perfect dollop of vanilla ice cream. I give you Meetinghouses caramel toast, an item on the Kensington restaurants menu I would have never thought to order had it not been highly recommended to me by a friend (or two, actually). Ill truly be dreaming of it for some time to come. Well, that, and Meetinghouses green salad it could double as a wedding centerpiece and a crab dip that would make any Marylander proud. Meetinghouse, 2331 E. Cumberland St., meetinghousebeer.com Patricia Madej THE HAGUE, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Dutch flag carrier KLM has temporarily suspended flights to the Middle East, Dutch media reported Friday. According to Dutch public broadcaster NOS, the airline is not flying through the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Israel, and "over several countries in the Gulf region." Flights to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh are canceled "until further notice." The specific reason was not disclosed but only cited " the geopolitical situation". A KLM spokesperson said, "We are in close contact with the government and will ultimately make our own safety assessment." KLM has staff in Dammam and Dubai. They will be picked up tomorrow, the airline said. The Department of Education sent the "Dear Colleague" letter to universities and K-12 schools almost a year ago. Read more Nearly a year ago, the Education Department sent universities and K-12 school districts scrambling with a sweeping but vague directive. The Dear Colleague letter said schools may be in violation of federal law if they consider race in virtually any way hiring, discipline policy, scholarships, or programming. After a lawsuit and a defeat in court, however, the Trump administration says it is dropping the matter entirely. Advertisement That means an August federal court order blocking the Dear Colleague letter will stand. The Trump administration had also demanded that schools certify that they are in compliance with the letter, and that demand is now dead, too. Still, it is unclear how significant the impact will be. The Trump administration, which made sweeping changes to education over its first year, can still work to impose its view of the law on schools through enforcement actions and other pressure. For instance, in July, the Justice Department published a memo that included many of the same ideas that were in the Education Departments letter. Further, many schools have already changed their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, wary of running afoul of the administrations anti-DEI stance. In a statement, Education Department spokesperson Julie Hartman said the agency will continue to interpret Title VI of the Civil Rights Act as barring impermissible DEI initiatives that discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin. Title VI has always prohibited schools from racial preferencing and stereotyping, and it continues to do so with or without the February 14th Dear Colleague Letter, Hartman said. She said the agencys civil rights office will continue to vigorously enforce Title VI to protect all students and hold violators accountable. The letter, issued by the department last February, laid out the agencys interpretation of civil rights law and argued that schools at every level had embraced pervasive and repugnant race-based preferences and other forms of racial discrimination. It said that efforts to consider race in staffing, programming, and other aspects of campus life were unlawful, and that even race-neutral policies aimed at diversity could result in schools, colleges, and universities losing federal funding. Soon after, the American Federation of Teachers filed a lawsuit challenging the directive. In court, the government argued that it was simply clarifying and reaffirming that schools may not practice racial discrimination. But in August, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher in Maryland struck down both the guidance and the certification requirement, saying the department was trying to substantially alter the legal obligations of schools without going through proper procedures. The government did not merely remind educators that discrimination is illegal: it initiated a sea change in how the Department of Education regulates educational practices and classroom conduct, causing millions of educators to reasonably fear that their lawful, and even beneficial, speech might cause them or their schools to be punished, she wrote. The judge pointed to the letters suggestion that teaching about systemic and structural racism would be discriminatory. That, she wrote, is textbook viewpoint discrimination and contrary to law. The government appealed Gallaghers ruling, and the case was proceeding until Wednesday, when the administration informed the court that it was dropping its challenge. That left the August ruling in place. The American Federation of Teachers and Democracy Forward, which brought the case, hailed the legal victory as a final defeat for the administrations attempt to enforce what they see as an unlawful interpretation of civil rights law. With the stroke of a pen, the administration tried to take a hatchet to 60 years of civil rights laws that were meant to create educational opportunity for all kids, Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, the lead plaintiff, said in a statement. The governments decision to drop its appeal should put an end to the assertions in the original guidance since it was so thoroughly rejected by the court, said Michael Pillera, who worked for a decade at the Education Departments civil rights office before becoming director of the educational opportunities project at the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. The Dear Colleague letter was really their opening volley in their campaign of chaos against DEI, and what we have now is a spectacular failure, he said. They could not defend their positions in court. They had no argument to stand on. But he conceded that its possible nothing will change and said the administrations behavior is often untethered to law. Many schools may continue to comply with the anti-DEI directive in an effort to stave off attention from the administration, said Frederick Hess, director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank. One of the things we have seen is how reluctant institutional leaders are to get crosswise with the federal government, whether or not its clearly aligned with the law, he said. Either way, Hess said, he was pleased that the February letter is no longer in force. Thats because he does not think those types of guidance documents should be used to make policy something that both Democratic and Republican administrations have done in the past. Dear Colleague letters have become a blunt instrument to move thousands of postsecondary institutions or 10,000-plus school districts in one direction or another, and I dont think thats an appropriate use of them, he said. I dont think thats good for anybody. Executive director Luke Stivala (center) is with Rellik the pit bull as he talks with clients outside Breaking Bread Community Shelter in Upper Darby in July. The shelter is closed during the day, and its twice-daily food service was eliminated after Delaware County cut funding for its homeless shelters. Read more For generations, wealth has been regionally segregated in Southeastern Pennsylvania, with Philadelphia considered until recently the poorest big city in America, while three of its four collar counties had the lowest poverty rates in the state. But having fewer people in poverty doesnt mean there are none who are struggling in the suburbs. More than 180,000 people across Bucks, Chester, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties live below the poverty line, yet for too long, experts say, those communities have underserved those in need. Advertisement Recently, however, suburban leaders have been stepping up their efforts to help those with low incomes. Its a heartening and welcome shift in attitude. Poverty is not solely a big-city ailment. With median incomes in Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties nearly twice what they are within Philadelphia, its very difficult for poor and working-class people to maintain a suburban lifestyle. That is especially true when it comes to issues of land use and transportation policy, which experts often treat as intertwined. In the suburbs, the vast majority of developable land is zoned for detached, single-family homes on large lots, and nearby transit options are often both slow and infrequent. The result is that median housing values in Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester Counties range between $432,000 and $476,000, compared with roughly $250,000 in Philadelphia. Delaware County, which is home to both more suburban areas like Swarthmore and urbanized municipalities like Chester and Upper Darby, splits the difference at $331,000. READ MORE: Trump claims he wont use force to seize Greenland, but his takeover efforts may shatter NATO beyond repair | Editorial This so-called snob zoning doesnt just prevent poor, working-class, and sometimes even middle-class people from moving into or remaining in many suburban areas; it also makes it harder to get around without a car, which raises the cost of living. While a monthly transit fare card costs between $1,400 and $3,000 per year, AAA estimates the average cost of car ownership is about $12,000. While roughly three-quarters of households in Philadelphia typically dont have more than one vehicle, most suburban households have two or more. Between the cost of housing and the cost of transportation, thats an average of more than $60,000 per year just to get by and around. The de facto suburban gatekeeping essentially compels low-income people to choose to live in the city a reality that has allowed past suburban leaders to lean into the widely held perception that poverty is a Philadelphia problem. In effect, economic researchers say, thats meant the suburban poor have basically been left to fend for themselves. Thankfully, there are signs that things are beginning to change. In Montgomery County, Commissioners Jamila Winder, Tom DiBello, and Neil Makhija have demonstrated a strong bipartisan commitment to address housing needs. While the county had zero full-time homeless shelters by the end of 2024 even as the number of unhoused people grew the commissioners have invested in an additional 190 short-term shelter beds, split between Pottstown, Norristown, and Lansdale. The commissioners should be commended for doing right by the wider community, even as they faced opposition from some constituents who did not want shelter space available. The commissioners have also attended community meetings to lobby in favor of housing plans. Makhija has also proposed creating a new grant system that would reward municipalities that opt to allow for more construction. This would help address reasonable concerns about the infrastructure needs of new residents. There is evidence that efforts to build more inclusive and sustainable suburbs have broadened support. Three of the five new Lower Merion Township commissioners mentioned walkability or pedestrian safety as priorities; Joi Washington the new mayor of Media wants to take advantage of her boroughs exceptionally strong transit connections; and Delaware County opened its first-ever health department four years ago. Leaders from all four suburban counties have also pledged support for new sources of revenue to support public transportation in the region, and Chester County has become a leader in housing development. If these efforts succeed, a future where poverty is no longer concentrated within Philadelphia and the poorest can access the support they need, no matter where they live may be within our grasp. Governor Josh Shapiro is on stage for his authors event for his new book Where We Keep The Light with his friend and pastor of Salem Baptist Church of Abington Rev. Marshal Mitchelll author event in Philadelphia, Pa., on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. Read more Gov. Josh Shapiro recounted Saturday to a crowd of nearly 500 in Philadelphia how he found himself struggling as a father weeks after his family survived an arson attempt at the governors mansion on Passover last year. Thats when the proudly Jewish governor went to Salem Baptist Church in his hometown of Abington for counsel and support from Pastor Marshall Mitchell. Advertisement I could feel the power of their prayers, Shapiro recalled. I think thats helped me be a better, more compassionate governor for all. Mitchell, a longtime Shapiro friend who served on his transition team, joined the governor onstage at the Central Library of the Free Library of Philadelphia to discuss his memoir, Where We Keep The Light, set for release Tuesday. The conversation focused on the governors spiritual journey and family, but it also offered critiques of both parties and promises to the community. Theres a lot more that unites us, Shapiro said during the hour-long conversation. Theres a lot more common bonds that we have. And we have to find our way back to that. Shapiro opined that the citys Quaker founder, William Penn, would have never imagined a Jewish governor and a Black preacher sitting up here, but I bet hed be proud of that. The Philadelphia event kicked off a flurry of promotional events as Shapiro plans to travel to New York, Boston, and Washington in the coming week. A CBS interview focused on the book is also slated to air Sunday. The release of the memoir comes as Shapiro is seeking a second term as governor, but it has fueled speculation about his potential presidential ambitions in 2028. I think people want authenticity from our leadership, and I think hes providing it, said State Rep. Sharif Street, a Philadelphia Democrat running for Congress, who attended the event. I think Josh Shapiro would make an excellent president. The book, which has been shared with The Inquirer and other outlets, includes details on what Shapiro called an offensive vetting process to be Kamala Harris running mate when she took over the Democratic presidential ticket for President Joe Biden in 2024. Shapiro said he was being unfairly scrutinized as the only Jewish person in the running for the vice presidency. Harris did not come up during the conversation with Mitchell. Shapiro weighs in on ICEs crackdown as protesters gather outside Shapiro answered several submitted questions after the discussion. He said that he expects President Donald Trump to attempt to disrupt the 2026 election, as he did in 2020. We are on it. We are prepared. We will do everything in our power to protect your vote. Shapiro also said that his team was prepared to handle a Minneapolis-style Immigration and Customs Enforcement action in Pennsylvania. What we are seeing in Minnesota is absolutely unacceptable, Shapiro told the crowd. What we are seeing is lawlessness by these federal agents. The conversation took place just hours after a U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and killed a man in Minneapolis, which Shapiro decried as an atrocity. READ MORE: ICE officers shoot, kill another person in Minneapolis Outside the book event, roughly 100 protesters gathered in the bitter cold to demand that Shapiro stop working with ICE. Pennsylvania has no sanctuary policy limiting cooperation with ICE though Philadelphia and several other jurisdictions in the state do. Immigration advocates contend Shapiro is collaborating by allowing ICE access to state databases that they said provide the agency with facial recognition and personal information that can put immigrants in Pennsylvania at risk. As the governor, he has an opportunity to step up and lead with conviction, especially at a moment when people are dying in ICE custody, said Jasmine Rivera, executive director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition. Instead, he is arming ICE with the information they need to attack his own people. Will Simons, a spokesperson for the governor, said in a statement after the rally that outside agencies do not have unfettered access to state databases, but rather Pennsylvania State Police share information when its necessary for an investigation. There are legitimate investigations that involve foreign nationals who have committed crimes in PA or elsewhere that would require immigration enforcement agencies to seek access to information contained in Commonwealth-run databases, Simons said. Democrats are likely to be grappling with how best to respond to Trumps immigration crackdown and other policies as they head into this years midterms and the next presidential cycle. But Shapiro warned the party risks alienating voters with too much of a focus on Trump. I think we cant be a party that is defined by being negative on Donald Trump all the time, Shapiro said. This story was updated to include Shapiros spokespersons statement on state databases. A single rose and a handwritten cardboard sign (Slavery is part of U.S. history learn from the past or repeat it) are inside an empty hearth at the Presidents House site in Independence National Historical Park late Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026 after workers removed display panels about slavery. Read more Visitors at Independence National Historical Park strolled through what was left of the Presidents House Friday afternoon, some stopping to inspect the blank brick and streaks of glue residue where exhibits about slavery were displayed for 16 years. That is, until the National Park Service dismantled them a day prior. Advertisement At about 12:30 p.m. Friday, a group of teachers spent their 45-minute lunch break taping up colorful signs across the bare walls as a small act of resistance: Learn all history, and History is real, the posters read. But if any of Fridays visitors had questions about why the slavery exhibits at the Presidents House were removed, theyd be hard-pressed to receive an exact answer from park employees. Soon after Thursdays dismantling of the Presidents House which memorializes the nine people George Washington once enslaved there employees were reminded by the Park Service to use talking points that essentially evade visitors questions, according to internal correspondence reviewed by The Inquirer. The message suggests the following lines to park employees, while also instructing them to answer truthfully: [I am not aware of] why this [exhibit/interpretation materials] has been [changed/removed] [Exhibit/interpretation material] has been [updated/removed] to ensure compliance with the Secretarys Order. If visitor continues to ask questions that you are unable to answer, politely refer them to AskNPS@nps.gov, the message further outlined. This messaging comes amid the confusion and anger surrounding President Donald Trumps administrations efforts to review or potentially remove content at national parks that inappropriately disparage Americans past or living, according to orders from Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Its outrageous what theyre doing, said Kaity Berlin, a social studies teacher who was among the group at the park Friday. At the smallest level its a waste of resources; at the biggest level, [its an] erasure of history, added Berlin, who declined to say where she worked. The Presidents House received intense scrutiny from Trump and Burgums orders, culminating in the total dismantling of all displays at the site Thursday even those that were not originally flagged by park staff for review last year. Its not just the public that has questions. Local lawmakers want answers, too. On Friday, Democratic U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle, Dwight Evans, and Mary Gay Scanlon, who all represent parts of Philadelphia, penned a letter to Burgum and Park Service Acting Director Jessica Bowron demanding answers to specific questions about the removal by Jan. 30. They also said they believe the dismantling violates an existing agreement between the Park Service and the city. Trying to remove that history just because it makes some people uncomfortable is deeply troubling. When a government starts hiding parts of its past, it begins to look more like a regime that rewrites history rather than one that learns from it, the lawmakers wrote. The lawmakers want to know why the exhibits were taken down and who authorized the decision, according to the letter. The letter also asks for information on what role senior Trump administration officials played, where are displays being stored and if theres plans for them to be reinstalled, and what other documents or items exist related to the removal of the exhibits. At the Presidents House Friday afternoon, it appeared that many Philadelphians were adamant about preserving this history. A bouquet of flowers was placed at the feet of the marble wall inscribed with the names of nine people enslaved there by Washington. A single red rose rested inside one of the sites fireplaces; a sign, Slavery was here, Philly hates fascists, rested against a wall. Everybody has been fighting for so long to teach all pieces of history, not just one side of it, Berlin, the teacher, said. The developer behind a massive mixed-use project in South Jersey has filed a lawsuit accusing a rogue employee of derailing municipal approvals and plotting to steer the property to Rowan University and a rival firm. For more than two years, Seth Gerszberg and his Englewood, N.J.-based firm Active Acquisitions have been pursuing a development at the intersection of Route 322 and Route 55 in Gloucester County including proposals for 10 warehouses, a wholesale retail club, a hotel, and 117 single-family homes. Advertisement An affiliate of Gerszbergs firm agreed to buy the property totaling 429 acres, about 29 times the footprint of Lincoln Financial Field in May 2023 for $23 million from Madison Richwood Village LLC, the suit says. But the government approval process hit a snag in recent months, the suit alleges, as Gerszbergs project manager, Sean Earlen a land-use consultant, former mayor of Lumberton, and chair of the Burlington County GOP leveraged his close personal relationship with Harrison Townships mayor, Republican Adam Wingate, to sow doubt within the township about the viability of the development. Yearslong saga Its the latest twist in a development saga that dates to 2008, when plans for a walkable town center in Harrisons Richwood section were unveiled, including talk of a new elementary school and liquor licenses for restaurants in what had been a dry town. But development efforts went nowhere, and the new push for warehouses in a region thats added tens of millions of square feet of warehousing space in recent years to meet demand for online shopping has faced some resistance from residents in the affluent rural town of 14,000. Now those plans could be in question. According to the suit, Earlen has been pushing the current property owner, Madison Richwood, to do a deal with Rowan and Ohio-based Fairmount Properties LLC, which has been pursuing a wellness district at the university featuring proposals for a headquarters for Inspira Health, a hotel, as well as shops and restaurants. At some point last year Rowan negotiated a deal with Madison Richwood to buy the property for $31 million, plus another $10 million in 2026, the complaint says, in an effort to fulfill the universitys vision for a comprehensive plan at the Route 55/Route 322 interchange. As the townships confidence in the warehouse project has eroded, the suit alleges, a neighboring property owner filed a lawsuit in October challenging Actives government approvals. The developer which has industrial and residential projects across New Jersey has sunk roughly $4 million to obtain the necessary approvals for the project and $7 million in consultant and development expenses, according to court records. Gerszberg, who before his work in real estate was cofounder and president of hip-hop fashion brand Marc Ecko Enterprises, didnt respond to requests for comment. What does Rowan say? The most recent suit, filed this month in Bergen County Superior Court by Active affiliate ActiveRWHA Property LLC, names Earlen and Fairmount Properties as defendants. It alleges interference with contractual rights, misappropriation of trade secrets, and defamation, among other counts. Representatives for Fairmount and Rowan a public research institution that isnt a party to the suit did not directly answer questions about whether they intend to buy the property. Neither Earlen nor Wingate who took office as mayor last year responded to requests for comment. Randy Ruttenberg, a Fairmount principal, said the suit is completely without merit and called it an ill-advised attempt to disrupt the very straightforward development process we continue to diligently pursue for the benefit of the entire region. Fairmount Properties is focused fiercely on executing their own world-class development, and no matter what obstacle is placed in our path, we will not be distracted, bullied or deterred, he said in a statement. Joe Cardona, a spokesperson for Rowan, said it would be inappropriate to comment on pending litigation. Rowan remains focused on its academic mission and on conducting all institutional planning activities responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws and governance standards, he said in an email. Madison Richwood affiliate Madison Marquette a Washington, D.C.-based real estate investment and operating company said in court papers that Gerszbergs concern about a sale to Rowan is without merit. Madison Marquette will not sell the property, as defined in the [purchase and sale agreement], to Rowan, Fairmount, or any other entity while the PSA is in full force and effect, firm president and managing principal William Sudow said in a court filing in a related case that has since been resolved. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Approximately 100 clergy members were arrested at the U.S. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Friday during a protest against U.S. immigration enforcement, organizers said. The faith leaders were taken into custody by local police after blocking roads at the airport's Terminal 1 departures area, according to the group Faith in Minnesota. The protesters were calling on airlines, particularly Delta Air Lines and Signature Aviation, to stop cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota, organizers stated. Tensions have escalated after ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother and U.S. citizen, on Jan. 7 during an immigration enforcement operation, according to local media reports. The shooting triggered daily protests across the Minneapolis area. At the airport, clergy members prayed together, sang hymns, and shared stories of people detained by ICE, organizers said. Faith in Minnesota reported that the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has deported an estimated 2,000 people. Union members also reported that ICE has arrested 12 airport workers. The airport demonstrations were part of a broader mobilization on Friday called "ICE Out of Minnesota: A Day of Truth and Freedom," according to organizing groups. More than 700 businesses across the state closed their doors in what organizers called an economic blackout, urging residents not to work, shop, or attend school. Separately, protesters blocking an access road to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, which houses ICE facilities, held their position for several hours, according to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. Before deputies issued dispersal orders, the sheriff's office reported that protesters threw ice chunks at vehicles, breaking windows. As a firefighter, who once battled blazes across Cork City, military enthusiast Joe OToole has never been one to shy away from danger. The 55-year-old retiree has now found another way to channel his fearlessness after performing stunts for Hollywood biopic Jimmy, based on the life of movie star Jimmy Stewart and which is due for release this year. The Cork man, who now lives in Tipperary, combined his love of collecting and thrill seeking for a big break that had been years in the making. He was one of some 1,000 people involved in the production, which was filmed in West Cork Studios in Skibbereen and surrounding areas. The filmmakers initially approached OToole after hearing about his collection of Second World War memorabilia. It was a bonus that he got to feature in the movie riding one of his own motorcycles the former firefighter had experience in stunt work, making him the ideal candidate for the position. He also acted as the projects vehicle co-ordinator, sourcing Second World War vehicles from across the country. I had the chance to do two motorcycle stunts, he told the Irish Examiner. I had to come through a gate, fly through a crossroads, and have a Jeep miss me by inches. This called for good timing and an ability to handle the Indian bike. They asked me to do it because it was my own bike so they knew I would be able to manage it. Chris Wilks did all the rest of the stunts, but it was great to have the chance to ride the bike in the movie. A scene from filming on location in West Cork. OToole said he knew it would be a worthy project, given its focus on Stewarts time as a bomber pilot during the war. Before that, I believed that Jimmy Stewart was just an actor. After seeing the script, I realised he had this magnificent career, having flown 25 missions over Germany. He saw horrific combat and suffered for many years before PTSD was even recognised. This wasnt just a guy I had seen in a couple of films he was a true hero. Of the actors involved, O'Toole said: KJ Apa must have had about five or six people touching up his hair and make-up and putting blankets around him, but hed still come down to us at night to enjoy the quiet and a bit of craic. He was a really lovely guy. Joe O'Toole, right, alongside 'Jimmy' star KJ Apa. "Neal McDonough was the same and remembered the name of every single person on set. There was a bit of hero worship there as I had loved him in Band of Brothers. They say you should never meet your heroes, but luckily he didnt disappoint. In fact, he was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. Military collection OToole has been amassing his collection for a number of years. It includes everything from four-wheel-drive military vehicles known as Willys Jeeps to Dodge Command Cars and a BSA M20, an iconic motorcycle used by the British armed forces. Most of them are originals, bar the one or two replicas made up to look like the real thing. This is so they can be driven at speed and you dont have to risk causing damage to the real deal. The vehicles in my collection are not something you can just go out and buy. We are talking about years of connections and contacts. Ive sourced a lot of them from Germany, Holland, and Belgium. "This was a cheap hobby back in the day but after the release of Saving Private Ryan in 1998 people went crazy for World War II vehicles. The price quadrupled overnight when people realised they had something very valuable. What might have cost five or six Irish thousand pounds in its day is now around 30k. This is despite the fact that these bikes are about 85 years old and there is no special technology in them. Being designed for the military they were bog standard but now they cost as much as a Ducati. Jimmy Stewart 'had this magnificent career, having flown 25 missions over Germany. He saw horrific combat and suffered for many years before PTSD was even recognised'. OToole said that owning vintage military vehicles had been a boyhood dream. Ive been collecting since the late eighties. As a young fella I was obsessed with Steve McQueen and The Great Escape so I had always wanted a green army bike. I grew up with the Commando comics which also influenced my passion. "If someone had told me back then I would be doing what I am today, I wouldnt have believed them. It was a stunt co-ordinator friend in the UK who got me into the stunts later in life. Pulling out all the stops OToole pulled out all the stops to source as many vehicles as possible for the movie. "My involvement was much bigger than I had anticipated as I ended up hiring in about 23 vehicles for the show. Mostly, they wanted all the American stuff because its set in England and the US. Normally, I do a lot of German stuff so I have a good few motorbikes, sidecars Jeeps, trucks, uniforms, weapons for film and TV work. "This was a curveball for me because a lot of stuff Im known for in the business is World War II related. This was an American film so I had to hire in a lot of stuff from Northern Ireland and England. I had good connections for the military stuff but when you are shopping outside your area of expertise, it can be challenging. "They wanted American cars and left-hand American drives from the forties which was a tall order as this was just four weeks before production started filming. Normally, you have six months to get it all together, so the hardest part for me was coming up with all these American civilian cars. I covered hundreds of miles trying to source what was needed. I pulled a lot of the stuff from Cork, West Cork, Wexford, and Northern Ireland. There were some local people who helped out too, including John OLeary from Carrigaline who provided a green sports car and a taxi for a scene set in England. While the film might increase the value of his vehicles, OToole has no plans to part with his collection. I think its terrible to see these vehicles in museums when they could be brought to shows where they bring people so much joy. My hope is that when Im gone I can leave my collection to someone who has an interest in the vehicles and will keep using them. When Australia introduced the worlds first nationwide ban on under-16s accessing major social media platforms, it didnt just trigger a domestic reckoning it lit a fuse internationally. Britain is now actively weighing a similar move. In Ireland, the debate is gathering pace. At the heart of it lies a fundamental question: Is a ban a blunt instrument, or a long-overdue act of protection? Australias ban places the legal burden not on parents or children but on platforms themselves. Companies such as Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and X are required to take reasonable steps to prevent children under 16 from holding accounts, backed by the threat of substantial financial penalties. Oversight rests with the countrys e-safety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant. Ms Grant is a former senior executive at Microsoft, Twitter, and Adobe. For Australian journalist and broadcaster Eliza Harvey, who is also the parent of a nine-year-old and a 12-year-old, the impact has already been felt at ground level. The social media ban has been an extremely positive thing, anecdotally, in terms of the school community. Im the parent of a nine-year-old and a 12-year-old. We, as parents, are right in the firing line for dealing with this, she says. She says the parenting community has broadly welcomed the move because it reassigns responsibility. In essence, it fundamentally puts the onus back on the Big Tech platforms to stop profiting off our kids but also help us as parents The way the ban was announced also mattered down under. It was framed not just as domestic policy but as international leadership. It was seen as a very big victory politically when it was announced at the UN General Assembly that Australia was positioning itself as a global leader on something so important, Ms Harvey says. Australia can often oscillate in how it wants to be seen globally, and this has definitely been covered as us being a global leader. Implementation has been uneven. Platforms have begun tightening age-verification systems and removing accounts believed to belong to minors, but compliance varies and enforcement remains complex. Its also been quite clear that its been quite a patchy implementation of the ban, which is pretty understandable given the scale of the task, Ms Harvey says. Workarounds and privacy concerns Critics warn that tech-savvy children will simply find workarounds, that age-verification raises privacy concerns, and that bans risk pushing young people into less-regulated online spaces. Ms Harvey doesnt dismiss those criticisms, but she argues that the laws value lies in what it disrupts. Of course, there is a lot of debate as to what extent this legislation may be a toothless tiger. Kids being kids will find ways to get around anything. But, if nothing else, this law is a circuit breaker, she says. She points to the underlying architecture of platforms as the real target. These platforms have proven themselves to be built around algorithms that just feed you stuff, she adds. For her, the ban represents a shift in power. Its a chance for parents to ask aloud: Why would big tech companies have unfettered access to our kids? It shifts the power back to parents when it comes to protecting and raising their kids In Britain, the political mood is hardening. Although the Online Safety Act has already expanded regulators powers, calls for an Australian-style under-16s ban have intensified. The ban has won support in the House of Lords, forcing the issue onto the governments agenda. Social media companies are resisting outright prohibition, arguing instead for improved age-assurance, algorithmic reform, and platform design changes. They warn that bans could be ineffective, easily circumvented, and socially harmful. It is within this tension that a powerful joint intervention emerged from childrens safety organisations, experts, and bereaved families, all led by the Molly Rose Foundation. The joint statement acknowledged parents fears, but concluded that social media bans are the wrong solution. It warned that bans could create a false sense of safety, push children towards riskier online spaces, and expose them to a dangerous cliff edge at 16. Instead, it called for tougher enforcement of age limits, highly effective age-assurance, and a fundamental reset of what is expected of tech companies - moving away from addictive design and towards child-centred products. The statement speaks to a deeper truth running through this debate: That parents are being asked to manage digital systems of immense complexity, opacity, and power environments most cant come close to understanding. Most-connected cohort Ireland has not proposed a ban, but the conditions fuelling the debate are firmly in place. Irish children are among the most connected in Europe. Social media use is widespread, well below the official minimum age of 13. Irish research and regulatory reporting have repeatedly highlighted links between heavy online engagement and anxiety, sleep disruption, self-esteem issues, online harassment and exposure to harmful content, even as experts continue to debate causality. Responsibility for online regulation here sits with Coimisiun na Mean, which has begun enforcing new online safety codes, while government departments are exploring age-verification systems at EU level. For Richard Hogan family psychotherapist, author, and Irish Examiner columnist this cautious approach is no longer defensible. If it were up to me, I would ban smartphones for children entirely, he says. A smartphone has no business being in a kids hand. I absolutely welcome the notion of a similar ban being introduced in Ireland. It may be a blunt instrument, but its a finger in the dam that is long overdue. From his clinical perspective, Mr Hogan sees social media not as a neutral tool, but as something actively reshaping childhood. Smartphones, and social media by extension, are responsible for the silencing of adolescence Kids thrive on connection, on the ability to make small talk and communicate with actual people. Thats how they build confidence and resilience. Social media strips them of all that. This notion put forward by my tech companies that our kids must be tech savvy is nonsense in the context of the harm that tech does, he adds. He rejects the idea that this is about nostalgia or resisting progress. This is not about wanting some 1980s version of childhood. Its about putting children first, and supporting parents who lets face it dont have a clue whats going on in a social media world theyre barely conversant in themselves. Mr Hogan believes Irelands reluctance has been cultural as much as political. Ireland has been too scared of big tech for too long to tackle this problem. Now that other countries are doing it, we might finally have the courage to follow suit. What Australia has done is force a confrontation. Whether its ban becomes a global model or a cautionary tale remains to be seen, but it has already shifted the terms of debate. Britains hesitation reflects a fear of unintended consequences. Irelands watch-and-wait approach reflects uncertainty about evidence, enforcement, and economic power. What both Ms Harvey and Mr Hogan agree on is that the status quo is failing children and overwhelming parents. Whether Ireland chooses prohibition, tighter regulation, or a hybrid path, one thing is clear: The question is no longer whether governments should intervene, but how far they are willing to go and who do they believe should carry the burden of protecting childhood in a digital age. Welcome home, Ryan Tubridy. They say theres nothing like baring your soul to clear the air. Tubridy has been doing a lot of soul-baring since his return from London. Youve got to admire his willpower. There were words. Hundreds of them, many incomprehensible, but the sentiment was undeniable; the world you knew is over and one of the Wests most enduring establishments was under threat. But enough about the Beckhams, theres geopolitics happening. In a week of tumult and turbulence, it was perhaps the Canadian prime minister Mark Carney who exposed just how much Donald Trumps bizarre pursuit of Greenland had crystalised matters for world leaders. We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition, Carney said. He noted that Canada had benefited from the old rules-based international order, including from American hegemony that helped provide public goods: Open sea lanes, a stable financial system, collective security, and support for frameworks for resolving disputes. But that old order is gone and is not coming back, he said. Call it what it is: A system of intensifying great power rivalry where the most powerful pursue their interests using economic integration as coercion. Making himself one of the few world leaders to expressly warn against bending the knee to superpowers, Carney warned that compliance will buy safety. It wont, he said. The question for middle powers, like Canada, is not whether to adapt to this new reality. We must. The question is whether we adapt by simply building higher walls or whether we can do something more ambitious. Canadian prime minister Mark Carney delivers a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Picture: Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP Middle powers must act together, because if were not at the table, were on the menu, Carney said. That the former Irish citizens comments come in the days after his visit to China, it is clear that the USs neighbour to the north has come to a conclusion that is creeping across the world: America is no longer a basket in which to put ones eggs. With the worlds leaders descending on Davos in Switzerland for the World Economic Forums yearly summit, Trump had spent much of the preceding week ratcheting up his insistence that his country needs Greenland, an Arctic island which is both a crossroads for ships from the US, China, Europe, and Russia, but most crucially, part of Denmark. While 150 American troops are stationed on the island at Pituffik Space Base, the US has over time drastically reduced its presence in Greenland, which had been agreed under a 1951 treaty. But while the US has history on the island, Trumps reasoning has seemed more personal than historical. In a New York Times interview published earlier this month, he was asked why he was focused on owning the island and not just triggering a clause in the treaty that would allow the US open military bases in Greenland and his answer was instructive. Because thats what I feel is psychologically needed for success. I think that ownership gives you a thing that you cant do, whether youre talking about a lease or a treaty. Ownership gives you things and elements that you cant get from just signing a document. These words do not indicate a world leader who knows how or why to get what he wants, just that he wants it. Much of the coverage and analysis here in Ireland of Trumps ramblings which included a 30-second segue about how he wouldnt have shown pain had a binder clip cut his finger off focused on Irelands position as betwixt and between. On the one-hand, our long-standing cultural ties and economic dependence on the US. On the other, our EU neighbours and allies. The same EU which had been lauded for its protection of the Irish island in the last decade as another unpredictable neighbour tore up the neighbourhood. Somehow, this was presented as an equal consideration. That Irelands allies were merely having a disagreement, and not that one had openly spoken about annexing anothers territories while not ruling out use of force to do so. Of course, Ireland is exposed to the whims of the US president, but at what point does one ask the glaring question; is an ally that you have to allow do whatever they want for fear of retribution an ally at all? Irelands long-standing economic and diplomatic alignment with the US has delivered undeniable benefits, from foreign direct investment to cultural and political support Irelands peace has US fingerprints all over it and our culture is threaded through with American media, sports, and language. However, the wild unpredictability of the Trump administration in both policy goals and rhetoric has sharpened the case for Ireland to strategically decouple at least in part from excessive dependence on the US. You can see this in the Taoiseachs early January visit to China while he mentioned India at a Davos roundtable as another place where trade will be sought. He and Carney met in Ottawa in September and are expected to meet again this year as Canada seeks its own decoupling. None of this is an argument for hostility or isolation, but for autonomy, resilience, and the protection of Irish and European interests in an increasingly volatile world. Of course the Taoiseach should still travel to the White House, Irish people can still enjoy Hollywoods output, and I will be watching the Superbowl and the New York Yankees opening day in the coming weeks. But Trumps political project is rooted in transactional nationalism. His America First agenda openly rejects multilateralism, undermines international institutions, and treats allies as expendable if they no longer serve immediate US interests. For a small, open economy like Ireland, this approach is more dangerous than attempting to strike out without them. Trump has already repeatedly threatened punitive tariffs, corporate tax retaliation, and the reshoring of US multinational activity, much of which underpins Irish employment and tax revenue. An Irish economic model so heavily exposed to the whims of one US administration is not structurally sound. Beyond this, Trumps imperialist instincts and his visible disdain for international law and his willingness to use economic coercion run counter to Irelands foreign policy heritage, which has historically championed neutrality, diplomacy, and the rules-based international order. Continued alignment with a US leadership that dismisses these principles risks eroding Irelands credibility on the world stage. There is also a European dimension. Irelands future lies in deeper integration with the EU, not in acting as a quasi-outpost of US corporate and strategic interests. Overreliance on US multinationals distorts the domestic economy, inflates housing costs, and narrows policy space. A Trump administration hostile to the EU could pressure Ireland to act as a wedge within Europe, forcing an artificial choice between Brussels and Washington. Strategic decoupling would reduce Irelands exposure to such pressure and strengthen European solidarity. Decoupling does not mean severing ties. It means diversifying trade, investing in indigenous enterprise, deepening links with Europe and the Global South, and asserting a more independent foreign policy. The last week should highlight a simple truth: US interests are not Irish interests. A mature, confident Ireland must recognise this reality and not be held hostage by the ambitions of any one foreign leader. In a world of resurgent great-power politics, strategic independence is no longer a luxury it is a necessity. A temporary respite from the threat of a total breakdown in the transatlantic alliance has given Europeans a moment to gather their thoughts. There is a need for accelerated strategic autonomy an EU official said. But weve heard this exact sentence countless times since the first Trump administration. Certainly, in defence, competitiveness we need to diversify our sources of trade, they added. It remains to be seen if Brussels will be proactive in de-risking its reliance on the US or wait for the next act of coercion by the US and just react helplessly. The prime ministers of Greenland and Denmark, Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Mette Frederiksen, greet schoolchildren during a walkabout in Nuuk, Greenland on Friday. Picture: Ben Birchall/PA Its widely acknowledged in Brussels and across European capitals that Pax Americana is dead, but Trumps apparent plan to take Greenland a protectorate of Denmark was still a shock to member states. The so-called Board of Peace This is despite all the evidence from last year. The lightning military advances in Caracas, and the initiation of the Trump-devised so-called Board of Peace. Ostensibly devised to respond to the manmade hell-on-earth humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the Board of Peace idea has expanded, and there are fears its raison detre is to undermine or sidestep the United Nations. With Trump as chairman, the Board of Peace has invited Putin and Netanyahu to join despite outstanding warrants from the International Criminal Court for their arrests for alleged crimes such as unlawful deportation and unlawful transfer of children and, in the case of Netanyahu, extermination and starvation of a civilian population, among other things. Each government paid $1bn (0.85bn) for permanent membership. The EU says its seeking further clarification regarding its invite to participate. Most EU countries have declined to join, except for Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban. An EU official said: There are several questions even strong doubts as to whether this Board of Peace is compatible with EU law. In a bygone era, the setting up of an international structure that had members who are the very antithesis of peace as its leading figures would have drawn immediate condemnation from the EU. EU treading carefully around Trump But Brussels now has so many other fires to extinguish, and the prevailing mood is to tread carefully around anything Trump does so as not to draw his ire or attention. If the daily brutality of ICE were a feature of any other country in the Middle East or Eastern Europe such as Georgia or elsewhere the EU would have been quick to consider sanctions, or at least register its deep concern. But now the silence is deafening. It was hard to see how an off-ramp might deter Trump from his demands that he had to have Greenland, so the moment he announced the tariffs were off the table, it was was welcomed. Military ships patrol the fjords of the capital Nuuk, Greenland earlier this week. US president Donald Trump has backed down on his threat to impose tariffs on a number of states that opposed his ambitions to annex Greenland. Picture: Ben Birchall/PA But what happens the next time Trump has grievances over not receiving an award, or doesnt feel gratitude and decides to reignite the Greenland issue, or target someplace else? Despite the clear statements of solidarity and defence of territorial integrity, theres no indication Europe has woken up or is any more resilient to face the next three years of this US administration. Just look at what he said about the Chagos islands, one EU official warned. Trump this week slammed the UK governments decision to return the Chagos islands to Mauritius, calling it an act of great stupidity despite endorsing it a few months earlier. Gavin Newsom spells it out for EU California governor Gavin Newsom spoke some home truths to Europeans and others whom he accused of rolling over to Trump. I cant take this complicity of people rolling over, he told reporters at the World Economic Forum at Davos. I should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders... Nobel prizes, theyre being given away. I mean its just pathetic, he said. He urged European leaders to unite and stand up to Trump or be devoured. He added: Trump is a T-Rex. You mate with him or he devours you, one or the other, and you need to stand up to it. Trump did EU states a massive favour by calling off the dogs of war ahead of the emergency summit on Thursday night. Because the stark divisions among countries positions on how best to react to the Greenland issue would have been exposed. No EU consensus There was no consensus on whether the EU should consider using the EUs anti-coercion mechanism although the French government was the most vocal in pushing for it. The French position was that the EU needs to stop acting like it holds no cards, and that the anti-coercion instrument can be triggered in a manner that is proportionate. It has variable layers and degrees and can be used with a light or more intense touch, said an EU official. Here comes Mercosur again Instead, on Thursday, leaders once again focused on the 25-year ordeal that is the Mercosur trade deal. The issue was back on the table after the European Parliament referred the legality of the deal to the European Court of Justice something that can delay its implementation, unless Brussels gives the go-ahead for a provisional application of it. Its reappearance as a pressing political issue is a key example of the EUs aversion to taking action due to competing priorities of its member states. While a bullet was dodged at the 11th hour, instead of looking ahead, and learning from the past week by issuing precise recommendations, Brussels, it is feared, remains stuck. The bloodiest crackdown on dissent since Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution is slowly coming into focus, despite authorities cutting off the Islamic Republic from the internet and much of the wider world. Cities and towns smell of smoke as fire-damaged mosques and government offices line streets. Banks have been torched, their cash machines smashed. Officials estimate the damage to be at least 125 million dollars (92.2 million), according to an Associated Press tally of reports by the state-run IRNA news agency from more than 20 cities. The number of dead demonstrators reported by activists continues to swell. Since January 8-9, 2026, when the Iranian authorities committed mass unlawful killings on an unprecedented scale to crush the popular uprising calling for an end to their repressive rule, they have waged a coordinated, militarized clampdown to prevent further dissent and hide Amnesty International USA (@amnestyusa) January 23, 2026 For two weeks, Iran offered no overall casualty figures. Then on Wednesday, the government said 3,117 people were killed, including 2,427 civilians and security forces. That left another 690 dead that officials identified as terrorists. That conflicts with figures from the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which put the death toll on Saturday at 5,137, based on activists inside Iran verifying fatalities against public records and witness statements. It said 4,834 were demonstrators, 208 were government-affiliated personnel, 54 were children and 41 were civilians not participating in protests. Observers claim thousands of people have been killed in the crackdown (AP) Activists warn Iran is engaging in the same tactics it has used for decades, but at an unprecedented scale opening fire from rooftops on demonstrators, firing metal birdshot into crowds and sending motorcycle-riding paramilitary Revolutionary Guard volunteers in to beat and detain those who cannot escape. Raha Bahreini of Amnesty International said: The vast majority of protesters were peaceful. The video footage shows crowds of people including children and families chanting, dancing around bonfires, marching on their streets. The authorities have opened fire unlawfully. The killing of peaceful protesters as well as the threat of mass executions have been a red line for military action for US president Donald Trump. An American aircraft carrier and warships are approaching the Middle East, possibly allowing Mr Trump to launch another attack on Iran after bombing its nuclear enrichment sites last year. That risks igniting a new war in the Middle East. People have demonstrated in cities such as Berlin in solidarity with the Iranian protesters (AP) Irans mission to the United Nations did not respond to detailed questions from the AP regarding the suppression of the demonstrations. The demonstrations began on December 28 at Tehrans historic Grand Bazaar, initially over the collapse of Irans currency, the rial, then spread across the country. Tensions exploded on January 8, with demonstrations called for by Irans exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi. Witnesses in Tehran told the AP before authorities cut internet and phone communication that they saw tens of thousands of demonstrators on the streets. As communications failed, gunfire echoed through Tehran. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier has moved to the area (US Navy via AP) Many witnesses said they had never seen such a large number of protesters on the streets, said Bahar Saba of Human Rights Watch. Iranian authorities have repeatedly shown they have no answers other than bullets and brutal repression to people taking to the streets. Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, a deputy interior minister speaking on state TV on Wednesday, acknowledged the violence began in earnest on January 8. More than 400 cities were involved, he said. Iranian authorities have unleashed an unprecedented deadly crackdown to crush protests & cut all internet access to conceal their crimes. Call on the international community to urgently act to end further massacres of protesters in Iran. Act now https://t.co/zokiddHLhK Amnesty International (@amnesty) January 15, 2026 By January 9, Revolutionary Guard general Hossein Yekta, previously identified as leading plainclothes units of the force, went on state TV to warn mothers and fathers to keep their children home. Tonight you all must be vigilant. Tonight is the night for keeping mosques, all bases everywhere filled with Hezbollahi, Gen Yekta said, using a word for followers of God that carries the connotation of fervent supporters of Irans theocracy. Already weakened by the 12-day war Israel launched against Iran in June, the authorities decided to fully employ violence to end the demonstrations, experts said. I think the regime viewed it as this was a moment of existential threat and that they could either allow it to play out and allow the protests to build and allow foreign powers to increase their rhetoric and increase their demands on Iran, said Afshon Ostovar, an expert on the Revolutionary Guard and professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, California. Or they could turn out the lights, kill as many people as necessary and hope they could get away with it. And I think thats what they ultimately did. Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard is more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, its commander has said, as US warships head towards the Middle East. Gen Mohammad Pakpour warned the United States and Israel to avoid any miscalculation, in comments reported on Telegram by Nournews, a news outlet close to Irans Supreme National Security Council. The Revolutionary Guard has been key in putting down recent Iran-wide anti-government protests that have left thousands of people dead. While people in Iran are still reeling from the grief and shock of the unprecedented massacres during protest dispersals, the Iranian authorities are waging a coordinated attack on the rights of people in Iran to life, dignity and fundamental freedoms in a criminal bid to Amnesty International (@amnesty) January 23, 2026 Gen Pakpour was quoted as saying: The Islamic Revolutionary Guards and dear Iran stand more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, to execute the orders and directives of the Commander-in-Chief. Tension remains high between Iran and the US in the wake of a bloody crackdown on protests that began on December 28, triggered by the collapse of Irans currency, the rial. Protests swept the country for about two weeks. US president Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran, setting two red lines for the use of military force: the killing of peaceful demonstrators and the mass execution of people arrested in the protests. Mr Trump has said Iran halted the execution of 800 people detained in the protests. He has not elaborated on the source of the claim which Irans top prosecutor, Mohammad Movahedi, strongly denied on Friday in comments carried by the judiciarys Mizan news agency. Worldwide protests and commemorations have taken place over the crackdown (AP) On Thursday, Mr Trump said aboard Air Force One that the US is moving warships toward Iran just in case he wants to take action. We have a massive fleet heading in that direction and maybe we wont have to use it, Mr Trump said. A US Navy official said on Thursday that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other warships travelling with it are in the Indian Ocean. Mr Trump also mentioned the multiple rounds of talks American officials had with Iran over its nuclear program before Israel launched a 12-day war against the Islamic Republic in June, which also saw US warplanes bomb Iranian nuclear sites. He threatened Iran with military action that would make earlier American strikes against Iranian uranium enrichment sites look like peanuts. They should have made a deal before we hit them, Mr Trump said. The tension has led at least two European airlines to suspend some flights to the wider region. Air France cancelled two return flights from Paris to Dubai over the weekend. Irans security forces have carried out mass killings after protests escalated on January 8. Despite a nationwide internet shutdown, Human Rights Watch has been able to verify videos and gather witness accounts. Read now: https://t.co/HKrsttOX6J pic.twitter.com/4LJOuabjQq Human Rights Watch (@hrw) January 16, 2026 The airline said it was closely following developments in the Middle East in real time and continuously monitors the geopolitical situation in the territories served and overflown by its aircraft in order to ensure the highest level of flight safety and security. It said it would resume its service to Dubai later on Saturday. Luxair said it had postponed its Saturday flight from Luxembourg to Dubai by 24 hours in light of ongoing tensions and insecurity affecting the regions airspace, and in line with measures taken by several other airlines. It told the AP it was closely monitoring the situation and a decision on whether the flight will operate tomorrow will be taken based on the ongoing assessment. Arrivals information at Dubais international airport also showed the cancellation of Saturday flights from Amsterdam by Dutch carriers KLM and Transavia. Some KLM flights to Tel Aviv in Israel were also cancelled on Friday and Saturday, according to online flight trackers. Thousands of people have died after a crackdown onanti-government protests in Iran, figures show (UGC via AP) Although there have been no further demonstrations in Iran for days, the death toll reported by activists has continued to rise as information trickles out despite the most comprehensive internet blackout in Irans history, which has now lasted more than two weeks. On Saturday, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency put the death toll at 5,137, with the number expected to increase. More than 27,700 people have been arrested, it said. The groups figures have been accurate in previous unrest and rely on a network of activists in Iran to verify deaths. That death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest there in decades, and recalls the chaos surrounding Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution. Irans government offered its first death toll on Wednesday, saying 3,117 people were killed. It said 2,427 were civilians and security forces, and labelled the rest as terrorists. In the past, Irans theocracy has undercounted or not reported fatalities from unrest. People examine a suicide blast site in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, on Jan. 24, 2026. (Str/Xinhua) ISLAMABAD, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and 10 others injured in a suicide blast at a wedding ceremony in Dera Ismail Khan district of Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, police said. District Police Officer Sajjad Ahmad Sahibzada told Xinhua that a suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden jacket at a house in the Qureshi Mor area of the district, where people were attending a wedding ceremony and enjoying a musical performance. The official feared that the death toll might rise as some of the injured were in critical condition. No group claimed responsibility for the attack yet. People examine a suicide blast site in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, on Jan. 24, 2026. (Str/Xinhua) People examine a suicide blast site in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, on Jan. 24, 2026. (Str/Xinhua) US president Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if Americas northern neighbour goes ahead with its trade deal with China. Mr Trump said in a social media post that if Canadian prime minister Mark Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a Drop Off Port for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken. Tensions boiled over in the US state of Minnesota Saturday, as the governor hit out at the sickening acts of federal officials following the second fatal shooting in the city of Minneapolis this month. An irate Tim Walz told US President Donald Trump to remove his federal agents including the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the state as citizens took to the streets to protest the latest deadly shooting, just a few weeks on from the killing of mother-of-three Renee Good by an ICE agent. Remove this force from Minnesota, he told Mr Trump at a press conference on Saturday afternoon. They are sowing chaos and violence. I call on Americans to see the cruelty of what ICE is doing on our streets. He also called for calm from residents of the beleaguered city while describing the Trump administrations account of the shooting as nonsense and lies. You ask for peace, we give it and we get shot in the face on the streets, Mr Walz said. We want calm and peace and normalcy back to our lives. They want chaos. He added that he wanted local law enforcement to investigate the shooting, following clashes over the investigation into the Renee Good shooting. This undated photo provided by Michael Pretti shows Alex J. Pretti, the man who was shot by federal officers in Minneapolis on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. Picture: Michael Pretti via AP A video circulating online on Saturday morning, which matches the reported location of the shooting mentioned by the officials, shows a man being wrestled to the ground by several law enforcement officers before being shot what appears to be several times. At least two officers can be seen with their weapons drawn. A second, more comprehensive video of the shooting, obtained and posted online by Drop Site News, shows that the man who was shot appeared to come to the defense of an observer who was shoved to the ground by a federal officer. That officer then sprayed the man with a chemical agent, repeatedly, before tackling him to the street along with other agents. As at least five agents surrounded the man on the ground, one appeared to fire a shot at him at close range, followed by a volley of 10 more shots. Officials later confirmed that a 37-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. The Minnesota Star Tribune reported that the man was an American citizen named Alex Jeffrey Pretti, according to sources familiar with the incident. The incident comes two months into a large-scale federal operation in the US state that is targeting immigrants. There has been a significant public backlash to the indiscriminate nature of the actions of ICE agents and the racial profiling they are engaged in. Federal immigration officers deploy tear gas after a shooting in Minneapolis, on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. Picture: AP Photo/Abbie Parr Workplaces and schools have been shut, as people of colour stay at home from fear of being targeted by ICE. This latest shooting is the third such incident this month, but other incidents have caused outrage such as the detention of a five-year-old whom his school described as being used as bait in a bid to detain other members of his family. Locals who spoke to the Irish Examiner this week expressed fears that events like Saturday's shooting feel inevitable as long as ICE remains in Minneapolis. A general strike organised on Friday saw tens of thousands take to the streets in downtown Minneapolis calling for ICE to leave their city, which has a lower proportion of immigrants compared to the populations of other cities. Greg Bovino, commander of the federal border patrol agency, said that this morning federal immigration officers tried to apprehend a person they were targeting for immigration enforcement and, at that time, the officers were approached by a man with a gun. He said that officers tried to disarm the man but he ended up shot dead, in a defensive action. He added the officer who killed the man has eight years of experience in the job and extensive training. Federal immigration officers deploy tear gas at protesters after a shooting Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. Picture: AP Photo/Abbie Parr Federal officials also distributed a photo of a handgun they said was on the person who was shot. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, hit out at local elected officials included Mr Walz and the Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and made reference to a multi-billion dollar fraud scandal of federal money that involved some Somali immigrants. Mr Trump has consistently cited this incident when talking about the immigration crackdown in Minnesota. LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB, he said on his Truth Social platform. 12,000 Illegal Alien Criminals, many of them violent, have been arrested and taken out of Minnesota. If they were still there, you would see something far worse than you are witnessing today! He also accused the state officials of "inciting insurrection". Top US envoys met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, urging his government to move into the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza. Mr Netanyahu met US President Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Mr Trumps son-in-law and Middle East adviser, according to the prime ministers office, which did not give details of the discussions. A White House official confirmed the meeting. The US is anxious to keep the Trump-brokered deal moving, but Mr Netanyahu faces pressure to wait until Hamas returns the remains of the last hostage in Gaza. Jared Kushner, left, and Steve Witkoff in Davos, Switzerland, earlier in the week (Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone via AP) The biggest signal of the second phase would be the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Ali Shaath, the head of a future technocratic government in Gaza that is expected to run day-to-day affairs, said on Thursday the border crossing will open in both directions this coming week. There was no confirmation from Israel, which said it would consider the matter this week. The crossings Gaza side is currently under Israeli military control. The family of Ran Gvili, whose body is still in Gaza, urged more pressure on Hamas. President Trump himself stated this week in Davos that Hamas knows exactly where our son is being held, the family said Saturday. Hamas is deceiving the international community and refusing to return our son, the last remaining hostage, in what constitutes a clear violation of the agreement it signed. Hamas said Wednesday it has provided all information it has on Mr Gvilis remains to ceasefire mediators, and accused Israel of obstructing search efforts in areas it controls in Gaza. The ceasefire took effect on October 10. People hold up pictures of Ran Gvili, whose body has been held in Gaza (Leo Correa/AP) Egypts top diplomat pressed for an immediate opening of the Rafah crossing with the director of Mr Trumps new Board of Peace in Gaza, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday, including the ability of Palestinians to enter and exit the territory. Foreign Minister Bader Abdelatty spoke by phone with Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza, the ministry said in a statement. They discussed the implementation of the ceasefires second phase, including the deployment of an international monitoring force, the opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the strip, the statement said. The Egyptian minister said implementing the second phase is a key entry point to launch Gazas reconstruction. The statement did not say when the crossing will open for travellers and the evacuation of sick and wounded. Israel is expected to discuss opening the Rafah crossing during Sundays Cabinet meeting. Palestinian Mohanad Eslem, 22, cuts firewood for sale in front of his shop near al-Bureij camp, central Gaza (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Also on Saturday, an Israeli strike killed two Palestinian teenagers in Gaza, according to hospital authorities. The boys, cousins aged 13 and 15, were searching for firewood, according to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, which received the bodies. The boys were killed in the area that Israels military has said is safe for Palestinians, about 500 metres from the Yellow Line, which separates the Israeli-controlled areas in eastern Gaza from the rest of the strip, said a relative, Arafat al-Zawara. They were targeted directly, not through any fault of their own, he told The Associated Press outside the morgue. Israels military said it had targeted several militants who crossed the Yellow Line and planted explosives, threatening troops. It denied that those killed were children. The desperate search for firewood is forcing many Palestinians to approach areas close to the Yellow Line as they seek anything that can be burned, including rubbish and plastic, to cook and to warm themselves. There has been no central electricity in Gaza since the first few days of the war that began with the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7 2023, and fuel for generators is scarce. Hundreds of thousands of people are living in tent camps and war-damaged buildings in Gaza as temperatures drop at night and storms blow in from the Mediterranean. At least nine children have died of severe cold in the past weeks, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Since the ceasefire, more than 480 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, according to the ministry. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by UN agencies and independent experts. Israel disputes its figures but has not provided its own. NAIROBI, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan authorities announced on Saturday the introduction of joint reforms aimed at decongesting the Port of Mombasa, reducing cargo dwell time, and accelerating clearance through a technology-driven and results-oriented approach. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and key port stakeholders said the reforms will be supported by deeper digital systems integration to eliminate multiple documentation requirements, reduce manual processes, and enhance operational efficiency. Humphrey Wattanga, commissioner general of the KRA, described the measures as a strategic shift toward a modern port ecosystem. "The Port of Mombasa is not only a national asset but also a critical regional gateway. Our objective is to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce cargo dwell time and build a predictable, efficient and digitally enabled clearance system that supports trade and economic growth," Wattanga said in a joint statement issued in Nairobi. The stakeholders resolved that all long-stay consignments earmarked for auction or destruction will be transferred to designated Container Freight Stations, beginning with cargo that has remained at the port beyond 21 days. The evacuation exercise is expected to rapidly free up critical yard space, easing congestion and improving operational flow. KPA Managing Director William Ruto reaffirmed KPA's commitment to implementing the agreed-upon measures in close partnership with KRA and industry stakeholders, noting that port efficiency is a shared responsibility. "These reforms will unlock capacity, improve operational flow and strengthen Mombasa's competitiveness as a regional and global port. KPA will dedicate the necessary infrastructure and resources to ensure their successful implementation," he said. The two government agencies will engage the Kenya Railways Corporation to deploy additional wagons on the Standard Gauge Railway, accelerating the transfer of cargo to the Embakasi in Nairobi and Naivasha Inland Container Depots. "This is expected to reduce pressure on the port and key road corridors while improving cargo evacuation timelines," the two agencies said. 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. MOSCOW/KIEV, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Russian forces have struck energy facilities servicing Ukraine's military-industrial complex and Ukrainian military deployment areas over the past 24 hours, Russia's defense ministry said on Saturday. Russian long-range precision missiles and attack drones hit a Ukrainian plant manufacturing drones and energy facilities servicing Ukraine's military-industrial complex, the ministry said in a statement. Russia's operational-tactical aircraft, missile troops and artillery units struck 157 targets, including long-range drone storage sites and operator training facilities, as well as temporary deployment points of Ukrainian armed forces and foreign mercenaries, according to the statement. It added that air defense systems shot down four rockets fired by U.S.-made HIMARS multiple rocket launch systems and 137 fixed-wing drones. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that at least one person was killed and dozens of others injured in the Russian attack that hit four regions. In the capital of Kiev and its surrounding region, the attack primarily targeted energy facilities, he said on Telegram. Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that almost 6,000 apartment buildings in the city were left without heating, and parts of the city also experienced water supply disruptions. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) In an interview with Fox News in Davos, Switzerland, President Donald J. Trump a.k.a. Old Bonespurs and Five-time-Deferment, smeared the European NATO soldiers who gave their lives in Afghanistan to defend the United States. The president said, Ive always said, Will they be there, if we ever needed them? And thats really the ultimate test. And Im not sure of that. I know that we would have been there, or we would be there, but will they be there? Weve never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them. You know, theyll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, or this or that. And they did they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, founded in 1949, is pledged by Article 5 of its charter to consider an attack on one as an attack on all. Ironically, since the group was marshaled against the Soviet Union, Article 5 was never invoked during the Cold War, when US and Soviet nuclear capabilities led both powers to respect each others sphere of influence. The Soviets invaded their own satellites in Hungary and Czechoslovakia, to which NATO did not react with force, but they never marched into a NATO country. It was the 9/11 attacks that caused NATO member states to swing into action, invoking Article 5 for the first time. We can argue about whether that reaction was a good thing. French President Jacques Chirac attempted to convince George W. Bush not to frame 9/11 as a military attack but as an act of criminality. We would have been better off if Bush had listened. Al-Qaeda was a small organization with a few thousand members, and while it had cells in many countries, most of them were tiny. These operatives were more like outlaws or pirates than they were like enemy soldiers of an organized army. Bushs Global War on Terror or GWOT scooped up Iraq and Afghanistan into a Napoleonic campaign to change the face of the Middle East. The Baath government of Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, had nothing to do with 9/11 or al-Qaeda, and in fact put out an all points bulletin for the arrest of the only al-Qaeda member known to have infiltrated into Iraq, linking him to the Saudi terrorist Usamah Bin Laden. The Taliban leaders likely did not know that al-Qaeda, foreigners in Afghanistan, were planning to hit the United States. However unwise and costly it was in blood and treasure, Bush went to war. He did not in fact substantially change the governance of the Middle East toward democratization. That pretext was in any case an afterthought. In Afghanistan, the US waged a twenty-year war that it lost. It did not wage the war alone. NATO explains: NATO Allies went into Afghanistan in 2001. From August 2003, NATO led the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which aimed to create the conditions whereby the Afghan government could exercise its authority throughout the country and build the capacity of the Afghan national security forces, including in the fight against international terrorism. ISAF was completed in December 2014 when the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces assumed full responsibility for security across their country. In January 2015, NATO launched the Resolute Support Mission (RSM) to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces and institutions to fight terrorism and secure their country. Following the completion of the withdrawal of all RSM forces in August 2021, the Mission was terminated in early September 2021. ISAF Commander U.S. Marine Gen. Joseph H. Dunford and RC-North Commander German Army Maj. Gen. Jorg Vollmer, visit the Afghan National Army Engineers School at Camp Shaheen in Mazar-e Sharif March 18, 2013. Public Domain. Via Picryl. The number of NATO troops killed in Afghanistan was 3,486. 2,461 of them were US service personnel. 457 British troops were killed. 165 Canadian troops were killed. Here is a chart of coalition killed in Afghanistan (including non-NATO allies): USA 2461 UK 457 Canada 159 France 90 Germany 62 Italy 53 Poland 44 Denmark 43 Australia 41 Spain 35* Georgia 32 Romania 27 Netherlands 25 Turkey 15 Czech Republic 14 New Zealand 10 Norway 10 Estonia 9 Hungary 7 Sweden 5 Latvia 4 Slovakia 3 Finland 2 Jordan 2 Portugal 2 South Korea 2 Albania 2 Belgium 1 Bulgaria 1 Croatia 1 Lithuania 1 Montenegro 1 Total 3621 The British, with 457 men killed, are so furious that even the nondescript Keir Starmer grew enough of a spine to protest mildly. That is more than he ever did for the tens of thousands killed in Gaza. But there are lots of ways to look at the numbers. Denmark only has 6 million people, so its 43 dead make its sacrifice greater per capita than any country other than the United States. The Danish are doubly aggrieved, since the slur comes atop Trumps attempt to muscle his way into Danish Greenland. AP quotes Danish Platoon Commander Martin Tamm Andersen, who fought in Afghanistan and lost men there, as saying, It feels surreal. It feels like its a bad joke somehow, Andersen said. I mean, you cant really fathom that this is actually something that is being said out loud. It just seems too crazy. If it seems that way, it is because it is. Middle East Studies Association of North America | A case challenging the Trump administrations policy of ideological deportation. BOSTON (January 22, 2026)Judge William G. Young of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts today issued an order restricting the Trump administrations ability to deport noncitizen students and faculty members for their pro-Palestinian advocacy, in a case brought by the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University and Sher Tremonte LLP, on behalf of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the Middle East Studies Association (MESA). Ussama Makdisi, president of MESA, said, We thank the court for its findings and laud the ruling, which affirms that the Constitution protects noncitizen scholars and students against viewpoint-based retaliation. The chilling effect of the governments ideological-deportation policy must be redressed. We will continue to defend academic freedom that is crucial to our work as scholars and students. In a landmark ruling issued last September, Judge Young declared that the Trump administrations policy of arresting, detaining, and threatening to deport noncitizen students and faculty for their political speech violates the First Amendment, unequivocally affirming that non-citizens lawfully present here in [the] United States actually have the same free speech rights as the rest of us. Earlier this month, the Knight Institute appeared before Judge Young urging the court to permanently block the Trump administration from implementing the policy. Young was first nominated by President Reagan and has served as a federal judge for over 40 years. He has described this case as perhaps the most important of his career. Ramya Krishnan, senior staff attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute, reacted by saying, The administrations lawless efforts to deport pro-Palestinian advocates has spread terror in our campus communities. Students and scholars shouldnt have to live in fear that ICE agents could seize them from their homes merely for engaging in political expression. Todays judgment makes emphatically clear that the administrations campaign of intimidation must end. The order issued today formally declares that the Trump Administrations policy was a viewpoint discriminatory effort to chill the protected speech of noncitizens in violation of the First Amendment. It also formally declares that the policy is unlawful under the Administrative Procedure Act, and voids and sets aside the policy under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). According to Jameel Jaffer, executive director at the Knight First Amendment Institute, Judge Youngs resolution of this case will stand as a powerful reaffirmation of principles that are fundamental to our democracy. The First Amendments protection extends to everyone in this country, wherever theyre from, and whatever their politics. By constitutional design, our government lacks the power to imprison or expel people simply because it disapproves of what they have to say. The order also provides that, in any district court case in which a noncitizen who was an AAUP or MESA member during the litigation challenges an adverse change to their immigration status, that action will be presumed to have been taken in retribution for that individuals constitutionally protected speech, unless the government demonstrates otherwise by clear and convincing evidence. Read todays order here. Todd Wolfson, president of the American Association of University Professors, added, The Trump administrations ideological deportation policy has had harrowing impacts on the lives of our non-citizen members. We are greatly relieved that the federal court has declared that this policy is unlawful and in violation of the First Amendment, and we are hopeful that the Trump administration will obey the courts order. The court also released all public evidence admitted during the nine-day trial, including the intelligence reports administration officials relied on to target Mahmoud Khalil, Rumeysa Ozturk, Mohsen Mahdawi, Badar Khan Suri, and Yunseo Chung. Noam Biale, partner and pro bono coordinator at Sher Tremonte LLP, commented at the end of the case: Over two weeks of trial last summer, we proved a conspiracy by top administration officials to violate the First Amendment and chill our clients protected speech. We appreciate Judge Youngs resolve to shine a light on this unlawful enforcement policy and to hold the administration accountable. We hope that his order gives immediate relief to noncitizen students and faculty across the United States. Read more about the lawsuit, AAUP v. Rubio, here. In addition to the AAUP and MESA, plaintiffs include AAUP chapters at Harvard, Rutgers, and NYU. The associations members include tens of thousands of faculty and students across the country. Lawyers on the case include Ramya Krishnan, Jameel Jaffer, Alex Abdo, Scott Wilkens, Carrie DeCell, Xiangnong (George) Wang, Stephany Kim, and Raya Koreh of the Knight First Amendment Institute; Ahilan Arulanantham; Michael Tremonte, Noam Biale, Alexandra Conlon, and Courtney Gans of Sher Tremonte; and Edwina Clarke and David Zimmer for Zimmer, Citron & Clarke. For more information, contact: Adriana Lamirande, adriana.lamirande@knightcolumbia.org HALIFAX, NS / ACCESS Newswire / January 23, 2026 / Silver Tiger Metals Inc. (TSXV:SLVR) and (OTCQX:SLVTF) ("Silver Tiger" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce the filing of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") on the underground at El Tigre and an updated Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") on the Stockwork Zone for its 100% owned, silver-gold El Tigre Project (the "Project" or "El Tigre") located in Sonora, Mexico. The Technical Report supports the scientific and technical disclosure in the Company's news release dated January 20, 2026, announcing the results of an updated Pre-Feasibility Study and new underground Preliminary Economic Assessment. The Technical Report is available at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile. The bolt-on PEA is centred on the underground mining economics of the high-grade El Tigre, Sulphide, Black Shale and Seitz Kelly zones. The underground PEA and updated PFS is based on new Consensus Economics metal prices of $38 per ounce silver and $3,200 per ounce gold. The PEA mine design can be constructed independently of the Stockwork Zone development and is focused on the underground Mineral Resource. Prospective areas exist outside of the areas defined by the PEA and PFS with the historic "El Tigre North Mine" Mineral Resource located 700 metres to the North. Highlights of the PEA, with a base case silver price of $38/oz and gold price of $3,200/oz are as follows (all figures in US dollars unless otherwise stated): After-Tax net present value ("NPV") (using a discount rate of 5%) of $304 million with an After-Tax IRR of 42.8% and Payback Period of 2.6 years (Base Case); 15-year UG mine life with 3-year historical tailings processing recovering a total of 38 million payable silver equivalent ounces ("AgEq") or 453 thousand gold equivalent ounces ("AuEq"), consisting of 34 million silver ounces and 130 thousand gold ounces; Total Project undiscounted after-tax cash flow of $496 million; Initial capital costs of $83.5 million, including $10.9 million in contingency costs, over an expected 18-month build, and sustaining capital costs of $213 million over the life of mine ("LOM"); The 2026 PEA mine plan is designed as stand-alone to the PFS, with a potential overlap of initial capital cost of $17M (e.g., grid power, offices); Average LOM operating cash costs of $1,351/oz AuEq, and all in sustaining costs ("AISC") of $2,019/oz AuEq or Average LOM operating cash costs of $16.05/oz AgEq, and AISC of $23.98/oz AgEq; Average annual production of approximately 2.3 million AgEq oz or 27.8 thousand AuEq oz, consisting of 2.1 million silver ounces and 8.0 thousand gold ounces; and PEA Study of the Southern Veins does not include the 38 million ounces AgEq contained in the Northern Veins. Highlights of the updated PFS, with new base case silver price of $38/oz and gold price of $3,200/oz are as follows (all figures in US dollars unless otherwise stated): After-Tax net present value ("NPV") (using a discount rate of 5%) of $456 million with an After-Tax IRR of 65.7% and Payback Period of 1.4 years; 10-year mine life recovering a total of 43 million payable silver equivalent ounces ("AgEq") or 509 thousand payable gold equivalent ounces ("AuEq"), consisting of 9 million silver ounces and 408 thousand gold ounces; Total Project undiscounted after-tax cash flow of $625 million; Initial capital costs of $86.8 million, which includes $9.3 million of contingency costs, over an expected 18-month build, expansion capital of $20.1 million in year 3 and sustaining capital costs of $6.2 million over the life of mine ("LOM"); Average LOM operating cash costs of $997/oz AuEq, and all in sustaining costs ("AISC") of $1,238/oz AuEq or Average LOM operating costs of $11.7/oz AgEq, and all in sustaining costs ("AISC") of $14.5/oz AgEq; Average annual production of approximately 4.8 million AgEq oz or 56.5 thousand AuEq oz; and Three (3) years of production in the Proven category in the Phase 1 Starter Pit with 60% of overall final pit Mineral Reserve in Proven category. Qualified Persons The Technical Report was prepared by: Mineral Resource Estimate: Dave Duncan P. Geo. VP Exploration of Silver Tiger and Charles Spath P.Geo., VP of Technical Services of Silver Tiger, and Fred Brown, P.Geo., RM-SME Senior Associate Geologist of P&E Mining Consultants and Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET, President of P&E Mining Consultants are the Qualified Persons as defined under National Instrument 43-101. PEA and PFS: Andrew Bradfield, P. Eng., COO of P&E Mining Consultants, Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET, President of P&E Mining Consultants, David J. Salari, P. Eng. President of D.E.N.M. Engineering Ltd, and James Smith, P. Eng., Senior Geotechnical Engineer at WSP are the Qualified Persons as defined under National Instrument 43-101. David R. Duncan, P. Geo., V.P. Exploration of the Corporation, is the Qualified Person for Silver Tiger as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Duncan has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. Silver Tiger Metals Named to 2026 OTCQX Best 50 Silver Tiger Metals (OTCQX:SLVTF) is pleased to announce it has been named to the 2026 OTCQX Best 50, a ranking of top performing companies traded on the OTCQX Best Market last year. The OTCQX Best 50 is an annual ranking of the top 50 U.S. and international companies traded on the OTCQX market. The ranking is calculated based on an equal weighting of one-year total return and average daily dollar volume growth in the previous calendar year. Companies in the 2026 OTCQX Best 50 were ranked based on their performance in 2025. Stock Option and RSU Grant On January 23, 2026, the Corporation granted 2,640,000stock options at an exercise price of $1.22 with a term of 10 years and vesting over 3 years and 2,625,000 RSU's vesting over 3 years to directors, officers, employees, and consultants of the Corporation. January 2026 Upcoming Mining Conference Attendance In January 2026, Silver Tiger will be attending the following conferences: Mineral Investment Forum MIF - Vancouver (January 23 - 24) Corporate Presentation Saturday January 24, 5pm PST Vancouver Resource Investment Conference VRIC - Vancouver (January 25 - 26) Booth #432 2026 Silver Forecast Panel Monday January 26, 9:00am PST Corporate Presentation Monday January 26, 10:50am PST About Silver Tiger Silver Tiger is constructing the El Tigre Stockwork Zone Project, a silver and gold surface mining heap leach project located in Sonora, Mexico. The project is 100% owned by Silver Tiger and covers over 28,000 hectares. The previous Technical Report titled Pre-Feasibility Study of the El Tigre Silver-Gold Project, Sonora, Mexico dated October 22, 2024 is available on SEDAR+ and under the Corporation's profile as well as on the Silver Tiger website at www.silvertigermetals.com VRIFY Slide Deck and 3D Presentation - Silver Tiger's El Tigre Project VRIFY is a platform being used by companies to communicate with investors using 360 virtual tours of remote mining assets, 3D models and interactive presentations. VRIFY can be accessed by website and with the VRIFY iOS and Android apps. Access the Silver Tiger Metals Inc. Company Profile on VRIFY at: https://vrify.com The VRIFY Slide Deck and 3D Presentation for Silver Tiger Metals Inc. can be viewed at: https://vrify.com/decks/20888 and on the Corporation's website at: www.silvertigermetals.com. Procedure, Quality Assurance / Quality Control and Data Verification The diamond drill core (HQ size) is geologically logged, photographed and marked for sampling. When the sample lengths are determined, the full drill core is sawn with a diamond blade drill core saw with one half of the drill core being bagged and tagged for assay. The remaining half portion is returned to the drill core trays for storage and/or for metallurgical test work. The sealed and tagged sample bags are transported to the Bureau Veritas facility in Hermosillo, Mexico. Bureau Veritas crushes the samples (Code PRP70-250) and prepares 200-300 gram pulp samples with ninety percent passing Tyler 200 mesh (Code PUL85). The pulps are assayed for gold using a 30-gram charge by fire assay (Code FA430) and over limits greater than 10 grams per tonne are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish (Code FA530). Silver and multi-element analysis is completed using total digestion (Code MA200 Total Digestion ICP). Over limits greater than 100 grams per tonne silver are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish (Code FA530). Quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") procedures monitor the chain-of-custody of the samples and includes the systematic insertion and monitoring of appropriate control materials (certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates) into the sample strings. The results of the assaying of the QA/QC material included in each batch are tracked to ensure the integrity of the assay data. All results stated in this announcement have passed Silver Tiger's QA/QC protocols. For further information, please contact: Devin Devarennes VP Business Development & Investor Relations 902 233 3656 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, resources and reserves, the ability to convert Inferred Mineral Resources to Indicated Mineral Resources, the ability to complete future drilling programs and infill sampling, the ability to extend Mineral Resource blocks, the similarity of mineralization at El Tigre to Delores, Santa Elena and Chispas, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of Silver Tiger, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "may", "is expected to", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans", "projection", "could", "vision", "goals", "objective" and "outlook" and other similar words. Although Silver Tiger believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Silver Tiger's expectations include risks and uncertainties related to exploration, development, operations, commodity prices and global financial volatility, risk and uncertainties of operating in a foreign jurisdiction as well as additional risks described from time to time in the filings made by Silver Tiger with securities regulators. Women are the main victims of abuse in Sudan's war, facing "the world's worst" sexual violence and other crimes committed with impunity, a rights activist turned social affairs minister for the army-backed government told AFP. The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been locked in a brutal conflict since April 2023 that has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced around 11 million and been marked by widespread sexual violence. Sulaima Ishaq al-Khalifa said abuses against women routinely accompanied looting and attacks, with reports of rape often perpetrated as "the family witnessed" the crime. "There is no age limit. A woman of 85 could be raped, a child of one year could be raped," the trained psychologist told AFP at her home in Port Sudan. The longtime women's rights activist, recently appointed to the government, said that women were also being subjected to sexual slavery and trafficked to neighbouring countries, alongside forced marriages arranged to avoid shame. Khalifa said sexual violence has been reported on both sides, but she insisted it is "systematic" among the RSF, who she says use it "as a weapon of war" and for the purposes of "ethnic cleansing". Her ministry has documented more than 1,800 rapes between April 2023 and October 2025 -- a figure that does not include atrocities documented in western Darfur and the neighbouring Kordofan region from late October onwards. "It's about... humiliating people, forcing them to leave their houses and places and cities. And also breaking... the social fabrics," Khalifa said. "When you are using sexual violence as a weapon of war, that means you want to extend... the war forever", because it feeds a "sense of revenge", she added. - 'War crimes' - A report by the SIHA Network, an activist group that documents abuses against women in the Horn of Africa, found that more than three-quarters of recorded cases involved rape, with 87 percent attributed to the RSF. The United Nations has repeatedly raised alarm over what it describes as targeted attacks on non?Arab communities in Darfur, while the International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened a formal investigation into "war crimes" by both sides. Briefing the UN Security Council in mid?January, ICC deputy prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan said investigators had uncovered evidence of an "organised, calculated campaign" in El?Fasher -- the army's last stronghold in Darfur captured by the RSF in late October. The campaign, Khan added, involved mass rapes and executions "on a massive scale", sometimes "filmed and celebrated" by the perpetrators and "fuelled by a sense of complete impunity". Darfur endured a brutal wave of atrocities in the early 2000s, and a former Janjaweed commander -- from the militia structure that later evolved into the RSF -- was recently found guilty by the International Criminal Court of multiple war crimes, including rape. "What's happening now is much more ugly. Because the mass rape thing is happening and documented," said Khalifa. RSF fighters carrying out the assaults "have been very proud about doing this and they don't see it as a crime", she added. "You feel that they have a green light to do whatever they want." In Darfur, several survivors said RSF fighters "have been accusing them of being lesser people, like calling them 'slaves', and saying that when I'm attacking you, assaulting you sexually, I'm actually 'honouring' you, because I am more educated than you, or (of) more pure blood than you". - 'Torture operation' - Women in Khartoum and Darfur, including El-Fasher, have described rapes carried out by a range of foreign nationals. These were "mercenaries from West Africa, speaking French, including from Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Chad, as well as Colombia and Libya" -- allegedly fighting alongside the RSF, Khalifa added. Some victims were abducted and held as sexual slaves, while others were sold through trafficking networks operating across Sudan's porous borders, said Khalifa. Many of these cases remain difficult to document because of the collapse of state institutions. In conservative communities, social stigma also remains a major obstacle to documenting the scale of the abuse. Families often force victims into marriage to "cover up what happened", particularly when pregnancies result from rape, according to the minister. "We call it a torture operation," she said, describing "frightening" cases in which children and adolescent girls under 18 are forced into marriage. WELLINGTON, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The search for victims of Thursday's landslide that buried a holiday campsite at Mount Maunganui on the North Island and left six people unaccounted for is moving into a recovery phase, authorities said. Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said the operation was formally handed over to Police by Fire and Emergency New Zealand at 11:20 a.m. Saturday local time. He said human remains had been found under the slip and formal identification is proceeding. Search teams and heavy machinery are continuing to clear sodden debris toward an amenities block thought to have been destroyed by the massive slip, he said, adding that the building suffered "catastrophic damage." The large landslide struck the holiday park at the base of Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty region around 9:30 a.m. local time Thursday. In another landslide in the Bay of Plenty, two people were confirmed dead after a slip destroyed a home in Papamoa early Thursday, police said. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who met some of the affected families on Friday, said there is "a huge amount of grief" and anxiety as the families wait for news, calling the disaster an absolute tragedy for New Zealand. Heavy rain and flooding have battered parts of the North Island, leaving thousands without power and isolating some communities on the east coast. Locals gather near a damaged car at the accident site in Jamshoro district in Sindh province, Pakistan, on Jan. 24, 2026. A collision between a car and a truck left at least nine people killed and several others injured in Pakistan's southern Sindh province, police said on Saturday. (Str/Xinhua) ISLAMABAD, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- A collision between a car and a truck left at least nine people killed and several others injured in Pakistan's southern Sindh province, police said on Saturday. According to the police in the area, the accident occurred when an over-speeding truck collided with the car on Mehran Highway of Jamshoro district of the province, killing nine people, including women and children, and injuring four others. Police and rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital, where the condition of two injured was said to be critical. An investigation has been launched into the deadly crash. According to Pakistani officials, road accidents frequently happen in the country owing to poor road infrastructure, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving. Friday, January 23, 2026 - In in the heart of Kimilili, Bungoma County, sits a towering multi-million-shilling residence owned by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa. The palatial home, whose imposing architecture has drawn comparisons to State House, offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by some of Kenyas political elite and has left many Kenyans questioning how such wealth is accumulated. Following the circulation of the images, social media users have reignited long-standing claims and public suspicions surrounding the misuse of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) money by politicians, with Barasas residence being cited as an example by critics. See the photo. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, January 23, 2026 - Controversial media personality, Andrew Kibe, has weighed in on a viral video showing political activist turned businessman, Morara Kebaso, kneeling in prayer with his employees. On Friday, January 23rd, 2026, Kebaso shared a video on social media showing himself kneeling alongside his staff for a word of prayer. He captioned the clip: There is God in heaven who answers prayers. He has brought us this far. We have gratitude in our hearts. Kibe, never one to shy away from blunt commentary, accused Kebaso of coercing his employees into the act. When I was saved and happily married I used to force my employees to do this nonsense every morning. When youre a Kinuthia, youre a Kinuthia! he wrote, suggesting that such practices are more about appearances than genuine faith. The video has sparked mixed reactions on social media with some netizens lauding him for proudly expressing his faith while others accused him of chasing clout. There is God in heaven who answers prayers. He has brought us this far. We have gratitude in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/RyTgObB5HC Morara Kebaso (@MoraraKebasoSnr) January 23, 2026 The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, January 23, 2026 - While many Kenyans are working hard to make ends meet, one uncooth man chose a different path after he was caught on CCTV breaking into an office and making away with valuable equipment. According to the footage, the suspect broke into the premises and stole computers, cameras, and external hard drives containing months of backed-up work, dealing a major blow to the affected business. The CCTV images clearly capture the suspect in action, and members of the public are being urged to help identify him. A Ksh 50,000 cash reward has been offered upfront for any information that leads to his arrest. Anyone with credible information is encouraged to report to DCI Kilimani. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, January 23, 2026 - Chaos erupted after a 33-seater matatu belonging to Forward Travellers Sacco was set ablaze by an angry mob. The incident occurred after the matatu driver knocked down a pedestrian and fled the scene, sparking outrage among residents. Moments later, the vehicle was cornered by irate members of the public, who took the law into their own hands. In a dramatic scene captured on video and shared widely online, the matatu is seen engulfed in huge flames as the driver and conductor narrowly escaped, fleeing for their lives. The incident has left the vehicles investor counting heavy losses, once again raising concerns over reckless driving. Watch the video>>> below The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, January, 23, 2026 - City lawyer, Ahmednasir Abdullahi, has secured a significant legal victory after the Supreme Court of Kenya lifted a two-year ban that had barred him, his partners and associates from appearing before the apex court. In a statement issued on Friday, January 23rd, Ahmednasir described the ban as unjust and thanked senior lawyers Paul Muite SC, Fred Ngatia SC and Dennis Mosota for their intervention. Exactly two years ago, on 23rd January 2024, the Supreme Court unfairly and without any justifiable cause banned me, my partners and associates in our law firm from appearing before the Court. Today, the Supreme Court lifted the said order, he said. Ahmednasir commended the judges for acknowledging that their earlier decision had been excessive, particularly in extending the ban to his colleagues. He noted that the courts recognition of its overreach was an important step, but insisted that deeper institutional reforms were still necessary. My difference with the court has never been personal. It is principled, ideological, and doctrinal. That difference remains and cannot be resolved by the mere lifting of the ban, he stated. While his partners and associates are now free to practice before the Supreme Court, Ahmednasir declared that he will not return unless the court openly admits it was wrong to impose the ban. He criticized the notion that a small group of judges could determine who is allowed to practice, saying it undermines constitutional principles. He further warned that lifting the ban without addressing broader grievances leaves n unresolved legitimacy crisis within the institution. These enormous issues of integrity and competence cant be swept under the carpet. We need to make the Supreme Court of Kenya great again, he concluded. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, January 23, 2026 - Ugandas Chief of Defence Forces and President Yoweri Musevenis son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has ignited a firestorm online after posting controversial tweets mocking nyashless women In one tweet, Muhoozi declared, If you touch a Nyashless woman you are going straight to hell! Nothing will save you. He added; Its been scientifically proven that Nyashless women produce stupid kids. Musibegye. The remarks, shared from his verified Twitter account, have sparked widespread backlash across East Africa, with many calling them misogynistic, demeaning and unbecoming of a high-ranking military officer. Social media users, activists and public figures have condemned the statements, demanding accountability and respect for women of all body types. While Muhoozi is known for provocative online behavior, critics argue that such comments perpetuate harmful stereotypes and body shaming. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, January 23, 2026 - President William Ruto has strongly defended his administrations privatization strategy, dismissing criticism from Kiharu MP, Ndindi Nyoro, over the planned Safaricom share sale. Speaking on Friday, January 23rd, Ruto described Nyoros opposition as political conmanship and intellectual deceit, insisting that the move is about transforming Kenya rather than serving electoral interests. Nyoro had raised concerns that bypassing a competitive international bidding process could cost the country billions of shillings. He argued that Safaricoms 6 billion shares being sold to Vodafone should fetch at least Ksh.45 each, rather than the proposed Ksh.34. We should not be discussing anything below Ksh.45 per share, but we have been held hostage by the buyer, Nyoro stated. Nyoro also alleged that the Communications Authority had triggered an 80billionshilling loss through a controversial license renewal waiver, claiming private entities stand to benefit from transactional costs tied to the Safaricom deal. In response, Ruto outlined an ambitious plan to raise Ksh.5 trillion by next year to finance development projects nationwide. He revealed that the government expects Ksh.110 billion from the Kenya Pipeline Initial Public Offering (IPO) within a month, and Ksh.240 billion from the Safaricom divestiture. Combined, these transactions would generate about Ksh.350 billion, which will be leveraged to secure between Ksh.3.5 and 4 trillion for infrastructure and growth. This is not about politics. This is not about the next election. This is about transforming Kenya, Ruto emphasized. The President further dismissed doubts about Safaricoms valuation, stressing that public listed companies are transparently valued through capital markets and stock exchanges. Any public listed company, the tested, proven, transparent valuation is done at the exchange. Its not done in boardrooms or by committees, he said. The Kenyan DAILY POST CARACAS, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodriguez on Friday called for the immediate convening of a broad meeting involving all political sectors of the country to launch a national dialogue focused on concrete outcomes. Speaking at the Sol del Peru Hall of the Miraflores Palace, the seat of the government, Rodriguez asked head of parliament Jorge Rodriguez, in his capacity as president of the Council for Sovereignty and Peace, to organize the meeting with all political actors, both aligned and opposing, under an inclusive approach. Rodriguez stressed that the dialogue process must be strictly national in nature, rejecting any form of external imposition on the country's internal political dynamics. THE installation of bollards is on the way for a footpath in a central part of Naas. The development comes after a local councillor raised safety concerns regarding motorists parking on the footpath on the Dublin Road at the corner with Gleann na Greine adjacent to Tuckmill Crafts. At the most recent meeting of Naas Municipal District, cllr Anne Breen brought forward a motion requesting that the council installs bollards on the footpath on the Dublin Road at the corner with Gleann Na Greine adjacent to Tuckmill Crafts to prevent motorists parking on the footpath and forcing pedestrians on to the road, in the interests of public safety. 'Danger' A report issued by Mark McLoughlin, senior executive officer in the transport, mobility and open spaces section at KCC, in response to Cllr Breens motion, said: The Naas Municipal District will include the installation of bollards on the footpath at the corner of Dublin Road and Gleann Na Greine, adjacent to Tuckmill Crafts, in the 2026 footpath works programme. Cllr Breen stated that she was happy with the report and noted that there is a danger there. A representative from the council said that they will work to ensure that buses are still able to turn around at the location after the installation of bollards. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association Protesters demanding the expulsion of Iranian diplomats gathered on Dublins OConnell Street on Saturday. Roshin Farahani, organiser of the Iran Solidarity Protest, said: Why should they access the internet; and live in the free world; and live their luxurious lives in Dublin, or in Europe or the US or Canada, when people in Iran are dying. Iran-wide anti-government protests started on December 28th, triggered by the collapse of Irans currency, the rial. People calling for a regime change in Iran take part in a protest on OConnell Street in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) The demonstrations were met with a brutal response by the countrys regime that left thousands of people dead. Information has been scarce since an internet blackout was imposed more than two weeks ago. Ms Farahani who is originally from Tehran but has been living in Ireland for 15 years said what is happening is a critical moment for the people of Iran. Milad Mohebbi taking part in a protest on OConnell Street in Dublin calling for a regime change in Iran (Brian Lawless/PA) She said: How could we stay quiet when this is a mass massacre? We are seeing a massacre by the regime of Iran. The group of demonstrators, numbering a few dozen, stood by the spire with placards and Iranian flags. They chanted in Farsi and English, played music and delivered speeches. Protester Milad Mohebbi said he had joined the demonstration as Iran is my homeland, but the Islamic regime is not, is not the government that should be ruling my country. He said most of his friends at home had taken part in the protests and while he has managed to get in touch with some of them despite the blackout, he does not know if the rest are safe. VIENTIANE, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Laos continues to prioritize tourism as a key driver of sustainable economic and social growth, aiming to harness its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions while developing sustainable tourism and preparing to welcome more visitors in the years ahead. Speaking at a government meeting in mid-January, Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suansavanh Viyaket outlined key strategies for developing sustainable tourism under a green industry approach, linking Laos' natural attractions with its cultural heritage and history. The plan focuses on balancing state management with market needs, strengthening domestic and regional tourism connections, improving infrastructure and services, promoting destinations through diverse media, and encouraging community participation to ensure safe and sustainable tourism. Tanu, a resident of Vientiane, said he strongly supports the promotion of Laos' tourism while protecting the environment. As an avid nature tourist, he said sustainable tourism is the best path forward for the country, which was blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes. "Our waterfalls, forests, rivers and mountains are unique, and they are a source of national pride that must be protected by all sectors and communities." Tanu also emphasized the role of digital promotion in attracting visitors. "With online platforms today, we can showcase our tourist sites to the world more easily than ever. If we promote tourism and share traveling experiences online, people everywhere can discover the beauty of Laos' natural attractions." "Our natural sites are stunning, and I believe more international visitors will be impressed when they see them," said Noy, a resident of Khammuan province. She also said environmental conservation and biodiversity protection are essential to preserve Laos' priceless natural attractions for the long term. As Laos develops tourism that combines natural attractions, historical sites and ethnic traditions, Anny, a Lao tour guide passionate about her country's culture, sees it as a way to showcase the nation's uniqueness and local way of life. She also hopes more international tourists will discover the country's natural and cultural richness, and the government fully unlock Laos' tourism potential. Balamy, a driver in Vientiane who has spent years taking passengers around the city and to key landmarks such as Patuxay, That Luang and historic temples, said he is ready and happy to show both domestic and international visitors the beauty of Laos. He added that international visitors are often amazed by the temples and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the city. "I am preparing to welcome more visitors to Laos and show them the charm of our country along every road," he said. Laos aims to attract more than 43 million visitors between 2026 and 2030, including 21 million domestic and 22 million international tourists. To reach this target, the government plans to upgrade infrastructure at major tourist destinations, improve service standards and enhance the skills of tourism workers. In 2025, Laos welcomed over 4.5 million foreign visitors, an 11 percent increase from the previous year and surpassing the government's target. Thailand, China and Vietnam were the top sources of international tourists, reflecting the country's growing appeal as a sustainable and culturally rich destination. KILDARE is to benefit by up to 30 new jobs in 2026, with the announcement that Dovida one of the biggest home care providers in the state is to create up to 500 new jobs nationally this calendar year. The firm is inviting people from diverse backgrounds to explore a rewarding new career in caregiving this year and expects to employ up to 30 new caregiver jobs around Kildare throughout the year. Building on significant growth in 2025, the company is expanding its team in Kildare to meet rising demand for home support services. Dovida currently employs more than 4,000 professional caregivers in 25 locations nationally who support thousands of people all across Ireland, including older adults and younger individuals living with a disability. As the need for home care continues to rise, the company says it is committed to recruiting, training and supporting caregivers who want to make a meaningful difference. With flexible schedules, paid training and clear progression pathways, Dovida offers opportunities for those seeking a career change that makes a difference. Many of our caregivers joined from careers in retail, hospitality or customer service, said Amy Quille, general manager, Dovida Kildare. They wanted work that fits their lifestyle and gives back to the community, and caregiving offers exactly that. A lot of people also come to us having had previous experience caring for a family member and have realised this is something they have a passion for, she added. People who need support from Dovida want to maintain autonomy over their life, to experience belonging, pursue happiness and find purpose. Our caregivers are key to ensuring that as many people as possible can do just that and often find their lives enriched by the experience as well, Amy concluded. Dovida offers caregivers the opportunity to choose their hours around what best suits their lifestyle, whether part-time, full time or fixed-hour contracts with a minimum of 25 hours a week are available. People in receipt of social welfare can apply to work a set number of hours, depending on the type of support they receive, and the company can also offer positions to individuals on general work permits. The need for care and support in the home is growing as our society ages, and personalised home support services for people of all ages and abilities are preferred to residential care, said Dovida Ireland CEO Shane Jennings. We are proud to be able to offer local jobs that empower people to live in their homes, connected to their families, friends and communities and are committed to supporting people who want to transition to a career in care this year, he added. One of Waterfords most accomplished songwriters returns to Kilkenny with a new band, and a new set of songs. Shane Barry & the Night Post will bring the sound of Americana and roots to Barrys latest batch of compositions. No stranger to Ryans, where Shane regularly plays with Green River, he will be complimented by Conor Walsh on drums, Cian Dalton on double bass, Gerry Madden on mandolin, and Fintan Kavanagh on violin. Shane Barry & the Night Post will unveil songs about being jailed for Jesus, hen nights gone wrong, kids first days at school, a new anthem for commuting workers, and many more. Theres even a song about an infamous night in Ryans! READ MORE - WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY Having made his name under Shane Barry & the Distractions over 15 years ago with the album Radio Friction, Shane has been releasing music and performing his own songs with various lineups since, culminating recently in the 12-piece band performances of his solo album Songs from the Silver South, described by Hotpress as an outstanding debut, filled with indie spirit. The new lineup is specifically chosen for their musical expertise and experience to allow Shane to present his most recent narrative-driven songs in a more acoustic, looser, Americana setting. Last year saw the release of Shanes live album, A Thursday Night Live, an intimate recording with a string section. Taking inspiration from the acoustic, pared-back arrangements, Shane set out to establish an acoustic band. This will be a warm-up for the their upcoming Rhythm n Roots gig. Support on the night is from UK indie band Rooftop Fox. Once described as Tom Waits meets Radiohead, this alternative-rock project Rooftop Fox weaves frontman Chris Dunnes vocals through a spectrum that shifts from melodic folk to lush, psychedelic rock. Recent EP, Problem Solving For an Ever Evolving Problem was written and recorded by Christopher in London in his own flat with the help of talented friends and collaborators from Cork and Clare in Ireland. This EP marks a new chapter in the Rooftop Fox journey. Determined to create a more raw and organic sound, Christopher turned to live drums, recorded at Brendan Fennessys (O Emperor) studio in Cork, and enlisted the expertise of renowned guitarist Alan Comerford (O Emperor, Mick Flannery) to elevate the electric textures. Energised by the response to the live sound of their second EP, Christopher was inspired to form his first band in over a decade in early 2025. The four-piece has since played multiple shows across London and they are eager to bring their sound home to audiences in Ireland. Come along to Ryans on Friary Street on February 8 for a great, free night of original music, and experience something different! For more info go to shanebmusic or rooftopfoxmusic on Instagram Former Kilkenny senior hurling captain, Andy Comerford has called for positivity from Kilkenny hurling supporters ahead of the 2026 senior inter-county campaign getting underway on Sunday. - FULL INTERVIEW HERE The Cats welcome Offaly to UPMC Nowlan Park for the first round of the Allianz Hurling League with a mix of youth and experience listed to play. - TEAM NEWS HERE Derek Lyng is expected to be without the services of Huw Lawlor and Billy Ryan for the duration of the campaign, leaving many local supporters wondering if Liam MacCarthy's 111 season Noreside absence is any closer to ending. "Negativity is not going to win any All-Irelands, it (the attitude) has to be positive," Comerford told CRKC Sport. "This team is only a small bit away but I think we to reinvigorate the team with some young blood coming in and give them a carrot to say 'play well in this set up and the first few matches, nail down your place in the team and you have a great chance regardless of age. LISTEN: Derek Lyng, Brian Dowling, Grace Walsh and more - Kilkenny People Sport Podcast "I think it's a great chance for some young players to go in there and grasp it and take it by the scruff of the neck," he continued. FULL INTERVIEW BELOW: GENEVA, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The UN human rights chief condemned in a statement on Friday the repeated use of "unnecessary or disproportionate force" in U.S. immigration enforcement. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed shock at "the now-routine abuse and denigration of migrants and refugees." He said many people arrested and detained lack timely access to legal counsel and effective means to contest their detention and removal decisions. Turk urged the United States to ensure that its migration policies and enforcement practices respect human dignity and due process rights. He also called for an independent and transparent investigation into the rising number of deaths in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. According to the statement, at least 30 such deaths were reported last year, and a further six have been reported so far this year. On Jan. 7, during a federal enforcement operation in Minneapolis, an ICE agent shot and killed a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, sparking widespread tensions. A week later, another ICE agent shot a Venezuelan immigrant in the same area, further escalating protests. The BBC reports: Andy Reid had been in Afghanistan for three months when the incident happened that would change his life forever. Out on a routine patrol in the Helmand Province, he stood on a Taliban improvised explosive device, resulting in him losing both legs and an arm. I was there on the floor on my back, a big dust cloud all around me. I couldnt hear anything, he says. I wasnt really in any pain at the time, but I felt some numbness throughout my body. I knew something bad had happened to me. I looked down and I couldnt see my legs at that stage. He was one of thousands of British troops injured in Afghanistan. A further 457 British service personnel were killed in the conflict. For the injured and the families of the deceased, many are deeply offended at US President Donald Trumps claim in an interview that Americas Nato allies sent some troops to Afghanistan, but stayed a little back, a little off the front lines. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. Children craft a "Fu" (meaning "Fortune") decoration during a temple fair for children in north China's Tianjin, on Jan. 24, 2026. A special temple fair tailored for children kicked off in north China's Tianjin on Saturday. Crowds of parents and kids gathered at the fair to experience the festive atmosphere ahead of the Spring Festival. The event features a variety of activities including traditional handicraft making, Tianjin-style food tasting, and interactive games. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) A child tastes a sugar painting during a temple fair for children in north China's Tianjin, on Jan. 24, 2026. A special temple fair tailored for children kicked off in north China's Tianjin on Saturday. Crowds of parents and kids gathered at the fair to experience the festive atmosphere ahead of the Spring Festival. The event features a variety of activities including traditional handicraft making, Tianjin-style food tasting, and interactive games. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) A child plays Xiangqi, a traditional Chinese board game also known as the Chinese chess, during a temple fair for children in north China's Tianjin, on Jan. 24, 2026. A special temple fair tailored for children kicked off in north China's Tianjin on Saturday. Crowds of parents and kids gathered at the fair to experience the festive atmosphere ahead of the Spring Festival. The event features a variety of activities including traditional handicraft making, Tianjin-style food tasting, and interactive games. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) Children try to play shadow puppets during a temple fair for children in north China's Tianjin, on Jan. 24, 2026. A special temple fair tailored for children kicked off in north China's Tianjin on Saturday. Crowds of parents and kids gathered at the fair to experience the festive atmosphere ahead of the Spring Festival. The event features a variety of activities including traditional handicraft making, Tianjin-style food tasting, and interactive games. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) Tourists pose for photos during a temple fair for children in north China's Tianjin, on Jan. 24, 2026. A special temple fair tailored for children kicked off in north China's Tianjin on Saturday. Crowds of parents and kids gathered at the fair to experience the festive atmosphere ahead of the Spring Festival. The event features a variety of activities including traditional handicraft making, Tianjin-style food tasting, and interactive games. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) This photo taken on Jan. 24, 2026 shows a scene of a temple fair for children in north China's Tianjin. A special temple fair tailored for children kicked off in north China's Tianjin on Saturday. Crowds of parents and kids gathered at the fair to experience the festive atmosphere ahead of the Spring Festival. The event features a variety of activities including traditional handicraft making, Tianjin-style food tasting, and interactive games. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) Children write Spring Festival couplets during a temple fair for children in north China's Tianjin, on Jan. 24, 2026. A special temple fair tailored for children kicked off in north China's Tianjin on Saturday. Crowds of parents and kids gathered at the fair to experience the festive atmosphere ahead of the Spring Festival. The event features a variety of activities including traditional handicraft making, Tianjin-style food tasting, and interactive games. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) People enjoy a shadow puppet show during a temple fair for children in north China's Tianjin, on Jan. 24, 2026. A special temple fair tailored for children kicked off in north China's Tianjin on Saturday. Crowds of parents and kids gathered at the fair to experience the festive atmosphere ahead of the Spring Festival. The event features a variety of activities including traditional handicraft making, Tianjin-style food tasting, and interactive games. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) Thousands of flights canceled as major winter storm moves across the US Thousands of flights have been canceled for the weekend across the U.S. as a monster storm began wreaking havoc across much of the country People attend a protest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the United States on Jan. 23, 2026. Protesters took to the streets on Friday, blocking airport roads, shutting down hundreds of businesses and staging what organizers described as one of the largest demonstrations in Minnesota's history to demand the removal of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protests come after a fatal shooting that ignited the city. On Jan. 7, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed local resident Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother and U.S. citizen, during an immigration enforcement operation. (Xinhua) LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Despite freezing temperatures of minus 24 degrees Celsius, about 15,000 protesters took to the streets on Friday, blocking airport roads, shutting down hundreds of businesses and staging what organizers described as one of the largest demonstrations in Minnesota's history to demand the removal of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "Today is the coldest day of the entire year in Minnesota," Amal Ahmed, 30, told NBC News after leaving work at City Hall to join the march. "That has to say something. I've never seen anything like this." The statewide action, called "ICE Out of Minnesota: A Day of Truth and Freedom," brought together labor unions, faith leaders, educators and medical workers. More than 700 businesses closed their doors in solidarity, according to organizers. The National Weather Service had warned that exposed skin could freeze in half an hour, yet the downtown march against ICE proceeded as planned. The protests come after a fatal shooting that ignited the city. On Jan. 7, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed local resident Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother and U.S. citizen, during an immigration enforcement operation. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner ruled Good's death a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds. Since December, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has deployed thousands of federal officers to Minneapolis in what it calls Operation Metro Surge. Multiple news outlets reported that the operation has involved more than 3,000 federal personnel and resulted in more than 3,000 arrests over approximately six weeks, citing DHS officials. Friday's mass protest began at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, where faith leaders gathered in the predawn cold with hundreds of striking airport workers. They sang hymns, prayed and blocked roads near Terminal 1. By local time 2 p.m. (2200 GMT), the action shifted downtown. Thousands of protesters marched through the city toward Target Center arena. Organizers handed out hand warmers. Protesters carried signs and chanted. Placards saying "ICE Out Now" waved in the frigid air. Labor unions played a central role in organizing the demonstrations. Union leaders said the operation had already led to the detention of more than 20 union members and warned of broader impacts on workers and communities. The protests also reflected deep anxiety across Minnesota communities which the organizers said had been besieged by ICE for weeks. A resident physician named Avalon told FOX 9 that ICE's occupation has created unsustainable working conditions for doctors and health care workers. "Our patients are terrified to come into our clinic and come into our hospitals," Avalon said. Young Somali Americans described living in constant fear. Abdi Hassan, 19, who has lived in the United States since age two, told NBC News he now carries identification everywhere. "I might just be snatched up for no reason," he said. "It's been scary lately. It's terrifying." The Minneapolis action drew participants from across America as solidarity protests occurred in New York, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Seattle on Friday. Meanwhile, Minnesota state and federal authorities remained sharply divided. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey told CNN, "This is not about safety. It's not even about immigration. What we are seeing right now is that this is political retribution." Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who filed a lawsuit seeking to end Operation Metro Surge, stated in a news release, "The unlawful deployment of thousands of armed, masked and poorly trained federal agents is hurting Minnesota. People are being racially profiled, harassed, terrorized and assaulted." Federal officials defended their actions. Border Patrol Commander at Large Greg Bovino stated at a Friday news conference, "Everything we do is legal, ethical and moral." A federal judge on Friday ordered the release of a two-year-old child from Ecuador detained during a traffic stop, and a hearing on the state's lawsuit is scheduled for Monday. Organizers and local media compared the scale of the protest to the 1934 Truckers' Strike, one of the most significant labor mobilizations in state history. People attend a protest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the United States on Jan. 23, 2026. Protesters took to the streets on Friday, blocking airport roads, shutting down hundreds of businesses and staging what organizers described as one of the largest demonstrations in Minnesota's history to demand the removal of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protests come after a fatal shooting that ignited the city. On Jan. 7, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed local resident Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother and U.S. citizen, during an immigration enforcement operation. (Xinhua) People attend a protest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the United States on Jan. 23, 2026. Protesters took to the streets on Friday, blocking airport roads, shutting down hundreds of businesses and staging what organizers described as one of the largest demonstrations in Minnesota's history to demand the removal of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protests come after a fatal shooting that ignited the city. On Jan. 7, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed local resident Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother and U.S. citizen, during an immigration enforcement operation. (Xinhua) People attend a protest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the United States on Jan. 23, 2026. Protesters took to the streets on Friday, blocking airport roads, shutting down hundreds of businesses and staging what organizers described as one of the largest demonstrations in Minnesota's history to demand the removal of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protests come after a fatal shooting that ignited the city. On Jan. 7, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed local resident Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother and U.S. citizen, during an immigration enforcement operation. (Xinhua) SHREVEPORT, La. The major winter storm the KTBS MEGA 3 Storm Team has been talking about for days is here and it's time to hunker down and ride it out. KTBS 3 has crews strategically positioned across the ArkLaTex to give you first hand accounts of whats happening. Latest closings & delays in the ArkLaTex Special winter storm programming, On You Side On Call lines open The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued an ice storm warning for much of North Louisiana and East Texas. A winter storm warning remains in effect for areas further north near Texarkana. Early Saturday cold rain was falling along I-49 in Shreveport with a lot of standing water on the roadway. By the evening hours, Shreveport and Bossier City were covered in icy slush which will refreeze overnight. Authorities responded to multiple vehicle accident throughout the day. It was cold and rainy in Marshall, Texas as well. Saturday morning, roads were wet but not icy -- yet. By the evening hours, people are still driving, due to stores like Walmart still being open. A few local restaurants are open, but most major chains, excluding Waffle House, seem to be closed. No long-term power outages have been reported in Marshall. Police Chief Cliff Carruth says 600 houses were out of power this morning for about an hour and a half until SWEPCO responded. The community warming center located at 700 Spring Street will be open to the public, no-ID required and will by open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. tomorrow. Marshall's emergency operation center for the storm is stationed at the police department. If residents are experiencing an emergency they should contact 911. Carruth said city leaders and emergency responders feel equipped, as of now, to handle current conditions. Residents in the Texarkana area woke up to a dangerous wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow. Police are urging drivers to stay off the roadways, especially as conditions continue to worsen. The Texas Department of Transportation has crews working around the clock to treat roadways, bridges and overpasses with a salt brine solution. At 6 a.m., SWEPCO was reporting more than 1,200 power outages in the Texarkana area. American Airlines has canceled flights Saturday and Sunday morning at the Texarkana Airport. All flights in and out of Shreveport Regional Airport were canceled for Saturday according to Larry Blackwell, Director of Airports. The winter storm continues to pelt McCurtain County, Oklahoma with icy rain and sleet. At 5:30 p.m., Choctaw Electric Cooperative was reporting more than 1,000 outages across the county. Linemen are working to restore service for affected customers. Road conditions have been moderately impacted as of 5 p.m. with most issues in the southern part of the county near Idabel and Broken Bow. According to McCurtain County Emergency Management Director Jerry Falling, road conditions in the north are passable with caution. "The roads are OK. They're not horrible, but they're OK. But that was predicted and we expected that. I have gotten reports from the sheriff's office about roads in the northern part of the county and he says ODOT is doing a good job of keeping the roads open," said Falling. Reports of a quarter and half an inch of ice have been reported on trees and power lines. Roads are slick with ice and slush. Falling is urging residents to stay home as another wave of precipitation is expected. "We're still telling people if you don't have to get out, don't. Just because roads are passable doesn't mean you get a permission slip to go out on the roads," said Falling. All flights in and out of Shreveport Regional Airport were canceled for Saturday according to Larry Blackwell, Director of Airports. Freezing rain and sleet began falling Friday night across Caddo and Bossier parishes. Temperatures dropped below the freezing mark early Saturday morning. Forecasters expect significant ice accumulations of up to a half inch in some locations. Areas north of Interstate 30 could see up to three inches of snow. Meantime, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has already started closing major roadways. Utility companies are preparing to deploy thousands of workers to restore what could be massive power outages when ice builds up on trees and power lines. Residents are urged to stay off the roads and keep emergency kits ready. Dangerously cold temperatures are expected to persist through Tuesday morning. SWEPCO has notified us that 1,194 out of 19,042 tracked meters (6.27%) are without power in Sabine Parish, Louisiana. STAY CONNECTED It's easy to be weather-wise. Keep up with all of the very latest weather developments with the KTBS MEGA 3 Storm Team. Patrick Dennis, Brian Fowler, Joe Haynes, and Skip Kordas are always on stand-by to help you ride out the storm and keep you and your family safe. You'll also want to arm yourself with the KTBS MEGA 3 Storm Team app available for Apple and Android devices. When necessary, look for LIVE coverage on all your KTBS+ connected devices including KTBS 3.2 and KTBS.com. Also, use #ktbswx on social media to report damage, flooding, or post images and video. Please remember, SAFETY FIRST. WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The White House is weighing a possible total blockade of Cuba's oil imports among options aimed at driving regime change in the Caribbean country, U.S. media outlet Politico reported Friday. No final decision has been made so far, but related debates are ongoing within the Trump administration, said the report, citing people familiar with the matter. The loss of Venezuelan oil shipments -- and the resale of some of those cargoes that Havana used to obtain foreign currency -- has already throttled Cuba's economy, said the report, adding that a total blockade of oil imports into Cuba could "spark a humanitarian crisis." U.S. President Donald Trump ordered "a total and complete blockade" of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela in mid-December 2025. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said earlier this month that the United States will not only market stored oil in Venezuela but also control the sales of oil output from the country indefinitely. Cuba imports about 60 percent of its oil supply, according to the International Energy Agency. Venezuela had been Cuba's main crude supplier before the U.S. forces' seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, talks with local farmers in Changling Village of Maoping Town, Zigui County, Yichang City, central China's Hubei Province, Jan. 23, 2026. Zhao made a research tour in central China's Hubei Province from Thursday to Saturday. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) WUHAN, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, China's top legislator, has stressed the need to plan and advance the work of the people's congress in close alignment with the central tasks of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the country. The efforts are aimed at providing sound legal safeguards for a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), said Zhao, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee. Zhao made the remarks during an inspection tour in central China's Hubei Province from Thursday to Saturday, where he visited local legislative outreach offices, enterprises and rural households, engaging with lawmakers and local people, and inspected regional people's congresses. Zhao stressed that people's congresses should focus on the Party Central Committee's major decisions and plans, perform duties in accordance with the law, and act with a strong sense of responsibility to better serve and safeguard overall development. He also called for solid preparations for the upcoming fourth session of the 14th NPC, scheduled for March, including organizing deputies to study draft laws and carry out inspection and research activities, and supporting them in fulfilling their duties. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, inspects a local legislators' liaison station in Wuchang District of Wuhan City, central China's Hubei Province, Jan. 24, 2026. Zhao made a research tour in central China's Hubei Province from Thursday to Saturday. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, talks with a local villager in Changling Village of Maoping Town, Zigui County, Yichang City, central China's Hubei Province, Jan. 23, 2026. Zhao made a research tour in central China's Hubei Province from Thursday to Saturday. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, talks with local farmers in Changling Village of Maoping Town, Zigui County, Yichang City, central China's Hubei Province, Jan. 23, 2026. Zhao made a research tour in central China's Hubei Province from Thursday to Saturday. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) An Allentown teenager who turns 18 next month has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in the city earlier this week, officials said. Yaniel Fermin, 17, is charged with criminal homicide, possession with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm by a minor, District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan and Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca jointly announced Saturday. Fermin is being held in Lehigh County Jail without bail, officials said. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. on Jan. 30 in Lehigh County Central Court. Although Fermin is a minor, he was arrested as an adult on all charges as permitted by Pennsylvania law at the discretion of the District Attorney, officials said. Allentown police officers were called to the 500 block of West Washington Street at 9:16 p.m. on Thursday for a report of a man who had been shot in the back of a residence, according to officials. Officers found the victim, Jeomy Miguel Soto, suffering from gunshot wounds. Soto, 19, died at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Muhlenberg. His death was ruled a homicide, officials said. Police interviewed an unidentified witness who said he was with Soto at the time of the shooting and met with a man he only knew as Po to collect money owed to him for the sale of THC vapes, according to officials. Po was later identified by police as Yaniel Fermin. Fermin disagreed about the owed money and a fight ensued between Fermin and the witness, police said. Fermin was in possession of a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and fired at least two shots which struck Soto, who was standing nearby, police said. He taken into custody less than 24 hours after the shooting, according to officials. Under Pennsylvania law, possession of such a firearm by a minor is illegal. On Friday, Fermin was a passenger in a car stopped by police near 6th and West Cedar Streets. Police found THC vapes, a large amount of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia, according to officials. The charges of criminal homicide and possession of a firearm are related to the shooting of Soto, while the charge of possession with intent to deliver is related to the vehicle stop, police said. If you have a cluttered drawer, you may want to start cleaning it out soon. It turns out that some old items, ranging from old phones to rare money, can net you a small fortune if you know what to look for. One investment expert, Adam Koprucki, says that people are often throwing away items that could build up your retirement nest egg. Most people throw away items that could pay for their retirement in just a few years, Koprucki, founder of Real World Investor, told The New York Post. The truth is, certain everyday objects sitting in your home might be worth more than your stock portfolio by 2030. Here are some items that could net you some serious cash. What common item from 19 years ago could be worth a fortune? One of those items that was commonplace 19 years ago, the first-generation iPhone, could fetch up to at least $50,000, if not more. The first-generation iPhone, released in 2007, sold for $499 new, but sealed examples now fetch upward of $20,000 at auction, Koprucki claimed. By 2030, mint condition models could easily surpass $50,000. Kopruckis estimate is actually on the low-end compared to what some iPhones have sold at recent auctions. In 2023, a first-generation 8 GB iPhone sold at auction for more than $63,000, according to The New York Post. That same year, an auction of an extremely rare 4 GB iPhone 1 from 2007 sold for more than $190,000, CNN reported. What other items could net you a small fortune? Some of the other items that could make you rich include that spare change in your drawer. With the penny officially out of production, you may want to take a closer look at them to see if some of them are worth something. While your run-of-the-mill penny is probably not going to make you rich overnight, if you have older wheat pennies, you might have some rare money worth more than its face value. For example, the 1943-D Lincoln Bronze Wheat Penny that is uncirculated is worth $2.3 million. Even more recent coins with errors on them can fetch much more than their face value. An error on the 1999 Georgia state quarters have jacked up the value of the quarters in circulation to $10,000. A Laois company has been refused planning permission for a large-scale solar farm development in north west Kildare. Cadamstown Solar Limited, which is based in Portlaoise, applied to Kildare County Council for the proposed development, valued at 41 million. It sought permission for a solar photovoltaic energy project on a 45.9-hectare site in the townland of Kilglass near Broadford in Co. Kildare. The application was for a 10-year period to construct and complete the development, with the solar farm intended to be operational for 35 years. Plans included the installation of PV panels mounted on metal frames, transformer stations, a GRP unit, internal access tracks, perimeter fencing with CCTV cameras and access gates, along with underground electrical cabling and ducting. The proposal also provided for a temporary construction compound, landscaping works and all associated ancillary infrastructure. READ NEXT: Portlaoise field once earmarked for houses to be given to Special School The proposed solar farm was designed to export electricity to the national grid. A Natura Impact Statement examining the impact on habitats or species was submitted as part of the planning application. Neo Environmental Ltd was the architect and lead consultant while Headland Archaeology Ltd was the archaeological consultant. Kildare County Council issued its decision to refuse planning permission on January 16 following the submission of the application in March 2025. A Bluetongue outbreak on a Wexford farm demands the highest level of vigilance by farmers and all in Irish agriculture, according to IFA President Francie Gorman. While investigations are ongoing, restrictions only apply on the farm impacted, Mr Gorman said this means farmers can continue to market animals within the country while exercising the maximum level of vigilance because the disease has the potential to cause significant economic damage to the agri-industry. The lower temperatures and reduced midge activity, which is the main disease vector at this time of year, does allow trade to continue and potentially eradicate this disease, he said. The IFA said the Department of Agriculture has resolved some of the issues affecting the live trade, but must ensure all international trade certificates are amended so animals from Ireland can continue to be exported to these countries. He said most EU Member States with BTV 3 have overcome the issues with live exports through bilateral trade arrangements. This is helpful and ensures this vital trade can continue, but there are additional costs involved for export to some countries that must be resolved. IFA Animal Health Chair David Hall said everything must be done to prevent this disease from spreading. At this time of year, vector activity is low, which creates potential for the disease to be contained and eradicated. Trade disruption and potential production losses on farms would impact directly and solely on farmers, if the disease spreads, he said. Mr Gorman said the IFA will be engaging directly with the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon and his officials to ensure the impact of BTV and associated controls on farms are kept to an absolute minimum. Heydon confirmed that the disease, which affects livestock including cattle and sheep as well as goats, deer and llamas had been found in a herd. Mr Heydon said that dection of a case in the Republic does not come as shock. READ ALSO: Minister Heydon confirms outbreak This is unwelcome news but unfortunately it is not surprising, given the spread of this virus across Europe, Great Britain and recently Northern Ireland. MORE BELOW PHOTO. I want to emphasise that bluetongue cannot infect people and does not pose any food safety or human health issue. "My department has been actively negotiating revisions to many trade certs for third countries so that the impact of any outbreak would be minimised, and that work will continue after this news This finding arose from the routine ongoing surveillance my department has been carrying out, so that we can find the disease as early as possible, he said. Mr Heydon said the outbreak will have an impact on exports of cattle and sheep with additional costs and logistical issues required in order to comply with the rules set by the countries of destination. He said there are no implications for meat and dairy exports to the EU, UK and most other international markets. My department has been actively negotiating revisions to many trade certs for third countries so that the impact of any outbreak would be minimised, and that work will continue after this news. A vaccine for the virus is being introduced in Ireland this year. He also extended his sympathies to the affected farmer. The Department of Agriculture advises farmers who suspect that one of their animals is infected to not delay in taking action. This involves isolating the suspect animal(s) indoors immediately and report the case to the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. It urges farmers, and veterinary practitioners, and other relevant stakeholders should remain vigilant for bluetongue transmission. To report a suspect case, please contact your local [link broken] (9am-5pm). Outside of office hours, you can ring the National Disease Emergency Hotline on 01-492-8026 (which is operational 365 days of the year). In the event of an outbreak control measures have to be introduced to try and eradicate the disease. This involves restriction zones for a minimum of 150km in size, and movement controls for susceptible animals would be introduced. Other control measures, including mandatory vaccination (if available) or housing periods could also be implemented. Bluetongue is a non-contagious, viral disease affecting sheep, cattle, goats, and camelids, transmitted primarily by Culicoides biting midges. It causes severe symptoms, including fever, oral ulcers, drooling, lameness, and, especially in sheep, mortality rates up to 70%. While not a risk to human health, it causes significant economic damage to the agricultural sector. The Department says anoutbreak would have serious implications for the Irish agri-industry and can result in very severe on-farm impacts (serious illness and death), resulting in animal welfare concerns and economic impacts on the livestock sector. Gardai investigating the armed robbery of two filling stations in Portarlington this evening have arrested a man. The man was detained on Main Street by Gardai at a location between the two filling station which had been robbed. Its understood the Maxol and Applegreen Filling stations on Main Street in Portlarlington were both targeted in armed robberies earlier this evening. The Leinster Express/Laois Live understands the male was armed with what appeared to be a gun. Armed Gardai attended the scene of the robberies. Earlier this evening, Laois Gardai said "Detective Gardai and Portarlington Garda are investigating two incidents of robbery where a lone male entered two service stations in Portarlington between 6.50pm and 7.10pm this evening." He produced a weapon and stole quantities of cash from both locations. Garda are appealing for information and assistance from the public. If you passed by or were on Main Street, Portarlington this evening and witnessed anything suspicious please report it, Gardai said in a brief statement. READ ALSO: Woman woke at 2am to find intruder in her bedroom Anyone with information, dashcam or CCTV footage is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 867 4100. Laois County Council has been shortlisted for 'Council of the Year' at this year's All-Ireland Community and Council Awards, as well as in a number of other categories. The All-Ireland Community and Council Awards aims to showcase the collaboration between communities and councils. The awards are held by the Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) and sponsored by IPB. In addition to being shortlisted for the coveted 'Council of the Year', Laois County Council has been shortlisted in a number of other highly competitive categories. The CUBE Low Carbon Centre of Excellence, which officially opened in 2023 in Portlaoise, has been shortlisted for 'Best Enterprise & Start Up Hub.' The newly opened The Poet's Cottage Cafe in Camross has also been shortlisted for 'Best Community - Scale Enhancement.' Opening its doors in just November 2025, the village cafe has revitalised the community of Camross. Funding of 250,000 from the EU Just Transition Fund helped deliver the cafe. The Goldencroft Urban Regeneration Project, a social housing scheme comprising 67 houses and apartments in Portlaoise, has been shortlisted for 'Best Housing Regeneration & Urban Planning.' Laois County Council has also made strides in the field of sustainability. The Portlaoise Low Carbon Town project, the first of its kind in Ireland, has been shortlisted for 'Best Sustainable Infrastructure & Climate Action' as well as 'Excellence in Sustainable Major Infrastructure Delivery.' Laois County Council has also been shortlisted alongside Longford, Offaly and Westmeath County Councils in the 'National Impact Award' category for the Driving STEM in the Midlands Initiative. READ NEXT: Laois historic buildings to get repair works with funding boost Commenting on the announcement, Chief Executive of Laois County Council Michael Rainey said: "I am delighted to share that Laois has been nominated for multiple projects at the 2026 All-Ireland Community & Council Awards, as well as being shortlisted for the prestigious Council of the Year title. "This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff across the organisation, who strive every day to deliver the highest quality services for the people of Laois." The awards will be presented on Saturday, February 28 at the Convention Centre in Dublin. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Tourists on boating trips may choose alternative destinations in future if the canal in Vicarstown is not regularly maintained, a local councillor has argued. Councillor Vivienne Phelan told Laois County Council that a number of boatowners and a local business in Vicarstown have been experiencing issues with the canal in recent years and these problems may in future impact water tourism in the area. The Fine Gael councillor has requested that Laois County Council write to Waterways Ireland to ask that the canal in Vicarstown and the surrounding area be adequately maintained to ensure ease of boat navigation for tourists in summer months. Speaking at the January meeting of the Graiguecullen / Portarlington MD, Cllr Phelan said: "I met a couple of boatowners and a local business down there who are having problems the past few years. I'm not talking about the current work that's going on down there by Waterways Ireland which is dredging and repairs to the wall, that's great that it's taking place. "What I'm referring to is routine maintenance where there's weeds in the canal that are not being adequately removed and boats are actually being damaged." READ NEXT: Laois nursing students awarded new distinction from Trinity College She warned: "Tourists coming to the area are having a negative experience and in future years would be choosing potentially other locations for their canal breaks. I think it's important that we highlight it and raise the issue." The district's Senior Executive Engineer, Tom Drennan, told Cllr Phelan that a letter would be issued to Waterways Ireland regarding the problems in Vicarstown. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme An Irish-based Palestinian journalist has said she cant possibly process the number of friends she has lost during Israels military offensive in Gaza. Eman Mohammed, a speaker at Saturdays Palestine protest in Dublin, said she left Gaza after her one-year-old child was injured during a bombardment of her neighbourhood by Israeli forces in 2014. Her family were able to go to the US to seek treatment for her child because of her Irish-American husband. They moved to Ireland following the outbreak of the current conflict in October 2023, which she said felt like coming home. Speaking before the march from Dublins City Hall to the Department of Foreign Affairs on Stephens Green she said she hoped the event would emphasise that we do not have a ceasefire. Weve had more than 100 days of this so-called ceasefire, and not a single day went by without Palestinians being murdered. The photographer said she cant comprehend how many journalists have been killed in the conflict: Its just a shock that keeps on not being able to be processed. She said covering something so hostile had meant her network of journalists in Gaza were more than just colleagues. She added: I cant possibly process the number of friends that Ive lost. Ms Mohammed said her now 13-year-old daughter, Lateen, is now doing well, but still needs check-ups and we definitely go through scares, but shes a perfect child. One of the protest organisers, Fatin Al Tamimi, said the demonstration aimed to send solidarity and love to Palestinian people as well as thanking the Irish people for their solidarity and support. However, the Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign vice-chairwoman also said they are calling on the Irish government for actions, not empty words. We want Israel to be sanctioned, and we want the Occupied Territories Bill to be passed. She said they are asking them to not use the Irish space Shannon Airport for American war planes that were sent to kill Palestinians in Gaza. She also emphasised the current situation in the region is not a ceasefire, because people are dying. She added that hundreds of thousands of people are still living in makeshift tents, facing the cold, the floods, the very limited food and no medicine, no electricity, nothing. Organisers said the event was one of a number of protests scheduled to take place across Ireland. A petition calling for a full time Garda Station for Portarlington has attracted hundreds of signatures in a matter of hours. The petition comes just hours after Gardai arrested a man in connection with two armed robberies in Portarlington on Friday evening. Portarlington Community Development Association and Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins highlighted the issue when they called for full time 24 hour Garda Station for Portarlington in last year. READ ALSO: Call for 24 hour Garda Station in Portarlington The latest petition was launched by Portarlington resident, Joey Kennedy, who ran for Fianna Fail in the last Local Elections in 2024. He said: As a dedicated member of the Portarlington community, I am deeply concerned about the safety and security of our town and its surrounding areas, including Emo and Killenard. Our residents deserve the reassurance that comes with a constant and robust Garda presence. Currently, the lack of a Garda station that operates 24/7 leaves our community vulnerable and exposed to crimes that could be deterred or addressed more rapidly with a permanent station. Portarlington has grown significantly over the years, becoming a bustling town with a diverse population. Our proximity to major urban centers has led to an increase in both transient movement and permanent residency. While growth is positive, it brings challenges that our current Garda services, operating on limited hours, struggle to meet. Crimes, emergencies, and incidents do not adhere to a schedule; they can occur at any time of day or night. A full-time Garda Station would ensure a swift response to incidents, improving the overall safety of our neighborhood, he said. READ ALSO: Man arrested after armed robbery on two filling stations in Portarlington In recent years, statistics have shown an upward trend in criminal activities in small towns across Ireland. According to the Central Statistics Office, the incidence of burglary, theft, and anti-social behavior has seen significant spikes in areas lacking a consistent Garda presence. Our community has experienced similar trends, with residents often feeling that prompt assistance isn't available when required, said Mr Kennedy. Furthermore, a 24/7 Garda station would foster greater community engagement, making it easier for residents to report crimes, seek assistance, and engage with Gardai on community-based initiatives. This engagement is critical in building trust and collaboration between law enforcement and citizens, two essential components for a safer society." READ ALSO: Appeal after 8,000 in jewellery stolen during Laois burglary "The solution to our concerns is straightforward: the establishment of a 24/7 Garda station in Portarlington. This station would not only serve our immediate area but also support the security needs of Emo, Killenard, and other nearby communities. It would be a step forward in ensuring that every resident, no matter where they reside, is afforded the protection and peace of mind they deserve, said Mr Kennedy. READ ALSO: Woman woke up at 2am to find intruder in her bedroom By signing this petition, you are voicing your support for a safer, more secure Portarlington and its neighboring areas. Lets urge our local government and law enforcement agencies to prioritize this critical need and take decisive action. Please join us in this campaign for the establishment of a 24/7 Garda station. Your support can make a world of difference, he stated. The petition is available online by clicking here. The Government has for the first time officially confirmed that a depot to service DART+ trains will be situated in the Maynooth-Kilcock area of Co Kildare. Speaking in the Dail on Tuesday night, January 20, on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Minister Jerry Buttimer told Deputy Aidan Farrelly (Social Democrats) that the new depot will be in the Maynooth-Kilcock area and will provide essential stabling and maintenance facilities for the expanded fleet for the entire DART+ programme, which is a prerequisite for supporting service patterns across the entire DART+ network, including DART+ South West. Deputy Farrelly welcomed the statement. Finally we have confirmation from a Minister after years of locals people - and my councillor colleagues Nuala Killeen and Peter Melrose - campaigning tirelessly for this, he said. READ NEXT: Primary schools across Kildare invited to enter Coillte's National Schools Photography Competition Deputy Farrelly also revealed that the NTA has also confirmed to Deputy Farrelly that a non-statutory public consultation will be initiated in respect of the new proposed site for the Kilcock-Maynooth depot. The Minister also revealed that the Compulsory Purchase Obligation (CPO) processes for DART+ South-West will commence this year and that much of the work done on the West project will also progress the South-West project. DART+ West will deliver the critical electrification of the city centre rail network and the necessary city centre capacity upgrades, the Minister told the Dail. This is a prerequisite for future trains coming from DART+ South West to enter the city centre network at Glasnevin Junction from the Phoenix Park Tunnel. Upgrades delivered under DART+ West such as re-signalling, and electrification, are also vital for accommodating increased frequency envisaged for DART+ South West. For instance, he revealed that a new station at Spencer Dock, introduced as part of DART+ West, will be a key piece of infrastructure for the South West by helping to address capacity issues around Connolly Station. Deputy Farrelly urged the Minister to make sure that when the depot is established there should be a stop for passengers. People in Kilcock will have the noise of a depot, the lights and theyll even be able to smell it, but won't be able to use it. If we can deliver a station as far as the depot, that would make massive sense from a future planning perspective. Meanwhile in a discussion at the Public Accounts Committee last week, the CEO of the National Transport Authority Hugh Cregan told Deputy Farrelly that it was expected that it will be five or six years before DART+ West will be carrying passengers - with construction expected to start in 2027. Mr Cregan also said that certain works related to DART+ South West, such as purchasing land and some design work, can progress even though the government has put the start date for construction back until after 2030. But he added that a lot of effort is going into seeing whether that can be brought forward. Mr Cregan said that because much of the work being done for the DART+ West project will benefit the South West project, the progress of the latter will be quicker once construction starts. As a result, he told Deputy Farrelly, the length of time between the start of construction and when passengers can travel on it will be quicker than is the case for the DART+ West project. by Qabil Ashirov Russias prominent figures linked to the Kremlin continue to challenge the sovereignty of the former Soviet republics. As is known, pro-government journalist Solovyov opened Pandoras box, calling for a special military operation, similar to the Ukrainian war, in Armenia and Kazakhstan. Later, Russias Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova walked back his words, describing them as the thoughts of an independent journalist. In the wake of Zakharovas comments, another public figure, Aleksandr Dugin, went further, calling for the annihilation of the sovereignty of all countries in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, labeling their sovereignty trash. Despite widespread protests in the media of the affected regions, the Kremlin did not disapprove of Dugins words as it had previously. In contrast, Nikolai Sergeyevich Valuev, an MP and former boxer, added fuel to the fire by supporting Dugins statements on camera. All of this indicates that the Kremlin is opening a new chapter in its relations with the former Soviet republics. Experts and political analysts are trying to read between the lines of Dugin's interview, which provides important clues about the Kremlins new policy. Notably, the omission of Ukraines and Moldovas sovereignty in the interview draws special attention. Some interpret this as Russia having accepted defeat and now going the extra mile to maintain its leverage in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Speaking to Azernews on the issue, Raza Syed, editor of the London Post, shared his thoughts on the issue and noted that the statements by Alexander Dugin and Vladimir Solovyov represent a calculated escalation in Russia's ideological warfare, revealing both strategic anxieties and potential future vectors of confrontation. He noted that while neither figure formally sets state policy, their proximity to Kremlin narratives requires treating their rhetoric as a form of high-level political signaling. On the omission of Ukraine and Moldova, interpreting this as Russia accepting a loss of influence is an oversimplification. A more nuanced reading suggests these nations are not subjects of theoretical debate but active, contested fronts. Ukraine remains the primary military theater where Russia's ambitions have been costly but not abandoned. Moldova faces persistent hybrid pressure via Transnistria. Dugin's silence likely indicates these are operational realities, not ideological targets. His explicit focus on the South Caucasus and Central Asia signals a recalibration of priorities, a pivot toward regions where Russia perceives greater vulnerability among local elites and less immediate Western deterrence. It is less a concession in Eastern Europe than a pragmatic, and aggressive, attempt to shore up influence in what Moscow still considers its "near abroad," where tools like the CSTO and EEU provide leverage, he opined. Regarding future conflict, the editor told that Solovyovs invocation of a "special military operation" is profoundly alarming and cannot be dismissed as mere bluster. It serves multiple functions: normalizing the concept of intervention for domestic audiences, testing international red lines, and applying psychological coercion against governments in Yerevan and Astana. Armenia, disillusioned after Nagorno-Karabakh, and Kazakhstan, navigating a delicate multi-vector foreign policy, are clear targets for such destabilizing rhetoric. This pattern mirrors pre-2022 propaganda techniques used against Ukraine. However, critical context tempers immediate alarm. The Kremlin has historically allowed propagandists like Solovyov to voice extreme positions as pressure valves and trial balloons, occasionally walking them back officially, as seen with Maria Zakharova's disavowals. Russia's current military and economic constraints also limit its capacity for simultaneous, large-scale invasions, Raza Syed underscored. He said that ultimately, these statements are best understood as early warning indicators of a shifting strategic focus. They expose Moscow's imperial anxieties as it confronts a diminished role in Europe and seeks to reassert dominance in regions where Chinese and Turkish influence is growing. The rhetoric itself becomes a weapon of hybrid warfare, fostering a climate of uncertainty and intimidation. While not a definitive blueprint for imminent invasion, it creates a permissive environment for future coercion, ranging from political destabilization to limited military interventions. The international response must be one of calibrated vigilance, firmly upholding the sovereignty of these nations through diplomatic and security partnerships while recognizing that Moscow's rhetoric often aims to provoke overreaction. The goal is to deter conflict without conceding to psychological manipulation, Raza Syed concluded. KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Experts from China and across the ASEAN grouping gathered for the 2026 China-ASEAN AI Capacity-Building Training Program and High-Level Seminar on AI Frontier Technologies and Governance to discuss cooperation and capacity building. The gathering of over 100 representatives here on Friday worked to find common ground and exchange views on frontier artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and security challenges, against the backdrop of rapid technological change and rising governance concerns. In his remarks, Hou Zengguang, vice president of the Chinese Association of Automation and professor at the Institute of Automation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said that the deep integration of AI with automation and digital technologies is reshaping the global development landscape and profoundly influencing production and daily life. Hou noted that China has accumulated rich experience in research, technology development and industrial application in the field of automation, which can contribute to global scientific and technological advancement. Meanwhile, Shahbaz Khan, director and representative to UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, said AI is reshaping industries, societies and global cooperation patterns. While bringing unprecedented opportunities, it also poses profound challenges, he said, adding that promoting inclusive cooperation and building a fair and equitable AI governance system has become a shared task for all stakeholders. ASEAN countries stand at a critical juncture, said Aung Kyaw Myat, president of the Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific, noting that AI capacity building must be a priority. For his part, Ewe Hong Tat, president of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, said that AI is rapidly influencing economic structures, public services, national security and societal well-being. "While its potential is immense, it also raises important questions relating to governance, ethics, cybersecurity, standards, and public trust. These challenges cannot be addressed by any single institution or nation alone, and they require close alignment between government, academia, industry, and international partners," he said. During the seminar, roundtable discussions were also held on AI education and capacity building, and the prospects for China-ASEAN AI cooperation. GAZA/JERUSALEM, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Three Palestinians, including two children, were killed on Saturday by Israeli army fire in the northern Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, told Xinhua that two children were killed in an Israeli airstrike near the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip. Basal added that a third Palestinian was killed and several others were wounded in Israeli shelling that targeted a gathering of civilians in Jabalia, also in the north of the enclave. Eyewitnesses said the Israeli army demolished residential buildings east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, accompanied by gunfire from Israeli helicopters in the area. Rafah also witnessed gunfire from Israeli helicopters, while Israeli artillery shelled the eastern outskirts of Gaza City, eyewitnesses reported. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that "IDF troops operating in the northern Gaza Strip identified several terrorists who crossed the Yellow Line, planted an explosive device in the area, and approached the troops, posing an immediate threat to them." Following the identification, the forces "struck and eliminated the terrorists in order to remove the threat," it said. Meanwhile, Gaza-based health authorities said in a brief that the bodies of four Palestinians and 12 wounded arrived at hospitals over the past 48 hours. This brought the death toll since a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Oct. 10, 2025, to 481, with 1,313 others wounded. The brief added that the total number of Palestinians killed since the outbreak of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023, has reached 71,654, with 171,391 wounded. Despite the strikes, the newly-formed Palestinian technocratic committee tasked with administering the Gaza Strip has begun its work. In a post on his Facebook page, committee head Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath stated that the necessary assurances and preparations are in place to resume operations at Gaza's only power plant. OSLO, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Saturday refuted comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that non-U.S. NATO troops stayed off the front lines in Afghanistan. "It is unbearable that the American president questions the efforts of allied soldiers in Afghanistan," Frederiksen said on Instagram. She underscored that Denmark is among the NATO countries that have suffered the greatest losses per capita. Trump told Fox Business on Thursday that the United States never needed non-U.S. soldiers. "They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan or this or that. And they did. They stayed a little back, little off the front lines," Trump said. Trump's remarks have sparked widespread indignation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Friday that Trump should apologize for his false assertion, describing the remarks as "insulting" and "appalling." According to Danish media, Danish veterans will hold a march from Kastellet in Copenhagen to the U.S. Embassy to express their dissatisfaction with Trump's statements. LIMERICK gardai are investigating separate thefts in Croom and Adare. Sergeant Michelle O Halloran, Crime Prevention Officer at Henry Street Garda Station said: "Gardai in Croom received a report of a chainsaw stolen from a milking parlour. That theft happened sometime between the 17th of January and the morning of the 19th of January." "And then in a separate incident in the Adare area, between the 17th and 18th of January, a male reported that a number of tools were stolen from a farm shed. Entry to the shed was gained through an unlocked door." READ MORE: Gardai investigate shooting incident in residential area of Limerick Sgt O'Halloran is advising locals not to make it easy for thieves. "Always lock your vehicle, even if its parked at home, and never leave keys inside the car." For farmers, wed strongly encourage people to lock sheds, parlours, and outbuildings, even for short periods. Secure tools and machinery, keep them out of sight where possible, and consider security lighting or CCTV," added Sgt O'Halloran. "Marking equipment and keeping a record of serial numbers can also be very helpful. And of course, if people notice anything unusual unfamiliar vehicles, people acting suspiciously wed ask them to contact Gardai straight away. You can contact your local Gardai or indeed Garda Confidential Line on 1800666111 and remember always call 999 or 112 in case of emergency. Gardai are also warning people about a new WhatsApp scam where fraudsters are posing as members of An Garda Siochana. "The scammers are using WhatsApp calls and displaying the official Garda Crest as their profile picture, to appear legitimate," said the local crime prevention officer. "The goal here is to trick people into handling over sensitive personal or banking information. We are reminding the public that we will never contact anyone via WhatsApp to request bank details or personal information and are urging anyone who receives such a call not to engage and to report it to your local Gardai." A SOCIAL worker who has endured significant loss in Gaza has been convicted for driving without insurance and National Car Test (NCT) in Limerick. Waleed Maza, 30, with an address at Fair Ways Flats, Limerick, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and NCT at Limerick District Court. The man clutched rosary beads in the colours of the Palestinian flag whilst he was sitting before the judge. Prosecuting Sergeant Aisling ONeill outlined that the man was stopped when driving at Henry Street in the city centre, August 1, 2025. READ MORE: Limerick young man up in court for driving 'a bit too fast' on Rathkeale ramps Solicitor Darach McCarthy, defending the man, said that the incident was an oversight and that Mr Maza regrets his actions. He also stated that the man has endured loss in Gaza and that his mind may have been elsewhere. In mitigation, the solicitor said that Mr Maza has since transferred his insurance to the correct car. Mr McCarthy further stated that Mr Maza is in full-time employment as a social worker and is originally from Gaza. Judge Patricia Harney stated: youre not entitled to drive with no insurance, but conceded that the man is entitled to his previous good record. The judge convicted and fined the man a total of 850 for the driving offences. -Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme AN associate of the Dundon McCarthy gang who fatally shot Noel Campion 19 years ago in Limerick told multiple people - including a police officer in the US - that he had killed a man, the Central Criminal Court was told this Friday evening. The court heard during today's sentence hearing for 42-year-old Darragh Quinlivan that he later characterised what he had said as "sh**e talk" and sarcasm. Quinlivan had originally been charged with the murder of Mr Campion, 35, on the northside of Limerick city on April 26, 2007. However, when arraigned before the Central Criminal Court last week, Quinlivan, originally from Limerick city but with an address in Bolton, Manchester in the UK, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life at or about the junction of High Road and Thomondgate in Limerick. He has also pleaded guilty that on the same occasion with the purpose of enhancing the ability of a criminal organisation, being the Dundon McCarthy organised criminal group, to commit a serious offence in the State, to wit the murder of Mr Campion, did knowingly participate in the activity of that criminal organisation by shooting dead the said Mr Campion. READ MORE: Limerick jury finds woman guilty of attempted murder of daughter at accommodation centre Mr Campion was shot dead as he was riding as a back passenger on a motorbike at Thomondgate in Limerick city - close to St Munchin's Church. Prosecution counsel, Dean Kelly SC, previously told the court that Quinlivan was not pleading guilty to the offence of murder. SENTENCE HEARING Inspector Fergal Hanrahan detailed the events of the morning of April 26, 2007, telling Mr Kelly that the deceased Noel Campion had been due to appear in Limerick District Court for road traffic offences. Mr Kelly said Mr Campion had travelled towards the city as a pavilion passenger on a motorcycle being driven by Brian 'Spider' Scanlan, who was in a relationship with the deceased's sister. The Insp said the men were stopped in traffic behind a truck when 'lone male' Darragh Quinlivan walked out from a nearby phone booth and discharged a firearm a number of times, leading to the death of Mr Campion. An eyewitness, who later rang 999, said that as he was parking his van a man in a red hoodie, who was about to open the door of the phone kiosk, had pulled a hood down over his forehead. The witness said the shooter outstretched his right hand as the motorcycle passed him and fired four shots into the back of the pavilion passenger. Insp Hanrahan said Quinlivan made his getaway in a Volkswagen Passat and left the scene at speed in the direction of Moyross. The vehicle was later found partially burnt out. The court heard that an "extremely quick response" was made by gardai and paramedics, who commenced cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Mr Campion. This continued en route to the hospital where it was noted that Mr Campion was in cardiac arrest with gunshot wounds to the front of the abdomen, said counsel. Mr Campion, the lawyer said, was ultimately pronounced dead at 11.25am that morning; around 40 minutes after the shooting. There were eight gunshot wounds with four entry and four exit wounds. He died from blood loss from those injuries and had significant damage to the aorta. At 8.45pm that night, gardai observed Quinlivan accompanied by seven other members of the McCarthy-Dundon gang drinking and behaving in a celebratory mood. A short time later on May 1, 2007, the court heard, Quinlivan went to the garda station to have a passport signed. On May 2, 2007, the witness said Quinlivan appeared before Nenagh Circuit Court on an unrelated matter regarding the taking of a car. Quinlivan gave evidence, where he said it was his intention to leave Ireland to move to the US, where work was waiting for him. The defendant said it was his desire to leave the country as soon as he possibly could due to his involvement in a feud. Mr Kelly said in 2007 there was a feud between the Keane-Collopy and the McCarthy-Dundon gangs. The barrister said that gardai later received confidential information which caused the investigation to focus on Quinlivan. On May 10, 2007, two gardai met the defendant by appointment and took a voluntary cautioned interview about the morning of April 26. Asked to account for his movements, Quinlivan told officers he had stayed in his parents house on the night of April 25. The defendant said he woke the next morning around 10.45am to a phone call from someone at the courthouse to say Mr Campion had been shot. "In essence he provided his own alibi and the news of the shooting caused him to get up," remarked Mr Kelly. Quinlivan said he left his parents house that morning and went to visit the grave of his friend Frankie Ryan, who had died in 2006. Insp Hanrahan said Gary Campion is a brother of Noel and is serving a life sentence for this murder. When gardai spoke to Quinlivan again four days later, the defendant said he recalled driving around in convoy with other cars and had gone to a party in John Dundon's house. On May 25, 2007, George Quinlivan was asked to account for his son's movements and he said Darragh was asleep in bed on the morning of April 26. Darragh Quinlivan, Mr Kelly said, left Ireland on June 6, 2007, with his passport obtained in the days after the shooting. The defendant travelled to Tacoma in Washington State, where he lived and worked for the next six months. Counsel said in the early hours of January 13, 2008 local police were called to a domestic incident in a house, where the defendant and his uncle had a significant argument which strayed into violence. One of the officers arrested Quinlivan and observed he was so drunk that when he was travelling to the police station he had trouble talking and walking. The policeman said Quinlivan told him: "You know why I'm here, I killed a man in Ireland" and then named the man as being 'Noel'. The defendant said he had shot the man in the back of the head "execution style". The officer also stated that Quinlivan said all the bullets were to the deceased man's trunk, none to the head and that he had killed him in retaliation for 'Noel' having killed a friend of his. Another family friend said in a statement to police in August 2007 that Quinlivan had told her he had done something back home. She asked Quinlivan if he had killed someone, and she said he neither admitted nor denied that was the case. Another woman said the defendant told her he was in the US as he had killed a member of an opposing gang and she recollected a motorbike being mentioned. She said Quinlivan told her he walked out and shot "the guy with a handgun". She said the defendant made the gesture of a handgun and said 'bang bang'. The wife of Quinlivan's uncle also told police that while the defendant was living with them, he said he had killed someone but hadn't mentioned the name. Mr Kelly said these revelations were brought to the attention of gardai in Ireland to see if they were of assistance. Quinlivan later denied to police in the US that he had murdered Mr Campion, adding that he hadn't fled there and that it was a planned trip. The defendant said he was closest to the Dundons and "couldn't get closer". The defendant, Mr Kelly said, was deported back to Ireland from the US in 2008 and characterised what he said to the officer in the US as "sh**e talk" and sarcasm. Insp Hanrahan said the evidence in the case had been available to gardai some years ago and it was recommenced as a cold case review in 2022. The witness said Quinlivan was a close associate of the McCarthy-Dundon criminal gang and was believed to have accidentally discharged a firearm at a house party in 2006, where a woman was injured. "It was believed to have been not an incident of deliberate criminality but rather highly reckless horseplay, which led to her suffering a gun wound," said Mr Kelly. Quinlivan has 24 previous convictions, including those for robbery with a firearm and the unauthorised taking of a MPV. Under cross-examination, the Insp agreed with Seamus Clarke SC, defending, that a significant amount of evidence the State was to rely on at trial in essence came from Quinlivan's own mouth, including what he had said to people in the US with drink on board. READ MORE: Man in court for lurcher dog hunting in Limerick village The detective further agreed with the lawyer that his client had removed himself from Limerick city after 2012 and moved to the UK, where he got a job, settled down and "took a turn in the road for the good". The detective agreed with the prosecutor that gardai are of the view that the killing of Noel Campion was directed by the McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation. In his submissions, Mr Clarke said that his client wasn't somebody who was tight-lipped and had kept to himself in the past, but he was now the epitome of a family man and had worked hard the last 13 years for his three children. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded Quinlivan in custody until February 9, when he will be sentenced. VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENTS In her victim impact statement, which was read to the court by the prosecutor, the daughter of Mr Campion said her father's death has had a devastating and life-long impact on her family. Lynsey Campion said she was only 11 years old when her father was murdered and that he was a loving and caring man, who cherished simple family moments. "When he was murdered I watched the world move on when my own world had stopped...You murdered my father and carried on with your life as if nothing happened, you continued as if taking a life meant nothing," she said, addressing Quinlivan The deceased's wife, Maureen Campion, said in her statement that when she arrived at the scene of where Noel was "brutally shot", her life changed forever. She said part of her died that day but she had to stay strong for her two young children. "Noel did not deserve this brutal and premeditated murder inflicted on him," she said. Graduating from university is a massive standalone achievement for any person, but when 13 women from the Travelling community graduated from University of limerick, it made headlines across Ireland. The 13 women made history when they graduated with degrees, and Margaret O'Brien was one of those inspirational women. As well as media attention, this huge milestone for the University of Limerick and Travelling community sparked major interest from many other women of the Travelling community who found inspiration and the desire to go into education as a result. In an exclusive interview, Margaret O'Brien shared her journey of being a Traveller woman in Limerick and graduating this week with a diploma in Psychology. Margaret decided to go back to education when she was 44-years-old as a single parent to two young children, and described it as "an emotional rollercoaster to say the least." "As a member of the Traveller community, education wasn't really a priority for me or our community at the time, and I didn't have the opportunity to go to college at an earlier age. "So as a mature student, I decided that I wanted to go back and pursue my career and to get education." One of the main motivational factors for Margaret was because it is very empowering to graduate from university as a Traveller woman, and also to clear the pathways for other Travellers to follow suit behind her. READ NEXT: Mayor announces plan to commission independent review of housing shortfalls in Limerick One of the main barriers for Margaret was her own self-doubt and worry, being a mature student and single mother of two children. "I was kind of thinking, geez, at this age in my life, what am I doing, am I mad....and I was asking myself will I be able for it? "It was very challenging because my kids were young, trying to juggle everything...it was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least, because, like I said, I was a single mother, I was working, I had kids. "There were points throughout it, I was kind of questioning myself, saying 'am I able for this, can I keep going?' so I think it's very, very important to have somebody there in your corner to kind of give you that emotional support. "I was able to link in with the Traveller care coordinator, Edel O'Donnell, and she was brilliant support to me throughout my whole educational journey. I'm very grateful for her. "She was with me every step of the way and was extremely supportive and fully understanding of the Traveller community and the barriers that came with that." Margaret is now doing a Masters in sociology and community development, youth and regeneration in UL at the moment and wants to also get a PHD after that. She is also one of the co-founders of Limerick Traveller Network and she said that the organisation has seen a spike in interest since the 13 Traveller woman graduated from UL. "There's been a huge interest and a lot of people contacting the network, asking could they go back to college and how would they go about it and what qualifications would they need. It's really ignited a whole new passion and desire within the community. "Especially when they could see that 13 Traveller women all together graduated...they were all middle-aged women, some were grandmothers, some were mothers, so I suppose they can see that they can juggle their life with committing to education, and they can see the importance of it." Some of the women are now working in the community. Margaret said: "It's just proof that education does pay off and it does change lives for the better, and it gives women that additional empowerment and independence." CHAIRMAN of the Limerick and Clare Liquid Milk Producers, Michael OConnor echoed Albert Einstein at their annual dinner dance in the Dunraven Arms on Friday night. Einstein is believed to have said, The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. In his speech, Mr OConnor referred to liquid milk producers who calve cows for the winter in a bad price year like this one, himself included. I would not only be questioning their wisdom for doing so but at the price we are getting, maybe even their sanity! said Mr OConnor with a wry smile. READ NEXT: ICMSA calls on banks to support Limerick farmers in challenging year Dinner dances arent as common as they once were but the organising committee work hard to ensure the milk producers annual event continues to be a fixture in the calendar. Reflecting on 2025, Mr OConnor said the year will be remembered for a lot of things. We had snow in January but in the main it was a good grass growing year. Calves and beef prices hit record highs, so much so that calves you could not give away in the spring of 2024, you could hardly afford to buy them in late spring / early summer of 2025. Milk price was where it should have been for most of the year which left a margin over production but, alas, that has come to a sudden and drastic collapse with every month of late seeing a cut in price, and all we are promised is more to come but we live in hope, said the Croagh dairy farmer. 2025 was also notable for being the first full year of business for Kerry Dairy Ireland after Kerry Co-op shareholders voted in favour of buying back the dairy processing assets of the Kerry Group in late 2024. Pat Murphy, CEO of Kerry Dairy Ireland, and James Tangney, chairman of Kerry Co-op were both in attendance on the night. Mr OConnor said its now over 12 months since shareholders voted to buy back the business. For those that were lucky enough to visit the business in the north and in Ossett in England, all I can say was its fairly impressive what they do, said Mr O'Connor. In conclusion, he thanked all attendees, management and staff of the Dunraven Arms Hotel for a sumptuous meal, committee members for selling tickets and collecting spot prizes and to all those who gave a spot prize because without them our night would not be such a success. His speech received warm applause from the large crowd in attendance and with that Mr OConnor handed over to the band Heart and Soul - a very appropriate title for men and women working in the dairy industry - to entertain one and all. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has condemned Israels destruction of buildings belonging to a UN agency delivering life-saving assistance in the occupied Palestinian territories Helen McEntee said the the bulldozing of buildings at a UN headquarters in east Jerusalem by Israeli authorities earlier this week represented part of a sustained effort to undermine the United Nations Relief and Works Agency.. The commissioner-general of UNRWA said it was an open and deliberate defiance of international law by Israel. Philippe Lazzarini said Israeli forces stormed the UNRWA headquarters and began demolishing buildings inside the compound. He said it was an unprecedented attack against a UN agency and its premises. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also condemned the action. Mr Lazzarini said it followed other steps taken by Israeli authorities to erase the Palestine refugee identity. Israels Foreign Ministry said UNRWA long ceased to be a humanitarian aid organization, serving instead as a greenhouse for Hamas terrorism. Ms McEntee said she was appalled by the further destructive actions taken by Israeli authorities In a statement, she said: These actions are not isolated incidents. They form part of a wider and sustained effort to undermine and dismantle UNRWAs operations across the occupied Palestinian territory. Ireland fully supports UNRWA and its mandate. I call on Israel to immediately halt all attacks and measures directed at the agency. Israel must respect international law, including the privileges and immunities of the United Nations and its staff. Ms McEntee added: At a time of immense and worsening humanitarian need, the work of UNRWA, alongside other UN agencies, humanitarian organisations and NGOs, is indispensable. These organisations are delivering life-saving assistance and essential services to civilians across the occupied Palestinian territory and the wider region. Any actions that obstruct this work only deepen the humanitarian crisis and place civilian lives at even greater risk. International law is clear: humanitarian aid workers, along with journalists and medics, must be protected in times of conflict. It is unacceptable that they continue to be killed while trying to help others while carrying out their important roles. THE Limerick Literary Festival in honour of Kate OBrien returns in 2026 with renewed confidence, ambition and warmth. Taking place from February 27 to March 1 at the Belltable on OConnell Street, the festival promises three days that celebrate literature not as an abstract pursuit, but as a living conversation between writers, readers and the city that inspired one of Irelands most distinctive literary voices. The official programme launch took place on Monday, January 12, when Councillor Maria Donoghue unveiled the 2026 schedule at OMahonys bookshop. The choice of venue is fitting. Independent bookshops have long acted as informal salons for literary communities, and OMahonys has been a steadfast supporter of reading culture in Limerick for decades. From this modest but symbolic beginning, the festival once again sets out to place Limerick firmly on the international literary map. READ MORE: Limerick poet Aubrey de Vere - the bridge between Romantic Ireland and the Irish Literary Revival The Enduring Legacy of Kate OBrien At its heart, the festival exists to honour Kate OBrien, a writer whose work continues to challenge, comfort and provoke long after her lifetime. Born in Limerick in 1897, OBrien wrote with fearless intelligence about womens lives, personal freedom, faith, exile and desire. Her novels often caused controversy on publication, yet their emotional honesty and international perspective have secured her reputation as a pioneering Irish writer of the twentieth century. More than 40 years after her death, her influence continues to resonate with new generations of readers and writers. The origins of the festival stretch back to 1984, when it began life as the Kate OBrien Weekend, marking the tenth anniversary of her death. What started as a small commemorative gathering has since evolved into one of Irelands most respected literary festivals. While its scope has expanded significantly, its guiding principle has remained constant: to celebrate excellence in writing while remaining rooted in place, community and conversation. In this sense, the festival mirrors OBriens own work, which was both deeply personal and resolutely outward-looking. A Confident and Expansive Programme The 2026 programme reflects this balance with confidence. Across three packed days, the festival brings together novelists, poets, broadcasters, academics and readers in a series of conversations, performances and reflections that move fluidly between the literary and the lived. Poetry, Fiction and Imagination The festival opens on Friday afternoon, February 27 with a free event featuring poet Gustav Parker Hibbett in conversation with broadcaster and music journalist Niall MacMonagle. Hibbetts work, known for its emotional candour and formal precision, has earned widespread acclaim in recent years. His appearance signals the festivals ongoing commitment to poetry as a vital and contemporary art form, capable of addressing the complexities of modern life with both lyricism and urgency. Later that evening, the opening celebrations continue with a special event led by Laureate for Fiction Eilis Ni Dhuibhne. In conversation with Limerick writer Sarah Gilmartin, Ni Dhuibhne will reflect on storytelling, imagination and the role of fiction in shaping national and personal identity. This event forms part of The Island of Imagination A Literary Tour of Ireland, marking Ni Dhuibhnes Laureate year for 2025/2026. Combining words and music, the evening promises a relaxed yet thoughtful opening to the weekend, setting the tone for what follows. International Voices and Irish Perspectives Over the course of the festival, audiences will encounter a rich mix of voices and perspectives. French novelist Muriel Barbery, whose work has captivated readers worldwide, appears alongside acclaimed Irish writers David Park, Eoin McNamee and Grainne OBrien. Each brings a distinctive approach to storytelling, from psychological depth to lyrical intensity, offering audiences insight into the craft of fiction across borders and traditions. The programme also reaches beyond the literary world in the narrow sense. Professor of Psychiatry Veronica OKeane joins the festival line-up, highlighting the increasingly fertile intersections between literature, science and mental health. Her participation underscores the festivals belief that stories matter not only as art, but as tools for understanding the human mind and emotional experience. Tradition, Performance and Festival Favourites One of the enduring strengths of the Limerick Literary Festival is its respect for tradition alongside innovation. Long-standing favourites return in 2026, much to the delight of regular attendees. The Kate OBrien Hour, a cornerstone of the programme, features a rehearsed stage reading of Distinguished Villa by the College Players. This theatrical interpretation offers audiences a fresh way of engaging with OBriens work, allowing her words to live and breathe in performance rather than on the page alone. Another much-loved event, Desert Island Books, invites guest speakers to share the books that have shaped their lives. Part confessional, part literary love letter, the format continues to charm audiences by revealing the reading histories that sit behind public personas. Celebrating Emerging Women Writers A central moment of the festival is the presentation of the Kate OBrien Award, which recognises a debut novel or short story collection by an Irish female author. In 2026, the award carries an increased prize of 5,000, generously sponsored by Bill and Denise Whelan. More than a financial boost, the award represents a public affirmation of new voices in Irish writing, echoing Kate OBriens own commitment to womens stories at a time when they were often marginalised. READ MORE: Valentine's night musical treat for showband lovers in Limerick Writing, Activism and Public Life In addition to its core programme, the 2026 festival includes a special event titled A Life of Her Own, dedicated to the memory and work of Maeve Kelly. Writer, feminist activist and advocate for the voiceless, Kelly played a significant role in Irish cultural and political life. This reflective event offers space to consider how writing can operate as a form of activism, and how personal conviction can shape both literary output and public engagement. The festival concludes with a high-profile appearance by broadcaster Miriam OCallaghan, who will discuss her published autobiography. Known for her incisive interviewing style and long career in Irish media, OCallaghan brings a different but complementary perspective to the weekends conversations, reminding audiences that storytelling takes many forms, from novels and poems to journalism and memoir. An Inclusive Festival with a Cultural Purpose Underlying the entire programme is a clear sense of purpose. The Limerick Literary Festival is not simply about assembling famous names, but about fostering a culture of reading and dialogue. It seeks to promote Limerick as a centre of literary excellence while remaining accessible and welcoming to all. Free events, intimate venues and a strong emphasis on discussion ensure that the festival feels inclusive rather than intimidating. This ethos is supported by a network of partners and funders who recognise the festivals cultural value. Support from the Arts Council, Limerick City and County Council, the Limerick Arts Office, the French Embassy in Ireland, RTE Supporting the Arts and OMahonys makes it possible to maintain both quality and accessibility. A Festival at Confident Maturity As the 2026 festival approaches, it is clear that the Limerick Literary Festival in honour of Kate OBrien has reached a moment of confident maturity. It honours its origins without being bound by them, embraces international voices while remaining deeply rooted in place, and celebrates literary excellence alongside emerging talent. In doing so, it continues to embody the spirit of Kate OBrien herself: intellectually curious, boldly imaginative and unafraid to look beyond the horizon. For three days at the end of February, Limerick will once again become a meeting place for stories told, shared, questioned and cherished. In a world often marked by noise and haste, the festival offers something quietly radical: time to listen, to reflect and to be changed by words. As the festival looks toward its 2026 edition, it does so with a clear sense of why it matters. In an age of constant distraction, the Festival insists on the value of attention to language, to ideas, and to one another. It affirms that literature is not a luxury or a relic, but a living force that helps us understand who we are and how we might live more generously with others. By bringing together established international voices, emerging Irish writers and devoted readers, the festival creates a space where stories are not merely consumed but shared and debated. Above all, it honours Kate OBrien in the most meaningful way possible: not by freezing her work in the past, but by allowing its spirit of independence, curiosity and courage to inform the present. As audiences gather once more in Limericks theatres, bookshops and public spaces, the festival stands as a reminder that cities, like books, are shaped by the stories they choose to tell and that Limerick continues to tell its story with intelligence, imagination and heart. KIEV, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that delegations from Ukraine, the United States and Russia discussed possible parameters for ending the Ukraine crisis during their talks in the United Arab Emirates. "It is important that the conversations were constructive," Zelensky said in a post on social media platform X. According to Zelensky, the U.S. delegation raised the issue of potential formats for formalizing the parameters for ending the crisis, as well as security conditions required to achieve it. Zelensky said all sides agreed to report back in their capitals on each aspect of the negotiations and to coordinate further steps with their leaders. Further meetings will take place, potentially as early as next week if there is "readiness to move forward," Zelensky said, noting that "Ukraine is ready." "I expect a personal briefing from the delegation upon its return," he added. Representatives of the three countries held trilateral meetings in Abu Dhabi on Friday and Saturday, but no concrete agreements or joint statements were announced following the talks. Indias largest cementmaker, UltraTech Cement Ltd, reported better-than-expected net profit for the December quarter, beating analyst estimates on the back of strong cement sales. The consolidated net profit of the Aditya Birla Group's cement arm rose 27% year-on-year to 1,725.40 crore, according to its exchange filings. The profit beat the Bloomberg consensus estimate of 1,526 crore based on a poll of 21 analysts. The Mumbai-headquartered cement makers revenue from operations rose by 23% to 21,829.68 crore during the quarter, compared with 17,778.83 crore a year ago, supported by higher sales volumes and contributions from acquired businesses. The companys consolidated sales volumes stood at 38.87 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), up 15% from Q3FY25. Strong demand The management during a post-earnings interaction with analysts said demand remains strong as the governments infrastructure push is translating into a robust, multi-year project pipeline across regions, supporting sustained cement consumption. The company is well-positioned to capture this demand through its pan-India network, ongoing capacity expansion and improving operating efficiencies, while maintaining a prudent balance sheet and funding growth through internal accruals. India is witnessing a multi-year infrastructure build-out across roads, metros, railways, ports, and housing, said Atul Daga, chief financial officer at UltraTech, in a post-earnings call with analysts, adding that new avenues such as data centres, renewable energy, and urban infrastructure are driving incremental demand. Cement prices remained subdued post-GST change. September, October, and November saw some softening prices. But with growing demand, we are seeing price increases across all segments nationwide. There have been cost increases in the cost of pet coke and coal. The new labour code will have its own impact, rupee depreciation. All these will have an impact on the cement industry, and obviously, there is reason to pass on these cost escalations into prices, said Daga. UltraTechs domestic grey cement capacity is 188.66mtpa. Including 5.4mtpa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), its consolidated capacity stands at 194.06mtpa. By FY28, UltraTech plans to increase its total global cement capacity to 240.76mtpa. Daga also outlined the additions over the next quarter and years. We should have approximately 8 million tonnes to 9 million tonnes more coming in this quarter, and the balance, I think 16-12 million tonnes in fiscal '27, and then remaining will be in '28, he said. In the current quarter, the company expects to operate at more than 90% of its installed capacity, said the companys chief financial officer, up from 77% in Q3FY26. UltraTech, in a statement, said the new labour codes led it to recognise a one-time exceptional charge of 88.48 crore. The charge relates mainly to additional provisions for gratuity and compensated absences following changes in the definition of wages. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (Ebitda) for the quarter were 4,051 crore compared to 3,142 crore in Q3FY26. However, higher power and fuel costs as well as freight expenses continued to weigh on overall expenses during the quarter. MUMBAI , BENGALURU : Adani Group chairperson Gautam Adani's counsel on 23 January made their first submission in a US court 14 months after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a bribery and securities fraud case against the Indian billionaire and his nephew. Global law firm Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, writing on behalf of Gautam Adani and with the consent of his nephew Sagar Adani, requested the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York to defer its ruling on a motion made by the SEC on 21 January, as Adani's counsel and the US regulator were discussing a stipulation on the case, showed the submission reviewed by Mint. A stipulation is a formal agreement between opposing parties during a lawsuit regarding a fact or procedure. It means that both parties agree on a fact or a procedure and do not need to discuss or debate it every time in court. Also Read | Why Adani is folding its cement assets into Ambuja now Adani's counsel did not indicate what was the stipulation being discussed with the SEC. The case concerns allegations by US regulators in November 2024 that Gautam Adani and Sagar Adani, among others, paid bribes to government officials in India to secure favourable power-supply contracts for Adani Green Energy Ltd. The regulators claimed that the Adanis lied about the companys anti-bribery policies when raising capital from American investors and did not disclose the alleged bribes they had paid, committing securities fraud. Sullivan & Cromwell and the Adani Group did not immediately respond to Mint's request for a comment. The SEC case The SEC has asked the court for permission to personally email summonses and a copy of the complaint to the Adani kin and their advocates, side-stepping the procedure that requires them to serve these summonses via Indias ministry of law and justice. The US regulator claimed the Indian government twice rejected its request to serve summonses on the Adani kin, citing procedural issues. American laws require that a summons and a copy of the complaint be delivered in person to the accused to apprise them of the case against them. The SEC has claimed that since Gautam Adani has publicly commented on the case and both he and Sagar Adani have also hired law firms to represent them, it can be assumed they are aware of the charges against them. Thus, the regulator sought the courts nod to serve the summonses by email and through their US counsel. Incidentally, Sullivan & Cromwell was not among the law firms the SEC cited as representing Gautam Adani in its filing on 21 January. According to the SEC disclosure, Sagar Adani has hired Hecker Fink Llp, while Gautam Adani has hired two firms Kirkland & Ellis LlP and Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan Llp. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 24 (PTI) Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), which manages the Vizhinjam port, on Saturday said the company will be investing a cumulative 30,000 crore in the development of the seaport. Along with the additional investment of 16,000 crore under phase 2 and a cumulative commitment of 30,000 crore, the port's capacity will be increased from 1 million Twenty lakh equivalent units (TEUs) to 5.7 million TEUs by 2029, he noted. "This is the largest investment committed by any business house in the state of Kerala. Vizhinjam will emerge as the largest transshipment port in the Indian subcontinent and a globally competitive maritime hub," he said while speaking at the inauguration of the second phase. According to him, apart from being the largest transshipment port, Vizhinjam will also be the most technologically advanced port in India. "It will be the lighthouse of how future Indian ports should operate," he said. In his speech, he also acknowledged the role played by late Kerala CM Oommen Chandy and his successor Pinarayi Vijayan in making the project a success. "It is only right to acknowledge the foundational role played by the late Oommen Chandy, under whose leadership this project was awarded and given its initial momentum. His belief in Vizhinjam as a transformative opportunity for Kerala laid the groundwork for what we see taking shape today. "This continuity of vision has been carried forward with exceptional resolve under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Citigroup is expected to announce a fresh round of lay off in March this year, shortly after the American bank decided to slash around 1,000 jobs in January, according to news agency Reuters. The new wave of job cuts is expected to be carried out after bonuses are paid, the sources told the agency, although they did not specify the scale or location of the previously unreported plans. This development comes as Citi CEO Jane Fraser continues to work on her sweeping turnaround plan, which is designed to cut costs, fix regulatory problems and boost profits to help the bank catch up with rivals. Who are likely to be impacted? The March layoffs are likely to mainly impact managing directors and senior employees across different parts of the bank, according to one of the sources. Some senior managers have already been moved to other divisions to keep their roles before the staff cuts begin, the agency report noted. The latest round of layoff which happened this month also affected several senior employees, the second source told Reuters. Bank to continue the wave of job cuts Citigroup said in a statement earlier this month that the bank will continue to reduce staff headcount in 2026. These changes reflect adjustments were making to ensure our staffing levels, locations and expertise align with current business needs; efficiencies we have gained through technology; and progress against our Transformation work, which is nearing target state, it said. Chief Financial Officer Mark Mason also revealed during the latest earnings call on 14 January that Citi's workforce reduced from 240,000 in 2022 to 226,000 employees by the end of last year. We have been reducing headcount and expect that trend to continue as we take a step back and look at the trajectory of our expense base, Mason told analysts in a separate earnings call, highlighting the $800 million expense related to severance last year. CEO Jane Fraser's strategy The fresh rounds of layoffs, along with another reorganization announced in November, are all parts of Fraser's turnaround strategy. Fraser, who became the CEO in 2021, received a one-time $25 million equity award for progress on her turnaround plan and was elected as chair of the board in October. In 2023 and 2024 the company publicly announced major layoffs as it was reducing management layers and selling assets, but the latest headcount reductions are being done more discreetly, as per the agency report. IT major Infosys is gathering data on household electricity consumption of employees with the aim to offset its impact through higher clean energy output as part of a sustainability programme the company has been implementing for more than 15 years, according to a report by the Economic Times (ET). Under the companys hybrid work policy, employees primarily work remotely but must be physically present in the office for a minimum of 10 days each month. Infosys' Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jayesh Sanghrajka informed employees via email that the company has initiated the work-from-home electricity usage survey and encouraged them to take a few minutes to respond, the report said. What did the CFO say? With hybrid work becoming an integral part of our operations, the environmental impact of our work increasingly extends beyond our campuses and into our homes. Electricity consumed while working from home also contributes towards Infosys' greenhouse gas emission footprint. As we seek to enhance and update our reporting methodology, obtaining accurate data on current work-from-home energy usage is essential to our ongoing efforts, the report quoted the CFO. Sanghrajka informed the employees that their answers would help the company to measure our impact more precisely and design effective sustainability initiatives. Infosys decreased per capita energy consumption According to the report, the Bengaluru-based company with more than 300,000 employees highlighted that it views sustainability not as a goal but as a shared responsibility. The CFO also said that the company has demonstrated its commitment through achievements. It has achieved carbon neutrality ahead of international deadlines, decreased per capita energy consumption by 55% since 2008, and sourced approximately 77% of its electricity from renewable sources last year. Survey seeks to raise awareness, Infosys employees say Some employees told the news portal that the survey aimed to raise awareness of energy conservation and the efficient use of electricity. Infosys has also encouraged employees to implement energy-saving practices at home, noting that its buildings use 50-60% less electricity than traditional ones. The questions inquire about the usage of electrical appliances, fans, air conditioners, heaters, and the wattage of lights, as well as whether employees use solar power at home, the report said. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's annual Shanghai visit for employee celebrations is likely to lead to a Beijing detour after the company's H200 chips faced surprise import restrictions from Chinese customs authorities last week, according to a Reuters report. The agency cited a source say that Jensen Huang is in Shanghai on a routine trip, to attend annual celebrations with employees in China on 24 January. However, another source told Reuters that the next part of his trip includes travel to Beijing, Shenzhen and Taiwan. The report said that Nvidia did not respond to queries on the matter. It added that Jensen Huang's presence in Shanghai was first reported by Chinese publication Tencent News on 23 January. Also Read | This Nvidia director is leaving board with stock gains of 22,000% US, China sensitive on chips: Will ban be lifted? Notably, in 2025, the chipmaker's chief travelled to China at least three times amid United States President Donald Trump's ban on export of US chips into the eastern country. Later in July last year, he also met China's commerce minister, the report added. In December, Donald Trump allowed the Santa Clara, California-based Nvidia to export its H200 chips to the Chinese markets, following months of lobbying by Jensen Huang with the Trump administration and Chinese officials. A source last week told the Financial Times that Nvidia has been caught by surprise by the restrictions as its early shipments arrived in Hong Kong during the week. Now, concerns are rising that it is the Chinese authorities who will block shipments, two sources told FT. China imposes customs restrictions on chip shipments: What happened? As per the FT report, Chinese customs authorities told a logistics company in Shenzhen last week that Nvidia's H200 chips are not allowed into country. There was no reason given for the block, nor indication of whether this is a temporary step or permanent ban, a source told the publication. Sources further said that domestic tech companies have been warned against buying Nvidia chips and told to prioritise domestic options instead, This has led to tech giants like Tencent, Alibaba and ByteDance debating limited purchase of H200 chips only for projects that require higher performance and easier maintenance. (With inputs from Agencies) Titan Engineering & Automation Ltd (TEAL) is sharpening its growth strategy as global trade disruptions, tariff shocks and supply-chain realignments force manufacturers to rethink where critical equipment and high-precision components should be made. US tariffs, Europes shift away from China and Indias push into semiconductors, solar and batteries are opening opportunities for companies that can build the equipment these industries need. For TEAL, a Titan Company subsidiary with deep capabilities in automation and precision manufacturing, this convergence of global pressure points and domestic policy momentum is shaping its next phase of expansion. This is probably the best time for manufacturing in this country," said Sridhar N.P., managing director and chief executive of TEAL. Unfortunately, it has come many years later than it should have, but better late than never. We are seeing industries where the entire value chain is coming in together. I do not know if this has ever happened elsewhere, where the whole ecosystem is being set up in two years." Even as India steps up investment in production capabilities across semiconductors, solar, batteries and electronics manufacturing, most of the equipment used in these sectors continues to be imported from China. TEAL sees an opportunity to emerge as a domestic alternative in selected equipment categories where its automation and precision engineering capabilities apply. But changes are not restricted to the domestic market. Trump-era tariffs and broader geopolitical uncertainty have pushed companies globally to reassess supply chains and manufacturing footprints. While this expands opportunities for firms such as TEAL, it also raises questions around how prolonged trade tensions could shape future investment and market access. Global disruption as opportunity TEAL operates across two businesses. One designs and builds automation equipment for high-volume manufacturing. The other manufactures high-precision components, primarily for global aerospace customers. While the manufacturing services business, which is heavily focused on aerospace, has significant exposure to the US, the automation business has a very limited presence in that market. Although the company is keen to eventually scale its automation business in North America, tariff uncertainty has led it to pause expansion plans for now. TEAL incorporated a US subsidiary several years ago, but Sridhar acknowledged that the company has not done much on that front. North America is definitely an area of focus, but we are waiting and watching how we would want to do that (expand in the US market)," he said. On the automation front, we hardly export anything to the US, so that hasnt been impacted, but it has impacted our North American strategy." Sridhar clarified that aerospace manufacturing exports have not been affected by tariffs, largely because of long-term contracts and deep customer relationships. About 95% of TEALs manufacturing services output is export-oriented, with the US as a key market. Europe, meanwhile, presents a different dynamic. While industrial demand there has softened in the near term, structural factors are pushing European manufacturers to diversify supply chains away from China and towards alternative partners. Defence and aerospace spending in Europe is expected to rise sharply, but building capacity locally remains expensive. According to Nithin Chandra, senior partner at consulting firm Kearney, this creates a natural pull towards India. Europe will see a sharp increase in defence and aerospace spending, but creating capacity there is costly," he said. That naturally pushes sourcing towards Asia, and India is viewed far more favourably than China as a long-term partner." Sridhar added that even as the US and Europe push to bring manufacturing closer to home, high labour costs in these regions make automation unavoidable rather than optional. This, he said, opens up a different operating model for automation suppliers, where proximity matters but full localisation is not essential. The same model that worked really well for the software industry can work for automation as well," he said, referring to an offshoreonsite approach. In this model, core design, engineering and equipment manufacturing can be done in India, with machines shipped overseas and final commissioning and tuning carried out on site. If you do this model well, there is a very unique way in which we can render solutions," he said. The India factor Even so, it is the Indian opportunity that excites TEAL the most. The government has been actively building a policy framework to reduce import dependence and attract technology-led manufacturing across semiconductors, electronics and new-energy sectors. The flagship India Semiconductor Mission, backed by roughly 76,000 crore in incentives, supports end-to-end semiconductor manufacturing, from design and fabrication to packaging and testing, with fiscal support of up to 50% of project cost for approved fabs and related infrastructure. Similar policy support has been extended to solar manufacturing and electronics production. Industry, too, has responded. Intel and the Tata Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to localise semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging in India, with Tatas semiconductor projects, including a fabrication plant and an OSAT facility, collectively valued at an estimated $14 billion. In parallel, electronics manufacturing services players are expanding local assembly and testing capacity, while solar and battery manufacturers are investing upstream into cells, wafers and ingots, signalling a shift towards full-stack technology manufacturing in India. India has seen manufacturing booms before, most notably in the automotive sector. But Sridhar argues the current cycle is fundamentally different in both speed and structure. For instance, the automotive industry evolved gradually. India began by assembling vehicles using imported components. As volumes grew and incomes rose, suppliers followed, and over decades India built a balanced ecosystem where engines, tyres and systems are manufactured locally. In semiconductors and solar, that progression is being compressed dramatically. In semiconductors, everything is coming together," Sridhar said. From silicon ingots to wafers, to fabs, to packaging and final ICs (integrated circuits). Massive investments are being made across the entire value chain at the same time." A similar transformation is visible in solar manufacturing, among other sectors. What is not coming along is equipment," Sridhar said. Whether it is semiconductor or whether it is solar, all the equipment today is coming in from China." Key Takeaways Global trade disruptions and tariff uncertainty are accelerating supply-chain realignments, creating fresh openings for Indian automation and precision-engineering firms like TEAL. TEAL is positioning itself as a domestic alternative for imported manufacturing equipment in semiconductors, solar and batteries, While aerospace exports remain resilient due to long-term contracts, tariff uncertainty has slowed TEALs automation expansion plans in North America. Domestic demand is now driving TEALs automation business, with India accounting for about 70% of revenue Also Read | Tata Power planning 10 GW solar wafer and ingot capacity: CEO TEAL is not attempting to become a maker of core semiconductor process tools or proprietary chemistry. That, Sridhar said, would be unrealistic. Instead, the company is targeting downstream and adjacent equipment where automation and precision engineering matter most. This includes assembly automation, material handling, packaging equipment and discrete manufacturing systems for semiconductors, solar and electronics manufacturing services. The same logic extends to batteries, where India is building manufacturing capacity under production-linked incentives, but equipment and technology remain largely imported. According to Kearneys Chandra, this is a pragmatic strategy. Becoming a full-fledged equipment OEM in semiconductors is extremely hard," he said. Having said that, being a trusted component or subsystem supplier is a much more logical and scalable path, especially if done through partnerships." Two businesses, two growth paths TEALs strategy is anchored in its twin businesses, which face very different demand dynamics. The manufacturing services business is centred on high-precision components, primarily for aerospace. Much of the output from this segment is export-oriented, supplying critical parts used in commercial aircraft systems such as engine starters, air-management systems and thrust-reversal mechanisms. This business has proven resilient even amid global disruption. My aerospace (and defence) customers have not stopped taking from us," Sridhar said. It is a very sticky business. In aerospace, you do not take short-term decisions because the ramifications on the supply chain are very high." Long qualification cycles and switching costs mean aerospace supply chains tend to look beyond short-term tariff changes. Also Read | Defence, aerospace firms have designs on niche engineers from IITs The automation business tells a different story. While it was evenly split between domestic and export markets last year, the balance has shifted decisively towards India. This year, about 70% of automation revenue is expected to be domestic, with exports accounting for the rest. While international opportunity is also growing, we see a far greater opportunity in India," said Sridhar. View Full Image Turnkey assembly of machines happening at Tata Engineering's Hosur plant. (Mint) Competitive landscape and where TEAL fits TEAL operates in an industrial automation market dominated by multinational players. Companies such as Siemens India, ABB India, Schneider Electric India, Rockwell Automation India and Honeywell Automation India supply standardised platforms across industries. Globally, Siemens AG reported about 78.9 billion (approximately 7 trillion) in revenue in FY 2025, underscoring the scale of these players. In India, subsidiaries of these firms have built large businesses on enterprise relationships and broad portfolios. Honeywell Automation India, for instance, reported total revenue of 4,189.6 crore in FY25. Alongside them is a smaller group of Indian specialists, including robotics firms such as Addverb Technologies and GreyOrange, and aerospace component suppliers such as Aequs, Dynamatic Technologies and Sigma Advanced Systems. TEAL sits between these categories. With FY25 revenue of about 860 crore, it is far smaller than multinational leaders but among the more scaled Indian engineering specialists. Automation contributes a little over 60% of revenue, with manufacturing services accounting for the rest. Sridhar said both manufacturing services and automation equipment businesses will continue to see investment, particularly in factories and new technologies. The company is also looking to set up facilities in East Asia to better serve electronics equipment customers in the region, while investing in capabilities such as lasers, vision systems, robotics, high-speed automation and new-energy applications, especially batteries. Chandra believes TEAL is well-positioned to benefit from emerging domestic and global opportunities. This is a long-cycle opportunity," he said. If semiconductors, solar, batteries and aerospace scale the way they are expected to, suppliers with deep engineering capability will compound over a decade or more." Chipmaker and $4 trillion company Nvidia Corporation in a filing on 23 January (Friday) informed the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (US SEC) that director Persis Drell is leaving its board to pursue a new professional opportunity, as per a Bloomberg report. She is leaving with about 1,43,000 Nvidia shares worth around $26 million as per the latest holdings report a 22,000% jump since she joined the board over 10 years back, according to a CNBC report. According to the Bloomberg report, the filing did not disclose what new professional move Drell is making but sought to clarify the resignation was not acrimonious. The filing said she is not leaving due to any disagreement with the company on any matter relating to the companys operations, policies or practices. Spokespeople for the CEO Jensen Huang-led Nvidia did not immediately respond to queries on the matter, it added. How much Nvidia shares does Persis Drell hold? As a member of the board of Nvidia, she was on Santa Clara, California-based chipmakers compensation committee. She joined the board in 2015, it added. CNBC cited Nvidia's annual report to state that Drell leaves with 1,43,000 Nvidia shares worth $26 million, and her salary for last year on the board was $3,44,000, including $2,59,000 in stock awards. In 2025, Drell sold some 40,000 of Nvidia shares, it added. Notably, Nvidia's stock price has jumped 22,000% since 2015 end as it has risen to become the world's most valuable company. The report added that Drell's resignation is only the second on Nvidia's board after astronaut Ellen Ochoa departed her seat in June. The board now has 10 directors, including CEO Jensen Huang. Who is Persis Drell? All we know According to the Bloomberg report, Persis Drell is a professor of physics, materials science and engineering at California's Stanford University, besides serving as provost for the educational institution. It added that as per Nvidia's 2025 proxy filing, she is 69 years old. According to the report by CNBC, Drell has been a professor at Stanford University since 2002. She was dean of the University's engineering school for four years (2014 to 2017) and was Stanfords provost for eight years (2017 to 2023). Drell was also director of Stanfords particle accelerator, called the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center or SLAC for six years (2007 to 2012). (With inputs from Bloomberg) MANILA, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- A fire tore through a residential area in the Philippines' Makati City early Saturday, killing two elderly residents and injuring six others, the local fire protection bureau said. The blaze broke out on the second floor of a house and spread rapidly through the densely populated community within minutes, the bureau reported. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly five hours before declaring the fire under control and eventually extinguishing it. Arson investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire, while authorities are also assessing the extent of damage to properties in the affected area. Anupam Mittal, an entrepreneur and popular Shark Tank judge, has defended founders and chief executives officers who step down from their posts, calling it a sign of maturity, saying it is not a failure. In a LinkedIn post, Mittal said that the long-held idea that a founder must also remain CEO is outdated, a belief he noted many Indian founders have followed for years. Mittal's remarks came shortly after Deepinder Goyal stepped down as Managing Director and CEO of Eternal, the parent entity of food-delivery platform Zomato and quick-commerce firm Blinkit. Why is resigning after a point crucial? Mittal explains The Founder and CEO of People Group said that startups today are growing faster than founders can grow as managers. He added that systems which work for a team of 10 often fail at 100, while those that work for 100 employees may break at 1,000. Most founders are great at 0 to 1 and 1 to 10. But beyond a certain growth curve, companies need a different skill set, he said. Also Read | Shark Tank India judge Anupam Mittal's job loss warning Mittal also noted that in global markets, it is common for founders step aside and let professional CEOs take over. He said such as practice is encouraged because the company benefits from it, the founder retains the upside, and in most cases, shareholders are better off. In India we dramatize this as fired, failure & even fraud. Most of the time it is none of that he asserted, adding that making oneself replaceable should be one of the key goals of every founder. Mittal further noted the approach of founders stepping aside is what helped companies such as Google, Apple and Microsoft become enduring industry leaders. He further emphasised that, more often than not, it simply reflects the founder's choice to prioritise what is best for the company. Why did Deepinder Goyal step down from Eternal? Earlier this week, Deepinder Goyal stepped down from his position to pursue a new set of ideas he has felt drawn to for quite some time. Explaining why he stepped down as the CEO, Deepinder Goyal mentioned in his letter to shareholders that he has lately felt drawn to a new set of ideas that involve risks and experiments, which are only possible outside the company. His resignation also comes amid intense public debate over gig work and labour conditions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticised European countries for failing to impose duties on India while addressing tariffs levied on New Delhi under the Donald Trump administration. Our virtue-signalling European allies refused to do it (impose tariffs) because they wanted to sign this big trade deal with India, Bessent said in an interview with Politico. His remarks come amid ongoing negotiations between the European Union (EU) and India on their free trade agreement (FTA), which is likely to conclude on 27 January (Tuesday), according to a Reuters report. The agreement will likely result in reduced tariffs on European cars and wine and an expanded market for the Indian electronics, textiles and chemicals sectors, the report said. Tensions between the US and its European allies arose over Trump's plans to acquire Greenland. Earlier, the US President threatened to impose tariffs on European countries, then backed down. Accusations against Europe Bessent alleged that Europe is financing Russias war through the purchase of oil refined in India. But in the ultimate act of irony and stupidity, guess who was buying the refined products from the Indian .refineries made from Russian oil. the Europeans. They are financing the war against themselves, he said. When questioned about calling the Europeans stupid, Bessent said, I said there was an act of stupidity. Also Read | Will EU revive US trade deal? Leaders heave sigh of relief but warns Trump Tariffs on India have been a success, says Bessent US Treasury Secretary highlighted that there is a path to eliminate the 25% tariff on New Delhi's imports of Russian oil. Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India, including a 25% tariff on its Russian oil purchases, impacting the bilateral relationship. Describing the tariffs imposed on India as a success, Bessent said, We put 25% tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. And the Indian purchases by their refineries of Russian oil have collapsed. So that is a success. The tariffs are still on. The 25% Russian oil tariffs are still on." He added, I would imagine that there is a path to take them off. So that's a check and a huge success." India increased Russian oil imports after Ukraine war, claims Bessent According to Bessent, India started importing and refining more oil from Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. Before the Ukraine invasion, approximately 2 per cent or 3 per cent of Indian oil that went into their refineries came from Russia. The oil was sanctioned. It got deeply discounted and moved up into the high teens- 17,18,19 per cent was being refined. Huge profits from the refiners, he said. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted that there could be a path to roll back the 25% additional tariffs on India, claiming that the nation's purchases of Russian oil have significantly dropped due to the levies imposed by the Trump administration, calling it a "huge success." "We put a 25 per cent tariff on India for buying Russian oil, and the Indian purchases by their refineries of Russian oil have collapsed. So that is a success. The tariffs are still on. I would imagine there is a path to take them off, so that's a check and a huge success", Bessent told Politico. In August last year, Trump had issued an order slapping an additional 25% tariff on imports from India, citing the countrys alleged direct and indirect import of oil from the Russian Federation with the combined tariffs amounting to 50%. Bessent dropped the hint about rolling back the additional 25% tariffs at Davos, during a conversation with Politico, amid discussions in the US Congress on a proposed bill that could impose a 500% duty on countries buying Russian oil. Bessent's claims at Davos In his conversation with Politico, Bessent claimed that Indian purchases of Russian oil have "collapsed" due to US tariffs, hinting that, while tariffs remain in place a diplomatic "path" exists to remove them, provided India shifts its energy sourcing and asserted that these trade measures provide tangible benefits to the American economy. Delhi, however, has maintained its India First energy policy, despite the proposed Russia Sanctions Bill emphasising that India's priority is securing affordable energy for its 1.4 billion citizens. What is the Russia Sanctions Bill? In January, US Senator Lindsey Graham announced that US President Donald Trump has given a green light to the bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill, which would give leverage against India, China, and Brazil to stop them from purchasing Russian oil and punish the countries "fuelling Putin's war machine". Earlier, Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal, said that New Delhi is aware of the bill and is closely monitoring developments. "We are aware of the proposed bill. We are closely following the developments," Jaiswal said during a weekly press briefing. Bessent also criticised European countries for buying refined Russian oil from India, saying they're "financing the war against themselves," labelling their trade behaviour an "act of irony and stupidity." He further claimed that the EU is "virtue signalling" by avoiding similar tariffs on India to protect the upcoming EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA). "I will also point out that our virtue signalling European allies refused to do it because they wanted to sign this big trade deal with India," he added. EU-India proposed FTA Bessent's criticism of EU comes days ahead of the EU-India summit, with a Free Trade Agreement in the works, described as "the mother of all deals" by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a historic agreement covering a market of 2 billion people and 25% of global GDP. von der Leyen is scheduled to visit New Delhi next weekend to finalise the deal, signalling that Europe views India as an indispensable economic partner, despite the Russian oil controversy. Netflixs new Korean romantic comedy Can This Love Be Translated? has become a global streaming sensation in its first week on the platform, drawing praise from fans and critics alike. The series blends humour, emotion and international visuals as it explores a love story that crosses linguistic and cultural boundaries. Since its release on 16 January 2026, the show has been dominating Netflixs worldwide rankings, underlining the continued global appetite for Korean drama. Can This Love Be Translated tops Netflix charts In its opening week, the 12-episode series tallied an impressive 40,00,000 views and more than 5,32,00,000 hours viewed globally, according to Netflixs official data for the period 1319 January. These figures were strong enough to propel the show into Netflixs Global Top 10 TV Series chart, where it ranked highly across multiple countries. The numbers reflect a rapid rise in popularity, with audiences around the world tuning in shortly after the full season dropped. View full Image Netflix K-Drama Can This Love Be Translated tops global charts in debut week. More about the show Can This Love Be Translated? stars Kim Seon-ho as Joo Ho-jin, a multilingual interpreter who helps others communicate across language divides but finds himself struggling with his own emotional connections. His life changes when he is assigned to accompany global superstar Cha Mu-hee, played by Go Youn-jung, on an international reality dating show. Ho-jins journey takes him from mundane daily life into a series of culturally rich settings across Tokyo, Canada and Europe, where the boundaries between professional duty and personal feelings begin to blur. Audience reception to the show Fans have been particularly enthusiastic about the chemistry between the two leads, praising the way their interactions evolve from awkward beginnings to moments charged with genuine warmth and connection. Social media platforms have been filled with clips and praise from viewers who highlight the performers nuanced portrayals and the emotional depth of the storyline. Many comments note that the series transcends languages, in keeping with its central theme. The series was written by the acclaimed Hong sisters Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran known for their work on popular dramas such as Youre Beautiful, Hotel del Luna and Alchemy of Souls. Their script for Can This Love Be Translated? balances light-hearted comedy with reflective moments about vulnerability, identity and connection. Critics have noted that while the romantic comedy format is familiar, the international settings and multicultural focus give this series a fresh feel. Visually, the show is striking. Filming locations include the bright cityscapes of Tokyo, the autumnal beauty of Canadian cities such as Vancouver and Toronto, and close-up vistas that capture the everyday emotions of the characters. These backdrops are not merely decorative; they underscore the shows thematic focus on cultural bridges and emotional common ground. The series uses these varied settings to reinforce that connection and misunderstanding can coexist in beautiful, sometimes challenging ways. In terms of international appeal, Can This Love Be Translated? has performed strongly across Asia, topping charts in countries including South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam during its first week. It has also made notable inroads into Western markets such as the United States and Canada, where Netflix users have added it to their top-10 lists. This cross-regional success highlights the global reach of Korean drama in the streaming era. Washington DC [US], January 24 (ANI): Canadian rapper Drake has filed an appeal after a federal judge dismissed his alleged defamation lawsuit last year, which was linked to Kendrick Lamar's song Not Like Us, PEOPLE reported. According to PEOPLE, Drake had sued Universal Music Group (UMG) over the release and promotion of the track, claiming the lyrics harmed his reputation and safety. The song, released in May 2024 during a public feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, included a line calling Drake a "certified pedophile" and stating that he should be "placed on neighborhood watch." In October 2025, a judge in New York ruled that the lyrics were not defamatory. The court stated that the song was part of a "heated rap battle" and that a reasonable listener would not take the words as proven facts. Now, in new court papers filed on Wednesday, January 21, Drake's lawyers argue that the ruling is "dangerous." They contend that the judge's decision sets a precedent that rap lyrics can never be treated as statements of fact. "The court effectively created an unprecedented and overbroad categorical rule that statements in rap diss tracks can never constitute statements of fact," the court documents state. Drake's lawyer, Michael J. Gottlieb, wrote that many people believed the song to be true, which damaged Drake's image worldwide. He argued that calling someone a "certified pedophile" is one of the most serious accusations that can be made and could put someone in danger. "... If rap diss tracks cannot contain statements of fact, then they are inoculated from any liability for defamation--no matter how direct and damaging the defamatory statements they contain," attorney Michael J. Gottlieb wrote in one filing. "This case illustrates that." However, in her earlier ruling in October last year, the judge noted that both artists used strong and harsh language during their feud. According to PEOPLE, she stated that this context made it clear that people would expect insults and exaggeration, rather than actual facts. "The recording was published as part of a heated public feud, in which both participants exchanged progressively caustic, inflammatory insults and accusations," Vargas said. "This is precisely the type of context in which an audience may anticipate the use of epithets, fiery rhetoric, or hyperbole rather than factual assertions." Drake's team has announced plans to fight the decision and seek a review from the appeals court. "We intend to appeal today's ruling, and we look forward to the Court of Appeals reviewing it," a representative for Drake said in a statement to PEOPLE at the time. Lawyers for UMG have until March 27 to respond. Japanese filmmaker Kei Ishikawa has drawn international attention with his screen adaptation of A Pale View of Hills, the 1982 debut novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro. The film, which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section and has been featured at other major festivals, explores memory, trauma and the enduring effects of history on family life. The project is an international co-production involving Japan, the United Kingdom and Poland, and is scheduled for wider release in the UK and Ireland in 2026. It stars Suzu Hirose, Fumi Nikaido, Yoh Yoshida and Camilla Aiko. In a recent interview with Mint, Ishikawa outlined the central theme he wanted to bring to the film. He said that the most important idea was how memory is shaped not by objective truth, but by guilt, love, and the need to survive. Read excerpts from the interview: What was the most important theme you wanted to highlight in your adaptation of A Pale View of Hills, especially regarding memory and family across generations? The central theme I wanted to explore was how memory is shaped by guilt, love, and the need to survive, rather than by objective truth. In A Pale View of Hills, memory is not something stable or reliableit is something we reconstruct in order to keep living. I was particularly interested in how trauma and unspoken pain are passed down across generations, often without words. The film looks at a mother and daughter, but also at how historywar, migration, and losssilently inhabits family relationships. What is remembered, what is forgotten, and what is unconsciously rewritten all become part of how a family continues to exist. Rather than asking whether the memories are true or false, I wanted the audience to feel why a person needs to remember things in a certain way. How did you balance staying true to Kazuo Ishiguros novel while also adding your own directorial vision to the story? Kazuo Ishiguros novel has a very restrained surface, but underneath it there is deep emotional violence and ambiguity. My priority was to remain faithful to the novels emotional logic, rather than its literal structure. At the same time, cinema requires different tools. I introduced my own perspective by emphasizing physical presence, silence, and visual memorythings that cannot be fully expressed through language. I was careful not to explain too much. Like the novel, the film invites the audience to sense what is missing. I see adaptation not as translation, but as a dialogue across time, culture, and medium. I tried to listen closely to what the novel was whispering, and then respond to it honestly as a filmmaker. How do you usually choose the stories you want to tell in your films? Im drawn to stories where people are emotionally trapped, often by family roles or social expectations. I dont choose stories because they are dramatic on the surface, but because they contain quiet contradictionsmoments where characters dont fully understand themselves. If a story makes me uncomfortable or forces me to question my own assumptions, thats usually a sign its worth pursuing. About the novel The novel, which spans post-war Nagasaki in the 1950s and England in the 1980s, centres on Etsuko, a Japanese woman now living in England who reflects on her life as a young wife and mother in Nagasaki. Her recollections of past events and relationships reveal the psychological legacy of loss and heartbreak, interwoven with collective historical trauma following the atomic bombing. In the book, these reflections are deeply personal and ambiguous, inviting the reader to question what is remembered and what is forgotten. When Venezuela booted out American oil companies in a nationalization campaign nearly two decades ago, China stepped in. Now, Beijings foothold there is in doubt as the U.S. asserts new power over Venezuelas oil patch. Chinese government-owned oil companies hold claims to more than 4 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil, nearly five times as much as the only U.S. major that today produces in the South American nation, Chevron. Beijings production deals, oil rigs and debt-backed supply arrangements have long bought it enormous sway in Venezuelaall of it now suddenly subject to the Trump administrations preferences. The Chinese producers expanded their claims in the aftermath of a 2007 Venezuelan nationalization drive that pushed out Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips. China quickly emerged as a financier, equipment supplier and political partner in what Caracas called an iron brotherhood" that until now insulated it from U.S. pressure. Since orchestrating the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro this month, President Trump has welcomed China to continue buying Venezuelan oil, so long as Beijing pays market prices. Nearly all of the countrys paltry output in recent years had ultimately flowed there in largely black-market purchases, at a steep discount to global prices. Trump has yet to articulate a position on the more strategic Chinese presence in the Venezuelan oil industry as a producer and claimant to reservoirs of crude in the ground, some of which are adjacent to blocks Caracas took from American producers. Chinas embassy in Washington said its assets in Venezuela are governed by international law and benefit both nations. China will take all necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests in Venezuela," a spokesman said. Chinese oil companies didnt respond to requests for comment. The White House and Energy Department declined to comment on Chinese oil production in Venezuela. The future of Chinas oil companies in Venezuelas oil industry is up in the air," said Erica Downs, a Chinese energy-policy specialist at Columbia University. While Venezuela sits on the planets largest oil reservesholding more than Saudi Arabiaits sludge-like petroleum from regions like the Orinoco Belt is expensive and technically difficult to extract. In speaking about Chinas presence in Venezuela this month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the administrations national-security strategy to deny non-Hemispheric competitors" control of the regions vital assets. You cannot continue to have the largest oil reserves in the world under the control of adversaries of the United States," Rubio told NBCs Meet the Press on Jan. 4. Still, the security strategy of squeezing Beijing out of the region may bump up against some other Trump priorities, starting with a desire to jump-start Venezuelas oil-dominated economy. The president has also been at pains to maintain a working relationship with Chinese leader Xi Jinping ahead of a planned Beijing summit in April. U.S. oil executives recently offered a lukewarm response to the presidents request for $100 billion to rebuild the sector. Exxon Chief Executive Darren Woods called the country currently uninvestable." Oil sovereignty China was desperate for oil when the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez in 2007 stood under a banner that read Full Oil Sovereignty, the Road to Socialism." As ConocoPhillips and Exxon refused to cede control of fields they had developed, Beijing jumped at the chance to buy in. The Chinese economy at the time was blisteringly hot and on its way to topping the world in energy consumption, and Beijing was frantic to lock in what it called energy security. After Exxon left its Orinoco Belt operations near the Amazon, government-owned China National Petroleum joined Venezuelan state-run company Petroleos de Venezuela, or PdVSA, as a minority partner there in a venture known as Sinovensa that is now Chinas biggest production base in Venezuela. Another Chinese major, Sinopec, grabbed offshore lots in the Gulf of Paria, near where ConocoPhillips had operated. Through joint ventures with PdVSA, Chinas state-owned giants Sinopec and CNPC claim rights to an estimated 4.4 billion barrels of oil in the ground, versus Chevrons 900 million, according to research by Wood Mackenzie and Morgan Stanley Research. Despite Chinas oil claims, it remains a small producer compared with Chevron, generating no more than 15% of Venezuelan output of under 1 million barrels a day. Indeed, some key Chinese holdings stand dormant, an illustration of controlling shareholder PdVSAs dysfunction under Maduro that has eroded daily production from over 3 million barrels a day in the 1990s. Immediately before Maduros ouster on Jan. 3, China was the indirect importer of more than 80% of Venezuelas oil exports, enjoying fire-sale pricing because sanctions on Caracas diminished its customer base. Though U.S. intervention has now disrupted that trade, along with a shadow fleet of tankers that transported the oil, the impact on China is limited because Venezuelan crude satisfied a single-digit share of its approximately 11 million barrels in daily imports. Mixed messages What could be problematic for Beijing is Trumps assertion of U.S. control on the money generated by Venezuelan exports, particularly if whatever new sales mechanism Washington might approve unravels an oil-for-debt-relief arrangement that has for years governed China-Venezuelan trade. Venezuela owes at least $10 billion to China, its largest creditor. Beijing has sent mixed messages about its production in Venezuela. Today, China has a broad array of reliable energy suppliers including Russia and Saudi Arabia, even as it could hit peak oil demand within this decade as electric vehicles crowd out gasoline-powered cars. Sinopec last February reached a deal to sell significant Venezuelan assets to a U.S. investor, former Chevron executive Ali Moshiris Amos Global Energy Management. Amos, which didnt respond to requests for comment, has provided few details on the transaction for the Gulf of Paria holdings. A clutch of small Chinese companies in recent years have stepped into Venezuela production deals, including one that several months ago floated a sophisticated new drilling platform onto Lake Maracaibo, a major production area. Chinese customs data also show a surge of exports last year of oil sector equipment to Venezuela, like steel pipe and spare parts for rigs. I really dont see the U.S. pushing China out," said Parsifal DSola Alvarado, who heads the Latin American Chinese Research Center of Bogota-based Andres Bello Foundation. The analyst predicts the Trump administration will look the other way as Chinese production continues, akin to what unfolded in Argentina after it elected as president Beijing critic Javier Milei. Milei doesnt talk about it, but China keeps doing what theyre doing," he said. Write to James T. Areddy at James.Areddy@wsj.com DAVOS, SwitzerlandRising tensions with the U.S. are spurring new plans in Europe to do something that has long seemed impossible: break with American technology in favor of homegrown alternatives. President Trump this week dropped his threat to take control of Greenland by force if necessary. But even the possibility of armed conflict with allies has injected new urgency into long-simmering debates in Europe about how to reduce its reliance on U.S. tech infrastructure and tools that support swaths of the economy. The worst-case scenario for European officials? A White House executive order that cuts off the regions access to data centers or email software that businesses and governments need to function. When you start having these kinds of thoughts, even if theyre just thoughts, you have to start thinking: How would that work?" asked Bernard Liautaud, managing partner of Balderton Capital, a European venture-capital firm. Can you imagine Europe functioning without American technology? Its very hard to imagine." Trumps approach to Greenland has pushed European officials and diplomats to toughen their views on the need for Europe to curb its dependence on the U.S., from tech to defense to trade. The European Parliament on Thursday passed a technological sovereignty" resolution that supports using public procurement criteria to favor European products where possible and proposes new legislation to promote European cloud providers. The European Unions executive arm is currently working on new legislation aimed at promoting tech sovereignty, according to officials familiar with the matter. Security risks posed by American technology have been openly discussed as part of that work, one of the officials said, adding that such talk would have been unthinkable just six months ago. Officials and lawmakers said the blocs focus on tech sovereignty is about curbing dependencies and boosting European companies, not an attempt to ditch American tech entirely. A potential decoupling" of Europe and U.S. tech was a hot topic of discussion among business leaders and policymakers at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, this week. Many said it would be a complex undertaking given the breadth of American tech used, from chips and cloud services to AI models and other software. The scale of Europes dependence on U.S. tech has never been so large, particularly for cloud-computing services from companies including Amazon.com, Google and Microsoft. In 2024, European customers spent nearly $25 billion on infrastructure services from the top five U.S. cloud companies, or 83% of the total market in Europe, according to research firm IDC. Big European companies should use European software," Nicolas Dufourcq, head of French state-owned investment bank Bpifrance, said in a television interview Thursday. Choosing American digital technology by default is too easy and must stop." While Europe helped lead the mobile-phone revolution with companies including Nokia and Ericsson, the continent has lagged behind the U.S. and China in the internet agefailing to produce tech giants on the same scale. Over the years, European governments helped finance or promote multiple homegrown search engines but found little traction to rival Google. Many European entrepreneurs blame Europes plight on a risk-averse culture, fragmented market and onerous regulations. That is in large part why the EU is now trying to relax some of its digital rules, though progress has so far been slow. European efforts to escape U.S. tech dominance for privacy or commercial reasons have been a recurring theme for decades. The issue heated up in 2013, after former U.S. National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden leaked information about U.S. surveillance practicespurportedly including data at U.S. tech giants. The episode was cited when the EUs top court struck down a trans-Atlantic data-sharing deal. In 2018, under the first Trump administration, European companies and policymakers again expressed concern after the U.S. passed a law that explicitly granted law enforcement the authority to request data that American cloud providers have stored overseas. In both cases, U.S. companies managed to keep and even increase their European market share by building more data centers to house clients data on European soil and pledging not to send it elsewhere. In recent years, the tech companies have gone further, adding options to store data with subsidiaries or partners under European controlsomething European executives in Davos said they are seeking. Since Trumps re-election, European officials have asked some American cloud providers to ensure that their customers in key sectors, such as energy, can easily move their data-center infrastructure to local providers if a U.S. action interrupts their service, people familiar with the matter said. In Germany, Microsoft recently expanded a deal with Delos Clouda subsidiary of SAPto deliver the U.S. companys services under its own ownership and control. Microsoft over the past year has restructured corporate subsidiaries, installed boards filled only with Europeans and taken other steps to establish outposts in the region that can meet customer demands for more localized cloud and AI services, the people added. Amazon last week launched a sovereign cloud" service in Europe, which is run by EU citizens and based in Germany. Google has in recent years also created partnerships with local companies in several European countries for its sovereign cloud service, including a joint venture in France that is fully operated by a local businessinsulating clients from potential American requests to limit access or snoop. But governments havent so far asked for completely domestic setups because they still want to benefit from the technology and scale of working with an array of partners, said Matt Brittin, who until last year ran Googles operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. What theyre really looking for is a degree of control and safety and security," he said. The stakes are high for American tech companies. They exported more than $360 billion in so-called digitally deliverable servicesincluding advertising and artificial-intelligence toolsto Europe in 2024, according to U.S. government data. Google parent Alphabet, for example, generated 29% of its nearly $30 billion in third-quarter revenue from Europe, the Middle East and Africa. U.S. tech giants have also invested significantly in Europe, opening major offices, building infrastructure, acquiring businesses and operating research labs. France and Germany have been particularly vocal about the need to foster tech independence since the new Trump administration began warning European leaders to fall in line behind the U.S. Germanys digital ministry says it is testing an open-source alternative to Microsoft workplace and collaboration tools, called openDesk, both on workstations within the ministry and at some German federal agencies. In November, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hosted a digital-sovereignty summit with France to push for loosening EU tech rules, European preference in tech purchases, and new investments in data centers. French President Emmanuel Macron has made promoting local companies and loosening EU regulations a core tenet of his second term. He has tried to help Mistral AIone of Europes only leading artificial-intelligence developerssecure big corporate customers. He has also sought to attract tens of billions of dollars in AI data centers to France, touting cheap electricity from nuclear power. Our willingness is clearly to do everything we can to build European champions, " Macron said at the German digital-sovereignty summit. This is just a refusal of being a vassal." Write to Sam Schechner at Sam.Schechner@wsj.com, Berber Jin at berber.jin@wsj.com and Kim Mackrael at kim.mackrael@wsj.com The Pentagon stuck a conciliatory tone toward Beijing in its new defense strategy, stating that its overarching goal is to establish strategic stability" in the Indo-Pacific region and deescalate tensions with the Chinese military. The national defense strategy, which was issued Friday night, comes as President Trump is preparing for an expected summit meeting in April with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and as the White House has sought to lower tensions over Taiwan. The Pentagon document also underscores that U.S. pre-eminence in the Western Hemisphere is a priority and signals that the Trump administrations longer-term goal is to reduce its military role in Europe, the Korean peninsula and the Middle East. As U.S. forces focus on Homeland defense and the Indo-Pacific, our allies and partners elsewhere will take primary responsibility for their own defense with critical but more limited support from American forces," it states. The Pentagons strategy in 2018, issued during Trumps first term in the White House, described China in far-harsher terms. It cast China then as a revisionist" power that along with Russia was seeking veto authority over other nations economic, diplomatic and security decisions." In contrast, the Pentagons new strategy document underscores the administrations interest in opening more military-to-military communications with the Chinese military and reducing tensions to establish a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. The goal would be to establish a decent peace, on terms favorable to Americans but that China can also accept and live under." The document, which was reviewed by the White House, was released a day after Trump praised Xi for helping to negotiate a deal to enable TikTok to keep operating in the U.S. The document comes in the midst of a general dialing-down of tensions in advance of the meeting between the two leaders, which the White House hopes might lead to more economic cooperation. The national defense strategy is issued every four years and is intended to build decisions on deploying forces and fielding new weapons. Many of its themes were spelled out in December, when the White House released the national-security strategy, which sharply criticized European leaders and underscored Trumps focus on the Western Hemisphere and the Pacific. The Pentagon strategy doesnt mention Taiwan, the democratically governed island that China claims as its territory, by name. But it states that the U.S. military will erect a strong denial defense along the First Island Chain," a string of islands that includes Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines. Unlike President Joe Biden, Trump hasnt said whether he would use force to defend Taiwan. But the Trump administration has approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, and much of the Pentagons spending and its quest for cutting-edge technology has been touted to try to dissuade Beijing from trying to take over the island and putting pressure on U.S. allies in the region. Write to Michael R. Gordon at michael.gordon@wsj.com With a swift offensive against a Kurdish-led militia last weekend, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa proved himself once again to be a bold military tactician and a gambler willing to risk his relationship with the U.S. to achieve his aims. He ordered the offensive despite threats from Washington that it would reimpose sanctions and the U.S. militarys fears that it could endanger soldiers in the region and lead to the escape of thousands of Islamic State prisoners. In the end, Sharaas gambit paid off. His lieutenants persuaded Arab factions within the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces to switch sides to the government, unraveling the Kurdish-led militia in a matter of days as it pulled back from a swath of northeast Syria. That has far-reaching consequences for Syria and for the Pentagons Middle East footprint. Senior U.S. military officials are now discussing a broader military exit after more than a decade in the country. Once an insurgent fighter in Iraq who was captured by U.S. forces, Sharaa has forged a surprising relationship with the Trump administration, which backed him to avoid a dangerous power vacuum after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in 2024. His latest moves havent cost him that support, though some U.S. lawmakers and military officials remain wary of the Syrian leaders militant past. President Trump on Thursday praised Sharaa for what he said was tremendous progress," adding, I think hes going to put it all together." The takeover of most of northeastern Syria is Sharaas most important strategic victory since he led the rebel offensive against Assads rule in 2024. That attack toppled the regime in just 11 days, ending 13 years of war that killed half a million people and left Syrias cities in ruins. The latest operation broke an impasse after more than a year of negotiations between the SDF and the new Damascus government. The militias leader, Mazloum Abdi, agreed last year to a merger with the new Syrian army. But in U.S.-brokered talks he demanded continued autonomy and preservation of its military units, according to Western diplomats and analysts briefed on the negotiations. Sharaas rapid military moves settled most of the issues on the ground, much as he had before. People misjudged the capacity of this guy. They thought the war against the SDF would take weeks, not hours or days," said Bassam Barabandi, a Syrian diplomat. What happened is they just collapsed. They didnt fight." During more than a decade of fighting in Syria, Sharaa outmaneuvered dozens of other rebel leaders and opponents including more moderate anti-Assad militias who for a time received assistance from the Central Intelligence Agency. He built his influence over the years until he became the top leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Syrias largest rebel group. Weve always said this about him. He takes a lot of risk, and sometimes it backfires," said Dareen Khalifa, a senior adviser at the International Crisis Group who has interviewed Sharaa multiple times. After cutting ties with al Qaeda in 2016 and fighting against Islamic State and other rival groups, Sharaa spent years in hiding in northwest Syrias Idlib province, waiting for an opportunity to strike the regime. He did so when Russia was bogged down in the war in Ukraine and Iran was weakened by Israels military strikes, leaving the regime especially vulnerable. This time Sharaa again assessed that his opponent was weak. The SDF had long shown fissures among the Kurdish, Arab and other factions that made up its force. Arab Syrian residents of major cities under the militias control, including Raqqa and Deir Ezzour, leaned politically toward the new government in Damascus. Yet the victory in the northeast owed more to political moves than military prowess. A number of Sharaas comrades, including his intelligence chief and his foreign minister, are originally from eastern Syria, and he leveraged those connections to areas long controlled by the SDF. Last year he placed a key official, Jihad Issa Al-Sheikh, known by his nom de guerre Abu Ahmed Zakour, in charge of liaison with Arab tribes in the area. He helped persuade one group of tribal fighters to switch sides near Deir Ezzour, according to diplomats and analysts familiar with the situation. In a single weekend the SDF fractured. The tribes helped the government take control of strategic targets, including major Syrian oil fields. A separate offensive by government forces seized control of a major dam on the Euphrates river. They used tribes to create the facts on the ground without initially sending the military in, provoking the collapse of the SDF in Raqqa and Deir Ezzour," said Alexander McKeever, an independent analyst based in Damascus. The withdrawal was so rapid, especially in Deir Ezzour, it seemed catastrophic for the SDF." Sharaa also exploited an opening with the Trump administration, which had brought him to the White House in November and had long wanted an exit plan for the dwindling number of U.S. troops who remain in Syria after more than a decade. Something like this was always going to happen," said Aron Lund, a longtime Syria expert and security analyst at Century International, a policy institute. The balance of forces on the ground very much favors Sharaa." Trumps special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, argued this week that the rationale for backing the SDF no longer existed after the fall of Assad. For years, the U.S. had justified its alliance with the SDF as critical for maintaining pressure on the remnants of Islamic State, including the prisons where thousands of the groups fighters and family members were held under SDF guard. Today, the situation has fundamentally changed," Barrack said in a social-media post. Damascus is now both willing and positioned to take over security responsibilities, including control of ISIS detention facilities and camps." The takeover of the northeast still comes with enormous risks for Sharaa and the nascent government in Damascus. The attack has already galvanized some Kurds in Syria and the wider region against the government. It also carries uncertainty for the U.S. troops at multiple outposts in northeast Syria. Faced with a severely weakened or even dissolved SDF, it isnt clear they can stay in the country, U.S. officials said. During the northeastern offensive, U.S. forces shot down at least one Syrian government drone near one of the bases used by American troops, according to two U.S. officials. Sharaas forces shot up the SDF barracks at the base, one of the officials said. Sharaas biggest challenge may be maintaining discipline among his forces. Any human-rights violations against Kurdish civilians or retreating SDF forces could quickly turn the Syrian public and global opinion against him. Forces allied to the government carried out two other episodes of sectarian violence last year, intensifying pressure on the government to avoid a repeat of those attacks. The U.S. military began transferring thousands of Islamic State prisoners from facilities in northeastern Syria to Iraq on Wednesday, concerned that the former fighters and their family members could escape. Around 7,000 of the 9,000 detainees are being shifted to Iraq, where authorities will take over responsibility for holding them, official said. Write to Jared Malsin at jared.malsin@wsj.com and Lara Seligman at lara.seligman@wsj.com People are seen at a temporary shelter converted from a school as the nearby Mayon Volcano experiences episodic mild magmatic eruptions in Albay Province, the Philippines, Jan. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) by Xinhua writer Zhang Yisheng LEGAZPI CITY, the Philippines, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- On Luzon island, Mayon Volcano stands tall, a nearly perfect cone against the Philippine sky. But these days, its beauty is deceptive. Beneath the surface, the mountain is restless. For the thousands of people living in its shadow, Mayon is no longer just a landmark -- it is a ticking time bomb. Since Jan. 6, the volcano has been under Alert Level 3, signaling "a high level of volcanic unrest." According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the volcano has experienced episodic mild magmatic eruptions. From a rooftop in Legazpi City, the capital of Albay province, one can see thick plumes of ash and steam billowing from the crater. At night, the summit forgoes its darkness, glowing instead with a haunting crimson. Molten rock oozes down the slopes -- streams of lava that resemble an unhealed, fiery scar on the mountainside. As the volcano smolders, the surrounding towns have become a hive of urgent activity. Local authorities have ordered a massive evacuation, and around 4,000 residents have already been compelled to flee their homes within the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone. Roderick Mendoza, chief of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, warned that ashfall has already reached Legazpi City and nearby towns. "We cannot gamble with lives," said Tim Florece, public information officer of Camalig, a town nestled at the base of the restive mountain. "If the activity increases, the alert level will be raised to level 4, meaning more people will be forced to leave." The risks are etched in history. Cagsawa in Daraga, bordering Camalig, was once a thriving settlement until the catastrophic 1814 eruption. Today, only its iconic belfry stands as a silent witness to the volcano's destructive might. As the lava continues its creeping descent, thousands of residents must live in shelters for an indefinite period. They have been packed into classrooms or temporary tents. Children play on the floor while their parents stare toward the volcano, watching the smoke. "We are used to this," said 18-year-old Leonilo Duran, who has shared a single classroom with 33 others for more than three weeks. To pass the time when the mobile signal fails, he sings. "Living with Mayon means adapting to its temper," Duran said. "In the face of nature's power, we have no choice but to adapt." The Philippines, which sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," has more than 20 active volcanoes. For those at the foot of Mayon, life is a delicate tango: one step in awe of nature's masterpiece, the next in survival of its volatile breath. Enditem (Xinhua reporters Guo Yige and Dario Agnote also contributed to the story.) People are seen at a temporary shelter converted from a school as the nearby Mayon Volcano experiences episodic mild magmatic eruptions in Albay Province, the Philippines, Jan. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) Mayon Volcano is seen covered in clouds in Albay Province, the Philippines, Jan. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) Mayon Volcano is seen covered in clouds in Albay Province, the Philippines, Jan. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) People are seen at a temporary shelter converted from a school as the nearby Mayon Volcano experiences episodic mild magmatic eruptions in Albay Province, the Philippines, Jan. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) An elderly woman and a child are seen at a temporary shelter converted from a school as the nearby Mayon Volcano experiences episodic mild magmatic eruptions in Albay Province, the Philippines, Jan. 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali) OTTAWACanada and the Trump administration are locked in a war of words over Prime Minister Mark Carneys bid to chart a new model for smaller powers to fight back against the U.S.s aggressive use of its economic and military might. In the past week, Carney has resolved a trade dispute with Americas biggest strategic competitor, China, and delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland urging smaller powers to unite against economic coercion from the worlds great powers. The moves drew cheers at home and abroad as a template on how to stand up to the Trump administrations perceived bullying, just as the president was threatening Europe with retribution if Denmark didnt yield the Arctic island of Greenland to the U.S. But it has also incensed the Trump administration. On Wednesday, President Trump, speaking at Davos, called out Carney for his speech, saying he wasnt grateful enough to the U.S. Canada lives because of the United States," Trump said. Remember that Mark, the next time you make your statements." On Thursday, Trump said on his Truth Social platform that he had revoked Canadas invitation to join his Board of Peace. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick accused Carney of an arrogant kind of thought," and likened the prime ministers speech to whining and complaining. He also suggested the China trade deal was a road map for upending talks on a revised U.S.-Mexico-Canada free-trade pact, known as USMCA. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent brushed off Carneys speech. I think Prime Minister Carney should say thank you [to the U.S.], rather than giving this value-signaling speech," Bessent told Politico in Davos. Upon his return to Canada from Davos, Carney shot back in a speech targeting a domestic audience. He said Canadians must redouble their efforts to rebuild their economy, and drew on the countrys founding, when the British and French joined to choose partnership over domination, and collaboration over division." Canada doesnt live because of the United States," Carney said, in reference to Trumps previous swipe. Canada thrives because we are Canadian." The verbal dust-ups mark the latest rupture in U.S.-Canada relations since Trump took office last year and almost immediately began imposing tariffs on its northern neighbor after decades of duty-free trade. Each time Canada has signaled it wouldnt bow down, the Trump administration has amped up pressure. Trump had mused early in his second term about using economic coercion to annex Canada as the 51st state, but has dropped that language since Carney came to power roughly a year ago. Carneys trade detente with China, which reduces tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and Canadian agricultural products, and his speech deriding the Trump administrations doctrine, underscore the Canadian leaders belief that the decades-old economic and security bargain with the U.S. is over, said Fen Hampson, professor of international affairs at Ottawas Carleton University. Hampson said Carney may be making a calculated bet that USMCA cannot be salvaged on acceptable terms, so the best option is to diversify trade, look for investors, and lead a coalition of rules-based partners." The Trump administration is set to formally review, and renegotiate, the terms of USMCA, with Lutnick signaling talks will move into high gear this summer. Canadas economy is highly exposed to trade with the U.S., and Carney has made reducing the countrys reliance with the U.S. a central policy priority. Talks with Canada regarding USMCA have yet to commence, said a spokesman for the minister in charge of U.S.-Canada trade. About 80% of Canadas exports to the U.S. arrive duty free as they comply with USMCAs terms. Economic activity in Canada remains tepid, with businesses unwilling to accelerate investment and hiring plans until USMCAs fate is determined, economists and officials say. Carneys Davos speech warned about the rupture in the old Western-run, rules-based global order, while not specifying the U.S. nor China. He said that global hegemons were deploying weapons like tariffs that posed threats to supply chains. He said the best way to counter such economic coercion is to form various coalitions with different countries to work on specific issues of mutual interest. Middle powers must act together, because if were not at the table, were on the menu," Carney said. Middle powers that pursue bilateral talks with a big power negotiate from weakness," he warned. We accept what is offered. We compete with each other to be the most accommodating. This is not sovereignty. It is the performance of sovereignty while accepting subordination." European powers have also begun pushing back harder against Trump since he mused about using force or new tariffs to take Greenlandthreats that he dropped in Davos. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has worked hard to maintain a tight relationship with Trump, expressed outrage on Friday after Trump derided the contributions of North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies in the Afghanistan war, falsely saying they didnt fight on the front lines. More than 400 British soldiers were killed in Afghanistan after the U.S. invoked Article 5 requiring NATO allies to act in collective defense after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Carney has faced criticism for his efforts to woo China, despite allegations of Beijing-approved foreign interference in domestic affairs and Chinas human-rights record. In response, Carney told reporters in Beijing that China is now a more reliable trading partner than the U.S. We take the world as it is, not as we wish it to be," Carney said while in China. There are clearly domestic political reasons that Carney did this," Bill Bishop, author of The Sinocism newsletter, said Thursday on the Sharp China podcast. But if Canada starts relying more on China for trade, then that just gives the Chinese side more leverage to effectively make sure the Canadians behave well as China defines good behavior." Louise Blais, a former senior Canadian diplomat at the United Nations, said Carneys remarks resonated with attendees in Davos because he laid out in stark terms the challenges in dealing with an emboldened Trump administration. She added, though, the remarks carry risks for Canada because the economy is so closely tied to the U.S. and American demand cant be quickly replaced without sustaining some pain. And Canadas military is poorly equipped to defend itself without U.S. help. Statements of shared values still matter, but only when they are backed by the ability to say no without inflicting debilitating harm on oneself," she said in a piece for Policy Magazine. Canada is not there yet, not by a long shot." Write to Paul Vieira at Paul.Vieira@wsj.com Buy or sell stocks: On account of FII outflows, weak Q3 earnings trendsespecially in IT and consumption sectors, continued weakness in the Indian Rupee, and renewed fear of Trump's Greenland tariffs on NATO countries, the Indian stock market finished lower after logging strong gains during the first half of trade during the Friday session. The Nifty 50 index finished 241 points lower at 25,048, the BSE Sensex today crashed 769 points and closed at 81,537, whereas the Bank Nifty index nosedived 727 points and ended at 58,473. Stock market outlook Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, believes the Indian stock market sentiment is weak, as the Nifty 50 index has broken below the 200-DEMA support at 25,100 and is unable to sustain at higher levels. The Choice Broking expert said the Nifty 50 price action suggests selling pressure at higher levels and a lack of follow-through buying. Speaking on the outlook of the Indian stock market, Sumeet Bagadia of Choice Broking said, The Indian stock market bias is weak as the Nifty 50 index has given a decisive breakdown at 200-DEMA placed at 25,100. Now, the 50-stock index has crucial support placed at 24,900. Breaking below this support means more selling pressure, and in that case, the key index may find the next support at the 24,500 to 24,400 band, the next looking demand zone on the technical chart pattern. On the upper side, the index needs to close above 25,500 to strengthen the conviction of bulls. Sumeet Bagadia's stock recommendations Regarding stocks to buy for the short term, Sumeet Bagadia recommended buying these three shares: HUL, Tech Mahindra, and ONGC. 1] HUL: Buy at 2410, Target 2600, Stop Loss 2330. HUL's share price is currently in a range-bound consolidation phase after a corrective move from higher levels. On the daily chart, price has recently bounced from lower levels and is now trading around the 200 EMA zone, indicating an attempt to stabilise. 2] Tech Mahindra: Buy at 1701, Target 1800, Stop Loss 1630. Tech Mahindra's share price is showing a strong bullish continuation setup on the daily chart. After a steady uptrend, the stock formed a falling channel, which is a classic bullish continuation pattern. The recent breakout above the channel resistance confirms a resumption of upward momentum. Price is trading comfortably above the 20 EMA and 50 EMA, both of which are sloping upward, reflecting strong short-term strength. The stock is also holding well above the 100- and 200-EMA levels, reaffirming the broader bullish trend. The breakout has been supported by a noticeable pickup in volumes, while pullbacks within the channel were accompanied by lower volumes, highlighting healthy accumulation. 3] ONGC: Buy at 245.50, Target 260, Stop Loss 238. ONGC share price is trading in a sideways-to-positive structure on the daily chart after recovering from lower levels. The stock has reclaimed the 20 EMA and 50 EMA, indicating improving short-term momentum. However, the 200 EMA remains a crucial resistance, near which the stock is currently consolidating. A sustained close above this level would be essential to confirm a trend reversal and attract fresh buying interest. Volume activity has remained steady, suggesting gradual accumulation rather than aggressive buying. Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, not Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. The Union Budget 2026 is just a week away, and market experts are busy guessing the possible announcements on 1 February 2026. The majority of experts believe that Finance Minister Sitharaman may announce a hefty increase in the country's defence budget for the financial year 2025-26. So, buying defence stocks ahead of Budget 2026 can be a good option, as the market discounts the announcements made during Sitharaman's budget speech. Market expectations from Budget 2026 Expecting the Union Budget 2026 to support order visibility across defence majors, Pranay Aggarwal, Director & CEO at Stoxkart, said, The defence sectors growth can be accelerated through stronger Budget support for indigenisation and exports by expanding the Positive Indigenisation Lists, strengthening defence industrial corridors with better fiscal incentives and infrastructure, simplifying licensing and export procedures, and increasing allocations for R&D, innovation and technology transfer, while targeted export incentives and credit support can help scale defence exports towards long-term targets. From an allocation standpoint, aerospace and defence electronics are likely to see the maximum impact, driven by sustained capex for aircraft, aero-engines, Air Force modernisation and technology-intensive systems such as surveillance, communications and electronic warfare, with shipbuilding also remaining a key beneficiary through continued support for naval fleet expansion. From an investors perspective, companies with strong order visibility, execution capability and policy tailwinds appear best positioned for long-term growth, particularly leading players in aerospace, defence electronics and naval shipbuilding that benefit from indigenisation, exports and long-term strategic procurement, said Stoxkart expert. How to invest in defence stocks before Budget 2026? Unveiling the investment strategy for a potential defence stock investor, Seema Srivastava, Senior Research Analyst at SMC Global Securities, said, Buying defence stocks ahead of Budget 2026 can be selectively wise, but it is not suited to a broad, momentum-driven strategy and should be approached with a medium-to-long-term investment horizon. The market has already priced in a defence outlay increase of around 8% to 10%, which is widely regarded as a comfortable and expected outcome rather than a major positive surprise. Any allocation meaningfully above this range could lift sentiment. The SMC expert said that investor focus has clearly shifted away from headline budget numbers toward execution visibility, order conversion, and clarity on timelines. This shift limits the scope for a sharp pre-Budget rerating across the sector, particularly after the strong rally witnessed over the past two years. That said, downside risks appear relatively contained, supported by robust order books, near-peak execution levels, and long-term visibility driven by defence modernisation, indigenisation initiatives, and rising export opportunities. Defence stocks to buy before Budget 2026 The recent 15% to 20% correction in defence stocks has also eased valuation concerns that had emerged at euphoric peaks, improving the overall risk-reward balance for selective accumulation. However, Budget Day itself is likely to act more as a short-term sentiment trigger than a structural inflexion point. Key risks include execution delays, slower conversion of Defence Acquisition Council approvals into firm orders, working-capital pressures, and supply-chain dependencies for certain import-linked components, all of which could continue to cap near-term earnings visibility even if allocations rise as expected. Therefore, investors should avoid chasing the theme indiscriminately and instead focus on companies where valuations are better aligned with execution visibility and strategic relevance, said Seema Srivastava of SMC Global Securities. Seema Srivastava, who is an ICAI-certified CA, also said that defence companies with strong domestic content and exposure to priority areas such as missiles, air defence systems, defence electronics, drones, and long-tenure platform-based programmes are relatively better placed. On defence stocks to buy ahead of the Budget 2026, Seema Srivastava said, Stocks such as HAL, BEL, BDL, GRSE, Paras Defence, and select private players with strong indigenisation capabilities remain in focus. Overall, buying defence stocks ahead of Budget 2026 makes sense only with patience, selectivity, and expectations anchored to steady execution-led gains rather than sharp Budget-driven upside. Robert Kiyosaki, author of the global bestseller Rich Dad Poor Dad, once again stirred debate on social media with a blunt post on X, saying he does not care whether the prices of gold, silver or cryptocurrencies go up or down. I just keep buying more gold, silver, Bitcoin, and Ethereum and get richer, Kiyosaki said, summing up his investment philosophy, he said in a post on X. Known for his long-standing criticism of fiat currencies and government-backed monetary systems, Kiyosaki framed his argument around the steady rise in US national debt and the erosion of the US dollars purchasing power. In his latest post, Kiyosaki argued that short-term price movements are irrelevant when the long-term trend of currency debasement is clear. He linked the problem to policy decisions taken by highly educated policymakers running institutions such as the US Federal Reserve and the Treasury. "Why worry about the price of gold, silver, Bitcoin, and Ethereum, when the world has incompetent, highly educated PhDslike my poor dad. Controlling the Fed, the Treasury, and US Government?," he further posted. Gold and Silver prices Silver surged past the $100-an-ounce mark for the first time on Friday, extending a powerful rally driven by a global rush toward safe-haven assets and intense retail buying activity spanning markets from Shanghai to New York. Spot silver jumped as much as 6.9% to a record high of $102.87 an ounce. The metal has now gained more than 40% so far this year, after prices more than doubled in 2025. Gold also continued its record-setting run, edging closer to the $5,000-an-ounce milestone. Spot gold was trading 0.9% higher at $4,981.52 an ounce in New York and was on track for a weekly gain of over 8%, marking its strongest weekly performance since March 2020. Silver was last up 6.6% at $102.58 an ounce, while platinum also climbed to a fresh record during the session. Investor appetite for precious metals has strengthened during the first year of US President Donald Trumps second term, as uncertainty around global trade, geopolitics and monetary policy has intensified. Fears that silver could face US import tariffs triggered a race to ship physical metal into New York, culminating in an unprecedented short squeeze in the London market in October. Silvers rally this week was further supported by rising tensions between Washington and its European allies, while efforts to reach a breakthrough in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine have yet to succeed. At the same time, growing concerns over challenges to the US Federal Reserves independence have added to investor unease, reinforcing demand for assets viewed as stores of value outside traditional financial systems. About the author Robert Kiyosaki is best known as the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, one of the worlds most influential personal finance books, with over 30 million copies sold globally. The book challenged conventional thinking around education, jobs and savings, instead emphasising financial literacy, entrepreneurship and asset ownership. Over the past two decades, Kiyosaki has built a large following by consistently criticising fiat currencies, debt-driven growth and central banking policies. He has repeatedly warned that excessive borrowing and money printing erode currency value over time, hurting savers and wage earners. Known for questioning traditional financial planning, Kiyosaki has long advocated investing in real assets rather than relying heavily on savings, bonds or salaried income, arguing that such dependence leaves individuals vulnerable during periods of economic stress. The positivity that investors felt at the start of 2026 has been replaced by negativity. The fact that the Nifty started the year at an all-time high has been forgotten. Sentiment has changed significantly in the last few weeks, and the market seems to be in a downtrend. The Nifty is down about 3% in 2026 so far at the time of writing. The broader market of midcaps and smallcaps has fallen more than the bluechips. The BSE SmallCap is down almost 8% and the BSE MidCap is down 5%. As mid-caps and small-caps form the bulk of retail investors portfolios, the pain has been acute, which, in turn, has badly impacted sentiment on Dalal Street. Is this correction a temporary phase before a bull run, or is there cause for concern? Also Read | The next market leaders? Six growth stocks to watch in 2026 We want to be clear that in this editorial, we are not going to make a prediction as to the timing of the stock market recovery, but we will examine why the stock market is falling and when it might recover. Why the Indian stock market is falling By and large, there are three broad reasons why the stock market is falling 1. Pending US trade deal India and the US have been working on a trade deal for many months, but some issues have become key roadblocks. The imports of Russian oil have been one such point of contention. US President Donald Trump has backed legislation to impose up to 500% tariffs on countries that import Russian oil. There is no clarity on the status of the trade talks, even though the media has reported that they have reached an advanced stage and many points have been agreed upon. There were reports that the deal would be done by March, but there is neither an assurance nor clarity on that timeline from either side. The markets dont like uncertainty, especially on such an important issue. Dalal Street wants the 50% tariff on India removed and a mutually favourable trade deal done as soon as possible. The longer this issue drags on, the worse it will be for sentiment. 2. Slow earnings recovery The Indian stock market is poised for good returns over the long term, but only if earnings growth picks up. The last few quarters have not seen a good performance from corporate India on this front. So, investors are in a wait-and-see mode right now. The market expects the ongoing earnings season to signal a recovery in sales and profit growth. However, now that results have started coming in, the thinking on Dalal Street is that a full earnings recovery will take a few more quarters. Until then, there is no need to factor in high earnings growth. The tapering of expectations for a fast earnings recovery will cause hesitation among many investors, especially institutional investors. 3. Geopolitics The US action in Venezuela, Trumps threats against Greenland, and heightened tensions against Iran have worried investors. The last thing markets want is another major war. Trumps aggressive foreign policy has rattled markets and resulted in continued selling by FIIs. The relentless FII selling, the pending trade deal with the US, and the falling rupee are other factors that have made investors nervous. Heightened geopolitical tensions in an uncertain economic environment have heightened investors' perceived risk. When will the market recover? Its difficult to predict the timing of the recovery, but we can say with confidence that a recovery is inevitable. Over the last few years, the stock market has seen many so-called corrections. None have been severe enough to be considered a crash or a bear market. This is because of the massive fund flows into the stock market from the pockets of domestic institutional investors (DIIs). According to a report in the Mint, in 2025, the massive inflows from DIIs, 7.44 trillion, completely dwarfed the FII selling of 1.66 trillion. Thus, the markets are not in danger of a collapse as long as the DII money keeps flowing in. As far as a recovery is concerned, this will depend on two main factors. Investors should be alert to both of them: A change in FII outflows to inflows A pick-up in earnings growth Other factors to track are the trade deal with the US, geopolitical flare-ups, and, in the short term, the Union Budget. Conclusion Equitymaster, has been in the market for over 30 years, and there is one thing we know for certain: No one can predict the future, and more importantly, no one should attempt to do so. We strongly believe that time in the market is far more important than market timing. In the long term, the Indian stock market will go up along with the Indian economy. Instead of trying to anticipate or react to every small market move, a better approach would be to build a watchlist of high-quality stocks and act on them when valuations become reasonable. Do your due diligence. Consider factors such as valuation, industry trends, corporate governance, and market risks before making any investment decisions. In this uncertain environment, if you are concerned about the stocks in your portfolio, then ask the following questions: Are the companys fundamentals weak? Have there been any recent negative changes in the companys fundamentals? Did the P/E ratio shoot up without an improvement in the companys earnings? Did you make a mistake in your original analysis at the time of buying? These are all good reasons to sell or at least reduce your holdings. As with any stock, you must allocate sufficient time for due diligence. If the answers to the questions above are a clear 'NO', then you can consider holding on, especially if the valuations are not expensive. And if the fundamentally strong stocks on your watchlist become available at reasonable prices, i.e., a low valuations, then you can consider them. The best stocks to invest in right nowas long as their long-term fundamentals are strongare the ones that have fallen due to short-term, sentimental reasons. Happy investing. Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such. This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com. If two trends defined global cocktail culture in 2025, they were the rise of the tequila-based picante and the return of the Old Fashioned. The latter, the simple, definitive bourbon cocktail, is usually an uncomplicated concoction of the liquor, simple syrup and bitters. But it continues to be reimagined in cocktail bars across the globe and in Indiaoften smoky, often citrusy, sometimes quite wild; infused with spices like cardamom and cinnamon, fruits like tamarind and mango, chai, and even bhut jolokia chilies. The resurgence of the Old Fashioned and its playful iterations are a pretty accurate representation of global cocktail culture today, where the rapid spread of popular trends across cities and countries is accompanied by the infusion of local flavours, often quite literally, says Nidal Ramini, advocacy director at Brown-Forman, the company behind brands like Jack Daniels whiskey and Woodford Reserve bourbon. A trend may kick off in Spain or Portugal or Bangkok, and within weeks, it will be on the cocktail menu in bars in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, says Ramini, who was on a visit to India recently. Also Read | Like Champagne, nolen gur is all about terroir If youd asked me 10 years ago whether the top bars in the world would include many from Asia, I might have been surprised. But the globalisation of hospitality means talent travels, people take inspiration, and local bartenders are now the people pushing the scene, says Ramini. Speed is the key thing here: the speed at which trends travel and get adopted is unprecedented. The spread is partly driven by rising consumer demand for premium, experiential, and sustainable drinking options, as well as by social mediaInstagram and YouTube have made cocktail preparation a visual art form, with bartenders competing on aesthetics, theatricality, and shareable, Instagrammable presentations. Alongside, the rise of bar takeovers in the hospitality industry has given a massive push to ideas and techniques being shared by mixologists and bartenders from across the globe. The phenomenon of bar takeovers may have peaked in 2025 as some experts predictedbut its more likely that it will continue well into 2026. As recently as last weekend, ZLB23, the speakeasy bar at the Leela Palace Hotel in Bengaluru, hosted Hong Kongs Bar Leone, named the global no. 1 on the Worlds 50 Best Bars list, for a fun bar takeover. View full Image The team from Bar Leone at ZLB23 Its a proper exchange programme, and an ongoing one, says Nishant Agarwal, general manager, The Leela Palace Bengaluru. While getting Bar Leone to do a takeover was a great honour, our team from ZLB23 has also done takeovers all over the world. They have been to Japan, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore all the places where the bar scene is the most active. The bartending community is a close-knit one, where ideas are exchanged freely and there is no gatekeeping, adds Agarwal. Among high-profile bar takeovers across Indian cities last year were the ones featuring Singapore bar Jigger & Pony, Bar Nouveau from Paris, and Aubrey from Hong Kong, while an event at Bangkoks Bar Sathorn featured Indian bars like Lair (new Delhi), ZLB23 and Soka (Bengaluru), and Boilermaker (Goa). From mere takeovers, the trend is also moving towards entire bar programmes being crafted by teams from other cities and countries, such as Singapores Cat Bite Club, on the Asias 50 Best Bars 2025 list, creating a drinks programme for Bengalurus Bar Sama. And its not restricted to metros either. One of the big shifts in the Indian bar scene has been the rise of cocktail culture in cities beyond the cocktail hotspots of Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Goa. Last year, Atelier V, a new bar in Indore, hosted Vietnamese bar Stir and Cabinet 8 from Malaysia. There are other, smaller signs of globalisation as wellfrom ice programmes to culinary techniques being used in cocktail-making. Good ice production indicates precision and care, and Ive been to several Indian bars on this trip where I was impressed by the attention being paid to ice. The technical experimentation using rotovaps (rotary evaporator machines), sous-vide, centrifugesis notable and at a level youd expect in top global bars, says Ramini. In 2026, expect to see a move back towards ingredient-focused and minimal garnishes, minimal presentation, and quality glassware, says Ramini. Some bars still use big garnishes, but many are moving towards restraint. Stripped-back craft bars will be big in 2026. We will continue to see bars develop a tone of voice and identity: their look and feel, the guest experience, their storytelling, he adds. Also Read | A Dubai food guide for every palate and budget What makes a luxury product truly luxurious? Memories, says Silvio Campara, the chief executive of Italian luxury brand Golden Goose. Its known for its handcrafted, distressed sneakers with a shiny star on the side, created with the idea that the lived-in look reflects lifeimperfect but authentic. Campara was in India last month for the launch of the brands Mumbai store. Golden Goose first entered India in 2024 and has two other stores, in Delhi and Bengaluru. The Mumbai launch included the unveiling of a sneaker co-designed with Manish Malhotra. While elaborating on the memories response, Campara refers to the unique offering of the brand: anyone can walk into its 220-plus stores across the globe and customise their pair of sneakers with artwork, embellishments, charms and brooches, making the consumer the co-builder of their purchase. In an interview, Campara talks about the evolving sneaker space, the Indian consumer and why the future of luxury is not so much about constant product novelty but creating experiences. Edited excerpts: View full Image Silvio Campara, the chief executive of Golden Goose What makes India an interesting place for you and your work? Fashion mirrors society, and among the many forces that shape society, demographic shifts remain one of the most influential. The average age of a consumer in the US and Europe is 39; China and Korea, 36; Japan, 51. India is 24, which is quite young and it tells you that theres ample scope for it to become the next big luxury hub given the growing aspirations and spending power. Plus, India has one of the oldest cultures in the world. So its young (given the large number of youngsters), which pushes you to innovate, as well as old, which makes you want to stick to traditions. That tension is powerful; its the same tension Golden Goose is built on (Italian craftsmanship and co-building products with customers). Most international luxury brands enter India through partnerships with local conglomerates. You chose to come directly. I want to understand the Indian way of consuming luxury. Technically, theres no benchmark, no other brands experiences, since most international luxury brands enter here through an intermediary. India is just 0.0 nothing percent of my revenue right now, and thats fine. There are two ways to look at the worldthrough numbers or through people. I belong to the second category. Frankly, I am not focused on making, say, $60 million in the first few years of my business here. In the initial years, Im trying to improve my understanding of the local community. We will see results in three years Im confident. The Indian consumer is aware of the brand. They have seen and consumed the brand while travelling the world. Consumers have come to us, and now we are coming to them. The sneaker market, especially the homegrown one, has grown exponentially in India. Whats your growth strategy? Weve been serving Indian citizens for years now. Typically, Bengaluru customers are approaching the brand in California. Delhi customers are approaching the brand in London and Mumbai, in Dubai. Our data is telling us clearly whats going on and how big the potential is. Its about how fast we are able to amplify the message inside the country. Sure, not all of the one billion are technically addressable as potential clients. But on an aspirational level, they are all important to us. Revenue is always a good consequence of the execution you have in setting your vision and mission. Luxury is no longer just about the product. Its about the emotional connection. For younger consumers especially, the goal is not just to look good, but to feel connected to a community and themselves. And Indians, especially, love that. How do you build a community? We are super lucky because we dont have a heritage to defend (the brand was founded in 2000). We have nothing to lose, while 99% of the luxury brands have a lot to lose. Most of them have been setting their business on desire while our business is centered on love. Building a love brand needs listening to customers, and not telling customers something. So we dont do fashion shows, billboards, all those things. Weve been erasing the fashion risk completely. I dont have one designer; I dont have one person to rely on in terms of creativity because you can be the most genius person on planet Earth in terms of design but the world is changing every day. Youngsters are crafting their own content 40, 50 times a day. So then how do you create a genuine, relevant product? By allowing every person to be the designer of their own product. I think thats the future of luxury. As soon as you are involved in the creative process, the item is not anymore a product. It becomes a memory a memory of something that really matters to you, because it is your creativity, and your expression. So while other luxury brands are building an idea of desirability around their products, we are trying to make consumers feel they are telling their own story. Golden Goose is also focused on repairing old sneakers and including AI in the design process. Im 46 now, and I remember with my ma and grandma (helping me care for) my old pair of Levis, my old sweatshirt from Best Company all those brands that were my love brands when I was 10, 12, 13, 14. When we started the repairing programme (in 2022), it was my way to offer the new generation that was normal to me and it helped me appreciate something I have much more. I dont want people to come to my stores to buy something. I want them to come to do something. As for AI, we have recently collaborated with Google on Gemini to help customers co-create through AI. We are starting now in the US and Europe first, and then we will introduce it in other markets. What will be big in the sneaker space in 2026? I dont think the world is looking for the next new sneaker. There are enough brands that are doing performance sneakers, the one that you can run the fastest or jump the highest. But everyone is looking forward to the new experience they can get from their sneakers. Also Read | The sneaker fad has found a foothold in the country If this were just another tax dispute that went against a global firm, it would be the end of the story. But the judgment, while decisive on Tiger Global's liability, leaves a more consequential question hanging: what exactly makes an offshore entity "real" enough to deserve treaty protection? India just rewrote tax rules for foreign investors. Sadly, it isn't clear what they are. That's the subtext of the Supreme Court's 15 January ruling against Tiger Global. The verdict itself is unambiguous: the private equity (PE) firm must pay capital gains tax on its $1.6 billion Flipkart stake sale to Walmart in 2018, despite routing the transaction through Mauritius, a country with which India has a tax treaty specifically designed to avoid double taxation. The court ruled that having a registered entity in Mauritius and holding a Tax Residency Certificate wasn't enough when the real control sat in New York. (Bloomberg) -- Boston is in line for as much as 18 inches (46 centimeters) of snow on Sunday and Monday from a storm coming on top of near-zero temperatures that have prompted city officials to declare a cold emergency. The National Weather Services forecast calls for 12 to 18 inches of snow across much of southern New England, including the Boston area, with the first flakes falling in the late morning or early afternoon on Sunday. That stands to be the most snow Bostons received from a single storm in four years. Travel could be very difficult to impossible overnight Sunday into the Monday morning commute, the weather service said. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will be pre-treating roads, with more than 3,000 pieces of equipment available for plowing and other needs, according to agency spokesperson John Goggin. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey told all non-essential state employees to work from home on Monday and urged private-sector employers to do the same. On Sunday, when we start to see the snow come, I ask people to stay off the roads, she said at a press conference Friday afternoon. Ahead of the storm, the region is expected to see wind-chill values as low as minus 12 degrees F (minus 24 C) in the early part of the weekend. Bostons cold emergency will last from Friday through Sunday, and Mayor Michelle Wu is opening up the citys youth centers as warming stations for people seeking refuge. Eversource Energy and other utilities have extra utility poles, transformers and other equipment at the ready to address any power outages. Wind gusts could reach 30 miles (48 kilometers) per hour. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com From the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raising Indias FY26 GDP growth projection to 7.3%, to weak core-sector output compared with pre-covid levels, Indias new deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), rising USEU tensions over Greenland, and the push for small-ticket UPI loans amid rising household debt, here's this weeks news in numbers. Higher GDP growth forecasts The IMF has lifted its projection for Indias GDP growth in FY26 to 7.3% from its October estimate of 6.6%. It attributed the upward revision to better-than-expected performance in the September quarter and strong momentum in the ongoing quarter. Also Read | Why Indias latest GDP number may matter less than usual The Reserve Bank of India and the World Bank had similarly revised their forecasts in their most recent iterations. However, the IMF, World Bank and other major institutions expect GDP growth to slow down next year. The IMF projects growth of 6.4% in both FY27 and FY28, while the World Bank expects it to slow to 6.5% in FY27, partly due to US tariffs on Indian imports and the waning of cyclical factors. Core sectors subdued Indias eight core industries have been growing at a subdued pace this fiscal year. In the first nine months of FY26, output grew by 2.6%. In the past decade, only FY16, FY20 and FY21 saw slower growth. The data for December was released earlier this week. The slowdown in FY26 is broad-based: all sectors except cement and steel were weak. Natural gas saw the sharpest contraction (3.2%), while crude oil and coal shrank 1.8% and 0.7%, respectively. Refinery products, fertilizers and electricity are the other constituents of the index. That said, December was slightly better. Output rose 3.7% year-on-year, marking the second straight month of expansion. India-UAE energy friendship India signed a $3-billion deal on Monday to buy liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Under the agreement, state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Co will supply LNG worth that amount to Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd over a 10-year period starting 2028. The UAEs share in Indias LNG imports has risen sharply over the years, from 1.5% in FY18 to 12.8% this year. This deal will make India the UAEs largest LNG buyer, accounting for around 20% of its sales by 2029. The west Asian nation is currently Indias third-largest external source of LNG. Numbers in the news 75,000 crore: The cost of national highway projects that the government plans to bid out under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) toll model involving private road developers after a long break since 2014, Mint reported. 5.63: Chinas birth rate per 1,000 people in 2025, according to population statistics released on Monday. This is the lowest since 1949, as the worlds second-most populous country grapples with a shrinking population. 8.3%: The decline in third-quarter profit of the countrys sixth largest IT firm LTIMindtree, mainly on account of charges of about 590 crore linked to new labour regulations, Reuters reported. $25 billion: The investment AM Green Group plans to make to set up a one-gigawatt data centre in Uttar Pradesh, following a deal signed with InvestUP, the state governments investment-focused arm, at the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos. 3,000: Estimated fatalities in Irans recent crackdown on nationwide proteststhe first official tally released by the government, though lower than figures given by human rights groups. Trump's arctic tussle US President Donald Trump this week threatened eight European allies with a 10% tariff when they tried to resist his idea of taking over Greenland. For now, he has backed off from the threat after meetings at the World Economic Forum at Davosbut not before making stock markets nervous the world over. The Sensex fell nearly 2.5% over the past week. Also Read | How Trumps Greenland gambit put Nato on the brink Europe is in a difficult position. The two sides of the Atlantic have long been friends, but the US is now more dominant than ever in the global economy, giving it the upper hand: in terms of sheer size, it has zipped past the EU unstoppably since 2010. The US is also a key export market for the newly targeted countries, giving it another advantage. Micro loans on UPI Indias retail payments body is in talks with lenders to roll out credit lines as low as 5,000 on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), banking on credit-card-like interest-free periods and regulatory clarity to boost uptake, Mint reported. This comes at a time when Indians are becoming increasingly indebted. The number of live unique borrowersindividuals with at least one active loanhas more than doubled over the past seven years to over 280 million, RBI data shows. Household financial liabilities have increased as a share of GDP from 3% in FY15 to nearly 5% in FY25. Small-ticket, instant credit embedded in UPI could lower the psychological barrier to borrowing even further, potentially normalizing debt for everyday consumption rather than asset creation. KABUL, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces have seized a quantity of firearms and ammunition during separate operations in two provinces, officials said on Saturday. According to a statement from the provincial governor's office, security personnel carried out a series of operations in the Khost district of northern Baghlan province, seizing firearms and ammunition. In a separate operation, security personnel discovered firearms and ammunition during a routine vehicle inspection on the outskirts of the Nijrab district of eastern Kapisa province. Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has raised concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal, warning that it is being conducted with undue hurry, which he said might jeopardise democratic participation, particularly with the West Bengal Assembly Elections approaching in a few months. A thorough review of electoral rolls done carefully with adequate time can be a good democratic procedure, but this is not what is happening in West Bengal at this time," Sen told news wire PTI during an interview. The 92-year-old economist stressed that such an exercise must be conducted with care and adequate time, conditions he believes are missing in Bengals case. Sen said the SIR is being done in a hurry leaving people with inadequate time to have sufficient opportunity to submit documents to prove their eligibility for the upcoming Assembly Elections. This is both unjust to the electorate and unfair to Indian democracy. SIR in West Bengal Hearings under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls began in West Bengal last year in December. That time, a senior official had said that around 32 lakh unmapped voters who are unable to establish linkage with the 2002 electoral roll, will be called for hearings in the first phase. Earlier this month, Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee claimed that the EC had served Amartya Sen with a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing notice. According to a report by PTI, Sen was summoned for a hearing after a logical discrepancy was flagged by the EC over an age difference between him and his mother, Amita Sen, in the electoral rolls. ..lack enough time Drawing from his own experience during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bengal, Sen said time pressure was evident even among poll officials. Sometimes, the officials of the Election Commission themselves seem to lack enough time. When they questioned my right to vote from my home constituency in Santiniketan from where I have voted earlier, and where my name, address and other details are registered in official records they questioned me about my deceased mothers age at my date of birth, even though, as a voter herself, my mothers details, like mine, were stored also in their own official records, he said. The celebrated economist went on to describe the documentation challenges he encountered, noting that these difficulties are common for many Indians born in rural areas. Like many Indian citizens born in rural India (I was born in the then village of Santiniketan), I do not have a birth certificate, and my eligibility to vote required further paperwork to be presented on my behalf, he said. Although the issue was eventually resolved for him, Sen expressed concern for citizens who lack similar access to assistance. A day after heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, flight operations have resumed at Srinagar airport on Saturday. In a post on X, Srinagar Airport said that the Airports Authority of India, in close coordination with BRO, successfully cleared the apron and taxiways on Saturday morning to make the runway functional after an improvement in the weather. "A joint inspection was carried out and flight operations were resumed," they said, adding that flight operations are expected to run normally and smoothly now. Indian Air Force has lifted the NOTAM for commercial operations, the airport shared. The first flight for the day landed at 1100 hours, the airport shared in a tweet. A smooth landing at 1100 hrs Srinagar Airport welcomes its first flight of the day. All is normal nowthe big bird has returned to the valley, the airport said in a tweet. "The flight operations have resumed at the airport as a flight has just landed at the aerodrome," officials at the Srinagar Airport said. A major snowfall in Kashmir on Friday forced the cancellation of flight operations at the airport as snow accumulated on the runway. However, according to a PTI report, an Indigo flight was cancelled early morning due to unfavourable weather conditions, while a few others were cancelled due to NOTAM (Notice to Airmen giving pilots essential information on flight safety) at Delhi. There was some delay in the operation of a few other flights, PTI reported, citing officials. NH-44 remains closed for 2nd day The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, NH-44, remained closed for a second consecutive day on Saturday due to slippery road conditions. The incessant snowfall on Saturday in the famous hill resorts of Jammu province - Patnitop, Nathatop, Sanasar & Batote, besides Banihal, Gool and other reaches - has brought life to a standstill in these areas. However, a bright, sunny day was observed earlier in the day, which is expected to help with the restoration of power and water supply, as well as traffic. In view of ongoing rains and snow accumulating up to Ramsoo, Authorities said that all types of traffic have been halted at safer locations on NH-44 as a precautionary measure because of slippery road conditions. The 77th Republic Day Parade on January 26 will witness several firsts, including therocket launcher system 'Suryastra' with deep-strike capabilities, the newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion, and Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels. India will showcase its military might and cultural heritage in the ceremonial event that will last about 90 minutes. View full Image Suryastra (Universal Rocket Launcher System) during the Republic Day parade 2026 full dress rehearsal ( ANI ) According to the defence ministry's press release, the defence assets that will be showcased during the parade will include BrahMos, Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun, Shaktiban and a static display of some drones. View full Image Universal Rocket Launcher System 'Suryastra' carrying missiles passes by during rain-affected full-dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade ( Hindustan Times ) Akash weapon system and MRSAM system are being fielded in this year's parade. Universal Rocket Launcher System URLS 'Suryastra', which can carry out surface-to-surface strikes up to 300 km, is being showcased for the first time in the parade, Major General Dhillon told PTI. View full Image Bhairav Battalion personnel during rehearsals for Republic Day at Kartavya Path in New Delhi ( PTI ) Bhairav Light Commando Battalion had also made its Army Day Parade debut on January 15 in Jaipur. The battalion was raised around October last year. Bhairav Battalion has been introduced to "bridge the gap" between the infantry and special forces. Also Read | Republic Day long weekend drives surge in travel, hotel bookings View full Image Indian Army 61st Cavalry Regiment contingent during rehearsals for the upcoming Republic Day parade amid cold weather conditions at Kartavya Path in New Delhi ( RAJ K RAJ /HT PHOTO ) Marking a first, the contingent members of the mounted 61 Cavalry will be seen in battle gear, and key Army assets, including indigenous platforms accompanied with personnel, will roll down the Kartavya Path in a "phased battle array formation". The 61 Cavalry, known for its imposing presence as its members wear ceremonial uniform and a striking headgear, has traditionally been the leading contingent of the armed forces in the ceremonial parade. View full Image Mixed Scouts Battalion marches during rain-affected full-dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade ( Hindustan Times ) Eighteen marching contingents and 13 bands will take part in the parade that will last around 90 minutes. A mixed scouts contingent seen in their heavy thermal gear will also be part of the parade for the first time, the defence ministry said. View full Image Indian Army's Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) personnel walk along with their Zanskar ponies during a rehearsal ahead of the Republic Day parade in New Delhi ( AFP ) An animal contingent comprising Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels and dogs will also be part of the parade, the ministry said. Also Read | Republic Day terror attack foiled: Khalistani outfit Babbar Khalsa module busted View full Image Indian Army's Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) personnel walk along with their Bactrian camels during a rehearsal ahead of the Republic Day parade in New Delhi ( AFP ) Captain Harshita Raghav, who will lead the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) contingent, said the contingent will include two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors and a few Army dogs. "These animals are soldiers of the Indian Army only. In fact, they are the silent warriors, making them operationally ready, and understanding the requirements of operations from these animals are two very important aspects. They are true force multipliers of the Indian Army," she told PTI. View full Image Indian Air Force's Rafale aircrafts fly past during rehearsals for the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi ( PTI ) The aerial component will also be shown in a "battle array formation". European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in the national capital on Saturday on a state visit and was received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada. Von der Leyen, along with European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, will serve as chief guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on Monday. Apart from the Republic Day event, the two presidents will represent the EU in the 16th EU-India Summit, scheduled to take place on 27 January. The two Presidents will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi for a summit aimed at building on the EU-India strategic partnership and further strengthening collaboration across key policy areas, according to a press statement from European Council. Trade, security and defence, the clean transition and people to people cooperation will top the agenda of the discussions, the statement said. On the cusp of a historic trade agreement Speaking earlier this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, von der Leyen said, "We are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement (with India)." Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has described the proposed free trade agreement as "the mother of all deals", as New Delhi and Brussels look to expand market access amid tightening global trade conditions driven by US tariffs and Chinese export restrictions. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met ambassadors from European Union member states and underlined the need for closer cooperation to "derisk the world economy" in response to unpredictable US policies. India and the European Union have both been impacted by the trade approach of US President Donald Trump. India faces tariff rates of up to 50 per cent on certain exports to the United States, while the EU is yet to ratify a trade arrangement with Washington that has been criticised as imbalanced. Before the two Republic Day chief guests, Kaja Kallas, the EU Vice-President, landed in the national capital on Saturday on her first official visit to India Kallas, has described India as "indispensable" to Europe's economic and strategic future, according to news agency ANI. The 27-nation bloc has also advanced a new security and defence partnership with India. Together, India and the European Union represent around a quarter of the global population and gross domestic product. According to EU data, bilateral trade in goods touched 120 billion euros in 2024, marking an increase of nearly 90 per cent over the past decade, while trade in services amounted to an additional 60 billion euros. Who is Ursula von der Leyen? Ursula has been holding the position of President of the European Commission since 2019. Born on October 8, 1958, in Brussels to a Turkish-German family of mixed heritage, Ursula von der Leyen is a medical doctor by profession. She has been family affairs labour minister as well as the defence minister between 2013 and 2019 in Germany. Itinerary of President von der Leyen in India -24 January, 2026: Arrival in New Delhi -25 January, 2026: President von der Leyen in India. Together with President of the European Council, meets S Jaishankar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of India -26 January, 2026: President von der Leyen in India: together with President of the European Council Antonio Costa, participates in Indias 77th Republic Day Parade celebrations; meets Droupadi Murmu, President of India. -27 January, 2026: President von der Leyen meets PM Narendra Modi, participates in the EU-India Business Forum. participates in a banquet hosted by President Murmu; meets CP Radhakrishnan, Vice President of India. We are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement (with India). -27 January, 2026: President von der Leyen in India and President of the European Council Antonio Costa, participates in the 16th EU-India Summit. Senior IAS officer Krishna Karunesh has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Noida Authority, who will replace Lokesh M, a senior Noida Authority official confirmed to PTI. Karunesh, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 2011 batch, assumes authority days after a controversy arose following the death of a software engineer, Yuvraj Mehta, in Sector 150 on the night of 16 January. This incident sparked protests by local residents, accusing developers and authorities of negligence, the report said. After the incident and protests, IAS officer Lokesh M was removed as Noida Authority CEO and placed on the waiting list on January 19, the news portal noted. Also Read | Scolded for drinking, BTech student jumps to death in Greater Noida hostel About Krishna Karunesh Hailing from Bihar, Karunesh served as the District Magistrate of Gorakhpur before his recent appointment. He has also held important roles, including Chief Development Officer of Ghaziabad and Vice Chairman of the Ghaziabad Development Authority. He also served as District Magistrate of Hapur and Balrampur, the report said, citing officials. Noida techie death The death of Noida techie Yuvraj Mehta, raised questions on alleged shortcomings in rescue operations, inadequate road safety measures, and neglect at an under-construction site, as per reports. An investigation is currently underway to examine the negligence claims against the construction firms involved. A 27-year-old software engineer working in Gurugram was involved in an accident on Friday night when his car fell into a waterlogged trench near Tata Eureka Park in Noida's Sector 150. The car fell into a pit amid low visibility due to fog. According to police, initial investigations indicated low visibility and speeding may have been contributing factors accident. They had dug a large drain, around six to seven feet wide. Due to poor visibility and high speed, the driver appears to have lost control, Upadhyay told the Hindustan Times (HT). Meanwhile, the victims friends alleged that the teams did not respond swiftly. The rescue teams arrived only by 2.30 am and could not even enter the water till 3.20 am, Pankaj, a friend of the deceased told the news portal. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has predicted that the valuation of the world's largest company could reach as much as $100 trillion within the next decade. If such a projection were to materialise, it would imply a market capitalisation more than 20 times larger than Nvidia's current valuation of around $4.6 trillion. Jensen Huang-led chipmaker Nvidia currently holds the position of the most valuable company globally, with its growth driven by demand for its high-performance chips, which has become critical to the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence technologies across industries. Note: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. Livemint has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them. Musk made the remarks in response to an ARK Invest chart, which showed a company's market cap surpassing $3.75 trillion in 2025. The executive who posted the chart further posed a question, asking How valuable will the biggest company be in 10 years?, prompting speculations. The Tesla CEO responded, saying Maybe as high as $100T, without specifying which company he was referring to, leaving the prediction open to interpretation for netizens. Here's what netizens think Meanwhile, Musk's supporters speculated that he may have been referring to SpaceX, X (formerly Twitter) or Tesla, while others criticised the statement, warning that major problems may emerge if such valuations were ever to come materialise. One user said, Hmm I think youre referring to SpaceX? Another person made a similar prediction, stating, $100T in 10 years? I guess Elon is referring to Tesla. SpaceX would take 15-20 years. Tesla has a chance because of Optimus. View full Image Netizen reactions An X user further asked Musk, Which company do you think will reach a $100 trillion market cap first? Tesla, SpaceX, Nvidia, or Google? $100T incoming with Optimus leading the charge! Tesla's humanoid robots will redefine abundance for humanity, another user commented. A person also noted its downsides, stating, A company of that size would raise troubling questions: its CEO would preside over an incredibly powerful & influential entity. Societies & governments would inevitably become uncomfortable with so much power in the hands of unelected leaders of a private organization. Musk's earlier statements on Tesla, SpaceX The billionaire entrepreneur has earlier expressed confidence that Tesla could become the most valuable company in the world, especially if it succeeds with autonomous driving, humanoid robots (like Optimus), and other AI-driven technologies, reported The Motley Fool. He also expects Tesla to attain a higher market capitalization than the top five companies combined. Currently, the five largest companies in the world are Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet, which have a combined value of over $18 trillion, the report said. Billionaire industrialist Harsh Goenka took a tongue-in-cheek swipe at US President Donald Trump with a quirky social media post that quickly drew attention online. Sharing a short video on X (formerly Twitter), Goenka posted a glimpse of his new socks a humorous pair featuring Donald Trumps face, complete with a mock tuft of blond hair that appeared to flutter with movement. The three-second clip showed the novelty socks being worn, leaning into visual humour rather than commentary. Also Read | Watch: Bhutan woman praises Vande Bharat sleeper train in viral video Captioning the post simply, Hope you like my new socks, Goenkas understated remark added to the playful tone of the jab. The post was widely viewed and shared, with users reacting to the light-hearted political satire and Goenkas understated sense of humour. Check out the viral post by Harsh Goenka here: A user wrote, 1000% tariff for this socks. Another user commented, Urgently need the same print on my doormat. It works for next 3years only, the third user wrote. The fourth wrote, Sir, don't comb his hair too much; the poor guy will go bald! Yes, but Carpet would be better, the fifth wrote. Earlier this month, industrialist Harsh Goenka triggered a wider online discussion on national security and foreign policy after sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter) reflecting on Indias strategic priorities in an increasingly polarised global order. In his post, Goenka drew parallels between the actions of major global powers, arguing that geopolitical realities are often shaped by military and strategic strength. America and Russia show how the world really works, he wrote, adding that India must focus on building overwhelming military strength to safeguard its borders, people and long-term interests. Also Read | Watch: Emily Armstrong wears Gamusa on stage as Linkin Park makes India debut Goenka clarified that such strength, in his view, should not be aimed at threatening other nations but at ensuring deterrence. This must be done not to threaten the world, but to ensure that no one dares to threaten us, he said. The remarks quickly gained traction on social media, prompting a range of responses. Some users echoed his call for stronger defence preparedness, citing regional security challenges and shifting global alliances. Others pushed back, arguing that Indias influence on the world stage has also been driven by diplomacy, economic growth and strategic partnerships, not just military capability. US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Canada on Truth Social, cautioning against potential trade agreements with China. If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a Drop Off Port for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken, Trump wrote. Trump predicted severe consequences if Canada pursued closer economic ties with Beijing. China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life, he added. The US President concluded with a direct threat of economic retaliation. If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A. Trumps remarks come amid ongoing tensions over trade policies and supply chains, highlighting his aggressive stance on protecting American economic interests from foreign competition. Trump escalates tensions with Canada amid Greenland push Trump has intensified his public criticism of Canada as his controversial push to acquire Greenland continues to strain relations within the NATO alliance. Trumps latest remarks came amid a growing feud with Canadian Prime Minister Carney. On Truth Social, Trump referred to the Canadian leader as Governor Carney, a nickname he previously applied to Carneys predecessor, Justin Trudeau. While in Davos, Switzerland earlier this week, Trump had commented that Canada lives because of the United States, further stoking tensions between the neighboring nations. Board of peace and Greenland ambitions In a further escalation, Trump revoked an invitation for Carney to join his self-styled Board of Peace, an advisory panel the President is forming to address global conflicts. Trumps ongoing campaign to acquire Greenland has drawn criticism from NATO allies and added to the friction with Canada. The move follows repeated suggestions by Trump that Canada could even be absorbed as a 51st state. Trade disputes and China relations Trade tensions have also fueled the rift. Carney has yet to reach a deal with Trump to reduce tariffs imposed on key Canadian economic sectors. Although Canada has been shielded from the heaviest impact of Trumps tariffs under the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement, the agreement is set for review later this year. On China, Canada initially mirrored US actions by imposing 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, while Beijing retaliated with tariffs on Canadian canola, pork, and seafood. As US-Canada tensions rose, Canada has gradually taken a less aligned stance with Washington, opening space for a potentially warmer relationship with Beijing. Also Read | Iran issues warning as Trump says US armada headed towards region US Vice President JD Vance addressed the 2026 March for Life on January 23, emphasizing the administrations pro-life priorities and pledging support for families across the United States. Vance shared personal news with the crowd, highlighting his commitment to family life. Usha and I announced this week that were expecting our fourth, and it will be our third baby boy. So well take whatever prayers you can give, he said. He encouraged attendees to find joy in their advocacy: Looking out at this crowd today, it seems like you took that suggestion very well to heart because I see joyful peoplebeautiful little kids with incredible green hats. Life as a gift The vice president underscored the theme of the march, emphasizing technological advances in healthcare that protect life. Im grateful for the technological breakthroughs that have allowed us to affirm and protect life things like 3D ultrasoundsthings like the new medical technologies that have saved the lives of countless premature babies, he said. Three years agohe [the president] delivered, and his Supreme Court justices delivered, the most important Supreme Court decision of my lifetime[Dobbs] put a definitive end to the tyranny of judicial rule on the question of human life. He said the decision ended a 50-year culture of disposability and empowered grassroots efforts to build a culture of life from the grassroots up. Policy achievements and protections The vice president highlighted several administration initiatives to support families and protect life: -Ending taxpayer funding for abortions, including travel costs -Expanding religious freedom and conscience protections for healthcare workers -Strengthening foster care and adoption programs -Expanding child tax credits and the Trump accounts to support families financially We want Americansto raise their kids with confidence that theyll do well and grow up in safety and prosperity, Vance said. Combating abortion funding and foreign policy initiatives Vance announced steps to prevent US funds from supporting abortion abroad: Weve completely realigned U.S. foreign aid and turned off the tap for NGOs whose sole purpose is to dissuade people from having kidswe rejoined the Geneva Consensus Declaration to promote maternal health and strong families all over the world. Cultural and historical context Vance framed the pro-life movement as a moral imperative: From the skeletons in brothels to the child sacrifice of the Mayans, the mark of barbarism is that we treat babies like inconveniences to be discarded rather than the blessings to cherish that they areeach life is fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator. He criticized cultural messaging that portrays marriage and children as burdens: Today, the far left in this country tells our young people that marriage and children are obstaclesThey tell us that life itself is a burden. But we here at this march know that its a lie. We know that life is a gift. Minneapolis authorities confirmed that federal law enforcement officers shot and killed a 51-year-old man during an operation in the city, according to a hospital record obtained by the Associated Press. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has sharply criticized the presence of federal law enforcement in his state following reports of another shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday (January 24). The Governor said he spoke with the White House about the incident and called for an end to the federal operation. I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning, Walz wrote on X. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now. The Governors comments came amid reports of a shooting in south Minneapolis near 26th Street West and Nicollet Avenue that involved federal law enforcement officers. City officials also confirmed they were working to verify the incident and urged the public to remain calm and avoid the immediate area while details are gathered. Minneapolis police said it is investigating reports of a possible shooting involving federal law enforcement in the citys Whittier neighborhood. The City of Minneapolis confirmed on X that it is aware of reports of a shooting involving federal agents near 26th Street West and Nicollet Avenue and is working to verify additional details. Officials asked the public to remain calm and avoid the immediate area while authorities continue to gather information. This latest incident occurs against the backdrop of heightened tensions in Minneapolis over federal immigration enforcement activity. Earlier in January, a federal immigration agent fatally shot a Minneapolis woman, Renee Good, which sparked large protests and widespread criticism of federal operations in the city. Walz and other local leaders have repeatedly called on federal authorities to withdraw from statewide operations, arguing that the deployment of thousands of agents has increased volatility rather than enhanced public safety. ABU DHABI, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Ukraine held "direct engagement" during the talks concluded Saturday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), even though no concrete agreements or joint statements were announced following the two-day meetings. A UAE government spokesperson said that the talks included "direct engagement" between the two sides and were conducted in a "constructive and positive atmosphere." The meetings were attended by U.S. presidential envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Russia's military intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov, Kyrylo Budanov, chief of the Ukrainian President's Office, Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, as well as other senior officials from both the Russian and Ukrainian sides. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on social media platform X that the negotiations involved military representatives from Russia, Ukraine and the United States, with a focus on "the possible parameters for ending the war." Meanwhile, according to media reports, further trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States are likely to be held in the UAE next week. The trilateral talks took place amid continued fighting in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said Russian forces carried out large-scale drone and missile strikes on several regions, including Kyiv, during the period of the talks. According to earlier statements by the UAE, the meeting was part of diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and explore possible political solutions to the Ukraine crisis. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during a meeting with the heads of the participating delegations on Friday, said that the country supports all efforts and initiatives aimed at reaching a settlement of the Ukraine crisis for the benefit of all parties, and at promoting peace and stability worldwide. In a fiery Truth Social post responding to the fatal shooting of a man by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Minnesota state and city officials, accusing them of failing to support federal law enforcement and fueling unrest. This is the gunmans gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go what is that all about? Trump wrote, questioning the circumstances of the shooting. Where are the local Police? Why werent they allowed to protect ICE Officers? The Mayor and the Governor called them off? Assertion of law enforcement challenges Trump portrayed the situation as one in which local law enforcement was restricted or prevented from assisting federal officers. It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves Not an easy thing to do! he wrote, defending the federal operation and marshalling support for his immigration enforcement strategy. He reiterated his view that federal agents were operating in a hostile environment, placing blame on state and city leaders for what he characterized as incitement and obstruction. The Mayor and the Governor are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric! Trump said. Political and unverified allegations In addition to defending federal agents, the President expanded his criticism to broader political grievances. Trump questioned comments about Rep. Ilhan Omars finances and alleged without evidence that tens of billions of dollars had been stolen from Minnesota, asserting a connection to the unrest. Why does Ilhan Omar have $34 Million Dollars in her account? And where are the Tens of Billions of Dollars that have been stolen from the once Great State of Minnesota? he wrote. These Fraudsters who stole the money are going to jail, where they belong! Trump added, framing the violence and protests as part of a larger cover-up and political conflict. Defense of ICE action and immigration enforcement Trump also defended the broader immigration crackdown underway in Minnesota, asserting that federal authorities had removed 12,000 Illegal Alien Criminals from the state and warning that without the enforcement operation, the situation would be worse. If they were still there, you would see something far worse than you are witnessing today! he wrote. Tensions over federal enforcement The presidents remarks come amid escalating tensions in Minneapolis following multiple fatal and high-profile shootings involving federal immigration agents, which have drawn strong responses from local officials and widespread protests. Governor Tim Walz has urged an end to the federal operation, while city leaders and protesters have criticized the tactics and presence of federal forces. Also Read | Trump floats US sovereignty over Greenland military bases Border Patrol agent kills armed man A US Border Patrol agent shot and killed a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, marking the second fatal shooting involving federal immigration officers this month amid a surge in enforcement activity that has sparked fierce protests across the city. The US Department of Homeland Security said the agent fired in self-defense after attempting to disarm a man who approached officers with a handgun and two magazines. Local police later confirmed the man was a US citizen. Man was lawful gun owner: police Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said the man killed was a 37-year-old city resident with no criminal history beyond traffic violations and was legally allowed to own a firearm. Authorities did not release his name. He was a lawful gun owner, OHara said, adding that the incident scene remained volatile. He urged residents to stay away from the area, warning against further unrest. Please do not destroy our city, OHara said. Protests follow agent withdrawal Hours after the shooting, tensions eased once federal agents appeared to have left the area, though protesters continued chanting into the evening. The shooting came a day after more than 10,000 people marched through Minneapolis in freezing temperatures to protest the deployment of roughly 3,000 federal immigration agents ordered to the state by President Donald Trump. Also Read | Trump says Canada will face 100% tariffs if it deals with China US President Donald Trump said the United States could gain sovereignty over areas of Greenland where American military bases are located, stopping short of full ownership of the island. Well have everything we want. We have some interesting talks going on, Trump told The New York Post in an interview published on Saturday (January 24). Trump said one proposal under discussion would allow the US to exercise sovereignty over American military installations on the island, including the strategically important Pituffik Space Base, without taking full control of Greenland. The plan appears to represent a partial alternative to Trumps long-standing demand for outright US ownership of the Arctic territory. Pressure on Denmark continues Trump has for months pressured Denmark to hand over Greenland, previously saying that nothing short of ownership would be acceptable to Washington. His interest in the island featured prominently during his visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. Framework for a deal Following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said there was now a framework for an agreement related to Greenland, though he did not provide details. Also Read | Trump says Canada will face 100% tariffs if it deals with China Greenland sovereignty non-negotiable Leaders of Denmark and Greenland on Thursday (January 22) firmly rejected any suggestion of compromising Greenlands sovereignty after Trump claimed a framework agreement with NATO could give Washington total access to the Arctic territory. We cannot negotiate on our sovereignty, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement, adding that she had been informed no such compromise had been proposed. Trump claims total access to Greenland Trump told Fox Business that discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte could allow the US sweeping military access to Greenland. Were going to have total access to Greenland, Trump said. Were going to have all the military access we want. He described the discussions as a framework of a future deal that could also include placing elements of his multibillion-dollar Golden Dome missile defense system on the island. NATO denies sovereignty compromise NATO quickly pushed back against Trumps characterisation of the talks. Allison Hart, a NATO spokesperson, said Secretary General Mark Rutte did not propose any compromise to sovereignty during his meeting with President Trump, adding that any negotiations would involve Denmark, Greenland and the US directly. Danish officials also noted that NATO does not have a mandate to negotiate territorial arrangements on behalf of member states. Denmark open to security cooperation Frederiksen said discussions on Arctic security were good and natural given rising threats from Russia and China, but stressed they must respect territorial integrity. Denmark wants to continue engaging in constructive dialogue with allies on how to strengthen security in the Arctic, she said, including cooperation on missile defense, provided that this is done with respect for our territorial integrity. The US already maintains a military presence in Greenland under a 1951 treaty allowing base operations with Danish and Greenlandic consent. Greenland leader draws a red line Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said he had no concrete details of the agreement Trump referenced and reiterated that sovereignty was not up for negotiation. I dont know what there is in the agreement, or the deal about my country, Nielsen told reporters in Nuuk. Asked whether limited US sovereignty over parts of Greenland could be considered, he replied: We are ready to negotiate a better partnership, but sovereignty is a red line. US Snow storm 2026 LIVE: A massive winter storm swept across much of the country and nearly 12,000 US flights scheduled over the weekend were canceled. Around 140 million people more than 40% of the US population were under winter storm warnings from New Mexico to New England, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters warned of widespread heavy snow and a dangerous ice band stretching from east Texas to North Carolina, with up to 0.25 inches of ice already reported in parts of Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana. Officials cautioned that extreme cold following the storm will slow recovery efforts, with snow and ice expected to linger for days. Governors in more than 20 states declared emergencies or urged residents to stay off roads, citing risks to power, travel and public safety. More than 119,000 power outages were reported nationwide Saturday morning, including major outages in Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico. Airports heavily impacted included Dallas-Fort Worth, Nashville and Charlotte; all flights were canceled at Oklahoma Citys Will Rogers International Airport through early Sunday. The storm is forecast to dump 12 feet of snow across parts of the Northeast, including Washington, New York and Boston. Georgia officials warned the state could face its worst ice storm in more than a decade, with high risk of falling trees and downed power lines. Wind chills plunged as low as 40F (40C) in parts of the Midwest, raising frostbite risks within minutes. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reportedly accused US President Donald Trump on Friday of trying to create "a new UN [United Nations]" with his proposed "Board of Peace." On Thursday, President Trump unveiled his Board of Peace to lead efforts at maintaining a ceasefire in Israel's war with Hamas, insisting everyone wants to be a part of the body. Some fear that the board could eventually rival the United Nations despite many US allies opting not to participate. Lula, the veteran leftist, joined other world leaders who have avoided signing up for Trump's new global conflict resolution organisation, where a permanent seat costs $1 billion and the chairman is Trump himself. "Instead of fixing" the United Nations, "what's happening? President Trump is proposing to create a new UN where only he is the owner," Lula was quoted by AFP as saying. Lula defended multilateralism against what he called "the law of the jungle" in global affairs. His remarks came a day after he spoke by phone with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who urged his counterpart to safeguard the "central role" of the United Nations in international affairs. In his remarks on Friday, Lula said "the UN charter is being torn." Trump rolls out his Board of Peace at Davos forum Trump unveiled his "Board of Peace" at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss ski resort of Davos Thursday, joined on stage by leaders and officials from 19 countries to sign its founding charter. In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said, This isnt the United States, this is for the world...I think we can spread it out to other things as we succeed in Gaza. Trump asserted that 59 countries had signed onto the board, although only 19 countries were represented at the event. He told the group, ranging from Azerbaijan to Paraguay to Hungary, Youre the most powerful people in the world. Trump's Board of Peace to rival UN? Trump launched his Board of Peace, initially designed to cement Gaza's rocky ceasefire but which he foresees taking a wider role worrying to other global powers, although he said it would work with the United Nations. "Once this board is completely formed, we can do pretty much whatever we want to do. And we'll do it in conjunction with the United Nations," Trump said, adding that the UN had great potential that had not been fully utilised. Trump, who will chair the board, said he wants it to address challenges beyond the stuttering Gaza ceasefire, stirring misgivings that it could undermine the UN's role as the main platform for global diplomacy and conflict resolution. Although originally intended to oversee Gaza's rebuilding, the board's charter does not seem to limit its role to the Palestinian territory and appears to want to rival the United Nations. Key US allies, including France and Britain, have also expressed doubts. London reportedly balked at the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose forces are fighting in Ukraine after invading in 2022. France said the charter as it currently stood was "incompatible" with its international commitments, especially its UN membership. Apart from the US, no other permanent member of the U.N. Security Council - the five nations with the most say over international law and diplomacy since the end of World War Two - has yet committed to join the board. Moreover, according to Reuters, the board's creation was endorsed by a United Nations Security Council resolution as part of Trump's Gaza peace plan, and U.N. spokesperson Rolando Gomez said on Thursday that UN engagement with the board would only be in that context. Drew Horn, CEO of GreenMet and a senior aide to Donald Trumps first-term vice president Mike Pence, is planning a multi-billion-dollar data center project in Greenland's remote Kangerlussuaq region, according to a CNBC report. He is positioning it as the solution to world's artificial intelligence hyperscaler's power requirements, as the AI infrastructure race continues to gather pace, it said. The data centre project aims to reach 300 MW operation by mid-2027 and expand to 1.5 GW by 2028-end, the report added. According to Horn, the project will cost billions and has binding commitment from investors to finance half each of its first and final phases of development, CNBC reported. Also Read | This Nvidia director is leaving board with stock gains of 22,000% AI data centre in Greenland? Here's what we know The report said that Horn is planning a multi-billion-dollar data center project in the remote Kangerlussuaq area of Greenland. The project aims to be operational at 300 MW by mid-2027 and expand to 1.5 GW by the end of 2028. The project has binding commitments for half of its initial phase of development and half of the final phase. No names were shared, it said. Horn's company GreenMet is offering strategic support to the project which will be located in the Kangerlussuaq area that has an airport. As per the report, local authority approvals for the project are pending, and land is also yet to be secured. Our effort, which is purely private, it succeeds only if we have the buy-in from the relevant affected parties and countries, Horn told CNBC. Why is this significant? Donald Trump, geopolitics, critical minerals in focus The likelihood of an AI related project in Greenland gains significance amid United States President Donald Trump's hard push to acquire the Arctic nation, which belongs to Denmark. It reflects the possibility that the decision to go after Greenland is more than just geopolitics and could also be driven by access to the Arctic Island's critical mineral resources, according to a report by the World Construction Network. Critical minerals or rare earths are required for the next-generation technology infrastructure, including large-scale AI data centres and power grids. The island nation is known to have significant deposits of the required copper, nickel, and rare earths. Further, climate wise too, Greenlands Arctic environment drastically cuts nearly 40% of a typical data centres energy consumption due to less cooling need, the report added. A high-ranking Iranian official said on Friday that Tehran will interpret any military offensive "as an all-out war against us," reported Reuters. This defiant statement precedes the scheduled arrival of a United States aircraft carrier strike group and supplementary military hardware in the Middle East. "This military buildup - we hope it is not intended for real confrontation - but our military is ready for the worst-case scenario. This is why everything is on high alert in Iran," the senior Iranian official told Reuters. "This time we will treat any attack - limited, unlimited, surgical, kinetic, whatever they call it - as an all-out war against us, and we will respond in the hardest way possible to settle this," the official added. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump confirmed that a naval "armada" was advancing toward the region. While expressing a desire to avoid direct conflict, he reiterated stern warnings to the Iranian leadership regarding the suppression of protesters and any potential resumption of their nuclear development activities. We have a massive fleet heading in that direction and maybe we wont have to use it, Trump said aboard Air Force One. While the United States military frequently deploys reinforcements to the Middle East as a deterrent during periods of friction, these maneuvers are generally characterized as defensive. Nevertheless, a similar large-scale mobilization occurred last year, serving as the precursor to the June military strikes launched against Irans nuclear infrastructure. "If the Americans violate Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, we will respond," said the Iranian official. "A country under constant military threat from the United States has no option but to ensure that everything at its disposal can be used to push back and, if possible, restore balance against anyone who dares to attack Iran," the official said. Iran's Revolutionary Guard commander says his force has its 'finger on the trigger' Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, a force which was key in putting down recent nationwide protests in a crackdown that left thousands dead, is more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, its commander said on Saturday. Nournews, a news outlet close to Irans Supreme National Security Council, reported on its Telegram channel that the commander, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, warned the US and Israel to avoid any miscalculation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards and dear Iran stand more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, to execute the orders and directives of the Commander-in-Chief, Nournews quoted Pakpour as saying. Top defense officials from 34 countries will reportedly meet in February to discuss common security priorities in the Western Hemisphere, the US military said on Friday, as per Reuters. US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine will host the inaugural Western Hemisphere Chiefs of Defense Conference on February 11. "Nations across the Western Hemisphere share deep historical ties, common values, and interest in regional stability which supports long-term security and prosperity for the United States and our shared neighborhood," the US military said in a statement. Who is invited? Top military leaders from Denmark, Britain and France that have territories in the area are among those to have been invited, the New York Times reported. The meeting is expected to focus, in part, on enhancing regional coordination in fighting drug trafficking and transnational criminal organisations, the report added. Gen. Dan Caine's "rare meeting" next month of dozens of military chiefs from across the Western Hemisphere is seen as another sign of the "regions rising prominence in the Trump administration," the NYT reported. Also Read | Trump administration taps data centres for backup power ahead of snowstorm After the US commando raid that seized President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela, and this weeks contentious debate between President Trump and European allies over the future of Greenland, the unusual gathering casts a spotlight on the potential military implications of the administrations Donroe Doctrine and a new security strategy that prioritises the Western Hemisphere. Also Read | Will EU revive US trade deal? Leaders heave sigh of relief but warns Trump Participating defense leaders will explore the importance of strong partnerships, continued cooperation, and united efforts to counter criminal and terrorist organizations, as well as external actors undermining regional security and stability, General Caines office said in statement on Friday. By Yuliia Dysa and Max Hunder KYIV, - Ukraine and Russia ended a second day of U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi on Saturday without a deal but with more talks expected next weekend, even as overnight Russian airstrikes knocked out power for over a million Ukrainians amid subzero winter cold. Statements after the conclusion of the talks did not indicate that any agreements had been reached, but Moscow and Kyiv both said they were open to further dialogue. "The central focus of the discussions was the possible parameters for ending the war," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wrote on X after the meeting. More discussions were expected next Sunday in Abu Dhabi, said a U.S. official who spoke to reporters immediately after the talks. "We saw a lot of respect in the room between the parties because they were really looking to find solutions," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We got to real granular detail and that next Sunday will be, God willing, another meeting where we push this deal towards its final culmination." A UAE government spokesperson said there was face-to-face engagement between Ukraine and Russia rare in the almost four-year-old war triggered by a full-scale Russian invasion and negotiators tackled "outstanding elements" of Washington's peace framework. Looking beyond next week's negotiations in Abu Dhabi, the U.S. official voiced hopes for further talks, possibly in Moscow or Kyiv. "Those sorts of meetings have to happen, in our view, before we get a bilateral between Putin and Zelenskiy, or a trilateral with Putin, Zelenskiy and President Trump. But I don't think we're so far away from that," the official said. BOMBARDMENT OF UKRAINE BEFORE SECOND DAY OF TALKS The bombardment of Ukraine's capital Kyiv and its second-largest city Kharkiv by hundreds of Russian drones and missiles prompted Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha - who was not at the talks - to accuse Putin of acting "cynically". "This barbaric attack once again proves that Putin's place is not at Board of Peace, but in the dock of the special tribunal," Sybiha wrote on X. "His missiles hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table." Saturday was scheduled to be the final day of the talks, billed by Zelenskiy as the first trilateral meeting under the U.S.-mediated peace process. The UAE statement said the talks were conducted in a "constructive and positive atmosphere" and included discussions about confidence-building measures. Kyiv is under mounting Trump administration pressure to make concessions to reach a deal to end Europe's deadliest and most destructive conflict since World War Two. U.S. peace envoy Steve Witkoff said at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos this week that a lot of progress had been made in the talks and only one sticking point remained. However, Russian officials have sounded more sceptical. RUSSIA WANTS ALL OF DONBAS After Saturday's talks, Zelenskiy said the U.S. delegation had raised the issue of "potential formats for formalising the parameters for ending the war, as well as the security conditions required to achieve this". The U.S. official said the proposed security protocols were widely seen as "very, very strong." "The Ukrainians and many of the national security advisors of all the European countries have reviewed these security protocols. And to a person, and this includes NATO, including Mark Rutte, they have expressed the fact that they've never seen security protocols this robust," the official said. Ahead of the discussions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday Russia had not dropped its insistence on Ukraine yielding all of its eastern area of Donbas, the industrial heartland grouping the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. Putin's demand that Ukraine surrender the 20% it still holds of Donetsk - about 5,000 sq km - has proven a major stumbling block to any deal. Most countries recognise Donetsk as part of Ukraine. Putin says Donetsk is part of Russia's "historical lands". Zelenskiy has ruled out giving up territory that Russia has not been able to capture in four years of grinding, attritional warfare against a much smaller foe. Polls show little appetite among Ukrainians for any territorial concessions. Russia says it wants a diplomatic solution but will keep working to achieve its goals by military means as long as a negotiated solution remains elusive. Umerov, the secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, said late on Friday that the first day of talks had addressed parameters for ending the war and the "further logic of the negotiation process." Meanwhile, Ukraine came under renewed Russian bombardment. Ukraine's air force said Russia had launched 375 drones and 21 missiles in the overnight salvo, which once again targeted energy infrastructure, knocking out power and heat for large parts of Kyiv, the capital. At least one person was killed and over 30 injured. Before Saturday's bombardment, Kyiv had already endured two mass overnight attacks since the New Year that cut electricity and heating to hundreds of residential buildings. Ukraine's deputy prime minister said on Saturday that 800,000 people in Kyiv - where temperatures were around -10 degrees Celsius - had been left without power after the latest Russian assault. Zelenskiy said on Saturday Russia's heavy overnight strikes showed that agreements on further air defence support made with Trump in Davos this week must be "fully implemented". Two days of US-brokered talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators aimed at ending the nearly four-year war concluded in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (January 24), even as Ukraine came under one of its largest aerial attacks in months. The discussions wrapped up just hours after Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles across Ukraine, killing civilians and knocking out power in multiple regions. Talks in Abu Dhabi Saturdays negotiations lasted about three hours, marking the second day of meetings involving officials from Ukraine, Russia and the United States. A UAE government spokesperson said the talks focused on the outstanding elements of a US-proposed peace framework and involved direct engagement between Russian and Ukrainian officials. The discussions were held in a constructive and positive atmosphere, the spokesperson said, according to Reuters. Russia open to more talks Russia signalled it remains open to continuing dialogue. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow is willing to pursue further talks with Ukrainian delegations, including possible meetings in Istanbul, state news agency RIA reported. Massive Russian air attack As talks were underway, Kremlin forces launched more than 370 drones and 21 missiles overnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said earlier on X. Kyiv and surrounding areas, as well as parts of the Sumy, Kharkiv and Chernihiv regions in northern Ukraine, were hit, triggering widespread power cuts. Power outages are widespread, Zelensky said. Civilian casualties At least one person was killed and four others wounded in Kyiv, according to city officials. Falling debris sparked fires in several districts and disrupted water and heating supplies, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said in Telegram posts. Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko said Russian drone strikes on the capital killed one person and injured four. Across Ukraine, Russian attacks killed at least one person and wounded 18 overnight, officials said. Ukraine accuses Putin Ukraines foreign minister accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of ordering the strikes while peace talks were in progress. This barbaric attack once again proves that Putins place is not at the board of peace, but at the dock of the special tribunal, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X. US role in negotiations The Abu Dhabi talks marked the first known instance of officials from the Trump administration sitting down with representatives from both Russia and Ukraine as part of Washingtons renewed push to end the war. US and Ukrainian officials have previously said they made progress on a 20-point plan aimed at resolving the conflict. After US President Donald Trump met Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this week, US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner travelled to Moscow to meet Putin before heading to Abu Dhabi. Delegations Ukraines delegation was led by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, while Russias team was headed by Igor Kostyukov, chief of Russias military intelligence service. Key sticking points Kyiv and Moscow remain deeply divided over territorial demands. Russia is insisting that Ukraine cede control of the entire Donetsk region and accept a freeze in fighting along current front lines in southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. There is no hope of achieving a long-term settlement until Russias territorial demands are accepted, Putins foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said in an audio message posted on Telegram. Ukraine has rejected demands to withdraw from heavily fortified parts of Donetsk that Russian forces have failed to capture since fighting began in 2014. NEW DELHI : The air in Davos this year was thick with trepidation. It wasnt just anxiety about the global economy that weighed on those gathered at the World Economic Forum. Looming larger was the fate of the much-vaunted transatlantic allianceand whether US President Donald Trump would act on his threat to seize Greenland from Denmark by force, a move that would have effectively shattered the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The irony was hard to miss. NATO was formed in 1949 to contain the former Soviet Union. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent breakup of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) removed that original threat. More recently, Russiaparticularly after its invasion of Ukrainehas been seen as Europes primary security challenge. Some even speculated that China could eventually become NATOs central preoccupation. However, few anticipated that the most serious threat would come from within the alliance itself, long held up as a model of intergovernmental military cohesion. Also Read | Trump, Greenland and the Nato stress test At the heart of the treaty lies the commitment that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all", triggering collective retaliation. That principle was put to the test after 9/11, when Article 5 was invoked, and a US-led NATO force took on Al-Qaeda and its supporters in Afghanistan. Now, Trump was openly threatening Denmark and other European nations for supporting it on Greenland. Had that threat materialized, it would have amounted to a rupture of NATO itself. There was, therefore, a quiet collective sigh of relief after Trumps speech on 21 January. He said he would not take Greenland by force. He made no mention of punitive tariffs on eight countriesincluding Denmarkthat had opposed his earlier stance. He even suggested talks to resolve the impasse. But the reassurance came with a familiar warning: You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no, and we will remember." Trump also repeated his long-standing grouse that NATO partners were grateful enough for the burden carried by the USan assertion that glosses over the alliances support for Washington after 9/11. He publicly disparaged Europe and its leaders on multiple fronts, from green-energy initiatives and immigration policies to trade practices, boasting about how tariff threats had extracted concessions from French President Emmanuel Macron. He also claimed credit for keeping the global economy buoyant, citing the US economy's strong performance following his re-election. The result was a rambling speech that ran for more than 70 minutes25 minutes over timemarked by disdain for peers, self-praise, and thinly veiled threats. Also Read | The world dodges another warfor now In stark contrast stood the address by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. His speech lasted about 20 minutes but packed in hard, uncomfortable truths, earning him a standing ovation and evident respect from the audience. Carney offered a clear-eyed assessment of the global order and called on middle powers to act collectively. He questioned the so-called rules-based international system, arguing that it had served only a select few. The strongest nations, he said, routinely exempted themselves from rules when convenient. Yet many countries had gone along with this fiction" because it offered tangible benefits. American hegemony had provided global public goodsopen sea lanes, a stable financial system, collective security and mechanisms for dispute resolution. That bargain, Carney argued, was no longer working. The world was not undergoing a transition but a rupture. Great powers could afford to act unilaterally for now, thanks to their market size, military strength, and leverage. Middle powers, however, could not. If were not at the table, were on the menu," he warned. Negotiating individually with hegemons meant negotiating from weakness. Smaller countries, Carney said, were making the mistake of competing among themselves to appear the most accommodatingeffectively accepting subordination. The alternative, he argued, was collective action: Middle powers joining forces to resist economic coercion and shape an independent path forward. It was, in many ways, a masterclass on evolving power relations between hegemons and middle powersand one likely to have greater recall value than Trumps bluster. It also appeared to irritate Trump, who later called Canada ungrateful and warned Carney to watch his words. In a fit of pique, Trump reportedly withdrew Carneys invitation to join the US-convened Board of Peace, tasked with managing the next phase of negotiations on Gaza. The BoP is ostensibly focused on the reconstruction of Gaza as part of Trumps 20-point peace plan. Yet it is already being viewed as a broader body for resolving international conflicts, with a reported $1 billion price tag for permanent membership. A founding executive council" sits at the top. The board itself votes on budgets, policy and senior appointments, while a seven-member executive board implements its mission. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, US secretary of state Marco Rubio, and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner are among its members. Trump serves as chairman, holding veto power over key decisions, including executive board actions and membership removal. He is also the final authority on interpreting the charter. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to the signing ceremony on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, but New Delhi chose not to send a representative. Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended, along with army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. The idea of the BoP first surfaced in 2025 with a specific two-year United Nations Security Council mandate to manage post-war Gaza. Critics, however, note that the BoPs official charter makes no direct reference to Gaza. Instead, it outlines a sweeping mandate that appears to challenge existing diplomatic frameworks, advocating a move away from established institutionsread: the UNon the premise that they have failed to maintain global peace. India has long criticized the UN as outdated, particularly its 80-year-old Security Council structure. Yet it also strongly favours multilateralism and a multipolar world in which it seeks to be one of the key poles. The BoPs charter could therefore be problematic for India. It speaks of promoting stability and restoring lawful governance" in regions affected or threatened by conflict. Could that be interpreted to include areas within India, such as Kashmira region Pakistan continues to label disputed"? Given Pakistans newly warm ties with Trump, India may have judged it safer to study the framework from a distance rather than participate in the signing. India was not alone. France and Spain declined to join, while Carney left Davos before the ceremony. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates are among the participants. Meanwhile, in Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichithe first woman to hold the posthas dissolved parliament and called snap elections in February, hoping to secure a majority for the Liberal Democratic Party in the powerful lower house. With approval ratings near 70%, Takaichi is betting that her popularity will translate into electoral gains after the partys losses in recent years. It is a gamblebut one she appears confident will pay off. Elizabeth Roche is an associate professor of practice at O.P. Jindal Global University, Haryana. For more of her columns, read The International Angle. WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) warned on Friday that "the cold can be deadly" as a winter storm expected to impact half of the nation approaches. "Take this storm seriously, folks. Moderate to major impacts are expected from the Central U.S. through to the Northeast today through the weekend," the weather agency wrote in a post on social media platform X. "Hazardous to impossible driving conditions are expected. Avoid travel if at all possible. Widespread closures and disruption to infrastructure may also occur," it said. The agency also warned in another post that "power outages are certain for some," especially in areas where the heaviest ice will accumulate on trees and power lines. Earlier in the day, the agency said that heavy snowfall is forecast from Oklahoma to the Northeast, where over a foot of snow is possible for some locations through Monday. In addition, widespread freezing rain and sleet are expected across the Southern Plains, the Lower Mississippi Valley, the Tennessee Valley, and the Southeast, the NWS said. "The storm will cause significant to locally catastrophic ice accumulations with the potential for long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions," it said. On Thursday, the agency warned that over 160 million Americans are under winter hazards associated with the impending major winter storm. NBC News reported on Thursday that at least a dozen states have declared states of emergency. When 27-year-old Rishab Bajaj walked onto the stage earlier this month to unveil the Chetak C25, the moment carried a weight far heavier than the electric scooters chassis. For the fourth generation of the Bajaj family to join the business set up by Jamnalal Bajaj in 1926, this wasnt just a product launch; it was a seance. To understand the weight of Rishab's legacy, you have to rewind to 1972, when his grandfather, Rahul Bajaj, rolled out the first Chetak. The sturdy but unglamorous vehicle, based on the Vespa Sprint, would go on to become the most tangible expression of Indian middle-class aspirations. Ask any Indian who came of age through the 1970s and 1980s, and they'll tell you about Hamara Bajaj, the scooter which was used by their father or uncle to ferry them to exam halls or to the temple on Sundays. A combative young man When Rahul Bajaj took control of the family business in 1968, India's economy was a masterpiece of bureaucratic strangulation. The Licence Raj required government permission for virtually every business decision as part of an economic philosophy that married Fabian socialism's mistrust of private enterprise with the Indian civil service's genius for paperwork. Into this environment walked a young man with an embarrassment of credentialsdegrees from St. Stephen's College and Bombay University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker Scholar. His professors remembered him as someone who asked uncomfortable questions, a trait he would never lose. The family business covered everything from sugar to ceiling fans and also included a licensed scooter operation selling barely 15,000 units. Rahul Bajaj's insight was simple: Indians needed cheap, reliable personal transportation. So he built a scooter that could survive Indian roads, mechanics, and the government's byzantine price controls. This simple strategy led to a waiting list stretching into years as owning a Chetak became a middle-class obsession; bookings were made the moment a child was born. The journey was full of hurdles. Bajaj Auto was summoned before the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Commission for exceeding its licensed production capacity. A lesser industrialist might have been content with the artificial scarcity that guaranteed profits. Not Rahul Bajaj. He successfully defended the case, winning approval for expansion, and famously railed against a system that penalized efficiency. This combative streak defined him. Over the following decades, he became notorious for speaking his mind, a trait we rarely see in contemporary boardrooms. One moment stands out. In November 2019, at an awards ceremony, he told the government: You are doing good work, but we don't have the confidence that you will appreciate it if we criticize you openly." Also Read | Ketan Parekh: The persistent ghoul of Dalal Street Even when he appeared on the wrong side of history, as in 1992 when he anchored the Bombay Club that protested against the sudden opening of the Indian economy to multinationals, there was an honesty about his stance. A man with a goal What drove this compulsion? Partly his legacy, partly his education. But there was something else: Rahul Bajaj seemed genuinely unbothered by what kept other businessmen awake. He lived in the Bajaj Auto factory complex in Akurdi, Pune, raising his family among workers and their families. His elder son, Rajiv, attended the local St. Ursula High School alongside children from the factory colony. For a man given to plain speaking, he was also a master negotiator. In 2008, he resolved a messy seven-year feud with his brother Shishir Bajaj, who wanted to exit the group. Around this time, he also achieved what has been an Achilles' heel for most Indian business families: A smooth division of the business empire between his two sons, Rajiv, who took operational control of the two-wheeler business, while Sanjiv assumed leadership of the financial services arm. Both businesses flourished. Foresight, vision, good sense, and courage: these were the simple qualities that made Rahul Bajaj a certified business legend. Eschewing the bravado of big bets, he had the quiet resolve to remain focused when others sprawled, to persist when others pivoted. His ambition wasnt to be India's richest man but to build good scooters and watch families repose their trust in them. His real insight was understanding that the industrialist's job is not just to make money but to build institutions that outlast their founders. Also Read | Aditya Vikram Birla: The industrial titan who outran the Licence Raj You can still see some of the old Chetak scooters from the 1980s and 1990s in smaller cities, carrying families to market and being repaired by mechanics who learned their trade when Rahul Bajaj was in his prime. They are unglamorous but utterly reliable. Much like the man who built them. For more such stories, read The Enterprising Indian: Stories From India Inc News. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday accused Governor RN Ravi of having "insulted" the gubernatorial position he holds, by not reading out the speech at the commencement of the Assembly session. Stalin's remarks in Tamil Nadu assembly came days after he said his party would seek to amend the Constitution to omit provisions mandating the Governor's Address to the state legislature at the beginning of the session. Stalin's comments came in response to Governor RN Ravi earlier declining to read the state government's prepared text in the Assembly. The Governor's office, the Lok Bhavan, claimed there were inaccuracies in the address. Governor Ravi walked out of the House without delivering the customary address. Speaking in assembly on Saturday, Stalin, the DMK chief, said he was constrained to criticise the Governor for his actions, and that many governors that Tamil Nadu has seen in the past were not like Ravi. "I am facing the crisis that was not witnessed during the tenure of former Chief Ministers CN Annadurai, M Karunanidhi, MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa...Governor (Ravi) is insulting the position he holds by not reading the speech at the start of the Assembly session and insisting upon playing the national anthem at the start of the Assembly session," the chief minister said in his reply to the Assembly. The National Anthem, Stalin said, was always played at the conclusion of the Governor's speech in TN Assembly and Tamil Thai Vazhthu (Mother Tamil invocation) was played at the commencement. "We are not inferior to anyone in patriotism, and no one needs to teach us," Stalin said and added that the crisis was something not new to him. "I have faced numerous challenges in the past and overcame them," he said. What sparked the row on Tuesday? Governor RN Ravi and the DMK-led state government have been at loggerheads for quite some time now. This standoff played out in public again when the Governor walked out of the Assembly on Tuesday at the beginning of the session. Governor RN Ravi declined to read out the DMK government's customary address in the Assembly, as it had numerous unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements, the Lok Bhavan said later. The Customary Address While the Assembly, immediately after Ravi walked out of the House, adopted a resolution moved by CM Stalin stating that only the government-prepared customary address would go on the official record, the Lok Bhavan quickly released a statement claiming to provide an explanation of what transpired inside the House. As per tradition, the Governor of Tamil Nadu reads a speech written by the state government at the start of the Assembly session. Governor Ravi has been objecting to parts of this speech for the numerous unsubstantiated claims and misleading statements. Also Read | Jana Nayagan row: M K Stalin targets centre over CBFC certification delay I am facing the crisis that was not witnessed during the tenure of former Chief Ministers CN Annadurai, M Karunanidhi, MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa. Tuesday's row was third such instance when Governor Ravi skipped the customary Assembly address in the assembly. US officials said Saturday that discussions were constructive, even though no peace deal was finalized during the first trilateral meeting between the US, Ukraine and Russia since Russias invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. The parties all agreed to meet again next Sunday to continue negotiations, added the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The first round of talks took place over two days, Friday and Saturday, in Abu Dhabi, where the US delegation was led by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who is also Trumps son-in-law. Both envoys met separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent days. US officials said discussions over security protocols a top priority for Ukrainians who have voiced concern over Putin potentially launching another invasion are very advanced and that a framework has been reviewed by NATO and other European countries. Zelenskiy, who also called the trilateral talks constructive, has said the thorniest issues are control over territory in eastern Ukraine and the fate of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which Russian forces seized in the first days of the four-year war. US officials said Saturday that there has not been a final framework agreed to on the fate of the plant, but said the sharing of the power produced by the plant will be a critical part of any agreement reached. The officials did not provide details on the negotiations over territories. After Fridays talks in Abu Dhabi on Friday, Russia launched more than 370 drones and 21 missiles at Ukraine overnight, hitting Kyiv and the surrounding region, and other parts of the country. In Kyiv alone, the attack left about 800,000 customers without electricity, while half of the high-rise apartment buildings in the city of more than 3 million people have no heat, Ukrainian authorities said. Temperatures are set to plunge to -12C overnight. Trump said earlier this week that he had a good meeting with Zelenskiy in Davos, where he attended the annual meeting of the Word Economic Forum, and expressed renewed hope that the war Russia started four years ago was going to end. The latest flurry of diplomatic efforts to try to end the war in Ukraine has in recent days been overshadowed by Trumps effort to acquire Greenland. Trump continues to maintain the US needs to acquire Greenland for national security reasons, and said a framework of a future deal was reached after discussions in Davos regarding the island. 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Meta on Friday announced that it is stopping teens' access to its AI characters globally across its apps. The ban itself is temporary and will apply not only to anyone who has a teen birthday but also to users who claim to be adults but are suspected to be teens according to the company's age prediction technology. With the new restriction, teens will no longer be able to access the custom-built Meta AI characters. However, they will still have access to the standard Meta AI assistant with default, age-appropriate protections in place. The tech giant said that it is also planning to give parents access to the conversations their teens have with the chatbot. Also Read | Apple confirms multiple ad slots are coming to iPhone in March Meta had announced in October that it was building new tools to give parents more visibility into how teens use AI and control over AI characters they can interact with. The company updated the same blog post on Friday to announce the new restrictions around teens accessing AI characters. Starting in the coming weeks, teens will no longer be able to access AI characters across our apps until the updated experience is ready. This will apply to anyone who has given us a teen birthday, as well as people who claim to be adults but who we suspect are teens based on our age prediction technology. This means that, when we deliver on our promise to give parents more oversight of their teens AI experiences, those parental controls will apply to the latest version of AI characters, the company added. Meanwhile, Meta's course correction over children's access to AI characters comes as the company is set to face trial in Los Angeles, along with TikTok and YouTube, over how their apps caused harm to children. In a separate instance, Meta has petitioned the judge in New Mexico ahead of the trial to exclude certain research studies and articles around social media and youth mental health, a recent high-profile case involving teen suicide and social media content, and references to Mark Zuckerberg's time as a Harvard University student, Wired reported. Meta rivals who also put child safety features: Notably, Meta rival OpenAI had also recently rolled out age prediction technology for ChatGPT to restrict access to sensitive content for children. Similar to Meta, the ChatGPT maker had announced parental controls inside the chatbot after facing various lawsuits related to its chatbot nudging minors in the direction of suicide. The Internet has a new star, and this time, it is a lone penguin. A penguin that reportedly lost its mate and was heading towards the mountain, a direction supposed to be a certain death for the animal. The penguin, and its alleged sad story, captured the attention of netizens, and the social media platforms were flooded with different interpretations of the clip. US President Donald Trump, an avid social media user who has a keen interest in owning Greenland, also shared his version of the viral clip via the official White House Twitter handle. Embrace the penguin, White House wrote. In his AI-generated version, Trump can be seen walking beside the lone penguin, who has the American flag in one hand, and is walking towards a mountain with the Greenland flag. This comes amid Trump's hard push to acquire the Arctic nation, which belongs to Denmark. However, just like the severe criticism Trump is facing for his Greenland wish, the social media was unforgiving for his viral penguin picture. He was trolled for not knowing the basics there are no penguins in Greenland. Nice try. We dont have penguins here in Greenland, one netizen said. There are no penguins in Greenland you morons, another added. A user quipped, This is why Europeans continue to question whether education is illegal in the United States. There are no penguins on the north pole. The white house is run by idiots obsessed with manufacturing their own reality with AI slop, said another user. In a lenghty comment, a user said, Dude, you are not stopping with the embarrassments are you? 1. Greenland is not for sale 2. Thats not Greenland 3. Penguins live on Antartica Stop with this nonsense now, world is laughing at you every single day. Iceland, Greenland, Antartica. Also Read | Trump targets climate change activists as cold wave expected to hit 40 States What is the viral lone penguin video about? In the viral video, a penguin can be seen walking in a different direction from his herd, which was moving towards the ocean. According to the background narration of the clip, the flightless bird decided to head towards the mountain for no exact reason. These penguins are all heading to the open water to the right. But one of them caught our eye. The one in the centre. He would neither go towards the feeding grounds at the edge of the ice, nor return to the colony, the narration said. The clip shows the bird running towards the mountain, which is supposedly 70 to 80 kms away, and ends with an unsettling question: But why? LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- A man was shot dead by federal agents in Minneapolis, the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, on Saturday morning, local media reported, citing police. The incident marks the latest deadly encounter during an ongoing federal immigration enforcement operation in the city. Witnesses said the man was shot multiple times in the chest and taken to a hospital, according to local media. Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara told the Minnesota Star Tribune later that the man "has died." For years, the idea of Moldova rejoining Romania hovered in the realm of sentiment, whispered at commemorations, debated in cafes, and carefully avoided in official speeches. Then President Maia Sandu said the quiet part out loud. By framing her hypothetical vote for reunification not as a romantic return to history but as a matter of security, Sandu signaled that Moldovas most sensitive question has entered a new phase. In a region reshaped by war, identity alone no longer explains political choices; survival does. Moldovas predicament is emblematic of small states caught between geography and geopolitics. Culturally intertwined with Romania yet shaped by centuries of Russian and Soviet rule, the country embodies a dual legacy: shared history on one bank of the Prut, enforced separation on the other. What has changed is not the past, but the present. Russias war against Ukraine has reframed neutrality as vulnerability and turned once-theoretical debates into strategic calculations. Experts speaking to AzerNews caution that symbolism should not be confused with imminence. Cultural affinity may provide the emotional logic for reunification, but law, security guarantees, frozen conflicts, and great-power reactions impose far stricter limits. The renewed debate, they argue, is less about whether Moldova belongs with Romania, and more about how a fragile state navigates an increasingly unforgiving security environment without losing its sovereignty in the process. How likely is it that Moldova rejoins Romania? From an institutional and political standpoint, Sebastian Schaeffer, Director at the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM), argues that unification remains unlikely in the short to medium term. While cultural, linguistic, and historical arguments for reunification are deeply rooted, political consent is not. Support fluctuates on both sides of the Prut River and remains below the level required to make a binding referendum politically viable, particularly in Moldova. What has shifted, however, is not the probability of unification but the legitimacy of openly discussing it. Russias war against Ukraine has transformed unification from a taboo subject into a contingency scenario. President Maia Sandus statement that she would personally vote for unificationexplicitly framing it as a response to mounting geopolitical pressures and the difficulty of sustaining democracy as a small statemarks a significant change in official discourse. Unification is now increasingly framed not as romantic nationalism, but as a security insurance option of last resort. Even so, Moldovas strategic trajectory remains focused on EU integration as a sovereign state rather than an imminent merger with Romania. Andrew Korybko, Moscow-based political analyst, by contrast, contends that the unification question is already largely moot in practical terms. In his view, Moldova has become a de facto member of NATO despite its constitutional neutrality, while those Moldovan citizens who genuinely wish to (re)join Romania already hold Romanian citizenship. This dual citizenship grants them access to EU residency, employment, and political participation, effectively delivering many of the benefits unification would otherwise provide. As a result, Korybko sees Sandus stated preference for unification as unlikely to translate into concrete action, particularly given contested electoral processes and the political risks of attempting to engineer a referendum whose outcome could not be easily controlled. NATOs Article 5, EU Article 42(7), and the Transnistria dilemma Schaeffer underscores that, in principle, NATOs Article 5 would apply only to Romanias internationally recognized territory at the moment of unification. In practice, Transnistria becomes decisive. NATO has consistently avoided importing unresolved territorial conflicts, meaning that any unification would almost certainly require a prior legal clarification excluding Transnistria from the transferred territory. Otherwise, the Alliance would inherit a frozen conflict involving Russian troopssomething it has systematically avoided. As a result, Transnistria would either remain outside Article 5 coverage or block the process entirely. More importantly, Schaeffer argues that the debate is overly focused on NATO. He points instead to Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union as increasingly consequential. NATOs political cohesion can no longer be treated as immutable, as demonstrated by recent burden-sharing disputes and the political shock triggered by US President Donald Trumps January 2026 push to acquire Greenland. While Article 5 remains the cornerstone of European defence, its credibility ultimately depends on political will, particularly in Washington. By contrast, Article 42(7) obliges EU member states to provide aid and assistance by all means in their power if a member state suffers armed aggression. Its legal language is explicit, embedded in EU primary law, and politically difficult to ignore once invoked. Crucially, it extends collective security obligations to EU states outside NATO, such as Austria, Ireland, and Cyprus. A MoldovaRomania unification would therefore place Moldova immediately under the EUs mutual assistance framework, creating a European security backstop that is often underestimated in NATO-centric debates. Korybko approaches the same issue from a strategic and perceptual angle rather than a legal one. He argues that Moldova is already part of Romanias broader security space and lacks only the psychological comfort associated with popular interpretations of Article 5. In his reading, the legal distinctions between NATO and EU clauses matter less than how Moscow interprets intent. Any move toward formal unification would likely be viewed in Russia as a signal of hostile designs toward Transnistria. From this perspective, unification is dangerous not because of what treaty articles technically apply, but because it could be perceived as paving the way for NATO involvement in a territory where Russian peacekeepers are present. The feasibility of ceding Transnistria Schaeffer describes the idea of ceding Transnistria in exchange for faster integration with Romania or Western institutions as legally and politically fraught. While not entirely impossible in theory, it would require constitutional amendments, a referendum, and international recognition. Politically, transferring territory to Russia is implausible and deeply toxic. Ukraine, meanwhile, has no interest in annexing Transnistria while fighting to preserve its own territorial integrity. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized that territorial concessions are Ukraines most difficult challenge and that legitimizing occupied territories would undermine international law and set a dangerous precedent. Beyond legal constraints, Schaeffer highlights economic realities. Transnistria is not driven by ideology but by the incentives of its ruling oligarchy. Official Moldovan data shows that roughly three quarters to over four fifths of Transnistrian exports go to the EU, with Romania, Italy, Poland, and Germany among the main destinations. Imports from the EU account for nearly half of total imports. This makes the EUnot RussiaTransnistrias most important economic partner. The local elite benefits from ambiguity, with smuggling networks, preferential EU market access via Moldova, and regulatory grey zones forming the backbone of their revenue streams. Formal annexation by Russia would disrupt this business model and expose the region to sanctions, sharply reducing incentives for radical status changes. Korybko largely sidesteps the legal feasibility question, arguing instead that territorial cession is strategically irrelevant. In his view, Transnistrias value lies precisely in its unresolved status. Any attempt to formalize its fatewhether through cession, annexation, or reintegrationwould upset the delicate balance that allows it to function as a geopolitical buffer. For Moscow, ambiguity is preferable to resolution, especially when unresolved territories can be used to shape narratives and constrain opponents strategic choices. Casus belli or political defeat? Schaeffer assesses that Russia would most likely interpret a MoldovaRomania unification as a political defeat rather than a casus belli. Moscow lacks both the geographic access and military capacity to wage a conventional war against Romania, a NATO member. Any direct confrontation would carry unacceptable escalation risks and likely trigger a broader clash with the Alliance. Instead, Russia would frame unification as a hostile act and exploit it politically through propaganda, disinformation, economic pressure, and political destabilization. More broadly, Moscow could instrumentalize unification as part of a revisionist narrative, pointing to it as a precedent to justify its own claims over Ukraines occupied territories by arguing that border changes driven by security concerns or historical narratives are selectively legitimized by the West. Korybko agrees that outright war is unlikely but places greater emphasis on escalation risks linked to Transnistria. He argues that while unification itself may not trigger conflict, it could be interpreted as a precursor to dismantling the existing status quo around the breakaway region. In that sense, the danger lies less in unification as a legal act and more in its potential to catalyze a broader NATORussia crisis under conditions of heightened mistrust. The risk of escalation in Transnistria Schaeffer concludes that Russias ability to preemptively escalate in Transnistria is more limited than often assumed. The region is geographically isolated, dependent on Moldova and Ukraine for access, and hosts a relatively small Russian military presence with constrained logistics. A serious escalation would be difficult to sustain and would directly threaten the economic interests of the Transnistrian elite, whose revenues depend on uninterrupted trade with the EU. Consequently, Moscow is more likely to exploit Transnistria politically rather than militarily, using it as a tool for freezing options and sustaining ambiguity rather than as a launchpad for war. This contrasts with Gagauzia, where identity politics and pro-Russian narratives resonate more strongly and where political obstruction may pose a greater challenge to unification scenarios. Korybko similarly views escalation as unlikely but frames Transnistria as a strategic deterrent rather than a liability. He argues that the region functions as a warning mechanism, signaling that certain red linesparticularly those involving NATOs proximity to Russian peacekeepersshould not be crossed. While Moscow may avoid military escalation, it could still leverage Transnistria diplomatically and rhetorically to constrain Moldovas choices and deter any moves perceived as deliberately provocative. Key Points MLPs can be good for dividends because they generate steady cash flow from long-term contracts and pass a majority of profits directly to investors through regular distributions. Energy Transfer is an MLP and pipeline operator with a 7.5% dividend yield. The company has secured contracts with hyperscalers that are looking to secure fuel for their growing data centers. 10 stocks we like better than Energy Transfer If your goal is to generate income from your investment portfolio, Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET) is a top stock to consider. With a 7.5% dividend yield, the gas pipeline operator provides income and has upside potential amid strong demand from hyperscalers for natural gas needed to fuel on-site generators that help provide consistent power to their data centers. With positive momentum heading into 2026, here's why Energy Transfer is my favorite dividend stock in the energy sector today. Image source: Getty Images. How Energy Transfer fuels artificial intelligence The build-out of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers is underway, and it directly benefits Energy Transfer as it integrates its natural gas network directly with major hyperscalers. Midway through last year, Energy Transfer scored multiple agreements with Oracle to supply natural gas to three of the hyperscaler's data centers, two of which are located in Texas. As part of the deal, the company would deliver about 900,000 one thousand cubic feet (Mcf) per day through a lateral pipeline connecting to its Hugh Brinson and North Texas pipelines. It also entered into a 20-year binding agreement with Entergy Louisiana, and will provide 250,000 metric million British thermal units (MMBtu) per day of firm transportation service starting in December 2028. The capacity will supply fuel for Entergy's power generation facilities in North Louisiana, supporting Meta Platforms' new data center in Richland Parish. Beyond this, Energy Transfer has contracted over 6 billion cubic feet (Bcf) per day of new pipeline capacity with demand-pull customers (utilities and data centers) in the last year alone. These contracts have a weighted average life of 18 years and are projected to generate more than $25 billion in future revenue from long-term firm transportation fees, helping secure predictable cash flow and drive earnings growth over the next decade. Here's something to consider regarding Energy Transfer One area to keep an eye on is the rising competition for Permian natural gas liquids (NGL). Rivals like Targa Resources and Enterprise Products Partners are creating new capacity, and NGL fees are becoming "more and more tight and more competitive," according to CEO Marshall McCrea. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is leading a coalition of U.S. mayors, including many in Massachusetts, who are calling on a federal judge to stop President Donald Trumps politically motivated invasion of Minneapolis and other cities. The Democratic mayor filed the amicus brief in U.S. District Court in Minnesota in support of a lawsuit brought by state officials and Twin Cities leaders who are seeking a temporary restraining order to end what they describe as the aggressive enforcement tactics of more than 2,000 federal agents. The shooting death earlier this month of Renee Nicole Good at the hands of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ignited a national debate over the Republican White Houses hardline deportation campaign. It also plunged the Twin Cities into weeks of sometimes violent confrontations with federal agents. The Trump Administrations ongoing occupations of peaceful American cities are unconstitutional and illegal, Wu said in a statement. These politically-motivated invasions of cities, whether by ICE agents or the National Guard, endanger our residents and violate federal law. We are urging the courts to curb the dangerous impulses of a reckless federal administration. Mayors and city officials from Cambridge, Chelsea, Lynn, Melrose, Newton, Northampton, Salem and Somerville joined Wu in the legal action, alongside mayors from such larger cities as Baltimore, Chicago and Los Angeles. The legal action argues that the Republican White House is invading peaceful American cities to unlawfully punish communities that do not instruct local police to engage in Trumps mass deportation agenda. The brief also argues that the action violates the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which bars the federal government from commandeering state and local resources for federal purposes, Wu said in the statement. She noted that the same argument had been upheld in cases around the country where the Trump Administration has sought to strip funding or otherwise punish jurisdictions with local policies disfavored by the president. Local governments shouldnt have to govern under threat, Jill Habig, CEO of Public Rights Project, which participated in the brief. Operation Metro Surge is a military occupation of an American city. Cities are standing together against this coercion campaign that spreads fear, diverts local resources, and undermines public safety. The five witnesses sued by Karen Read last fall over what she claimed were violations of her civil rights asked a federal judge to throw out the lawsuit, describing it in a motion filed Friday as a work of conspiratorial fiction. In November, Read filed a sprawling civil rights lawsuit naming three investigators who worked on her criminal case and five witnesses who testified against her as defendants. The suit came after Reads acquittal last summer on charges having to do with the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John OKeefe, whom she was accused of running over and leaving to die in the snow in January 2022. The witnesses Brian and Nicole Albert, Matt and Jennifer McCabe, and Brian Higgins were with OKeefe and Read on the night he died. Read has long accused the Alberts and McCabes of coordinating with law enforcement to frame her for OKeefes death, and claimed that OKeefe died inside the Alberts Canton home. In support of the motion to dismiss, all five submitted affidavits in which they reiterated what they told police and testified to during Reads first trial: OKeefe never came inside the home that night. Lawyers for the witnesses argued in the motion that Read is trying to punish them for the simple act of speaking to police and testifying for the prosecution, which they dub a transparent act of revenge. The Complaint is a work of conspiratorial fiction devoid of supporting evidence, the filing reads. The witnesses join Massachusetts State Police Lt. Brian Tully in filing a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The other two defendants, Sgt. Yuriy Bukhenik and former trooper Michael Proctor, answered the claims in the suit in lieu of filing motions to dismiss. Tully headed the detective unit that investigated Read, while Bukhenik and Proctor were the lead investigators on the case. Proctor was later fired for sending derogatory messages about Read during the investigation. Bukheniks answer, filed Friday, similarly derides Reads complaint as laying out a conspiracy theory not rooted in facts or reality. All three investigators have asserted qualified immunity, a legal doctrine that protects police from liability if their conduct does not constitute a clear violation of the Constitution. In their motion, the witnesses claim that Reads lawsuit was filed outside the statute of limitations for such complaints and should be tossed on those grounds, regardless of its merits. The three-year statute of limitations, they claim, begins to run when a person becomes aware of the injury underlying their complaint. In Reads case, they say that clock began in 2022. That summer, Reads filings in her criminal case argued the same conspiratorial theories she repeats in the suit. While Read has also filed malicious prosecution claims against the witnesses, their filing argues she makes no showing they ever coordinated or agreed with law enforcement to have Ms. Read indicted and prosecuted, the filing reads. At best, the allegations against the Commonwealth Witnesses are that they coordinated amongst each other in early 2022 to have Ms. Read investigated and arrested to absolve themselves of potential liability, attorneys James L. Tuxbury and Kieran T. Murphy, of the firm Hinckley Allen, wrote in the motion. The witnesses argue that because they have effectively shown Read is trying to sue them for the simple act of talking to police, she must prove their statements were devoid of any reasonable factual support or any arguable basis in law. But they claim Read provides no genuine evidence to dispute the factual basis for their statements. The motion runs through numerous pieces of evidence laid out during Reads criminal trial, the witnesses claim proves she was responsible for OKeefes death. They point to the fact that no snow was found underneath OKeefes body on the front lawn of the Alberts home and that OKeefe was missing a shoe when he was found. That shoe was later found frozen between the lawn and the curb. The witnesses also seek dismissal of the complaint because they cant be held liable for what they said at Reads criminal trials. Witnesses have absolute immunity from civil liability for what they say during a judicial proceeding. As a result, they say, Read is essentially asking this Court to infer that, since the statements that caused Ms. Reads wrongful arrest were also elicited as part of the evidence presented against her at trial, the Commonwealth Witnesses also should be associated with Ms. Reads prosecution. Ms. Read fails to allege that the Commonwealth Witnesses took an active role in her investigation or prosecution, the filing continues. The only interactions that the Commonwealth Witnesses are accused of having with the investigation and prosecution are through their witness statements and trial testimony. There is no evidence to suggest any of the witnesses had a relationship with Proctor, Bukhenik or Tully, the filing argues. And similarly, there is no evidence to suggest the witnesses spoke to law enforcement after giving statements in early 2022, the motion reads. The Complaint is devoid of allegations that the Commonwealth Witnesses ever came to an agreement with law enforcement to commit a wrongful act, the lawyers wrote in a footnote. Ms. Read cannot support a legally recognized, valid civil conspiracy cause of action with a concocted and baseless conspiracy theory, the filing continues. UPDATE: Mass. DCF almost sent 8-year-old US citizen to Guatemala with father facing felony drug charges Editors note: This article was updated at 5 p.m. Saturday to clarify that the childs mother is a U.S. citizen. An 8-year-old U.S. citizen in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families could be sent to live in Guatemala because of her biological parents undocumented status, a move advocates say could happen without adequate oversight. The 8-year-old was born in the U.S. when her mother, a U.S. citizen, was only 15. She was unable to care for the child, according to court documents and a GoFundMe created for the girl. Her biological father, an undocumented 29-year-old, was deported to Guatemala shortly after the 15-year-old became pregnant. He has never lived with (the 8-year-old), never had custody of her, and did not contribute to her care, the GoFundMe reads. The court documents and GoFundMe did not identify the 8-year-old but referred to her as S.R.C. Read more: Boston bystander phone seized during ICE arrest adds to growing alarm after Minneapolis shooting The 8-year-old has been in foster care in Massachusetts since she was a toddler. She only speaks English, is a U.S. citizen and has only ever lived in the U.S. She also has significant medical, emotional, and educational needs that require consistent, trauma-informed care, the GoFundMe states. Her biological father re-entered the country briefly but was still undocumented. During this time, he had supervised visits with the girl, according to court documents. He had hoped to gain custody of his daughter, court documents state. On May 24, 2024, DCF changed S.R.C.s permanency goal from adoption to reunification with her father. But he was deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) again in 2024. He did not have custody of the child during this time. Because biological dad never had custody or caregiving responsibility for this child, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) has never fully investigated allegations of abuse or neglect against him, the GoFundMe reads. Still, DCF continued working to send the child to Guatemala with her father. On Aug. 26, 2025, DCF, the foster father and a family friend of the foster family went to a court hearing regarding the placement of the child. DCF proposes to send her to live with her biological father, a man she does not know, who does not speak her language, and who has never parented her, the GoFundMe states. And this isnt uncommon, the girls lawyer, Kirsten Zwicker, said. In looking at this occurrence, I had thought to myself perhaps this was a one-off, a unique circumstance with perhaps an impassioned DCF worker. But I am told that this does happen routinely, Zwicker said. On Sept. 8, 2025, the Lynn Juvenile Court granted permanent custody of S.R.C. to her biological father. And the Lynn Juvenile Court directed DCF to transition S.R.C. to the mans custody in Guatemala. A legal team is working in federal court to stop DCF from quietly removing the child to a foreign country without federal oversight or protection. We believe DCF should protect American kids like S.R.C. from dangerous removals, but DCF should also be held accountable when they dont, the GoFundMe states. On Sept. 19, 2025, a complaint was filed on behalf of S.R.C. in federal court claiming that DCFs international transportation of the girl violated her rights under the Citizenship and Equal Protection Clauses, and her procedural and substantive due process rights. The complaint was filed by on C.s prior foster father and Jennifer Lee Laurenza, a friend of the foster family and licensed therapist, according to court documents. The foster family had once hoped to adopt the child. DCF has since removed her from the familys home, where she had lived for years. Theyre devastated, Zwicker said of the former foster family. This was a wonderful relationship. They saw her as their daughter. She would refer to them as mommy and daddy. In December, the childs biological father filed a motion stating the foster family did not have legal standing. And on Jan. 9, United States District Judge Angel Kelley ruled to dismiss the foster familys motion. The decision requires DCF to comply with the court orders and send her to live with her biological father. In the court documents, it is presented as a state-initiated custody proceeding. However, Zwicker disagrees. To be clear, this is not a custody case, she said. Our issue has been and continues to be with the action of a state agency effectively expelling U.S. Citizens to another country without any federal oversight. And were challenging the constitutionality of that. She also takes issue with the court documents presenting the situation as reuniting a father with his daughter. Hes never had physical or legal custody of this child. Hes had a handful of visits, Zwicker said. The girls lawyer filed an appeal on Friday. The 8-year-old is currently still in the U.S., but her lawyer knows that could change at any point. Shes not just merely getting on a plane and accompanying her parents someplace else, Zwicker said, later adding, We are all putting all our efforts into this to see it through until the end. All detainees at the Cumberland County Jail in Portland, Maine have been transferred out of the facility amid an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) crackdown on the state, with some moved to Massachusetts, according to immigrant advocacy groups and local media. Male detainees at the prison were kept in the region, while all female detainees were transferred to Louisiana, the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refuge Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition told MassLive. The removals of the 50 people at the prison unfolded suddenly late Thursday, reports read from WMTW News 8, Portland Press Herald, Maine Morning Star, The Maine Monitor and other outlets. Several detainees were brought to a federal correctional facility in New Hampshire, a detention facility in Rhode Island and the Plymouth County Correctional Facility Massachusetts, Morning Star reported. Anna Welch, a University of Maine School of Law professor who runs a legal aid clinic working with detainees at Cumberland, told the outlet people called their legal counsel in a panic as the transfers began and described the process as very chaotic. The Cumberland jail is where many people detained in Massachusetts by ICE have been brought, including a Lynn teenager arrested after she pushed her brother during an argument over a cellphone and a Canton mom detained at Boston Logan over a decades-old minor marijuana charge. The transfers come just hours after Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce sharply criticized ICE agents for what he called bushleague policing during the arrest of one of his corrections recruits on Wednesday night, WMTW reported, when he said agents left the recruits car running and unsecured on a Portland street. Joyce told reporters he did not request the removals at Cumberland and had no issue continuing to hold ICE detainees at the jail. A York County Jail corrections officer was also detained by ICE on Thursday, following a routine immigration appointment in Scarborough, according to Maine Public. ICE has not announced why the Cumberland County detainees were moved, has not said where they were taken and has not responded to request for comment from the outlets. The removals come as ICE activity surges in Maine, with more than 100 people detained across the state under Operation: Catch of the Day, Joyce told reporters. The sudden transfers have compounded uncertainty for families, attorneys and immigrantrights groups who say loved ones have become difficult or impossible to locate through ICEs online system. Folks are having issues with being able to locate their loved ones, said Ruben Torres, advocacy and policy manager for the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition, Morning Star reported. The jails role as a federal detention site has long been politically charged, The Press Herald reported. The county receives $150 per detainee per day from federal authorities, a financial incentive Joyce has defended in the face of community protests and previous attempts by county commissioners to end the jails contract with ICE, according to the outlet. The judge overseeing Matthew Farwells criminal case in federal court denied a motion from his defense attorneys seeking to move his forthcoming trial out of Massachusetts over what they dubbed prejudicial media coverage. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise Casper denied the motion Friday, three days after Farwell appeared before her for a hearing on the issue. It marked the first time Farwell, a former Stoughton police officer accused of killing Sandra Birchmore, a pregnant woman prosecutors say he sexually abused when she was a teen, had appeared since his arrest in August 2024. Farwells lawyers sought to move the trial, scheduled for October, from federal court in Boston to Rhode Island. They claimed that extensive media coverage of Farwells case, particularly in The Boston Globe, made it impossible for the 40-year-old to get a fair trial in the Bay State. But Casper disagreed, finding that the coverage didnt meet the high standard of prejudice necessary to justify moving a trial. Even when viewed collectively, however, the Court does not agree with Farwell that the nature and volume of media coverage have risen to the level that would warrant a change of venue, Casper wrote in a 17-page memorandum and order, noting that though much of the reporting relies on the governments accusations against Farwell, it includes mention that he denies the claims. The Court notes that even the most evenhanded media coverage of criminal cases may still include inflammatory or salacious details, depending on the nature of the underlying allegations for the criminal charges, Casper continued. Casper also noted that more than five-and-a-half years will have gone by since the time of Birchmores death when Farwells trial begins in October. Birchmore was found dead in her Canton apartment in February 2021. Sandra Birchmore, of Canton, died in 2021 and Massachusetts officials ruled her death a suicide. On Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, federal authorities charged former Stoughton police officer Matthew Farwell with killing Birchmore. Bichmore is pictured here in a photograph from Facebook. Sandra Birchmore via Facebook More than two years will have gone by since Farwells arrest and the filing of the affidavit his motion describes as a cherry-picked version of alleged facts and a one-sided narrative against (him). This suggests that much of the risk of any prejudicial effect of same, if any, will have dissipated by the time jury selection begins, Casper wrote. Farwell first encountered Birchmore after she joined a program run by the Stoughton Police to teach young people about law enforcement careers, where he was a volunteer and later an instructor. Birchmore was 12 years old when she signed up in 2010. Prosecutors say he began sexually abusing her when she was 15, below the age of consent in Massachusetts. After Birchmore was found dead, local officials ruled her death a suicide. But federal prosecutors eventually filed charges against Farwell. Birchmore was pregnant at the time of her death and believed Farwell was the father, prosecutors have said. But DNA analysis revealed he was not, The Boston Globe reported. Prosecutors say Farwell killed Birchmore to prevent her from divulging information about other federal crimes. Those crimes, according to an affidavit filed in support of detaining Farwell, are coercing the 15-year-old Birchmore to have sex with him, statutory rape and fraud. The fraud occurred when Farwell had sex with Birchmore on duty, then claimed to have been performing police work during those hours, according to the filing. Farwell is charged with killing a witness or victim and protection of unborn children. The first charge carries a maximum sentence of the death penalty, but U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi directed prosecutors not to seek death in Farwells case. A Massachusetts State Police lieutenant who headed up the detective unit that investigated Karen Read asked a federal judge to dismiss the civil rights claims she brought against him in a sprawling lawsuit, arguing that even if her accusations were true, she failed to make a viable claim against him. Brian Tully, who headed up the State Police detective unit assigned to the Norfolk County District Attorneys office until 2024, is one of eight defendants in a civil rights lawsuit Read filed last fall. Along with Tully, Read sued two other State Police investigators: Sgt. Yuriy Bukhenik and fired trooper Michael Proctor. She also filed suit against five people who were with her and her boyfriend, John OKeefe, the night he died. Proctor filed an answer to the complaint last week, while answers from Bukhenik and the five other defendants Brian and Nicole Albert, Jennifer and Matthew McCabe, and Brian Higgins were due to be filed Friday. A lawyer for the Alberts, McCabes and Higgins has indicated they will file a motion to dismiss the suit. Tully filed a motion to dismiss instead of a formal answer, but if the suit survives the motion to dismiss, he will have to answer the claims more specifically. Read has accused all eight defendants of participating in a conspiracy to frame her for OKeefes death by planting and manufacturing evidence to ensure she would face criminal charges. She has claimed that OKeefe died inside the Alberts Canton home and that his body was planted on their front lawn in a snowstorm. Tully argues that Reads claim of malicious prosecution must be dismissed because her arrest was supported by probable cause not only did a magistrate find probable cause to issue a warrant for her arrest, but a grand jury found probable cause to issue a second warrant when Read was indicted. When there is probable cause to support an arrest, a persons Fourth Amendment protections against unlawful search and seizure are not impacted, the motion reads. The motion also notes that while Read was acquitted of anything having to do with OKeefes death, she was convicted of a single count of operating under the influence. Read has also filed a claim of supervisor liability against Tully, who supervised Bukhenik and Proctor during the investigation. But Tully claimed that just because he was their supervisor, that does not make him liable for their potential misdeeds. A supervisor is not liable merely because a subordinate is alleged to have committed an unconstitutional act, the motion reads, quoting caselaw. There are no plausible factual allegations of an affirmative link between Lt. Tully, on the one hand, and any specific alleged malfeasance, on the other. The complaint makes specific accusations against other defendants, but when it comes to Tully, Read makes only barebones, conclusory allegations, the motion reads. The Plaintiffs complaint is completely devoid of any allegation that Lt. Tully participated, or was even aware of, the alleged misconduct of co-defendants, the motion reads. Tullys motion further argues that negligent investigations or a failure to pursue a lead cant be the basis for a constitutional claim. To the extent that Tullys behavior amounted to a failure to investigate, he is protected by qualified immunity, the filing reads. Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine that protects police from liability unless their actions are a clear violation of the Constitution. Proctor, in his filing, also asserted qualified immunity. Tully is also protected from liability because he is a state employee and was acting within the scope of his employment during the time the misconduct Read accuses him of took place, the motion argues. To the extent Plaintiff is alleging that Lt. Tully should have done a better job investigating the incident, those allegations do not rise to a viable cause of action, the filing reads. No hearings have been scheduled in the civil rights case, which is pending in federal court. Reads lawyers have said they may attempt to consolidate the civil rights lawsuit with the wrongful death lawsuit she faces from OKeefes family. No such request has been made yet. A hearing in the wrongful death suit is scheduled for Feb. 3. Massachusetts lawmakers took to social media on Saturday to react to the reports of a fatal shooting in Minneapolis by federal immigration agents. YOU ARE COWARDS. You are all absolute, pathetic, untrained, unprofessional COWARDS, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-6th District, posted to his campaigns X account on Saturday afternoon. Todd Lyons and the rest of you not only need to be defunded, you need to be PROSECUTED, Moulton, a Marine veteran, said of the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. During an interview later in the day on MSNow, Moulton described senior White House adviser Steven Miller as a domestic terrorist, after Miller had reportedly described the deceased shooting victim as the same. .@icegov YOU ARE COWARDS. You are all absolute, pathetic, untrained, unprofessional COWARDS. Todd Lyons and the rest of you not only need to be defunded, you need to be PROSECUTED. pic.twitter.com/AiXak9aGSE Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) January 24, 2026 The person was shot amid the Trump administrations immigration crackdown, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said. The details surrounding the shooting werent immediately clear, the Associated Press reported. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told the AP in a text message that the person had a firearm with two magazines and that the situation was evolving. Shortly before 1 p.m. on Saturday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security released a statement saying U.S. Border Patrol officers were approached by someone wielding a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. At 9:05 AM CT, as DHS law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault, an individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, seen here. The officers attempted to pic.twitter.com/5Y50mYONGH Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 24, 2026 We cannot keep living like this and people cant keep dying like this. Stop funding DHS. Impeach Kristi Noem. Hold these agents accountable, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey said in a post to X. U.S Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., offered a similar sentiment. Horrific. Trumps federal agents shot and killed another person, Warren wrote in a post to X. Republicans in control of Congress could put a stop to this chaos. Enough. Get ICE out of Minnesota, stop funding this violence, and end the assault on our communities. U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-2nd District, called for ICEs abolition. To protect the American People, we must abolish Trumps paramilitary secret police force. Thats why I voted HELL NO to another cent for ICE, he said on X. U.S. Reps. Lori Trahan, D-3rd District, and Katherine Clark, D-5th District, linked Saturdays events to ICEs reported detention of a 5-year-old boy earlier in the week. Trump and Kristi Noems ICE recruits unqualified agents, hands them a gun and mask and sends them into our communities. Then they lie when horrific actions like detaining 5-year-old Liam Ramos happen. Republicans in Congress refuse to hold this administration accountable. Democrats will change that, Trahan posted to X. Clark, the No. 2 Democrat in the House, echoed that sentiment, saying that federal agents detained 5-year-old Liam Ramos and used him to bait people out of their homes. An innocent preschooler was snatched up by Trumps secret police but silence from the GOP. No outrage. No anger. What is it going to take for them to stand up against this terror?" Clark posted to X. U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-4th District, who also voted no when the House approved a Homeland Security funding bill, called ICE a broken agency in a post to X earlier in the week. Under Secretary Kristi Noems failed leadership, ICE has morphed from an arm of the law into a presidential paramilitary. Rather than targeting criminals and prioritizing border security, ICE is harassing American citizens and immigrant communities, the Newton Democrat said. The appropriations bill adds zero policy riders to reverse and reform these broken tactics, such as masking; warrantless street-grabs; operations in sensitive locations like schools; and derelict standards and training for the use of force, Auchincloss, a Marine veteran, said. U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-8th District, another no vote on that funding bill, said earlier in the week that ICE, under the direction of Kristi Noem, has completely gone off the rails and is violating the basic rights of American citizens. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-1st District, the top Democrat on the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, was similarly a no vote on the funding bill. Republicans refuse to demand accountability and reform within ICE, which should be held to the same standards as our local and state law enforcement, Neal posted to X. This isnt about immigration. Its about the rule of law and the basic civil liberties that define our democracy. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has sharply condemned Saturdays shooting in Minneapolis by ICE agents that left a 37-year-old man dead. Just stop. Enough is enough. President Trump and Kristi Noem need to call ICE agents back. These rogue federal agents do not belong on our streets. Another person shot dead, Healey, a Democrat, said in a statement. ICE is not just making us less safe theyre a threat to the safety and well-being of Americans," she continued. And theyre draining the resources of law enforcement, who actually know what theyre doing. Its outrageous. We stand with the people of Minnesota. President (Donald) Trump needs to listen to Governor Walz and end this operation now. Protesters took to the streets in Minneapolis after the shooting, which took place at mid-morning on Saturday. Local officials appealed for calm, even as video footage showed protesters clashing with federal agents. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said the man appeared to lawfully own a gun. The New York Times identified the man as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, citing a senior law enforcement official familiar with the investigation. Politicians across Massachusetts, all of them Democrats, also condemned the Republican White House in the wake of Saturdays fatal shooting, the second in a month by ICE agents. YOU ARE COWARDS. You are all absolute, pathetic, untrained, unprofessional COWARDS, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-6th District, posted to his campaigns X account on Saturday afternoon. Todd Lyons and the rest of you not only need to be defunded, you need to be PROSECUTED, Moulton, a Marine veteran, said of the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. City officials and Gov. Tim Walz (D) called on the Trump administration to pull back on its surge in immigration enforcement in the state, The Washington Post reported. I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning, Walz wrote on X. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now. A U.S. Border Patrol officer fatally shot a man in Minneapolis shortly after 9 a.m. Saturday morning, federal officials said. The incident sparked protests and violent clashes between demonstrators and authorities. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara described the victim as a 37-year-old White male, who was a resident of the city and believed to be an American citizen. The man was not identified by name, but OHara said he appeared to lawfully own a gun. Agents were conducting a targeted operation when a man with a 9mm handgun approached them on the south side of the city, Assistant Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. The New York Times identified the man as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, citing a senior law enforcement official familiar with the investigation. McLaughlin said the man with the gun allegedly resisted attempts to disarm him. Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots, McLaughlin said. City officials and Gov. Tim Walz (D) called on the Trump administration to pull back on its surge in immigration enforcement in the state. I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning, Walz wrote on X. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now. The report follows two shootings involving immigration agents in the city. On Jan. 7, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot Renee Good in her car, an incident that sparked widespread protests in Minneapolis. ICE agents also shot a man in the leg as he attempted to evade arrest on Jan. 14, federal officials said. Minneapolis Mayor Frey calls on Trump to pull back on surge Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey repeated his demand that President Donald Trump remove federal agents from the city, imploring him to act like a leader and put Minneapolis, put America first at this moment. Frey blamed the heightened chaos in the city on the Trump administrations policies. Read More: Boston Mayor Wu leads coalition of US mayors in court fight to get ICE out of Minnesota Im done being told that our community members are responsible for the vitriol in our streets. Im done being told that our local elected officials are responsible for turning down the temperature, Frey said. Just yesterday, we saw 15,000 people peacefully protesting in the streets, speaking out and standing up for their neighbors. Not a single broken window, not a single injury, he said. Those peaceful protests embody the very principles that both Minneapolis and America was founded upon. Protesters flock to shooting scene, clash with officers Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne said he was near the shooting site Saturday and saw a lot of tear gas. Im seeing armored vehicles pulling up. I was doing an interview with NPR and had to start running because they were deploying so much tear gas, he told The Post. Payne said the protest was growing. More people are coming. Theres a lot of makeshift barricades going up. One of the barricades was a dumpster that got set on fire. One of the big deployments of gas was to get a fire truck in, he said. Minnesota Democrats condemn latest shooting Democrats from the Minnesota congressional delegation swiftly condemned the latest shooting in Minneapolis by federal agents. This appears to be an execution by immigration enforcement, said Rep. Ilhan Omar, who represents the Minneapolis area. This isnt isolated or accidental. The Trump administration is trying to beat us into submission rather than protect us. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who is preparing to launch a run for governor, implored President Donald Trump and all your lieutenants who ordered this ICE surge to watch the video of todays shooting. Thousands of citizens stopped and harassed. Local police no longer able to do their work. Kids hiding. Schools closed. Get ICE out of Minnesota NOW, she said. And Republicans in Congress: Stop your silence and stop being complicit. The Department of Homeland Security in early January said it was sending 2,000 federal agents and officers to the Minneapolis area in part to crack down on allegations of fraud involving Somali residents. Sen. Tina Smith called the shooting catastrophic and demanded that federal agents leave the state so local police can secure the scene and do their jobs. Senators will vote next week to fund the government for the fiscal year, including whether to keep DHS functioning for the rest of the fiscal year. House Democrats largely voted against the funding bill earlier this week, citing that it lacks critical reforms to rein in ICE agents amid the growing violence. MassLive Politics Editor John L. Micek contributed to this story. For New Yorkers who visit the Coney Island boardwalk every summer, there is one spot they almost always stop at after hours of walking and riding amusement park rides under the hot sun. The place is nothing fancy, just a simple yellow-and-red storefront with green-and-white striped awnings and a huge white-and-green sign, but the smell of sizzling hot dogs is enough to draw millions of families in, turning it into an unmissable tradition for many. Founded in 1916, few could have predicted that what began as a small hot dog stand on Coney Island would grow into a global brand, renowned for its kosher beef hot dogs and for hosting the first-ever major hot dog-eating contest, now an annual Fourth of July spectacle. Today, the company sells its products in thousands of stores and operates hundreds of restaurants worldwide. After more than a century of success and becoming a New York icon, the company is now taking a major step that could reshape its future for years to come. Nathan's Famous strikes acquisition deal with Smithfield Foods Smithfield Foods has agreed to acquire Nathan's Famous (NATH) for approximately $102 per outstanding share in cash, valuing the deal at about $450 million, according to a press release. Smithfield has held an exclusive license to manufacture, distribute, market, and sell Nathan's Famous products within the U.S, Canada, and Sam's Club locations in Mexico since March 2014. While that license was set to expire in March 2032, the closing of this acquisition would allow Smithfield to secure full ownership of the Nathan's Famous brand and continue expanding across both retail and foodservice channels. "Since entering into our licensing agreement in 2014, we have made significant investments to build and grow the Nathan's Famous brand," said Smithfield President and CEO Shane Smith in the press release. "With our manufacturing scale, marketing strength, product innovation capabilities, and retail and foodservice channel expertise, acquiring Nathans Famous will allow us to take the brand to new heights." Nathan's Famous CEO Eric Gatoff agrees with those sentiments, calling Smithfield's acquisition a "natural fit" for the brand's next phase of growth. "As a long-time partner, Smithfield has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to investing in and growing our brand while maintaining the utmost quality and customer service standards," Gatoff added. Smithfield Foods (SFD) is an American food company and the world's largest pork producer and food-processing company, reporting over $14 billion in annual sales, according to its website. Travelers planning to fly this weekend should prepare for major disruptions due to a snowstorm. A massive snowstorm is hitting multiple states over the weekend, including Massachusetts on Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the entire state beginning at 7 a.m. Sunday, with forecasts of 12 to 18 inches of snow across Massachusetts. Other outlets put the accumulation as high as 2 feet across two full days of intense snow. The National Weather Service has categorized the storm as a major impact event, meaning residents should expect dangerous or impossible driving conditions. The service is recommending people avoid travel if possible. Nearly 800 flights originally scheduled for Sunday were canceled as of Friday afternoon, according to FlightAware, a website that tracks flight disruptions. More than 40 flights into and out of Boston Logan International Airport on Sunday were canceled as of Friday afternoon. Two flights were affected at Bradley International Airport in Hartford. Many airlines are waiving change and cancellation fees as well as fare differences for customers that were expecting to travel during the storm. See below for a list of airline options. American Airlines Your change fee is waived if you: Are traveling on an American Airlines flight Are booked in any fare class, including Basic Economy Bought your ticket by Jan. 21 Are scheduled to travel Jan. 24 - 27 Can travel Jan. 22 - 30 Dont change your origin or destination city Rebook in the same cabin or pay the difference Travel must be completed within 1 year of original ticket date; difference in fare may apply Changes must be booked by Jan. 27 Delta Impacted travel dates: Jan. 24-26 When rebooked travel occurs on or before Jan. 29 in the same cabin of service as originally booked, the fare difference will be waived. When rebooked travel occurs after Jan. 29, a difference in fare may apply. If travel is not able to be rescheduled within these guidelines, customers may cancel their reservation and apply any unused value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket for a period of one year from the original ticket issuance. Applicable fare difference may apply for new travel dates. Final travel must be completed by end of ticket validity. United Impacted travel dates: Jan. 24-26 You can reschedule your trip and well waive change fees and fare differences. But, your new flight must be a United flight departing between Jan. 21-28. Tickets must be in the same cabin and between the same cities as originally booked. Southwest Customers holding reservations to, from, or through certain cities , including Boston and Hartford, can alter their travel plans without paying a change in airfare as long as its within 14 days of the original. If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed by Southwest Airlines and you choose to cancel your trip as a result, you may be eligible for a refund for the unused ticket and any optional travel charges you paid for the flight on which you dont travel. Spirit The major impact snowstorm set to hit Massachusetts on Sunday is already causing mass delays and cancellations when it comes to air travel. According to FlightAware, an online flight tracking platform, more than 600 flights into and out of Boston Logan International Airport have been canceled for Sunday. According to the site, 281 scheduled flights out of Boston on Sunday have been canceled, while 361 flights into the hub have been grounded. That means more than half of the days flights have been impacted, as Logan typically handles between 1,000 to 1,100 flights per day. The storm is already wreaking havoc on air travel across the rest of the country. While Massachusetts is projected to receive up to two feet of snow, 19 states were expected to be impacted as it makes its way across the country. According to FlightAware, 4,122 domestic flights were canceled on Saturday and 2,502 were delayed. That includes 83 canceled flights into and out of Boston. Bradley International Airport in Connecticut is also being affected, with 60 cancellations on Sunday. Heavy snow is expected to continue into Monday, causing even more travel disruptions. Logan has 303 canceled flights already on the board for Monday, while Bradley has 20 canceled flights. Airlines are taking measures to accommodate the chaos, with most major carriers waiving change and cancellation fees as well as fare differences for customers who were scheduled to travel during the storm. The National Weather Service has categorized the storm as a major impact event, meaning there will be dangerous or impossible driving conditions. Many schools across the state have already canceled for Monday, and in Boston the MBTA will be running on a storm schedule that offers reduced services. In a press conference Saturday afternoon, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu urged people to stay off the roads as plows work to keep up with the snowfall. Please try not to go outside, Wu said. We really will need everyone to stay off the roads wherever possible and give our crews the space to work. Massachusetts is in store for frigid temperatures on Saturday as residents prepare for a massive snowstorm on Sunday that is projected to dump as much as 24 inches of snow on the state. A Cold Weather Warning is in effect for the entire state until 10 a.m. Saturday, as early morning temperatures reached single digits and wind chill readings dipped below zero. Clear, sunny skies wont help much, but the region should warm slightly throughout the day. Bostons high temperature for the day will settle around 14 degrees, while Worcester and Springfield will top out in the low teens. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for the Berkshires, where temperatures will remain below zero for most of the day and top out at 5 degrees in the afternoon. Temperatures will plummet again Saturday night, reaching low single digits across the board, with Pittsfield bottoming out at zero degrees. The good news: Calm breezes will translate to a negligible wind chill. Sunday will see temperatures rebound into the 20s in much of the state as an epic snowstorm arrives. Massachusetts will begin seeing snow around 7 a.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service, with the storm intensifying in the afternoon. The forecast calls for heavy snow to continue through Sunday night and all day Monday, with scattered showers possibly lingering into Tuesday. The National Weather Service predicts 12 to 18 inches of snow across most of the state, with Boston and coastal towns possibly seeing 18 to 24 inches. It is expected to be the biggest snowstorm to hit the state in years. Some towns have already canceled school on Monday, and Mass. Governor Maura Healey has called for remote work on Monday. Hundreds of flights into and out of the state have been canceled. A massive snowstorm is expected to dump more than a foot of snow across all of Massachusetts beginning Sunday morning. For the Bay State, its the first storm to bring more than 15 inches of snow since Jan. 8, 2024, according to the National Weather Service. That day, the weather service received numerous reports from across the state of more than a foot of snow, including Lancaster and Amesbury, which both received more than 15 inches. Before that, there were reports of more than 15 inches on March 15, 2023 and Jan. 30, 2022, said Matthew Belk, a meteorologist with the weather service. That 2022 storm is the last time the Greater Boston area saw more than a foot of snow. In all, nearly 2 feet 23.8 inches of snow came down in late January of that year in the states largest city, Belk said. The snowstorm arriving Sunday morning is projected to bring 17 inches to Greater Boston, the highest forecasted total in the state. Forecasters with the weather service are predicting 16 inches of snow in Worcester and 15 inches in Springfield. Latest forecasts Friday night project a one-two punch of dangerous weather in Massachusetts over the weekend, with frigid cold Saturday before a massive snowstorm on Sunday into Monday. Temperatures were in the teens and 20s statewide after sunset on Friday. They are projected to drop further overnight, plunging below zero across Western, Central and Eastern Massachusetts or lingering in the single digits along the coastline, according to the National Weather Service. Under sunny skies, Pittsfield will see highs of 5 degrees on Saturday, with wind chills 28 below zero and gusts up to 28 mph. In Springfield, Worcester and Boston, highs will reach 14 degrees with wind chills between minus 12 and 16. Hyannis will see highs at 17 that feel like minus 11. Gov. Maura Healey cautioned residents of frostbite after being outside for any amount of time on Saturday and urged people to not travel. These cold conditions will linger into Sunday, when snow is expected to start first in Central and Eastern Massachusetts at around 8 a.m., the Weather Service reported. It will spread by 10 a.m. to Western Massachusetts, the Berkshires and Cape Cod & the Islands. Snowfall rates will be heavy and could reach between one and two inches per hour, forecasters said. The snow will continue statewide on Sunday night and throughout the day on Monday though it could switch to rain and sleet on Cape Cod & the Islands on Sunday night, before back to snow on Monday. And while snowfall total predictions have varied across Massachusetts forecasters, the Weather Service said up to 18 inches could fall statewide. This is expected to vary in each part of the state, with some parts that could see higher totals. Weather Service forecasters say they are still eyeing where the heavier snow bands will fall across the state as of Friday night. On the eve of a massive winter storm that is expected to envelop New England in snow, predictions continue to shift as weather experts fine-tune their forecasts. Most seem to agree Massachusetts is in store for at least a foot of snow, but some predictions are going much higher, up to two feet and even above in some cases. The official forecast from the National Weather Service has ticked upward in terms of accumulation, as it now predicts 14 to 18 inches in the interior regions of the state, with a potential for up to 24 inches in some coastal areas. Cape Cod & the Islands are expected to receive between 9 to 12 inches. The National Weather Services high-end forecast which it defines as a 10% chance of happening calls for 19 inches in the Berkshires, 20 inches in Springfield, 21 inches in Worcester, 21 inches in Boston and 22 inches north of the city along the coast. AccuWeather has dialed in its prediction, calling for a 72% chance of 12 to 18 inches. On Friday, AccuWeather had it as a 57% chance the final tally would fall in that range. Boston 25 News has also refined its forecast, projecting 15 to 20 inches from Sunday afternoon to Monday morning with an additional 3 to 6 inches possible throughout the day Monday. That could drive totals as high as two feet along the coast. WCVB meteorologist Kelly Ann Cicalese is expecting 12 to 18 inches for Central and Western Massachusetts, and 18 to 24 inches inside Interstate 495. She expects Cape Cod & the Islands to escape with 8 to 12 inches. NBC 10 Boston meteorologist Pamela Gardner is in the higher range for local forecasters, with a model that projects 16 to 20 inches in Central and Western Massachusetts and some North Shore communities, with a lesser 12 to 16 inches in Boston. Gardner adds that a coastal front could push the Metro Boston area above 20 inches. Popular social media personality New England Weather Guy has shifted his snowfall totals upward as well, now saying an average of 1 to 2 feet can be expected. He also believes a Jackpot Zone just south of Metro Boston could go above 26 inches. Dave Hayes The Weather Nut, who specializes in forecasting Western Massachusetts , is calling for that part of the state to receive 10 to 18 inches, with some localized bands pushing the total closer to 20 inches. Meteorologist Cyrena, a popular social media personality who has more than 118,000 followers on TikTok, is forecasting 12 to 18 inches for most of the state, with Boston and areas north of the city possibly in line to receive 20 inches. WINDSOR LOCKS, Connecticut Bradley International Airport will open over the next two or three weeks a new 80,000-square-foot extension of Terminal A. It is the final step in a quarter-billion-dollar expansion and renovation project that started in 2023. The new terminal, showed off Friday to reporters with Gov, Ned Lamont, U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, D-Conn., U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-East Hartford, and others, includes three new airline gates, more seating, new spaces for dining and retail, and modern restrooms including an additional family restroom, a self-sanitizing diaper changing station and a room for nursing mothers. The three new gates bring the new total to 25. These new gates have not been assigned to specific airlines, yet and may be used to attract new carriers. Bradley has nine airlines now and nonstop flights to 40 destinations. The terminal expansion sits atop Bradleys new inline baggage screening system. The baggage handling system along with new exit corridors and a new meet-and-greet area are included in the $250 million price tag. No longer do you have to handle your own bag. As it gets checked, you hand it over to the ticketing agent and away it goes on a mile-long conveyor that gets automatically screened for you, said Connecticut Airport Authority Executive Director Michael Shea. So thats a huge improvement. But also we expanded our security checkpoint, so were adding two more security lanes. Itll allow our passengers to get right through security seamlessly and more efficiently. The food and retail offerings in the new terminal will be temporary. Bradley International Airport has finished construction on a new concourse after years of construction on Friday. Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook There will be an open-air bar over here and some temporary food concepts, Shea said in an interview. We are working through the permanent brand designs right now and thatll be coming forth later in 2026 for a full- service breakfast, lunch and dinner, food and beverage location. The new terminal space unveiled Friday is after the checkpoints on the secure side of the airport. Bradley International Airport has finished construction on a new concourse after years of construction on Friday. Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook Workers were out on the airfield as he spoke. Theyre finishing up the jet bridges for this, this concourse that will be wrapped up in the next few weeks, Shea said. Through November, Bradley reported 6.1 million passenger departures versus 6.07 million for the first 11 months of 2004. Thats an increase of only 0.9%. Twenty percent of the 6 million passengers flowing through Bradley International Airport are from Western Massachusetts. From left, Connecticut Airport Authority Executive Director Michael Shea, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy meet at the new concourse in Bradley International Airport on Friday. Jan. 23, 2026. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook Its a regional airport, Lamont said. No question about it. It would not have the success it does without Springfield. Bradley is an economic engine helping to attract business, he said. There are about 23,000 jobs related directly or indirectly to Bradley on site or off site. The $250 million project was funded in part with $120 million from the federal government. Larson credited U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, as the sixth member of the Nutmeg States five-member House delegation when it comes to support for Bradley. Larson noted he travels weekly to Washington with Neal through Bradley. Both senators Blumenthal and Murphy said Bradley is almost a second home for lawmakers traveling. Blumenthal called for more investment in updated air traffic control technology. Murphy acknowledged the partisan nature of public discourse in Washington these days. But he pointed to Republican state lawmakers on the dais. And the federal funding for Bradley came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill passed during Joe Bidens presidency but supported by both parties. That bill had $20 billion for airports across the country. NORTHAMPTON A Pelham man who was arrested during a traffic stop in 2023 for driving with a suspended license was convicted of multiple firearms and drug trafficking charges on Wednesday, officials say. A jury found Michael Ruiz, 38, guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm, ammunition, a high-capacity firearm and a high-capacity firearm during the commission of a felony; and trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine and 10 grams or more of fentanyl, after a five-day trial this week, a statement from the Northwestern District Attorneys Office said. Ruiz was stopped while going northbound on Route 202 in Pelham by a Massachusetts State Police trooper in late November 2023. The trooper searched his vehicle and found locked backpack on the rear floor of the car, partially tucked underneath the front passenger seat, the statement said. Police found a loaded, large-capacity, semiautomatic .40-caliber Glock firearm, about 219 grams of cocaine, 450 bags of fentanyl, which totaled more than 12 grams, and a digital scale, the statement said. Ruiz was previously indicted in 2024 on all of these charges plus an additional charge of unlawful possession of a loaded firearm. The jury did not find him guilty of the latter charge, and it was dismissed by the court. The defendants sentencing will take place at a later date, the statement said. However, as a result of the conviction on the cocaine trafficking charge, Ruiz faces a mandatory-minimum sentence of 12 years. He might also face a mandatory minimum sentence of up to 15 years on the firearm charge because of his prior criminal history. Ruiz was represented by Joe Smith, a Springfield attorney. Steven E. Gagne represented the commonwealth in this case. SPRINGFIELD A major winter storm is headed to Western Massachusetts this weekend, and Springfield department heads say the city is prepared for the storm but needs help from residents. Residents must work with the city to stay safe and be prepared for the storm, which is projected to dump more than a foot of snow on Springfield, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno warned. This storm now has intensified, Sarno said, explaining it will likely start at around 9 a.m. on Sunday and last until about 1 p.m. on Monday. In turn, were looking at ... possibly 18 inches of snow, blizzardlike conditions with the winds now picking up, which is going to cause wind drifts. Springfield Public Schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday. City Hall will be closed on Monday and potentially Tuesday, said Sarno. Department of Public Works A parking ban will be in effect from Sunday at 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on odd sides of the street, and Sunday from 7 p.m. to Monday 7 a.m. on even sides of the street. The city will be aggressively ticketing and towing cars that do not follow the parking ban, said Chris Cignoli, director of the Department of Public Works. This is a big deal, he said, not a simple snowstorm. During the parking ban, Sarno also urges residents not to travel, saying conditions will worsen the roads will become icy, and there will be between 25 to 35 mph winds. Cignoli said his department will be plowing the streets throughout the whole duration of the storm. We have 20 dump trucks and 100 contracted vendors to help us get through this ... its all hands on deck. The cleanup from the storm will take multiple days, he said. Because of below-freezing temperatures over the next week, Cignoli also said snow melt will not occur anytime soon. The city will likely cancel its trash pickup on Tuesday. Emergency services Tyrone Denson, director of the Office of Emergency Preparedness for the Springfield Fire Department, told residents to prepare to be stuck in their homes for up to 72 hours, including having enough food, water, medications and essential supplies. Also, he advised to plan for possible power outages, charge phones and medical devices, check flashlights and batteries, and know how to stay warm safely, he said. While we hope for the minimal impact, we must prepare for the worst. The storm has potential to be very dangerous, he said. Fire Commissioner Bernard J. Calvi said the upcoming winter event is set to bring frigid, below-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall. People should not be out on the ice, said Calvi. No children should be out playing on the ice. Additionally, the storm might bring power outages. Calvi warned to only use a space heater when it is plugged into the wall, not an extension cord. He also said residents should make sure their carbon monoxide detectors are working, and that residents use generators separate from their houses. Do not use your oven or gas appliances to try to heat your home, said Calvi. Lawrence E. Akers, Springfield police superintendent, said extra cooperation from the community is required to get through this storm. The Police Department will have extra officers on the street to ensure public safety, he said. Akers estimates the department will issue at least 100 parking tickets a fine of $100 to residents. Residents whose cars get towed for not adhering to the parking ban will not be able to retrieve their cars for a few days, said Sarno. Mike Vedovelli, who works for Eversource, the citys energy utility provider, said the company has been prepping for the winter event for multiple days. If residents face a power outage, he recommends they call the customer service line at 877-659-6326. If residents see any power line or any line down on the ground, he said, Please stay clear. Treat it as being live, and call 911. Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno on Friday addresses residents ahead of a major winter storm projected to dump more than a foot of snow on residents. He and his team spoke at the the Raymond M. Sullivan Safety Complex in Springfield. (Namu Sampath / The Republican) The Republican Schools Sonia Dinnall, superintendent of the Springfield Public Schools, encourages parents to help their kids use Monday and Tuesday wisely. Yes, we know school will be closed Monday and Tuesday, but learning does not end just because the doors are closed, she said at the press conference. Dinnall said parents should consider going to the library to check out books on Friday and Saturday to prepare for the storm. Have your students reading. Have them reviewing their numbers. Have them doing meaningful things that will allow them to remember that learning always happens, she said. Health and well-being Helen Caulton-Harris, commissioner of the Health and Human Services department, said, At the heart of our response, we care about the residents of the city of Springfield, so everything that youve heard, every action that we ask them to take, is in support of our residents. Caulton-Harris said the city is working to provide support to the underserved and vulnerable populations in Springfield. She also urges residents to check in on elderly neighbors and to ensure that parents have enough food, diapers, formula and necessities to take care of their families. In the case of a power outage, Caulton-Harris said fridge food is good for up to four hours afterward; a full freezer can be safe for 48 hours and a half-stocked freezer is fine for up to 24 hours. When in doubt, throw it out, she said. Sarno and Caulton-Harris also said pets should be kept indoors and be well taken care of for the duration of the storm. The city is also in touch with agencies like the American Red Cross to provide for families in the state of an emergency. Transit-takers and parking The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority will remain in operation during the storm, said Sarno, but commuters should be mindful of potential delays or cancellations. The Springfield Parking Authority will offer free parking in parking garages and surface lots throughout the city. Executive director of the authority, Bokul Bhuiya, said there are at least 3,600 parking spaces available. Well get through this, but I need your cooperation. I need your patience, and I need your understanding, said Sarno. BLOOMFIELD, Conn. A luncheon that pairs high style with heartfelt purpose returns Saturday as Through Ebonys Eyes hosts its second fashion fundraiser, honoring the late stylists legacy while raising scholarship funds for local students. A mini pop-up show, Faith and Fashion, is set for Saturday during the luncheon from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First Cathedral at 1151 Blue Hills Ave., organizer Larshell Curley said. Attendees can expect traditional and modern styles for everyone from church leaders and ushers to young people. Planning the looks wasnt easy, said Curley. We had to think carefully, because its at a church, so we wanted to stay within those guidelines. The church is nondenominational with Baptist roots, but the message is come as you are, Curley said. Raised Pentecostal, she prefers a modern yet modest style. Theres only so far, Ill go no cap sleeves. Even if a dress had them, Id add a sweater or blazer, she said. Faith and Fashion organizer Larshell Curley holds a heart-shaped hologram of her daughter, Ebony, and her grandmother, who both passed away. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook One featured designer is Missy Naylor, of Goddess Boutique in Springfield. Her first set of outfits for last years event was casual wide-legged pants with a bow-tie top or shawl. The second set included prom dresses for her three models. Guests can expect similar styles on seven models this year, Curley said. Two church mothers also will show traditional looks with hats and shawls. This years theme is Empowering Women to Win. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Leah Hill-McNair, of Greensboro, North Carolina. She founded Sister Circle and the 21 Days of Powerful Prayer movement, and leads two churches: State Street Church and Circle City Church. Tickets and vendor spaces are available now through Eventbrite, Cash App, or PayPal. Proceeds will fund scholarships for high school seniors and first-year college students. The foundation also runs a holiday toy drive and a Valentines Day outreach called Soup and Socks, which provides soup, socks, and chocolate to people experiencing homelessness. We try to be out there doing some things, Curley said. Faith and Fashion organizer Larshell Curley stands in her hair salon, Epiphany Glam Studio, on Jan. 15. The fashion show is in honor of her daughter Ebony, who passed away at age 33 in a car crash. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook Through Ebonys Eyes The Through Ebonys Eyes foundation was created in honor of Curleys daughter, Ebony. Ebony, a former Springfield resident, died in a car crash in Atlanta in 2017 at age 33. She was on her way to becoming a regional manager for Nordstrom, Curley said. Ebony studied fashion merchandising and styling, and worked as a regional stylist and manager for the department store. The luncheon celebrates Ebonys love of style and her strong faith. Its held near her birthday, Jan. 25, and includes the scholarship presentation for high school seniors and first-year college students. The mission, to give other young people the chance to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact, continues the generosity that Ebony showed in life. Weve done something every year around her anniversary, Curley said. Future plans include opening resource centers to support education and community programs. As the U.S. stock market navigates a volatile period marked by mixed performances across major indexes and record highs in safe-haven assets like gold and silver, investors are keenly observing opportunities that may arise from these fluctuations. In such an environment, identifying stocks that are potentially undervalued based on intrinsic value estimates can offer compelling prospects for those looking to capitalize on market inefficiencies. Top 10 Undervalued Stocks Based On Cash Flows In The United States Name Current Price Fair Value (Est) Discount (Est) UMB Financial (UMBF) $125.07 $243.75 48.7% TowneBank (TOWN) $37.19 $72.33 48.6% STAAR Surgical (STAA) $19.89 $38.58 48.5% Power Solutions International (PSIX) $78.82 $155.90 49.4% Old National Bancorp (ONB) $24.24 $47.91 49.4% Energy Recovery (ERII) $14.63 $29.10 49.7% Dingdong (Cayman) (DDL) $2.84 $5.60 49.3% Comstock Resources (CRK) $24.47 $47.25 48.2% Calix (CALX) $55.80 $109.51 49% Alpha Metallurgical Resources (AMR) $235.00 $463.79 49.3% Click here to see the full list of 177 stocks from our Undervalued US Stocks Based On Cash Flows screener. Let's take a closer look at a couple of our picks from the screened companies. Overview: Crocs, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells casual lifestyle footwear and accessories under the Crocs and HEYDUDE brands globally with a market cap of approximately $4.43 billion. Operations: The company's revenue is primarily generated from the Crocs Brand, contributing $3.32 billion, and the HEYDUDE Brand, adding $753.29 million. Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 45.4% Crocs is trading at US$86.31, significantly below its estimated future cash flow value of US$157.99, indicating potential undervaluation based on discounted cash flows. Despite a forecasted annual earnings growth of 78% over the next three years, revenue is expected to decline slightly by 0.5% annually. The company's return on equity is projected to be strong at 24.1%, although recent financial results were impacted by large one-off items and lower profit margins compared to the previous year. CROX Discounted Cash Flow as at Jan 2026 Overview: Zillow Group, Inc. operates real estate brands through mobile applications and websites in the United States, with a market cap of approximately $15.70 billion. Operations: The company generates revenue of $2.48 billion from its Internet Information Providers segment. Estimated Discount To Fair Value: 26.9% WESTFIELD A Westfield man, who authorities say admitted to drowning a pregnant cat in July 2024, was in district court Wednesday for pretrial hearings on three unrelated cases. Donald C. Heenan, who remains in jail without bail until at least Feb. 25, would be allowed to be released on personal recognizance in two of the cases, while posting bail on the third, according to court documents. Heenan, 69, of George Street, was indicted by a Hampden County Superior Court grand jury in November 2024 for felony animal cruelty and animal death by drowning after police say he admitted to and showing one of the citys animal control officers and a police officer how and where he drowned a pregnant cat he caught in a trap. One of the reasons he gave the officers for drowning the cat was that thanks to the [Police Department] he had his FID revoked and didnt have a weapon to shoot it, according to a report of the incident written by Officer Andrew Cekovsky. When arraigned in district court on the cruelty charges in August 2024, he was released on personal recognizance with several conditions, including surrendering Problem Animal Control Agent licenses he held at the time. Before being indicted, Heenan had three cases before district court, one involving a domestic dispute and the two others on weapons-related charges that led to his FID being revoked and his firearms confiscated, according to court records. In May 2021, he was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a family member, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest, and assault and battery attempting to disarm a police officer, which was later amended to assault and battery on a police officer, according to court records. In that incident, it was alleged Heenan kicked the victim, injuring her hand, before locking her out of the residence they shared. When officers arrived and got inside, Heenan charged them, grabbed one, and then swiped his hand at the officers duty gear, dislodging a baton and pepper spray, according to a police report submitted to the court to justify the charges. He then latched on to another officers duty belt, reaching for his firearm, not releasing his grip for several minutes, according to the report. As a result of those charges, a week later, he was ordered to turn over his firearms licenses, which he didnt do, and a warrant for his arrest was issued, according to a police report. His license to carry permit had been revoked, and he was ordered to turn over all registered firearms to the police, according to the police report. Officers caught up with Heenan at his George Street residence the next day and served him with the arrest warrant and warrant to search his residence while he was standing in his driveway. He didnt turn them over immediately and went inside his residence, barricaded the door, and stopped talking to the officers, according to the police report of the incident. The officers left to deescalate the situation and returned six days later to execute the search warrant, where they found a rifle, an old shotgun, and over a hundred rounds of ammunition. A handgun registered to him was not found. Heenan was described by officers as difficult. On the domestic assault and battery charges, the commonwealth disposed of them with a nolle prosequi, which is Latin for not wishing to prosecute, but the charges can be refiled. They were after he was arrested on the animal cruelty charges in August 2024. As for the weapons charges, the case was ongoing. He was not in custody but placed on pretrial probation. Those charges were also refiled after the cruelty arrest. Those two cases remained in district court. After being indicted in November 2024, he was again released on personal recognizance. Then on Oct. 24, 2025, he was arrested for assault and battery and disorderly conduct. According to police, he assaulted a teenager punched him in the back for riding his bicycle on the sidewalk and resisted when the responding officer was placing him under arrest. The same day those charges were filed, he was taken into custody and ordered held for 90 days without bail. Hell be eligible for release on Feb. 25. On Wednesday in district court, for the domestic assault and battery charges and weapons-related charges, the judge said he could be released on personal recognizance if released. On the assault and battery charge involving the teenager, the judge ruled he could be released after posting a $500, which was posted as a surety bond. Motions to dismiss those three have been filed in district court, which will be heard on Feb. 25. Le Conseil des ministres a pris note le 23 janvier 2026 des premiers echanges et informations obtenues lors de la premiere rencontre du Comite Interminsteriel preside par le Premier ministre adjoint sur la strategie pour la modernisation du port de Maurice. Cabinet has taken note that the Inter-Ministerial Committee under the chair of the Deputy Prime Minister to look into the Strategy for Port Development had two meetings on 21 and 22 January 2026. The first meeting was held with the members of the Committee and the representatives of the Prime Ministers Office and the Economic Development Board, while the second meeting was held with the representatives of the private sector. A third meeting with Trade Unions will be held on 26 January 2026. The urgency to modernise the port was highlighted during the meetings. Discussions focused on key strategic themes including review of governance model, acquisition of port equipment, training and employee relations and the implementation of the Island Container Terminal Project. Progress was also reported on accelerated workforce training, with ongoing training of Rubber Tyred Gantry operators and the anticipated delivery of a training simulator from India in March 2026. Updates were provided on the Island Container Terminal Project, which would increase container handling capacity. The development of a new Fishing Port at Fort William, for which land has already been earmarked, was also discussed as part of efforts to spearhead the development of the fishing sector. Resume en Francais Le Cabinet a pris note que le Comite interministeriel, preside par le vice-Premier ministre et charge de la strategie de developpement portuaire, sest reuni les 21 et 22 janvier 2026. Ces sessions ont rassemble des representants du bureau du Premier ministre, de lEDB et du secteur prive. Une troisieme rencontre avec les syndicats est prevue pour le 26 janvier 2026. Le Cabinet a pris note que le Comite interministeriel, preside par le vice-Premier ministre et charge de la strategie de developpement portuaire, sest reuni les 21 et 22 janvier 2026. Ces sessions ont rassemble des representants du bureau du Premier ministre, de lEDB et du secteur prive. Une troisieme rencontre avec les syndicats est prevue pour le 26 janvier 2026. Lurgence de moderniser le port a ete soulignee, avec des discussions axees sur la revision du modele de gouvernance, lachat dequipements, les relations industrielles et le projet dIsland Container Terminal. Des progres ont ete rapportes sur la formation acceleree du personnel, notamment des operateurs de portiques (RTG), avec larrivee attendue dun simulateur de formation en provenance dInde en mars 2026. Enfin, le developpement dun nouveau port de peche a Fort William, sur un terrain deja reserve, a ete aborde pour dynamiser le secteur de la peche. Claremorris Historical Society will host a public talk examining one of the most challenging periods in Mayos history next month. Historian Dr Michael OConnor will present Mayo County Prison & The Famine 18451852 in the Town Hall Studio, Claremorris, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 8pm. The event is open to all, with local history enthusiasts, students, and members of the wider community encouraged to attend. The talk will explore how Mayo County Prison operated during the Great Famine, shedding light on the lived experiences of ordinary people and the wider social and legal pressures facing the county at the time. Organisers say the lecture will offer valuable insight into an often-overlooked aspect of Mayos heritage. Dr OConnor is a native of County Mayo and currently lives in Murrisk. A lawyer, independent researcher and accomplished author, he is widely respected for his work on legal history, public institutions, slavery, women and the law, and social history. He is presently undertaking research at Queens University Belfast on Irish and Anglo-Irish slaveholders in the former British colonies in the Caribbean, the Cape Colony and the Indian Ocean. READ MORE: 'Pyjamas for a Purpose' in Mayo partners with LauraLynn for National Pyjama Day 2026 Among his published works are: County Mayo, A History of Imprisonment, Capital Punishment & Transportation, Part I: Anatomy of a County Gaol (2020) Caribbean Slave Owners & Other Lesser-Known Histories from County Mayo (2021) Criminal Conversation with My Wife: Women & The Laws of Man, County Mayo Case Studies (2023) County Mayo, A History of Imprisonment, Capital Punishment & Transportation, Part II: Castlebar Prison & The Bridewells of County Mayo 18351935 (2025) The Claremorris Historical Society says the evening promises to be both informative and engaging for anyone with an interest in Mayo history, the Great Famine, or Irelands social and legal past. Admission is free, and all are welcome. There was sadness over the Christmas period when the news broke of the passing of Killawalla native Tom Tracey. The 72-year-old died on Christmas Day after a brave battle over many years with Parkinsons Disease. Huge crowds attended both Toms reposing at Killawalla Community Centre and his funeral Mass in St Patricks Church in Killawalla, which is next door to Toms home in the centre of Killawalla village. Tom was very well-known throughout the region having worked for 30 years as a porter in Mayo University Hospital and he was involved in almost every aspect of life in Killawalla village down through the years. Toms funeral Mass was said by his brother Fr Michael Tracey accompanied by Fr Michael Farragher, PP; Fr Jim Walsh, Fr Gerry Burns and Deacon James McLoughlin. At the beginning of the Mass, symbols of Toms life were brought to the altar by family members; family photos, his hospital workshirt, a copy of The Mayo News, the keys of his tractor, a copy of the Killawalla parish magazine, his video camera, a geneology book, and his favourite songbooks. READ NEXT: Nine Mayo students receive entrance awards from Trinity College Dublin In a heartfelt eulogy, Toms son Liam recalled that his Dad was born in Killawalla in 1953 to his parents Mary Kate and William Tracey, the fourth of five siblings, Ann, Michael, Eileen, Tom and Bernie, and was the first to be born in what was to become their home beside the crossroads in Killawalla. He attended national school in Killawalla and the CBS in Westport. He met his wife to be Mary in the dance hall in Belcarra in 1977 and they were married in Knock in 1983 after Mary had completed her training as a nurse in London. They raised four children at their homestead in Killawalla, Anne, Liam, Caitriona and Malia, and the couple also fostered many children down through the years. Liam stated that Tom was well-known throughout the region after working for close to three decades as a hospital porter in Castlebar, where his kindness, courtesy and calm approach endeared him to many. Outside of work, Liam documented Toms Trojan work in the Killawalla community, where he was involved in numerous projects, in particular local publications, and using his trusty video camera to interview many elderly members of the community. He also noted his many years of service as the local notes correspondent for The Mayo News, where he documented life on a weekly basis in Killawalla, Ballintubber, Carnacon and the rest of the Burriscarra parish. Tom also found time to farm his holding in Killawalla. Liam singled out the many people who helped Tom in the later years of his life when he bravely battled Parkinons Disease. He paid a special tribute to his mother Mary for her undying love for his father, stating that her devotion to Tom during his illness was steady, quiet and constant and carried him through his toughest days. Liams eulogy was followed by a beautiful poem read by Toms youngest daughther Malia. Tribute Michael Duffy, Editor of The Mayo News, who is also a native of Killawalla village, said Toms contribution to the area during his lifetime was nothing short of immense. 2025 will be remembered as the year when Killawalla lost two men who shaped the life in the village for more than half a century. Former postmaster Michael Walsh passed away in October and it is extremely sad that just over two months later, we also lost Tom Tracey, who also spent most of his life with the betterment of the wider community in mind. Throughout his life, through his work as a porter in Castlebar, and through his involvement in almost every aspect of life in the Killawalla community, Tom sought to help people in whatever way he could. I got to know Tom well in my teenage years when he was the local notes correspondent with The Mayo News. Although his full-time work was as a hospital porter, it is fair to say he had two jobs as he put his heart and soul into his work for The Mayo News. He was more than a correspondent, he essentially was a journalist too. He was meticulous in detailing life in the parish of Burriscarra and he devoted many hours every week ensuring the readers of the paper were up to speed with all the happenings in the local area. Tom loved nothing more than using the pages of this paper to pay tribute to the deceased of the parish. He had a wonderful turn of phrase and many families found solace in his ability to pay tribute to those who had passed on. Although she never sought any praise for her help, I know his wife Mary also spent many hours helping Tom compile the local notes, and as Liam said in his eulogy, the pair of them could be sometime heard at 2am in morning using spellcheck on the computer before sending in the notes. READ MORE: Alma Gallagher welcomes Mayo Council review of Ballyhaunis IPAS centre plan In my formative years as a journalist in The Mayo News, Tom was a fountain of knowledge and he was more often than not, the first man I would ring of verify a story or get the phone number for someone I needed to contact. I would say it was safe to say he knew someone in nearly every parish in the county and that was reflected in the huge crowds that attended his funeral over two days in Killawalla. Tom was first and foremost a family man who lived life to the full and even during his tough battle with Parkinsons in his later life, he still did his best to be out and about, meeting the many people of Killawalla and further afield that knew him so well. He will be sorely missed most of all by his wife Mary, his four children, his five grandchildren and extended family members, but there is also a huge circles of friends across the area who will miss chatting with Tom. His genial and kind spirit will live on through these people for many years to come. May he rest in peace. Predeceased by his parents, William and Mary, and his sister Eileen, he is deeply regretted by his wife Mary; children, Ann (Thomas), Liam (Paul), Caitriona (Christian) and Malia, his sisters Ann (Pat) and Bernie (Olover), his brother Fr Michael, brother-in-law Michael Martin, grandchildren, Sarah, Joseph, Johannes, Evelyn and Molly, nieces, nephews, relatives, work colleagues and a large circle of friends. Toms Months Mind Mass will be celebrated in St Patricks Church, Killawalla on Sunday next, January 25, at 12 noon. An Irish mother has set a new goal for 2026 - to climb Vietnams highest peak in memory of her son Tomas. Inspirational Geraldine Mullan is a nurse from Williamstown, Co Galway, who lives in Moville. She tragically lost her husband John and their two children, son Tomas, 14, and daughter Amelia, 6, when the familys car entered Lough Foyle on the way home from a day out in August 2020. Geraldine, the sole survivor of the tragic accident, set up The Mullan Hope Centre in Moville to honour the legacy of her family. The organisation continues to do fantastic work in the community. Having climbed Mount Kilimanjaro last year, Geraldine is now turning her attention to Fansipan Mountain. She will be taking on the charity trek from April 2-11 in support of Children in Crossfire, a charity that Geraldine says is incredibly close to her heart. At 3,147 metres (10,326ft), Fansipan is the highest mountain on the Indochinese peninsula comprising Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia and has earned the nickname, "The Roof of Indochina". READ MORE | Irish singer 'absolutely devastated' after untimely death of his beloved girlfriend I had the privilege of working directly with Children in Crossfire in 2024 and 2025 - I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in February 2025 to raise funds for their projects in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, Geraldine shared. I was able to see first-hand the life-changing work they do with children and families living in extreme poverty. The impact they make is real, lasting and deeply inspiring and its why Im committed to supporting them again this year. The funds raised from this trek will once again go towards Children in Crossfires vital projects in Tanzania, helping to improve healthcare, nutrition, education and protection for vulnerable children. The dates of this trek hold a very special significance for me. On 10th April 2026, my son Tomas should be turning 20. Tragically, I lost my beloved husband John, my son Tomas, and my daughter Amelia on 20th August 2020. Much of the charity work I do is in their memory, and this trek will be no different. READ MORE | Heartbreaking tributes paid to Irish farmer, 90s, who died after being attacked by cow Climbing Fansipan during the week of my sons birthday will be a deeply personal way to honour him - to turn grief into purpose and to support children and families who need it most. Every step I take on this journey will be for Tomas, for John, for Amelia, and for the children whose lives are being changed through this incredible charity. Geraldine has set up a Just Giving page for the cause - Geraldine's Trekking Vietnam for Children in Crossfire. If youre able to donate, no matter the amount, you will be helping Children in Crossfire continue their essential work and keep hope alive for so many children, she said. If you cant donate, sharing this page would mean just as much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, kindness, and generosity. The Junior Theorists Workshop, held Dec. 8-9, was more than just a meeting of academic minds spanning a wide array of theoretical computer science topicsfrom algorithms and economic design to coding theory, distributed computing, and quantum complexity. For Samir Khuller, Peter and Adrienne Barris Chair of Computer Science at Northwestern, one of the goals of the workshop was to highlight the University and showcase the departments expertise. He described the event as part of a broader effort to highlight new research and connect Northwesterns expanding CS footprint with the wider theory community. It gives our group a clearer picture as we are recruitinga clearer picture of who's working in the field, Khuller said. The workshop also gives students an opportunity to network with each other and get a chance to know Northwestern CS as well. The workshop was jointly hosted by Northwestern and the Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago (TTIC), in partnership with the Institute for Data, Econometrics, Algorithms, and Learning; the NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology (NITMB); and the NSF-Simons AI Institute for the Sky (SkAI Institute). The event was supported by the ACM Special Interest Group on Algorithms and Computation Theory. The workshop began in 2018 as a smaller, Northwestern-only event. As the event grew, so did its collaborating sponsors and institutions. This year, the two-day event featured around 20 speakers, hailing from institutions including Northwestern, TTIC, Georgia Tech, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Illinois Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Maryland, and the University of Waterloo. New this year, a portion of the event took place downtown, using the SkAI Institute and NITMBs space in 875 North Michigan Avenue. The venue improved access for attendees and reinforced Northwesterns growing presence beyond Evanston, Khuller said. These kinds of workshopsare where a lot of the best new ideas and thinkers in theoretical computer science come together and mingle, Columbia PhD student John Bostanci said. The selection process is intentionally structured, Khuller said, with organizers sending nomination requests to faculty across dozens of universities. The workshop also offers Northwestern CS a longer-term view of the field. Khuller noted that several faculty candidates had previously spoken at the Junior Theorists Workshop. It gives us a chance to get to know people earlyand for them to get to know us, Khuller said. Khuller explained that the talks were accessible even to those not studying the same subfield, underscoring a commitment to forming new bonds across research disciplines. Bostanci said, for example, that even though he was the only person working on quantum computing, he felt like many of the participants and students were interested in both learning about and exploring the topic. Cornell PhD student Giannis Fikioris said workshops like this are incredibly valuable for researchers. He presented his novel model for sequential budgeted auctions that captures the temporal dependence of advertisements. First, it gives visibility of my research to a wide range of people, Fikioiris said. Second, it is a great opportunity to interact with researchers at the same career level as mefrom niche fields different than mine. TTIC chief academic officer and interim president Avrim Blum praised the synergy cultivated by the event. The Chicago-area theoretical computer science community is very strong, and it's just great to have these opportunities that allow bringing together our folks from different institutions, Blum said. While some of the presentations looked at core questions in computer science and made progress on long-standing problems, he noted, others were able to build connections between computer science and other fields of study like economics. For Khuller, its impact extends well beyond the talks themselves. These are people who are all going to be in the field together for a long time, Khuller said. Getting them in the same room really matters. This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Buy now, pay later player Affirm Holdings is trying to start a bank in Nevada, and has applied for a charter in that state to do so. The San Francisco-based company said Friday that it had submitted applications to the Nevada Financial Institutions Division and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to start Affirm Bank. The entity will be a Nevada-chartered industrial loan company, a news release from Affirm said Friday, but was sparse on details. Dive Insight: Affirm is one of many fintechs that have increasingly sought to offer services that banks have traditionally sold in the U.S. Starting a bank will let Affirm spur opportunities to introduce new products and services over time, the release said, although it did not elaborate. An Affirm spokesperson declined to provide further details on the products and services Affirm will offer through the bank, or to provide more information on the timing of the applications approval. A banking subsidiary would strengthen and diversify Affirms platform, and help us bring honest financial products to more people, Max Levchin, Founder and CEO of Affirm, said in the news release. Affirm already offers some services typically associated with banks, such as a debit card. The buy now, pay later firm provides consumers the BNPL industrys signature pay-in-four financing an interest-free installment loan repaid over a few weeks and they can also take out longer-term, interest bearing loans through Affirm. To offer its current lending services, Affirm works through several banks, including Fort Lee, New Jersey-based Cross River Bank and Salt Lake City-based Celtic Bank. Affirm is hardly the only buy now, pay later player to intrude on territory traditionally dominated by banks. Competitor Klarna has also made moves into the banking space in recent years, such as offering deposit accounts and its own debit card. Klarna even refers to itself as a global digital bank in its news releases. Digital payments giant PayPal also applied for a bank charter in Utah in December. In addition, Sezzle CEO Charlie Youakim said in a November interview that his BNPL company has discussed applying for a charter. Recommended Reading The alleged mastermind of an international fraud operation involving the use of trafficked workers has been arrested, multiple news outlets report, citing Cambodian officials (1). Chen Zhi, founder and chairman of Prince Holding Group, was arrested in Cambodia and extradited to China on Jan. 6. after a monthslong investigation by both countries. Must Read Its unclear what charges Chen faces in China, however, the U.S. previously indicted him in absentia, charging him with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. Prosecutors accused him of leading a widespread cryptocurrency investment scam that involved forced-labor compounds across Cambodia. Individuals were allegedly held against their will and engaged in pig butchering scams, swindling billions of dollars from victims around the world. As alleged, the defendant directed one of the largest investment fraud operations in history, fueling an illicit industry that is reaching epidemic proportions, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York said in a news release. Meanwhile, Chen and his associates lived lavishly, buying private jets, vacation homes and rare artwork, prosecutors say. Reports say Prince Holding Group has previously denied involvement in scam operations. What is pig butchering? Pig butchering scams take their name from the way scammers fatten up victims before bleeding them dry, building emotional or financial trust before wiping out their savings. Scammers pose as friendly acquaintances or love interests, often using fake identities, and slowly coax victims into investing in what appear to be legitimate, supposedly high-return opportunities, commonly with the use of crypto. Read More: The average net worth of Americans is a surprising $620,654. But it almost means nothing. Heres the number that counts (and how to make it skyrocket) Victims are encouraged to keep depositing money into a fake trading platform until the scammers strike. Accounts are suddenly locked, funds disappear and the perpetrators move on to their next target. The FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center says Americans reported $9.3 billion in losses to digital crimes and fraud related to cryptocurrency in 2024. Key Points Altria stock trades at a P/E ratio of 12. The company offers a growing dividend currently yielding 6.8%. 10 stocks we like better than Altria Group Tobacco giant Altria Group (NYSE: MO) is in a difficult position. The company has long mitigated the detrimental effect of declining smoking rates on its revenue by raising product prices. Now, revenue falling anyway seems to suggest that the approach has stopped working. Even more puzzling, the stock price has trended higher since the beginning of 2024 despite this new development, and despite the share price gain, the stock now sells at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12. The conflicting data has some investors questioning whether that makes the stock too cheap to ignore, as well as asking whether they should avoid it. Image source: Getty Images. Altria and its dividend When it comes to surviving strong headwinds, it is difficult to find a story that surpasses Altria's. The Surgeon General released a report in 1964 highlighting the dangers of smoking. Between declining usage and hundreds of billions of dollars in legal settlements related to its product, it might be easy to dismiss the tobacco company's stock on the surface. However, since then, both the stock and its dividend have moved higher for most of that history. The annual payout, now at $4.24 per share, has a dividend yield of 6.8%. Altria's dividend has also risen every year since 2009 and increased annually between 1989 and 2006. Unfortunately, the tobacco giant has delivered a mixed performance more recently. Altria beat the S&P 500 when including dividend returns, though the stock itself dramatically underperformed the market. Its failed attempts to counter the decline in smoking may be the heart of the problem, considering what Altria owns. In 2018, it paid $12.8 billion for a 35% stake in e-cigarette maker Juul. Amid issues with lawsuits and regulatory crackdowns, it traded that stake for some of Juul's intellectual property and invested in e-cigarette market NJOY. Also, in 2019, it invested 2.4 billion Canadian dollars ($1.7 billion) for a 45% stake in cannabis company Cronos Group. Today, Cronos' market cap is under $1 billion. Such missteps cost the company, and now, sustaining the dividend is becoming a struggle. Over the trailing 12 months, it generated around $9.2 billion in free cash flow. That covered the $6.9 billion in dividend costs but left relatively little cash available for other purposes. Hence, unless Altria can reverse the revenue declines, it could endanger its ability to continue raising the dividend. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, a force which was key in putting down recent nationwide protests in a crackdown that left thousands dead, is more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, its commander said Saturday, as U.S. warships headed toward the Middle East. Nournews, a news outlet close to Irans Supreme National Security Council, reported on its Telegram channel that the commander, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, warned the United States and Israel to avoid any miscalculation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards and dear Iran stand more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, to execute the orders and directives of the Commander-in-Chief, Nournews quoted Pakpour as saying. Tension remains high between Iran and the U.S. in the wake of a bloody crackdown on protests that began on Dec. 28, triggered by the collapse of Irans currency, the rial, and swept the country for about two weeks. Trump's warnings U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran, setting two red lines for the use of military force: the killing of peaceful demonstrators and the mass execution of people arrested in the protests. Trump has repeatedly said Iran halted the execution of 800 people detained in the protests. He has not elaborated on the source of the claim which Irans top prosecutor, Mohammad Movahedi, strongly denied Friday in comments carried by the judiciarys Mizan news agency. On Thursday, Trump said aboard Air Force One that the U.S. was moving warships toward Iran just in case he wants to take action. We have a massive fleet heading in that direction and maybe we wont have to use it, Trump said. A U.S. Navy official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military movements, said Thursday that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other warships traveling with it were in the Indian Ocean. Trump also mentioned the multiple rounds of talks American officials had with Iran over its nuclear program before Israel launched a 12-day war against the Islamic Republic in June, which also saw U.S. warplanes bomb Iranian nuclear sites. He threatened Iran with military action that would make earlier U.S. strikes against Iranian uranium enrichment sites look like peanuts. They should have made a deal before we hit them, Trump said. Airline jitters The tension has led at least one European airline to cancel some flights to the wider region, with Air France saying it had decided to temporarily suspend its service to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The airline cancelled two return flights from Paris to Dubai over the weekend, saying, without elaborating, that it was due to the current situation in the Middle East. It said it would resume its service to Dubai later Saturday. The airline is closely following developments in the Middle East in real time and continuously monitors the geopolitical situation in the territories served and overflown by its aircraft in order to ensure the highest level of flight safety and security, the company said. Arrivals information at Dubais international airport also showed the cancellation of Saturday flights from Amsterdam by Dutch carriers KLM and Transavia, and a flight from Luxembourg by Luxair. The airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Some flights from KLM were also canceled on Friday and Saturday to Tel Aviv, Israel, according to online flight trackers. Rising death toll Although there have been no further demonstrations in Iran for days, the death toll reported by activists has continued to rise as information trickles out despite the most comprehensive internet blackout in Irans history, which has now lasted more than two weeks. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency on Saturday put the death toll at 5,137, with the number expected to increase. More than 27,700 people have been arrested, it said. The groups figures have been accurate in previous unrest and rely on a network of activists in Iran to verify deaths. That death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest there in decades, and recalls the chaos surrounding Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution. Irans government offered its first death toll on Wednesday, saying 3,117 people were killed. It said 2,427 were civilians and security forces and labeled the rest as terrorists. In the past, Irans theocracy has undercounted or not reported fatalities from unrest. ___ Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Dubai, Samuel Petrequin in Paris, Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Konstantin Toropin and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report. Capt. Douglas Whimpey, the commodore of First Naval Construction Regiment (1 NCR), was relieved of his duties on Friday, Jan. 23, becoming the first individual to lose such a position this year. He lost his role as commodore due to what the service attributed to the loss of confidence in his ability to command, according to a press release issued Saturday by Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs and shared with Military.com. Whimpey, a Navy reservist from Utah, was relieved by Capt. Angel Santiago, commander of Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1, headquartered in Port Hueneme, California. Capt. Steven Sherman, incoming commodore for 1 NCR, has assumed duties as 1 NCRs commodore. Capt. Whimpey was relieved due to a loss of the trust and confidence required for his position. Specific details concerning a loss of trust and confidence are not disclosed to protect privacy and due process, but such decisions are made with careful consideration of the facts known at the time, and the imperative to uphold the high standards of Navy leadership. - Lt. Cmdr. (LCDR) Katie Diener, spokesperson for Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, told Military.com. The decision to relieve a leader is made with the utmost care and after a thorough review by higher command leadership, Diener added. Cmdr. Donald J. Petersen is presented with the Meritorious Service Medal by Capt. Douglas B. Whimpey, Commander, Naval Construction Regiment One, recognition of his leadership and service as commanding officer of Naval Construction Battalion (NCB) 22. (Daniel Stevenson) Whimpey is the first commanding officer or commodore relieved in the 2026 calendar year. While no longer commodore, the Navy reservist has been reassigned to a staff role at NCG-1. Military.com has not yet received additional responses from the Navy to inquiries of what exactly led to Whimpey's relieving of duties, including specific details that led to the decisionas well as any timeline or history of action or inaction that may have led to Whimpey's superiors lacking confidence in his ability to lead, or his performance overall waning or dissipating. He attained the rank of captain on Sept. 1, 2018, according to his biography and military record shared with Military.com. The Reserve Civil Engineer Corps Officer was commissioned on Aug. 15, 1997. Whimpeys record includes numerous awards and decorations, including Seabee Comb at Warfare Specialist Officer; Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist Officer; Expeditionary Warfare Specialist Officer; Meritorious Service Medal (2); Joint Service Commendation Medal; Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4); Joint Service Achievement Medal; Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; and Navy Unit Commendation (2), among others. Vice Adm. John Wade (center), commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet and exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 Combined Task Force (CTF), tours the Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HADR) camp with Rear Adm. Kazushi Yokota (right), commander, JMSDF Escort Flotilla Three and exercise RIMPAC 2024 CTF vice commander, and Capt. Doug Whimpey (left), commodore, First Naval Construction Regiment and deputy commander, HADR Task Force, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, July 13. (Atsushi Mashima) Navy leaders are expected to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability, and leadership personally and professionally, and the Navy holds them accountable when they fall short of those standards, officials said in a statement. Naval Construction Regiments provide command and control of Naval Construction Force units while operating in a specific geographic area or supporting a specific military operation. Officials said there has been no impact to operations since Whimpey lost his role. This story was updated to reflect that Military.com has not received additional details from the Navy on what led to Whimpey's relieving of duties. LONDON (AP) U.S. President Donald Trump heaped praise Saturday on British soldiers who fought in Afghanistan, in a post on social media that represented a partial reversal of comments he made this week that drew a cascade of criticism in the U.K., particularly from families of those killed and seriously injured in the conflict. In the wake of a conversation earlier with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump said on Truth Social that the great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America. He described the 457 British servicemen and women who died in Afghanistan and those that were badly injured, as among the greatest of all warriors. Trump added that the bond between the two countries' militaries is too strong to ever be broken and that the U.K. with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA)." Trump's comments follow an interview with Fox Business Network on Thursday in Davos, Switzerland, when he said he wasnt sure the other 31 nations in NATO would be there to support the United States if and when requested and that troops from those countries stayed "a little off the front lines. Trump did not apologize directly for those comments, nor retract them, as Starmer had suggested in his initial response on Friday when he described the words of the president as insulting and frankly appalling. Starmer's office in No. 10 Downing Street said the issue was raised in a conversation between the pair on Saturday, in which other topics were discussed, including the war in Ukraine and security in the Arctic region. The prime minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home," Downing Street said in a statement. We must never forget their sacrifice. Trump's view as expressed in the Fox Business interview stands at odds with the reality that in October 2001, nearly a month after the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. led an international coalition in Afghanistan to destroy al-Qaida, which had used the country as its base, and the group's Taliban hosts. Alongside the U.S. were troops from dozens of countries, including from NATO, whose mutual-defense mandate had been triggered for the first time after the attacks on New York and Washington. More than 150,000 British troops served in Afghanistan in the years after the invasion, the largest contingent after the American one. The Italian and French governments also expressed their disapproval Saturday at Trumps comments, with both describing them as unacceptable. CAIRO (AP) Top U.S. envoys met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, urging his government to move into the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and Middle East adviser, according to the prime minister's office, which did not give details. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe the talks, told reporters the envoys had been working closely with Netanyahu on recovering the remains of the last hostage in Gaza, and on the next steps for demilitarizing the territory. The U.S. is anxious to keep the Trump-brokered deal moving, but Netanyahu faces pressure to wait until Hamas returns the hostage's remains. The biggest signal of the second phase would be the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Ali Shaath, the head of a future technocratic government in Gaza that is expected to run day-to-day affairs, said Thursday the border crossing will open in both directions this coming week. There was no confirmation from Israel, which said it would consider the matter this week. The crossing's Gaza side is currently under Israeli military control. The family of Ran Gvili, whose body is still in Gaza, urged more pressure on Hamas. President Trump himself stated this week in Davos that Hamas knows exactly where our son is being held," the family said Saturday. Hamas is deceiving the international community and refusing to return our son, the last remaining hostage, in what constitutes a clear violation of the agreement it signed. Hamas said Wednesday it has provided all information it has on Gvilis remains to ceasefire mediators, and accused Israel of obstructing search efforts in areas it controls in Gaza. The ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10. Egypt pushes for Rafah crossing to open Egypts top diplomat pressed for an immediate opening of the Rafah crossing with the director of Trumps new Board of Peace in Gaza, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Saturday, including the ability of Palestinians to enter and exit the territory. Foreign Minister Bader Abdelatty spoke by phone with Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza, the ministry said in a statement. They discussed the implementation of the ceasefire's second phase, including the deployment of an international monitoring force, the opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the strip, the statement said. The Egyptian minister said implementing the second phase is a key entry point to launch Gazas reconstruction. The statement didnt say when the crossing will open for travelers and the evacuation of sick and wounded. Israel is expected to discuss opening the Rafah crossing during Sunday's Cabinet meeting. 2 teens killed in Gaza while searching for firewood Also on Saturday, an Israeli strike killed two Palestinian teens in Gaza, according to hospital authorities. The boys, cousins aged 13 and 15, were searching for firewood, according to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, which received the bodies. The boys were killed in the area that Israel's military has said is safe for Palestinians, about 500 meters (yards) from the Yellow Line, which separates the Israeli-controlled areas in eastern Gaza from the rest of the strip, said a relative, Arafat al-Zawara. They were targeted directly, not through any fault of their own, he told The Associated Press outside the morgue. Israel's military said it had targeted several militants who crossed the Yellow Line and planted explosives, threatening troops. It denied that those killed were children. Yusuf Zawara, covered in blood, begged for his son, Mohammad, to wake up. No, he is not dead, he said, embracing the body. Mohammad, oh Mohammad, come on, get up. They hit you with a missile. You couldnt escape? Run, people, run! Why didnt you run away? he sobbed. The desperate search for firewood is forcing many Palestinians to approach areas close to the Yellow Line as they seek anything that can be burned, including garbage and plastic, to cook and to warm themselves. There has been no central electricity in Gaza since the first few days of the war that began with the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and fuel for generators is scarce. Hundreds of thousands of people are living in tent camps and war-damaged buildings in Gaza as temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) at night and storms blow in from the Mediterranean. At least nine children have died of severe cold in the past weeks, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Since the ceasefire, more than 480 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, according to the ministry. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts. Israel disputes its figures but has not provided its own. ___ Shurafa reported from Deir Al-Balah, Gaza Strip, and Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writer Michelle Price in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war ___ This story has been corrected to show the spelling of the boys name is Mohammad. REAM NAVAL BASE, Cambodia (AP) The USS Cincinnati arrived at Cambodias Ream Naval Base on Saturday, marking the first time a U.S. Navy warship has docked at the facility since its Chinese-funded renovation was completed early last year. The completion of a new pier and dry dock at Ream has fueled concerns in Washington that China Cambodias close ally and main provider of aid and investment may have been granted exclusive access to the base. Controversy has persisted since 2019 over reports of a potential 30-year agreement for Chinese military use of the site on the Gulf of Thailand. Although Beijing funded the bases expansion, the Cambodian government has denied any agreement for exclusive Chinese privileges. Prime Minister Hun Manet, who oversaw the bases reopening in April 2025, has maintained that Ream is open to all friendly nations for joint exercises, provided the ships are not too large for the facility. The Cincinnati is an Independence-class littoral combat ship, meaning it is designed to operate close to shore and can operate in shallower waters than other warships. Its crew of about 100 is scheduled to engage in sporting events and other activities in the nearby city of Sihanoukville during its Jan. 24-28 visit. At this location our government has worked very hard to build this port so that all foreign vessels that wish to dock in Cambodia can do so, In Sokhemra, the deputy commander of the base, told reporters gathered shipside. We have succeeded in this effort, and we are open from this moment forward for all to enter,' the deputy commander said. "Whether it is American ships, Australian, Japanese or any other ships that wish to dock in Cambodia, this port is ready for you. A Cambodian Navy statement issued Saturday said that from 2003 through 2026, some 37 U.S. warships had made visits to Cambodian facilities. In December 2024, the USS Savannah called at Sihanoukville's civilian port on a five-day visit, but that was the first in eight years by a U.S. military vessel due to a cooling of relations. The statement said the Cincinnatis port call is an opportunity for the navy of the two countries to cooperate in a future especially related to the human resource training, and others. The ships coincides with the head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel Paparo, scheduled meeting with Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha. The United States and Cambodia began to make an effort to restore warmer relations between their militaries with the 2024 visit of then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who met with Hun Manet to discuss bilateral cooperation in regional security. Both men were graduates of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The Savannah's port call was a follow-up to Austin's visit. Federal authorities arrested multiple activists after protesters inside a St. Paul, Minn., church disrupted a worship service, pushing the Department of Justice into a broader investigation. The protest unfolded earlier this month inside Cities Church in St. Paul, where demonstrators interrupted a worship service to protest federal immigration enforcement. The disruption prompted a local police response, followed by federal arrests and a widening DOJ civil rights review currently examining whether the actions violated laws protecting religious worship and if federal charges are warranted. Military.com reached out for comment to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the city of St. Paul, Ramsey County officials, and Cities Church. Bondi's Forceful Response The DOJ confirmed it is reviewing the incident after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi publicly weighed in, signaling a more aggressive federal posture as arrests and investigative steps moved forward. Bondi first addressed the case on Jan. 18, hours after the disruption, writing in a post on X that she had spoken with the pastor of the St. Paul church and condemned the protest. Attacks against law enforcement and the intimidation of Christians are being met with the full force of federal law, she wrote. Attorney General Pam Bondi arrives before President Donald Trump speaks during an event 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) Bondi reinforced her position Jan. 19 in a Fox News appearance, arguing protests should not take place inside houses of worship and framing the disruption as a violation of religious freedom protections. After federal authorities disclosed arrests tied to the incident, Bondi again took to X again on Jan. 22, writing: Listen loud and clear: WE DO NOT TOLERATE ATTACKS ON PLACES OF WORSHIP. Asked about the scope and timeline, a Justice Department spokesperson referred Military.com to Bondis public remarks and declined to provide additional detail. Federal prosecutors are continuing to assess whether the protest violated federal civil rights statutes and whether additional enforcement action is warranted. Officials have not announced a timeline for charging decisions, and it remains unclear whether the inquiry will lead to additional arrests or formal indictments. From Local Protest to Federal Civil Rights Case Federal authorities have confirmed arrests tied to the protest, signaling a decisive shift from what began as a local disturbance to a case now carrying national legal and political implications. Protesters march down the street on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in downtown Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Officials have not publicly detailed how many people have been taken into custody, or whether additional arrests are expected. The investigation is examining whether demonstrators violated laws protecting religious worship, civil rights statutes governing interference, or intimidation and federal public order provisions, according to sources familiar with the matter. The case is unfolding as immigration enforcement draws sharper scrutiny and street level resistance in multiple cities, including Minneapolis, where the Army ordered military police units to prepare for a possible deployment amid protests tied to ICE activity. New National Flashpoint The incident has ignited debate over how protests tied to immigration enforcement intersect with religious freedom and First Amendment protections, particularly when demonstrations move inside sanctuaries. Disruptions during worship can draw heightened scrutiny because the law treats religious services as protected activity, even though protesters argue they are exercising core speech rights. Advocacy groups have framed the protest in sharply different terms; supporters may refer to it as civil disobedience while critics may infer it as unlawful interference with worship. People protest against federal immigration agents on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis) The pressure campaign lands in a broader immigration enforcement moment in which the administration has leaned on expansive legal tools, including use of the Alien Enemies Act in fast moving deportation efforts. Previous reporting has highlighted internal disputes over the legal and intelligence justifications. No court filings tied to the arrests have been made public, leaving unanswered questions about potential charges and investigative next steps. Before the Battle of White Horse Hill, South Korean soldiers were seen as a hollow force, known for running in the face of the enemy. American commanders called them "bug-out" units. Entire ROK divisions seemed to collapse when Chinese forces attacked. General James Van Fleet pulled them off the line and rebuilt them from scratch. In October 1952, one of those rebuilt divisions faced three Chinese divisions on a 395-meter hill northwest of Cheorwon. The ROK 9th Infantry Division did not run. They held against 28 separate assaults over ten days of continuous fighting. The hill changed hands 24 times. When it was over, the 9th Division had inflicted roughly massive casualties on China's elite 38th Army. The Battle of White Horse Hill became the bloodiest engagement of 1952 and one of the defining victories of the Republic of Korea military. It validated Van Fleet's training program, proved South Korean soldiers could stand against overwhelming odds, and created a legacy that endures in the ROK military today. The Main Line of Resistance in Korea. (Korean War Online) The Impending Assault On October 3, 1952, a Chinese lieutenant from the 340th Regiment surrendered to South Korean forces near Hill 284. Lt. Paul Braner, a forward observer with the 213th Field Artillery Battalion, discovered ROK soldiers torturing the prisoner not far from his bunker. He immediately encoded a message to IX Corps headquarters. Within an hour, a reinforcement team arrived to take custody of the defector. Under further interrogation, the lieutenant revealed that the Chinese 38th Army was preparing a major assault on Hill 395 in the coming days. He had surrendered specifically because he did not want to die in the attack. American intelligence officers corroborated his information. IX Corps commander Lt. Gen. Reuben Jenkins immediately reinforced the ROK 9th Division with 22 tanks from the 53rd Tank Squadron and the U.S. 73rd Tank Battalion's C Company. Rocket launchers, antiaircraft guns configured for ground targets, and additional artillery batteries moved into position. The U.S. Fifth Air Force ordered B-29 strikes against enemy artillery positions north of the hill. Major General Kim Jong-oh commanded the 9th Division. He was trained in the Japanese Imperial Army and had led ROK forces in combat before. He positioned the 30th Regiment under Regimental Commander Im Ik-sun on the left flank and the 29th Regiment under Commander Kim Bongcheol on the right. The 28th Regiment under Commander Lee Ju-il stayed in reserve. Tanks and antiaircraft guns covered the valley approaches on both flanks. Searchlights and flare aircraft stood ready for night illumination. Map of the Chorwon Valley, with the location of White Horse Hill. (Korean War Online) The 9th Division had roughly 12,000 men defending the hill. The Chinese 38th Army was assembling more than 23,000 combat troops for the assault, with another 10,000 in support roles. The 38th was one of China's most experienced formations. It had shattered the ROK II Corps at the Chongchon River in 1950 and received personal commendation from General Peng Dehuai. The Chinese plan was to take White Horse Hill, then push through the Cheorwon Valley toward Seoul. The hill dominated the entire valley and controlled the critical road networks. Losing it would force IX Corps to abandon the Cheorwon area entirely. The assault on White Horse would not happen without an all-out assault. The Chinese planned simultaneous attacks on Hill 281, known as Arrowhead, two miles southeast across the valley. A French battalion attached to the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division held that position. The attacks on Arrowhead would pin down American forces and prevent them from reinforcing the ROK 9th Division. ROK forces held off the Chinese Army in a ferocious Battle on White Horse Hill in 1952. (Korean War Online) Ten Days of Hell The Chinese opened their attack on the evening of October 6, 1952, with a massive artillery and mortar barrage. Shells struck not just the hill but the American artillery batteries behind the main line of resistance. The Chinese knew they had to neutralize UN firepower to have any chance. Two battalions of the 340th Regiment moved up the northwest slopes around 7:15 p.m. They slammed into the 10th Company of the 30th Regiment. The fighting was brutal, chaotic, and lasted through the night. Chinese and South Korean soldiers often engaged in brutal melee combat in the trenches. By dawn, the Chinese had seized part of the crest despite losing an estimated 500 men. The 28th Regiment counterattacked that night. Two battalions swept the Chinese out of the ROK positions by 11:05 p.m. The Chinese committed fresh battalions the next morning. A Chinese prisoner later told interrogators that many companies had been reduced from 190 men to fewer than 20 after just two days of fighting. This pattern repeated for the next eight days. The Chinese would take the crest in massive night assaults. The ROK regiments would counterattack and drive them off. Then the Chinese would attack again. A U.S. sergeant from Seattle watched the fighting from a nearby position. "That hill was a bouncing, flaming hell," he told TIME magazine. "It's hard to believe that any of them could live through that shelling, let alone stay there and fight." Chinese forces taking a break from the fighting in 1952 to eat their rations. (Wikimedia Commons) The Chinese fired more than 55,000 artillery and mortar rounds during the battle. The South Koreans fired over 185,000. The American artillery battalions averaged 15,000 to 20,000 rounds each across ten days. The 213th Field Artillery Battalion alone fired more than 26,000 rounds. While Chinese artillery was wild, sporadic, and usually inaccurate, UN fire decimated Chinese ranks and supply points. The accuracy of that fire came from two observation posts nearby. OP "Love" sat on the forward-most point of White Horse itself, giving observers a commanding view of the entire valley. OP "Roger" occupied Hill 284 to the right. Throughout the battle, these remained the only effective observation posts in the forward zone. Every Chinese movement in the valley drew an immediate artillery response. The U.S. Fifth Air Force also flew 745 sorties over those ten days. The pilots dropped more than 2,700 bombs and 358 napalm canisters on Chinese positions. One strike caught elements of the 335th Regiment in an assembly area north of the hill before they could join the attack. A Chinese prisoner later told interrogators that the airstrike had inflicted heavy casualties and delayed the regiment's commitment to the battle. Lt. Joseph Adams served as a forward observer on the hill itself. When Chinese troops overran his observation post, he called artillery fire on his own position. "When I called Fire Direction Center, I think I called some stupid fire mission," Adams later recalled. "I said something like 'The Chinese are all over the place, start shooting at my bunker!' or something like that." Adams and his team fought hand-to-hand in the darkness of their bunker while waiting for the shells to land. Chinese soldiers threw grenades through the entrance. Adams fired his carbine left-handed around the corner. The artillery eventually drove the attackers back. Adams survived the battle and the war. ROK Army soldiers of the 9th Infantry Division preparing to go out on mission. (Wikimedia Commons) The ROK Army Holds the Hill The fighting was unlike anything American observers had seen from ROK forces before. When ammunition ran out, South Korean soldiers fought with bayonets, knives, rocks, and fists. The hand-to-hand combat was sometimes illuminated by searchlights and flares. In the darkness, ROK troops allegedly resorted to identifying friend from foe by grabbing an unsuspecting soldiers head. If his hair was shaved, he was Chinese. One ROK lieutenant became furious when he heard radio reports claiming the Chinese had taken the hilltop. "Who reports that the enemy has the top of White Horse?" he transmitted angrily. "We are still here! Send us grenades and machine gun ammunition. We will remain!" General Kim rotated his regiments skillfully throughout the battle. Fresh troops replaced exhausted units at crucial moments. He committed his reserves at precisely the right times. His soldiers responded with a ferocity that shocked the Chinese commanders and impressed American observers. "These little guys are unbelievable," one U.S. major from Pennsylvania told reporters. General Kim Jong-oh. (Wikimedia Commons) Across the valley, the French battalion on Hill 281 held firm against repeated Chinese assaults. The attacks on October 6, 9, and 12 all failed. The French inflicted heavy casualties on each wave. The diversionary attacks proved expensive for the Chinese and failed to draw American forces away from supporting the ROK defense. General Jenkins added pressure of his own. On October 11, companies from the 140th Tank Battalion and 51st ROK Infantry Regiment pushed 500 yards into no-man's land on the right side of the hill. They shot up Chinese positions and withdrew. The same day, tanks from the 73rd Tank Battalion and infantry from the 30th ROK Regiment did the same on the left flank, past the French positions. On October 13, Jenkins sent tanks and elements of the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division even deeper into enemy territory on the far right of the sector. The raids forced the Chinese to hold back reinforcements and artillery in case the Americans pushed further. On October 12, IX Corps launched a devastating "Time on Target" strike. Eight artillery battalions coordinated their fire to hit a Chinese assembly area simultaneously. Two entire battalions preparing for another assault effectively ceased to exist. The Chinese made their final major push on October 14. Elements of the 112th Division, which had replaced the shattered 114th Division, fought their way to the crest in a hand-to-hand struggle. By mid-morning, ROK forces had thrown them back. The 29th Regiment swept the hill and forced all remaining Chinese troops down the forward slopes. That night, the Chinese 38th Army received orders to abandon the assault. The Battle of Triangle Hill was beginning further east, and Chinese commanders had decided to concentrate their forces there instead. After ten days, 28 separate attacks, and thousands of casualties, the 38th Army withdrew. The Battle of White Horse Hill was over. ROK 9th Division casualties await evacuation. (Wikimedia Commons) The Cost of Holding White Horse Hill The Chinese 38th Army committed seven of its nine regiments to the battle. South Korean sources documented more than 14,000 Chinese casualties. Chinese records admitted to 6,700. The actual number was likely somewhere around 10,000 killed and wounded. The ROK 9th Division suffered 3,422 casualties across its three regiments. Of those, 505 died, 2,562 were wounded, and 391 went missing. The casualty ratio heavily favored the ROK Army. Major General Kim Jong-oh praised his men publicly. "Their stand has been valiant and exemplary," he told reporters. A UN officer surveyed the devastated hilltop after the fighting ended. Trenches and bunkers had been obliterated. The dead lay everywhere. "Nobody can hold the top of that hill," he observed. So long as the Chinese did not hold it, White Horse remained a victory for the South Koreans. The U.S. Army awarded the Distinguished Service Cross to three ROK soldiers for their actions in the battle. Major General Kim received one. Second Lieutenant Chung Nak-koo of the 28th Regiment and Sergeant Kim Man-su of the 29th Regiment received the others. The ROK 9th Division gained a new name after the battle. The intense bombardment had stripped the forested hill bare. What remained looked like a white horse lying on its side, giving the battle its official name. The division became the White Horse Division, and it carries that name today. Republic of Korea Army 9th Infantry Division insignia. (Wikimedia Commons) The ROK Army Legacy The battle was significant. TIME magazine called it the bloodiest engagement of 1952. More importantly, the magazine noted that the ROK Army now outnumbered all other UN forces combined on the peninsula. White Horse proved that the South Korean military could fight. General Van Fleet had spent a year transforming and expanding the ROK Army. He pulled divisions off the line for intensive training. He sent Korean officers to American military schools. He provided better weapons and equipment. His critics questioned whether it would matter when the shooting started again. White Horse proved that the reform was a success. The 9th Division had stood alone against an elite Chinese formation over twice its size. American support came from artillery, tanks, and aircraft, but at the end of the day the infantry fight was done almost entirely by South Korean troops. Memorial monument to the Battle of White Horse Hill. (Wikimedia Commons) The battle demonstrated that South Korea could defend itself. That realization shaped American strategic thinking for decades. It made possible the eventual reduction of U.S. ground forces on the peninsula after the war. It also gave South Korean leaders confidence that their nation could survive. Today, the ROK 9th Infantry Division still guards the DMZ near Cheorwon. The White Horse Hill battlefield lies within the demilitarized zone. A memorial monument stands at the southern edge, erected in 1990 to honor the men who fought there. South Korean military teams continue recovering remains from the site. The visible scars from the battle have mostly disappeared over the decades. Trees cover the slopes again, but it was once the sight of one of the bloodiest battles of the Korean War. When it mattered most, South Korean soldiers stood their ground against overwhelming odds and didn't break. The battle helped ensure that South Korea would survive to become what it is today. The latest round of threats aimed at President Donald Trump emerged against the backdrop of escalating unrest inside Iran and a parallel escalation in U.S. rhetoric about possible consequences for Iranian government violence. Public reporting describes large-scale demonstrations that began with economic distress and expanded into broader anti-government protests, followed by a violent crackdown and heightened international attention. In that environment, Trump publicly urged Iranian protesters to continue demonstrating and signaled the United States was watching Tehrans conduct closely. A U.S. message delivered at the United Nations framed the U.S. posture in maximalist terms, stating that all options remained available if killings continued. The combination of domestic instability in Iran and explicit U.S. warnings created a familiar dynamic: Tehran attempts to deter Washington through intimidation and signaling, while Washington attempts to influence Tehran through threats of pressure and potential force. This moment feels sharper than routine rhetoric because Iranian messaging targeted Trump personally rather than confining itself to abstract warnings about U.S. aggression or retaliation against regional bases. What Iran Actually Put Into the Public Domain Iranian state messaging crossed a line from generalized anti-U.S. rhetoric into individualized menace. Iranian state television broadcast imagery of Trump linked to the 2024 assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, paired with a caption implying a future attempt would succeed. This kind of messaging is best understood as deterrent propaganda: it signals defiance, seeks to impose psychological cost, and attempts to dissuade U.S. action by implying personal vulnerability at the top. It is also dangerous because it normalizes political violence in official communication and can inspire actors who do not require state direction to act. At the same time, public threats in media broadcasts are not the same thing as an operational plot. States sometimes use harsh rhetoric precisely because it can be dialed up or down without committing to the irreversible step of action. Credible Threat Versus Intimidation The central analytical question is whether this is merely intimidation or evidence of a real, near-term threat. Based on what is publicly documented, the most concrete evidence is rhetorical, consisting of broadcast messages and public warnings rather than a disclosed operational plan. That matters because threat assessment depends on capability, intent, and indicators of mobilization, not only on violent language. A reasonable way to describe the moment, without understating the seriousness, is this: Iranian state-linked messaging is personally threatening and escalatory, but the public record does not establish a confirmed, imminent operational plot. Stated differently, the rhetoric is actionable for security planning even if it is not sufficient by itself to prove intent to carry out a specific near-term attack. How U.S. Institutions Typically Treat This Even when threats are rhetorical, the U.S. treats foreign-origin threats against senior officials as a high priority. Protective operations are designed around the principle that rhetoric can catalyze real violence. When a foreign state amplifies imagery that celebrates or threatens assassination, the U.S. security response typically assumes the potential for copycats, intermediaries, or opportunistic actors. This sits within a broader threat environment that the federal government has periodically described in national advisories, including warnings that geopolitical conflict involving Iran can elevate the risk of retaliatory violence and related threats inside the United States. This does not mean any particular threat will materialize. It means the baseline risk calculus changes when a state-linked channel explicitly normalizes violence against U.S. leaders. Why This Has Military-Adjacent Consequences Even when the rhetoric is personal, the strategic consequences are institutional. When tensions rise, the most immediate vulnerability tends to be U.S. forces and facilities in the region, because they are accessible targets in any tit-for-tat escalation. The policy debate inside Washington often centers on how to deter retaliation while signaling resolve, including how to protect U.S. personnel and maintain posture without creating a self-fulfilling spiral. Recent analysis emphasizes that the United States has a range of diplomatic, economic, and military response tools while also highlighting the risks of escalation and the complexity of forecasting Iranian internal stability. For readers with military familiarity, the practical implication is straightforward: the rhetoric may be aimed at a person, but contingency planning usually centers on forces, bases, and regional escalation pathways. What To Watch Next The most important indicators are not captions or slogans; they are concrete actions. If the situation is deteriorating, you would expect to see some mix of: (1) escalatory moves in the region, (2) heightened protective measures for U.S. leaders, (3) greater diplomatic activity aimed at deconfliction, and (4) additional public or classified assessments that move beyond rhetoric. Trump has recently suggested he received assurances that the killing of protesters had stopped, which, if accurate, could reduce immediate escalation pressure, though such claims are difficult to independently verify during internet restrictions and repression. Bottom Line Irans personal threats toward President Trump are a meaningful escalation in rhetoric and should be treated as such. They matter because they attempt to deter U.S. action through intimidation, normalize political violence in official messaging, and can energize actors who do not need direct state tasking. At the same time, the public record currently reflects a messaging campaign more than a disclosed operational plan. The responsible way to describe the moment is to take the rhetoric seriously, watch for concrete indicators, and avoid overstating what has been proven. While some investors are already well versed in financial metrics (hat tip), this article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE) and why it is important. To keep the lesson grounded in practicality, we'll use ROE to better understand Babcock International Group PLC (LON:BAB). Return on equity or ROE is an important factor to be considered by a shareholder because it tells them how effectively their capital is being reinvested. In short, ROE shows the profit each dollar generates with respect to its shareholder investments. This technology could replace computers: discover the 20 stocks are working to make quantum computing a reality. How To Calculate Return On Equity? Return on equity can be calculated by using the formula: Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations) Shareholders' Equity So, based on the above formula, the ROE for Babcock International Group is: 39% = UK287m UK741m (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2025). The 'return' is the yearly profit. That means that for every 1 worth of shareholders' equity, the company generated 0.39 in profit. View our latest analysis for Babcock International Group Does Babcock International Group Have A Good ROE? By comparing a company's ROE with its industry average, we can get a quick measure of how good it is. Importantly, this is far from a perfect measure, because companies differ significantly within the same industry classification. As you can see in the graphic below, Babcock International Group has a higher ROE than the average (15%) in the Aerospace & Defense industry. LSE:BAB Return on Equity January 24th 2026 That's what we like to see. With that said, a high ROE doesn't always indicate high profitability. Aside from changes in net income, a high ROE can also be the outcome of high debt relative to equity, which indicates risk. How Does Debt Impact Return On Equity? Virtually all companies need money to invest in the business, to grow profits. The cash for investment can come from prior year profits (retained earnings), issuing new shares, or borrowing. In the case of the first and second options, the ROE will reflect this use of cash, for growth. In the latter case, the debt required for growth will boost returns, but will not impact the shareholders' equity. That will make the ROE look better than if no debt was used. Combining Babcock International Group's Debt And Its 39% Return On Equity It's worth noting the high use of debt by Babcock International Group, leading to its debt to equity ratio of 1.04. Its ROE is pretty impressive but, it would have probably been lower without the use of debt. Investors should think carefully about how a company might perform if it was unable to borrow so easily, because credit markets do change over time. The Yankees signed right-hander Dylan Coleman to a minor league deal last week, according to Colemans MLB.com profile page. It wasnt specified if the contract included an invitation to New Yorks Major League spring camp. Sixty-eight of Colemans 93 2/3 career innings in the majors came as a member of the Royals bullpen in 2022, when the righty posted a 2.78 ERA, 24.6% strikeout rate, and 12.8% walk rate. These promising numbers drastically went south in 2023, as Coleman has an 8.84 ERA and a walk rate that ballooned to 19.8%, almost eclipsing his 21.9K%. Kansas City traded Coleman to the Astros during the 2023-24 offseason, and he tossed just a single MLB inning for Houston in 2024 before being released in August. That remains Colemans most recent trip to the Show, as a minor league deal with the Orioles last offseason only led to more struggles. Coleman posted a 4.91 ERA over 14 2/3 innings in Baltimores farm system with as many walks (14) as strikeouts, and the Orioles released him in May. Since that time, Coleman has been overhauling his mechanics with the Feole Pitching training workshop, and as per a recent post from Feoles Instagram account, Coleman has added a cutter and power sinker to his repertoire, and his fastball velocity is up to 100mph. Coleman averaged over 98mph on his fastball when he debuted with the Royals in 2021, but that velo dropped to 95.2mph by the 2023 season. Any team would be intrigued by triple digits on the radar gun, and theres no risk for the Yankees in taking a first-hand look at the revamped Coleman, and also seeing what their own pitching development crew can add to his approach. All of the stuff in the world wont help a pitcher who cant get the ball over the plate, of course, and it remains to be seen if Colemans fixes extend to his extreme control problems of the last few years. For nine years, Harvey Haney fought to keep his small Bay County pig farm. Fraser Township, a small community that hugs the Saginaw Bay shoreline, sued Haney in 2016, arguing he was not allowed to have pigs on his property because it was zoned commercial, not agricultural. But after the case trudged through the courts facing appeals, going to trial and being kicked all the way up to the Michigan Supreme Court Haney won at the end of last year. Bay County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Sheeran threw out the lawsuit on Dec. 19 after the Michigan Court of Appeals sided with Haney last summer. The dismissal hinged on a decades-old state law that protects farmers from local zoning rules that could threaten their operations. It doesnt just save his family farm, said Philip Ellison, an attorney who has represented Haney since 2016. I think it saves hundreds of family farms because it becomes a very important precedent moving forward. Mark Brissette, a lawyer for Fraser Township, responded to a request for comment by saying he has filed a motion for the case to be reconsidered. The pig farm A couple of years after Haney purchased the 10-acre property, he started farming in 1989. The land had only ever been zoned commercial, according to court documents. But Haney testified during a 2023 bench trial that a former township supervisor gave him a verbal OK, saying the property was close enough to the right acreage for agriculture. Haney, believing he had the townships approval, began raising deer and elk. In 2006, he added mulefoot hogs a breed of pig named for its solid hoof selling them for hunting and at auction. But a decade later, the state forced Haney to shut down his deer farm because he had inaccurately stated the property was zoned agricultural on a permit application. A judge revoked Haneys permit because of the zoning dispute, and he didnt seek a variance to keep farming. Haney kept the pigs, though. Related: Trump administration seeks to overturn part of Michigans cage-free egg law Shortly after that, Fraser Township sued Haney and his mother in the Bay County Circuit Court for violating zoning rules. They alleged manure on the property was creating a horrible stench and attraction for flies. The lawsuit, first filed in May 2016, asked the court to issue an injunction to stop Haney from raising pigs on a commercial property. Since then, the case has bounced from the Bay County court to the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court as the township and Haney sparred over the small farm with 50 pigs. Ellison called it a David and Goliath case that raised new legal questions. These are fairly complex property issues, he said. And the important part is the court needs to get it right because its setting precedent. A timely case For the township it was simple: the land had never been zoned for agriculture. Brissette, the attorney for the township, told the Michigan Court of Appeals in July 2025 that its been a commercial property ever since Fraser Township adopted its zoning rules in the mid-1970s. And the land, which touches 14 other residences, had no history of agricultural use before Haney. The township has every right to go to court and say this is a nuisance, he said. We dont want a pig farm there. Its on commercial property, and we want the nuisance abated. The zoning never changed, Brissette argued, and the township never tried to pull the rug out from Mr. Haney to create an issue with proper legal farming. At first, Haney argued the township hadnt brought the lawsuit fast enough. After all, hed been raising roughly 50 pigs on the property for a decade before getting sued. One sticking point was that a state inspector flagged the deer, elk and pigs with the township in 2009, according to a court opinion, but Fraser Township said it had not become aware of the issue until 2016. Regardless, Haney argued the township was outside of the six-year statute of limitations. The Michigan Supreme Court disagreed, though, when it issued an opinion on the case in 2022. The justices ruled the townships legal action was timely because the zoning violation accrued continuously every day the property was used as a piggery. The presence of the hogs on the property constitutes the wrong, and that wrong, along with the attendant harms it causes, is being committed as long as the piggery operates, they wrote. A right to farm When the case was kicked back to the lower courts, Haneys legal strategy shifted. Ellison decided to lean on the Michigan Right to Farm Act, created in 1981. The Michigan Legislature crafted the law to protect farmers from being zoned out of existence, if they also comply with state rules for farming. Under a 2000 amendment, the law would preempt any local ordinance, regulation, or resolution that conflicts with farming practices. I think its a very powerful tool thats available to farmers that doesnt get utilized as much as it should, Ellison said. It lays out a solid pathway for government officials to be on notice that you cant just go in and run farms out of your jurisdiction. Related: House committee votes to lift ban on raw milk sales: Heres what to know After the case went to trial in September 2023, the trial court ended up agreeing with the township that the pig farm violated the zoning rules. Haney promptly appealed. The Michigan Court of Appeals considered the case last summer, hearing 37 minutes of oral arguments before issuing a decision in July. It struck down two of Haneys arguments, ruling that he never got formal permission to farm on his property and the township acted diligently once it found out about the pigs. But the appeals court ultimately ruled that the Right to Farm Act protected Haney because he proved his activities were farming, and he was following the state farming rules, known as GAAMPs. The court cited a 1988 Right to Farm case, which noted the state Legislature undoubtedly realized that as residential and commercial development expands outward farms can be threatened by local zoning ordinances and irate neighbors. Thus, the law insulates farmers from being shut down by zoning. Ellison says theres often a clash between people who move to rural areas and the reality of farming: Its dirty, its messy, its smelly, its hard work to produce food that lands on kitchen tables. I like bacon like anybody else, and bacon doesnt grow on trees, he said. You have to raise pigs somewhere to have your bacon. Under the Bay County Circuit Courts order, the lawsuit was dismissed and Fraser Township is not allowed to enforce its zoning rules against Harney. The township will also be required to cover Harneys attorney fees. Those have not been disclosed in court records yet. A motion for reconsideration, filed on Jan. 9, is still pending. ANN ARBOR, MI -- A missing 19-year-old has been found dead in Ann Arbor. The Ann Arbor Police Department identified a body found in the 1900 Block of Cambridge Road as Lucas Mattson, according to a statement posted on X on Saturday, Jan. 24. Mattson was a sophomore studying engineering at the University of Michigan, according to the Michigan Daily. Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre Anderson and the Ann Arbor Police Department extend its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as the entire U of M community, the statement said. Mattson was last seen around 1 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, walking by himself without a coat in the 1700 block of Hill Street. He was reported missing at 4:30 p.m. Friday. Officers from the Ann Arbor Police Department and the U of M Division of Public Safety and Security conducted a 20-hour search for Mattson amid extreme cold conditions. Foul play is not suspected at this time, the statement said. A cause of death will be identified through an autopsy conducted by the Washtenaw County Medical Examiners Office. U of M students can seek crisis support through Wolverine Wellness, University Health Service, and Counseling and Psychological Services, the statement said. GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- A new 80,000-square-foot Kroger has opened in Fenton, marking the companys first new store built in Michigan in nearly a decade and a significant investment in the community. The store, located at 15100 Silver Parkway, opened its doors to the public on Thursday, Jan. 22. Heres are four takeaways about the new location. 1. A Significant Investment and a State-Wide First The new Fenton location represents a $28.5 million investment and is the first new store Kroger has constructed in Michigan since 2017. This opening marks the 120th Kroger store in the state and the 10th in Genesee County. 2. Economic Impact and Job Creation The store will create approximately 120 new jobs for residents in the Fenton area and surrounding communities. Fenton Mayor Sue Osborn praised the opening for providing new employment opportunities and another grocery shopping option for the citys residents. 3. Extensive Features and Services The store will offer a wide range of departments, including a Murrays cheese shop, a sushi counter, and full-service bakery, deli, meat, and seafood sections. It also features a walk-up and drive-thru pharmacy, Kroger Pickup service, and plans to add a coffee shop in March. 4. Community Engagement and Donations Kroger demonstrated community commitment by presenting two separate $10,000 donations to the City of Fenton and the Fenton Area Public Schools. Company representatives stated their goal is to be invested in the community beyond the stores walls. Generative AI was used in the formatting of this story. It was reviewed and edited by MLive staff. FLINT, MI A Flint man accused of dragging a Michigan State Police trooper with his car during a traffic stop last week has been arrested and charged, police said. The traffic stop turned violent at approximately 2:15 a.m. on Jan. 17 when troopers pulled over a vehicle on Grand Traverse near 6th Street in Flint for a traffic violation. Troopers approached the vehicle and made contact with the two occupants. The driver refused to provide identification and was ordered to exit the vehicle, according to a news release from Michigan State Police. The trooper attempted to remove the driver from the vehicle after he ignored the commands, according to the release. As the trooper was attempting to remove them, the driver put the car in drive and accelerated. The troopers arm was wedged inside the door and the vehicle dragged him down the roadway, according to the release. The trooper eventually freed his arm, but the vehicle fled the scene. The trooper suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to the release. This is an example of the risks troopers face every day, Spl/Lieutenant Ashley Miller said in a statement. Thankfully, the trooper only suffered minor injuries. Police identified the driver as 24-year-old Dominique Dendy. He was arrested on Jan. 20 and lodged at the Genesee County Jail. Dendy was arraigned on Jan. 21 on the following charges: assault/resist/obstructing a police officer causing injury and third degree fleeing a police officer. He is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 29. FLINT, MI A jury has found a Flint man guilty of second-degree murder in connection with the death of his roommate more than three years ago. Charles Michael Crutcher, 42, now faces up to life in prison for the stabbing death of 58-year-old Donald John Kastler, according to a Jan. 23 news release from Genesee County Prosecutor David Leytons office. The Flint Police Department was called to Lillian Drive in Flint at about 8 p.m. on Oct. 19, 2022, in response to a report of a suspected personal injury incident, according to testimony and evidence presented at trial. The 9-1-1 call was made by a neighbor who resided across the street from Kastler and Crutchers home after she heard the roommates arguing as she sat in her vehicle in her driveway. Kastler approached the womans vehicle and began knocking on her passenger side window. She said she was not initially aware that the person knocking on the window was Kastler. The neighbor quickly backed out of her driveway and called 9-1-1, claiming she believed she was the target of a robbery. After arriving at the scene, officers found Kastler lying motionless on his side under a lamp post in the front yard of a residence in the area. He was also found with multiple lacerations to the back and side of his head, and he was transported to Hurley Medical Center. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. A trail of blood led police from the neighbors driveway to Kastler and Crutchers home where officers conducted a protective sweep and discovered additional blood spanning from the residences kitchen to its front door and back to the street outside. Crutcher was captured by a video camera on the neighbors home stabbing Kastler 17 times in the head and neck area, causing significantly deep wounds, according to an autopsy. The stabbing occurred behind the neighbors vehicle, which she was occupying in her driveway at the time. Police viewed the footage after the neighbor informed officers of the camera, which was aimed at her driveway and the other side of the street. Following the stabbing, the video showed Crutcher walking away from the scene and Kastler walking to the neighbors vehicle before she left her driveway. The video then captured Kastler sitting in the neighbors yard where he would later lie down and die. Police could also be seen arriving at the scene as Kastlers body lay motionless where it was subsequently discovered by officers. Leyton credits the Flint Police Department and his offices staff for helping to ensure the success of the case against Crutcher. The case was tried by assistant prosecutors Mark Ross and Zachary Szerzo. This was a horrific attack that is difficult to watch on video, Leyton said in a statement. I cant imagine the fear and the pain the victim suffered moments before dying. Crutchers sentencing is scheduled for March 10. FLINT, MI A man was hospitalized this weekend after being found on a Flint sidewalk amid frigid temperatures, according to the University of Michigan-Flint Department of Public Safety. Officers with the department conducted a welfare check shortly after midnight on Friday, Jan. 23, following an anonymous call regarding a man who was thought to be on the ground near Harrison and 2nd streets, according to a post on the departments Facebook page. While canvassing the area at about 12:37 a.m., Sgt. Mackenzie Thrower discovered what was initially thought to be an indistinguishable clump covered with snow on a nearby sidewalk. Department officials said in a statement that the clump looked like a crumpled traffic cone. However, officers determined that the clump was actually a man who reported that he had experienced seizures before collapsing on the sidewalk. Sgt. Thrower and Officer Austin Fray promptly contacted EMS, and the man was transported to a hospital for treatment. Wind chills in the area brought temperatures below zero, and the anonymous caller who reported seeing the man may have saved his life, according to police. The University of Michigan-Flint Department of Public Safety encourages community members to call in anything concerning they see. GENESEE COUNTY, MI Officials with Genesee County Animal Control are asking the public for help to keep the local communitys pet population warm as frigid temperatures have gripped the area. After a message was posted this week on the organizations Facebook page seeking donations of straw, the community came through in a big way. We did get some pretty amazing donations over the past couple of days, said Hannah Peterson, GCACs social media specialist, including 100 bales by Greater Flint Dog Outreach & Rescue. Sometimes we go through that really quickly, especially with the cold snap that we have. The donations received are in turn provided to the community by way of a straw tent set up outside the facility, located at 4351 Pasadena Avenue in Flint Township. It allows them to come and get some supplies from us, said Peterson, as outdoors pets can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite, and tissue damage. Some animals have passed away due to the weather. She noted those animals outdoors at this time are typically stray or feral cats and dogs in backyards. We are of course encouraging people as much as possible to bring their pets in, said Peterson, noting animals feel everything just like people including the brunt of the weather and its health impacts. High temperatures were in the single digits on Friday, with below zero wind chills. A cold weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service and in place until 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, says actual low temperatures forecast between 10 to 15 degrees below zero and wind chill values may reach as low as 25 degrees below zero. Peterson offered some tips for residents in keeping those outdoor pets safe, including providing proper food, water, and shelter. For food and water, they can freeze pretty quickly, she said. Its something that has to be monitored. In terms of outdoor shelter for dogs specifically, Peterson said there are some requirements by the state that every dog on a property should have their own space. She pointed out that while many people put down towels or blankets in dog houses, its something that should be avoided in these conditions as water or urine inside can freeze and potentially endanger the animals lives. Thats where the straw comes in handy, Peterson said. For indoor pets, she advised owners to stick to quick potty breaks and keep an eye out for non-pet friendly salt that can damage paws and lead to slips. Those looking to provide straw or another type of donation can message Genesee County Animal Controls Facebook page. Were always happy to accept that as a donation we can never have too much, said Peterson. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -Six companies will test air travel technologies and services at Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The companies are receiving more than $170,000 in total grant funding as part of the Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship program, known as FLITE, officials said. GoodMaps, Kodiak Technologies, Pratt Miller, TractEasy, Westwood AI and Airtrek Robotics will test technologies ranging from emergency alerts to autonomous baggage handling. The airport made the Jan. 21 announcement in partnership with Avflight Grand Rapids, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Seamless Ventures, Southwest Airlines and the West Michigan Aviation Academy. Were excited to introduce the six dynamic companies who will begin testing their air travel solutions at the Ford International Airport, said Alex Peric, chief operating officer of the Ford International Airport Authority, according to a press release. These partnerships reflect our shared commitment to innovation and progress for the future of aviation, and we look forward to another round of pilot-testing. The airport provided the below brief descriptions of the companies selected for this round of FLITE: GoodMaps : Advances wayfinding and emergency alerts though AI indoor mapping to enhance accessibility for travelers. Advances wayfinding and emergency alerts though AI indoor mapping to enhance accessibility for travelers. Kodiak Technologies : Develops electric and hybrid-electric heavy-duty snow removal equipment to reduce emissions and strengthen airport operations. Develops electric and hybrid-electric heavy-duty snow removal equipment to reduce emissions and strengthen airport operations. Pratt Miller : Provides advanced engineering services and solutions across mobility, defense, and motorsports, including expertise in vehicle robotics. Provides advanced engineering services and solutions across mobility, defense, and motorsports, including expertise in vehicle robotics. TractEasy : Provides operational solutions using its autonomous tow tractor to improve safety and efficiency in airport ground operations. Provides operational solutions using its autonomous tow tractor to improve safety and efficiency in airport ground operations. Westwood AI : Enhances autonomous operations through AI-enabled systems that support security and critical infrastructure. Enhances autonomous operations through AI-enabled systems that support security and critical infrastructure. Airtrek Robotics : Advances aviation safety and reliability by streamlining the ground handling process through robotics and AI. FLITE provides opportunities for us to test new and emerging technologies and gain early access to insights and knowledge, said Joseph Meszaros, vice president of operations for Avflight. He said Avflight is excited to host Airtreks autonomous wingwalking technology to conduct a proof-of-concept project at their Grand Rapids location that is aimed at evaluating its real-world performance. FLITE has supported more than 40 projects, awarding over $1.5 million in total grant funds across nine rounds, according to the release. Through the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has provided grant funding to support FLITE companies to further the programs mission and drive advancements in Michigans vibrant mobility and technology sectors. As a Michigan-based company, we are committed to strengthening the regions aviation and technology ecosystem through local partnerships, workforce development, and pathways for domestic manufacturing, said Dakoyta Greenman, founder and chief executive officer of Westwood AI. This collaboration with FLITE reflects our broader commitment to delivering mission-ready autonomous solutions that are easy to adopt, cost-effective to operate, and built to meet the evolving needs of airports and commercial stakeholders across the country. See the Advance Local Guide to Disclosing Use of AI. Generative AI was used to organize and structure this story based on information provided by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. MONTCALM COUNTY, MI A 21-year-old Carson City man was hospitalized this weekend after being shot during a party at a Douglass Township home. Troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Lakeview Post responded to a reported shooting at 12:17 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, at a home on Blackfoot Trail, according to an MSP news release. The Carson City man suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, and Montcalm County EMS transported him to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids for treatment, police said. A 22-year-old Orleans man who was also involved in the shooting was taken into custody, police said. Troopers received assistance from the Montcalm County Sheriffs Department while responding to the shooting. The incident remains under investigation, and there is currently no threat to the public, police said. Beazley has declined a $10.2bn (SFr8.06bn) takeover proposal from Zurich Insurance Group, stating the cash offer of 1,280 pence (12.80) per share "materially undervalues Beazley and its longer-term prospects as an independent company". The specialty insurers board unanimously rejected the latest terms, maintaining that the improved offer still falls short of a previous bid made by Zurich in June last year, which was also turned down. However, the company clarified that it has maintained engagement with Zurich and offered the Swiss insurer certain limited due diligence information in a good faith effort. Zurich had recently increased its offer to buy out Beazley. If the deal were to go ahead, the merged entity would generate approximately $15bn in gross written premiums and have its headquarters in the UK. Beazley said: "The board is fully focused on maximising shareholder value, has listened carefully to the feedback it has received from its shareholders and is open-minded about all options to deliver value." The board is also very confident in Beazley's stand-alone prospects as a publicly listed company and in the attractiveness of Beazley's business model fundamentals, noted the UK-based insurer. Zurich is preparing to launch its first ever syndicate at Lloyds of London within weeks. The move would enable Zurich to utilise private capital in underwriting risks within the Lloyds market and is seen as an alternative strategy should its Beazley takeover attempt not succeed. This development was first reported by the Financial Times, citing Zurich CEO Mario Greco, who said the company was nearing completion of arrangements for the new syndicate. Talks between Zurich and Lloyds are said to be at an advanced stage, with a potential launch date for the new entity as soon as 2 April. "Beazley turns down Zurichs $10.2bn buyout bid, citing undervaluation " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. KENTWOOD, MI A Kentwood intersection will undergo a $4.58 million makeover this summer with the construction of a new traffic circle and the reconstruction of two deteriorating roads. The new traffic circle will be built at the intersection of Shaffer Avenue and 36th Street, with construction starting in June. Shaffer Avenue will be fully reconstructed between 32nd Street and 44th Street, and 36th Street will be reconstructed from Shaffer Avenue to Broadmoor Avenue (M-37). The Kentwood City Commission approved the $4.58 million road project on Tuesday, Jan. 20. The Michigan Department of Transportation will provide $1.5 million in federal funding for the project, so the citys total share is around $3 million. Shaffer Avenue and 36th Street will be closed to thru-traffic during construction, said city engineer Jim Kirkwood. Construction is expected to last through August. Shaffer Avenue and 36th Street were both rated 3s and 4s on a scale of 10 in 2024, making them some of the lowest-rated major streets in Kentwood, Kirkwood said in a memo to the city commission. The project will include roto-milling the existing asphalt and re-paving with new asphalt on both roads. City officials noted that there will be an election on Aug. 4, and two nearby voting precincts will be impacted by the road closure: Covenant Park and African Community Fellowship Christian Reformed Church. Kirkwood said construction crews will be aware that people will need to be able to get through to vote, and traffic will be allowed through to those locations. LANSING, MI A Lansing man is being held on a $1 million bond and facing six felonies after a 4-year-old girl killed herself this week with an unsecured gun. Maliki Michael Pendergrass was arraigned Friday, Jan. 23 in 54-A District Court, two days after the girl was found with a fatal gunshot wound to her head. Lansing police responded to report of a shooting at a home in the 600 block of Sadie Court at around 11:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, WNLS Channel 6 reported. Fire department crews tried to save the girl, but she died at the scene. In a written statement obtained by the outlet, Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane said the childs death was completely preventable and called on gun owners to follow Michigans safe storage law by using gun locks or safes. Over the past six months, I have aired a public service announcement highlighting Michigans safe storage laws, educating gun owners on the importance of properly securing firearms, Dewane said. These laws exist to prevent tragedies like this, must be taken seriously, and will be enforced to hold offenders accountable. Pendergrass, who was on parole as the result of armed robbery and concealed carry convictions, faces six felonies, according to court records. They include: Violation of Michigans safe storage firearm law / resulting in death of a minor Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person Possession of ammunition by a prohibited person 3 felony firearms charges He is due back in court for a probable cause conference on Feb. 6 and a preliminary examination on Feb. 13. A separate incident involving an unsecured firearm landed a 3-year-old from Warren in the hospital earlier this week after the child shot himself in the hand. Police are investigating possible charges in that case. KALAMAZOO, MI -- A $576,000 stream restoration project in Portage Creek is nearly complete. Over the past month, a Wildlands Construction excavator has gone to work on Portage Creek at Milham Park (607 E Kilgore Road), digging up organic matter and securing the stream banks. These efforts will help wildlife flourish, according to Kalamazoo parks Director Patrick McVerry. The project was part of the second phase of a stream restoration project, with the first phase completed in 2021. Related: A birds-eye view of Portage Creek dam removal at Kalamazoos Milham Park The Michigan Department of Natural Resources aided in the project through a $75,000 fisheries habitat grant. Wildlands Construction, a North Carolina company, does work on Portage Creek at Milham Park in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. A portion of the second phase of the Portage Creek restoration project in January 2026. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Portage Creek at Milham Park in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. A portion of the second phase of the Portage Creek restoration project in January 2026. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) A buildup of organic matter Portage Creek resides in a natural flood plain area, McVerry said. As a result the creek has spread itself out over several events when water levels reached higher than the bank. Over the years, the stream bank at Milham Park has widened and material that would naturally flow through the stream was building up. There was so much sediment, like sand and organic matter that had built up, McVerry said. It really never went anywhere. A depleted fish population was noticed as a result. As we completed the first section of the project, we noticed there was a few bass that we saw, and then there was also some trout, but Im not 100% sure how they got there, McVerry said. But now that the creeks entirely opened up, you know, upstream in Portage, theres a really good trout population. The DNR used the upstream location as a stocking area in the past. Now that the dam is cleared and the second phase is complete, fish will be able to migrate to Milham Park. McVerry said he hopes to see a good amount of trout back in Milham Park, naturally. The whole entire project essentially is going to give them a better habitat, McVerry said. So they can actually use the stream to meander and keep going. But itll also lower the temperature of the water, which is conducive to thriving trout population that we hadnt had in the past. The return of native fish to the area will give the community another place for fishing and viewing. A natural riffle During phase two of the project that organic matter was removed, exposing a rockier, natural, bottom of Portage Creek. In the process of making the creek deeper and rockier, the Kalamazoo Parks department chose to implement a natural riffle design into the river. A natural riffle strategically places large boulders in the forefront of deeper pools in the creek. Those pools will help for accumulating fish, and the riffles will also help... create the little pocket behind the rock, McVerry said. Fish love to congregate in those because of the oxygenation and being able to kind of like hide behind those rocks. Im really excited to see what happens in the spring once everything reawakens. McVerry said the conducive habitat should help fish populations in the future. Securing stream banks Securing the stream banks by cutting down trees and using those large tree limbs and stumps on the streams edges was the second part of the project. By planting native plants in the spring, these stream banks will become more secure over the next five years, as these plants establish roots. Nate Lemmons, of Wildlands Contruction, works on securing the stream bank at Milham Park in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. A portion of the second phase of the Portage Creek restoration project in January 2026. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Nate Lemmons, of Wildlands Contruction, works on securing the stream bank at Milham Park in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. A portion of the second phase of the Portage Creek restoration project in January 2026. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) The woody debris essentially forms like a habitat for not only fish, but wildlife, you know, birds, any type of aquatic wildlife, McVerry said. When that takes hold and kind of matures, it gives not only the creek stability with the way the water runs through, and it doesnt erode the stream banks with what happened previously, but also it gives that aquatic habitat that wasnt there in the past. Due to weather, the final part of the initial restoration will have to wait. Wildlands construction is about 25% of the way done, laying down coir fabric a coconut fiber that goes on top of the stream bank to help secure it. Nate Lemmons, of Wildlands Contruction, works on securing the stream bank at Milham Park in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. A portion of the second phase of the Portage Creek restoration project in January 2026. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Whats next Milham Park will also see improvements over the next two years. Kalamazoo Parks has been awarded a $500,000 land and water conservation fund grant from the Michigan DNR to support enhancements at Milham Park. Planned improvements for this year include building new overlook decks along the north side of Portage Creek with accessible walkways, repairing the main parking lot on Kilgore Road, relocating the small parking area off Lovers Lane into the park to improve safety, and adding more accessible parking spaces. These upgrades are part of the first phase of improvements outlined in the Milham Park Master Plan. The plan was developed in 2023 and included input from three community meetings held at the park, surveys, and the Parks and Recreation advisory board. A new restroom building was also completed last fall near the southern pavilion by Kilgore Road, replacing the building that was removed due to storm damage in 2024. We have estimates right now of around $1.2, $1.3 million, McVerry said. Milham Park is one of the citys most widely used parks. It is considered a regional destination due to its size, variety of recreational amenities and nature offerings. The park has been in the system for over 100 years. It encompasses more than 66 acres with Portage Creek traversing the park. Outside of a new accessible playground built in 2023 and replacing the restroom building, significant improvements to the park have not taken place in over 20 years. It hosts the Halloween Forest each year and is a popular park for private event rentals. Learn more at www.kzooparks.org/MilhamPark. MENDON, MI -- A woman who once worked as a lunch lady in Southwest Michigan has been sentenced to prison time after previously pleading no contest to the sexual assault of two teenage boys. Kaitlyn Sand, 34, was sentenced on two counts of third-degree criminal sexual misconduct on Friday, Jan. 23, according to St. Joseph County Circuit Court records. In total, Sand faced seven charges. She pled no contest to the two counts in December leading to the dismissal of the other five charges. A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but Sand accepts the punishment for the charges. The concurrent sentence she received carries a minimum of five years and maximum of 15 years in prison, with credit for 48 days served. Sand will be eligible for parole after the first five years and will be subject to lifetime registration under the Michigan Sex Offender Registration. Investigators alleged Sand met the victims through her work at Mendon Jr./Sr. High School before contacting the victims on social media platforms, St. Joseph County Prosecutor Deborah J. Davis has said. She was previously employed by a food service provider Mendon Schools contracts with. Sand was assigned to Mendon Schools from August 2021 until March 2023, according to district records. An unrelated incident led to her termination, Mendon Police Chief Mike Kline previously said. The sexual assaults happened off school grounds and were reported about a year after they took place, Kline has said. When the sexual assaults were reported, Sand had already been fired for some time, Kline previously said. Mendon Schools Superintendent Leasa Griffith-Mathews has said Sand was never directly employed by the district. Indiana Michigan Power announced Friday, Jan. 23 that it would temporarily suspend disconnecting power while the region experiences extreme cold. The utility company, which serves 129,000 people across Southwest Michigan issued a news release Friday evening. Company officials stated in the release that disconnects due to non-payment would be suspended through at least Friday, Jan. 30, as the result of cold. The company will evaluate weather forecasts and determine next steps on Jan. 31. The company, which is headquartered in Fort Wayne, serves over 600,000 customers throughout Indiana and Michigan. SAGINAW, MI After watching their young children pretend they had a taco food truck underneath the dining room table years ago, Shayko and Adan Mosqueda played along. While ordering through their pretend food truck, Shayko and Adan Mosqueda asked Caydince and Adan Jr. what their business was called. They answered, Sis-N-Bros Tacos. The Mosqueda family poses for a photograph, parents Shayko and Adan with their children Caydince, Adan Jr., Armando and Romeo, at Sis-N-Bros Tacos inside SVRC Marketplace, 203 S. Washington Ave. in Saginaw, Mich., on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com From paper ingredients to real ingredients, Shayko and Adan Mosqueda made their food truck a reality. Sis-N-Bros Tacos was launched in 2022, Adan Mosqueda said. He told them, Before you guys become adults, I will buy and name a food truck for you, Shayko Mosqueda said. Were the keepers of it for now, but this is their business. The wife-and-husband team have four children, Caydince, Adan Jr., Armando and Romileo, and they want to leave this business to them when theyre older. A view of an unwrapped tamale available at Sis-N-Bros Tacos inside SVRC Marketplace, 203 S. Washington Ave. in Saginaw, Mich., on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com At first, they operated under a tent selling only tamales under the name Tamales Especial. The tamales are made using the recipe of Adan Mosquedas grandmother, Gloria Mosqueda. Once they made enough funds from that, Adan Mosqueda said they moved into a food truck, expanded their menu, and rebranded their business to the name their kids came up with. A view of Sis-N-Bros Tacos inside SVRC Marketplace, 203 S. Washington Ave. in Saginaw, Mich., on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com They moved into a vendor space in the SVRC Marketplace, 203 S. Washington Ave., in November. Adan Mosqueda said they will still operate their food truck in the warmer months as well as the marketplace location. SVRC Marketplace is an incubator for local small businesses and currently houses a variety of vendors. Other food-focused businesses inside the marketplace include: See the whole directory of all the businesses here. Shayko and Adan Mosqueda both grew up in Saginaw and met in the eighth grade through a mutual friend since they attended different schools, Shayko Mosqueda said. The next year, they both attended Arthur Hill High School and have been together ever since. A view of the elote tacos available at Sis-N-Bros Tacos inside SVRC Marketplace, 203 S. Washington Ave. in Saginaw, Mich., on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com Their menu features the beloved tamales, tacos, burritos and elote. Shayko Mosqueda said the favorites include the elote tacos, tamales and the grilled crunch burrito. The tamales are never frozen and they plan to distribute them in stores eventually, Shayko Mosqueda said. I get customers still to this day that they walk in and theyre just like, somewhat emotional cause they realize theyve watched us grow, Adan Mosqueda said. A view of the grilled crunch burrito available at Sis-N-Bros Tacos inside SVRC Marketplace, 203 S. Washington Ave. in Saginaw, Mich., on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com Sis-N-Bros Tacos is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. In February, their hours will change to 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Check their Facebook page here for more information and to follow along on their journey. TRAVERSE CITY, MI If braving the cold and snow on Friday morning was a test of the grit of Michigans gubernatorial candidates, six of those in the race checked a box when they appeared in Traverse City for the Northern Michigan Policy Conference. During the daylong conference Friday, those same candidates including all three of the perceived front-runners outlined how they plan to move the state forward. With a focus on Northern Michigan, they laid out the first iteration of plans centered around cutting red tape, improving the states education system and increasing Michigans affordable housing stock. Though they werent all on the stage at once, the forums mark the first time this year that Michigans gubernatorial candidates, who sat down with MIRS News Editor Kyle Melinn for 10-minute moderated panels, appeared in one room together. Those in attendance were Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson; independent former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan; U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township; Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township; former Republican House Speaker Tom Leonard and former Republican Attorney General Mike Cox. They were invited as the front-runners in a crowded field to replace Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who is term limited in 2026. Below are what they said are policies that will help move Michigan forward. Mike Duggan Duggan, the former mayor of Detroit who was elected as a Democrat, spoke mainly about policy he enacted while in office that he believes could now be applied statewide. Much of that relates to affordable housing, which Duggan said people hes spoken with across the state are concerned about. What I thought was a Detroit problem is a huge problem everywhere, he said. Following his election as mayor of Detroit in 2013, and as the city again began to thrive following an intense period of financial hardship, Duggan said the biggest struggle shifted from a loss of people and jobs to a lack of affordable housing. He addressed the issue by repurposing buildings like old schools, easing the permitting process and offering tax credits, Duggan said, and weve done it with very little role from the state. Instead, Duggan said much of the support Detroit received was from federal tax credits, along with what he said was around $50 million from private foundations. Now, he said its time the state gets involved. Duggan proposed a $500 million gap funding pool that would incentivize interested communities and developers to build more affordable housing units. Under his plan, the state would cover the difference between what individual tenants can afford to pay and what developers need to make a profit, using a combination of tax credits. Cities could opt in by enacting ordinances that make building new housing easier. During his panel, Duggan also criticized the states current model of economic incentives, giving up $250 million checks to people who had not done anything yet, and said Michigans purple state status may be driving away potential business. We have a strategic plan of U-turns, Duggan said. Every two to four years, Republicans and Democrats flip control and they do a complete U-turn. And if youre a national company thinking, where do I want to invest, why would you go to a state that every two or four years changes their policy? He spoke about incentive plans that worked in Detroit, offering $50,000 grants to small business owners who brought forward business plans, rather than larger economic incentive packages. We kept our talent in Detroit by making entrepreneurs, he said, and its not costing $100,000 to $500,000 a job. Duggan proposed a similar Michigan Match program, where companies could compete and receive economic incentives on a smaller scale. Jocelyn Benson Benson said among her top issues are housing affordability and workforce development, two things the Secretary of State said are hindering Michigan now. As Ive talked with folks who want to come to Michigan, build things in Michigan the number one thing they say to me is, I dont need tax breaks. I need talent. I need people I can hire, and then I need to know that those people are going to be able to afford housing. Benson said her ideas for housing affordability revolve around an aggressive approach by the state to streamline regulations and processes, something she said shes already accomplished as Secretary of State. What weve been able to do with one of our states largest agencies is transform how the office operates, she said. Instead of costing you time and money, we save you time and money, and thats what our departments need to do across the board. Benson said shes specifically looking to reform the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), which seeks to attract businesses, from an inefficient agency that lacks transparency to an efficient economic development engine. When it comes to her Northern Michigan audience, Benson said its also necessary to partner with communities and address the growth of vacation rentals that drive up the cost of housing. For those vacation rentals that do remain, she suggested working with local communities and industry leaders to invest some funds they generate in tourism. Benson also talked about education, specifically the need to invest in cradle to career services. She said that includes more spending on the states research universities, creating incentive programs with universities and employers to keep young people in the state and expanding access to paid apprenticeship programs. More than tax breaks and other types of incentives, a talented workforce is what is going to attract economic and business growth to every region of the state, she said. Benson said more plans to address affordability, including policy regarding energy and childcare costs, will be forthcoming. John James Congressman James said when it comes to the states role in helping local governments improve or increase their housing stock, getting out of the way is the best position. He said allowing local control, while removing regulations and paring back some state agencies, is the combination that will help the state succeed. What works in Grand Rapids might not work in the U.P., he said. When asked about how to attract talent to the state, James used the anecdote of treating customers well to keep them. Whats the best way to get new talent? You keep the talent that you have and treat them well, he said, but were not doing that in Michigan. He said the state needs to adapt to the 21st century, where people are often moving to where they want to live first and trying to get a job second. Michigan can do that by increasing broadband access to appeal to remote workers, he said. He also spoke about economic incentives, and said the state needs to focus less on attracting new business to Michigan and more on retaining the ones already building here through tax reform, fewer regulations and increased access to capital and supports. James announced a statewide tour during the forum. Mike Cox Cox said his plan is to focus first on fixing the states education system and eliminating the income tax. On education, he said its necessary to first streamline state departments, with multiple agencies handling oversight of education, childcare and skilled trades. Cox spoke about creating state government bureau chiefs to help oversee alignment between state agencies. When I walked into the [attorney generals] office, from the beginning we had 44 divisions, Cox said. By the time I left, we had 25, and we organized those 25 division in five different bureaus so we were aligned. He said cutting back was necessary to meet the states budget restrictions at the time, and he believes the government should be flexible and nimble to meet the times. Ive done it before, and Ill do it again, he said. When asked about economic development, Cox said hes learned as a business owner that when the government talks about investment using economic incentives, what theyre really talking about is taking money from citizens and small business owners, grabbing that money and then spending on someone else. Instead, he said cutting the income tax would help put more money in the pockets of seniors, young couples and small business owners. Aric Nesbitt Nesbitt, now the state Senate Minority Leader, spent the majority of his allotted 10 minutes talking about the need to cut red tape in Michigan. He spoke about a recent conversation with a contractor in Midland who splits business between Michigan and Tennessee. More than anything, that business owner said the biggest struggle on the Michigan side of things was a lack of support from hard-to-reach state and local agencies. At the same time, the cost to build a new home in Michigan can be compounded by almost $95,000 in federal, state and local regulations, Nesbitt said, citing a recent study by the National Home Buyers Association. Nesbitt said in response, he plans to go through the thousands of existing state regulations and scrap what isnt needed. He also pitched a reworking of the states departments to better track wait and response times. Also among his top priorities, Nesbitt said, is increasing access to the trades and removing one-size-fits-all education requirements that dont end up helping all students. Over the last 25 years, weve lost half a generation of builders, plumbers, pipefitters, folks that cant be replaced by AI or exports, he said. Nesbitt said the states education system should better lift up students who want to pursue skilled trades. We make sure every kid who graduates from high school is able to read, write, do arithmetic, he said, but is able to either be ready for college or ready for a career when they graduate. Tom Leonard Leonard said if there was only one issue he could accomplish while in office, it would be addressing the states third-grade reading crisis. I can tell you as a former prosecutor, if a kid has to drop out of school because they cant read, youve created a pipeline to a welfare check or a prison cell, he said. Leonard referenced actions states like Mississippi have taken to identify children that are struggling and invest in high-quality tutors. He also called on the state to hold back children not reading at grade level, a provision that was previously repealed under the state Democratic trifecta. Pivoting to economic development, Leonard said that whether its the supply of affordable housing or a shortage of skilled workers, the common factor is too-strict regulations. He told a story about his uncle, a juryman electrician who moved to Michigan after 20 years on the job in South Carolina, who spent six months looking for a job. Not because one wasnt available, Leonard said, but because he had to jump through all the hoops to find a job. He suggested licensure reciprocity, or accepting the certifications of other states, as a first step to begin solving some of the states issues. Leonard also said its necessary to either lower or fully phase out the states income tax to keep Michigan competive. WOLVERINE, MI While many Michiganders store their paddles for the winter, a Northern Michigan livery is offering guided rafting trips through snow-covered cedar forests and icy riverbanks. A stretch of fast-moving water in Northern Michigan is drawing outdoor enthusiasts throughout the winter. Winter rafting on the Sturgeon River in Wolverine, Mich. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com Sturgeon River Paddlesports in downtown Wolverine runs winter rafting excursions on the Sturgeon River, the fastest flowing river in Michigans Lower Peninsula. The spring-fed river drops an average of 14 feet per mile as it flows about 41 miles from Gaylord into Burt Lake. An aerial view of a group floating down the Sturgeon River on a guided winter rafting trip in Wolverine, Mich. in January 2024. (Image provided by Datema Media) Luke Datema | Datema Media As far as uniqueness goes, were going to be the only ones out there, so we have the river to ourselves, said Jamie Jacklitch, owner of Sturgeon River Paddlesports. Typically, we see more wildlife in the wintertime than any other time of the year. Jacklitch has guided winter rafting trips on the Sturgeon River for nearly 20 years and has operated the business since 2014. Beyond guiding tours, he also helps maintain the river corridor. He spent much of 2025 clearing fallen trees after last springs ice storm that ravaged the Gaylord area. Jamie Jacklitch, owner of Sturgeon River Paddlesports, balances a raft while a group boards a raft after a break on the Sturgeon River in Wolverine, Mich. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com Winter trips last about 90 minutes, depending on conditions. Guests ride in large, stable rafts steered by experienced guides, allowing for a slow-paced float through ice formations and winter wildlife habitat. Bald eagles, deer, turkeys, beavers and river otters have been spotted on the excursions. We see more bald eagles in the winter than in the summer, especially once the lakes freeze, Jacklitch said. Thats the only water they have left to fish. Trips are open to all ages and require no prior rafting experience. Each raft typically holds up to six participants plus a guide. Larger groups can be accommodated as available. U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests are provided. When it comes to what to wear, Jacklitch encourages guests to dress for extended outdoor exposure, including insulated boots, hats, gloves or mittens and snow pants or bibs. We dress to be outside for about an hour and a half, Jacklitch said. The warmest boots you have, good gloves or mittens ski pants are always a good idea because there can be some moisture from paddles. Jamie Jacklitch, owner of Sturgeon River Paddlesports, pulls a raft through the snow after a winter rafting trip on the Sturgeon River in Wolverine, Mich. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com The livery offers three trips daily at 9:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. that are weather dependent. Reservations are required, and guests are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Jacklitch said winter rafting offers a quieter alternative to traditional cold-weather recreation, transforming a familiar river into a new experience. The sounds of the water hitting the logs and the ice its totally different, he said. After a fresh snow, when the cedar trees are caked in white, its a really special trip. A group passes a cabin on the Sturgeon River during a winter rafting trip in Wolverine, Mich. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com A group departs a raft after a guided winter trip on the Sturgeon River in Wolverine, Mich. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com More information and pricing is available at sturgeonriverpaddle.com or by calling 231-525-6878. Luke Datema of Datema Media captured the stunning drone footage in the video above. 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. Exxon Mobil Corp. is shutting down some equipment at its Baytown, Texas, oil refinery because of freezing weather, the company said in a public notice. The plant, among the largest US fuel-making facilities, is 30 miles east of downtown Houston. Wholesale prices on the Texas grid jumped to $1,500 a megawatt hour for the Dallas-Fort Worth area and $1,600 in the panhandle just before midnight local time, which typically has strong wind resources. Thats when prices and demand are typically at low levels. Hourly prices Saturday topped at about $44. The extreme cold caused gas and fuel supply and mechanical issues, resulting in unplanned generator outages and capacity derates, said MISO spokesperson McKenzie Barbknecht. MISO has been in close contact with the US Department of Energy on grid conditions throughout this winter storm event. EEA2 is the second level of emergency action, triggered as operating reserves continue to decline. It means MISO is facing an energy shortage and needs to reduce energy demand. Early Saturday, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator which runs an electric grid across parts of the Midwest and South declared an energy-emergency alert 2 in its northern and central sections, citing forced power-plant outages and limited transfer capability across the regions. MISO later downgraded the grid to a maximum generation warning before returning to an energy-emergency alert 2 in an effort to shore up reserves as conditions worsened. Nearly 13,000 flights into and around the US have been canceled through Monday, according to FlightAware, an airline tracking company. Some 132,000 homes and businesses didnt have power as of 4:00 p.m. New York time on Saturday, with about 60,000 in Texas, according to Power Outage.US. The travel disturbance is shaping up to be the worst since the US government shutdown last year, which led to air traffic control staffing shortages at airports nationwide. The same weather system is pushing electricity demand sharply higher, raising the risk of outages in several regions. A massive US winter storm stretching from the southern Rocky Mountains to New England is straining power systems, causing cascading travel disruptions, while threatening large amounts of snow and ice in some of the countrys most densely populated corridors. Story Continues Celanese Corp. also wound down operations at its Houston-area plant as the weather worsened, according to a notice. The companys Clear Lake plant makes chemicals used in paints, adhesives and packaging. As much as 0.5 inch (1.27 centimeters) of ice may fall across the US South through northern Virginia, threatening roads, power lines and trees. The storm will also drop heavy snow from Oklahoma and across the Ohio Valley, before doing the same in New York and New England on Sunday. New Jersey Transit will temporarily suspend bus, light rail and Access Link service for the entire service day on Sunday, Jan. 25. Trains will operate until 2 p.m. on Sunday. Its a good weekend to stay indoors if you need to make a last run to the grocery store or Home Depot. Get it done now. Get this done today, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said at a press conference Saturday. Anything you need go out today and grab it and plan to stay off the roads tomorrow. In the Western hub of PJM Interconnection, a big US grid from Chicago to Washington, power was trading at $420 a megawatt-hour at 2:50 p.m., after spiking to more than $3,000 earlier. The highest prices are in Exelon Corp.s Baltimore Gas & Electric Utility at more than $550. PJMs region has the highest concentration of data centers in the US and is the focus of concern over how electricity generation can keep pace with the AI-driven demand boom. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright urged companies to make backup power available from facilities including data centers. The storm is estimated to cost up to $24 billion in damages and economic losses, said Chuck Watson of Enki Research. Most damage from winter systems comes from prolonged freezing temperatures, according to reinsurance firm Swiss Re. Average annual insured losses from winter weather have more than tripled to $7 billion since 2021 compared with the preceding decade, the company said. Photographer: Mark Felix/Bloomberg New York New England, which pays exorbitant prices for natural gas produced in Appalachia in the winter because of a dearth of pipeline capacity connecting the regions, was generating 31% of its electricity by burning oil, as of 2:43 p.m., according to the regional grid operator. Thats higher than the amount of power being generated by natural gas as dual-fuel generators often switch from gas to oil when gas prices spike. Gas prices for near-term delivery of gas at the New England trading hub Algonquin Citygates surged as high as $44 per million British thermal units this week as utilities and other buyers bid up the price of scarce pipeline capacity. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg New York is expected to see snowfall around daybreak Sunday. It may see more than of 14 inches of powder before the storm winds down Monday, said Scott Kaplan, a meteorologist with Hometown Forecast Services, which provides outlooks for Bloomberg Radio. The Boston area may see as much as 20 inches of snow, while Washington may get 8 inches or more. That would be the heaviest snowfall in New York since January 2022 when 7.3 inches fell in Central Park and for Boston since February 2022 when 8.5 inches fell, said Allison Santorelli, a forecaster with the US Weather Prediction Center. For the US as a whole, it may be one of the most expansive in the US since a 1993 superstorm, said Rob Carolan, chief executive officer of Hometown Forecast Services. New Yorks Metropolitan Transportation Authority urged customers to avoid unnecessary travel Sunday and Monday, warning of disruptions to subways, bus lines and commuter rail services. Federal offices in the Washington DC area will be closed on Monday. US Exports Several US liquefied natural gas export plants began reducing gas supply following a reduction of activity on Friday. Sabine Pass in Louisiana, Corpus Christi LNG and Freeport LNG in Texas, and Cove Point in Maryland all showed reduced gas supplies as of Saturday morning, according to data from BloombergNEF. --With assistance from Lauren Rosenthal, Valentine Baldassari, Ruth Liao, Julian Hast, Joe Carroll and Mark Chediak. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Did our AI summary help? Ragini Jaiswal Entertainment journalist and content writer with 3+ years of experience covering Bollywood, lifestyle trends, and celebrity stories across leading digital platforms. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to First look of Taapsee Pannus next film Assi out ahead of February release Solanki said he got to know about his remuneration, which is even more than the stars of the movie, only recently. Spread across 95 acres in its first phase, the project aims to integrate cinema, culture, trade, tourism, and livelihoods under a single ecosystem. Entertainment desk Entertainment Desk at Moneycontrol reports on the celebrities, movies that shape Indias entertainment industry. With a sharp focus on cinema, OTT, web series, and latest trends, the entertainment desk delivers verified news, and analytical stories that place entertainment within a wider economic and cultural context. Our coverage goes beyond celebrity to examine how storytelling, audiences and business decisions influence one of the countrys most influential creative industries. Did our AI summary help? Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment. Gaonkar, 56, uses data science to invest around the theme of how technology can enhance other sectors such as financials, industrials, health care and enterprise data. Bloomberg U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds saw over $1 billion in outflow in a single trading day on January 21, as investors moved out of the two largest cryptocurrencies during a broader market downturn. Meanwhile, smaller altcoin-linked products linked to Solana and XRP experienced net inflows, which points to an apparent institutional positioning difference during the most recent volatility. Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs recorded more than $1 billion in withdrawals, despite both asset classes recording positive cumulative inflows since inception. Bitcoin ETFs Post November-High Redemptions During Global Market Rally Bloomberg reported that outflows from Bitcoin ETFs were the biggest one-day redemption since November, and came at a time when the conventional risk assets reversed against calmer geopolitical tensions. The remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump at Davos, where he dismissed military action over Greenland and indicated a halt to tariffs imposed on Europe, contributed to the boost in equities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The iShares Bitcoin Trust at BlackRock recorded the highest outflow of $356.64 million, with Fidelitys FBTC in second place at $287.67 million. Grayscales GBTC still experienced smaller yet steady redemptions and has had a total cumulative net outflow of over $25 billion since conversion. Bitcoin ETF data source: SoSoValue The HODL was the only big Bitcoin ETF that recorded a net inflow, which was $6.35 million. Bitcoin ETFs have already registered weekly net outflows of $1.19 billion, while January remains slightly positive overall, with net inflows of $17.56 million. Source: Cryptonews At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at approximately $89,100, a loss of almost 7% over the past week, and the trading volume was decreasing, indicating a low level of activity in the short term. Selling Pressure Hits Ethereum ETFs, Led by BlackRocks ETHA Ethereum ETFs mirrored the pressure seen in Bitcoin. On January 21, spot Ether ETFs posted net outflows of $297.51 million, following another heavy outflow the previous day. BlackRocks ETHA accounted for the bulk of the redemptions, shedding more than $250 million, while Fidelitys FETH and Grayscales ETHE also saw net withdrawals. Grayscales lower-fee ETH mini trust was a notable exception, recording a modest inflow. ETH ETF data source: SoSoValue Despite the outflows, Ethereum ETFs still managed close to $18.3 billion in assets, roughly 5% of Ethereums market capitalization. Ethereum itself briefly reclaimed the $3,000 level before slipping back, trading near $2,900, and was down nearly 13% over the past week. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to No-cost EMI sounds tempting, but the real cost may be hidden 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 Chris Wright during a Bloomberg Television interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. (Bloomberg Photo) You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK Did our AI summary help? Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to 'ED case was not even right,' says Saurabh Bharadwaj as court acquits Arvind Kejriwal Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All IndiaEU ties poised for upgrade with trade deal, defence pact on table US President Donald Trump has announced plans to sell US-made defense equipment to Azerbaijan, while reaffirming Washingtons support for the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. According to Azernews, Trump made the statement in a post on his Truth Social platform, praising Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for adhering to the peace agreement signed in August last year. I want to thank President Aliyev of Azerbaijan, and Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia for upholding the Peace Agreement we signed last August, Trump wrote, describing the conflict as a nasty war that has now been replaced by prosperity and peace. Trump also announced that US Vice President JD Vance will travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia in February to further advance what he called the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. According to the US leader, Washington plans to deepen its strategic partnership with Baku, pursue a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement with Armenia, support US semiconductor companies, and move forward with defense exports to Azerbaijan. These include the sale of Made in the U.S.A. defense equipment, such as body armor and boats, and more, to Azerbaijan, Trump noted. Bitcoin slipped back below $90,000 this week as global market volatility caused investors to step away from the cryptocurrency. - MarketWatch illustration/iStockphoto After a brief rally last week, bitcoin was back below $90,000 Thursday. Its been a volatile week for global markets. President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on several European countries, then backed off days later, causing stocks to whipsaw. Japanese bonds BX:TMBMKJP-10Y were selling off, and U.S. Treasury yields BX:TMUBMUSD10Y were moving higher. All of this pointed to a risk-off sentiment taking over among investors, and that meant there wasnt much appetite for bitcoin. Most Read from MarketWatch In short, a geopolitical roller coaster and surging Japanese government bond yields across the curve are likely the major factors driving the recent cryptocurrency downturn, Samer Hasn, senior market analyst at XS.com, told MarketWatch. The situation in Greenland, which evolved into a tariff threat, combined with anticipation surrounding the Bank of Japans monetary-policy decision, has put leveraged traders on edge, he said. This has made any attempted bullish moves feel increasingly risky. Hasn also pointed to tightening market liquidity, along with volatile markets, as a bad mix for bitcoin BTCUSD. He noted that U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds saw nearly $500 million in outflows over the course of two trading days as institutional investors sold off some of their holdings. He also called out that more than $700 million worth of liquidations were wiped out from bitcoin futures since Monday. Read: Bitcoins rally wasnt enough to push it past $100K this week. Heres what it needs to get out of this rut. This is a reversal from last week, when institutional buying in spot bitcoin ETFs drove the price of the cryptocurrency higher. However, that demand unwound this week. Bitcoins slide below $90,000 this week, which was accelerated by over $1 billion in liquidations, was less a fundamental break than a mechanical unwind of leverage built on expectations of a move up to $100,000, Wenny Cai, chief operating officer of SynFutures, wrote in an email. Because bitcoin couldnt maintain its upward momentum, those leveraged bets fell short and investors had to exit their positions. Cai also pointed out that bitcoin faces regulatory headwinds, too, with the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act currently stalled in the U.S. Senate. This has slowed the willingness of institutional investors to add more of the crypto into their portfolios. ISROs Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre has formally reached out to Indian aerospace manufacturers to take part in building the first structural module of the station. (Representative image) The immediate trigger for the controversy was an order passed by CJM Vibhanshu Sudheer on January 9, directing registration of an FIR against police officers, including then circle officer Anuj Chowdhury, in connection with the shooting of a youth during the Sambhal violence of November 2024. (File photo) Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran Following the accident and demonstrations by locals, Lokesh M, also an IAS officer, was removed as CEO on January 19 and placed on the waiting list. Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Man kills 4-yr-old daughter by hitting her with rolling pin over Mathematics homework 'Questions are opportunity lost in final hours of his life...': Zubeen Garg's family writes to PM seeking clarity over his death Shiv Sena (UBT) is not just a party but an idea; BJP can't finish it: Uddhav Thackeray Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Snipers deployed, Central Vista project on halt: Elaborate security for R-Day parade months after terror attack Executives from BitGo rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday morning, marking the launch of the digital asset infrastructure companys initial public offering. The firm's Class A common stock was priced at $18 per share, above the expected range of $15 to $17. BitGo offered 111,821,595 shares, raising a potential $213 million at a nearly $2 billion valuation. The company was valued at $1.75 billion during its most recent funding round in 2023. The listing follows IPOs from other prominent crypto companies over the past year, including Circle in June, Bullish in August and Gemini in September. BitGos decision to pursue a U.S. listing reflects a broader trend among internationally focused firms seeking long-term capital access and credibility with global institutions, Nick Coombs, managing director of MENA at BitGo, told Decrypt, adding that the launch would strengthen confidence among partners and institutions outside the U.S., including on his turf. Trading as a public company increases transparency and governance expectations, which resonates with MENA financial institutions that prioritize robust regulatory frameworks and accountability. The IPO arrived amid political tension in Washington over a proposed U.S. crypto market structure bill. A vote by the Senate Banking Committee was postponed last week, while Coinbase withdrew its support for the bill in its current form due to concerns over whether it would restrict exchanges from offering yield on stablecoins. Stablecoin yield has emerged as a point of contention between banking and crypto industry groups, with critics arguing it could divert funds from traditional banking systems and destabilize national finances. Despite the delay, the Senate Agricultural Committee has confirmed that a markup of the bill will proceed next Tuesday. Crypto Market Bill Heads to Senate Agriculture Markup Amid Banking Committee Delays BitGo itself obtained licenses to operate in the EU and Dubai last year, and Coombs said clarity in market structure, particularly around custody, investor protection, and regulatory oversight, was important for long-term institutional participation. "Since securing VARA licenses for custody and broker-dealer services, weve seen increased engagement from regulated exchanges, funds, banks, institutional participants, crypto natives, and fintech platforms in the region," he said. He added that progress on U.S. regulatory frameworks that support clear roles for custodians, exchanges, and service providers would help align crypto infrastructure with broader financial standards. Miscreants allegedly pelted stones and used sticks to vandalise buses parked at the bus stand in Tarana. (Courtesy: X) Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to 'This is just a trailer': Ahead of Republic Day, blast rocks train track in Punjab's Sirhind; sparks Khalistani link after alleged letter Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to UP: NEET aspirant chops off foot to avail disability quota for MBBS admission US signals relief for India with possible rollback of 25% tariff: 'There is a path' 'When they questioned my right to vote...': Amartya Sen says SIR being done in hurry, adds its unfair to democracy Who is Vijay Kumar, the man behind the shooting of 4 people in US, including Indian national wife Meemu? Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All "Will spread 'green' across Maharashtra": AIMIM's Jaleel backs corporator Sahar Shaikh over Mumbra remark EEPC India welcomed the announcement of a trade agreement with the United States under which Washington will cut reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from the existing 25 per cent, saying the move could provide a major boost to engineering exports. While the detailed contours of the agreement are yet to be made public, the Prime Ministers message clearly mentioned lower tariffs for Made in India products, which is very good news, Shah said, noting that the United States remains Indias largest trading partner. Earlier, US President Donald Trump said India and the United States had agreed on a trade deal that would see reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods reduced to 18 per cent from 25 per cent, following a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The engineering sector, which accounts for nearly one-fourth of Indias total merchandise exports, is expected to be among the biggest beneficiaries of the agreement. Shah said the anticipated tariff relief could result in stronger-than-expected growth in engineering exports in the current financial year. The tariff boost should help the engineering industry end the year on a strong note, and also lay the foundation for a much better 2026-27 in terms of global exports, he said. However, Shah said it would be premature to quantify the exact impact on engineering exports until the agreements sector-wise details are formally announced. He said exporters are awaiting clarity on product categories and market access provisions. Once the finer details are available, we will have a clearer picture of how much Indian engineering exports stand to gain, Shah said. USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept In order to form similar alliances with Blue Origin, which is not slated to start launching its satellites until the end of 2027 and which will focus on enterprise satellite internet access, these telecom companies would have to spend a significant amount of money and funds on launching deals with Blue Origin that are similar to their agreements with AST SpaceMobile. It's unlikely that the telecom firms will want to take this course because it would involve wasting significant corporate resources. Therefore, barring technical problems, I expect AST's agreements with these telecom companies to ultimately generate tens of billions of dollars of annual revenue for the firm, even if Blue Origin attempts to launch similar services. As I have covered previously, AST has signed partnership deals with several large telecom companies, including Verizon (VZ), AT&T (T), and Vodacom (VOD), along with major telecom service providers in Canada, Japan, and the Middle East/North Africa. Under the agreements, AST is expected to provide cellular service from satellites to conventional smartphones. This service is called direct-to-cell. AST SpaceMobile is seeking to launch 45-60 satellites in 2026 to create a broadband network and provide services to standard smartphones. In the third quarter, the firm's sales soared 1,170% versus the same period a year earlier to $14.47 million. However, its operating cash flow sank 89.5% year-over-year (YoY) to -$136.5 million. The shares have a current price-sales ratio of 1,474 times and a forward price-sales ratio, based on analysts' mean 2026 revenue estimate of $193 million, of 222 times. After Jeff Bezos Blue Origin announced that it would launch a new satellite communications network consisting of about 5,400 satellites, is AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) stock still worth buying? The company still maintains a first-mover advantage in providing direct-to-cell services, along with its ability to generate large amounts of revenue from providing other space-based services. And finally, both Blue Origin and AST will likely be able to generate sizable profits from their respective space communications networks. Investors should note that while ASTS stock dropped initially on the Blue Origin news, the private space company will focus on serving enterprise clients such as data centers. Story Continues It Can Provide Other Space-Based Services In addition to direct-to-cell, AST can provide internet service and obtain new, lucrative contracts from the military. Moreover, a recent comment by the company's president indicated that the firm can benefit significantly from the likely launch of data centers in space. Data on bidding for federal subsidies in Tennessee shows that providers of satellite internet services, including Elon Musk's SpaceX, requested, on average, just one tenth of the funding fiber providers sought, according to StateScoop. The data suggests that satellite internet service providers (ISPs) can price their fiber competitors out of the market. As a result, eventually AST can probably enter the ISP market and generate significant revenue and profits from it. Turning to AST's potential revenue from the defense sector, the company recently received a contract from the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Under the agreement, AST will be able to seek upcoming deals related to America's missile-defense initiatives. Since the Trump administration plans to spend $175 billion on such projects, AST can generate a great deal of revenue from MDA alone. And according to one forecast, global spending by the defense sector on satellite communication is expected to surge from $3.5 billion in 2024 to $41.45 billion by 2033. Given that AST, which has already won other contracts from the Pentagon, appears to have a good relationship with the agency, the company is well-positioned to generate significant revenue from providing communication services to the U.S. and its allies. Finally, AST President Scott Wisniewski last month indicated that AST can benefit from the development of data centers in space. Both Musk and Bezos are planning to launch such data centers, suggesting that these projects are likely to be very profitable. Wisniewski said that, The add-on opportunities (for satellites) are really impressive, and you see that with all the data center conversations in the last week or so, whether it's communication services, noncommunication services to the U.S. government, or the next generation of commercialization of space, we'll be in a great position to build that out. Competition Is Unlikely to Stop AST Today, around the world, there are many very profitable providers of internet service, military communications, technologies for cellular networks, and data centers. As these sectors transition to satellites, there will likely be many, very profitable satellite companies that provide the same products and services. Therefore, I don't expect Blue Origin's initiative to derail AST SpaceMobile. The Bottom Line on ASTS Stock The company's price-sales ratios are very high, but, given its tremendous opportunities, its current market capitalization of $42.75 billion is quite low. However, since the firm is a start-up that is in the beginning stages of launching its satellites, it does carry significant risk. Therefore, ASTS stock is only appropriate for risk-tolerant growth investors at this point. On the date of publication, Larry Ramer had a position in: ASTS. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Advocate joins virtual hearing from -23C in Sonamarg. Delhi HC judge compares her to Shankar Mahadevan According to local reports, Jiang Yueqin has developed a daily routine over the past two years that involves staying awake until around 2 am. (AI-generated image) An Italian vlogger said that India makes his home-food better than Italy. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Indian food steals the show at Davos as Akshaya Patra foundation serves Khichdi to delegates Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Monkey throws 20-day-old baby girl into well in Chhattisgarh, father says 'diaper' saved her Who is Salah Ahmed Jama? Somalia Deputy PM, who studied in India, goes viral for fluent Hindi at Davos A rare and shocking incident in a Chhattisgarh village saw a monkey snatch a 20-day-old baby and throw her into a well. The infant survived after floating for several minutes, aided by her diaper. Quick action by villagers and timely CPR by a visiting nurse saved the childs life. Doctors later confirmed the baby was stable, prompting renewed concerns about child safety in areas with frequent wildlife encounters. Did our AI summary help? Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR) is among the stocks under $50 to buy now. On January 16, BofA cut the price target on Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR) to $39 from $47 and maintained a Buy rating on the stock. According to TheFly, market optimism for natural gas has persisted for 18 months, but BofA anticipates the risk of oversupply in the coming year. This, coupled with reduced price guidance, results in a 12% average reduction in BofAs price projections for the gas-levered E&P group. Just a day earlier, Benchmark reiterated its Hold rating on Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR) right after the companys debt issuance for the $2.8 billion acquisition of HG Energy II. The firm notes that this issuance of $750 million of 5.4% notes, along with the $800 million sale of its Ohio Utica assets, is to partially fund its purchase. The remaining half, on the other hand, will be paid through a $1.5 billion term loan with a three-year maturity. Shell plc (SHEL) Sees Muted Sentiment From Analysts Copyright: 1971yes / 123RF Stock Photo By the end of 2027, Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR) will be able to fully repay the term loan, marking a clear path to debt reduction after this acquisition, concluded Benchmark. Antero Resources Corporation (NYSE:AR) is a Colorado-based independent oil and natural gas company providing natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and oil properties. Incorporated in 2002, the company operates through three segments: Exploration and Production, Marketing, and Equity Method Investment in Antero Midstream. While we acknowledge the potential of AR as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If 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. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a US "armada" was heading toward the Gulf and that Washington was watching Iran closely Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to "Bangladesh will not become Pakistan, Afghanistan or Iran": Jamaat-e-Islami chief at election rally Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to 'Because they wanted a trade deal,' Bessent criticises Europe over India tariffs at Davos 2026 Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All "Conversations were constructive": Zelensky on Ukraine-Russia-US peace talks in Abu Dhabi Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All How Denmark quietly put Greenland forces on alert amid US tensions Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to How Emmanuel Macron's Davos sunglasses spoke to the politics of friction with Trump 'I know who was behind Charlie Kirk's murder': Influencer Andrew Tate says he's finding words that will 'keep him alive' Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Is Bangladeshs election at risk from security threats around Rohingya camps? Brookfield Asset Management is a well-run outfit to be sure. You would be plugging into a piece of an admittedly complicated company with decades of success within the investment management business. This is still just the beginning though, and it arguably understates what awaits. And business is good. Brookfield Asset Management has not only paid a dividend every quarter since it was spun out of what's now called Brookfield Corporation in late 2022, but has raised its quarterly payout from $0.32 per share then to just under $0.44 per share now. That's an annualized growth rate of nearly 11%. None of that really matters to Brookfield Asset Management shareholders though. The company simply manages all the Brookfield entities for a recurring fee, of course. Organized as an ordinary corporation and effectively acting as a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) manager, most of its fee-based earnings are passed along to investors in the form of dividends, or distributions. If the name rings a bell, there's a reason. Several publicly traded outfits that are part of the Brookfield family bear the same name, like Brookfield Infrastructure Partners , Brookfield Renewable Partners , Brookfield Business Partners , and a handful of other operating entities. Most of these outfits are limited partnerships serving as pass-through entities paired with a counterpart corporation. All of them pay comparable dividends, however. Just bear in mind that direct owners of the partnerships must deal with slightly more complicated tax rules. Buy it anyway, while you can do so at any price near $50 (it recently traded at about $52). It's worth buying even if there's still more downside in store. That's the conundrum anybody eyeing a stake in Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM) right now is facing. The stock's slow and steady 15% slide from its August peak has pumped its fast-growing dividend's yield up to an attractive 3.4%. But the sell-off might not have run its full course yet. Broad market weakness could continue dragging BAM lower. What's an interested investor supposed to do? A good stock is an even better buy when a pullback has lowered its price. A discounted price resulting from a dip, however, doesn't necessarily make a stock worth buying. Brookfield Asset Management shares are down about 15% since August, pumping up its dividend to well over 3%. Story Continues Its pedigree isn't the big reason income-minded investors might want to take on a stake in Brookfield Asset Management though. Neither is its forward-looking dividend yield of 3.4%, as solid as that number may be. Rather, the chief reason to own a piece of the company here and now is the nature of the underlying businesses it manages, and how well positioned they are for continued growth. Take the aforementioned Brookfield Infrastructure Partners as an example. It's "one of the largest owners and operators of critical global infrastructure networks which facilitate the movement and storage of energy, water, freight, passengers and data." This includes stakes in artificial intelligence data centers... 140 of them, in fact. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners also holds stakes in utility companies serving this fast-growing market, leveraging more than 3,000 kilometers of power transmission lines. These are business that are not only never going away, but industries that are only going to become more lucrative as capacity to deliver on all of these fronts becomes even more strained. Image source: Getty Images. Ditto for Brookfield Renewable Partners, which -- just as the name suggests -- is capitalizing on the shift away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner alternatives, like wind, solar, and hydro, as well as storage. For perspective on the opportunity, BRP recently inked a 20-year deal with Alphabet's Google to sell it as much as 3,000 megawatts' worth of electricity from its hydroelectric power production facilities in Pennsylvania. This agreement between Alphabet and Brookfield underscores another noteworthy nuance here. That is, holding a stake in this outfit offers you exposure to specific, hand-crafted opportunities that aren't accessible any other way. In other words, Brookfield Asset Management has a private equity component to it in an environment where many publicly traded stocks have become too volatile or too overvalued to comfortably own. Perhaps more important for investors is simply that Brookfield has made a point of establishing itself in businesses that are increasingly critical. That's why the company is comfortable touting that it's targeting growth of between 15% and 20% for the foreseeable future, with dividend growth likely to be in the same ballpark. You would be hard-pressed to find a stronger pace of improvement that can be sustained for the long haul. Perspective Is Brookfield Asset Management the highest-yielding or least volatile dividend payer you can buy right now at a comparable valuation? No. But it's certainly an attractive all-around package that would be tough to beat. It offers strong dividend growth now and for the foreseeable future. Plus, it's consistent. The yield's solid, too, for a stock of this caliber and risk. That's why Brookfield Asset Management is a buy while it's under $55, although really, any price below analysts' average target of $62.46 would be a fair price to pay. Just don't lose sight of what Brookfield Asset Management is, and what you can reasonably expect from it. Its underlying businesses mean it's almost as much of a growth stock as it is a dividend payer. But it isn't immune to sweeping market weakness. So, don't be shocked if the current sell-off persists for a while longer. Just don't panic if it happens either. It wouldn't be anything particularly unusual for this sort of stock. Should you buy stock in Brookfield Asset Management right now? Before you buy stock in Brookfield Asset Management, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Brookfield Asset Management wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $464,439!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,150,455!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 949% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 195% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of January 24, 2026. James Brumley has positions in Alphabet. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Brookfield, Brookfield Asset Management, Brookfield Corporation, and Brookfield Wealth Solutions. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, Brookfield Renewable, and Brookfield Renewable Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Should You Buy Brookfield Asset Management While It's Below $55? was originally published by The Motley Fool Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Is Trump driving Europe closer to China? Starmer to visit Beijing next week with Reeves Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to More Islamic State detainees transferred from Syria to Iraq, say officials Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Pakistan: Munirs army accused of kidnapping as Balochistan teenager taken, raising fears of enforced disappearance Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Russia-Ukraine talks conclude in Abu Dhabi as Kyiv hit by massive air strikes In the United States, about 20 of the 50 states have banned or severely restricted access to abortion since it is no longer a guaranteed right at the federal level. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Trump lashes out at Canada for opposing Greenland Golden Dome: 'China will eat them up' Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Trump questioned Natos role in Afghanistan: What the facts say Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Trump ramps up Caucasus diplomacy as Vance heads to Armenia and Azerbaijan The semiconductor industry is expected to grow roughly 30% toward its first $1 trillion in global sales in 2026, with AI semiconductor sales alone anticipated to expand by over 50% year-over-year (YOY). In that kind of setup, Broadcom (AVGO) stands out as an important name in custom AI chip design, mainly through its Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) business that supplies hyperscalers like Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google, Meta Platforms (META), and OpenAI. On Jan. 14, Cathie Wood's Ark Invest added 143,089 shares of Broadcom valued at approximately $50.74 million across its Ark Innovation (ARKK) and Ark Next Generation Internet (ARKW) exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The buy came after AVGO stock fell 4% that day, which fits Woods usual approach of stepping in when strong companies pull back. More News from Barchart The move also points to real confidence in Broadcoms path as the AI infrastructure buildout continues, especially with demand rising for custom ASICs and networking chips. With Wells Fargo now expecting Broadcom's AI semiconductor revenue alone to hit $52.6 billion in 2026 and $93.4 billion in 2027, should investors follow Wood's lead and double down on Broadcom stock? Lets find out. Broadcom by the Numbers Broadcom is a diversified infrastructure company, combining a high-margin semiconductor business with a growing infrastructure software business that is built around long-term, mission-critical customer relationships. Over the past 52 weeks, that mix has delivered a 37% gain, even though the stock is down almost 5% year-to-date (YTD). That movement shows how a strong longer-term run can still come with short-term pullbacks. www.barchart.com Even so, the valuation is not cheap. Broadcom trades at about 39.3 times forward earnings, well above the sectors forward multiple. Still, AVGO stock yields roughly 0.78%, with a forward payout ratio of 40.46%, a 15-year streak of dividend increases, and quarterly dividends now at 0.65 per share. That shareholder return story is supported by strong results in the latest quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2025, revenue came in at $18.01 billion, up 28% YOY, with GAAP net income of $8.51 billion and non-GAAP net income of $9.71 billion. Adjusted EBITDA was $12.21 billion, equal to 68% of revenue. Meanwhile, GAAP diluted EPS was 1.74 and non-GAAP diluted EPS was 1.95, showing solid profitability even with VMware integration noise in the background. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Trump threatens 100% tariff on Canada over potential China trade deal: 'Last thing the World needs' Ahead of Friday's talks, which are set to continue on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said territory remained the key issue -- with Moscow having said it is not dropping its demand that Kyiv pull out of its eastern Donbas region. 'US forces gave us 15 minutes or they'd kill us': Venezuela's acting Prez opens up about the capturing of Maduro A US National Security Strategy, released in November, promised to assert and enforce a Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine of the early 19th century. Bloomberg Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Why are Gulf investors suing Pakistan over Rs.18,300 crore K-Electric dispute? PARIS As luxury brands double down on their history to woo back consumers, Kering chief executive officer Luca de Meo wants to nudge them into the future. Speaking at the second edition of the Kering Innovation Day event in Paris, de Meo urged employees of brands including Gucci, Saint Laurent and Balenciaga to use technology to improve the design, supply chain and customer experience in luxury fashion. More from WWD My ambition is to complement that natural tendency of the industry to look back with a projection towards the future, he said in a conversation at Kering headquarters, where 14 start-ups were gathered to present their offerings, alongside industry giants like Google and Snap. At Kerings capital market days in Florence, scheduled for April 15 and 16, the executive is expected to unveil a strategic plan engineered to transform Kering into a serious challenger in a lackluster luxury market grappling with consumer fatigue, so-called greedflation and economic woes. Since succeeding Francois-Henri Pinault as CEO in September, the former Renault boss has hired several executives from the car industry, and he suggested that luxury has much to learn from other sectors. [Im] very also keen to look at things that were done, not in the fashion industry, that we can use here, or sometimes its about combining things in a way that has never been done before, and then you create innovation think about the iPhone, he said. De Meo noted that while carmakers spend on average 10 percent of their turnover on research and development, that percentage was closer to 1 percent for luxury groups, despite their historically high margins. Theres a lot of potential to grow, he remarked. Benjamin Bouygues, venture and innovation director at Kering, told the gathering the group wants to focus on three key areas: 3D and AI creativity, business operations and productivity, and reenchanting the omnichannel client experience. Luca de Meo visits a stand at the Kering Innovation Day 2026 event in Paris De Meo was just back from the United States, where he visited the workshop of a famed digital artist in Los Angeles. I was looking with a lot of curiosity at the way this gentleman was applying AI to boost the creative process, he said, making the connection with fashion design. How can we apply AI to actually help the creative people get better, faster, stronger? He also wants to tackle luxurys chronic overproduction, which he described as costly, inefficient and bad for the environment. Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:CHWY) is among the stocks under $50 to buy now. On January 13, Morgan Stanley increased the price target on Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:CHWY) to $51 from $48 and maintained an Overweight rating. The firm believes that, for the internet space, this year will be thematically similar to the previous year, as the market will favour companies that report significantly positive Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) from GenAI or GPU-enabled technologies. On the other hand, on January 6, Wolfe Research trimmed the price target on Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:CHWY) to $44 from $46, keeping an Outperform rating, according to TheFly. The firm believes that although 2026 will be a successful year for Internet companies, the outperformance will still lag the previous three years performance. This is due to the ongoing stretched multiples for some companies. The prospects for upside ahead are supported by AI-related developments, solid capital allocation, and targeted re-rating opportunities. Best Premium Pet Foods Overall, Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:CHWY) has a Buy rating from 69% of the analysts covering the stock, while the remaining 31% recommend a Hold, as of January 21. With a consensus 1-year median price target of $46, the stock boasts an upside potential of 41.84%. Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:CHWY) is a Florida-based company providing pet food, pet medications, and other pet-health products, as well as pet services. Incorporated in 2010, the company offers its products through its retail websites and mobile applications. While we acknowledge the potential of CHWY 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. Yves here. Given the joint trajectories of more and more accumulation of wealth and power at the top of the food chain, accompanied by a teardown of rules and institutions that had constrained their actions, its hard to be hopeful about what passes for democracy. As well briefly recap, we have been skeptical of BRICS, but the article below sets forth an alternative model, that of a Global Citizens Assembly. In a time of organizational breakdown, more decentralized approaches could become viable but clearly this effort is too new to tell how far it might get and where it could be effective. Many have vested hope in the emergence of a fairer order under BRICS. However some commentators, notably Eric Toussaint, have described in detail how BRICS does not provide a new model for financing and trade to the Global South, in his article The BRICS are the new defenders of free trade, the WTO, the IMF and the World Bank. Similarly, Vanessa Beeley and Fiorella Isabel have fiercely criticized BRICS inaction on Gaza, when key member states had levers to pull. As Beeley said: Theyre condemning the West for violating international law. And yet, effectively, theyre turning a blind eye to what Israel is doing, which, in my opinion, is the greatest transgression of international law since the UN was created and has been since the creation. of the state of Israel. And Im struggling with peoples inability to understand that the central cause right now is preventing global genocide, because its also ongoing in Sudan, in other countries. But of course, Palestine is center of all of our humanity, compassion, and drive to end this kind of oppression of, Im not going to call them a defenseless people, but they are disproportionately unable to defend themselves against a US-backed Zionist aggression against them thats been ongoing for 100 years. And I guess what Im trying to say is morally, Im not understanding why people are so clinging to a bias which blinds them to holding these countries to account and saying to them, you have the power to do something. We dont expect, the West is never going to do anything because we know theyre absolutely joined at the hip with Israel. But these countries have an opportunity. They have literally, they have the only capability in the world today, apart from the armed resistance in the region, to actually do something economically, not militarily, economically, to stop what is happening in Palestine. And theyre failing to do it. One appeal of the citizens assembly idea is that its members are chosen at random. But that would have the effect, were this to get going, of putting countries like the US that have sorely neglected public education at a disadvantage. By Rich Wilson. Originally published at DeSmogBlog On Saturday, 17 January, world leaders gathered at Westminster Central Hall to mark the 80th birthday of the U.N. General Assembly. The same room where it first convened in 1946. At the same time, something quietly historic happened. For the first time, the permanent Global Citizens Assembly met. Selected by lottery and representative of the worlds population, a group of 105 people began deliberating on the climate and food crises. By 2026, more than 100,000 people will have taken part. Later this year, discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) will follow. Its an experiment in global governance reform. A kind of anti TrumpMonroe spheres of influence project. Instead of carving the world back up into competing empires, it connects communities, cities and countries into a living global network, designed not to replace governments, but to act where they increasingly cannot. That matters because demand for global governance reform has rarely been higher. As Sir George Robertson, ex-Nato Secretary-General, said on Saturday: Its not an underestimate to say that today we face our most acute crisis since 1946. When the U.N. first opened its doors, many of its staff still bore the visible wounds of war. As the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reminded us, they understood that: Peace, justice and equality are the most precious, practical and necessary pursuits of all. Today, many governments are turning away from multilateralism. Yet around two-thirds of people worldwide want stronger international cooperation on climate, AI and global security. That gap matters. Its where citizens assemblies come in. A citizens assembly brings together a group of everyday people, selected by lottery, to reflect the wider population, to learn, deliberate and make recommendations on major public issues. Our research suggests that more than 7,000 formal citizens assemblies have been organised over the last decade. This does not include the hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, of community-level assemblies operating below the radar. This global movement of deliberative democracy has grown because we now know assemblies produce more effective policy, reduce polarisation, and act as an antidote to misinformation. The task of the Global Citizens Assembly is simply to connect and strengthen what already exists. Linking local assemblies into a global fabric that can begin to plug some of the gaps in the existing multilateral regime. The U.N. has never been the whole of global governance. In 2021, the UN Foundation, Climate Analytics and E3G published The Value of Climate Cooperation, which mapped a far wider ecosystem of climate action: spanning science networks, businesses, investors and civil society alongside the U.N.Framework Convention on Climate Change. Global governance, in other words, is already far more distributed than our institutional imagination tends to acknowledge. This was exemplified during the pandemic when many now agree that the most important parts of the response emerged from a partnership between governments, academia and corporate manufacturing and distribution, rather than from any single multilateral institution. AI is also transforming whats possible, making it feasible to run thousands of high-quality citizen conversations at a fraction of the cost and time of traditional assemblies. In a world where crises now move faster than parliaments or summits, this kind of humanmachine collaboration opens the door to a new form of civic infrastructure continuous, distributed and capable of matching the speed and scale of global challenges. The members of the Global Citizens Assembly are on the front line of todays crises, just as the first members of the U.N. General Assembly were 80 years ago. They know what suffering looks like. And they know that peace, justice and equality are not abstract ideals, but practical necessities. Thats why nation states committed to global collaboration in 1945. And thats why people, ordinary people, need to be at the heart of global governance today. Yves here. Readers may know that some of the history of US black sites, as in torture sites, overseas has become public. I understand from a former Thai government staffer here that the US ran a second site here, in the basement of the US embassy. By Thomas Neuburger. Originally published at Gods Spies A group of American soldiers applying the water cure upon a Filipino insurgent during the Philippine-American War, circa 1900. From a book published in 1902.Interim Archives / Getty Images (source: Time Magazine) This is a follow-up to our recent Minnesota Black Site post: Is ICE Running a Black Site in Minnesota? THOMAS NEUBURGER JAN 20 Read full story Is it really fair to call the ICE prison at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building a black site? Lets take a look. What Is a Black Site? Black site is a scary term. Its been frequently used for places where the CIA maintains off-the-radar prisons, where abducted terrorists are taken, held and usually tortured. Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan was (and may still be) such a site. From the Atlantic in 2010: The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) runs a classified interrogation facility for high-value detainees inside Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan, defense and administration officials said, and prisoners there are sometimes subject to tougher interrogation methods than those used elsewhere. Both the New York Times and the BBC reported that prisoners who passed through the facility reported abuse, like beatings and sexual humiliation, to the Red Cross, which is not allowed access. The commander in charge of detention operations in Afghanistan, Vice Admiral Robert Harward, has insisted that all detainees under his purview have regular Red Cross access and are not mistreated. Theres more at Wikipedia, which reports the 2014 claim by defense officials that the facility has been shut down. (True? Who knows? We pay our warriors to lie to keep us safe.) The definition of black site goes something like this: Black sites are clandestine state-operated detention centers where prisoners who have not been charged with a crime are incarcerated without due process or court order, are often mistreated and murdered, and have no recourse to bail. Whats interesting about black sites is that theyre not really that secret theyre just unacknowledged and inaccessible to inspection. The Bagram black site was known as a torture site to the New York Times as early as 2005: In 2005, The New York Times obtained a 2,000-page United States Army investigatory report concerning the homicides of two unarmed civilian Afghan prisoners by U.S. military personnel in December 2002 at the Bagram Theater Internment Facility (also Bagram Collection Point or B.C.P., now the Parwan Detention Facility) in Bagram, Afghanistan, and general treatment of prisoners. Two prisoners, Habibullah and Dilawar, were repeatedly chained to the ceiling and beaten, resulting in their deaths. Military coroners ruled that both prisoners deaths were homicides. Autopsies revealed severe trauma to both prisoners legs, describing the trauma as comparable to being run over by a bus. Seven soldiers were charged in 2005. By the way, theres still a detention center, the Parwan Detention Facility, next to the base. Black site? Who knows? The Bishop Whipple Detention Center So the questions are these. Is the prison at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building acknowledged? accessible to inspection? a place of torture? though the last is not strictly necessary for a black site to exist. To answer, it seems the immigrant cells are acknowledged, but this is the first report Ive seen that separate known-citizens cells exist, where illegally detained or abducted citizens could be held indefinitely and without charges. Second, its certainly true that the Bishop Whipple prison is not subject to inspection. Finally, as to being a place of torture, consider this, from the Houston Chronicle report of the incident (all emphasis mine): On their way to the cells, [OKeefe and Siguenza] 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. The overwhelming majority of detainees were Hispanic men, though some were East African Minnesota is home to the countrys largest Somali community. Just hearing the visceral pain of the people in this center was awful, OKeefe said. And then you juxtapose that with the laughter we heard from the actual agents. It was very surreal and kind of shocking. 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. Note the toilet incident. Humiliation, including sexual humiliation, is a form of torture. It makes people ashamed and compliant, and its done deliberately. There are also reports like this: Agents say man injured in ICE custody purposely ran headfirst into a brick wall A Minnesota man incurred severe head wounds while in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody earlier this month, with the agency posting guards at his hospital bedside despite his deteriorating condition, according to his attorneys. The man, who was born in Mexico, was detained by federal immigration agents Jan. 8 on St. Pauls east side, according to a habeas corpus petition in federal court asking for his release. The man was brought to the hospital by agents four hours after his arrest. A CT scan found that the man had life-threatening bilateral skull fractures and hemorrhaging. One agent told hospital staff, according to the petition, that he got his shit rocked, but did not share other information. And consider this story of a man whose door was broken down to affect his arrest. He was taken to the Bishop Whipple Federal Building where this occurred: ICE agents take trophy pictures, pack detainees into holding cells Gibson said that after they arrived at the Whipple Federal Building near MSP airport, where ICE has a detention facility, the agents paused and forced him to take part in an act of ritual humiliation. They took trophy pictures with their personal phones. Like one stood by me on the right side of me. One stood on the left side of me. And they went, like, thumbs up and took pictures with their personal phones, he said, adding that agents took similar photos with other detainees. Inside the detention center, Gibson said that officers put him in a bare, metal holding cell about the size of a small conference room with around 40 other detainees. Their legs were shackled. He said that the cell was cold and they shared a single toilet that offered no privacy. Gibson says that one person in the cell appeared to have scabies. Note also the open defiance of court orders in the same story: U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Bryan on Monday ordered ICE not to remove Gibson from Minnesota, away from his family and lawyer. But later Monday, officers put Gibson on a plane along with other shackled detainees and flew them to a detention center in El Paso, Texas. This is not your usual arrest-and-detention facility not Whipple nor any place like it. And the State has three years left to build even more. Shifting sands: New Middle East alliances challenge U.S. dominance as India and UAE forge economic, nuclear and defense pact The global balance of power is undergoing a seismic and deliberate realignment, as nations move to secure their own interests beyond the shadow of a waning American empire. In a bold move that signals a future less dependent on Western patronage, the United Arab Emirates and India have cemented a sweeping strategic partnership centered on advanced nuclear technology, military cooperation, and a massive surge in bilateral trade. This pact, finalized during UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed's visit to New Delhi with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is not merely a trade agreement. It is a cornerstone of a new multipolar world order taking shape, one that directly challenges Washington's ability to dictate terms in the Middle East and control global energy corridors. Key points: The UAE and India have agreed to a defense and security pact that includes cooperation on "large nuclear reactors" and Small Modular Reactors, moving beyond oil into advanced energy sovereignty. The two nations aim to double their bilateral trade to $200 billion within six years, a staggering economic commitment that will deepen ties independent of Western financial systems. This agreement unfolds against a backdrop of rapid, complex realignments, including a new trilateral defense pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye, and reported Saudi efforts to build a coalition with Egypt and Somalia to counter UAE influence. These moves are intrinsically linked to the U.S.-backed India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), a trade route that critics say is structurally flawed because it bypasses key regional powers like Turkiye, Iran, and Egypt's Suez Canal authority. The collective action reveals a region preparing for a post-American era, where alliances are fluid and based on immediate national interest rather than Cold War-era loyalties. A pact built on energy and arms At the heart of the UAE-India deal is a leap into the future of energy: nuclear power. The agreement to partner on the "development and deployment of large nuclear reactors and Small Modular Reactors" is a monumental step. For the UAE, which already operates a civilian nuclear power plant, this deepens expertise and potential energy independence. For India, it represents a crucial partnership for its ambitious nuclear energy goals under its new SHANTI law. This cooperation moves the relationship far beyond simple buyer-seller dynamics of oil and gas, which were also solidified with a new 10-year LNG supply deal. They are building a shared technological fortress. Coupled with agreements on defense, space, and advanced computing, this creates a symbiotic relationship where Indian technological and military prowess meets Emirati capital and strategic location, forming a bloc that needs no outside permission to operate. The geopolitical chessboard fractures This bilateral pact cannot be viewed in isolation. It is one move on a regional chessboard where every player is suddenly making aggressive plays. The announcement came just days after Turkiye declared its intention to join a defense pact between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, creating a powerful Sunni-Muslim triad. Simultaneously, reports indicate Saudi Arabia is working to forge its own new military coalition with Egypt and Somalia, explicitly aimed at checking the growing influence of the UAE. The Middle East is not unifying under a U.S. banner; it is fracturing into competing spheres of influence, each seeking its own security and economic partnerships. This is the direct result of a loss of faith in American security guarantees and the chaotic aftermath of U.S. interventions, which have left a vacuum now being filled by regional powers and global competitors like China and Russia. All of this connects directly to the grand infrastructure promise of the IMEC, the U.S. and G20-backed trade corridor meant to link India to Europe via the Middle East. While promoted as a transformative project, regional experts see a fatal design flaw. Turkish economist Suleyman Karan notes the corridor "bypasses Turkiye a major Eurasian power and logistical hub in favor of Israel. It ignores Egypts strategic control of the Suez Canal. It sidelines Iran entirely." In essence, it attempts to impose an external geometry on the region that ignores its natural geopolitical gravity. The new UAE-India pact, and the swirling other alliances, show that nations are not waiting for this potentially "structured to fail" Western project. They are building their own connections, on their own terms, which may ultimately reroute the world's trade and power flows away from traditional Western hubs. Source include: TheCradle.co TheCradle.co Enoch, Brighteon.ai The Decentralized Revolution: Reclaiming autonomy in the age of AI tyranny Governments, corporations and globalist elites exploit AI for mass surveillance (e.g., China's Social Credit System), censorship (shadowbanning dissenting health truths) and economic manipulation (CBDCs, high-frequency trading scams). Big Pharma and captured agencies (FDA, CDC) use AI to censor studies on ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine and herbal antivirals. Electronic health records enforce compliance (vaccine passports, denial of care for the unvaccinated). AI-driven medicine prioritizes profitable synthetic drugs over holistic healing. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) enable programmable financial tyranny (freezing dissenters accounts). AI credit scoring penalizes "non-compliant" behavior (buying organic food, criticizing policies). Traditional jobs collapse under AI automationsolution: decentralized income (crypto, barter economies, homesteading). Actionable resistance strategies include: digital literacy - detect AI propaganda (deepfakes, algorithmic bias); health sovereignty - grow food, master herbal medicine, detox from Big Pharma; economic independence - diversify into crypto, local currencies, off-grid living and community resilience - build mutual aid networks to survive supply chain failures. Decentralized solutions: open-source AI (e.g., Brighteon.AI), blockchain health networks and self-custody (gold, Monero, DeFi) counter centralized tyranny. The book is a battle plan to reclaim sovereignty against the New World Orders AI-driven control. In "The Decentralized Revolution," the authors deliver a gripping manifesto for reclaiming individual autonomy in an era where artificial intelligence (AI) threatens to become the ultimate tool of centralized control. Written with the urgency of a whistleblower and the precision of a systems analyst, this book is a wake-up callone that exposes how governments, corporations and globalist elites are weaponizing AI to manipulate economies, suppress natural health alternatives and erode personal freedoms. The book begins by dissecting AI's rapid evolution, framing it not as a neutral tool but as a battleground for human sovereignty. The authors argue convincingly that AI, when centralized, is already being used to: Enforce mass surveillance (e.g., China's Social Credit System, predictive policing). Censor dissent (shadowbanning, algorithmic suppression of natural health truths). Manipulate economies (high-frequency trading scams, CBDCs designed for control). Yet, they counterbalance this dystopian outlook with a radical proposition: AI can be decentralized. Open-source models, community-driven development and tools like Brighteon.AI (a free, truth-focused AI platform) offer a path to democratize this technology before it's monopolized by the usual suspectsBig Tech, Big Pharma and the World Economic Forum. The corruption of medicine and public health One of the book's most explosive sections details how AI is being deployed to suppress natural health solutions. The authors present evidence that: Big Pharma and captured agencies (Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) use AI to censor studies on ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine and herbal antivirals. Electronic health records (EHRs) are weaponized to enforce compliance (e.g., vaccine passports, denial of care for unvaccinated patients). Predictive medicine algorithms prioritize profitable drugs over holistic healing, reinforcing a system where "healthcare" means lifelong dependency on synthetic medications. The solution? Decentralized health networkstelemedicine platforms, patient-owned data via blockchain and AI tools that analyze uncensored medical research. Financial sovereignty vs. AI-driven control The book's economic chapters are a masterclass in resisting digital enslavement. The authors expose: Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) as the endgame for financial tyrannyprogrammable money that can freeze dissenters' accounts. AI-driven credit scoring that penalizes "non-compliant" behavior (e.g., buying organic food, criticizing government policies). The collapse of traditional jobs under AI automation, urging readers to adopt decentralized income streams (crypto, barter economies, homesteading). Their rallying cry? Self-custody. Hold physical gold, use privacy coins like Monero and reject banks in favor of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. Practical resistance: Skills for the AI era Unlike typical doom-and-gloom narratives, "The Decentralized Revolution" equips readers with actionable strategies: Digital literacy: Learn to detect AI-driven propaganda (deepfakes, algorithmic bias). Health sovereignty: Grow your own food, master herbal medicine and detox from Big Pharma's poisons. Economic independence: Diversify into crypto, local currencies and off-grid living to bypass centralized systems. Community resilience: Build mutual aid networks and decentralized cooperatives to survive supply chain collapses. This book is a tour de forcea fusion of investigative journalism, systems theory and survivalist pragmatism. It doesn't just diagnose the problem; it prescribes a cure: decentralize everything. Whether you're a homesteader, a tech libertarian or a natural health advocate, the message is clear: The future belongs to those who reject centralized AI and reclaim their sovereignty. "The Decentralized Revolution" is essential readinga battle plan for the war against the New World Order's most dangerous weapon: artificial intelligence. Grab a copy of "The Decentralized Revolution: AI, Truth, and the Battle for Human Sovereignty" via this link. Read, share and download thousands of books for free at Books.BrightLearn.AI. You can also create your own books for free at BrightLearn.AI. Watch the "Health Ranger Report" episode below where Maria Zeee talks to Mike Adams about fighting AI with AI. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Books.BrightLearn.ai 1 Books.BrightLearn.ai 2 BrightLearn.ai Brighteon.com Trumps Greenland gambit: A strategic play for missile defense or geopolitical brinkmanship? U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argues that Greenland is essential for the Golden Dome missile defense program, intercepting potential threats from Russia, China and North Korea via Arctic missile routes. Trump insists on outright U.S. acquisition (not leasing) to prevent foreign adversaries from exploiting Greenland's strategic position, fearing it could drag the U.S. into a conflict. Trump imposed 10% tariffs on eight North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) nations opposing U.S. control, citing concerns similar to the UK's Chagos Islands handover to China-linked Mauritius as a warning. Melting ice opens new shipping and resource opportunities, making Greenland a contested zone. Trump's stance mirrors historical expansions like the Alaska Purchase, prioritizing unilateral control over reliance on allies. Greenland's government rejects annexation, NATO allies resist Trump's tactics and logistical hurdles remain. The move risks deepening global divisions while aiming to secure U.S. dominance in Arctic strategy. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent laid out a bold rationale for President Donald Trump's controversial push to acquire Greenland: national security. According to Bessent, Greenland is "essential" to the U.S. Golden Dome missile defense program, designed to counter threats from Russia, China and North Korea. But with Greenland's residents resistant to U.S. annexation and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies facing tariffs over the dispute, the geopolitical stakes are higher than ever. Greenland's role in missile defense Bessent emphasized that Greenland's location makes it a critical asset for intercepting potential missile attacks. "Missiles from adversaries would travel most expediently through the Arctic if aimed at the United States," he told Fox Business. Trump's insistence on outright ownership, rather than leasing agreements, stems from fears that foreign powers could exploit Greenland's strategic position. "The president is worried that if there were an incursion into Greenland, the U.S. would be called upon to defend Greenland," Bessent said. He warned that without U.S. control, the island could become a flashpoint for conflict, drawing America into a "kinetic war." NATO tensions and economic retaliation Trump's stance has already triggered diplomatic friction. Ahead of the forum, he imposed 10% tariffs on eight NATO nations Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands and Finland. BrightU.AI's Enoch explains that it was an economic retaliation for their opposition to U.S. efforts to assert control over Greenland, framing it as a defense of American interests against globalist interference. Bessent defended the move, citing the U.K.'s controversial handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, which has ties to China, as a cautionary tale. "Why not preempt the problem before it starts?" Bessent asked on CNBC's "Squawk Box." He argued that Greenland's acquisition would prevent adversaries like Russia or China from gaining a foothold in the Arctic. Historical context and Arctic rivalries Greenland's strategic value has grown as melting ice opens new shipping lanes and resource extraction opportunities. The U.S. already maintains Thule Air Base there, a Cold War-era installation. But Trump's push for ownership reflects a broader shift, away from reliance on allies and toward unilateral control of key territories. In a Truth Social post, Trump framed the issue in stark terms: "If we don't [acquire Greenland], Russia or China will." His rhetoric echoes past U.S. expansions, like the Alaska Purchase of 1867, which secured territory seen as vital to hemispheric defense. While Bessent portrays Greenland as a linchpin of U.S. security, the proposal faces steep political and logistical hurdles. Greenland's government has repeatedly rejected annexation and NATO allies bristle at Trump's strong-arm tactics. Whether this gambit strengthens America's defenses or deepens global divisions remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in the high-stakes game of Arctic geopolitics, Trump is playing for keeps. Watch the video below that talks about why the Trump administration is eyeing Greenland. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Defence-Industry.eu BrightU.ai Brighteon.com I'm the type of person who prefers to shop online whenever possible. The way I see it, why battle crowds when you can point and click your way to the products you want? But if there's one store I typically shop at in person, it's Costco. And there's a reason for that. First of all, I buy a lot of fresh groceries at Costco. Buying those online means having to pay more for delivery. At a time when grocery prices are up 2.4% year over year, according to December's Consumer Price Index, I'd rather not spend the extra money. Also, a big part of the Costco shopping experience is getting to wander the store and enjoy the treasure hunt experience. But during Costco's last earnings call, the company shared that more and more members are starting to shop digitally. And that could lead to big changes in Costco's operating strategy. Costco is seeing an increase in digital traffic.Shutterstock Shutterstock Costco online sales surge During Costco's most recent earnings call, the company shared that traffic increased 3.1% on a worldwide basis. Just as impressively, Costco's average transaction was up 3.2% worldwide, both with and without accounting for the impacts of gas price deflation. But it's not just that in-store traffic and transactions are up. Costco also announced that digitally enabled comparable sales surged 20.5% in the quarter, highlighting the importance of digital channels as a key part of the member shopping experience. This growth was supported by a 24% increase in site traffic and a 48% jump in app traffic. Related: Costco makes key changes to its bakery That growth isn't accidental, though. Costco has been investing in its digital footprint to improve the shopping experience for members. As CEO Ron Vachris shared on the company's 2026 Q1 earnings call, "We aim to make shopping at Costco easier, faster, and more personal, no matter where or how our members choose to shop. This isn't about technology for technology's sake. It's about using technology to strengthen the fundamentals that make Costco who we are." What an increase in online sales means for Costco's future Costco's strategy has long focused on doing whatever it takes to get members into the store. That's because members have a tendency to make impulse purchases when they see new products in person. It's for this reason, in fact, that Costco has long resisted offering curbside pickup. The company wants members wandering the aisles rather than simply shopping from a preset list. Related: Costco quietly added a major credit card perk But Costco's most recent earnings presentation made it clear that warehouse club visits and digital transactions can complement each other rather than compete with each other. While plenty of shopping still happens in stores, the fact that more and more members are shopping online reflects a big shift that Costco needs to capitalize on. As such, it makes sense for Costco to further invest in its app and website, as well as introduce tools to improve the shopping experience. As retail research firm Zacks said, "Costco Wholesale Corporations digital ecosystem has become a primary growth driver, supporting member engagement and sales growth." Zacks also noted, "The company is taking all possible measures to make shopping easier and more personalized. This includes improved product display pages that have led to higher conversion rates and continued upgrades to search capabilities." More Retail: Leaning into digital sales may not be the most comfortable thing for a company that's long done everything in its power to lure members into stores. But as Costco continues to invest in the digital experience, it may find that members turn to the website or app to make "in-between visit" purchases. And that's just extra revenue for Costco to enjoy. All told, continuing to invest in digital technology could substantially boost Costco's bottom line. And if improvements make digital shopping easier, then members get to benefit, too. Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco. Related: Costco quietly lowered prices on key items This story was originally published by TheStreet on Jan 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here. House rejects measure to curb Trumps military authority in Venezuela amid escalating tensions The U.S. House narrowly rejected (215-215) a Democratic-led resolution restricting Trump's ability to deploy military force in Venezuela without congressional approval. The vote highlighted deep partisan divisions over war powers and fears of unauthorized escalation in the Caribbean. GOP lawmakers argued no U.S. troops were actively engaged in Venezuela, calling the resolution premature. Democrats countered that Trump's recent raid in Caracas and naval blockade demanded congressional oversight. Venezuela, backed by Russia and China, denies U.S. drug-trafficking claims, calling them a pretext for regime change. Analysts warn of potential false flag operations (similar to Operation Northwoods) to justify U.S. intervention. Speaker Mike Johnson's slim majority relied on last-minute GOP votes, including Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX), who rushed back to cast the deciding vote. Only two Republicans, Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Thomas Massie (R-KY), joined Democrats in supporting the resolution. The failed vote continues the trend of Congress ceding authority to the executive branch, raising concerns over unchecked military escalation. Trump's aggressive foreign policy, including threats against Denmark and NATO allies, fuels fears of further unauthorized conflicts. The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly rejected a Democratic-led resolution Thursday that sought to restrict President Donald Trump's ability to deploy military force in Venezuela without congressional approval. The 215-215 tie vote, which effectively killed the measure, underscored deepening partisan divisions over war powers and fears of unauthorized escalation in the Caribbean a region now at the center of a Cold War-style standoff between the U.S. and Venezuela's allies, Russia and China. The failed resolution, introduced by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), would have required Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from Venezuela unless Congress explicitly authorized military action. The vote came just weeks after Trump ordered a surprise raid in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro an operation conducted without prior congressional consultation. Republicans dismissed the resolution as unnecessary, insisting no U.S. troops are currently engaged in Venezuela. "Democrats are asking us to vote on a situation that literally does not exist," said Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL). "There are no tanks on the ground in Caracas, there are no snipers in the tree line." But Democrats countered that Trump's recent actions, including the raid and an ongoing naval blockade, demand congressional oversight. "Donald Trump is reducing the United States to a regional bully with fewer allies and more enemies," warned Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY). A test of war powers amid rising tensions The debate over Venezuela has reignited long-standing tensions between Congress and the White House over war-making authority a conflict dating back to the Vietnam War-era War Powers Act. Trump has repeatedly invoked post-9/11 wartime powers to justify strikes against alleged drug traffickers, though critics argue no evidence links Venezuela's government to narcotics smuggling. Venezuelan officials have rejected U.S. claims as a pretext for regime change. Diosdado Cabello, a top Maduro ally, announced troop deployments to border states, framing the move as an anti-narcotics effort. "Venezuela is free of drug trafficking," he said, citing recent drug and arms seizures. BrightU.AI's Enoch further notes that the nation continuously denies that Maduro is a fentanyl trafficking leader, pointing to its record drug seizures and crackdowns as proof, while dismissing U.S. accusations as pretexts for regime-change efforts. Analysts warn the escalating rhetoric mirrors Cold War brinkmanship, with Venezuela backed by Russia and China, raising fears of a potential false flag operation to justify U.S. intervention. The House vote revealed the fragility of Speaker Mike Johnson's majority, with Republicans scrambling to call back absent lawmakers to block the resolution. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX), who had been campaigning in Texas, rushed back to cast the decisive vote against the measure. Only two Republicans, Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Thomas Massie (R-KY), joined Democrats in supporting the resolution. Bacon, a retired Air Force officer, expressed frustration with Trump's aggressive foreign policy: "I'm tired of all the threats." Massie warned his party would regret enabling executive overreach: "If we ignore this, we are rendering impotent our branch of government." Broader implications for U.S. foreign policy The failed vote marks the latest instance of Congress ceding war powers to the executive branch a trend that has accelerated under Trump. Last week, Senate Republicans narrowly defeated a similar resolution after the White House pressured GOP senators to withdraw support. The standoff highlights broader concerns over unchecked military escalation, particularly as Trump eyes other conflicts abroad. His recent threats against Denmark over Greenland and tariff warnings against NATO allies have further alarmed lawmakers. For now, the administration insists it has no plans for further military action in Venezuela without congressional approval. But with tensions simmering and geopolitical stakes rising, the debate over war powers is far from over. Watch the video below that talks about China's request for the U.S. to release Maduro. This video is from the alltheworldsastage channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com TheGuardian.com NYTimes.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Trump CANCELS planned tariffs on NATO allies after progress on Greenland deal President Trump abruptly withdrew planned tariffs against eight European nations following progress on a Greenland-Arctic security framework. The tariffs (initially 10%, rising to 25%) were leverage to pressure Denmark into ceding control of Greenland. Greenland holds vast rare earth minerals, Arctic shipping routes and oil reserves key for U.S. energy security and countering Russian/Chinese influence. Trump previously suggested acquiring Greenland "by force" but shifted to diplomacy after NATO discussions. A proposed compromise would expand U.S. military presence in Greenland (e.g., Thule Air Base) without transferring sovereignty. Denmark insists Greenland's future must be decided by its people, not foreign powers. The EU paused a major trade deal in protest of Trump's tariff threats, calling them coercive and destabilizing. Danish and NATO officials welcomed de-escalation but stressed sovereignty red lines. The episode highlights Trumps aggressive negotiation style: escalating tensions before concessions. Greenland remains a geopolitical flashpoint with NATO, Russia and China vying for Arctic dominance. U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly canceled planned tariffs against eight European nations, following progress on a framework agreement addressing Washington's strategic interests in Greenland and Arctic security. The reversal came after a high-stakes meeting with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday, Jan. 21. The threatened tariffs initially set to take effect on Feb. 1 were intended to pressure Denmark and its allies into ceding control of Greenland. Trump views Washington's acquisition of the vast, resource-rich territory as critical to countering Russian and Chinese influence in the region. Trump announced the decision on Truth Social, stating that the framework, if finalized, would be "a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO nations." He emphasized that further discussions would involve Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, signaling that negotiations remain ongoing. Meanwhile, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed that talks would focus on preventing Russian and Chinese economic or military expansion in Greenland while respecting Copenhagen's sovereignty. The abrupt shift follows days of escalating tensions, during which Trump threatened Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland with escalating tariffs unless they acquiesced to U.S. demands. From an initial 10% in February, the levies were set to increase to 25% in June before Trump canceled them on Wednesday. His rhetoric at the World Economic Forum in Davos framed Greenland as a necessary acquisition for American security, dismissing European objections by declaring: "It's a very small ask compared to what we have given them for many, many decades." Yet despite his insistence that the U.S. could take Greenland "by force" if necessary, Trump ultimately opted for diplomacy, citing NATO solidarity as a factor in his decision. Inside Trump's bold push for Greenland European leaders welcomed the de-escalation, with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressing relief that Trump had ruled out coercive measures. "Now, let's sit down and find out how we can address the American security concerns in the Arctic while respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark," the minister said. Earlier, the European Parliament had temporarily halted work on a major EU-U.S. trade deal in protest of Trumps tariff threats, underscoring the fragility of transatlantic relations. Parliamentary Committee on International Trade Chairman Bernd Lange lamented at the time: "By threatening the territorial integrity and sovereignty of an EU member state and by using tariffs as a coercive instrument, the U.S. is undermining the stability and predictability of EU-U.S. trade relations." Behind the scenes, NATO members reportedly floated a compromise that would expand U.S. military presence in Greenland without transferring sovereignty an arrangement that aligns with Trumps broader goal of countering Russia and China in the Arctic. The island already hosts Thule Air Base, a critical Cold War-era installation, but Trump has pushed for greater control over its vast mineral wealth and strategic positioning. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, the U.S. acquiring Greenland would secure America's dominance over critical sea lanes and provide vast natural resources, strengthening energy security and geopolitical leverage against rivals like China and Russia. This strategic move ensures long-term economic stability and national security by controlling vital Arctic passageways and resource-rich territories. Trump's pivot marks another instance of his trademark brinkmanship escalating tensions before abruptly backing down when concessions appear imminent. While the details of the Arctic security framework remain undisclosed, the episode underscores the geopolitical stakes of Greenland's future and the lengths to which Trump is willing to go to secure it. Watch this New York Post report about President Trump's promise of the U.S. acquiring Greenland "whether they like or not." This video is from the SuperEnergy channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com TruthSocial.com APNews.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Trump vows three-week nuclear approvals for tech, sparking market rally President Trump pledges a massive push into nuclear energy at Davos. He promises tech companies a three-week approval for building nuclear plants. The announcement caused an immediate surge in nuclear-related stocks. The plan aims to solve AI's soaring electricity demand and ensure grid reliability. It sharply contrasts with European green policies, which he criticized heavily. A bold promise from President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos has sent shockwaves through the energy sector and Wall Street. Declaring "We're going heavy into nuclear," Trump not only endorsed a technology he once distrusted but also pledged to slash regulatory timelines to a mere three weeks for tech companies seeking to build their own power plants. This announcement immediately fueled a premarket surge in nuclear-related stocks, signaling a potential sea change for an industry long stifled by fear, cheap natural gas, and regulatory burdens. The U.S. nuclear industry has endured decades of atrophy. Fears stemming from past disasters, competition from abundant natural gas, and relentless legal challenges from environmental activists have stalled development. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and the current administration are now applying unprecedented support to reverse this decline, adopting an "all hands on deck" approach. The government has identified critical deficits across the entire nuclear supply chain, from domestic uranium mining and enrichment to advanced reactor manufacturing. This comprehensive push includes hundreds of billions of dollars predesignated for reactor development, drawing from both domestic funds and foreign partnerships with allies like Japan and South Korea. Support manifests in high-speed licensing pathways, awards for enrichment projects, and even exploring novel applications like nuclear power for space colonization. The Department of Justice has further bolstered the sector by granting antitrust immunity to companies working to revitalize domestic nuclear fuel capabilities. Market reacts with force The market's reaction to Trump's comments was swift and decisive. Stocks across the nuclear fuel chain and reactor development sector spiked in premarket trading. This enthusiasm builds on a massive rally for much of last year, which saw the Global X Uranium ETF surge 200% between April and October 2025 before undergoing a significant correction. Analysts now see technical signals suggesting the next leg of the rally is ahead. Specific companies are poised to benefit. Cameco, a global uranium producer, has seen its stock rise 126% over the past year and started 2026 strongly. Technical analysis suggests it could reach $142 per share in the second half of the year. Constellation Energy, the largest U.S. nuclear power producer, presents a potential opportunity after recent declines, with a path toward $480 by year-end, a 56% gain. BWX Technologies, a key nuclear industry supplier, is already up 26% this year and could target $273. A radical proposal for AI's power hunger The most striking part of Trump's Davos speech was a direct pitch to the tech industry. Framing a strained electrical grid as an existential threat to growth and national security, particularly with artificial intelligence driving electricity demand to record highs, Trump offered a radical solution. "You people are brilliant. You have a lot of money. You can build your own electric generating plants," he told tech executives, promising federal approvals in just three weeks for nuclear projects and two weeks for oil and gas plants. This proposal marks a dramatic departure from the traditional Nuclear Regulatory Commission process, which historically takes years for environmental reviews, design approvals, and site selection. While new small modular reactor designs aim for shorter timelines, a three-week approval would trigger widespread concerns about safety and environmental oversight. Trump justified his newfound support by citing technological progress, stating, "The progress they've made is unbelievable and the safety progress they've made is incredible." Contrasting visions of energy future Trump used the platform to draw a sharp contrast with European energy policies, which he criticized heavily. He mocked the "Green New Scam," citing soaring electricity prices in Germany and labeling wind farms "losers" that "kill the birds." He also touted a new energy alliance with Venezuela, predicting it would help drive U.S. gasoline prices toward $2 per gallon, a target not yet met with the current national average at $2.76. This aggressive nuclear push unfolds against a backdrop where the administration views green energy as failing to live up to its promises. The push for a nuclear renaissance is framed not just as an economic imperative, but as a necessary foundation for technological supremacy and grid reliability in the AI age. The promise of a nuclear revival, backed by staggering financial support and unprecedented regulatory speed, is now officially central to the administration's economic and energy agenda. While markets cheer, the coming months will test whether this vision can overcome the profound technical, logistical, and safety challenges that have constrained nuclear power for generations. There is so much at stake for America's energy independence and its competitive edge in the defining technological race of the decade. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com Barrons.com Axios.com Fortune.com A strategic vulnerability: U.S. warns Taiwans chip dominance poses apocalyptic economic risk U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warns that global reliance on Taiwan for advanced semiconductors is the world's "single biggest point of failure." He stated a blockade or destruction of Taiwan's chip capacity would cause an "economic apocalypse." The Trump administration is accelerating efforts to reshore semiconductor and critical mineral supply chains to the U.S. A new "critical minerals block" with G7 and other allied nations aims to break China's dominance in essential resources. Bessent called on major U.S. defense contractors to prioritize building domestic factories over shareholder returns. In a stark assessment of global economic fragility, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared the worlds overwhelming reliance on Taiwan for advanced semiconductors its most dangerous systemic vulnerability. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 20, Bessent warned that any major disruption to the islands manufacturingsuch as a blockade or destruction in a conflictwould trigger an economic apocalypse. This warning underscores the Trump administrations intensified push to reshore critical supply chains, moving production of vital technologies and minerals away from geopolitical adversaries and onto American soil. The "single biggest point of failure" Bessent framed the concentration of chip manufacturing as an unprecedented risk. I would say that the single biggest threat to the world economy, the single biggest point of... failure is that 97 percent of the high-end chips are made in Taiwan, he stated. His comments reflect a long-standing, bipartisan concern in Washington that has reached a new urgency amid heightened tensions between China and Taiwan. The administration views reducing this dependency as a non-negotiable priority for both national security and economic stability, akin to safeguarding the financial system. Bessent confirmed the U.S. is actively working with defense contractors to reshore the semiconductor industry, treating it as a mission-critical endeavor. A mandate for defense industrial investment In a notable shift in policy rhetoric, Bessent directly challenged major U.S. defense contractors, comparing them to systemically important banks that receive federal backstops to prevent broader collapse. He argued that, having benefited from government support, these contractors have a reciprocal duty to bolster domestic industrial capacity. Bessent accused them of lagging years behind on contracts and prioritizing stock buybacks over strategic investment. They have let down the American people, he said, asserting it was reasonable to direct them to build more factories and buy back less stock until further notice. This stance signals a more interventionist industrial policy aimed at compelling private sector alignment with national strategic goals. From pandemic warning to allied action Secretary Bessent pointed to the COVID-19 pandemics supply chain shocks as a formative test run for the catastrophic disruption a kinetic war could cause. That experience crystallized the need to secure about half a dozen key industries, with semiconductors and rare earth magnets at the top of the list. To counter Chinas dominance in critical mineralsa leverage point Beijing has previously weaponizedthe Treasury is helping orchestrate a new critical minerals block. This coalition, involving the G7 nations plus Australia, India, Mexico and South Korea, aims to create an allied supply chain for mining, processing and refining. We are working at warp speed... so China wont have this sword over our heads, Bessent explained. He estimated the U.S. could achieve independence in refining key minerals within 18 to 24 months, citing new rare-earth magnet production in South Carolina as early progress. A long-term strategic recalibration to secure the foundations of economic power Bessents Davos warnings are not isolated but part of a broader, persistent campaign to mitigate what U.S. strategists call weaponized interdependence. The recent announcement of a major U.S.-Taiwan chips deal to expand American manufacturing investment further illustrates the tangible steps being taken. Historically, the offshoring of advanced manufacturing was driven by cost efficiency, but current policy marks a decisive pivot where resilience and security are now paramount cost factors. The administrations dual approachusing carrots like allied partnerships and sticks like directives to defense contractorshighlights the comprehensive nature of the challenge. As geopolitical fault lines harden, the effort to rewire the global supply chain for foundational technologies is emerging as a defining feature of 21st-century economic statecraft, with profound implications for international alliances and the future balance of technological power. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com FastBull.com aa.com.tr Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. A Costco gas station. - Marvin Samuel Tolentino Pineda/Getty Images Costco members who also have the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi will be happy to hear the retailer has increased the cashback rates on gas purchased at Costco stations to 5%. The old 4% rate still applies to gas and EV charging elsewhere. Costco quietly increased the cashback rate in January 2025, as noted by NerdWallet on January 19. Both Citi co-branded Costco cards (Costco Anywhere Visa and Costco Anywhere Visa Business) got the upgrade. That said, the reason Costco's credit card upgrade is getting more attention in early 2026 may be tied to the imminent arrival of the cash rewards. Also, last year's change may have gone largely unnoticed, especially as Costco didn't run ad campaigns around the new perk. Importantly, the cashback credit isn't available to users immediately. Instead, Costco Cash Rewards from Citi are issued as part of the February credit card billing statement. Rewards of $300 or more are eligible for direct deposit, while those under $300 must be redeemed in Costco stores for merchandise, cash, or check. Put differently, Costco members who have been pumping gas at Costco since mid-January 2025 will receive 5% cashback for their gas purchases in a few weeks. They may notice the difference. The maximum cashback applies to the first $7,000 spent per year on gas and EV charging. After that, the rate drops to 1%. Costco's upgrade means consumers can earn as much as $350 instead of the previous $280 if the first $7,000 spent on Costco gas is with the Citi card. The cashback amount will be lower than $350 if they use the card for gas and EV charging from non-Costco locations. Read more: Amazon Unclaimed Packages Can Be Bought By Anyone Here's How Why is Costco raising cashback rewards for gas? A billboard showing Costco memberships, including the Costco Anywhere Visa Card. - Kenishirotie/Shutterstock In comments made last month during Costco's Q1 2026 earnings call, Costco's CFO Gary Millerchip mentioned the increased cashback rewards for gas as he explained the retailer is looking to "improve the value of the membership" going forward. "We've made some major changes recently with the extended opening hours and the Instacart benefits and 5% gas on the credit card, but we'll continue to look for ways to add greater membership value," Millerchip said. In September, during the company's Q4 2025 earnings call, Costco CEO Ron Vachris said the retailer had a "record year for gas volumes." The longer gas station hours, new gas stations, and expansions of existing gas stations are the factors he cited for the growth. The Costco Anywhere Visa Card cashback rewards for other purchases remain unchanged. Cardholders will get 3% on dining and eligible travel, 2% for purchases in Costco stores and on Costco.com, and 1% cashback on other purchases. As before, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card carries no annual fee, which is a great perk for a credit card. However, the card is only available to Costco members, which means you'll have to pay $65 a year for a Gold Star membership or $130 a year for the executive tier. A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Sindirgi district in western Turkey's Balikesir province at dawn. The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority confirmed the quake originated at a depth of 11.04 km and reported no initial casualties or material damage. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that assessment teams were immediately deployed to the field. This event follows a stronger 6.1-magnitude quake that hit the same district in October 2023, which also resulted in no human losses. A 5.1-magnitude quake hits Balikesir, Turkey. Authorities report no casualties or damage. Field assessments are ongoing. Ankara, January 24 A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck the district of Sindirgi in Balikesir province, western Turkiye, at dawn today. Turkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority reported that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 11.04 kilometres below the surface, confirming that no human or material losses had been recorded and noting that field survey operations are ongoing. Ali Yerlikaya, Turkiye's Minister of the Interior, said in a post on the Turkish platform En Sosyal that the relevant teams had immediately begun field assessments to determine whether there were any casualties or material damage. It is noteworthy that a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck the district of Sindirgi on 27th October last year without resulting in any human losses. - ANI Air India has cancelled all flights to and from New York and Newark for January 25th and 26th due to a forecasted severe winter storm on the US East Coast. The National Weather Service warns of hazardous to impossible travel conditions, advising people to avoid travel. The massive storm system, affecting over two-thirds of the US population, is expected to bring crippling ice and snow from Texas to New England. At least 15 states have declared states of emergency, mobilizing resources ahead of the severe weather. Air India cancels flights to/from New York & Newark on Jan 25-26 due to a severe US winter storm. 15 states declare emergencies. New Delhi, January 24 Air India has issued a travel advisory ahead of the severe winter storm forecasted for the US East Coast. As per the statement posted on X, Air India said that all of its flights to and from New York and Newark have been cancelled on 25 and 26 January. In a post on X, Air India said, "A severe winter storm with heavy snow is forecast for New York, New Jersey and adjoining areas in the US East Coast from early Sunday morning to Monday, which will have a significant impact on flight operations. In view of the safety, well-being and convenience of our passengers and crew, all Air India flights to and from New York and Newark have been cancelled on 25 and 26 January. Our dedicated teams will extend all assistance to you if you are booked to fly with us on these dates. For more information related to this please connect with our 24x7 Call Centre at +91 1169329333, +91 1169329999. You are also requested to check our website http://airindia.com". The National Weather Service of US warned people to take the storm seriously. According to the National Weather Service, moderate to major impacts are expected across the Central US and into the Northeast from Saturday through the weekend.It advised against travelling due to the weather conditions, saying, "Hazardous to impossible driving conditions are expected. Avoid travel if at all possible. Widespread closures and disruption to infrastructure may also occur." According to CNN, two-thirds of the US population is facing a monster winter storm and extreme cold. The storm's snow and ice will stretch over 2,000 miles from Texas to New England as it moves east through the weekend. This would result in crippling ice accumulations affecting power lines, with hundreds of thousands may lose power, some for days. Thousands of flights have already been cancelled ahead of the storm, with travel on roads across the storm's footprint said to be difficult to impossible. It reported that at least 15 states have declared a state of emergency to mobilise resources for responding and preparing for the storm as of Friday afternoon. These include Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, New York, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey and Kansas.Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a disaster declaration covering 134 counties to mobilise resources. Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser also declared a state of emergency for the nation's capital on Friday. As per CNN, more than half of all Americans will experience subzero wind chills in the next week. Ahead of the historic winter storm that would affect most of the United States over the weekend, US President Donald Trump on Saturday said that the administration is coordinating with state and local officials, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ready to respond. - ANI DMDK General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth stated that alliance negotiations for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are still in progress. She clarified that the NDA has not finalized its coalition in the state and several parties remain in talks. Vijayakanth emphasized there is ample time for a decision, which will be announced openly once made. The opposition NDA aims to challenge the ruling DMK-led alliance in the polls due in the first half of this year. DMDK leader Premalatha Vijayakanth states alliance talks for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are ongoing, with a final decision expected after February 20. Chennai, January 24 Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth on Saturday said that alliance talks for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are still ongoing and that a final decision will be taken at the appropriate time. Vijayakanth said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has not finalised its alliance in Tamil Nadu and that several parties are still in talks. She emphasised that political equations can change at any time and alliances may be formed accordingly. Speaking to the reporters, Vijayakanth said, "It's not too late yet. Have the election dates been announced? There is still time. Only after February 20 will the dates be announced, so we have plenty of time. DMDK is our child, and as a mother, I have a responsibility to do good for it. So, at the right time, an alliance will be formed, which will be appreciated by all." "NDA have not finalised its alliance yet (in Tamil Nadu). Some parties are still in talks for an alliance, and that's the truth. So, anything can change anytime. Anybody can form any alliance. According to DMDK, surely a clear decision on alliance will be made, which will be good for Tamil Nadu," she said. Responding to speculation about possible alliance talks with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), she said there was no secrecy regarding the party's stand and that the decision would be announced openly when finalised. "I have already said that at the right time, I will make a decision and surely announce it. There is no secret. We are open, and we will form an alliance, and when it's done, we will tell you," she said. Tamil Nadu polls are due in the first half of this year, with the opposition NDA looking to defeat the DMK-led alliance. Actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is also seeking to throw out the DMK government. - ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Award to several eminent personalities on the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Day. The awardees included Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, educational YouTuber Alakh Pandey, Lakshmi Arya, and agricultural scientist Sudhanshu Singh. The recipients expressed deep gratitude, with Pandey dedicating the honor to the love of his students and Shukla highlighting the encouragement it provides to children. The ceremony celebrated Uttar Pradesh's historical and cultural significance, marking its renaming in 1950. Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Awards to astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, educator Alakh Pandey, and others on UP Day. Lucknow, January 24 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday felicitated several eminent personalities with the 'Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Award' for their contributions in different fields. The felicitation ceremony took place on the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Day, under which the awardees included Group Captain and astronaut Subhanshu Shukla, educational YouTuber Alakh Pandey, Lakshmi Arya and Agriculture Scientist Sudhanshu Singh. Expressing his gratitude, Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla said the programme was special as people from diverse disciplines were invited and honoured. "Many congratulations from my side. I myself am from Lucknow, and it feels very good to return because it feels like coming back home. But today's program felt special to me because people from many different disciplines and fields were invited and honoured. I feel that seeing this gives encouragement to children," Shubhanshu Shukla told reporters. Meanwhile, education YouTuber Alakh Pandey said the recognition was deeply emotional for him. He also credited his students for his success, asserting that such recognition wouldn't matter to him if their love and support were to end. "Yes, it feels very good it's a wonderful feeling to receive recognition at this level. From the beginning till now, the one thing that has always stayed with me is the love of children. Other people changed over time, but even today, whatever I am is because of children. The place where I am standing today and the fact that you are asking me questions is because of children. From the beginning until now, everything has been good because of their love. The day that love ends, no award will matter to me," Alakh Pandey told ANI. Lakshmi Arya, who was honoured for her contribution to education and innovation, expressed pride over the recognition. "This is a matter of pride for me that Union Home Minister Amit Shah honoured me with the award," she told ANI. Agricultural scientist Sudhanshu Singh also expressed joy at the occasion, adding that receiving recognition for work done throughout one's life is a "heartening experience". "It is certainly a very joyful experience. You can understand that receiving the highest honour of the state in the presence of Amit Shah and Yogi ji, and getting recognition for the work we have done throughout our life, is a very heartening experience," Singh told ANI. Uttar Pradesh Day is observed on January 24 to mark the renaming of the erstwhile United Provinces as Uttar Pradesh in 1950, two days before the adoption of the Indian Constitution. The state has since played a central role in the country's political, cultural, and social life. Blessed by sacred rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saryu, Uttar Pradesh is home to some of India's most important religious and historical centres. Cities such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Prayagraj, Sarnath, and Kushinagar attract millions of pilgrims and tourists each year. Varanasi, situated on the banks of the Ganga, is considered one of the world's oldest living cities and houses the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Sarnath holds special significance as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Uttar Pradesh has also contributed to India's industrial growth, with Kanpur emerging as a major industrial hub. In November 2000, the hill state of Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh, further shaping the region's administrative landscape. Leaders across the political spectrum marked the occasion by highlighting Uttar Pradesh's historical legacy and its evolving role in India's development journey. - ANI Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor shared a heartfelt birthday tribute for veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai on his 81st birthday. Kapoor praised Ghai's passion for cinema, clarity of thought, and generous spirit, expressing gratitude for their years of collaboration. The actor-director duo has worked together on several iconic films, including 'Meri Jung', 'Karma', 'Ram Lakhan', and the musical drama 'Taal'. Their last project together was the 2008 film 'Yuvvraaj'. Anil Kapoor pens a heartfelt birthday note for filmmaker Subhash Ghai, celebrating their iconic collaborations like 'Taal' and 'Ram Lakhan'. Mumbai, Jan 24 As renowned filmmaker Subhash Ghai turned 81 years old on Saturday, Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor penned a heartfelt birthday post for the 'Taal' maker, in which he lauded his immense passion for cinema, along with his clarity of thought and generosity of spirit. Thankful for all the lessons and memories he has created with the director during their time working together, Anil penned on the Stories section of his Instagram handle, "Happy Birthday, @SubhashGhai1 saab Your passion for cinema, clarity of thought, and generosity of spirit have left a lasting impact. Grateful for the lessons, conversations, and memories over the years. Wishing you continued good health, happiness, and success.(sic)" The actor and director duo has collaborated on several blockbusters together over the years. First time, the two joined forces back in 1985 for the movie "Meri Jung". Starring Girish Karnad, Khushboo, and Nutan in the lead, the drama revolves around a man who has been framed for murder. Later on, his son comes back to take revenge and prove his father innocent. In 1986, they worked together on the movie "Karma", which featured Dilip Kumar, Nutan, Jackie Shroff, Naseeruddin Shah, Sridevi, Poonam Dhillon, Satyanarayana Kaikala, and Anupam Kher in key roles. "Karma" shares the tale of a jailer whose family has been killed by a terrorist. With the intent to avenge the killings, he recruits three death row prisoners for assistance. Continuing their success streak, Anil and Subhash also delivered "Ram Lakhan", which starred Jackie Shroff, Madhuri Dixit, and Amrish Puri in the lead roles. Anil was also a part of Subhash's 1999 musical drama "Taal". He was seen essaying the role of music producer and director, Vikrant Kapoor, in the film, which beautifully narrates the love saga of Manav (Played by Akshaye Khanna) and Mansi (Played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan). Their last movie together was "Yuvvraaj" in 2008. The project also had Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Zayed Khan in pivotal roles. - IANS Union Minister Chirag Paswan announced the distribution of appointment letters to over 61,000 individuals at the 18th Rozgar Mela held across approximately 45 locations in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the event virtually, describing the appointment letters as an "invitation to nation building." The event, organized at venues like the BSF Frontier Headquarters in Jammu, saw a significant number of recruitments for the security forces. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also emphasized the government's commitment to youth support in education and skill development during the Panchkula event. Union Ministers distribute 61,000+ appointment letters in 18th Rozgar Mela across 45 locations, with PM Modi calling it an "invitation to nation building." Jammu, January 24 Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan emphasised that at the 18th Rozgar Mela, more than 61,000 people received their appointment letters at approximately 45 locations throughout the country on Saturday. During the event, the Union Minister stated that the maximum number of appointments in this job fair were granted to the security forces. He further asserted that significant efforts were made to connect young men and women with employment opportunities across every sector. "The job fair was organised today at approximately forty-five locations across the country, through which appointment letters were distributed to more than sixty-one thousand people. Efforts were made to connect young men and women with employment opportunities in every sector, and this time, the maximum number of appointments in this job fair were given in the security forces. It is always a matter of great joy for me whenever I get the opportunity to distribute appointment letters in any corner of the country on the instructions of the Prime Minister," Paswan told reporters. The Union Minister also thanked the Border Security Force (BSF) officers for organising the Rozgar mela programme. "It undoubtedly brings happiness and satisfaction. But today, it was also a matter of great fortune and pride for me to be present here at the BSF centre and witness the successful organisation of this event by the BSF. I especially thank all the BSF officers, particularly the IG, who organised this program," added Paswan. The 18th Rozgar Mela is part of a national-level initiative by the Government of India, which aims to provide employment opportunities to youth across various ministries and departments. Held across 45 locations, the event saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi distribute over 61,000 appointment letters to newly recruited candidates. Addressing the programme virtually, the Prime Minister said the appointment letters were an "invitation to nation building" and reminded the youth of their duty towards the Constitution. In Jammu, the Mela was organised at the BSF Frontier Headquarters in Paloura as part of this nationwide distribution program. Along with Jammu, the event was held in Panchkula, Haryana, too, where Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar declared that the government remains committed to supporting the youth in every respect. "... Rozgar Mela has been organised here today to help the youth in securing employment. Our government is committed to supporting the youth in every aspect, be it education, skill development, or their overall growth and welfare..." Khattar told reporters. - ANI The last rites of martyred soldier Hare Ram Kunwar were performed with full state honours at Mahuli Ghat in Bihar's Bhojpur district. His 11-year-old elder son, Piyush, lit the funeral pyre amidst a large gathering of mourners. Kunwar was among ten soldiers who died after their vehicle fell into a gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district. The tragic accident has left his family, including his wife and two young sons, and his entire village in profound sorrow. Soldier Hare Ram Kunwar, martyred in a Doda accident, was cremated in Bhojpur. His son lit the pyre as the nation mourns his supreme sacrifice. Patna, Jan 24 The last rites of 38-year-old martyred soldier Hare Ram Kunwar, who lost his life in an unfortunate accident in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, were performed with full state honours at Mahuli Ghat in Bihar's Bhojpur district on Saturday. His 11-year-old elder son, Piyush, lit the funeral pyre, as the Indian Army paid a final salute to the mortal remains draped in the national Tricolour. Before the cremation, family members offered flowers and paid emotional tributes to the fallen soldier. A deeply moving scene unfolded when the martyred jawan's father bowed before his son's body, while his younger son Priyanshu (8) saluted his father in a final farewell. Thousands of villagers and people from nearby areas gathered at the Mahuli Ghat to pay their last respects, chanting slogans in honour of the brave soldier. The martyr's elder brother, Jaiprakash Kunwar, said the family received the devastating news around 3 p.m. on Thursday, which shattered everyone. "Hare Ram Kunwar joined the Bihar Regiment at Danapur in 2009. Serving the nation was his highest duty, and he had been posted in border areas for a long time," he added. Nearly a few hours before the accident, Hare Ram Kunwar had spoken to his mother, Shanti Devi, on Thursday morning. That phone call has now become the family's most cherished and painful final memory of him. As news of the martyrdom reached Nathmalpur village under Barhara block, the entire village was engulfed in grief. Silence descended on the streets, and sorrow filled every household. The martyr's wife, Khushboo Devi, is inconsolable and has been repeatedly fainting. Their two young sons, Piyush and Priyanshu, have lost their father forever. Villagers and relatives are trying to console the grieving family, but words fall short in the face of such loss. The martyr's father resides in Nathmalpur, while his grandfather Ramgita Kunwar is still alive. The elderly grandfather is deeply shaken by the loss of his grandson. From village elders to the youth, tears filled every eye as people continued to arrive at the martyr's home to pay tribute to the brave son of the soil. While the loss has plunged the entire region into mourning, villagers said they also feel immense pride in Hare Ram Kunwar's supreme sacrifice for the nation. Paying their tributes to the martyred Army jawan Hare Ram Kunwar, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on X said, "The news of the martyrdom of brave soldier Hare Ram Kunwar ji, a resident of Nathmalpur village under Barhara block of Bhojpur district, in the tragic accident near Khanni Top in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, is extremely sad and painful. I bow to his sacrifice." On January 22, an Indian Army vehicle lost control and fell into a deep gorge near Khanni Top in Doda district. Ten soldiers were martyred in the accident, while 11 others were seriously injured. All the soldiers were on their way to operational deployment when the tragic incident occurred. - IANS Novak Djokovic secured a hard-fought straight-sets victory over Botic van de Zandschulp to reach the Australian Open fourth round. The win marked his historic 400th career victory at a Grand Slam tournament. In Melbourne, this achievement also saw him equal Roger Federer's record of 102 match wins at the Australian Open. Djokovic remains on course for a potential semi-final meeting with defending champion Jannik Sinner. Novak Djokovic defeats Botic van de Zandschulp for his 400th Grand Slam victory, tying Roger Federer's record of 102 Australian Open match wins. Melbourne, Jan 24 Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic continued his steady march through the Australian Open draw on Saturday, becoming the first player in history to record 400 match wins at the majors. The 10-time Melbourne champion was tested by Botic van de Zandschulp but remained unflustered at the key moments, closing out a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) victory to advance to the fourth round for the 18th time in 21 appearances at Melbourne Park. While the contest demanded patience and precision, Djokovic's trademark control under pressure proved decisive, particularly in the third-set tiebreak. Djokovic's 400th career victory at the Grand Slam level also carried added significance in Melbourne as he equalled Roger Federer's record of 102 Australian Open match wins, ATP reports. "It's been a great start to the tournament. But I'm not getting ahead of myself. I learned a lesson last year: I got too ahead of myself too early in some of the Grand Slams. I'm trying to give these young guys a push for their money. I'm still around. I'm hanging in there," Djokovic said during his on-court interview when asked about his fitness. The former World No. 1 will next compete against Jakub Mensik or Ethan Quinn. Djokovic, who has not lost a set in Melbourne, is only two wins away from a possible semi-final matchup with two-time defending champion Sinner, who earlier battled cramp to reach the fourth round. "Obviously, Alcaraz and Sinner are the two best players in the world. They're playing at a different level than all of us right now, but when you enter the court and the ball rolls, you always have a chance, particularly here on the court that has given me the most in my career," Djokovic added. Having been defeated by Van de Zandschulp at Indian Wells last year, Djokovic knew he needed a quick start, and he responded accordingly. He hit 12 winners compared to just seven unforced errors in the first set and saved the only break point faced. Van de Zandschulp needed a medical timeout to treat his right shoulder after falling behind 0-3 in the second set. He briefly capitalised on a rare mistake by Djokovic. The fourth seed soon regained control, but then slipped in the third game of the third set, prompting his own medical timeout. Although he lost his serve in the following game, Djokovic fought back and saved two set points at 5-6. He then secured a tough win, boosting his record to 2-1 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series against the Dutch player, after a match lasting two hours and 44 minutes. - IANS Iga Swiatek secured a roller-coaster 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 victory over Anna Kalinskaya to reach the Australian Open fourth round. After a dominant first set, Swiatek lost her way in the second, surrendering her serve three times. She took a medical timeout before the decider and returned to win five consecutive games, ultimately closing out the match. The World No. 2 advances to face qualifier Maddison Inglis as she continues her quest for a first Australian Open title and a career Grand Slam. World No. 2 Iga Swiatek overcomes a stern challenge from Anna Kalinskaya, winning 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 to advance to the Australian Open fourth round. Melbourne, Jan 24 Russian Anna Kalinskaya challenged World No. 2 Iga Swiatek significantly before the latter secured a 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 victory at the Margaret Court Arena on Saturday, moving into the fourth round of the Australian Open. Swiatek rebounded strongly from her uncertain second set to secure the victory in 1 hour and 44 minutes, maintaining her momentum in pursuit of a career Grand Slam. The second-seeded Pole was in her ruthless form, quickly building a 5-1 lead with a double break and winning the opening set in just 24 minutes to dominate an off-colour Kalinskaya, who received treatment for her lower back during the break. However, a role reversal in the second set saw six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek give up her serve three times, as Kalinskaya took control and exploited several errors from the Pole. Swiatek took a medical timeout between the second and third sets before returning with a vengeance, winning five straight games to stamp out Kalinskaya's resistance. To her credit, the 31st seed held serve and made Swiatek defend three break points, but it was too little, too late as the Pole held serve for the win. Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, is striving to achieve a career Slam by winning the Australian Open. The two-time semi-finalist has a 25-7 record at the happy slam, and this is the sixth time she's reached at least the fourth round at the Australian Grand Slam. Overall, in Grand Slam tournaments, the Pole's win-loss record is now 107-21. The Polish star dominated the opening set with a flawless service game, but Kalinskaya responded with an emphatic 6-1 second set of her own, serving confidently and dictating with aggressive forehands. In the decider, Swiatek reasserted control, winning six straight games with blistering serves and relentless pressure to seal the match. Despite Kalinskaya's resistance and saved match points, the No. 2's firepower and composure proved decisive. She will next compete against Maddison Inglis, the final home favourite and remaining qualifier. Inglis, ranked World No. 168 and having saved two match points in her first qualifying match against Leyre Romero Gormaz, moved forward after Naomi Osaka withdrew due to a left abdominal injury. - IANS Defending champion Madison Keys convincingly defeated former world number one Karolina Pliskova to extend her winning streak and set up a fourth-round clash with Jessica Pegula. Pegula advanced with a dominant straight-sets victory over qualifier Oksana Selekhmeteva, acknowledging the challenge Keys presents. Amanda Anisimova continued her strong form, defeating compatriot Peyton Stearns to reach the fourth round for the second consecutive year. The upcoming match between Keys and Pegula is a highly anticipated rematch of last year's Adelaide International final. Defending champion Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, and Amanda Anisimova secure their spots in the Australian Open fourth round with decisive victories. Melbourne, January 24 Defending champion Madison Keys continued her winning run at the Australian Open, outclassing former world number one Karolina Pliskova on Saturday. Keys continued her winning run at the Australian Open, extending her unbeaten run to 10 matches, outclassing the former US Open and Wimbledon finalist 6-3, 6-3 to end her hopes of any further run in the tournament. Now, she books a clash for the round of 16 with Jessica Pegula, a familiar rival, against whom she enjoys a 2-1 head-to-head record, 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 win on Australian soil in the final of the Adelaide International last January. Pegula was absolutely dominant against qualifier Oksana Selekhmeteva, as the sixth-seeded player crushed Oksana 6-3, 6-2. A former US Open finalist and world number six, Pegula will be aiming to outdo her three quarterfinal finishes at Australia. Speaking on playing against Keys, Pegula said, as quoted by the WTA website, "She plays very well down here. Obviously, we know that. She is the defending champion. I think she is kind of embracing that and has been playing some pretty good matches, as well. Pretty straightforward." "It will be interesting. I think I need to kind of go back to the drawing board and look at some things I need to change. The last few times I have played her, I feel like I just -- she played well, I think, in Adelaide last year," she added. Pegula also feels she is doing a lot of things right this year. "I kind of need to figure out some things that I need to do differently against her, because I have lost the last couple of times. She is the type of player who, when she is on, she can beat anybody. We know that. I am just going to have to use some of the tools I think that I have gotten better at, and hopefully they work. We will see. But I am excited for the challenge to kind of hopefully turn that around a little bit," he added. Also, the world number four, Amanda Anisimova, continued her fine run, reaching the fourth round for the second successive year in Australia, outclassing compatriot Peyton Stearns 6-1, 6-4 at Margaret Court Arena. - ANI China establishes network to assist companies with overseas IP disputes Xinhua) 09:36, January 24, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- China has established a comprehensive support network to address the growing challenges faced by Chinese businesses expanding overseas, according to a press conference on Friday. This system integrates regulations, advisory services and information services to assist companies in navigating intellectual property (IP) disputes in the global market. A key part of these efforts involves implementing the State Council's regulations on handling foreign-related intellectual property disputes, which took effect in May 2025. It provides a legal basis for taking countermeasures when foreign countries use IP disputes to unjustifiably restrict or suppress Chinese citizens or organizations. "These regulations offer enterprises with a clear legal pathway to defend their rights overseas," Guo Wen, a senior official at the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), said at the press conference. The CNIPA, the country's top IP regulator, has also expanded its assistance channels. By the end of 2025, the CNIPA had set up 99 IP guidance centers across 30 provincial-level regions and six industry-specific platforms for sectors like automobiles and solar power. To offer localized support, it has also established overseas outposts in 11 countries. Additionally, the CNIPA has built a talent pool of nearly 2,000 experts in the field of overseas IP dispute resolution to support its network, which had handled over 4,800 consultations, addressing e-commerce IP conflicts and trademark squatting, by the end of last year. To address the information gap faced by domestic enterprises, the CNIPA has strengthened information support by optimizing and upgrading a service platform, which integrates 1,470 laws and regulations from 189 countries and regions, as well as international treaties. A series of country-specific IP rights protection guides have also been issued, providing "one-stop" information access, Guo added. Other endeavors include talent cultivation. Specialized lawyer training programs are underway in collaboration with judicial authorities, while joint international IP institutes have been launched involving both Tsinghua University and Peking University to train more experts. China has ranked top globally in terms of international patent applications for six consecutive years. However, foreign-related IP disputes overseas have become a major issue for domestic enterprises expanding abroad. A lack of information and limited response capacity have proved obstacles, Guo said. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump attempts to create a new United Nations and be its sole owner, Azernews reports. "President Trump is proposing to create a new UN and that he alone is the owner of the UN," Lula said at an event organized by the Landless Rural Workers Movement in Brazil's northeastern state of Bahia. He said that the world is facing a "very critical" political moment, with multilateralism being thrown out in favor of unilateralism, adding that the "law of the strongest" is increasingly shaping international relations and the UN Charter is being "torn apart." Lula said he has intensified diplomatic contacts in recent weeks to help build an international response to strengthen multilateralism, citing talks with the leaders of Russia, China, India, Hungary and Mexico, among others. The goal, he said, is to explore the possibility of an international meeting to reaffirm commitment to multilateralism and prevent "the force of arms and intolerance of any country in the world" from prevailing. Key Points Nu Holdings has significant potential in expanding into new markets. It also has a long growth runway in monetizing its existing customer base. Buffett and his team sold out of Nu stock, but it has soared since then. 10 stocks we like better than Nu Holdings It's the artificial intelligence (AI) giants that are capturing market attention these days, but these huge companies are mostly past their highest-growth days. Growth investors looking for serious gains often have to dig a little deeper to find the overlooked stocks that offer the greatest potential. Consider that several years ago, the larger investing community had never heard of Nvidia, but investors looking for something different had already found it and reaped big rewards. If you're looking for something a little out of the box today, consider Nu Holdings (NYSE: NU), which could be one of the best investments of the next decade. Image source: Nu Holdings. Something a little new Nu was started by a group of young, affluent consumers who felt locked out of the banking system in Brazil. The traditional banks there have high barriers to entry, making it difficult for lower-income users to participate at all and challenging even for the higher-income population. The founders sought to open up access through a digital app that had a limited assortment of financial services, and it's exploded in the decade since. Today, Nu counts more than 60% of the population in Brazil as customers, from all sociodemographic strata. It's also getting a proper bank charter to offer a greater selection of services. It has expanded into Mexico and Colombia, and together these three countries have the largest populations in Latin America. It's still a small presence in the newer markets, but it's growing quickly, and as of the end of the 2025 third quarter, 14% of the adult population in Mexico and 10% of the adult population in Colombia are on the platform. Nu added 4.3 million new members in total in the third quarter, and there's still a lot more to bring on. Beyond new customers, management sees a huge growth runway in cross-selling and monetizing the existing consumer base. It continues to add new services, including specific products aimed at the affluent membership, and it has years of growth opportunities available as customers engage with the platform and make it their primary bank. The company is also making moves to expand into more global locations, including the U.S., and the runway is wide open. Buffett stock no more Nu gained a name as a Buffett stock, since Berkshire Hathaway invested in its last round of funding before it became a public company in 2021. The holding company sold out of its position in 2024, but Nu has continued to soar, gaining 62% last year. So even if it's lost the Buffett cachet, you shouldn't relegate it to the has-been pile. In fact, it could be just the kind of rare deal Buffett himself has spoken about many times. While other investors peruse the Berkshire Hathaway portfolio for ideas, buy yourself some Nu stock, which could end up being one of the best investments of the decade. Defending champion Jannik Sinner advanced to the fourth round of the Australian Open after a physically grueling match against Eliot Spizzirri. Sinner battled back from losing the first set and overcame severe cramping, with the match being suspended due to extreme heat. After a 10-minute break, he regrouped to secure a hard-fought four-set victory lasting nearly four hours. He now sets up a first-ever meeting with fellow Italian Luciano Darderi in the next round. Defending champion Jannik Sinner overcomes heat, cramps, and a set down to beat Eliot Spizzirri in a grueling 3-hour 45-minute match at the Australian Open. Melbourne, January 24 Defending two-time champion Jannik Sinner continued his fine run at the ongoing Australian Open, surviving sweltering Aussie heat and cramps to make it to the fourth round with a win over Eliot Spizzirri on Saturday. As per ATP's official website, Sinner beat Eliot in a fine comeback win from being one set down, by 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 at Rod Laver Arena in a battle that lasted for three hours and 45 minutes. With the match level at one set each, Eliot broke for a 3-1 lead in the third set as Sinner struggled with cramp pain, which hampered his ability to move and make serves. The play was suspended due to heat, and after a 10-minute break, Sinner regrouped and made a phenomenal comeback to make it to round four, taking another step in ensuring a hat-trick of title wins in Australia. Sinner's next challenge will be compatriot Luciano Darderi in their first-ever clash, who outclassed But Sinner showed his class and composure to set a fourth-round encounter against fellow Italian Luciano Darderi. Their clash will be the first in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, after Darderi outclassed 2023 Australian Open semi-finalist Karen Khachanov 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. He has experienced improvement in his fortunes at the Grand Slam. At one point, after failing to make it past round two, he made it to the third round of the US Open last year and the fourth round right here in Australia. Earlier, Lorenzo Musetti, the current world number five, advanced to round four, beating Tomas Machac of Czech by 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 in a five-set battle. The two-time ATP Tour-level titlist made it to the fourth round at the Australian Open for the first time, with semifinal finishes in the French Open (2025) and Wimbledon (2024) as his career-best Grand Slam performances. Also, the world number seven, Ben Shelton, also made it to the fourth round, outclassing Australia's Dane Sweeney, and will be aiming to do better than his 2025 semifinal finish here at Melbourne. - ANI Major bank employee unions in India have called a nationwide strike for January 27 to demand the implementation of a five-day work week. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has issued the strike notice, stating the proposal, already recommended by the Indian Banks' Association, awaits final government clearance. The unions argue the demand is longstanding, dating to 2015, and they have agreed to compensate with longer daily working hours. They cite a nine-month delay in progress as the reason for resuming agitation through the strike. Major bank unions announce a nationwide strike on January 27, 2025, demanding government approval for a five-day work week in the banking sector. New Delhi, Jan 24 Major bank employee and officer unions in India have announced a nationwide strike on January 27 to press for the introduction of a five-day work week in the banking sector. The strike will begin at midnight on January 26 and continue until midnight on January 27, potentially affecting banking services across the country, according to NDTV Profit report. The strike notice has been issued by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), a joint platform representing nine bank unions. The notice has been sent to the Indian Banks' Association (IBA), the Chief Labour Commissioner and the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. According to the unions, the main demand is government approval to declare all Saturdays as bank holidays, thereby introducing a five-day work week. The UFBU said that the IBA has already recommended this proposal to the government. The recommendation is based on a memorandum of understanding signed between the IBA and UFBU on December 7, 2023, followed by a settlement and joint note issued on March 8, 2024. However, the unions said the proposal is still awaiting final clearance from the government and banking regulators. The unions explained that their demand for a five-day work week is not new. It dates back to 2015, when banks started observing holidays on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. Since then, several rounds of discussions have taken place with the IBA, and broad agreements have been reached. The unions have also agreed to extend daily working hours by about 40 minutes so that there is no reduction in total weekly working time. Despite these discussions and assurances given during conciliation meetings, the unions said there has been no concrete progress for more than nine months. This delay, they said, has forced them to resume agitation. - IANS Bollywood actress Bhagyashree shared a heartfelt birthday message for her daughter, Avantika Dassani, on social media, calling her "my sunshine" and "my oxytocin." She posted photos highlighting their close bond, including one in traditional saris and a childhood throwback. Avantika, following in her mother's footsteps, made her acting debut in 2022 and has a theatrical film upcoming. Bhagyashree, known for 'Maine Pyaar Kiya', is also preparing for her own film release this year. Bollywood actress Bhagyashree shares adorable photos and a touching message for her daughter Avantika Dassani's birthday. See the tribute. Mumbai Ja, n 24 Bollywood actress Bhagyashree calls her daughter Avantika Dassani as her breath and her sunshine in a beautiful birthday note that she penned on her social media account. The doting mother mentioned that her life and world changed when she held Avantika in her arms for the very first time. Sharing many photos that reflect on the mother daughter adorable bond, Bhagyashree wrote, "From the time that I held you in my arms, I knew my world had changed. That piece of my heart that lived outside of me but forever will be mine. You were my child, but you mothered me, sometimes cradled me as I did too." She added, "You are my breath, my sunshine, my oxytocin... and I can never have enough of you. I love you my honeybun, my chipmunk, my tomboy, my beautiful doll, my warrior, my friend n daughter all rolled into one. God bless you. @avantikadassani" One picture shows the mother-daughter duo dressed in elegant traditional saris, smiling l as Avantika affectionately leans on her mother. Another picture shared is a throwback from Avantika's childhood, capturing her innocence. Talking about Avantika, the daughter of Bhagyashree walking on her mother's career path, made her acting debut in 2022 with the psychological thriller-drama web series Mithya. Following this debut, she is set to appear in the theatrical film Inn Galiyon Mein. For the uninitiated, Bhagyashree was a popular actress during her prime era in Bollywood. Her movie Maine Pyaar Kiya is considered as a cult classic movie, which also starred Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The actress is currently geared up for Raja Shivaji to release this year. - IANS Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha led tributes to former Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur on his 102nd birth anniversary. State leaders highlighted Thakur's recent posthumous Bharat Ratna award and his enduring legacy of honesty and simplicity. They emphasized that the current government is following the path he set, particularly in serving the poor and backward classes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage, praising Thakur's dedication to the upliftment of marginalized communities. CM Nitish Kumar, Deputy CM Vijay Sinha, and other leaders honor former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur on his 102nd birth anniversary, praising his honesty and legacy. Patna, January 24 Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, and other ministers of the Bihar government paid tribute to former Chief Minister of Bihar and Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur on Saturday on the occasion of his 102nd birth anniversary. Speaking to ANI, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said that Karpoori Thakur continued to make Bihar proud even today. "The revered Karpoori Thakur received the Bharat Ratna under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. Even today, he continues to make Bihar proud because of his honesty and simplicity. Our true tribute to him would be to move forward by adopting the values of simplicity and honesty," Sinha said. Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar said the present government was following the path shown by Karpoori Thakur. "Today we remember Bharat Ratna, the respected Karpoori Thakur. The entire country is celebrating his 102nd birth anniversary. Today, Nitish Kumar's government is following the path shown by him," Prem Kumar told ANI. Bihar minister Ram Kripal Yadav described Karpoori Thakur as a symbol of honesty and struggle. "Today is the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna, the revered Karpoori Thakur ji, and we are celebrating his birth anniversary with great respect. We have come here to pay tribute to him. He was a symbol of honesty and struggle," Yadav said. Bihar minister Santosh Suman said Karpoori Thakur's work for the poor and backward classes continued to inspire people. "Today, we are all together celebrating the birth anniversary of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur. The work he did for the poor and backward classes should inspire the youth to learn from him and follow the path he showed," Suman said. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the late Bihar Chief Minister. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "On the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister of Bihar, Bharat Ratna Jananayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, I offer my humble salutations. The upliftment of the exploited, deprived and weaker sections of society was always at the centre of his politics. For his simplicity and dedication to public service, he will forever remain memorable and exemplary." Karpoori Thakur, a prominent socialist leader and former Chief Minister of Bihar, is remembered for his commitment to social justice and the upliftment of marginalised communities. His policies, including reservations for backward classes, have had a lasting impact on the state. - ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing Uttar Pradesh Statehood Day, launched a sharp critique against opposition parties Congress, SP, and BSP, accusing them of reducing the state to a "beemaru" (sick) condition. He credited the BJP government with transforming Uttar Pradesh into a breakthrough state where development has reached every village, positioning it as India's economic driving force. Shah set an ambitious vision for Uttar Pradesh to become a fully developed state by August 15, 2047, integrating it into the 'Viksit Bharat' mission. The event also saw the honouring of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and was attended by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his deputies. Amit Shah credits BJP for UP's progress, accuses Congress, SP, BSP of making it a 'beemaru' state. Sets 2047 vision for a developed Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow, January 24 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday launched a scathing attack on opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, accusing them of turning Uttar Pradesh into a "beemaru" state during their regimes, while asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party government has transformed it into a breakthrough state. Addressing the Uttar Pradesh Statehood Day in Lucknow, Shah highlighted the scale of development achieved under the BJP-led government and said that the state has witnessed unprecedented progress over the past few years. He asserted that development has now reached every village of Uttar Pradesh, reversing decades of stagnation and neglect. "There was a time when Uttar Pradesh was considered a labour source state. Today, it has become the driving force of India's economy. Congress, SP, and BSP had reduced it to a 'beemaru' state. The BJP government transformed it into a breakthrough state, and development has now reached every village," Shah said while addressing the gathering. The Union Home Minister also expressed hope of transforming Uttar Pradesh into a fully developed state by August 15, 2047, when the country would celebrate 100 years of its independence. "On 15 August 2047, when the nation will celebrate 100 years of its independence, Uttar Pradesh will become a fully developed state and will be an integral part of Viksit Bharat. Uttar Pradesh is the heartbeat and also the soul of India. Uttar Pradesh is becoming India's growth engine," he added. During the event, Shah also felicitated astronaut and Indian Air Force Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla with the 'Uttar Pradesh Gaurav' honour in recognition of his contribution to innovation and space exploration. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brijesh Pathak, along with several senior leaders and officials, were present on the occasion. Uttar Pradesh Statehood Day is observed annually on January 24 to commemorate the renaming of the United Provinces as Uttar Pradesh in 1950, two days before the adoption of the Indian Constitution. Since then, the state has played a pivotal role in shaping India's political, cultural and social landscape. Blessed with sacred rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna and Saryu, Uttar Pradesh is home to some of India's most important religious and historical centres. Cities such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Prayagraj, Sarnath, and Kushinagar attract millions of pilgrims and tourists each year. Varanasi, situated on the banks of the Ganga, is considered one of the world's oldest living cities and is home to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Sarnath holds special significance as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Uttar Pradesh has also contributed to India's industrial growth, with Kanpur emerging as a major industrial hub. In November 2000, the hill state of Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh, further shaping the region's administrative landscape. Leaders across the political spectrum marked the occasion by highlighting Uttar Pradesh's historical legacy and its evolving role in India's development journey. - ANI BJP National President Nitin Nabin will undertake his first official visit to West Bengal on January 27-28, chairing key organisational meetings in Durgapur, Purba Bardhaman, and Raniganj. His tour will be immediately followed by a two-day visit from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting the party's intensified focus on the state. The visits are part of the BJP's strategy to strengthen its grassroots framework and challenge the Trinamool Congress in the upcoming assembly elections. Nabin has expressed confidence in forming governments in West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu, reviewing preparations across several states. BJP National President Nitin Nabin visits West Bengal Jan 27-28 for key meetings, followed by Amit Shah's tour, as party aims to challenge TMC rule. New Delhi, January 24 BJP's newly-appointed National President Nitin Nabin will be on his first official visit to West Bengal on January 27 and 28, during which he will participate in a series of key organisational meetings aimed at strengthening the party's grassroots framework ahead of the state assembly elections. Nitin Nabin will chair a State Core Team Meeting in Durgapur on January 27, focusing on organisational strategy, political roadmap, and upcoming programmes. On January 28, Nabin will attend the Bardhaman Bibhag Karyakarta Sammelan at Chitralaya Mela Maidan, Purba Bardhaman, where he will interact with party workers. Later in the afternoon, he will participate in the Asansol District Karyakarta Meeting in Raniganj, addressing organisational issues and guiding party workers at the district level. Meanwhile, Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah will visit West Bengal on January 30 and 31. During his two-day tour, Amit Shah is expected to hold important organisational and political meetings, further energising the party cadre and reviewing preparations for the upcoming political challenges in the state. The back-to-back visits of senior BJP leaders underline the party's focused efforts to strengthen its organisation and sharpen its political strategy in West Bengal. This comes as the BJP aim to emerge as the single largest party in the upcoming West Bengal elections and end Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee's 14 years of rule. Earlier, Nitin Nabin chaired a meeting related to the party's central office bearers at the BJP headquarters in the national capital. The BJP chief reviewed the party's election preparations in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, and expressed satisfaction with the progress. During that meeting, Nabin said that the party is confident of forming governments in West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu, and expects a strong performance in Kerala. The meeting also discussed the party's success in local body elections, including in Maharashtra. Nitin Nabin emphasised the need to strengthen the BJP's booth and mandal units, providing guidance to office-bearers on organisational matters. - ANI Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel addressed a joint celebration for the foundation days of Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Uttar Pradesh in Bhopal. He stated that such events are sacred occasions that celebrate India's federal structure and cultural diversity, not just administrative milestones. Patel credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' campaign for energizing national unity by bringing diverse communities together. The event featured cultural films and video messages from other Governors, showcasing the confluence of different regional heritages. Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel says joint foundation day celebrations of multiple states reflect national unity and cultural richness. Bhopal, Jan 24 Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel said on Saturday that the foundation day celebrations are not just a commemoration of the formation of administrative units, but a sacred occasion to celebrate India's federal structure, cultural richness, and national integrity. The Governor said this while addressing the joint Foundation Day celebrations of the states of Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh at the Lok Bhavan in Bhopal. On this occasion, Governor Patel extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the three states on their Foundation Days. Addressing the celebration event, Governor Patel expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" campaign has energised national unity by unifying the country's diverse communities. Addressing the gathering of artists and officials from the respective states on this occasion, the Governor said that a joint celebration of Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, and Meghalaya was organised in Gujarat on November 11 last year. "This joint celebration of the foundation days of various states reaffirms the truth that despite geographical distance, our soul, consciousness, and values are one. The confluence of North India's spiritual consciousness, the rich folk culture of the Northeast, and Western India's maritime heritage presents India as a strong and inspiring nation on the world stage," he added. Governor Patel also described the foundation day as a special occasion reflecting the respect for regional identities and the collective resolve to further strengthen national unity. He described development, good governance, and social harmony as the foundations of nation building. Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Prisons, Dara Singh, was the chief guest of the joint foundation day celebration programme. Video messages from Ajay Kumar Bhalla (Governor of Manipur) and C.H. Vijayashankar (Governor of Meghalaya) was broadcasted at the joint state celebrations. Short films depicting the culture, civilisation, and development of the states of Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh were screened. - IANS US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Canada, threatening to impose 100% tariffs on all Canadian goods if Prime Minister Mark Carney deepens trade ties with China. Trump claimed China would "eat Canada alive" and destroy its businesses and social fabric. The comments follow Carney's recent visit to Beijing, which aimed to revive economic cooperation and resulted in a framework for lowering tariffs on some Canadian exports. Trump also criticized Canada for opposing his proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense system while engaging with China. US President Donald Trump threatens 100% tariffs on Canadian goods if PM Mark Carney pursues a trade agreement with China, warning "China will eat Canada alive." Washington, DC, January 24 US President Donald Trump on Saturday issued a sharp warning to Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney against pursuing economic agreements with China, threatening steep trade penalties if Ottawa moves ahead with such deals. Referring to the Canadian Prime Minister as "Governor," Trump said the United States would impose a 100 per cent tariff on Canadian goods should Ottawa deepen trade ties with Beijing. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, "If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a 'Drop Off Port' for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken." Escalating his criticism, Trump added, "China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life. If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" The remarks followed an earlier attack by Trump on Canada, in which he accused Ottawa of opposing his proposed "Golden Dome" missile defence system over Greenland while simultaneously expanding economic engagement with China. "Canada is against The Golden Dome being built over Greenland, even though The Golden Dome would protect Canada," Trump said, adding, "Instead, they voted in favor of doing business with China, who will 'eat them up' within the first year!" Trump's comments came in the wake of Carney's recent visit to Beijing, aimed at reviving economic cooperation with China, Canada's second-largest trading partner after the United States. During the visit, Carney also criticised US and Western policies while addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos. The China trip resulted in an understanding to lower tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural exports and introduce quotas on Chinese electric vehicles entering the Canadian market. The framework could also open the door to increased Chinese investment in Canada. Marking the first visit by a Canadian leader to China in nearly a decade, the talks were described by both sides as reflecting a changing global environment, with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping welcoming what he termed a "turnaround" in bilateral relations. Speaking earlier about the agreement, Carney appeared to allude to ongoing trade frictions with Washington, describing Canada's recent engagement with China as more "predictable" and characterising discussions with Beijing as "realistic and respectful." - ANI Trilateral talks held for first time in years Ukraine, Russia, and the United States concluded two days of trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as "constructive." The discussions focused on outlining parameters to end the war and the security guarantees needed for any future agreement. The talks occurred alongside intensified Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities, which caused casualties and infrastructure damage. Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine would not agree to the territorial concessions demanded by Moscow. Zelenskyy calls UAE peace talks "constructive" as attacks continue. Details on US proposals, delegations, and Ukraine's stance on territorial integrity. Kyiv, January 24 Ukraine, Russia and the United States concluded the second day of US-facilitated trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, with Kyiv describing the discussions as "constructive" even as Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory continued. Commenting on the outcome of the two-day engagement in the United Arab Emirates, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the talks, held in a trilateral format for the first time in years, focused on outlining possible parameters to end the war and on security guarantees required to sustain any future agreement. "Our delegation delivered a report; the meetings in the UAE have concluded," Zelenskyy wrote in a post on X. "A lot was discussed, and it is important that the conversations were constructive," he said. The discussions brought together senior military and intelligence officials from all three sides. Ukraine's delegation was led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and included military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. The Russian side was represented by members of its armed forces and military intelligence, while the US delegation included President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and senior White House advisers. According to Zelenskyy, the US delegation raised possible frameworks for formalising a future settlement. This included proposals related to American monitoring and oversight in the event of a ceasefire or peace arrangement. "As a result of the meetings held over these days, all sides agreed to report back in their capitals on each aspect of the negotiations and to coordinate further steps with their leaders," Zelenskyy said. He added that military representatives had identified a set of issues for a potential follow-up meeting. Echoing this assessment, Russian state media TASS reported that the talks had produced results and could continue in the coming days. The diplomatic engagement unfolded against the backdrop of intensified Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said hundreds of drones and missiles struck Kyiv, Kharkiv and other cities overnight, killing at least one person and disrupting electricity and heating supplies for millions as temperatures fell below freezing. Amid these developments, Zelenskyy said on Friday that it was "too early" to make any assessment of the outcome of the discussions. He reiterated that Ukraine would not agree to territorial concessions demanded by Moscow. - ANI The mortal remains of Army Jawan Mohit Chauhan, who died in a tragic road accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, were brought to his hometown in Jhajjar with public honours. The accident occurred when an army vehicle slipped off the road in treacherous terrain and bad weather, claiming ten lives and injuring eleven others. A wreath-laying ceremony was held for the fallen jawans, and students in Udhampur paid tribute with candlelight vigils and prayers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the incident and assured all possible support for the affected. Mortal remains of Army Jawan Mohit Chauhan, killed in the Doda road accident, brought to Jhajjar. PM Modi expresses anguish over the tragedy. Jhajjar, January 24 The mortal remains of Army jawan Mohit Chauhan, who lost his life in the Doda road accident, were taken to his hometown in Jhajjar on Saturday. They were accompanied by vehicles donned with the Indian flag and the public on foot to honour his contribution to the country. A day earlier, a wreath-laying ceremony was held for the ten army jawans who died in an accident in Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir. An equal number of personnel sustained injuries during the mishap. According to the White Knight Corps, the army vehicle carrying troops for an operation slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather. "In an unfortunate incident, an army vehicle carrying troops for an operation slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather in the general area of Doda. There are multiple casualties, including fatalities. The injured have been evacuated for further treatment," said White Knight Corps in their official statement. The army personnel who lost their lives included Sowar Monu, Sowar Jobanjeet Singh, Sowar Mohit, Daffadar (DFR) Shailendra Singh Bhadoriya, Sepoy Samiran Sing, Sep Pradumna Lohar, Sowar Sudhir Narwal, Naik Hare Ram Kunwar, Sepoy Ajay Lakra, and Sowar Rinkhil Baliyan. The students of Sant Ishwariye (Ishwer) Bhartiya Vidya Mandir in Nainsu, Udhampur, gathered on Friday to pay tribute to the 10 Army Jawans who lost their lives in a road mishap. The school premises were filled with a sombre silence as students lit candles and traditional earthen diyas. While mourning the fallen, the students also offered collective prayers for the "early and complete recovery" of the 11 soldiers currently battling injuries sustained in the accident. A wreath-laying ceremony was held for the ten army jawans who died in an accident in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep anguish over the tragic road accident. In a post on X, PM Modi said that the army personnel's service to the nation will be remembered forever. "Deeply anguished by the mishap in Doda, in which we have lost our brave army personnel. Their service to the nation will be remembered forever. May the injured recover at the earliest. All possible support is being provided to those affected," PM Modi wrote. - ANI Key Points Royal Caribbean stock has been a strong performer, particularly during this current bull market. The stock has had an average annualized return of 62% over the past three years. There are strong indicators that it should continue to deliver for investors for the long term. 10 stocks we like better than Royal Caribbean Cruises Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE: RCL), the world's second-largest cruise line, has been a fantastic investment over the years. In 2025, it beat the S&P 500 index, returning about 21% for the year, and over the past five years it has an annualized return of 30%. Taking an even longer view, it has an average annualized return of about 12.6% over the past 10 years, slightly below the 13.8% return of the large-cap benchmark, but still pretty solid numbers. Image source: Getty Images. The stock tends to move with the markets, as more people tend to purchase cruise tickets when the economy is strong and the stock market is up. That has been clearly evident during the current bull market, as Royal Caribbean stock has posted a three-year average annualized return of 62%. Investors that have held Royal Caribbean stock for the past five years are probably very happy with the wealth they have built, but can investors expect that to continue? New destinations and cruises on the way There are several reasons to believe that Royal Caribbean stock should continue to outperform and build wealth for investors. Over this three-year run, Royal Caribbean has reported successive years of record earnings and is on pace to do so again in 2025, which we'll know for sure when fourth-quarter earnings come out Jan. 29. This has helped Royal Caribbean improve its financials and free cash flow, and continually invest. In the third quarter the company launched a new ship, Star of the Seas, and in December it debuted a new destination, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in the Bahamas. In 2026, it will debut another destination, Royal Beach Club Santorini in the Greek Isles, and in 2027 it will launch its Celebrity River cruises throughout Europe. These new offerings are expected to push bookings 10% higher in Q4, and bookings for 2026 are anticipated to be higher than 2025. Further, onboard spending and prices have increased, and that is projected to continue. Continued growth through 2033 While the shorter-term outlook is promising, so is the longer-term view. A report published by Cruise Industry News last year projected that Royal Caribbean would continue to gain market share as the largest single brand between now and 2033, widening the gap between Carnival (NYSE: CCL). That's based on anticipated capacity growth of 3% per year through 2033 compared to Carnival's projected 1.1% annual growth rate over that time. The Election Commission of India will celebrate the 16th National Voters' Day on January 25th in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu will be the Chief Guest, presenting Elector Photo Identity Cards to newly enrolled voters and conferring Best Electoral Practices Awards. The event, themed "My India, My Vote," will feature the launch of publications and a video showcasing India's global electoral leadership. Simultaneous celebrations will be held across the country at state, district, and booth levels. President Droupadi Murmu to preside over National Voters' Day 2025. Event features new voter IDs, awards, and publications on electoral initiatives. New Delhi, January 24 The Election Commission of India will celebrate the 16th National Voters' Day in New Delhi on Sunday, said an official release. According to ECI, the theme of the event is "My India, My Vote" and the tagline is "Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy". ECI said that President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the function as the Chief Guest. Other prominent attendees, such as Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, will lead the event. Additionally, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal will serve as the Guest of Honour, and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi will also attend the event. As per the ECI, the convention includes the President addressing the event and presenting Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) to newly enrolled young electors. The President also presents the Best Electoral Practices Awards in various categories, which include the effective use of technology, election management and logistics, innovative voter awareness, implementation and enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, and training and capacity building, as well as other special awards and recognition for the media. The ECI further stated that the function will witness the launch of two publications: '2025: A Year of Initiatives and Innovations' and 'Chunav Ka Parv, Bihar Ka Garv', a publication on the successful conduct of General Elections in Bihar. A video reflecting the Commission's global leadership in electoral management and democratic development will also be screened on the occasion. Additionally, a dedicated exhibition will showcase various aspects of the elections, including the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of polls. The exhibition will also highlight recent initiatives taken for the benefit of voters and the successful conduct of the Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections in 2025. According to ECI, these celebrations are conducted simultaneously throughout the country at the State and District levels through the offices of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) and District Election Officers (DEOs), respectively. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) also organise events at their respective polling stations and shall felicitate newly registered voters and hand over the EPIC to the new electors, the ECI stated. - ANI The White House shared an AI-generated image of President Donald Trump walking with a penguin in Greenland, captioning it "Embrace the penguin," as part of a renewed public focus on the Arctic territory. Trump has described Greenland as vital to U.S. national security and previously warned Denmark that Washington could use military force to take control. The situation escalated with proposed tariffs on European allies linked to the dispute, though these were later withdrawn after a meeting with Mark Rutte. Trump continues to assert that any agreement would grant the U.S. "total access" to Greenland for military purposes at virtually no cost. White House shares AI images of Trump in Greenland as President renews assertive stance on territory, linking it to tariffs and military access. Washington, DC, January 24 Even as proposed tariffs on Europe linked to Greenland have been put on hold, US President Donald Trump has continued to signal sustained interest in the Arctic territory. The White House on Saturday renewed focus on the issue by sharing an AI-generated image of the 79-year-old president walking towards Greenland alongside a penguin, with the caption, "Embrace the penguin." Trump has for months publicly described Greenland as strategically vital to US national security. He had earlier warned Denmark, which administers Greenland, that failure to reach an agreement could lead Washington to use military force to take control of the territory. Those remarks prompted Denmark and several European allies to deploy troops to Greenland, further straining ties. The situation escalated when Trump announced 10 per cent tariffs on seven European Union countries and the United Kingdom, linking the move directly to the Greenland dispute. The tariffs were later withdrawn. Trump announced the cancellation after a recent meeting with Mark Rutte in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. He said a framework for a Greenland agreement that would benefit both Europe and the United States would be unveiled soon. In the run-up to this, Trump had also shared a separate AI-generated image portraying Greenland as part of the United States, with JD Vance and Marco Rubio alongside him as he plants the American flag, reinforcing his assertive stance on the territory. The debate intensified further after Trump posted another AI-generated image on Truth Social, showing an expanded map of the United States that included Greenland, Canada and Venezuela. The image appeared to be digitally altered from a real photograph taken during his August 2025 meeting with European leaders, with the enlarged map inserted in the background. Trump first raised the idea of acquiring Greenland after taking office last year, but his rhetoric has sharpened in recent weeks. Over the weekend, he threatened to impose a 10 per cent tariff on eight European countries, a move that unsettled investors. He continued to press the issue during a speech lasting over an hour at Davos on Wednesday, before meeting the head of NATO and announcing plans for a new agreement, the details of which remain undefined. When asked on Thursday what he would be willing to pay for the semi-autonomous territory, Trump said, "We're going to not have to pay anything other than the fact that we are building the Golden Dome." He added that any agreement would provide the United States "total access" to Greenland, including for military purposes, saying, "We're getting everything we want at no cost." - ANI European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa have arrived in India for a State Visit and to attend the Republic Day celebrations as chief guests. Their visit includes co-chairing the 16th India-EU Summit, with plans to meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The engagement aims to strengthen the strategic partnership, with discussions on trade, resilient supply chains, and global stability. The visits follow an interaction between EAM S. Jaishankar and EU ambassadors, highlighting sustained high-level engagement between the world's two largest democracies. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are in India as Republic Day chief guests, aiming to deepen the strategic partnership. New Delhi, Jan 24 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday arrived in India on a State Visit during which she, along with European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, will also be attending India's 77th Republic Day celebrations as a Chief Guest, marking a significant milestone in India-EU relations. The European Union (EU) chief was received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada upon her arrival. "Charting the next phase of the India-EU Strategic partnership. A warm welcome to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, on her State Visit to India. Received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry; and Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada. As the world's two largest democracies, India and the EU share a partnership rooted in mutual trust and shared values," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X. Earlier in the day, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President Kaja Kallas arrived in New Delhi on her first official visit, with the MEA describing the trip as timely for further strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership amid sustained high-level engagements between the two sides. "A warm welcome to EU HRVP Kaja Kallas on her first official visit to India as the EU High Representative/Vice-President. The visit comes at an opportune moment to further strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership, building on the momentum of regular high-level engagements," the MEA stated. The European leaders' visit comes against the backdrop of intensified diplomatic engagement between India and the European Union, with both sides seeking to deepen cooperation amid global volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. On Thursday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held an interaction with Ambassadors from EU member countries in New Delhi with the discussions focussed on the current global environment marked by instability and rapidly shifting dynamics. "Pleased to interact with the Ambassadors from EU countries today. Spoke to them about the current state of the world with volatility and instability as the new normal," the External Affairs Minister posted on X after the meeting. EAM Jaishankar made a strong case for closer India-EU cooperation, highlighting areas where the partnership could play a stabilising global role. He said stronger ties would help "derisk the world economy" through cooperation on resilient supply chains, reassure the international community by providing public goods such as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), anti-piracy operations, and development projects, and stabilise the global order through enhanced trade, mobility, and security partnerships. The engagement with EU ambassadors came ahead of the State Visit to India by European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. EAM Jaishankar said India is eagerly looking forward to hosting the EU leaders, who are arriving at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During their visit, Costa and Ursula von der Leyen will also co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27. As part of their engagements, the EU leaders will call on President Droupadi Murmu and hold restricted as well as delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Modi. An India-EU Business Forum is also expected to be organised on the sidelines of the summit, reflecting the emphasis both sides place on economic cooperation and trade. According to the MEA, the high-level visits and diplomatic engagements underscore the growing strategic importance of the India-EU partnership at a time of global uncertainty and shared challenges. - IANS European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are the chief guests for India's 77th Republic Day celebrations. Their visit precedes the 16th EU-India Summit, where formalizing a major trade agreement is a key agenda item. Both sides are pushing for the deal amid a shifting global trade landscape influenced by US and Chinese policies. The EU describes India as "indispensable" to its economic future, with bilateral trade in goods reaching 120 billion euros in 2024. European Council President Antonio Costa and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are chief guests for India's Republic Day, ahead of a summit aiming to finalize a major trade agreement. New Delhi, January 25 On the occasion of India's Republic Day and the 16th EU-India Summit, European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa will be visiting New Delhi in order to enhance strategic and economic relationships between the two regions. In a post on X, the EU in India said that ties between India and the European Union are moving forward with a focus on key cooperation areas. "EU-India ties move forward. @EUCouncil President @antoniocostapm and @EU_Commission President @vonderleyen will be in New Delhi for the Republic Day & 16th EU-India Summit, Trade, security & clean transition and more on the agenda," the post read. EU in India added, "We are coming all the way to India to strengthen our unique and trusted relationship... Our cooperation holds immense potential." EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, will serve as chief guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on Monday. The visit will be followed by the India-EU summit and the formalisation of a trade agreement. Von der Leyen arrived in the national capital on Saturday on a state visit and was received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada. Speaking earlier this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, von der Leyen said, "We are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement (with India)." Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has described the proposed free trade agreement as "the mother of all deals", as New Delhi and Brussels look to expand market access amid tightening global trade conditions driven by US tariffs and Chinese export restrictions. India and the European Union have both been impacted by the trade approach of US President Donald Trump. India faces tariff rates of up to 50 per cent on certain exports to the United States, while the EU is yet to ratify a trade arrangement with Washington that has been criticised as imbalanced. The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has described India as "indispensable" to Europe's economic and strategic future. The 27-nation bloc has also advanced a new security and defence partnership with India. Together, India and the European Union represent around a quarter of the global population and gross domestic product. According to EU data, bilateral trade in goods touched 120 billion euros in 2024, marking an increase of nearly 90 per cent over the past decade, while trade in services amounted to an additional 60 billion euros. - ANI European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in New Delhi for a state visit, where she and European Council President Antonio Costa will be chief guests at India's Republic Day celebrations. The visit centers on the India-EU summit and the anticipated formalization of a major free trade agreement described as "historic." The push for closer economic ties is driven by a mutual need to build resilient supply chains and counter unpredictable global trade policies, particularly from the US and China. Bilateral trade between the two economies, representing a quarter of global GDP, has seen significant growth, underscoring the partnership's strategic importance. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrives in India for Republic Day and a summit aimed at finalizing a major trade agreement. New Delhi, January 24 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in the national capital on Saturday on a state visit and was received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada. Von der Leyen, along with European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, will serve as chief guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on Monday. The visit will be followed by the India-EU summit and the formalisation of a trade agreement. Speaking earlier this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, von der Leyen said, "We are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement (with India)." Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has described the proposed free trade agreement as "the mother of all deals", as New Delhi and Brussels look to expand market access amid tightening global trade conditions driven by US tariffs and Chinese export restrictions. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met ambassadors from European Union member states and underlined the need for closer cooperation to "derisk the world economy" in response to unpredictable US policies. He said stronger India-EU engagement would help build resilient supply chains, provide global public goods such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, anti-piracy efforts and development projects, and contribute to global stability through enhanced trade, mobility and security cooperation. India and the European Union have both been impacted by the trade approach of US President Donald Trump. India faces tariff rates of up to 50 per cent on certain exports to the United States, while the EU is yet to ratify a trade arrangement with Washington that has been criticised as imbalanced. The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has described India as "indispensable" to Europe's economic and strategic future. The 27-nation bloc has also advanced a new security and defence partnership with India. Together, India and the European Union represent around a quarter of the global population and gross domestic product. According to EU data, bilateral trade in goods touched 120 billion euros in 2024, marking an increase of nearly 90 per cent over the past decade, while trade in services amounted to an additional 60 billion euros. - ANI Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan is in critical condition after collapsing from a heart attack during an official trip to Ho Chi Minh City. President Lee Jae Myung dispatched a senior aide to Vietnam to review the situation and coordinate any necessary assistance. The former PM underwent a stent procedure and remains unconscious, relying on a mechanical breathing device. Vietnamese authorities and visiting South Korean lawmakers are closely involved, hoping for his recovery. Former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan is in critical condition after a heart attack during a Vietnam trip. Senior presidential aide dispatched. Seoul, Jan 24 A senior presidential aide and ruling party lawmakers arrived in Vietnam on Saturday to support former South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, who remains in critical condition after suffering a heart attack during a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, officials said. Cho Jung-sik, Special Advisor to the President for political affairs, headed to a general hospital where Lee is under intensive treatment after arriving in Vietnam on Saturday afternoon. President Lee Jae Myung ordered Cho's dispatch late Friday after receiving a report that the former Prime Minister's condition had deteriorated severely. Cho is expected to brief the President after reviewing Lee Hae-chan's condition and determine whether additional assistance is required, Yonhap news agency reported. Lee Hae-chan, currently senior vice chairperson of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC), collapsed during his official trip to Ho Chi Minh City on Friday after experiencing breathing difficulties. He underwent a stent insertion procedure and reportedly remains in critical condition, breathing with the assistance of a mechanical device. He is expected to remain at the hospital until his condition stabilizes. Lee's breathing and complexion have somewhat stabilized compared with the previous day, but he still remains unconscious, according to the PUAC. Separately from the presidential aide Cho, several lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) visited the hospital in the morning after arriving in Ho Chi Minh City. "Lee has carried out great and significant things for the Republic of Korea's democratization, prosperity and people's life," Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon told reporters, expressing hope that Lee could recover "like a miracle." Vietnamese authorities, including the office of Prime Minister, are reportedly closely cooperating with South Korea over Lee's hospitalization. - IANS Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath celebrated Uttar Pradesh Day by highlighting the state's dramatic transformation from a historically lagging "BIMARU" region to a central engine of India's growth. He credited improved law and order, massive infrastructure projects, and transparent governance for attracting investment and doubling the state's GSDP. Initiatives in sectors like semiconductors, defense, and tourism, along with poverty alleviation schemes, have created millions of jobs and improved living standards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah also praised the state's progress and participated in the foundation day celebrations. CM Yogi Adityanath highlights UP's journey from a lagging state to a development powerhouse, citing economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure. Lucknow, January 24 Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday greeted the people of Uttar Pradesh on UP Day, saying the state has transformed from being "BIMARU" to a growth engine of India's development. He highlighted the state's vast potential and its journey of breaking free from struggles and policy neglect. In a post on X, the chief minister said, "Namaskar, My sisters and brothers of Uttar Pradesh, heartiest greetings to all of you on Uttar Pradesh Day. Our state of boundless potential has today broken the shackles of struggle and policy apathy and transformed from a BIMARU state to a growth engine of India's development..." BIMARU is an acronym for India's historically lagging states: Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, coined by demographer Ashish Bose in the 1980s to highlight their poor economic and social indicators like high poverty, illiteracy, and population growth, impacting national development. However, UP has transformed due to improved law and order, transparent governance, and infrastructure development. UP has become India's second-largest economy, with significant investments in sectors such as semiconductors, defence, IT, and electronics. Expressways such as Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, and the Ganga Expressway have improved connectivity, while metro expansions and new airports have enhanced urban transport and tourism. Over 60 lakh jobs have been created, with initiatives such as the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Yojana supporting startups and entrepreneurship. Initiatives like Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Samajwadi Pension Yojana have improved living standards. Ayodhya, Kashi, and Matuhra have become global religious tourism hubs, showcasing UP's rich cultural heritage. CM Yogi Adityanath highlighted Uttar Pradesh's rich cultural and spiritual heritage, saying it's the center of culture, literature, music, and spiritual consciousness. He credited Ayodhya, Kashi, and Braj Dham for driving India's cultural awakening. "The dignity of Ayodhya, the eternal consciousness of Kashi and the devotion of Braj Dham have given a new direction to India's cultural awakening," he said. The transformation of UP is attributed to several key initiatives by the "double-engine" government. Implementing a zero-tolerance policy against crime and corruption has improved investor confidence. Massive investment attraction, with GSDP doubling from 12.75 lakh crore in 2017 to 27.5 lakh crore in 2025. Exports increased from 86,000 crore (2017-18) to over 2 lakh crore. The state has 96 lakh MSME units. According to a 2025 CAG report, UP recorded a revenue surplus of 37,000 crore, ranking it among the top states. Over 6 crore people were lifted out of poverty in the last 8-9 years, and the number of medical colleges increased from 12 in 2017 to 80 in 2025. Ten new state universities and 21 private universities have been established. Initiatives like MSME promotion, labour reforms, andthe ODOP scheme have boosted employment and taken UP global. Women's workforce participation has increased substantially. CM Yogi said UP has moved from a revenue deficit to a surplus under PM Narendra Modi's leadership, transforming in every aspect. He's called for reaffirming the resolve for a "Viksit Pradesh." Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his greetings on the state's 76th foundation day, praising Uttar Pradesh's contribution to India's cultural and civilisational heritage. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the people of the state have made "invaluable contributions to the richness of Indian culture and heritage," and lauded Uttar Pradesh's transformation from a BIMARU state to what he described as an "exemplary state." Expressing confidence in the state's future, PM Modi said Uttar Pradesh's progress would prove immensely valuable in keeping the nation's development dynamic. Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Lucknow on Saturday to take part in the Uttar Pradesh Day celebrations and was warmly received by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Uttar Pradesh Day is observed on January 24 to mark the renaming of the erstwhile United Provinces as Uttar Pradesh in 1950, two days before the adoption of the Indian Constitution. The state has since played a central role in the country's political, cultural, and social life. Blessed by sacred rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saryu, Uttar Pradesh is home to some of India's most important religious and historical centres. Cities such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Prayagraj, Sarnath, and Kushinagar attract millions of pilgrims and tourists each year. Varanasi, situated on the banks of the Ganga, is considered one of the world's oldest living cities and houses the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Sarnath holds special significance as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Uttar Pradesh has also contributed to India's industrial growth, with Kanpur emerging as a major industrial hub. In November 2000, the hill state of Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh, further shaping the region's administrative landscape. Leaders across the political spectrum marked the occasion by highlighting Uttar Pradesh's historical legacy and its evolving role in India's development journey. - ANI Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the Phase 2 expansion of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, declaring it the state's economic backbone. He announced the entire project is set for completion by 2028, a remarkable 17 years ahead of the original schedule. Adani Ports' MD Karan Adani committed a total investment of Rs 30,000 crore, aiming to scale the port's capacity to 5.7 million TEUs by 2029. The inauguration sparked a political credit war between Congress and CPI(M) over the port's conception. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurates Phase 2 of Vizhinjam Port, set for 2028 completion. A Rs 30,000 crore Adani project transforming Kerala's economy. Thiruvanathapuram, January 24 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday said that the state has moved from being "the land where nothing happens to hosting the world's largest mother ships," after he inaugurated the Phase 2 expansion of Vizhinjam Port. In an X post, Vijayan said that the state government has proven its critics wrong. Adding that the project will be completed in phases by 2028, he said that the development of the port is moving 17 years ahead of schedule. "Kerala moves forward! Inaugurated the Phase II expansion of @PortOfVizhinjam & the new Port-NH link road today. From being 'the land where nothing happens' to hosting the world's largest mother ships, we've proved the critics wrong. Remarkably, we are set to complete all phases of the port by 2028, a massive 17 years ahead of the original schedule! By then, Vizhinjam will be a fully integrated international hub, connecting Africa, the Middle East, and beyond," he wrote on X. Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the development of the second phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, calling it the state's "economic backbone." Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Karan Adani, MD of Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd, were also present at the ceremony. Addressing the gathering, CM Vijayan said that Kerala has responded to "criticism and mockery" by turning such projects into reality and added that Adani Ports has adopted a "cooperative approach" for the Vizhinjam port. Located in Vizhinjam, Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) is developing this deep-sea water port as India's first Mega Transhipment Container Terminal. Vizhinjam Port offers large-scale automation for quick turnaround of vessels with infrastructure to handle Megamax containerships. Its capacity in phase 1 is to be 1 million TEUs, and in subsequent phases, another 6.2 million TEUs will be added. Today, Karan Adani announced a Rs 16,000 crore investment under Phase 2 and a total commitment of Rs 30,000 crore, with which Vizhinjam will scale to 5.7 million TEUs by 2029. Meanwhile, the inauguration also triggered a credit war between Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for the Vizhinjam International Seaport. Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, called former Chief Minister and Congress leader Oommen Chandy the "architect of the port," while Kerala Finance Minister and CPI(M) leader KN Balagopal said that the port project was conceived during former Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan's tenure. - ANI The full dress rehearsal for the 77th Republic Day parade was successfully conducted at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu. Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar hoisted the flag, inspected the parade, and took the salute during the march past. The event featured diverse contingents, thematic tableaux highlighting government schemes, and a vibrant cultural program celebrating unity. A separate rehearsal was also held at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar for the Valley's celebrations. Full dress rehearsal for Republic Day parade at Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu, featuring march past, cultural programs, and government initiative tableaux. Jammu, Jan 24 The full dress rehearsal for the main Republic Day parade was held on Saturday in J&K's Jammu, where the Lt. Governor, Manoj Sinha, will take the salute on January 26. The full dress rehearsal for the celebration of the 77th Republic Day 2026 was held at the Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu, amidst patriotic fervour, enthusiasm and spirit of unity in diversity. Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, hoisted the tricolour, inspected the parade, and took the salute at the impressive March Past. The parade consisted of men and women contingents from the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, IRP, JKP, JKAP, UTDRF, Fire & Emergency Services, J&K Forest Protection Force, Excise & Taxation Departments, ex-servicemen, NCC cadets, Bharat Scouts and Guides, JK and different school students from Jammu. Pipe and Brass bands of BSF, JKP, JKAP, Army and school students played tunes to the march past. Tableaux on themes Operation Sindoor, Mission Yuva, Road Safety: A shared responsibility, awareness saves lives, Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir, Shram Ko Samman, Adhikar Ek Saamaan, Sashkat Shramik, GST Reforms 2.0: Benefits Unwrapped for Citizens and Food Safety-Sahi Bhojan, Behtar Jeevan highlighted initiatives and achievements of the Government. Schoolchildren and artists of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages presented a colourful cultural programme featuring theme-based presentations on "Aaj Ka Hindustan", "Itihaas Ki Goonj" and "Vande Bharatam". The cultural items depicted national integration, unity in diversity, harmony, and the composite culture of Jammu and Kashmir UT, as well as the national song "Vande Matram", folk music, and dance. Dare Devils of Jammu and Kashmir Police mesmerised the audience with their spectacular and thrilling Motorcycle Acrobatics Display. Senior officers from the UT administration, Nodal officers, and in-charges were present. The full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade in the Valley was held at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar city. J&K deputy chief minister, Surinder Choudhary, will take salute and hoist the national flag at the stadium in Srinagar on January 26. - IANS Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel will address the state on the eve of Republic Day, with his speech broadcast on Doordarshan and All India Radio. The main state ceremony on January 26 in Bhopal will feature the Governor hoisting the flag and taking the salute, following a final rehearsal reviewed by senior police officials. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and other state leaders have been designated as chief guests for ceremonies in districts including Ujjain, Gwalior, Indore, and Sagar. The state government has issued a full schedule assigning cabinet ministers to preside over flag-hoisting events across Madhya Pradesh. Governor Mangubhai Patel to address Madhya Pradesh on Jan 25. Details on flag-hoisting ceremonies and chief guests across districts for Republic Day 2024. Bhopal, Jan 24 Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel will address the people of the state on January 25, on the eve of the 77th Republic Day. His address will be broadcast from Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal. The Governor's message will be telecast on Doordarshan and broadcast on all 17 All India Radio (AIR) stations in Madhya Pradesh at 8 p.m. on January 25. Doordarshan will also air the address on its DD Madhya Pradesh channel at 8.30 a.m. on January 26, according to a press note issued by the state's Public Relations Department on Friday. On Republic Day, January 26, Governor Patel will hoist the national flag and take the salute at the main state-level at Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal. Meanwhile, the final rehearsal of the joint parade and cultural programmes for the Republic Day celebrations was held at Lal Parade Ground on Saturday in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police Kailash Makwana. DGP Makwana, along with Additional Director General (SAF) Chanchal Shekhar and Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra, reviewed the arrangements for the parade and cultural programmes. The main ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. on January 26, with Governor Mangubhai Patel as the chief guest. The state government has already issued the list of chief guests for Republic Day celebrations to be held across Madhya Pradesh. As per the schedule, Governor Patel will hoist the national flag and take the salute in Bhopal, while Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will unfurl the tricolour in his home district, Ujjain. Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar will hoist the national flag in Gwalior and read out the Chief Minister's address. Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda has been designated the chief guest for Indore, while Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla will preside over the Republic Day programme in Sagar. The government has also assigned cabinet ministers to hoist the national flag in different districts on the occasion. - IANS As part of this initiative, D-Wave is leveraging deep expertise and processes at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, JPL. Harnessing JPL's superconducting bump on process, we have demonstrated end-to-end superconducting interconnect between chips, work that we expect will serve as an important foundation for scaling both our annealing and our gate model systems. We are continuing important development work that brings together quantum and AI to explore the synergies and benefits of these complementary technologies. Our aim is to help organizations accelerate the use of annealing quantum computers in a growing set of AI applications. To that end, we recently introduced a collection of developer tools to advance quantum AI and machine learning innovation. It's a significant engineering achievement that highlights our progress in scaling quantum technology to meet demands for growing computational processing power while maintaining energy efficiency. We're helping customers realize value from quantum computing right now, and the Advantage2 system is an important proof point. We recently announced a new strategic development initiative focused on advanced cryogenic packaging, designed to advance and scale both gate model and annealing quantum processor development. The initiative builds on D-Wave's technology leadership in cryogenic packaging and will expand our multichip packaging capabilities, equipment and processes. By bolstering D-Wave's manufacturing efforts with state-of-the-art technology, the company aims to accelerate its development efforts in support of its aggressive product road map on the path to 100,000 qubits. A smaller prototype of this system was used to demonstrate our quantum supremacy result on a real-world materials simulation problem, a first for the industry. Featuring D-Wave's most advanced quantum processor to date, the Advantage2 system is commercial grade and built to address real-world use cases in areas such as optimization, material simulation and artificial intelligence. As previously shared, the Advantage2 quantum processors have demonstrated impressive performance gains over the previous Advantage system, including double coherence time for faster time to solution, a 40% increase in energy scale for higher quality solutions and increased qubit connectivity from 15 to 20 way to enable solutions to larger problems. A - Alan E. Baratz: Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. I'm once again really excited to share our results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025. Building on the company's remarkable first quarter results, we continue to see accelerating momentum across the business. Let me now walk you through some key highlights, starting with technical achievements. In May 2025, we announced the general availability of D-Wave's Advantage2 quantum computer, our most advanced and performance system. The Advantage2 system is a powerful and energy-efficient annealing quantum computer capable of solving computationally complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers. Story Continues First, we launched an open source quantum AI toolkit that provides direct integration between D-Wave's quantum computers and PyTorch, a production-grade machine learning framework widely used to build and train deep learning models. Second, we launched a new demonstration that illustrates how developers can use D-Wave's quantum AI toolkit to generate simple images, reflecting what we believe is a pivotal step in the development of quantum AI capabilities. These tools are making it easier for customers like Japan Tobacco and Triumph to build hybrid quantum classical machine learning applications. Customers are increasingly coming to us to explore how to integrate quantum into AI workflows, and we expect that this will remain a priority development area for us. Last quarter, we discussed the purchase of an Advantage2 system by the Julich Supercomputing Center, an important milestone in our burgeoning on-premises business. Demand for purchasing a system has been high, and we've been in discussions with numerous organizations around the world interested in buying a D-Wave quantum computer. Recently, we announced a strategic relationship with Yonsei University and Incheon Metropolitan City to accelerate the exploration, adoption and usage of quantum computing in South Korea. Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding, the 3 organizations are working together to advance research and talent development for quantum computing to provide access to D-Wave's quantum computing systems and services and to collaborate on the development of use cases in biotechnology, material science and other areas. In addition, the MOU supports our efforts toward the acquisition of a D-Wave Advantage2 system on site at the Yonsei University International Campus in Songdo, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon. Before turning to commercial updates, I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone of the differences between annealing and gate model, as there still appears to be continued misinformation that we believe is confusing the market. Annealing and gate model are different types of quantum computing approaches that solve different types of problems. According to peer-reviewed research, gate model quantum computers will not offer advantages for all problem types. Multiple research results have shown that annealing quantum computers outperform and are expected to continue to outperform gate model on optimization problems. So gate model cannot universally solve all problems better than classical. It is also important to understand that annealing is not a niche solution. We believe that annealing quantum computing is well suited to a broad set of problems, including AI machine learning, quantum simulation and business optimization, which is ubiquitous in today's modern enterprise. Business optimization problems encompass things like workforce scheduling, production scheduling, resource allocation, vehicle routing and so on. Together, these represent extensive use cases with far-reaching potential. To characterize annealing quantum computing as niche is misleading and ill-informed. Both annealing and gate model quantum computers can solve a broad range of problems and each has its limitations with problems it cannot efficiently solve. Annealing quantum computing is very good at solving optimization problems, which cannot be efficiently solved by gate model. Gate model quantum computers, once commercialized, are expected to be very good at quantum chemistry and 3D fluid dynamics, which cannot be efficiently solved by annealing. And both systems, both systems can tackle linear algebra and factorization, meaning problems related to AI, machine learning and cryptography. We believe that organizations will need both annealing and gate model systems in order to address their full problem sets. This is why D-Wave is building both types of quantum computers for our customers. Now I'll turn to commercial updates. In terms of D-Wave's customer portfolio, we signed a number of new and renewing customer engagements for both commercial and research applications, including E.ON, a European multinational electric utility company; GE Vernova, a global energy company; the National Quantum Computing Center, NTCC, the U.K.'s National Lab for Quantum Computing; Nikon Corporation, a multinational corporation specializing in optics and precision technologies; NTT Data Corp., a multinational IT services and consulting company; NTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator; Sharp Corporation, a multinational electronics company; and the University of Oxford. We've also been working with a Fortune 500 aerospace and defense company. And in Q2, we completed a prioritization of 12 different use cases applicable to their business operations that the customer found challenging to solve using classical optimization techniques. Quantum optimization, powered by annealing quantum computing can deliver value in terms of better and faster solutions. Based on the results of our initial exploratory work with this customer, we have now started building the proof of concept for the first of the use cases with a road map to expand to all of them and market them to additional aerospace companies. In addition, we recently built a quantum hybrid proof of technology with North Wales Police to optimize the deployment of patrol vehicles. The proof of technology solution was tested against historical data and exceeded the customers' expectations, meeting target response times for more than 90% of incidents and using just 10 seconds of solve time. We're encouraged by these initial results and see them as important proof points of quantum hybrid's potential for law enforcement-related use cases. We're also seeing growing interest in the Leap Quantum LaunchPad program, which is a 3-month trial that provides access to D-Wave's quantum computing systems, our Leap real-time Quantum Cloud service and our team of quantum experts for project support. Since its introduction in January of 2025, the LaunchPad program has received more than 1,300 applications spanning business, government and academic institutions. The program is serving as an important vehicle to attract and fast-track customers into proof-of-concept development and ultimately, application deployments. So to summarize, we are continuing to make steady progress across our business. First, delivering on technical milestones, including the release of our sixth-generation quantum computing and advancing quantum AI development. Second, executing against our go-to-market strategy, including increased discussions for on-premises systems with a variety of interested parties. And third, working closely with customers to develop hybrid quantum applications that are addressing critical organizational problems. With the strongest cash position in our company's history, we believe that we are very well positioned to explore M&A activity that will propel our business even further and faster while delivering value to customers and shareholders alike. With that, I'll hand it over to John to provide a review of our second quarter fiscal year 2025 results. John? John M. Markovich: Thank you, Alan, and thank you to everyone taking the time to participate in today's call. In my review of the second quarter and first half results, I will be providing non-GAAP operating metrics, including bookings as well as non-GAAP financial metrics, including non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP gross margins and adjusted EBIT loss as we believe these measures improve investors' ability to evaluate our underlying operating performance. These measures are defined in the tables at the bottom of today's second quarter earnings press release with the non-GAAP financial measures, for the most part, adjusting for noncash and nonrecurring expenses. Revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 totaled $3.1 million, an increase of about $900,000 or 42% from the second quarter of fiscal 2024 revenue of $2.2 million. The second quarter revenue includes $1 million in revenue associated with the Advantage2 quantum processing unit upgrade for the annealing system that was installed at the Julich Supercomputing Center in the first quarter of this year. Revenue from the Advantage2 upgrade is recognized using the percentage of completion method, reflecting the timing of installation services that are closely integrated with the QPU or quantum processing unit hardware. We expect that this upgrade will be substantially complete by the end of this year. Bookings for the second quarter totaled $1.3 million, an increase of approximately $600,000 or 92% from the second quarter of 2024 bookings of $700,000. As we have previously mentioned, we are encouraged by an expanding sales pipeline that includes a growing number of large enterprises and well-known logos with a market increase in the size of the average transaction size when compared to a year ago. Many of these companies are focused on having us build them proof of concepts versus just buying a small amount of QCaaS or quantum compute-as-a-service that translates to incrementally more complex transaction structures. This, in combination with the challenges associated with dealing with substantially larger organizations with multistep and sometimes very rigid procurement processes and documentation requirements has resulted in deals taking longer to close than what we had originally anticipated. Over the last 4 quarters, we had over 100 revenue-generating customers that includes customers in the commercial, government and research sectors and nearly 2 dozen Forbes Global 2000 companies. GAAP gross profit for the second quarter was $2 million, an increase of approximately $600,000 or 42% from the second quarter of fiscal 2024 GAAP gross profit of approximately $1.4 million, with the increase due primarily to the growth in revenue. Non-GAAP gross profit for the second quarter was $2.2 million, an increase of approximately $600,000 or 39% from the second quarter of fiscal 2024 non-GAAP gross profit of approximately $1.6 million. The difference between GAAP and non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin is limited to noncash stock-based compensation and depreciation expenses that are excluded from the non-GAAP gross profit and gross margin. GAAP gross margin for the second quarter was 63.8%, representing a slight improvement from the second quarter of fiscal 2024 GAAP gross margin of 63.6%. Non-GAAP gross margin for the second quarter was 71.8%, a slight decrease of 1.3% from the second quarter of fiscal 2024 non-GAAP gross margin of 73.1%. Net loss for the second quarter was $167.3 million or $0.55 per share, an increase of $149.5 million or $0.45 per share from the second quarter of fiscal 2024 net loss of $17.8 million or $0.10 a share. The increase in the net loss was primarily due to $142 million in noncash nonoperating charges related to the remeasurement of the company's warrant liability as well as realized losses stemming from actual warrant exercises. In extracting the impact of the noncash nonoperating warrant remeasurement and related charges from the GAAP net loss, the adjusted net loss for the second quarter was $25.3 million or $0.08 per share, an increase of $5.3 million and a decrease of $0.04 per share from the fiscal 2024 second quarter adjusted net loss of $20 million or $0.12 per share. Adjusted EBITDA loss for the second quarter was $20 million, an increase of $6.1 million or 44% from the second quarter of fiscal 2024 adjusted EBITDA loss of $13.9 million, with the increase due primarily to higher operating expenses that is reflective of our investments to support our future growth opportunity, partly offset by higher gross profit. I'll now address the performance for the first half of the year. D-Wave's revenue for the 6 months ended June 30 was $18.1 million, an increase of $13.5 million or 289% from revenue of $4.6 million in the 6 months ended June 30, 2024. Bookings for the first half of fiscal 2025 were $2.9 million, a decrease of approximately $400,000 or 13% from bookings of $3.3 million in the first half of fiscal 2024. GAAP gross profit for the first 6 months of fiscal '25 was $15.9 million, an increase of $12.9 million or 420% from GAAP gross profit of $3 million for the first 6 months of fiscal 2024, with the increase due primarily to the high-margin system sale during the 6 months ended in June. Non-GAAP gross profit for the first 6 months of fiscal ' 25 was $16.3 million, an increase of $12.8 million or 367% from the year earlier 6 months non-GAAP gross profit of $3.5 million. GAAP gross margin for the first half of '25 was 87.6%, an increase of 22% from the 65.6% GAAP gross margin in the first half of fiscal 2024, with the increase due, again, primarily to the high-margin system sale during the first 6 months -- for the 6 months ended in June. Non-GAAP gross margin for the first half of fiscal '25 was 89.9%, an increase of 14.9% from 75% in the 6 months ended June 30, 2024. Net loss for the 6 months ended June 30, 2025, was $172.8 million or $0.59 per share compared with a net loss of $35.1 million or $0.21 per share for the 6 months ended June 30, '24. In adjusting the impact of the noncash nonoperating warrant remeasurement and related charges from the GAAP net loss, the adjusted net loss for the 6 months ended June 30 was $34.6 million or $0.12 per share, essentially flat when compared to the adjusted net loss of $34.6 million or $0.21 per share for the 6 months ended June 30, 2024. Adjusted EBITDA loss for the first half of fiscal '25 was $26.1 million, a decrease of approximately $700,000 or 3% from the adjusted EBITDA loss of $26.8 million in the first half of 2024, with the improvement due primarily to higher gross profit, partially offset by increased operating expenses. Moving on to the balance sheet and liquidity. As of June 30, D-Wave's consolidated cash position totaled a record $819.3 million, representing over a 1,900% increase from the fiscal 2024 second quarter consolidated cash balance of $40.9 million and a nearly 170% increase from the immediately prior fiscal 2025 first quarter consolidated cash balance of $304.3 million. During the second quarter of fiscal 2025, we raised over $500 million in equity, including $400 million in gross proceeds from our fourth at-the-market equity program, $99.3 million in net proceeds from the exercise of warrants and $37.8 million in net proceeds from our equity line of credit with Lincoln Park Capital Fund that fulfilled the $150 million commitment that was originally secured in June of 2022. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, we received an additional $15 million from the exercise of warrants. Lastly, during the quarter, we fully recovered the $1 million investment plus accrued interest that we made in Zapata AI in February of 2024 through a convertible note instrument that we wrote off later that year when Zapata became insolvent. As a result of the magnitude of capital that we have recently raised, in addition to pursuing strategic acquisitions, we are accelerating a number of our key investment initiatives. In the area of research and development, we are investing in superconducting bump bond process as highlighted in Wednesday's -- last Wednesday's press release and as Alan mentioned earlier. This process will support our multichip processor program on our path towards a 100,000 qubit annealing system. This process will also support scalable cryogenic control of fluxonium-based gate model technology. We will also be upgrading our superconducting printed circuit board advanced packaging manufacturing operation and increasing the number and frequency of our wafer fabrication runs to support building Advantage3 prototypes as well as continuous improvements to qubit coherence times for both our annealing and gate model architectures. In addition, we will be investing in a number of quantum AI research and development programs. In the area of sales and marketing, we will be expanding the size and geographical footprint of our professional services organization to support growing demand for quantum optimization customer engagements across both commercial and government sectors, including U.S. Defense. And lastly, in the area of G&A, we will be making further investments in our cybersecurity personnel and infrastructure. For the balance of this year, we expect these incremental investments will result in a quarterly non-GAAP OpEx that is approximately 15% higher than our second quarter actual non-GAAP OpEx. To conclude, as we have previously stated, we believe that D-Wave has the opportunity to be the first independent publicly held quantum computing company to achieve sustained profitability and achieve this milestone with substantially less funding required by any other independent publicly held quantum computing company. Given that we are now fortunate enough to have 10 security analysts covering D-Wave, we will, in the essence of time, ask each analyst to commence the Q&A session with one question, and then we will go back through the queue for additional follow-on questions. With that, we will now open up the call for questions. Operator: [Operator Instructions] Our first question comes from Craig Ellis of B. Riley Securities. Craig Andrew Ellis: Congratulations on the results in the quarter and technical progress, guys. I wanted to start by following up on the point the company had made about M&A and understand the types of M&A that the company believes would make sense, either items that are more technical in nature, maybe helping to accelerate the gate model side of the business or things that might be more go-to-market oriented? And then what size of M&A makes sense for the company? And finally, related to that, what are we looking at in terms of timing as we pursue that growth angle? Alan E. Baratz: Craig, thanks for the question. So we have not disclosed our strategy and plans for M&A other than to say that with $800 million in the bank, it has now become a strategic priority for the company. That having been said, over the course of the last several months, we have been spending a fair amount of time developing a strategy and a plan. And it falls into a number of key areas, including some of those that you mentioned. But think about it as really accelerating our R&D and product development activities in a number of key areas, which could be everything from gate model to quantum AI. Craig Andrew Ellis: And anything on timing there, Alan, whether we're looking at something that could be 2025 versus 2026? Alan E. Baratz: It's hard for me to predict. But what I would say is that our goal would be to start being able to announce acquisitions this year. However, it takes 2 to tango. And so we'll just have to see how that plays out. Operator: Our next question comes from David Williams of Benchmark. David Neil Williams: Congrats on the continued progress here. So maybe if you could speak to the cryogenic news and the importance of that towards your road map and what you think it will bring ultimately as you get that ramped into the road map? Alan E. Baratz: Yes, David, thank you. This is really important to us. So we've talked in the past about how we have significant intellectual property and a real lead in cryogenic control. And by that, I mean the ability to control qubits and control our systems on chip rather than needing to do all the control from room temperature. And now as we are looking to leverage that into the gate model program as well as expanding our annealing processes to much larger numbers of qubits, as we said, 100,000 qubits, we really need to be moving to a multichip solution. And when we start interconnecting chips together in the refrigerator, we need to make sure that, that interconnect is also superconducting and that we can preserve the quantum properties like entanglement across those interconnects. And so this is key to both scaling our annealing systems as well as developing our gate model systems. And frankly, we made progress in this area much faster than we actually expected it to. The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory had some capabilities that we thought looked interesting. We thought it would take a while to get to the point where we could actually kind of evolve that into what we needed. But it actually moved a lot faster than we thought. And so now we're really starting to build a production capability around that technology to more rapidly drive the multichip annealing processes as well as the gate model system. Operator: Our next question comes from Troy Jensen of Cantor Fitzgerald. Troy Donavon Jensen: Gentlemen, I also want to offer my congrats on all the technical milestones here. Maybe for you, Alan, I'd just love to hear more about Advantage2. And I guess a few things kind of all coupled together would be, is South Korea deployment, is that going to be Advantage2 or a number of systems you expect to install by the end of next year and maybe some of the technical improvements in the platform? Alan E. Baratz: Okay, Troy. So first of all, Advantage2 is a really important system for us in the sense that it was the first system on which we were able to demonstrate true quantum supremacy, specifically the ability to solve a useful real-world problem on a quantum computer that cannot be solved classically, full stop. It is what everybody in the quantum industry aspires to, and we were the first to achieve it, and we achieved it on the Advantage2 system. I will tell you, we tried to get this result on our earlier Advantage system, and we were not able to. It took the increased capability of Advantage2 to be able to perform that computation. And specifically, it required the additional interconnect to more efficiently map the problem into the quantum processor. And it also took the longer coherence time and the increased energy scale to get the solutions faster and more accurately. So this is a significant advance over Advantage, and we're really excited about it. And it's also, I think, driving that increased customer interest that John talked about relative to much larger companies with much larger opportunities that are now engaged with us in a kind of sales cycle process. As far as the number of systems, this falls into 2 categories. One is our Quantum Cloud service. And we have 4 production systems in our Quantum Cloud service today. We don't really need more than that in the cloud service for relatively near-term revenue growth. We likely will add a couple more systems down the road, but 4 is sufficient for now. And obviously, all 4 of those will be upgraded to Advantage2. Currently, one of them has been upgraded. Ultimately, all of them will be upgraded. And then there's the on-premise systems. And obviously, Julich is one of those, and we are already in the process of doing that upgrade, as John pointed out. And then as we sell more on-premises systems, those will be Advantage2 processors. And we said that we've got a really good pipeline for sales of systems. We've got a second one that we're closing in on, which is the South Korea. We've got another one that's now starting to kind of emerge as a relatively near-term opportunity and then a pipeline of others. But in the past, I have said in the near term, think more like 1 a year than multiple a year. I'd still say that, although starting to feel like maybe it could be a little bit more. But the number is still kind of relatively small in the near-term. So that having been said, if you add up everything that I said, we're talking maybe 6 or 7 Advantage2 systems. Operator: Our next question comes from Richard Shannon of Craig-Hallum. Tyler Perry Cucinotta Anderson: This is Tyler Anderson on for Richard Shannon. So could you elaborate on the developer tools that you released? And noting that the problem that you demoed is a classical ML problem, can users leverage higher pixel images for this? And then also for the sake of timing question, you mentioned control right after your bump bonding. Do you have already or plan to have integrated control onto your chiplet such that there isn't an external control mechanism? Alan E. Baratz: So Tyler, I will answer your first question to be fair to everybody else because we did say only one question, and then you can go ahead and get back into the queue. With respect to what we announced as far as the AI developer toolkit, which I believe is what you're referring to, essentially, what we have done is we have introduced the ability to use PyTorch, which is an open source Python-based machine learning platform that's frankly in fairly wide use for training large language models. And we've introduced into that the ability to use a technology that we actually developed within D-Wave, which is called a Discrete Variational Autoencoder. Now I'm not going to get into the technical details of what I mean by that other than to say what this does is allows you to take a data set and map it into a latent space, which is really what machine learning is all about, essentially map it into a machine learning model that can then be used to recreate the data and other things that look like that data set. But what's unique about this is that we're mapping it into a discrete latent space, not a continuous latent space. Machine learning today typically operates on continuous data, but we're now mapping it into a discrete latency, seeing excellent results with the discrete latent space. But what's so important about that is that our quantum processors natively work with discrete data, not with continuous data. So what this does is it actually opens up the opportunity for the annealing quantum computer to be the vehicle for creating that discrete latent space or doing the learning, which we ultimately think could deliver better models faster and with lower energy consumption. But that having been said, I also want to point out that this is just the next step on our journey in the area of quantum AI. And there are a number of other things we are working on today in the lab that take this significantly further than what we've announced so far that we're very excited about as well. Operator: Our next question comes from Suji Desilva of ROTH Capital. Suji Desilva: I appreciate all the color thus far on quantum AI. Can you talk, Alan, about the next milestones or activities to watch indicating D-Wave's progress here? Alan E. Baratz: In the area of quantum AI? Suji Desilva: Correct. Alan E. Baratz: I think the short answer to the question is no because we haven't yet announced anything beyond what we announced a few days ago. But just to kind of, say, a little bit -- follow-up a bit more on what I said a minute ago, there are a number of modern approaches to AI and machine learning model training and inference. Variational autoencoders is one approach, but there are other important things like transformation model -- sorry, transformer models and diffusion models. And we're working with those as well. And we expect that over time, we would be able to deliver a platform that could leverage our quantum systems in support of all of those approaches. Operator: Our next question comes from Harsh Kumar of Piper Sandler. Harsh V. Kumar: Congratulations on a lot of progress, Advantage2 and other things that you're doing. Alan, I wanted to ask you about the toolkit information you provided in your press release. Is it possible that you could have libraries kind of like how NVIDIA does offer to its customers sort of hot finish models that they can -- the customers can then take and sort of finish up and customize. Is that sort of the idea? Or is that even possible with the toolkit with demos reference that you mentioned in your press release and commentary? Alan E. Baratz: So it's absolutely possible. And in fact, the demo is one simple example of that. However, currently, we are working with customers, and leveraging their data in the application areas that are important to them. For example, Japan Tobacco and Triumph, the 2 that I mentioned a bit earlier, rather than trying to build these out ourselves. The extent to which, a, we take any of that and pull it back into our platform will depend a little bit on the customers and the extent to which we've negotiated the ability to be able to do that. And then whether we choose to start pursuing any applications or application templates ourselves is not something that we've certainly not announced it. We've not talked about it. I think that would require us to bring domain expertise in key problem areas into the company. It's something we're thinking about. But honestly, at this point, I wouldn't say we're going to do it. I would just say we're thinking about it. Operator: Our next question comes from Kingsley Crane of Canaccord Genuity. William Kingsley Crane: So quantum annealing really has significant potential with both corporates and nation, states or agencies. I'm curious how the tenor in the U.S. government has shifted, specifically with respect to quantum annealing in the past couple of quarters? And then just any thoughts on DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative and if there's an opportunity for annealing within that framework? Alan E. Baratz: You really know how to push my buttons. Okay. Let's start with QBI. The DARPA QBI program is totally focused on gate model. And I think that is a huge mistake on the part of DARPA and the U.S. government. I think that by focusing on gate model, they are totally missing the fact that annealing is the most capable approach to quantum for many of the important problems that the government needs to address, whether it's in the area of defense for things like missile defense or troop resupply or in the area of transportation, for example, things like port logistics or we've done work in the area of wildfire fighting. I mean, the truth of the matter is annealing represents, I think, not only the best, but the only quantum approach that can address many of the government's hard computational problems. This is back to the fact that many of these are optimization problems, which require annealing quantum. Gate model cannot address them. And by excluding annealing from the QBI program, I think DARPA has made a huge mistake. And I would encourage them to maybe not add annealing to the QBI program, but maybe create a second quantum program for non-gate model approaches to ensure that the U.S. government is kind of focused on all the approaches to quantum computing, not just one approach to quantum computing. Now with respect to progress more broadly in the U.S. government, I'd say the answer is yes, but slow. So we are making inroads into different application areas because we uniquely can do that since we have a system that is capable of delivering value today, not 5 or 10 years from now, but it's slow going. Operator: Our next question is coming from Ruben Roy of Stifel. Ruben Roy: Alan, I don't mean to push your buttons here, but I'm going to ask this question anyway. So -- and I guess it's in the context of the M&A commentary that you made and also some of the comments that John made with respect to having conversations with larger customers and sort of getting feedback, I guess, from them. So with all of that in mind, I guess the simple question is, has your philosophy on the timing of when D-Wave might think about bringing a gate model to market changed? Has that accelerated for any reason or no? And if no, kind of are customer conversations sort of driving you to think that the time frame that you guys were thinking about previously is probably the right time frame? Alan E. Baratz: Yes. That's not pushing my buttons at all. That's just a great -- well, they're all good questions and they're all good conversations to have, but I'm not annoyed about gate model and annoyed about DARPA. So relative to our gate model program, look, we still believe that, a, you will never, never see a commercially viable gate model quantum computer before we have error correction. And then we still need to scale to solve useful real-world problems. And as a result, we're still many years out because no matter what you hear, in the -- from the industry, there are still very hard problems that need to be solved around error correction. It's not just a matter of engineering. And then there are still very hard problems that need to be solved in scaling. It's not just a matter of engineering. And so we do think that it's still a number of years before we will see a scaled error corrected gate model system that is commercially viable. So for us, though, the focus is on removing the risk. In other words, providing clearer line of sight to being able to deliver that by, a, driving the R&D efforts needed and/or possibly bringing in-house really great things that are going on out there in the industry. And so it's less, I think, about accelerating the time frame and more about kind of being much more concrete on exactly what the road map is that will get us there. Operator: Our next question is coming from Kevin Garrigan of Rosenblatt Securities. Kevin Garrigan: I'm going to switch gears a little bit. And you mentioned you signed renewing customer engagements. Can you give us a sense of what your retention rate is? And the customers that do renew, have they typically already had another application in mind that they wanted to use your quantum annealer for? Or does the team show them how else they can benefit from quantum and that gets the renewed engagement? Alan E. Baratz: Yes. John, do you want to talk about the retention rate, and then I can provide color on kind of how we grow with our customers? John M. Markovich: Sure. On average, our retention rate going back over approximately like a 4-quarter period is in excess of 90%. Alan E. Baratz: So we do have a very high retention rate. But we've talked a little bit about this in the past. You need to keep in mind that we have 2 different types of quantum compute-as-a-service customers. There are customers that we call do-it-yourself, where they come in and they buy some access, a developer seat and start kind of exploring, doing research, trying to develop applications on their own. And these customers tend to just continue to renew quarter after quarter or year after year, but haven't been kind of growing or converting from experimentation to actual production applications. And so one of the things we are focused on is how to help them move faster into production. But not all of them are even kind of at the stage where it makes sense to do that. I mean, some of them are research organizations, which would never convert to production applications. And some of them are smaller organizations that really are just experimenting. So rather, it's kind of really understanding who those do-it-yourself customers are and focusing on trying to engage them with kind of help to move forward. And in some sense, the Quantum LaunchPad program was put in place in part specifically to do that to move those customers off of just do-it-yourself into the LaunchPad program where it comes with some support from our professional services team. Then the other class of customers is the customers that have engaged us through a professional services engagement. And those are the different customers that, as John said, it's much larger customers that are engaging us now with much larger projects. For example, that aerospace company, I mean, a Fortune 500 company engaged us on 12 different applications from the outset. And we did the evaluation and are now working on the first of those applications with a plan to move through all of them and then take it to other aerospace companies. So our approach now really is to work with these larger companies to really kind of find a flagship customer in each industry or vertical area, work with them the way we did with this customer. And then as we're helping them progress through the applications, take that out to other customers in the same industry and so on. Operator: Our next question is coming from Craig Ellis of B. Riley Securities. Craig Andrew Ellis: I wanted to follow-up on my first question but take it in a different direction. So clearly, there's a lot of business model flexibility you now have with a much higher cash balance. And one of the things you can do is, is organically invest a greater amount in R&D and marketing. What I'd like your help on is understanding how you're evaluating current intensity versus higher levels and what we should expect is you evaluate where you can go with internal investment to accelerate your path to further commerciality, especially with this growing Quotient Fortune 500 Global 2000 customers in your pipeline. Alan E. Baratz: Yes. So Craig, first of all, we have in the past said that we are investing in go-to-market. We made a significant, for us, investment in the sales portion of go-to-market sales and technical account management as we over doubled the size of that team in the first half of this year. And now as John said, we're focused on building out the professional services team in support of that. But we're also taking it a step at a time. So we've made an investment and the pipeline looks good. We're making progress. It's taking a little bit longer to get these deals closed than we had expected because of the size of the customer and the complexity of the processes involved, but we're making good forward progress. And we want to see that we're getting a return on that go-to-market investment. And then once that's been validated, we'll continue to grow there. On the R&D side, we also are starting to make some additional investments in R&D. We talked about the advanced cryogenic packaging work. We've talked a little bit about quantum AI. These are areas where we are starting to make some incremental investments. And beyond cryogenic packaging and its impact on both annealing and gate, there will be incremental investments on the gate model side as well as we continue to kind of work through all the technical elements and R&D elements of that program. And John kind of gave you a metric to think about with respect to an increase in spend throughout the remainder of this year. Operator: We also have a follow-up question from Richard Shannon of Craig-Hallum. Tyler Perry Cucinotta Anderson: So I had noticed that Triumph had mentioned using Advantage2 in their upcoming research. Are you in talks with them for a sale of QPU? And is this someone who you have recently been talking to or you have mentioned that you had been talking to about sales? Alan E. Baratz: So Triumph is actually working with our system today, and they have seen really good results leveraging our system to do basically generative AI around a particle acceleration problem that they're dealing with. And we've talked about them in the past. We've talked about the work that they're doing. I mentioned them a little earlier. So they are a customer. They are working with our system. They are working with our system in the area of generative AI. They have seen some really good results with that, and we're continuing to grow that relationship with them. As far as the system sale, I haven't really talked about who is in the pipeline and who we're engaged with other than we have now begun talking about Yonsei University in South Korea. Richard Cutts Shannon: Appreciate the color. Congrats. Operator: [Operator Instructions] There are no further questions at this time. I would now like to turn the call back over to Alan Baratz for his closing remarks. Please go ahead. Alan E. Baratz: Thank you, operator. So as I think you all know, at D-Wave, our mission is to help customers realize the value of quantum computing right now. Our second quarter results show continued progress in service of that mission across R&D, go-to-market, customer application development and more. Everything we build is designed to provide lasting value for our customers and shareholders, and the future looks very bright. So thank you all for taking the time to join us today. Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's conference call. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect. Dont miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then youll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a Double Down stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. 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As with all our articles, The Motley Fool does not assume any responsibility for your use of this content, and we strongly encourage you to do your own research, including listening to the call yourself and reading the company's SEC filings. Please see our Terms and Conditions for additional details, including our Obligatory Capitalized Disclaimers of Liability. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. D-Wave (QBTS) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript was originally published by The Motley Fool Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria emphasized the immense sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur for protecting Kashmiri Pandits during Aurangzeb's rule. The nation recently commemorated the 350th anniversary of the Guru's martyrdom, reflecting on his courage and devotion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tributes, honoring his legacy as a defender of faith and humanity. Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, is revered for standing against tyranny and protecting persecuted communities. Punjab Governor and PM Modi honor Guru Tegh Bahadur's 350th martyrdom anniversary and his defense of Kashmiri Pandits under Aurangzeb. Chandigarh, January 24 Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday emphasised that the supreme sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur for the Kashmiri Pandits is "immense" during the rule of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Speaking to the media, the Governor said, "I believe Guru Tegh Bahadur's supreme sacrifice for the Kashmiri Pandits during the rule of Aurangzeb is immense. He refused to bow down to Aurangzeb and did not convert to his religion despite the tortures inflicted upon him." Earlier, widespread commemoration of the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji across the country reflected his unmatched courage, devotion, and sacrifice in protecting faith and humanity. Earlier, in November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji on his 350th Shaheedi Diwas, stating, "On the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, we bow in reverence to his unmatched courage and sacrifice. His martyrdom for the protection of faith and humanity will forever illuminate our society." PM Modi also shared a video on X, paying homage to the Guru's valour and selflessness, calling his sacrifice an enduring inspiration for society. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also remembered the ninth Sikh Guru, recalling his struggles and ultimate sacrifice. "On the 350th martyrdom day of the ninth Guru of Sikhism, 'Hind Ki Chadar' Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, I pay my respects and homage to him," he said. He further added, "Remembering the saga of sacrifice of Guru Sahib Ji, filled with valour, restraint, sacrifice, and devotion, even today fills the heart with pride and a resolve for national defence." Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, is revered for standing up against tyranny, defending religious freedom, and protecting persecuted communities during the Mughal era. - ANI Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced that India Energy Week 2026 will be held in Goa from January 27-30, focusing on energy security, investment, and decarbonisation. The event is projected to be its largest edition, expecting over 75,000 delegates and 600 exhibitors. It will feature 11 thematic zones, including new areas like Nuclear Energy and Sustainable Aviation Fuel. A key highlight will be the 9th Prime Minister's Roundtable, where PM Modi will engage with global energy CEOs and leaders. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announces India Energy Week 2026 in Goa, focusing on energy security, global investment, and practical decarbonisation pathways. New Delhi, January 23 India Energy Week 2026 will be the first major international energy event of the year which will focus on strengthening energy security, catalysing investment and advancing practical decarbonisation pathways, said Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday. India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 is set to be held from January 27-30 at ONGC ATI, Goa. While addressing the Curtain Raiser Press Conference on IEW 2026, the minister said it will bring together global energy ministers, industry leaders, policymakers, financial institutions, academia and technology providers at a defining moment for the global energy sector. "IEW 2026 is expected to be the largest edition so far, with over 75,000 delegates, more than 600 exhibitors, including 180 international exhibitors, over 500 global speakers and over 120 conference sessions, Puri said. Puri further noted that India Energy Week has expanded significantly year-on-year since its inception. "While the inaugural edition in 2023 witnessed participation of around 30,000 delegates and 316 exhibitors, the event grew to over 45,000 participants in 2024 and 68,000 participants in 2025," he said. Puri further said that 17 Ministers and Deputy Ministers from countries including UAE, Canada, Netherlands, Oman, Brunei, Myanmar, Tanzania and others have confirmed their participation, along with international organisations such as the International Energy Forum, BIMSTEC and the Eurasian Economic Union. He said the exhibition will be organised across 11 thematic zones hosted by leading public sector undertakings, covering areas such as digitalisation and AI, hydrogen, renewable energy, petrochemicals, biofuels, LNG ecosystem, city gas distribution, Make in India and net-zero solutions, with new additions including a Nuclear Energy Zone and a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Zone. IEW 2026 will be structured around 10 strategic themes reflecting global priorities and India's evolving leadership role, and will feature four ministerial sessions, including the inaugural session bringing together energy ministers and senior policymakers, along with 47 leadership and spotlight panel discussions involving global industry leaders and experts. In addition, five Energy Talks will be held as one-on-one conversations with senior global energy leaders, focusing on technology, markets and sustainability, the minister told. "A dedicated Make in India and Indigenisation Pavilion led by Engineers India Limited will promote collaboration with MSMEs, vendors and start-ups, supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat through localisation of critical equipment," he said. He added that the 'Make in India and Indigenisation Pavilion' will also host daily Energy Talks highlighting technology-led transformation and sustainability, while 11 country pavilions, including Japan, the US, Germany, the UK, Netherlands, Norway, Canada, Russia and China will further strengthen international engagement. He also told that a series of key side events and roundtables will be organised alongside the main conference. These include the 9th Prime Minister's Roundtable, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with global CEOs, Indian public sector undertakings and private sector leaders, including senior executives from leading global energy and technology companies. He said this flagship engagement underscores India's commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and investment-led growth in the energy sector. - ANI India has initiated a new semiconductor industry, with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighting the critical role of ASML's lithography technology for the upcoming fabrication plant in Dholera. Pilot production has commenced at several approved facilities, with the first plant expected to begin commercial production as early as February. The minister credited the country's design capabilities, talent pool, and consistent government policies for attracting global equipment manufacturers. With a mature electronics ecosystem now in place, India is also poised to see the emergence of its own indigenous mobile phone brands within the next 12 to 18 months. India starts commercial chip production using ASML lithography. Minister Vaishnaw announces Dholera fab milestone and indigenous phone brands. New Delhi, Jan 24 India has started a new semiconductor industry and that lithography, which involves printing the circuit on the wafer, is the most complex and precision-intensive process in the entire semiconductor manufacturing chain, according to the government. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that Dutch multinational company ASML is the world's leading provider of lithographic tools and added that ASML enables practically every chip manufactured in the world. "Our fab in Dholera will be using ASML equipment. So, I have come here to visit and understand their technology," Vaishnaw said as he visited the headquarters of ASML in Veldhoven, Netherlands. Vaishnaw said that ASML coming to India would be a significant development. Several equipment manufacturers from across the world are now looking to establish a base in India due to the country's design capabilities, large talent pool, and the consistent policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he emphasised. On semiconductors, the Minister said that pilot production has commenced in several approved facilities, with commercial production expected to begin shortly. In Davos, He emphasised that the government is proceeding in a careful and methodical manner to build a robust semiconductor ecosystem and strengthen India's long-term capabilities in this critical sector. "Commercial production is set to begin shortly at one of the four semiconductor plants where pilot production has already commenced, with the first plant expected to start production in February," Vaishnaw informed. He described this as a major milestone achieved after six decades of effort, reflecting the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's strong focus on building foundational technologies. With a strong and mature electronics ecosystem now in place in the country, the time is right for India to develop its own indigenous mobile phone brands. India is also expected to see its own mobile phone brands emerge within the next 12 to 18 months, the minister noted. - IANS India's Principal Scientific Adviser has released a white paper proposing a comprehensive "techno-legal" framework for AI governance. The plan centers on establishing an AI Governance Group to coordinate policy and an AI Safety Institute to evaluate and test AI systems. A national AI Incident Database will be created to monitor safety failures and security breaches across the country. The framework also encourages industry self-regulation through transparency reports and offers incentives for responsible AI practices. India proposes a new AI governance framework with an AI Governance Group and Safety Institute to balance innovation with risk management. New Delhi, January 24 India's Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser has released a white paper on AI governance, proposing a "techno-legal" framework to balance innovation and risk. The framework integrates legal safeguards, technical controls, and institutional mechanisms to ensure trusted AI development, according to the Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to GoI press release. 'Strengthening AI Governance Through Techno-Legal Framework' outlines a comprehensive institutional mechanism to operationalise India's AI governance ecosystem, emphasising that the success of any policy instrument depends on its effective implementation. The proposed framework aims to strengthen the broader AI governance ecosystem comprising industry, academia, government, AI model developers, deployers, and AI users. Central to this initiative is the establishment of the AI Governance Group (AIGG), chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser. This group will coordinate between various government ministries, regulators, and policy advisory bodies to address "the current fragmentation in governance and operational processes". Within the techno-legal governance context, this coordination aims to establish uniform standards for responsible AI regulations and guidelines. The AIGG will be tasked with "promoting responsible AI innovation and the beneficial deployment of AI in key sectors" while identifying regulatory gaps and recommending necessary legal amendments. Supporting the AIGG is a dedicated Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC) to be housed within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This committee will pool multidisciplinary expertise from areas such as Law, Public Policy, Machine Learning, AI safety, and cybersecurity. According to the white paper, the TPEC will assist the AIGG on matters of national importance, including global developments in AI policy and emerging AI capabilities. The framework also introduces the AI Safety Institute (AISI), which will serve as the primary centre for "evaluating, testing, and ensuring the safety of AI systems deployed across sectors". The AISI is expected to support the IndiaAI mission by developing techno-legal tools to address content authentication, bias, and cybersecurity. It will generate risk reports and compliance reviews to inform policy decisions while facilitating cross-border collaboration with global safety institutes and standards-setting bodies. To monitor post-deployment risks, a national AI Incident Database will be established to record, classify, and analyse safety failures, biased outcomes, and security breaches nationwide. This database will draw on global best practices, such as the OECD AI Incident Monitor, but remains "adapted to fit India's sectoral realities and governance structures." Reports for this database will be submitted by public bodies, private entities, researchers, and civil society organisations. The white paper further advocates for voluntary industry commitments and self-regulation. Industry-led practices, such as publishing transparency reports and conducting red-teaming exercises, are highlighted as vital for strengthening the techno-legal framework. The government plans to offer financial, technical, and regulatory incentives to organisations that demonstrate leadership in responsible AI practices. Through these measures, the emphasis remains on "consistency, continuous learning and innovation" to prevent siloed approaches and provide clarity to businesses. - ANI The Red Shield Division of the Indian Army conducted outreach programs in Manipur and Assam for National Girl Child Day. In Manipur's Bishnupur District, a health and hygiene session was led by a doctor, with a police representative also motivating participants. In Assam, events included career awareness lectures at a school and a weapon demonstration for NCC cadets. These efforts aim to strengthen community ties and promote the holistic development of girls. Indian Army organizes health, hygiene, and career awareness programs for girls in Manipur and Assam to mark National Girl Child Day, focusing on empowerment. Kohima, January 24 To commemorate the National Girl Child Day, the Red Shield Division of the Indian Army on Saturday organised a series of awareness, health, and motivational programs across Manipur and Assam for women's empowerment, education, and community welfare. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, in Manipur, a Health and Hygiene Awareness Programme was held at Awang Leikai in Bishnupur District. An interactive session was conducted by Dr. Sarojini, MBBS, from CHC Moirang, highlighting the importance of personal hygiene, menstrual health, nutrition, preventive healthcare and overall well-being. A woman representative of the Manipur police also interacted with the participants, encouraging them, building their confidence, and spreading awareness, followed by the screening of a motivational video. Over 100 women, girls and students, including participants from Genius Kids Foundation School, participated in the programme. In Assam, multiple outreach activities were held to empower young girls. At Delehi Borpatra High School, DK Gaon in Charaideo District, an awareness lecture was held for the girl students, covering women's rights, education, nutrition, personal safety, government welfare schemes and career opportunities in academics, sports, skill development and the Indian Armed Forces. Additionally, at Mariani Military Station, a Weapon Display and Demonstration was held for the Cadets of 9th Assam NCC Girls Battalion, Jorhat. The event featured a wide range of military equipment, hands-on demonstrations by Army instructors, and a motivational lecture on 'Join Indian Army', highlighting the role of education, discipline, and the empowerment of the girl child in nation-building. As per the release, through such sustained outreach efforts, the Indian Army continues to strengthen its connection with local communities and contribute meaningfully to the holistic development and empowerment of the girl child. - ANI The Indian Coast Guard Station Frazerganj conducted a successful anti-smuggling operation on January 22. Acting on intelligence, they located and confiscated the abandoned Indian fishing boat Laxminarayan. A search of the vessel yielded 52 bags, totaling 2,600 kilograms, of betel nuts smuggled from Bangladesh. The boat and seized contraband have been handed over to the Coastal Police Station in Frazerganj for legal action. ICG station Frazerganj apprehends fishing boat Laxminarayan smuggling 2,600 kg of betel nuts. Contraband seized, vessel handed to police. New Delhi, January 24 Indian Coast Guard Station Frazerganj successfully conducted an operation on January 22, leading to the apprehension of an Indian Fishing Boat, Laxminarayan, for smuggling betel nuts from Bangladesh to India, the Indian Coast Guard said in a press release. On receipt of intelligence inputs, an ICG boarding team was immediately deployed to the reported position, where the abandoned fishing boat was located and confiscated. The boarding party carried out a thorough rummaging of the vessel and recovered 52 bags of betel nuts, each weighing 50 kg, amounting to a total seizure of 2,600 kg. The apprehended IFB Laxminarayan was subsequently escorted to Frazerganj and berthed at Benfish Fishing Jetty. The boat, along with the seized contraband, has been handed over to the Coastal Police Station, Frazerganj, for further legal proceedings. The Indian Coast Guard, in close coordination with other maritime security agencies, maintains a high state of alert along the coastline and in maritime areas to prevent illegal activities and smuggling by Anti-National Elements (ANEs). The ICG remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the nation's security and economic interests. - ANI India's textiles sector has nearly doubled in value over the past decade, reaching approximately Rs 16 lakh crore. Exports have risen by over 25% following the pandemic, driven by diversification into 40 new countries. The government has supported the industry with Rs 50,000 crore through various schemes and is on the verge of signing a free trade agreement with the EU. The sector remains a major employment generator, with a strong domestic market and growing international confidence in Indian manufacturing. India's textile industry grows from Rs 8.4L to Rs 16L crore, with exports rising over 25% and a major EU trade deal imminent. New Delhi, Jan 24 The textiles sector in India has seen tremendous growth in the last decade - from Rs 8.4 lakh crore in 2014 to around Rs 16 lakh crore today, becoming one of the biggest platforms for generating employment, according to the government. Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh said the domestic market also increased from Rs 6 lakh crore to Rs 13 lakh crore in 2025, while the country's exports also witnessed over 25 per cent rise post-pandemic. Addressing the 74th Edition of India International Garment Fair (IIGF) here, the minister said the IIGF is a trusted platform, and "I can say that the India International Garment Fair has now become a major global platform for international garment buyers." He further said the Narendra Modi government has removed all barriers in textiles, be it QCO, increasing RoDTEP and RoSCTL schemes, reducing import duty by six months and rectifying the inverted duty structure, etc. "We have supported the industry with Rs 50,000 crore via RoDTEP and RoSCTL schemes," the minister said. Singh further stated that the challenges have allowed us to remain resilient and stable despite headwinds. "Our export diversification drive to 40 new countries is showing positive results," he mentioned. The minister further informed that in Argentina, we grew by 77 per cent, Egypt by 30 per cent, Poland and Japan by 20 per cent and Sweden and France by 10 per cent, which is a very encouraging sign. The positive news is that the India-EU free trade agreement will be signed in the next few days, he added. "We have a young workforce, raw material and foreign exchange surplus, therefore, we must see that we achieve all targets," the minister noted. India is moving away from reliance on foreign benchmarks and is developing its own standards through indigenous initiatives such as VisionNxt and IndiaSize. Dr A Sakthivel, Chairman of AEPC said that the presence of exhibitors from all parts of the country highlights the depth and breadth of our manufacturing ecosystem, while the enthusiastic participation of international buyers reaffirms confidence in Indian capabilities. "I am happy to share that cumulative RMG exports during April-December 2025-26 stood at $11,584.3 million, registering a growth of 2.4 per cent over the corresponding period of the previous year," he added. - IANS RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that human civilisation in India is approximately two lakh years old, with its core unity remaining intact despite changes over time. He addressed the Janjati Samvad Karyakram in Ranchi, linking the origins of Sanatan Dharma to forest life and agriculture. Bhagwat emphasised that tribal communities, or Adivasis, are the foundational roots of India's religion and culture. He also firmly rejected the notion that tribal societies lack religious traditions, affirming their ancient and continuous practices of worship. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat says Indian civilisation is 2 lakh years old, with its unity intact and roots in tribal communities and Sanatan Dharma. Ranchi, January 24 Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said that human civilisation in India is approximately two lakh years old, has undergone many changes in its culture and practices; however, its core unity and continuity have remained intact. The RSS Chief was addressing the Janjati Samvad Karyakram in Ranchi, where he spoke at length on the origins of Indian civilisation, Sanatan Dharma and the role of tribal communities in shaping the country's cultural and religious traditions. "What is the history of civilisation in our country, the history of humanity? New findings are now emerging which suggest that it is about 200,000 years old. In this long span, the forms and practices have changed over time and it is natural that as time changes, outward expressions also change. But the unity with which we began has remained intact till today; that is our history," Mohan Bhagwat said. He noted that the terms "Hindu" and "Hindu religion" came into use much later and that their roots lie in Sanatan Dharma, which he described as eternal in nature. Bhagwat said that when one traces the origins of Sanatan Dharma, its foundations are found in forest life and agriculture, highlighting the central role of tribal communities in India's civilisational journey. "So, how did what we today call 'Hindu' or 'Hindu religion' begin? The name 'Hindu' came much later; the religion is Sanatan (eternal). But when we search for how Sanatan Dharma itself emerged, we find its roots in forests and agriculture. In other words, the people whom we call Adivasis (tribals) are the foundational roots of our religion and culture. To search for the roots of the Vedas, we have to go there," he said. The RSS chief also rejected the notion that tribal communities lack religious traditions. He said worship and the ideas behind it have existed since ancient times and continue to thrive among tribal societies even today. "Even today, among India's tribal societies, the many forms of religion and the many systems of thought that exist to say that they have no religion is completely wrong. 'Religion' means worship, and worship has been practised since ancient times. The ideas and beliefs behind worship have also continued from that very period," he said. - ANI India's residential real estate market entered a phase of normalisation in 2025, with annual sales declining 12% year-on-year. New residential supply also fell by 6%, marking the lowest annual addition since 2021. The market saw significant city-level divergence, with Hyderabad and Chennai outperforming while Mumbai and Pune saw sharp declines. Despite softer sales volumes, residential prices remained firm as developers maintained pricing discipline. PropTiger report shows India's 2025 housing sales fell 12%, but prices remained resilient due to disciplined supply management. New Delhi, January 24 India's residential real estate market entered a phase of normalisation in 2025, with housing demand softening gradually but remaining structurally resilient, according to a report released by PropTiger. Across the top eight Indian cities, all-India residential sales declined 12 per cent year-on-year to 386,365 units in 2025, compared with 436,992 units in 2024, marking the lowest annual sales since 2022, as per the report by digital real estate transaction and advisory platform. New residential supply during the year fell 6 per cent to 361,096 units from 385,221 units in 2024, the lowest annual supply addition since 2021, the report said. In the October-December quarter (Q4 2025), housing sales declined 10 per cent year-on-year and 0.5 per cent quarter-on-quarter to 95,049 units, the lowest quarterly sales volume since Q2 2023. Onkar Shetye, Executive Director of Aurum PropTech, said, "2025 was not a year of demand destruction, but one of recalibration. Buyers remained active but more deliberate, while developers responded with disciplined supply management. This prevented inventory stress and helped prices remain resilient despite softer volumes." City-level divergence widened through the year, with Hyderabad and Chennai emerging as consistent outperformers, recording sustained quarterly and year-on-year growth. Chennai saw annual sales rise 55 per cent to 24,892 units, while Hyderabad recorded a 6 per cent increase to 54,271 units. In contrast, Mumbai and Pune posted sharp annual sales declines of 26 per cent and 27 per cent, respectively Delhi-NCR remained the only major market to record year-on-year sales declines across all four quarters of 2025, reflecting a prolonged phase of consolidation, the report noted On the supply side, total new residential supply across the eight cities rose 4 per cent year-on-year and 0.2 per cent quarter-on-quarter in Q4 2025 to 92,007 units. However, for the full year, new launches declined 6 per cent compared with 2024. Despite the moderation in sales volumes, residential prices continued to rise across key markets. Developers largely avoided aggressive discounting, reinforcing pricing discipline, the report said "The housing market is transitioning into a more mature, execution-led phase," added Onkar Shetye. "Growth in 2026 is likely to be driven by affordability, infrastructure-led micro-markets, and city-specific fundamentals rather than broad-based acceleration." - ANI India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is poised to expand to Japan, with a trial planned for FY26 through a partnership between NPCI and Japanese IT firm NTT Data. The move aims to cater to the rapidly growing number of Indian tourists visiting Japan, which saw a 35% year-on-year increase. UPI's domestic success, where it dominates in-store payments, is fueling its global export to countries like Singapore, France, and the UAE. The system's shared-platform design has been key to its adoption, with transactions soaring to 185.8 billion in fiscal 2024. India's UPI payment network is trialing in Japan with NTT Data, aiming to serve the growing number of Indian tourists abroad by FY26. New Delhi, Jan 24 India's QRcode payment network, the Unified Payments Interface, is expanding beyond its borders, with Japan among countries trialling the system to serve growing numbers of Indian tourists, a report has said. The report from Nikkei Asia said that Japanese IT services company NTT Data is partnering with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to run a trial in Japan in FY26 that would let Indian tourists pay with UPI and have their Indian bank accounts debited. "The companies are considering ways to connect Japanese and Indian payment networks," the report said. The move aims to capture a surging number of Indian tourists as Japan received about 3.15 lakh visitors from India in 2025, up 35 per cent yearonyear. McKinsey has projected the number of outbound trips from India rising from 13 million in 2022 to 90 million in 2040, as growing middle-class incomes fuel an appetite for foreign trips, the report said. UPI, launched in 2016 as a governmentled initiative, has become part of everyday life and allows a single QR code to be used by major payment applications. UPI transactions rose 42 per cent in fiscal 2024 to 185.8 billion, and an IMF report in June 2025 called it the "world's largest realtime payment system." NPCI and the Indian government have exported UPI to eight countries since 2021, including Bhutan, Singapore, France, Sri Lanka and the UAE, and are helping nations such as Peru and Namibia develop similar rails. The report noted UPI's rapid domestic adoption was driven by its sharedplatform design as well as banks and fintech companies developing their payment apps with UPI as a common standard. UPI accounted for 58 per cent of in-store payments in India in 2024 and set to rise to 76 per cent in 2030, when cash transactions could fall from 15 per cent to 7 per cent, according to US payments company Worldpay. NTT Data, likely to promote UPI to Japanese merchants, already offers payment terminals for businesses in India and Southeast Asia with around 6 million Indian stores, including e-commerce businesses, using its services. - IANS Tech leaders like Google DeepMinds Demis Hassabis and Tesla CEO Elon Musk have described AI as a win-win for society; they make ambitious promises that the advanced tech will allow us to turbocharge the labor force, cure cancers, and create new super well-paid, super interesting jobs that didnt exist before. More from Yahoo Scout What drove 2025's record-high layoff numbers nationwide? Why are tech companies cutting jobs despite AI growth? How are Gen Z workers affected by AI layoffs? How has AI contributed to job losses across industries? But instead of feeling empowered, many workers fear their jobs are at risk of being automatedand the flood of layoffs in 2025 confirmed their suspicions. A staggering 1.2 million job cuts were announced last year, up 58% from the roughly 760,000 layoffs in 2024, according to a recent report from employment consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas. In fact, 2025 had the highest level of workforce reductions since 2020, and was neck-and-neck with the 2008 financial crisis, when 1.22 million roles were slashed. The biggest victims of last years headcount reduction bloodbath were federal workers. Extreme cost-cutting efforts from Elon Musks DOGE crippled entire agencies, including USAID, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Human Services. In total, about 308,000 government jobs were cut last year. However, the tech industry took the heaviest blow in the private sector. Last year, tech announced that about 154,000 roles would be slashed, a 15% increase from nearly 134,000 job cuts in 2024. The culprit? Rapid AI implementationand the industry self-correcting from pandemic-era overhiring. In 2025, AI was responsible for 54,836 layoff plans overall; since 2023, the tech has been connected to 71,825 job cut announcements. Technology has been pivoting to both developing and implementing artificial intelligence much more quickly than any other industry, the report noted. This coupled with over-hiring over the last decade created a wave of job loss in the industry. Tech companies are shedding staffersespecially Gen Zers In a time where the tech industry is growing fast and companies are vying to win the AI race, it might sound counterintuitive for trillion-dollar innovators to be offloading their talent. But CEOs have been open about how AI tools are taking over human skills, and theyre gearing up for more workforce changes. Microsoft let go of 6,000 employees last May, dishing out another round of 9,000 cuts in July. Meanwhile, its CEO Satya Nadella announced AI now writes 20% to 30% of the companys code; technology that has proven to be so powerful, that the business is funding a $80 billion AI infrastructure drive. At the start of this past year, Meta also announced a 5% workforce reductionimpacting around 3,600 staffersin an attempt to move out low-performers faster, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said. IndiGo has vacated more than 700 domestic airport slots following a DGCA directive that reduced its winter schedule by 10% to address operational disruptions. The slots, spanning January to March 2026, have been submitted to the Civil Aviation Ministry for redistribution to other carriers. The ministry will prioritize airlines that can demonstrate genuine expansion capacity with additional aircraft and crew, not just reshuffling existing flights. This move aims to utilize the freed capacity at major hubs and stabilize India's domestic aviation market after widespread passenger inconvenience. IndiGo surrenders over 700 domestic airport slots after DGCA imposes a 10% winter schedule cut to curb cancellations and restore operational stability. New Delhi, January 24 India's largest airline, IndiGo, has surrendered over 700 slots at various domestic airports after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation imposed a 10 per cent cut on its winter flight schedule in early December due to widespread operational disruptions. Airport slots refer to designated time windows allocated to airlines for aircraft takeoffs and landings at busy airports. These slots are critical for maintaining flight schedules and operational efficiency. The vacated slots, spread across the January to March 2026 period, stem from the DGCA's directive aimed at curbing frequent last-minute cancellations and restoring stability in IndiGo's operations. The airline, which typically operates over 2,200 daily flights, was forced to trim services following massive disruptions reported in December 2025. According to sources familiar with the matter, IndiGo submitted a detailed list of more than 700 slots to the Civil Aviation Ministry. In response, the ministry has invited other airlines to submit requests for operating domestic flights on these newly available slots. IndiGo has submitted a list of more than 700 slots to the ministry, which it has vacated after the domestic winter schedule was reduced by 10 per cent in early December last year. For the redistribution of the slots, the Civil Aviation Ministry aims that the surrendered slots should not remain unutilized where capacity can be added. The preference will be given to airlines that can demonstrate capacity in the form of additional aircraft, pilots, cabin crew, ground support equipment and maintenance engineers, and not merely a reshuffling of existing flights. Airlines must share operational preparedness, failing which assigned slots will be cancelled and re-assigned, and existing routes or sector connectivity shall not be discontinued to utilise vacated slots, as per the Ministry. The DGCA's action came amid significant passenger inconvenience caused by cancellations and delays earlier in the winter season. The regulator's move sought to prevent further instability and ensure better adherence to schedules. Industry observers note that the freed-up slots are primarily at major hubs. This development marks a significant adjustment in India's domestic aviation landscape, where IndiGo holds a dominant market share. The airline has committed to complying with the DGCA's order to prioritise reliability and passenger experience moving forward. - ANI Iran's Ambassador to India has expressed gratitude for New Delhi's vote against a UN Human Rights Council resolution condemning Iran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests. The resolution, which passed with 25 votes, strongly deplored the deaths and arrests linked to the protests and extended investigative mandates. The diplomatic gesture follows a discussion between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart on the evolving regional situation. Concurrently, India has reiterated a strong travel advisory for its nationals, urging them to avoid Iran due to the ongoing developments. Iran's ambassador thanks India for opposing a UN Human Rights Council resolution on Iran's protest crackdown. Details on the vote and India's travel advisory. Tehran/New Delhi, Jan 24 Mohammad Fathali, Ambassador of Iran to India, on Saturday expressed Tehran's "sincere gratitude" to the Indian government for its "principled and firm support" while voting against a resolution which was finally adopted by the UN Human Rights Council during its 39th special session on Friday. "I extend my sincere gratitude to the Govt. of India for its principled and firm support of I.R. of Iran at the UNHRC, including opposing an unjust and politically motivated resolution. This stance reflects India's commitment to justice, multilateralism, and national sovereignty," Fathali posted on X. In the resolution - adopted by a vote of 25 in favour, 7 against and 14 abstentions - the UNHRC strongly deplored the violent crackdown of peaceful protests resulting in the deaths of thousands of persons, including children, and large numbers of injured individuals, as well as the arrest of thousands in connection with the nationwide protests that started on December 28. "The UNHRC adopted the resolution in which it extended the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran for two years, and the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran for one year. The resolution also called for an urgent investigation by the Fact-Finding Mission, in the context of the repression of nationwide protests beginning 28 December 2025," read a statement issued by the UNHRC. "It urged the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respect, protect and fulfil its human rights obligations and to take all measures necessary to stop and prevent extrajudicial killing, other forms of arbitrary deprivation of life, enforced disappearance, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, incommunicado detention and torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including against peaceful protesters," it added. Last week, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi as both ministers discussed the "evolving situation" in the region. "Received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. We discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran," EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the development. The conversation took place shortly after New Delhi issued another advisory for the Indian nationals regarding travel to Iran owing to the recent developments in the country. "In view of the ongoing developments in Iran, Indian nationals are once again strongly advised to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice," read the advisory issued by the Indian government. Earlier on January 5, India had advised its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran until further notice, owing to the recent developments in the country. "Indian citizens and PIOs currently in Iran should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, and closely monitor news as well as the website and social media handles of the Embassy of India in Tehran," read an advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). "Indian nationals living in Iran on resident-visas are advised to register with the Indian Embassy, if not already done so," it added. - IANS Actor Ishaan Khatter posted a heartfelt note on Instagram after his film "Homebound" was not nominated for an Oscar. He shared behind-the-scenes photos and described the film as a "piece of my heart" and a "moral compass." Khatter expressed his love and gratitude for director Neeraj Ghaywan and the entire crew. The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards were announced, with five other international films making the shortlist instead. Actor Ishaan Khatter shares emotional note after film Homebound misses Oscar nomination. Read his tribute to director Neeraj Ghaywan and the team. Mumbai, Jan 24 Actor Ishaan Khatter used social media to express his emotions after his film "Homebound" lost the race for the Oscars. He took to his official Instagram handle and published a couple of BTS photos and videos from the shoot, along with a heartfelt note. Revealing that he will always look back at the entire experience with love, Ishaan wrote, "Homebound is and always was a piece of my heart. It's a story that took us through a journey inwards after daring to look outside the bubble we identify ourselves in. As difficult a reality as it mirrors, this film has always ultimately been hopeful to me in every way I can relate to it, as a human being, as a cinema person.. and a young actor. Today as we somewhat come to an end of one part of its journey, I know I will always look back at it with love and gratitude.. And as a sort of moral compass. (sic)." Expressing his gratitude to director Neeraj Ghaywan, he added, "@neeraj.ghaywan I love you, brother. There are very few people I can say this about but I know I can always trust your conscience as a yardstick." "Love to all the heroes behind the camera and to all of you who owned this film and spoke of it like your own. Homebound (infinity symbol emoji) no feeling is final," Ishaan concluded the post. Before this, filmmaker Karan Johar, filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, and actor Vishal Jethwa also decided to put their disappointment into words and share it on social media. For those who do not know, the nominations for the 98th Oscars were announced on Thursday, where "Homebound" failed to secure a position in the 'International Feature Film' category. The five films which made it to the final Oscar shortlist are "The Secret Agent" (Brazil), "It Was Just an Accident" (France), "Sentimental Value" (Norway), "Sirat" (Spain), and "The Voice of Hind Rajab" (Tunisia). The Academy Awards ceremony is slated to take place on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. - IANS EU High Representative and Vice-President Kaja Kallas has arrived in New Delhi on her first official visit to India, aiming to strengthen the strategic partnership. The visit precedes the 16th India-EU Summit where a new Security and Defence Partnership focusing on maritime security and counterterrorism is expected to be signed. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated the EU is on the cusp of a historic free trade agreement with India, describing it as potentially "the mother of all deals." EU leaders will also attend the Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guests during a three-day state visit aimed at deepening economic and strategic collaboration. EU VP Kaja Kallas arrives in New Delhi ahead of India-EU Summit to sign new security pact and advance historic free trade agreement negotiations. New Delhi, January 24 Kaja Kallas, the EU Vice-President, landed in the national capital on Saturday on her first official visit to India. Welcoming her, in a post on X, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that her visit builds on the momentum of regular high-level engagements and comes at an opportune moment to strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership further. "A warm welcome to EU HRVP @kajakallas on her first official visit to India as the EU High Representative/Vice-President. The visit comes at an opportune moment to further strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership, building on the momentum of regular high-level engagements", he wrote on X. Speaking in the European Parliament on Thursday, Kaja Kallas EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said, "Europe is ready to deliver on a powerful new agenda with India. Today, the EU agreed to move forward with the signature of a new Security and Defence Partnership. It will expand our cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counterterrorism, and cyber defence. I look forward to signing it next week during the EU-India Summit in New Delhi." The European Union and India will hold the 16th summit in New Delhi, where a new EU-India comprehensive strategic agenda is expected to be adopted. Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the European Union is close to finalising a Free Trade Agreement with India and noted that some describe it as "the mother of all deals". Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, she stressed Europe's intent to expand trade and international cooperation. She also referred to the scale of the proposed trade deal with India."There is still work to do. But we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement. Some call it the mother of all deals. One that would create a market of 2 billion people, accounting for almost a quarter of global GDP," von der Leyen said. The President of the European Commission said she will travel to India next weekend. She said the visit is aimed at taking forward work on the proposed trade agreement and added that there is important work to be done to strengthen economic relations and deepen cooperation between Europe and India. Placing the proposed India agreement in Europe's larger global trade approach, von der Leyen said Europe remains open to doing business with partners worldwide. European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will pay a three-day State Visit to India from January 25 to 27 and will be Chief Guests at the 77th Republic Day celebrations. 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. An India-EU Business Forum is also expected to be organised on the sidelines of the India-EU Summit. India and the European Union have been strategic partners since 2004. The 15th India-EU Summit was held virtually on July 15, 2020. The participation of EU leaders as Chief Guests at the 77th Republic Day and the 16th India-EU Summit will further deepen the India-EU Strategic Partnership and advance collaboration in priority areas of mutual interest. President Costa and President von der Leyen are visiting India on invitation of PM Modi. The visit of two leaders comes amid negotiations between India and the European Union for a Free Trade Agreement, which is at an advanced stage and is expected to be completed at the time of the visit. - ANI Karan Johar has issued a strong defense of actor Varun Dhawan, who faced online trolling for his smile ahead of the release of 'Border 2'. Johar called out the negativity on social media, asserting that authentic audience love prevails over virtual noise. He also shared high praise for the film's patriotic spirit and emotional depth. The film, in which Dhawan plays a Param Vir Chakra-awarded war hero, was released on January 23. Filmmaker Karan Johar defends Varun Dhawan from online trolling over his smile and praises his performance in the patriotic film 'Border 2'. Mumbai Ja, n 23 Filmmaker Karan Johar has strongly hit back at online trolls,further calling out the negativity that often surrounds actors and films over social media. Without mentioning the name of Varun Dhawan, Karan Johar has highlighted how his powerful performance in Border 2 is enough to shut all gossipmongers. Taking to his social media account, Karan shared a sharp note in favour of the Student of the Year actor and called out haters for trolling his smile. Sharing his note, Karan wrote, "Has to be said... the reason why it's called a virtual world! Real will always score and prove the noise on social media as defunct! You can troll an artist for his smile but then he laughs when the film releases to packed houses and he receives pure authentic audience love! So noisemakers and clickbait seeking content creators can do what they like ... truth will always prevail!" The post was mainly seen as Karan's befitting reply to haters and trolls who mocked Varun Dhawan for his 'particular smile' ahead of the release of Border 2. In another post, Karan Johar also shared the official poster of Border 2 and highly praised the film for its emotional depth and patriotic spirit. He wrote, "Border 2 moved me to tears in many scenes! Patriotism with a beating heart!! Sure shot WINNER!" He also tagged Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, director Anurag Singh, T-Series Films and producer Nidhi Dutta in the post. For the uninitiated, a section of social media users had trolled Varun Dhawan for his smile, claiming that his personality did not suit the role of a soldier, given his fun and urban image. A few even questioned his casting in Border 2, claiming that the movie is going to be a glop because of Varun. Talking about Varun's role, the actor will be seen playing the role of 'Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya'. Varun, has apparently, worked very hard to embody 'Colonel Hoshiar Singh Dahiya', who led his troops with unflinching courage during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. Colonel Dahiya was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his heroic act. Border 2 has released on January 23, to mixed reviews from fans. - IANS Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited Suchirayu Hospital in Hubballi to check on three people injured when a large cutout collapsed during preparations for a public event. The injured individuals are labourers who were setting up the venue for a 'House Patta distribution programme' to be attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The Chief Minister directed officials to provide the injured with free and comprehensive medical treatment until full recovery. Local authorities have begun a safety review of the event site to prevent similar incidents. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah visits hospital after a cutout collapse injures three during prep for a Congress event with Mallikarjun Kharge. Hubballi, January 24 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday visited Suchirayu Hospital in Hubballi and enquired about the condition of people injured after a cutout collapsed during preparations for a public programme on Mantur Road. The incident occurred while preparations were underway for the 'House Patta distribution programme', which is scheduled to be attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. A large cutout being installed at the venue reportedly collapsed suddenly, leaving three people injured. After completing a separate programme to distribute new homes to the homeless, the Chief Minister proceeded to Suchirayu Hospital, where he met the injured people and discussed their medical condition with the attending doctors. The injured have been identified as Shankar Hadapad (28), a resident of Byahatti; Shanta Karakatti (60), a resident of Hubballi; and Manjunath (33), a resident of Lakshmi Nagar in Dharwad. Expressing concern over the incident, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed officials to ensure that all injured receive free and the best possible medical treatment, including medicines and other necessary care, until their full recovery. According to officials, the injured were preparing the venue for the 'House Patta distribution programme,' under which allotment letters are to be handed over to beneficiaries who have received houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. According to official data, around 42,000 houses have been built under the scheme. While two of the injured were shifted to Suchirayu Hospital for treatment, one person was taken to KMC Hospital in Hubballi following the accident. District Health Officer Satish Honkeri provided details of the incident and the condition of the injured. He said, "Three members are injured, out of which Karketty is from Hubballi, one more is Shankar Harpad, who is 28 years old, and the third is Manjunath Murnikar, age 33. These two are labourers, while Karketty is an outsider. We immediately got the information, out of which two are in Suchirayi hospital, while one is in KMC hospital in Hubballi." Officials said that the condition of the injured is being closely monitored and that necessary medical care is being extended. The local administration has also begun reviewing safety arrangements at the event site to prevent such incidents in the future. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge are scheduled to attend the housing-related programme later in the day, officials said. - ANI South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo has urged U.S. trade officials to treat the investigation into e-commerce giant Coupang's data breach separately from broader bilateral trade issues. The minister met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Davos to explain that the probe is non-discriminatory and not targeted because Coupang is a U.S.-listed company. Meanwhile, two major U.S. investors in Coupang have notified the South Korean government of their intent to bring arbitration claims, calling the investigations discriminatory. The probe was launched after a data leak believed to have affected tens of millions of customer accounts. South Korea's trade minister tells U.S. officials the Coupang data breach investigation is not discriminatory and should not become a trade dispute. Seoul, Jan 24 Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo said on Saturday he has stressed to US trade officials that Seoul's investigation into e-commerce giant Coupang over a major data breach should be treated separately from broader trade issues between the two countries. Yeo made the remarks regarding Coupang to reporters at Incheon International Airport after returning to South Korea following his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, reports Yonhap news agency. Coupang, a U.S.-listed company founded by Korean American entrepreneur Kim Bom-suk, also known as Bom Kim, generates about 90 percent of its revenue in South Korea. The minister met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the sidelines of the Davos forum and exchanged views on pending bilateral trade issues. Yeo said he conveyed to Greer Seoul's position that the investigation does not constitute discriminatory treatment against a U.S. company and should not be elevated into a trade dispute. "I explained that it is not because Coupang is a U.S. company," Yeo said, adding that authorities would have conducted the same non-discriminatory and transparent investigation if a South Korean firm had experienced a similar data breach. Yeo also met with Greer and key lawmakers from both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives during a separate visit to Washington last week to explain Seoul's stance on the Coupang probe and address concerns over South Korea's digital regulatory environment. Meanwhile two US investors in e-commerce giant Coupang notified the South Korean government of their intent to bring arbitration claims against it over what they called "discriminatory" acts toward the US-listed firm, and requested a US government probe into the matter. Greenoaks Capital Partners and Altimeter Capital Management took the actions, decrying South Korean authorities' investigations into Coupang following revelations in November about a massive customer data leak, according to documents that their legal representative, Covington & Burling LLP, submitted to the two governments. The Seoul government, along with experts, has been conducting a probe into the incident, in which about 33.7 million customers are believed to have been affected. Coupang has claimed a perpetrator accessed data from only about 3,000 of the accounts in question. - IANS Karnataka's delegation at the World Economic Forum in Davos has secured investment commitments worth Rs 13,070 crore. Major pledges include a Rs 10,500 crore investment by the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group in renewable energy and a Rs 1,520 crore commitment from Schneider Electric. The state positioned itself as a hub for AI, Global Capability Centres, and sustainable urban development, attracting global interest. Minister M.B. Patil stated the summit has strengthened Karnataka's competitive position for the next phase of global industrial transformation. Karnataka secures major investment commitments at Davos, with pledges from RP-Sanjiv Goenka, Carlsberg, Schneider Electric, and others for renewable energy and tech. Bengaluru, Jan 24 The World Economic Forum summit held in Davos, Switzerland, has emerged as a major catalyst for Karnataka's economic progress, providing an official seal to investment commitments worth Rs 13,070 crore, stated Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil. He further stated that the summit is expected to help the state make significant strides in the coming days across sectors such as aerospace, food processing, data centres, digital infrastructure, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and allied areas through investments, expansion, and partnerships. Minister Patil said that more than 45 meetings and consultations held continuously over five days have yielded results in positioning Karnataka as a leading national hub for artificial intelligence, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), research, and sustainable urban development, drawing global attention to the state. In a statement issued after returning from Davos, the minister shared details of the visit's success. "The consultations held with industry leaders have laid a strong foundation for the inflow of fresh investments into the state and have also made a significant contribution to accelerating projects that are already under implementation. "They have helped Karnataka strengthen its competitive position in the next phase of global trade and industrial transformation. Global industrialists have openly praised the state's industry-friendly ecosystem and the availability of skilled human resources, which stands as testimony to the far-sighted, industry-friendly initiatives being implemented by the state government," he said. "I have effectively conveyed how Karnataka is emerging as a globally preferred destination for investments, industrial establishments, and expansion activities. I explained the state government's industry-friendly policies and invited companies to invest in Karnataka. "The RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group will invest Rs 10,500 crore over the next three years in Vijayapura and Ballari districts in the renewable energy sector. This will lead to significant growth in Karnataka's renewable energy sector, particularly in North Karnataka. Global brewing major Carlsberg Group has reiterated its commitment to establish a Rs 350 crore bottling unit in Nanjangud. Schneider Electric has come forward to invest Rs 1,520 crore, including in IT operations. "Inox GFL, which has already begun manufacturing wind turbine blades in Kushtagi, is investing Rs 400 crore to produce large wind towers and solar panels. The company has already invested Rs 10,000 crore in the state. Bellrise Industries is investing Rs 300 crore to expand its Mysuru unit supplying components to TVS," he said. He further stated that discussions were held with the Singapore Economic Development Board regarding the establishment of a 'Singapore Park' to attract Singapore-based companies to the state. "I have made maximum efforts to attract a significant portion of Coca-Cola's proposed Rs 25,760 crore investment in the food processing sector to Karnataka. Global giants such as Nokia, US-based Vast Space, UAE-based Crescent Enterprises, and Voyager Technologies have shown interest in investing in the state. "The minister said Nokia Corporation, one of the global giants in telecommunications technology, has expressed willingness to establish a Global Capability Centre and research centres in Karnataka. "In line with the state government's priority of developing cities beyond Bengaluru as self-sustaining urban centres, Tech Mahindra, Bharti Enterprises, and Sify Technologies have shown interest in expanding operations and setting up data centres in Tier-2 cities across the state," he added. Patil said Imperial College London, one of the UK's prestigious universities, has shared information about its interest in establishing a research and development centre at 'Quinn City', coming up between Dabaspet and Doddaballapur. Global cybersecurity company Cloudflare is also considering becoming part of the Quinn City project. "US-based aerospace company Voyager Technologies and space technology company Vast Space have expressed interest in entering into partnership agreements with the state government. UAE-based multinational Crescent Enterprises has come forward to invest in state-based enterprises and companies. A memorandum of understanding has been signed to facilitate Swiss companies in leveraging Karnataka's industry-friendly and innovation-driven ecosystem. Natural Fiber Welding (NFW Earth) has informed that it will share a detailed project proposal with the state government regarding expansion of its operations," the minister said. - IANS Lucknow conducted a full-dress rehearsal for the 2026 Republic Day parade, featuring contingents from armed forces, schools, and artists. District Magistrate Vishakh G. confirmed all preparations are complete for the event, which will include cultural performances from nine states. Meanwhile, in New Delhi, 30 tableaux from states and ministries will be part of the main parade. A key highlight will be the first showcase of the S-400 air defence system in the Department of Military Affairs tableau. Lucknow holds full-dress rehearsal for 2026 Republic Day parade with 65 contingents, cultural shows, and details on Delhi's main event tableaux. Lucknow, January 24 With just days to go, the full-dress rehearsal for the 2026 Republic Day parade was held on Saturday in front of the Assembly building in Lucknow, where senior district officials were in attendance. During the rehearsal, the contingents of the participating forces, schoolchildren, and artists impressed everyone with their flawless performance. Lucknow District Magistrate Vishakh G. confirmed that all preparations are finalised, with the team ready to execute the ceremonial parade. "All preparations for the parade have been completed, and our team is fully ready to conduct the parade," he said. He added, "The parade will also feature cultural performances by artists from nine different states and presentations by seven local organisations, along with marching, coordinated by the Cultural Department." Featuring 65 marching contingents from the armed forces, paramilitary units, and Lucknow district schools, the rehearsal set the stage for a grand celebration of the nation's 77th Republic Day on January 26. A total of 30 tableaux, including 17 from States and Union Territories (UTs) and 13 from Ministries, Departments, and Services, will roll down the Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26. The list of the participating tableaux includes Assam - Asharikandi - Terracotta Craft Village of Assam; Chhattisgarh - The Mantra of Freedom - Vande Mataram; Gujarat - Mantra of Swadeshi - Self-Reliance - Freedom: Vande Mataram; Kerala - Water Metro & 100 per cent Digital Literacy; Maharashtra - Ganeshotsav; Manipur - Towards Prosperity; Nagaland - The Hornbill Festival - Celebrating Culture, Tourism & Self-Reliance; Tamil Nadu - Mantra of Prosperity; Ministry of Culture - Vande Mataram - The Soul Cry of a Nation; Ministry of Information & Broadcasting - Bharat Katha. The S-400 air defence system, which shot down multiple Pakistani aircraft, would also be showcased for the first time at the Department of Military Affairs tableau during the Republic Day 2026 parade, according to Air Commodore Manish Sabharwal. This year, the Indian Air Force is the lead service for conducting all ceremonial events related to the Republic Day celebrations. - ANI The All India Medical Students' Association has urgently requested the Indian Embassy in Tehran to help retrieve the passports of Indian students held by Iranian universities, preventing their return home. The appeal cites intense anxiety among students and families due to the deteriorating security situation in Iran, marked by widespread protests and a violent crackdown. The association has further urged the embassy to consider evacuation measures if conditions worsen. The plea comes amid heightened US-Iran tensions, with both sides exchanging warnings and military movements. Indian medical students in Iran request embassy intervention to retrieve passports and consider evacuation amid worsening security situation and US-Iran tensions. New Delhi, January 24 Amid rising tensions and deteriorating conditions in Iran, the All India Medical Students' Association has written to the Embassy of India in Tehran, seeking urgent intervention for the return of passports of Indian students studying there and urging that evacuation measures be considered if the situation worsens. In its letter to the Indian Ambassador, AIMSA said it wished to highlight "the growing distress among Indian students currently studying in various universities across Iran," noting that concerns have intensified due to the prevailing situation in the country. The association said, "Many Indian students have expressed their desire to return to India due to the prevailing situation, but are unable to do so as their passports are still withheld by their respective universities, preventing them from making travel arrangements despite advisories issued earlier." AIMSA said this has "caused serious anxiety among students and their families back home." It said it has "humbly requested the esteemed Indian High Commission to kindly intervene with the concerned authorities and universities to facilitate the immediate return of passports to Indian students who wish to travel back to India." AIMSA further said that "if the situation worsens," it "respectfully urges the High Commission to consider necessary evacuation measures to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals." Expressing confidence in official support, the association added, "We trust in your continued support and intervention in safeguarding the interests of Indian students abroad," and said it "remains ready to extend full cooperation and provide any assistance required in this regard." The concerns raised by AIMSA come amid widespread unrest in Iran, where protests began spreading across the country in late December last year as citizens took to the streets over a weakening economy and the sharp fall of the Rial. Following the outbreak of protests, Iran witnessed what has been described as the longest and most extensive internet shutdown in its history, lasting nearly two weeks. Authorities also imposed additional curbs on communication networks, some of which have since been partially eased. The situation escalated further amid allegations of a violent crackdown on demonstrators, with activists claiming that at least 5,000 people were killed. The reported scale of the violence prompted warnings of possible intervention from Iran's long-time adversary, the United States. Although the protests appeared to briefly subside last week, tensions resurfaced as Iran and the United States exchanged fresh warnings. US President Donald Trump said an "armada" was "heading in that direction," referring to a US aircraft carrier moving toward the Middle East, while adding that he hoped it would not have to be used. The remarks triggered strong reactions from Tehran, where officials cautioned that any further escalation could lead to an all-out war, underscoring the fragile and volatile state of relations between the two sides. - ANI The U.S. Department of Justice highlighted three high-profile fraud cases where cryptocurrency played a material role in its 2025 Year in Review, released Thursday, noting heightened enforcement as digital assets become embedded in traditional fraud schemes. The cases emerged from a record-breaking year where prosecutors charged 265 defendants with an aggregate intended fraud loss exceeding $16 billion, more than double last year's total, according to the DOJ's Criminal Division Fraud Section report. The Fraud Section operates through four specialized units: the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Unit, the Market, Government, and Consumer Fraud Unit, the Health and Safety Unit, and the Health Care Fraud Unit, which oversees health care fraud cases that have included seizures of crypto. The report highlights the growing role of crypto in large-scale fraud operations. In one such case, Tyler Kontos, Joel Max Kupetz, and Jorge Kinds were charged over a $1 billion amniotic wound allograft fraud scheme that allegedly drove more than $600 million in improper Medicare payments. Prosecutors say the defendants targeted elderly and terminally ill patients with medically unnecessary grafts, and authorities later seized over $7.2 million in assets, including bank accounts and crypto. The Justice Department also noted last years National Health Care Fraud Takedown, the largest in Department history, where 324 individuals were charged in schemes involving over $14.6 billion in intended loss. During that operation, authorities "seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, cryptocurrency, and other assets." Last November, Travis Ford, former CEO of Wolf Capital, was sentenced to 60 months in prison for a $9.4 million crypto investment fraud that targeted about 2,800 investors, after promising 12% daily returns and diverting funds for personal gain, the DOJ said. DOJ, FBI, Secret Service Unveil 'Strike Force' to Combat Crypto Scams Rooted in China The enforcement actions come as Congress moves to address crypto fraud. Last month, Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced the bipartisan SAFE Crypto Act, which would establish a federal task force within 180 days aimed at reducing crypto scams through cross-sector coordination. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg also urged state lawmakers this month to criminalize unlicensed crypto operations, warning that a $51 billion criminal economy is thriving in regulatory blind spots. "The most important shift right now is speed. We've seen roughly a 500% increase in AI-enabled fraud, and that increase isn't just about volumeit's about how fast criminal operations can now move," Ari Redbord, VP and Global Head of Policy at TRM Labs, told Decrypt. The Central government has decided to advance a new high-speed rail project for Kerala, sidelining the state's Silver Line proposal. Spearheaded by the DMRC with E. Sreedharan as chief consultant, the 430-km corridor will connect Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur in about three hours and fifteen minutes. The project features 22 stations, links to three key airports, and is designed to minimise land acquisition through elevated tracks and tunnels. With an estimated cost of Rs 1 lakh crore and a 30% state contribution, construction is targeted for completion within five years after the DPR is finalized. Centre approves new 430-km high-speed rail for Kerala via DMRC. E. Sreedharan to lead. Project aims for 3.15-hr travel, 22 stations, and airport links. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 24 In a major reset of Kerala's rail infrastructure plans, the Centre, according to 'Metroman' E. Sreedharan, has decided to move ahead with an alternative high-speed rail project for the state, effectively sidelining the state government's flagship Silver Line proposal. The new corridor will be spearheaded by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), with veteran technocrat E. Sreedharan at the helm as chief consultant. Sreedharan, widely credited as the driving force behind the Kochi Metro -- now a critical mobility lifeline for commuters and business travellers in Kerala's commercial capital -- said the Centre has instructed officials to proceed without delay. An official announcement is expected within 15 days. While formal government orders may take time, groundwork has already begun, and soon an office is expected to open in Ponnani, the hometown of Sreedharan. According to him, the proposed high-speed rail corridor will stretch 430 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur, covering the distance in about three hours and 15 minutes. The project envisages 22 stations and seamless connectivity to the state's three key airports, including Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery, and Karipur Airport. It will significantly strengthen Kerala's transport and logistics ecosystem. The alignment is designed to minimise land acquisition, a key factor that derailed earlier proposals. Most of the corridor will run on elevated tracks, with around 25 per cent passing through tunnels. In elevated sections, the land will be returned to owners for use once pillar construction is completed, subject to stipulated conditions. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is expected within nine months, with construction likely to be completed in five years at an estimated cost of Rs 1 lakh crore, with the state shelling out 30 per cent of the cost. The move marks a clear departure from the Silver Line project, which was a pet initiative of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Despite repeated assurances from the Chief Minister that Silver Line would become a reality, the project failed to take off amid mounting concerns over land acquisition, environmental impact and financial viability. Sreedharan also indicated that the DPR for the Nilambur-Nanjangode railway line would be fast-tracked, signalling a broader push to modernise rail connectivity. For Kerala, the Centre-backed plan underscores a shift towards execution-driven, technically conservative infrastructure development, after years of political and policy deadlock. - IANS The first trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States since the war began have been held in the United Arab Emirates. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that Russia bears the responsibility for ending the conflict, describing the discussions as a preliminary step. The US delegation termed the opening round "productive," but major disagreements, particularly over territorial issues in the Donbas region, remain unresolved. The talks proceed amid continued hostilities, including recent Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv. Trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi mark first engagement since war began. Zelenskyy says Moscow must end the conflict, while US calls discussions "productive." Kyiv, January 24 Stressing that the Ukraine, Russia and the United States' trilateral talks in the United Arab Emirates are an initial step, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that the responsibility for ending the ongoing conflict lies with Moscow. The trilateral talks in the United Arab Emirates marked the first such engagement involving all three sides since the war began nearly four years ago. Reacting to the discussions, Zelenskyy underscored Kyiv's long-held position, stating, "Russia must end the war it started; our position is clear." He described the Abu Dhabi talks as an initial step but urged caution in drawing early conclusions. The negotiations are being held against the backdrop of continued hostilities. Ukrainian authorities reported that Kyiv came under a large-scale Russian drone and ballistic missile attack early Saturday, prompting air defence systems to be activated across the capital. Officials from the United States termed the opening round of talks "productive" and said discussions were expected to continue through Saturday. Zelenskyy, however, said it was premature to assess the outcome. In a post on X late Friday, he noted that Ukraine's delegation was briefing him hourly but warned that it was "too early to assess the substance" of the negotiations. Reiterating his stance, Zelenskyy said, "The main thing is that Russia must be ready to end this war, which it itself started," adding that clear instructions had been given to Ukraine's negotiating team. "We will see how the conversation develops and what results it produces." The Abu Dhabi talks follow a lengthy meeting earlier this week in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoys, which the Kremlin described as "useful." Despite renewed diplomatic engagement, major disagreements persist, particularly over territorial issues. Russia is demanding that Ukraine withdraw from areas it still controls in the Donetsk region, a condition Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. Zelenskyy has previously said that a US-backed, 20-point peace framework is close to being finalised, though the future status of the Donbas region remains unresolved. He has also proposed a reciprocal troop withdrawal of up to 40 kilometres to establish a demilitarised free economic zone, subject to similar steps by Russia, and linked to long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukraine's delegation in Abu Dhabi is led by National Security and Defence Council chief Rustem Umerov, along with senior officials including Kyrylo Budanov and negotiator David Arakhamia. Chief of the General Staff Andrii Hnatov is also part of the team. Russia's delegation is headed by GRU director Igor Kostyukov, while investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev is holding separate economic discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff. The US delegation also includes President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov earlier described talks with US officials as "substantive and frank," while maintaining that a durable peace would require resolving territorial disputes. Until then, he said, Russia would continue what it calls its "special military operation." Meanwhile, fighting continues on the ground, with both sides reporting overnight drone attacks in recent days. These include strikes on a Russian oil depot in the Penza region and multiple locations within Ukraine. Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have left parts of Ukraine facing winter conditions without reliable heating or electricity. Zelenskyy has meanwhile remained engaged with Western allies. Speaking about his meeting with President Donald Trump on the margins of the World Economic Forum in Davos, he described the interaction as "very positive," and said both sides had arrived at an understanding on prospective US security guarantees for Ukraine, contingent upon approval by the US Congress and Ukraine's parliament. - ANI Mount Abu in Rajasthan recorded its coldest day of the season with temperatures plunging to -7 degrees Celsius. Thick ice sheets formed on ponds and frost covered grasslands, creating severe winter conditions. The cold wave persisted well past Basant Panchami, surprising tourists and forcing locals to huddle around bonfires for warmth. The biting winds and freezing temperatures made it one of the harshest winter phases in recent years for the hill station. Mount Abu records -7C, its coldest day this winter, with frozen ponds and frost-covered landscapes as a severe cold wave continues in North India. Mount Abu, January 24 As a cold wave continues to grip northern India, Rajasthan's only hill station, Mount Abu, has been witnessing extreme winter conditions, with frost forming on grasslands and icy layers covering water bodies as temperatures dipped sharply over the past few days. Usually, winter conditions begin to ease after Basant Panchami, but Mount Abu has experienced the opposite trend over the last three days. Following a cold wave on Friday, Saturday morning, January 24, turned out to be the coldest and most bone-chilling day of the current winter season. The minimum temperature reportedly plunged to a staggering minus 7 degrees Celsius today, marking the lowest reading this winter. The severity of the cold was evident across the region as thick layers of ice formed on ponds and small water bodies, resembling ice sheets seen inside deep freezers. In several areas, water surfaces froze completely overnight, highlighting the intensity of the cold wave. Visuals from the region showed frost-covered surroundings and residents braving the harsh conditions. A thick layer of frozen dew was also observed on grasslands in rural pockets of Mount Abu, including Salgaon and the Chand Mari firing range. Nearby ponds were seen covered with solid ice sheets, underlining how low temperatures had dropped through the night and early morning hours. The cold conditions persisted throughout the day, with biting winds adding to the discomfort. Even after 9 am, locals were seen warming themselves around bonfires along roadsides, as the sun offered little relief. The cold spell continued well into the evening and night, making it one of the harshest winter phases in recent years. Tourists visiting Mount Abu for sightseeing expressed surprise at the extreme cold following Basant Panchami. Many said the weather stood in stark contrast to conditions in their home cities. Despite wearing heavy winter clothing, several visitors were seen keeping their hands tucked into pockets, rubbing their palms together while sipping hot tea and snacks to cope with the freezing temperatures. - ANI The government marked National Girl Child Day, stating India is advancing toward an equitable society with no gender discrimination. Significant progress includes an improved Sex Ratio at Birth and higher Gross Enrolment Ratios for girls at the secondary level. This is attributed to sustained efforts under schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and the broader Mission Shakti umbrella. The day serves as a platform to raise awareness, promote equal opportunities, and change societal attitudes to empower girls. India marks National Girl Child Day, highlighting gains in sex ratio and girls' education through Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Mission Shakti initiatives. New Delhi, Jan 24 India is advancing towards an equitable society with no gender discrimination and equal opportunities for girls, said the government. Initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), the day serves as a platform to raise awareness about gender discrimination, promote equal opportunities, and foster an environment where girls can thrive as empowered citizens. The day also aligns effectively with India's vision of women-led development and Viksit Bharat by 2047. The government has, through different initiatives, supported by community participation, NGOs, schools, and Anganwadis, made measurable gains in girls' survival, education, and empowerment. "National Girl Child Day 2026 serves as a reminder of the importance of empowering girls and fostering an environment of equality and opportunity. Through multi-sectoral awareness campaigns, policy enforcement, and community engagement, India continues to build momentum towards gender equity and societal attitudes," said an official statement. "With the ongoing commitment from government, civil society, and communities, India is advancing towards an equitable society where every girl child is valued, protected, and empowered to realise her full potential," it added. The government has addressed persistent inequalities faced by girls, including gender biases, female foeticide, challenges related to the child sex ratio, child marriage, and barriers to education and health. Importantly, the day emphasises changing societal attitudes to value and respect girls as equals, thereby promoting their holistic development. "Significant progress has been made through sustained efforts, particularly under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, with the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) rising from around 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24 at the national level," the government said. In addition to this, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for girls at the secondary level (Classes 9-10) in India has shown improvement, rising from 75.51 per cent in 2014-15 to 78 per cent in 2023-24. Furthermore, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for girls at the secondary level reached 80.2 per cent in 2024-25. The government has implemented a range of targeted schemes to protect, educate, and empower the girl child, many integrated under the umbrella Mission Shakti, which includes Samagra Shiksha, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) , and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Other initiatives include the Vigyan Jyoti Scheme, scholarships for girl child, Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat, POSHAN Abhiyaan, and Mission Vatsalya. To promote long-term economic security and independence for girls, the government has also introduced dedicated savings and investment schemes that encourage families to plan for their daughters' education, marriage, and future needs with the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY). - IANS The Grand Finale of the National School Band Competition 2025-26 was inaugurated in New Delhi by Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The event, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, aims to promote diverse student talents beyond academics, emphasizing discipline and musical excellence. Officials highlighted that the school band tradition is inspired by the armed forces, where music symbolizes unity and boosts morale. Schools from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi have qualified for the national-level finale. Education & Defence Secretaries inaugurate National School Band Competition finale, promoting discipline, teamwork & patriotism among students. New Delhi, Jan 24 School Education and Literacy Secretary Sanjay Kumar on Saturday inaugurated the Grand Finale of National School Band Competition 7, 2025-26, reiterating the Education Ministry's plan to promote diverse talents beyond the classroom in line with the National Education Policy 2020. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who jointly started the competition, at National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, said the event marks a significant milestone in promoting discipline, teamwork and musical excellence among school students across the country. Secretary, DoSEL, noted that the tradition of school bands is deeply inspired by the armed forces, where music has historically served as a powerful symbol of valour, unity and morale. Even in the most challenging wartime conditions, military bands have played a vital role in motivating troops and strengthening bonds of camaraderie and collective spirit, said Sanjay Kumar. He added that participation at the national level itself is a significant milestone, reflecting months of rigorous practice and dedication by students. Rajesh Kumar Singh, in his address, appreciated the collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education in institutionalising the competition as part of the Republic Day Celebrations. He lauded the students for their dedication, precision and musical excellence, noting that such initiatives instil a deep sense of patriotism and national service among young learners. Amarpreet Duggal, Joint Secretary, DoSEL, presented the Vote of Thanks. She expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participating schools, mentors and organising teams for their efforts in making the event a success. While the National Capital Delhi has sent one school to the band competition, the maximum number of three schools from Jharkhand have made the cut for the Grand Finale. The three Jharkhand schools are: St. Xavier's High School Lupungutu, Chaibasa, West Singhbhum; Kairali School Sec-2, HEC Township, Dhurwa, Ranchi and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Kanke, Ranchi. From Uttar Pradesh two schools have reached the Finale. These are: St. Joseph College, Ruchi, Khand-1, Shardanagar, Aashiyana, Lucknow and City Montessori School Kanpur Road, LDA, Lucknow, said a statement. - IANS BJP National President Nitin Nabin will visit Mathura-Vrindavan to participate in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' programme and offer prayers at the Shri Banke Bihari Mandir. Following this spiritual engagement, he will embark on a two-day organisational tour to West Bengal, chairing core team and karyakarta meetings in Durgapur, Purba Bardhaman, and Raniganj. His visit aims to strengthen the party's grassroots network ahead of the state's assembly elections. Subsequently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also scheduled for a two-day tour of West Bengal to review political preparations. BJP National President Nitin Nabin to offer prayers at Banke Bihari Mandir, join PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat, then hold key organisational meetings in West Bengal. New Delhi, January 24 Bharatiya Janata Party's newly appointed National President, Nitin Nabin, will embark on a day-long visit to Mathura-Vrindavan tomorrow, where he will offer prayers at the Shri Banke Bihari Mandir and participate in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popular radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat'. According to the BJP, Nitin Nabin will participate in the 130th edition of PM Modi's popular radio programme, "Mann Ki Baat," alongside party workers and locals at the Akshaya Patra Chandrodaya Mandir in Vrindavan at 11:00 AM tomorrow. Following the broadcast, the BJP National President will visit Shri Banke Bihari Mandir at 11:40 AM to offer prayers to Thakur Ji and perform puja-archana. The BJP stated that Nabin will later visit the residence of BJP MLA Shri Rajesh Chaudhary at 12:15 PM to express his condolences on the demise of the MLA's mother. In addition to the Mathura-Vrindavan visit, Nitin Nabin will undertake his first official visit to West Bengal on January 27 and 28. During this trip, he will participate in a series of organisational meetings aimed at strengthening the party's grassroots network ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. In his visit, Nitin Nabin will chair a State Core Team Meeting in Durgapur on January 27, focusing on organisational strategy, political roadmap, and upcoming programmes. On January 28, Nabin will attend the Bardhaman Bibhag Karyakarta Sammelan at Chitralaya Mela Maidan, Purba Bardhaman, where he will interact with party workers. Later in the afternoon, he will participate in the Asansol District Karyakarta Meeting in Raniganj, addressing organisational issues and guiding party workers at the district level. Additionally, Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah will visit West Bengal on January 30 and 31. During his two-day tour, Amit Shah is expected to hold important organisational and political meetings, further energising the party cadre and reviewing preparations for the upcoming political challenges in the state. - ANI The Koraput district administration has ordered a one-day ban on the sale of all non-vegetarian food items on January 26, 2026, for Republic Day celebrations. This follows a similar, stricter ban enacted in Ayodhya, where serving non-vegetarian food in hotels and restaurants is now prohibited. Separately, the Punjab government has declared Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities, imposing bans on meat sale and consumption within their limits. Officials across these regions have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the new regulations. Koraput district orders a one-day ban on non-veg food sales for Republic Day, mirroring similar bans in Ayodhya and Punjab's holy cities. Koraput, January 24 The Collector and District Magistrate of Koraput District has directed officials to impose a one-day ban on the sale of non-vegetarian food items on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day celebrations. In a letter issued on January 23, the Collector and DM instructed all Tahsildars, Block Development Officers and Executive Officers across Koraput district to enforce a ban on the sale of meat, chicken, fish, eggs and other non-vegetarian items on January 26, 2026. According to the communication, officials have been asked to issue formal notifications within their respective jurisdictions to ensure strict compliance with the order. Meanwhile, Ayodhya Food Commissioner Manik Chandra Singh announced on January 10 a strict ban on non-vegetarian food in hotels and restaurants within Ayodhya Dham. The ban includes online deliveries, and authorities will penalise platforms violating the rule. Speaking to ANI, Food Commissioner Ayodhya Manik Chandra Singh said, "Non-vegetarian food has been banned from being served in hotels and restaurants in Ayodhya Dham." Singh also announced that action would be taken against hotels and delivery platforms flouting the rules. Also, the Punjab government, on December 16, 2025, formally declared the walled city of Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district, and Talwandi Sabo (Sri Damdama Sahib) in Bathinda district as Holy Cities of the state, imposing wide-ranging restrictions to preserve their religious sanctity. An official notification from the Department of Home Affairs, Punjab, stated that the decision has received the Governor of Punjab's approval. As part of the move, several departments have been directed to enforce prohibitions within the notified limits of the three cities. Department of Animal Husbandry has been requested to impose a ban on the sale and consumption of meat within the notified limits of the holy cities. - ANI The Pakistan Meteorological Department warns that Karachi's temperatures could plunge to single digits over the weekend, with cold, dry, and windy conditions prevailing. A new westerly wave is expected to bring further rain, wind, and snowfall to much of the country from Sunday through Tuesday. This includes upper Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir. The severe winter has already caused disruption, including a fatal avalanche in Chitral that killed nine family members. Karachi faces a severe cold wave with temperatures dropping to 7-9C. The PMD forecasts dry, windy conditions and wider rain/snowfall across Pakistan. Karachi, January 24 The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that temperatures in Karachi may drop to single digits over the weekend, with the city likely to experience cold and dry conditions accompanied by occasional winds, Dawn reported. Karachi experienced its second spell of winter rainfall on Thursday afternoon under the influence of a westerly wave, which resulted in light to moderate showers across several areas. Strong post-rain winds swept through the city, further lowering the perceived temperature and intensifying the cold spell. According to the PMD's weather outlook, the minimum temperature in the city was forecast at 8.5 degrees Celsius on Saturday and is expected to decline further to between 7C and 9C on Sunday. The minimum temperature is projected to increase slightly on Monday night, ranging between 8C and 10C, Dawn reported. Meanwhile, maximum temperatures in Karachi are expected to remain between 19C and 21C on Saturday and Sunday, before rising to between 20C and 22C on Monday. The Met Office has forecast that morning humidity levels over the next three days are likely to range between 40 and 55 per cent, while night-time humidity may fall sharply to between 10 and 25 per cent. Northeast to easterly winds are expected to persist until Monday, the PMD noted, according to Dawn. Separately, the PMD on Friday forecast additional rain and snowfall in several parts of the country from Sunday night through Tuesday, with a drop in daytime temperatures expected during the period. As per the Met Office, a westerly wave is likely to enter the western regions of the country on January 25 (Sunday) and strengthen over the upper parts on January 26 (Monday). Under its influence, rain, wind and thunderstorms accompanied by snowfall are expected across most areas of Balochistan on Sunday night and Monday. Upper Sindh, including Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad and Dadu, is also likely to receive rainfall on Monday. Rain, wind and thunderstorms with snowfall, including heavy snowfall at isolated locations, are expected in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) and Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK). The weather system is also forecast to impact several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, Dawn reported. The forecasts come amid severe winter conditions that have disrupted normal life across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, PoGB and PoJK, where heavy snowfall, avalanches and landslides have blocked roads, stranded travellers, and affected electricity supply and relief operations. On Friday, nine members of a family were killed after a snow avalanche buried their house in Chitral. - ANI Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has called an all-party meeting for January 27 to set the agenda for the upcoming Budget Session. The session, running from January 28 to April 2, will feature 30 sittings and the presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1. Key discussion points are expected to include electoral roll revisions, the Delhi blast, air pollution, and special topics like the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram'. The government has previously used the budget to adjust customs duties on electronics to boost domestic manufacturing under the 'Make in India' policy. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju calls an all-party meeting on Jan 27 to discuss legislative business and key national issues for the Budget Session. New Delhi, January 24 Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has called an all-party meeting at 11 am on January 27 to discuss key national issues and legislative business ahead of the Budget Session, according to sources. The meeting will be held in the main Committee Room of Parliament and will set the agenda for the session, which begins on January 28 and runs until April 2. The Budget Session will commence on January 28 and continue till April 2, with one break. The first phase is scheduled from January 28 to February 13, while the second phase will run from March 9 to April 2. The Budget Session will feature 30 sittings, with the Union Budget 2026-27 being presented on February 1. President Droupadi Murmu will formally open the session, addressing members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Ahead of the budget, the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday took to X to highlight the previously announced customs duty rates. During the previous Budget sessions, in a decisive move to solidify India's position as a global electronics hub and to promote domestic manufacturing of electronic goods, the Union Finance Ministry announced an increase in the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on flat panel displays to 20 per cent. The move was aimed at correcting the inverted duty structure on the goods. The Ministry also reduced the BCD on open cells and key components to 5 per cent. "In line with our 'Make in India' policy, and to rectify inverted duty structure, I propose to increase the BCD on Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD) from 10 per cent to 20 per cent and reduce the BCD to 5 per cent on Open Cell and other components," the Finance Minister said in a post on X. To further boost local manufacture of Open Cells for LCD/LED TVs, BCD on parts of Open Cells was fully exempted, building on earlier reductions, it said. The all-party meeting is set to discuss the agenda for the session to ensure a smooth proceeding. In the last two sessions, including the monsoon and winter sessions in 2025, the Opposition parties have sought to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, which is underway across the country. In the last session, certain leaders have called for a discussion on the Delhi blast near Red Fort, air pollution, and other pressing matters. At the end, the government decided to hold special discussions on the song 'Vande Mataram' on its 150th anniversary and on 'Election Reform'. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated National Girl Child Day by reaffirming the government's commitment to ensuring dignity and opportunity for girls. He highlighted a decade of focused efforts on education, skilling, and healthcare to create an environment where girls can flourish. The Ministry of Women and Child Development reported significant progress, including an improved national Sex Ratio at Birth and higher Gross Enrolment Ratios for girls at the secondary level. The day underscores the role of girls in shaping an equitable future and aligns with India's vision for women-led development by 2047. PM Modi highlights 10-year government focus on education, health & opportunity for girls, citing improved sex ratio & enrollment figures on National Girl Child Day. New Delhi, Jan 24 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, commemorated the National Girl Child Day by highlighting the decade-long efforts of the Union government in creating a conducive environment for girls' well-being and their contribution towards Viksit Bharat. In a message on social media platform X, PM Modi said, "On National Girl Child Day, we reaffirm our unwavering resolve to ensure that the girl child leads a life of dignity, opportunity and hope." The Prime Minister added, "Over the last 10 years, we have focused on better education, skilling and healthcare for the girl child. This has ensured an environment where the girl child can flourish and effectively contribute towards a Viksit Bharat." On an earlier occasion, PM Modi had reiterated the Union government's commitment to keep empowering the girl child and ensure a wide range of opportunities for her. "India is proud of the accomplishments of the girl child across all fields. Their feats continue to inspire us all," he said. "Our government has focused on sectors like education, technology, skills and healthcare which have contributed to empowering the girl child. We are equally resolute in ensuring no discrimination happens against the girl child," the Prime Minister added. The National Girl Child Day is celebrated annually on January 24, to highlighting the rights, education, health, nutrition, and overall welfare of girls. Initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the day serves as a platform to raise awareness about gender discrimination, promote equal opportunities, and foster an environment where girls can thrive as empowered citizens. "It underscores the critical role of girls in shaping a brighter, more equitable future for the nation. This, in turn, aligns effectively with India's vision of women-led development and Viksit Bharat by 2047," a statement said. "National Girl Child Day provides an opportunity to address persistent inequalities faced by girls, including gender biases, female foeticide, challenges related to the child sex ratio, child marriage, and barriers to education and health," it added. "It emphasises changing societal attitudes to value and respect girls as equals, thereby promoting their holistic development," it said. Key focus areas include advancing girls' education, skill development, digital inclusion, participation in STEM fields, mental health support, safety from violence, and opportunities for leadership roles. A statement by the Ministry of Women and Child Development said that significant progress has been made through sustained efforts, particularly under the "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" (BBBP) scheme, with the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) rising from around 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24 at the national level. In addition to this, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for girls at the secondary level (classes 9-10) in India has shown improvement, rising from 75.51 per cent in 2014-15 to 78 per cent in 2023-24. Furthermore, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for girls at the secondary level reached 80.2 per cent in 2024-25, it said. - IANS Key Points Eli Lilly's oral GLP-1 candidate, orforglipron, won't earn approval as fast as the company expected. Meanwhile, a notable competitor is making headway in this market. Even with this setback, Eli Lilly should remain the leader in the weight loss space. 10 stocks we like better than Eli Lilly Competition in the weight loss market is heating up. The two leaders, Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) and Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO), have robust pipelines, with several candidates recently approved or expected to be approved soon. One of them for Eli Lilly is orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 medicine. Although orforglipron looks promising, it recently experienced a setback that sent Eli Lilly's shares down by about 4% in one day. Was the market's reaction justified? Let's find out. A longer review time After it aced phase 3 studies last year, Eli Lilly requested approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for orforglipron in December. The agency granted the medicine a new voucher that allows for a one- to two-month review time, much shorter than the usual 10 to 12 months. So, orforglipron should earn approval by the end of February, or that was the original plan. The FDA recently announced that it was extending the review time and now expects to decide on whether to approve orforglipron by April 10. Image source: Getty Images. There's one crucial reason why this matters. Novo Nordisk earned approval for the oral version of Wegovy in December and has already launched it. Oral GLP-1 drugs could reach patients who are harder to attract with the weight loss options that have been on the market for several years now, which are administered subcutaneously. Some dislike needles, and others, perhaps because they are constantly traveling, have issues accepting the cold storage requirements of subcutaneous injections. Oral pills address these problems. And now, Novo Nordisk will have even more time to capture a large portion of this market before Eli Lilly can launch its own challenger. Should you give up on Eli Lilly? It is worth remembering that the original version of Wegovy was approved in 2021, over two years before Eli Lilly's Zepbound. Yet, as of the third quarter of 2025, Zepbound was generating higher sales. A first-mover advantage matters in this market, but other factors such as efficacy, safety, tolerability, and breadth of application are even more important. Oral Wegovy may have been the first oral GLP-1 approved for weight loss, but orforglipron showed competitive efficacy, especially in patients with diabetes who have a harder time losing weight. Further, besides orforglipron, Eli Lilly has an attractive mid- and late-stage pipeline in its core therapeutic area, and that's before we move beyond it and look at the company's work elsewhere. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur on his birth anniversary, calling him a "precious gem of Maa Bharti." Thakur, posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna this year, is celebrated for his lifelong dedication to the marginalized and for implementing key reservation policies. Union Ministers Amit Shah and J.P. Nadda also honored Thakur's legacy, highlighting his work for Backward Classes, Dalits, and the poor. Known as 'Jan Nayak,' his advocacy for social justice and initiatives like free education continue to inspire. PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah honor Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur, praising his legacy of social justice and service to the marginalized. New Delhi, Jan 24 Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur on his birth anniversary on Saturday, stating that he will always be remembered for his simplicity and dedication to public service. Karpoori Thakur, popularly known as 'Jan Nayak', twice served as the Chief Minister of Bihar, first from December 1970 to June 1971, and then from June 1977 to April 1979. He was called 'Jan Nayak' for his lifelong work for the marginalised, implementing significant reservation policies, promoting education, and championing social justice. He is remembered for his advocacy for Backward Classes, making education free up to Class 8, and enforcing total prohibition in Bihar. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "On the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister of Bihar, Bharat Ratna Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, I offer my humble salutations. The upliftment of the exploited, deprived, and weaker sections of society was always at the centre of his politics. For his simplicity and dedication to public service, he will forever remain memorable and exemplary." Karpoori Thakur was posthumously awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, by the Modi Government on January 26, 2024. In a video message, the Prime Minister called Thakur a "precious gem of Maa Bharti" and said that it was an honour of his government to award him the Bharat Ratna. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to social media and paid tributes to the former Bihar Chief Minister. "By arranging reservations for the deprived, Backward Classes, women, as well as economically backward sections, he established exemplary ideals of social justice," Shah posted on X. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, taking to X, said, "On the birth anniversary of Bihar's brave son of the soil, freedom fighter, symbol of social harmony, and 'Bharat Ratna' Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, I pay my countless salutations to him." "The revered Karpoori Ji dedicated his entire life to fighting for the rights of the Backward Classes, Dalits, the poor, and farmers. His great ideals and struggles will forever inspire us to tread the path of justice, equality, and service," he added. - IANS President Droupadi Murmu will address the nation on the eve of Republic Day, with her speech broadcast across All India Radio and Doordarshan. The 77th Republic Day parade will feature 30 tableaux from states, union territories, and central ministries. For the first time, Indian Army contingents will march in a combat-ready battle array, reflecting actual wartime deployment. The parade, commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, aims to showcase the Army's transformation into a modern, integrated force. President Droupadi Murmu addresses the nation Jan 25. 77th Republic Day parade features 30 tableaux and Army's first combat-ready march. New Delhi, January 24 President Droupadi Murmu is set to address the nation on January 25 on the eve of Republic Day. According to a statement from the President's Secretariat, the address will be broadcast from 07:00 pm on the entire national network of Akashvani and telecast on all Doordarshan channels in Hindi, followed by the English version. The address in Hindi and English on Doordarshan will be followed by broadcasts in regional languages on Doordarshan's regional channels. Akashvani will broadcast regional-language versions from 09:30 pm onwards on its respective regional networks. Meanwhile, a total of 30 tableaux, including 17 from States and Union Territories (UTs) and 13 from Ministries, Departments, and Services, will roll down the Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26. The list of the participating tableaux includes Assam - Asharikandi - Terracotta Craft Village of Assam; Chhattisgarh - The Mantra of Freedom - Vande Mataram; Gujarat - Mantra of Swadeshi - Self-Reliance - Freedom: Vande Mataram; Kerala - Water Metro & 100 per cent Digital Literacy; Maharashtra - Ganeshotsav; Manipur - Towards Prosperity; Nagaland - The Hornbill Festival - Celebrating Culture, Tourism & Self-Reliance; Tamil Nadu - Mantra of Prosperity; Ministry of Culture - Vande Mataram - The Soul Cry of a Nation; Ministry of Information & Broadcasting - Bharat Katha. For the first time, Indian Army contingents participating in the Republic Day Parade will march in a combat-ready battle array, reflecting their actual deployment during warfare, Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi, said during a media interaction in New Delhi on Friday. The Indian Army Tableau will depict an Integrated Operations Centre, illustrating joint planning, precision targeting and air defence under the protective umbrella of "Sudarshan Chakra", showcasing how modern conflicts are planned and executed in real time. The parade will comprise 6,065 participants and will be commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar. The event will also feature 12 military bands and 8 pipe bands, adding ceremonial grandeur to the operational narrative. The 77th Republic Day Parade will thus stand out as a vivid demonstration of the Indian Army's transformation into a technology-driven, integrated and combat-ready force, firmly anchored in indigenous capability and operational excellence. - ANI President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to the people of Uttar Pradesh on the state's foundation day. Both leaders shared their messages on social media platform X, highlighting the state's rich cultural heritage and historical significance. They expressed confidence in Uttar Pradesh's continued progress and its crucial role in the nation's development journey. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his wishes, noting the state's transformation under the current government. President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi extend wishes on Uttar Pradesh Day, praising the state's culture and development journey. New Delhi, Jan 24 President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended warm greetings to the people of Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of the state's foundation day. President Droupadi Murmu took to social media platform X to convey her wishes, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the state. She wrote, "My best wishes to the people of Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Day. This land, with its glorious history and rich culture, has been a strong pillar in India's journey of development. I am confident that Uttar Pradesh will continue to progress on the path of development. I wish a bright future for the hardworking and talented people of this state" Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his message on X, congratulating the people of Uttar Pradesh for their contributions to the nation. He said, "Heartiest congratulations to all my family members in Uttar Pradesh who have made invaluable contributions to the prosperity of Indian culture and heritage on the state's foundation day. With the participation of our double-engine government and its people dedicated to development, our state has transformed from a sick state to an exceptional one in the last nine years. I firmly believe that Uttar Pradesh's potential will be crucial in keeping the country's progress moving forward." Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his greetings on the occasion. Taking to X, he said, "Heartfelt greetings to all my brothers and sisters in Uttar Pradesh on the state's foundation day. Uttar Pradesh, nurtured by the invaluable heritage of Sanatan culture and blessed by the sacred and fertile lands of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, is the land that has always guided the nation on the path of culture, spirituality, strength, and resolve. Today, under the double-engine government, Uttar Pradesh is setting new benchmarks in development and world-class infrastructure. I wish the state continued progress and prosperity." - IANS President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the 16th National Voters' Day celebrations in New Delhi. The event, themed 'My India, My Vote', will feature the distribution of Electors Photo Identity Cards to newly-enrolled young voters. President Murmu will also present Best Electoral Practices Awards and launch two new publications from the Election Commission. Simultaneous celebrations will be held across the country at state, district, and booth levels. President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate National Voters' Day, distribute EPIC cards and awards, and launch new ECI publications. New Delhi, Jan 24 President of India Droupadi Murmu will on Sunday kick off celebrations on the 16th National Voters' Day by handing over Electors Photo Identity Cards to the newly-enrolled young electors, an official said on Saturday. This year, the theme of the event is 'My India, My Vote' with the tagline, "Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy". President Murmu will preside over the function as the Chief Guest and Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal will be the Guest of Honour. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar would be leading the event, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, said a statement issued by the ECI. During the event President Murmu will distribute the Best Electoral Practices Awards in different categories including effective use of technology, election management and logistics, innovative voter awareness, implementation and enforcement of Model Code of Conduct, training and capacity building, along with other special awards and awards for the media. The National Voters' Day will also see the launch of two publications - '2025: A year of Initiatives and Innovations' and 'Chunav Ka Parv, Bihar Ka Garv', a publication on the successful conduct of General Elections in Bihar. A video reflecting the ECI's global leadership in electoral management and democratic development shall also be screened on the occasion, said the statement. An exhibition showcasing various aspects of the elections, including preparation of Electoral Rolls and the Conduct of Elections, will also be organised. It will also highlight the recent initiatives taken by ECI for the benefit of the voters and the successful conduct of the Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections in 2025. The NVD celebrations are also conducted simultaneously throughout the country at the State and District levels through the offices of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) and District Election Officers (DEOs) respectively. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) also organise events at their respective polling station locations and shall felicitate the newly registered voters and hand over the EPIC to the new electors, said the statement. - IANS UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince Harry have strongly condemned remarks by former US President Donald Trump that appeared to downplay the role and sacrifices of NATO allies in Afghanistan. Starmer, in a video message, called Trump's comments "insulting and frankly appalling" while honoring British personnel who died. Prince Harry, a veteran of two Afghan tours, issued a statement emphasizing that allies answered the call after 9/11 and that the sacrifices deserve truth and respect. The White House, however, defended Trump's position, stating the US has done more for NATO than any other ally. Prince Harry and UK PM Keir Starmer condemn Donald Trump's remarks on NATO troops in Afghanistan as "insulting," defending allied sacrifices. Washington DC, January 24 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince Harry condemned the remarks by US President Donald Trump about sending troops to the Afghan frontlines, CNN reported. Their reactions came after Trump, in an interview with Fox News, spoke about the US involvement in NATO and said that Washington received little in return when compared to its contributions. "Will they be there if we ever needed them?" Trump asked, "I'm not sure of that." With regards to NATO members sending troops to Afghanistan, CNN reported that Trump said, "We've never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them. You know, they'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, or this or that. And they did - they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines," he said. In a video message on X, the UK PM paid tributes to the 457 armed forces personnel who lost their lives in Afghanistan and recalled their courage, bravery and sacrifice and several of those injured with life-changing injuries. "I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling", he said. A key principle of the NATO alliance is Article 5, under which all members agree to come to the defence of any member state if it is attacked. Article 5 has been invoked once, by the United States after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. CNN reported that around 3,500 allied troops died in the conflict, of whom 2456 were Americans and 457 were British. The Duke of Sussex, who served in the British Army with two tours of Afghanistan, issued a strong statement via his spokesperson on January 23 in response to Trump, People reported. As per People, Harry said, "In 2001, NATO invoked Article 5 for the first--and only--time in history. It meant that every allied nation was obliged to stand with the United States in Afghanistan, in pursuit of our shared security. Allies answered that call. I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there". He further said, "Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost...Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace." CNN reported that when asked to respond to Starmer's comments, the White House shrugged off his criticism and insisted Trump was correct. "President Trump is absolutely right - the United States of America has done more for NATO than any other country in the alliance has done combined," Taylor Rogers, a White House spokeswoman, said as per CNN. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually distributed over 61,000 appointment letters to youth across 45 locations at the 18th Rozgar Mela. He stated that connecting youth with skills and providing employment opportunities is a top priority for his government. The Prime Minister highlighted that women's participation in the workforce has nearly doubled in the past 11 years and credited schemes like MUDRA Yojana. He also emphasized that India's modern infrastructure investments and growing startup ecosystem are creating massive employment opportunities across various sectors. PM Modi distributes over 61,000 govt job letters, highlights initiatives for youth employment, women's workforce participation, and India's economic growth. New Delhi, Jan 24 Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed more than 61,000 appointment letters to the newly appointed youth in various government departments and organisations at the 18th Rozgar Mela on Saturday. The newly recruited candidates, selected from all parts of India, will be joining various Central ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Department of Financial Services, and the Department of Higher Education, among others. Addressing the event being held at 45 locations across the nation, virtually, PM Modi said, "The beginning of the year 2026 marks the beginning of new joys. Along with this, since Vasant Panchami was just celebrated yesterday, a new 'Vasant' is also beginning in your lives." He said that the appointment letters are "an invitation letter for nation-building" and a "sankalp patra" for giving direction towards a Viksit Bharat. Extending his congratulations, he said that these youth will play a significant role in the growth of the government companies, strengthening the education, technological ecosystem and enhancing services and energy security. "Connecting young people with skills and providing them opportunities for employment and self-employment has always been a priority for our government. That is why we initiated the Rozgar Mela in mission mode. Over the years, the Rozgar Mela has become an institution through which lakhs of youth have received appointment letters across various government departments," the Prime Minister said. He further noted that India is one of the youngest countries in the world and the Central government is "continuously striving to create new opportunities for India's youth, both within the country and globally". "The Indian government is actively entering into trade and mobility agreements with several nations to expand these opportunities," he said. PM Modi said that over the past years, India has made "unprecedented investments" in modern infrastructure, which has created "massive employment opportunities" across every sector linked to construction. At the same time, he mentioned that the scope of India's startup ecosystem is growing rapidly. "Similarly, initiatives under Digital India have expanded a whole new economy. In fields like animation, digital media, and several other sectors, India is emerging as a global hub. Our creator economy is growing at a fast pace, offering young people new opportunities every day," he added. Highlighting India's global standing, the Prime Minister said, "The increasing trust that the world places in India is creating countless new possibilities for our youth. India is the only major economy in the world to have doubled its GDP in a single decade. More than a hundred countries are investing in India through FDI. Compared to the decade before 2014, FDI in India has more than doubled. And more foreign investment directly translates into innumerable employment opportunities for India's youth." Mentioning that 8,000 women have received their appointment letters on Saturday, he highlighted that in the past 11 years, women's participation in the country's workforce has nearly doubled and that women's self-employment rates have increased by nearly 15 per cent. He said that the government schemes like MUDRA Yojana and Startup India have "greatly benefited our daughters". "Today, in very large numbers, women are directors and founders. In our cooperative sector and in self-help groups working in villages, a significant number of women are providing leadership," he added. PM Modi stated that today the country is moving on a "reform express", aimed at "making both life and business easier". "Everyone has benefited from next-generation GST reforms. This is helping our young entrepreneurs and our MSMEs. Recently, the country has implemented historic labour reforms. These will benefit workers, employees, and businesses alike. The new labour codes have further strengthened the ambit of social security for workers and employees," he added. Calling on the new appointees, the Prime Minister said, "Try to recall the past five to seven years, whenever you had to interact with the government in any form, whether through a government office or any other channel. Think about whether you faced difficulties, delays, or felt something was lacking. Remember the things that troubled you, that troubled your parents or your friends, the things that irritated you or made you angry. Now, you must decide that such difficulties will not be faced by other citizens during your tenure. As a part of the government, you too will have to bring small reforms at your own level." "You must move forward with this approach so that the maximum number of people benefit. Ease of living and ease of doing business are strengthened not only by policies, but even more by the intent of government employees working at the local level," he said. He further said that the country is changing rapidly, and with this fast pace of change, he said that the new appointees "must keep upgrading", adding that they should make full use of platforms like iGOT Karmayogi. "Whether it is the Prime Minister or the smallest government functionary, we are all servants of the people. We all share one common mantra, with no one above or below anyone else. That mantra, for you and for you, is 'Nagrik Devo Bhava' -- the citizen is like God. We must work with this spirit. As a new phase begins in your lives, remember that through your efforts, India will become a Viksit Bharat by 2047," PM Modi added. In line with the Prime Minister's commitment to accord the highest priority to employment generation, Rozgar Mela is a key initiative aimed at translating this vision into action. Since its inception, more than 11 lakh recruitment letters have been issued through Rozgar Melas organised across the country. The newly recruited appointees are also getting an opportunity to train themselves through 'Karmayogi Prarambh', an online module on the iGOT Karmayogi portal, where more than 3,600 e-learning courses have been made available for "anywhere, any device" learning. This will provide a strong foundational training to the new appointees. Recognising the powerful role of the youth in national development, the Prime Minister launched a series of Rozgar Melas on October 22, 2022. These melas are expected to act as a catalyst in further employment generation and provide meaningful opportunities to the youth for their empowerment and participation in nation-building, according to an official statement. - IANS Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed grief over the death of soldiers in a bus accident in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, paying special tribute to 23-year-old Jobanpreet Singh from Rupnagar district. The accident occurred when an army vehicle slipped off the road in treacherous terrain and bad weather, resulting in ten fatalities and multiple injuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his anguish, stating the nation will remember the soldiers' service. A wreath-laying ceremony was held for the fallen jawans, with the government pledging support to the bereaved families. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann expressed grief over the death of soldiers, including Jobanpreet Singh from Rupnagar, in a Doda bus accident. PM Modi also offered condolences. New Delhi, January 24 Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday expressed grief over the death of soldiers after a bus fell into a deep ravine in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, and paid tribute to Jobanpreet Singh from Rupnagar district, who lost his life in the incident. In a post on X, CM Mann wrote, "A few days ago, in Doda, Jammu-Kashmir, a bus full of soldiers fell into a deep ravine, resulting in the martyrdom of 10 brave soldiers. Among those martyrs is the tragic news of the martyrdom of 23-year-old youth Jobanpreet Singh from Chanolli village in Rupnagar district." "Deep condolences to the family. We bow to the martyr soldier's courage for the nation. In this difficult time, the government stands with the martyr's family. Every possible assistance will be provided to the family," the post read. A day earlier, a wreath-laying ceremony was held for the ten army jawans who died in an accident in Doda district. An equal number of personnel sustained injuries during the mishap. According to the White Knight Corps, the Army vehicle carrying troops for an operation slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather. "In an unfortunate incident, an army vehicle carrying troops for an operation slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather in the general area of Doda. There are multiple casualties, including fatal. The injured have been evacuated for further treatment," said White Knight Corps in their official statement. The army personnel who lost their lives included Sowar Monu, Sowar Jobanjeet Singh, Sowar Mohit, Daffadar (DFR) Shailendra Singh Bhadoriya, Sepoy Samiran Sing, Sep Pradumna Lohar, Sowar Sudhir Narwal, Naik Hare Ram Kunwar, Sepoy Ajay Lakra, and Sowar Rinkhil Baliyan. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the tragic road accident. In a post on X, PM Modi said that the army personnel's service to the nation will be remembered forever. "Deeply anguished by the mishap in Doda, in which we have lost our brave army personnel. Their service to the nation will be remembered forever. May the injured recover at the earliest. All possible support is being provided to those affected," PM Modi wrote. - ANI Punjab Police have foiled a major terror conspiracy ahead of Republic Day celebrations by busting two modules linked to the banned Babbar Khalsa International. In Amritsar, one operative was arrested with a hand grenade and pistol, allegedly acting on directions from foreign-based handlers. In a separate joint operation in Hoshiarpur, four more operatives were arrested with a cache including 2.5 kg of RDX in an IED intended for a targeted attack. Security has been tightened across the district as investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the transnational network. Punjab Police foiled a major terror conspiracy, arresting 5 BKI-linked operatives in Amritsar & Hoshiarpur and recovering RDX, grenades, and pistols. Amritsar, January 24 Punjab Police on Friday foiled a major terror conspiracy ahead of Republic Day celebrations with the State Special Operations Cell, Amritsar, busting a terror module linked to the banned outfit Babbar Khalsa International and arresting one operative. According to the Punjab Police, the arrested accused was allegedly planning an imminent attack on a security establishment. Acting on specific intelligence, the SSOC recovered one hand grenade, a sophisticated pistol and ammunition from his possession, thereby averting a potentially serious terror strike in the run-up to January 26. In a post on X, Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, said the accused was operating under the directions of foreign-based handlers identified as Nishan Jaurrian, Adesh Jamarai and Simma Deol. An FIR has been registered at Police Station SSOC, Amritsar, under relevant sections of law, and further investigations are underway to trace the wider network and funding channels. Punjab Police said it remains committed to dismantling organised crime and terror networks to ensure peace and security across the state. The Amritsar arrest comes close on the heels of another major counter-terrorism operation carried out later on Friday in Hoshiarpur district. In a joint operation, Hoshiarpur Police and Counter-Intelligence, Jalandhar, busted another BKI-linked terror module and arrested four operatives from the Garhshankar area. Police recovered a large cache of arms and explosives, including 2.5 kilograms of RDX in the form of an improvised explosive device (IED), two pistols and live cartridges. Preliminary investigations indicate that the IED was intended for a targeted attack in view of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations. The arrested accused have been identified as Diljot Singh Saini, Harman alias Harry, Ajay alias Mehra and Arshdeep Singh alias Arsh Kandola. An FIR has been registered at Garhshankar police station under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosive Substances Act. Following the arrests, security has been tightened across Hoshiarpur with heavy police deployment, intensified checking at hotels and lodges, and round-the-clock patrolling. Police said investigations are continuing to uncover the full extent of the transnational terror network. - ANI NR Narayana Murthy commended the Reserve Bank of India for its role in making UPI a low-cost, accessible public good, earning public trust. He emphasized that strong organizational values come from leaders' actions, not just speeches, advocating for compassionate capitalism. Murthy highlighted the importance of documenting institutional memory and building on a sturdy foundation of knowledge for national progress. He urged future leaders to be evangelists of this approach, combining innovation with ethical leadership to prevent monopolies and encourage entrepreneurship. Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy credits RBI for enabling affordable UPI access, discusses values, leadership, and compassionate capitalism at IIM Bangalore. New Delhi, Jan 24 The Reserve Bank of India has been a catalytic, kind, wise and eternal enabler, making UPI a public good by making it less expensive for users and accessible -- thereby earning trust of the common man, according to NR Narayana Murthy, Founder of Infosys. "When you have leaders who have high aspirations and are well intentioned, you can transform the nation", he highlighted during an event in Bengaluru. Murthy said that if you want to build an organisation with strong values and want to protect the dignity of every employee, "you, as a leader, has to walk the talk. Value will not come from speeches, but from actions. Values, discipline, strong leadership and compassionate capitalism will take the society/country forward". During a fireside chat with Dr. Balakrishnan Mahadevan, Post Doctoral Fellow, IIM Bangalore, at the Center for Digital Public Goods at the institute, Murthy discussed his perspective on the values, governance principles and institutional choices that underpinned India's digital payments transformation. He said that technology is a perishable commodity. "Till now, India has been following an oral tradition, as against a written one, in terms of documentation of organisational progress. But how institutions are built, the sacrifices, challenges and constraints involved, the foibles of leaders, complexity of working in teams, how working on the leading edge of technology is, how contributions to society are made, are valuable information," he noted. All these will add to the compendium of institutional memory, and the foundations of India's progress will rest on such key knowledge and information by modern authors, said Murthy. According to him, the most important lesson is making the code a public code which is low cost. "This will prevent monopoly and create the platform for innovation. Combining innovation with sturdy foundation needs top quality leaders," he said. Stating that leaders should follow a simple life without any vulgar display of wealth, he told the students, "You, the future leaders, are the evangelists of compassionate capitalism, who will take the society/country forward. That will encourage entrepreneurship as well." - IANS Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced a major relief measure, waiving the 2% penalty interest for beneficiaries of rural housing schemes who repay their principal within six months. This one-time waiver scheme will provide approximately Rs 154 crore in relief to about 9,029 rural families, enabling them to become full homeowners. The decision was made in response to representations from beneficiaries who could afford the principal but not the penalty interest. Earlier, the CM met with Rear Admiral Sritanu Guru to discuss maritime security, commending his service in the Indian Navy. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel announces a Rs 154 crore penalty interest waiver for 9,029 rural families under housing schemes, following a meeting with Rear Admiral Sritanu Guru. Gandhinagar, January 24 Rear Admiral Sritanu Guru, Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat Daman and Diu Naval Area, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar. The Chief Minister commended his distinguished service in the Indian Navy and discussed maritime security with him. Sanjeev Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, was also present. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has taken a significant and compassionate decision in the broader interest of beneficiaries of the Gujarat Rural Housing Board's housing schemes in the rural regions of the state. As per this decision, beneficiaries in rural areas who are willing to repay the full principal amount but are unable to afford the monthly two per cent penalty interest will be provided relief.In response to representations made by such beneficiaries, CM has issued directives that those who repay the entire outstanding principal amount within 6 months will be exempted from the recovery of 2% penalty interest under a one-time interest waiver scheme. As a result of this decision, around 9,029 rural families will benefit, receiving relief of a substantial penalty interest amount totalling approximately Rs 154 crore. Additionally, these rural families will receive the right to own houses, thereby becoming homeowners in the true sense, a release said. The vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that every needy citizen has a roof of their own will be fulfilled for rural families of the state through this people-centric decision of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the release said. Gujarat Housing Board came into existence on 1st May 1960 as a result of the bifurcation of Bombay State and the Bombay Housing Board and the inclusion of Saurashtra Housing Board, as per the Gujarat Housing Board Act, 1961. Gujarat Slum Clearance Board was merged with effect from 1/04/2007 as the Slum Cell. Besides the Head office in Ahmedabad, GHB has several other offices across Gujarat. - ANI A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model . Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Ecora Royalties PLC ( LON:ECOR ) by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow. The US$1.39 analyst price target for ECOR is 52% less than our estimate of fair value Story Continues After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (3.0%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 9.1%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035 (1 + g) (r g) = US$84m (1 + 3.0%) (9.1% 3.0%) = US$1.4b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$1.4b ( 1 + 9.1%)10= US$584m The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is US$973m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of UK1.5, the company appears quite good value at a 49% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. LSE:ECOR Discounted Cash Flow January 24th 2026 Important Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Ecora Royalties as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 9.1%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.204. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. Check out our latest analysis for Ecora Royalties SWOT Analysis for Ecora Royalties Strength Net debt to equity ratio below 40%. Weakness Interest payments on debt are not well covered. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Metals and Mining market. Opportunity Expected to breakeven next year. Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Significant insider buying over the past 3 months. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Moving On: Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Ecora Royalties, we've put together three fundamental factors you should further research: Financial Health: Does ECOR have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does ECOR's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every British stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Iran has thanked India for voting against a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution addressing the human rights situation in Iran. Iranian Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali stated the opposition reflected India's commitment to justice and national sovereignty. The resolution was adopted with 25 votes in favor, 7 against, including India, and 14 abstentions. The thanks come amid reports of a significant death toll from recent anti-government protests and crackdowns in Iran. Iran's ambassador thanks India for its vote against a UN Human Rights Council resolution on Iran, calling it a principled stand for justice and sovereignty. New Delhi, January 24 Iran's ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, appreciated India's stand on the United Nations Human Rights Council's 39th special session to address the deteriorating human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. India voted against the resolution at the UNHRC calling for increased scrutiny of the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, aligning itself with a group of countries that opposed what they described as a selective and politically driven initiative. The resolution sought to address what sponsors termed a deteriorating human rights situation in Iran. India's vote placed it among a minority of states rejecting the measure, while several others abstained. The resolution was adopted at the session by 25 votes in favour, seven against and 14 abstentions. Reacting to India's vote, in a statement on X, Iranian Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali welcomed New Delhi's stance, saying, "I extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of India for its principled and firm support of I.R. of Iran at the UN_HRC, including opposing an unjust and politically motivated resolution. This stance reflects India's commitment to justice, multilateralism, and national sovereignty." Earlier, noting that the history of the relationship and collaboration between Iran and India dates back hundreds of years before the emergence of Islam, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, the Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader, said that India philosophical texts were studied in Iran. He said India's achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine were studied in Iran and people of Iran have always learned about the relationship between the two ancient civilisations. "The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran always insists on good relations and collaboration between Iran and India...I hope that in Chabahar they will work nicely...The history of the relationship and collaboration between Iran and India goes to 3,000 years ago, before the emergence of Islam. Even at that time, we were using philosophical books of India," he said. "Even at the university, we studied philosophical books of India, and in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, we were also using your civilisation, your knowledge, and we always learned through our schools the relationship between Iran and India," he added. Meanwhile, Iranian state television has released the first official death toll from the recent anti-government protests that engulfed the country, reporting that 3,117 people were killed during the crackdown, as reported by Al Jazeera. In a statement carried by Press TV on Wednesday, Iran's Martyrs Foundation said that 2,427 of those killed in the demonstrations were civilians and security forces. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has said 4,519 were killed during the wave of demonstrations, including 4,251 protesters, 197 security personnel, 35 people aged under 18 and 38 bystanders who it says were neither protesters nor security personnel. HRANA also said 9,049 additional deaths were under review, as per Al Jazeera. The demonstrations, which began in late December with shopkeepers protesting against the flailing currency and the cost of living, snowballed into a widespread anti-government movement, as per Al Jazeera. The government crackdown was widely condemned, with US President Donald Trump threatening to intervene in support of the protesters. - ANI RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav paid rich tributes to former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur on his birth anniversary, remembering him as a towering socialist leader. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also honored Thakur, highlighting his work in establishing social justice through reservations. Karpoori Thakur, born in 1924, was a freedom fighter and served as Bihar's Chief Minister twice. He was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024 for his lifelong dedication to the poor and oppressed. RJD's Lalu Prasad & BJP's Amit Shah honor socialist icon & former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur, awarded Bharat Ratna, on his birth anniversary. Patna, January 24 Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Saturday paid tribute to former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur on his birth anniversary. He remembers him as a towering leader of socialism and a lifelong champion of the poor, backward classes, and the oppressed. In a post on X, Lalu Prasad wrote, "A standard-bearer of socialism who dedicated his life to uplifting the lives of the deprived, neglected, poor, and oppressed, an inspiration to countless Dalits and backward classes, a advocate of social equality, a great freedom fighter, teacher, and a true son of the soil, our guiding light and former Chief Minister, Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur, we offer our heartfelt salutations, profound respect, and humble tribute on his birth anniversary." Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Karpoori Thakur on his birth anniversary. He said that by implementing reservations for the underprivileged, backward classes, women, and economically weaker sections, he established exemplary ideals of social justice. In a post on X, Shah wrote, "On the birth anniversary of the torchbearer of social justice, 'Bharat Ratna' Jananayak Karpoori Thakur Ji, I remember him and pay my respects." "By arranging reservation for the deprived, backward classes, women, as well as economically backward sections, he established exemplary ideals of social justice," the post read. Karpoori Thakur, born on January 24, 1924, at Pitaunjhia (now Karpoori Gram), was a freedom fighter and former Chief Minister of Bihar. He was awarded Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2024. He was popularly known as 'Jannayak' for his work in the cause of the people. He became a member of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha in 1952. He was a strong advocate of socialist ideology and worked tirelessly for the Praja Socialist Party and the Joint Socialist Party. Thakur served as a minister and as Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, before serving two terms as CM of Bihar - from 1970 to 1971 and 1977 to 1979. He died in February 1988 in Patna. - ANI The search for victims of a devastating landslide at a Mount Maunganui holiday park has formally transitioned to a recovery operation. Authorities have located human remains in the debris, with six people still unaccounted for after the slip struck on Thursday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met affected families, describing the event as an absolute tragedy for the nation. The landslide caused catastrophic damage to facilities amid severe weather that has battered New Zealand's North Island. Authorities shift to recovery after landslide at NZ holiday park. Human remains found, six unaccounted for. PM Luxon meets grieving families. Wellington, Jan 24 The search for victims of landslide that buried a holiday campsite at Mount Maunganui on the North Island and left six people unaccounted for is moving into a recovery phase, authorities said. Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said the operation was formally handed over to Police by Fire and Emergency New Zealand at 11:20 a.m. Saturday local time. He said human remains had been found under the slip and formal identification is proceeding. Search teams and heavy machinery are continuing to clear sodden debris toward an amenities block thought to have been destroyed by the massive slip, he said, adding that the building suffered "catastrophic damage." The large landslide struck the holiday park at the base of Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty region around 9:30 a.m. local time Thursday. Several people, including children, are missing after a large landslide struck a holiday park at the base of Mount Maunganui in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty region on Thursday. In another landslide in the Bay of Plenty, two people were confirmed dead after a slip destroyed a home in Papamoa early Thursday, police said. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who met some of the affected families on Friday, said there is "a huge amount of grief" and anxiety as the families wait for news, calling the disaster an absolute tragedy for New Zealand, Xinhua news agency reported. The slip swept through campervans, cars, tents, hot pools, and a shower block, triggering evacuations across the site. Heavy rain and flooding had battered parts of the North Island, leaving thousands without power and isolating some communities on the east coast. Mayor Mahe Drysdale had said it was a "deeply distressing event, and our priority right now is the safety and wellbeing of those involved". - IANS Union Home Minister Amit Shah was the chief guest at the Uttar Pradesh Diwas celebrations, where he launched the 'One District One Cuisine' scheme to promote the state's traditional foods. Distinguished personalities, including Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla and Physics Wallah founder Alakh Pandey, were honoured for their contributions. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath read a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted the state's development journey, including major expressway projects and economic goals. The event celebrated Uttar Pradesh's cultural heritage and its progress in infrastructure, law and order, and economic self-reliance. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and CM Yogi Adityanath honour distinguished personalities and launch a new culinary scheme at Uttar Pradesh Diwas celebrations. New Delhi, Jan 24 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday participated in the 'Uttar Pradesh Diwas' celebrations as the chief guest. The event was held at Rashtra Prerna Sthal and witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers, ministers, officials, and citizens from across the state. Significantly, Shubhanshu Shukla and Alakh Pandey were among distinguished personalities honoured on the occasion. On the occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the 'One District One Cuisine' (ODOC) scheme. Under this initiative, the distinctive traditional cuisine of each district of Uttar Pradesh will be identified and linked with quality improvement, branding, and market access. The aim is to ensure that local flavours gain not only regional recognition but also national and global visibility, thereby strengthening livelihoods associated with traditional food practices. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, also visited stalls showcasing a variety of traditional cuisines from different districts of the state. The leaders interacted with participants and appreciated the diversity and richness of Uttar Pradesh's culinary heritage. During the event, awards were announced for several distinguished personalities, including Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, Physics Wallah founder Alakh Pandey, poet Hariom Panwar, and ISARC Director Dr Sudhanshu Singh, in recognition of their contributions in their respective fields. A theme song highlighting the development journey of Uttar Pradesh, titled 'Uttar Pradesh, Uttam Pradesh,' was also played during the occasion, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Addressing the gathering, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Ministers congratulated the people of the state on Uttar Pradesh Diwas and highlighted the development achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath read out a message sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion. He said, "I want to congratulate the people of the state on Uttar Pradesh Diwas. The birthplace of Lord Ram is Ayodhya, Lord Krishna's Mathura is here, eternal Kashi resides in the state, and there is sacred Prayagraj. The ongoing Maha Kumbh reflects the immense cultural capacity of Uttar Pradesh and is fulfilling the dream of boundless tourism in the state." He further said that Uttar Pradesh is the birthplace of great freedom fighters and heroes such as Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkaribai, Mangal Pandey, and Ram Prasad Bismil. "The people of Uttar Pradesh have carved a distinct identity through their determination and hard work. Today, the state is moving towards the goal of becoming a one trillion dollar economy," he added. Highlighting infrastructure development, the Chief Minister said that projects such as the Purvanchal Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway, Delhi-Meerut Expressway, and the Ganga Expressway are giving new momentum to Uttar Pradesh's growth. He noted that the state will soon have 21 airports and is emerging as a major aviation hub, with international airports in Lucknow, Varanasi, and Ayodhya opening doors to the world. He added that Uttar Pradesh is strengthening the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, with lakhs of small businesses and MSMEs operating across the state. "Every district has its own strength, whether it is the Banarasi saree from Varanasi or something else in another district. The One District One Product scheme has empowered lakhs of small entrepreneurs," he said. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also said that Uttar Pradesh has secured the top position in mobile manufacturing and has become an example of strong law and order. Concluding his address, he said, "Today is the day to take resolutions to make Uttar Pradesh a progressive state. Being the most populous state, Uttar Pradesh plays a crucial role in the nation's progress. I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people on Uttar Pradesh Diwas." Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed Union Home Minister Amit Shah through a post on social media platform X, extending warm greetings to him in Lucknow, the land of prosperity, culture, and harmony, which cherishes the sacred memories of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. - IANS Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced the nationwide expansion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, following its successful pilot in Bihar. The initiative aims to create accurate voter lists by including all eligible voters and removing ineligible names, which in Bihar led to a historic voter turnout. The Election Commission highlighted several 2025 achievements, including training thousands of officials and launching digital services like the ECINet App. Kumar also emphasized India's global electoral leadership and appealed to youth to combat misinformation and participate in the democratic process. CEC Gyanesh Kumar announces nationwide expansion of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls to ensure integrity and boost participation. New Delhi, January 24 Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced on January 23 that the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls will soon be rolled out across all remaining states, marking a significant step toward ensuring the accuracy and integrity of India's voter database. Speaking on the eve of the 16th National Voters' Day, Kumar highlighted the success of the SIR initiative, which aims to create "pure electoral rolls" by including every eligible voter while removing ineligible names from the voter lists. The SIR exercise has already been successfully completed in Bihar and is currently underway in 12 states and union territories. The Bihar experience proved particularly encouraging, with Kumar noting that "not a single appeal was filed against the final electoral roll, establishing its sanctity and credibility." Elections conducted following Bihar's SIR proved historic, recording the highest voter turnout since 1951 at 67.13 per cent. Women voters registered an unprecedented participation rate of 71.78 per cent, the CEC said. The Election Commission celebrated 2025 as a year of significant achievements and innovations. Among the approximately 30 major initiatives undertaken were capacity-building programs that trained more than 5,000 Booth Level Officers and supervisors from various states at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management in New Delhi. Other key initiatives included the launch of the ECINet App, which consolidates all elector services on a single digital platform, the introduction of mobile deposit facilities at polling stations, and a decision to cap the maximum number of electors per polling station at 1,200 for voter convenience. Kumar also highlighted India's growing global leadership in electoral management. The country has been entrusted with the Chairship of International IDEA, and from January 21-23, the Election Commission organised what it described as the world's largest international conference on election management, attended by heads and senior officials from election bodies in over 70 countries. In his message, the CEC made a special appeal to young voters, urging them to combat misinformation and disinformation by staying informed about electoral processes. He announced that the Commission will launch a dedicated youth-centric program this year to provide young citizens with a clear understanding of the electoral process. "The first step in the service of the nation is voting," Kumar said, calling on every citizen who has attained 18 years of age to enrol as an elector and exercise their right to vote.The Election Commission of India was established on January 25, 1950, a day before Republic Day. National Voters' Day has been observed annually on this date since 2011 to mark the foundation day of the Commission and encourage young voters to participate in the political process. (AN) - ANI Fresh snowfall over 48 hours has transformed the iconic Kalka-Shimla heritage toy train route into a major tourist draw. Visitors are flocking to experience the rare journey on snow-laden tracks, capturing the scenic beauty of the white-clad hills. Tourists from Madhya Pradesh expressed immense joy, calling the ride an unforgettable and magical first-time experience. The UNESCO-listed railway continues to be a winter highlight, with many vowing to return. Fresh snowfall transforms the UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla heritage toy train route into a major tourist attraction in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla, January 24 Fresh snowfall and rain over the past 48 hours have brought cheer to locals in Himachal Pradesh and turned the iconic Kalka-Shimla heritage toy train route into a major attraction for tourists. Snow-laden railway tracks and the scenic toy train journey are drawing visitors in large numbers, offering them a rare and memorable experience amid white-clad hills. Tourists were seen enjoying the unique ride on the snow-covered tracks, capturing visuals and soaking in the charm of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-listed heritage railway. Speaking to ANI, Yogesh Dwivedi, a tourist from Madhya Pradesh, shared his excitement over the experience. "It has been a very good experience. I came to Shimla yesterday, and there was snowfall. It felt amazing, like seeing life in a new way. We enjoyed it a lot. Now we are going ahead with our journey by toy train. It feels really good. This is a new kind of experience for us, and we are here for the first time," he said. Another tourist from Madhya Pradesh, Rohit Tiwari, also expressed his joy. "I have come to visit Shimla, and literally, I am having a lot of fun. This snow-covered track was amazing. It is my first time in Shimla, and there was heavy snowfall yesterday. Everything looks completely white and very beautiful. Now we are boarding the toy train, and there is snow all around. This is my first visit, but it won't be the last. I will come here again and again. I had seen the toy train on YouTube earlier, and now I am seeing it in real life; it feels even better than what I had imagined," he said. Ashok Kumar Dwivedi, another tourist, termed the journey unforgettable. "The experience is very good. It is the first time I will travel on this train over the snow. We had come with the hope of witnessing snowfall, and our wish has been fulfilled. Seeing snow here is a unique experience. We will share this with everyone and tell them to visit Shimla and enjoy the toy train during snowfall. The real beauty of India's nature can be experienced here. One should come with enough time and enjoy," he told ANI. With fresh snowfall enhancing the natural beauty, the Shimla heritage toy train continues to remain a highlight for tourists visiting the hill town during the winter season. - ANI Fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh has brought joy to tourists and hope to farmers after a dry spell, but it has also severely disrupted transportation with over 600 roads blocked across several districts. Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh stated that machinery is deployed for clearance, though the process is time-consuming, especially in areas with up to 4 feet of snow. Tourists on the ground report significant traffic jams and vehicles at a standstill, forcing many to walk to popular spots like Shimla's Mall Road. While authorities work to restore normalcy, the situation presents a mix of seasonal delight and logistical hardship for visitors and locals alike. Heavy snowfall disrupts life in Himachal Pradesh, blocking over 600 roads. Minister Vikramaditya Singh details relief efforts as tourists face travel chaos. Shimla, January 24 While tourists are rejoicing over fresh snowfall in Himachal Pradesh, local residents, farmers, and orchardists are pinning long-term hopes on a good tourism season and a productive agricultural year. However, heavy snowfall has also caused widespread disruption, with transportation severely affected across several districts. Due to snowfall in the upper reaches of Shimla, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, and Kinnaur districts, more than 600 roads have been blocked, creating difficulties for both locals and visitors. Efforts are underway to restore connectivity. Speaking to ANI, Himachal Pradesh PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh said that the snowfall came after a long dry spell and has brought relief to farmers and orchardists. "After a very long dry spell, this snowfall has occurred in our state, which has brought happiness among farmers and orchardists. However, snowfall also leads to road blockages. I am in constant touch with departmental officials. JCBs and Poclain machines are continuously engaged in clearing roads in hilly areas," he said. The minister added that higher reaches have received 2.5 to 3 feet of snow, while high-altitude areas have recorded up to 4 feet, making road clearance time-consuming. "As per the latest information, around 600 small and big roads have been affected, including link roads and major district roads. We are making all efforts to open them at the earliest," Singh told ANI. Appealing to tourists, Vikramaditya Singh urged patience and cooperation. "I request all tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh to maintain the beauty of the state and not panic if there are temporary difficulties. The administration, police, PWD, and all concerned departments are working round the clock to ensure people reach safe places," he said. He further informed that snow-clearing machines have been deployed extensively, including within Shimla Municipal Corporation areas, and that 350 to 400 machines have been kept on standby across divisions. "Snow blowers have also been deployed. There may be some inconvenience, but road clearance after snowfall takes time. I request everyone to maintain patience," he added. Meanwhile, tourists on the ground shared mixed experiences. Mohit Kumar, a tourist from Delhi, told ANI that heavy snow has brought traffic to a halt. "There is a lot of snow in Shimla. Vehicles are not moving, so we are walking to Mall Road. Traffic is moving very slowly, but we are still enjoying it," he said. Another tourist, Vijay Kumar, said that excessive snowfall and black ice have made driving risky. "Due to heavy snowfall, black ice has formed and vehicles have stopped moving. People are walking to Mall Road. There is a bit of difficulty, but the weather is pleasant, and this is the best time for tourists," he told ANI. A taxi driver from Kalka, Ratan Lal, highlighted the challenges faced by transport operators. "I have been stuck near Shimla crossing since 8:30 am. Due to snow, vehicles are not moving ahead. There is a complete traffic jam, and it may take another two to two-and-a-half hours. It is very difficult," he said. As snowfall continues to charm visitors and raise hopes for locals, authorities remain engaged in restoring normalcy across the hill state. - ANI Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted key developments from the past two weeks, led by the 10-year anniversary of the Startup India initiative. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the celebratory event, praising the problem-solving focus of Indian youth and the global impact of the country's startups. Goyal also held discussions with Canadian Premier David Eby to strengthen economic and trade cooperation across multiple sectors. Additional milestones included the seventh anniversary of the GeM Womaniya initiative for women entrepreneurs and the first air shipment of GI-tagged agricultural products from Karnataka to the Maldives. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlights Startup India's 10-year milestone, PM Modi's address, India-Canada trade talks, and new agri-export initiatives. New Delhi, Jan 24 From the 'Startup India' initiative turning 10 to trade talks, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday highlighted some of the key happenings in the last two weeks which made headlines globally. 'Startup India' marked 10 years of its journey with a headline event in Delhi on January 16, graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with participation from startup founders, innovators, and young entrepreneurs. "Marked as the National Startup Day, the results for the 5th editions of the States' Startup Ranking Exercise and the National Startup Awards were also announced," said Goyal in a post on X. The Indian youth is focused on solving real problems, said PM Narendra Modi, while celebrating the milestone of 10 years of the Startup India mission. Speaking at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, PM Modi lauded the country's startup founders and innovators who chartered a path for themselves and boosted the country's image globally. Goyal also held a productive meeting with David Eby, Premier of British Columbia, Canada. "Discussions focused on strengthening the India-Canada economic partnership, advancing trade & investment cooperation, and exploring collaboration across sectors such as critical minerals, manufacturing, clean energy, technology, education, defence and innovation," the minister said. Government e-Marketplace (GeM) also marked seven years of the 'Womaniya' initiative, its flagship programme aimed at strengthening the participation of women-led Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in public procurement. During the event, an MoU was signed with Women's Collective Forum (WCF) to strengthen institutional support for women entrepreneurs. Also, the Regional Office of APEDA has been inaugurated in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to position the state as a major hub for agricultural and processed food exports. The state offers significant export potential across a wide range of products, including various varieties of rice, fruits, vegetables, and forest produce like Mahua, informed Goyal. The first-ever air shipment of three GI-tagged products from Karnataka, namely Nanjangud Rasabale Banana, Mysore Betel Leaves and Indi Lime, has been exported to the Maldives. "This marks yet another step in India's consistent efforts to boost agri exports, support farmers, expand market access, and promote our GI heritage on the global stage," said the minister. - IANS Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the success of Uttar Pradesh's 'One District, One Product' initiative during the Statehood Day ceremony. He stated the scheme, launched in 2018, has revitalized unique district-specific industries like chikankari and Kala namak rice. The program has generated employment, promoted local entrepreneurship, and showcased GI-tagged heritage products nationally and internationally. The initiative is presented as a key pillar in building a self-reliant state and contributing to the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. CM Yogi Adityanath credits One District, One Product scheme for reviving traditional industries, generating jobs, and contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat. Lucknow, January 24 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday termed the 'One District, One Product' initiative as a key reason behind the state's growing self-reliance and its contribution towards the mission of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. Speaking at the Uttar Pradesh Statehood Day ceremony alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CM Yogi highlighted how the ODOP scheme has provided a major boost to the traditional industries of the state. "When Uttar Pradesh celebrated it foundation day for the first time in 2018, Ram Naik was the Governor of the state. With the blessings of the then party President Amit Shah and PM Narendra Modi, we gave a boost to the traditional industry of every district in the form of 'One District One Product'. This has become the strength of a self-reliant Uttar Pradesh and is contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat," Chief Minister Yogi said. The UP government's One District, One Product programme aims to encourage indigenous and specialised products and crafts unique to each district. There are products in UP that are found nowhere else - like the ancient and nutritious 'Kala namak' rice, the rare and intriguing wheat-stalk craft, world-famous chikankari and zari-zardozi work on clothes, and the intricate and stunning horn and bone work that uses the remains of dead animals rather than live ones, a nature-friendly replacement for ivory. Many of these products are GI-tagged, meaning they are certified as originating from that region in Uttar Pradesh. Many of these were also dying community traditions that are being revived through modernisation and publicisation. CM Yogi noted that the initiative has generated employment, promoted local entrepreneurship, and showcased Uttar Pradesh's unique heritage crafts and produce at both national and international levels. He added that the programme reflects the state's commitment to bolstering its economy through indigenous resources and local expertise. Uttar Pradesh Day is observed on January 24 to mark the renaming of the erstwhile United Provinces as Uttar Pradesh in 1950, two days before the adoption of the Indian Constitution. The state has since played a central role in the country's political, cultural, and social life. - ANI A tableau on "Silver Jubilee and Winter Religious Yatra & Tourism" will be a centerpiece at Uttarakhand's state-level Republic Day function in Dehradun. It will depict the state's 25-year development journey, key pilgrimage sites like the winter abodes of Goddess Ganga and Yamuna, and tourism initiatives such as the Homestay Scheme. The display also highlights Uttarakhand's prominence in Ayurveda and features traditional Aipan art. The Information Department's tableaux have won first prize at the event for the last two consecutive years. Dehradun's Republic Day parade to feature a tableau highlighting Uttarakhand's 25-year development, winter pilgrimage sites, and tourism initiatives like homestays. Dehradun, January 24 A tableau on the theme "Silver Jubilee and Winter Religious Yatra & Tourism" will be showcased by the Information Department at the state-level program on the occasion of Republic Day, scheduled to be held at the Parade Ground in Dehradun. The tableau will offer a compelling glimpse of the state's 25-year development journey, along with key aspects of pilgrimage and tourism development. Construction work on the tableau is currently progressing rapidly at the Parade Ground, a release said. Director General of the Information Department, Banshidhar Tiwari, informed that in line with the vision of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the department's tableau for the state-level Republic Day celebrations is being prepared under the supervision of Joint Director and Nodal Officer KS Chauhan. He said that the first segment of the tableau depicts the Ganga Temple at Mukhwa, which serves as the winter abode of Goddess Ganga. The front cabin highlights 25 glorious years of Uttarakhand's formation, showcasing the state's development journey, cultural identity, and continuous progress. The trailer section of the tableau presents Uttarakhand as a leading state in Ayurveda, highlighting its ancient medical traditions based on medicinal plants and herbs. The second segment of the trailer showcases the Homestay Scheme of Uttarakhand, illustrating how tourists from India and abroad prefer staying with local families, thereby promoting tourism, generating local employment, and strengthening sustainable development. This is followed by the depiction of the Yamuna Temple at Kharsali, the winter abode of Goddess Yamuna, renowned for its mythological associations, spiritual significance, and serene Himalayan setting. In the final segment, Uttarakhand's year-on-year progress is symbolically depicted through rising pillars, representing the state's sustained development. The side panels of the tableau display the new laws implemented in Uttarakhand, reflecting the state's commitment to law and order and good governance. The backdrop features Aipan art, creatively blending Uttarakhand's traditional folk art with a modern perspective. This tableau by the Information Department will be a major attraction of the state-level Republic Day celebrations. Notably, the Information Department has been presenting tableaux at the Parade Ground, Dehradun, for the past 15 years, and its tableaux have won first prize in both 2024 and 2025. - ANI Tesla's (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk on Tuesday sought to manage investor expectations around two of the company's most anticipated future products, warning that early production of the Cybercab robotaxi and Optimus humanoid robot will be significantly slower than many anticipate. "The speed of the production ramp is inversely proportionate to how many new parts and steps there are," Musk wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He emphasized that for Cybercab and Optimus, almost everything is new, so the early production rate will be agonizingly slow before ramping up. More News from Barchart The comments come at a critical juncture for Tesla, with the EV maker down about 1% year-to-date (YTD) and set to report fourth-quarter earnings on Jan. 28. Cybercab production is slated to begin in April at the company's Texas Gigafactory, while Optimus is expected to enter low-volume output in 2026, with mass production not anticipated until 2027 or later. The cautious tone is a notable shift for Musk, who has previously outlined ambitious production targets, including one Cybercab every 10 seconds. www.barchart.com All Eyes on Teslas Q4 Numbers Tesla investors witnessed a dramatic turnaround in 2025, even as the EV maker continues to wrestle with tepid sales. After TSLA stock fell 36% in Q1 of 2025, it rebounded in the following months, reaching a record high last month. The recovery came despite mounting business challenges. Tesla delivered 1.64 million vehicles in 2025, down 8.6% from the previous year and falling short of Wall Street expectations. Fourth-quarter deliveries of 418,227 vehicles missed analyst estimates of 426,000, marking a 16% decline from the same period in 2024. Chinese rival BYD (BYDDY) overtook Tesla as the world's top electric vehicle seller, reporting 2.26 million units sold. The first half of 2025 proved difficult for Tesla: Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported detecting 26 People's Liberation Army aircraft sorties and six naval vessels operating around its territory. The majority of the aircraft sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan's northern, central, and southwestern air defense zones. This follows similar incidents in the preceding days, including a Chinese surveillance drone entering airspace near the Pratas Islands. The ministry stated it monitored and responded to all incursions, condemning the actions as provocative. Taiwan's defense ministry detected 26 Chinese military aircraft sorties and 6 naval vessels operating around the island, with most crossing the Taiwan Strait median line. Taipei, January 24 Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence on Saturday said that it detected 26 sorties of Chinese aircraft and six People's Liberation Army Navy vessels operating around Taiwan up to 6 am. In a post on X, the MND said that 18 out of the 26 PLA sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). "26 sorties of PLA and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6am. (UTC+8) toda.18 out of 26 sorties crossed the media lineand entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ.We have monitored the situationand responded," MND said. On Friday, Taiwan's MND detected overall 23 sorties of Chinese aircraft alongwith other naval vessels. Of the 23,17 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "Overall 23 sorties of PLA aircraft in various types (including J-10, H-6K, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 1040hr today. 17 out of 23 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. in conducting air-sea joint training along with other PLAN vessels. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." On the same day, the MND said that eleven sorties of PLA aircraft and five PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up to 6 am (local time). In a statement, the MND said nine of the sorties crossed the median line into Taiwan's northern and southwestern air defence identification zone (ADIZ), prompting the MND to monitor and respond to the situation. In a post on X, it said, "11 sorties of PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Today. 9 out of 11 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence, a Chinese surveillance drone entered the southwestern section of Taiwan's air defence identification zone in the early hours of the morning and moved toward the Pratas Islands, also known as Dongsha, as reported by The Taipei Times. According to The Taipei Times, the ministry said the aircraft approached the islands shortly before dawn and briefly entered territorial airspace at an altitude beyond the effective reach of local air-defence systems. The garrison stationed on the islands was immediately instructed to raise alert levels and intensify aerial monitoring. After repeated warnings broadcast through international radio frequencies, the drone withdrew several minutes later. The ministry condemned the manoeuvre as reckless and provocative, stating that it violated international norms and further destabilised the region. - ANI A three-day aquatic bird population census has commenced in Thoothukudi district, jointly conducted by ATREE and the Muthunagar Nature Trust. The survey documents migratory and resident species, with a notable sighting of large flocks of Rosy Starlings that migrate from Northwest Asia and Eastern Europe. Unusually heavy rainfall has transformed local salt pans into temporary water bodies, creating a rich feeding ground that attracts numerous birds. The collected data will be a vital resource for future wetland conservation and biodiversity protection efforts in the region. A 3-day aquatic bird census in Thoothukudi documents migratory species like Rosy Starlings, as heavy rains create new habitats in salt pans. Thoothukudi, January 24 The census of aquatic birds has commenced in the Thoothukudi district to assess their population, species diversity, and habitat conditions. This survey is being jointly conducted by ATREE (Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment) in association with the Muthunagar Nature Trust. The census is being carried out across major water bodies, estuaries, salt pans, and wetland areas in the district. The three-day-long survey focuses on documenting migratory and resident aquatic bird species, their population count, behavior, and feeding habitats. Researchers are also observing the impact of environmental changes on the living conditions of these birds. Thomas Mathipalan from Pearl City Nature Foundation said, "Today, we are conducting the 16th aquatic birds survey in Perungulam Tank. We are covering almost all the tanks in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts. As part of that, we have seen many birds in Perungulam alone. We have seen around 10-20 types of birds. There is a huge population of Rosy Starling...We will release the number of types of birds in a short time." Speaking about her experience, Divya, a college zoology student, said that she is very happy to participate in this bird census. Seeing the birds she had earlier only read about in textbooks and newspapers gave her immense joy. Moreover, learning that birds migrate from foreign countries to Thoothukudi gave her a sense of wonder and amazement. The data collected through this census will serve as a vital resource for future wetland conservation efforts, bird protection initiatives, and biodiversity conservation planning, the organisers stated. Speaking on the occasion, Selvakumar, who works with ATREE, said that this year marks the 16th year of the bird census. He added that volunteers and nature enthusiasts actively participate in this census. As the district is considered an important habitat for various bird species, such surveys are regarded as highly significant for environmental conservation. The coastal area near Thoothukudi Harbour has turned into a busy hub of bird activity, with large flocks of water birds gathering in the estuary area of Thoothukudi Harbour Beach. The recent heavy rainfall has led to the accumulation of rainwater in salt pans located in the suburban areas of Thoothukudi. These salt pans, which are usually used only for salt production, now resemble natural water bodies. As a result, the area has become a favourable habitat for several species of water birds. The number of small fish, insects and other aquatic organisms has increased significantly, providing abundant food for the birds. Such large-scale feeding activity by water birds in salt pans is usually rare. However, the conditions created by this year's heavy rainfall have transformed the area into a suitable environment for them. Groups of birds can now be seen landing in the salt pans and actively foraging for food. The sight has drawn the attention of nature enthusiasts and local residents, who are seen watching the birds in large numbers. In recent days, Thoothukudi district has also witnessed the arrival of large flocks of Rosy Starlings, which have been seen flying in striking formations across the sky. According to ornithologists, Rosy Starlings migrate to southern districts during winter from regions in Northwest Asia and Eastern Europe. The birds usually leave their breeding grounds between September and October and remain in the Indian subcontinent until March or April. Apart from Tamil Nadu, Rosy Starlings are also known to migrate to states such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Telangana, as well as parts of North India. Experts say the birds migrate in search of favourable weather conditions and food availability. Being omnivorous, they prefer areas rich in insects, including grasslands and agricultural fields. Flocking together during migration also helps the birds protect themselves from predators. If the current conditions continue, the suburban salt pans of Thoothukudi are likely to remain an important temporary gathering site for water birds. - ANI Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has ordered the withdrawal of a government order proposing to shift some offices to the T-Hub startup facility, insisting it remain dedicated solely to fostering startups and tech companies. Concurrently, a state delegation at the World Economic Forum secured a Rs 623 crore investment from Schneider Electric India to expand its manufacturing facilities in Gagillapur and Shamshabad. The investment will boost production of electrical safety products and support collaboration on energy transition and digital power management projects. The state's IT Minister, D. Sridhar Babu, was credited with securing the investment, aligning with Telangana's sustainability goals and its aim to become a net-zero state by 2047. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy cancels a plan to shift govt offices to T-Hub, reaffirming its startup focus, and secures a Rs 623 Cr investment from Schneider Electric. Hyderabad, January 24 Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed the immediate withdrawal of a government order proposing the shifting of certain government offices to T-Hub as part of a rationalisation exercise. On learning of the move, the Chief Minister instructed officials to rescind the decision, stating that the entire T-Hub facility will be utilised exclusively to promote start-ups, technology enterprises, and early-stage companies, in line with the TelanganaRising vision to create unicorns. Meanwhile, Revanth Reddy-led 'Telangana Rising' delegation secured another investment during the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday. The delegation met Deepak Sharma, the CEO of Schneider Electric India. According to Telangana CMO, Schneider Electric India will invest Rs. 623 Cr. to expand their existing Gagillapur and Shamshabad facilities in Telangana, enhancing capacity for electrical safety products such as Air Circuit Breakers (ACB), Molded Case Circuit Breakers (MCCB), contactors, and push buttons. Telangana CMO said that the meeting also focused on energy transition and storage projects, with collaboration on grid modernisation, energy efficiency, and digital power management for industrial parks and urban infrastructure. The state Chief Minister expressed delight that Minister for IT & Industries D. Sridhar Babu secured the investment for the state. He said sustainability is a central pillar to Telangana's pursuit of a Net- Zero development target by 2047. According to Telangana CMO, the Minister said Telangana has emerged as one of India's fastest-growing electronics manufacturing hubs, covering consumer electronics, telecom hardware, industrial electronics and advanced electronics systems. Further, the delegation discussed expanding smart-factory and manufacturing capacity in Telangana for energy management, automation, and EV-related components, said the release. Sharma said Schneider has as many as 38 skilling centres in Telangana. Schneider specialises in energy management, industrial automation, and digital transformation solutions. - ANI The telecom Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has successfully generated 25,000 manufacturing jobs and driven exports worth Rs 13,000 crore, according to Union Minister Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar. He made the announcement at a Rozgar Mela in Tamil Nadu, emphasizing the event's role in creating opportunities and national progress. The minister highlighted foundational government initiatives like 'Skill India' and 'Make in India' in preparing youth for success. He also noted that over 10 lakh appointment letters have been distributed nationally through the Rozgar Mela initiative, aiming to build a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. Union Minister reveals telecom PLI schemes created 25,000 manufacturing jobs and Rs 13,000 crore exports, highlighting Rozgar Mela's role in national progress. New Delhi, Jan 24 In the telecom sector, production-linked incentive schemes have resulted in 25,000 manufacturing jobs and exports worth Rs 13,000 crore, Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, said on Saturday. Addressing a Rozgar Mela in Shivagangai, Tamil Nadu, the minister said the Rozgar Mela is not just about appointment letters but about creating opportunities, dignity and a stronger nation. "The Rozgar Mela reflects India's confidence in its youth and its commitment to inclusive national progress," the minister said, adding that when India moves forward, it moves forward together, ensuring growth with dignity and opportunity for all. He noted that initiatives such as 'Skill India', 'Make in India' and 'Digital India' have laid a strong foundation for youth to succeed across traditional and emerging sectors. The Rozgar Mela, he said, is another step towards empowering India's youth. Dr Chandra Sekhar described Tamil Nadu as a hub of talent and innovation. Chennai contributes over 10 per cent of India's automobile exports, while the IT sector employs more than six lakh professionals. He added that skill development and entrepreneurship initiatives have enabled thousands to transform aspirations into livelihoods, and the Rozgar Mela builds on this legacy of empowerment. He further informed that over 10 lakh appointment letters have been distributed across the country under the Rozgar Mela initiative so far, and 51,000 jobs are being provided nationwide as part of the current programme. He urged job seekers to seize the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to India's journey towards becoming a global powerhouse. Calling upon newly-appointed candidates to play their role in achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Minister of State emphasised the importance of transparency, speed and empathy in governance. He highlighted India's economic progress, marked by flourishing startups, expanding manufacturing and digital innovation. - IANS The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association has announced an indefinite shutdown of mills from February 1, raising major concerns for the country's Readymade Garment exports which account for 85% of total export earnings. The crisis, driven by a dispute over duty-free yarn imports and government-imposed duties, threatens the livelihoods of over 10 lakh workers and could trigger labour unrest. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman acknowledged the seriousness of the crisis, stating the government is exploring alternatives. The shutdown comes at a sensitive time, less than two weeks before the national election, with industry leaders warning it could collapse the $23 billion textile sector and force garment makers to import costlier yarn, eroding competitiveness. Indefinite textile mill shutdown in Bangladesh threatens $23B industry, 10 lakh jobs, and RMG exports ahead of national elections, sparking crisis. New Delhi, Jan 24 The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association announcing an indefinite shutdown of mills, along with dispute over duty-free yarn imports between textile millers and garment exporters, has raised alarm over Readymade garments exports in the neighbouring country ahead of the national election scheduled for February 12, according to a report. RMG exports account for about 85 per cent of Bangladesh's total export earnings. More than 10 lakh workers employed in the sector could face uncertainty over wages and benefits, potentially triggering labour unrest. According to reports, the move by the Bangladesh Ministry of Commerce to impose duties on the import of cotton yarn from India and other countries has once again created instability in the country's RMG sector. Economists warn that large-scale closures in the textile sector could add further strain to an economy already grappling with multiple challenges. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman told Dhaka-based The Business Standard that the government recognises the seriousness of the crisis and is exploring possible options. "The textile industry is facing problems, no doubt. Something has to be done. We are thinking about what alternatives are possible," he was quoted as saying. Textile mill owners have threatened to shut down factories from February 1, citing what they describe as prolonged government inaction in protecting the $23 billion textile industry. The announcement comes at a sensitive time, less than two weeks before the national election scheduled for 12 February. BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell said "This is not a threat. The sector will shut down anyway. This is a crisis, a national crisis." He criticised policymaking, saying, "In any situation, India can make a decision within a few hours, whereas our government cannot do so even in months." Russell was further quoted as saying that under the open costing method, any increase in production costs is ultimately passed on to buyers. "However, if domestic textile mills collapse, garment manufacturers will be forced to import yarn from India at higher prices in the long run, eroding competitiveness," he added. "A halt in yarn production would disrupt the garments supply chain, while difficulties in repaying bank loans could push non-performing loans (NPLs even higher at a time when banks are already under pressure, with NPLs estimated at around 35 per cent," said the report. - IANS Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia laid the foundation stone for an Rs 80-crore Agarwood Cluster Processing Centre in North Tripura. The initiative aims to strengthen the entire value chain from cultivation to export, directly supporting farmers by eliminating middlemen. It is part of broader efforts to make India's agarwood sector globally competitive, including securing a GI tag and significantly increasing export quotas. The project expects to boost Tripura's production capacity by 50% and generate an annual turnover of Rs 2000 crore within a few years. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates an agarwood processing centre in Tripura to boost exports and farmer income under PM Modi's NE development vision. Agartala, Jan 24 Union Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Saturday that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the development of the Northeast, several key initiatives have been undertaken during his ongoing visit. During his visit, Scindia laid the foundation stone for an Rs 80-crore Agarwood Cluster Processing Centre at Uttar Fulbari village, North Tripura. He explained that this initiative aims to advance the Prime Minister's vision of promoting local industries on a global scale and directly supports the 'Vocal for Local' and 'ODOP' policies. He pointed out that Tripura and Assam are India's leading agarwood producers and that this scheme is designed to build on these states' natural advantages, strengthening the entire agarwood value chain from cultivation to export of finished products. The Minister informed that two Central Processing Centres (CPCs) will be established under the scheme, one in Golaghat, Assam, and the other in Tripura. These centres will facilitate comprehensive processing, branding and marketing of agarwood products, eliminate middlemen and ensure that farmers receive the full value of their produce. Scindia said several measures have already been taken to make the agarwood sector globally competitive. The process of obtaining a Geographical Indication (GI) tag is underway; export quotas have been enhanced sixfold; agarwood chip exports have been increased from 25,000 kg to 1.5 lakh kg; and agarwood oil exports have been increased from 1,500 kg to 7,500 kg. Additionally, all relevant permissions and sites are being integrated into a digital platform to enable farmers to access international markets directly. He emphasised that the scheme's core objective is to eliminate intermediaries and ensure that benefits reach farmers directly. The Minister highlighted that nearly 90 per cent of India's 150 million agarwood trees are in the Northeast, especially Tripura. The initiative is expected to boost Tripura's production capacity by 50 per cent and potentially generate an annual sector turnover of Rs 2,000 crore, with direct global market access within the next three to four years. To strengthen market access, buyer-seller meets are being organised to directly connect farmers with international buyers. Scindia cited a recent meeting with purchasers from Qatar as an example of such direct engagement. He said the initiative reflects Prime Minister Modi's approach of leveraging each state's unique strengths and added that sustained efforts over the past year have now begun to yield results. The Minister expressed confidence that, through partnership with the Tripura government, the agarwood sector can achieve global recognition and set a benchmark for self-reliant economic growth in the region. Scindia also noted that since he arrived in Tripura on Friday, he has launched several other development initiatives. On Friday, he laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 220 crore, inaugurated projects worth Rs 220 crore, and reviewed the Agartala Government Inter College project (Rs 192 crore) and the Maternal and Child Health Hospital (Rs 200 crore). He added that on Sunday, he will lay the foundation stone for the Matabari Tourism Circuit project worth Rs 280 crore. - IANS Subsidies up to 85,800 available Tripura has surpassed 7 megawatts of electricity generation from rooftop solar installations under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Over 17,600 consumers have registered for the scheme, with installations completed in over 2,000 households. The state electricity corporation aims to boost this capacity to 50 MW within the next year, transforming the local power sector. The scheme provides substantial subsidies and allows households to reduce bills to zero while earning from surplus power supplied to the grid. Tripura achieves 7 MW rooftop solar generation under PM Surya Ghar scheme, with over 17,600 registrations. State targets 50 MW capacity. Agartala, Jan 24 Tripura has achieved a significant milestone in the renewable energy sector by crossing 7 megawatt of solar electricity generation under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, officials said here on Saturday. Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) Spokesman Bipul Bhowmik described the achievement as a historic moment in the state's journey towards energy self-reliance and sustainable development. According to the official, electricity generated from rooftop solar installations across the state has now exceeded 7 MW, reflecting growing public participation in renewable energy initiatives. Beyond the numerical milestone, the development signals Tripura's steady transition towards clean energy and reduced dependence on conventional power sources, the Spokesman said. Bhowmik said the PMSGMBY scheme has opened unprecedented opportunities for electricity consumers. By installing rooftop solar panels, households are not only able to reduce their electricity bills to zero but can also earn additional income by supplying surplus power back to the government grid. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2024, the scheme aims to transform households into small power generation units. Its twin objectives are to ease the financial burden of electricity bills and promote renewable energy for an environmentally sustainable future, the spokesman said. Highlighting the encouraging public response in Tripura, the TSECL Spokesman said that 17,601 electricity consumers have already registered under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. Of these, rooftop solar installations have been completed in 2,061 households, while 1,746 beneficiaries have received government subsidies. Under the scheme, consumers are eligible for subsidies of up to Rs 85,800, making rooftop solar adoption financially viable, particularly for middle- and lower-income families. Energy experts note that even a one kilowatt solar plant can generate an average of about 100 units of electricity per month, which is sufficient to meet an ordinary household's monthly power requirement. Any surplus electricity can be exported to the grid, providing consumers with additional income and long-term savings. The TSECL has played a crucial role in implementing the scheme by offering technical support, conducting awareness programmes, and streamlining installation and grid connectivity processes. The official said that the corporation has set an ambitious target of increasing Tripura's solar power generation capacity to 50 MW within the next year. "If achieved, this would bring a transformative change to the state's power sector and significantly strengthen its renewable energy footprint," the spokesman added. With electricity costs steadily rising, power department officials said rooftop solar power is emerging as a practical pathway towards financial independence. TSECL has urged consumers to take advantage of the scheme by registering through the official government portal or visiting the nearest corporation office. Meanwhile, Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath recently said that if five lakh households install 2 kW rooftop solar panels, the state could generate nearly 1,000 MW of power daily, significantly enhancing power self-sufficiency. He added that solar power systems are also being installed in 2,000 government buildings, a project expected to be completed next year and generate around 80 MW of electricity. - IANS Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has publicly warned that Israel is actively seeking an opportunity to launch an attack on Iran, risking a major regional escalation. Fidan revealed he shared this stark assessment directly with Iranian officials during a recent visit to Tehran, emphasizing his role as a "friend" speaking "bitter truths." The warning comes amid heightened military posturing, including U.S. naval movements, and a phone call between the Turkish and Iranian presidents discussing stability. Iran has responded by stating it would view any attack as the start of an "all-out war." Turkish FM Hakan Fidan says Israel is looking for an opportunity to attack Iran, warning of major regional escalation and instability. Ankara, January 24 Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has raised concerns that Israel is looking for an opportunity to attack Iran, warning that such a move could further destabilise the already volatile Middle East, reported Al Jazeera. "I hope they find a different path, but the reality is that Israel, in particular, is looking for an opportunity to strike Iran," Fidan said in an interview with Turkish broadcaster NTV aired Friday (local time), underscoring Ankara's unease over the potential for wider conflict. Fidan stressed that his comments were directed specifically at Israel's intentions, and not those of other international actors. He said he had shared these assessments directly with Iranian officials during a recent visit to Tehran. "When I went to Tehran in recent days, I told them everything about the process as their friend," Fidan added. "And you know, a friend speaks bitter truths," he said, referring to discussions with Iranian counterparts, reported Al Jazeera. Turkiye's alert comes amid rising tensions between Tehran and Jerusalem, further complicated by broader geopolitical manoeuvres in the region. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian by phone on Thursday, stating Turkiye's opposition to any foreign intervention in Iran and underscoring Ankara's desire for regional peace and stability. Responding to the growing strain in bilateral rhetoric, a senior Iranian official said that Tehran would view any attack by hostile forces "as an all-out war against us," signalling heightened preparedness should hostilities break out. Fidan's remarks arrive against a backdrop of increasing military posturing around Iran, including announcements of U.S. naval deployments toward the Gulf region. In December, last year, Turkish President had strongly criticised Israel's decision to recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state, calling the move "illegitimate and unacceptable" and warning that it could fuel instability across the Horn of Africa. Speaking at a joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Ankara, Erdogan said Ankara viewed Somalia's territorial unity as non-negotiable and accused Israel of taking steps that could undermine regional stability, Al Jazeera reported. "Preserving the unity and integrity of Somalia in all circumstances holds special importance in our view. Israel's decision to recognise Somaliland is illegitimate and unacceptable," Erdogan said. Erdogan further accused the Israeli government of pursuing destabilising policies beyond the Middle East. "The Netanyahu government has the blood of 71,000 of our Palestinian brothers and sisters on its hands. Now it is trying to destabilise the Horn of Africa as well, after its attacks on Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Qatar and Syria," he said, referring to Israel's genocidal war on Gaza. During the meeting, Erdogan also said Turkiye and Somalia were expanding cooperation in the energy sector, citing encouraging signs from joint offshore exploration activities, according to Al Jazeera. - ANI UAE Stands With Tunisia, Offers Condolences For Deadly Flood Victims The United Arab Emirates has conveyed its sincere condolences and solidarity with Tunisia following devastating floods. The floods were triggered by heavy rainfall, resulting in a number of fatalities and injuries along with substantial material damage. In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its sympathy to the victims' families and the Tunisian government and people. The ministry also wished a swift recovery for all those injured in the tragedy. Key Points: UAE Offers Condolences to Tunisia Over Deadly Floods UAE offers condolences for flood victims Heavy rainfall caused deaths and injuries Statement from UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wishes for speedy recovery of injured Jan 24, 2026 1 min read UAE expresses solidarity with Tunisia, conveys condolences for flood victims The UAE expresses solidarity and condolences to Tunisia following devastating floods caused by heavy rainfall, which caused deaths, injuries, and damage. "expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of Tunisia - UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs" Abu Dhabi, January 24 The United Arab Emirates has expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with the Republic of Tunisia over the victims of floods following heavy rainfall, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries and caused substantial damage. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of Tunisia over this tragedy, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured. - ANI Share this article: Russia conducted its most extensive overnight aerial assault on Ukraine this year, striking major cities including Kyiv and Kharkiv shortly after the conclusion of the first known trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. The attacks, involving over 370 drones and 21 missiles, targeted energy infrastructure and residential areas, killing at least one person and wounding dozens, including a child. The negotiations in Abu Dhabi, which included senior US figures, centered on the unresolved issue of territorial control, particularly the Donbas region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remained cautious, stating it was too early to draw conclusions and emphasizing the need for Russia to demonstrate a genuine willingness to end the war. Russia launches largest overnight air assault of the year on Ukraine, targeting cities and energy infrastructure, hours after historic US-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi. Kyiv, January 25 Russia carried out its most extensive overnight aerial assault on Ukraine this year, Ukrainian officials said Saturday, striking major cities just hours after Kyiv, Moscow and Washington concluded the first known trilateral negotiations since the war began in 2022, reported CNN. The attacks unfolded between two rounds of closed-door talks being held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Russian state media outlet TASS reported that a second day of negotiations was underway Saturday (local time), citing an unnamed source. Overnight, Ukraine's air force reported widespread missile and drone launches, prompting air defense systems to activate across the country. In the capital, Kyiv, CNN journalists on the ground reported hearing multiple explosions as air raid sirens sounded. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the strikes killed at least one person and injured four others. He added that falling debris ignited fires and damaged residential buildings, leaving nearly 6,000 apartment blocks without heating and disrupting water supplies across parts of the city. Temperatures in Kyiv had dropped to -12 degrees Celsius (10 degrees Fahrenheit) by Saturday (local time) morning. Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, was also hit. Mayor Ihor Terekhov said strikes damaged a maternity hospital and a dormitory housing displaced people. At least 19 people were wounded, including one child. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia launched more than 370 drones and 21 missiles overnight, targeting Kyiv as well as the regions of Sumy and Chernihiv. He said the assaults were heavily focused on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which he described as "critical" during the winter months. The bombardment came shortly after delegations from Ukraine and Russia had the first day of talks with US representatives. According to TASS, territorial control remains the central unresolved issue in the negotiations. Russia has reiterated its demand that Ukraine withdraw from the eastern Donbas region - a condition Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. The Donbas, which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, was once Ukraine's industrial core and has a large Russian-speaking population. It was also the area where Moscow first began efforts to destabilise Ukraine in 2014. The region holds strategic importance for Ukraine's defenses, containing fortified industrial cities, rail networks and supply routes that support the eastern Ukraine. Losing it would expose much of eastern Ukraine to further Russian advances, reported CNN. Russia's delegation in Abu Dhabi reportedly includes senior military and intelligence figures, while Ukraine sent top diplomats and security officials. The US team is led by President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, alongside Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and White House adviser Josh Gruenbaum. The Trump administration has urged Ukraine to consider a peace agreement, a stance that has raised concerns among some allies that such a deal could benefit Moscow. Nearly four years after launching its full-scale invasion, Russia currently occupies about 20 per cent of Ukraine's internationally recognised territory, including nearly all of Luhansk and parts of Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. After Friday's (local time) talks concluded, Ukraine's chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said discussions had centred on achieving a "dignified and lasting peace," and expressed gratitude to the United States for its role in mediation. "Additional meetings are scheduled for tomorrow," he said. Zelensky remained cautious, saying it was "too early" to draw conclusions. "We will see how the talks go tomorrow and what the results will be," he said in a nightly address. He emphasized that "the main thing" is for Russia to demonstrate genuine willingness to end the war, adding: "Ukraine's position is clear. I have defined the framework for dialogue for our delegation." - ANI Key Points Political and business leaders from around the globe are meeting in Davos, Switzerland, this week. One leader in particular -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney -- had some choice words to say about the emerging world order. The coming period of greater global disorder should strengthen the case for a financial medium that no single state controls. 10 stocks we like better than Bitcoin There's a famous quote, often attributed to Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin: "There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen." The past few months have been chock-full of the latter sort of weeks. With that context in mind, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney argued at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday that the U.S.-led "rules-based international order" created after World War II is now decisively ending, and that the world is moving into a more transactional (and somewhat anarchic) era of power politics. Carney's comments can be seen as marking a clean break with the past, and the globe's undeniable transition toward a new set of dynamics that are likely to be far less favorable for the U.S. So, which assets are best positioned to flourish in this new world order, which actually seems to be characterized by a lack of order more than anything else? Well, given that global disorder can be viewed as strengthening the long-run case for financial tools and assets that no single state controls, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) could be one of the winners. Image source: Getty Images. The bullish case is about neutrality If Carney is right -- and he is -- international payments and capital flows are more likely to get politicized than they are to remain insensitive to which entities are transacting with which and why. When access to the systems through which capital moves becomes a bargaining chip, countries will look for alternatives that reduce their dependence on rivals. In some cases, an acceptable alternative for those nations could be Bitcoin. You can already see this impulse in the policy conversation. On Jan. 19, India's central bank proposed linking the central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) of the BRICS nations. (That group previously comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, but Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates have joined the bloc in the past couple of years.) This is just another piece of evidence in a growing pile pointing toward the conclusion that the global financial system is about to get tangibly more fragmented. The implication is that it could soon be harder for U.S.-based investors to get exposure to all sorts of different international investments, potentially because they'll be explicitly excluded from access due to geopolitical considerations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Lucknow to participate in the celebrations for Uttar Pradesh's 76th Foundation Day, where he was welcomed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of the state, highlighting their contributions to Indian culture and the state's remarkable transformation. Chief Minister Adityanath outlined the state's progress from a "bottleneck to breakthrough," crediting it as the nation's growth engine. The day marks the 1950 renaming of the United Provinces to Uttar Pradesh, a state celebrated for its sacred rivers, pilgrimage sites, and vibrant history. Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives in Lucknow for UP's 76th Foundation Day. PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath praise the state's transformative journey. Lucknow, January 24 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday arrived in Lucknow for Uttar Pradesh foundation day celebrations. He was warmly welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of Uttar Pradesh on their 76th foundation day, highlighting their "invaluable contributions to the richness of Indian culture and heritage." Praising the rise of Uttar Pradesh from BIMARU to an "exemplary state", PM Modi expressed confidence in the state's potential, proving "immensely valuable in keeping the nation's progress dynamic". "Heartiest congratulations to all my family members from Uttar Pradesh, who have made invaluable contributions to the richness of Indian culture and heritage, on the occasion of the state's Foundation Day," PM Modi posted on X. PM Modi said that the people of the state are also dedicated to development, which comes with the double-engine government, adding, "Through the participation of the people here, who are dedicated to the double-engine government and development, our state has traversed the journey from being a BIMARU state to an exemplary province over the past nine years. I firmly believe that Uttar Pradesh's potential will prove immensely valuable in keeping the nation's progress dynamic." Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the state's growth journey from a "bottleneck to breakthrough", "revenue deficit to revenue surplus", and "disruption to celebration", thereby becoming the 'growth engine' of India's development. "Today, we are all celebrating Uttar Pradesh Diwas with pride," CM Adityanath had written in a news article. Two days before the adoption of the Indian Constitution, on January 24, 1950, the erstwhile British province, the United Provinces, was renamed Uttar Pradesh. This vibrant state, cradled by sacred rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saryu, has been blessed with rich historical, cultural, and modern dynamism. Apart from nature, UP has also been a land of pilgrimage for millions with civilisational cities like Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Prayagraj, and Sarnath. On the banks of the Ganga River, Varanasi is considered one of the holiest cities, home to temples, ashrams, and ghats. The city includes Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred temples in India; the Dasaswamedh Ghat, the busiest ghat in Varanasi; and Sarnath, a former Buddhist pilgrimage site where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. - ANI Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia laid the foundation stone for an Rs 80 crore Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme during his visit to Tripura. The initiative aims to strengthen the entire supply chain from farmers to international markets by establishing processing centres and removing middlemen. Key measures include a six-fold increase in export quotas and pursuing a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to enhance global competitiveness. Scindia expressed confidence that the scheme could help Tripura's agarwood sector achieve an annual turnover of Rs 2000 crore within 3-4 years. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia lays foundation for Agarwood scheme to boost NE farmers, target global markets & Rs 2000 crore turnover. Agartala, January 25 Union Development of North Eastern Region and Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday laid the foundation stone of the Rs 80 crore Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme. During the second day of his three-day visit to Tripura and Assam, Scindia reached North Fulkabari in Tripura. On the occasion, the Union Minister said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a developed Northeast, he has brought several development initiatives for the region during this visit. Some of these were dedicated to the public on the first day of the visit on Friday, the foundation stone for the agarwood value chain has been laid today. tomorrow the Matabari Tourism Circuit will be inaugurated as one of the biggest gifts of this visit. According to the release, Minister Scindia stated that India's agarwood production capacity is primarily concentrated in Tripura and Assam, and this scheme aims to infuse new energy into the strengths of both states. Minister Scindia explained that the scheme will strengthen the entire agarwood value chain from trees in farmers' fields to perfume bottles in international markets. He informed that two Central Processing Centres (CPCs) will be established under the scheme, one in Golaghat (Assam) and the other in this region of Tripura. These centres will enable comprehensive processing, branding and marketing, eliminating middlemen and ensuring that farmers receive the full value of their produce. Minister Scindia said several key steps have been taken to make the agarwood sector globally competitive. The process for obtaining a Geographical Indication (GI) tag is underway; export quotas have been increased six-fold; agarwood chips exports have been raised from 25,000 kg to 1.5 lakh kg; agarwood oil exports from 1,500 kg to 7,500 kg; and sites and permissions are being integrated on a digital platform so that farmers can directly connect with international markets. He emphasised that the clear objective is to remove intermediaries and ensure that the full benefit reaches farmers directly. The Union Minister said that Fulkabari's agarwood sector stands as one of the strongest examples of Prime Minister Modi's vision of 'Local to Global', 'Vocal for Local' and 'One District One Product (ODOP)'. He noted that India currently has around 150 million agarwood trees, nearly 90% of which are located in the Northeastern states. Through this scheme, Tripura's production capacity is expected to increase by up to 50 per cent. The minister expressed confidence that, within the next 3-4 years, Tripura's agarwood market alone could develop an annual turnover of Rs 2,000 crore. To connect farmers directly with global markets, buyer-seller meets are being organised. He cited a recent meeting with buyers from Qatar, where farmers were directly linked with international purchasers. The Union Minister said that this scheme is a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of focusing on the unique strengths of each state. Continuous efforts in this direction have been underway for over a year, and today those efforts have borne fruit, a release said. He expressed confidence that in partnership with the Tripura Government, the agarwood sector will be given global recognition, making the state a new benchmark in the journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. Minister Scindia stated that while he is in Tripura today for the agarwood project, several other development initiatives for the state are also progressing. Just yesterday, he laid foundation stones and inaugurated projects worth Rs 220 crore, reviewed the Agartala Government Inter College project (Rs 192 crore) and the Maternal & Child Health Hospital (Rs 200 crore). The minister further informed that on Sunday, he will lay the foundation stone for the Rs 280 crore Matabari Tourism Circuit. - ANI Union Minister Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar addressed a Rozgar Mela in Tamil Nadu, where 148 appointment letters were distributed across various security and government departments. He emphasized that the initiative is about creating opportunities and building a stronger nation, noting that over 10 lakh appointments have been made nationwide under the program. The minister highlighted Tamil Nadu's role as a hub of talent and innovation, particularly in automobile exports and the IT sector. He concluded by urging the new appointees to contribute to India's goal of becoming a developed nation, or Viksit Bharat, by 2047. Union Minister Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar addresses Rozgar Mela in TN, distributes 148 appointment letters, and outlines initiatives for youth employment. New Delhi, January 24 Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, on Saturday, addressed a Rozgar Mela at ITBP RTC, Shivagangai, Tamil Nadu, as part of the Union Government's ongoing efforts to promote employment generation and youth empowerment. Across the participating departments of ITBP, BSF, CISF, SSB, DFS (Union Bank of India), ISRO and Assam Rifles, offers of appointment were handed over to a total of 148 candidates at the venue today, according to a release. The Minister of State, in his speech, said that the Rozgar Mela is not just about appointment letters, but about creating opportunities, dignity and a stronger nation. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar stated that India is witnessing a historic transformation under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, guided by the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas. He noted that initiatives such as Skill India, Make in India and Digital India have laid a strong foundation for youth to succeed across traditional and emerging sectors. The Rozgar Mela, he said, is another step towards empowering India's youth. Highlighting Tamil Nadu's contribution, Chandra Sekhar described the state as a hub of talent and innovation. Chennai contributes over 10 percent of India's automobile exports, while the IT sector employs more than six lakh professionals. He added that skill development and entrepreneurship initiatives have enabled thousands to transform aspirations into livelihoods, and the Rozgar Mela builds on this legacy of empowerment, the release stated. The Minister of State informed that over 10 lakh appointment letters have been distributed across the country under the Rozgar Mela initiative so far, and 51,000 jobs are being provided nationwide as part of the current programme. He urged job seekers to seize the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to India's journey towards becoming a global powerhouse. Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar highlighted India's economic progress, marked by flourishing startups, expanding manufacturing and digital innovation. He noted that reforms such as PM Mudra Yojana, Ease of Doing Business and Vocal for Local have strengthened local industries. In the telecom sector, Production Linked Incentive schemes have resulted in 25,000 manufacturing jobs and exports worth Rs 13,000 crore. Touching upon national security, the Minister of State said that India has moved from import dependence to self-reliance in defence manufacturing, creating high-skill jobs while strengthening security. Increased defence spending, indigenous production and improved border infrastructure have enhanced both soldier welfare and employment generation, the release added. Calling upon newly appointed candidates to play their role in achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Minister of State emphasised the importance of transparency, speed and empathy in governance. The Rozgar Mela reflects India's confidence in its youth and its commitment to inclusive national progress. He concluded that when India moves forward, it moves forward together, ensuring growth with dignity and opportunity for all. - ANI Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the capacity augmentation works for Vizhinjam International Seaport. The expansion will fast-track Phases II, III, and IV, aiming to create a continuous 2-kilometre container berth, the longest in India. Upon completion by December 2028, the port's capacity will rise to 5.7 million TEUs annually, reducing India's reliance on foreign transhipment hubs. The project, with a total investment of approximately Rs 16,000 crore, is aligned with national maritime visions to strengthen India's global trade position. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal & Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurate capacity augmentation works at Vizhinjam International Seaport, targeting 5.7M TEUs by 2028. Thiruvananthapuram, January 24 Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the capacity augmentation works of Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Saturday, an official press release said. The event was held in the presence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, senior State and Central Government officials, and representatives of the concessionaire. The inauguration marked the commencement of construction for Phases II, III, and IV of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, which are being implemented under a fast-tracked, integrated development programme. The expansion aims to substantially augment India's container transhipment capacity and strengthen the country's maritime infrastructure ecosystem. Vizhinjam International Seaport commenced commercial operations of Phase I on 3 December 2024 with a designed capacity of 1 million TEUs. Within a short period of operation, the port has demonstrated strong performance, handling over 1.43 million TEUs and operating at more than 130 per cent capacity utilisation. The port has established direct connectivity with major global shipping routes across Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Far East, reinforcing its role as a key national transhipment terminal, the release stated. Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Sonowal said, "The rapid operationalisation and expansion of Vizhinjam International Seaport reflects India's focused approach towards building world-class port infrastructure. He stated that the capacity augmentation will play a critical role in reducing India's dependence on foreign transhipment hubs, improving logistics efficiency, and supporting the growth of India's external trade." Under the capacity augmentation programme, the existing container berth will be extended to create a continuous 2-kilometre-long container berth, the longest in India. The breakwater will be extended to 3.88 kilometres, and additional container yards will be developed through sea reclamation. The port's cargo-handling capacity will be strengthened through the addition of ship-to-shore and yard cranes, enabling the handling of next-generation container vessels up to 28,000 TEUs. On completion, the port will be capable of handling up to five mother vessels simultaneously, with an operational throughput capacity of up to 5.7 million TEUs per annum. The capacity augmentation works are being undertaken pursuant to a Supplementary Concession Agreement signed in November 2024 between the Government of Kerala and Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited, advancing the project timeline by nearly 17 years, with completion targeted by December 2028. The total investment envisaged for the Vizhinjam International Seaport project is approximately Rs 16,000 crore, including about Rs 7,398 crore for the expansion phases. The Union Minister further noted that the development of Vizhinjam International Seaport is aligned with the national objectives under Maritime Vision 2030 and the Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, and will contribute to the creation of a resilient, efficient and globally competitive maritime sector. Speaking on the occasion, CM Pinarayi Vijayan said, "Vizhinjam is currently serving mainly Indian Container Ports as a Transhipment port. With the completion of Phase 2 development, Vizhinjam will become the transhipment hub of the whole world, including continents of Asia, Europe, America and Africa." With the commencement of the capacity augmentation works, Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to progress towards becoming a regional transhipment hub, strengthening India's position in global maritime trade and supporting long-term economic growth. - ANI Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia laid the foundation stone for an Rs 80 crore Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme in Tripura. The initiative aims to strengthen the entire supply chain from farms to international perfume markets, directly benefiting farmers by eliminating middlemen. Key measures include a six-fold increase in export quotas and the establishment of two Central Processing Centres in Tripura and Assam. The project aligns with Prime Minister Modi's vision to leverage local strengths for global reach, with the potential to generate Rs 2,000 crore annually from Tripura's agarwood sector. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia laid the foundation for an Rs 80 crore agarwood scheme in Tripura to boost farmers' income and global exports. Agartala, January 24 Union Development of North Eastern Region and Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday during the second day of his three-day visit to Tripura and Assam, reached North Fulkabari in Tripura, where he laid the foundation stone of the Rs 80 crore Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme, an official release from Ministry of Development of North-East Region said. On the occasion, the Union Minister said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a developed Northeast, he has brought several development initiatives for the region during this visit. Some of these were dedicated to the public on the first day of the visit on Friday, the foundation stone for the agarwood value chain has been laid today, and tomorrow the Matabari Tourism Circuit will be inaugurated as one of the biggest gift of this visit. Scindia stated that India's agarwood production capacity is primarily concentrated in Tripura and Assam, and this scheme aims to infuse new energy into the strengths of both states. Scindia explained that the scheme will strengthen the entire agarwood value chain from trees in farmers' fields to perfume bottles in international markets. He informed that two Central Processing Centres (CPCs) will be established under the scheme, one in Golaghat (Assam) and the other in this region of Tripura. These centres will enable comprehensive processing, branding and marketing, eliminating middlemen and ensuring that farmers receive the full value of their produce. Scindia said several key steps have been taken to make the agarwood sector globally competitive. The process for obtaining a Geographical Indication (GI) tag is underway; export quotas have been increased six-fold; agarwood chips exports have been raised from 25,000 kg to 1.5 lakh kg; agarwood oil exports from 1,500 kg to 7,500 kg; and sites and permissions are being integrated on a digital platform so that farmers can directly connect with international markets. He emphasised that the clear objective is to remove intermediaries and ensure that the full benefit reaches farmers directly. The Union Minister said that Fulkabari's agarwood sector stands as one of the strongest examples of Prime Minister Modi's vision of 'Local to Global', 'Vocal for Local' and 'One District One Product (ODOP)'. He noted that India currently has around 150 million agarwood trees, nearly 90% of which are located in the Northeastern states. Through this scheme, Tripura's production capacity is expected to increase by up to 50%. The Union Minister expressed confidence that, within the next 3-4 years, Tripura's agarwood market alone could develop an annual turnover of Rs 2,000 crore. To connect farmers directly with global markets, buyer-seller meets are being organised. He cited a recent meeting with buyers from Qatar, where farmers were directly linked with international purchasers. Concluding his address, the Union Minister said that this scheme is a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of focusing on the unique strengths of each state. Continuous efforts have been underway in this direction for over a year, and today those efforts have borne fruit. He expressed confidence that in partnership with the Tripura Government, the agarwood sector will be given global recognition, making the state a new benchmark in the journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. Minister Scindia stated that while he is in Tripura today for the agarwood project, several other development initiatives for the state are also progressing. Just yesterday, he laid foundation stones and inaugurated projects worth Rs 220 crore, reviewed the Agartala Government Inter College project (Rs 192 crore) and the Maternal & Child Health Hospital (Rs 200 crore). Union Minister further informed that on Sunday, he will lay the foundation stone for the Rs 280 crore Matabari Tourism Circuit. - ANI US lawmakers from both parties warned that restrictive immigration policies and workforce pipeline issues are jeopardizing American leadership in quantum science. They highlighted China's massive investments, which reportedly quadrupled US quantum R&D spending in 2024. Federal science agencies like NSF and NIST are facing significant personnel losses, exacerbating the talent shortage. Witnesses and legislators agreed that a coordinated government effort is urgently needed to attract and retain global quantum talent. Bipartisan Congress members warn immigration policies and workforce gaps threaten US quantum science lead against global rivals like China. Washington, Jan 24 Members of Congress from both parties have raised sharp concerns that immigration policies, workforce pipelines, and supply chain uncertainty are threatening the United States' leadership in quantum science and technology. At a House Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearing, lawmakers warned that restrictions on international students and foreign talent are weakening the quantum workforce at a time of intense global competition. "If the United States is not the destination of global quantum talent, then other nations certainly will be," Rep. Zoe Lofgren said, adding that the country needs each of its federal agencies "to be fully staffed and resourced." Lofgren said China's investments have surged, noting: "In 2024, The Chinese Communist Party invested more than four times what the United States did in quantum R&D. And 2025, The CCP announced a $138 billion fund to support their public private partnerships in emerging technologies including quantum computing." Rep. Suzanne Bonamici echoed concerns about the quantum workforce pipeline. She warned that federal grant cuts and visa hurdles are dissuading foreign scholars. "If the United States is not the destination of global quantum talent, than other nations certainly will be," she said, urging that "doors of opportunity should be open to everyone who chooses to attend higher education." Bonamici cited specific workforce challenges to the National Institute of Standards and Technology's witness: "So, what specific workforce challenges pose the greatest threat to US, quantum leadership right now, and which of those can Congress most easily and rapidly address?" to which James Kushmerick responded, "So, ... we need a whole of government effort to kind of increase the pipeline." Rep. Gabe Amo highlighted broader immigration and workforce concerns, including staffing at federal science agencies. He noted steep personnel losses: "From November 2024 to November 2025, there was a 29 per cent decrease in federal civilian employees at NSF, a 16 per cent decrease at federal civilian employees at NIST ... Approximately one fifth of NASA federal employees agreed to leave an agency ... under deferred resignation and early retirement." Amo then asked agency leaders a direct question on foreign-born scientists: "Are foreign-born scientists an important part of the US quantum ecosystem?" NIST's James Kushmerick said "Yes, they are." NSF's Saul Gonzalez said, "I think, yes, they are." NASA's Mark Clampin said, "Yes, they are." DOE's Tanner Crowder said, "Uh, a month ago, you heard from my boss who is an immigrant. And so, I would say yes, they are." Rep. Don Beyer also touched on talent concerns with an open-ended question about quantum's broader implications for technology: "Do you see any hope about using quantum encryption to have a personal impact on Americans protecting their own data?" NSF's Gonzalez responded, "My personal opinion is yes..." Rep. Deborah Ross stressed the strategic importance of talent pipelines from K-12 through advanced study: "Quantum technologies promise to redefine the frontiers of innovation." Ross and other lawmakers such as Rep. Andrea Salinas pressed witnesses about workforce development programs, especially for students and technicians. Salinas asked, "Could each of you tell me what specifically you are doing to recruit and retain quantum talent from across the country and across demographics?" Kushmerick replied, "We look across the whole country and we also welcome in foreign guest researchers when needed to help support this effort." Lawmakers also tied workforce fears to supply chain and cost issues. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann mentioned domestic quantum networks in his district, noting how federal investment can "serve as a catalyst that allows regional quantum ecosystems ... to grow faster, scale responsibly and deliver real economic and workforce development." Witnesses stressed that while US leadership remains strong, it is fragile. NSF's Gonzalez said, "The US has the ability, the talent and the infrastructure to not simply maintain but to grow our leadership across all critical and emerging technologies." - IANS US Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren has joined as a co-sponsor to the bipartisan Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2025. The bill, introduced by Congressman Josh Gottheimer, aims to strengthen the federal government's response to discrimination and hate crimes against Sikh Americans. If enacted, it would direct the Department of Justice to establish a task force to define, track, and prevent anti-Sikh hate while developing educational programs. National Sikh advocacy organizations have voiced strong support for the proposed legislation. US Reps. Lofgren & Gottheimer back the Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act to strengthen federal tracking and prevention of hate crimes. Washington, Jan 24 Legislation to strengthen the federal response to anti-Sikh discrimination and hate crimes is gaining bipartisan momentum in the US House of Representatives, as Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren joins as a co-sponsor. The Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act of 2025, known as H.R. 7100, now carries the support of Lofgren, a Democrat from California and vice chair of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus. Congressman Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey introduced the bill earlier this month. "No religious community should ever feel afraid to worship in America," Lofgren said. "Sikh Americans have faced increased discrimination and hate crimes, and it's necessary for the Department of Justice to elevate its attention to this issue. I'm proud to represent a large Sikh community in San Jose, and I will do everything in my power to ensure the federal government combats anti-Sikh discrimination." Gottheimer said the legislation reflects concerns raised directly by Sikh families and community leaders. "After listening directly to Sikh families and community leaders in North Jersey, it is clear that Congress has to take decisive action," he said. "The bipartisan Sikh American Anti-Discrimination Act will turn those conversations into action - strengthening how our federal government defines, tracks, and prevents anti-Sikh hate crimes so that every American can practice their faith freely and safely." If enacted, the proposed law would direct the Department of Justice to establish a Task Force on Anti-Sikh Discrimination, charged with creating a formal federal definition of anti-Sikh hate. This task force would also develop educational programs for schools, law enforcement agencies, and higher education institutions, while providing Congress with an annual report on hate crimes and discrimination targeting Sikh Americans. Sponsors say that the task force, as outlined in the bill, would engage directly with Sikh communities and advocacy organizations to shape prevention strategies and enforcement efforts. National Sikh organizations have voiced support for the legislation, including the Sikh Coalition, the Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund (SALDEF), and the American Sikh Caucus Committee. Supporters emphasise the importance of federal action to combat anti-Sikh discrimination and urge lawmakers to pass this critical bill, underscoring the need for immediate progress. - IANS Warner details transnational repression targeting Pakistani dissidents and their families abroad, including in the US and UK The letter raises alarm over life sentences for journalists and threats of military trials for civilians US Senator Mark Warner has written a serious letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He calls for diplomatic action over Pakistan's alleged human rights abuses against politicians, journalists, and activists. The senator points to problematic elections and a widespread crackdown on Imran Khan's political party. He also warns that Pakistan is intimidating critics living overseas, including in the United States. US Senator Mark Warner urges Secretary Rubio to address Pakistan's human rights violations, election irregularities, and transnational repression targeting dissidents. Washington, Jan 24 United States Senator Mark R. Warner wrote to the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing concern over ongoing alleged human rights violations in Pakistan targeting political figures, journalists, and activists, including widespread arrests and instances of transnational repression. In his letter, Senator Warner urged Rubio to take diplomatic steps and engage with the government of Pakistan over these abuses. Referring to Pakistan's 2024 general elections, which were delayed from 2023, Warner noted that polls were associated with instances of violence, as well as allegations of interference and irregularities, as documented by US, international, and Pakistani civil society organisations. Citing the US Department of State, he said, the elections in Pakistan "included undue restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly." He highlighted that post-election crackdowns targeted supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) - the party that won the most seats in the election, but fell short of a governing majority. While the numbers vary, he said, PTI supporters and members were detained in mass volume both in the lead-up to the election and the months that followed. "Among those detained are former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was arrested earlier in 2023 in connection to an array of charges, including alleged corruption. Khan's arrest in particular attracted notable international attention - the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention stated in 2024 that Khan's detention 'had no legal basis and appears to have been intended to disqualify him from running for political office'," the letter detailed. Warner also raised alarm over recent life sentences handed down against several Pakistani journalists following in absentia convictions, as well as threats to use military trials for civilian detainees and journalists - a process, he said, would fall outside democratic norms. The US Senator also reiterated serious concerns over ongoing attempts to intimidate or otherwise threaten Pakistani individuals living abroad, including constituents in Virginia, as well as their family members or personal connections in Pakistan. He said "these threats and actions include arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as instances of violence and broader coercion", describing it as part of these broader efforts by the Pakistani Government to silence opposition. "I urge all appropriate investigation and prosecution of any instances of transnational repression that target individuals living in the US and members of the Pakistani American community, and encourage full partnership between US and international partners and allies to investigate and address allegations abroad," the letter further added. Pakistan's transnational repression extends beyond the US as critics of the Pakistani government and military are being targeted in other parts of the world. Earlier on Friday, the United Kingdom's leading daily, The Guardian, reported that Scotland Yard's counter-terrorism command is carrying out a probe into a series of "highly targeted" attacks on Pakistani dissidents residing in the UK, which may have involvement of the state using criminal proxies to silence their critics. - IANS Uttar Pradesh Diwas 2026 is being celebrated with the theme 'Viksit Bharat-Viksit Uttar Pradesh,' emphasizing the state's development and cultural heritage. The main event in Lucknow, inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, will launch the 'One District-One Cuisine' initiative to showcase traditional foods from all districts. The celebrations also include exhibitions for the 'One District-One Product' scheme and will honor distinguished individuals and top-performing districts. The day reflects on UP's ancient history as a cradle of Vedic civilization, major religions, and intellectual synthesis through the ages. Uttar Pradesh Diwas 2026, themed 'Viksit Bharat-Viksit UP,' features the launch of the 'One District-One Cuisine' initiative and cultural exhibitions in Lucknow. New Delhi, Jan 24 Uttar Pradesh Diwas 2026 is being celebrated on Saturday with the theme 'Viksit Bharat-Viksit Uttar Pradesh', reflecting the state's cultural richness and developmental journey. The celebrations include the launch of the 'One District-One Cuisine' initiative, aimed at showcasing traditional dishes from every district of the state. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to inaugurate the main event in Lucknow. The celebrations will begin on Saturday at the newly-constructed Rashtra Prerna Sthal premises in Lucknow, marking a festive start to Uttar Pradesh Diwas 2026. The event seeks to capture the spirit of growth, pride and cultural diversity under the central theme of a developed India and a developed Uttar Pradesh. To be inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the event is expected to emerge as a grand public celebration. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has encouraged people across the state to participate actively, highlighting the state's diverse cultural heritage and key developmental milestones achieved in recent years. A major highlight of this year's celebration is the 'One District-One Cuisine' (ODOC) scheme, which will feature traditional foods from all districts. In addition, exhibitions will showcase artisan products under the 'One District-One Product' initiative and GI-tagged items. The event will also honour five distinguished individuals and recognise top-performing districts for their achievements in youth entrepreneurship. The history of Uttar Pradesh is very ancient and interesting. It is recognised in the later Vedic Age as Brahmarshi Desha or Madhya Desha. Many great sages of the Vedic times like Bhardwaja, Gautam, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra and Valmiki flourished in this state. Several sacred books of the Aryans were also composed here. Two great epics of India, Ramayana and Mahabharata, appear to have been inspired by Uttar Pradesh. In the sixth century B.C., Uttar Pradesh was associated with two new religions - Jainism and Buddhism. It was at Sarnath that Buddha preached his first sermon and laid the foundations of his order, and it was in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, where Buddha breathed his last. Several centres in Uttar Pradesh like Ayodhya, Prayag, Varanasi and Mathura became reputed centres of learning. In the medieval period, Uttar Pradesh passed under Muslim rule and led the way to new synthesis of Hindu and Islamic cultures. Ramananda and his Muslim disciple Kabir, Tulsidas, Surdas and many other intellectuals contributed to the growth of Hindi and other languages. Uttar Pradesh preserved its intellectual excellence even under the British administration. The British combined Agra and Oudh into one province and called it United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. The name was shortened to the United Provinces in 1935. In January 1950 the United Provinces was renamed as Uttar Pradesh. The State is bound by Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in the north, Haryana in the west, Madhya Pradesh in the South and Bihar in the east. Uttar Pradesh can be divided into two distinct regions (i) Southern Hills and (ii) Gangetic Plain. Agriculture is the main occupation of 66 per cent of the population of the State. The net cultivated area in the state is 164.17 lakh hectares. - IANS Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a video message for Uttar Pradesh Day, declared the state has transformed from a "sick state" into the nation's primary growth engine. He credited this shift to governance reforms, improved law and order, and economic initiatives like MSME promotion and the ODOP scheme. The CM also highlighted a cultural renaissance centered on sites like Ayodhya and Kashi, and noted the state has moved to a revenue surplus. Uttar Pradesh, with its ancient history as a center of spirituality and learning, now aims to become a fully developed state. CM Yogi Adityanath declares Uttar Pradesh has become India's growth engine, citing law & order, MSMEs, and cultural revival on UP Day. New Delhi, Jan 24 Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of the state on the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Day, asserting that the state of infinite possibilities has broken the shackles of struggle and policy apathy to emerge as the growth engine of India's development. The Chief Minister shared a video message on social media platform X, addressing the people of the state and highlighting the transformation Uttar Pradesh has witnessed in recent years. "Hello, my sisters and brothers of Uttar Pradesh. Heartiest congratulations to all of you on Uttar Pradesh Day. Our state of infinite possibilities has today broken the shackles of struggle and policy apathy and transformed from a sick state into the growth engine of India's development," he said. In the video, CM Yogi underlined the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the state, saying Uttar Pradesh has always been the centre of culture, literature, music, art and spiritual consciousness. "The dignity of Ayodhya, the eternal consciousness of Kashi and the devotion of Braj Dham have given a new direction to India's cultural awakening," he said, adding that the state continues to guide the nation's cultural consciousness. Highlighting governance reforms, the Chief Minister said that strict determination and effective administration have helped establish law and order in the state. He pointed out that initiatives such as MSME promotion, labour reforms, deregulation, skill development, startups and the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme have taken Uttar Pradesh from the local to the global stage while significantly boosting employment opportunities. Referring to women empowerment initiatives, CM Yogi said women's participation in the workforce has increased substantially. He also noted that the expansion of medical infrastructure, health services and technology has made healthcare more accessible to the common people. "The incredible connectivity of jal, thal and nabh (waterways, roadways and airways) has opened new avenues for business opportunities," he said. The Chief Minister further said that from Ayodhya and Kashi to Sambhal, a golden chapter of cultural renaissance is being written in the state. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh has achieved a breakthrough by moving from a revenue deficit to a revenue surplus. "From nuisance to celebration, the state has transformed in every aspect. This is the time to once again reaffirm our resolve for a Viksit Pradesh," he added, extending his greetings to the people once again. Uttar Pradesh has a rich and ancient history. It was recognised during the later Vedic age as Brahmarshi Desha or Madhya Desha. Many revered sages such as Bhardwaja, Gautam, Vashishtha, Vishwamitra and Valmiki flourished in this region, and several sacred texts of the Aryans were composed here. The two great Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, are believed to have been inspired by events and traditions associated with Uttar Pradesh. In the sixth century BC, the state became closely associated with the emergence of Jainism and Buddhism. Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath, laying the foundation of Buddhism, and attained Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar. Cities such as Ayodhya, Prayag, Varanasi and Mathura emerged as prominent centres of learning. During the medieval period, Uttar Pradesh witnessed a synthesis of Hindu and Islamic cultures, with saints and poets like Ramananda, Kabir, Tulsidas and Surdas contributing immensely to the growth of Hindi and other Indian languages. The state retained its intellectual prominence during British rule, when Agra and Oudh were merged to form the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, later renamed the United Provinces. In January 1950, it was officially renamed Uttar Pradesh. Geographically, Uttar Pradesh is bordered by Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in the north, Haryana in the west, Madhya Pradesh in the south and Bihar in the east. The state is broadly divided into the Southern Hills and the fertile Gangetic Plain. Today, Uttar Pradesh stands as India's heartland, known for its immense spiritual significance, iconic monuments like the Taj Mahal, rich Mughal and Awadhi culture, diverse crafts such as chikankari and carpets, and its vibrant blend of ancient traditions and modern development. - IANS The deregulatory moves so far have thrilled the banking industry, which spent years bracing for tougher and more expensive regulations during both the Obama and Biden administrations. Bessent told POLITICO this week that deregulation under Trump has freed up $2.5 trillion of extra lending capacity, citing private-sector analysis. Its yet another area where Bessent is amassing influence over economic policy in the administration, which has included an extraordinary level of involvement in President Donald Trumps trade agenda and taking on the direct leadership of the Internal Revenue Service, among other areas. Bessents strong hand in regulation is a notable departure from the practice of most previous Treasury secretaries, who have usually deferred to the agencies. Instead, he and his deputies regularly meet with the regulators to push his priorities. Treasurys involvement helps give reform legitimacy and ensures that were all looking to the same true north, he added. As the secretary has said, we need a fundamental reset of financial regulation, McKernan, who is undersecretary for domestic finance, said in an interview. That reset needs to be rooted in a long-term vision for the financial system. Defining that vision inevitably entails value judgments, and so it cannot be a purely technocratic exercise. But one of Bessents deputies, Jonathan McKernan, said the secretarys approach will ensure that the agencies are taking into account the broader impact of regulations on the economy, a decades-old Republican priority. The Trump administration, he said, is setting its sights on a major overhaul of the post-crisis regime. That centralization of control is aimed at easing some of the sweeping rules enacted after the 2008 financial crisis, which subjected banks and the financial sector to broader and more intensive controls to prevent another market meltdown. The speed and success of the deregulation is sparking concern that Bessent will put Wall Streets interests ahead of the health and stability of the financial system. Bessent is increasingly steering independent agencies to relax oversight of lenders, usher digital assets into the banking system, and reduce costs for megabanks that trade in U.S. government debt. In doing so, he is redefining the relationship between the administration and federal agencies, which have long enjoyed significant autonomy in supervising banks. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent wants to rewrite the post-financial crisis rulebook for the nations banks. And hes using government regulators themselves to loosen many of the rules they put in place. Story continues Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts is among those raising concerns about the unusual scale of involvement by the administration. Our financial cops on the beat are no longer independent from the White House and they are certainly not independent from Wall Street, Warren, the top Democrat on the Banking Committee, told POLITICO in a statement. Secretary Bessent has spearheaded Trumps Wall Street First agenda that is good for bank executives and billionaire hedge fund investors while leaving the economy vulnerable to another financial crash. Bessent and his team are pushing for changes to a number of key rules, including those designed to reduce banks reliance on debt, as well as guidelines governing efforts to combat money laundering. The administration is also looking to remove regulatory barriers to banks use of artificial intelligence in certain cases. To be certain, it is not unusual for Treasury to consult with the agencies on regulation, particularly since the financial crisis. The department will often give input on its vision to help regulators craft rules. And the Treasury secretary chairs the Financial Stability Oversight Council, a body created by the landmark Dodd-Frank law to regularly convene agency heads to discuss stability risks. Insiders say the regulators still have the latitude to draft their own rules, and were already largely in agreement with the vision put out by Treasury. What has changed in this administration is Bessents level of involvement, his prioritization of financial deregulation, and the unusually strong alignment between the administration and top regulators at the Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. In general, the Treasury working with the regulatory agencies is not new at all. But what we see here is a difference in emphasis, said Nellie Liang, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and McKernans predecessor. Bessent has made a number of speeches and proclamations that lay out what he wants to do. In April, he told the American Bankers Association that he and his team would devote the necessary time and attention to the quite technical, substantive aspects of regulatory reform. At the FSOCs final meeting in December, he took a more sweeping approach. He wrote an introductory letter to the 2025 annual report which officials said was the first such letter since 2011 and proclaimed that the FSOC would no longer be focused solely on prophylactic regulatory policies. Instead, it would emphasize economic growth. Bessents critics argue that the speed at which the administration has pushed forward its deregulatory agenda, and the high degree of coordination among the various regulators, is eroding natural checks and balances within the oversight system. The concern here would be that agencies feel pressure to subordinate sound risk management to accommodate policies that try to solve broader economic problems through more borrowing, said Graham Steele, former assistant secretary for domestic finance at the Treasury, now a fellow at Stanford Law School. The administration seems to be pushing new financing for AI, crypto, and even cheaper credit as a tool to address housing affordability. This approach doesnt actually address the underlying issues, it just piles on more leverage. Thats a dynamic that independent regulators are supposed to push against. Still, a lack of alignment among regulators can sink rulewriting attempts, even among officials who have the same goals a lesson learned by Biden-era regulators when they failed to reach an agreement on revising rules aimed at making sure banks are prepared for unexpected losses. Fierce pushback to the initial proposal particularly from the banking industry led to significant delays, and then-Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barrs plan to readjust it never moved forward after the Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus director, Rohit Chopra, objected to the process. That type of experience has led even people who are ideologically different from the Treasury secretary to be sympathetic to his governing style. Bessent is interested, and he gets this stuff, said Jeremy Kress, a professor at the University of Michigan, formerly a Biden DOJ official and a lawyer at the Fed who generally advocates for more regulation. The problem with the prior administrations is that the Treasury Department has taken a hands-off approach to regulation, either because they did not care or because they thought that the banking agencies were independent and should not be interfered with. But with a hands-off approach, there is nobody in charge. According to a senior official at one of the regulators, granted anonymity to speak freely, Trumps regulators were selected because they sing from the same songbook and have a track record of being in accord with the administration. Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould served as the agencys top lawyer during the first Trump administration, while FDIC Chair Travis Hill and McKernan were on the FDIC board during former President Joe Bidens term. Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman was appointed to the board of governors by Trump in the first administration, and had given multiple speeches arguing for a more streamlined regulatory approach. The FDIC and the Fed declined to comment. The OCC pointed POLITICO to its statutory authority, which outlines its autonomy from the Treasury. The statute that governs my relationship with the Treasury secretary is unchanged, Gould said in an interview, adding that hes working closely with both the department and his fellow regulators. The FDIC board, which usually has two out of its five appointees from outside the presidents party, is currently made up of three Republicans. The Trump administration has not announced plans to appoint any Democrats. The White House declined to comment. McKernan told POLITICO that the Treasury is looking to build upon its early momentum to push through more changes. This regulatory reset isnt reactionary or isolated measures, he said. Treasurys plan is rooted in a blueprint for innovation, economic growth, safety and soundness, and financial stability. That means revisiting the very specific calibration of some very granular requirements to ensure an appropriate balance across these objectives. That includes looking at rules that govern banks easy access to cash and their financial buffers against unexpected losses. We have to revisit the entire post-crisis regulatory framework, McKernan said. Post-crisis regulation has entrenched the big banks, suffocated community banks, and stifled growth and innovation. About the only winners have been the Washington bureaucrats. Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that Uttar Pradesh will become the engine driving India's development by the time the nation celebrates its 100th Independence Day in 2047. He praised the state government's achievements, including the transformative 'One District, One Product' scheme and the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Shah appealed to voters to support a 'double-engine' government in the upcoming elections, criticizing previous opposition regimes. The speech was delivered during the Uttar Pradesh Statehood Day ceremony in Lucknow, highlighting the state's historical and cultural significance. Union Home Minister Amit Shah envisions Uttar Pradesh powering India's development by 2047, praising Yogi govt's schemes and Ram Mandir construction. Lucknow, January 24 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday described Uttar Pradesh as the land of great personalities, including Lord Krishna and Lord Buddha, and expressed the possibility of turning the state into "an engine of developed India" when the country celebrates its 100 years of independence in 2047. Speaking at the Uttar Pradesh Statehood Day ceremony in Lucknow, Shah hailed the recently inaugurated Rashtriya Prerna Sthal, built by transforming a 65-acre landfill into a landmark of development, asserting that the BJP regime transformed the waste into wealth. "When the country celebrates 100 years of Independence on 15 August 2047, Uttar Pradesh will become the engine of a developed India. This is the land of Lord Krishna, Lord Buddha, and many great personalities. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee worked not only for the Jana Sangh but also for Kashmir. There used to be a mountain of garbage spread over 65 acres, which the BJP transformed from waste into wealth," Union Minister Amit Shah said. Shah also praised the achievements of the Uttar Pradesh government under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, highlighting that over 1.30 lakh youth have benefited from government initiatives and emphasised the success of the 'One District, One Product' (ODOP) scheme, which has now reached across the country. "So far, 1.30 lakh youths have benefited. Just look at the achievement of our Uttar Pradesh government -- the 'One District One Product' scheme has gone from Uttar Pradesh to the entire country, and today this food festival is being organised. Today, it is a matter of pride for me that Hari Om Pawar ji is being honoured. Through his writings, he has worked to awaken society," Shah said. Amit Shah mentioned that at present, Uttar Pradesh has become the "food basket" of the country, while also lauding the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, terming it a task for which the country had been waiting for 550 years. "Today, Uttar Pradesh has become India's food basket. The task for which the entire country waited for 550 years has also been completed -- the grand temple of Lord Ram has been constructed," he said. He also appealed to the people to rise above caste and vote towards the formation of a double-engine government, accusing the opposition parties of working towards looting the state. "Next year is an election year. I have come to appeal to the people of Uttar Pradesh -- to build a double-engine government for the development of the state. The governments of SP, BSP, and Congress only worked to loot. In the coming elections, I want to appeal to every voter to rise above caste and vote," Shah said. Uttar Pradesh Statehood Day is observed on January 24 to mark the renaming of the erstwhile United Provinces as Uttar Pradesh in 1950, two days before the adoption of the Indian Constitution. The state has since played a central role in the country's political, cultural, and social life. Blessed with sacred rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saryu, Uttar Pradesh is home to some of India's most important religious and historical centres. Cities such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Prayagraj, Sarnath, and Kushinagar attract millions of pilgrims and tourists each year. Varanasi, situated on the banks of the Ganga, is considered one of the world's oldest living cities and is home to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Sarnath holds special significance as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Over the years, Uttar Pradesh has contributed significantly to India's industrial growth, with Kanpur emerging as a major industrial hub. In November 2000, the hill state of Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh, further shaping the region's administrative landscape. Leaders across the political spectrum marked the occasion by highlighting Uttar Pradesh's historical legacy and its evolving role in India's development journey. - ANI The India Meteorological Department has issued a Yellow Alert for seven districts in Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, warning of potentially disruptive heavy rainfall at isolated places on Saturday. The weather activity is driven by a lower atmospheric circulation and the residual effects of a system that weakened after crossing the north Sri Lanka coast. Accompanying the alert is a marine warning for fishermen, advising against venturing into the sea due to strong winds up to 60 kmph. Authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to exercise caution and stay updated with official bulletins. IMD issues Yellow Alert for Chennai and 6 Tamil Nadu districts. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds forecast. Fishermen warned. Stay updated. Chennai, Jan 24 A 'Yellow' weather alert has been issued for seven districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, as heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places on Saturday, according to a bulletin released by the India Meteorological Department, Chennai. In its official press note, the weather department said the expected rain activity is being triggered by a lower atmospheric circulation prevailing over southern India. As a result, coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning at a few places. Similar weather conditions are also expected at one or two locations in interior Tamil Nadu. The IMD has specifically warned that heavy rain is likely at isolated places in the districts of Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram and Cuddalore on Saturday. In view of this, a 'Yellow Alert' - indicating the possibility of potentially disruptive weather - has been issued for these regions. Residents have been advised to remain cautious, especially in low-lying and waterlogged areas. Meanwhile, the weather department has issued a marine warning for fishermen, urging them to exercise extreme caution. According to the advisory, strong winds with speeds reaching up to 60 kmph are likely to prevail over the Tamil Nadu coast, the Gulf of Mannar and the Comorin Sea on Saturday and Sunday. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period. Providing an update on the synoptic situation, the IMD said that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal, which had been moving in a west-northwesterly direction, weakened into a depression around 5.30 am on Saturday. The system continued to weaken further and, by Saturday afternoon, crossed the north Sri Lanka coast between Trincomalee and Jaffna as a low-pressure area. The weakened system is expected to move westwards and gradually dissipate, reducing the likelihood of extreme weather. However, its residual impact, combined with prevailing atmospheric conditions, is expected to continue influencing rainfall patterns over parts of Tamil Nadu over the weekend. Authorities have urged the public to stay updated with official weather bulletins and follow safety advisories issued by local administrations and disaster management agencies. - IANS ISRO Chairman V Narayanan has clarified that the recent anomaly in a PSLV rocket launch will not cause any delay to the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. The issue occurred near the end of the vehicle's third-stage burn during a mission on January 12. A detailed analysis of the flight path deviation is currently underway. The mission was a commercial launch that included satellites from private firm Dhruva Space. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan states the PSLV mission failure is independent and will not impact the timeline for India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. Coimbatore, January 24 Indian Space Research Organisation chairman V Narayanan on Saturday denied any possibility of delay in the Gaganyaan mission following the failure of the PSLV rocket mission earlier this month. The ISRO chief said that the organisation is currently studying the cause of PSLV mission failure, and called it an individual mission which would not affect the progress of the Gaganyaan mission. "These two are independent programs, and it (failure of PSLV) will not have any impact. The investigation is ongoing," V Narayanan told ANI. On January 12, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C62 mission carrying the 'Anvesha'/EOS-N1 satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites launched by India encountered an anomaly during the end of the PS3 burn stage, with ISRO chairman V Naryanan stating that "a deviation in the vehicle's flight path" was observed. "A detailed analysis has been initiated," the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) posted on X. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said a disturbance was observed in the vehicle at the end of the third stage, which was otherwise proceeding as expected. "Today, we have attempted the PSLV C62 / EOS - N1 Mission. The PSLV vehicle is a four-stage vehicle with two solid stages and two liquid stages. The vehicle's performance near the end of the third stage was as expected. (However), near the end of the third stage, we are seeing increased disturbance in the vehicle. Subsequently, a deviation in the vehicle's flight path is observed. We are analysing the data and will come back at the earliest," Narayanan said. This was ISRO's first major launch of 2026. The mission aimed to place an Earth observation satellite into orbit from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at Sriharikota. The mission was carried out by NewSpace India Limited and represents the ninth dedicated commercial mission to build and launch an Earth Observation satellite. For the first time, a single Indian private company, Dhruva Space, based in Hyderabad, contributed seven satellites to the mission. - ANI Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje stated that women must work three times harder than men to secure their position in the political arena. She highlighted significant progress, such as the rise in female literacy and the number of women MPs since independence. However, she emphasized that this progress is insufficient and called for equal representation. The event also saw praise for Raje's role in safeguarding Jat community reservations in the state. Former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje says women must work three times harder than men to succeed in politics, citing progress but inadequate representation. Jaipur, Jan 24 Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje said on Saturday that women have to work three times as hard as men to secure their place in politics. She was addressing the Jat Mahila Shakti Sangam program organised at the Constitution Club in Jaipur on Saturday. Speaking at the event, Raje highlighted the challenges women face in public life and emphasised the need for greater representation of women in politics. She said that although women have made significant progress over the years, they still have a long way to go to achieve equal participation. During the programme, Jat Mahasabha President Raja Ram Meel praised Raje's contribution to the Jat community, stating that she played a crucial role in safeguarding the Jat reservation in Rajasthan. He said that under her leadership, reservation benefits were also ensured for Jats of Dholpur and Bharatpur, a decision that proved to be a landmark. Raje shared statistical data to underline the progress of women in India since independence. She said that at the time of independence, the literacy rate of women in the country was only 9 per cent, which has now increased to 65 per cent. She added that women constituted just 3 per cent of candidates contesting general elections in 1957, whereas today the figure has risen to 10 per cent. Referring to women's representation in Parliament, Raje said that there were only 22 women Members of Parliament in the first Lok Sabha, compared to 74 women MPs at present. Similarly, the number of women members in the Rajya Sabha has increased from 15 in 1952 to 42 today. However, she stressed that this progress remains inadequate and that women's representation should be equal to men's. The former Chief Minister cited the examples of President Draupadi Murmu and former President Pratibha Patil, stating that their journeys prove that education to the key to success. She also acknowledged the contributions of prominent women leaders and achievers, including Kamala Beniwal, Hema Malini, Sumitra Singh, Priyanka Chaudhary, Rita Chaudhary, and Shikha Meel. Sushila Barala, Padma Shri awardee Krishna Poonia, Kamala Kanswa, and Divya Maderna. MLA Shikha Meel, former MLA Krishna Poonia, and former judge Rajendra Chaudhary also addressed the gathering and shared their views on women's empowerment and political participation. - IANS 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. Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine early Saturday, targeting major cities and critical energy infrastructure even as delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the United States were meeting in Abu Dhabi for Washington-brokered peace talks, Azernews reports citing Reuters. Ukraines foreign minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of acting cynically, saying the timing of the assault demonstrated Moscows disregard for diplomacy. This barbaric attack once again proves that Putins place is not at the board of peace, but at the dock of the special tribunal, Sybiha wrote on X. According to Ukraines air force, Russia fired 375 drones and 21 missiles, striking Kyiv and Kharkiv in several waves. At least one person was killed and 23 others were injured. The attacks once again focused on energy facilities, cutting electricity and heating supplies across large parts of the capital during sub-zero temperatures. Ukraines deputy prime minister said around 800,000 residents in Kyiv were left without power following the strikes, adding to the strain after repeated mass attacks since the start of the year that have damaged hundreds of residential buildings. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday that it was too early to draw conclusions from the first day of talks, urging Russia to demonstrate genuine readiness to end the war. The negotiations were expected to resume for a final day on Saturday. Moscow, however, showed no sign of softening its position. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia continued to insist that Ukraine relinquish control over the remaining eastern territories of Donbas, including parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Putins demand that Ukraine surrender roughly 5,000 square kilometres of Donetsk still under Kyivs control remains a major obstacle to any agreement. Zelenskiy has repeatedly ruled out territorial concessions, arguing that Russia has failed to seize the areas militarily despite years of attritional warfare. Polls indicate limited public support in Ukraine for giving up land as part of a settlement. Russia maintains it is open to a diplomatic solution but says it will pursue its objectives by military means as long as negotiations fail to deliver results. General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM) will reportedly end production of its most affordable EV, the Chevrolet Bolt, as well as move Buick production out of China into Kansas. GM's Production Reshuffle The Detroit-based automaker will shift production of the Gas-powered Chevrolet Equinox and the upcoming Buick Envision away from Mexico and China, respectively, to its facility in Fairfax, Kansas, TechCrunch reported on Thursday. 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 GM didn't immediately respond to Benzinga's request for comment. The move could also mean an end to the production of the Chevrolet Bolt EV. which currently retails for $29,990. A spokesperson from GM cited in the report shared that there was buzz around the Bolt EV being a limited-run model. "We had also previously announced the gas-powered Equinox would be coming to Fairfax in mid 2027 after Bolt production ramps down," the statement said. See Also: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it? GM's New HQ, Mary Barra's EV Promise The company recently moved into a new HQ in Detroit, marking an end to its time at the Renaissance Center, originally built by rival Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F) in the 1970s. The new HQ would help facilitate better collaboration between teams within the automaker's ranks, it said. Meanwhile, CEO Mary Barra also reaffirmed the automakers commitment to EVs, despite laying off over 3,400 workers across multiple EV production facilities in the U.S. GM also took on a $6 billion charge related to EVs on top of the earlier reported $1.6 billion charge it took in its EV efforts. Read Next: Photo courtesy: Jonathan Weiss 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 GM To End Production Of Its Most Affordable EV, Move Buick From China To US: Report originally appeared on Benzinga.com Announcing a new article publication for Zoonoses journal. Mosquito-borne orthoflaviviruses are maintained in cycles involving mosquito and vertebrate hosts. ZIKV persists in nature in a transmission cycle involving NHPs and also infects humans. Its recent emergence in Brazil has indicated the importance of surveying this virus in Brazilian sylvatic environments. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of flavivirus in free-living neotropical primates in Southern Brazil and to characterize the detected strains. Histopathological and molecular evidence is presented that shows free-ranging Alouatta guariba in Southern Brazil were infected by ZIKV closely related to African lineage MR766 (prototype strain, East African). Eleven NHPs were RT-PCR positive for ZIKV. High throughput sequencing revealed 99.3% identity to ZIKV MR766, 98.7% identity to ZIKV strain ArD157995 (West African), 89.7% identity to ZIKV P6-740 (Asian strain), and a 216-nucleotide deletion in the NS3 coding region. Isolation attempts resulted in low viral titers, which were insufficient for further experiments. The main lesions in affected NHPs were microcephaly, palatoschisis, calcifications in the neuropil, and discrete inflammatory infiltrates in several tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated viral antigen positivity in one placenta. Repeated detection of an African-lineage ZIKV in the same season over three consecutive years in the Americas in NHPs suggested more than one introduction of ZIKV into the Americas. This week would have marked the 53rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide that is, until 2022, when the court overturned it. Since then, abortion has been banned in 13 states and severely limited in 10 others. Yet anti-abortion activists remain frustrated, in some cases even more so than before Roe was overturned. Why? Because despite the new legal restrictions, abortions have not stopped taking place, not even in states with complete bans. In fact, the number of abortions has not dropped at all, according to the latest statistics. "Indeed, abortions have tragically increased in Louisiana and other pro-life states," Liz Murrill, Louisiana's attorney general, said at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing this month. That's due in large part to the easier availability of medication abortion, which uses a combination of the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol, and particularly to the pills' availability via mail after a telehealth visit with a licensed health professional. Allowing telehealth access was a major change originally made on a temporary basis during the covid pandemic, when visits to a doctor's office were largely unavailable. Before that, unlike most medications, mifepristone could be dispensed only directly, and only by a medical professional individually certified by the Food and Drug Administration. The Biden administration later permanently eliminated the requirement for an in-person visit a change the second Trump administration has not undone. While the percentage of abortions using medication had been growing every year since 2000, when the FDA first approved mifepristone for pregnancy termination, the Biden administration's decision to drop the in-person dispensing requirement supercharged its use. More than 60% of all abortions were done using medication rather than a procedure in 2023, the most recent year for which statistics are available. More than a quarter of all abortions that year were managed via telehealth. Separately, President Donald Trump's FDA in October approved a second generic version of mifepristone, angering abortion opponents. FDA officials said at the time that they had no choice that as long as the original drug remains approved, federal law requires them to OK copies that are "bioequivalent" to the approved drug. It's clear that reining in, if not canceling, the approval of pregnancy-terminating medication is a top priority for abortion opponents. This month, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America called abortion drugs "America's New Public Health Crisis," referencing their growing use in ending pregnancies as well as claims of safety concerns such as the risk a woman could be given the drugs unknowingly or suffer serious complications. Decades of research and experience show medication abortion is safe and complications are rare. Another group, Students for Life, has been trying to make the case that the biological waste from the use of mifepristone is contaminating the nation's water supply, though environmental scientists refute that claim. Yet the groups are most frustrated not with supporters of abortion rights but with the Trump administration. The object of most of their ire is the FDA, which they say is dragging its feet on a promised review of the abortion pill and the Biden administration's loosened requirements around its availability. President Joe Biden's covid-era policy allowing abortion drugs to be sent via mail "should've been rescinded on day one of the administration," SBA Pro-Life America's president, Marjorie Dannenfelser, said in a recent statement. Instead, almost a year later, she continued, "pro-life states are being completely undermined in their ability to enforce the laws that they passed." Lawmakers who oppose abortion access are also pressing the administration. "At an absolute minimum, the previous in-person safeguards must be restored immediately," Senate HELP Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy said during the hearing with Murrill and other witnesses who want to see abortion pill availability curtailed. Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) said at the hearing that he hoped "the rumors are false" that "the agency is intentionally slow-walking its study on mifepristone's health risks." The White House and spokespeople at the Department of Health and Human Services have denied the review is being purposely delayed. "The FDA's scientific review process is thorough and takes the time necessary to ensure decisions are grounded in gold-standard science," HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard said in an emailed response to KFF Health News. "Dr. Makary is upholding that standard as part of the Department's commitment to rigorous, evidence-based review." That's a reference to Marty Makary, the FDA commissioner. Revoking abortion pill access may not be as easy as advocates hoped when Trump moved back into the White House. While the president delivered on many of the goals of his anti-abortion backers during his first term, especially the confirmation of Supreme Court justices who made overturning Roe possible, he has been far less doctrinaire in his second go-round. Earlier this month, Trump unnerved some of his supporters by advising House Republicans that lawmakers "have to be a little flexible" on the Hyde Amendment to appeal to voters, referring to a decades-old appropriations rule that bans most federal abortion funding and that some Republicans have been pushing to enforce more broadly. And while the anniversary of Trump's inauguration has many analysts noting how much of the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 blueprint has been realized, the most headline-grabbing portions on reproductive health have yet to be enacted. The Trump administration has not, for example, revoked the approval of mifepristone for pregnancy termination, nor has it invoked the 1873 Comstock Act, which could effectively ban abortion nationwide by stopping not just the mailing of abortion pills but also anything else used in providing abortions. Still, abortion opponents have decades of practice at remaining hopeful and playing a long game. Delhi: 32-year-old man shot dead in Shastri Park; police launch hunt for culprit Last Updated: January 25, 2026, 02:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], January 25 (ANI): A 32-year-old man, was was fatally shot in the Buland Masjid area of Shastri Park here on Saturday night. The victim, identified as Sameer alias Mustakim, was rushed to the hospital by his family but was declared dead on arrival. Forensic experts were called to the crime scene to collect vital evidence. North East district DCP Ashish Mishra, in a statement, said, On 24.01.26, at about 23:24 hrs, a firing incident was reported at PS Shastri Park. Upon reaching the spot in the area of Buland Masjid, it was found that the victim, Sameer aka Mustakim aka Kamoo Pehlwan (32 years), S/o Alimuddin, R/o Buland Masjid, Shastri Park, had already been taken to JPC Hospital by his family members. At the hospital, the victim was declared brought dead by the attending doctors."The forensic teams examined the crime scene and collected evidence. A case under the relevant sections has been registered at PS Shastri Park, and an investigation has been taken up. Teams have been deployed to identify and arrest the accused," the DCP said.Meanwhile, in a similar incident, a 24-year-old man was shot multiple times outside Mr King Lounge and Cafe in Delhis Shahadara area on Friday night, leading to heavy police deployment in the area. The victim, identified as Faizan, was shot by a father-son duo; the reason for the muder is suspected to be an unpaid loan dispute.Providing details about the victim and incident, Delhi Police said in a statement, A firing incident was reported at PS Welcome at 11.28 pm today. On reaching the spot at Mr King Lounge and Cafe, Maujpur, one injured person, identified as Faizan @ Fazzi (24yrs.) S/o Sehroj Alam R/o JMC Welcome, was found. He was immediately shifted to GTB Hospital, where he was declared brought dead by the attending doctors."On recounting the brutal nature of the attack, the victims brother said, My brother was shot three times, but the police said that two magazine rounds were fired. One bullet hit him in the head and went right through. Two bullets hit him in the chest. He was also probably stabbed. He had cuts on his hands, so he must have struggled a lot."Detailing the events leading up to the tragedy, the victims brother mentioned that Faizan was a very simple man, and he had taken a loan. When he couldnt repay it, the father and son came to our house and started fighting. We had even filed a complaint at the Bhajanpura police station, but nothing happened." (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 25, 2026, 02:45 IST News agency-feeds Delhi: 32-year-old man shot dead in Shastri Park; police launch hunt for culprit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... JDS silver jubilee conference aimed at reviving party: HD Kumaraswamy Last Updated: January 25, 2026, 02:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Hassan (Karnataka) [India], January 25 (ANI): Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy said the partys Silver Jubilee celebrations were being held in Hassan, its birthplace, with the aim of strengthening the JDS and countering what he termed attempts by political opponents to destroy the party.After offering prayers at the family deity in Hassan, Kumaraswamy recalled the origins and journey of the party on Saturday, saying, Under the leadership of Deve Gowda, JDS started from Congress O and became Janata Dal, Janata Party. Then it was split in 1999 due to disagreements among the leaders. Now JDS has completed 25 years."He said the Silver Jubilee conference was significant as it was being organised at the partys birthplace. The Silver Jubilee celebrations are being celebrated in their birthplace. This conference is to strengthen JDS again," he said.Taking a swipe at political rivals, Kumaraswamy added, Our arrogant opponents are saying that we have destroyed JDS. This party should be destroyed; it is their attempt. This party was raised by farmers. This party cannot be destroyed."He further criticised the present dispensation, stating, This is a barbaric government; there is no humanity. The purpose of this conference is to remove such a corrupt government."Meanwhile, former Prime Minister and JDS patriarch HD Deve Gowda also addressed the gathering at Haradanahalli in Hassan district. Referring to the Silver Jubilee event, he said, For the first time, a 25th year program is being held in Hassan. I, Kumaraswamy, have come to participate in the program. Our district leaders and activists have worked for the success of the program."Highlighting the partys growth despite challenges, Deve Gowda said, Congress has made a mark in the district for two and a half years and tried to finish JDS. This party has grown step by step in the state with the support of the people of the district."Reflecting on his long political journey, he remarked, I was elected as an ordinary MLA and then gradually went up to the post of Prime Minister. I have experienced pain and suffering in my 65 years of political life."Emphasising unity among party workers, he added, In that context, everyone in the district has organised a conference to save the party. Everyone has worked in unity. All the activists have come to ensure that the program is a success."Speaking about his visit to the temple, Deve Gowda said, Before going to the meeting, I have come to offer prayers to our clan gods. I will bow down in the assembly after worshipping."Expressing gratitude to the people of Hassan, he concluded, I was raised by the people of the district. I am still alive at the age of 93 because of the blessings of the people. I will not forget their support till my last breath." (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 25, 2026, 02:45 IST News agency-feeds JDS silver jubilee conference aimed at reviving party: HD Kumaraswamy Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mohammed bin Rashid visits Quoz Arts Fest Last Updated: January 25, 2026, 03:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Dubai [UAE], January 25 (ANI/WAM): Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, visited Quoz Arts Fest, marking a significant moment in the festivals 14th edition and underscoring its continued role as a key platform for contemporary culture, creativity, and community engagement in the UAE.During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid toured Alserkal Avenue, Dubais cultural district and engaged with artists, cultural practitioners, and members of the creative community. The visit reflected Dubais ongoing commitment to supporting the arts, fostering cultural exchange, and nurturing creative and intellectual ecosystems as part of the citys broader vision for innovation and human development.As part of his tour, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also visited Fiker Institute, an interdisciplinary international affairs think tank based in Dubai and founded by Dubai Abulhoul. The institute focuses on advancing intellectual discourse across global governance reform, diplomacy, climate security, culture, and the future of multilateralism, positioning culture and critical thinking as essential tools for global dialogue.Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also visited Concrete, where TAPE Dubai, the large-scale immersive installation by Numen/For Use, is presented. Part of the collectives internationally renowned TAPE series, the installation has previously been realised in cities including Berlin, Paris, Tokyo, and Zagreb, transforming architectural spaces into elastic, inhabitable environments. During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid met with the artists behind the work, which invites visitors to physically engage with space through movement, tension, and collective experience.Taking place from 24th to 25th January 2026, Quoz Arts Fest returns to Alserkal Avenue with a weekend of experimental installations, live performances, music, and community encounters across the cultural district. This edition foregrounds artistic practices that encourage movement, collective listening, and new ways of engaging with art in public space.Quoz Arts Fest continues to bring together artists, musicians, performers, families, and the wider community, reinforcing its position as one of Dubais most established and influential cultural gatherings.Mohammed bin Rashids presence at the festival reflects the leaderships sustained support for cultural initiatives that strengthen Dubais position as a global centre for arts, culture, and contemporary creative expression. (ANI/WAM) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 25, 2026, 03:15 IST News agency-feeds Mohammed bin Rashid visits Quoz Arts Fest Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Not going to happen, or even close!: Trump warns Ottawa on Beijing's influence Last Updated: January 25, 2026, 04:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Washington, DC [US], January 25 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Saturday slammed Canada over its growing engagement with China, warning that Beijings influence north of the border would not going to happen" and threatening a sweeping 100 per cent tariff on Canadian goods if Ottawa deepens trade ties with China.https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115951048952031044In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, The last thing the World needs is to have China take over Canada. Its NOT going to happen, or even come close to happening! Thank you for your attention to this matter." Trump warned Canada and its Prime Minister Mark Carney against pursuing economic agreements with China, threatening steep trade penalties if Ottawa moves ahead with such deals.Referring to the Canadian Prime Minister as Governor," Trump said the United States would impose a 100 per cent tariff on Canadian goods should Ottawa deepen trade ties with Beijing.In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a Drop Off Port for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken."Escalating his criticism, Trump added, China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life. If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"The remarks followed an earlier attack by Trump on Canada, in which he accused Ottawa of opposing his proposed Golden Dome" missile defence system over Greenland while simultaneously expanding economic engagement with China.Canada is against The Golden Dome being built over Greenland, even though The Golden Dome would protect Canada," Trump said, adding, Instead, they voted in favor of doing business with China, who will eat them up within the first year!"Trumps comments came in the wake of Carneys recent visit to Beijing, aimed at reviving economic cooperation with China, Canadas second-largest trading partner after the United States. During the visit, Carney also criticised US and Western policies while addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos.The China trip resulted in an understanding to lower tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural exports and introduce quotas on Chinese electric vehicles entering the Canadian market. The framework could also open the door to increased Chinese investment in Canada.Speaking earlier about the agreement, Carney appeared to allude to ongoing trade frictions with Washington, describing Canadas recent engagement with China as more predictable" and characterising discussions with Beijing as realistic and respectful." (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 25, 2026, 04:15 IST News agency-feeds Not going to happen, or even close!: Trump warns Ottawa on Beijing's influence Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is one of the best stocks to buy and hold for 20 years. Guggenheim Reduces PT on Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) to $1,161, Reiterates Buy Rating On January 20, 2026, Guggenheim reduced its price target on Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) from $1,163 to $1,161, while reiterating a Buy rating. The update came as the firm made a routine model update ahead of the companys upcoming Q4 results. On the same day, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) announced that the FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to sofetabart mipitecan (LY4170156) for adults with platinum-resistant ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer with disease progression following prior therapies. Following encouraging Phase 1a/b data, the designation speeds up development timelines and regulatory engagement, improving the companys oncology pipeline visibility substantially. In presentations at ASCO 2025 and ESMO 2025, responses were shown across all dose levels and folate receptor alpha expression, including in patients progressing on prior mirvetuximab. Moreover, the results showed a favorable tolerability profile, alongside limited serious safety signals. Now, Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) stands on a strong footing, with the asset now advancing into the global Phase 3 Framework-01 trial that positions sofetabart mipitecan as a potential differentiated entrant in a high unmet-need ovarian cancer market. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY), a global pharmaceutical company, focuses on developing medicines across diabetes, oncology, immunology, and neuroscience. While we acknowledge the potential of LLY 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: What Are the Best Stocks to Buy Right Now? and 10 Stocks Under $1 That Will Explode. Disclosure: None. The entire case is fabricated: KRK's lawyer on firing incident Last Updated: January 25, 2026, 02:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] January 25 (ANI): Actor-producer Kamaal R. Khan, popularly known as KRK was sent to police custody till January 27 by a Bandra Court in connection with a firing incident in the Oshiwara area of Mumbai. KRK was brought to court after questioning by the Oshiwara Police.Advocate Nagesh Mishra, representing KRK, described the case as fabricated".The entire case is fabricated. Kamaal Khan has been falsely implicated in this case. The contention of the police is that I [KRK] fired a bullet from my [KRKs] gun. But it is not correct. The correct thing is that the bullet has a maximum capacity of 20 metres, and the place where this gun was fired was at a distance of 400 metres. It is not possible. Kamaal R Khan is sent to police custody till January 27th. Many big names in Bollywood are instigating the police to implicate him in this case," he said.He added, We have submitted in the court that there is a distance of 400 metres between the Nalanda building and Kamaal R Khans bungalow and the range of the pistol which has been seized by the police is not more than 20 metres. Kamaal R Khan has no connection with the firing incident. Many big names in Bollywood are against him, and the police are being misled. There is no connection between the alleged offence and the accused."According to Mumbai Police, the incident took place earlier this week in a residential building in Oshiwara.After the firing was reported, police reviewed CCTV footage from the area and spoke to several people. During the investigation, KRK was initially taken into custody for questioning. According to the police, the actor was detained in the case after admitting during questioning that the firing was done with his licensed gun. Kamaal will be produced before the court today, after which the police will seek his custody to carry out further investigation. (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 25, 2026, 02:00 IST News agency-feeds The entire case is fabricated: KRK's lawyer on firing incident Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 heaps praise on UK troops following furore over Afghanistan comments Last Updated: January 25, 2026, 01:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) London, Jan 25 (AP) US President Donald Trump heaped praise Saturday on British soldiers who fought in Afghanistan, in a post on social media that represented a partial reversal of comments he made this week that drew a cascade of criticism in the UK, particularly from families of those killed and seriously injured in the conflict. In the wake of a conversation earlier with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump said on Truth Social that the great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America." He described the 457 British servicemen and women who died in Afghanistan and those that were badly injured, as among the greatest of all warriors." Trump added that the bond between the two countries militaries is too strong to ever be broken" and that the UK with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA)." Trumps comments follow an interview with Fox Business Network on Thursday in Davos, Switzerland, when he said he wasnt sure the other 31 nations in NATO would be there to support the United States if and when requested and that troops from those countries stayed a little off the front lines." Trump did not apologise directly for those comments, nor retract them, as Starmer had suggested in his initial response on Friday when he described the words of the president as insulting and frankly appalling." Starmers office in No 10 Downing Street said the issue was raised in a conversation between the pair on Saturday, in which other topics were discussed, including the war in Ukraine and security in the Arctic region. The prime minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home," Downing Street said in a statement. We must never forget their sacrifice." Trumps view as expressed in the Fox Business interview stands at odds with the reality that in October 2001, nearly a month after the 9/11 attacks, the US led an international coalition in Afghanistan to destroy al-Qaida, which had used the country as its base, and the groups Taliban hosts. Alongside the US were troops from dozens of countries, including from NATO, whose mutual-defenxe mandate had been triggered for the first time after the attacks on New York and Washington. More than 150,000 British troops served in Afghanistan in the years after the invasion, the largest contingent after the American one. The Italian and French governments also expressed their disapproval Saturday at Trumps comments, with both describing them as unacceptable." (AP) VN VN News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 25, 2026, 01:30 IST News agency-feeds Trump heaps praise on UK troops following furore over Afghanistan comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Turkiye warns Israel may be seeking chance to strike Iran Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 23:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Ankara [Turkiye], January 24 (ANI): Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has raised concerns that Israel is looking for an opportunity to attack Iran, warning that such a move could further destabilise the already volatile Middle East, reported Al Jazeera.I hope they find a different path, but the reality is that Israel, in particular, is looking for an opportunity to strike Iran," Fidan said in an interview with Turkish broadcaster NTV aired Friday (local time), underscoring Ankaras unease over the potential for wider conflict.Fidan stressed that his comments were directed specifically at Israels intentions, and not those of other international actors. He said he had shared these assessments directly with Iranian officials during a recent visit to Tehran.When I went to Tehran in recent days, I told them everything about the process as their friend," Fidan added. And you know, a friend speaks bitter truths," he said, referring to discussions with Iranian counterparts, reported Al Jazeera.Turkiyes alert comes amid rising tensions between Tehran and Jerusalem, further complicated by broader geopolitical manoeuvres in the region. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian by phone on Thursday, stating Turkiyes opposition to any foreign intervention in Iran and underscoring Ankaras desire for regional peace and stability.Responding to the growing strain in bilateral rhetoric, a senior Iranian official said that Tehran would view any attack by hostile forces as an all-out war against us," signalling heightened preparedness should hostilities break out.Fidans remarks arrive against a backdrop of increasing military posturing around Iran, including announcements of U.S. naval deployments toward the Gulf region.In December, last year, Turkish President had strongly criticised Israels decision to recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state, calling the move illegitimate and unacceptable" and warning that it could fuel instability across the Horn of Africa.Speaking at a joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Ankara, Erdogan said Ankara viewed Somalias territorial unity as non-negotiable and accused Israel of taking steps that could undermine regional stability, Al Jazeera reported.Preserving the unity and integrity of Somalia in all circumstances holds special importance in our view. Israels decision to recognise Somaliland is illegitimate and unacceptable," Erdogan said.Erdogan further accused the Israeli government of pursuing destabilising policies beyond the Middle East.The Netanyahu government has the blood of 71,000 of our Palestinian brothers and sisters on its hands. Now it is trying to destabilise the Horn of Africa as well, after its attacks on Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Qatar and Syria," he said, referring to Israels genocidal war on Gaza.During the meeting, Erdogan also said Turkiye and Somalia were expanding cooperation in the energy sector, citing encouraging signs from joint offshore exploration activities, according to Al Jazeera. (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 23:30 IST News agency-feeds Turkiye warns Israel may be seeking chance to strike 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... Are Banks Open Or Closed Today, Saturday, January 24? Check Bank Holiday List For This Month Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 09:04 IST Are Banks Open Or Closed Today, Saturday? As January 24 is the fourth Saturday of the month, banks will remain closed across the country. Banks may stay shut for four straight days from January 24 to January 27 due to weekends, Republic Day and a strike. Are Banks Open Or Closed Today, January 24? If you are planning to visit your bank branch, it is necessary to check the list of RBI-notified holidays. These holidays are not uniform nationwide and vary from state to state. That means on some dates, banks in certain states will remain closed, while in others, they will function normally. Are Banks Open Or Closed Today, January 24? As January 24 is the fourth Saturday of the month, banks will remain closed across the country. Banks remain closed on second and fourth Saturdays of the month, apart from Sundays and other RBI-notified holidays. However, customers can continue to access services through net banking, mobile banking, UPI, and ATMs. But, cheque clearing and other over-the-counter services under the Negotiable Instruments Act will not be available. Banks May Remain Closed For Four Days Till Tuesday Banks may stay shut for four straight days from January 24 to January 27 due to weekends, Republic Day and a strike. Banks Timings Today Banks will remain closed today. On working days, most major banks in India, including SBI, Bank of India, and Punjab National Bank, operate between 10 am and 4 pm, while ICICI, HDFC, Axis, Yes Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank usually function from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm or 3:30 pm, depending on the branch. Bank of Baroda has slightly extended hours, operating between 9:45 am and 4:45 pm or 10 am to 5 pm, and Canara Bank typically works from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Bank Holidays In January 2026 Holiday Description Date New Years Day/Gaan-Ngai 1 New Year Celebration/Mannam Jayanthi 2 Birthday of Hazrat Ali 3 Birth Day of Swami Vivekananda 12 Makar Sankranti/Magh Bihu 14 Uttarayana Punyakala/Pongal/Maghe Sankranti/Makara Sankranti/ BMC Elections 15 Thiruvalluvar Day 16 (Chennai and Vijayawada) Uzhavar Thirunal 17 (Chennai) Birthday of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose/Saraswati Puja (Shree Panchami)/Vir Surendrasai Jayanti/Basanta Panchami 23 (Agartala, Bhopal, and Kolkata) Republic Day 26 (across the country) January 27, 2026 (Tuesday): All-India Bank Strike If the strike goes ahead, banks will remain closed on January 27, 2026 too. Bank unions say a five-day work week would reduce work pressure, improve efficiency, and allow employees more time with their families. Most central government offices and financial institutions in India already follow a five-day schedule, bank staff want the same. To ensure customer services arent affected, the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has proposed working 40 extra minutes a day from Monday to Friday. The forum points out that RBI, LIC, GIC, stock markets, forex and money markets already remain closed on Saturdays. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 09:04 IST News business banking-finance Are Banks Open Or Closed Today, Saturday, January 24? Check Bank Holiday List For This Month Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Budget 2026 To Be Tabled On February 1: Know The Basics, Process And Key FAQs | Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 11:27 IST This will be Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's ninth consecutive Union Budget, which will also be India's 88th Budget since Independence. Here's all you need to know: FM Nirmala Sitharaman will present the annual budget on February 1, 2026. The Budget 2026 will be presented in Parliament on February 1, Sunday, continuing the tradition of unveiling the governments annual financial plan at the start of February. The Budget lays out how the government plans to raise and spend money in the coming year and is closely tracked by taxpayers, businesses, investors and state governments. The Union Budget 2026-27 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This will be her ninth consecutive Union Budget, which will also be Indias 88th Budget since Independence. The Budget will offer crucial signals on taxation, public spending, fiscal discipline and policy priorities at a time when the global economy remains uncertain and domestic growth expectations are closely watched. What is the Union Budget? The Union Budget is the governments annual statement of receipts and expenditures. It details how much money the government expects to earn, through taxes, dividends, borrowings and other sources, and how it plans to spend that money on sectors such as infrastructure, defence, welfare, education and healthcare during the financial year starting April 1, 2026. Under Article 112 of the Constitution, the Budget must be presented to Parliament every year. Why is the Budget presented on February 1? Since 2017, the Union Budget has been presented on February 1 instead of the earlier last working day of February. The shift was made to ensure that ministries and departments have sufficient time to implement Budget announcements from the start of the new financial year on April 1, avoiding delays caused by the earlier timeline. What are the key components of the Budget? The Union Budget typically consists of two main parts: the Revenue Budget and the Capital Budget. The Revenue Budget covers the governments day-to-day expenses and income, including tax collections and subsidies. The Capital Budget deals with long-term expenditure such as infrastructure creation and asset building, as well as capital receipts like borrowings and disinvestment proceeds. The Budget documents also include details of fiscal deficit, revenue deficit and primary deficit, which are closely tracked indicators of the governments financial health. How is the Budget prepared? The Budget-making process begins several months in advance. Various ministries submit their expenditure estimates and policy demands to the Finance Ministry. Consultations are held with stakeholders including industry bodies, economists, farmers groups and social sector representatives. Based on revenue projections and fiscal targets, the Finance Ministry finalises allocations and policy proposals. Before the Budget is presented, a traditional Halwa Ceremony" is held, marking the start of the lock-in period during which officials involved in Budget preparation remain isolated to maintain secrecy. What happens on Budget Day? On February 1, the Finance Minister presents the Budget speech in the Lok Sabha. The speech outlines major policy measures, tax changes and spending priorities. After the speech, Budget documents are tabled in Parliament and made public. In the days that follow, Parliament debates the Budget proposals. Ministries seek approval for their expenditure through demands for grants, and the Finance Bill, containing tax proposals, is discussed and passed. Why does the Union Budget matter to individuals and businesses? For individuals, the Budget can bring changes in income tax slabs, deductions and exemptions, directly affecting take-home income and savings decisions. For businesses, it signals the governments stance on corporate taxation, incentives, infrastructure spending and sector-specific support. Investors closely watch the Budget for cues on fiscal discipline, borrowing plans and capital expenditure, which can influence market sentiment. Key FAQs Does the Budget apply immediately? Most tax changes come into effect from April 1, unless specified otherwise. Some measures may be implemented immediately through notifications. Can Parliament reject the Budget? Parliament has the power to discuss and modify Budget proposals. However, outright rejection is rare, as it would imply loss of confidence in the government. What is the difference between the Economic Survey and the Budget? The Economic Survey, which will be tabled on January 29, reviews the state of the economy and provides context. The Budget translates policy intent into concrete financial proposals. As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, attention will be on how the government balances growth support with fiscal prudence, while addressing the concerns of taxpayers, industry and states in a challenging global environment. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 11:27 IST News business economy Budget 2026 To Be Tabled On February 1: Know The Basics, Process And Key FAQs | 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... Mumbai 24-Hour Water Cut: List Of Affected Areas, Important Timings, What Thane Locals Must Know Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 08:58 IST The water cut will be implemented from 10 AM on Tuesday, January 27, to 10 AM on Wednesday, January 28. BMC will be carrying out repair work on water supply lines. (Representative Image) People living in parts of Mumbais eastern suburbs and Thane city will be facing a 24-hour water cut in the coming week. Why? The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to carry out major repair and maintenance work on water supply lines. According to the civic body, the water cut will be implemented from 10 AM on Tuesday, January 27, to 10 AM on Wednesday, January 28. The shutdown will affect parts of S ward (Bhandup) and T ward (Mulund), as well as a small area in Thane. The temporary disruption is necessary to facilitate important infrastructure work on the citys water supply system. What Maintenance Work Will Be Done? The BMC has planned to shift existing water connections to a 2750 mm-diameter Upper Vaitarna main channel near Mulund West, which will begin on January 27. At the same time, the civic body has informed that the authorities will install an iron cap on the 2400 mm-diameter Vaitarna canal in the Khindipada area of Bhandup West. To allow the repair work to be completed efficiently, the water supply in the above mentioned areas will remain suspended for a full day. Civic authorities have urged residents of S ward and T ward, as well as certain areas of Thane city, to store water in advance and use it judiciously during the shutdown period. The BMC has also advised people to boil drinking water for the next few days after the repair as a precautionary measure. List Of Areas Affected By The 24-Hour Water Cut In T ward (Mulund), the areas impacted include Amar Nagar, Garkhal, Jai Shastri Nagar, Panchsheel Nagar, Hanumangarhi, Rahul Nagar, Mulund Colony, Malabar Hill Road, Swapnanagari, Veena Nagar, Yogi Hill, Model Town Road, B. R. Marg, Vaishali Nagar, Ghatipada and adjoining localities of Guru Gobind Singh Marg (Mulund West). Other affected areas are Mulund-Goregaon Jn, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg (Mulund West), J N Marg, Devi Dayal Marg, Mishrabhoomi (dumping) Marg, Dr R. P. Road, P. K. Road, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, and S N Road. In S ward (Bhandup), the water cut will affect Khindipada, including both upper and lower parts. Meanwhile, in Thane city, residents of Kisan Nagar (east and west) and Bhatwadi will also experience disruption in water supply during the repair period. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 08:58 IST News mumbai-news Mumbai 24-Hour Water Cut: List Of Affected Areas, Important Timings, What Thane Locals Must Know Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Actor Kamaal R Khan Detained For Firing 4 Rounds At Residential Building In Mumbai Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 08:04 IST According to KRK, he fired the gun into a large mangrove forest but due to wind, the bullet travelled a bit further and struck a building in Oshiwara. Kamaal R Khan fired four rounds of bullets at a residential building in Oshiwara Andheri. (Photo: Instagram/@kamaalrkhan) Actor and self-proclaimed film critic Kamaal R Khan, also known as KRK, landed in legal trouble after he fired four rounds of bullets at a residential building in Oshiwara, Andheri, on January 18. He was arrested by Mumbai police on Friday for questioning. Known for controversial takes on various topics, KRK told Mumbai police that he was cleaning his gun and fired shots to check functionality." The actor was detained following questioning by a Mumbai Police team, during which he admitted that the firing was done with his licensed gun. The actor told the police during the questioning that his intention was not to hurt anyone and he was just cleaning his gun. He fired the gun into a large mangrove forest in front of his house to check the functionality. The actor further informed the police that he believed the bullet would get lost in the mangrove forest. However, due to the wind when he fired the shot, the bullet travelled a bit further and struck a building in Oshiwara. The police are verifying his claims. Meanwhile, The Oshiwara police has seized the gun used in firing and the paperwork process is underway for further action. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 07:41 IST News mumbai-news Actor Kamaal R Khan Detained For Firing 4 Rounds At Residential Building In Mumbai Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... He Hit Me, I Killed Him: Suspect Admits To Murder Of 24-Year-Old In Delhi Cafe Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 13:11 IST Faizan was shot dead at Mr King Lounge and Cafe in Maujpur. The suspect confessed on Instagram, citing a personal grudge, while Faizans family alleges a loan dispute. Rapid Read Police have registered a case and collected forensic evidence. (IANS) A chilling confession has emerged in the aftermath of a fatal murder at a cafe in northeast Delhis Maujpur. The suspect admitted to killing 24-year-old, Faizan, on Thursday night over what he described as a personal grudge. A video was posted on the Instagram handle of moinqureshiii_, in which the suspect claimed that he took Faizans life because he had hit him some months ago and denied any role by his family or friends in the killing. I killed Faizan over a personal grudge. My father had no role in this, nor did my family or friends have anything to do with it. I did not kill him on anyones say-so, and there was no money involved. He had slapped me four months ago, so I took his life," he said in the video. The suspect also dismissed as lies" the claims made by Faizans brother that the incident was related to money. Yesterday, Salman claimed that the suspect and his father had fought with his brother Faizan when he couldnt repay a loan he had taken. He had taken a loan. When he couldnt repay it, the father and son came to our house and started fighting. We had filed a complaint, but nothing happened. We want both the father and son to be arrested," Salman had said. Faizan, a resident of the Welcome area, was shot dead around 10:28 pm on Thursday at Mr King Lounge and Cafe in Maujpur. Seriously injured, he was rushed to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival. Speaking about the violence inflicted on his brother, the victims brother described the incident in detail, saying, My brother was shot three times, but the police said that two magazine rounds were fired. One bullet hit him in the head and went right through. Two bullets hit him in the chest. He was also probably stabbed. He had cuts on his hands, so he must have struggled a lot," news agency ANI reported. Expressing his anguish and demanding prompt action, Faizans brother said, We just want justice. We want both the father and son arrested, and the strictest possible action taken against them. The police say they are on the run." A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act, and several police teams have been deployed to apprehend the accused. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 13:11 IST News new-delhi-news He Hit Me, I Killed Him: Suspect Admits To Murder Of 24-Year-Old In Delhi Cafe Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Google Internship 2026 Application Begins For UG, PG Students; Check Eligibility Criteria Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 12:33 IST Google Internship 2026: To be eligible, you must be a student in Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, or related fields, with skills in languages like C++, Java, or Python. The programme will be held in major Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune. (File Photo) Google, the leading tech giant, is now welcoming applications for its prestigious internship programme in 2026. Whether you are pursuing a bachelors, masters, or PhD degree, this is an opportunity to join the team behind the iconic Google search engine. Interns will benefit from mentorship by global experts and a generous stipend, offering a great start to your career. The programme will be held in major Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune. In addition to learning from top professionals, youll enjoy free lunches, access to premium facilities, and a stipend that surpasses many full-time salaries. Salary Expectations Heres what you can expect: Bachelor (B.Tech/BE) students: Approximately Rs 1,25,000 per month. Masters (M.Tech/ME) students: Approximately Rs 1,34,000 per month. PhD students: Even higher stipends for research roles. Eligibility and Application Process To be eligible, you must be a student in Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, or related fields, with skills in languages like C++, Java, Python, or Go. Apply by visiting Googles career portal, searching for Intern, and submitting your resume by March 31, 2026. Internship Categories Google offers various roles for different educational levels: Software Engineering PhD Intern: A 12-14 week programme for PhD students focusing on complex software systems. Silicon Engineering Intern (PhD): For PhD students in computer engineering or electronics, aimed at designing next-gen cloud silicon. Student Researcher 2026: Open to UG, PG, and PhD students, particularly those in computer science, statistics, economics, and natural sciences. Selection Process Securing a Google internship involves a rigorous selection process: Resume Screening: Based on projects and academic records. Technical Interview: Testing coding skills, data structures, and algorithms. Googliness Round: Assessing compatibility with Googles work culture and teamwork. How To Apply? To apply, first go to the Google internships page Go the Explore all internships link Go through the page and look for the internship you wish to apply for Read the details and submit the application with required information Submit the page Google internships are paid, with stipends reported to range from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per month in India. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 12:23 IST News education-career Google Internship 2026 Application Begins For UG, PG Students; Check Eligibility Criteria Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Gujarat HC Questions Private School Over Safety Failures Following Fatal Student Stabbing Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 14:37 IST Justice Nirzar Desai's court questioned whether any parent would willingly admit their child to Seventh Day Adventist School, given the state's concerns about its administration. The school contested the administrative action, which was reviewed by the court.(Representative/File Photo) The Gujarat High Court on Friday questioned a private school regarding administrative and security failures following the fatal stabbing of a Class 10 student by a peer on August 19 last year, which led the state government to take over its management. Justice Nirzar Desais court questioned whether any parent would willingly admit their child to Seventh Day Adventist School, given the states concerns about its administration. The District Education Officer (DEO) assumed control of the school management after the widespread outrage over the stabbing incident. The school contested the administrative action, which was reviewed by the court. The state government opposed any immediate relief to the school management against the DEO taking charge. Government pleader GH Virk argued that since mid-December, the institution had been uncooperative and had not provided any documents requested by the authorities despite repeated requests. The state also accused the school of collecting fees in cash and failing to produce financial accounts demanded for over a month. As a precautionary measure, the state informed the court that new admissions had been halted to protect student safety. The court dismissed the argument that merely asserting cooperation equated to actual compliance, noting that compensation could never undo the loss of a child or mend the shattered dreams of grieving parents. Criticising the schools approach of treating education as a money-making venture, the court remarked that basic morality should have compelled the management to step aside once its inability to ensure safety became clear. An association of parents, including those of the deceased student, opposing the schools actions, has sought to be included as parties to the proceedings. The High Court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on February 10. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 14:32 IST News education-career Gujarat HC Questions Private School Over Safety Failures Following Fatal Student Stabbing Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Halliburton logo at oil drilling site at sunset, highlighting HAL oilfield services and energy sector demand. Key Points Halliburtons long correction may be reversing after the company delivered betterthanexpected Q4 2025 earnings and revenue, outpacing analyst forecasts. Despite muted growth expectations for 2026, robust capital returns, strong free cash flow, and international demand support shareholder value and upside potential. Analyst sentiment and institutional activity are firming, with a Moderate Buy consensus and rising price targets reflecting improving market confidence. Interested in Halliburton Company? Here are five stocks we like better. Halliburtons (NYSE: HAL) stock price has been in a correction for over 18 months, setting up its next big move. That movement is upon us. The companys latest earnings results, while tepid in regard to growth, have consistently outperformed expectations, enabling robust capital returns and shareholder leverage, and catalysts are at hand. The oilfield services company returned to growth unexpectedly in Q4 2025, driven by strengths in critical segments, and provided an optimistic outlook for long-term value gains. While growth is not expected to be robust in 2026, the company expects Q4 strengths to persist and for new technologies to drive operational quality. The critical takeaway is that this company is committed to shareholder returns, and those returns are more than attractive, including aggressive share buybacks and dividends. The Hot Dog Hedge: Smithfield Acquires Nathans Famous The dividend alone is worth more than 2% with shares near the middle of the long-term range, while buybacks reduced the count by an average of 1.15% sequentially in Q4, 3.8% year-over-year, and approximately 3.4% for the fiscal year. Based on the history, outlook, and impact of share count reduction, the company can easily sustain the pace in 2026 and beyond. As it is, the company paid out 85% of its free cash flow for the year, leaving ample funds to sustain and improve the balance sheet. The balance sheet highlights include reduced cash, current, and total assets offset by reduced debt and liabilities. Equity fell marginally for the year, offset by the share count decline, and leverage remains low with long-term debt approximately 0.7x the equity. Kinder Morgans Natural Gas/Dividend Growth Cycle Still in Play Analysts and Institutions Underpin Halliburtons Stock Price Rebound While an analysts price-target reset was at the heart of Halliburtons 2024/2025 stock price declines, the market overreacted, setting up 2026s opportunity. As of mid-January, the trends reflect firming sentiment, with coverage and price targets rising and sentiment strengthening. The Moderate Buy rating has a 72% Buy-side bias, and the consensus, up marginally from Q4 2025, aligns with long-term highs and is above critical resistance levels, indicating a significant shift in market dynamics. International Day of Education 2026: Youth Empowerment And Global Learning Published By : Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 08:05 IST International Day of Education celebrates youth shaping education for a sustainable, equitable world. Global youth co-create education on International Day of Education 2026, fostering knowledge, equality, and innovation. International Day Of Education 2026: January 24 is globally celebrated as the International Day of Education to highlight the transformative role knowledge plays in developing our society and the world at large. This is of particular significance to India with its commitment towards becoming the Vishwa Guru" (Teacher to the World). One needs only look back at the prestigious educational institutions from Indias ancient past, such as Nalanda and Takshashila to get an idea. Today, India is closer than ever to rebuilding that glory, thanks to the National Educational Policy (NEP), 2020 and digital education initiatives. Below, we will look at the theme, significance, history and global celebrations of this day. International Day Of Education 2026 Theme The official theme of International Day of Education 2026, as revealed by UNESCO, is The power of youth in co-creating education." The theme highlights how the role of the youth should shift from just beneficiaries of education to its co-creators and decision makers. Youth must be partners in curriculum creation at the school and national levels as well as on international levels. This has so far culminated in a global youth advocacy for educational reformation called Youth Declaration for Transforming Education under the United Nations. International Day Of Education 2026: Significance International Day of Education is significant in the sense that it puts the spotlight on the vital role played by education in maintaining peace and ensuring sustainable development in the world. The day highlights the fact that education is a human right that empowers individuals, addresses social inequalities, pushes innovation, and reduces illiteracy. International Day Of Education 2026: History On December 3, 2018, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), at its Seventy-third session, proclaimed January 24 as the International Day of Education, via resolution 73/25. The first global celebration of International Day of Education occurred on January 24, the following year. It was Nigeria which had taken the leading role in the resolution. International Day Of Education 2026: Global Celebrations On January 23, this year, UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France will celebrate the International Day of Education via a hybrid event. UNESCO will release a Global Education Monitoring Report to examine the participation of students and youth in education legislation and policymaking. UNESCO will also unveil a new cohort of the SDG4 Youth & Student Network and highlight its initiatives to support the youth globally. A youth-led global webinar will be held on this day. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 08:05 IST News education-career International Day of Education 2026: Youth Empowerment And Global Learning Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 2026: Speech In Hindi And English, Essay, Quiz And Motivational Quotes For Students Published By : Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 09:30 IST Republic Day Speech And Essay: Celebrate R-Day with inspiring essays, speeches, quiz questions, and quotes. Learn about Indias Constitution, freedom fighters, and civic duties. Rapid Read Students celebrate Republic Day 2026 by giving speeches on stage, showcasing patriotism and civic values at their school. Republic Day Speech And Essay: Republic Day is not just a holiday; its a festival of democracy. Observed on January 26, the day marks the coming into force of the Constitution of India in 1950. The Constituent Assembly held its first session in December 1946 and concluded in November 1949. While the Constitution was adopted in 1949, it officially came into effect on January 26, 1950. The day is celebrated with a grand parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, attended by dignitaries and special guests invited for the occasion. Schools, colleges, and public institutions observe the day with great enthusiasm. ALSO READ: Republic Day Chief Guests List Since 2014: From Shinzo Abe, Barack Obama To EU Leaders Educational institutes organise essay and quiz competitions, and both students and teachers deliver inspiring speeches. Below is a collection of essays, speeches, motivational quotes, and essential quiz questions to help students prepare for the 77th Republic Day. Republic Day 2026: Speech in English and Hindi English Speech Excerpt Respected Principal, esteemed teachers, and my dear friends Wishing you all a very Happy 77th Republic Day! Today, we are not just here to celebrate a holiday, but to remember the glorious day when India truly became a Republic. We gained independence on 15th August 1947, but that independence found its true direction on 26th January 1950, when our Constitution came into effect. It is this Constitution that gives us the freedom to speak, to learn, and to live with pride. Today, we must remember heroes like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Mahatma Gandhi, and Subhash Chandra Bose, whose sacrifices have made it possible for us to breathe freely and live in an independent nation. But friends, the true meaning of Republic Day is not just hoisting the flag. It is about understanding our responsibilities toward our country. As students, our duty is not only to study diligently but also to keep our surroundings clean, respect our elders, and rise above caste or religious divisions in our thoughts and actions. Let us all today take a pledge to make India one of the best and most progressive nations in the world. ALSO READ: Happy Republic Day 2026: Theme, Quotes, Chief Guest And Why EU Leaders Presence Matters Hindi Speech Excerpt Param aadarniya Pradhanacharya Mahoday, vidwan shikshak gan aur mere priya sahpathiyon aap sabhi ko 77ve Ganatantra Diwas ki haardik shubhkaamnayein! Doston, aaj hum sab yahan sirf ek chhutti manane nahi, balki us mahan din ko yaad karne aaye hain jab Bharat sachmuch ek Ganrajya (Republic) bana. 15 August 1947 ko humein azaadi mili, lekin us azaadi ko poori shakti aur disha 26 January 1950 ko mili, jab humara Samvidhan lagu hua. Yeh Samvidhan hi hai jo humein bolne, padhne aur garv ke saath jeene ki azaadi deta hai. Aaj humein Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Mahatma Gandhi aur Subhash Chandra Bose jaise veeron ko yaad karna chahiye, jinke balidan ke karan hi aaj hum swatantra hain. Lekin doston, Ganatantra Diwas sirf jhanda fahraane ka din nahi hai. Yeh humein apni zimmedariyon ka ehsaas dilata hai. Ek chhatra ke roop mein humara kartavya hai ki hum sirf padhai karein nahi, balki apne aaspaas safai rakhein, bado ka aadar karein aur jaati-dharm ke bhedbhaav se pare hokar sochein. Aaiye, aaj hum sab milkar kasam khaayein ki hum Bharat ko duniya ka ek adarsh aur pragatisheel desh banayenge. Ant mein bas itna hi kahunga, Desh bhakton ke balidan se, hum swatantra hue hain, Ganatantra Diwas ka uphaar. Agar koi pooche kaun ho to, garv se kahenge Bhartiya hain hum!" ALSO READ: Republic Day 2026 Parade: Timings, Tickets, Venue, Entry Rules And All Key Details Republic Day 2026: Essay Republic Day celebrates the adoption of the Constitution in 1950. While India gained independence on August 15, 1947, it became a sovereign, democratic republic when the Constitution came into effect. The day is marked by a grand parade. The parade showcases Indias cultural diversity, military strength, and heritage. People across the country watch the event on television, while schools and colleges organise speeches, essays, and cultural programs. ALSO READ: Republic Day 2026: History, Significance And Kartavya Path Celebrations Republic Day reminds us of the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in our Constitution. It inspires citizens, especially students, to study hard, respect the nation, and contribute to its progress. Republic Day Quiz: Questions with Answers When did India officially become a republic? January 26, 1950, was the year when India adapted its constitution. Who was the first President of India? Dr. Rajendra Prasad was Indias first president. Which Indian freedom movement leader is honoured on Republic Day with a salute at the National War Memorial? Subhas Chandra Bose. Who was the first Chief Guest at the Republic Day Parade in 1950? The President of Indonesia, Sukarno, was the guest of honour for the maiden Republic Day parade. Who played the key role in drafting the Indian Constitution? Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is known as the father of the Indian Constitution. What is the name of the document that laid the foundation of Indias Constitution? The Government of India Act 1935. What year did the first Republic Day parade take place? The inaugural Republic Day parade took place in 1950. Where is the Republic Day parade held in New Delhi? The grand Republic Day parade takes place on Kartavya Path. How long did the drafting of the Indian Constitution take? It took 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to complete. Republic Day 2026: Quotes Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes." Mahatma Gandhi The Constitution is not a mere lawyers document, it is a vehicle of Life, and its spirit is always the spirit of Age." B. R. Ambedkar Let new India arise out of peasants cottage, grasping the plough, out of huts, cobbler and sweeper." Swami Vivekananda Every Indian should now forget that he is a Rajput, a Sikh, or a Jat. He must remember that he is an Indian." Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Democracy means nothing if people are not able to work the democracy for the common good." Chandra Bhushan. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 24, 2026, 09:30 IST News education-career Republic Day 2026: Speech In Hindi And English, Essay, Quiz And Motivational Quotes For Students Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 2026 Celebrations In Schools And Colleges: Best Ideas, Activities And Programs Published By : Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 09:45 IST Republic Day Celebrations 2026: Many institutions organise cultural programs and activities that honour the spirit of the Constitution and the democratic ideals it upholds. Students actively participate in Republic Day school celebrations, showcasing patriotism, cultural performances, and creative activities. Republic Day Celebrations 2026: Every year on January 26, the nation proudly marks Republic Day, commemorating the historic moment when the nations Constitution came into effect. On this day in 1950, India officially became a sovereign, democratic and republican state. The Constitution, often hailed as the soul of the nation, embodies Indias core values of pluralism, justice, and unity in diversity. Republic Day is observed with great enthusiasm across the country. Schools, colleges, and various institutions come alive with patriotic fervour. Many institutions organise cultural programs and activities that honour the spirit of the Constitution and the democratic ideals it upholds. ALSO READ: Republic Day 2026 Parade: Timings, Tickets, Venue, Entry Rules And All Key Details This day serves as a powerful reminder of Indias journey towards democracy and its commitment to uphold the principles that bind its diverse population together. Ahead of Republic Day, heres a guide to activities and ideas for schools and colleges. Ideas And Activities For Republic Day Celebrations Flag Making: Schools and colleges can ask students and teachers to join hands in the making of Indias tri-colour flag. It can be a fun and joyous way of instilling pride and love towards the country. Through this activity, authorities can also help raise awareness on how Indias tri-colour came to be and educate them about its different aspects. Flag March: Next, students can take part in flag marches around the school or college premises. Many institutions organise these vibrant marches on Republic Day, accompanied by music and drumbeats. Drawing Competitions: Kids in schools across India prepare drawings featuring images of Indias freedom fighters, the tri-colour flag and historical monuments on Republic Day. ALSO READ: Happy Republic Day 2026: Theme, Quotes, Chief Guest And Why EU Leaders Presence Matters Music and Dance Performances: Students and teachers may take part in dance performances on traditional Indian music, wearing attire associated with different regions of India. Its a means to celebrate Indias diversity and rich cultural heritage. Historical Storytelling and Speeches: Schools and colleges can organise storytelling programmes and speeches, which would encourage students to learn about the Indian Constitution, its chief architect Dr BR Ambedkar and the importance of the Republic Day. They may also educate themselves about Indias independence struggles and its brave freedom fighters in the process. ALSO READ: Republic Day Chief Guests List Since 2014: From Shinzo Abe, Barack Obama To EU Leaders Quiz Competitions: Get students involved in fun quizzes that help them learn more about Indias history and culture ahead of Republic Day. Fancy Dress Competition: Conduct a fancy dress competition for Classes 1 to 5. Students can wear traditional clothes or costumes inspired by the tri-colour flag to show their love and pride for the country in a lively way. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 24, 2026, 09:45 IST News education-career Republic Day 2026 Celebrations In Schools And Colleges: Best Ideas, Activities And Programs Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Do Trees Burst In Extreme Cold? Understanding The 'Exploding Trees' Phenomenon Going Viral Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 09:18 IST As an Arctic blast drives temperatures far below zero across the US, meteorologists have issued exploding trees warnings. What actually happens when trees crack in severe cold? Central Park covered in fresh snow after New Yorks heaviest snowfall in years. (Image: Reuters) The United States is bracing for another spell of harsh winter weather as an Arctic airmass sweeps across large parts of the country, from Texas to the Carolinas and deep into the northern Midwest. Forecasts warn of heavy snow, ice, freezing rain and wind chills plunging well below zero, prompting alerts about hazardous travel, power outages and burst pipes. But among the more unusual warnings circulating this week is one that has seized public attention: the risk of exploding trees." A social media personality and degreed meteorologist on social media issued an exploding tree" risk for northern Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula, for Friday and Saturday, and for much of Minnesota. With temperatures in many of those regions expected to drop to at least 10F below zero over several mornings, concerns about trees bursting open have spread rapidly online. EXPLODING TREES are possible in the Midwest and Northern Plains on Friday and Saturday, as temperatures are forecasted to fall 20 degrees BELOW zero! pic.twitter.com/nqnoqsbHNU Max Velocity (@MaxVelocityWX) January 21, 2026 Scientists say there is a real winter phenomenon behind the phrase, but it is not as dramatic, dangerous or explosive as it sounds. To understand what is happening, it is important to unpack the biology of trees, the physics of freezing sap and the pressures unleashed when temperatures plunge suddenly. Why Are Meteorologists Warning About Exploding Trees? Forecasters expect extreme cold in the northern Midwest, with Friday and Saturday highs staying in the single digits and wind chills diving far lower. A meteorologist, Max Velocity, highlighted the possibility of exploding trees" in Michigan and Minnesota during this temperature plunge. The warning refers not to trees literally detonating, but to the chance of sudden, loud cracking sounds from trunks and branches strained by the freeze. Cold snaps of this intensity are capable of stressing trees that have not had adequate time to acclimatise. Much of the Upper Midwest will experience sharp overnight drops in temperature, the conditions under which trees tend to experience their most severe freeze-related damage. What Does Exploding Trees Actually Mean? Scientists commonly describe this event not as an explosion but as a frost crack. A frost crack is a vertical split in the trunk or branch of a tree that occurs when its internal fluids start to freeze. The National Forest Foundation explains that sap contains water and expands when it freezes. When the expansion happens rapidly, it puts pressure on the bark and underlying wood. If that pressure becomes too great, the bark can split open suddenly, producing a loud noise. During spells of extreme cold or when trees havent had time to acclimate, the life-sustaining sap inside a tree can begin to freeze," the foundation said on its website. Sap contains water, so it expands when frozen, putting pressure on the bark, which can break and create an explosion." According to a CNN report, John Seiler, a professor and a tree physiology specialist at Virginia Tech, examined a sweet cherry tree on campus that had developed a long jagged scar after a sudden cold drop. He described the event plainly: The tree had broken open in the cold." This cracking can be startling. Scientists say the sound resembles a gunshot more than an explosion. The National Forest Foundation notes that there have been numerous historic and current observations" of trees appearing to explode because of this sudden internal pressure. How Does The Science Work? Tree sap behaves differently from pure water. It can remain liquid even at temperatures well below freezing through a process known as supercooling, as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources explains. But when a sharp temperature drop finally does cause the sap to freeze, the expansion can be abrupt. Bill McNee, a forest health specialist quoted by USA Today, explained that when sap freezes it expands very quickly," creating a lot of physical pressure that can lead to the frost cracking appearing suddenly." The physics is straightforward. Doug Aubrey, a professor at the University of Georgia, told CNN, That water expands as it freezes," especially when the temperature drop is drastic, and it can happen usually under very, very drastic drops in temperature." There are two distinct stressors at play: Freezing sap inside the tree, which expands and strains the wood. Unequal contraction of tree tissues, because the outer bark cools faster than the inner wood during sudden temperature drops. Combined, these forces can create long, vertical splits that appear more dramatic than the event itself. Do Trees Actually Explode? Yes, trees can split open with a loud bang, but no, they do not explode into pieces or send debris flying. Christopher Baird, a physics professor at West Texas A&M University, explained that although trees can burst," the damage tends to be limited. A tree contains hundreds or thousands of fluid channels. If one bursts, the rest remain intact, and the tree typically survives. John Seiler echoed this, saying, Its going to be loud, but its not dangerous. Wood doesnt go flying through the area." In most cases, the crack becomes part of the trees structure. Many trees heal over time and continue to grow normally. Are Frost Cracks Dangerous To People Or Property? The cracking event itself is rarely hazardous, but there are secondary risks. The main concern, experts say, is falling branches, especially during periods of heavy ice or snow accumulation. Large branches can snap under weight, posing risks to homes, vehicles and people. Different species are more vulnerable. Longleaf pine, for instance, has longer needles that accumulate more ice than loblolly pine. Open-grown trees with wide crowns also hold more snow and ice than dense forest stands. Frost cracks can also expose the tree to fungal infections, decay or insect damage, which may weaken it further over time. So, Should People In Michigan And Minnesota Be Worried? Experts consistently emphasise that exploding trees" is an exaggerated descriptor for what is essentially a pressure crack caused by extreme weather. These cracks are not likely to kill trees on their own. The bark splitting makes them more vulnerable, but the immediate event is not catastrophic. What This Winter Phenomenon Tells Us Frost cracks are a reminder of how living organisms respond to extreme weather. Trees, like people, experience stress when the temperature plunges suddenly. Their cells contract, sap freezes, and the forces inside a trunk can overwhelm the outer bark. The resulting crack may echo like a shotgun in a quiet winter forest, but the phenomenon is closer to a frozen drink can splitting than an actual explosion. As temperatures plunge across the United States this week, residents in northern states may hear these sharp winter sounds more frequently. The noise may be striking, but the science behind it is simple. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 09:09 IST News explainers Do Trees Burst In Extreme Cold? Understanding The 'Exploding Trees' Phenomenon Going 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... 40-Year-Old, 10-Tonne Steel Bridge Stolen Overnight In Chhattisgarhs Korba, Five Arrested Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 14:16 IST A 70-foot, 10-tonne steel bridge in Korba vanished overnight. Police arrested five of 15 accused, including Lochan Kevat and Jaysingh Rajput. Investigation continues. Rapid Read AI Generated In a shocking incident, a 40-year-old, 70-foot-long steel bridge weighing10-tonne spanning a canal in Korba district was reported stolen overnight, authorities said on Saturday. The bridge, which had been in place for decades, was discovered missing by locals early in the morning, leaving a vital connection disrupted and raising concerns over safety and security. Investigators have identified 15 people allegedly involved in cutting and stealing the bridge to sell it as scrap, with five of them already arrested, officials said. Residents noticed that the steel bridge built over the Hasdeo Left Canal and used as a pedestrian pathway in Ward No. 17 of the Dhodhipara area had gone missing on January 18, following which local corporator Laxman Shrivas lodged a complaint, Korba Additional Superintendent of Police Lakhan Patle said. Preliminary investigation suggested that unidentified accused used gas cutters to cut the iron railings of the structure, he said. Based on the written complaint received at the CSEB police chowki, a special police team was constituted to probe the matter, he added. Following technical analysis, inputs given by informers and sustained investigation, police identified 15 accused in the case. Five of them Lochan Kevat (20), Jaysingh Rajput (23), Moti Prajapati (27), Sumit Sahu (19) and Keshavpuri Goswami alias Picture (22), all residents of the CSEB police chowki area were arrested, Patle said. Authorities are working to track down the remaining 10 suspects, including the alleged masterminds Mukesh Sahu and Aslam Khan, who are still at large, he added. During their interrogation, the arrested accused confessed to committing the theft to sell the iron as scrap, he said, adding that further investigation is underway. CSEB police chowki in-charge Bhimsen Yadav said around seven tonnes of steel, which had been hidden inside the canal, has been seized. The vehicle used to haul the stolen steel has been seized, he said, adding that police are investigating where the remaining material was sold. Talking to PTI over phone, corporator Shrivas said the bridge, around 70 feet long and five feet wide, was built nearly 40 years ago and weighed more than 10 tonnes. Since the theft, local residents have been using a nearby concrete bridge to cross the canal, he added. (With inputs from PTI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Korba, India, India First Published: January 24, 2026, 14:16 IST News india 40-Year-Old, 10-Tonne Steel Bridge Stolen Overnight In Chhattisgarhs Korba, Five Arrested Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 68 Lakh Kg Adulterated Ghee, Rs 250 Crore Conspiracy: SIT Reveals Scale Of Tirupati Laddoo Scam Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 14:20 IST Political parties had alleged that beef tallow and pig fat were used to contaminate the ladoos, triggering a massive outrage and an in-depth investigation Rapid Read Uttarakhand-based Bhole Baba Dairy has been named as the primary accused in the chargesheet. (X) Sixty-eight lakh kilograms of adulterated ghee procured over three years was used to produce one of the holiest prasadam [offerings] in the countrythe Tirupati laddoos. A 15-month-long investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has exposed what it has called one of the biggest procurement scams in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam". The five-member SIT submitted its chargesheet in Nellores ACB court against 36 people on Friday. CNN-News18 had reported on Thursday that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)-led SIT had completed its probe in the Tirupati ladoo case and found massive adulteration. As reported by CNN-News18, the SIT has not found evidence to support the charge that animal fat was used in the prasadam. Political parties had alleged that beef tallow and pig fat were used to contaminate the ladoos, triggering a massive outrage and an in-depth investigation. Uttarakhand-based Bhole Baba Dairy has been named as the primary accused in the chargesheet. Its directors Pomil and Vipin Jain allegedly entered a conspiracy with TTD procurement staff and external dairy expertsVijay Shekhar Reddyto execute a scam worth Rs 250 crore by providing ghee that had 80 per cent chemicals. Delhi-based chemicals supplier Ajay Kumar Sugandh, Chinna Appanna, and former TTD procurement general manager RSSVR Subrahmanyam are some others named in the chargesheet. The original complainant in the casePralaya Kaveri Murali Krishna, retired TTD general manager (procurement)has also been named as an accused. Seven others who worked in the TTD procurement department have also been named by the SIT, including Chinna Appanna, personal assistant to former TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy. Reddy, a YSRCP MP, himself has not been named though he was questioned earlier. Two other suppliersApoorva Vinayakant Chawda, CEO of Vaishnavi Dairy, and R Rajasekharan, MD of AR Dairyhave also been found involved in the conspiracy to adulterate ghee. The Supreme Court had ordered a CBI-SIT probe into the case in October 2024. The SIT comprised officials from the CBI, Andhra Pradesh Police and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, supported by a local police team led by the Tirupati additional superintendent of police. The investigation spanned 12 states and meticulously traced the supply chain, procurement records, lab reports and financial flows tied to the TTD ghee contracts. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Nellore, India, India First Published: January 24, 2026, 14:20 IST News india 68 Lakh Kg Adulterated Ghee, Rs 250 Crore Conspiracy: SIT Reveals Scale Of Tirupati Laddoo Scam Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... CBI Court Reverses Bhupesh Baghel's Acquittal In 2017 Fake Sex CD Case: Sources Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Shobhit Gupta Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 21:14 IST The special court reversed the earlier magisterial order in the case of obscene video purportedly depicting Rajesh Munnat, who was then serving as the PWD minister. Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel. (File image) A Special CBI Court in Raipur on Saturday reversed a magistrate courts order that had discharged former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in the 2017 obscene video case linked to the alleged defamation of former cabinet minister and BJP leader Rajesh Munnat. The special court reversed the earlier magisterial order in the case of obscene video purportedly depicting Munnat, who was then serving as Public Works Department (PWD) minister in the Raman Singh-led Chhattisgarh government. In the same proceedings, the court also rejected the appeals filed by other accusedKailash Murarka, Vinod Verma and Vijay Bhatiawho had challenged the trial courts order framing of charges against them, sources said. The reversal by the special CBI court implies that Baghel will have to face trial in the case unless he gets relief from a higher court. The case dates back to 2017 when Munnat accused Baghel of creating sexually explicit videos allegedly depicting him to tarnish his public image. At the time, Munnat was a sitting BJP MLA and a minister in the state government. The Chhattisgarh Police registered two separate FIRs in 2017 on the basis of separate complaints filed by Munat and BJP leader Prakash Bajaj. The cases were later transferred to the CBI by the then BJP government in Chhattisgarh. The CBI later filed a chargesheet and a supplementary chargesheet in the case. The first case was registered at the Pandri police station in Raipur on October 26, 2017 against unknown persons on the allegation that the complainant (Bajaj) received a call on his phone wherein an unidentified caller said that he possessed a pornographic video of his aaka"(master) and threatened to distribute it in case his demand of ransom was not met," a CBI spokesperson had said. According to the official, the other case was registered at the Civil Lines police station in Raipur on October 27, 2017, against Chhattisgarh Congress president Bhupesh Baghel and senior journalist Vinod Verma on the allegation that they had given Munats fake pornographic video to various social media platforms to malign his character and obtain political mileage. Verma and Baghel denied the allegations. The matter came to light when Verma was arrested by the Chhattisgarh Police from his Ghaziabad residence in October 2017 for suspected blackmail and extortion in the case. When Verma was being escorted by the police, he claimed that the state government was not happy with him as it suspected that he had a sex CD of (then) Chhattisgarh PWD minister Rajesh Munat" and suggested he was being framed. Munat had called it fake" and an attempt at character assassination. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Raipur, India, India First Published: January 24, 2026, 21:06 IST News india CBI Court Reverses Bhupesh Baghel's Acquittal In 2017 Fake Sex CD Case: Sources Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... End Of Zones, Start Of Rotation: DoPT Redraws Civil Services Cadre Map | Exclusive Details Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 18:50 IST Top government sources indicate that the system is designed to reward clarity and eliminate the 'manipulation' often associated with zone-ranking strategies While the policy does not change who is selected by the UPSC, it significantly transforms where and how they serve. File image In a definitive move to end regional imbalances and administrative unpredictability, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has formally overhauled the cadre allocation rules for Indias premier civil services. The new framework, issued via a notification on January 23, applies to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFoS), introducing a system that prioritises merit and national integration over the historical zone-based" preferences. The most radical departure is the abolition of the old five-zone system. In its place, the DoPT has introduced four rotating alphabetical groups. All state and joint cadres are now systematically divided into these four groups (Group I to IV). To ensure that no single state becomes permanently oversubscribed or ignored, the starting group for allocation will rotate every year. This ensures that high-ranking candidates are naturally distributed across the country over time, preventing certain popular" cadres from monopolising top talent. The new policy brings much-needed clarity to the determination of vacancies. As of January 1 each year, vacancies will be calculated based on actual cadre strength gaps, and states must submit their requisitions by January 31. Crucially, the DoPT has warned that late requests from state governments will be rejected, forcing a more disciplined administrative timeline. For aspirants, the Home Cadre" or Insider" allocation remains a priority but is now handled with stricter transparency. A candidate must explicitly opt for their home state; failure to do so results in being treated as an Outsider". Insider allocation is strictly merit-based and follows a transparent 25-cadre rotational cycle to ensure no rank-jumping occurs. This same rotational logic applies to reserved category candidates (SC, ST, and OBC), ensuring that constitutional principles are upheld without diluting merit. Top government sources indicate that the system is designed to reward clarity and eliminate the manipulation" often associated with zone-ranking strategies. While the policy does not change who is selected by the UPSC, it significantly transforms where and how they serve. By spreading administrative talent more evenly, the 2026 rules aim to forge a more balanced and integrated national bureaucracy, providing future officers with a predictable career path from day one. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 18:50 IST News india End Of Zones, Start Of Rotation: DoPT Redraws Civil Services Cadre Map | 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... EU Chief Arrives In New Delhi, To Attend Republic Day Parade As Chief Guest Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 16:59 IST Apart from the Republic Day event, Leyen and Costa would represent the EU in the 16th EU-India Summit, scheduled to take place on January 27. Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, received the EU Commission chief at the airport. (X) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to attend Indias 77th Republic Day celebration as the chief guest. The Republic Day parade will take place at the Kartavya Path in the national capital on Monday, January 26, 2026. India is hosting Leyen and European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, as Republic Day chief guests. Apart from the Republic Day event, Leyen and Costa would represent the EU in the 16th EU-India Summit, scheduled to take place on January 27. Major FTA talks and the mother of all deals" are expected to be discussed in this summit. Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, received the EU Commission chief at the airport. Charting the next phase of the IndiaEU Strategic partnership. A warm welcome to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen, on her State Visit to India. Received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry; and Electronics and Information Technology @JitinPrasada. As the worlds two largest democracies, India and the EU share a partnership rooted in mutual trust and shared values," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. Charting the next phase of the IndiaEU Strategic partnership.A warm welcome to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen @vonderleyen, on her State Visit to India. Received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry; and Electronics and Information pic.twitter.com/HR9d7XLdYE Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) January 24, 2026 EU Set To Sign Mother Of All Deals With India Meanwhile, the European Union is close to finalising a free trade agreement with India that could create a market of nearly two billion people and account for almost a quarter of global GDP, Leyen had said, signalling what she described as a potentially historic moment in EUIndia economic ties. While addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Leyen said that while some steps remain, negotiations are nearing their conclusion. There is still work to do. But we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement. Some call it the mother of all deals," she said, during a section of her speech focused on expanding and diversifying Europes trade partnerships. Further an EU official said that the Commission and New Delhi are set to unveil a Security and Defence Strategic Partnership" during the upcoming meeting. Terming the current period as a culmination of remarkable intensifying relations," the official noted that both sides now recognise that their security and prosperity are fundamentally linked in a shifting global landscape. A key deliverable of the summit will be the signing of the Security and Defence Partnership by the EUs HRVP Kaja Kallas and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This marks only the third such comprehensive agreement the EU has signed in Asia, following Japan and the Republic of Korea. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 16:59 IST News india EU Chief Arrives In New Delhi, To Attend Republic Day Parade As Chief Guest Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Failed To Write Numbers Till 50: Four-Year-Old Beaten To Death By Father In Faridabad Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 10:32 IST The incident occurred on Wednesday at the familys rented home in Jhadsentli, Faridabad, where they had recently moved from Uttar Pradeshs Sonbhadra district. Police arrest father for beating his child to death | Image: X A four-and-a-half-year-old girl died after allegedly being beaten by her father for failing to correctly write numbers from 1 to 50, police said on Friday. The accused, Krishna Jaiswal (31), was arrested after his wife filed a complaint accusing him of assaulting their daughter. The incident occurred on Wednesday at the familys rented home in Jhadsentli, Faridabad, where they had recently moved from Uttar Pradeshs Sonbhadra district. Police said Jaiswal repeatedly struck the child, Vanshika, with a rolling pin and threw her to the floor, causing critical head injuries. After the assault, Jaiswal took the girl to a hospital and claimed she had fallen down the stairs while playing, allegedly attempting to cover up the attack. Doctors declared the child dead on arrival. His wife, Ranjita, who rushed to the hospital from work, was also told the same version of events. However, the couples seven-year-old son, who was at home at the time, later told his mother that his sister had been beaten. Ranjita also noticed visible injury marks on Vanshikas body and subsequently approached the police. A case of murder has been registered against Jaiswal under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Sector 58 police station. He has been placed on a one-day police remand for questioning as investigators work to reconstruct the sequence of events and corroborate statements from family members and neighbours. Police said both parents are employed with a private firm on alternating shifts. Ranjita works during the day, while Jaiswal works nights and stayed home during the daytime to look after the children. The girl was not enrolled in school and was being taught at home by her father. The couple has two other children, both of whom were present in the house when the incident occurred. Vanshikas body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to confirm the exact cause of death. Medical findings are being matched with the injuries observed, and further investigation is under way," Faridabad police spokesperson Yashpal said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Faridabad, India, India First Published: January 24, 2026, 10:32 IST News india Failed To Write Numbers Till 50: Four-Year-Old Beaten To Death By Father In Faridabad Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... By Kanchana Chakravarty Jan 23 (Reuters) - Intel's shares plunged 14% on Friday after the company struggled to meet strong artificial intelligence-driven demand for data-center chips due to supply constraints, disappointing investors betting on its turnaround. After years of sitting out the AI boom that turned Nvidia into the world's most valuable company, Intel is finally enjoying a demand surge for its traditional server chips that are used alongside advanced graphics processors in data centers. That and high-profile investments from the U.S. government, SoftBank and Nvidia have reignited investor interest. Intel's stock outpaced most semiconductor firms last year with an 84% gain and has extended its rally into 2026, up 47% in January so far. "The rally had been largely driven by 'the dream' rather than the near-term reality or fundamentals," TD Cowen analysts said. Intel cannot keep up with demand even as it runs factories at capacity, but Intel CFO David Zinsner said he expects available supply to improve in the second quarter after hitting its lowest levels in the first quarter. Jefferies analysts also noted that Intel's supply shortage will likely bottom out in March, while brokerage Oppenheimer said the constraints will ebb by the second quarter. Friday's losses followed quarterly profit and revenue forecasts that were below estimates. The drop will erase more than $35 billion from Intel's market value, if losses hold. "The server cycle seems real, but the company appears to have woefully misjudged it with its capacity footprint caught massively off guard," said analysts at Bernstein. The company faces a lag in changing the type of semiconductors it makes, hampering efforts to increase production of in-demand data center processors. Also weighing on Intel's forecast was the global memory supply shortage where price hikes are expected to dampen end-market demand in the personal computer market - Intel's biggest segment, where its new "Panther Lake" PC chips were expected to spark a comeback after years of market-share losses to AMD . Investors are closely examining Intel's turnaround under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who has focused on cutting costs and scaling back expansive contract manufacturing ambitions. The prospect of new external customer announcements had greatly contributed to Intel's rally ahead of results, but Tan's comments on a post-earnings call indicated that two customers had only gone so far as to evaluate the technical details of its upcoming 14A manufacturing technology. (Reporting by Kanchana Chakravarty in Bengaluru;Additional reporting by Samuel Indyk in London and Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru; editing by Alun John and Maju Samuel) Justice Delayed Is Not Only Justice Denied But Justice Destroyed': CJI Surya Kant Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 23:42 IST CJI Surya Kant urged High Courts to be more proactive and remain alert to systemic failures in the rule of law. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant. (Image: PTI) Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Saturday said that delay in judicial intervention does not merely deny justice but destroys it, stressing that timely action by courts is often the only real protection available to citizens against executive excess. He further called High Courts the first line of defence for ordinary citizens, and urged them to be more proactive and vigilant in addressing systemic failures in the rule of law. The Chief Justice was speaking at two events in Mumbai, one at the Fali Nariman memorial lecture and the second at a felicitation programme organised by the Bombay High Court. While addressing the Fali Nariman memorial lecture on the topic Article 226 as the Guardian of Access to Justice held at Mumbai Universitys convocation hall, CJI Kant urged High Courts to be more proactive and remain alert to systemic failures in the rule of law and not wait for the knock on its doors. The goal must be to transform access to justice from a passive right to a state-guaranteed service. Justice delayed is not only justice denied but it is justice destroyed," he said as quoted by news agency PTI. VIDEO | Mumbai: CJI Surya Kant speaks during Fali Nariman Memorial Lecture organised by Bombay Bar Association.(Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/8SOZjSurKF Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 24, 2026 Emphasising the constitutional role of High Courts, the CJI said that they occupy a unique position as the first and most vital line of defence against illegal detention, administrative excess and violations of dignity. He underlined that High Courts were never meant to function merely as appellate or revisional courts or as stepping stones to the Supreme Court, but as vibrant constitutional courts providing immediate and effective remedies. Justice Kant described High Courts as the true first constitutional court" for citizens. While the Supreme Court may have the final word, he said, the High Court often has the most vital one, as it hears the first cry of injusticefrom illegal detention and threats to dignity to environmental harm and administrative failure. High Courts are the primary sentinel guarding the doorsteps of the ordinary citizen, ensuring that the rule of law is not a distant concept but a localised, breathing reality," he said. Article 226 of the Constitution grants powers to the high court to issue directions, including writs, to any person, authority or government to enforce fundamental rights of citizens. Perhaps the most critical, yet overlooked, facet of access provided by Article 226 is the power of interim relief. The high courts ability to stay an executive action at the very first hearing is often the only real access the citizen ever experiences," CJI Kant stated. While the Supreme Court may have the final word, the high court often has the most vital one," he opined. When the law is silent, the sentinel does not remain mute. We have seen high courts issue directions to protect the environment, ensure dignity of every human being, like prisoners, and securing the rights of migrant workers during a national crisis," CJI Kant said. The CJI urged high courts to strengthen and adapt to the digital era so that access to justice is easier. CJI Kant said he is often loudly vocal against those persons who approach the Supreme Court directly without first availing the remedy to move the high court. People who are rich and privileged should not think that they have direct access to the Supreme Court merely because Article 32 of the Constitution allows it," he said. Remembering the contribution of Fali Nariman during the Emergency period, CJI Kant said the turbulent 1970s brought the nation to a constitutional crossroads. The declaration of Emergency tested the very soul of democracy, he said. The CJI said the countrys constitutional journey cannot be understood without first recalling the long shadows cast by colonial rule and the fact that our citizens lived under laws that were often instruments of control rather than guardians of freedom. Civil liberties were not merely neglected but they were deliberately muted and denied. The voices of Indians were muted by ordinances, censorship, preventive detention, and laws that prioritised imperial convenience over human dignity," he said. While speaking at the felicitation programme by the Bombay High Court, CJI Kant emphasised on the need to strengthen dispute resolution beyond the courtroom. The future of justice depends not only on how efficiently we adjudicate disputes but also on how wisely we resolve them. Mediation, reconciliation, and arbitration are not just alternatives of convenience but they are instruments of mature justice," he said. They preserve relationships, reduce costs and delays, and allow courts to focus their energies to cases where authoritative adjudication is truly required, CJI Kant said. Courts must create an environment where mediation is encouraged. The success of these mechanisms rests largely on a proactive court where judges are open to exploring alternative dispute resolution with seriousness," he urged. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 23:40 IST News india Justice Delayed Is Not Only Justice Denied But Justice Destroyed': CJI Surya Kant Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... POCSO Victims Nearly Double In 7 Years As Sexual Offences Against Kids Rise Faster Than Overall Crime Written By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 12:14 IST The data also shows that girls accounted for over 99 per cent of the rape victims among children below the age of 18 years Rapid Read Between 2018 and 2023, India reported 1.89 lakh victims of child rape. POCSO cases rose from 36,022 in 2016 to 67,694 in 2023 and the number of POCSO victims climbed steeply from 36,321 in 2016 to 68,636 in 2023, underscoring the expanding scale of sexual violence against minors. Earlier analysis by News18 showed that total crimes against children crossed the one-lakh mark in 2016 and rose to 1.77 lakh by 2023. In terms of victims, the increase was from 1.11 lakh in 2016 to 1.86 in 2023. Collectively, there were 12.05 lakh victims of crime against children in India between 2016 and 2023, in 11.43 lakh cases registered during the period. The country saw 3.93 lakh POCSO victims in 3.87 lakh cases. Both the cases registered under POCSO and the victims account for more than 30 per cent of the total cases of crime against children reported in India between 2016 and 2023. It is important to note that the first year when the NCRB report mentioned the POCSO cases was in 2014 with 8,904 cases. The breakup of victims was introduced in 2016. Girls Made Up Nearly 99% Of Child Rape Victims The data also shows that girls accounted for over 99 per cent of the rape victims among children below the age of 18 years. Between 2018 and 2023, India reported 1.89 lakh victims of child rapecases registered under Sections 4 and 6 of the POCSO Act and relevant child-rape provisions under Section 376 of the IPC. Of these, 1.87 lakh were girls and 1,920 were boys. A total of 4,322 victims were below the age of six years, including 4,173 girls in the cases reported between 2018 and 2023. A total of 17,216 victims were in the age of six to 12 years and 16,465 of these were girls. Of the 72,613 victims in the age group of 12 to 16 years, only 716 were boys against 71,897 girls. The biggest share, more than half, of child rape victims were in the age group of 16 to 18 years at 95,543. Of these, 304 were boys and 95,239 were girls. A recent report from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)Crimes Involving Children and Child Protectionstated that the highest number of cases registered in the 16 to 18 years age group can be attributed to the fact that children in this age group are often required to travel to distant places for educational purposes, or in some cases, may enter the labour force at an early age, thereby facing greater exposure and vulnerability. In the case of girls, the number of annual victims has increased from 21,848 in 2018 to 40,423 in 2023close to double in six years. The analysis also shows that even as the cases involving boys are fewer compared to girls, there has been a consistent rise in boy victimsfrom 229 in 2018 to 423 in 2023. In terms of states, in 2023 and 2022, it was Maharashtra at the top spot in child rape cases with 4,672 victims and 4,260 victims in respective years. In 2023, Madhya Pradesh registered the second highest victims at 3,893, followed by Uttar Pradesh at 3,855 and Tamil Nadu at 3,465 victims. In 2022, Tamil Nadu reported second largest victims at 3,676, followed by Madhya Pradesh (3,658) and Uttar Pradesh (3,454). In 2021, Madhya Pradesh was at the top with 3,525 victims, followed by Maharashtra at 3,480 victims. Tamil Nadu (3,469) and Uttar Pradesh (2,845) were next in the list. Kidnapping Still the Biggest Risk, Especially for Girls Out of the total 12.05 lakh victims of crime against children in India between 2016 and 2023, the biggest share of victims5.32 lakh were in cases related to kidnapping. Of the 5.3 lakh child kidnapping victims reported between 2016 and 2023, about 1.1 lakhnearly one in fivewere minor girls abducted to compel marriage. In terms of cases, out of 11.43 lakh cases of crime against children, 5.16 lakh were of kidnapping and 1.09 lakh were cases involving minor girls abducted to compel marriage. Between 2016 (16,636 cases and 16,695 victims) and 2023 (14,637 cases and 14,712 victims), the cases and victims involving minor girls abducted to compel marriage has declined but overall kidnapping has gone upfrom 54,723 cases and 56,300 victims in 2016 to 79,884 cases and 82,106 victims in 2023. The kidnapping data also involves missing children deemed as kidnapped. In 2023, out of the 82,106 kidnapped children, 38,472 were from the missing list. The share of girls kidnapped for marriage in total kidnapping has improved significantly between 2016 (30 per cent) to 2023 (20 per cent). Even after this improvement, on average, around 40 such cases were reported every day in 2023. The absolute increase of children kidnapped, along with overall crime against children, indicates that the risks to children are diversifying rather than reducing. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 12:14 IST News india POCSO Victims Nearly Double In 7 Years As Sexual Offences Against Kids Rise Faster Than Overall Crime Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Will Raise 'Issues' With Leadership, Had Informed Party About Skipping AICC Meet: Shashi Tharoor Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 17:21 IST Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on Saturday that he has some issues with the party which he plans to discuss with the leadership. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that he had informed his party leadership that he wont be attending the AICC meeting. (Courtesy: PTI) Speaking for the first time since skipping the All India Congress Committee (AICC) meet, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said that he had informed his party leadership that he wouldnt be attending the meeting beforehand. He said that he has some issues with his party, which he will discuss with the leadership, while clarifying that he has never gone against the political position of the party in the Parliament. Tharoor said that the internal disagreements should be discussed within the party and not through the media. All I can say is that there are issues I need to raise with my party leadership, not in public. I will be going to Delhi for Parliament, and I believe I will have a chance to clearly share my concerns with the leadership and hear their views. We will have a proper conversation. I have been in Congress for 17 years. Lets not exaggerate. Whatever has gone wrong will be addressed in the right place," he said. #WATCH | Kozhikode, Kerala: On missing the poll-related meeting with party leadership and attending Kerala Lit Fest, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, Whatever issues there are, I would have to discuss them with the party leadership, and I look forward to the opportunity to do pic.twitter.com/G7l6noke3p ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2026 While speaking to reporters, Tharoor said that he had informed the Congress leadership he would not be able to attend the party meeting. The meeting was organised to discuss preparations for the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls. #WATCH | Kozhikode, Kerala: On the sidelines of Kerala Literature Festival, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor speaks to the media on the row over him not attending an election-related meeting with the party leadership but attending the Literature Festival. pic.twitter.com/lLb8cLTGX9 ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2026 Kozhikode, Kerala: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, It is better to convey concerns directly to the party leadership. Several things have appeared in the media, some of which may be true while others may not be, and that such matters should not be discussed on public platforms. pic.twitter.com/DXVohAse2S ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2026 The Congress MP said that he wanted to attend a literature festival, and it was difficult for him to travel constantly. However, I will definitely take part in all party activities in Parliament, and at that time I can meet the party leadership," Tharoor said. Recently, some reports also suggested that Tharoor was unhappy over Congress leader Rahul Gandhis failure to properly acknowledge him at an event in Kochi, and also because he is allegedly being sidelined by state party leaders. When questioned about the alleged unfair treatment at a party event in Kochi, he said that he would not like to comment. He added that he wanted to present his book on Sree Narayana Guru at the literature festival. He further underlined that he had once skipped the Jaipur Literature Festival because of a political commitment. I have nothing to say about the Ernakulam controversy. I had wished to release the book at the event, but the book launch at the Jaipur Literature Festival had to be postponed due to political commitments. This is the reason I chose to attend the event in Kozhikode," he said. Meanwhile, reacting to Thiruvananthapuram MP skipping the Congress strategy meet, CPI Kerala Secretary Binoy Viswam said, Only Tharoors body is in Congress, his soul is with the BJP." Shashi Tharoor Says He Is Unapologetic On His Op Sindoor Stance While speaking at the Kerala Literature Festival, Tharoor said that he is unapologetic about the strong stand he took on Operation Sindoor. The Congress MP explained that he had written a newspaper column after the Pahalgam terror attack in which he had said that the terrorists should not go unpunished and had appealed for a strong response. VIDEO | Responding to question from the audience at Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) said:I have at no stage violated any of the Congress positions in Parliament; the only issue on which there has been public disagreement on pic.twitter.com/ALATWmTNGc Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 24, 2026 He had stated that while the focus of India should be development, it should not get dragged into a long conflict with Pakistan, while clearly stating that any action should only target terrorist camps. The MP said that he was surprised when the Indian government acted exactly how he had suggested. I have at no stage violated any of the Congress positions in Parliament; the only issue on which there has been public disagreement on principle is about Operation Sindoor where I did take a very strong stand, and I remain unapologetic about that because after Pahalgam happened, I myself, as an observer and commentator, I had written a column in the Indian Express, which I think I gave the title After Pahalgam, they gave it a title Hit Hard, Hit Smart. I said in that article this can not go unpunished; there has to be a kinetic response," Tharoor said. How could I criticise it when I recommended it myself? I fully supported Operation Sindoor and afterwards," he added. Tharoor said that former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru once asked, Who lives if India dies? When Indias security and its place in the world are at stake, India comes first." He said that the political parties can have differences in the process of building a better India, but India must come first when national interests are involved. Political parties may differ while working towards a better India, but when the countrys core interests are at stake, India must come first," said the senior Congress leader. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Kochi [Cochin], India, India First Published: January 24, 2026, 17:21 IST News india Will Raise 'Issues' With Leadership, Had Informed Party About Skipping AICC Meet: Shashi Tharoor Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Stood The Test Of Time: Shashi Tharoor Says Constitution Sacrosanct To PM Modi, Mentions RSS Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 14:41 IST Congress MP Shashi Tharoor noted that even organisations which once rejected it, such as the RSS, have since embraced it. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor | File Image Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said Prime Minister Narendra Modi regards the Constitution as sacrosanct", underscoring what he described as the documents enduring strength. He noted that even organisations which once rejected it, such as the RSS, have since embraced it. Responding to a question from the audience at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, Tharoor said the Constitution has stood the test of time," adding that its acceptance across the political spectrum reflects its resilience and relevance. VIDEO | Responding to question from the audience at Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor (@narendramodi) said:PM Modi sees the Constitution as sacrosanct; those who rejected the Constitution, such as the RSS, have now embraced it; Constitution pic.twitter.com/xHCwSMtM61 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 24, 2026 Tharoors remarks came amid ongoing speculation about his ties with the Congress leadership. Addressing questions on the sidelines of the festival, the Thiruvananthapuram MP insisted he has never deviated from the partys position in Parliament, except for one instance of principled disagreement related to Operation Sindoor. I have at no stage violated any of the Congress positions in Parliament," Tharoor said, as quoted by PTI. The only issue where there has been public disagreement on principle is Operation Sindoor, where I took a strong stand, and I remain unapologetic about that." Tharoor had led Indias outreach to countries in the Americas to explain New Delhis stance on counterterrorism and Pakistans role in sponsoring terrorism. He said his position stemmed from a belief that terror attacks should not go unanswered, though he maintained that any response should be limited and targeted. His comments follow media reports pointing to alleged differences with the party leadership, including claims that he felt sidelined by state leaders and insufficiently acknowledged by senior Congress figures at a recent event in Kochi. Tharoor also skipped a meeting involving the Kerala Congress leadership and the AICC high command ahead of next years assembly polls, fuelling further speculation. Clarifying his absence, Tharoor said it was preferable to raise concerns directly within the party rather than air them publicly. Several things have appeared in the media some may be true, others not and such matters should not be discussed on public platforms," he said, adding that he had informed the party in advance about his inability to attend the meeting. Whatever I have to say will be said within the party." The senior leader also referred to a newspaper column he wrote after the Pahalgam attack, in which he argued that the incident should not go unpunished and called for a calibrated, kinetic response focused on terrorist camps rather than a prolonged conflict with Pakistan. He said he was surprised when the government later acted broadly along the lines he had suggested. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 14:32 IST News india Stood The Test Of Time: Shashi Tharoor Says Constitution Sacrosanct To PM Modi, Mentions RSS Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... International Day Of Education 2026: Future-Ready Learning Reaches Rural India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 10:12 IST International Day of Education sees rural classrooms across India embracing digital learning, Gurukul values, and future-ready skills for students. International Day of Education 2026: Members of Wake Up India Foundation with the students of Gurukul School. International Day of Education 2026: January 24 marks the International Day of Education, a global observance highlighting bold initiatives that make learning accessible, meaningful, and future-ready. In India, a transformative story is unfolding in rural communities, where students are gaining access to modern classrooms, digital tools, and holistic education. At the heart of this transformation are Wake Up India Foundation, a youth-driven social organisation, and the Gurukul Group of Schools, a network of 19 schools across Bihar, including Gurukul International School Manihari. Together, they are empowering thousands of students with strong foundations and forward-looking classrooms. Founded in 2010 by Suyash H Varma, Wake Up India Foundation began as a small collective of young people who believed that education could be the most powerful tool for long-term social transformation. ALSO READ: International Day of Education 2026: Youth Empowerment And Global Learning Over the last 15 years, the foundation has built programs, systems, and partnerships to address Indias deepest educational gaps. Today, it works closely with college students and young professionals through its Campus Project, active in Delhi, Bangalore, and Ranchi, nurturing socially conscious leadership and civic responsibility. Education is liberation. It gives people the tools to imagine and build their future," says Suyash H Varma, Founder President, Wake Up India Foundation. This philosophy also inspired initiatives like the Rural Residential Internship Program, where students live in villages for immersive experiences, understanding rural life, supporting local education, and contributing to community development firsthand. The collaboration with the Gurukul Group of Schools is about alignment, not ownership. Wake Up India Foundation brings vision, youth engagement, and social innovation, while Gurukul Group of Schools contributes on-ground infrastructure, experienced educators, and deep community roots. Our goal is not just literacy its confidence, values, and exposure. Rural students deserve the same future-ready education as anyone else," said Himanshu Kumar Varma, Regional Director, Gurukul Group of Schools. What This Collaboration Looks Like on the Ground Ancient Values, Modern Learning The schools follow a Gurukul-inspired value system discipline, respect, and holistic development while integrating modern pedagogy. Students grow academically, ethically, and emotionally. Technology Reaches the Village Through Wake Up India Foundations involvement, rural campuses are being equipped with: Smart classrooms Smart boards Dedicated computer labs Digital learning tools For many students, this is their first structured digital education a critical step in bridging the rural-urban learning divide. As the world talks about the future of learning, stories like this remind us that transformation doesnt always begin in policy rooms or global summits. Sometimes, it begins when a 15-year-old youth movement finds the right classroom partner and together, they decide that rural India deserves nothing less than the best. Education, after all, is not just preparation for life. It is life especially when done right. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 08:20 IST News lifestyle International Day Of Education 2026: Future-Ready Learning Reaches Rural India Ikkis Is Anti-War, Not Pro-Pakistan: Jaideep Ahlawats On-Screen Wife Defends Agastya Nanda Starrer Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 21:00 IST Ekavali Khanna reacts to the backlash around Ikkis, dismissing claims that the film is pro-Pakistan and calling it a pro-humanity, anti-war story focused on grief and sacrifice. Rapid Read Ekavali Khanna has addressed the controversy around Ikkis, firmly rejecting claims that the film glorifies Pakistan and stressing that its core message is rooted in humanity and anti-war sentiment. Actor Ekavali Khanna has responded to the backlash surrounding Ikkis, dismissing allegations that the film glorifies Pakistan as absurd" and stressing that its core is rooted in humanity, not politics. Khanna, who plays Maryam in the film, believes the outrage overlooks what Ikkis is actually trying to say. Following the strong reactions the film received after its January 2026 release, she has firmly stood by its emotional and creative intent, describing it as a story about grief, loss, and the scars left behind by war. Ekavali Khanna reacts to Ikkis controversy In a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Ekavali addressed the online criticism accusing Ikkis of portraying Pakistan in a positive light. Its a very personal thing. So I dont think that I hold that place to criticise people who are uncomfortable with it. But I can speak for myself," she said. Clarifying the films standpoint, she added, It is an anti-war film. These days, we are so lost in this whole jargon of animosity, enemy camp, etc. This particular film reflects a lot beyond it." According to Khanna, the film operates on multiple emotional planes. It is a moving story of a father and son. Also, it is a moving story even from the perspective of the Pakistani counterpart," she explained. Pushing back against the label attached to the film, Ekavali said, This is a pro-humanity film. It is definitely not a pro-Pakistani film at any level." Referring to the ultimate sacrifice of war hero Arun Khetarpal, she questioned the criticism directly: Then how, on earth, can it be called a pro-Pakistani film?" Ikkis vs Dhurandhar: Ekavali on creative choices The debate around Ikkis intensified after the release of Dhurandhar, which arrived weeks earlier and was widely praised for its aggressive, hardline narrative. Addressing comparisons between the two films, Khanna called them unfair. Recalling a conversation at an airport, she said, Someone asked me which film I would choose to work on. I replied that I have already worked in Ikkis." While acknowledging Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhars success, she added, He tells convincing stories one after another. As an actor, of course, Id love to work with him." However, her creative stance was clear. But creatively and in terms of sensitivity, Ill always choose Ikkis over Dhurandhar," she said, noting that such comparisons often feel driven by headline-making rather than substance. For Ekavali, the real victory lies elsewhere. What makes me happy is that thanks to this film, more people are going to know the story of Arun Khetarpal," she concluded. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 21:00 IST News movies bollywood Ikkis Is Anti-War, Not Pro-Pakistan: Jaideep Ahlawats On-Screen Wife Defends Agastya Nanda Starrer Janhvi Kapoor Backs Filmmaker Calling Out Attacks On Spiritual Beliefs In Name Of Artistic Freedom Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 16:43 IST Janhvi Kapoor supports Natashja Rathore's video criticizing liberals for shaming spiritual people, praising Sanatan Dharma as the most liberal path. Janhvi Kapoor Agrees With Filmmakers Critique Of Liberal Art Spaces And Spirituality Janhvi Kapoor is not staying quiet when conversations around art, belief and freedom heat up online. The actor recently reacted to a social media video that questioned the contradiction between celebrating artistic freedom and ridiculing spiritual belief. Janhvi responded to a video shared by writer and documentary filmmaker Natashja Rathore, in which the latter speaks about what she sees as hypocrisy within liberal artistic circles. Rathores video argues that while artistic freedom is often loudly defended, spiritual expression is frequently mocked or discouraged. The video was captioned, You dont get to preach artistic freedom and shame spiritual seeking in the same breath. Thats not ideology. Thats intimidation." In the clip, Rathore elaborates on how cultural and artistic spaces have become deeply politicised. She says, In our circles, everything gets politicised. Knowledge gets reduced to ideology. Silence gets called ignorance. Devotion gets framed as danger. And the irony is this, that the same people who speak endlessly about freedom of expression, have created one of the most rigid moral gatekeeping systems that I have ever seen." Rathore also claims that many Indian artists have privately held spiritual beliefs but felt compelled to hide them. In the same video, she adds, Art has always belonged to the sacred. Theatre was born in ritual. Music was born in devotion. Dance was prayer before it was performance. And sharing our profound spiritual knowledge is not propaganda." She further states, There is no path more liberal than Sanatana Dharma." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Delulu is (not) the Solulu (@delulutosolulu) Janhvi Kapoor publicly showed her agreement with the filmmakers views by commenting under the post with raised hand emojis, signalling her support for the sentiment expressed in the video. On the work front, Janhvi had a busy 2025 with several releases across languages. She was seen in Neeraj Ghaywans Homebound, where she played Sudha Bharti alongside Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa. The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and was later shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category, though it did not secure an Oscar nomination. She also featured in Param Sundari and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari last year. Currently, Janhvi is shooting for filmmaker Buchi Babu Sanas Peddi, co-starring Ram Charan. This marks her second Telugu film after Devara: Part 1 with Jr NTR. Peddi is slated for a theatrical release on March 27. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 16:43 IST News movies bollywood Janhvi Kapoor Backs Filmmaker Calling Out Attacks On Spiritual Beliefs In Name Of Artistic Freedom Mouni Roys Hug With Stebin Ben At His Wedding Leaves Fans Saying Shes Sweetest Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 20:00 IST While Nupur Sanon and Stebin Bens wedding photos made headlines, it was a quiet best-friend hug from Mouni Roy that caught the internets eye. Mouni Roy shares a quiet best-friend moment with Stebin Ben at the wedding.(Photo Credit: Instagram) Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben have tied the knot in Udaipur. The couple got married on Saturday, January 10. The announcement came through a series of photographs shared on Instagram. The images, from their Christian wedding, showed the couple in coordinated white outfits. The caption was brief and direct: I did. I DO. I will Always & Forever." The post quickly circulated online, drawing reactions from fans and fellow actors. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stebin Ben (@stebinben) Mouni Roy and Stebin Bens Best Friend Hug Steals The Show While the wedding pictures drew attention, a short video from the celebrations became widely shared. The clip, posted on Instagram with the caption the best-friends hugs," shows Mouni Roy hugging Stebin Ben moments after the ceremony. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Instant Bollywood (@instantbollywood) How Social Media Reacted To The Video The brief exchange stood out amid the larger wedding coverage. The video spread quickly across platforms, with many viewers focusing on the personal moment rather than the ceremony itself. Mouni is the sweetest," one person commented. Several others reacted with heart and fire emojis under the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Instant Bollywood (@instantbollywood) What Happened at the Udaipur wedding The Christian wedding took place in Udaipur, a location the couple had been visiting in the days leading up to the ceremony. Their Hindu nuptials are set to follow, making it a two-day celebration spread across traditions. The couple had been photographed arriving in the city earlier this month. In one of their first public appearances after announcing their engagement, Nupur Sanon was seen in a black top layered with a soft blue jacket. Stebin Ben wore a black kurta-pyjama. The sighting added to speculation that wedding celebrations were imminent. A Relationship That Led To Marriage Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben had been in a relationship for several years before getting married. On January 3, 2026, they shared a video from their proposal. The clip showed Stebin Ben going down on one knee during a planned setup. Alongside the post, Nupur wrote that saying yes was the easiest" decision of her life. The proposal video marked their first official confirmation as a couple. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nupur Sanon (@nupursanon) Family members were also involved in the wedding preparations. Kriti Sanon, Nupurs sister, was seen flying out of Mumbai days before the ceremony. For now, the focus remains on the wedding celebrations in Udaipur, with the final rituals set to conclude later today. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 20:00 IST News movies bollywood Mouni Roys Hug With Stebin Ben At His Wedding Leaves Fans Saying Shes Sweetest Jacob Elordi To Play James Bond Next? Actor Holds Talks With Amazon MGM Studios Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 19:10 IST Jacob Elordi recently received his first Academy Award nomination for his performance in Guillermo del Toros Frankenstein. Jacob Elordi will appear as Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights.(Photo Credit : X) Is Jacob Elordi set to succeed Daniel Craig as the next James Bond? Several reports claim that the Australian actor recently met filmmaker Denis Villeneuve and had discussions with Amazon MGM Studios for the iconic spy role. Denis Villeneuve is directing the 26th instalment of the James Bond franchise. GB News reports there is a great chance that the Frankenstein actor could be the next 007. Jacob Elordi Meet Filmmaker Denis Villeneuve Jacob Elordi recently received his first Academy Award nomination for his performance as The Creature in Guillermo del Toros Frankenstein. GB News reports that Elordi recently held talks with Villeneuve and producers of Amazon MGM Studios for a role in the upcoming James Bond movie. According to another report by World of Reel, the Euphoria and Saltburn star is firmly ranked among the top candidates for 007 by an industry source. Jacob Elordi is currently listed by Paddy Power as the second favourite at 7/2, behind Callum Turner, who is at 5/6. A Paddy Power spokesperson said that Elordi ticks several boxes for the James Bond role. Tall, handsome and mysterious. All things Ive never been described as, but all things that fit the bill for a James Bond actor," the spokesperson said, per GB News. Jacob Elordi ticks plenty of the boxes, hence why hes our second favourite to get the job," they added. Elordi has remained silent regarding the reports about his possible casting. Why Jacob Elordis Casting As James Bond Could Be Historic With a height of 6 feet 5 inches, the Euphoria star would exceed Sean Connerys 6 feet 2 inches to become the tallest actor to ever play the British spy. He would also be the youngest Bond in the franchises history at just 28, which is consistent with rumours that the studio is thinking of doing an origin-style remake with a much younger hero. Another noteworthy achievement would be Elordis nationality, as he would be the second Australian to portray Bond after George Lazenbys one appearance in On Her Majestys Secret Service in 1969. As of now, Jacob Elordi is gearing up for the release of Wuthering Heights, where he plays the role of Heathcliff. The Margot Robbie-starrer, based on Emily Brontes classic novel of the same name, will hit cinemas on Valentines Day weekend. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 19:10 IST News hollywood Jacob Elordi To Play James Bond Next? Actor Holds Talks With Amazon MGM Studios Sundance Film Festival Sees Back-To-Back Premieres From Channing Tatum, Olivia Wilde And Charli xcx Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 10:00 IST Channing Tatum, Olivia Wilde and Charli xcx premiered films at Sundance Film Festival, including Josephine, I Want Your Sex and The Moment. Channing Tatum, Olivia Wilde and Charli xcx premiere movies at Sundance Film Festival Park City was buzzing on Friday night as Sundance turned the Eccles Theatre into a high-voltage launchpad for very different kinds of stories from tender childhood trauma to provocative art-world drama and pop-star self-reflection. With films headlined by Channing Tatum, Olivia Wilde and Charli xcx premiering back-to-back, the festival reminded audiences why it remains a filmmakers playground. The evening opened with Josephine, a deeply personal drama written and directed by Beth De Araujo. Set in San Francisco, the film follows an eight-year-old girl, played by Mason Reeves, whose sense of safety is shattered after she witnesses a sexual assault in Golden Gate Park. Tatum and Gemma Chan portray her parents, struggling to help their daughter process fear and confusion they barely understand themselves. The film is competing in the U.S. Dramatic Competition and draws from De Araujos own childhood experience of seeing something traumatic at the same age. Demand for the premiere was intense, with no empty seats inside the theatre and more than 400 people left on the waitlist. When the credits rolled, the audience responded with a long standing ovation before the cast and filmmaker took the stage for a Q&A. De Araujo shared that she discovered Reeves at a San Francisco farmers market, where she approached the childs mother and explained she was casting someone to play the daughter of Tatum and Chan. Reeves, unfazed by the spotlight, said one of her favourite moments in the film involved sharing a snack with her co-star. I only ate the outside and fed the jelly part to him," Reeves said. That is true," Tatum added, confirming the moment. Tatum, who watched the film for the first time with the Sundance audience, praised Reeves performance, asking the crowd, how good is she?" He also admitted the screening left him emotional, saying he cried five, six, seven times." The mood at the Eccles shifted sharply with the premiere of I Want Your Sex, directed by Gregg Araki. The film centres on a young college graduate in his early 20s, played by Cooper Hoffman, who lands a job assisting Erika Tracy, a provocative and powerful figure in the art world portrayed by Olivia Wilde. Araki described the character as bold, daring and very controversial," likening her to a mix of Robert Mapplethorpe and Madonna. Its the story of their affairs and the impact it has on this kids life and how it kind of turns his whole world upside down," Araki told The Associated Press. Its fun, its colorful, its sexy. And its a ride." Araki revealed he had been developing the project for more than a decade, during which it evolved significantly. Addressing why he flipped the gender dynamic of the intern character, he said, After #MeToo and Harvey Weinstein, all the stuff that was going on, it was literally like, I dont really want to see a woman getting dragged around by the hair. I dont want to seed that kind of patriarchal dynamic, even if its consensual." The director added that the change aligned with his long-standing engagement with feminist ideas and also reflected his observations about younger generations. What I knew as an old person, as an old-timer, in terms of socialization, dating, sex, all of this stuff that seemed to be kind of falling away," Araki said. And so that kind of became a major theme of the movie." While Wildes character provokes debates about sex across generations, Araki stressed the films underlying message. It was very important to me to make something sex positive," he said. I Want Your Sex is like the opposite of Babygirl, which I found to be very sex negative." Wilde, speaking after the screening, said she wished more people made movies" the way Araki does bringing together a creative group to make something playful outside a corporate system. The film also features Charli xcx in a supporting role. A longtime admirer of Araki, she was inspired by his work her Brat" album cover drew from the title credits of his film Smiley Face. When she heard about the project, Araki said she asked to be involved and auditioned like everyone else." The character is not her. Thats whats so fun," he said. Shes American, shes super uptight and kind of pill." Charli xcx shot her scenes in a single day during a brief break from her tour. Her presence at Sundance didnt end there. Earlier in the day, the festival hosted the world premiere of her self-referential mockumentary The Moment, which opens in theatres on January 30. Fridays Sundance lineup also included the world premiere of William David Caballeros mixed-media feature TheyDream, which explores a Puerto Rican family processing grief through art. Caballero and co-writer Elaine Del Valle, who have previously screened short films at the festival, marked their feature debut with the project. Sundance has always been about possibility for me about artists being given space to take creative risks and tell personal stories," Del Valle told AP. Bringing our first feature, especially in Sundances final year in Utah, carries a different weight." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 10:00 IST News movies hollywood Sundance Film Festival Sees Back-To-Back Premieres From Channing Tatum, Olivia Wilde And Charli xcx JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon didnt mince words in his message to workers: Get over the fact that work is hard. Speaking with Patricia Devine, JPMorgans global head of corporate sales, at the Female Quotient lounge in Davos, Switzerland, Dimon laid out the harsh reality for workers striving for instant gratification: Theres going to be a grunt part to every part of a job. Get over it. Dimons advice stands out in an era of growing disengagement among young workers, a demographic that recently showed notable declines in workplace engagement, according to Gallup, with Gen Z employee engagement dipping five percentage points between 2024 and 2025. A 2025 report from recruitment firm Randstad also shows the average tenure at a company for a Gen Z worker in their first five years of work has shrunk to just 1.1 years. This stands in stark contrast to the 2.9-year average tenure for baby boomers when they were early in their career. While the Randstad study attributes these short stints to a desire to grow rather than a matter of job hopping, Dimon says young people ought to see a job through to further their career. He didnt clarify how long he recommends a young person stay in a job. Do not get a new job, Dimon said. Some people are always thinking, and theyre ruining their lives because they should just enjoy what theyre doing. Dimon critiques the much-lauded preference for work-life balance over other priorities, such as competitive compensation and benefits packages, or purpose-driven work. Work-life balance today dominates workplace discourse, and now outranks pay as a top motivator for job seekers, according to Randstad. Dimon has also said work-life balance should be a priority for his workers, especially those with a family. But he says that to balance the two, one must work smart. Still, nothing can replace hard work in the pursuit of career success, according to the CEO. Work hard. Theres no replacement, Dimon said. I still see a lot of people who think they can make a shortcut to a heroic something. Its almost never true. A generational reset Young workers are entering a dramatically different workforce from that of older generations. Many Gen Zers came of working age during the COVID pandemic and have assumed remote or hybrid work as the norm. However, Dimon has said that mindset may be detrimental to career growth, telling Gen Z workers you cant learn from your basement, after urging corporate workers to return to full-time in-person work, adding the move would push workers to innovate. Opinion | Genocide In Kashmir: Forgotten And Buried- Part 1 Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 21:22 IST The purpose of reiterating these historical facts is to demonstrate that Kashmir is ancient Hindu land from which Hindu Kashmiri Pandits are being driven out, today The political aura given to the 'Kashmir Problem' in recent times is a sham. (Representational image/PTI) The passage of time has the uncanny ability to blur our memory, numb our conscience, and mellow the intensity of our reactions, so much so that even the most horrendous of crimes become gradually cemented into history, fade into the background, and come to be accepted as a part of normalcy; accountability is evaded and life moves on. One such horrific event is the ethnic cleansing and genocide of Kashmiri Hindu Pandits from the Valley of Kashmir that began in the late 1980s (more than 35 years ago) and continues to this day. During this genocide, over a quarter million Hindu Indian citizens were driven from their homes to become refugees in their own land, over 1000 were killed, and close to 16000 of their homes were burnt to cinder. More than 500 Hindu temples were desecrated or destroyed. This is unequivocally the greatest moral lapse of independent India, unmatched in its magnitude, specificity, or completeness when compared to other such similar social upheavalsover a quarter million Indian citizens wronged. The purpose of recalling the horrific, blood-curdling events of those dark days is to reawaken the indifferent conscience of a country that has basically decided to callously brush aside the pain and agony of over a quarter million of its citizens and move on with its life. It is also possible that this indifference stems from ignorance. Today, over 40 per cent of Indians are below 30 years of age, and this pertains to events that happened before they were born. Therefore, it becomes vitally important to make them aware of this gruesome episode of their countrys recent past. For a democratic, secular nation to be viable, it must demonstrate its ability to uphold the lofty principles it espouses. There is still time to rectify this wrong and salvage the credibility of a nation and prove (not to others) but to ourselves that we truly believe in the ideals of secularism. Hence this reminder. Definition The events that transpired in Kashmir were so comprehensive in their cruelty (killings, burning of homes, expulsion, and destruction of sacred sites) that we did not have a single term to describe this phenomenon of evil, then. Only in the mid-nineties, when journalists began to use the word ethnic cleansing" to describe the forced migration of Bosnian Muslims from Serb territories of the former Yugoslavia, did we realise what had happened in Kashmir and were able to give it a name. A United Nations Commission, with reference to the happenings in the former Yugoslavia, defined ethnic cleansing as rendering an area ethnically homogeneous by using force or intimidation to remove persons of given groups from the area." As per the United Nations, genocide is defined as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. The exodus of Kashmiri Pandits fits the bill of both ethnic cleansing and genocide. This was also endorsed by the NHRC, headed by the former Chief Justice of India, M. N. Venkatachaliah, which concluded in 1995 that the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits was akin to genocide." Ethnic cleansing and Genocide, with reference to Kashmir, are not flippant terms concocted by Hindu fanatics but officially vetted descriptions. By appropriately labelling a crime, we not only define its scope for public and international understanding but also induct a sense of urgency to seek its redress. Kashmir History What makes this ethnic cleansing even more egregious is that the Kashmiri Pandits are the original inhabitants of Kashmir and the carriers of a culture and tradition that goes back 5000 years, making them and the land an inalienable part of our Vedic civilisation. The oft-repeated phraseKashmir is an integral part of Indiais not merely a political slogan to counter Pakistans claims but a historical reality. As per the Nilmata Purana, one of our ancient scriptures, the word Kashmir" is widely believed to be derived from the Vedic sage Kashyap, who is credited with making Kashmir habitable. Kashmir also finds mention in Paninis Ashtadhyayi, written around the 5th century BC. Other Hindu scriptures like the Puranas (Vishnu, Vayu, Matsya), which modern methodology dates to around 3 to 10th century CE (in their written formoral versions existed much before), also refer to Kashmir. Over the centuries, Kashmir established itself as a great centre of Hindu and Buddhist learning. Sharada Peeth, a temple university now in ruins and located 10 kms from the LOC in Pakistan, flourished between 6-12th century CE. Learned and scholarly, Kashmiri Pandits have produced a galaxy of intellectuals like Abhinavagupta, the noted philosopher and poet, and Utpaladeva (10th CE) and others who expounded the theology of Kashmir Saivism. The holy shrines of Vaishno Devi and Amarnath, located in Kashmir, which thousands of Hindus from all over India visit every year despite terrorist threats and the vagaries of the weather, is another example of the importance of Kashmir to our civilisation. Historically and spiritually, Kashmir is inextricably intertwined with the rest of India and our civilisation; it is the northernmost outpost as exemplified in the 8th century by the extent of Shankaracharyas religious outreach. Today, Shankaracharya Hill, a majestic mound overlooking the capital Srinagar, marks the site of Shankaracharyas stay in Kashmir, testifying to this reality. The purpose of reiterating these historical facts is to demonstrate that Kashmir is ancient Hindu land from which Hindu Kashmiri Pandits are being driven out, today. Islam is a late entrant to Kashmir. Kashmir remained predominantly Hindu and Buddhist till the 14th Century, ably defended by Hindu rulers. In 1339, Shah Mir established the first Islamic dynasty of Kashmir and started the process of conversion using both fear and inducement. Sikander Shah (1389-1412), labelled Butshikan (iconoclast), the sixth ruler of the dynasty, was notorious for his anti-Hindu atrocities, destroying temples by the thousands and forcing people to convert. By the time he died in 1413, a mere 70 years after Shah Mir established his dynasty, nearly 60 per cent of the population had been converted to Islam, mostly by force. Over the next 600 years till present times, different Muslim kings tried to rid the Valley of its Hindu inhabitants or forcibly converted them to Islam. Times changed, people became more educated, but the intention never changedProject Kafir, whose aim is to rid the Valley of infidels, remained on track. After 1819, Kashmir became a part of Maharaja Ranjit Singhs Sikh empire and eventually passed into the hands of the Dogra dynasty. While these periods provided some respite to the Hindus, the tolerant nature of both Sikh and Hindu rulers failed to reverse the new culture of intolerance that had been forced on the majority of Kashmiris who now accepted it as their destiny. Since the reign of Sikander Shah, KPs have been forced to flee the Valley because of religious harassment at least seven times, under different Muslim rulers. The current ethnic cleansing is the latest in this gory saga of ugly religious persecution. Grievances The political aura given to the Kashmir Problem" in recent times is a sham. Machinations of New Delhi, the rigging of the 1987 elections, and the Pakistani Hand have all been invoked as explanations for the targeting of KPs. But none of these explanations are logically sound or morally tenable. Secular grievances against a third party cannot justify the killings and expulsion of a helpless minority that is an intrinsic part of ones community. If that were the benchmark, we would see a hundred reverse-Kashmirs in the rest of India. Even at the height of the Gujarat riots, we did not see the scale of migration that Kashmir has witnessed. There is and remains only one explanation for this depravity: the Hindu identity of the Kashmiri Pandits. The reasons put forth are mere excuses to camouflage the ultimate hidden agendathe Islamisation of Kashmir. Even before matters came to a head in the late 80s and early nineties, what we see in Kashmir from the beginning of the 20th century is a sustained anti-Hindu animosity. Nearly every modern political leader of Kashmir has adopted this game plan. Sheikh Abdullah (1905-1982), the grandfather of Omar Abdullah, was one of the tallest leaders of modern Kashmir, supposedly known for his broad secular outlook. But under the facade of secularism, he practised a rank communalism that discriminated against Hindus and Kashmiri Pandits. In 1931, he was at the forefront of a popular rising against Dogra rule. On July 13 (observed as Martyrs Day by Muslim Kashmiris on either side of LOC), the Maharajas forces fired on an unruly mob, killing 22 Muslims. The Muslims in turn directed their ire on the Kashmir Pandits, killing several of them, looting their shops, desecrating temples, and raping their women. These riots, called the Maharajganj riots, were the beginning of the latest campaign to evict the Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley. Following independence, when Dogra rule ended and governance fell into the hands of the National Conference, persecution of Kashmiri Pandits became even more blatant. Land reforms were introduced that effectively stole the livelihood of Kashmiri Pandits, many of whom actually belonged to the low-income group. To justify these reforms, KPs were cast as rich feudal landlords, a myth that the left-liberal lobby and their lapdogs in Western academia latched on to. The reality was quite differentlucrative sericulture, horticulture, and floriculture land meant for farming of fruits, flowers, and silk was under control of the Muslim majority. Even compensation for the land acquired was delayed, and KPs were discriminated against in jobs, forcing many Kashmiri Pandits to move away from the Valley. Ghulam Mohammed Shah, who was the CM from 1984 to 1986, openly followed a policy of communalism. In 1986, he authorised the construction of a mosque in Jammu Secretariat where an old Hindu temple stood. And later that year, when Rajiv Gandhi opened the doors of the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid to Hindus for prayer, he incited Muslims to riot by declaring, Islam khatre mein hai [Islam is in danger]." Kashmiri Pandits again bore the brunt of Muslim anger. A mini-pogrom engulfed Kashmir in which Anantnag was the epicentrehence called the Anantnag riots. An investigation revealed that it was the so-called secular parties that engineered the violence. In Kashmir, there is a thin line between secular and non-secular parties with regard to their core ideologypersecution of Hindus. In 1986, Ghulam Shah was dismissed and Presidents rule was imposed. The 1987 elections that were allegedly rigged reinstalled Farooq Abdullah as the Chief Minister. Law and order collapsed during this period, allowing Muslim separatists and Pakistan a free run. Added to this, a weak VP Singh government that was both clueless and directionless took power at the centre. Time was ripe for the final phase of ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits and the Islamisation of the Valley that started 600 years ago, to be executed. The writer is a US-based author. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 21:22 IST News opinion Opinion | Genocide In Kashmir: Forgotten And Buried- Part 1 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | India-EU Free Trade Talks: A Strategic Reset In A Fragmenting World Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 17:30 IST As US protectionism rises and the global order fractures, New Delhi and Brussels see a long-delayed trade pact as both economic necessity and geopolitical statement. EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Reuters/File) After nearly two decades of drift, hesitation and missed deadlines, India and the European Union finally appear serious about concluding a free trade agreement (FTA). The renewed urgency is not accidental. It is the product of a rapidly changing global order, aggressive US protectionism under President Donald Trump, and Europes growing realisation that overdependence on Washington is no longer sustainable. For India, the moment offers a chance to secure markets, assert strategic autonomy and position itself as a central pillar of a multipolar world. The political signalling could not be clearer. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyens description of the proposed deal as the mother of all deals" at the World Economic Forum, followed by her decisionalong with European Council President Antonio Costato attend Indias Republic Day celebrations, is loaded with symbolism. Republic Day is not just ceremonial pageantry; it is Indias assertion of sovereignty, constitutionalism and strategic independence. For EU leaders to anchor a summit around 26 January is a deliberate acknowledgement of Indias rising geopolitical weight. This is a far cry from the era when Brussels treated New Delhi largely as a difficult but dispensable negotiating partner. Since talks began in 2007, EUIndia trade negotiations have repeatedly stalled over market access, labour mobility, agriculture, automobiles and regulatory standards. For years, Europe lectured India on openness while sheltering its own farmers and industries behind generous subsidies and complex non-tariff barriers. India, for its part, refused to sacrifice domestic producers at the altar of globalisation, especially after witnessing how free trade devastated manufacturing in parts of the developing world. What has changed is the context. Trumps return to aggressive tariff diplomacy, including 50 per cent import duties on Indian goods, has jolted New Delhi into accelerating diversification of trade partnerships. At the same time, Europe faces its own strategic anxieties. From Washingtons transactional worldview to Trumps provocative rhetoric on Greenland, the transatlantic alliance no longer feels like an unshakeable foundation. European leaders at Davos spoke openly about economic independence" and reducing reliance on the United Stateslanguage that would have been unthinkable a decade ago. In this environment, an IndiaEU FTA is not merely a trade agreement; it is a geopolitical hedge. Analysts are right to frame it as emblematic of an emerging multipolar order, where middle and rising powers seek to band together rather than submit to coercion by superpowers. As Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney bluntly put it at Davos, If you are not at the table, you are on the menu." India understands this instinctively. Economically, the upside for India is substantial, though not without caveats. Sectors such as textiles, footwear and pharmaceuticals stand to gain enormously from the elimination of EU tariffs that currently range between 12 and 16 per cent. These industries employ millions of Indians and face stiff competition from countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, which already enjoy preferential access to European markets. An FTA would level the playing field and provide Indian exporters with a vital alternative as US markets become less predictable. For Europe, India represents scale, growth and resilience. As EU companies look to de-risk supply chains away from China, Indias vast domestic market, skilled workforce and improving infrastructure make it an attractive partner. Brussels recent trade deals with Mexico and Indonesia, and its intensified engagement with New Delhi, signal a broader strategy of hedging against both US unpredictability and Chinese dominance. Yet the road to a deal remains fraught. The EUs demand for steep reductions in Indias automobile tariffssometimes exceeding 100 per cent for fully built carstouches a political nerve. Indias domestic auto industry, including its electric-vehicle ambitions under Make in India", could be severely disrupted by a flood of European luxury imports. New Delhis caution here is justified. Free trade should not become free rein for deindustrialisation. Similarly, Europes Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is viewed in India as disguised protectionism cloaked in green rhetoric. By imposing levies on carbon-intensive imports such as steel and cement, the EU risks penalising developing economies that are still balancing growth with environmental transition. For India, which has repeatedly argued for climate equity and differentiated responsibilities, CBAM is a red line that will require careful negotiation. Agriculture and dairy, predictably, remain non-negotiable for Indiaand for good reason. With millions of small farmers and producers dependent on these sectors, opening them up to heavily subsidised European competition would be politically and socially reckless. Ironically, the EUs own farm politics are equally sensitive, exposing the hypocrisy of European demands for openness abroad while protecting vested interests at home. Where the deal is most likely to succeed is in industrial goods, services and trade facilitation. These areas align with Indias strengths in IT, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and skilled services, while offering Europe access to a growing market and talent pool. If done right, this economic core could anchor a broader strategic partnership encompassing technology, critical supply chains and selective defence cooperation. However, expectations must be tempered. Despite lofty rhetoric, the EU remains a fragmented security actor. Defence collaborations will continue primarily at the bilateral levelFrance with Rafale jets, Germany with submarinesrather than through Brussels. Europes discomfort with Indias continued energy and defence ties with Russia further complicates trust on sensitive technologies. An EUIndia partnership can complement groupings like the Quad in the Indo-Pacific, but it cannot replace them. Still, the 27 January summit creates a powerful deadline effect". Even an agreement in principle or a strong headline deliverable would signal momentum and intent. In diplomacy, perception matters. By projecting unity and urgency, both sides are telling the world that they are adapting to a harsher, less predictable global reality. For India, the lesson is clear: strategic autonomy today requires economic leverage. An IndiaEU free trade agreement, if negotiated on equitable terms, would not be a concession to globalisation but a confident assertion of Indias place in a multipolar order. The world is changing fast. This time, New Delhi seems determined not to be left waiting. The writer is a technocrat, political analyst, and author. He pens national, geopolitical, and social issues. His social media handle is @prosenjitnth. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 17:30 IST News opinion Opinion | India-EU Free Trade Talks: A Strategic Reset In A Fragmenting World Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | Trump Met Europe In Davos, And Blinked Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 08:57 IST After weeks of brinkmanship, Europe forced a return to the status quo, exposing the limits of Trumps coercive diplomacy. Donald Trump speaking at Davos. (Image: X/WEF) Europe forced a climbdown by signalling unified NATO resistance, trade retaliation, and economic consequences at Davos, leaving Trump diplomatically isolated. Faced with the risk of stalled EU-US trade talks, retaliatory tariffs, and financial market backlash, Trump abandoned his demand for Greenlands sovereignty. He complied by dropping the tariff threat and settling for a vague framework," effectively reverting to the status quo. Anything less than control of Greenland is not acceptable. We want Greenland, including right, title and ownership. We want that piece of ice for world protection." These were Donald Trumps words only days ago, delivered with absolute certainty and maximalist intent. At the time, there was little ambiguity in his position. Mere access was not enough, sovereignty was the goal. At the World Economic Forum, the language suddenly shifted. Trump now speaks of a framework of a deal" that, he claims, gets us everything we needed to get." The insistence on ownership appears to have quietly disappeared from his vocabulary. What was once a demand for full control has been reduced to assurances of access and cooperation. The abrupt reversal raises an obvious question: did Trump just back off? Increasingly, this looks like another case of TACO Trump Always Chickens Out. Trumps climbdown followed intense pushback from European leaders after his aggressive rhetoric about taking over Greenland, a territory belonging to Denmark. After weeks of brinkmanship, Europe forced a return to the status quo, exposing the limits of Trumps coercive diplomacy. Davos Pushback and a Sudden Anti-Climax The confrontation came to a head at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where criticism of Washingtons approach was unusually direct and unified. What began as a show of force ended in an anti-climax, with Trump retreating from his earlier threats just hours after reiterating that Greenland should be handed over to the United States including right, title and ownership." Instead, Trump announced that a deal or at least a framework" or concept" for one, had been reached, and crucially, he dropped his threat to impose tariffs of 10 to 25 per cent on European countries over the Greenland issue. That was the only vivid detail in the entire announcement. Those tariffs were scheduled to come into force on February 1. Their withdrawal marked a significant climbdown, even as Trump attempted to present the outcome as a win. At Davos, leaders such as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, French President Emmanuel Macron and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen openly criticised American behaviour, framing Trumps demands as destabilising NATO and transatlantic unity. Behind the scenes, Trumps top economic officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, faced sustained pressure from foreign leaders and global investors. The most difficult questions centred not only on Greenland, but also on the future credibility of NATO itself. Trump responded with a combative speech attacking European leaders and doubling down rhetorically on Greenland. Yet even then, the trail of u-turns had begun. He ruled out the use of military force, and within hours his tone softened further. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte later revealed that in his discussions with Trump, the question of Greenlands sovereignty did not even arise. The focus, Rutte said, was on how NATO could help secure the region, a striking departure from Trumps earlier insistence on ownership. Europes Economic Leverage The pressure on Washington was not merely political. The European Union signalled that it could put a halt on the US-EU trade deal negotiated last year, while simultaneously preparing retaliatory tariffs on 93 billion worth of American exports. European leaders also raised the possibility of deploying a trade Bazooka the EUs anti-coercion instrument, a potent trade tool that could impose heavy penalties and directly target US firms, including major technology companies. Beyond trade, Europe possesses another potent form of leverage. Roughly a third of traded US government bonds, part of a $30 trillion market, are held by foreign countries. Europe alone holds roughly $10 trillion in US bonds and equities. Any large-scale sell-off would severely disrupt US financial markets. Signs of such off-loading had already begun, with whispers of Sell America doing the rounds, and Bessent appeared keenly aware of the danger, urging restraint and warning that retaliation would defy logic." These measures combined would trigger a trade war and a stock market bloodbath that even Trump does not have the stomach for. At the same time, Trump reportedly discovered that enthusiasm for his Greenland ambitions was not widely shared within his own administration or party. Republican lawmakers were far from united, and many were uncomfortable with both the objective and the method. With economic risks mounting and diplomatic isolation deepening, the political cost of pressing ahead became too high. As a result, the situation has effectively returned to where it stood a week earlier, when Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers met representatives of the Trump administration. That meeting produced an agreement to establish a working group to explore a middle ground, one that addresses US security concerns without compromising Greenlands sovereignty. What Trump has done since is not alter that position, but merely agree on a list of participants in the talks from the American side. A Loud Campaign, a Quiet Outcome Looking ahead, both sides are likely to explore options that stop well short of any transfer of sovereignty. The United States already maintains a military presence in Greenland through the Pituffik base at Thule, the last remaining American installation on the island after most others were shut down following the Cold War. This could involve expanded US military or mining facilities in uninhabited areas, secured through long-term leases or limited sale agreements, while Greenlands sovereignty remains intact. Trump himself has hinted at this outcome, telling Fox Business that the United States would have total access" and all the military access that we want," without having to pay for it. Yet for all the rhetoric and brinkmanship, the end result is strikingly modest. None of this was impossible without closed door diplomacy. After weeks of aggressive posturing that strained alliances and unsettled markets, Trump has secured little more than the status quo. Despite a fortnight of diplomatic disruption, nothing fundamentally has changed. Greenland remains sovereign, ownership is off the table, and for all the noise, Trump has walked back to reality leaving behind a trail of lessons for the world to see. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 07:00 IST News opinion Opinion | Trump Met Europe In Davos, And Blinked Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 24, 2026, 15:03 IST 1 / 10 Rajinikanth needs no introduction. The actor has managed to win hearts around the globe with his performances in films like Thalapathi, Baasha, Jailer, Coolie, and more. The superstar remains popular for his onscreen mannerisms, dialogue delivery and charisma, be it his famous coin trick in Sivaji or his style of flicking cigarettes into his mouth, there is no other actor like him. 2 / 10 Rajinikanth has also worked with several actors in the Hindi film industry. He starred in several movies with Amitabh Bachchan, the most recent of which was Vettaiyan. But did you know that a Bollywood film starring Rajinikanth was not released for over three decades? The film is now set to make its theatrical debut, ending a long wait for the makers. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 The film is Hum Mein Shahenshah Kaun, which stars Rajinikanth alongside Shatrughan Sinha. Originally shot in 1989, the film was completed but never released. Over the years, it hit a lot of setbacks, but producer Raja Roy managed to keep the project afloat. Now, it is finally set to hit theatres after 37 years. The film also features Hema Malini, Anita Raj, Prem Chopra, Sharad Saxena, Amrish Puri, and Jagdeep. 4 / 10 Hum Mein Shahenshah Kaun was directed by the late Harmesh Malhotra. Laxmikant-Pyarelal composed the music, while Anand Bakshi wrote the lyrics. The choreography was done by Saroj Khan. Salim-Faiz wrote the dialogues. Produced by Raja Roy Films, the film was all set to hit cinemas. But then, tragedy struck. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 The film was never submitted for certification. After Hum Mein Shahenshah Kauns shoot was completed, producer Raja Roy went to London on business. His younger son passed away there. Due to this tragedy, the project was halted for the time being. Later on, director Harmesh Malhotras untimely death led to more delays. 6 / 10 Associate producers Aslam Mirza and Shabana Mirza refused to give up on the project and sought to revive it. Now, their efforts have succeeded. Hum Mein Shahenshah Kaun will be restored and released in theatres. This will bring the film up to contemporary standards while maintaining its originality. As per IMDB, the film will be released in April 2026. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 The film has been restored using artificial intelligence and other modern technologies. To enhance the quality of the visuals and sound, 4K remastering and 5.1 surround sound mastering have been done. AI was used only to clear the audio and better the visuals, according to the makers. Aslam Mirza told NDTV that the technology was used sparingly. 8 / 10 The fundamentals of the original performances, screenplay, and story remain untouched by artificial intelligence. Speaking about Hum Mein Shahenshah Kauns release, producer Raja Roy said in a statement, "We never gave up hope. The film has endured hardship, setbacks, and a long silence. Today, we are happy that it is reaching audiences. It is a fulfillment of destiny." ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 Hum Mein Shahenshah Kaun will be released in theatres across the country. The film will be made available on OTT platforms later. The film blends the dramatic storylines and action sequences of the 80s with modern technology to create a project that fans will remember for a long time. Amid NCP Reunion Buzz, Sanjay Raut Says Ajit Pawar 'Will Have To Leave Mahayuti' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 14:53 IST Sanjay Raut claims Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar may reunite, but warns Ajit Pawar will face action and leave government as NCP factions fight under the same symbol in elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut; Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar (Image: PTI/File) Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday made strong remarks about the political dynamics within Maharashtra, claiming that Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leaders Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar seem to be coming together." Addressing reporters in Mumbai, Raut stated that Ajit Pawar would ultimately be forced out of the state government and action" would be taken against him, noting that candidates from both factions are fighting under the same election symbol." Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar seem to be coming together. Candidates from both are fighting under the same election symbol. Sharad Pawar will join the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) with Ajit Pawar. Sharad Pawar is with us. Action will be taken against Ajit Pawar. He will have to leave the government, you cant have the feet in two boats," the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said. Rauts comments come amid continued speculation over the future of the NCP factions following the partys split and Ajit Pawars decision to join the BJP-led Maharashtra government last year. The Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction, has been positioning itself as a united opposition force against the ruling alliance in the state. Rauts remarks suggest confidence within the MVA camp that Sharad Pawar remains firmly aligned with the opposition bloc. At the same time, Raut warned that Ajit Pawars attempt to balance roles within rival political camps would not be sustainable in the long run. Neither Sharad Pawar nor Ajit Pawar has responded to Rauts comments so far, but the remarks are likely to intensify political speculation in the state in the days ahead. NCP 2023 Split The uncle-nephew duo, who were once united within the NCP, parted ways in 2023 when Ajit Pawar allied with the BJP in Maharashtra. Since the split, Sharad Pawars faction of the party has aligned itself with the Opposition alliance at both the state and national levels. Speculation about a reconciliation between the two leaders began to grow following the BJP-led Mahayuti alliances sweeping victory in last years Maharashtra Assembly elections. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 14:53 IST News politics Amid NCP Reunion Buzz, Sanjay Raut Says Ajit Pawar 'Will Have To Leave Mahayuti' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Haven't Seen A More Insecure Leader': Congress Leader Takes Swipe At Rahul Gandhi, BJP Reacts Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 19:54 IST Poonawalas comments came after Bihar Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed described Rahul Gandhi as the 'virtual President' of the Congress. Left: BJP leader Shehzad Poonawala; Right: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Senior Congress leader Shakeel Ahmeds remarks describing Rahul Gandhi as the virtual President" of the party have triggered sharp political reactions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) citing them as proof of what it calls a leadership crisis within the Congress. Reacting to the comments, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawala on Saturday launched a strong attack on Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of weakening the Congress from within and misleading the public on claims of internal democracy. Poonawala said Shakeel Ahmeds statements had exposed the real functioning" of the Congress under Rahul Gandhis leadership. He alleged that Gandhi was insecure and uncomfortable with leaders who did not make him feel dominant, and that such leaders were gradually sidelined. According to Poonawala, this culture of insecurity had led to deep internal weaknesses in the party and was responsible for its repeated electoral losses. Referring to the Congresss defeat in Bihar, he said the loss was not due to vote theft or any technical issue, but because of internal failures and poor ticket distribution. These leaders have clearly said that the party lost due to internal weaknesses. Yet Rahul Gandhi keeps blaming vote theft to cover up his failures," Poonawala said, adding that Gandhis public narrative on democracy did not reflect the reality within the party. He further claimed that Rahul Gandhi had systematically pushed aside senior leaders who were once close to former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, reducing the party to a marginal force in several states. Shakeel Ahmed Remarks Poonawalas comments followed a video clip in which Bihar Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed described Rahul Gandhi as the virtual President" of the Congress. The clip was shared by BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari. In the video, Shakeel Ahmed said he had not sought time to meet Rahul Gandhi for the past five years and hinted at a sense of suspicion within the party leadership towards its own members. He also said that he had not seen a leader more insecure than Rahul Gandhi. BJPs Reaction Reacting to the video, Pradeep Bhandari accused Rahul Gandhi of hypocrisy on the issue of democracy. Shakeel Ahmad has claimed that Rahul Gandhi has installed Mallikarjun Kharge as a dummy Congress President in reality, the LoP Rahul Gandhi does not believe in organisational democracy," Bhandari said. Bhandari added that more Congress leaders were now openly admitting that Rahul Gandhi alone was responsible for the partys repeated electoral defeats. He also said that he had never seen a politician more insecure than Rahul Gandhi. The video was also shared by BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya, who said the remarks reflected a deeper problem within the Congress. The truth within the Congress is now coming out into the open. Former Union Minister Shakeel Ahmad has described Rahul Gandhi as an insecure leader. He has labeled Rahul Gandhi a coward and said that Rahul does not like strong leaders in the Congress. According to Shakeel Ahmad, leaders who are strong in the party due to their thinking and connection to the grassroots make Rahul Gandhi uncomfortable. This is precisely why the Congress has continuously weakened its own leaders and not allowed grassroots leadership to rise," wrote Malviya. , pic.twitter.com/GPIkeRL33Z Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) January 24, 2026 This statement is not just the opinion of one individual but an open indication of the leadership crisis and intolerance that has persisted within the Congress for years. When there is no democracy within the party itself, what option can it offer to the country? The problem with Congress is not the opposition; it is its own leadership," he added. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 19:54 IST News politics 'Haven't Seen A More Insecure Leader': Congress Leader Takes Swipe At Rahul Gandhi, BJP Reacts Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kiren Rijiju Calls Pre-Budget All-Party Meet On Jan 27 To Discuss Legislative Business: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 14:57 IST Kiren Rijiju will hold an all-party meeting on January 27 ahead of the Budget Session, where President Murmu will address Parliament and the Union Budget 2026-27 will be presented. Rapid Read Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has called an all-party meeting on January 27, at 11 am to discuss important national issues and legislative business before the Budget Session, according to sources. The meeting is scheduled in the Parliaments main Committee Room and will outline the agenda for the upcoming session, running from January 28 to April 2. The Budget Session is set to start on January 28 and conclude on April 2, with a break in between. The first phase will run from January 28 to February 13, followed by the second phase from March 9 to April 2. There will be 30 sittings during the Budget Session, and the Union Budget for 2026-27 will be presented on February 1. President Droupadi Murmu will officially open the session by addressing members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Before the budget, the Ministry of Finance highlighted previously announced customs duty rates on X. In earlier Budget sessions, to strengthen Indias position as a global electronics hub and encourage domestic manufacturing, the Union Finance Ministry raised the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on flat panel displays to 20 percent to fix the inverted duty structure. The Ministry also lowered the BCD on open cells and key components to 5 percent. In line with our Make in India policy and to fix the inverted duty structure, I propose to increase the BCD on Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD) from 10 percent to 20 percent and reduce the BCD to 5 percent on Open Cell and other components, the Finance Minister said in a post on X. To further promote local manufacturing of Open Cells for LCD and LED TVs, the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on parts of Open Cells has been fully exempted, expanding on earlier reductions. The all-party meeting will also review the sessions agenda to ensure smooth proceedings. In the last two sessions, including the monsoon and winter sessions in 2025, Opposition parties wanted to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls happening across the country. In the previous session, several leaders had urged debates on pressing issues like the Delhi blast near Red Fort, air pollution, and more. Ultimately, the government chose to schedule special discussions on the 150th anniversary of the song Vande Mataram and on Election Reform. (With inputs from ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 14:45 IST News politics Kiren Rijiju Calls Pre-Budget All-Party Meet On Jan 27 To Discuss Legislative Business: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... MLA Raja Bhaiyas Wife, Daughters Dropped From Draft Voter List After SIR In UPs Kunda Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 17:25 IST The MLA's wife Bhanvi Singh has lodged a strong protest, writing separate letters to the Election Commission of India and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Sharing copies of voter lists from 2003 and 2025 on social media, Bhanvi Singh pointed out that her name had consistently appeared in official electoral records for over two decades. Representational pic/PTI Uttar Pradesh is in for yet another controversy after the names of independent MLA Raja Bhaiyas wife, Bhanvi Singh, and their two daughters were removed from the voter list of Kunda assembly constituency in Pratapgarh following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Bhanvi Singh has lodged a strong protest against the move, writing separate letters to the Election Commission of India and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, seeking an explanation for the deletion of her name and those of her daughters. She has alleged that the decision was taken under pressure and reflects clear bias. Sharing copies of voter lists from 2003 and 2025 on social media, Bhanvi Singh pointed out that her name had consistently appeared in official electoral records for over two decades. According to the 2025 voter list, her name was registered at serial number 8047 in Ward No. 15 under polling station 87 (Upper Primary School, Benti) in the Kunda assembly segment. The same list included names of several members of the Bhadri-Benti family between serial numbers 8041 and 8052, including Raja Uday Pratap Singh, Manjul Raje, Akshay Pratap Singh, Sanjay Singh, and Raghuraj Pratap Singh, popularly known as Raja Bhaiya. Similarly, the 2003 voter list recorded Bhanvi Singhs name at serial number 95 under house number 1021, along with other family members. However, in the interim voter list published after the SIR exercise, the names of Bhanvi Singh and her daughtersRaghavi Kumari and Vijay Rajeshwari Kumariwere removed, while male members of the same household continued to remain on the rolls. Terming the action openly biased", Bhanvi Singh alleged that the deletions were carried out without any prior notice or opportunity to raise objections, violating established norms of transparency and lawful verification. She stated that despite personal disputes, her social, legal, and residential ties remain firmly rooted in Benti, Kunda, where she and her daughters have always been permanent residents and registered voters. Questioning the rationale behind the decision, she asked how womens names could be deleted while male family members were retained. Warning that such actions erode public faith in the electoral process, she said democracy cannot be sustained if voter eligibility is determined through arbitrary or selective decisions. The Election Commission has not yet issued an official response to the allegations. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 17:25 IST News politics MLA Raja Bhaiyas Wife, Daughters Dropped From Draft Voter List After SIR In UPs Kunda Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will 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 & Hyderabad Alumnus, Somalia Deputy PM Wows With Fluent Hindi Who Is Salah Ahmed Jama? Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 09:34 IST The clip of Salah Ahmed Jama, Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, speaking Hindi has gone viral and prompted widespread reactions. Salah Ahmed Jama said he learned Hindi in India itself. (Photo Credit: X) Salah Ahmed Jama, Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, made headlines recently when he spoke fluent Hindi during an interview in Davos with a journalist. The clip of him speaking Hindi has since gone viral and prompted widespread reactions. During the interview, journalist Rajdeep Sardesai introduces the Somalian leader, who greets him with, Namaste (Hello)" which catches Sardesai by surprise. The journalist exclaims, Aree waah! Hindi mein? (Wow! In Hindi?)." Jama replies, Haan, Hindi mein baat karenge (Yes, we will speak in Hindi)," to which Sardesai responds, Aapki Hindi toh bahut acchi hai (Your Hindi is very good)." Jama adds, Humara desh aur India ke purane sambandh hai (Our country has longstanding relations with India)." When asked where he learned Hindi, Jama explains, Hindustan mein hi. Hum Pune mein rahe aur Hyderabad mein rahe hai. Delhi mein bhi rahe hai. Humari zindagi ke sabse behtareen din humne India mein guzare hai (In India itself. I have lived in Pune, Hyderabad and also in Delhi. The best days of our lives were spent in India)." Deputy PM On Somalia-India Ties During the interview, he also spoke about the longstanding educational and historical ties between Somalia and India. He pointed out that even the Somali President has studied at Indian institutions. Jama further reflected on Somalias resilience since the 1990s and its ongoing initiatives to build strategic partnerships with countries like India. Not only this, Jama also expressed his fondness for Indian culture and cuisine as he mentioned that dal makhani as his one of the favourite dishes. How Salah Ahmed Jamas Hindi Won Hearts International Affairs Analyst Abdikarin Dahir shared an excerpt from the interview and wrote, An Indian television channel interviewed the deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, and guess what happened. The interviewer was shocked because the Prime Minister spoke perfect Indian [Hindi]." He further added, Indian people are known for their deep hospitality, kindness, and respect for guests." A social media account named VS commented in detail: Thats the beauty of a great country called Bharat [India]. Somalis are often ill-treated worldwide, regardless of how educated, dignified, or civilised they are. They are marginalized and mocked, not just by anyone, but even by the so-called saviors of humanity in the Western world. Bharat [India] has provided them a platform to thrive, gain wisdom, and explore the world without worrying about their social background. We can witness the confidence of this person making a statement: one can go and ask any professors in Bharats [Indias] universities about the average IQ levels of Somalis. Feel proud about being a Bharatian [Indian]." Ex-journalist Mussarat Zia also remarked, This is such chaste Hindi he is speaking. Brilliant" (His Hindi is very pure and flawless. Brilliant). Meanwhile, a user named Nishant Tripathi pointed out, Just a bit of a correction. Its Perfect Hindi. There is no language named Indian"." More About Sala Ahmed Jama Salah Ahmed Jama was born in Somalia in 1980. From a young age, he showed an interest in learning and exploring new cultures which later shaped his global outlook. Before moving to Canada, Jama spent part of his formative years in India where he lived in cities such as Pune, Hyderabad and Delhi. During this period, he developed fluency in Hindi and Urdu and gained a deep appreciation for Indian culture. After leaving India, Jama moved to Canada to pursue higher education. He earned both a bachelors and a masters degree in Political Science and Development Studies from Carleton University in Ottawa. Following his studies, he worked as a teacher and research assistant. His academic work includes co-authoring research focused on Afro-optimism and the development challenges faced by fragile states. In the 2000s, he returned to Somalia and began a career in public service. He played an important role in electoral reforms and in strengthening democratic institutions across the country. Over time, he served as Minister of Labour and later as Minister of Constitutional Affairs. He led initiatives such as civil service reforms, social safety programs and the constitutional review process. On 2 August 2022, Jama was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia. In this role, he manages several critical portfolios which included economic development, climate change response, enforcement of the rule of law, inclusive politics and stabilisation efforts in regions recently recovered from extremist groups. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 24, 2026, 09:15 IST News viral Pune & Hyderabad Alumnus, Somalia Deputy PM Wows With Fluent Hindi Who Is Salah Ahmed Jama? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 15 Minutes Or Wed Be Killed: Leaked Audio Reveals Venezuela's Power Panic After Maduro's Capture Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 22:09 IST The audio surfaced a day after reports claimed Rodriguez had formed a secret alliance with the United States to manage a controlled transition of power. Venezuela Interim President Delcy Rodriguez. (Image: REUTERS) A newly leaked audio surfaced on social media platforms featuring Venezuelas acting president, Delcy Rodriguez where she can be heard claiming that when US forces captured President Nicolas Maduro, she and other members of his cabinet were given 15 minutes to decide whether to comply with Washingtons demands or they would kill us". The audio surfaced a day after reports claimed Rodriguez had formed a secret alliance" with the United States to manage a controlled transition of power. According to those reports, Rodriguez had been in contact with US officials since November 2025 and was prepared to step in after Maduros removal, which she reportedly told Washington was necessary, reported The Guardian. In the leaked audio, recorded during a meeting of Maduros allies, Rodriguez, the former Vice-President who assumed power after the US attack, spoke for around six minutes, and described what she said were threats issued by US troops in the immediate aftermath of the operation. She claimed the threats began from the very first minute they kidnapped the President". She was heard saying that she was doing so only because the threats and blackmail are constant". They gave Diosdado Cabello, Jorge Rodriguez and me 15 minutes to respond, or they would kill us," she said, referring to the interior minister and her brother, who was then head of the National Assembly, reported the news outlet. Rodriguez further alleged that US forces told her that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been killed, not kidnapped. She said she and Cabello were prepared to share the same fate". Hurt to have to assume responsibilities in these circumstances," Rodriguez said, adding that the threats and what she described as blackmail were ongoing. She urged those present to act with patience and strategic prudence", and called on officials to preserve peace" and work to recover what she described as hostages. The only thing I would ask for is unity," Rodriguez reportedly said in her call to the group. Before putting her on speakerphone, the then communications minister, Freddy Nanez, defended her, urging an end to what he called gossip, rumours and attempts at discrediting". He described Rodriguez as the only guarantee we have to bring back the president and the first lady and also to turn the page and reconfigure our forces". The leaked remarks have emerged amid growing scrutiny of Rodriguezs reported dealings with Washington. The Guardian, citing sources, reported that US officials began secret communications with Rodriguez in November 2025, around the time US President Donald Trump publicly urged Maduro to step aside a demand Maduro rejected. According to one individual familiar with the discussions, Rodriguez signalled clearly that Maduro needs to go" and told US officials she was willing to work with whatever comes after" to avoid chaos and a collapse of the state. On the day Maduro was captured, rumours circulated that Rodriguez had fled to Moscow. Later reports said she was on Margarita Island as events unfolded. On January 5, she returned to Caracas and was sworn in as acting president, replacing Maduro. Her brother Jorge Rodriguez also assumed a key role, in line with a transition framework said to have been negotiated months earlier. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Venezuela First Published: January 24, 2026, 22:09 IST News world 15 Minutes Or Wed Be Killed: Leaked Audio Reveals Venezuela's Power Panic After Maduro's Capture Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... With a market cap of $32.4 billion, Dollar General Corporation (DG) is a U.S.-based discount retailer offering a wide range of consumable, seasonal, home, and apparel products across the southern, southwestern, midwestern, and eastern regions of the country. It is expected to release its fiscal Q4 2025 results soon. Ahead of this event, analysts forecast the Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based company to report an EPS of $1.58, a decrease of nearly 6% from $1.68 in the year-ago quarter. However, it has surpassed Wall Street's earnings estimates in the last four quarters. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2025, analysts predict the discount retailer to report an EPS of $6.50, up 9.8% from $5.92 in fiscal 2024. www.barchart.com Shares of Dollar General have jumped 104.5% over the past 52 weeks, significantly outperforming both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 13.6% gain and the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETFs (XLP) 6.5% rise over the same period. www.barchart.com Dollar General shares jumped over 14% on Dec. 4 after the company delivered stronger-than-expected Q3 2025 EPS of $1.28 and net sales of $10.65 billion. Investors also reacted positively to the companys 31.5% increase in operating profit, 43.8% increase in net income, and stronger margins driven by higher inventory markups and lower shrink. Confidence was further boosted by Dollar General raising full-year EPS guidance to $6.30 - $6.50 and lifting expectations for both net sales and same-store sales growth. Analysts' consensus view on DG stock is moderately optimistic, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among 30 analysts covering the stock, 13 recommend "Strong Buy," one suggests "Moderate Buy," and 16 advise "Hold." As of writing, the stock is trading above the average analyst price target of $139.66. 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 After Backlash Over Afghan Taunt, Trump Shares 'Love You' Post For UK Soldiers Curated By : Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 23:53 IST Trump praised UK soldiers after backlash over his remarks on NATO's role in Afghanistan, prompting responses from Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch defending British troops. The US President's post on social media was allegedly after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to Trump on Saturday. (AFP) After facing backlash over remarks on UK and NATO alliess stand during the war on terror" in Afghanistan after 9/11 attack, US President Donald Trump on Saturday offered an olive branch to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Trump had sparked widespread outrage across Europe after he suggested that NATO stayed a little off the front lines" during the war in Afghanistan. On Saturday, Trump said in a post on Truth Social: The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America! In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. Its a bond too strong to ever be broken. The U.K. Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the U.S.A.!). We love you all, and always will!" Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, Trump said the United States had never needed" the transatlantic alliance and accused allies of staying a little off the front lines" in Afghanistan. Theyll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines," he said. This was in contrast to the fact that following the 9/11 attacks, the UK and other allies joined the US from 2001 in Afghanistan after it invoked NATOs collective security clause. Several nations continued to maintain a presence even after that, at significant financial and human cost. It was for the first time in the alliances history, Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty was invoked, declaring that an attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all. Several politicians across Europe called Trumps remarks disgraceful", wrong" and an insult" to the contributions of NATO soldiers. British Prime Minister Keir Starmers office said Trump had been wrong to diminish the role of NATO troops" during two decades of war, while Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch called his remarks flat-out nonsense." I consider President Trumps remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling, and Im not surprised theyve caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured," Starmer said, adding that had he misspoken in such a way that I would certainly apologise." According to Sky News, the UK PM likely spoke to Trump shortly before the US presidents TruthSocial post on Saturday. 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 24, 2026, 23:48 IST News world After Backlash Over Afghan Taunt, Trump Shares 'Love You' Post For UK Soldiers Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'China Will Eat Them Up': Trump Slams Canada Over Opposition To Greenland Golden Dome Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 07:51 IST In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the expansive missile shield would help protect Canada, despite what he described as Canadian resistance to the project. US President Donald Trump | File Image US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Canada over its reported opposition to his proposed Golden Dome" missile defence system in Greenland, accusing Ottawa of undermining its own security while deepening ties with China. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the expansive missile shield would help protect Canada, despite what he described as Canadian resistance to the project. Canada is against the Golden Dome being built over Greenland, even though the Golden Dome would protect Canada," Trump wrote. Instead, they voted in favour of doing business with China, who will eat them up within the first year." The remarks mark the latest escalation in Trumps increasingly combative rhetoric toward Americas northern neighbour, folding defence policy, trade tensions and long-standing political grievances into a single attack. Trumps comments followed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys recent visit to Beijing, aimed at resetting economic ties with China, Canadas second-largest trading partner after the United States. The trip resulted in agreements to reduce tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural exports and establish quotas for Chinese electric vehicles entering Canada. Asked about the outreach, Trump signalled approval, saying: Its OK. Thats what he should be doing." Speaking earlier at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump argued that the Golden Dome would automatically extend protection to Canada. Were building a Golden Dome thats going to, just by its very nature, be defending Canada," he said. He added that Canada benefits disproportionately from its relationship with the US. Canada gets a lot of freebies from us. They should be grateful also." Trump went further, asserting that Canadas security depends entirely on Washington. Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements," he said, referring to Carney. Carney pushed back strongly after returning to Canada, rejecting the suggestion that the countrys survival hinges on US support. Canada doesnt live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian," he said, while reaffirming the importance of the bilateral relationship. We are masters in our home. This is our own country. Its our future. The choice is up to us." At Davos, Carney had also warned, without naming Trump, against powerful nations coercing smaller ones. Back home, he said Canada could still demonstrate that another way is possible" amid the global rise of authoritarianism. Tensions intensified after Trump announced he was withdrawing an invitation for Carney to join what he described as his Board of Peace," sharing a formal-styled letter on social media. Trump has repeatedly suggested Canada should become the 51st US state and recently circulated an altered map depicting Canada, Greenland, Venezuela and Cuba as US territory. Despite the dispute, Trump has insisted Canada wants to be part of the Golden Dome system, which he says should be operational before the end of his term in 2029. Canadian officials, however, have expressed scepticism. In May, Canadas ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae, likened the proposal to a protection racket." The Golden Dome plan envisions a vast, US-controlled missile defence network relying on space-based sensors, interceptors and advanced technologies. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has described Greenland as strategically important" to the project and said Canada had been invited to participate, if they want to pay their share." The Trump administration has estimated the system would cost about $175 billion, though the Congressional Budget Office warned in a May report that space-based interceptors alone could cost between $161 billion and $542 billion over the next 20 years. 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 24, 2026, 07:51 IST News world 'China Will Eat Them Up': Trump Slams Canada Over Opposition To Greenland Golden Dome Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Confused Clown: Iran Foreign Minister Hits Back At Zelenskyy After Iran Protest Remarks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 19:07 IST Abbas Araghchi called Volodymyr Zelensky a confused clown after Zelensky accused Irans leadership of killing its own people. Abbas Araghchi called Volodymyr Zelensky a confused clown after Zelensky accused Irans leadership of killing its own people. (Images: Reuters) Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday launched a sharp personal attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, days after Zelensky accused Irans leadership of killing its own people to cling to power. Responding on X, Araghchi dismissed Zelensky as a confused clown" and accused him of exploiting Western support. The world has had enough of Confused Clowns, Mr. Zelensky," Araghchi wrote, claiming the Ukrainian leader had been rinsing American and European taxpayers to fill the pockets of his corrupt generals." He added that Iranians knew how to defend themselves and had no need to beg foreigners for help." .@ZelenskyyUa has been rinsing American and European taxpayers to fill the pockets of his corrupt generals and to confront what he calls an unlawful aggression in violation of the UN Charter.At the same time, he openly and unashamedly calls for unlawful U.S. aggression against pic.twitter.com/a8wWmXzWno Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) January 23, 2026 Zelensky made the remarks that drew Tehrans ire while speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Thursday. Referring to unrest in Iran, he said that if the countrys clerical leadership survives the violence, it would send a dangerous message globally. If the regime survives, it sends a clear signal to every bully kill enough people, and you stay in power," Zelensky said. Ukraine has been battling a full-scale Russian invasion for nearly four years. Iran is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the two countries moved last week to further strengthen bilateral ties. Ukraine and Western governments have accused Iran of supplying drones and ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the war, allegations Tehran has repeatedly denied. Zelensky also criticised what he described as Western inaction over the violence in Iran. There was so much talk about the protests in Iran but they drowned in blood. The world has not helped enough the Iranian people; it has stood aside," he said, speaking in English. He claimed that by the time politicians returned from Christmas and New Year holidays, the ayatollah has already killed thousands." Iranian authorities have said more than 3,000 people were killed during protests against the Islamic Republic, but insist the unrest was backed by the United States and Israel. Human rights groups dispute the official figures, estimating the death toll could be as high as 20,000, and say verification has been severely hampered by a prolonged internet shutdown in Iran. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: January 24, 2026, 19:05 IST News world 'Confused Clown: Iran Foreign Minister Hits Back At Zelenskyy After Iran Protest Remarks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Denmark Raises Military Readiness In Greenland Amid Fears Of Possible US Attack Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 13:22 IST While neither the government nor opposition leaders believed an attack was likely, officials said preparations were made for what they described as the most extreme contingency. A European military mission arrived Thursday in Greenland to help boost the Arctic island's security Denmark discreetly raised the military alert level for its forces in Greenland after intelligence assessments flagged the remote possibility of a US military action, instructing troops to be prepared to use live ammunition if required, Danish media reported. According to public broadcaster DR, the directive came from the highest levels of military command and underscored the seriousness with which Danish authorities viewed the situation until tensions eased midway through the week. While neither the government nor opposition leaders believed an attack was likely, officials said preparations were made for what they described as the most extreme contingency. The alert status was lifted after US President Donald Trump publicly ruled out the use of force on January 21, easing immediate concerns. Orders From Top Command The written directive, spanning several pages, instructed the Danish Armed Forces to immediately enhance their readiness to implement Greenlands defence plans. Shortly after the order was issued, civilian and military aircraft were seen transporting personnel and equipment from Denmark to Greenland. Sources told DR these movements were part of a broader effort to ensure rapid operational readiness should the situation deteriorate. Despite the heightened response, Danish leaders assessed that conflict was unlikely. Officials said the objective was to remain militarily prepared while maintaining political resolve. Live Ammunition Deployment The mobilisation formed part of a multi-stage military operation known as Arctic Endurance, which remains ongoing. The framework allows for additional forces and capabilities to be deployed if required, though no timelines have been made public. The order confirmed that Danish troops were deployed with live KUP ammunition, enabling units to respond immediately if confronted. While the exercise had been planned earlier, recent developments prompted authorities to accelerate its implementation, though the specific trigger has not been disclosed. Forces Deployed Across Domains Since the alert was issued, Arctic Endurance has been operating continuously. The Danish Army has deployed what defence officials describe as substantial" forces in Greenland, including armoured infantry units and specialised personnel. Naval patrol vessels have been repositioned around Greenlands waters, while a frigate is operating in ice-free areas of the North Atlantic. The Air Force has transported troops and equipment, and Danish F-35 fighter jets have carried out patrols over Greenland for the first time. The operation also includes contributions from several European NATO partners, including Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Political Backing Sources said there was broad cross-party agreement in Denmark that Greenland must be defended in the event of an attack, not because Copenhagen believes it could militarily match the US, but to ensure readiness and raise the political costs of any escalation. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed this position earlier in the week, noting that US rhetoric had left little room for certainty. It is true that the American president has unfortunately not ruled out the use of military force. Therefore, the rest of us cannot rule it out either," she said. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump referred to Greenland as our territory," saying the US wanted control of the island but would not use force to obtain it. He then added a pointed remark: You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no, and we will remember." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Denmark First Published: January 24, 2026, 13:22 IST News world Denmark Raises Military Readiness In Greenland Amid Fears Of Possible US Attack Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Disgrace To Victims, Their Kin': Swiss Bar Owner Released On Bail After Deadly New Year's Fire Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 16:43 IST The Constellation fire in Switzerland killed 40, injured over 100 people. Owner Jacques Moretti was bailed, angering victims' families and Italy's PM Meloni. The owners of the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans-Montana, where the deadly fire happened on New Year's Day, Jacques and Jessica Moretti from France at the centre. (Image: AP) Weeks after a deadly New Years Day fire tragedy at a Swiss bar killed 40 people and injured over 100, the owner has been released from detention on bail, sparking anger from victims families and Italys Prime Minister. The incident took place at Le Constellation, a two-storey bar with a glass-enclosed terrace. According to reports, the sparklers attached to champagne bottles and held too close to the ceiling likely sparked the deadly fire. The blaze reportedly spread rapidly due to a flashover, and Swiss prosecutors have opened an investigation into possible criminal responsibility. Reuters reported that 21 of the victims were Swiss nationals, seven were French, six were Italian, and others included Romanian, Turkish, Belgian and Portuguese citizens. The dead also included a Swiss-French dual national and a French-British-Israeli national. Twenty-six of those killed were teenagers, with some as young as 14. The average age of the victims was 19. Many of the survivors are still hospitalised with severe burns in hospitals across Europe. The owner, Jacques Moretti, was detained on January 9. He and his wife Jessica are under investigation for negligent homicide and other crimes linked to the blaze. Jacquess bail arrangements include a 200,000 Swiss franc ($253,485) payment and an order to report daily to a police station, the court said. Reuters quoted lawyers representing victims and their families saying they were struggling to understand the court order and said their clients were concerned about evidence disappearing. My clients note that once again no consideration has been given to the risk of collusion or the disappearance of evidence a risk that greatly worries them and jeopardises the integrity of the proceedings," said Romain Jordan, a Swiss lawyer for over 20 families of victims. AFP quoted Jean-Luc Addor, a lawyer for the relatives of a teenager killed in the tragedy, calling the bail as a scandal and a disgrace to the victims and their families". Criticising the decision, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the decision to release him an affront to the memory of the victims of the New Years Eve tragedy and an insult to their families, who are suffering from the loss of their loved ones." The Italian government will demand answers from the Swiss authorities about what happened," she wrote on X. Meanwhile, the lawyers representing the owners said in a statement: Jessica and Jacques Moretti will both continue to comply with all requests from the authorities." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Switzerland First Published: January 24, 2026, 16:43 IST News world 'Disgrace To Victims, Their Kin': Swiss Bar Owner Released On Bail After Deadly New Year's Fire Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Drugged, Raped And Filmed: Former UK Politician Admits Sexually Abusing Ex-Wife For 13 Years Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 10:47 IST Philip Young, former Conservative councillor, admitted to multiple rapes and sexual offences against his ex-wife over 13 years. Five others also face charges. Rapid Read Philip Young served as a Conservative Swindon Borough councillor for Covingham and Nythe between 2007 and 2010. (Image: Wiltshire Police) Former UK politician Philip Young admitted to committing a string of sexual offences, including multiple counts of rape, against his former wife over a period of 13 years. Philip Young (49), who reportedly divorced his wife in 2024, pleaded guilty to several charges, which also include administering a substance with the intent to stupefy and voyeurism, according to a report in news outlet BBC. Young on Friday confessed at Winchester Crown Court in southeast England to 11 counts each of rape and administering a substance with intent to stupefy his ex-wife, who also attended the hearing. The offences took place between 2010 and 2023. A former Conservative councillor, Young admitted to 48 of the 56 charges against him but denied charges of possessing indecent images of children and extreme images. Young served as a Conservative Swindon Borough councillor for Covingham and Nythe between 2007 and 2010, the BBC report mentioned. He also admitted to recording his ex-wife engaging in private acts without her consent and publishing more than 500 intimate images and videos of her, documenting her on over 200 occasions. He left his position as a cabinet councillor in 2010 to focus on his family and other business matters, as reported by The Guardian. Five Others Also Charged With Sexual Offences Five other men, aged between 31 and 61, have also been charged with various sexual offences against the victim. Norman Macksoni, 47, and Richard Wilkins, 61, pleaded not guilty to one count of rape. Dean Hamilton, 47, faces two counts of sexual assault and one count of assault by penetration, while Connor Sanderson Doyle, 31, pleaded not guilty to sexual assault by penetration and sexual touching. Mohammed Hassan, 37, pleaded not guilty to sexual touching. All five men were granted bail and are scheduled to stand trial on October 5. Wiltshire Police detective superintendent Geoff Smith stated in December that the case resulted from a complex and extensive investigation." Following Fridays hearing, Smith described it as a significant landmark." Todays hearing is a significant landmark, which has seen Philip Young admit to dozens of serious sexual offences," Smith said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: January 24, 2026, 10:47 IST News world Drugged, Raped And Filmed: Former UK Politician Admits Sexually Abusing Ex-Wife For 13 Years Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... EU Skipped Tariffs On India Over Russian Oil For Trade Deal Talks, Says US Treasury Secretary Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 20:35 IST Bessent said that before Russias invasion of Ukraine, Russian oil made up only 23 per cent of Indias total imports. After the invasion, the share rose to 1819 per cent. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. (Photo: AFP file) As India and the European Union move closer to concluding their long-pending trade agreement, the United States has claimed that its tariff measures played a key role in sharply reducing Indias purchases of Russian oil. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washingtons decision to impose tariffs on India for buying Russian crude had led to a collapse" in Indian refinery purchases. He contrasted this with what he described as the reluctance of European countries to take similar steps. We put 25 per cent tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, and the Indian purchases by their refineries of Russian oil have collapsed. So that is a success. The tariffs are still on. The 25 per cent Russian oil tariffs are still on. I would imagine that there is a path to take them off, so you know that thats a check and a huge success," Bessent said in an interview with Politico. He also criticised European nations, saying, I will also point out that our virtue signalling European allies refused to do it because they wanted to sign this big trade deal with India." Bessent said that before Russias invasion of Ukraine, Russian oil made up only 23 per cent of Indias total imports. After the invasion, the share rose to 1819 per cent, which he said helped Indian refiners earn huge profits". but in the ultimate act of irony and stupidity, guess who was buying the refined products from the Indian refineries made from Russian oil ..the Europeans. They are financing the war against themselves," he said. Apart from tariffs on India, the US has also imposed sanctions on Russias two biggest oil firms, Rosneft and Lukoil, in an effort to restrict Moscows ability to fund the war. The European Union has backed Washington with multiple rounds of sanctions. Its 18th sanctions package, adopted in July 2025, bans imports of petroleum products refined from Russian crude through third countries. The EU later announced its 19th package of sanctions. Despite US tariff pressure, India and the EU have made rapid progress on their trade talks over the past six months. Officials say nearly 20 of the 24 negotiating chapters have been closed, with talks expected to conclude next week. Meanwhile, US trade data shows Indias imports from Russia fell by more than 18 per cent between April and October last year, while imports from the US rose by 62 per cent during the same period. India has also signed a one-year deal for American liquefied petroleum gas imports and has opened parts of its nuclear sector amid Washingtons push for energy cooperation. Earlier this month, US Senator Lindsey Graham said President Donald Trump had approved a proposed Russia sanctions Bill that would impose 500 per cent tariffs on countries trading Russian oil and uranium. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 20:35 IST News world EU Skipped Tariffs On India Over Russian Oil For Trade Deal Talks, Says US Treasury Secretary Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Facing Backlash Over 5-Year-Olds Detention, ICE Takes 2-Year-Old Into Custody In Minneapolis Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 21:50 IST US immigration agents detained Elvis Joel Tipan Echeverria and his 2-year-old daughter Chloe Renata Tipan Villacis in Minneapolis, sparking criticism and debate over ICE practices. US immigration agents detained Elvis Joel Tipan Echeverria and his 2-year-old daughter Chloe Renata Tipan Villacis in Minneapolis, sparking criticism and debate over ICE practices. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) US immigration authorities have detained a two-year-old girl along with her father in Minneapolis, drawing sharp criticism from local officials and community members. According to Minneapolis City Council member Jason Chavez, immigration agents stopped Elvis Joel Tipan Echeverria and his two-year-old daughter, Chloe Renata Tipan Villacis, while they were driving home from a grocery store in south Minneapolis on Thursday. In a post on Instagram, Chavez alleged that a suspicious vehicle" followed the family, after which agents broke the car window and took the father and child into custody. He said no judicial warrant was presented. Images shared on social media by a local photojournalist showed officers identified as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents surrounding a vehicle, as a man believed to be Echeverria held his toddler. Bystanders were seen blowing whistles and shouting at officers during the incident. View this post on Instagram DHS response In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Tipan Echeverria was taken into custody and acknowledged that he was driving with a child at the time. DHS described him as an illegal immigrant from Ecuador" who had committed felony re-entry. A spokesperson said agents attempted to take him into custody after he parked his vehicle but claimed he refused repeated lawful commands to open the door or lower the window. The department also alleged that Tipan Echeverria had been driving erratically with a child in the vehicle. According to DHS, law enforcement officials ensured the childs safety after her mother declined to take custody. The child and father are now reunited at a federal facility," the statement said. Pattern of concern The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a separate case involving the detention of a five-year-old boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias. In that case, DHS said the childs mother refused to take him during the arrest. However, that account has been disputed by others, including school board chair Mary Granlund, who said she heard an adult inside the home pleading with agents not to take the child. The detentions have renewed debate over ICE enforcement practices and the treatment of minors during immigration operations. 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 24, 2026, 21:50 IST News world Facing Backlash Over 5-Year-Olds Detention, ICE Takes 2-Year-Old Into Custody In Minneapolis Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Insulting And Appalling': UK PM Rebukes Trump Over Remarks On NATO Troops In Afghanistan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 08:27 IST UK PM Keir Starmer condemned US President Donald Trumps NATO Afghanistan war remarks as "insulting," demanded an apology, and highlighted British troop sacrifices. Rapid Read Starmer (R) slammed Trump's comments over NATO troops in Afghanistan. (Image: AFP/File) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer slammed US President Donald Trump over his remarks suggesting that NATO forces stayed away from frontline combat during the war in Afghanistan, describing the comments as insulting and appalling" to British troops and their families. Responding strongly to Trumps remarks, Starmer demanded an apology from the US President, noting that 457 members of British armed forces lost their lives in Afghanistan. He also paid tribute to the British soldiers who served in the conflict and said that he would never forget their courage and sacrifice they made for their country." VIDEO | London: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) demanded that Donald Trump apologise for claiming that NATO troops avoided the frontline in Afghanistan. He said,Let me start begin by paying tribute to the 457 members of our armed forces who lost their lives in pic.twitter.com/7EFQjCs8w8 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 23, 2026 Let me start begin by paying tribute to the 457 members of our armed forces who lost their lives in Afghanistan. I will never forget their courage, their bravery, and the sacrifice they made for their country. Many were injured, some with life-changing injuries. So, I consider US President Donald Trumps remarks to be insulting and, frankly, appalling," the British PM said while speaking to reporters in London. I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured, and indeed across the country," he added. Trump Faces Backlash From Europe Over Remarks On NATO Troops Starmers statement comes amid growing backlash across Europe following Trumps comments made earlier this week. Speaking to Fox News on Thursday, Trump questioned the value of the NATO alliance and claimed allied forces had avoided direct combat roles during the Afghanistan war. Theyll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines," Trump said, adding that the United States had never needed" the transatlantic alliance. The remarks triggered sharp criticism from European politicians and military veterans, who pointed out that hundreds of NATO soldiers from allied nations were killed while fighting alongside US forces during the two-decade-long conflict. Trumps comments have further strained already tense relations between the US and its European allies. The controversy follows his recent remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland a suggestion that drew strong opposition from European leaders. In response to the growing tensions, the European Union has paused negotiations on a trade deal with the US, with EU officials warning against unilateral actions that could undermine stability within the transatlantic alliance. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: January 24, 2026, 08:27 IST News world 'Insulting And Appalling': UK PM Rebukes Trump Over Remarks On NATO Troops In Afghanistan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Iran Warns US Of All-Out War After Trump Says Armada Of Warships Headed To Middle East Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 08:55 IST A senior Iranian official said Tehran views the US military buildup as a direct threat and would use everything at its disposal to retaliate if attacked. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and US President Donald Trump Iran issued a stark warning to the United States, saying it would treat any attack with an all-out war," a day after US President Donald Trump claimed a large American naval force was being deployed to the Middle East. A senior Iranian official said Tehran views the US military buildup as a direct threat and would use everything at its disposal" to retaliate if attacked. Any strike, whether they describe it as limited, surgical or otherwise, will be treated as a full-scale war against us," the official said, adding that Iran would respond with maximum force. The warning followed Trumps statement that an armada" of US warships was heading toward the region, reigniting tensions that had appeared to ease in recent days. According to US media reports, the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and three destroyers armed with Tomahawk missiles are being sent to the Middle East, alongside a deployment of US Air Force F-15E fighter jets. Iranian officials said the countrys armed forces have been placed on high alert, though they did not specify what a potential response would involve. We hope this buildup is not meant for actual confrontation," the official said. But our military is prepared for the worst-case scenario. That is why Iran is on full alert." The escalation comes against the backdrop of prolonged unrest inside Iran, where months of anti-government protests have been met with a violent crackdown by authorities. Activist groups say more than 5,000 people have been killed since demonstrations erupted earlier this year, though the Iranian government has not confirmed the figures. Tensions between Washington and Tehran had briefly cooled last week after Trump suggested he had stepped back from military action, citing assurances from Iran that detained protesters would not face execution. Trump later claimed his pressure had prevented the execution of hundreds of detainees. The situation has since deteriorated again, with Iranian military leaders amplifying the confrontational rhetoric. A spokesperson for Irans armed forces warned that any move against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would have catastrophic consequences, while the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Iran had its finger on the trigger" in response to threats from the US and Israel. The renewed standoff comes as Trump returned to the United States following his visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, raising fresh concerns that the long-running hostility between Washington and Tehran could spiral into direct confrontation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Iran First Published: January 24, 2026, 08:55 IST News world Iran Warns US Of All-Out War After Trump Says Armada Of Warships Headed To Middle East Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... With a market cap of $23.5 billion, General Mills, Inc. (GIS) is a leading global packaged foods company best known for its iconic brands like Cheerios, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Haagen-Dazs, Blue Buffalo, and Nature Valley. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company operates across North America and international markets, offering a wide portfolio of cereals, snacks, yogurt, baking products, frozen meals, pet food, and more. The company is slated to announce its fiscal Q3 2026 earnings results soon. Ahead of the event, analysts expect General Mills to report a profit of $0.84 per share, down 16% from $1 per share reported in the year-ago quarter. It has exceeded analysts earnings estimates in each of the past four quarters, which is impressive. More News from Barchart For the current fiscal year, analysts are eyeing General Mills EPS to be about $3.65, down 13.3% from $4.21 in fiscal 2025. However, earnings are anticipated to surge 2.5% year over year to $3.74 per share in fiscal 2027. www.barchart.com Over the past year, GIS stock declined 25%, underperforming the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 13.6% gains and the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLP) 6.5% rise over the same time frame. www.barchart.com On Dec. 17, General Mills shares rose 3.4% after the company reported fiscal 2026 second-quarter results. The company posted revenue of about $4.9 billion, down 7% year over year, reflecting softer demand and portfolio adjustments, while adjusted earnings per share of $1.10 exceeded analyst estimates. Although operating profit and margins declined due to cost pressures and strategic investments, the results surpassed market expectations. Investors reacted positively to the earnings beat and the companys reaffirmed full-year outlook, which signaled managements confidence in stabilizing performance amid a challenging consumer environment. Wall Street is cautious on GIS, keeping the stock parked at an overall Hold rating. Out of 20 analysts covering the stock, three suggest a Strong Buy, one recommends a Moderate Buy, 13 are playing it safe with a Hold, and the remaining three advise a Strong Sell. The mean price target of $53.63 indicates a 20.5% upside potential from current price levels. On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Is Trump Right About Natos Role In Afghanistan? Facts Tell A Different Story Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 17:31 IST Trumps remarks came amid renewed tensions between the US and its Nato allies, including his recent threats related to Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. US President Donald Trump during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026. (IMAGE: AFP) Anger has spread among European military veterans and families of fallen soldiers after US President Donald Trump claimed that Nato troops stayed away from the front lines during the Afghanistan war. Many say the remarks ignore the sacrifices made by non-American forces over two decades of fighting. My son was only 18 when he was killed in a blast while trying to save fellow troops," said the mother of the youngest British soldier killed in Afghanistan. She was among hundreds of veterans and relatives who spoke out as Trumps comments drew sharp criticism across Europe. Trumps remarks came amid renewed tensions between the US and its Nato allies, including his recent threats related to Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. The comments have further strained relations at a sensitive moment. We have never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them. They will say they sent some troops to Afghanistan and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines," Trump said. Natos Role After 9/11 Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, the United States and its Nato allies launched a military campaign in Afghanistan. For the first time in the alliances history, Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty was invoked, declaring that an attack on one member would be treated as an attack on all. Dozens of Nato countries sent troops to Afghanistan, fighting alongside US forces until combat operations formally ended in 2014. Several nations continued to maintain a presence even after that, at significant financial and human cost. What The Numbers Show According to official figures, around 38 Nato countries committed forces to Afghanistan at various stages. The total number of Nato troops peaked at about 140,000 in 2011 before steadily declining. While the US deployed the largest number of soldiers and suffered the highest number of deaths overall, other Nato countries paid a heavy price relative to their population size. Around 3,500 foreign troops were killed during the 20-year conflict. Of these, 2,456 were American and 457 were British. Denmark, a country with a population smaller than many US states, lost around 50 soldiers. In per capita terms, this loss was similar to that of the United States. Canada recorded 159 fatalities, followed by France with 90, Germany with 62, Italy with 53 and Poland with 44. Several other Nato members, including Estonia, Norway, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Romania, also lost dozens of troops. Afghan casualties were far higher. Although no official figures are available, former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said in 2019 that more than 45,000 Afghan security personnel had been killed since 2014. Were Nato Troops On The Front Lines? Trumps suggestion that allied forces avoided direct combat has been challenged by military records and experts. According to Nato, troops from 36 member countries were deployed across key regions, including Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-e Sharif and Laghman. All of these areas saw intense fighting during the conflict. BBC defence analyst Frank Gardner noted that British, Canadian, Danish and Estonian troops were among those involved in the heaviest combat, particularly in Kandahar and Helmand provinces. In the early years of the mission in Helmand, a Taliban stronghold, British and Danish forces made up most of the troops on the ground. US reinforcements arrived later, in 2008, according to a CNN report. The UK and Denmark suffered the majority of their casualties in Helmand, a region also known for opium production. A research paper by the Watson School of International and Public Affairs found that British and Canadian troops faced combat risks at twice the rate" of American forces when measured against each countrys peak troop deployment. Veterans Reject Trumps Claim For many veterans and families of the fallen, the figures tell a clear story. Nato allies did not stay behind the front lines, they say, and their sacrifices should not be dismissed. Based on the available data and expert analysis, Trumps attempt to downplay the role of Nato partners in Afghanistan does not stand up to scrutiny. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 17:30 IST News world Is Trump Right About Natos Role In Afghanistan? Facts Tell A Different Story Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Kash Patel Hails Transfer Of Wanted Fugitive In 2016 Charlotte Murder After Mexico Arrest Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 09:43 IST FBI Director Kash Patel praised the capture of Alejandro Rosales Castillo, wanted in he 2016 murder case, after his arrest in Mexico and transfer to Charlotte, North Carolina. FBI arrested Most Wanted fugitive Alejandro Rosales Castillo last week. (Photo: X) FBI Director Kash Patel on Friday hailed the transfer of a fugitive on the FBIs Ten Most Wanted list accused of a brutal 2016 murder case. Alejandro Alex" Rosales Castillo was arrested in Mexico last week for the murder of his former co-worker, 23-year-old Truc Quan Sandy" Ly Le. He has been transferred to Charlotte, North Carolina, to face justice. Commenting upon the development, Patel hailed the interagency co-operation. In a post on X, he wrote, After a decade on the run, Alejandro Rosales Castillo in custody. This is what happens when intelligence sharing, interagency co-operation, and international partnerships work as one. Mission delivered." After a decade on the run, Alejandro Rosales Castillo in custody.This is what happens when intelligence sharing, interagency cooperation, and international partnerships work as one. Mission delivered. pic.twitter.com/UAPX65p3t5 FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) January 24, 2026 Castillo had been on the run for nearly a decade. As per the official statement by FBI, he was seen on surveillance video crossing the border from Nogales, Arizona, into Mexico, on August 16, 2016. He was added to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list on October 24, 2017. Castillo allegedly murdered the Charlotte, North Carolina resident, 23-year-old Truc Quan Sandy" Ly Le. Her body was found on August 17, 2016, in a wooded area in Cabarrus County. Upon his arrest, FBI co-ordinated with Mexican authorities to transfer Castillo to law enforcement custody in Charlotte. Patel hailed the transfer while addressing media regarding the arrest of former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding. Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder turned suspected cocaine smuggling kingpin, was arrested on Friday. 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 24, 2026, 09:43 IST News world Kash Patel Hails Transfer Of Wanted Fugitive In 2016 Charlotte Murder After Mexico Arrest Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Moscow Must End The War: Zelenskyy Reiterates Stance As Russia, Ukraine, US Hold Trilateral Talks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 08:14 IST The Abu Dhabi talks took place against the backdrop of ongoing hostilities, with Kyiv hit by a major Russian drone and ballistic missile attack early on Saturday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressing the World Economic Forum. (Reuters) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated Kyivs demand that Russia end the war it launched, as negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the United States held trilateral talks in the United Arab Emirates. Russia must end the war it started; our position is clear," Zelenskyy said, commenting on the discussions, the first involving all three sides since Moscow began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. The talks, held in Abu Dhabi, come amid continued fighting. Early Saturday, Kyiv came under a large-scale Russian drone and ballistic missile assault, prompting air defences to activate across the capital, Ukrainian officials said. US officials described the initial round of talks as productive" and said discussions would continue on Saturday. Zelenskyy, however, cautioned against drawing early conclusions. In a statement posted on X late Friday, he said Ukrainian representatives were briefing him hourly but stressed that it was too early to assess the substance" of the negotiations. The main thing is that Russia must be ready to end this war, which it itself started," Zelenskyy said, adding that he had set clear parameters for Ukraines delegation. We will see how the conversation develops and what results it produces." The UAE talks follow an extended meeting earlier this week in Moscow between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US envoys, which the Kremlin described as useful." However, major disagreements remain, particularly over territory. Moscow is demanding that Ukraine relinquish control of the roughly 25 per cent of the Donetsk region it still holds, a condition Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. Zelenskyy has previously said a US-backed, 20-point peace framework is close to completion, with the status of Donbas in eastern Ukraine among the unresolved issues. He has floated the idea of a mutual troop withdrawal of up to 40 kilometres to establish a demilitarised, free economic zone in the region, provided Russia agrees to similar steps. The US proposal reportedly links such an arrangement to long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukraines delegation in Abu Dhabi is led by national security and defence council chief Rustem Umerov, alongside senior officials including Kyrylo Budanov and negotiator David Arakhamia. They are being joined by the chief of the general staff, Andrii Hnatov. Russias team is headed by GRU director General Igor Kostyukov, while investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev is holding separate discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff on economic matters. The US delegation includes Witkoff and President Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said earlier talks with US officials were substantive and frank" but underscored that a durable peace would be impossible without resolving territorial disputes. Until then, he said, Russia would continue pursuing what it calls its special military operation." Alongside the diplomacy, fighting continues to exact a toll. Both sides reported overnight drone attacks in recent days, with a Russian oil depot hit in the Penza region and multiple Ukrainian locations struck. Russian attacks on energy infrastructure have left parts of Ukraine facing winter conditions without reliable heating or electricity. Zelenskyy has also been engaging Western partners. On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, he met Trump for talks he described as very positive," saying they had reached an understanding on future US security guarantees for Ukraine, subject to approval by both the US Congress and Ukraines parliament. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Ukraine First Published: January 24, 2026, 08:05 IST News world Moscow Must End The War: Zelenskyy Reiterates Stance As Russia, Ukraine, US Hold Trilateral Talks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Multiple Airlines Suspend Flights To Middle East Over Safety Fears Amid US-Iran Tensions Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 12:08 IST Major airlines like KLM, Lufthansa, Air France and United Airlines have suspended Middle East flights amid US-Iran tensions and military deployments, citing safety concerns. Rapid Read Multiple Airlines, including United Airlines and Air Canada, have suspended flights to key destinations in the Middle East.(Representative Image) Major international airlines have suspended flights to the Middle East amid escalating geopolitical tensions, raising concerns over potential military conflict between the United States and Iran. Carriers including Dutch airline KLM and Air France have temporarily halted services to key destinations in the region, including Dubai. Speaking to news agency AFP, Air France announced that flight services to Dubai would be halted due to the current situation in the Middle East." KLM told public broadcaster NOS said it would not operate routes that require entering the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Israel and several countries in the Gulf. Meanwhile, Lufthansa has limited its services to daytime flights to Israel and continues to avoid Iranian airspace. In addition, United Airlines and Air Canada have also cancelled flights to Tel Aviv. The disruption comes as the US ramps up military deployments in response to unrest in Iran, where nationwide protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis regime have drawn international attention. US President Donald Trump confirmed the movement of a naval armada" toward Iran, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying guided-missile destroyers. While Trump has described the deployment as precautionary, it has fueled fears of a confrontation between Washington and Tehran. We have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case We have a big force going toward Iran, and maybe we wont have to use it," Trump told reporters, emphasising the precautionary nature of the maneuver. Airlines are adjusting operations amid concerns over missile and drone threats to commercial aviation in the region. Last week, Iran temporarily closed its airspace for over four hours, causing significant disruptions for flights worldwide. Authorities and carriers are monitoring the evolving situation closely to ensure passenger safety. KLM said it is coordinating with Dutch authorities, while Air France stated that it is following developments to maintain the security of its flights. The combination of heightened military activity and regional instability has prompted airlines to take precautionary measures. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Riyadh, Saudi Arabia First Published: January 24, 2026, 12:08 IST News world Multiple Airlines Suspend Flights To Middle East Over Safety Fears Amid US-Iran Tensions Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... No Boat, No Vote: Awami League's Arafat Leads Boycott Call For Illegal Bangladesh Polls Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: January 23, 2026, 23:08 IST The former minister in Sheikh Hasina's government stated that the polls are a sham because the countrys largest political bloc has been 'forcefully banned' Arafat denounced the upcoming polls as an 'illegal exercise' conducted under the shadow of an 'illegal government'. File pic/AFP In a significant move that deepens the political polarisation in Bangladesh, Mohammad A Arafat, a prominent leader of the Awami League and former Minister of State for Information, has issued a categorical call for a nationwide boycott of the general elections scheduled for February 12. Speaking via video link on Friday at a high-profile media briefing hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC) of South Asia in New Delhi, Arafat denounced the upcoming polls as an illegal exercise" conducted under the shadow of an illegal government". I joined the press conference organized by the Foreign Correspondents Club of South Asia and the International Association of Press Clubs online, where I responded to several questions on behalf of the Awami League. pic.twitter.com/CScrx7Qb3h Mohammad Ali Arafat (@MAarafat71) January 23, 2026 Arafat, who has emerged as a key voice for the Awami Leagues leadership in exile, was emphatic in his rejection of the electoral process overseen by the interim administration of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. He argued that the exclusion of the Awami Leaguewhich led the nations independence struggle in 1971renders any subsequent mandate void. Arafat stated that the election process is a sham because the countrys largest political bloc has been forcefully banned" from participating. He asserted that a democratic exercise cannot exist when the principal opposition is legally and physically suppressed. He called upon every Awami League supporter, party worker, and the broader Bangladeshi electorate to stay away from the polling booths. The only way to protest this fascist exclusion is to boycott the elections entirely," Arafat noted, framing the boycott as a moral and political necessity. He reiterated the partys stance that the Yunus-led administration lacks a constitutional basis, describing it as a puppet regime" that has failed to protect the democratic rights of the people. The briefing also featured a defiant audio address from the ousted Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. Characterising her current status as democracy in exile", Hasina echoed Arafats sentiments, launching a blistering attack on the interim government. She alleged that a murderous, fascist clique" had taken control of the motherland, leading to widespread anarchy and the targeted persecution of religious minorities. Other senior members of the erstwhile cabinet, including former Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and Education Minister Mohibul Chowdhury Nowfel, were also present, either in person or via video. They supported Arafats call, suggesting that an arranged election" without the Awami League would fail to bring stability or international credibility to Bangladesh. The Awami Leagues boycott call introduces a major variable into the February 12 elections. By urging a No Boat, No Vote" policy (referencing the partys traditional symbol), the leadership aims to undermine voter turnout and delegitimise the eventual victors. As the campaign period officially begins, the international community remains watchful of whether a vote held amidst such a total boycott can truly pave the way for a return to constitutional normalcy in Dhaka. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 23, 2026, 23:05 IST News world No Boat, No Vote: Awami League's Arafat Leads Boycott Call For Illegal Bangladesh 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... No Non-Muslims In Bangladesh Parliament: Jamaat Candidate's Speech Raises Alarm Over Radical Push Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Shobhit Gupta Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 20:26 IST Sources said that this speech is nothing but a deliberate attempt to radicalise people and push them towards extremist ideology. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Afzal Hossain. (Image: News18) Ahead of Bangladesh parliamentary elections, a candidate from Jamaat-e-Islami triggered a row after he called for excluding religious minorities, including Hindus, from Parliament and advocated governance strictly based on the Quran. While addressing a rally, Afzal Hossain, Jamaat candidate from Barguna-2 constituency, said that in a country where nearly 80 per cent of the population is Muslim, there should be no non-believer or immoral" representative in Parliament. Do you want the Quran or do you want deviation?" Hossain asked the crowd. He went on to say that Jamaat-e-Islami would establish a parliamentary system based on the Quran, asserting that Bangladesh is a Muslim country. He also rejected the idea of a constitutional framework and supported Quran-based punishments, including the cutting off of thieves hands, claiming it would eliminate crime. Top government sources told CNN-News18 that the incident exposed how radical narratives are being injected into electoral politics under the cover of religious mobilisation. Sources warned that such speeches amount to ideological extremism, which could fuel radicalisation and create cross-border instability, particularly in sensitive border regions. Sources said that this speech is nothing but a deliberate attempt to radicalise people and push them towards extremist ideology. The remarks have drawn criticism for violating democratic norms by openly advocating the exclusion of religious minorities from parliamentary representation. These remarks came amid rising violence against minorities, especially Hindus, in the neighbouring country. Several Hindu individuals have been assaulted and attacked in Bangladesh after violent protests erupted in the neighbouring country following the death of July uprising organiser Sharif Osman Hadi in Singapore. Recently, the house of a Hindu family was targeted and set ablaze in Sylhet, causing fear among the family and the community. Last week, a Hindu auto driver was beaten to death by a group of attackers in Daganbhuiyan in Bangladeshs Chittagong. Prolay Chaki, a musician and the cultural affairs secretary of the Awami Leagues Pabna district unit, died in prison on Sunday night after reportedly suffering a heart attack. Earlier, a Hindu man, identified as Joy Mahapatro, was allegedly beaten and later poisoned by a local Muslim, named Amirul Islam. In another horrific incident, a Hindu woman was allegedly gang-raped by two men, who also tied her to a tree and cut off her hair in a glaring display of lawlessness and atrocities against minorities in the country. Earlier, another Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched and burnt to death in Mymensingh over alleged blasphemy. After thrashing and killing Das, the mob hung his body from a tree and set it on fire. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Bangladesh First Published: January 24, 2026, 20:26 IST News world No Non-Muslims In Bangladesh Parliament: Jamaat Candidate's Speech Raises Alarm Over Radical Push Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Reflects Commitment To Justice': Iran Thanks India For Voting Against UNHRC Resolution Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 23:11 IST India opposed the UNHRC resolution on Iran, which was welcomes by Iranian Ambassador to India. Iran highlighted historic ties and India's role in Chabahar.. Iran Ambassador Mohammad Fathali (@IranAmbIndia) Irans ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali on Saturday welcomed India for opposing United Nations Human Rights Councils (UNHRC) resolution on human rights situation in the Islamic Republic. According to ANI, India voted against the resolution at the UNHRC calling for increased scrutiny of the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, aligning itself with a group of countries that opposed what they described as a selective and politically driven initiative. Indias vote placed it among a minority of states rejecting the measure, while several others abstained. The resolution was adopted at the session by 25 votes in favour, seven against and 14 abstentions. Following Indias vote, Iranian Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali said in a post on X: I extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of India for its principled and firm support of I.R. of Iran at the UN_HRC, including opposing an unjust and politically motivated resolution. This stance reflects Indias commitment to justice, multilateralism, and national sovereignty." I extend my sincere gratitude to the Govt. of India for its principled and firm support of I.R. of Iran at the UN_HRC, including opposing an unjust and politically motivated resolution. This stance reflects Indias commitment to justice, multilateralism, and national sovereignty. pic.twitter.com/kLFnqpNjmB Iran Ambassador Mohammad Fathali (@IranAmbIndia) January 24, 2026 Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, Representative of Irans Supreme Leader, pointed out the history of India-Iran relationship that dated before the emergence of Islam and said India philosophical texts were studied in Iran over centuries. The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran always insists on good relations and collaboration between Iran and IndiaI hope that in Chabahar they will work nicely," he said, referring to Indias role in the Chabahar port which has been facing US sanctions. The history of the relationship and collaboration between Iran and India goes to 3,000 years ago, before the emergence of Islam. Even at that time, we were using philosophical books of India Even at the university, we studied philosophical books of India; and in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, we were also using your civilisation, your knowledge, and we always learned through our schools the relationship between Iran and India," he added. ANI quoted US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) stating that 4,519 were killed during the wave of demonstrations, including 4,251 protesters, 197 security personnel, 35 people aged under 18 and 38 bystanders who it says were neither protesters nor security personnel. Meanwhile, an aide to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has acknowledged that people were killed during the recent wave of protests in Iran, but rejected allegations of large-scale state violence, calling reported death tolls fake" and driven by foreign interests. Iran has witnessed widespread protests since late December last year, triggered by economic hardship and rising living costs. Thae unrest has also drawn international attention, with activists and rights groups alleging a deadly crackdown by Iranian authorities claims the government strongly denies. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 23:11 IST News world 'Reflects Commitment To Justice': Iran Thanks India For Voting Against UNHRC Resolution Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Royal Rebuttal: 'Warrior Prince' Harry Challenges Trump's Afghanistan-NATO Narrative Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 05:00 IST Harry, who undertook two frontline tours in Afghanistan as a Forward Air Controller and an Apache helicopter co-pilot gunner, drew on personal experience to counter the President Trump claimed that while non-American NATO allies sent troops to Afghanistan, they 'stayed a little back' and were 'a little off the front lines'. Harry underscored the human cost borne by the UK, which saw 457 service personnel killed in action. File image/Getty Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has issued a robust defence of NATOs military contribution in Afghanistan following disparaging remarks from US President Donald Trump. Speaking on Friday, Harry asserted that the immense sacrifices made by international forces in the two-decade conflict deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect". The row was ignited when President Trump, during a Fox News interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, questioned the value of the trans-Atlantic alliance. He claimed that while non-American NATO allies sent troops to Afghanistan, they stayed a little back" and were a little off the front lines". These comments sparked a wave of condemnation across the United Kingdom and Europe, where they were viewed as a profound insult to the thousands of service personnel who served, were injured, or died alongside American forces. Prince Harry, who undertook two frontline tours in Afghanistan as a Forward Air Controller and an Apache helicopter co-pilot gunner, drew on his personal experience to refute the Presidents narrative. In a written statement, he reminded the public that in 2001, NATO invoked Article 5the mutual defence clausefor the first and only time in its history following the 9/11 attacks on the United States. Allies answered that call," Harry noted. I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there." He went on to underscore the human cost borne by the United Kingdom, which saw 457 service personnel killed in action. Thousands of lives were changed forever," the statement continued. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost." His intervention echoed the sentiments of British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who described the US Presidents remarks as insulting and frankly appalling", suggesting that an apology was owed to the bereaved families. Harrys statement, observers say, highlights the enduring importance of military veterans welfare to his public work, most notably through the Invictus Games. By calling for truthful" discourse, he has placed himself at the heart of a significant diplomatic rift, reminding the international community that the bond between NATO allies was forged in the blood of shared combat, regardless of shifting political rhetoric in Washington. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 04:59 IST News world Royal Rebuttal: 'Warrior Prince' Harry Challenges Trump's Afghanistan-NATO Narrative Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Russia Hits Ukraines Power Network Again, Leaving Over A Million Without Electricity Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 16:57 IST Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said more than 800,000 people in Kyiv and about 400,000 residents in the northern Chernihiv region were left without power. Ukraine was under air raid alert during the Russian attack as the military authorities warned of incoming drones and ballistic missiles. (Courtesy: AFP) Russia launched another large-scale overnight attack on Ukraines energy infrastructure early on Saturday, an incident that triggered explosions across Kyiv and cut electricity to around 1.2 million homes nationwide. In the Ukrainian capital, nearly 6,000 buildings were left without heating by morning as temperatures fell to around minus 10 degrees Celsius. Many residents were already struggling with cold homes due to earlier strikes that had damaged the citys central heating system. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said one person was killed in the attack and four others were injured, three of whom were taken to the hospital. In Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, 19 people including a child were wounded. The strikes came as US-brokered talks involving Russia and Ukraine continued for a second day in the United Arab Emirates, though there were no signs of progress on Friday. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said more than 800,000 people in Kyiv and about 400,000 residents in the northern Chernihiv region were left without power following the latest assault. According to a statement by Ukraines air force, Russia fired 375 drones and 21 missiles overnight, including two Tsirkon ballistic missiles, which are rarely used. Air defence systems were active across Kyiv, lighting up the night sky with flashes as explosions echoed through residential areas. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyivs military administration, said several districts were hit and confirmed that a medical facility was among the damaged buildings. Ukraines power grid has been under sustained attack since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. This winter has seen the most intense campaign so far against energy facilities, leaving many Ukrainians with electricity for only a few hours a day, and some without heating or water. Kyiv had already faced two major overnight attacks since the start of the year, which disrupted power and heating supplies to hundreds of apartment blocks. Emergency crews were still repairing damage from those strikes when Saturdays attack occurred. Klitschko said several buildings that lost heating had only recently had services restored. Mayor Ihor Terekhov said at least 25 drones struck multiple districts in Kharkiv, which is located just 30 kilometres from the Russian border. He informed that the attacks damaged a dormitory housing displaced people and two medical facilities, including a maternity hospital. Emergency services across the country continued restoration work on Saturday as residents braced for further disruptions amid freezing winter conditions. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 16:57 IST News world Russia Hits Ukraines Power Network Again, Leaving Over A Million Without Electricity Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Severe Winter Storm Hits US, Over 1800 Flights Cancelled, Panic Buying Empties Supermarket Shelves Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 11:55 IST A massive winter storm has hit the United States, canceling over 1,800 flights and placing Americans under alerts, with states of emergency declared in at least 15 states. Rapid Read A massive winter storm is bringing frigid temperatures, ice, and snow to millions of Americans across the nation. (Agencies) The United States is bracing for a massive winter storm that has already led to the cancellation of more than 1,800 flights, disrupting travel across several regions and triggering power outages amid biting cold across the country. The severe winter storm sweeping the United States, placing more than 150 million Americans under weather emergency alerts, began with heavy snowfall across northwest Texas and Oklahoma City on Friday morning (local time). The extraordinary weather will bring bitter cold, ice, sleet and snow to several parts of the US and at least 15 states have so far declared states of emergency in view of the storm. According to the National Weather Services prediction, heavy snowfall from Oklahoma to the Northeast where over a foot of snow is possible for some locations through Monday. In addition, widespread freezing rain and sleet are expected across the Southern Plains, the Lower Mississippi Valley, the Tennessee Valley, and the Southeast. The storm will cause significant to locally catastrophic ice accumulations with the potential for long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions," NWS wrote on X. Winter storm watches, warnings, advisories and ice storm warnings are in place millions of Americas. Heavy snowfall is forecast from Oklahoma to the Northeast where over a foot of snow is possible for some locations through Monday.In addition, widespread freezing rain and sleet pic.twitter.com/sLKM1KaGxQ National Weather Service (@NWS) January 23, 2026 The storm is expected to last for several days, moving into the densely populated mid-Atlantic and northeastern states, disrupting daily life and ushering in a frigid air mass across the country, Reuters reported. The storms snow and ice will stretch over 2,000 miles from Texas to New England. Flights Cancelled The storm has disrupted air travel across the United States, with airlines cancelling flights, warning of delays, and issuing travel waivers as ice, snow, and strong winds batter major hubs and regional airports across the South, East, and central regions of the country. According to the tracker Flightaware, more than 1,800 weekend flights have already been cancelled. On Friday, Delta Air Lines urged passengers traveling this weekend to reschedule their flights in view of the storm. The Federal Aviation Administration has said it anticipates airports will have to close" s the weather will impact air travel from Texas through the Northeast, as per CNN. The FAA is already working with airlines to help reposition aircraft ahead of the storm given the anticipated airport closures," the agency was quoted as saying. Panic Buying As Americans rushed to stock up on essentials ahead of the winter storm, many found store shelves largely empty. According to a Fox Business report, panic buying cleared out supplies at several grocery stores across Mississippi, Texas, and Washington, DC, leaving essentials such as water and milk out of stock. Items including eggs, sausages, and hot dogs were also reported to be in short supply. Shelves emptied in Mamdani NYC by panic buyers bracing for historic Arctic storm pic.twitter.com/9cPCphInK4 RT (@RT_com) January 24, 2026 Purported videos showing empty stores and anxious shoppers searching for supplies also surfaced from New York City. The storm is being seen as the first major test for Zohran Mamdani, an Indian-origin leader who recently took office as New York Citys mayor. 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 24, 2026, 07:48 IST News world Severe Winter Storm Hits US, Over 1800 Flights Cancelled, Panic Buying Empties Supermarket Shelves Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... By Selena Li and Brenda Goh DAVOS/SHANGHAI, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Lenovo is seeking partnerships with multiple large language models around the world to power its devices as it aims to establish itself as a global AI player, the company's chief financial officer said. Lenovo, the world's largest personal computer maker, plans to equip its broad range of products - from PCs to smartphones and wearables - with AI technology. Earlier this month, it introduced Qira, a built-in cross-device intelligence system that integrates with LLM partners. "We are the only company besides Apple with significant market share across both PCs and mobiles, and in the open Android and Windows ecosystems," Lenovo CFO Winston Cheng told Reuters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Unlike Apple, which currently works only with OpenAI and Google's Gemini, Lenovo is looking to strike deals with many more LLM developers, he said. Potential partners include Humain in Saudi Arabia, Mistral AI in Europe, and Alibaba and DeepSeek in China, according to Cheng. "We're taking an orchestrator approach," he said. "We're not doing our own LLM. We're really doing a partnership because there are regulations around the world," said Cheng, a former tech investment banker who joined Lenovo in 2024 and became CFO in April 2025. Asked about surging memory chip prices, which have weighed on the outlook for consumer electronics makers globally, Cheng said costs were rising and the company planned to pass these increases on to customers. He also said he saw an AI bubble in both private and public equity valuation, and that the market should take a close look at operating costs, in addition to capital expenditure. The technology company, which also makes servers, unveiled a partnership in January with U.S. AI chip leader Nvidia to help AI cloud providers quickly bring data centres into operation, via a liquid-cooled hybrid AI infrastructure. Cheng told Reuters the two firms would focus on the "global deployment" of the capability and manufacture locally, and may consider launches in Asia or the Middle East. (Reporting by Selena Li in Davos and Brenda Goh in Shanghai. Additional reporting by Casey Hall. Editing by Mark Potter) Speeding Sedan Crashes Into US's Detroit Metro Airport Terminal, 6 Injured Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 21:26 IST A speeding car crashed into Detroit Metro Airport's McNamara Terminal. The driver in a Detroit Lions jersey was detained. Wayne County Airport Authority Police are investigating. The car that crashed into the Detroit Metro Airport Terminal. (The Independent/X) Panic swept at the USs Detroit Metro Airport in Michigan when a speeding car smashed through the terminal entrance and crashed into a ticket counter, leaving about six people injured. Media outlet WXYZ cited footage capturing the black sedan sitting in the middle of the McNamara Terminal, where startled Delta Airlines employees were working as it smashed through the glass doors of Romulus, Mich., around 7:30 pm. According to witnesses, they heard a loud noise as the car crashed into the entrance and into the Delta Air Lines desk as employees were working. Six people were treated at the scene, officials said. #BREAKING: Video coming in via social media this evening shows where a car drove through the glass doors and into McNamara Terminal, crashing into some of the Delta Air Lines Check-In Booths on the top level at Detroit-Wayne County International Airport (DTW) #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/Kjjn5RCxaO Bryan Schuerman, M.A., M.Ed. (@BSchuermanWX) January 24, 2026 Immediately after the incident, the driver exited the vehicle with his hands raised and speaking in a daze as security and airport officials rushed to the debris-ridden area. The driver was taken into custody. The response was so quick, thank God, with the cops and TSA and everybody," said Ali Khalifa, who was travelling. That all happened in seconds." NEW: Man crashes car inside Detroit airport terminal and is dragged out by policePolice and TSA agents responded quickly, according to bystanders A man wearing a Detroit Lions jersey was taken into custody by multiple officers Six people were treated at the scene by airport pic.twitter.com/Bc0l8P0LgK Unlimited Ls (@unlimited_ls) January 24, 2026 New York Post cited videos on social media showing the unidentified male driver sporting a Detroit Lions jersey was screaming incoherently as he was hauled away by nearly a dozen security officers. According to a Fox 2 report, the vehicle was later searched by a K9 unit, which found nothing of concern. The Wayne County Airport Authority Police Department has launched an investigation into the matter. The authorities said the cause of the crash remains unclear and is being investigated from all angles. Delta Air Lines said airport operations continued as normal following the incident. 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 24, 2026, 21:24 IST News world Speeding Sedan Crashes Into US's Detroit Metro Airport Terminal, 6 Injured Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 7 Killed As Suicide Bomber Targets Wedding Ceremony In Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 07:57 IST A suicide bomber killed at least seven people and injured 25 others at a wedding event in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. An investigation is underway. Rapid Read The guests were dancing when the blast occurred. At least seven people were killed and 25 others sustained injuries after a suicide bomber struck a wedding ceremony in Pakistans northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province late Friday night. The explosion occurred at the residence of Noor Alam Mehsud, a peace committee leader, near Qureshi Morr in the Dera Ismail Khan district, according to a report in AP. Confirming the nature of the attack, District Police Officer Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada said it was a suicide bombing that took place while wedding celebrations were underway, news agency PTI reported. It is learnt that guests were dancing when the blast went off, causing the roof of the room to collapse. The collapse obstructed rescue efforts and delayed access to those trapped beneath the rubble. The blast was caught on camera. Soon after, an emergency was declared at the District Headquarter Hospital to accommodate the injured. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmed Faizi said that five bodies and 10 wounded individuals were shifted to the hospital. He added that seven ambulances, along with a fire and disaster response vehicle, were dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident was reported, and rescue operations were ongoing. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the attack. Initial reports indicated that peace committee member Waheedullah Mehsud, also known as Jigri Mehsud, was among those killed. Condemning the incident, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi directed the provincial inspector general of police to submit a detailed report and vowed that those responsible would be held accountable. The attack follows a series of assaults targeting peace committee members in the province. Earlier this month, four such members were killed in an armed attack in KPs Bannu district. In another incident in November 2025, seven people were killed when a peace committee office was attacked in the same district. Police said the victims included a former militant who had surrendered to the state, commonly referred to as a good Talib," along with several of his relatives. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Peshawar, Pakistan First Published: January 24, 2026, 07:57 IST News world 7 Killed As Suicide Bomber Targets Wedding Ceremony In Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Thailand Builds Buddha Statue On Disputed Border, Cambodia Raises Objections Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 21:30 IST Tensions around religious symbols in the region have grown since December, when a ceasefire brought an end to three weeks of deadly fighting along the border. The Thai army said on Saturday that the statue was placed in the area as part of a religious gesture (Credits: X) Thailand has installed a Buddha statue in a disputed border area with Cambodia, just weeks after Thai forces removed a statue of a Hindu deity from the same site. The Thai army said on Saturday that the statue was placed in the area as part of a religious gesture and to boost morale among local residents. The location, known as An Ma in Thailand and An Ses in Cambodia, has long been at the centre of a territorial dispute between the two neighbouring countries. Tensions around religious symbols in the region have grown since December, when a ceasefire brought an end to three weeks of deadly fighting along the border. The clashes had claimed dozens of lives on both sides. Last month, Thai troops demolished and removed a statue of the Hindu god Vishnu from the contested area. Cambodia strongly criticised the action, while Thailand maintained that the move was meant to assert control over the territory and was not intended to offend religious beliefs. Earlier this week, Cambodian officials accused Thailand of raising tensions again by installing the Buddha statue, saying the move went against the spirit of de-escalation agreed under the ceasefire. In response, the Thai army accused Cambodia of spreading distortions". In a statement, it said the statue was not intended to insult or undermine the beliefs of any party". This was carried out within the framework of religious freedom and belief, as well as to boost morale among Thai citizens in the area," the army said. Both Thailand and Cambodia are predominantly Buddhist countries, but religious symbols have become highly sensitive in the disputed zone. The long-running conflict between the two neighbours stems from disagreements over the demarcation of their 800-kilometre border, much of which is based on colonial-era maps. Since the ceasefire, Cambodia has accused Thailand of taking control of several areas in border provinces and has called for the withdrawal of Thai troops from territories claimed by both sides. (With inputs from AFP) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 24, 2026, 21:25 IST News world Thailand Builds Buddha Statue On Disputed Border, Cambodia Raises Objections Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... There Is A Path To Take Them Off: US Signals Rollback Of 25% Tariff Penalty On India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 15:12 IST US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the US had imposed the tariff because India was purchasing Russian oil. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has hinted that the government may remove the additional 25% tariff imposed on India. (Courtesy: Reuters) US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the 25% tariff penalty on India could be rolled back.Our 25% tariff has been a huge success. Indias purchases of Russian oil have collapsed. The tariffs are still on but theres a path to take them off now." pic.twitter.com/XaoaVR2dT4 India First Post (@ifpost47) January 24, 2026 Bessent stated that the US government had imposed the tariff because India was purchasing Russian oil. He claimed that after the imposition of the tariff, the purchases of Russian oil by Indian refineries had declined, and that the step taken by the US government had been successful. That is a success. The 25% Russian oil tariffs are still on. I would imagine there is a path to take them off now. So thats a check and a huge success," he added. He further added that the USs European allies refused to impose the tariff on India for buying Russian energy because they wanted to sign a big trade deal with India. #BREAKING:Our European allies have refused to put tariff on India for buying Russian energy. Thats because they want to sign a big trade deal with India claims US Treasury Secretary Scott BessentGeopolitics meets trade: Europe prioritizing India ties over sanctions pressure pic.twitter.com/5yuoSIMRjY WorldSpeaks (@Worldspeak94111) January 24, 2026 In August 2025, when US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on several countries, he doubled duties on Indian imports to 50%, citing Indias energy ties with Russia as the reason. Trump On India-US Trade Deal, Tariff While speaking exclusively to Moneycontrol, which is News18s sister publication in Davos, Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi his close friend and expressed confidence that the United States and India would reach a trade agreement despite ongoing tension over heavy tariffs. I have great respect for your Prime Minister. Hes a fantastic man and a friend of mine," Trump said. Trump had earlier publicly linked Indias trade treatment to its buying of Russian oil, stating that the imports had been reduced by New Delhi in response to US pressure. They wanted to make me happy. Basically, Modi is a very good man. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy," Trump had stated. He had further warned that India may face swift trade consequences if it doesnt align with the position of Washington on Russian energy. We do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly," he said, further stating, And it would be very bad for them." Watch more videos Share this Article WhatsApp facebook Twitter telegram copy link India has not given any assurances regarding curbing of Russian oil imports, while maintaining that the countrys energy decisions are guided by national interest and price stability. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Davos, India First Published: January 24, 2026, 11:36 IST News world There Is A Path To Take Them Off: US Signals Rollback Of 25% Tariff Penalty On India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Threatens 100% Tariff On Canadian Imports Over Potential China Trade Deal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 19:59 IST In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump accused Canada of potentially acting as a conduit for Chinese goods entering the US market. US President Donald Trump | File Image US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would impose a sweeping 100% tariff on all imports from Canada if Ottawa moves forward with a trade agreement with China. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump accused Canada of potentially acting as a conduit for Chinese goods entering the US market. Trump directly targeted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and said that he would not allow Canada to become a conduit for Chinese goods into the US. If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a Drop Off Port for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken," Trump wrote. The US President further said that Beijing would eat Canada alive" and completely devour it," including its businesses and social fabric. Trump further said that any deal with China would trigger an immediate response. If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff," he said. Trumps tariff threat came after Carney during a recent visit to China called the Asian country a reliable and predictable partner". The trip resulted in agreements to reduce tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural exports and establish quotas for Chinese electric vehicles entering Canada. Asked about the outreach, Trump signalled approval, saying: Its OK. Thats what he should be doing." In a post on X last week, Carney announced, Weve secured a new trade agreement with China unlocking more than $7 billion in export markets for Canadian workers and businesses". Earlier today, the US President sharply criticised Canada over its reported opposition to his proposed Golden Dome" missile defence system in Greenland, accusing Ottawa of undermining its own security while deepening ties with China. Trump claimed the expansive missile shield would help protect Canada, despite what he described as Canadian resistance to the project. Speaking earlier at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump argued that the Golden Dome would automatically extend protection to Canada. Were building a Golden Dome thats going to, just by its very nature, be defending Canada," he said. He added that Canada benefits disproportionately from its relationship with the US. Canada gets a lot of freebies from us. They should be grateful also." Trump went further, asserting that Canadas security depends entirely on Washington. Canada lives because of the United States. Carney pushed back strongly after returning to Canada, rejecting the suggestion that the countrys survival hinges on US support. Canada doesnt live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian," he said, while reaffirming the importance of the bilateral relationship. We are masters in our home. This is our own country. Its our future. The choice is up to us." At Davos, Carney had also warned, without naming Trump, against powerful nations coercing smaller ones. 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 24, 2026, 19:56 IST News world Trump Threatens 100% Tariff On Canadian Imports Over Potential China Trade Deal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US-Brokered Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks End: Heres What Happened Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 22:32 IST US-brokered peace talks in UAE between Ukraine and Russia ended without a deal but with openness to further dialogue. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked UAE for mediation. The Ukrainian President said the central focus of the discussions was the possible parameters for ending the war.. The latest US-brokered peace talks between Ukraine and Russia ended on Saturday without a deal but both said they were open to further dialogue. After the meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a post on X: Our delegation delivered a report; the meetings in the UAE have concluded. And this was the first format of this kind in quite some time: two days of trilateral meetings. A lot was discussed, and it is important that the conversations were constructive." The two-day talks were attended by military representatives from all three sides. From our side, todays participants included Rustem Umerov, Kyrylo Budanov, Andrii Hnatov, Davyd Arakhamiia, Sergiy Kyslytsya, and Vadym Skibitskyi. From the American side, the participants were Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Dan Driscoll, Alexus Grynkewich, and Josh Gruenbaum. The Russian side was represented by members of their military intelligence and armed forces." Zelenskyy said that the central focus of the discussions was the possible parameters for ending the war. He said: The American side raised the issue of potential formats for formalizing the parameters for ending the war, as well as the security conditions required to achieve this." As a result of the meetings held over these days, all sides agreed to report back in their capitals on each aspect of the negotiations and to coordinate further steps with their leaders. The military representatives identified a list of issues for a potential next meeting. Provided there is readiness to move forward and Ukraine is ready further meetings will take place, potentially as early as next week. I expect a personal briefing from the delegation upon its return," he said. The Ukraine President thanked the UAE for their mediation and their readiness to host further meetings". The UAE also issued a statement saying the talks were conducted in a constructive and positive atmosphere". (They) included direct engagement between Russian and Ukrainian representatives on outstanding elements of the US-proposed peace framework, as well as confidence-building measures aimed at supporting progress toward a comprehensive agreement," it added. According to Reuters, Kyiv is under mounting Trump administration pressure to make concessions to reach a deal to end Europes deadliest and most destructive conflict since World War Two. Ahead of the talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday Russia had not dropped its insistence on Ukraine yielding all of its eastern area of Donbas. Ukraine has repeatedly rejected the demands. During the two-day talks, Russia launched two massive strikes in which one person was killed and 800,000 people in Kyiv where temperatures were around -10 degrees Celsius were left without power. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United Arab Emirates (UAE) First Published: January 24, 2026, 22:26 IST News world US-Brokered Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks End: Heres What Happened Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... White House Joins 'Lonely Penguin' Meme Trend With Cryptic Post Amid Trump's Greenland Obsession Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 24, 2026, 09:11 IST Trumps push to acquire Greenland sparks viral memes, AI images, and global debate, with the White House sharing Embrace The Penguin amid tense talks with Denmark and NATO. Rapid Read The post has gone viral on social media. (Image: X/@WhiteHouse) Amid Donald Trumps push to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, the United States renewed fixation on the island has taken an unusual turn. Shifting from diplomatic speculation to internet culture, the White House on Saturday shared a cryptic post using a popular meme to highlight Trumps long-standing interest in the Arctic territory. Trump, who has repeatedly floated the idea of purchasing Greenland from Denmark, recently leaned into the online Nihilist Penguin" trend a meme that has circulated for nearly 20 years. Embrace the penguin. pic.twitter.com/kKlzwd3Rx7 The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 23, 2026 Originating from filmmaker Werner Herzogs 2007 documentary Encounters at the End of the World, the meme is based on footage of an Adelie penguin breaking away from its group and heading alone into the Antarctic interior. Over time, the image came to symbolise isolation and absurd determination, earning nicknames such as Lonely Penguin" and Wandering Penguin." Hopping on the meme trend, the White House shared an AI-generated image depicting Trump walking beside a penguin toward a frozen mountain range. In the image, the penguin carries a US flag, while the mountains are marked with Greenlands flag and accompanied by the caption: Embrace The Penguin." The visual, however, departs from the original context of Herzogs documentary, in which the penguin is not moving toward Greenland but instead moving deeper into Antarctica, away from both its colony and the ocean. The meme follows a series of AI-generated images shared by Trump in recent days. One image showed Trump alongside Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio next to an American flag and a sign declaring Greenland a US territory, dated 2026. Another image, posted on Truth Social, depicted an expanded map of the United States that appeared to include Greenland, Canada, and Venezuela. That image seemed to be digitally altered from a photograph taken during Trumps August 2025 meeting with European leaders, with the enlarged map added in the background. Trump first raised the idea of acquiring Greenland shortly after taking office last year but has intensified his rhetoric in recent weeks. Over the weekend, he unsettled global markets by threatening a 10 per cent tariff on eight European countries, including Denmark. He later expanded on his vision during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, before meeting NATOs leadership and hinting at a new, as-yet-undefined agreement. When asked on Thursday what the US would be willing to pay for the semi-autonomous Danish territory, Trump suggested no financial compensation would be required, saying, Were going to not have to pay anything other than the fact that we are building the Golden Dome." He added that any arrangement would grant Washington unrestricted access to Greenland, including military access, stating, Were getting everything we want at no cost." 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 24, 2026, 09:11 IST News world White House Joins 'Lonely Penguin' Meme Trend With Cryptic Post Amid Trump's Greenland Obsession Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... A 17-year-old in Shanghai filed some 12,000 bogus return requests after discovering a flaw in one cosmetics shopping platforms returns process. Then he turned it into over half a million dollars. The teen, surnamed Lu, cushioned his piggy bank after receiving products worth 4.76 million yuan ($680,000), thanks to his 11,900 phony return requests addressed to the unnamed brand. Upon receiving said goods, he resold them on secondhand sitesthus securing four million yuan (an equivalent of around $570,000) in pure profit. Howd he do it? With fake courier numbers, according to court records and reporting from the South China Morning Post. The Hong Kong-based news outlet reported that the scheme worked so effectively because the brands process was automated. Given that it prompted shoppers to share tracking details to process the return (see: refund) even if the packages werent received and the goods were never recoveredlet alone realit was a win-win for Lu. At first. According to the South China Morning Post, Lu was sentenced to six years in prison over the summer. He was charged with exploiting a loophole in an online shopping platforms refund policy to make thousands of fraudulent claims. The uncomfortable truth is that some customer returns are outright fraud not a customer changing their mind, but deliberate abuse involving empty boxes, stolen goods and organized refund schemes, said Disney Petit, LiquiDonates founder and chief executive officer. Its not uncommon, either; the retail technology company said that retailers estimate 15 percent of all returns are fraudulent, and that over 85 percent of those surveyed have experienced some form of return fraud. LiquiDonates 2026 Returns Fraud Report estimates that 15 percent of all returns are, in fact, fraudulent. Its a plausible percentage, given that one out of three consumers allegedly admits to committing at least one form of return-related racket, per the retail-tech firms findings. We used to allow instant returns to store credit and came across one customer with tens of thousands of dollars of purchases, which she was then reselling online, reads one retailers testimonial, per LiquiDonate; another unboxed a giant rock instead of a weighted blanket. Retailers lost $13.70 for every $100 in returned items to fraud, according to a 2023 report by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Appriss Retail, with fraud and abuse increasing by 20 percentaccounting for 14.5 percent of sales and amounting to $101 billionfrom the year prior. Fast forward to 2025, when the NRF projected returns would reach around $850 billion. In the evolving retail landscape of 2026, LiquiDonate said return fraud is no longer a marginal issue but a systemic challenge impacting every part of the retail value chain, per the report. Jump-scare findings include 82 percent of shoppers say free returns are an important consideration when shopping online; 81 percent read a retailers return policy before making a purchase; 71 percent say a poor returns experience makes them less likely to shop with that retailer again; and 57 percent will stop shopping with a retailer entirely after being charged for a return. What makes it worse is that retailers must process those fraudulent returns through the same systems as legitimate ones because of the messy reverse logistics process that weve all come to live with, Petit said. Fraud, policy abuse and honest returns all mix together, driving up costs for retailers. While Bay Area-based platforms special report highlighted the rising challenges of returns fraud, it equally underscored the opportunity at handone that allows retailers to rethink returns not just as a cost, but as a strategic advantage. Because if said retailers can adapt smarter, more sustainable returns practices, then such businesses can protect their bottom line while creating a better experience for customers and a positive impact on the environment. LiquiDonates report covered seven schemes, examining how the most common forms of fraud happen and what retailers can do to reposition returns. Returns fraud is a significant challenge for retailers, particularly in e-commerce, Petit said. Our hope with this report is to help retailers understand that they have options when it comes to return fraud. Technology can help. To start, consider that every returned item incurs a cost of $25-$30. A 2021 Return Logic report estimates that shipping and label costs alone amount to $7 to $9 per return, the report reads. Amazon alone accepts 1.2-1.5 billion returns per year. Assuming it represents approximately 8 percent of the total retail market, industry-wide return volumes likely exceed 15 billion packages annuallysuggesting more than $100 billion in shipping and labeling costs a year. Taking reverse logistics and operational strain into consideration, the report found that 40 percent of retailers must choose between shipping new orders and processing inbound returns due to limited resources. And if it takes an average of 6-10 days for a returned item to be processed and put back on the shelf, seasonal sales suffer, and microtrend margins are totally eroded by the delay. Its one of the reasons retailers charge for returns. While previously deemed gauche, nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of merchants now charge for at least one return optioneach with its own nuance. Take, for example, bracketing. This is when a customer purchases multiple versions of an item (three sizes, a couple colors) with the full intention of returning all but the size or shade that fits. LiquiDonate doesnt consider bracketing as fraud or policy abuse; its an example of a costly behavior. Its also a separate scheme from wardrobingwhat the report called temporary-use fraud. This, per LiquiDonate, is straight-up returns abuse because the behavior seeks to exploit a retailers return policy. It involves buying an item, using it once for an event or occasionperhaps a bridesmaid dress or a Halloween costumeand then returning it in used condition for a full refund. LiquiDonate said some 13 to 70 percent of shoppers admit to wardrobing, per varying industry data. Sixty percent of retail executives identified it as a top form of fraud. Police arrested about 100 clergy members demonstrating against the Trump administration's immigration enforcement actions at Minnesota's largest airport on Friday. The protesters had overstepped their permit, officials said as a mass mobilization against the federal operation began across the state, the AP reports. A network of labor unions, progressive organizations, and clergy had urged Minnesotans to stay away from work, school, and stores for the day. Hundreds of businesses in the Twin Cities shut their doors, per the Washington Post . The idea is to show that "this is what the world's going to look like if you take our hardworking neighbors away," said Ruth Kashmark, who closed her bar. The clergy were protesting the involvement of Delta Airlines in the deportation of immigrants, said one of the organizers, per the AP. An airport spokesman said the protesters were arrested outside the main terminal when they went beyond the stipulations of their permit for demonstrating and disrupted airline operations. While there, the protesters sang, prayed, and talked about people who have been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, per CBS News. Bishop Dwayne Royster, leader of the progressive organization Faith in Action, arrived in Minnesota on Wednesday from Washington, DC. "We want ICE out of Minnesota," he said. "We want them out of all the cities around the country where they're exercising extreme overreach." Thousands of people gathered in downtown Minneapolis for a march in the subzero cold, per the NBC News. They waved American flags, chanted for ICE to leave, and carried signs demanding the arrest of the agent who shot Renee Good to death on Jan. 7. Organizers distributed hand-warmers. "Today is the coldest day of the entire year in Minnesota, and we have the biggest protest to date happening," one marcher said. "That has to say something." At the airport, per the New York Times, Royster said Minnesotans are demonstrating "deep resilience and willingness to stand together in ways I haven't seen folks do in a very long time." More than 8,000 flights across the US set to take off over the weekend have been canceled as a major storm expected to wreak havoc across much of the country bears down, threatening to knock out power for days and snarl major roadways. Roughly 140 million people were under a winter storm warning, from New Mexico to New England, per the AP . The National Weather Service forecast warns of widespread heavy snow and a band of catastrophic ice stretching from the eastern part of Texas to North Carolina. Forecasters say damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could rival that of a hurricane. By Friday night, the edge of the storm was sending freezing rain and sleet into parts of Texas, while snow and sleet were falling in Oklahoma. After sweeping through the South, the storm was expected to move into the Northeast, dumping about a foot of snow from Washington through New York and Boston, the weather service predicted. Governors in more than a dozen states sounded the alarm about the turbulent weather ahead, declaring emergencies or urging people to stay home. More than 3,400 flights were delayed or canceled Saturday, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. More than 5,000 were called off for Sunday. Utility companies braced for power outages, as ice-coated trees and power lines can keep falling long after a storm has passed. The Midwest saw wind chills as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that frostbite could set in within 10 minutes. In Bismarck, North Dakota, where the wind chill was minus 41, Colin Cross was bundled up Friday in long johns, two long-sleeve shirts, a jacket, hat, hood, gloves, and boots as he cleaned out an empty unit for the apartment complex where he works. "I've been here awhile, and my brain stopped working," he said. The federal government put nearly 30 search and rescue teams on standby. Officials had more than 7 million meals, 600,000 blankets, and 300 generators placed throughout the area the storm was expected to cross, according to FEMA. President Trump said via social media on Friday that his administration was coordinating with state and local officials and that "FEMA is fully prepared to respond." More here. A car crashed through the entrance of the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport on Friday evening, striking a ticket counter and injuring six people, airport officials said. The driver was taken into custody, the Wayne County Airport Authority said in a statement. The cause of the crash wasn't yet known, and airport police were investigating, per the AP . The WCAA Fire Department treated six people at the site. Video posted on social media showed a blue four-door sedan stopped, with its hood and trunk popped open, in front of Delta Air Lines counters in what appeared to be a departure lobby. Glass and other debris lay strewn on the ground at the entrance, and yellow police tape cordoned off the scene. Delta says its operations weren't affected, though three of its employees were checked out by first responders, per CBS News. The driver's name wasn't immediately released. The Detroit Free Press has footage of the aftermath. An immigration officer in Maine is under scrutiny after video surfaced of him telling a woman she'd be entered into a "domestic terrorist" database for recording him. The clip, posted Friday on X by self-described "free speech activist" Nathan Bernard, shows an unidentified woman recording an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer on a Portland street, per Mediaite . When she questions why he's taking down her information, the officer replies, "Because we have a nice little database. And now you're considered a domestic terrorist." The woman responds, "For videotaping you? Are you crazy?" She's described in Bernard's post as a "legal observer." The video quickly drew attention from across the political spectrum. Journalist Glenn Greenwald wrote that "armed, masked federal agents" threatening to label citizens as domestic terrorists for filming them "should disgust everyone." Isaac Saul of the newsletter "Tangle" argued that, beyond civil liberties concerns, allowing such conduct in Mainewhere Democrats hope to win a Senate seat this yearamounts to "political malpractice." As of Saturday morning, the officer in the video hadn't been publicly identified. Recording law enforcement in public is generally protected under the First Amendment, though officers sometimes challenge or attempt to restrict it. KQED has details on what to know if you decide to film federal agents, while CNN has more on the "domestic terrorist"/recording topic overall. The parents of a man fatally shot by federal officers while protesting in Minneapolis on Saturday identified him as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports. Pretti was a US citizen and Minneapolis resident who worked as a nurse in a Veterans Affairs intensive care unit. "He cared about people deeply and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, as millions of other people are upset," said his father, Michael, per the AP . "He felt that doing the protesting was a way to express that, you know, his care for others." Law enforcement officials said Pretti, who was born in Illinois, had no serious criminal record; Police Chief Brian O'Hara said a search showed only parking tickets. The Department of Homeland Security said the man shot was armed. O'Hara said the man was a "lawful gun owner" who had a permit. Pretti began joining the protests in Minneapolis after Renee Good was shot to death by a federal agent earlier this month. Family members said that although Pretti had a permit to carry a concealed handgun, they had not known him to carry his gun. The officer who fatally shot him is an eight-year veteran of the Border Patrol, federal officials said, per the AP. Pretti, 37, was an avid outdoorsman who loved getting into adventures with Joule, his Catahoula Leopard dog, until the pet's recent death, the family said. A person who worked with him at the VA hospital in Minneapolis said Pretti cared about his work and his patients, per the New York Times. "He was a really great colleague and a really great friend," Dimitri Drekonja said. "The default look on his face was a smile." Pretti's parents, who live in Wisconsin, had asked him to be careful at the protests, per the AP. "We had this discussion with him two weeks ago or so, you know, that go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically," Michael Pretti said. "And he said he knows that. He knew that." Recent information strongly indicates that Micron Technology (MU) is well-positioned to continue benefiting tremendously from the explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI) for at least the next two years. Meanwhile, the Street is clearly quite bullish on the name, and despite the stock's huge run, its valuation remains low. Finally, board member Teyin Liu recently bought 23,200 shares of MU stock for $7.8 million, demonstrating that Micron's outlook looks very positive to an insider. In light of these points, investors may want to consider buying shares of Micron. Let's take a closer look. More News from Barchart About Micron Technology Micron specializes in providing computer-memory solutions that are utilized by data centers and computers, including PCs. One key component of the company's recent growth has been the powerful, rapidly growing demand for its high-bandwidth memory (HBM) offerings, which are extensively utilized in AI chips. Micron is a major supplier of HBM to Nvidia (NVDA) and AMD (AMD), two of the leading makers of these semiconductors. Micron's upcoming HBM product, HBM4, offers industry-leading bandwidth and power efficiency, as Zacks reported last month. Further, the company should be boosted in 2026 by powerful demand for servers that utilize its high-capacity server DRAM, and data center solid-state drives (SSDs)." In Micron's quarter that ended in November, revenue jumped 21% versus the same period a year earlier to $13.64 billion. Meanwhile, net income soared a huge 64% year-over-year (YOY) to $5.24 billion. Over the past 52 weeks, MU stock has soared an incredible 264%. Meanwhile, over the past month, shares have climbed a very impressive 44%. Despite MU stock's huge rally, though, the name is still changing hands at an extraordinarily low forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.3 times. Given the tremendous growth of Micron's profits and its ability to continue to capitalize on explosive AI growth, MU is still extremely cheap. Micron Is Poised to Keep Growing Rapidly The shortage of memory chips is likely to continue into 2027, as companies in the sector are focusing on meeting the tremendous demand for HBMs, Micron Executive Vice President of Operations Manish Bhatia told Bloomberg recently. The shortage we are seeing is really unprecedented, said Bhatia. Meanwhile, the shortage caused HBM prices to jump as much as 60% in 2025, helping Micron's profits and margins to climb dramatically. India has moved swiftly to contain a fresh outbreak of the Nipah virus in the eastern state of West Bengal, after several confirmed casesincluding infections among doctors and nursesraised concerns about hospital-based transmission. Local authorities have placed dozens of people under home quarantine, while infected patients are being treated in medical facilities in and around Kolkata. At least one patient is reported to be in critical condition. Nipah is no ordinary virus. Classified by the World Health Organization as a high-risk pathogen, it has no approved vaccine or specific cure. Although human infections remain rare, outbreaks tend to provoke outsized anxiety among public health officialsand for good reason. When Nipah appears, it does so abruptly, spreads quietly at first, and can turn deadly with alarming speed. What is the Nipah virus? Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic disease, meaning it jumps from animals to humans. Its natural hosts are fruit bats of the Pteropus genus, widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia. Spillover to humans often occurs through contact with bats or animals infected by bats, or by consuming fruit or other food contaminated with bat saliva, urine, or droppings. Once inside the human population, the virus can also spread from person to person, particularly through close contact with bodily fluidsa fact that makes hospital settings especially vulnerable. Symptoms that hide in plain sight One of Nipahs most dangerous traits is how ordinary it looks at the start. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incubation period usually ranges from four to 21 days, though longer delays have been documented. Early symptoms often resemble a common flu: fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. Some patients also develop respiratory problems, including cough, breathing difficulties, or pneumonia, but these signs can appear at different stages and with varying severity. The illness becomes far more serious when it reaches the brain. Encephalitisinflammation of the brainis the defining and most feared complication of Nipah infection. Days or even weeks after the initial symptoms, patients may develop confusion, altered consciousness, seizures, or fall into a coma. In some cases, meningitis has also been reported. Nipahs lethality sets it apart from many other emerging infections. Fatality rates have ranged from around 40 to as high as 75 per cent, depending on the outbreak and the viral strain involved. Even survival does not always mark the end of the ordeal. Health authorities in the UK and elsewhere warn that survivors may suffer long-term neurological consequences, including persistent seizures or lasting personality changes. In rare instances, encephalitis can recur months or even years later, due to relapse or reactivation of the virus. Why West Bengal matters? India has encountered Nipah before, most notably in southern states, where aggressive contact tracing and isolation helped prevent wider spread. The appearance of the virus in West Bengalparticularly with infections among healthcare workersunderscores both the effectiveness and the limits of modern disease surveillance. Rapid response can contain outbreaks, but the absence of a vaccine means prevention still relies heavily on early detection, strict infection control, and public awareness. For now, the numbers remain small. Yet Nipahs history suggests that complacency is not an option. In a world still shaped by the memory of COVID-19, even a handful of cases is enough to remind governments that the next health crisis rarely announces itself loudlyit starts quietly, on the margins, before demanding full attention. Bellring Brands Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) is one of the best cheap stocks that will skyrocket. On January 13, Mizuho touted Bellring Brands Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) as one of its top food stocks for 2026. The research firm expects the company to navigate current headwinds characterized by pressured consumer sentiment. Mizuho Touts BellRing Brands Inc. (BRBR) as a Top Food Stock as Bank of America Hikes Price Target Even though the company faces regulatory challenges and SNAP funding reductions, Mizuho expects the company to benefit from what it describes as extreme bearishness in the stock. The research firm expects competitive challenges to be less impactful than feared, resulting in a favorable risk/reward profile. Bank of America has already increased its price target of the stock to $32 from $28 while reiterating a Neutral rating. The cautious outlook comes amid concerns about the consumer staples sectors prospects for 2026. Despite the challenging macro environment, the company has already approved a $600 million share buyback program to return value to shareholders. BellRing Brands Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) is a leading company in the convenient nutrition market, specializing in protein-focused products like ready-to-drink shakes, powders, and nutrition bars under popular brands such as Premier Protein, Dymatize, and PowerBar, available globally through various channels to support active lifestyles and health goals. While we acknowledge the potential of BRBR 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: Top 10 Materials Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 10 Best Organic Food and Farming Stocks to Buy Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Photographer: Chandan Khanna/AFP/Getty Images SpaceX has lined up four banks to lead its initial public offering, according to people familiar with the matter, as Elon Musks rocket and satellite firm moves forward with plans for the biggest-ever listing. The company sees Bank of America Corp., Goldman Sachs Group Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley in senior roles, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information isnt public. Most Read from Bloomberg The Financial Times reported the lead banks earlier. Additional banks are in talks for roles on SpaceXs IPO, the people said. No final decisions have been made and details could change, the people said. A SpaceX representative didnt immediately respond to a Bloomberg request for comment. The banks declined to comment. SpaceX is targeting an IPO as soon as this year that would raise significantly more than $30 billion in a transaction that would value the company at about $1.5 trillion, people familiar with the preparations have said. The company is moving forward with an insider share sale that values it at about $800 billion, Bloomberg News reported in December. SpaceX told its employees in December its entering a quiet period and that they should refrain from discussing the IPO, a regulatory requirement for listing candidates in the months leading up to the expected debut. (Updates throughout with people familiar.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Tight ranges continue to define the crypto market, which has only afforded traders a consistent dose of chop latelya few percentage points up, a few percentage points down. Below, well look at some of this weeks top prediction markets on Myriad, including those centered on a new Bitcoin all-time high, Ethereum and gold racing to $5,000, and where Zcash is headed next as its recent developer drama subsides. (Disclaimer: Myriad Markets is a product of Decrypts parent company, Dastan.) New Bitcoin all-time high before July? Market Open: January 1 Market Close: June 30 Volume: $16K Link: See the latest odds on the "New BTC all-time high before July?" market on Myriad Bitcoin jumped above $97,000 earlier this month, but was unable to sustain the momentum in a push towards $100K. Since that time, the top crypto asset has floundered, leading predictors on Myriad to become even more bearish on its chances of making a new all-time high anytime soon. As of Thursday afternoon, predictors give Bitcoin just a 19% chance of reaching a new all-time highthat is, surpassing its October mark of $126,080by July. That represents nearly a 10% move in the last week, as the price of BTC has slid below $90,000, recently changing hands around $89,312. President Trumps recent waffling around his pursuit of Greenland and punitive tariffs against uncooperative EU allies havent helped the markets, with investors exiting Bitcoin ETFs to the tune of $709 million on Wednesday. Bitcoin, Ethereum ETFs Shed $1 Billion Amid Trump Waffling on Greenland and Tariffs Some crypto bulls remain optimistic, howeverlike Ripple president Brad Garlinghouse, who still foresees the crypto market reaching all-time highs in 2026. But Bitcoin will need to jump more than 29% to overtake its previous high mark by July to satisfy this markets believers. Whats Next? Odds of a rate cut at the end of January continue to fall, but the next FOMC meeting could provide a catalyst for a near-term BTC surge. Gold versus ETH: Which hits $5K first? Market Open: October 15 Market Close: Open until resolution Volume: $140K Link: See the latest odds on the "Gold versus ETH: Which hits $5K first?" market on Myriad One of Myriads longest-standing markets is nearing resolution as gold continues to surge. The precious metal has now jumped 7.28% on the week and was recently priced at $4,938just $62 away from resolving the market in the commodity's favor. The surge (and ETHs subsequent fall) has led to a 16% swing in odds, which now price the likelihood of gold reaching $5,000 first at 94%. Gold will need to rise another 1.25% in order to hit the market, meanwhile, ETH would need to jump 60% from its current price of $2,948. Its one thing for a dad to support his sons college education. Its another to leave your adult child on the hook for a $70,000 student loan you take out on their behalf without telling them. Bill called into The Ramsey Show in exactly this situation. He told a flabbergasted Jade Warshaw and Ken Coleman that his father secretly took out a $70,000 student loan on his behalf under the Direct PLUS Loans for parents program. This is so messed up, Warshaw said (1). Must Read Bills father convinced him that the $70,000 was made up of university grants and student aid that covered his tuition. It wasnt until Bill received an email from his uncle, whod co-signed for the loan, that he learned the truth and that he was $70,000 deeper in debt than hed believed. Bill, who now enjoys a $90,000 salary as a fast-food manager, said if his father had told him the truth, he would have continued living at home instead of moving out. That way he could have saved more money to pay down the debt. Bill did not consent to the loan. He also missed periods during the pandemic where he could have paid down the debt with lower interest. Warshaw feels Bills dad should share responsibility. If it were me, I'd be having a serious conversation, and at the very least I'd say I'm paying half of this because I didn't know about it, Warshaw advised. Hidden student debt can accrue interest Even when a student loan isnt in your name, it can still become your responsibility when your parents fail to pay it down. The interest on federal student loans is based on the type of loan. Unsubsidized and PLUS loans accrue interest as soon as loan repayment starts, generally after the six-month grace period upon graduation. Balances can grow quickly if the payments dont cover interest, according to Federal Student Aid (2). While Bill is in an exceptional circumstance due to his fathers deception, hes one of many Americans experiencing anxiety over student loan payments. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) found that billing errors, customer-service failures, and incorrect repayment information are widespread in student loan servicing. The bureau notes that these issues have caused severe financial and personal distress among borrowers (3). The former managing director of a Bergen County elderly and disabled housing facility admitted this week that she embezzled more than $500,000, authorities said. From January 2017 through December 2021, Elaine Benanti, 69, of Garfield, held that title at Lydecker Manor in Maywood, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey. Lydecker Manor is a residential facility with approximately 136 units that provides housing for individuals over 62 or with disabilities. Her responsibilities included supervising Lydecker employees, providing information to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and paying Lydecker Manors bills, the office said. HUD provided significant funding for Lydecker Manor. Benanti was also tasked with issuing salary and bonus checks to herself and at least four other Lydecker employees. The amounts were set by the companys board of trustees. In federal court Tuesday, she admitted that she issued salary checks that significantly exceeded the amounts the board approved on an annual basis, including checks to herself and four other employees, investigators said. For example, Benanti admitted that, in 2021, she issued salary payments to herself exceeding her approved annual salary of $132,613 by more than $40,000, and that she inflated her approved bonus for the prior year by more than $2,500, federal prosecutors said. She also admitted that she issued salary, bonus, and retirement account checks that exceeded board-approved amounts for four other employees from 2017 through 2021, officials said. Finally, she admitted that she issued a supplemental insurance payment to a relative who was not employed by Lydecker Manor, the office said. In total, Benanti admitted to embezzling approximately $544,289 from the facility and as part of her plea agreement, she agreed to forfeit this amount, authorities said. Benantis attorney could not immediately be reached for comment Friday night. A walk through the piney trails of the Ramapo Reservation isnt just a walk, not for Peggy Bost. The sound of hiking boots hitting the hardened dirt takes her back to those winter walks with her husband, when they were both bundled up, walking side by side. The bald eagle soaring overhead and the barred owl hooting are like little signs that hes still with her. Of all the natural beauties of this place, being by the Ramapo River was his favorite part. He grew up on a stream in Tenafly. When Bost, 61, and her late husband Kevin bought their Mahwah home in 2004, its proximity to the 4,000-acre reservation was the biggest selling point. We have just so much wildlife, she described. Theres everything here. The tranquility shes treasured all these years was at risk. Thats why Bost and other locals and activists joined a ragtag effort to fight a hulking 500-foot communication tower that was in talks to become by far the largest structure in the preserved parkland. And it appears Bost and her friends have won. Nine months ago, Bergen County entered into an agreement with a telecommunications company, McKay Brothers, to consider its proposal for a tower smack dab in the middle of the park. The structure which would have been about half the size of the Eiffel Tower would have brought improved cell phone signals, faster trade links for stock brokers, and a wad of cash to county budget coffers. As of a meeting Wednesday night, county commissioners were still considering the proposal. Amid a probe by NJ Advance Media, they abruptly changed their tune Friday evening. After weighing the potential benefits against the regulatory complexity and the importance of preserving the character of this treasured reservation, the county has determined that it is not in the public interest to pursue this proposal further, the commissioners said in an exclusive statement to NJ Advance Media. We appreciate the publics engagement and passion for the Ramapo Mountains. The activists say its a win, a clobbering of what would have been a desecration of one of the most beautiful places in New Jersey, according to Jeff Tittel, a longtime conservationist and among those who spearheaded the fight against the tower. But county officials did not comment on a list of lingering questions, like whether the tower was truly needed to improve public safety at the reservation or if the tower could be proposed at another location. McKay Brothers, a California-based company, on Saturday evening declined to comment on the countys decision. The company and county officials had said public safety was a top reason to consider the proposal, citing spotty cell service in the large swaths of wilderness at the park, and increased visitorship, though it could not provide specific numbers because the reservation is free to enter. Local cops, though, disputed the claim, saying cell service near the Ramapos isnt an issue anymore, thanks to a recently constructed cell tower at a Boy Scout camp nearby. Another reason to consider it? Green, though not the kind that grows on trees. Bergen County stood to make up to $2 million from the tower, money it says it sorely needs as it continues to rebalance the books over looming federal funding cuts. We have a federal government that is gutting funding to so many of our critical resources and our programs that affect those most in need, Democrat Tracy Silna Zur, Bergen Countys commissioner vice chairwoman, said at a meeting last fall. Its not like we can just pull other dollars out of our derriere and fund projects of a magnitude to protect public safety. By Friday, she felt differently. Zur said after doing due diligence, she was personally opposed to this project. Peggy Bost, longtime Mahwah resident, worried about the negative effects on wildlife the construction of a communications tower could have in Ramapo Reservation in Mahwah, New Jersey on Dec. 15, 2025. Ian Peters | For NJ Advance Media Can you hear me now? Sure, there are a few other structures within the Ramapo Reservations 4,000 acres some small historic homes, a search and rescue headquarters in a former police station and a handful of other cell towers that are about 100 to 200 feet high that are near it. Nothing even close to 500 feet tall, the mayor in Mahwah, where the reservation is located, said. The vast majority of the reservation, though, is untouched forest, and when hikers, joggers, fishers and others go there to bask in nature get lost, they need their cell phones to work. A lack of reliable cell service is one of the biggest public safety challenges we face in the reservation, Bergen Countys administrator Tom Duch said in the fall during a meeting. And while county officials couldnt say whether a lack of cell service had ever contributed to a major incident at the reservation, calls for help to the park are certainly on the rise. The park reservation saw an explosion of incidents and calls for service six years ago, records made available via an Open Public Records Act request showed. In 2020, the park had 77 incidents and calls for service. One year later, it had over 400. In the years since, calls and incidents have hovered around 200, with 12 so far this year, police records showed. The exact reason for the uptick is unclear. In its agreement with the county to consider the communication tower, McKay Brothers said there were significant communications gaps in the park that their structure would help address. County officials concurred with the assessment cell coverage in the reservation could be better. But Mahwahs police chief disagreed. Though previous communication issues existed at the reservation, last years installation of an 88-foot communication tower nearby took care of the problems. As far as this office is concerned, (the smaller tower) ends the conversation regarding local coverage gaps, the towns police chief, Timothy OHara, said. The towns mayor concurred. First responders have absolutely 100% no issue with radio communications at the reservation, Mahwah Mayor Jim Wysocki said. Two major carriers in the area confirmed that emergency text services on phones use GPS not cell coverage to reach first responders. Had county commissioners green-lit the project, it would have required several other approvals before actually coming to fruition, including nods from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the State House Commission and the New Jersey Highlands Council, because the park lies in the preservation area. Spotty cell service or not, activists said all those extra layers of approvals are there for a reason to make sure the land stays as undisturbed as possible. This tower would have set a precedent, Elliott Ruga, of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, argued. If you can build a communications tower here despite the Green Acres diversion process and it being in Highlands preservation area, which is the most constrained, development, constrained designation in the state, Ruga said, you can build a communications tower anywhere. Emile DeVito, manager of science and stewardship at the New Jersey Conservation points out the multitude of natural flora in Ramapo Reservation, such as the American Holly shrub pictured here in Mahwah, New Jersey on Dec. 15, 2025. He was among the advocates perplexed Bergen County would even consider building a 500-foot tower in the reservation. Ian Peters | For NJ Advance Media A small army They showed up to county meetings. Even when the tower wasnt on the agenda. Even though, as county officials stressed, it was only ever being entertained. Nothing was ever set in stone. Still, they gathered, assembling a grassroots group of more than 40 members called Saving Our Amazing Ramapos. Not to mention the scores of residents advocating as private citizens. And they were mad. Were alarmed that youre even considering listening to the proposal, Ellie Gruber, of Ridgewood, said at an Oct. 15 meeting. She was one of a group who stepped up to the mic at the Bergen County Commissioners meeting that night. One resident raised concerns about the risk to the flyway the reservation served for migratory birds like the red knot that travel through this eastern corridor. Another speaker pointed out that most families just had two days notice about the tower project being discussed. She expected even more people would have spoken out at the meeting with more time to plan. We will fight them tooth and nail in court if we have to, Emile DeVito, a wildlife biologist with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, told NJ Advance Media before the county announced it would not pursue a deal with McKay Brothers. The activist group was up against some big promises from McKay money for the county, and for Wall Street. The project what McKay Brothers called a multitenant communications tower on Bear Swamp Road would have brought with it a ten-year lease that cell carriers (Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile) could link to if they chose, according to tower proposal documents. The McKay Brothers lease was valued at $13 million over ten years if companies had decided to connect to the tower with $2.5 million guaranteed to Bergen County ($250,000 a year) in that time as part of the not-yet-finalized agreement, the companys planning outline showed. The plan for the tower also noted its proposed location in the reservation and its height would allow it to easily connect the stock markets in New York and Chicago. Besides citing the public safety improvements, McKay Brothers called that specific connection in the public interest. None of that fazed the activists, Tittel said. Why should our parkland be sacrificed so hedge funds can make faster bets? On Friday, he was relieved that the financial pressures didnt push the project through. Im glad that the county is coming to their senses, he said. For Bost, the news was a cautious sigh of relief. She felt an obligation to fight for the land that she and her late husband loved so much. Shell continue to do so. These mountains are pristine, she told NJ Advance Media on a walk through the park earlier this winter. When you look from afar and you see the view, it was kept that way for a reason. Two people from Georgia were charged for their roles in an armed home invasion in Bergen County last year, Bergen County prosecutors said. Deterrieynn T. Lewis, 24, of Lithonia, Georgia, was charged with first-degree counts of home invasion and use of a juvenile to commit a crime, and second-degree weapons offenses and theft. Cliffside Park police responded at 8:50 p.m. to a home on Columbia Avenue on May 9, 2025, for a report of an armed burglary, officials said. The suspects had fled the home by the time officers arrived, but surveillance recordings at the house showed three masked people inside the home, two of whom were holding guns, officials said. The three suspects burglarized the home, stealing high-end purses before escaping in a black SUV, officials said. Officials identified Lewis and a 17-year-old as two of the people in the home. Authorities are still searching for the third person. Lewis was arrested in Lithonia near his home on Tuesday and is awaiting extradition to New Jersey, officials said. The 17-year-old was charged with juvenile delinquency, including first-degree home invasion, second-degree weapons offenses and theft. The teenager was already in police custody in Georgia on an unrelated matter and is awaiting extradition to New Jersey, officials said. Attorneys for the men were not listed in court records Friday. A former member of the German rock band Scorpions has died at 71. Francis Buchholz, the former bassist of the band, died Thursday after battling cancer. His family made the announcement on a post on his Facebook page. It is with overwhelming sadness and heavy hearts we share the news that our beloved Francis passed away yesterday after a private battle with cancer. He departed this world peacefully, surrounded by love, the post said. Our hearts are shattered. Throughout his fight with cancer, we stayed by his side, facing every challenge as a family - exactly the way he taught us. Buchholz was born and raised in West Germany. He joined Scorpions in 1973. He appeared on the bands 12 albums including Fly to the Rainbow in 1974, Lovedrive in 1979 and Crazy World in 1990. Buchholz left the band in 1992 due to internal fighting with the band and to focus on his family, according to an interview he did with Brave Words in 2023. In 2005, he reunited with former Scorpions lead guitarist Uli Jon Roth for a tour in the U.S. and Europe. He then joined other lead guitarist Michael Schenkers band Temple of Rock where he went on tour and recorded studio albums Bridge the Gap in 2013 and Spirit on a Mission in 2015. Buchholz is survived by his wife Hella and their three children Sebastian, Louisa and Marietta. The new mayor of Jersey City said he is limiting access to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents looking to conduct operations within the city. Mayor James Solomon, a Democrat, signed an executive order on Friday that bars ICE agents from using city-owned properties as they operate in New Jerseys second-largest city. What we are witnessing in America right now is an assault on families, Solomon said at a press conference. In Jersey City, we are going to choose a different path. We choose to protect everyone in the city, including immigrants. The executive order prohibits immigration enforcement officers from using Jersey Citys parking lots, vacant lots, parks and garages to process detainees, set up bases for operations or do other work. City officials will ensure there are physical barriers on city property, including locked gates, to limit access to federal agents, the executive order says. What this order does is draw a clear line, Solomon said. Jersey Citys resources, our property, our personnel, our tax dollars will not be weaponized against our own residents. ICE officials did not immediately respond to a request to comment. Jersey City Councilman James Solomon at his election night victory for mayor in Jersey City last year. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media The city will also partner with immigrant-serving nonprofit organizations to inform city officials and local residents of their rights should they come in contact with federal immigration authorities, the mayor said. The executive order was one of Solomons first acts as mayor. He took office earlier this month, replacing outgoing Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. Several state officials and advocates spoke at Fridays press conference, applauding Solomons expansion of immigrant protections. U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-10th Dist., said Jersey Citys executive order will help push back against ICE agents who are cruel to those living in the community. We have to have leaders like Mayor Solomon and those at our State House who are protecting our residents from this federal government, said McIver. McIver is facing three felony counts stemming from a May 2025 confrontation at Delaney Hall, a federal immigration detention facility in Newark. She denies the charges. U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez, D-8th Dist., also spoke out in favor of Jersey Citys executive order. We know that Trump lied about what his immigration enforcement would look like, Menendez said, referring to non-criminals being targeted by ICE. ICEs own data shows that the people they are detaining separating from their families and communities are not criminals, said Menendez. A Philadelphia man wanted for robbery is being held in the Warren County Jail after being captured in High Bridge on Thursday, the Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office said. James Robinson-Burton, 25, was taken into custody after the U.S. Marshals Service raided a residence in High Bridge. With support from county and local police, federal agents recovered a semiautomatic handgun and a large capacity magazine, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renee M. Robeson said in a news release. The release did not provide details of the robbery charge. A prosecutors office spokeswoman could no provide further details and referred all inquiries to the Philadelphia police. Robinson-Burton was arrested as a fugitive from justice and charged with illegal possession of a firearm, a second-degree offense, and possession of a large capacity magazine, a fourth-degree crime, the prosecutors office said. Second-degree crimes are punishable by five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Fourth-degree crimes are punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a fine up to $10,000, the prosecutors office said. Robinson-Burton is scheduled to make his first appearance before Judge Christopher Garrenger on Jan. 28. A woman in the Midwest has filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against a New Jersey-based business, claiming she received multiple unwanted AI robocalls offering to sell her an extended vehicle warranty. Stacy Lea Borden, of Wichita, Kansas, states in court papers she received four unsolicited artificial voice calls from American Dream Auto Protect Inc. between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 29, 2025. Borden was called even though her cell number has been on the federal Do Not Call registry since March 6, 2025, according to the suit, filed Jan. 11 in U.S. District Court. Borden could tell the calls were delivered using an artificial voice because the speaking began only after a noticeable delay and the voice sounded like an artificial voice attempting to trick the consumer, the complaint states. The lawsuit claims American Dream Auto Protect deployed a fully operational outbound dialer system that includes the use of AI agents who have conversational capabilities. A representative of the business did not immediately respond to a call and email seeking comment. Borden says she received a voicemail from American Dream Auto Protects Edison phone number on Dec. 29, 2025, asking, Hi, is this Robert? This is American Dream Auto Protect. Borden does not know a person named Robert, the suit states. The suit claims the companys robocall calls didnt stop even after Borden called the company and complained to a human, who allegedly became confrontational. The employee argued, explaining that (American Dream Auto Protect) was calling Robert to sell him an extended vehicle warranty plan and that they were calling the correct number, the suit says. The lawsuit says the unauthorized calls have harmed Borden in the form of annoyance, nuisance and invasion of privacy. They occupied her phone line and disturbed the use and enjoyment of her phone. The calls also wasted Bordens time, as she called the company back twice to ask for the calls to stop, the suit says. The suit alleges the business violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which allows consumers to receive up to $500 in damages each time they are called while on the registry. If a court finds that a companys misconduct was willful and knowing, consumers on the registry can receive up to triple damages, the suit says, citing federal law. The lawsuit seeks class-action status, noting that there are hundreds, if not thousands of U.S. citizens receiving unwanted robocalls. Borden is also seeking an injunction requiring American Dream Auto Protect to stop making unsolicited calls. According to the complaint, the Federal Communications Commission has received an increasing number of complaints about unwanted calls. There were 150,000 complaints in 2016, 185,000 in 2017 and 232,000 complaints in 2018, according to the suit. More than 4.1 billion robocalls were placed in December 2025, at a rate of 132.6 million per day, according to lawsuit, which cites figures from the online robocall tracking service YouMail. They came to give him blankets in case he was cold. A warm cup of joe in case he missed breakfast. And clothes in case he needed to change. A couple even opened the doors to their home when a storm struck. After Lawrence Kaehler accidentally smashed his boat onto the beach of a small Jersey Shore town on Sept. 20, the 51-year-old said he felt a gamut of emotions. Panic. Fear. Confusion. But then relief and appreciation for the boroughs warm welcome. If I had to strand anywhere, Im glad it was Sea Girt, New Jersey, Kaehler said in the fall. Four months later, the boat is still here. And following revelations about the Florida business owners past run-ins with the law and the fact he owns two other boats the feelings of some people in town have, well, changed. On a Tuesday in mid-January, the state of the 30-foot Catalina a battered white sail, weather-beaten hull, dirty littered deck perhaps perfectly encapsulated the erosion of Sea Girts affections toward the lowly captain. Smile, youre stuck in Sea Girt, a pithy placard by the sailboat now reads, a sad emoji face taking the place of the O. Onlookers were on hand to vent their anger and perplexity. The town was very accommodating, very nice to him in the beginning, said 70-year-old Fred Baier, who himself was part of six different unsuccessful attempts to help Kaehler re-sail the 30-foot Alestorm. Once people started to learn more about him ... Baier trailed off, shaking his head. Residents are kind of frank. Theyre frustrated its still here. Kaehler, who owns a flooring business in the Sunshine State, has not responded to calls and texts seeking comment. Recently, as people gathered by the boat, Jude Meehan, president of the Sea Girt Lighthouse, heard a pair that sounded fed up. It seemed the boat owner was taking advantage of the good will of the people, he heard them remark. Its getting nasty, Meehan said recently from the lighthouse, which overlooks the wrecked vessel. Nowadays, people I think are getting tired of looking at it. On Oct. 20, the New Jersey State Police cited Kaehler for abandoning the boat, a step the state can take after 30 days. The ticket can come with a hefty fine of up to $1,000 a day. A salvage company estimated the removal of Alestorm would cost between $5,000 and $20,000, Kaehler previously said. But alas, the boat remains evident on the towns beach cam. Who will ultimately pay for the boat removal? When will it be finally hauled away? Will the captain be fined? The matter will be up to a court to decide Jan. 28, Sea Girt Police Chief Justin Macko told NJ Advance Media. Kaehler pleaded not guilty to two summonses one for abandoning the boat and another for storing it on the beach in Sea Girt. Patience is virtue, right? Macko said of how the community has been less willing to let the boat linger on their beach. People have different ideas or opinions or frustrations, he continued, but they just need to understand the simple fact that it is still his vessel. Its private property. Jim Prettyman, 71, of Manasquan, literally ran into the stranded sailboat right after it first crashed onto the shore in September. The vessel beached smack dab along his jogging route. I dont see a problem here (now), Prettyman, who once served in the U.S. Navy, said last week while basking in the sun on the boardwalk. But in February they got that polar plunge, he added. They hold it right here. A boat that crashed in Sea Girt, New Jersey, by Florida captain Lawrence Kaehler (pictured on the wrecked boat here) has remained on the beach for at least four months so far. The fate of the boat was unclear as of January because the matter is tied up in litigation, local authorities said. Photo courtesy of Fred Bates A taxpayer burden In September, Kaehler was in the early stages of what-was-meant-to-be a 1,092-mile voyage from New York to Cocoa Beach. He made it 48 miles. Sailing the Eastern Seaboard had been a bucket list item for the Jersey City native all his life and after lucking out on buying three boats he finally set sail alone. Cue Mother Nature. Choppy winds, brisk weather and low visibility around 4 a.m. on the morning of Sept. 20 caused him to mistake an outfall pipe as a marker for the Manasquan Inlet, Kaehler previously told NJ Advance Media. Before Kaehler could get his bearings, he crashed onto the sands of the quaint Monmouth County borough of just under 2,000 people. Terri Docker, 66, is one of those people. A Sea Girt resident for the past 35 years, she had one message for Kaehler on Tuesday: Come get your mess. Abandoned property becomes a taxpayer burden, it always does, she said while on a walk with her golden retriever, Christopher. Docker was not optimistic the town would avoid paying for the removal. Pat Rothman, who lives in Wall and often visits her son in Sea Girt, happened upon the boat that first week it wrecked in September. At the time, she was taking a walk and feeding seagulls. She remembers gifting Kaehler crackers and a bottle of water. He was very receptive to my help and seemed like a very nice person, said Rothman, holding a bag of Cheerios to feed seagulls again Tuesday. Maybe he should have had a co-captain. Rothman did not begrudge Kaehler for stranding in Sea Girt but says the boat should be removed by the spring. Asked how she would she feel if her son, a Sea Girt taxpayer, ends up shouldering the financial cost of that removal, she briefly paused. I guess its part of maintaining the beach, Rothman said. Maybe (Kaehler) should have paid for it initially. But if he says he cant, then it should be removed. A boat that beached in Sea Girt remained on the beach four months later. Pat Rothman, who lives in Wall and often visits her son in Sea Girt, happened upon the wrecked vessel in September 2025. At the time, she was taking a walk and feeding seagulls. Steven Rodas | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Last fall, Kaehler said he would wait for the matter to be resolved in court before commenting on next steps and paying for the removal. He initially made several attempts to haul away the boat, but to no avail. Kaehler refused Sea Girts help to move the boat on three different occasions, according to Macko, the police chief. Sea Girt would only do so on the condition the captain agreed to not hold the municipality liable for any damage sustained. Police have worried about the public safety problem the boat may pose if children climb aboard. They also fear parts of the boat could snap off and become projectiles in a storm. Besides the wry placard, the boat is currently cordoned off with yellow tape and Danger Keep Out signs. It appears the vessels roughly 5,000- to 6,000-pound keel (the underside that runs from bow to stern) is making it the most difficult to move, authorities noted. It was unclear if Kaehler was still in New Jersey. Once he resolved the issue in Sea Girt, Kaehler intended to head to Maine to pick up another one of his boats and try again to fulfill his dream of sailing the East Coast, he said in October. As for the incessant wreck, local authorities thought a grant to remove boats in New Jersey could help Sea Girt avoid dipping into its budget. But that specific program applies to boats abandoned on the bay not the ocean, Macko said. Depending on the outcome of the court proceedings, the taxpayers could be on the hook for this, he said, noting the town did not have its own removal estimate. Regardless, the hope is to remove the boat by mid-February, said Tim Harmon, Sea Girts lifeguard chief and emergency management coordinator, who can see the vessel from his office. Only time will tell, local police said, opting not to comment on how Kaehlers past might factor into the result. Kaehler has eight felony convictions, including second-degree offenses of fraud and dealing in stolen property and false ownership of a pawn item in 2017, Florida Department of Law Enforcement records show. He also has third-degree felony convictions for selling and possessing cocaine, among other offenses, according to court records. Thats pretty low, thats pretty low, said Baier, who said rumors about the boat owners past have been circulating around town for the past few months. Hes a very nice guy. But you know then you find out about his past and you say to yourself, jeez, I wish I had known this before. Loved this piece by @stevenrodasnj and with terrific photos by @AndyMills_NJ. Great storytelling with an only-in-Jersey hook. https://t.co/BixdwGKSzx Matthew Stanmyre (@MattStanmyre) November 6, 2025 Despite irritation from several people in Sea Girt, not everyone was upset with the captain that kicked off the saga. Morfia Schwarz and her husband, Michael, allowed Kaehler to stay in their home for about two weeks when a noreaster struck soon after the Florida captain stranded. In Lawrence Kaehler, or Larry as they called him, the Schwarz family found someone they wanted to offer support to. They shared meals with him and developed a friendship they continue today. His past is not relevant, Morfia said last week in a text message. Our involvement was a humanitarian gesture. Definitely not something we felt taken advantage of by him. Someone else not exactly upset about the abandoned boat? The lighthouse keeper. The Alestorm has been a conversation starter about the history of the outpost, the borough and wrecks strewn across New Jersey waters, said Meehan, who oversees the Sea Girt Lighthouse. The Alestorm is visible from the lantern room up on high. The lighthouse was placed here because of the number of wrecks that took place between Atlantic Highlands and Barnegat in the 19th century, said Meehan, eager to share historical tidbits. It was a blind spot for merchant shipping, he said. Due to updates in navigational equipment and modern technology, lighthouses are no longer used. So the Sea Girt Lighthouse was not operating last September when Kaehler crashed his boat. He wouldnt see the building near Wreck Pond until he was already on the beach. The parents of an 18-year-old Hunterdon County man charged with impersonating an officer by performing fake police stops have also been charged, officials said. Dean Pluchino, 18, of Raritan Township, was arrested Jan. 16, according to Raritan Township police. He was charged with impersonating a law enforcement officer and tampering with physical evidence. Pluchinos 51-year-old father and 49-year-old mother, also residents of Raritan Township, were each charged with fourth-degree conspiracy to tamper with physical evidence after more investigation into Pluchinos case, police said. Pluchino was previously released on pretrial monitoring with conditions, officials said. In a Jan. 9 social media post, Raritan Township police warned residents about a cop impersonator who was pulling over cars in an unmarked car. Impersonating a law enforcement officer is a serious crime that erodes public trust and endangers the safety of the community, the post said. A Jersey City woman has been sentenced to two years in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $184,000 in restitution after fraudulently obtaining business loans during the coronavirus pandemic. Kisha Sutton, 45, will also be subject to five years of supervised release, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of West Virginia said earlier this week. Sutton pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting bank fraud and aiding and abetting money laundering in July 2025. Sutton and Shamiese Wright, 32, of Charleston, West Virginia, orchestrated the scheme by fraudulently obtaining Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans starting in April 2021. They lied about Wrights income and falsely claimed she was self-employed, prosecutors said. Wright and three other defendants previously pleaded guilty in the case and were ordered to pay a total of $65,611.73 in restitution. BEIJING, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Nvidia (NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang is in Shanghai, a person briefed on the matter said on Saturday, as the U.S. chip giant faces fierce competition from local rivals and scrutiny from Chinese authorities. The timing of Huang's trip, to kick off annual celebrations with Nvidia's China employees, is routine. He is expected to attend an Nvidia party in Shanghai on Saturday before travelling to Beijing, Shenzhen and then Taiwan, another person with knowledge of the plans said. Santa Clara, California-based Nvidia did not respond to a request for comment. Chinese news outlet Tencent News first reported Huang's presence in Shanghai on Friday. Huang visited China at least three times last year and in July met with China's commerce minister. Nvidia is waiting for Beijing to decide whether to let the company sell its powerful H200 artificial intelligence chip to Chinese customers, a step already approved by Washington. Chinese authorities have told customs agents that the H200 chip was not permitted to enter China, people briefed on the matter told Reuters this month. It was not clear whether this constituted a formal ban or a temporary measure. The H200, Nvidia's second most powerful AI chip, has emerged as one of the biggest flashpoints in U.S.-China relations. While demand from Chinese firms remains strong, it is unclear whether Beijing intends to ban the chip outright to support domestic chipmakers, is still deliberating restrictions or views potential measures as leverage in negotiations with Washington. (Reporting by Che Pan and Brenda Goh; Editing by William Mallard) A home that was built by the first mayor of Wildwood, whose friend President Woodrow Wilson slept there, is on the market. The coastal estate on Atlantic Avenue has eight bedrooms, three full- and three half-bathrooms in 4,700-square-feet. Its listed for $1.75 million. Its very Victorian, said Mallory Stetter of Exp Realty, the listing agent. In Wildwood now we see a lot more new construction ... so this is definitely a unique property. Wildwood, known for its free and very wide beaches, boardwalk and Doo-Wop architecture, was largely developed beginning in the late 1800s by J. Thompson Baker, an attorney who moved there to act as a legal advisor to his brothers who were already developing other areas of Five Mile Beach Island. He helped incorporate the town and became its first mayor. He started the Wildwood Beach Improvement Company, which transformed the sand dunes and forests of holly, oak and cedar trees into a resort town. He was president of the Wildwood Title and Trust Company, which helped investors build there, and was president of the Wildwood and Delaware Short Line Rail Road Company that made Wildwood accessible. Baker was a prominent Democrat and assisted in the nominations of his friend Woodrow Wilson to run for governor and president. Because of his involvement in local, state and national politics including serving as a U.S. Congressman the J. Thompson Baker house became a gathering place for politicians and other notable figures. Bakers daughter sold the home in 1935, 16 years after her fathers death, to the Wildwood Civic Club, a womens group that organized cultural events, flower shows, parades and fundraisers. The current and third owners of the home bought it in 2018, according to property records. The home is on the National Registry of Historic Places. When it was built in 1909, the classic revival style home fronted east onto the Wildwood boardwalk and overlooked the beach. Growth of the beach and new development puts it now about two blocks from the beach and boardwalk. The home still has original stained glass windows, pocket doors, floors and woodwork. But the three-sided front porch, with commanding white columns and a rounded portico, is the first thing people who tour the home notice, Stetter said. Its a very unique property, she said. Its not something you come across every day. The current owners installed central air conditioning and updated the electrical and plumbing systems. They kept the historical value, Stetter said. They didnt make it into a flip. Thats something a lot of people have commented on. The first floor has the living and dining rooms, a great room, a half bathroom, nooks and sitting areas, a kitchen with commercial-grade appliances and a sunroom. A wide staircase leads to the second floor which has all eight bedrooms, three full and two half bathrooms. The property also has 10 off-street parking spaces, an unfinished basement, a patio and its a quarter-acre, corner lot. Pary Tell, a curator at the Wildwood Historical Society and life-long Wildwood resident, remembers passing the home every week as a child on her way to St. Anns Catholic Church and wishing she could live there. It was such an imposing house, she said. The home is important to Wildwood, she said, because so many older homes are being torn down to make way for condos or other rental properties. About 46% of the housing in Wildwood is multi-family, which includes condos. Thats nearly double what exists in other towns in the Atlantic City-Hammonton metro area and 25% higher than the rate statewide, according to U.S. Census data. This home is in excellent condition, has important history linked to it, and has been well cared for since it was built, she said. Given its significance to the city, it would really be a shame to see it lost. I really hope that whoever buys it realizes its history and importance and keeps it as it is. It has a three-sided porch. Courtesy of Mallory Stetter of Exp Realty The home was built in 1909. Courtesy of Mallory Stetter of Exp Realty The living room is off the foyer. Courtesy of Mallory Stetter of Exp Realty The kitchen has commercial-grade appliances. Courtesy of Mallory Stetter of Exp Realty The dining room is large. Courtesy of Mallory Stetter of Exp Realty There is a great room. Courtesy of Mallory Stetter of Exp Realty A wide staircase leads to the second floor, where all eight bedrooms are located. Courtesy of Mallory Stetter of Exp Realty There are eight bedrooms. Courtesy of Mallory Stetter of Exp Realty The Bridgewater Township Council cleared the way Thursday for Bridgewater Commons owner Pacific Retail Capital Partners to sell off part of the shopping center to reduce its debt. The council voted unanimously to modify a 38-year-old financial agreement between the township and the mall owner that was put in place at the malls inception in 1988. The agreement will allow Pacific Retail to sell off The Village, a lifestyle center thats separate from the enclosed mall. Bridgewater and the mall entered into the revenue sharing agreement because part of the mall was on property owned by the township, the township attorney said at the meeting Thursday night. The Village at Bridgewater Commons is a 94,000-square-foot, open-air shopping area thats adjacent to the mall. Its tenants include Maggianos Little Italy, Cava, Shake Shack and a medical center. The Village will no longer have any financial obligations under the original redevelopment agreement, Township Attorney Christopher Corsini said during Thursday nights council meeting. It is being transferred to the mall. The only financial obligation The Village will have to the township is property taxes, he said. And that was requested by the mall to effectuate this sale. Pacific Retail purchased the struggling mall in May 2023. At that time, it was near foreclosure. Its $300 million loan had been transferred to a special servicer, reducing the malls appraised value to $204 million, well below its $300 million debt, CoStar reported. In an effort to pay down the loan principal and meet a debt service ratio requirement, Pacific Retail is selling The Village to Urban Edge Properties, which owns 73 retail and 17.2 million square feet of retail space from Washington D.C. to Boston. The total proceeds of the sale will be utilized by Pacific to reduce the debt of the mall. This will allow Pacific to be in a better position to refinance the debt on the Mall in 2027, the resolution says. The financial obligation for The Village that will be transferred to the mall will require Pacific Retail to pay $26,000 in 2026-2028, $50,000 in 2029 and $75,000 in 2030 and beyond. The financial agreement was not described by the council as a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT). Instead, these payments are in addition to property taxes, Corsini said. Bridgewater Commons, a 1.2 million square foot shopping center, announced in October that it is undergoing a major interior renovation thats expected to be completed this year. The work will include a redesigned food court, updated lighting fixtures, interior landscaping and fresh paint. More than 2,300 flights into and out of the four major area airports have been canceled as the area braces for a major winter storm that will stretch into Monday. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines as the number of canceled and delayed flights is expected to climb sharply through the day. Air travel disruptions are escalating quickly, AccuWeather.com said. Flight cancellations are surging nationwide as ice and snow spread through major airport hubs. According to FlightAware.com, the scheduled arrivals and departures canceled as of 7:45 a.m. on Saturday are: Newark Liberty International Airport : 64 canceled on Saturday; 440 on Sunday; and 31 on Monday John F. Kennedy International Airport : 59 on Saturday; 602 on Sunday; and 75 on Monday LaGuardia Airport : 87 on Saturday; 711 Sunday; and 82 on Monday Philadelphia International Airport: 38 on Saturday; 172 on Sunday; and 4 on Monday Nationwide, 3,571 flights on Saturday have been canceled with another 6,155 are already shelved for Sunday. Air travel disruptions are escalating quickly. Flight cancellations are surging nationwide as ice and snow spread through major airport hubs, said Dan Pydynowski, AccuWeathers senior meteorologist. What makes this storm especially dangerous is the duration of impacts. Some locations could endure 24 hours or more of freezing rain, ice, or snow, he added. American Airlines, with 822 canceled flights, and Southwest Airlines, with 571, had scrapped the most flights worldwide as of early Saturday morning. The storm is expected to pack a mix of ice, sleet and potentially more than a foot of snow across most of New Jersey and surrounding states. Winter storm warnings are in effect for the entire state beginning late Saturday night and early Sunday. Snow is expected to begin falling after midnight. Gov. Mikie Sherrill has declared a state of emergency starting at 5 p.m. Saturday. UPDATED FORECAST: Massive snow, ice storm blasts across state. See latest snowfall forecast maps. Snow and ice forecasts continue to shift for a major winter storm that will hit New Jersey starting tonight, with a surging threat of significant icing and power outages for parts of the state. There is high confidence in major impacts from snowfall, sleet, and ice accumulations across much of the area, making travel very difficult, and potentially resulting in widespread closures and infrastructure impacts, the National Weather Service said early Saturday. Travel could be nearly impossible. Snowfall total forecasts for the southern half of the state have been lowered slightly due to more mixing with sleet and freezing rain Sunday afternoon. A dual threat winter storm is expected to bury New Jersey under heavy snow and a dangerous layer of ice starting tonight. The latest forecast calls for up to 18 inches of snow in northern New Jersey and up to three-tenths of an inch of ice in the southern half of the state on top of heavy snowfall. AccuWeather.com The narrow corridor of highest ice accumulations has shifted southeast, now focused over South Jersey, the weather service said. But forecasters cautioned that means more dangerous ice in addition to snowfall and potential power outages. There is an increasing threat for impactful ice accumulations, on top of the heavy snow that falls tonight and tomorrow morning, the weather service said. Ice/sleet on top of snow will result in VERY hazardous travel conditions. A dual threat winter storm is expected to bury New Jersey under heavy snow and a dangerous layer of ice starting tonight. The latest forecast calls for up to 18 inches of snow in northern New Jersey and up to three-tenths of an inch of ice in the southern half of the state on top of heavy snowfall. AccuWeather.com Gov. Mikie Sherrill declared a state of emergency starting at 5 p.m. Saturday. A commercial vehicle travel ban will also be in effect on major highways. Im urging New Jerseyans to make plans to avoid travel Saturday evening and all day Sunday, Sherrill said during a Friday press conference. The entire state is also under a winter storm warning. A dual threat winter storm is expected to bury New Jersey under heavy snow and a dangerous layer of ice starting tonight. The latest forecast calls for up to 18 inches of snow in northern New Jersey and up to three-tenths of an inch of ice in the southern half of the state on top of heavy snowfall. AccuWeather.com Snow is expected to start falling overnight and continue through Monday, which will likely result in school closures. Snow begins after midnight tonight, with the heaviest snow occurring daytime Sunday into Sunday evening (1-2 inches per hour rates likely), the weather service said. The storm winds down into Monday morning, with very cold conditions through the week. Northern New Jersey counties, which should see all or mostly snow during the storm, remain on track for the highest snowfall totals of 12 to 16 inches, with locally higher amounts closer to 18 inches possible. Snowfall rates near 1-2 inches per hour expected during the daytime period Sunday, the weather service said. A dual threat winter storm is expected to bury New Jersey under heavy snow and a dangerous layer of ice starting tonight. The latest forecast calls for up to 18 inches of snow in northern New Jersey and up to three-tenths of an inch of ice in the southern half of the state on top of heavy snowfall. AccuWeather.com The major ice threat is concentrated along the New Jersey Turnpike, particularly in southwestern counties near Philadelphia. There remains a threat for notable ice accumulations ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 inches across the I-95 corridor, southern New Jersey, the national weather service said. The combination of heavy snow followed by sleet/freezing rain and breezy northeast winds gusting 20-30 mph could result in some isolated instances of downed trees and power lines, and power outages. These ice accumulations will occur after 4 to 8 inches or 8 to 12 inches of snow has already fallen, the weather service said. County-by-county storm warnings Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Salem and Somerset - From 7 p.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Monday. Heavy snow with mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 7 and 13 inches and ice accumulations up to three-tenths of an inch . Ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause tree damage and power outages. Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Union and eastern Passaic - From 3 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday. Heavy snow expected. The snow may mix with or change to sleet Sunday evening. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 10 and 14 inches . A brief changeover to light freezing rain along with a light glaze of ice may occur Sunday night. Western Passaic - From 3 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday. Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 12 and 16 inches . Sleet may briefly mix in with the snow Sunday night. Atlantic and Cape May - From 7 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Monday. Heavy snow with mixed precipitation expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 4 and 8 inches and ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch . Winds gusting as high as 35 mph. Sussex and Warren - From 1 a.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Monday. Heavy snow expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 11 and 15 inches. A dual threat winter storm is expected to bury New Jersey under heavy snow and a dangerous layer of ice starting tonight. The latest forecast calls for up to 18 inches of snow in northern New Jersey and up to three-tenths of an inch of ice in the southern half of the state on top of heavy snowfall. National Weather Service Forecast for Saturday Dangerous cold conditions continue through Saturday morning with wind chills below zero for most of New Jersey. A cold weather advisory is in effect for New Jersey through 10 a.m. Highs on Saturday will only reaching the upper teens to low 20s ahead of the storm. Brutally cold week Arctic air will remain in place through the upcoming week with temperatures below freezing into Friday. Monday may be the mildest day of the week, with highs in the upper 20s to low 30s, though a strong cold front Monday night will send lows crashing into the single digits. Wind chills as low as 10 degrees below zero are possible Tuesday morning. Highs on Tuesday will struggle to reach the teens and low 20s. The rest of the week is expected to continue with similar temperatures. Lows will remain in the single digits through Friday. As a result of this prolonged cold, the new snow is not expected to melt much. Current weather radar 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! US childrens food producer Once Upon a Farm is preparing to enter the UK, marking its first move into the retail channel in Europe. The California-headquartered company said yesterday (22 January) it will conduct a limited launch in the country in March, with products to be sold at Whole Foods Market outlets in London. Jennifer Garner, co-founder of Once Upon a Farm, added: After years of promising my UK friends, we are proud to make the jump across the pond. Expanding into the UK is a meaningful moment for all of us at Once Upon a Farm as we bring you our fresh, honest approach to kids' nutrition. Just Food has approached the company for further details on its plans for the UK and for continental Europe. Established in 2015, Once Upon a Farm manufactures baby and childrens products including chilled pouches, oat bars, frozen meals and ambient snacks. In the US, the companys products are sold through retailers including Whole Foods, Kroger, Walmart and Target, and are available via a direct-to-consumer service. The UK rollout follows the companys decision to postponed its planned US initial public offering. In November, Once Upon a Farm postponed a planned US initial public offering. The company had filed for a New York listing in September. Announcing the delay in November, co-founder and chief executive John Foraker said the business had been aiming for an IPO in October but the US government shutdown had got in the way. Coming out of that we considered a window around the holidays but this past week I decided that well look to 2026 instead, Foraker said at the time. Foraker, the former CEO of US food group Annies later acquired by food major General Mills joined the business as chief executive in 2017, when he was described as a co-founder of Once Upon a Farm. According to the September filing, Once Upon a Farm reported a net loss of $23.8m for the year ended 31 December 2024, widening from a $17.6m loss in the preceding year. In the opening six months of 2025 to 30 June the net loss was $28.5m, compared to a $4.2m loss a year earlier. Sales revenue in 2024 amounted to $156.8m, up from $94.3m in 2023. In the first half of 2025, Once Upon a Farm posted $110.6m in sales, rising from $65.8m in the prior six months. Losses were also recorded on the operating front. The company, which uses co-manufacturers, delivered an operating loss of $6.3m in 2024, narrowing from a $15.3m loss. For the first six months of 2025, losses were $9.2m versus $3.1m. "Once Upon a Farm set for UK launch" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. For any factory, continuity is king, Sivaram said. We are now trying to just keep the show running by working for four days a week, or working for six hours a day, he added. We cannot completely replace U.S. business with U.K. business because the markets are of different sizes and the U.K. doesnt have the same buying power as the U.S. But with the free trade agreement coming through, we thought it was the right time to approach the U.K. market and expand our presence here. Nithin Sivaram, director of Royal Classic Mills, which produces polos and shirts across multiple facilities in and around Indias knitwear capital of Tiruppur, counts himself relatively luckyif barelygiven that exports to the United States comprised 80 percent of the business. Although he feels blessed that his buyers took ownership of the orders they had already placedalbeit with a few concessions on priceRoyal Classic Mills has struggled to field new orders. A lot of Indian factories are trying to expand the U.K. market because there are favorable conditions here, said Soman Titin Shankar, director of business development at Vyshnavi Apparels, a boutique clothing manufacturer in South Delhi. The majority buyer from India is the U.S., so theres a huge number of people right now underselling their stock to other places. While the U.S. retail market remains the largest in the world, some suppliers are hoping that the United Kingdom can provide, if not a life raft, then at least a buoyant alternative to keep them afloat. The India-U.K. free trade deal , which will soon zero out tariffs on apparel and textiles, as well as put India on a more even keel with neighboring Bangladesh, has been a boon, but the scramble to replace lost U.S. buyers has also intensified competition among suppliers serving the United Kingdom and other more hospitable markets. The issue was most acute for manufacturers from India, whose exports were already burdened by a so-called 25 percent reciprocal tariff imposed by the Trump administration. They took an additional 25 percent hit last August when the White House sought to punish the South Asian nation for importing Russian oil. And earlier this month, the president backed a bill slapping countries such as India with up to 500 percent tariffs if they failed to halt that flow. The suppliers who converged at the Source Fashion trade show in London last week flew in from disparate corners of the worldChina, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tanzania and Turkey, just to name a fewyet many of them had the same goal in mind: to wean themselves off their reliance on the United States. Story Continues No business likes to run with large amounts of risk, agreed Suzanne Ellingham, Source Fashions event director. It makes complete sense that people are looking to diversify their base because having that strong, robust customer pipeline just makes sense, she said. Were fortunate that, as a show, were able to offer the opportunity to let people build that pipeline. Chinese manufacturers, too, are searching for an off-ramp. At the height of the U.S.-China trade war last year, the combined tariff on many of their goods went as high as 145 percent. While this has since fallen to a less eye-watering 30 percent, President Donald Trump recently threatened to inflict an additional 25 percent duty if Beijing doesnt cut business ties with Iran. Figuring out what the precise tariff at any moment is an endeavor in itself, especially since it can change in an instant, said Christine Chow, managing director of Winner Co., a Hong Kong-based manufacturer of woven apparel, and founder and creative director of Tove & Libra, a sustainable womens wear label. Winner Co. once drew half its clientele from the United States. Now that number has plummeted to 10 percent. Having lost a lot of American buyers, its hard to find new business, Chow said. And theres a lot of price pressure on the market and focusing less on quality. Were not doing fast fashion, so it takes a long time for us to amass orders. But the uncertainty is really bothersome. Mark Weng, director of business development at Shengshi Clothing Co., a Guangzhou-based jacket and hoodie manufacturer, feels like he has no choice but to make the rounds at as many expos as he can. (It was his first time at Source Fashion.) The United States accounted for 30 percent of the suppliers output. Finding customers to replace that business has proven nearly impossible. When decisions are so random, we cannot proceed long term, he said. One day the tariffs go up, another day they go down. It makes our customers crazy. But even suppliers from countries that got off relatively easy, U.S. tariff-wise, were eager to broaden their portfolios at Source Fashion. They included Jeevith Senaratne, director of operations at Star Garments Group in Sri Lanka, where the U.S. duty on exports has held steady at 20 percent. U.S. brands, he said, take up 85 percent of the production line, followed by U.K. ones at 10 percent. Some business has crept over from India because of the higher rate, but he also wants to grow the U.K. side now that new liberalized rules of origin allow for more Sri Lanka-produced garments to enter England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland tariff-free. While the U.S. will remain [an important market], its healthy to want to diversify risk from a company standpoint, he said. Next to him on the catwalk-slash-stage, Marguerite LeRolland, senior global insight manager at data analytics firm Euromonitor, spoke about the shifting political landscape and encroaching economic pressures. Filiz Dagdelen, CEO of Kreateks Tekstil in Istanbul, said she knew about this all too well. Factories in Turkey are shuttering and relocating to Egypt, where the U.S. tariff rate is lower10 percent versus Turkeys 15 percentand, more notably, operational and labor costs are cheaper. Shes been following all the fairs to drum up more business: Premiere Vision in New York, Texworld in Los Angeles and now Source Fashion in London. The United Kingdom followed its free trade agreement with Turkeywhen the former was still part of the European Unionwith a post-Brexit continuity deal. Orders and prices are going down, Dagdelen said. Her minimum order quantity is 300 pieces, but many startups that have approached her are asking for one-tenth of that. Kreateks Tekstil isnt competing on price, she said, because that would be a fools errand. Instead, its focused on quality and certified organic and recycled textiles, both increasingly important to buyers as the European Union hones its ecodesign for sustainable products regulation. A lot of basic producers that make things like T-shirts and hoodies have gone bankrupt because everyone says that Turkish garment costing is the highest, she said. But in my mind, if you do things differently, like using different materials, you can be a success. A Bovey Tracey dog trainer and behaviourist with more than three decades of experience has agreed a book deal, with her first training manual set to be published later this year. Ingrid Grayling, who now lives and works in South Devon, has signed with Pegasus Publishing House following years of developing her own approach to dog training. READ NEXT: Newton Abbot defies high-street banking trend with new long-term commitment Her work has attracted a wide range of clients, from high-profile owners such as Martin Clunes, to hundreds of different families and dog owners across the country. Mrs Grayling has worked as a professional dog trainer for more than 35 years, previously running a boarding kennel and dog training school in Cumbria before relocating to Devon in 2016. Ingrid spoke to The Moorlander about her background, the book and what comes next. Dogs have been at the centre of my life and work for as long as I can remember she said. Over the years, I have always dreamed of writing a book to support and complement my training methods beyond in-person sessions. The book has been developed over several years and is intended as a practical, easy-to-follow training manual, based on her experience working with hundreds of dogs and their owners. I wanted something that people could refer back to after training sessions had finished, or use on its own, she said. That dream is now becoming a reality. ABOVE: The behaviourists first training manual is due to be published later this year (Image: Ingrid Grayling) Early readers have responded positively after reviewing draft versions of the book. I shared it with a handful of good clients, and the feedback has been really encouraging, Mrs Grayling said. They found it easy to follow, clearly laid out and said it explained the training methods simply and effectively. She added that readers particularly liked the hand-drawn illustrations, which are designed to clearly demonstrate techniques and exercises. The book is currently in production and is due to be released this summer. Mrs Grayling plans to promote it while attending several country shows, including Chagford Show and Christow Show, where she will be exhibiting and selling copies. The book will also be available through local independent bookshops and online retailers, including Amazon, with further details to be confirmed by the publisher. At present, Mrs Grayling says she has no immediate plans for further books. Lets see how the first one goes, she said. You never know. Ingrid Grayling runs dog training courses from two locations in South Devon, in the Teign Valley and Yealmpton, and more information about her work and the book will be published on her website over the coming months. An internationally respected blues and American roots musician is set to perform in Torquay next month as part of a live music event promoted by local independent organiser Fougou Music. Brooks Williams will appear at the Livermead Cliff Hotel on Tuesday 10 February, with the show starting at 8pm. Born in Statesboro, Georgia the town immortalised by the blues standard Statesboro Blues Williams began his career playing small bars and coffeehouses in New York and Boston. During those early years he shared stages with artists including Chris Smither, Rory Block, Shawn Colvin and Maria Muldaur. Now regarded as one of the leading figures in contemporary acoustic blues, Williams has released 28 solo albums, most recently Lucky Star, which has received international airplay and critical acclaim. Critics have praised his blend of blues, folk and roots music, with Blues In Britain describing him as setting new standards and a fresh direction for the blues. Williams tours extensively across Europe, North America and the UK, performing hundreds of shows each year. His career has taken him to major venues and festivals including Glastonbury, Newport Folk Festival, Fairports Cropredy Convention, Celtic Connections and Kerrville Folk Festival. Ranked among the Top 100 Acoustic Guitarists, Williams is known for his fingerpicking and slide guitar work, as well as his distinctive voice. He has been nominated for Best Male Vocalist by UK roots publication Spiral Earth, and his music has featured on BBC Radio, NPR in the United States and international folk and blues charts. In addition to performing, Williams is a respected guitar teacher whose workshops regularly sell out worldwide. Tickets for the Torquay performance cost 16, with student and under-18 tickets priced at 10. Further information and booking details are available via fougoumusic.com. When Tom Hein and his wife Trish relocated to North Devon in May this year, they couldn't have predicted what would come next. They were embracing a new adventure Tom, an American and Trish, South African ready to build their life in this corner of England after moving from the Cotswolds. Shortly after the move, Tom received a palliative diagnosis. What followed wasnt the story theyd imagined, but it was one that would restore their faith in compassionate healthcare. READ NEXT: Hundreds expected to walk under stars for North Devon Hospice Toms clinical nurse specialist, Gary, provided essential support during those early, difficult phases. When Tom received a leaflet about North Devon Hospice, he was genuinely taken aback. The facility looked warm and welcoming, far removed from the sad and unpleasant very clinical setting hed expected. It planted a seed of reassurance during an uncertain time. By November, Toms pain had escalated to the point where hospital admission was necessary. When staff informed him that North Devon Hospice had a bed available for symptom management, Tom and Trish faced the decision with a mixture of apprehension and hope. Tom arrived at North Devon Hospice in late November, right around Thanksgiving, a holiday that carries deep significance for Americans. Above: One of Toms heartfelt wishes was to experience a spiral hug, a traditional South African mindfulness practice. North Devon Hospice staff made it happen for him. Credit: North Devon Hospice Once the nursing team had brought his pain under control and Tom was feeling somewhat better, something wonderful happened. The catering staff, understanding the importance of the occasion, prepared a beautiful afternoon tea so Tom and Trish could mark Thanksgiving together. It was amazing, Tom recalled. The food was excellent. For a couple navigating such challenging circumstances, this gesture offered a moment of normalcy and celebration. Then came an even more touching surprise. One of the clinical admin staff, having heard about Toms stay, took it upon herself to source ingredients and bake a traditional pumpkin pie from scratch. Toms response said it all: It tasted exactly as I remembered from my time in Wisconsin. The thoughtfulness of the gesture left him genuinely moved. The kitchen staff continued to demonstrate this level of attentiveness. When Tom mentioned a particular tomato soup recipe, one that suggested it contained healing properties, the team didnt hesitate. They prepared it to his specifications, just one small example of how North Devon Hospice consistently goes above and beyond. Both Trish and I are blown away by the lengths everyone goes to make us comfortable and ensure I have everything I need, Tom said. I dont have a negative word to say. READ NEXT: North Devon Hospice reflects on a year of national recognition Yet the true measure of his experience at North Devon Hospice extends far beyond culinary kindness. Toms stay provided him with something invaluable: time and space to process complex emotions and address unfinished business. During his time there, he reconnected with his brother after 16 years of not talking. A reconciliation that might never have happened without this pause in the journey. For Trish, the hospice stay offered much-needed respite. She could have the time and space to decompress. Tom found comfort in having those difficult conversations surrounded by expert care professionals about the future and planning for ongoing support for Trish. One of Toms heartfelt wishes was to experience a spiral hug, a traditional South African mindfulness practice he learned about through the Body Stress Release Academy. Typically performed during birthday celebrations, participants form a spiral to send well wishes to the person at its centre. Understanding how much this meant to both Tom and Trish, the staff at North Devon Hospice gathered together to make it happen. The timing proved unexpectedly poignant: the spiral hug took place just before Tom was well enough to go home for the weekend, creating a powerful moment of connection before he and Trish could spend some precious time together in the comfort of their own home. Tom and Trishs story is a testament to what healthcare can be when clinical expertise meets genuine human compassion. Its a reminder that even in our most vulnerable moments, there are people and places ready to provide not just medical care, but dignity, kindness and yes, even pumpkin pie that tastes like home. A job candidate sits across from two interviewers during a panel-style interview in an office. Photo: Edmond Dantes / Pexels (The Center Square) - Nevadas unemployment rate remained one of the highest in the country to end 2025, as tourism fell across the year and construction jobs declined in December. 2025 in Nevada ended with widespread concern over the future of Las Vegas, which some experts have called overblown. They point to a new year that will look optimistically at a number of high-profile events set to stage in Las Vegas, along with a lithium industry potentially on the edge of a multi-billion dollar boom. If you pay too much attention to social media, sometimes you might get the sense like, Do people even visit Las Vegas anymore? said David Schmidt, the chief economist with the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation. The answer is, definitely yes I think the strength of what's taking place there is probably underrated," Schmidt told The Center Square. He sees innovation as the answer. Las Vegas, he said, can reinvent itself for "a new and changing consumer." "Las Vegas has been doing that for decades, and they continue to be innovative," Schmidt said. Between January and November, visitors to Las Vegas declined 7.4% from 2024 to 2025, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Still, Las Vegas welcomed nearly 40 million visitors to the city last year. But Nevadas unemployment rate (5.2%) remained higher than the U.S. average (4.4%) throughout 2025, even as the second half of the year saw a slow decrease in the state and an increase nationwide. For a while, Nevada was the state with the nation's second-highest unemployment, behind California. But Nevada ended the year behind New Jersey and tied with Oregon for the third-highest unemployment. One note on Nevadas relatively high unemployment rate was that many unemployed people were actively looking for work. In addition, a relatively low number of people were looking for work because they were fired. Having a higher unemployment rate because people are looking isn't in and of itself bad. It depends on why you're unemployed, said Schmidt, adding later that too many fired individuals on the market can be a larger issue. It's that job loss that's really the big indicator of Hey, there's a downturn, there's a recession. The federal government shutdown from October to mid-November did not have much of an effect on Nevadas job reports from October to December. The most negatively impacted job sector to end 2025 in Nevada was the construction industry. It was down 9.4% over the year. Look back a little over two years ago to the industrys peak in late 2023, and construction is down roughly 12,000 jobs today. At the same time, the average wage in construction increased 9%. The Emotions President Trump Evokes We asked more than 1,300 voters to describe how the president makes them feel. Heres what they said, in their own words. During the campaign, many voters remembered Donald J. Trumps first term with warm feelings and nostalgia. In his second term, their defining emotions are hostility and happiness. In the latest New York Times/Siena poll, voters were asked to name the emotion that describes how they feel about Mr. Trumps presidency. Their answers ran the gamut from fury to absolute joy and underscore how views of this president are practically etched in stone: After a year in which the Trump administration enacted a buffet of policies that could make his admirers even happier and his detractors even angrier, overall sentiment has not budged since at least April, when the Times/Siena poll asked a similar question. Answers in the new survey provide deeper insight into the countrys partisan divide, particularly into the intense emotions Mr. Trump engenders in his opponents. What emotion best describes how you feel about Donald Trumps presidency so far? Responses grouped into categories by emotion Democrats Republicans EMOTIONS 40% 30 20 10 10 20 30 40% Enthusiasm/ pride Hope Relief Satisfaction/ happiness Neutral/mixed Confusion/shock Disappointment/ sadness Disgust/derision Fear/anxiety Hostility/outrage Republicans Democrats 10% 10% 20% 30% 40% EMOTIONS 40% 30% 20% Enthusiasm/pride Hope Relief Satisfaction/happiness Neutral/mixed Confusion/shock Disappointment/sadness Disgust/derision Fear/anxiety Hostility/outrage Based on a New York Times/Siena poll of 1,625 registered voters nationwide conducted Jan. 12 to 17. Democrats responded primarily with expressions of outrage and disgust. Republicans were primarily satisfied, happy or enthusiastic. Independent voters were about equally as likely to express hostility as they were disappointment, while a smaller share said they were satisfied. What emotion best describes how you feel about Donald Trumps presidency so far? Responses grouped into categories by emotion Independents 10% 20% 30% 40% Enthusiasm/ pride Hope Relief Satisfaction/ happiness Neutral/mixed Confusion/shock Disappointment/ sadness Disgust/derision Fear/anxiety Hostility/outrage Independents 10% 20% 30% 40% Enthusiasm/pride Hope Relief Satisfaction/happiness Neutral/mixed Confusion/shock Disappointment/sadness Disgust/derision Fear/anxiety Hostility/outrage Based on a New York Times/Siena poll of 1,625 registered voters nationwide conducted Jan. 12 to 17. For Democrats, feelings about Trumps second term are visceral. The striking difference between how Democrats and Republicans reacted to Mr. Trumps first year was in the strength of their sentiments. The negative reactions of Democrats were more forceful, while Republicans, though largely positive, expressed a more muted enthusiasm. When Democrats characterized their emotions in their own words, anger topped the list, followed by disgust. But their responses went deeper: hate, horror, rage, terror, and repulsion. Among the more colorful responses were vomit, yuck and lock him up. How Democrats describe their emotions about Trumps first year Responses to What emotion best describes how you feel about Donald Trumps presidency so far? in their own words. Numbers show the share of Democrats who used each word. angry 15% disgusted 9.9% hate 5.7% disappointed 5.3% frustrated 4.0% horrified 3.6% fearful 3.0% sad 2.8% scared 2.6% upset 2.1% enraged 2.1% dislike 2.0% concerned 1.2% bad 1.2% ok 1.1% embarassed 1.0% poor 1.0% good 1.0% terrible 0.9% pissed 0.8% unemotional 0.8% unfortunate 0.8% confused 0.8% outraged 0.7% negative 0.7% terrified 0.7% sucks 0.7% disdainful 0.6% uncertain 0.6% neutral 0.6% unsure 0.5% sick 0.5% anxious 0.5% despair 0.5% unhappy 0.5% irritated 0.5% disastrous 0.4% disbelief 0.4% disillusioned 0.3% repulsed 0.3% better 0.2% joke 0.2% surprised 0.2% dissatisfied 0.2% awful 0.1% Smaller shares used words expressing fear, concern, terror or anxiety. The defining emotion of Mr. Trumps political opposition is relevant to more than just understanding the mood of the country: Research on the link between emotions and political participation has found that feelings of anxiety more than feelings of anger motivate people to learn more about what is happening around them, and potentially make them more open to different ideas. Anger does not break us out of our default processing; we arent motivated to learn, said David Redlawsk, a professor of political science at the University of Delaware who has researched the interactions between emotions and politics. Instead, we want to try to get revenge, or hurt those making us angry. In contrast, Dr. Redlawsk added that when you encounter something fearful or anxiety-inducing, you pay attention and search for new information. For Republicans, the overwhelming mood is good. The responses from Republicans were overwhelmingly positive, though their emotions were generally less heightened than Democrats. The most common feelings reflected contentment rather than passion. How Republicans describe their emotions about Trumps first year Actual responses to the poll question What emotion best describes how you feel about Donald Trumps presidency so far? Numbers show the share of Republicans who used each word. happy 14% satisfied 6.6% good 5.7% great 4.5% hopeful 3.5% disappointed 3.4% excited 2.9% ok 2.9% best 2.5% angry 2.5% optimistic 2.3% excellent 2.1% proud 1.9% relieved 1.8% content 1.5% like 1.5% grateful 1.4% indifferent 1.2% unemotional 1.1% fine 1.1% neutral 1.0% positive 1.0% approving 1.0% pleased 1.0% ecstatic 1.0% thankful 0.9% glad 0.9% safer 0.9% concerned 0.8% confident 0.7% encouraged 0.6% mixed 0.6% love 0.6% not good 0.6% bad 0.6% awesome 0.6% elated 0.6% unhappy 0.5% frustrated 0.5% well 0.5% thrilled 0.5% confused 0.4% supportive 0.4% expected 0.3% strong 0.3% fantastic 0.2% tough 0.2% That is not unexpected, said Linda Isbell, a professor of social psychology at University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Positive emotions tend to not be as differentiated as negative emotions, Dr. Isbell said. If youre happy, it doesnt really matter what kind of good youre feeling, you just feel good. Many Republicans had enthusiastic feelings, like excitement, ecstasy and elation. Though not all Republicans were pleased with how things have gone so far. A small share used words that expressed disgust or outrage. This poll also found that Mr. Trump is beginning to lose some of the key groups that helped get him elected, and that he is facing declining approval within his own party on a few issues, such as his handling of the cost of living, on which 20 percent of Republicans disapprove. While disappointment is common for Democrats and independents, a sliver of G.O.P. voters share the sentiment. Disappointment and sadness were far more common among Democrats and independents. How independents describe their emotions about Trumps first year Actual responses to the poll question What emotion best describes how you feel about Donald Trumps presidency so far? Numbers show the share of independents who used each word. disappointed 9.1% angry 6.4% disgusted 6.0% frustrated 4.4% good 3.8% happy 3.1% sad 3.0% mixed 2.9% fearful 2.8% neutral 2.6% satisfied 2.2% unemotional 2.1% ok 2.0% hopeful 1.9% confused 1.6% scared 1.4% concerned 1.3% glad 1.3% furious 1.1% proud 1.1% hate 1.0% nervous 1.0% horrified 1.0% terrible 0.9% excited 0.9% disgraceful 0.8% not good 0.8% positive 0.8% chaotic 0.7% unimpressed 0.7% sick 0.6% fair 0.6% nazi 0.5% indifferent 0.5% betrayed 0.5% annoyed 0.4% unhappy 0.4% approving 0.4% unsure 0.4% hopeless 0.4% disdainful 0.4% embarassed 0.4% contempt 0.4% joke 0.4% apprehensive 0.4% dismayed 0.4% appalled 0.4% disbelief 0.4% poor 0.4% great 0.3% discouraged 0.3% pissed 0.3% anxious 0.3% dislike 0.3% racist 0.3% ambivalent 0.3% ecstatic 0.3% disturbed 0.2% enraged 0.2% infuriated 0.2% despair 0.2% best 0.2% content 0.2% optimistic 0.1% outraged 0.1% But about 8 percent of Republicans reported the feeling as well. Republicans who expressed disappointment used words like betrayal, while one said Not hate but deep dislike of how things are handled. Some expressed their dismay that Mr. Trump had not gone far enough: Not pushing hard enough on immigration and fraud issues, noted one Republican. Voters feelings about Trump are locked in place. The 54 percent of voters who expressed negative sentiments about Mr. Trumps presidency so far is nearly identical to the share who said the same in an April 2025 Times/Siena poll in which they were asked a slightly different question regarding what word or phrase they would use to describe Mr. Trumps presidency. Republicans have grown slightly more positive, with 74 percent expressing a positive sentiment, up from 71 percent in April. Democrats and independents share very similar sentiments now to those from last spring. Litter pickers in Edenderry, Co Offaly, made a worrying discovery during a recent clean-up behind the Dunnes Stores Shopping Centre in the town. The Edenderry Tidy Towns group carry out regular clean-ups around the town and last weekend descended on the busy shopping centre, a known late night hangout for groups of teenagers. Some people called for gates and a boundary to lock up the area at night after seeing the Edenderry Tidy Towns post which included a number of concerning photographs. The group revealed that they picked up a large bag and a half of rubbish, including drinks cans and takeaway food packaging, but they also uncovered 41 fast gas canisters. Also referred to as laughing gas, or hippy crack, nitrous oxide is typically inhaled from canisters or balloons to produce a short term high. Nitrous oxide has a legitimate use for pain relief in medical and dental settings but an RTE report from late last year uncovered a major link to organised crime gangs. READ NEXT: 'Bizarre' Offaly incident where man took car keys in search for rapper 'Chingy' Revenue and Customs officials told Prime Time it is being brought into Ireland at scale by organised crime gangs and used nationwide. Over 1,000 large canisters of the gas are being seized in Ireland every week, mostly at Dublin and Rosslare ports. On the same Prime Time programme, the hugely damaging impacts of nitrous oxide inhaled irresponsibly outside controlled settings were raised by consultant neurologist Dr Hugh Kearney. He explained that inhaling nitrous oxide makes users feel light-headed but can also cause headache and loss of consciousness. Not only that, it can also cause numbness in the hands and feet or damage to the spinal cord, referred to as neurotoxicity. In severe cases, people can be left in a wheelchair. Dr Kearney said he is seeing two to three cases of neurotoxicity a week. "In excess levels, nitrous oxide blocks B12, which is essential for producing myelin, the fatty substance that coats nerves. Without it, nerves are exposed and damaged," he explained on the RTE show in December 2025. "If this area of the spinal cord is injured, the person cannot tell where their limbs are in space. They may need to be bed-bound or use a wheelchair," he added. ABOVE: The area behind Dunnes was littered with rubbish and fast gas canisters Often, these gas canisters are bought and sold by teenagers on messaging apps like Whatsapp or Instagram. The discovery and littering in Edenderry prompted concern and anger from locals on social media. One woman said: "It is so disgusting. I dont understand how people can care so little. It is so discouraging. I also dont understand why the government doesnt provide rubbish removal and removal of bulky waste as a public service like other countries do. "And why it is so hard to get the local council to respond to requests to remove dumping or install cameras in certain places. Its like they hope one will just give up if they ignore you long enough." TWO men were convicted of theft from Birr Castle Estate Office during the January 14 sitting of Tullamore District Court. Before the court were Hubert Krepski, 7 Eden Road, Birr and Valerii Vitkovshyi, Apartment 1, Emmet St, Birr. They were charged with stealing two bank cards in the Estate Office on either July 14 or July 15, 2025. Mr Krepski, 46, was charged with using one of the cards in the Bank of Ireland ATM, Emmet Square, Birr to steal 1500. Mr Vitkovshyi, 68, was also charged with stealing a bottle of vodka from a local store on July 16, 2025. Sergeant Brendan Kearns told the court that on Monday, July 14, the grounds of Birr Castle Demesne had closed to the public when Mr Krepski, Mr Vitkovshyi, and a third man gained access to the Estate Office and carried out their theft. The cards belonged to someone working in the castle. The Sergeant said that the defendants returned 1010 of the 1500 to the injured party. READ NEXT: Nominations sought for annual Laois/ Offaly Garda Youth Awards Mr Krepski had four previous convictions including possession of knives, theft and possession of drugs. The defending solicitor Patrick Martin told the court that Mr Krepski and Mr Vitkovshyi had been drinking in the Castle grounds and got locked in. They sought shelter in the Estate Office where they saw the cards. Judge Cody told Mr Martin that he didn't believe this story, calling it fairytales, gibberish and rubbish. Mr Martin said the three men were very drunk when the crime happened. He said Mr Krepski is single and not working. My client accepts he has alcohol issues and he apologises for what happened. They were extremely drunk that evening and deeply regretted the crime the next day. Aisling Maloney, defending solicitor for Mr Vitkovshyi, said her client had been drinking in the grounds of Birr Castle Demesne with the other two men. Because of the amount he drank he doesn't have much recollection of what happened . Mr Vitkovshyi was not working, she said. He has been living in Ireland for three years. Judge Cody ordered that Mr Krepski carry out 40 hours of community service in lieu of four months imprisonment. He sentenced Mr Vitkovshyi to four months imprisonment, suspended for two years. READ NEXT: Offaly teenagers enjoy walk to the top of Croghan Hill A WOMAN wasn't in her right mind when she attacked three teenagers in Tullamore town centre earlier this month, the local District Court was told. Consecutive prison sentences of six months each were imposed on Nikita Ring (31), no fixed abode, Tullamore, after she pleaded guilty to a number of offences. Along with the assaults, a breach of the peace, public drunkenness and theft on January 10 last, Ms Ring also admitted stealing a mobile phone at a pharmacy in Tullamore on October 31, 2024. The court was told that when she was charged and cautioned in relation to the incident on January 10 she replied that she vaguely remembered and couldn't remember. The court heard that at 6pm on January 10 Ms Ring was arrested for public drunkenness outside Zambrero, Bridge Street, Tullamore. Three parents of the teenagers then gave statements to gardai about hair pulling, boxes and kicks and CCTV identified Ms Ring. READ NEXT: Planning objection against Midlands Hospice withdrawn as appellant issues statement The attack was described as frenzied but no one was hurt, Judge Andrew Cody heard. The accused woman was shouting and screaming and grabbed a female teenager by the hair, struck a male a box in the face and grabbed another male by the neck and pushed him. On the same date at Dolan's pharmacy in the Bridge Centre she stole a perfume set valued at 66.33 and was also identified on CCTV for that offence. Ms Ring had 77 previous convictions and 45 of those were for theft, six for breaches of the Public Order Act, three for assault and three for drugs offences. The court heard that the offence in 2024 involved Ms Ring entering the Tullamore Boots pharmacy and going to see a pharmacist for a consultation. The woman then picked up the pharmacist's phone, which was a Samsung worth 200, and ran out the door with it. Sergeant Richard Thornton told Judge Cody that the latest offences had triggered a nine-month suspended sentence for possession of knives which had previously been imposed on the woman. Her legal representative, David Nugent, BL, said Ms Ring had a long history of drug abuse and on the evening of the recent Tullamore offences she had taken some drugs and wasn't in her right mind. She now wished to get herself into a treatment programme and rebuild her life. She had no memory of the incident. Judge Cody was also told the defendant was brought to hospital afterwards when she had become unresponsive because of the drugs she took. Mr Nugent said his client was aware it could never happen again and also knew she had reached the lowest point of her life. Imposing the two six-month sentences, the judge said it was particularly nasty of the accused to steal the mobile phone after being given a personal consultation in the pharmacy. He said the assaults on the teenagers were also nasty. The suspended sentence will be considered at the Criminal Courts of Justice on February 4 next. Mr Nugent indicated that the prison sentences will not be appealed and said Ms Ring, who was on legal aid, was grateful to the court. Secession newpaper headlines in Gettysburg museum. The start of the Civil War. (Image by denisbin from flickr) Details DMCA the midst of a rupture, not a transition," Canadian prime minister Mark Carney told the world's self-designated elite in a January 21 speech . "[G]reat powers have begun using economic integration as weapons. Tariffs as leverage. Financial infrastructure as coercion. Supply chains as vulnerabilities to be exploited. You cannot 'live within the lie' of mutual benefit through integration when integration becomes the source of your subordination." Carney delivered his musings to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, days after visiting China and striking a major trade deal with its regime. That deal represents both a "rupture" with Canada's former first-line trade partner, the United States, and a "transition" to something else. Why the rupture? Why the transition? Under US president Donald Trump (and, to some degree, Joe Biden), we've seen all the things Carney complained about in his speech. When your main buyer (or, rather, the lord and master of your main buyers) becomes reluctant to buy from you -- even if it means he (or, rather, his serfs) have trouble selling to you -- you eventually start looking for other buyers and sellers. That's the transition. And, eventually, you find those new buyers and sellers and, to at least some degree, swear off coddling the old ones. That's the rupture. Writ large, Canada's move away from the US and toward China is just the latter part of Mike's answer, in Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises -- "Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly" -- to the question of how he went bankrupt. Which, in turn, is just a waypoint in another transition. In Mike's case, it was all downhill from the bankruptcy. In America's case, who knows? It's easy to just blame Trump for all this craziness, but it's also a little bit lazy. Yes, Trump's trade and economic policies seem purpose-built for the task of dismantling American prosperity at home and power ("soft" and "hard") abroad. In reality, though, the American empire and the supposed global "rules-based order" have been in continual decline pretty much since that happy accident 80 years ago, when World War 2 ended with most of the world's industry wrecked, but America's untouched. It's all been downhill from there ... gradually. We may have finally reached the "suddenly" point. We were always going to. It may be that with Trump, as William Lowndes Yancey said of Jefferson Davis upon his arrival in Montgomery, Alabama in 1861, "the man and the hour have met." You may remember how that turned out. In both cases, the man's identity was unimportant. There was going to be a man, there was going to be an hour, there was going to be a rupture, and there was going to be a transition. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Abolish ICE Protest and Rally Downtown Chicago Illinois 8-16-18 3140 (Image by cemillerphotography.com from flickr) Details DMCA In the US, where, if you, the reader hadn't noticed, prices are down, according to Trump, and the US is a beacon for other nations, cardinals are asking, what is the "moral role" of a country in "confronting evil around the world"? There's love for Venezuela's oil. Not the people, mind you. But the oil! There's Maria Corina Machado handing her Nobel Prize for Peace to Trump. She's for the people; she's for Trump ! Me, me, me, Mr. Trump! See me! A moral role? The current president is a felon! At Davos, 2026, the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney suggested Canada and the world, for that matter, knew all about the US's moral role. For decades, Carney explains, Canada prospered under "rules-based international order." He continues, "we joined institutions, praised its principles, and benefited from its predictability." All the while, however, Canada knew that "the international rules-based order" was false. That is, Canada played the strongest is the mightiest game. "That trade rules were enforced asymmetrically," we knew. Also, we knew that "international law applied with varying rigour depending on the identity of the accursed or victim." Fiction, but a useful fiction. The US hasn't always been so humanitarian bent, Carney suggests, unless kicking and screaming, and even then, equality was another matter. In fact, the US initiated strong trade values, but for the benefit of the rich, Carney points out. "We placed the sign in the window. We participated in the rituals and we largely avoided calling out the "gap" between rhetoric and reality. This bargain no longer works." Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). We cannot even agree on what to call the military's forced extraction of Nicola's Maduro, the man acting as Venezuela's leader. Was it an act of war-- or a law-enforcement action carried out abroad? That question, along with the risks involved and what comes next, has been pushed aside in favor of familiar red-and-blue narratives. We are, once again, avoiding the shades of gray that decisions of this magnitude demand. Few world leaders could generate less sympathy than Maduro when it comes to being removed from office. Venezuelans attempted to do it themselves at the ballot box during the July 28, 2024, presidential election. Independent observers reported that opposition candidate Edmundo Gonza'lez defeated Maduro by a wide margin, with some saying his support was as high as 68.74%. Venezuela's National Election Council (CNE) announced a dramatically different outcome. Without ever providing any underlying data, the CNE declared Maduro the winner with 51.95% of the vote. Facing threats of arrest, Gonza' -- --lez fled to Spain while Maduro was sworn in for a third term. As the White House notes on its website, many Democratic leaders condemned the fraudulent election result. As an example, frequent Trump critic Rep. Jamie Raskin is quoted as saying that "the democratic world must stand up for the rule of law in Venezuela and oppose Maduro's assault on the electoral process and free speech". With Maduro now in American custody, the Trump administration argues that the mission is accomplished and that the Democratic leadership should be congratulating him for scoring "another remarkable foreign policy triumph". Instead, the opposition party is calling Trump's actions "an illegal act of war to replace Maduro". The administration complains that this is a "furious hypocrisy" brought on by "their unhinged hatred of President Trump". This dramatic rhetoric forestalls any ability to understand why Democrats are opposing these actions. It replaces explanation with performance, and persuasion with score-keeping. In the process, politics becomes a game where the only thing that matters is which side "wins". One does not have to go back very far in history to see that the toppling of a despotic leader is the easy part. It took only 20 days to overtake Baghdad and another eight months to capture Saddam Hussein when we invaded Iraq in 2003. This success was initially welcomed by many Iraqis, but it was not long before the leader's absence created a vacuum that left us bogged down in the country for eight years. Could the actions taken in Venezuela result in a similar quagmire? The possibility only increases if we are not united around a common goal. With a war bump in the polls failing to materialize and 52% of Americans already disapproving of the action in Venezuela, it does not seem that the President will be able to depend on public opinion to drive momentum. At least in Iraq, we were actively trying to prop up a government to succeed Hussein's regime. While Trump wants credit as a liberator, the Venezuelan government that helped sustain Maduro's rule is still in power, and it is still ruling the people with an iron fist. Trump has not made any public moves to ensure that the results of the 2024 election are respected. He has also refused to back opposition leader Mar-a Corina Machado, reportedly because she accepted "the Nobel Peace Prize rather than declaring that Trump deserved it more". Trump has also not made a case that he took action because of support for democracy. Initially, the reason given for removing Maduro was his alleged involvement in the drug trade, but prosecutors have had to change their initial indictment because the Cartel de Los Soles, the drug cartel Maduro was said to have led, did not really exist. The focus since the military action has been Venezuela's vast oil reserves, which are now supposedly under our control. This focus complicates any claim of humanitarian or democratic intent. According to Trump, we now control Venezuela and will do so "for years". However, without boots currently on the ground and no announced plans to deploy them, it is not clear how much power he actually holds. The claim is certainly undermined by the American government encouraging United States citizens to evacuate the country immediately due to threats by armed militias and the risks, "including wrongful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure". As this situation risks spiraling out of control, it is time for Americans to leave their red and blue silos and debate the issue honestly-- inside the gray space where consequences live. Failure to do so risks pushing the country toward a broader conflict, with the ultimate cost borne by kids from both sides of the political aisle. Carl Petersen is a former Green Party candidate for the LAUSD School Board and a longtime advocate for public education and special needs families. Now based in Washington State, he writes about politics, culture, and their intersections at TheDifrntDrmr. An Oregon City man who stabbed an autistic teenager who was biking home from summer camp two years ago was sentenced Thursday to nearly six years in prison. Nicholas Lloyd Nash, 40, attacked the 16-year-old on Aug. 19, 2024 along the Trolley Trail, a six-mile-long pedestrian and bike path between Milwaukie and Gladstone. Nash threw a rock at the teen, who told him to stop, and then slapped the boy in the face, stabbed him in the arm with a knife and fled, prosecutors said. Multiple people heard the teenager crying, helped him and also called 911, they said. The teen was taken by ambulance to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital while police searched for Nash. Police found Nash about an hour after the initial call, in an encampment off the trail in the bushes, according to court documents. Nash disputed the teens account, but a Clackamas County jury found Nash guilty of second-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and harassment earlier this month. Nash has four previous convictions for assault as well as driving under the influence of intoxicants, public indecency and harassment. Prosecutors sought a 10-year prison sentence, citing Nashs criminal history. Nash was also on probation for a drug possession charge at the time of the stabbing. Circuit Judge Ulanda Watkins imposed the mandatory minimum of five years and 10 months. Paramount Skydance (PSKY) extended the deadline for its bid to acquire Warners Bros. Discovery (WBD) on Thursday, while Warner Bros. continued to recommend shareholders vote for its deal to be bought by Netflix (NFLX) as the Hollywood studio drama continues to rock the media world. Early Thursday, Paramount said in a new proxy filing that its all-cash, $30 per share offer to acquire all of WBD would be extended to Feb. 20; the initial bid was set to expire on Jan. 21. Earlier this week, Netflix announced an amended all-cash offer of $27.75 per share for Warner Bros.' studio and streaming assets. Paramount's deal would see the company also take on Warner Bros.' cable unit, Discovery. In a statement to Yahoo Finance, Warner Bros. Discovery urged shareholders to vote against Paramount's offer, saying the company "continues to make the same offer our Board has repeatedly and unanimously rejected in favor of a superior merger agreement with Netflix." "Its also clear our shareholders agree, with more than 93% also rejecting Paramounts inferior scheme. We are confident in our ability to achieve regulatory approval for the Netflix merger and look forward to delivering the tremendous and certain value our agreement will provide to Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders," the company added. Netflix stock is down more than 32% in the last six months, whereas Paramount's stock is down roughly 9%. The latest back-and-forth between the two sides came on the same morning Oscar nominations were announced, which saw Warner Bros. garner a record 30 Oscar nominations, mainly for its horror action film "Sinners," while Netflix scooped up 18, led by the horror movie "Frankenstein." The extension of Paramount's deadline could also mean a higher bid is in the works, some sources told Yahoo Finance. "We would not be surprised to see Paramount raise its offer because it has a much greater need for WBD than does Netflix. Moreover, a higher bid may be necessary to sway WBD shareholders," Dave Novosel, senior bond analyst at Gimme Credit, told Yahoo Finance. Matthew Dolgin, senior equity analyst at Morningstar, told Yahoo Finance investors should prepare for continued twists and turns in this soap opera. "I do think that investors, shareholders, everyone, should be aware for new news from Paramount, any and every day, leading up to [Feb. 20]," Dolgin said, adding that he worries Netflix will have trouble with regulatory approval. Last year, President Trump said, "Netflix is a great company. Theyve done a phenomenal job. [Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos] is a fantastic man. I have a lot of respect for him. But its a lot of market share, so well have to see what happens." Oregon State Police Superintendent Casey Codding offered a rare eligibility waiver to promote a friend to a high-ranking position despite the troopers checkered record. Coddings decision paved the way for his former SWAT colleague Joey Pollard to get the top job at the agencys Newport office. Pollard, 56, had retired from state police as a lieutenant in 2023 but rejoined last spring as a trooper. Five months later, Codding promoted him several ranks back to lieutenant and selected him to run the coastal office. Pollard got a nearly $60,000 pay bump, now earning $165,564 a year on top of his annual state pension of $94,382. Codding and Pollards history on the state police force goes back decades. Both were sergeants on the SWAT unit in 2013 when Pollard swigged vodka from a flask while driving a police truck on a ski trip with Codding sitting in the back seat, a state police criminal investigation found. Pollard also fired a gunshot behind the head of a colleague as a joke while on duty in a so-called SWAT pop. Prosecutors pursued no charges against Pollard. After a subsequent internal investigation, Pollard was demoted to trooper in May 2013 but later worked his way up. In his retirement farewell email to the agency, Pollard called Codding an Amazing SWAT member! Great leader! True friend. After state police rehired Pollard last May to work as a trooper out of the Ontario office in eastern Oregon, he quickly applied to lead the Newport office on the other side of the state, where he now supervises two sergeants and 15 troopers. The office serves the central coast, handling calls for Lincoln County and surrounding areas. He qualified for the Oct. 1 promotion with an unusual superintendents waiver on the job posting. It opened the candidate pool not only to current sergeants or lieutenants but also to anyone who has previously held the rank of Sergeant or Lieutenant at Oregon State Police. Pollard was the only person who applied for the job, said state police spokesperson Capt. Kyle Kennedy. Codding, who also chairs Oregons Board on Public Safety Standards & Training, declined comment through Kennedy. Pollard didnt respond to email and phone messages seeking comment. Kennedy said Pollard retired in good standing and has been nothing but exemplary since he returned. Nothing in his employment history precluded him from applying for the promotion, Kennedy said by email. A half a dozen current and retired state police officers, who asked not to be named out of fear of reprisal, said the job appeared custom-made for Pollard. They said they know of no one else able to leapfrog so quickly over the ranks of senior trooper and sergeant to a lieutenants position. Thats especially true in Pollards case because as the agency confirmed he was still technically on probation as a low-ranking trooper after his rehiring. A few said they thought the wording of the job posting might have dissuaded sergeants from applying for the promotion, assuming the fix was in. When that posting came out, we knew who it was written for, one current trooper said. Kennedy called the suggestion that Codding hand-picked Pollard for the Newport job an inaccurate assertion. Michael Gennaco, a consultant to police departments on officer accountability and a former U.S. Justice Department prosecutor in California, criticized state police for rehiring Pollard in the first place considering the egregious conduct in his past. He said the agency had grounds to fire Pollard in 2013. My experience is that an agency is not required to promote an applicant just because he is the only one who applied, Gennaco said. Job posting When that posting came out, we knew who it was written for, one current trooper said. Joey Pollard was the only applicant for the promotion. Oregon State Police The internal job listing for the Newport position included a note at the top: The Superintendent has granted an exception for recruiting this position, it read. This announcement is the waiver no additional steps to request a waiver with your application is required. Kennedy said state police have offered these exceptions in the past for promotions to lieutenant in the Newport, Coos Bay and Klamath Falls offices because those jobs have been historically hard to fill. Yet in response to a subsequent public records request for all job postings for a lieutenants position that included such a waiver from 2020 through 2025, the state police released only two. One was the job posting for the Newport lieutenants job that Pollard filled. State police issued the other one a day after The Oregonian/OregonLive asked about the practice, for an open lieutenants job at state police headquarters in Salem. (It was filled this month by a sergeant who was tapped for the promotion.) Kennedy said a legislative change has brought in a new era for hiring flexibility. The change allows state agencies to rehire employees who retire under the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System to work unlimited hours while continuing to receive pension benefits but without accruing new benefits. He said state police can now rehire retired supervisors who have the required experience to fill jobs in higher ranks under similar waivers going forward. The change went into effect in January 2020. It was to last through 2024, but a subsequent bill extended it through December 2034. Pollard is one of five state police retirees who was rehired as a trooper since 2020, but hes the only one who jumped multiple ranks to lieutenant, Kennedy acknowledged. Kennedy said Pollard completed all steps in the hiring process alongside new applicants, including a verbal interview, background check and psychological evaluation. Since Pollards rehiring, hes completed additional refresher training on defensive tactics, high-risk vehicle stops, CPR and first aid, firearms and rifle training and survival skills. A day after he was promoted to lieutenant, Pollard attended a leadership summit, state training records show. He also has completed additional training on defense tactics and People in Crisis. Hes required to complete another training on supervision by this coming Oct. 1, according to the records. Casey Codding and Joey Pollard were both new sergeants on state police SWAT when they faced criminal and internal investigations for misconduct. No criminal charges were filed. Pollard was demoted, and Codding said he got a verbal reprimand. Multi-Agency Police Team Checkered history Pollard had been demoted as a SWAT sergeant in 2013 for driving a state police truck while drinking salted caramel vodka out of his personal flask and sharing it with other troopers in the truck on an after-hours trip to Mount Hood during a training session, according to the state police criminal investigation and a summary of his discipline from personnel records. Codding, who was a fellow SWAT sergeant at the time, was in the truck and remained silent in the back seat while Pollard and other SWAT members drank on the ride, the state police criminal investigation found. Codding, who didnt participate in the drinking, said he received a verbal reprimand as discipline. The Oregonian/OregonLive reported the details of the trip in 2024 the first time they had become public as part of an investigation into state police misconduct. Gov. Tina Kotek has said she was not aware of Coddings reprimand as a SWAT sergeant when she promoted him to superintendent in 2023. State police conducted a criminal investigation of the mountain trip and turned it over to the Clackamas County District Attorneys Office, which found insufficient evidence to file official misconduct and theft charges for Pollards drinking while driving and for his and Coddings unauthorized use of a state police truck for the ski trip. Paige Clarkson, then a Marion County deputy district attorney who now heads the DAs office, declined to pursue any violations of the states open container law against Pollard or the troopers who drank in the police truck, according to the investigative report. In a subsequent internal investigation, Pollard admitted drinking. Casey and I both shouldve, you know, not allowed it, Pollard told investigators, records show. We both felt kinda this peer pressure, I guess, if you will, to not say anything. Do I regret that? Absolutely. The criminal investigation also revealed that Pollard had fired his gun behind the head of a new SWAT trooper to startle him in a so-called SWAT pop when he was a rank-and-file SWAT member in 2010. That trooper, Will Brindza, told investigators that Pollards actions were negligent and unprofessional. Pollard at the time also was accused of bragging about firing at animals from the road or state police vehicles and encouraging others to do it, including firing at a coyote with an AR-15 rifle from the side of a rural road in Baker County in summer 2010. Pollard was demoted from sergeant to senior trooper in May 2013. Four years later, he was promoted to sergeant, then to lieutenant in September 2018 under former state police Superintendent Travis Hampton. He retired at the end of June 2023 as lieutenant of the state police SWAT team. Kennedy, the state police spokesperson, said Pollard met the eligibility requirements for the Newport supervisory job with his extensive prior experience. He called Pollards demotion the exception to an otherwise exceptional career, noting he was awarded the state police SWAT Courageous Act Award in 2020 for an arrest of an armed suspect, a state police Outstanding Service Award in 2021 and a Medal of Valor in 2023 for a rescue of a child and grandmother while under fire. He also led all state police SWAT and crowd control operations during the Portland protests and riots in 2020. We are excited to bring his professional experience to the Newport office, he said. Koko Miller spoke out in apparent shock as she was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and first-degree criminal mistreatment Friday in the 2023 dog mauling death of her friends grandson. This is not right, Miller, 57, told arresting deputies, gesturing toward Multnomah County Circuit Judge Celia Howes. She believed every lie. Howes said Miller had sought out a protective service Great Dane mastiff named Hector from a Mississippi breeder and then purchased another dog when the first didnt have a sufficient prey drive. The second dog, Carlos, was driven into bloodlust by Millers third dog, Lola, who was coming into heat on Dec. 5, 2023. Separately, Miller had agreed to give Glenfair Elementary first grader Loyalty Scott a ride to school, because his grandmother worked outside the metro area and left for work well before the first bell rang. Scotts grandmother, however, didnt know that Miller had recently been bitten by Lola, requiring a hospital visit, or that Lola had lunged at Loyalty through a glass door on a prior encounter, according to the judges ruling from the bench. Instead of keeping the dogs adequately restrained, Howes said Miller told the 6-year-old to stay out of the garage while she kenneled Carlos. According to Millers testimony on the stand, the boy burst in on Dec. 5, and died from wounds inflicted by Carlos and Lola while she struggled to intervene. The dogs were subsequently euthanized. Ms. Miller knew the dogs would fight if they were together, Howes said. She knew the dogs needed to be caged to protect Loyalty from harm, and she agreed to do that. Instead, she relied on an instruction given to a dog-loving 6-year-old to not open the door. Howes presided over the trial without a jury at Millers request. During closing arguments last week, defense attorney Ryan Corbridge said the death was a tragedy but unforeseeable, suggesting the dogs were usually harmless. He displayed photos of them snuggling with adults in undated photos. The state is reconstructing an ordinary caregiving decision through a tragic result, he said. Prosecutor Chuck Mickley, meanwhile, charged that Miller had significantly changed her story and didnt disclose to investigators all of the alarming prior interactions with the dogs. The minimization and the excuse-making has been the most consistent feature from Ms. Miller during the entire investigation, the prosecutor said. Miller is being held in the downtown jail ahead of a sentencing hearing March 13. A 19-year-old man pleaded guilty Friday to a rape and kidnapping spree committed at gunpoint against four girls and an 18-year-old woman in Portland over a year-and-a-half span in 2023 and 2024. Damani Anderson pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree rape and one count of first-degree attempted rape, all involving separate victims, during a Friday hearing in Multnomah County Circuit Court. He also pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree kidnapping, as well as first-degree robbery and unlawful use of a firearm. Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez told reporters Friday afternoon that Andersons actions were brutal and praised the women and girls for coming forward. Their strength gives me hope, he said. Anderson was first arrested in August 2024 after investigators matched his photo to a Tinder profile. Earlier that month, an 18-year-old woman was attacked by Anderson after meeting up with him to explore an abandoned warehouse on North Hurst Avenue off Columbia Boulevard, court documents say. She fled when Anderson became distracted by approaching lights. On June 23 of that year, a 17-year-old girl was lured by Anderson to Pier Park, a 65-acre property in North Portland, according to a memo written by prosecutor Robin Skarstad. He arrived wearing a ski mask, prompting the girl to ask if he was the American Psycho, the memo says. Later, he told her she was right. Five days prior, a 16-year-old girl escaped from Pier Park when Andersons predation was interrupted by people with flashlights, the memo said. A 13-year-old girl who had been reported missing from Centennial Middle School in January 2024 was attacked by Anderson at a nearby park, according to Skarstads memo. Anderson had messaged the girl on Snapchat and then led her from the school to a secluded area of the park, according to the district attorneys office. He told her she was the sixth person he had done this to, the prosecutor wrote. Anderson also pleaded guilty to raping a 17-year-old girl in her parents home in February 2023. Damani Anderson sought out vulnerable victims online, lured them to secluded places, placed them in mortal fear, and terrorized them. Their young lives literally have been shattered by his sexual violence, Skarstad said in a statement. Anderson will be sentenced to roughly 45 years in prison under the terms of the plea deal, Vasquez announced during the press conference. Placed in handcuffs, Anderson said little during the hearing, answering procedural questions posed by Circuit Judge Benjamin Souede and asking his defense attorney whether the case was being covered by the media. Its not clear why Anderson wasnt arrested earlier during his rampage. The Oregon Department of Human Services determined one of the reported rapes was founded, according to the court memo, but its not known what happened next. There was one victim in particular who escaped Mr. Anderson and really brought this case forward, Vasquez said. When law enforcement was able to piece it all together, there were some immediate actions taken. A sentencing hearing has been set for Jan. 29. The closest Bill Oakley came to experiencing the golden age of airplane food was a flight to attend his older brothers college graduation in 1972. Oakley was 6 years old. I assume the food was really good, said Oakley. I dont remember any of it. Now the former Simpsons writer turned Portland-based food personality has dreamed up a way to taste the high-flying heyday of in-flight dining, when lobster and caviar were common and prime rib was sliced to order from your seat. Over two nights in February, Oakley will host The Greatest Airline Meals of the 20th Century, a culinary event sponsored by Alaska Airlines and hosted by Loyal Legion, the pre-security beer bar at Portland International Airport. The ticketed event, which has already sold out, will feature seven courses presented in chronological order, from the dawn of commercial aviation in the 1920s through the final flight of the Concorde in 2003. When Oakley began writing for The Simpsons, crafting sketches such as the now-legendary steamed hams bit (its an Albany expression), the airline industry had already gone through deregulation. Where ticket prices were once set by the government, forcing airlines to compete on the quality of their food and other amenities, by the 1990s airlines were fighting to cut costs and meals had begun to resemble the ones we know today. TWA and Pan Am were the two international carriers that just went completely over the top with these things, Oakley said of regulation-era airline dining. And then when deregulation started in the 1980s, we started having a race to the bottom in terms of cost, where everything gradually got peeled away. Former "Simpsons" writer and showrunner Bill Oakley lives in Portland, where he reviews fast food on his Instagram feed. Fred Joe A 1960's era in-flight dinner menu is displayed at the San Francisco Airport's Aviation Museum in San Francisco. San Francisco Chronicle via Gett According to Oakley, the February event came about when Loyal Legion reached out about hosting his American Culinary Curiosity dinner series, which focused on regional specialties such as Indiana sauerkraut balls, Rhode Island clam chowder and chicken a la Maryland aka the dish served on the Titanic the night it hit the iceberg. Yeah, but it shouldnt be the same event, he told them. It should be something germane to the airport. Thus began a deep dive into the history of airline food, including reading three books on the history of airline food Yes, there are three books on the history of airline food, Oakley deadpanned as well as hundreds if not thousands of old airline menus he found online. Most people who are into this kind of thing know that there was this incredibly lavish food service on many airplanes in the 1960s and 1970s, especially on transatlantic flights, Oakley said. But in addition to the dishes, there were themes. Were doing those as well. Oakley doesnt want to spoil the specific dishes he and Loyal Legion culinary director Marcus Hilliker plan to serve Feb. 20 and 21. But he does mention a course inspired by Alaskas Golden Samovar service, a themed flight in which stewardesses wore Cossack uniforms and served a complete menu of Russian food, including caviar, Oakley said. With airlines competing for a clientele of mostly male business travelers, some of those themes were, in retrospect, incredibly, laughably sexist, Oakley said. Chief among those: Mohawk Airlines all-male Gaslight Service of the early 1960s, during which DC-3 cabins were dressed up to resemble a Victorian setting with flight attendants in burlesque costumes serving 5-cent cigars, free beer, cheese and pretzels, according to an article on the World Airline Historical Society website. Period details Oakley hopes to bring to the event include a 1960s-style beer made by Binary Brewing in Beaverton, a rolling bar cart, vintage uniforms provided by Alaska and a custom-tailored Pan Am pilot uniform for Oakley. If all goes well, he wants to recreate the event at other airports, most notably the refurbished TWA hotel at New Yorks JFK airport. So does Oakley, who occasionally gets upgraded to first class these days, wish he could go back to the time of Chateaubriand sliced seat-side? I would love that, absolutely, he said. The problem is then every ticket would then cost $1,200. Bill Oakley Presents: The Greatest Airline Meals of the 20th Century, will take place at 7 p.m. on Feb. 20 and 21 at Loyal Legions location at Portland International Airport, 7000 N.E. Airport Way. Yes, lobster and caviar will be served. For more information, visit the dinner series ticketing page. Oregon hospitals recorded nearly 1,000 infections that patients picked up while receiving care in 2024, resulting in infection levels that missed most national safety standards, according to a new state report. The Oregon Health Authority reviewed data from 61 hospitals statewide and tracked infections that develop after surgery, through catheters and IV lines and from drug-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as MRSA. These infections can turn routine hospital stays into life-threatening events, especially for older adults and people with weakened immune systems. State health officials measured how Oregons hospitals performed against national benchmarks set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The data shows that hospitals continue to struggle most with preventing surgical site infections and bloodstream and urinary tract infections caused by medical devices. When state officials compared hospital performance to a national 2015 baseline, they found that most surgical infections in Oregon were higher than expected, including those after colon surgery, heart bypass procedures and hip and knee replacements. Only on hysterectomy-related surgeries did Oregon hospitals perform better than the baseline. Hospitals also reported more surgical infections in 2024 than in 2023, according to state data. Some parts of the system improved. Large acute-care hospitals showed progress in reducing bloodstream infections and MRSA. But many of the states smaller, rural critical access hospitals moved in the opposite direction, reporting higher rates of those same infections. Federal health officials also set national targets for reducing hospital-acquired infections. In 2024, Oregon hospitals met only one of those goals: lowering C. difficile infections, which cause severe diarrhea and stomach pain. They failed to reach the target for every other infection category. Dr. Dat Tran, who oversees the Oregon Health Authoritys infection prevention program, said the data gives hospitals a clear picture of where they need to improve. No health care provider wants to see a hospital-associated infection in one of their patients, Tran said in a statement. These data are intended to help hospitals and health care providers understand where theyre doing well and where they may need to step up their infection control efforts. The states report, however, highlighted one bright spot: all Oregon hospitals now meet national standards for antibiotic stewardship. That means they follow best practices to limit unnecessary antibiotic use. State health officials say they continue to support hospitals by studying statewide trends, offering one-on-one infection control assistance and working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to train health care workers. They said patients and visitors can also help stop the spread of infection by washing their hands often, following hospital rules and staying home when sick. Oregon lawmakers denounced a federal officers fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man in Minneapolis on Saturday. The man was identified by his parents as Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse. He had participated in protests following the killing of Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs officer on Jan. 7. Bystanders captured Saturday shooting of Pretti on video, which quickly went viral Saturday. Pretti is seen with a phone in his hand, but no videos appear to show him with a visible weapon. Federal officials said the officer who shot Pretti is an eight-year Border Patrol veteran. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that federal officers were conducting an operation as part of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown and fired defensive shots after a man with a handgun approached them and violently resisted when officers tried to disarm him. During a press conference Saturday, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said that violent confrontations would continue in Minneapolis because of the federal governments tactics. They need to pull back on the agents who are there, work with local government and resolve and de-escalate the situation, Kotek told reporters. In a social media post, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat, said footage of the shooting shows Donald Trumps lawless federal agents again out of control. The Senate cannot vote to keep funding this, Wyden wrote on the social media platform Bluesky. Every single agent complicit in these horrors should be put on trial at the state level for real accountability. U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, a Democrat, wrote on X that the shooting was horrific and another senseless execution of a citizen by Trumps lawless federal agents. Federal agents are terrorizing communities in Minnesota, Oregon, and across the country. Merkley also demanded the ouster of the Homeland Security Secretary: Kristi Noem must go. Not one more penny for ICE. In a video posted to Facebook, U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, a Democrat, said, Another person has been murdered in the streets of Minneapolis today by federal agents. Dexter said federal agents killed the man in cold blood. In her message, Dexter also pointed to the arrest and detainment on Jan. 16 of a Gresham family, including a 7-year-old child, outside Adventist Health in Portland as the girls parents sought emergency medical care for her. We are not safer because of ICE activity and CBP activity, Dexter said. We are in fact being terrorized by federal agents using taxpayer dollars. It has to stop. U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, a Democrat, said in a post on X that she was horrified and outraged by the Minneapolis shooting. Trump must withdraw ICE from Minnesota immediately and impose a nationwide stand down, Salinas wrote. The Senate must vote to protect our communities and block ICE funding this week. Anything less is a threat to everyone nationwide. The Associated Press contributed to this article. An Oregon group backed by the states powerful labor unions is targeting at least four Democratic lawmakers through political ads in an effort to influence their votes on tax policy changes. The ads, which began running Thursday, were purchased by Our Oregon, a political nonprofit long led by Oregons largest public employee unions. The ad buys are notable because those unions typically align themselves with Democrats and have strong influence among top elected officials in the state. The advertisements target Democratic Reps. Emerson Levy, Daniel Nguyen, Hai Pham and Sen. Janeen Sollman, all seen as more centrist members of their party. The ads feature a black and white photo of what appears to be President Donald Trump signing a bill into law. The text above the image directs the public to tell those lawmakers not to rubber stamp Trumps billionaire tax cuts. In other words: Our Oregon is hoping to convince more Democrats to join their peers in the upcoming legislative session in voting to disconnect the states tax code from certain federal tax code provisions included in Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill. Our ads aim to encourage (them) to join (their colleagues) in doing the right thing by standing up for everyday Oregonians, not rubber-stamping Trumps tax breaks for billionaires and wealthy corporations, Kelsey Paden, interim executive director of the organization, told The Oregonian/OregonLive in an email. As of this week, top Democrats have not laid out a specific plan to disconnect Oregons tax code from the federal system. While some of the provisions in Trumps tax bill would save Oregonians or businesses money, the state would also bring in less tax revenue amid an already-bleak period for the state budget if it doesnt disconnect from the federal provisions. In a social media post Thursday night, Levy appeared to defend her position on the ongoing tax policy conversations. Let me make something crystal clear: I represent my district, she wrote in the since-deleted post. On Friday morning, she elaborated on her position, saying the ads felt unprecedented and describing them as friendly fire. Ive been clear and public about my position: some tax cuts benefit middle-class families; others believe we should fully disconnect, Levy said. Thats a legitimate policy debate. Whats not legitimate is falsely implying I support Donald Trumps tax policies or his administrations beliefs. I dont. Our Oregon is expected to ramp up its advertisement push in the coming days to target more lawmakers, according to three legislators with knowledge of the ad campaign who spoke on background to speak candidly about private discussions. Rep. Paul Evans, a Democrat from Monmouth, told The Oregonian/OregonLive he heard from a reliable source that he will be one of the next legislators targeted by the campaign. He expressed concern with Our Oregon using an image of Trump in their efforts to exert influence over Democratic lawmakers. When ad campaigns are tightly focused and they put imagery meant to stir emotions, it often has a lot of unanticipated consequences, Evans said. In this business, friends need to know who their friends are and not treat them like enemies. Gov. Tina Kotek said Friday she has appointed Ken Sanchagrin as director of the Oregon Public Defense Commission, a post he has held on an interim basis since last spring. Sanchagrin was tapped to succeed previous director Jessica Kampfe. Kotek fired Kampfe last year amid the states escalating public defense crisis that stranded criminal defendants without attorneys. The governor said under Sanchagrin, there is a stronger coordinated effort among all branches of government to resolve this crisis with urgency and transparency. His appointment is pending Senate confirmation. Kotek touted the drop in the number of unrepresented defendants on Sanchagrins watch. At the end of 2025, about 2,560 people accused of crimes lacked attorneys, down from an estimated 3,780 the year earlier. She highlighted Coos County in particular, saying the number of unrepresented people dropped to virtually zero, down from about 100 the previous year. We have made important progress, but more work remains, Sanchagrin said in a statement released by the governors office. Sanchagrin previously led the Criminal Justice Commission since 2020 and before that served as its director of research. He has led research into sentencing, recidivism and other criminal justice issues in Oregon. His current salary was not immediately available Saturday. According to a 2025 database of state employees salaries, he was paid $212,294 last year. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Council President Jamie Dunphy called on protesters to remain peaceful in the wake of a shooting by a Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis that left one dead on Saturday. The mayor and council president joined Oregon lawmakers in expressing outrage over the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man, identified by his parents as Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis on Saturday. Federal officials said the officer who shot the man is an eight-year Border Patrol veteran. We have warned, over and over, that this would be the consequence of federal chaos, irresponsibility, and hateful rhetoric, and once again we are proven tragically right, the mayor and council president said in the statement. We cannot accept the federal governments current approach, which is undermining safety and costing human life. Portland City Council President Jamie Dunphy Allison Barr/The Oregonian In Portland, demonstrators plan to march from Elizabeth Caruthers Park to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland to protest the Minneapolis shooting starting at 4 p.m. In their statement, Wilson and Dunphy called for nonviolent protests Saturday. Calm and purposeful does not mean passive, they wrote, later adding, We ask those making their voices heard in the aftermath of this horrific tragedy to do so peacefully. The Portland elected leaders also called on federal immigration agents to end their deadly operations and recognize the constitutional rights of all. A security officer assigned to U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, once a U.S. House representative for Oregon, was placed on leave amid an investigation into an alleged romantic relationship between them, Bloomberg Law reported Friday. The news outlet, citing two anonymous sources, wrote that the security officer was put on administrative leave Jan. 16 amid a probe by the agencys inspector general into allegations that the married cabinet member had an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate. The complaint also alleged that she spent taxpayer money on personal travel and kept alcohol in her office, where she drank during the workday. The complaint accused DeRemer of traveling to the Red Rocks Casino Resort and Spa in Las Vegas in October, along with a staffer with whom she was having an inappropriate relationship, Bloomberg wrote. Two of DeRemers top aides were suspended over the investigation. Its unclear if the security officer was named in the complaint that sparked the probe, Bloomberg wrote. The White House has denied the allegations against Chavez-DeRemer, calling them baseless. DeRemer, a longtime Republican who vocally supported President Donald Trumps attempted troop deployment in Portland, served as mayor of Happy Valley from 2011 to 2019. Trump appointed her to his cabinet in 2025 after she lost her first reelection campaign for her U.S. House seat. GLD, by contrast, provides 100% exposure to the basic materials sector via physical gold holdings. 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North Plains, a small but fast growing city in Washington County with a $36 million biennial budget, has not undergone a financial audit since 2021. City Manager Bill Reid attributed the years-long lapse to growing pains, including continued turnover in accounting staff, consultants and city administration. The city has missed the last three audits due to the state, but Reid said they have a plan to catch up by the summer. Fairview, an east Multnomah County city with a $43.4 million budget, has missed both the fiscal year 2023 and 2024 audits. It is also working to catch up. Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, a Democrat, announced earlier this month that hundreds of local governments, school districts and other municipalities failed to file timely financial audits or reports, meant to promote good financial management and transparency. In North Plains, Reid said the city was set to begin the audit for the 2022 fiscal year days after the secretary of states announcement. Reid said the other hurdle is the resources required to prepare such reports. It takes a great deal of staff time and effort to source, hire and onboard replacement staff and consultants critical to audit preparation, Reid said in an email. North Plains has been burned by lacking financial oversight in the past. In 2008, a former court supervisor was accused of embezzling $211,000 from the city. The employee pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated first-degree theft. In Fairview, City Manager Nathan George told The Oregonian/OregonLive that when he took the job in December 2024, the city was four years behind on audits. He said that the staff had simply not done the work before he arrived. The city has since finished audits for 2021 and 2022, and is currently working on 2023, George said. He said a new finance director and assistance from a third-party auditor have helped put them on a better path. The city of Fairview has a good City Council and mayor that are supporting a team doing the right thing, George said. Most municipalities are required to submit financial reports to the Secretary of State within 180 days of the end of the public bodys fiscal year. Spokesperson Tess Seger said the state sends notices to alert entities that they are out of compliance. Beyond publishing the list of entities who havent turned over financial records, the Secretary of State has no recourse to penalize delinquent filers, Seger said. Thats because state lawmakers in 2023 eliminated the financial penalty for cities and other governments that fail to file their required financial reports. Previously, the secretary of state had the ability to trigger the withholding of 10% of funds that state agencies would otherwise send to the local governments, if they failed to file the required financial reports. Then-Secretary of State Shemia Fagan, a Democrat, asked lawmakers to take away her ability to withhold the funds. Staff from Fagans office told lawmakers the penalty had not increased compliance, although they offered no data to back up the claim. They also said that withholding the funds posed a burden on the state. Lobbyists for the League of Oregon Cities, special district governments and accountants supported the change and there was no public opposition. As of December, 238 governments across Oregon have delinquent reports, the Secretary of States office said. Oregons public bodies are required under state law to submit annual audit reports, or self-reported expenditure information. While Im glad to see some improvement in these numbers, too many municipalities still arent meeting their deadlines, Secretary of State Tobias Read said in a statement. The Secretary of States office said that number is far lower than in May 2025, when 385 public entities were delinquent. Some of those delays were attributed to a lack of adequate resources and persistent issues around staffing, the office said. The secretary of states audit division started publishing the list of delinquent filers in 2017 in an effort to hold local government officials accountable. Those bodies include all local governments, school districts and public corporations beholden to local governments. Over two dozen entities have failed to hand over reports for the last three years. Among them are small cities like North Plains and Depoe Bay, Baker County and multiple special districts, some of which now risk dissolution, the report said. Dissolution is only on the table for special districts, and a special district can only be dissolved by the entity that oversees it. There are also four charter schools, two of them in Sheridan school district, which have not turned in required audits in the last three years. Read said taxpayers should expect local governing bodies to comply with the law. Oregonians rely on these financial reports to keep their local governments accountable, and they have every right to expect municipalities to provide this information promptly, Read said in a statement. The full report can be found on the Secretary of States website. Washington County so far has paid a pair of outside attorneys nearly $500,000 to defend it from a discrimination case it lost this week. The county says it paid $483,287 to lawyers Vicki Smith and Helaina Chinn, but that tab only includes bills through the end of last September. The case concluded in a trial that began Jan. 6 and ended this week. The county anticipates processing additional invoices from Smith and Chinn, county spokesperson Philip Bransford said in an email. The attorneys work at Chinn Smith Winters, a law firm in Lake Oswego. Smith and Chinn represented the county in a discrimination lawsuit filed by two criminal defense lawyers who said a Washington County sheriffs deputy, David Lyle, refused to allow them into a courtroom because of their race and ethnicity. A jury sided with the women, awarding Chloe Clay, who is Black, $500,000 and Alyne Sanchez, who is Latina, $300,000. That means between its own legal fees and the jury award, the county is poised to spend at least approximately $1.3 million on the lawsuit. The womens legal team also plans to ask the county to pay its legal fees, which could approach $1 million. Bransford said Smith and Chinn were the only outside counsel involved in the case and that attorneys from the county counsels office also worked on the matter. The outside firm was hired in June 2024. Clay and Sanchez worked for Metropolitan Public Defenders when they encountered Lyle at the Washington County Law Enforcement Center in 2022 and 2023. The center houses the sheriffs office and a courtroom that typically handles high-volume dockets. Clay testified that on Nov. 12, 2022, Lyle refused to hand her paperwork for her client and directed her to wait in a line where criminal defendants receive court information. He demanded her identification, she said, and when she couldnt produce her drivers license, he ordered her to get out of here. It wasnt until another court staffer vouched for her identity that the deputy allowed her in, she testified. Sanchez testified about her own encounter with Lyle. She said she arrived for court on Jan. 20, 2023, and tried to enter the courtroom, but Lyle refused to let her in, despite her repeated efforts to identify herself as a lawyer. She said Lyle referred to her as a translator. Both women are now in private practice and said they no longer work in Washington County. No symbol is ever just one thing; the fruitcake of Description of a Struggle is a lure to taste the fruits of corruption; the apple in the sophisticated later work is both f passing colonnades and mansard roofs and perfectly manicured trees and tourists just standing there in the middle of the street.a young woman in rural New England on a snowy He admits that at least part of his enthusiasm for rereading familiar classics is a yearning to revisit the scenes of early youth in the hope that may breathe fresh life int He was very late and we finally phoned his officehed probably been hoping that wed forgotten about it.I remember endless conversations about Borges that almost always ended When the handyman-cum-helmsman-cum-woodworker takes off his boots to cool his feet in the lake after a lo She would say that driving a big car on a highway crossing the American desert was like doing calligraphy in her notebooks.accen His absolute reverence for greatness in art meant that he was hesitant to subordinate his art to ethical I had to check in and pay for my time in the lobby downstairs and then I received a receipt with a QR code.which I dont remember The mother sat on the bed looking out at the lake through the window and made spiral drawings of the ripples of the lake.This short dream depicted the nature and effects of I wrote this poem in 2007 and it was published the following year before appearing in my 2013 collection Until I Give Up the Idea of Home.she pulls a credit card out of a spe the inexpressibly pathetic bell-tol san diego superior court case search by name pottawatomie court clerk monroe district court One gets the impression that Alice not only in work and in love she bought nasturtiums and two baske The US Department of Defense has released a new national defense strategy, describing Russia as a persistent but manageable threat to NATOs eastern members, Azernews reports. The Pentagon noted that despite Moscows demographic and economic challenges, its ongoing war in Ukraine demonstrates that Russia still retains significant military and industrial capabilities. However, the strategy asserts that Russia can no longer claim hegemony in Europe. The document also highlights China as the second most powerful country in the world, emphasizing that Washington aims to counter Chinas influence in the Indo-Pacific with strength, not direct confrontation. The Pentagon noted that China, despite internal economic and social challenges, continues to expand its military capabilities and demonstrates an ability to spend effectively on defense. The strategy reflects a dual focus for US defense planning: maintaining NATOs deterrence in Europe while preparing for strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. What does the NDS say? "As US forces focus on homeland defense and the Indo-Pacific, our allies and partners elsewhere will take primary responsibility for their own defense with critical but more limited support from American forces," the strategy says. In the Indo-Pacific region, the document says, the Pentagon is intent on preventing Chinese dominance over the US or its allies, but the strategy urges "respectful relations" with Beijing. It says combating Chinese territorial ambitions "does not require regime change or some other existential struggle. Rather, ?a decent peace, on terms favorable to Americans but that China can also accept and live under, is possible." Notably, the document does not mention Taiwan, a US ally that China claims as its territory. The document describes Russia as "a persistent but manageable threat to NATO's eastern members for the foreseeable future" and calls on the US's NATO allies to "take the lead" in defending Ukraine against Moscow's invasion "with critical but more limited US support." Other points in the strategy include the statement that "border security is national security," with the Pentagon set to "prioritize efforts to seal our borders, repel forms of invasion, and deport illegal aliens." The paper also says that the Pentagon will provide Trump with options to "guarantee US military and commercial access to key terrain" in different parts of the world, including in Greenland, which Trump has vowed to take over. The contrast between the 2026 NDS and its immediate predecessor is made strikingly obvious from the outset, with the current document peppered with pictures of Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, both together and alone. The previous NDS, released under President Donald Trump's predecessor Joe Biden, did not feature a single picture either of the then president or the defense secretary at the time, Lloyd Austin. The current strategy document is also full of praise for Trump and his alleged achievements in "[rebuilding] the American military to be the worlds absolute bestits most formidable fighting force," while denigrating previous administrations for "eroding our militarys readiness and delaying modernization." Very notably, the 2026 NDS makes no mention of climate change as an existential threat, while the one released under Biden contains a whole section on the issue. Among other things, the 2022 document states: "Climate change is creating new corridors of strategic interaction, particularly in the Arctic region. It will increase demands, including on the Joint Force, for disaster response and defense support of civil authorities, and affect security relationship with some Allies and partners." The 2022 NDS also accords a much higher priority to the threat posed by China, calling its actions in the Indo-Pacific and beyond the most "comprehensive and serious challenge" to US security. It also emphasized what it called the "acute threat" of Russia, accusing Moscow of seeking to "reimpose an imperial sphere of influence." Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE:WBS) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 12, RBC Capital raised its price target on Webster Financial to $72 from $70 and maintained an Outperform rating. In its Q4 2025 earnings preview, RBC Capital updated its regional bank price targets while maintaining a constructive stance on the sectors fundamentals. The firm expects a stable outlook compared to Q3, driven by improvements in loan volume and revenue growth. On January 9, Truist also increased its price target for Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE:WBS) to $72, up from the previous target of $67, while maintaining a Buy rating. This adjustment came just ahead of the banking earnings season. RBC Capital Maintains Constructive Stance on Webster Financial (WBS) Following Q4 Preview Truist suggested that small- to mid-sized regional banks are well-positioned to recover after underperforming large banks in 2025. Potential drivers for this growth include a steepening yield curve, the restart of share buybacks, and organic expansion. Additionally, the current attractive valuation gaps compared to larger peers could help these regional banks regain their previous market standing. Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE:WBS) operates as the bank holding company for Webster Bank, National Association, which provides a range of financial products and services to businesses, individuals, and families in the US. While we acknowledge the potential of WBS 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. LONDON Luxury giant Richemont has sold its Baume & Mercier watch brand to the Italian jeweler Damiani in a private transaction, the terms of which were not disclosed. Damianis luxury portfolio includes the Damiani, Salvini, Bliss and Calderoni jewelry brands, as well as Venini, the artistic glassmaker based in Murano. The Italian group also operates Rocca, the multibrand watch and jewelry distributor, and heritage watchmaker. More from WWD In a brief statement, Richemont said it believes that Baume & Merciers long-term potential will be best realized as part of the Damiani Group, given the maisons strong footprint in Italy, its predominantly multibrand wholesale distribution model and its accessible positioning in the luxury watch segment. Damiani said it plans to enhance Baume & Merciers visibility and reach by leveraging its own multibrand distribution network and opening select mono-brand boutiques in strategic locations over time. Richemont said to ensure a smooth transition, it will provide operational services for Baume & Mercier for an interim period of at least 12 months after closing, which is expected in the summer of 2026. The sale of Baume & Mercier, which was founded in 1830, and which Richemont has owned for decades, had been mooted for a while. It is one of the more commercial brands in Richemonts specialist watch division, and reliant chiefly on wholesale, rather than direct-to-consumer, distribution. It is headquartered in Geneva, and has eight stores. The watches are made in the brands Brenets factory in the Swiss Jura. In a research note, Kepler Cheuvreux said it welcomed news of the sale. It said Baume & Mercier had struggled for years and the sale underscores a more aggressive approach with problem units under Richemonts new chief executive officer Nicolas Bos. The bank added that Richemont had struggled to reposition the brand, and at one point was considering a management buyout. According to Keplers calculations, the business has 100 million euros in revenues and is loss-making. Kepler also said it believes high-end watches will remain a key pillar for Richemont, and that it did not view the exit as a sign of any major strategic change. Kepler added that Richemont has historically been criticized for taking an unnecessarily lenient approach with its loss-makers. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe The court battle between Nancy Jones, the widow of country music legend George Jones, and her ex-boyfriend, Kirk West, just got a little bit uglier. Jones has accused West of stealing more than $10 million in cash and crypto from her. West was arrested back on July 24, 2025 at the Nashville International Airport one day after Jones filed a theft report against him. And earlier this month, per The Tennessean, West countersued, arguing that he is entitled to half of her cryptocurrency, cash and previous metal assets. Court documents previously showed that Nancy claimed she became suspicious that West, described as her long-term romantic partner, might be cheating on her. She said that is when she called a granddaughter and asked her to check a safe that only she and West had a code for. Jones claimed that her granddaughter discovered that $400,000 in cash was missing from the safe, per Taste of Country, and that a crypto wallet with 5,534,307 units of the digital currency XRP was also missing. That amount of XRP was reportedly valued at $11,622,044.70 at the time. Taste of Country said court documents said Nancy Jones kicked West out of her home on June 28, 2025. She claimed he later called and said he would return $5 million in the crypto money but no more. West was charged with theft of over $250,000, which is a Class A felony in Tennessee. Rolling Stone reported that Jones took the stand during a court hearing on Oct. 7, 2025 in Tennessee and said that West took an active role in helping to manage the Jones estate and her finances. He took care of everything, she said. I didnt take care of nothing. The outlet said that prosecutors asked her if she trusted West. One hundred percent, she responded. She also reportedly told prosecutors that West called himself a financial manager. This is not Wests first brush with the law. According to reports, he was charged with bank fraud in 2016, and Jones said she paid his legal fees and hired representation then. Just a day after pleading with fans to help him find his dog Charlee, country music star Lee Brice was back on social media Tuesday with tears in his eyes. And they were tears of joy. Hey yall, just giving you a little more of an update, he said in a video on Instagram. Here she is, in her bed, Brice revealed turning the camera on Charlee. Her little leg is broken, but she is going to fix that. She is so happy to be home. Im so happy to have her home. Thank yall so much for all yall did. All my friends texting me, and everybody on social media, and all that. Im just so glad I did that because, man, 24 hours to find somebody so special. Appreciate yall. It was a video his fans had been praying for. Omg!!!!! Yay!!!!! God is good! one person replied. Im soooooo happy to see this!!!! Love you Charlee. We were all rooting for you Charlee!! another wrote. OMG THIS WARMED MY HEART, another added. There were plenty more comments like that and you can see them and Brices post here. Brice issued his plea for help on Instagram on Monday. Two weeks ago, our sweet girl Charlee slipped way from home, and our hearts have been heavy ever since, he wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of his lab, Charlee. Shes not just a dog. Shes family. Shes pregnant, carrying those little pups, and every day that passes without her safe in our arms feels like a lifetime. Weve searched every back road, called every shelter, and prayed harder than we ever have. Charlee, if youre out there, hang on, my pretty girl, he added. Daddys coming for you. To everyone reading this, yall know how much our four-legged friends mean to us country folks. If youve seen a pregnant dog that looks like her, or heard anything at all, please message me, comment below, or share this post. Any little cluse could bring her home to her babies and to us. Brice closed by thanking everyone from the bottom of his worried heart. Your kindness and prayers mean the world, he wrote. She could be anywhere in or around the Nashville area by now she could be anywhere from way south of Franklin, to past Dickson west of town, or any surrounding areas. Americans love to eat chicken, and there are plenty of fast-food options for those looking for their fix. Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, KFC, Raising Canes, Churchs again, its not hard to find chicken. But one restaurant you just dont hear mentioned in that discussion much anymore is Boston Market. That might have something to do with the old, Out of sight, out of mind, saying because it is not easy to find a Boston Market these days. The restaurant, which began as Boston Chicken in 1985, and is headquartered in Newtown Township, Pennsylvania, had more than 1,200 restaurants at one point in the 1990s, according to The Street. But the bottom fell out over the next couple of decades. Boston Market was down to 300 stores heading into 2023, and The Street said that it shrank to fewer than 30 locations by the start of 2024. The Boston Market Wikipedia page says it currently has 22 stores left, but The Street said the actual number could be less than 20. The outlet cited a report from Nations Restaurant News in 2023 that claimed that Boston Market owner Jay Pandya faced hundreds of lawsuits from vendors, franchisors, and employees regarding unpaid bills when he filed for bankruptcy on Dec. 8, 2023. At the time, per the report, he cited $10-$50 million in liabilities. But, The Street reported, that filing by Pandya and another attempt were each rejected by the courts. So, what happened to Boston Market and its delicious rotisserie chickens to call such a fall off? Restaurant analyst Aaron Allen told FCNews that the chain hurt itself by holding its costs down a move that ultimately led to a reduction in quality, which only undercut it further. Also, a big issue for Boston Market, per The Streets report, was the fact that grocery stores began offering rotisserie chickens. The chain eventually saw the likes of Costco serve up the same things far cheaper, retail and restaurant expert Steve Feldman reportedly said. And, because of that, it might be hard for Boston Market to pull itself back off life support. Ryanair is not really one of the big players in the airline game, so if you have never heard of them its understandable. Of course, if you have been on Elon Musks X platform the past couple days, it might be hard to miss Ryanair because it has been going in on Musk pretty hard. In fact, Ryanair describe on its Wikipedia as an ultra low-cost airline headlined in Ireland is even running a sale off of its current back-and-forth with Musk. Ryanairs Big Idiot Seat Sale is offering flights for as low as about $20 across February, March and April. Theres a catch, though. Only available for Elon Musk and any other Idiots on X!! the ad shared by the airline on X reads. Book today before Musk gets one! The ad also appears to show a cartoon of Ryanair CEO Michael OLeary jamming an I (heart emoji) Ryanair! sign into the ear of a cartoon guy who looks a lot like Musk. Dont thank us, thank that big IDIOT @elonmusk, the airline wrote above the ad. So, what gives? Well, Musk has been openly critical of the airline since it declined to install Starlink on its planes, and OLeary hasnt backed down. The airline really seemed to set Musk off on Jan. 19 when it reshared a post on X that read, what is a propaganda youre not falling for?? and wrote, Wi-Fi on planes. Musk responded by asking how much it would cost to buy the airline. Someone replied with a video of an interview in which OLeary called Musk an idiot, while explaining that Musk knew zero about flight and drag. We have to put an aerial antenna on top of the aircraft, OLeary said. It would cost us about $200-$250 million a year. In other words, about an extra dollar for every passenger we fly. And the reality for us is, we cant afford those costs. Passengers wont pay for internet usage. If its free, theyll use it. But they want pay one euro to use the internet. So, were not putting it on board. And I frankly wouldnt pay any attention to anything Elon Musk puts out in that cesspit of his called X. He was the guy who advocated to getting Donald Trump elected. I would pay no attention whatsoever to Elon Musk. Hes an idiot. Very wealthy, but hes still an idiot. Musk responded to that by writing, Michael OLeary is a retarded twat who needs to be fired. Put him out to pasture! Please make sure he sees this message. OLeary has invited Musk to try to buy the airline, saying we would think its a very good investment. Certainly a significantly better investment than the financial returns hes earning on X, OLeary said. The bad news for Musk, though, is that per CBS News there are rules that bar non-European citizens from owning a majority stake in a European airline. The good news is he can fly really cheap on Ryanair for the next couple of months. Kyle Rittenhouse announced his return to social media in December and promised there were big things to come. It has not gone well since. He was called an idiot by a Republican Sheriff in Florida. He has posted multiple slurs and has joked about carrying guns to protests. Again, rough. But it appears that Rittenhouse, who is famous for shooting three people, killing two, during a racial injustice protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2020 before claiming self-defense and being acquitted of all charges, is angling for a bit of a reset with a five-post thread that he shared to X this week. Violent leftists almost killed me that night in Kenosha, he wrote in the first post of the thread. I defended myself, I was acquitted by a jury, end of story. I made some bad decisions getting involved I wont do that again, he continued. Im older and wiser now. But when my life was on the line, I did nothing wrong. For almost six years, Ive faced nonstop lies, hate, lawsuits, and attempts to ruin me just for surviving. I could hide or keep speaking up. Im not hiding. I wont stay quiet while the same kind of people push to take away our rights and let chaos spread. He wasnt through. And no, Ill never apologize for joking around or triggering folks who call self-defense murder or cant handle a meme, Rittenhouse continued. Ive earned that right after everything Ive been through. If my posts bother you, maybe youre the target. Or maybe youre just too soft. Im still here. Still armed. Still free. They didnt break me then, and they wont know. The response, as always seems to be the case with Rittenhouse, was ugly. I killed people that I could meme, one person replied. I wish you would evaporate into dust, another wrote. This is your entire personality bro, another wrote. How much longer are you gonna milk this? another replied. He did have his supporters, though. You didnt ask to be an American hero, one person wrote. But you are one. Stay strong. Kyle you made the right decisions that night, another wrote. You wouldnt be alive had you not. Sure we can all make better choices. But it happened and you were the center of attention. Dont ever be sorry for defending yourself.! This all comes after Rittenhouse faced criticism for a post on Tuesday that he shared of himself posting with a High Ground Defense M134HG Minigun on X. Thinking of taking this to Minneapolis, Rittenhouse wrote. Thoughts? Folks were quick to respond, and it didnt go well for him. @FBI lock him up, one person replied. We get it your schtick is I murdered a guy and got away with it, so let me joke about murdering more Americans, Skyler Shuler replied on X. You look dumber every year! another wrote. Congrats dude. You take way too much joy in killing human beings thats not a compliment, Colorado Mick wrote on X. Dude, no, Braden Pace replied. You got a W with that acquittal. As you should have. But dont do this. Youre making responsible gun owners look bad. It was not the first time Rittenhouse had joked about the scene in Minnesota. FAFO dont try and hit a ICE agent with your vehicle and you wont end up in the forever box, he wrote on X after ICE office Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis. Its pretty simple. He followed that up with another post that read, After thinking about it, should I travel across the state line to Minnesota? That, of course, also kicked up a social media stir. Rittenhouse announced in December that he was returning to social media saying that the assassination of Charlie Kirk convinced him he couldnt sit on the sidelines anymore. So Im back, he wrote. Not quietly. Not halfway. Im coming back in a big way. But just a week into his return he found himself getting ripped online by a Republican Sheriff from Florida. That came after he filmed a video of himself standing in front of the Walton County Jail while claiming that Michael Rediker used Floridas Stand Your Ground law to lawfully defend himself when his life was put in jeopardy. Michael did nothing wrong, and he deserves all our support, Rittenhouse said in the video which he pinned to his X page. We are expecting an outright not guilty under Floridas Stand Your Ground law, he added. Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson did not take kindly to Rittenhouses claims. He reshared the video via the Walton County Sheriff Offices official X account and issued a video of his own scathing response. I dont normally do this, Adkinson said. I dont normally take the time to speak to public comments on cases, certainly not open cases. But in this particular situation, a murder that occurred yesterday in Walton County, I feel compelled to respond to what I can only call wildly irresponsible. I would say motivated by many factors, none of them in the interest of justice in which individuals, particularly Kyle Rittenhouse and his attorney, Anthony Sabatini, are attempting to frame the murder here in Walton County on Thursday of Mr. Keen as a Stand Your Ground case or wrapping it in the Constitution or that it is Second Amendment case. Adkinson was far from done. After 30-something years of doing this, I very rarely get personally offended, but Im actually just kind of disgusted with them, the sheriff continued. There was a man who lost his life yesterday. A father, a husband with two small children, who was murdered, unarmed on his own property, unprovoked by an individual who drove a tractor over a half a mile onto the victims property. Once there, batters his wife in front of eyewitnesses. When the husband, whom there had been no confrontation with, gets out to come over and help pick his wife up off the ground the suspect shoots him in the face. He was unarmed. There was no fight between them. There was no attack, and as he is laying dying on the ground, this suspect, Michael Rediker, stood over him and made some comments for which he is going to answer to in court. At the same time, he committed aggravated assault on multiple other people because he murdered this man in front of witnesses that watched this as this man was murdered. Again, unarmed, on his own property, after his wife had been battered, and no confrontation. Now, somehow out of that, Mr. Rittenhouse and his attorney, Anthony Sabatini, have determined that this is the great Stand Your Ground case, Adkinson continued. Well, Ill tell you this. Ill bet my badge on this. Not only is that not a stand your ground, Mr. Rediker will face either the ultimate penalty in the state of Florida or God willing the rest of his natural life in prison. Because, come Christmas morning in two weeks, there are two little boys elementary school age, two children, that are not going to have their father, and theres a wife whose not going to have her husband all so these two idiots can get more likes on their Facebook and call it a Constitutional issue. Adkinson then brought it home. I think both of you are jokes, and I dont think you should make a damn cent off the suffering of someone else, he said. So, if you dont like that, well you can file that under I dont really give a damn. I know people arent going to like this, and I dont care about that either. Im so disgusted and sad for the Keen family and their loss and the fact that these two yo-yos are going to try to make money and news on it. And I probably shouldnt give them this, but I think the public deserves to know this doesnt have a damn thing to do with the Second Amendment or Stand Your Ground. So, I hope that many of you will reach out and tell these two jack-wagons what you think about what they are doing to this family suffering. Dont let them make on penny off a like. By JOHN LEICESTER, The Associated Press PARIS (AP) At the power gathering of world leaders in Davos, Switzerland, the reflective shades worn by French President Emmanuel Macron captured attention in ways that words didnt. Hiding an unsightly but what Macron says is a benign medical issue with his right eye, the sunglasses bled into news feeds, triggered a jab from U.S. President Donald Trump, and spawned memes and an AI-generated spoof of Macron as a fighter jet pilot, set to Kenny Loggins Danger Zone track from the Tom Cruise blockbuster Top Gun. Those beautiful sunglasses, Trump said in his Davos address. What the hell happened? Heres what to know about the now famous shades and what they say about Macron and politics: The glasses The shades were made by a French firm, Henry Jullien, Macrons office told The Associated Press. They were its Pacific S 01 model, which dont come cheap, retailing for 659 euros (US $775) on the manufacturers website. It struggled with demand after Macron wore them for a hard-hitting speech in Davos, publicity that money cant buy. It launched a dedicated page to capitalize on the buzz, saying our eShop website is experiencing an exceptional volume of visits and enquiries. Shares of its Italian parent company, iVision Tech SpA, soared on Milans stock exchange from 1.51 euros ($1.78) a share when Macron spoke Tuesday, to a high Friday of 2.63 ($3.10). Crazy week, Stefano Fulchir, iVisions CEO, told AP. Very honored and happy that President Macron has used our eyewear in this important event. Macron bought the glasses in 2024, after his office checked they were French-made, Fulchir said. Today, I received a call from a radio and they put on the Top Gun music. So its amazing, he said. In the last three days, I slept only four hours a day, because we dont have time to answer to everybody. Macron's choice of eyewear was motivated by a health issue: He suffering from a temporary condition in his eye which turns part of the white of the eyeball red. (Boris Baldinger/World Ecomonic Forum/dpa/TNS) TNS Macron looks hot Wearing sunglasses indoors, as Macron did, takes confidence and some observers say he carried off the exercise with aplomb. He does look hot, said Cristina Archetti, author of Politicians, personal image and the construction of political identity, who teaches political communication at the University of Oslo, Norway. Unlike older-looking politicians who are particularly gray, dull, or some unnatural color orange not mentioning any name, Archetti said that 48-year-old Macron looked relatively young and super cool also in part because the blue-tinted lenses matched photogenically with the blue background. Images are so important, particularly good images with great color, so I mean he ticks the boxes, she said. I was looking at the various memes, to the Terminator, to James Bond, she said. You could imagine him sitting at the casino, sipping the champagne. The perils of sunglasses For politicians answerable to voters and thus reliant on their trust, out-of-context sunglasses run the risk of suggesting that theyre possibly hiding something. As U.S. president, Joe Biden sported aviator shades. In 2021, before the Russian invasion of Ukraine soured ties, he gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a pair. But unless the sun is shining bright, as it was when Biden and his aviators met Queen Elizabeth II in 2021, its largely safe to say that political leaders need a medical or other reason that voters can grasp to wear sunglasses indoors. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton pulled it off with blues-club shades when he rocked Heartbreak Hotel on his sax on Arsenio Halls show in 1992, while campaigning for the presidency. FILE - Gov. Bill Clinton, sitting with the band, turns out an impressive version of "Heartbreak Hotel" as Arsenio Hall gestures approvingly in the musical opening of "The Arsenio Hall Show" taping at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, June 3, 1992. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File) AP We dont typically associate sunglasses with politicians, said Marco Bohr, co-editor of The evolution of the image: Political action and the digital self, who teaches design and digital arts at Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom. They signify a sense of detachment. And typically, thats not what politicians are trying to do. Theyre trying to create a sense connection with the audience or with people, he said. In that sense, the sunglasses that Macron was wearing really stand out. Ripple Managing Director Reece Merrick took to X to announce an extension of the blockchain payment firms collaboration with Garanti BBVA, a Turkish financial institution. The latter intends to continue using Ripples institutional-grade custody technology to secure major crypto assets, including Bitcoin , Ethereum , and XRP . Ripples Metaco Finds a Place with Garanti BBVA In his X post, Merrick described Garanti BBVA Kripto as our Turkish partner, citing that the new deal is an extension of an existing relationship with Ripple Labs. By choosing to continue with Ripples custody technology, this banking giant is attesting to the vote of confidence that it has in the San Francisco-based blockchain payment company. This renewal is a massive vote of confidence in our joint vision for secure, compliant digital asset infrastructure, Merrick wrote on X. He added that Garanti BBVAs retail customers will continue to get access to secure transfers and storage for XRP, BTC and ETH, among other crypto assets. Garanti BBVA made its foray into the crypto space in late 2024 after it undertook a pilot program with Ripple and IBM. It had about 14,000 early adopters at this initial stage. At the time, this collaboration was designed to enable the bank to securely build, deploy, and manage institutional-grade key management infrastructure. This strategic deal gave the bank the avenue to offer services covering BTC, ETH, AVAX , USDC, CHZ, XRP and SOL . This saw the bank utilizing Ripples Metaco for key management and governance operations, backed by IBMs hyper-secure LinuxONE servers. Therefore, this latest extension marks further expansion of Ripples acquisition of Metaco in 2023. Ripple Secures Green Light Letter in Europe Apart from this GarantiBBVA Kripto deal, Ripple has achieved other milestones this year. Last week, it received a Green Light Letter from the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF). This is a preliminary approval for an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license in Luxembourg. It added to its portfolio of over 75 global regulatory licenses. The regulator has completed its legal review of the application but the license is yet to be fully authorized. The company is still expected to fulfill specific operational requirements to receive final authorization. Once the full authorization is granted, Ripple gets passporting rights to offer services across the entire European Economic Area. Read original story Ripple Labs Extends Custody Alliance with GarantiBBVA by Godfrey Benjamin at Coinspeaker.com There was a time in America when a big night out for a good steak dinner meant hitting up Sizzler. But that time seems long ago now, and the once-popular chain has seen its numbers dwindle in recent years. Founded in 1958, Sizzler once had more than 700 locations across the country. It now has just 74. And the road from 770-plus to 74 has not been pretty. Two bankruptcies the first in 1996 and the second in 2000 have taken place on that journey, but Sizzler has somehow survived. And now there is a plan for a comeback. QSR Magazines Danny Klein recently spoke with Sizzlers Chief Growth Officer Robert Clark about the chains plan for a rebirth. Clark has been with Sizzler 41 years and has seen previous plans to revitalize the chain fail. Our current leadership is much more focused on hey, lets take the best of Sizzler and lets make it even better, Clark told QSR. So, whats the plan to make Sizzler a big-time player in the steak game again? Well, per the QSR story, the chain focused on remodeling its stores and has seen positive results from that. That includes sales increases of around 47% in the remodeled locations. The chain is looking to continue making the updates. We feel like we have a really great brand here, Clark told QSR. And our results have been very solid. We constantly pup up in pop culture. I think what were trying to do with the remodel is really stay relevant and have facilities and assets that meet our reputation. We understand that remodeling is probably the single biggest driver of guests in the restaurant. Its the most important thing I think we could do aside from a lot of other operational things were doing as well. And, while the remodeling is key, getting back to its roots is also a major part of the plan. Everything we did was trying to dig into what made Sizzler so great in the first place, Sizzler VP of Marketing Sasha Shennikov told QSR. Why we have some restaurants that have stood the test of time through different rebirths; why people keep coming back. By Mark S. Singel When President Donald Trump announced in Davos that he had a concept of a deal on Greenland, the worst possible thing happened. Nobody believed him. CNBC reported that the president and NATO Secretary Mark Rutte met but only Trump thought that there was any progress to his fantasy of taking Greenland. The only real development was that Trump was forced to blink on the issue of tariffs. Markets were jostled for a day when the tariffs on European nations were announced. Forty-eight hours later when the tariffs were lifted, one veteran investor by the name of David Roche said that the Greenland threat was the biggest taco you could get referring to the Trump Always Chickens Out reality that investors have come to expect from a president who can be counted on to renege on his threats. The problem, according to Roche and most world leaders, is, Nobodys going to believe him anymore. Trumps start in Davos began with a series of snide comments aimed at nations that have been our allies for 80 years. Without us, right now youd all be speaking German, he told the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. Evidently, no one told Trump that German is the most widely spoken language in that country. His denigration of Denmark was even more offensive. Trump recalled how Germany invaded Denmark in 1940 with little resistance from the Danes. Again, he was either unaware or overlooked the fact that Denmark fought side by side with America in Iraq and Afghanistan and suffered more casualties proportionally that any other ally in those fights. Every NATO nation stood by its own charter and supported the United States after 9/11. Trumps brashness and rhetoric were not received well. Leaders from Canada to Germany said his comments were insulting, overbearing and inaccurate. In fact, Trumps performance in Davos was so distasteful that Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada issued his own manifesto saying that Canada would no longer huddle in a defensive crouch. Instead, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation, he would take his country on the offensive and work with other willing nations to fix the rupture in the world order caused by Donald Trump. On the domestic front, President Trump is faring no better. Jack Smith, the Special prosecutor assigned to review Trumps activities following the 2020 election, spent eigjt hours under the glare of camera lights and some hostile Republican House members. He steadfastly supported the rule of law and warned that no one not even a rampaging President - was above the law. He also made it clear that there was more than enough evidence to convict Doanld Trump of conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election and illegally storing classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Smith withstood a barrage of personal attacks at the House hearing. His unflappability was impressive and drove home the point that President Trump might very well have found himself facing serious consequences if the prosecutions had not been derailed. When your credibility is crumbling at home and abroad, a rational approach would probably be to focus on governing and some wins for your party and your country. Instead, the president continues to use his office to pour gasoline on fires throughout the country. His recent press conference was really a Willie Horton ad that went on for an hour and a half. He brandished pictures of Black and Brown suspects to justify any and every tactic by ICE agents including shooting an unarmed woman in the face. His unwillingness to extend health care subsidies is already straining working family budgets. His insistence on bigger tax breaks for the ultra-rich means that there is little left for the poor, the sick, the elderly and the needy. The reality is that the good people of the United States of America do not have the luxury of ignoring the rhetoric of their president. NATO leaders have determined that President Trumpis not to be taken seriously when he rants about taking Greenland or annexing Canada. Investors know that any tariff announcement is likely to be rolled back and they can ride out the roller coaster. But the rest of us must abide by even the most heartless, vicious policies that take root when the President plants the seed. The real damage is that the credibility and moral leadership of the United States of America is declining day by day. That affects every one of us and puts the nation at risk. It means that there will be a steep climb back to the honor that the founding fathers intended for our leaders. When the MAGA fever breaks, citizens will have to reassert their responsibilities as informed voters. Americas only hope is that they will make better choices in the future. Mark Singel is a former lieutenant governor and former acting governor of Pennsylvania. By MICHELLE L. PRICE and ROB GILLIES, The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if Americas northern neighbor went ahead with its China trade deal, intensifying a feud with Prime Minister Mark Carney, a rising voice in the Wests pushback to Trumps new world order. President Donald Trump, right, with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool, file) AP Trump said in a social media post that if Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a Drop Off Port for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken. It was unclear when Trump might impose the threatened tariff. He said in the post it would happen immediately if Canada made a deal with China, which Carney did a week earlier, drawing initial praise from the president. The White House did not offer any additional details. While Trump has waged a trade war over the past year, Canada forged ahead with its own deal to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in return for lower import taxes on Canadian farm products. At the time, Trump said that agreement was what Carney should be doing and its a good thing for him to sign a trade deal. Dominic LeBlanc, Canadas minister responsible for trade with the United States, said Canada and China had resolved several important trade issues but there was no pursuit of a free-trade agreement. Trumps threat came amid an escalating war of words with Carney as the Republican presidents push to acquire Greenland strained the NATO alliance. Trump had commented while in Davos, Switzerland, this week that Canada lives because of the United States. Carney shot back that his nation can be an example that the world does not have to bend toward autocratic tendencies. Canada doesnt live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian, he said. Trump later revoked his invitation to Carney to join the presidents Board of Peace that he is forming to try to resolve global conflicts. Trumps push to acquire Greenland has come after he has repeatedly needled Canada over its sovereignty and suggested it also be absorbed the United States as a 51st state. He posted an altered image on social media this week showing a map of the United States that included Canada, Venezuela, Greenland and Cuba as part of its territory. In his message Saturday, Trump continued his provocations by calling Canadas leader Governor Carney. Trump had used the same nickname for Carneys predecessor, Justin Trudeau, and his first use of it toward Carney was the latest mark of their soured relationship. Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said there was a sense Trump showed more respect for Carney than for Trudeau. Now, after Carneys visit to China and, even more, his widely celebrated Davos speech, which clearly outshined and upset Trump, the gloves are off. Carney has emerged as a leader of a movement for countries to find ways to link up and counter the U.S. under Trump. Speaking in Davos before Trump, Carney said, Middle powers must act together because if you are not at the table, you are on the menu and he warned about coercion by great powers without mentioning Trumps name. The prime minister received widespread praise and attention for his remarks, upstaging Trump at the World Economic Forum. The prime minister even spoke of a rupture between the U.S. under Trump and its Western allies that would never be repaired. By Lauren Rosenthal and Naureen S. Malik, Bloomberg News (TNS) Snow and dangerously bitter cold are expanding across the U.S. as the countrys largest winter storm prompts cascading travel disruptions and threatens widespread power outages. The storm is expected to span almost 1,500 miles, bringing heavy snow, crippling ice and subzero wind chill to some of the nations biggest cities. Economic activity may grind to a halt along the storm corridor, and a dearth of road-clearing equipment and road salt in some places will complicate efforts to reopen highways. Natural gas prices surged on concern iced-over equipment will choke supplies. Airlines canceled more than 6,200 flights and Amtrak pulled dozens of trips from its schedule. New Yorks Metropolitan Transportation Authority urged customers to avoid unnecessary travel Sunday and Monday, warning of disruptions to subways, bus lines and commuter rail services. We are fixing to be attacked by a severe Arctic blast, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said during a media briefing Friday. There is going to be a severe storm like few Houston residents have ever experienced. Former Federal Emergency Management Agency chief Deanne Criswell said during a Bloomberg Television interview that close to 200 million people are in the path of the weather system, which she described as gigantic. A wide swath of the South from Louisiana and Arkansas to the Appalachian Mountains is facing catastrophic impacts from freezing rain and ice, the U.S. Weather Prediction Center warned. Through Monday evening, Nashville and Charlotte could see roughly a half-inch of freezing rain. Thats enough to snap tree branches and power lines, potentially triggering widespread power outages. Parts of Mississippi will be lashed with more than an inch of ice. The punch of polar air sent power prices soaring. Prices for electricity and natural gas the No. 1 power-plant fuel, as well being widely used for home heating jumped ahead of the storm and remain elevated. State and local officials warned residents to prepare for power outages, frozen pipes and impassable roads. Snow and sleet are expected to cover major cities along a thousand-mile stretch from Oklahoma to New York. Boston may get walloped with more than 20 inches. The snowfall is likely be one of the most expansive in the U.S. since the 1993 superstorm, said Rob Carolan, chief executive officer of Hometown Forecast Services. I have a feeling were going to see problems with travel into early next week, Carolan said. Its going to take a while for airlines to get aircraft back into airports so they can operate. Winter storms are a primary peril in the insurance industry, similar to hurricanes. Most of the damage associated with such storms stems from prolonged freezing temperatures, according to reinsurance firm Swiss Re. But experts say indirect losses caused by power outages including food spoilage and missed work can drive damages higher. Within the storms footprint, a typical weekday costs about $24 billion for every day of disruption, said disaster modeler Chuck Watson of Enki Research, adding that economic activity tends to be somewhat lower on weekends. The exact scope of financial losses from the impending storm will depend on how long it takes to restore power and clear roads, Watson said. Power supplies may also be affected because of minimal winds from Saturday through Monday afternoon, reducing wind-farm output, according Sean Kelly, CEO of Amperon, a Houston-based forecaster of power demand and renewable generation. The biggest challenge for Texas may come Monday morning, when the power supply-demand balance will be at its tightest. Demand on the states main grid is projected near 84 gigawatts around 8 a.m. local time that day, which would set a winter record, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. One gigawatt is the typical capacity of a nuclear reactor. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which oversees the grid for more than 45 million people from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast, plans to shift into conservative operations later Friday. Meanwhile, PJM Interconnection, which stretches from Illinois to the East Coast, is set to operate on a more cautious and risk-averse footing starting Saturday. The PJM region is home to the highest concentration of data centers in the U.S. and is the focus of concerns over how electricity generation can keep pace with the AI-driven demand boom. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright urged companies to make backup power available from facilities including data centers. By THOMAS PEIPERT, JEFF AMY and DAVE COLLINS, The Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Almost 12,000 flights across the U.S. set to take off over the weekend were canceled as a monster storm started to wreak havoc Saturday across much of the country and threatened to knock out power for days and snarl major roadways with dangerous ice. Roughly 140 million people, or more than 40% of the U.S. population, were under a winter storm warning from New Mexico to New England. The National Weather Service forecast warned of widespread heavy snow and a band of catastrophic ice stretching from east Texas to North Carolina. By midday Saturday, a quarter of an inch of ice was reported in parts of southeastern Oklahoma, eastern Texas and portions of Louisiana. What really makes this storm unique is, just following this storm, its just going to get so cold, said Allison Santorelli, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. The snow and the ice will be very, very slow to melt and wont be going away anytime soon, and thats going to hinder any recovery efforts. Governors in more than a dozen states sounded the alarm about the turbulent weather ahead, declaring emergencies or urging people to stay home. Please use these final hours to be prepared, to make sure that you have blankets and warmth and food to make it through this storm, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said Saturday at a news conference. And every Virginian should stay off the road as of this evening, all day Sunday, and at least into the morning on Monday. Snow covered mostly empty highways in the suburbs north of Dallas. Ice and sleet that hit northern Texas overnight moved toward the central part of the state on Saturday. By mid-morning Saturday, ice had formed on roads and bridges in a third of Mississippis counties. Forecasters say the damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could rival that of a hurricane. A flight status screen shows canceled flights to the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, area from the Salt Lake City International Airport amid a winter storm Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Sydney Schaefer) AP Around 120,000 power outages were reported in the path of the winter storm Saturday afternoon, including about 56,000 in Texas, 36,000 in Louisiana and nearly 10,000 in New Mexico, according to poweroutage.us. In Shelby County, Texas, near the Louisiana border, ice weighed down on pine trees and caused branches to snap, downing power lines. About a third of the countys 16,000 residents were without power on Saturday. We have hundreds of trees down and a lot of limbs in the road, Shelby County Commissioner Stevie Smith said from his pickup truck. Ive got my crew out clearing roads as fast as we can. Its a lot to deal with right now. All Saturday flights were canceled at Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City, and all Sunday morning flights also were called off, as officials aimed to restart service Sunday afternoon at Oklahomas biggest airport. After sweeping through the South, the storm was expected to move into the Northeast, dumping about 1 to 2 feet of snow from Washington through New York and Boston, the weather service predicted. Some things in life cant be planned around a snowstorm even when it hits on a Sunday. People need medical care at hospitals and nursing homes. Cows need to be milked. Grocery shelves need to be stocked. Power needs to flow to homes. Most of these things are part of the background of daily life... until theyre not. Those are the times when todays big weather story becomes your emergency. So how do the 24-7 services stay up and running as the rest of us slow down? It seems to be equal parts planning, experience and fortitude. Bunking at the office At Penn State Health, teams have been planning for days to ensure we can continue caring for patients throughout the event, said Chief Operating Officer Kyle Snyder. That includes making sure the hospitals are fully stocked with the medical supplies and drugs needed to continue all health care operations. As for staffing? Most hospitals have protocols in place in which shifts can be extended, at overtime pay rates, in the event of weather emergencies. There might be free housing, too, as unused rooms and overflow wings can be tapped for employees who, once at work, cant get out. We are making accommodations to ensure team members have safe places to stay if weather conditions prevent them from leaving after their shifts, Snyder said. All hospitals systems reached for this report expressed confidence theyll be fully staffed through the storm. In Harrisburg, Fire Chief Brian Enterline, who coordinates police fire and EMS planning during storm emergencies, said the city purposely over-staffs for fire, police and EMS once the storm hits. Thats because, Enterline explained, it generally takes more people and more time to do things on a snowy day. Its all hands on deck, and thats the way we address it, Enterline said. That way, the chief noted, the fire department can run trucks outfitted with plows to help EMTs get to calls, and once there, maybe help carry a patients gurney across the snow. Fire crews also will be dispatched with ambulances in Cumberland County through the height of the storm, officials there noted Friday. Some shelves are almost empty in the dairy section at ShopRite on Richmond Avenue in Staten Island, N.Y. on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) In a way, some grocers said, the hardest part of their storm response is already done. Weve taken several steps to be ready including moving up store deliveries, proactively increasing capacity for online orders in advance of the snow, and increasing orders of the most demanded products, Giant Company Public Relations Manager Ashley Flower told PennLive. As youd expect, Flower continued, customers are stocking up on essentials like water, milk, bread, easy meal ingredients, baking supplies and non-perishable goods as well as items like batteries, shovels, and windshield washer fluid. Grocers hope to stay open through the storm, though several told PennLive they will close individual stores for the safety of employees and customers if conditions get too bad. If youve got to make an emergency supply run, best to call ahead or check online to make sure your favorite store is open. No snow days Dairy farms, on the other hand, are always open because milking cows dont take snow days. That means the drivers that pick up fresh milk and haul it to processors are often forced to work through snowstorms, too. It makes Brad Houldsworth, manager of Newville-based Barrick & Stewart Milk Hauling, anxious. A teen sleds down a hill at Creekview Park in Hampden Twp. (Joe Hermitt, PennLive.com) THE PATRIOT-NEWS The company serves farms from Juniata County down to the West Virginia line on Interstate 81, with dairy drops in Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia, too. Houldsworth said his drivers will be asked to work longer hours and move as much milk as they can Saturday. The hope, then, is they can do as little as possible on Sunday, when already-planned truck restrictions on the interstates will force his drivers onto secondary roads that, by definition, arent going to be cleared as well. Its a game of numbers, Houldsworth said, noting the farms are required to get their milk to processing plants within 72 hours of the milking. And with herds getting milked every other day, some need to get their loads picked up faster than that. Houldsworth said his firm has never had to dump milk yet, but the top priority is getting all his drivers back home safely. As for the roads? PennDOT will rely on its cadre of seasonal winter employees to help with plowing and road treatments, or in the maintenance garages keeping the fleet on the street. Spokeswoman Fritzi Schreffler said close to 100 of these workers many of them PennDOT retirees have signed up for storm duty across south central Pennsylvania, and this is their call to duty. Shifts get extended to 12 hours during storms, and the department has the latitude to add an extra two hours to that. We try not to do that, Schreffler said, noting its taxing stuff to run a plow all the while watching for other motorists and potential hazards. One common theme running through many of these jobs? A whatever-it-takes sense of pride in getting the work done at a time when so many others cant. Bob Shively, director of public safety in Cumberland County, recalls one blizzard in the 1990s where probably a dozen of us stayed (in the countys emergency dispatch center) for like 40 hours straight... We cant shut down. The Dauphin County Commissioners on Saturday issued a disaster declaration for the county and announced warming centers for those in need ahead of this weekends snow storm. Forecasters with the National Weather Service are predicting just over 13 inches of snow in Harrisburg from Saturday night into Monday afternoon. Other regions throughout the state are expected to receive between 8 and 15 inches of snow. Here is a breakdown of the snowfall predictions for parts of central Pennsylvania, updated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday: Harrisburg 13.7 York 11.3 Lancaster 10.1 Chambersburg 13.4 State College 12.7 Williamsport 13.4 Wellsboro 13.2 Bradford 10 The disaster declaration, which immediately went into effect, will be in place until Jan. 31. Anyone in Harrisburg who needs a safe place to stay during the storm can visit any of the following locations, which have expanded hours for the winter weather: Bethesda Mission Shelter at 611 Reilly St., Harrisburg, said it would take in any male at their mens shelter during the storm. Downtown Daily Bread at 234 South St., Harrisburg, said the day shelter would remain open throughout Sunday, instead of closing for a portion of the afternoon. At 6:30 p.m. Sunday, the transition to the night mens shelter would begin. Susquehanna Harbor Safe Haven at 1805 N. 12 th St., Harrisburg, was accepting men for its overnight winter shelter. Grace United Methodist Church for Women/Non-Binary at 216 State St., Harrisburg, is open nightly and is extending hours from 7:30 p.m. Sunday through noon Monday. St. Stephens Episcopal Cathedral Harsh winter weather can sometimes be deadly for those who do not have homes. From the perspective of those living unsheltered, this storm is frightening and dangerous, said Beth Kempf, executive director of Community CARES, a shelter and services agency in Carlisle. Harsh weather is not just inconvenient. When you dont have a home, its life-threatening and brutal, added Chris Kapp, coordinated entry systems regional manager in Cumberland County. The Dauphin County Commissioners are also directing the countys emergency management coordinator to authorize temporary workers, rent equipment and purchase supplies and materials to assist with storm-related efforts. PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission on Saturday scheduled vehicle restrictions across the state ahead of the storm. Travel will be very difficult to impossible. Widespread and prolonged travel disruptions are expected, the National Weather Service said in a winter weather message issued to dozens of central Pennsylvania counties. Harrisburg, like many other municipalities in central Pennsylvania, declared a snow emergency Friday. The city has nearly two dozen snow plows and hundreds of tons of salt at the ready. Additionally, PennDOT announced all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Monday and Tuesday. Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board also announced all its Fine Wine & Good Spirits locations will be closed Sunday. Shannon Gerdauskas thought she was going in for a routine oil change. Instead, the DeLand, Florida resident was left with a repair bill of nearly $20,000. Gerdauskas took her Mercedes to a Take 5 Oil Change location in October, expecting to be in and out quickly. Instead, she says a technician mistakenly drained her transmission fluid rather than her engine oil and let her drive away. Must Read The trouble started within minutes. It was shifting by itself. So, it was like trying to go into reverse and neutral as Im driving down the road, she told WFTVs Action 9 Consumer Investigator (1). Gerdauskas immediately took the car back to the shop, where workers acknowledged the error. But what followed was a familiar and often pricey consumer dispute: Whos responsible when routine maintenance goes wrong? When a simple mistake becomes catastrophic According to Gerdauskas, her dealership later determined the vehicle had been driven with no transmission fluid, which can cause serious internal damage to the car. The estimated cost to replace the transmission and complete all the related work totaled more than $18,000. Take 5 told Action 9 that it paid for a transmission flush but closed the claim after the dealership said the transmission did not need to be replaced. Meanwhile, Gerdauskas said she was told the transmission would eventually fail. My transmission was not damaged before it entered their shop, she said, Just pay for the damage you did. In a statement, the company said that while cases like Gerdauskas are rare, they strive to resolve matters fairly and transparently. But her case isnt as unique as it seems. Action 9 found similar complaints nationwide involving Take 5. WFTVs sister station in Charlotte, North Carolina, spoke with Ben Brown in 2025 after a visit to Take 5. He said he pulled over, opened the oil reservoir and smoke was coming out. His car ultimately needed a new engine. Read More: The average net worth of Americans is a surprising $620,654. But it almost means nothing. Heres the number that counts (and how to make it skyrocket) In Georgia, Robin Porterfield reported a similar experience. She said technicians drained her oil but never refilled it before sending her on her way. Aiken Standard reporter Dede Biles is a reporter for the Aiken Standard. She covers Aiken County government, business and horse industry. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers Daniel Kretinsky is also the largest shareholder in Sainsburys and holds a 27pc stake in West Ham United - David W Cerny/Reuters The billionaire owner of Royal Mail has taken a 320m dividend from his UK power business after it earned tens of millions of pounds from wasted wind. EP UK Investments which is controlled by Daniel Kretinsky, the Czech tycoon paid out the sum in 2024, recently published accounts showed. His dividend rose from 50m the previous year. Mr Kretinskys EP UK owns stakes in energy assets including power stations at South Humber Bank and Langage, Devon, as well as the Lynemouth biomass plant in Northumberland. It also acts as an energy trading company, buying and selling contracts for electricity, gas and carbon. It is one of several energy giants paid to fire up gas power plants when Britains wind farms are switched off because of capacity issues. Analysis for The Telegraph previously revealed that Mr Kretinskys company made 92m in 2024 from a practice known as curtailment, in which wind turbines are told to stop generating because the grid is too congested to accept their power. The huge dividend risks reigniting a row over ballooning curtailment costs. Figures released this week showed Britains wind farm turbines wasted enough energy to power all of Londons homes last year. Major suppliers including Octopus Energy have called for the country to be divided into different wholesale markets through a system known as zonal pricing, though experts have warned this would drive up bills for households in the South. Mr Kretinskys 3.6bn takeover of Royal Mail last year was subject to intense political scrutiny and a national security review, owing to concerns about the 500-year-old postal service falling into foreign hands for the first time. He is also the largest shareholder in Sainsburys and holds a 27pc stake in Premier League club West Ham United. Accounts showed EP UK enjoyed a surge in pre-tax profits in 2024, rising from 99m the previous year to 152m, even as revenues halved to 1.1bn amid falling wholesale electricity prices. Bosses said the improved profitability was a result of lower energy buying costs as the company reduced its power purchases, while trading commissions also increased. The 320m dividend was paid to Luxembourg-based parent company EP Investments, which is controlled by Mr Kretinsky. The parent company also issued a 270m loan during the year to fund projects at its subsidiaries. Mr Kretinsky has enjoyed booming profits from his British power assets in recent years as Russias invasion of Ukraine triggered chaos in energy markets. Gas-fired power generators were exempted from the Governments windfall tax, which was aimed at capping profits for energy firms as household bills soared. This was because they faced rising fuel costs as wholesale gas prices jumped. Tony Kukulich is an editor/reporter working in the Beaufort County bureau. Turning to journalism as a second career, he started as a photojournalist in the San Francisco Bay Area. After moving to Bluffton in 2021, he wrote for several area publications before joining The Post and Courier the following year. Ed Lab reporter Anna B. Mitchell is a Greenville-based investigative reporter for the Post and Courier's Education Lab team. A licensed English and social studies teacher, Anna covers education in the Upstate and collaborates with other reporters for coverage on statewide education trends. She studied history at the University of North Carolina, journalism at the University of Missouri, and holds an MBA from the University of Applied Sciences in Wurzburg. For fun, Anna plays bassoon, visits her family in Germany as often as she can, and takes her doggy, Ashe, for long walks with her daughter and husband. anniversary celebration Cummins Memorial Theological Seminary celebrates 150 years of mission, growth and community impact Founded in 1876 for freed Blacks denied full participation in Episcopal churches, the Summerville seminary honors its legacy with yearlong anniversary schedule Berkeley and Dorchester Metro Reporter Komlavi Adissem is a metro reporter covering Berkeley and Dorchester counties. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where he covered city, county, and state government for the Columbia Missourian. Find him on Twitter (X) and Bluesky @KAdissem! When trees are allowed to grow too close to power lines, this is the mess that ensues. That's what Dominion Energy's tree-trimming crews try to avoid, but many local residents say they go too far. State Rep. Joe Bustos and East Cooper mayors are trying to get them to back off in exchange for not protesting Dominion's latest rate increase request. Provided. Editorials represent the institutional view of the newspaper. They are written and edited by the editorial staff, which operates separately from the news department. Editorial writers are not involved in newsroom operations. Samsung Electronics is getting ready for the launch of a lifetime, the Galaxy S26 Ultra, on March 11, Forbes reported. Now, with its most important product for 2026 set to debut, the marketing blitz and margin test are front and center. Investors, retailers, and customers are eagerly anticipating the launch, which will take place at the Feb. 25 Unpacked event. The device will get into the hands of consumers on March 11, with preorders starting Feb. 26 through Mar. 4, and a special pre-sale window ending Mar. 10 in key markets such as South Korea. The launch will hit on multiple levels, both for tech fans and investors. For investors, it will change the story about how much money Samsung Electronics will make in the near future, particularly as memory prices are high, AI-driven chip demand is rising, and competition from Apple (AAPL) and Chinese companies escalates. Samsung debuts a sleek new device along with a quiet shift in strategy.Photo by Bloomberg on Getty Images Photo by Bloomberg on Getty Images Samsung keeps U.S. pricing flat, but at a cost Leaks show that Samsung is sticking to its prices in the U.S. Galaxy S26 (base): $799 Galaxy S26+: $999 Galaxy S26 Ultra: $1,299 Those kinds of prices will not deter Samsung enthusiasts; the prices match last years Galaxy S25 prices, but its not business as usual. Related: Top analyst drops bold call on Morgan Stanley after blowout earnings Executives say that memory and semiconductor price increases may force price hikes in Europe and Asia. Han Jong-hee, co-CEO of Samsung, believes rising prices for parts, especially DRAM and NAND memory, may mean that some changes will need to be made down the line. Samsung's financial pressure mounts as AI boom drives costs up Samsungs mobile unit is facing a headache: margin compression. DRAM spot prices are up nearly 35% year over year, thanks to increasing demand from generative AI models and high-performance compute systems. Samsung's memory unit had to shift storage space to meet AI data center requirements, raising NAND flash prices. AI-related demand could absorb more than 60% of Samsungs advanced memory supply in 2026, reducing cost flexibility for its consumer products including the Galaxy S line, according to TrendForce. That makes it challenging for margins. The profit margin for smartphones is usually between 15% and 25%, far lower than memory's margin, which is north of 40%. If Samsung takes on more expenses to keep prices the same, the impact will hit the bottom line. Why Samsung accessories matter more than ever This is more than a mere phone launch. Beyond the Galaxy S26 Ultra as a product, Samsung is mounting a defensive revenue strategy. Consider the MagSafe-style wireless battery pack as an example. The new pack has a 5,000 mAh capacity, offers Qi2 charging, and costs $70. Apple's $99 MagSafe Battery is directly in sight. South Carolina allows police to operate sobriety checkpoints, as long as they warn drivers in advance, but we still don't allow a lot of other anti-DUI provisions that most states do. SINGAPORE, Jan 24 (Reuters) - The Singapore government will invest over S$1 billion ($778.8 million) in public artificial intelligence research through 2030 to strengthen the nation's capabilities and global competitiveness, it said on Saturday. The Ministry of Digital Development and Information said the government will invest in specific priority areas of research, such as building responsible and resource-efficient AI, and in developing the nation's talent from pre-university to faculty. Some funds will also go towards building capabilities to support the adoption and application of AI by industries, it said in a press release. The initiative is the latest in a string of government investments in AI. In 2024, Singapore set aside S$500 million to secure high-performance computer resources to provide the infrastructure needed for AI innovation in the private and public sectors. It also committed more than S$500 million to AI research and development through AI Singapore, a national programme aiming at establishing deep AI capabilities. In 2023, AI Singapore researchers released an open-source large language model called Southeast Asian Languages in One Network, also known as Sea-Lion, with S$70 million in funding. It has been adopted by companies, such as Indonesia's GoTo. A recent version of the model was released in October 2025 and built on top of Qwen, a foundation model released by China's Alibaba, with improvements made in languages such as Burmese, Filipino, Indonesian, Malay, Tamil, Thai and Vietnamese. ($1=S$1.28) (Reporting by Jun Yuan Yong; Editing by David Stanway and Tomasz Janowski) PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-24 17:01:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 504 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 24, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Bath & Body Works, Inc. ("Bath & Body Works" or the "Company") (NYSE:BBWI). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton atnewaction@ pomlaw.comor 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Bath & Body Works and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until March 16, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Bath & Body Works securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained atwww.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On August 28, 2025, Bath & Body Works reported its second quarter 2025 financial results. Among other items, the Company reported earnings per diluted share of $0.30, representing a decline of 55.8% year over year and missing the Company's prior guidance on the low end by $0.03. Bath & Body Works also reported net income of $64 million, a decline of 57.9% year over year. The Company also announced that it was cutting its full year guidance for earnings per diluted share by $0.03 at the midpoint, to a range of $3.28 to $3.53.On this news, Bath & Body Works' stock price fell $2.18 per share, or 6.9%, to close at $29.36 per share on August 28, 2025.Then, on November 20, 2025, Bath & Body Works reported third quarter 2025 financial results. The Company reported a 1% year over year decline in revenue, missing its guidance of 1-3% growth for the quarter. Bath & Body Work's net income also declined, falling 26% to $77 million. Finally, the Company announced that it was slashing full year guidance for net sales from a previously positive 1.5%-2.7% to negative "high single digits." Bath & Body Works also cut expected earnings per diluted share from a range of $3.28 to $3.53 to "at least $2.83." In an investor presentation published the same day, the Company announced a new business strategy and admitted that its strategy of "adjacencies, collaborations and promotions" had "not grown our total customer base." On this news, Bath & Body Works' stock price fell $5.22 per share, or 24.8%, to close at $15.82 per share on November 20, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. Seewww.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-24 17:00:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 337 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 24, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. ("Alexandria" or the "Company") (NYSE:ARE). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Alexandria and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until January 26, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Alexandria securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On October 27, 2025, Alexandria reported below-expectation financial results for the third quarter of its fiscal year 2025 and, in particular, cut its full-year 2025 funds from operations, or FFO, guidance. The Company attributed the setback 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 Long Island City property.On this news, Alexandria's stock price fell $14.93 per share, or 19.17%, to close at $62.94 per share on October 28, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-24 01:08:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 537 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 23, 2026 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces a New York State class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers or acquirers of senior notes by Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) issued pursuant and/or traceable to the Shelf Registration Statement filed with the SEC on March 15, 2024, and as supplemented on September 25, 2025 (together, the "Offering Documents"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed.SO WHAT: If you purchased or acquired Oracle senior notes 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 Oracle class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=51135 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.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. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, the Offering Documents contained false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that at the time of the Offering, Oracle would require a significant amount of additional debt to build the AI infrastructure. In addition, Oracle was organizing to raise that additional debt, which would ultimately bring the creditworthiness of these bonds into question. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Oracle class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=51135 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.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. What will you do when you realise that you have just six months to live? That became the dilemma of a single father, whose only treasure on earth was his daughter. Behind Her Smile, a 2026 Nollywood drama directed by Barnabas Benjamin and released on IK Ogbonna TV via YouTube, revolves around this story. Starring IK Ogbonna, Lucy Donalds, Chioma Nwosu, and young Dera Osadebe, the 1-hour, 37-minute movie delves deeply into the theme of trust. While Nollywood often leans on moralistic storytelling, this movie elevates the formula by focusing on the psychological undercurrents of trust and abuse, making it a compelling watch for audiences seeking depth beyond surface-level drama. Plot The movie tells the story of Mr Ekene, a loving and devoted single father grappling with a terminal illness (advanced pulmonary hypertension) that he conceals from his young daughter, Ada. The discovery of the disease reveals that he has only six months to live. Wearied and worried about the future of his daughter, he went back to the village to disclose the sad information to his blind aunt, Aunty Dorcas. For Mr Ekene, his greatest worry wasnt the impending threat of death, but rather, how life would threaten his daughter, without him in the picture. In a bid to secure his daughters future, he entrusts her care to a woman he believes embodies kindness and reliability, one whom he met through Aunty Dorcas, Chidinma, who has had her own share of pain in life and now lives in the village. She enjoys telling stories to children, and soon Ada grew fond of her. For Adas sake, Chidinma was brought to the city and began living with Ekene and his daughter; her life began to make sense as her dreams found expression and reality. Ekene entrusted Ada and all his wealth to Chidinma to administer until Ada turns 18. Soon, Ekene died, but what he feared most became Adas reality. She was abandoned, forced into child labour, maltreated, and dropped out of school. Chidinma completely changed. What became Adas fate? What are the ripple effects of Chidinmas betrayal? Cast Performance The movie has a simple cast, with IK Ogbonna (playing Ekene and Emeka), Lucy Donald (Chidinma), Heavenly Dera Osadebe (Ada), and Chioma Nwosu (Aunty Dorcas). Ogbonnas character as Ekene embodies quiet resilience and paternal sacrifice, serving as a commentary on health stigmas (like chronic illnesses) and the pressure on parents to shield children from harsh realities. Mr Ogbonna delivers a subdued yet powerful performance, conveying vulnerability through understated expressions and body language, especially in scenes depicting his hidden illness. Dera Osadebe shines as Ada, the innocent child caught in the crossfire; her wide-eyed portrayal of confusion and pain is heartbreakingly authentic, earning praise as a super star child actress who evokes genuine empathy. Luchy Donalds performance as Chioma highlights compassion amid chaos. At the same time, Chioma Nwosu excels as the villainous caregiver; she cracks the role with chilling conviction, making the characters pretence feel unnervingly real. Review Behind Her Smile is an indictment of the changing nature of the human person, encapsulated in the titles which are metaphorical. That is, the movie, set to unveil the truth that not all that glitters is gold, in fact, the movie exposes the fragility of trust, particularly in family and caregiving dynamics and the devastating impact of child abuse, both physical and emotional. The film illustrates how greed can corrupt even those who start with good intentions, turning protectors into villains. This is evident in Chidinmas character, where initial compassion devolves into outright harm, including denying access to education and necessities. Hence, the movie title is justified. But one thing comes into play when the movie title unravels into intrinsic information about the movie: predictability. A few minutes into the film, and with such a title, one could deduce how the story would unfold. What saved the film from predictability was the introduction of the character Ekema. The movies end gives the audience some sense of satisfaction. However, the movies story emphasises timely moral lessons: it takes nothing to be nice, and evil actions stem from a lack of conscience. Trust as a moral and ethical virtue is often met with scepticism amongst Nigerians. Perhaps the movie provides some sort of justification for why Nigerians rarely trust themselves, or, as in most movies, it mirrors societal realities, still explaining why trust is a scarce ethical value in Nigerian society. However, the movie teaches us that virtues bring rewards, and vices bring punishment. Technical speak Besides its moral value, the movie has a precise, sequential flow of thought, making it an enjoyable watch. It doesnt introduce ambiguous subplots, and it uses dialogue effectively to convey necessary information. The cinematography conforms to the standard for YouTube-released Nollywood films, effectively using lighting to symbolise hidden truths; shadowy interiors contrast with brighter flashbacks of happier times. Production values are solid, with authentic Lagos settings adding cultural authenticity, though the score occasionally veers into overly sentimental territory, amplifying tears but risking emotional manipulation. The movies strengths lie in its emotional potency and relatability; for viewers, it is one of those movies that breaks you and heals you, with strong moral takeaways on kindness and conscience that resonate deeply, often prompting personal reflections on family and trust. The films ability to evoke tears through raw performances and timely themes, for example, child exploitation, makes it stand out in a crowded genre. Weaknesses include occasional over-reliance on dramatic tropes, which might feel formulaic to seasoned Nollywood fans, and the intensity that some find distressing. At the end, Behind Her Smile is a thoughtful dissection of betrayal and resilience. Its a must-watch for Nollywood enthusiasts who appreciate stories with social bite, offering both heartbreak and hope. Verdict 7/10 Behind Her Smile is showing on IK Ogbonnas YouTube channel Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the poliovirus, a positive-sense, single-stranded Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) virus of the enterovirus genus. These pathogens attack the central nervous system, often resulting in irreversible paralysis. While the disease most commonly affects children under five, its spread is fueled by environmental factors: poor sanitation, contaminated water, and low immunisation coverage. I have lived with the effects of this disease for over four decades, yet for much of that time, I remained in the dark regarding its epidemiology. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, many parents and even some clinicians in Nigeria possessed little to no understanding of how polio functioned. I vividly remember a moment during my formative years when an elderly neighbor insulted me because of my disability. Distraught, I asked my mother what had caused my condition. She told me it was the result of a nurses negligence, an injection administered incorrectly into a vein in my buttock. It was a complete falsehood, but I cannot blame her for not knowing better. At the time, misinformation was our only currency. Instead of seeking a physiotherapist, my mother took me to a local healer. Every morning, this man, who had no medical training, would massage my limbs with scalding hot agbo (herbal decoctions) and various ointments. I would cry in agony as he pressured my fragile, weakened muscles, neither of us realising that the virus had already damaged the motor neurons responsible for my movement. In those days, polio was rarely viewed through a clinical lens; it was seen as a spiritual or supernatural affliction. The psychological scars were often deeper than the physical ones. I recall an evening in 1991, when I was in Primary Five. While playing with my peers, a neighbor, probably irritated by our noise, chased us away. Because I could not run as fast as the others, she caught me and sneered in Yoruba: Olorun ti mo ohun ti o fe ya ki o to da e laro (God already knew what you would become before creating you as a cripple). This derogatory remark, implying that my disability was a divine predestination of moral deficiency, stripped me of my self-esteem. I wept for days. There are several of this kind of insults from people who are meant to protect me. A year later, on Childrens Day, 27 May 1992, I faced another rejection that I will never forget. My class teacher at U.P.E. School Iraye-Oke, Lagos, the late Mr Adebote, saw past my disability; he saw me as his best student and selected me as one of those to represent the school in the march-past at the Epe recreation ground. I was overjoyed. I ironed my uniform and washed my socks with pride. However, as we trekked toward the grounds, the headmaster arrived on a motorbike and stopped us. He asked Mr Adebote in Yoruba, Ki lo de ti e fi je ki omo ti ese n dun yii tele yin meaning Why did you allow this child with a leg problem to follow you? He ordered me to go home immediately. He did not offer me transport fare; he simply left me to trek back from the LG Secretariat to Iraye alone, sobbing the entire way. That experience turned a confident student into a timid one. Though I have since forgiven him, the memory of being a rejected stone remains. Today, as a university lecturer, my perspective has evolved from victimhood to advocacy. Recently, I travelled from Kano to Lagos hoping to discuss disability policy with the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA). Upon my arrival at the office, I met her secretary and told her I needed to see the GM, one Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal. She is also living with disability an amputee. She said I need to brief her of why I need to see the GM. While at the reception, the GM came out herself and I approached and greeted her warmly, while informing her I came from Kano to see her in person. She insisted she was so tired to entertain any further discussion on that day. I introduced myself properly as a university lecturer and why I need to see her is so important but she insisted NO. This encounter reinforced my belief that leadership in disability agencies should not be granted solely on the basis of shared experience, but on expertise in Critical Disability Studies. We must shift the national narrative. People with disabilities are not hated by God. We may be impaired physically, but many of us are intellectually formidable. True inclusion means more than just pity; it means granting the right of way on our roads and ensuring priority access in schools, hospitals, banks, and parks. We constitute a significant portion of the population. Our resources must not be diverted, and our dignity must not be trampled. Together, by replacing stigma with science and empathy, we can lift each other up. Shittu Olusoga is with the Department of Sociology/Criminology at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano. The Lagos State Government says the autopsy and toxicology reports on the controversial death of nine-month-old twins in Ojo Local Government Area will be ready within the next two weeks. The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Ibrahim Mustafa, disclosed this on Friday while providing an update on the ongoing investigation, according to Punch newspaper. Mr Mustafa said that although the post-mortem examination had been completed, the final report could not be released until the toxicology analysis was concluded. The autopsy has been done, but we are still expecting the toxicology results. The two reports must come together before any conclusion can be drawn, he said. He explained that authorities had been informed earlier that the entire forensic process would take about three weeks, adding that one week had already elapsed. They told us three weeks. One week is gone already, so we are expecting the report in two weeks, he added. The death of the twins drew public attention in December 2025 after their father, Promise Samuel, following their fathers allegations that they died a day after receiving routine immunisation at a primary healthcare centre in the Ajangbadi area of Ojo. Following the incident, the Lagos State Government announced that it had commenced investigations, including a post-mortem examination, and promised to make the findings public once concluded. Mr Mustafa had earlier told PREMIUM TIMES that investigations began immediately after the matter was reported, even before it gained widespread attention on social media. He said there was, at the time, no evidence linking the deaths directly to the vaccines administered, noting that routine immunisation is carried out daily across the state. However, he said a toxicology test was ordered alongside the autopsy to address allegations raised by the childrens father and to determine the actual cause of death. Providing an update on Friday, the permanent secretary said the toxicology analysis is being conducted outside Nigeria due to the absence of local facilities capable of handling such tests. The sample was flown abroad. The state government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the right thing is done, he said. Mr Mustafa also said the state government has remained in contact with the parents of the deceased children, amid public concerns that the case could be swept under the carpet. He said officials, including the local government chairman, are in communication with both the father and the mother. The state government is fully committed to the investigation. The outcome of the autopsy and toxicology will clarify everything, he said. The incident sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians raising concerns about vaccine safety and calling for transparency in the handling of routine immunisation programmes. The Lagos State Government has maintained that the ongoing forensic process is aimed at ensuring a credible, independent and conclusive outcome. (By Mariam Ileyemi, Saviour Imukudo, Manasseh Mbachii, Aisha Yesufu, Anas Dansalma, Zainab Adewale and Oluwakemi Adelagun) Hospitals across Nigeria are grappling with severe disruptions as the indefinite strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) continues into its third month, forcing patients to seek laboratory tests, drugs and other essential services outside public health facilities. Visits by PREMIUM TIMES reporters to hospitals in Akwa Ibom, Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Abuja and Lagos states show a health system running on skeletal services, with key departments shut and overstretched doctors and nurses struggling to fill gaps left by striking health workers. The impact of the strike may deepen further after the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Friday issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, warning of a nationwide shutdown over the governments failure to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers. In a joint statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES, the labour unions accused the ministry and other government agencies of deliberately refusing to implement the report of a technical committee set up to address salary distortions in the health sector. They warned that failure to comply would trigger mass protests, picketing of health institutions and government offices, and a nationwide withdrawal of services across both public and private sectors. Skeletal services in Akwa Ibom At the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom State, PREMIUM TIMES observed that only skeletal services were being provided. Key departments such as the pharmacy, laboratory, and radiology units were shut down, although doctors and nurses continued to attend to patients in the outpatient department. Patients were, however, left to source drugs and laboratory services outside the hospital. They wrote the drugs for me, but I had to buy everything outside, an elderly patient told PREMIUM TIMES, lamenting the stress of walking long distances despite his health condition. At the Accident and Emergency Unit, Idoreyin Akpan said she had just returned from a private pharmacy after being informed that no pharmacist was on duty at the hospital. The doctor wrote tests and drugs for me. Theres nobody to dispense them here, she said in Ibibio, explaining that she was directed to a private pharmacy several metres away. A hospital staff member, who requested anonymity, blamed the disruption on the federal governments failure to honour agreements reached with JOHESU. The government failed to honour agreements reached with JOHESU. That is the problem, he said, adding that poor remuneration had left health workers struggling despite decades of service. He, however, commended doctors for accepting laboratory results and drugs obtained outside the facility to ensure patients continued receiving care. Locked units in Benue At the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi, Benue State, the strike has led to widespread service disruption. PREMIUM TIMES observed low patient turnout, with several critical units, including the microbiology laboratory and labour room, under lock. A patient identified as Lizzy said she was stranded after being referred for laboratory tests. The doctor saw me and asked me to do some tests. When I got to the FMC laboratory, it was locked. I had to go outside to do the test. When I returned, the doctor who attended to me was no longer on seat, she said, adding that she had waited for hours. A doctor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the strike had overstretched the few available staff. We are now attending to almost everyone in the hospital. It is not supposed to be like this, he said. Another visitor, Muhammad Abdullahi, said he had transferred his diabetic mother to a private hospital due to delays. We were not attended to on time, and even when they tried, the services were poor. I feared for my mothers life, he said, noting that he only returned to FMC to obtain a doctors report. Efforts to get the hospitals response were unsuccessful. An administrative officer, David Abakume, said he was not in a position to comment and advised PREMIUM TIMES to contact the Chief Medical Director. The CMD, Joseph Kortor, was not in his office during the visit, and repeated calls to his phone did not connect. Strained operations in Zaria At the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, skeletal services continue, though operations remain strained. A nurse at the General Outpatient Department said record-keeping had become difficult because the records office was closed. The record office has casual staff that only open new folders to new patients, so what we do here is to record patients progress ourselves since we cant access the records office and also not to miss any information about the patients progress. She added that cleaning services had been affected, while the closure of laboratories had increased costs for patients who now rely on private facilities. She also said the laboratory where all tests are done is closed as a result of the strike, and it is negatively affecting patients financially and delaying the work of nurses and doctors. If the lab were working, patients would pay less, she said. A pharmacist at the hospital said the pharmacy was still operating, while some patients said the impact of the strike was less noticeable in their units. The JOHESU chairman at ABUTH, Saka Tofik-Olayinka, said management was enforcing a no work, no pay policy to compel workers to resume duties. The number of workers offering skeletal services has reduced, Mr Tofik-Olayinka said, insisting that the policy would not stop workers from demanding their rights. Delays, low turnout in Kano In Kano State, PREMIUM TIMES visited the National Orthopaedics Hospital, Dala, and the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). At the orthopaedic hospital, patient turnout was low despite the presence of doctors and nurses. A staff member said most operational units were being managed by non-union members and casual workers. An elderly patient expressed frustration over the disruption despite having seen a doctor. Yes, I came to see a doctor. I was asked to go and have my leg X-rayed. But when I got to the radiology unit, an attendant told me to go outside the hospital for the service, he said, adding that the people there are on strike. I was confused, the elderly man said. You can see how I am walking. It is painful that I have to go somewhere else. The JOHESU chairman at the hospital, Shehu Adamu, confirmed that all union members were on strike, adding that those still working were not union members. All members of our union medical laboratory scientists, pharmacists, radiographers, accounts and administrative staff, are on strike, he said. However, he explained that some operations are still ongoing because some staff have chosen not join the union. So, they are not being forced to join the strike since they are not members. You know we have freedom of association. Anyone you see working is not a member of our union, he said, adding that there are also some casual staff and interns who are still working. At AKTH, doctors were present in some units, but patients experienced delays. PREMIUM TIMES observed long queues at payment points, apparently due to staff shortages. At the General Outpatient Department, doctors were present, but there were no patients at the time of the visit. A security guard at the department said most patients arrive early in the morning and leave before noon. I think it has to do with the strike. But doctors are always around, he said. PREMIUM TIMES contacted the hospitals Information Department for comments. The acting Director of Information, Hajiya Maryam, said she would assign someone to explain the measures being taken to minimise the impact of the strike on health services on her behalf. However, as of the time of filing this report, she had not yet responded. Patients bear the burden in Lagos In Lagos, patients at Alimosho and Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospitals were directed outside hospital premises for laboratory tests and drugs. Pregnant women lamented the closure of laboratories and pharmacies, forcing them to pay for services that were previously part of antenatal care. Ezeanyim Chikodii, who began her antenatal care at Alimosho in November, said she has repeatedly been referred outside the hospital to obtain routine antenatal drugs and conduct laboratory tests. PREMIUM TIMES observed that the hospitals main laboratory, as well as laboratories at the paediatric and maternity centres, were shut. Pharmacies at the General Outpatient Department, paediatric and maternity sections were also under lock, leaving patients with no option but to seek services elsewhere. The lab is open. I went to the lab for a test, and Im here waiting for my test result, Madam Abiola said, referring to a private laboratory she had been directed to after discovering the hospital lab was not functioning. A pharmacist at the hospital, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media, confirmed that the pharmacy was not fully operational. We sometimes attend to patients in emergencies, especially when nurses direct them here to get drugs that might be difficult to get outside, he said. Michael Olusegun, a laboratory scientist in the private sector who visited the hospital for consultation, said he had to carry out all prescribed tests outside the facility. At Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, the disruption extended beyond laboratory and pharmacy services. Bisola Jamiu, who was receiving antenatal care, lamented the continued use of notebooks for patient records, following the shutdown of the records department. Ms Jamiu said that after the stress of registering for antenatal care and transitioning to digital records, the strike had forced a return to manual documentation, making it difficult for patients to locate their records and slowing down service delivery. The pharmacy is also locked, and medications we are supposed to receive from the hospital are not available, she added. She explained that she had taken only one dose of Fansidar for malaria prevention before the strike began, adding that since the industrial action started, she has repeatedly been asked to buy the remaining doses outside the hospital, despite the drugs being part of the antenatal care package. The Secretary of the Lagos State Council of JOHESU, Adegboyega Kabiawu, in a recent interview with PREMIUM TIMES, said the union remained open to suspending the strike if the government presented a clear memorandum on implementing its demands. Strike action is always a last resort for us, he said. Quiet wards in Abuja In Abuja, hospitals such as Gwarimpa and Kubwa General Hospitals recorded unusually low patient turnout. PREMIUM TIMES observed empty corridors, inactive departments and minimal clinical activity. While records offices were open in some facilities, many staff declined to comment on the situation. At Kubwa General Hospital, the atmosphere was similarly subdued. The records office was open, but only a few patients were seen around the GOPD waiting area. Most clinical sections appeared inactive, with empty waiting rooms and no doctors in sight at the time of the visit. Across both hospitals, entire departments were either empty or operating at minimal capacity. The absence of patients was as striking as the absence of visible medical personnel in many units. Background to the strike The ongoing industrial action began on 15 November 2025 after JOHESU declared an indefinite strike over the federal governments failure to implement the adjusted CONHESS. The unions said their demands date back to 2014, when salary adjustments under CONMESS were implemented for doctors, while non-doctor health workers under CONHESS were excluded. They accused government agencies of delaying the implementation of a 2022 technical committee report meant to address the disparity. Before the latest ultimatum, TUC had issued a separate seven-day ultimatum on 14 January, demanding the withdrawal of a no work, no pay circular issued by the health ministry. The Congress described the directive as reckless and confrontational. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja to halt proceedings in a suit challenging the Kabiru Turaki-led national executive of the party, saying it was politically motivated rather than based on legal precedent. The court, presided over by Joyce Abdulmalik, had on Friday halted hearing on the suit pending the determination of an appeal filed by a faction of the party loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. It was filed by the Wike-backed faction led by its Acting National Chairman, Mohammed Abdulrahman, and Acting National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, seeks to restrain the Turaki-led executive from parading itself as the leadership of the PDP. In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2501/2025, the plaintiffs are also asking the court to bar the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Services (SSS) from allowing the Turaki faction access to the partys national secretariat, Abuja. They further sought an order restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising or accepting any office address submitted by the Turaki faction other than the one already in INECs records. At the resumed hearing on Friday, the PDPs counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, applied to withdraw the partys earlier application for a stay of proceedings. The application was not opposed by the plaintiffs counsel, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, SAN, following which the court struck out the application. However, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the Turaki-led PDP argued that the judge ought to have struck out the case after the its counsel informed the court of its decision to discontinue the suit in line with applicable rules. Mr Ememobong said the courts action had further heightened the PDPs fears about judicial impartiality in matters involving the party. Why PDP withdrew the case Explaining the partys decision to discontinue the suit, Mr Ememobong said the PDP had lost confidence in the presiding judge. He noted that it had earlier written to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, expressing concerns over obvious partiality of three judges of the Abuja division in matters involving the PDP. This case was assigned by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. Before this suit, we had earlier written to the Chief Judge complaining about the obvious partiality of three out of the twelve judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja. In the said letter, we had exhaustively expressed our doubt and complete lack of faith in their capacity to fairly dispense justice in matters where PDP is involved, he explained. Mr Ememobong alleged that instead of ruling on the recusal application, the judge opted to hear all pending motions alongside the substantive suit and rule on the recusal at judgment. Despite this information, the Chief Judge still assigned our case to her. When we appeared in the matter, we filed a motion for recusal asking that Justice Abdulmalik recuses herself from the matter and return the file to the CJ for reassignment. Rather than do the needful which is to take the motion, and rule on it, the Judge ruled that she will manage the case in a way convenient for her , which is to take all the motions (including the motion for recusal) alongside the hearing of the case and at the point of judgement, give her ruling on the motion for recusal before the judgement. This in our view, defeats fair hearing as we have indicated our complete loss of trust in her ability to be fair in the matter, or any other matter concerning the PDP, he said. Mr Ememobong explained that the party therefore filed a notice of discontinuance under Order 50 Rule 2(1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, which allows a plaintiff to withdraw a suit without leave of court within 14 days of receiving the last statement of defence. The PDP spokesperson said the courts decision to dismiss the suit instead of striking it out further deepened the partys concerns. Today, after our counsel informed the Court of our intention to discontinue citing the relevant rules, the judge listened to arguements by all the counsel in the matter and ruled, dismissing instead of striking out our case. This again exacerbates our partys subsisting fear about the impartiality of the court, he added. Mr Ememobong said the party still had respect for the judiciary but urged judges to remain detached from political interests, referencing a warning by late Supreme Court justice, Niki Tobi. He said, We will continue to have respect for our judges and the judiciary generally, which is why we want to sincerely remind them of the immortal advice of Justice Niki Tobi JSC (as he then was), the need for Nigerian judges to maintain a very big distance from politics and politicians. Our constitution forbids any mingling. As Judges, we must obey the Constitution. The two professions do not meet and will never meet at all in our democracy in the discharge of their functions the expressions, politician and Judge are opposites, so to say, in their functional contents their waters must never meet in the same way Rivers Niger and Benue meet at the confluence near Lokoja. If they meet, the victim will be democracy most of the time, and that will be bad for sovereign Nigeria and so Judges should, on no account, dance to the music played by politicians because it will completely destroy their role as independent umpires in the judicial process. John Okafor, a parliamentary security officer, was on routine patrol at the National Assembly Arcade at about 5 p.m. sometime in June last year when he witnessed an unusual scene. A Nigerian Army major-general, accompanied by military officers, was meting out punishments on three men, who appeared to be in their early 40s. The men were ordered to kneel, raise their hands, hold their ears, and perform frog jumps around the Arcade. The men, Mr Okafor later learned, were being punished for allegedly duping the military officer by disguising themselves as journalists covering the National Assembly. They had reportedly collected money from the officer in May 2025 when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, promising to publicise the sitting. The parliamentary officer could not keep the incident to himself. He went to the Senate Press Centre to brief accredited journalists, urging them to be vigilant and to strengthen their relationships with heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to ensure proper recognition of legitimate reporters. Several journalists, including the Chairman of the Senate Press Corps, Taiye Odewale, listened as the officer narrated the incident. Mr Okafor said he could not confirm the exact amount they collected from the general. When this PREMIUM TIMES reporter requested that the officer disclose the identity of the military officer, he declined, saying he did not want the officer portrayed in a bad light. The parliamentary officer said the general waited for weeks to see himself on television and in newspapers, but nothing appeared. When he returned to the Senate a month later for the same case, the three men approached him again, seeking more money for publicity. Since he had discovered they were impostors, the officer asked them to follow him to his car to collect the money, unaware that he had already devised a plan to deal with them. This incident is one of several recorded in recent months in which visitors to the National Assembly, particularly heads of MDAs, had been harassed within the complex by individuals posing as journalists. In the past, journalists covering the National Assembly were required to wear visible, official identification tags issued by the parliament. Today, access is largely dependent on letters of introduction from media organisations or on notification letters issued by management confirming reporters identities. These notifications are typically printed in black and white on A4-sized paper. Official press tags were last issued to accredited journalists during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Mohammed Sani-Omolori was the Clerk to the National Assembly. Successive clerks have retained this temporary arrangement, declining to reinstate the issuance of official press identification tags. Under the former system, press tags were renewed annually and carried the journalists photograph, media organisation, designation and expiry date. The tags provided an easy means of identification within and around the National Assembly complex, and no individual could gain access as a journalist without presenting the official ID card. Journalists who covered the parliament at the time confirmed that the suspension of press tag issuance during Mr Sani-Omoloris tenure was reportedly justified on cost grounds. However, such expenses are ordinarily expected to be accommodated within the National Assemblys annual budget, which runs into billions of naira. The continued reliance on letters of introduction and black-and-white notification slips has created an unfriendly and insecure environment for journalists from credible media organisations, as it enables impostors to move freely within the complex without any verifiable or traceable affiliation to print, broadcast or online media outlets. These impostors often parade the complex with worn-out cameras and microphones. In many cases, they troop into committee rooms not to report proceedings but to scramble for leftover fruits, snacks, bottled water and other refreshments left behind by lawmakers after meetings. For instance, on 9 October 2025, during an interactive session between the Senate Committee on Finance and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, over the 2025 budget performance, chaos broke out moments after the committee chairman, Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), adjourned the meeting. Three men and two women rushed to the senators seats to pack leftover items. Fatimah Musa*, a committee staff member, confronted them and demanded their identity. They quickly identified themselves as journalists. However, ThisDay Newspaper correspondent at the Senate, Sunday Aborisade, intervened and asked them to present official media identification cards. None could produce any. They were subsequently ordered out of the committee room and asked to drop the items they had collected. Harassing heads of MDAs and extortion Aside from scrambling for leftovers, these impostors also harass some heads of MDAs who appear before the National Assembly, extorting money from them under the guise of journalists and, at times, fighting over the proceeds. Mr Odewale told PREMIUM TIMES that the impostors often target revenue-generating agencies such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). He noted, however, that his leadership had made efforts to ensure that such agencies recognise and engage only with the Press Corps, the officially organised body of journalists covering the parliament. Mr Odewale, who is also Blueprint Newspapers Chief Correspondent, confirmed that there have been multiple incidents in which the impostors publicly fought among themselves after extorting money from MDA heads. Kabiru Zubair*, an aide to the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, corroborated the claims. He said individuals posing as journalists frequently approach ministry officials for money whenever they appear before lawmakers. It happens all the time. They usually approach us after meetings with lawmakers, but we no longer pay them any attention. You know how that place is. These people are just looking for money by any means, and then they leave, the aide said. The situation, journalists say, has negatively affected the productivity and credibility of accredited reporters, largely because there is no official press identification to distinguish them from impostors. Lawmakers who witness these individuals activities within the National Assembly complex often assume they are journalists, leading many to shy away from the press and to treat reporters with suspicion during and after committee meetings. As with Ms Musawas ministry, several other agencies that have appeared before lawmakers have become increasingly reluctant to engage the media as a result of these experiences. Mr Odewale described the activities of the impostors as embarrassing to accredited journalists, adding that the executives of the Senate Press Corps, in collaboration with their counterparts in the House of Representatives Press Corps, were engaging the National Assembly management to find a lasting solution to the problem. Fighting over largesse On 30 October 2025, at about 6:30 p.m., two men engaged in a violent fight on the first floor of the Senate complex, tearing each others clothes over what was believed to be money. On noticing the fight, a staff member of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Adamu Dikko*, rushed to the Senate Press Centre to alert journalists. Some reporters, including Tope Omogolagun of BusinessDay, Sani Onogu of The Nation, and John Akubo of The Guardian, went to the scene to intervene, only to discover that the men involved were not journalists but impostors. It was unclear whose largesse the men were fighting over. However, on that same day, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, had accompanied Bernard Doro to the Senate chamber for ministerial screening. Security challenges for journalists Under the current access arrangement, accredited journalists frequently encounter difficulties gaining access to the National Assembly complex when challenged by parliamentary security officers, despite presenting media house identity cards and official letters of introduction. On many occasions, security officers reportedly question the authenticity of the letters, seize them because they are not recognised, and deny journalists entry into the complex. As a result, several reporters are prevented from accessing the press gallery and committee rooms to monitor plenary sittings and legislative activities. Last June, a sergeant-at-arms seized the official letter of introduction of a PREMIUM TIMES correspondent covering the Senate, arguing that the document was not recognised. Meanwhile, the organisations correspondent covering the House of Representatives was allowed entry into the complex with the same letter. A similar experience was reported by BusinessDay correspondents covering both the Senate and the House of Representatives, highlighting the lack of a uniform access standard across the two chambers. The inconsistent enforcement of access rules creates confusion, arbitrariness and disruptions to parliamentary coverage, even as individuals posing as journalists appear to move freely within the complex. NASS speaks Audu Biallah, the director of the National Assembly Information Department, which is responsible for issuing press tags to journalists, declined to comment when approached about the issue. Global standards and comparative context Globally, parliamentary press access is governed by formal accreditation systems administered by legislative authorities, a standard designed to balance transparency, press freedom and security. Across major democracies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and the European Parliament, journalists covering parliament are issued official parliamentary identification cards. These IDs, often renewed annually or per legislative session, clearly distinguish accredited journalists from visitors, lobbyists and political aides. READ ALSO:National Assembly to clarify alleged discrepancies in gazetted tax acts Under these systems, press galleries or press corps operate as recognised bodies under written rules approved by parliament, while security agencies rely on official badges to enforce access control. For instance, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the US parliament tightened access by requiring biometric or photo IDs, Colour-coded badges for press, staff, and visitors, restricted zones for non-accredited persons, and immediate revocation for impersonation. Impersonating a journalist within parliamentary premises is treated as a serious security breach, often attracting sanctions or prosecution because it largely violates modern parliamentary security norms. In contrast, Nigerias National Assembly currently relies largely on media house identity cards or letters of introduction, with no universally recognised parliamentary press ID in circulation. Despite these impostors operating openly, there are no records indicating that any of them has been arrested or prosecuted. Ifeanyi Odili, president of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), said this arrangement falls short of global democratic and security standards and creates fertile ground for impersonation, extortion, and abuse. Journalists must be clearly distinguishable from lobbyists, political aides, visitors, contractors, he said. Our country must adopt the best practice, which includes the issuance of different badge colours, separate access routes, clear signage and enforcement. By so doing, itll prevent extortion, conflict of interest and reputational damage to the press, he added. *The names of sources asterisked in this story have been altered to protect the persons from victimisation by their employers. Photographer: Ore Huiying/Bloomberg Singapore will pour in more than S$1 billion ($786 million) to fund public artificial intelligence research over the next five years, accelerating a bid to bolster a homegrown AI industry in a field dominated by US and Chinese players. The government is betting the investment will help strengthen its position as an AI research hub, Digital Development and Information Minister Josephine Teo said in a speech at an industry event in the city-state Saturday. The investment will be used to set up research centers, build AI capabilities and develop the nations talent pipeline. Most Read from Bloomberg Singapore is part of a growing cohort of nations racing to make sure AI doesnt leave their industries or workers behind. South Korea is sponsoring a tournament in a bid to support homegrown AI, while Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are leveraging their massive capital to acquire advanced computing infrastructure and to fund domestic models such as Falcon. Others, including Japan, Canada and India, are also working on their own sovereign AI strategies and capabilities. Research serves as a key activity driver in our AI efforts, advancing the nations deep technical capabilities and ensuring Singapore remains at the forefront of AI innovation, Teos ministry said in a statement. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2026 Bloomberg L.P. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has said Nigerias continued engagement with the United States demonstrates the level of mutual trust between the two countries. These relations, according to him, are focused on promoting religious freedom and addressing security challenges affecting both countries. In a series of posts on X on Friday, Mr Ribadu reacted to Thursdays inaugural meeting of the US-Nigeria Working Group, which involves top officials from the US and Nigeria. Nigeria approaches this platform as a practical, results-oriented partnership. Since late 2025, cooperation with the United States has moved beyond dialogue to tangible outcomes, strengthening coordination, accountability, and our collective capacity to counter violent threats while upholding the protection of civilians, he wrote. He also declared that the Nigerian government has been working to address the security crisis plaguing the country. Nigeria is taking decisive national action combining security ops, justice, early-warning systems, and data-driven accountability. Committed to frank dialogue, measurable progress, and a partnership focused on outcomes, trust, and protection for all communities, he said. Under President @officialABATs leadership, Nigeria is taking decisive national action combining security ops, justice, early-warning systems, and data-driven accountability. Committed to frank dialogue, measurable progress, and a partnership focused on outcomes, trust, and protection for all communities, he also noted. The meeting was held in Abuja during the visit of a high-level US delegation led by the Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker. The delegation had visited as part of a broader diplomatic tour spanning Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The Working Group meeting held during this time is aimed at reducing violence targeting vulnerable Christian communities in Nigeria and encouraging conditions that allow all citizens to coexist peacefully. The US visit is the latest in a series of meetings involving top officials from Nigeria and the US, following President Donald Trumps designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern. PREMIUM TIMES also reported the visit of a Nigerian delegation, led by Mr Ribadu. That delegation met with top US officials, including Secretary of War Peter Hegseth. There have also been two US Congressional delegations to Nigeria. Meanwhile, on 25 December, the US launched missile strikes in Nigeria in partnership with Nigerian authorities who provided intelligence to their American counterparts. PREMIUM TIMES reported the strikes, with Mr Trump saying they were part of the US effort to stop the operations of radical Islamic groups in the country. Two weeks ago, the American president warned that there could be more US strikes in Nigeria if what he called attacks on the countrys Christian population persisted. Id love to make it a one-time strike But if they continue to kill Christians, it will be a many-time strike, Mr Trump said. The founder of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has declared that the lingering political crisis in Rivers State is spiritual, not physical, insisting that no mortal man can solve it. The cleric made the remarks during his church recent Glory Reigns 2026 prayers in Port Harcourt. The video clip of his sermon has since gone viral. Drawing loud applause from congregants, Mr Ibiyeomie dismissed political solutions to the crisis that has disrupted governance in the oil-rich state, despite repeated interventions by President Bola Tinubu. No mortal man can solve the Rivers State political crisis. Its not a physical problem, he said. Theyve tried all means, even the president has not been able. A genealogy of political conflict Mr Ibiyeomie traced the recurring pattern of political betrayal and conflict to the era of former Governor Ada George, under whom Peter Odili served before becoming governor. Ada George was a governor; Odili was under him. Messrs Odili and George fought. Odili was his boy, the cleric said. According to him, the pattern repeated itself when Mr Odili became governor between 1999 and 2007, a period Rotimi Amaechi served for two terms as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly under Mr Odili. From succession to confrontation Backed by Mr Odili, then-Speaker Amaechi won the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket in 2007, the party handed the ticket to Celestine Omehia instead, prompting a legal tussle. Mr Omehia briefly became governor before the Supreme Court ruled that the PDP, not the individual candidate, won the election and ordered that Mr Amaechi be sworn in. Messrs Odili and Amaechi fought, Mr Ibiyeomie said. Mr Amaechi governed Rivers State from 2007 to 2015. AmaechiWike fallout and deepening crisis The cleric said the cycle continued with Nyesom Wike, who served as chief of staff to Mr Amaechi and was later recommended by him for a ministerial appointment. Mr Wike succeeded Mr Amaechi as governor in 2015 and governed until 2023. Their relationship, however, degenerated into a bitter political rivalry that has persisted. Messrs Amaechi and Wike fought, Mr Ibiyeomie said. Fubara era and escalating instability The pattern, the cleric argued, repeated itself once more with the incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Mr Fubara served as accountant-general under Mr Wike, who supported his emergence as governor in 2023. Their political relationship has since collapsed into an open political battle. Since Mr Fubara assumed office, Rivers State has witnessed one of its most turbulent periods in recent history, marked by legislative paralysis, factional battles within the state assembly, and deepening executive-legislative hostility. Presidential interventions under Mr Tinubu have failed to stabilise the situation, with the crisis producing multiple impeachment notices, legal standoffs, and an emergency rule. A curse broken Rejecting political engineering as a solution, Mr Ibiyeomie insisted the crisis could only be resolved spiritually. Even if Governor Fubara puts somebody today, the person will fight him, he said. Its a spiritual problem. He concluded with a dramatic declaration to his congregation: But I stand in my office today and I declare that curse broken in the name of Jesus. As congregants responded with loud Amen, the clerics remarks added a new, controversial dimension to a crisis that continues to defy conventional political solutions in Rivers. The Lagos State Government has defended its demolition of structures in Makoko and other waterfront communities, insisting the actions are necessary to safeguard lives, property, and public safety. In a statement posted on its Facebook page on Saturday, officials spotlighted discussions held on Ask Lagos, a weekly X-space forum for engagement between the government and residents. The session featured Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso and Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Olajide Babatunde. Responding to criticisms that the demolitions are anti-poor and unnecessary, Mr Omotoso said the operations are primarily motivated by safety, environmental, and security considerations. He emphasised the dangers posed by illegal structures built beneath high-tension power lines and along critical waterways. No responsible government anywhere in the world can allow people to live directly under high-tension cables or obstruct vital waterways, Mr Omotoso said. These actions are not punitive; they are preventive to protect lives, avert disasters, and secure the future of Lagos. Mr Omotoso noted that the government has engaged affected communities for over five years. The law requires buildings to be at least 250 metres from power lines, yet some structures were built directly beneath them. Imagine one line dropping into the lagoon. The disaster would be incredible, he added, noting that some residents requested the setback be reduced from 100 metres to 50 metres. Mr Babatunde, emphasising the role of urban planning and digital mapping, said the demolitions are part of a broader regeneration blueprint aimed at making Lagos a resilient and investment-friendly megacity. He cited the relocation of residents from Oko Baba to purpose-built estates with modern amenities as a precedent, stressing that decisions are guided by master plans, safety codes, and environmental standards. Concerns were raised about casualties, enforcement methods, lack of compensation, and unclear relocation timelines. Mr Omotoso acknowledged the emotional toll but urged residents to focus on verified information. Mr Babatunde added that transparency tools like the states e-GIS platforms help residents check zoning and setback requirements to prevent future conflicts. While some NGOs and community members have described the demolitions as class cleansing, government officials maintain that failure to act could result in far worse disasters than temporary displacement. Background Human rights and civil society groups have condemned the demolitions in Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode Onirin, Otumara, and Baba-Ijora, which have displaced thousands and left at least 12 dead. PREMIUM TIMES has yet to independently confirm the figures. The groups describe the demolitions as part of a systemic attack on the urban poor, carried out without consultation, compensation, or resettlement. The $200 million World Bank-funded Lagos Metropolitan Development and Governance Project (LMDGP), launched in 2006, aimed to upgrade slums without displacing residents. Reports said that by 2013, only minimal improvements had been made in Makoko, and the project ended unsatisfactorily. Despite this, Lagos embarked on aggressive demolitions, undermining the projects objectives and violating international safeguards against forced displacement. Civil society groups reported that Makoko, a historic waterfront community of over 100,000 residents, saw more than 3,000 homes destroyed and over 10,000 people displaced since December 2025. Operations involved armed security personnel using tear gas and bulldozers, resulting in deaths, injuries, and destruction of schools, clinics, and places of worship. Residents allege that safety regulations were used as a pretext to grab land for private interests. The government has defended its actions, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stating that the demolitions are necessary to safeguard lives and property, especially in high-risk areas beneath power lines. Officials promise relocation options and grants for affected families. Critics argue the government consistently fails to provide basic infrastructure and ignores court orders restraining demolitions, undermining residents rights and livelihoods. Civil society leaders have called for an immediate halt to demolitions, provision of emergency shelters, access to education and healthcare, full compensation, transparent resettlement plans, and accountability for state violence. Observers warn that Lagos cannot claim global-city status while treating its poorest residents as disposable. Lagos has a long history of forced evictions in informal settlements, including Otodo Gbame, Oworonshoki, Orisunmibare, and Ilaje-Otumara, displacing tens of thousands despite legal protections. Rights groups have described these operations as illegal, violent, and discriminatory, highlighting the need for inclusive, rights-based urban development strategies. Former Governor of Kano State and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has reaffirmed his commitment to his political principles, declaring that he will not compromise his ideals for personal or material gain. Addressing supporters at his Miller Road residence on Friday, Mr Kwankwaso reacted to the announcement of Governor Abba Yusufs resignation from the NNPP alongside a majority of the states elected and appointed officials. The governor and his team are expected to formally join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming days. Mr Kwankwaso noted that while he could have joined the wave of defections, he remains bound by a long-standing political struggle dedicated to the emancipation of ordinary Nigerians. I am not for sale, Mr Kwankwaso declared. Our political convictions keep me grounded. If I were motivated by personal gain or greed, I would have taken the easy route and accepted the money. You would be looking for me elsewhere today, not standing here with you, the former governor claimed. He stated that his political group, the Kwankwasiyya movement, is sustained by shared values rather than material incentives. He specifically commended Rufai Hanga (Kano Central senator) and other loyalists for standing by the movement despite political pressure. He urged his followers to begin early mobilisation for the 2027 general elections, and called for massive support to ensure the NNPPs future success. We need people like you who have sacrificed and stood by the truth. Do not relent, because one day, we will achieve our objectives, he stated. We must start preparing because there are people hell-bent on destroying what we have built over time. My mission is to fight for the ordinary person; I will not compromise and join the capitalist group, Mr Kwankwaso said. The relationship between Mr Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuflong considered one of the most stable political alliances in the state collapsed in early January following weeks of underlying tension over the governors planned defection to the APC. The Chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Abdullahi Abbas, has stated that a decision on awarding an automatic governorship ticket to Governor Abba Yusuf remains pending. Mr Abbas clarified that the matter will only be finalised after the governor and his supporters officially defect to the APC. In a recent interview with Daily Trust published on Saturday, Mr Abbas addressed the contentious issue of automatic tickets. Speculation has mounted over several weeks that this matter might be the primary hurdle delaying the governors anticipated defection to the APC. When questioned about the partys position, Mr Abbas dismissed the concerns as premature. He stated that the issue would only be discussed at the appropriate timespecifically, once the governor has officially joined the APC. That is not an issue for now; it is an issue of when all processes are completed and whoever is coming has finalised their defection processes. With respect to Governor Yusuf, as you know, he is not coming alone. There are elected local government chairmen, councillors, and other political office holders who will defect to our party with him. Therefore, it is an issue of when all has been finalised, then we will sit down and map out a strategy that all will benefit from. The issue goes beyond contesting; it is an issue of how APC, as a political party, emerges victorious in the 2027 general elections. In a nutshell, it is an issue of sitting down to discuss and agree, and there is nothing impossible here, Mr Abbas said in the interview. We await his coming, and believe me, we will work out a modality that will ensure the success of the party unanimously without any form of crisis between old members and the new members, Mr Abbas added. Mr Abbas remained unfazed by the prospect of the governor being unseated during the APC primaries. He brushed aside concerns even as prominent figures, such as the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, are widely believed to be eyeing the APC ticket ahead of 2027. In my personal view, I believe that in Nigerian political contests, it is very hard for an incumbent governor to fail the primaries. Such instances where incumbent governors fail in primaries rarely happen. However, if the circumstances warrant that a primary should hold, so be it. But the issue of an automatic ticket for the governor is not our major concern for now, we will perfect everything when he comes, Mr Abbas said. He also described the governors transition to the APC as a welcome development, because politically no right-thinking politician will reject a political addition, and as you know, politics is a game of numbers. Therefore defection to your party means addition to your number and by extension an increase to our success during the polls. Mr Abbas also addressed persistent rumours regarding the governors expected defection to the APC, explaining the factors that may have caused the delay. Remember, a governors defection is not something that one can just wake up one day and say, I have decamped. There are processes involved and until those processes are duly followed and completed, the defection continues to remain a plan yet to be executed. Personally, I cant say for now, but I am sure it had to do with high-level consultations. The governor wouldnt want to leave anyone behind and I believe he made necessary consultations. However, this is my personal view on the real reason behind the delay, I am not in a position to know, Mr Abbas said. He urged APC members to support the incoming executives to ensure the partys victory in the upcoming elections. To our APC members and all other members joining us, let us understand that God gives and takes power. It is not by our might or manners; it is by Gods wish. Therefore let us all focus on the partys success first. I will always continue to preach peaceful coexistence as a member of the best political party in the country. APC, as a political party, is committed to rectifying all things that are not going right. The party is not oblivious to the current challenges, so it is committed to ensuring that Nigerians smile again, Mr Abbas stated. Sympathisers have crowdfunded over N25 million for Haruna Bashir, a widower who lost his entire family in a tragic incident last Saturday. Mr Bashirs wife and six children were murdered at their residence in the Dorayi Charanchi Quarters of the Kano metropolis. The five-day fundraising campaign was spearheaded by Abba Hikima, a Kano-based legal practitioner. The initiative was launched following widespread public appeals for a structured way to assist Bashir. Mr Hikima initially drew attention to the familys plight through a social media post, urging the government and affluent individuals to support the bereaved father, whom he described as being in a precarious financial position. On Friday, Mr Hikima announced via his Facebook page that the total sum raised had been officially handed over to Mr Bashir. Alhamdulillah. Within the past few days, we raised a total of N25 million, which was deposited into my account. Today, six days after the demise, I transferred this entrusted fund directly into the bank account of Malam Haruna Bashir, Mr Hikima stated. Mr Hikima said, I provided him with a copy of my bank statement, after which we proceeded to his bank to secure the account to safeguard the money until things stabilise. The lawyer further disclosed that N3.4 million of the total sum was contributed by another individual who engineered a similar campaign and mobilised donations from members of the public. Out of the total amount, N3,400,000 was contributed by Engr. Usman Ahmad Zun-Noorayne, he added. Meanwhile, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Governor Abba Yusuf has vowed to sign the death warrants for convicted killers. The governor has also approved full funding for Mr Bashir to perform Hajj and Umrah, and is giving him a new house, welfare support and support in remarrying and restarting his life. The tragedy occurred on Saturday afternoon when assailants stormed Mr Bashirs residence and callously murdered his wife and six children. On Sunday, the police announced that three suspects had been taken into custody in connection with the incident. Governor Yusuf has directed the state attorney-general and commissioner for Justice to fast-track the prosecution of the suspects. The deputy spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese (APC, Benue), has said the interim report by the Minority Caucus Ad-hoc Committee on alleged alterations in the Tax Reforms Acts has been overtaken by events, following the public release of the Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the laws. Mr Agbese said this in a statement on Saturday, insisting that the leadership of the National Assembly had already resolved all concerns surrounding discrepancies discovered in the gazetted versions of the tax laws. The controversy had erupted in December 2025, when a member of the House, Abdulsamad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto), raised the alarm over apparent differences between the Tax Reforms Acts passed by the National Assembly, those assented to by President BolaTinubu, and the versions later gazetted. The development sparked public outrage, with fears that provisions of the laws may have been altered outside the legislative process. In response, the minority caucus constituted an ad-hoc committee to probe the matter. In its interim report released on Friday, the committee said a comparison between the gazetted versions and the Certified True Copies obtained from the National Assembly confirmed that alterations had occurred, particularly in the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025. The committee disclosed that at least three different versions of the Act were in circulation, describing it as a procedural anomaly that amounted to an illegal encroachment on the constitutional law-making powers of the National Assembly. Addressing the report, however, Mr Agbese said the leadership of the House, under Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, working with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, had taken decisive steps by releasing the authentic versions of the four Tax Reforms Acts as passed by the legislature and assented to by the president. According to him, the publication of the Certified True Copies had effectively resolved the issues raised by the minority caucus and restored public confidence in the legislative process. The concerns raised regarding discrepancies in the tax laws have already been comprehensively addressed by the House leadership. With the release of the Certified True Copies of the Acts, there is now clarity as to what was passed by the National Assembly and signed into law, Mr Agbese said. He added that the speaker had also ordered an internal verification process to ensure that only the authentic versions of the laws remained in circulation, describing the move as proof of the Houses commitment to transparency, due process and institutional integrity. Mr Agbese further noted that the joint actions taken by the leadership of both chambers demonstrated a united resolve to safeguard the constitutional authority of the legislature and prevent any erosion of its powers. While acknowledging the minority caucus right to raise concerns in the interest of accountability, the deputy spokesperson maintained that the corrective steps already taken made further controversy unnecessary. The House acted swiftly and responsibly. The leadership did not wait for public pressure to mount before intervening. The release of the Certified Acts has settled the matter and ensured that Nigerians are guided only by the lawful versions of the tax reforms, he said. He assured Nigerians that the House of Representatives would continue to work with the Senate and relevant institutions to strengthen legislative processes and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. Confused. Undecided. Disordered. Manipulated. These words fittingly depict the current state of affairs and conscience of the Rivers State House of Assembly in its impeachment plot. The swords are already drawn. The atmosphere is toxic with the smell of blood and screams of agony. There is an aberration in the ambiance, and justice is crying for help! The previously calm waters of Rivers State have surged over their banks. Streams are submerging plateaus. What shall we tell our children! Several generations of Nigerians would find it hard to explain why a sitting state governor, elected by thousands of citizens, was subjected to impeachment by a few self-centred individuals an act masterminded by one man. An impeachment threat, not because of any criminal offence or intolerable misdemeanour. The threat is a product of political arm-twisting aimed at panicking him into keeping a secret agreement. The governor is up against a legislative cabal with a stockpile of poisonous intents. They have found in him someone with restrained powers, who has refused to shrink in the face unspeakable intimidation. Impeachment is a creepy democratic phraseology that is hardly executed, because of the complexities of its rules, which are scarcely followed. The road to impeachment is generally narrow and thorny. In Nigeria, more politics than legality is the chief weapon for and against impeachment. As a democratic tool for checks and balances, impeachment has often been turned into a sword, which, when dangled even before the innocents, troubles them into submission. This ought not be so. As described by Laurence Tribe and Joshua Matz, impeachment is one of the few architectural cornerstones of the constitution in any democracy. In Nigeria, no president has ever been impeached. Yes, state governors have been impeached and removed from office, but none of the procedures adopted for such impeachment was strictly constitutionalor legal. None! If you know and are ready to diligently adhere to what the 1999 Constitution has established as conditions precedent in impeachment, not even the most manipulated lawmakers will waste their time trying to impeach a sitting governor. In the specific case of Rivers State, the question hangs: should Fubara be impeached over disputes arising from a breach of a surreptitious personal bargain with no foundation in law an agreement that voters are not privy to? In summary, if each of the lawmakers in Rivers State House of Assembly were asked why he or she wants to impeach Governor Fubara, what constitutional reasons would we expect? Wait a minute! You want to impeach Fubara on allegations of non-budgetary expenditure, when you, in breach of the 1999 Constitution, neglected your duties of passing Appropriation Bills for the state? The implication here is that these lawmakers are guiltier than Fubara in the very act that spurred the impeachment threat! In actual sense, every member of Rivers legislature deserves to be impeached for refusing to perform their constitutional function of receiving and passing Appropriation Bills, which is their primary duty. This act equals deliberately throwing the state into a circumstance of ungovernability. It amounts to calculatingly inviting anarchy instead of ensuring peace and development by passing a bill that would empower it. In actual sense, answering the question as to whether Fubara deserves impeachment would demand examining the issues that constitute impeachable offences in a democracy. Lets go down memory lane. On 25 February, 1868, Thaddeus Stevens, an American congressman from Pennsylvania was carried aloft into the Senate Chambers of the United States Congress. He had to be carried in his chair into the chamber, according to Brenda Wineapple, because he was debilitated by sickness and could hardly climb the steps leading to the hallowed chamber. The physical disadvantage however did not deter his principled determination to present to the Senate the decision of the House concerning the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson. The House had 24 hours earlier overwhelmingly voted 126 against 47 in favour of the impeachment of the president. It was the first in American history. When he finally stood, facing the American grandmasters of legislative business, Stevens declared: We do impeach Andrew Johnson, President of the United States, of high crimes and misdemeanours in office. Did you notice the phrase: high crimes and misdemeanours? Article 11, Section 4 of the United States Constitution which have gone through a few amendments by now, stipulates grounds for impeachment of the president. It states in part that such impeachment shall be based on treason, bribery, or a high crime or misdemeanour. That means they had indisputable constitutional reasons to impeach their president. In the United States, impeachment is a serious business. Wineapple confirms in her analysis that at that stage (1868) in American history, impeachment was the democratic equivalent of a regicide death sentence on a ruler. One of Americas founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, is cited as saying that without impeachment, outright murder was the other option to remove a scoundrel from public office. Impeachment was considered more decent. Johnson was a reckless racist who hated black Americans deeply. He was also accused of abusing public trust and violating laws passed by the legislature. Still, the Senate did not sack him from office. Unlike what is unfolding now in Rivers State, his impeachment by the House of Representatives was not based on personal agreement between a governor and a godfather! Impeachment is not a cheap democratic avenue to inflict punishment or settle personal scores against a stubborn political partner. Impeachment is what Alexis de Tocqueville calls the most formidable weapon that has ever been placed in the grasp of the majority. Here, majority is the keyword. Impeachment is not a political spear created to be used by a political godfather whenever he feels offended by his godson. An impeachment must receive the consent of the majority of voters, represented by the lawmakers, after due consultation. Governor Fubara seems to be facing the same kind of impeachment threats imposed on President John Tyler in 1842. Tylers offence was that he had a mind of his own on certain issues, and also vetoed unpopular bills. It was Congressman John Quincy Adams who moved against Tyler with an impeachment threat. As observed by legislative historians, the lawmakers simply needed to override Tylers vetoes and not attempt to impeach him. The constitution does not consider refusal to sign a bill as a high crime or even misdemeanour the same way a breach of self-centred agreement between a godfather and godson in Rivers State is not a criminal offence worth an impeachment. Needless to say, that the moves against Tyler failed flat due to certain political maneuvering and legal bulwarks. With a vote of 127 to 83, the impeachment moves died in the House of Representatives. What the Rivers State lawmakers and their godfather are trying to do to Fubara is an equivalent of what Gerald Ford attempted against Justice William Douglas in 1969, which Maxine Waters echoed against Donald Trump in 2017. Waters toed the line of Fords 1969 rhetoric to the effect that impeachable offences are whatever majority of lawmakers consider them to be at any specific time in history. Such a definition has no place in law. It is an empty construct of a few desperate individuals who feel that their lawmaking status has turned them into gods. Every impeachable offence must be unambiguously stated in the constitution or perhaps interpreted by the Supreme Court where needs be! A breach of a bandied cloak-and-dagger agreement will fall flat before the supremacy of the constitution. Those bent on impeaching Fubara, in the words of Alan Dershowitz, are running roughshod over fundamental issues that would demand interpretation in law. The slapdash approach to the entire drama is worrisome, because as observed by Dershowitz, impeachment and removal from office of an elected public officer is a momentous event, not a mere emotional outburst. Yes, every impeachment has overflowing elements of politics, but if the formal process associated with it, states Dershowitz, is to have legitimacy, it must be done in strict compliance with the constitution. The mundane tales that constitute the hidden articles of impeachment was reportedly addressed to a certain Madam Fubara. Confusion out of desperation! At a point when it was assumed that sanity had returned to the House as co-conspirators renounced their complicity, top officers of the House began blustering with unrestrained temerity. They insisted that Fubara must be impeached irrespective of any contrary judicial pronouncement. I still believe there is no convincing constitutional reasons for this political commotion. The lawmakers are merely demonstrating questionable loyalty to a star power symbolised by Minister Nyesom Wike. However, my opinion is that the pronouncement by the court in Port Harcourt is equally a golden opportunity for the minister and his team to free themselves from negative history by withdrawing from this pathway. Minister Wike, whom I used to know personally, can become a political hurricane or the strong man of Rivers politics without a process that is fast becoming an assault on democracy. The ministers reputation as a success story during his governorship of Rivers State is almost at the point of being rubbished by his assumed endorsement of the ugly incident that is building up in Rivers State. Pulling down this already cracked walls of impeachment might be Wikes last chance to redeem his already receding post-governorship rapturous applause. My thinking is this, Wike and his obedient lawmakers do not need to put Rivers State through this avoidable political nightmare. It is unnecessary and obviously self-centred. After a bruising youth militancy of the early 2000s preceded by a military occupancy of the state in the 1990s, Rivers people do not deserve this looming personalised political mishap. If every ambitious politician with the right connection, loyal foot soldiers and heavy financial resources chooses this path, Nigeria would be a complete political wreck. Finally, in my last intervention, I proposed a roundtable. I still stand by it. That is where every war starts and that is where it usually ends. Impeachment should not be employed as a tool for settlement of political conflict. It could generate troubling and unpredictable consequences with a destructive ending. Sam Akpe, a journalist, wrote from Abuja. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has joined hundreds of members of the Muslim Ummah at the official opening of a newly constructed Jumuat Mosque with Islamiyya Vocational Centre Schools built by the Sautus Sunnah Charity Foundation at Kadarko Estate, Katsina. The Jumuat sermon was delivered by Sheikh Abubakar Lawal Triumph, who called on Muslims to uphold the values of unity, patience and service to humanity in line with the teachings of Islam. Speaking after the prayers, Governor Radda commended the Foundation for its sustained commitment to Islamic education, moral upbringing and community development, describing the project as a noble investment in the spiritual and educational future of our children and society at large. The Katsina State Government appreciates the role of faith-based organisations like the Sautus Sunnah Charity Foundation in supporting education, social welfare and peaceful coexistence. This mosque and the Islamiyya schools will serve as centres of worship, learning, moral guidance and character development, the Governor stated. Governor Radda praised the Islamic clerics at the event and commended the Foundations Chairman, Sheikh Yakubu Musa Hassan Katsina, for his commitment to Daawah, education and humanitarian service across the state and the North. Earlier, the National Secretary-General of Jamaatu Izalatil Bidah wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Kabir Gombe, highlighted the importance of such charitable initiatives in strengthening communities and pledged the organisations continued support for similar projects. Sautus Sunnah Charity Foundation is a Nigeria-based Islamic non-governmental organisation with a strong presence in Katsina State, focusing on Quranic education, Islamic studies, vocational training and support for the less privileged. Through institutions such as the JIBWIS Gidan Mariya Orphanage and Vocational Centre in Kaita and Makarantar Sautus Sunnah, the Foundation is committed to raising a generation that is sound in knowledge, faith and useful skills, to enable them become self-reliant and responsible members of society. The Foundation also undertakes Daawah activities, public lectures, Quranic memorisation programmes, competitions, graduations and the construction of mosques for communities in need. The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal; the Speaker, Nasir Yahaya; Member representing Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency, Abdullahi Aliyu (General), JIBWIS National Chairman, Sheikh Ibrahim Jalo Jalingo; the Grand Khadi of Katsina State; APC State Chairman, Sani J B Daura; APC National Legal Adviser, Murtala Kankia; members of the State Executive Council, Chairman Mosque Committee Sabo Musa, traditional rulers and Muslim leaders from across the state. Ogun State is set to witness a significant economic boost following President Bola Ahmed Tinubus approval for the commencement of commercial oil drilling at Eba in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, alongside renewed momentum for the Olokola deep seaport project. Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this at the weekend while receiving the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, during a courtesy visit to his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. According to the governor, President Tinubus approval marks a major breakthrough after years of anticipation surrounding both projects, describing the development as a turning point in Ogun States economic history. Mr President has approved the commencement of commercial oil drilling operations at Eba, Ogun Waterside. Going forward, we will begin to see increased activities in that area, Abiodun said. Our proposed Olokola Port, which has been on the drawing board for several years, is now back on the table. In the last two weeks alone, we have held several meetings on Olokola, and Mr President has clearly expressed his desire to see the port become a reality. The Olokola deep seaport, to be developed as the Blue Marine Economic Zone, is expected to become operational next year. The port is designed to decongest the Lagos ports, improve logistics efficiency, and position Ogun State as a major maritime and trade hub in West Africa. Governor Abiodun said the project would also enhance national security, noting that the Nigerian Navys Forward Operations Base at Tongeji Island, approved earlier, would oversee the coastline up to Edo State. He added that the state government provided land to facilitate the naval base in order to strengthen coastal security and prevent cross-border infiltration. The commencement of oil drilling at Eba is expected to place Ogun among Nigerias oil-producing states, making it eligible for 13 per cent derivation funds. The development is also projected to generate employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth in coastal communities, and provide funding for infrastructure and social development. There is also potential for bitumen extraction in the area. On the economic impact of the Olokola deep seaport, the governor noted that the deep-water facility would accommodate large vessels, eliminate demurrage costs due to its Free Trade Zone status, and serve as a major transit point for goods destined for the hinterland, eastern and northern parts of the country. The seaport is projected to generate substantial revenue for the state through trade, logistics, leases, and royalties, as well as create direct and indirect employment opportunities. Mr Abiodun also highlighted the states ongoing investments in infrastructure, including the Gateway International Airport and Aerotropolis at Iperu-Ilishan, which features a 4-kilometre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft. The airport is expected to support cargo processing, agricultural exports, and logistics services. He said the states integrated development strategy, which includes industrial parks, agro-processing zones, and transport infrastructure, aligns with the administrations ISEYA agenda aimed at driving sustainable economic growth and positioning Ogun State as a leading investment destination in Nigeria. The governor reaffirmed the state governments commitment to collaborating with federal authorities and private investors to ensure the successful implementation of the projects. There are 1,600 fewer stock and bond funds than only a decade earlier, and lower fees are increasingly driving outperformance in those investments, a Morningstar study concluded. Since "fee differences appear to be explaining more of the performance margins between funds than before," that means their expenses "ought to rank at the very top of one's short list of criteria to consider when choosing funds," according to an analysis last month by Jeffrey Ptak, a managing director with Morningstar Research Services. The accelerating consolidation and commodification in stock and bond funds offers financial advisors and wealth management firms more opportunities to explain their value to prospective clients . Falling average expense ratios to the tune of rates that are more than 50% cheaper across stock and bond mutual funds and ETFs represent one of the dominant investment trends of the past 25 years. More investors "just generally realize that lower-cost is better," said Michael Helveston, founder of Exton, Pennsylvania-based registered investment advisory firm Whitford Financial Planning. However, they display a wide variation among do-it-yourself investors who are more cost-conscious and more casual people who "may not really dive into it" beyond asking about a friend or family member's recommendation or hiring an advisor, Helveston noted. He frequently points out to clients that a fund with a 1% fee must outperform one with a 0.50% rate by more than half a percent to be a better investment. "As an advisor, then my value can be more in the weightings of the different asset classes and the rebalancing that's proactively done ," Helveston said. "I tell people not to hire me because I can pick the best stocks or I can pick the best funds. That's why I think the commodification has been happening, which I think has been good for the consumers as well. Active management doesn't hold a lot of weight if you can perform similarly for less." READ MORE: The lure of private equity investing comes with these risks Smaller volumes, cheaper stock and bond funds The net losses in the volume of stock and bond funds is approaching levels unseen since the Great Recession. Over a 10-year span ending in early December, the ranks of stock and bond funds plummeted by 1,651, Ptak's analysis showed. In general, the remaining funds are older, and the newer stock and bonds vehicles' performance is lower than those with a longer tenure. "Though the results varied by trailing period and category, newer funds generally had a harder time keeping up with older funds before fees," Ptak wrote. "Thus, to the extent newer funds could be considered 'weaker hands,' the dearth of new fund launches could be pitting the remaining, higher-performing funds against each other." Residents of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, including students, drivers, and traders, have expressed mixed reactions to the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, as the political crisis deepens. The impeachment process, initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly, entered a new phase on Friday after lawmakers asked the states Chief Judge Simeon Chibuzor-Amadi to constitute a seven-member panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). PREMIUM TIMES speaks to some Rivers residents about their views on the impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. Their fight doesnt concern me I dont know anything about them. I am a hustler, and I am not eating from the government. Wike and Fubara are fighting over Rivers oil money. Their fight does not concern me. To feed my family is my wahala. Hero Lucky, a trader Dead on arrival It is dead on arrival. It is not going to succeed. They are attention seekers. They will cry for return tickets when the time comes. The sun just came out. Rogers Nwachukwu, construction worker They (lawmakers) are all actors playing by the script so dont be deceived by what you see. Weneka Worlu I think the lawmakers are just trying to work on the instruction of their godfather. Governor Fubara does not deserve any of that propaganda from the lawmakers. Ndifreke Lawson cleric Fubara has not done anything to warrant impeachment. I am not in support of the impeachment move against the governor. Christian Asonye Anything they like, they can do. It doesnt concern me. Ebere Kingsley I have not heard about it. But it is none of my business, anyway. Reward Eze, student I cant be the governor of a state like Rivers and not have at least 10 loyal members of the House in three years. Sir Siminalayi Fubara is not a good politician at all. Soporu Obi Sometimes people behave like they know it all. It is true that Wike brought this man to power. He (Wike) should not also forget that someone did the same to him. Wike should learn from the former governor of Akwa Ibom State (Udom Emmanuel) and the current governor. He (Wike) should allow Fubara to be governor. Wobi Eberechukwu, taxi driver I dont know if Wike wants to be governor again, but I know the impeachment case will die in court. Fubara will remain the governor till 2031. Ada Ogom A school pupil has been hospitalised after a motorcycle crash in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, triggering sharply conflicting accounts, with the police denying brutality claims while the victims family insists a police action caused the injury. A Facebook user, Promise Essien, on 20 January, addressed an online letter to the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Baba Azare, alleging that a police officer attached to F-Division, Ikot Ambang, assaulted a minor. I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a disturbing incident involving a police officer who physically assaulted and verbally abused a minor who was in school uniform at the time, on top of a motorcycle, which led to the breaking of his hand, the letter read. Mr Essien, who is a relative of the injured boy, urged the police to investigate the incident, identify the officer involved, ensure psychological care for the victim, and prevent future abuse. When contacted, Mr Essien told PREMIUM TIMES that the incident occurred at F-Division, Ikot Ambang, along the UyoIkot Ekpene Road. Explaining the incident, Mr Essien said the motorcycle rider was taking the pupil to school when police operatives stopped him on a stop-and-search operation around the area. Apparently, he was late, so he refused to stop, and police threw a stick at the motorcycle rider, an incident, he said, that caused a crash that led to the minor sustaining serious injuries. He added that the boy was taken to a hospital while the police operative fled the scene to their station. Police deny allegation In a statement on Friday, the police dismissed the claim as false, misleading. At no time was any police officer involved in throwing any object at a motorcycle, the police spokesperson in the state, Timfon John, said in the statement. According to the police, the incident was a road traffic accident involving a cyclist, Akaninyene Noah, who was allegedly riding against traffic and collided with another motorcycle carrying two school children. The injured children were immediately taken to a hospital, the statement added. The police said the cyclist was arrested, while the originator of the viral report, Imoh Emmanuel, had also been arrested for spreading false information. Family raises concern Idong Edet, a brother to the injured minor, told PREMIUM TIMES on Friday that his brother, who raised the alarm over the incident on Facebook, had been charged in court. Im just returning from work now only to hear that the police have charged my brother in court, he said. They are at the court at Fulga Street, he added, noting that the injured minor was also present at the court. A fire break out in a building at Alaba Suru, just past Eleganza towards Mile 2, around 9:05 p.m. on Saturday, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said. According to a post on X on Saturday, LASTMA officers immediately contacted the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and began assessing the fires impact on traffic and the safety of other road users. It said officers were on the scene managing traffic and ensuring motorists and pedestrians stay safe. The extent of property damage and any casualties has not been confirmed. The incident was the first late-night fire in the Mile 2 corridor. [9:05p.m.] #Alaba #Mile2 #IncidentReport #FireIncident A fire has broken out in one of the buildings at Alaba Suru just after Eleganza inwards Mile 2. The Fire service has been contacted by our Men who have also started assessing the situations effect on traffic and the pic.twitter.com/fWyd5s4tN4 LASTMA (@followlastma) January 24, 2026 LASTMA and the fire service recently prevented a major disaster when a diesel tanker overturned on Liverpool Bridge, spilling fuel and prompting evacuation to avoid a fire. In December 2025, a fire at Berger Trailer Park near Mile 2 destroyed trailers and containerised stalls, forcing emergency crews to contain the blaze while managing heavy traffic. PREMIUM TIMES reported in October 2025 that fire gutted part of Alaba International Market, destroying multiple shops and prompting a swift firefighting response. These incidents highlight the persistent fire risks in busy commercial districts and the need for coordinated emergency responses. LASTMA continues to urge calm as crews work to control the fire and maintain traffic flow along the busy Mile 2 corridor. VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Abitibi Metals Corp. (CSE: AMQ) (OTCQB: AMQFF) (FSE: FW0) just reported a new high-grade copper-gold intercept from its Phase 3 drilling campaign at the B26 Polymetallic Deposit in Quebec, delivering another strong result that continues to build momentum in the Western Down-Plunge High-Grade Zone. Cover Image Caption: Abitibi Metals Delivers 12.83% CuEq at B26 as High-Grade Zone Continues to Grow The standout intercept came from hole 1274-17-269W6, which returned 12.83% copper equivalent (CuEq) (6.15% copper, 7.93 g/t gold) over 5 metres, within a broader interval of 3.59% CuEq over 19 metres, starting at 913 metres depth. The result confirms exceptional grade continuity across one of the most valuable zones of the B26 system. Using current spot pricing, the interval equates to 18.15% CuEq over 5 metres, highlighting the material contribution of gold to block model value and overall project economics. Strengthening the Western Down-Plunge High-Grade Zone The new intercept is located approximately 125 metres east and up-dip of hole 1274-17-269W5, which previously returned 17.91% CuEq over 6.3 metres, further upgrading the Western Down-Plunge model and confirming continuity across this high-grade corridor. To the west and at depth, additional Phase 3 drilling continues to expand the mineralized system. Holes 1274-25-374W1 and 1274-25-374W2 successfully intersected the B26 copper-gold horizon, extending resource-grade mineralization by an additional 250 metres down plunge. Hole 1274-25-374W1 returned 2.04% CuEq over 2.0 metres and 1.39% CuEq over 3.0 metres . returned and . Hole 1274-25-374W2 returned 1.34% CuEq over 5.5 metres and 1.31% CuEq over 8.6 metres. Together, these results continue to demonstrate the scale, strength, and continuity of the Western Down-Plunge mineralized shoot, which remains open at depth and along strike. Phase 3 Program Delivers and Sets Up Phase 4 The Phase 3 drill program, completed in December 2025, totaled 24,544 metres across 40 drill holes, with assays from three remaining holes still pending. Results to date have exceeded expectations, defining a continuous high-grade zone approximately 250 metres vertically and 500 metres laterally, which remains open to the west and at depth. Abitibi Metals Corp. ( CSE:AMQ ) ( OTCQB:AMQFF ) ( FSE:FW0 ) currently holds a 50% interest in the B26 Project and retains the option to earn an additional 30% interest from SOQUEM Inc., a subsidiary of Investissement Quebec. "These Phase 3 results provide confirmation of the strength, continuity, and scale of the high-grade Western Down-Plunge extension at B26. The consistency of these intercepts continues to exceed expectations and further reinforces our confidence in the significant growth potential of this highly valuable zone," said Jonathon Deluce, CEO of Abitibi Metals. Growing a High-Quality Copper-Gold Resource The current B26 resource stands at: Indicated: 11.3 Mt at 2.13% CuEq Inferred: 7.2 Mt at 2.21% CuEq With mineralization open along strike and at depth, Abitibi expects continued drilling to materially enhance both the size and quality of the resource as Phase 4 advances. The B26 Deposit is located just 7 kilometres southeast of the former Selbaie mine, benefiting from established regional infrastructure and positioning the project as a compelling copper-gold asset in Quebec's Abitibi mining district. Qualified Person Information contained in this press release was reviewed and approved by Louis Gariepy, P.Eng. (OIQ #107538), VP Exploration of Abitibi Metals, who is a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, and responsible for the technical information provided in this news release. About Abitibi Metals Corp: Abitibi Metals Corp. is dedicated to acquiring and exploring mineral properties within Quebec, with a particular emphasis on high-quality base and precious metal assets that offer significant potential for growth and expansion. The company's flagship B26 Polymetallic project, which has been optioned from SOQUEM, hosts a substantial and growing resource base: Indicated: 11.3Mt at 2.13% CuEq (1.23% Cu, 1.27% Zn, 0.46 g/t Au and 31.9 g/t Ag) Inferred: 7.2Mt at 2.21% CuEq (1.56% Cu, 0.17% Zn, 0.87 g/t Au and 7.4 g/t Ag) The B26 project is strategically located just 7 km southeast of the formerly producing Selbaie mine. This proximity provides the project with access to key infrastructure required for potential mine development. In addition to the B26 Deposit, Abitibi's portfolio includes the Beschefer Gold project, historical drilling has identified four notable, historical intercepts with a metal factor of over 100 g/t gold highlighted by 55.63 g/t gold over 5.57 m (BE13-038) and 13.07 g/t gold over 8.75 ms (BE12-014) amongst four modelled zones. These promising findings highlight the potential for further gold discoveries within the project area. About SOQUEM: SOQUEM, a mineral exploration company and subsidiary of Investissement Quebec, is dedicated to promoting the exploration, discovery and development of mining properties in Quebec. SOQUEM also contributes to maintaining strong local economies. Proud partner and ambassador for the development of Quebec's mineral wealth, SOQUEM relies on innovation, research and strategic minerals to be well-positioned for the future. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Jonathon Deluce, Chief Executive Officer For more information, please call +1 226-271-5170, email [email protected], or visit https://www.abitibimetals.com. The Company also maintains an active presence on various social media platforms to keep stakeholders and the general public informed and encourages shareholders and interested parties to follow and engage with the Company through the following channels to stay updated with the latest news, industry insights, and corporate announcements: Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbitibiMetals LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abitibi-metals-corp-amq-c/ Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Note 1: Technical Report NI 43-101 Resource Estimation Update Project B26, Quebec, For Abitibi Metals Corp., By SGS Canada Inc., Yann Camus, ing., Olivier Vadnais-Leblanc, geo., SGS Canada Geostat., Effective Date: November 1, 2024, Date of Report: February 26, 2025 Forward-looking statement: This news release contains certain statements, which may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information involves statements that are not based on historical information but rather relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments on the B26 Project or otherwise. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions, which are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company's control and many of which, regarding future business decisions, are subject to change. These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on the Company's behalf. Although Abitibi has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. All factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on Abitibi's forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects," "estimates," "anticipates," or variations of such words and phrases (including negative and grammatical variations) or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "might" or "occur. Mineral exploration and development are highly speculative and are characterized by a number of significant inherent risks, which may result in the inability of the Company to successfully develop current or proposed projects for commercial, technical, political, regulatory or financial reasons, or if successfully developed, may not remain economically viable for their mine life owing to any of the foregoing reasons, among others. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving commercial mineral production and the likelihood of success must be considered in light of the stage of operations. Disclaimer 1) The author of the Article, or members of the author's immediate household or family, do not own any securities of the companies set forth in this Article. The author determined which companies would be included in this article based on research and understanding of the sector. 2) The Article was issued on behalf of and sponsored by, Abitibi Metals Corp.. Market Jar Media Inc. was paid $1,500 for the production and publishing of this article by Abitibi Metals Corp.'s Digital Marketing Agency of Record (Native Ads Inc.). Additional details relating to Market Jar Media Inc.'s engagement by Abitibi Metals Corp.'s Digital Marketing Agency of Record (Native Ads Inc.) are set out in https://pressreach.com/disclaimer-amq . 3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not Market Jar Media Inc., its directors or officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Market Jar Media Inc. for this Article. Market Jar Media Inc. was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this Article. Market Jar has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information. None of Market Jar or any of their respective affiliates, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Market Jar Media Inc. requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Market Jar Media Inc. relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Market Jar Media Inc. has no means of verifying its accuracy. 4) The Article does not constitute investment advice. All investments carry risk and each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional. Any action a reader takes as a result of the information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Market Jar Media Inc.'s terms of use (https://pressreach.com/terms-of-use/) and full legal disclaimer as set forth here (https://pressreach.com/disclaimer/). This Article is not a solicitation for investment. Market Jar Media Inc. does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on pressreach.com should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Market Jar Media Inc. does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on pressreach.com. 5) Market Jar Media Inc. and its respective directors, officers and employees hold no shares for any company mentioned in the Article. 6) This document contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation, (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), which reflect management's expectations regarding Abitibi Metals Corp.'s future growth, future business plans and opportunities, expected activities, and other statements about future events, results or performance. Wherever possible, words such as "predicts", "projects", "targets", "plans", "expects", "does not expect", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "anticipate" or "does not anticipate", "believe", "intend" and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology have been used to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to: (a) revenue generating potential with respect to Abitibi Metals Corp.'s industry; (b) market opportunity; (c) Abitibi Metals Corp.'s business plans and strategies; (d) services that Abitibi Metals Corp. intends to offer; (e) Abitibi Metals Corp.'s milestone projections and targets; (f) Abitibi Metals Corp.'s expectations regarding receipt of approval for regulatory applications; (g) Abitibi Metals Corp.'s intentions to expand into other jurisdictions including the timeline expectations relating to those expansion plans; and (h) Abitibi Metals Corp.'s expectations with regarding its ability to deliver shareholder value. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this document including, without limitation, assumptions about: (a) the ability to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to execute Abitibi Metals Corp.'s business plan; (b) that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; (c) Abitibi Metals Corp.'s ability to procure equipment and operating supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis; (d) Abitibi Metals Corp.'s ability to enter into contractual arrangements with additional parties; (e) the accuracy of budgeted costs and expenditures; (f) Abitibi Metals Corp.'s ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; (g) political and regulatory stability; (h) the receipt of governmental, regulatory and third-party approvals, licenses and permits on favorable terms; (i) changes in applicable legislation; (j) stability in financial and capital markets; and (k) expectations regarding the level of disruption to as a result of CV-19. Such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of Abitibi Metals Corp. to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: (a) Abitibi Metals Corp.'s operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; (b) public health crises such as CV-19 may adversely impact Abitibi Metals Corp.'s business; (c) the volatility of global capital markets; (d) political instability and changes to the regulations governing Abitibi Metals Corp.'s business operations (e) Abitibi Metals Corp. may be unable to implement its growth strategy; and (f) increased competition. Except as required by law, Abitibi Metals Corp. undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future event or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Neither does Abitibi Metals Corp. nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this document. Neither Abitibi Metals Corp. nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this document by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this document. 7) Any graphs, tables or other information demonstrating the historical performance or current or historical attributes of Abitibi Metals Corp. or any other entity contained in this document are intended only to illustrate historical performance or current or historical attributes of Abitibi Metals Corp. or such entities and are not necessarily indicative of future performance of Abitibi Metals Corp. or such entities. 8) The technical information contained in articles and videos produced for this campaign has been reviewed and approved by Martin Demers, P.Geo., OGQ No. 770 at Abitibi Metals Corp. as the Qualified Person for the Company as defined in National Instrument 43-101. 9) Investing is risky. The information provided in this article should not be considered as a substitute for professional financial consultation. Users should be aware that investing in any form carries inherent risks, and as such, there is a possibility of losing some or all of their investment. The value of investments can fluctuate significantly within a short period, and investors must understand that past performance is not indicative of future results. Additionally, users should exercise caution as transactions involving investments may be irreversible, even in cases of fraud or accidental actions. It is crucial to acknowledge that rapidly evolving laws and technical issues can have adverse effects on the usability, transferability, exchangeability, and value of investments. Furthermore, users must be cognizant of potential security risks associated with their investment activities. Individuals are strongly encouraged to conduct thorough research, seek professional advice, and carefully evaluate their risk tolerance before engaging in any investment endeavors. Market Jar Media Inc. is neither an investment adviser nor a broker-dealer. The information presented on the website is provided for informative purposes only and is not to be treated as a recommendation to make any specific investment. No such information on PressReach.com constitutes advice or a recommendation. Contact: Chief Executive Officer Jonathon Deluce Abitibi Metals Corp. [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2868569/Abitibi_Metals_Delivers_12_83_CuEq_at_B26_as_High_Grade_Zone_Continues_to_Grow.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2868568/Abitibi_Metals_Logo.jpg SOURCE Abitibi Metals Corp. NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until March 23, 2026 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE: BRBR), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between November 19, 2024 and August 4, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Get Help BellRing investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-brbr/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit BellRing and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On May 6, 2025, the Company disclosed that "several key retailers lowered their weeks of supply on hand, which is expected to be a mid-single-digit headwind to our third quarter growth," and that "[w]e now expect Q3 sales growth of low single digits." On this news, the price of BellRing's shares fell $14.88 per share, or 19%, from $78.43 per share on May 5, 2025, to close at $63.55 per share on May 6, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume. Then, on August 4, 2025, post-market, the Company reported its fiscal 3Q 2025 financial results, disclosing a disappointing new 2025 sales outlook, stating "BellRing management has narrowed its fiscal year 2025 outlook for net sales to [a] range between $2.28-$2.32 billion," due to "several other competitors" gaining space to sell their products with a large retailer and that "it is not surprising to see new protein RTDs enter[ed]" the convenient nutrition market. On this news, the price of BellRing's shares fell $17.46 per share, or nearly 33%, from $53.64 per share on August 4, 2025, to $36.18 per share on August 5, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume. The case is Denha v. BellRing Brands, Inc., No. 26-cv-00575. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. SOURCE ClaimsFiler To Establish World's First Global Mid-TRL Innovation Acceleration and Skilling Institute for Aerospace, Space, Energy and Deep Technology DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CANEUS International, in partnership with the Government of Maharashtra (India), today announced plans to establish the world's first dedicated Mid-TRL (Technology Readiness Level 46) Institute in Mumbai, Metropolitan Region (MMR) aligning with the World Economic Forum's 2026 theme of deploying innovation at scale, responsibly. From left to right: Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Dr. Milind Pimprikar, Chairman, CANEUS International and Shri Binoay B, Chief Strategist, CANEUS International. The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Dr. Milind Pimprikar of CANEUS at WEF-Davos. The proposed institute will focus on Mid-TRL Innovation, Acceleration and Skilling in frontier technologies-Aerospace, Space, Energy and Deeptech. Canada-based CANEUS International, is a first-of-its-kind global organisation accelerating next-generation systems since 2000. The project is also powered by the Inspire4tomorrow Foundation, an NGO mandated to accelerate the agenda items of the UN Pact for the Future. Hon'ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, on this occasion reaffirmed the State's strong commitment to the global investor community. He emphasized, "Maharashtra is well equipped and proud to partner with CANEUS to pioneer the creation of innovation centres across dynamic sectors, frontier technologies. The State takes pride in partnering with this prestigious institute near Mumbaithe commercial capital of India, the world's fourth-largest economyperfectly aligning with Maharashtra's aspirations to scale its innovation ecosystem globally." According to Dr. Milind Pimprikar, Chairman of CANEUS International, "This Institute will bridge the 'valley of death' by advancing Mid-TRL innovations through rapid prototyping, systems integration, validation, and flight/field trials, taking breakthroughs from lab to qualification and early production for real-world deployment and global competitiveness. As a Canadian of Indian Origin, I take pride in launching this new initiative, which will strengthen business relationship between Canada and India, especially in strategic sectors." Professor Dr. Simonetta Di Pippo, former director of The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), Professor at New York University Abu Dhabi and co-founding member of this institute, expressing her appreciation said, I am looking forward to bringing additional founding partners/countries which share vision and mission of this global first and one-of-a kind institute. The Institute, spread over a sprawling 10 million square feet, will be developed in collaboration with OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, regulators, research institutions and centres of excellence. This would be a true game changer, serving as a powerful magnet to attract global conglomerates to India. The partnership strongly aligns with the Government of Maharashtra's increasing emphasis on industry-aligned skilling through PPP, building demand-driven training programs, strengthening institutional capacity and creating workforce pathways that directly support emerging and strategic sectors. www.caneus.org Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2868018/Caneus_International_Partnership.jpg SOURCE CANEUS International SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Childhelp, a national nonprofit dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse, announced that Yvonne Fedderson, prominent philanthropist, retired actress, and co-founder of Childhelp passed away on January 23, 2026 at the age of 90. Born Yvonne Glee Lime in Glendale, California, on April 7, 1935, Fedderson began her career as an actress after graduating from the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse. Performing under the name Yvonne Lime, she appeared in numerous film and television roles in the 1950s and '60s, including the "Ozzie and Harriet Show" and "The Rainmaker" starring Burt Lancaster. She also appeared in "Loving You," starring Elvis Presley, placing her among Hollywood's biggest rising talents. Fedderson's most enduring legacy, however, was her lifelong commitment to serving vulnerable children. In 1959, alongside friend and co-star Sara O'Meara, she co-founded International Orphans, Inc., which later became Childhelp. When she and O'Meara were called to conceive of a national response to child abuse, Fedderson often said she knew it would require "a lot of hearts," a belief that helped shape the organization's mission and growth. Originally established to support orphans in post-typhoon Japan, the organization evolved into a nationwide leader in child advocacy, prevention, intervention, and treatment services. Today, Childhelp operates programs and services nationwide and has helped more than 14 million children and families affected by abuse and neglect. As President and Vice-Chairman of Childhelp, Fedderson was instrumental in building a national network of chapters and auxiliaries, inspiring thousands of volunteers, and expanding programs such as the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline and the Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe prevention curriculum. Her leadership and philanthropic vision have been recognized with more than 100 distinguished awards, including the National Children's Alliance's Champions of Children Award, the State of California Legislature's Woman of the World Award, and the Women's International Center's Living Legacy Award. "Yvonne was my dearest friend and my partner in this mission for more than six decades," says Sara O'Meara, Childhelp co-founder and CEO. "Her compassion, strength, and belief in the power of love shaped Childhelp from its earliest days. I will forever be grateful for the life we built together in service to children." Beyond her nonprofit work, Fedderson served for more than 30 years as President and CEO of her late husband's company, Don Fedderson Productions, managing the rights to iconic television programs, such as "Family Affair," "My Three Sons," and "The Betty White Show." "Our precious Yvonne lived a life overflowing with extraordinary purpose and grace. Her beautiful smile lit up every room but it was her hurting heart for children that truly illuminated the world. She believed in the depths of her soul in hope and healing and God's promise always wins. I am forever grateful to have known her and loved her as my treasured friend. Our loss is heaven's gain," says Childhelp Celebrity Ambassador Kathie Lee Gifford. John Stamos, Childhelp Celebrity Ambassador adds, "Yvonne Fedderson led with love. Her smile, her warmth, and her fierce unwavering dedication to protecting children left an imprint on my heart and on the world. Through Childhelp, she helped save and protect millions of children who never would have had a voice without her. That is not just a legacy, it is a living miracle. I am forever grateful to call her my dear friend. Her light, her compassion, and her courage will continue to guide and inspire all of us, always." "Yvonne's vision was extraordinary, but it was her heart that made Childhelp what it is today. Her light, her kindness, and her commitment to children set a standard we are all privileged to carry forward," says Childhelp Celebrity Ambassador John O'Hurley. Childhelp Chief Operating Officer Michael Medoro says, "While we mourn this loss, we also celebrate a life defined by purpose, resilience, and an unrelenting faith in God, unity, and humanity. We will always remember Yvonne's beautiful smile and the light she brought into every room, a reflection of the compassion, warmth, and optimism that defined her life and her leadership." About Childhelp: Founded by Sara O'Meara and Yvonne Fedderson in 1959, Childhelp has brought the light of hope and healing into the lives of more than 14 million children as a leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping abused, neglected and at-risk children. Childhelp's programs and services include residential treatment services, children's advocacy centers, therapeutic foster care, group homes and child abuse prevention, education and training. The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline serves children and adults nationwide 24/7 through phone, text and online chat. For more information, visit childhelp.org and follow Childhelp at facebook.com/childhelp, Instagram.com/childhelp . MEDIA CONTACT: Meghan Krein Childhelp C: 480-528-0537 [email protected] SOURCE Childhelp NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until February 17, 2026 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit 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. Get Help Coupang investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-cpng-1/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuits Coupang 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 ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. SOURCE ClaimsFiler NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until February 20, 2026 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Klarna Group plc (NYSE: KLAR), if they purchased the Company's securities pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and related prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") issued in connection with Klarna's September 2025 initial public offering (the "IPO"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Get Help Klarna investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-klar/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit Klarna Group 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 materially understated the risk that its loss reserves would materially increase within a few months of the IPO, which they either knew of or should have known of given the risk profile of many individuals agreeing to the Company's buy now, pay later ("BNPL") loans; and (ii) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times and negligently prepared. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. The case is Nayak v Klarna Group Plc., et al., No. 25-cv-7033. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. SOURCE ClaimsFiler Key Points Stocks rose for the second day in a row after President Trump pulled back on a tariff threat over Greenland. The TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out) was successful again. Trump's tariff threats are likely to pop up again. 10 stocks we like better than S&P 500 Index Stocks continued to rally on Thursday as investors breathed a sigh of relief over the detente with Greenland. After threatening to take over the Danish territory either by force or coercion, President Trump backed off as it appeared that the U.S and Europe had reached an understanding on Greenland. Trump had proposed a 10% tariff on eight European countries, but that's off the table after an agreement that seems to allow the U.S. to own small pieces of land in Greenland, on which it can build military bases. Image source: Getty Images. TACO wins again This pattern of Trump making threats that roil Wall Street only to back down from them has become so common that it has an acronym, TACO, or Trump Always Chickens Out. In this case, the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) fell nearly 2% on Tuesday over Trump's saber-rattling, but then regained nearly all of those losses over the next two sessions. Savvy investors have capitalized on such movements in the past by buying the dip when Trump sinks the market by making threats. The best example of this was President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs announcement, which pushed the S&P 500 down 10% over the next two sessions last April, though the stock soared the following week after the president announced a pause on those tariffs. The TACO cycle repeated in several trade tiffs with China, and the temporary ban on Nvidia and AMD exporting AI chips to China. Trump's positioning seems to be part of his negotiating tactics as he stakes out a position to gain leverage in order to get a long-term agreement he finds favorable. But the TACO trade also shows he's willing to listen to investors, as the fallout from the Liberation Day announcement showed. When investors felt blindsided, it seemed to convince him to pull back on the blanket tariffs. What it means for investors While the TACO trade has been reliable, there's no guarantee that it will continue to work in investors' favor. Trump has declared himself a fan of tariffs and has implemented them to the extent that no other modern president has. Still, the pattern here is clear, and buying the dip has proven to be a smart strategy for investors even when TACO isn't involved. The next time stocks tumble on a threat from Trump, scooping up a stock on your watch list or a few shares of an S&P 500 ETF could be a smart move. Component Control.Com, Inc. allegedly failed to grant employee's request for reasonable accommodation due to various health disabilities. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** SAN DIEGO, Jan. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Diego employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Component Control.Com, Inc. violated the California Labor Code. The Component Control.Com, Inc. class action lawsuit, Case No. 25CU064345C, is currently pending in the San Diego County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here . The Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP Speed Speed According to the lawsuit filed, Component Control.Com, Inc. allegedly (a) failed to pay minimum wages, (b) failed to pay overtime wages, (c) failed to provide legally required meal and rest periods , (d) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (e) failed to reimburse for required expenses, (f) failed to pay sick wages, and (g) failed to provide reasonable accommodations, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201-203, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct. The lawsuit further discusses Plaintiff's medical disability accommodation request. Plaintiff submitted a medical disability accommodation request for a doctor approved schedule change that allowed her to intermittently work from home, which was initially granted. However, that changed after Plaintiff's manager left the company. Defendant then allegedly denied Plaintiff's good faith request for medical accommodation and only granted the accommodation in part, which resulted in various other difficulties for Plaintiff. Defendant's conduct, as alleged, violated FEHA, Government Code Section 12900, et seq., and Defendant committed unlawful employment practices. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Component Control.Com, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** Media Contact Nicholas De Blouw Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP (800) 568-8020 [email protected] https://www.bamlawca.com/ SOURCE Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP Minnesota Refugees Face Unlawful Arrest, Detention, and Interrogation MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Last night, a group of refugees represented by the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), Berger Montague, and the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law (CHRCL) filed a federal class action lawsuit challenging the illegal arrest and imprisonment of resettled refugees in Minnesota. Individual plaintiffs are lawfully resettled refugees who are not yet legal permanent residents. Many did apply for their green cards, but have been unable to receive them due to the Trump administration's suspension of processing for refugees' applications and long-standing processing delays. The Advocates for Human Rights, a non-profit providing on-the-ground legal representation to impacted refugees in Minnesota, is an organizational plaintiff. Since the announcement of Operation PARRIS on January 9, armed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are going door to door arresting members of the Minnesota refugee community, including children and the elderly, and spiriting them off to detention camps in Texas. Refugees who assert their legal right to refuse ICE entry into their homes without a judicial warrant are then receiving letters calling them to appear at a local ICE office, where they are immediately detained without explanation, probable cause, or due process. Others have had their cars followed or been picked up on their way to work or school, making many refugee community members terrified to even leave the house. "I fled my home country because I was facing government repression," said D. Doe, plaintiff. "I can't believe it's happening again here. It's chilling and I'm scared." Once jailed in Texas, refugees are frequently put through intensive questioning without adequate opportunity to prepare or consult with a lawyer. Many have been forced to answer the same questions they were already asked when they initially proved to the U.S. government they were refugees or on their green card applications, this time without the opportunity to review the paperwork they may have submitted months or years ago. Those ICE has released were left on the streets of Texas, usually without money, identification, or any way to get home. Other refugees have been forced to stay in detention in Texas for a week or more, with no information about why they are being detained or when they will be released. "Refugees are being stripped from their families, carried across state borders, and held in inhumane detention centers guarded by armed agents, high fences, and barbed wire," said Taqwa Elhindi, a Supervising Attorney at IRAP representing detained refugees in Texas. "One elderly woman and her son were taken to facilities in separate cities, unaware of the others' whereabouts. In addition to being separated from their loved ones, refugees face immense barriers trying to contact their lawyers, leaving them alone and confused about why they are being held when they have adhered to every requirement imposed by the U.S. government." The lawsuit argues that the U.S. government has no legal authority to detain lawfully present refugees without charge, and seeks to halt the U.S. government's illegal, discriminatory, and cruel practice of warrantless arrest, unauthorized detention, and coercive interrogation. "ICE is hunting down refugees and disappearing them from their homes," said Kimberly Grano, Staff Attorney, U.S. Litigation at IRAP. "The Trump administration is intentionally and illegally terrorizing resettled refugees who are not accused of any wrongdoing. Refugees are being re-traumatized, families are being separated, and entire communities are living in fear. It is clear the administration intends to use these baseless detentions and coercive interviews to intimidate refugees and try to terminate the status of people this country promised to protect. We are suing to end these illegal tactics immediately." "ICE agents are dragging refugees from their homes in Minnesota, including children and families, flying them to brutal prisons in Texas, and attempting to strip them of legal protections," said Sarah Kahn, a Senior Staff Attorney at CHRCL. "They target them based on their home country and where they live without any reason to believe they have done anything wrong. There is no reason for this fascist, violent persecution of refugees except hatred for immigrants." "The victimization of refugees as part of a political payback is abhorrent. Refugees wait years to come to the United States, often to escape totalitarian regimes," said Berger Montague Executive Shareholder E. Michelle Drake. "ICE is now behaving worse than the dictators from whom many of our clients escaped. ICE's conduct is shameful and illegal, and we look forward to achieving justice in court." "The federal government is tearing refugees from their homes and communities, shattering their hard-won safety and security," said Michele Garnett McKenzie, Executive Director of The Advocates for Human Rights. "DHS is inflicting this cruelty without providing legal justification or an opportunity for refugees to access their attorneys and defend themselves from imprisonment. This attack on refugees is directly contrary to The Advocates object and purpose: ensuring all Governments, especially that of the United States, respect essential legal protections enshrined in the International Refugee Convention. Operation PARRIS has also forced The Advocates for Human Rights to divert scarce resources and time to opposing this illegal operation. International and U.S. law are clear we have a legal and moral obligation to protect individuals who face persecution, not expose them to imprisonment, isolation, coercion, and abuse. The government must cease these illegal actions that undermine the commitment we made to these refugees, causing grave harm to individuals, families, and communities." Additional Information Read the complaint: HERE Read IRAP's statement condemning the arrest and detention of refugees: HERE Access Know Your Rights information for refugees living in the United States: HERE The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is a global legal aid and advocacy organization working to create a world where refugees and all people seeking safety are empowered to claim their right to freedom of movement and a path to lasting refuge. Everyone should have a safe place to live and a safe way to get there. www.refugeerights.org The Advocates for Human Rights is an independent, nonprofit, nongovernmental human rights organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Advocates for Human Rights works in our home community and around the world to ensure access to immigration justice, end violence against women, abolish the death penalty, and protect the rights of LGBTIQ+ people. We are the Upper Midwest's primary provider of free immigration legal services for people fleeing persecution, torture, and violence. www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org The Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law (CHRCL) is a legal non-profit committed to protecting and advancing the rights of immigrants through legal action, advocacy, and education. Through impact litigation, we challenge unlawful immigration policies to drive systemic change and establish stronger legal protections for immigrants. At the local, state, and federal levels, we advocate for fair and humane policies that uphold the rights of all immigrants. www.centerforhumanrights.org Berger Montague is one of the nation's preeminent law firms focusing on complex civil litigation, class actions, and mass torts in federal and state courts throughout the United States. With more than $2.4 billion in 2025 post-trial judgments alone, the Firm is a leader in the fields of complex litigation, antitrust, consumer protection, defective products, environmental law, employment law, securities, and whistleblower cases, among many other practice areas. For over 55 years, Berger Montague has played leading roles in precedent-setting cases and has recovered over $50 billion for its clients and the classes they have represented. Berger Montague is headquartered in Philadelphia and has offices in Chicago; Malvern, PA; Minneapolis; San Diego; San Francisco; Toronto, Canada; Washington, D.C., and Wilmington, DE. MEDIA CONTACTS IRAP | Spencer Tilger | [email protected] The Advocates | Madeline Lohman | [email protected] CHRCL | Sergio Perez | [email protected] Berger Montague | Amy Wall-Monte | [email protected] SOURCE Berger Montague "The new Colorado Statehood stamp captures a glimpse of the majestic beauty of our 38th state so it can be shared and enjoyed by all of us across the country," said Amber McReynolds, chairwoman of the USPS Board of Governors. "As a Colorado resident, I see a state that embodies its pioneer spirit and comes together with a palpable sense of cooperation and community." Joining McReynolds as speakers at today's ceremony were Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Exhibition Developer and Historian Katherine Mercier. History Colorado President and CEO Dawn DiPrince facilitated the event. Fielder had a talent for capturing the state's varied terrain, animals, flowers and vegetation in unique and engaging ways. The exhibit was distilled from the more than 200,000 photographs taken by Fielder over 50 years. His photographs continue to showcase Colorado vistas to new audiences around the globe. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp using Fielder's image. News of the stamp is being shared on social media with the hashtag #ColoradoStamp. The stamps are available in panes of 20 and are being issued as Forever stamps, meaning they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. The Postal Service has printed 16 million Colorado Statehood stamps. About Colorado Nicknamed the Centennial State, Colorado joined the Union in 1876 100 years after the United States declared independence from Great Britain. Its average elevation is approximately 6,800 feet, the highest of all the states. Colorado is known around the world for its high-ranked ski areas and resorts and more than 39,000 miles of hiking trails. It has many state parks and four national parks, hundreds of ghost towns, and many museums, including the Denver Art Museum, Ute Indian Museum, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. The numerous archaeological sites throughout Colorado speak to the richness and complexity of the people who have shaped the state's heritage. Many Native American tribes including the Ute, Cheyenne and Apache continue to call Colorado home. Postal Products Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through The Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, first-day-of-issue ceremonies and stamp-inspired products can be found at stampsforever.com. The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands. The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Facebook; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads; and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com. National contact: Cathy Purcell [email protected] usps.com/news 202-819-2268 Colorado contact: Zach Laux [email protected] (308) 539-2493 SOURCE U.S. Postal Service KEFI Gold and Copper PLC (AIM:KEFI, OTC:KFFLF, FRA:KMSA) earlier this week signed detailed documentation for its $240 million debt package to fund development of the Tulu Kapi gold project in Ethiopia. Executive chairman Harry Anagnostaras-Adams joined Proactive to explain how and why KEFI sequenced debt ahead of equity, and outlined the preparatory infrastructure works now underway. Anagnostaras-Adams also discusses developments in Saudi Arabia. Proactive: Harry, very good to speak with you. You reported in October that the debt of $240 million was approved. And you've now reported that the detailed documents have been signed. What's the significance of this really? Harry Anagnostaras-Adams: Well, to an experienced project developer, last October, one would have said this is done. And, you know, knowing who was in our team and their experience, you would have said, well, this is done. But most of our approximately 5,000 shareholders are not experienced project developers. So we adopted more transparent and detailed reporting to help them follow us more precisely, given they may not be familiar with the processes involved. So to me, it was done last October. But there's probably a lot of shareholders out there who thought, well, now it's done. Each to their own specialties. But that's the reason. Proactive: You reiterated that more than enough equity capital has been assembled, but not all yet closed formally. Can you explain why these steps are one step at a time, rather than all done and dusted faster and altogether? Harry Anagnostaras-Adams: That's a good question. Obviously, everybody just wants to get it done as fast as possible. But if we had finalized our equity arrangements before our debt was committed, we would have had fewer choices, harder pricing, and tougher terms. We convinced our banks to commit first in order to bring more choices to the table at better pricing and do a better job for shareholders. It might have added more time, but the sequence has always been clear. Debt is 70% of development, so we wanted to get the best deal possible before finishing the 30% equity component. Proactive: In the meantime, what's happening on the ground, and when can we see photos of physical progress? Harry Anagnostaras-Adams: The essence of the Tulu Kapi kickoff is a bit frustrating. You don't see photos of bulldozers on the ground because the area is occupied by people who have to be resettled. Most gold projects don't have people living on them, so you can't just go in and start bulldozing. Whats happening now includes electricity connection works in the local center heading toward Tulu Kapi, access roads from the bitumen highway, and land clearing for housing in the local village. A new subdivision is being set up with schooling and health facilities. Bulk earthworks will start after the first resettlement phase, in a couple of months. The plant fabrication is already taking place in international specialist factories and will be delivered for installation after the earthworks. Theres no overburden on the pit, so mining can start in 2027. Well have photos next month, though we dont publish faces due to our security policy. Once full-scale operations begin, photos will flow regularly. Proactive: Switching focus to Saudi Arabia, how did your visit last week finish up? We've seen lots of news flow from the Future Minerals Forum. No announcements from KEFI though? Harry Anagnostaras-Adams: Its quite astounding. Ive been involved in nine or ten successful developments, but most of them happened during tough market conditions and took a lot of perseverance. In contrast, the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh was held in a six-star convention center with hundreds of wealthy institutions and family offices looking to invest. Theres more money than there are projects. As for KEFI, though we havent made announcements yet, our JV company, Gold and Minerals, will have a gold development coming up, followed by a second one. We were there with a new joint venture partner another major whos coming in. So it's all going very well. The boom in Saudi mining is real, and the atmosphere reflects that. Proactive: Harry, I hope you'll keep us updated on progress on all those projects as well as those photographs from Tulu Kapi. Thank you very much for your time today. Connecting Excellence Group Plc (AQSE:XCE) CEO Scott Ellam earlier in the week joined Proactive to discuss the settlement of the companys first Bitcoin-denominated bond and how it fits into a wider strategy to grow Bitcoin per share. Issued at a premium and interest-free, the bond converts only if XCE shares outperform Bitcoin, offering downside protection for investors. Ellam explains why the structure is designed to avoid dilution while adding Bitcoin to the balance sheet in all market conditions. He also outlines how the bond complements the groups operational recruitment business and longer-term capital markets plans. Proactive: Scott, very good to speak with you again. Youve just settled your first Bitcoin bond, adding ten Bitcoin to the treasury. How does this fit into your strategy? Scott Ellam: It increases shareholders Bitcoin per share upon conversion, but this is just one part of our strategy and one part of our business. Our business model includes an operational executive recruitment company that has recently been making successful placements, including a US sales director with an AI intelligence firm, a UK managing director at an integrated services firm, and a US-based director with a global consulting firm. Scott Ellam: On the operational side, we are gearing up growth plans which, even if capital markets were closed to us, could generate a 25% Bitcoin per share yield based on the current scale of the business. On the capital markets side, with people such as Richard Byworth and Vijay Selvam, we want to design tools that allow us to increase Bitcoin per share through capital markets as well. This bond is one of those tools and we believe it is scalable and appealing to both UK and international investors. Proactive: The XCE Bitcoin bond is interest-free, converts to shares, and offers downside protection. Can you explain how it works in plain English? Scott Ellam: We sell the bond at a 30% premium to the share price, so bondholders are paying more than investors buying shares in the market. The bonds convert when our shares outperform Bitcoin by 20% in any environment. The conversion price tracks Bitcoin, meaning Bitcoin comes onto the balance sheet whether Bitcoins price goes up or down, provided our shares outperform it. Scott Ellam: By doing this, we increase Bitcoin per share for existing shareholders. I believe this is the worlds first truly Bitcoin-denominated bond. It appeals to Bitcoin-holding institutions because it offers downside protection with a free option to the upside, and it also appeals to pound-based investors seeking Bitcoin exposure. Proactive: Given Bitcoins volatility, how do you balance risk and reward? Scott Ellam: The business is geared towards increasing Bitcoin per share. Bitcoin is a fixed-supply asset with a fixed issuance schedule. Most Bitcoin already exists, and the remainder will be mined over the coming decades. One Bitcoin will always be one Bitcoin, whereas nobody can predict future supply of pounds or dollars. Scott Ellam: We are focused on the long term. As Bitcoin becomes more institutionally adopted, we expect volatility to dampen and value to increase when measured against fiat currencies. Proactive: Looking ahead, what can we expect from XCE as 2026 progresses? Scott Ellam: We want to make more placements in our operating business and continue growing revenues. On the capital markets side, we want to scale the Bitcoin-denominated bond programme through 2026 and continue increasing Bitcoin per share while building our investor base.pro Ilika PLC (AIM:IKA, OTCQX:ILIKF, FRA:I8A) CEO Graeme Purdy talked with Proactive about the companys latest operational milestones, early revenues, and progress across both its Stereax and Goliath solid-state battery programmes following the release of Ilikas half-year results. Purdy explained that Ilika has resumed deliveries of Stereax batteries after successfully completing the technology transfer to manufacturing partner Cirtec Medical in the US. Customers are now receiving physical product again, allowing them to restart engineering work and integrate Stereax batteries into their own technology platforms. Importantly, Ilika has also announced its first follow-on commercial order for electrodes, a manufacturing step retained in the UK, marking the start of revenue generation from Stereax. Turning to Goliath, Purdy outlined how customer validation has now been completed on both the 2Ah and larger 10Ah solid-state cells. Feedback from early testing helped identify the strengths of the technology and confirmed Ilikas competitive position. He noted that a Tier One customer described Ilika as being in the leading cohort of solid state battery developers, which he said was reassuring as the company scales up. The 10Ah Goliath cells are now with customers and represent a credible size for module and pack integration. Purdy highlighted the potential value proposition for electric vehicle manufacturers, including lower pack costs, weight reductions of around 20%, improved range, and faster charging times. Looking ahead, Purdy said Ilika is focused on further validation, agreeing minimum viable products with customers, and identifying early commercial opportunities, potentially at the 10Ah scale, in order to freeze product design and begin generating revenues. Proactive: Graeme, great to speak to you again. Youre out with your half-year report to the end of October today and youve hit lots of milestones. Stereax moved from qualification into initial production. What does that change in practical terms for customers and for your revenues? Graeme Purdy: Its very exciting that were able to resume deliveries of our Stereax batteries. A couple of years ago, before we initiated the tech transfer to Cirtec Medical, we were delivering evaluation samples from our pilot line. Weve helped Cirtec set up this production line in the US and, just before Christmas, we were able to resume deliveries. Customers are delighted to get the physical product again and resume their engineering activities, building Stereax batteries into their technology platforms and applications. Proactive: And youve had your first sale as well? Graeme Purdy: Yes. Just yesterday, we announced our first follow-on order for electrodes, which is part of the manufacturing process weve retained in the UK. Thats generating revenue and will go onto our P&L. Proactive: On Goliath, customers have now validated both your 2Ah power and your 10Ah cells. Whats the most important feedback youre getting at this stage? Graeme Purdy: The 2Ah cells were sent out in 2024 and we received feedback at the beginning of the current financial year. That feedback was really useful and highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the technology. We received a great quote from a Tier One developer who said were in the leading cohort of solid-state battery developers. Weve now scaled up five times from 2Ah to 10Ah, and those batteries are currently with customers, including OEMs and Tier Ones. Were looking for further validation because 10Ah is now credible for integration into modules and packs. Proactive: The 10Ah Goliath cells promise big savings on cost and weight. How close does that put you to something an EV maker could adopt? Graeme Purdy: You need a compelling proposition. People have invested heavily in gigafactories and established supply chains, so theyre looking for a real differentiator. The saving of around 2,500, or $3,000, at the battery pack level is a driver, alongside a 20% reduction in weight, a corresponding increase in range, and a reduction in charge time from 18 minutes to 12 minutes. Thats a very compelling value proposition for vehicle designers. Proactive: Grant funding has been key, but revenues are still modest. How do you balance funding, cash burn, and momentum as you scale up? Graeme Purdy: Grant funding has been very important. We currently have an active programme called PRIMED, managed by the Advanced Propulsion Centre in the UK. It allows us to collaborate with Jaguar Land Rover, receive guidance from Professor Paul Shearing at the University of Oxford, and work with the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, which manufactures some of the components that go into our devices. Proactive: Looking ahead into 2026, what needs to go right for Ilika to move from evaluation programmes into real commercial traction? Graeme Purdy: Were focused on getting positive feedback on the 10Ah cells and refining the design if needed. We want to agree minimum viable products with customers. Weve previously indicated we could go as far as a 50Ah pouch cell, but were looking for early opportunities to commercialise, perhaps closer to the 10Ah scale. Ultimately, we want to freeze a product design and start generating revenue, then scale manufacturing through partnerships, similar to what weve done with Cirtec for Stereax. Active Energy Group PLC's (AIM:AEG, OTCQB:ATGVF) chief executive talked with Proactive about the companys decision to make Saudi Arabia its first major Middle East entry point and the strategic advantages driving that move. Paul Elliott explained that Saudi Arabia stood out due to its combination of scale, regulatory clarity and execution speed, all of which align with the companys strategic priorities. Elliott said the opportunity is underpinned by the Kingdoms Vision 2030 agenda, which actively supports energy transition, digital infrastructure and innovation. A central theme of the discussion was power costs. Elliott noted that power is often the largest expense in infrastructure and energy-related projects, particularly in the UK and Europe where costs are high and volatile. By contrast, he said access to stable, ultra-low-cost power in Saudi Arabia transforms the economics, improving margins and shortening payback periods for investors. The conversation also covered funding opportunities in the region. Elliott highlighted the importance of securing approval from the Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia (MISA), which Active Energy Group has achieved, alongside engagement with the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA). He explained that these relationships are critical to accessing regional and Sharia-compliant capital, which is actively seeking infrastructure, energy and innovation projects. Looking ahead, Elliott outlined tangible milestones investors should watch over the next 6 to 12 months. These include establishing the companys Saudi entity, progressing power and site discussions, deepening engagement with innovation bodies such as the RDIA, and early signs of regional partnerships and funding structures. According to Elliott, these steps will help de-risk the strategy and demonstrate real momentum on the ground. Proactive: Paul, very good to speak with you. Why was Saudi Arabia the right first major Middle East entry point, and what tipped the balance in favour of moving now? Paul Elliott: Saudi Arabia has always been at the forefront of the companys remit because it combines scale, policy clarity and execution speed. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is actively backing energy transition, digital infrastructure and innovation, which aligns closely with what the company does. The timing was right, the regulatory environment is ready, capital is deployable, and the company is now engaging with the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, or RDIA, which reinforces Saudi Arabias commitment to commercially driven innovation. Proactive: You highlight ultra-low-cost power as a key advantage. How does that change project economics compared with operating in the UK or Europe? Paul Elliott: Power is often the biggest cost in these types of projects. In the UK and Europe, it is high and volatile, which limits returns and scale. In Saudi Arabia, access to power is stable and low cost, and it transforms the economics. It improves margins and shortens payback periods for investors and those involved in the company. Proactive: Access to regional and Sharia-compliant capital is a big part of the story. How realistic is that funding route, and what could it be used for? Paul Elliott: It is extremely realistic. The first step is securing approval from the Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia, which the company has achieved, and then engaging with the RDIA. The Middle East has deep pools of capital that are looking for infrastructure, energy and innovation projects structured in a Sharia-compliant way. An approved presence through MISA is essential. Over time, that capital could support joint ventures, regional expansion and strategic partnerships. It is not just about funding, but also acceleration through partnerships. Proactive: From an investors point of view, what are the first tangible milestones to look for over the next six to twelve months? Paul Elliott: Key milestones include establishing the companys Saudi entity, progressing discussions around power and sites, continued engagement with innovation bodies such as the RDIA, and early signs of regional partnerships and funding structures. These are tangible steps that de-risk the strategy and demonstrate momentum on the ground. Proactive: Thank you very much for your time today. Paul Elliott: Thanks very much for having me. About this content About Oliver Haill Oliver has been writing about companies and markets since the early 2000s, cutting his teeth as a financial journalist at Growth Company Investor with a focusing on AIM companies and small caps, before a few years later becoming a section editor and then head of research. He joined Proactive after a couple of years freelancing, where he worked for the Financial Times Group, ITV, Press Association, Reuters sports desk, the London Olympic News Service, Rugby World Cup News Service, Gracenote... 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. 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Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd (TSX-V:RECO, OTCQX:RECAF, FRA:0XD) CEO Brian Reinsborough talked with Proactive about the companys oversubscribed $36 million financing, which sets the stage for its 2026 operations across three key African jurisdictions. Reinsborough noted that the offering, originally targeted at $20 million, saw significant institutional interest, leading to an expansion and over-allocation. Proactive: All right. Welcome back inside our Proactive newsroom. And joining me now is Brian Reinsborough. He is the CEO of Reconnaissance Energy Africa, or Recon Africa of course. And Brian, it's great to see you again. How are you? Brian Reinsborough: Wonderful. Thank you for having me once again. Well, big news out from the company that you've closed off your financingjust over $36 million, oversubscribed. Obviously a huge success. Brian, let's start there. Tell me a little bit about the financing and what you're hearing from people. Yeah, it was a very successful financing for this year. We went out with a $20 million offering to begin with, and there was very, very high demand in the market. So we ended up increasing our offering and even that was over-allocated. From my standpoint, it was a very effective and important fundraise. But also, I look at not just the overall numbers, but the contentwe're getting some new institutional names into Recon, writing sizable checks. That's the balance we want going forward. So I'm super happy about this. Great beginning. And the company is funded for our operations for 2026. Brian, did you find that a lot of people are coming in because of the quality of the operations and the number of jurisdictions youre in? It's not just one playyouve got a number going on. That's exactly right. We made a big pivot last year to diversify our asset base. We've always been in Namibiaits a big component. But we expanded into Angola with the MOU, and also late last year, we pivoted into Gabon, going offshore. We like that asset from both exploration and development standpoints. There's a small field there we like a lot. So now were expanding into a diversified portfolio. It allows me to allocate capital across the opportunity spectrum, which is what we want. Investors are liking thatthey dont want a single-point failure company. They like a portfolio. They're seeing the quality in Namibia with the Kavango discovery and in Gabon with the Loba discovery. I think it's a combination of all thatinvestors are taking notice. Lets talk about how youll use this capital. I know you've got a big work plan for 2026. Why don't we start in Namibiawhats going to happen there this year? Absolutely. Its an exciting time for Namibia with our Kavango interest. We're proceeding to a production test as we speak. We're guiding that well be on location and in operation by the end of Q1. That involves drilling some plugs, setting a five-inch production liner to total depth, and starting the testing program. This is Namibias first production testits a big deal. We want to see deliverability of hydrocarbons. Doing a production test in a cased hole lets us isolate intervals and see what the reservoirs can deliver. Everythings on schedule. Weve ordered the production casing and its shipping to Namibia in February. Were also going through the bidding process for testing and surface equipment. During the test, well separate fluidsgas will be flared, and liquids stored in tanks. We may test up to 7 or 8 intervals, so it could be a two-month operation. And Angolais that more in the geological work phase? Yeah. Angola is our next phase of exploration. Were active in Namibia with the Kavango discovery, but Angola is next. We have an MOU, and teams will be sampling oil seeps for geochemical signatures. Then well start planning a seismic program. These fold belts, when you find them, they often span countries. We know it continues into Angola, but we need a disciplined exploration programprove the petroleum system, then define geological features through seismic. And lets quickly get to Gabontheres going to be some activity there as well? Yes, absolutely. Thats why we did this raiseto avoid doing things sequentially. You need to move in parallel. In Gabon, weve retrieved geological studies from the government and were in the final stages of getting seismic tapes. Well start a high-end seismic reprocessing project on the Ngulu block in February. Its a six-month project with deliverables throughout. We want to better image the Loba discovery and crystallize our exploration inventory. The goal is to take older seismic and apply state-of-the-art processing. After that, we hope to release a resource report and plan for a well by this time next year on the Ngulu project. Quotes have been lightly edited for style and clarity 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 A Call for Protection of the Assyrians in Iraq and Syria (AINA) -- The territorial integrity of Iraq and Syria continues to erode under the weight of unresolved conflicts, competing regional agendas, and the persistent failure to protect indigenous peoples. Among those most affected by this reality is the Assyrian people, whose historic lands have been transformed into arenas for proxy struggles rather than safe regions that uphold dignity, rights, and the rule of law. The defeat of ISIS in certain areas did not bring justice nor ensure lasting security. According to multiple reports, thousands of ISIS members and affiliates have been transferred or reintroduced across borders, including more than 7,000 individuals brought back into Iraq. This raises serious and legitimate concerns for the Assyrian people: Are those who destroyed our towns, enslaved our people, and erased our heritage being allowed to re-emerge once again, this time under political cover or as part of regional deals? At the same time, the Iraqi government's deepening alignment with Iran and Iran-backed armed groups has escalated tensions with the United States, further destabilizing the region and placing the Assyrian people once again in harm's way. Assyrians continue to pay the price for geopolitical rivalries on their ancestral lands. For many years, our response has been largely limited to verbal protests, statements, social media campaigns, and appeals to conscience. We have also made it clear that we do not support silence, compromise, or political softness, whether from certain church leaders or political parties that have failed to defend our people, our land, and our rights, or that have aligned themselves with those responsible for land confiscation and occupation. Words alone are no longer sufficient. While perpetrators operate openly without accountability, the region has witnessed demonstrations and incitement led by Kurdish groups and actors who have burned American flags and images of U.S. envoys and attacked consulates and diplomatic missions. This reflects a dangerous double standard: such actors are permitted to engage freely in hostility and provocation, while the victims of genocide, the Assyrian people, are expected to remain patient, silent, and divided. This imbalance is neither acceptable nor just. The time for unity and organization has arrived. We call for the establishment of a unified Assyrian front, independent and truly representative, capable of engaging the international community with one clear and consistent voice. This front must document crimes, confront impunity, and advocate persistently for: International protection mechanisms for Assyrian regions Genuine self-governance, administered by Assyrians and for Assyrians, within internationally recognized frameworks The safe return of displaced Assyrians without coercion, intimidation, or demographic manipulation Accountability for ISIS crimes and for all those who enabled or benefited from them An end to land seizures and militia domination in Assyrian areas This is not a call for secession, but a call for survival. It is not a rejection of coexistence, but a demand for equality, security, and self-determination in accordance with international law and the principles the international community claims to uphold. The Assyrian people are not a temporary community nor a marginal actor in regional conflicts. They are an indigenous nation whose survival depends on decisive international engagement, and on our own ability to stand together, clearly, collectively, and without ambiguity. History will judge not only the perpetrators of these crimes, but also those who had the authority to prevent their recurrence and chose silence instead. March NY world sugar #11 (SBH26) on Thursday closed up +0.22 (+1.49%). March London ICE white sugar #5 (SWH26) closed up +4.80 (+1.14%). Sugar prices settled higher on Thursday after a rally in the Brazilian real (^USDBRL) to a 2.25-month high against the dollar prompted short covering in sugar futures. The stronger real discourages export sales from Brazil's sugar producers. More News from Barchart An excessively long position in London ICE white sugar futures could exacerbate any price decline. Last Friday's weekly Commitment of Traders (COT) report showed funds boosted their white sugar net long positions by 4,544 to a record 48,203 (data from 2011). Higher sugar production in Brazil is bearish for prices. Unica reported Wednesday that Brazil's cumulative 2025-26 Center-South sugar output through December rose by +0.9% y/y to 40.222 MMT. Also, the ratio of cane crushed for sugar rose to 50.82% in 2025/36 from 48.16% in 2024/25. The outlook for a global sugar surplus is weighing on prices. Last Monday, Covrig Analytics raised its 2025/26 global sugar surplus estimate to 4.7 MMT from 4.1 MMT in October. However, Covrig projects that the 2026/27 global sugar surplus will fall to 1.4 MMT, as weak prices discourage production. Signs of stronger sugar output in India are negative for prices. On Monday, the India Sugar Mill Association (ISMA) reported that India's 2025-26 sugar output from Oct 1-Jan 15 is up +22% y/y to 15.9 MMT. The ISMA on November 11 raised its 2025/26 India sugar production estimate to 31 MMT from an earlier forecast of 30 MMT, up +18.8% y/y. The ISMA also cut its estimate for sugar used for ethanol production in India to 3.4 MMT from a July forecast of 5 MMT, which may allow India to boost its sugar exports. India is the world's second-largest sugar producer. Sugar prices have been under pressure amid prospects of higher sugar exports from India, after India's food secretary said the government may permit additional sugar exports to reduce a domestic supply glut. In November, India's food ministry said it would allow mills to export 1.5 MMT of sugar in the 2025/26 season. India introduced a quota system for sugar exports in 2022/23 after late rain reduced production and limited domestic supplies. Washington, Jan 24 : The US risks losing its quantum edge unless it maintains investment, strengthens its workforce, and stabilizes supply chains, lawmakers and officials warned. During a Congressional hearing this week, House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin said the Trump administration has identified quantum science, technology, and engineering as a top research and development priority. As Congress works to reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative, Babin noted the law made quantum research a national focus and turned federal policy. "These investments lay the foundation for breakthroughs in quantum computing, sensing, and communications," Babin said, adding that the US must not fall behind as rivals accelerate their efforts. Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren said US leadership now stands at an "inflection point." She warned that China has sharply increased spending and is closing the gap in both research output and technology development. "In 2024, the Chinese Communist Party invested more than four times what the United States did in quantum R&D," Lofgren said. She noted that China announced a $138 billion fund in 2025 to support emerging technologies, including quantum computing, and that it now leads in some areas, such as quantum communications. Officials from key science agencies highlighted US strengths but also flagged growing risks. James Kushmerick of the National Institute of Standards and Technology said the US is in a "fierce international competition" and "cannot afford to take its foot off the gas." He pointed to NIST's 2024 release of the first post-quantum cryptography standards to protect digital systems from future quantum attacks. "These standards are laying the foundation to protect trillions of dollars of global commerce," Kushmerick said, stressing that rapid deployment is now critical. Saul Gonzalez of the National Science Foundation said decades of early investment had enabled the current wave of quantum advances. But he warned that workforce shortages could slow progress. "The supply of talent is not keeping up with industry's demand," Gonzalez said, noting that quantum research depends on physics, mathematics, engineering, and computer science working together. NASA's Mark Clampin said quantum technologies are already being used in space science, particularly in sensing. He cited the Cold Atom Laboratory aboard the International Space Station and new instruments that could measure Earth's gravity with far greater precision. "These capabilities support applications such as drought monitoring, water management, and flood prediction," Clampin said. At the Department of Energy, Tanner Crowder said the National Quantum Initiative enabled the creation of five multidisciplinary research centers and strengthened coordination across government, academia, and industry. He said the US is now positioned to pursue quantum-enabled supercomputing alongside artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. Members of Congress from both parties raised concerns about immigration policy, workforce pipelines, and supply chains. Several warned that visa restrictions and uncertainty are discouraging foreign talent, which many witnesses said remains essential to US leadership. Lawmakers also criticized tariffs and trade disruptions. They said higher costs for imported equipment are hurting US quantum startups and slowing research. Kushmerick said industry partners have reported real impacts and growing uncertainty. "Uncertainty is bad for science," he said. The hearing marked an early step toward bipartisan reauthorization of the National Quantum Initiative. Babin said Congress aims to reinforce US leadership, address workforce challenges, and speed commercialization over the next five years. Quantum technologies promise major advances in computing power, sensing, and secure communications. Witnesses agreed that leadership will depend on steady funding, skilled workers, and the ability to move discoveries from the lab into real-world use. These factors will be vital in realizing the full potential of quantum technologies beyond the research stage. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Brasilia, Jan 24 : Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that US President Donald Trump attempts to create a new United Nations and be its sole owner. "President Trump is proposing to create a new UN and that he alone is the owner of the UN," Lula said on Friday, at an event organized by the Landless Rural Workers Movement in Brazil's northeastern state of Bahia, Xinhua news agency reported. He said that the world is facing a "very critical" political moment, with multilateralism being thrown out in favor of unilateralism, adding that the "law of the strongest" is increasingly shaping international relations and the UN Charter is being "torn apart." Lula said he has intensified diplomatic contacts in recent weeks to help build an international response to strengthen multilateralism, citing talks with the leaders of Russia, China, India, Hungary and Mexico, among others. The goal, he said, is to explore the possibility of an international meeting to reaffirm commitment to multilateralism and prevent "the force of arms and intolerance of any country in the world" from prevailing. Earlier Lula da Silva criticised Trump for attempting to "rule the world" through social media. "Have you noticed that Trump wants to rule the world through Twitter?" Lula said at a public event in Rio Grande, a municipality in Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. "He says something different every day. It's not possible. And do you think it's possible to treat people with respect if we don't look them in the face? To think of them as objects rather than human beings?" he added. Speaking at a ceremony for the handover of 1,276 homes, as part of a housing program expected to benefit approximately 5,000 people in southern Brazil, Lula referred to Trump while noting the need to "restore humanism in social relations." He also urged the public to discourage the overuse of cellphones and defend his policy initiated in 2024 to ban them in elementary and middle school grades. Brazil's president has not yet publicly commented on Trump's invitation to join the so-called "Board of Peace" to oversee developments in the Gaza Strip. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Los Angeles, Jan 24 : Approximately 100 clergy members were arrested at the US Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport during a protest against US immigration enforcement, organizers said. The faith leaders were taken into custody by local police after blocking roads at the airport's Terminal 1 departures area, according to the group Faith in Minnesota. The protesters were calling on airlines, particularly Delta Air Lines and Signature Aviation, to stop cooperating with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota, organizers stated. Tensions have escalated after ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother and US citizen, on January 7 during an immigration enforcement operation, according to local media reports. The shooting triggered daily protests across the Minneapolis area, Xinhua news agency reported. At the airport, clergy members prayed together, sang hymns, and shared stories of people detained by ICE, organizers said. Faith in Minnesota reported that the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has deported an estimated 2,000 people. Union members also reported that ICE has arrested 12 airport workers. The airport demonstrations were part of a broader mobilization on Friday called "ICE Out of Minnesota: A Day of Truth and Freedom," according to organizing groups. More than 700 businesses across the state closed their doors in what organizers called an economic blackout, urging residents not to work, shop, or attend school. Separately, protesters blocking an access road to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, which houses ICE facilities, held their position for several hours, according to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. Before deputies issued dispersal orders, the sheriff's office reported that protesters threw ice chunks at vehicles, breaking windows. Mumbai, Jan 24 : Actor Ishaan Khatter used social media to express his emotions after his film "Homebound" lost the race for the Oscars. He took to his official Instagram handle and published a couple of BTS photos and videos from the shoot, along with a heartfelt note. Revealing that he will always look back at the entire experience with love, Ishaan wrote, "Homebound is and always was a piece of my heart. It's a story that took us through a journey inwards after daring to look outside the bubble we identify ourselves in. As difficult a reality as it mirrors, this film has always ultimately been hopeful to me in every way I can relate to it, as a human being, as a cinema person.. and a young actor. Today as we somewhat come to an end of one part of its journey, I know I will always look back at it with love and gratitude.. And as a sort of moral compass. (sic)." Expressing his gratitude to director Neeraj Ghaywan, he added, "@neeraj.ghaywan I love you, brother. There are very few people I can say this about but I know I can always trust your conscience as a yardstick." "Love to all the heroes behind the camera and to all of you who owned this film and spoke of it like your own. Homebound (infinity symbol emoji) no feeling is final," Ishaan concluded the post. Before this, filmmaker Karan Johar, filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan, and actor Vishal Jethwa also decided to put their disappointment into words and share it on social media. For those who do not know, the nominations for the 98th Oscars were announced on Thursday, where "Homebound" failed to secure a position in the 'International Feature Film' category. The five films which made it to the final Oscar shortlist are "The Secret Agent" (Brazil), "It Was Just an Accident" (France), "Sentimental Value" (Norway), "SirAt" (Spain), and "The Voice of Hind Rajab" (Tunisia). The Academy Awards ceremony is slated to take place on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. -- Syndicated from IANS Atlanta, Jan 24 : The Consulate General of India in Atlanta has expressed deep sorrow over a tragic shooting incident in Georgia that claimed the lives of four adults, including an Indian national, and has assured full assistance to the bereaved family. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Consulate said: "We are deeply grieved by a tragic shooting incident linked to an alleged family dispute, in which an Indian national was among the victims. The alleged shooter has been arrested, and all possible assistance is being extended to the bereaved family." The statement came as Gwinnett County Police continued investigating a deadly domestic shooting that occurred early on Friday morning in a Lawrenceville-area neighbourhood. According to authorities, officers responded to a "shots fired" call at approximately 2:30 a.m. in the 1,000 block of Brook Ivy Court. Upon arrival, police discovered four adults inside the residence suffering from gunshot wounds. All four victims of Indian origin were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators stated that the incident was of a domestic nature. Police revealed that three young children were inside the home when the shooting began. In a remarkable act of presence of mind, the children hid together inside a closet to protect themselves. One of the children managed to call 911, providing critical information that enabled officers to reach the scene within minutes. Due to the swift response, officers arrived while the suspect's vehicle was still parked in the driveway. Fearing that the shooter might still be in the area, police deployed K-9 units to conduct a search. A police dog later tracked the suspect to a nearby woodline, where he was taken into custody without incident, according to authorities. The children were not injured during the incident and were later released into the care of a family member. On Friday afternoon, Gwinnett County Police identified the suspect as Vijay Kumar, 51, of Atlanta. He has been charged with four counts of aggravated assault, four counts of felony murder, four counts of malice murder, one count of cruelty to children in the first degree, and two counts of cruelty to children in the third degree. Police identified the victims as Kumar's wife, Meemu Dogra, 43, of Atlanta; Gourav Kumar, 33; Nidhi Chander, 37; and Harish Chander, 38, all residents of Lawrenceville. Investigators said an argument reportedly began between Dogra and Kumar at their home in Atlanta. The couple then traveled to the Brook Ivy Court residence with their 12-year-old child, where the fatal shooting later occurred. The investigation remains ongoing. Suva : , Jan 24 (IANS) India has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Fiji and the wider Pacific, highlighting that the bilateral relationship of the two nations is entering a new phase of cooperation built on trust, shared values and people-to-people ties, according to Fijian media. Speaking during India's Republic Day reception held at Fiji's Novotel Lami on Friday night (local time), Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Suneet Mehta said India and Fiji were working together to shape a future that delivers tangible benefits for their citizens, reports local media outlet, The Fiji Times. "Together, we will build a future that is brighter, more prosperous, and more inclusive for our peoples," Mehta said. He acknowledged the deep historical links between the two nations, highlighting the enduring contribution of the Girmitiya community to Fiji's social, cultural and economic development. "The Indian diaspora in Fiji has been a cornerstone of our relationship since the 19th century, and today continues to play an integral role across agriculture, trade, education and public service," he said. According to the Indian High Commission in Suva, Mehta highlighted the significance of further strengthening the robust and multifaceted India-Fiji ties for the benefit of both people, the region and beyond. The event further strengthened the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and shared values, the Indian mission said. During this, Mehta also described 2025 as a "milestone year" for bilateral relations, marked by "sustained high-level political engagement". He noted that the visits by Fijian President Naiqama Lalabalavu (last November) and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (August 2025) to India resulted in key agreements and a joint statement "reaffirming Veilomani Dosti -- friendship grounded in mutual respect", The Fiji Times reported. Mehta also called health cooperation a "major highlight of the partnership", adding that India is committed to building a 100-bed Super Speciality Hospital in Suva. This facility will serve as a regional hub for advanced medical services in the island nation. He further stated that this project reflects India's commitment to strengthening healthcare resilience in Fiji and the Pacific, while adding that the tender process is underway and construction would begin soon. The High Commissioner also highlighted the need for expanding collaboration in areas such as agriculture, education, defence, and capacity building. Mehta further mentioned India's expertise in renewable energy, digital technologies, and climate resilience, and said that these can offer new opportunities for cooperation, both bilaterally and through regional and multilateral forums. "India is committed to working with Fiji and other Pacific Island nations to promote sustainable growth, resilience, and shared prosperity," he stated, reaffirming India's engagement through the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Washington, Jan 24 : Driven by social media, encrypted services, and emerging Artificial Intelligence tools, online child sexual exploitation is expanding fast, lawmakers and child-safety experts have told members of the US Congress. "Protecting our children from online exploitation and abuse is one issue that unites all of us: Democrats, Republicans, parents, grandparents, and everyone in between," said Rep. Nancy Mace, who chaired the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation. Ranking Member Shontel Brown said the volume and speed of distribution have changed the threat. Brown said, "These horrifying photos, videos, and records often referred to as CSAM, have dramatically increased as technology and the Internet have made it easier to share them faster and with more people." Stefan Turkheimer, vice president of public policy at RAINN, said the crisis is being reported directly to the National Sexual Assault Hotline. Turkheimer said, "Nearly half a million Americans reached out to the hotline last year." Since the pandemic began, he said, "calls from children have exploded." Turkheimer said, "68 per cent of calls to the hotline are about child sexual abuse." Turkheimer said, "I'm here today because we face an urgent crisis at the intersection of technology and child safety." He cited reporting to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, saying, "The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received over 32 million reports of suspected child sexual abuse materials in 2023, and that number will increase exponentially year after year." Brad Russ, executive director of the National Criminal Justice Training Center, said Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces are being swamped by leads. Russ said, "The number of cyber tips last year disseminated to the task forces was 675,000." He called the workload "an overwhelming challenge." Russ said, "What they tell me is that they're drowning right now." He told lawmakers, "Out of 71,000 investigative leads, only 500 were being actively investigated." Russ said, "The task force members basically turn over at a rate of 25 per cent a year because this is some of the most difficult work you can do." He added, "The funding has remained relatively the same since 2008 for the task forces at just over $30 million." The discussion also focussed on how offenders move minors between platforms. Turkheimer said, "One of the goals of a person of an offender in that position is to remove the child from the relatively safe space of Roblox and take them to a place like Telegram." On accountability, Turkheimer said, "Without any liability, they don't have an economic incentive to prioritize safety." Mace, citing cases in her Colorado district, warned: "Every day that passes without urgent intervention, more children are at risk for exploitation, sextortion, extortion, grooming and trauma that can have lifelong consequences." Turkheimer said, "I just want to close by saying that safety is possible." The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program was created in 1998 as a US Justice Department-backed network to coordinate state and local investigations into online child exploitation, with federally funded task forces supporting thousands of participating agencies. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) operates the CyberTipline, a national reporting mechanism for suspected online child sexual exploitation. Under US federal law, online service providers must report apparent CSAM to NCMEC. Islamabad, Jan 24 : At least six people were killed, and more than a dozen others sustained injuries after a suicide bombing struck wedding celebrations in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, local media reported on Saturday. The blast targeted the residence of Noor Alam Mehsud, head of the Aman (Peace) Committee, in Dera Ismail Khan district late on Friday. Mehsud himself was also injured in the incident. The explosion occurred while the wedding ceremony was underway, triggering panic and chaos at the venue. Several people were wounded in the blast and were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, according to leading broadcaster Geo News. Authorities said the exact nature of the blast is still being ascertained, but preliminary findings indicate that it was a suicide attack. Police also said that the attackers resorted to firing after carrying out the bombing. Investigation teams and forensic experts remained present at the site for several hours, collecting evidence to identify the attacker and trace the network behind the attack. According to police and security officials, the severed head of the suicide bomber, believed to be around 17 years old, was recovered from the blast site and taken into custody for forensic examination and identification, reported leading Pakistani daily The Express Tribune. KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi strongly condemned the suicide blast and sought an immediate report from the provincial police chief. He also directed the concerned authorities to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical facilities. Calling the incident "unfortunate," the chief minister said that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice. The provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which share borders with Afghanistan, have been particularly affected by such attacks in recent times. This was not the first time Noor Alam Mehsud, head of the Mehsud Peace Committee in South Waziristan, has been targeted. In 2022, two suicide bombers attempted to attack him at his office in Dera Ismail Khan. Both attackers were killed outside the office, and peace committee volunteers successfully thwarted the attempt, according to The Express Tribune. Last month, three police personnel were killed in a bomb attack targeting a police vehicle in Dera Ismail Khan. According to data released by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan recorded more than a 25 per cent increase in overall violence last year, with at least 3,187 fatalities and 1,981 injuries linked to violence involving civilians, security forces and criminals. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa emerged as the worst-hit region, accounting for nearly 68 per cent, or 2,165, of the country's total violence-related fatalities and over 62 per cent, or 732, of all reported incidents. In the province, deaths during security operations stood at 1,370, exceeding fatalities from militant attacks, which numbered 795, by 72 per cent. Chennai, Jan 24 : After months of delay following heavy monsoon damage, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is set to begin relaying more than 1,000 roads across the city from February, with an estimated outlay of Rs 200 crore. The works will focus on some of the worst-affected stretches battered by recent rains, particularly in Adyar, Teynampet, Kodambakkam, West Mambalam and Anna Nagar. In addition to surface roads, about five key underpasses -- including the Nungambakkam, Madley Road and Stanley Government Hospital subways -- will also be relaid. Officials said necessary traffic diversions would be implemented to facilitate the uninterrupted execution of the works. The road relaying drive follows a major financial sanction by the Tamil Nadu government, which on Thursday approved Rs 1,500 crore for road restoration works across 21 municipal corporations in the state. Of this, Chennai is expected to receive approximately Rs 200 crore. Deputy Mayor Mahesh Kumar said that all GCC zones have already finalised their lists of damaged roads, and detailed proposals have been forwarded to the Ripon Buildings headquarters. "We will place the proposals before the council meeting this month and fast-track the relaying works by February. We aim to complete most of the work by mid-February," he said. To ensure better construction standards, the corporation also plans to appoint a project management consultant to independently vet the quality of road works. A separate tender for this consultancy is expected to be floated simultaneously with the main road relaying tenders. However, contractors remain sceptical about whether the ambitious timeline can be met, citing delays in the actual release of funds. Greater Chennai Contractors Association president R. Ramarao said that despite multiple financial sanctions in recent months, pending payments have continued to mount. "Even after sanctions are announced, funds are not released on time. The total dues for civic works have increased to nearly Rs 900 crore from Rs 700 crore just last week," Ramarao said. "At present, the corporation has no liquidity to execute new projects. Most tenders are being floated in anticipation of future funds. Until the money actually comes, these remain announcements on paper." With public frustration over damaged roads mounting, the coming weeks will test whether the promised relaying works can move from plans to pavement. January 24 : Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh celebrates its glorious foundation day every year on 24 January as Uttar Pradesh Diwas. With the vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this year Uttar Pradesh Diwas-2026 is being organized on the theme Viksit Bharat-Viksit Uttar Pradesh. This three-day program will be celebrated across the state from 24 to 26 January and will become a medium to take the states journey of progress to every citizen. It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has clearly stated that this event should not remain just a government program, but should become a public festival, ensuring participation of every citizen of the state and showcasing not only the states cultural diversity and vibrant spirit but also its development journey. Through this special event, the identity of the state will be further strengthened at the national and international levels. The main ceremony of Uttar Pradesh Diwas-2026 will be held at the newly constructed Rashtra Prerna Sthal premises in Lucknow. The program will be inaugurated by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah as the chief guest. Along with distinguished guests invited from across the country, public representatives of the state have also been invited. Along with the main ceremony in Lucknow, cultural programs, development exhibitions and public participation events will be organized at the local level in all districts of the state. The main ceremony will also be broadcasted live across the state through Doordarshan, enabling people from all parts of the state to participate in the UP Diwas celebrations. This year, the main attraction of Uttar Pradesh Diwas will be the One District-One Cuisine (ODOC) scheme announced by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Under the ODOC scheme, one traditional and famous dish from each district of the state has been selected. In this special event, all ODOC dishes from across the state will be made available at a single venue. This initiative will not only showcase the diversity of Uttar Pradeshs cuisine but will also strengthen local cultural identity. It will serve as a means to make the taste of UP a symbol of UPs identity. Along with this, products made by artisans under the One District-One Product (ODOP) scheme will be exhibited and sold on the occasion of UP Diwas. In addition, GI tag products will also be displayed in the format of a trade show. As every year, the Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman 2025-26 will be conferred during the Uttar Pradesh Diwas ceremony. This year, five eminent personalities who have achieved remarkable accomplishments in the fields of education, literature, agriculture, women empowerment and space science will be honored. In addition, districts performing excellently under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan will also be awarded. On this occasion, the Chief Minister will formally launch the One District-One Cuisine (ODOC) scheme and inaugurate the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Employment and Industrial Zone Scheme. On the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Diwas, special exhibitions and craft fairs based on the theme Viksit Bharat-Viksit Uttar Pradesh will be organized. These will showcase progress made in various sectors including infrastructure, industry, agriculture, women empowerment and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Cultural performances based on folk, classical and contemporary art forms will be organized. Programs under the Culture Festival 2025-26 being held across the state will also be linked to this celebration. Winners of exhibitions and cultural programs organized in each district will be honored. Special exhibitions will also be organized on the Mission Shakti, innovation and completion of 150 years of Vande Mataram. In addition, youth, entrepreneurs, women from self-help groups, artists, sportspersons and individuals associated with Panchayati Raj, social welfare, rural development, agriculture and labor sectors who have done outstanding work in the state will also be honored. With the vision of the double engine government, UP Diwas-2026 celebrations will be taken beyond the boundaries of the state and the country this year. Under this initiative, UP Diwas-2026 programs will be organized at Lok Bhavan in various states of the country. Additionally, UP Diwas will be celebrated at Indian embassies in Fiji, Mauritius, Maldives, Singapore and Thailand. For these programs, mementos have been provided by the MSME and Tourism departments, through which residents of Uttar Pradesh living in these countries and states will be honored. In this sequence, various ministers, Members of Parliament and MLAs of the state will represent Uttar Pradesh in these countries and states, introducing people to the culture and progress of Uttar Pradesh, and invite them to become partners in the states development journey. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given clear instructions that Uttar Pradesh Diwas-2026 should become the largest platform for public participation while showcasing the culture, cuisine, crafts and development journey of the state. In this way, this festival will prove to be a source of pride and inspiration for every resident of the state. As per the Chief Ministers instructions, the Tourism, Art and Culture Department of the state, in collaboration with the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), has almost completed all preparations to make the UP Diwas celebrations dignified, disciplined and grand. This event will not only be a celebration of Uttar Pradeshs rich heritage but will also strengthen the resolve of Viksit Bharat-Viksit Uttar Pradesh. Celebrated with enthusiasm and fervor across the state, this public festival of Uttar Pradesh Diwas-2026 will present a vibrant picture of the states unity and progress. On this occasion, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Governor Anandiben Patel will also be present. Additionally, State BJP President Pankaj Chaudhary, both Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh and many other distinguished guests will attend the program. Other prominent guests will include Rajya Sabha Members Brij Lal and Sanjay Seth, Mayor of Lucknow Sushma Kharkwal and the Honorable MLAs of the state. Key Points Taiwan Semiconductor is a key chip supplier to nearly every AI hardware company. The stock trades at a slight premium to the market but at a discount to its big tech peers. This chip foundry is an excellent way to take advantage of the massive AI spending spree 10 stocks we like better than Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) was one of the best stocks to own in 2025 -- it rose over 50%. But 2026 is a new year. None of the stock's success from last year matters, although its business success will still carry over. The biggest item investors are counting on in 2026 for Taiwan Semiconductor (or TSMC) is to maintain the momentum that drove it higher in 2025. With the tailwinds blowing in the AI space, I think that appears to be a safe bet. Taiwan Semiconductor recently reported fourth-quarter earnings, and management gave some bullish guidance for 2026 and beyond. I think it's a clear sign to buy the stock now, as the market still isn't fully valuing the stock for how dominant it is. Image source: Taiwan Semiconductor. TSMC is at the heart of the AI computing buildout It's no secret that artificial intelligence requires an incredible amount of computing power. So it requires a lot of computing hardware to accomplish that task. Regardless of what computing unit is used to train and run AI models, they are all filled with chips that come from relatively few foundries. The largest in the world, by far, is Taiwan Semiconductor. It's the key logic chip supplier for many companies, including Nvidia and Apple. So, when there is insatiable demand for computing power in an area like AI, TSMC will naturally do well. Its Q4 results confirmed this and ensured that the AI race is still going full bore. In Q4, Taiwan Semiconductor's revenue rose 26% year over year in U.S. dollars. This shows strong, sustained gains, but TSMC isn't stopping there. For 2026, it expects revenue to increase by nearly 30% in U.S. dollars. This shows that AI demand for chips is real and slated to continue growing in 2026, but that's not the end of it. For the five years starting in 2024 and ending in 2029, TSMC now expects that its compound annual growth rate (CAGR) will be about 25%. A 25% CAGR for a company the size of Taiwan Semiconductor is nearly unheard of, but it shows how massive the demand for logic chips is. As a result, TSMC can be viewed as not only a great investment for 2026, but also for a few years down the road. Despite its success, Taiwan Semiconductor is still one of the great values in the market. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 24 : The BJP has formally opposed the Kerala Cabinet's decision to appoint former judge Justice (Retd.) Babu Mathew P. Joseph as Ombudsman for Local Self-Government Institutions, citing statutory violations under the Kerala Lok Ayukta Act, 1999. BJP Kerala President Rajeev Chandrasekhar and General Secretary Suresh on Saturday met Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at Lok Bhavan and submitted a detailed petition urging him to withhold approval for the appointment. The party pointed out that the Cabinet decision runs contrary to Section 5(3) of the Kerala Lok Ayukta Act, which bars a former Lok Ayukta or Upa Lok Ayukta from holding any subsequent office of profit under the government or related authorities. In their submission, BJP leaders pointed out that Justice Babu Mathew P. Joseph had previously served as Upa Lok Ayukta, making him ineligible for the post of Ombudsman. They contended that the Ombudsman position is a statutory office with remuneration drawn from government funds and therefore clearly falls within the definition of an "office of profit" under the Act. The petition further maintained that the prohibition under Section 5(3) is explicit and leaves no room for discretionary interpretation. Any appointment made in violation of this provision, the BJP warned, would be legally untenable and vulnerable to judicial scrutiny. The party also flagged concerns about institutional propriety, arguing that allowing such appointments could dilute the independence of statutory watchdog bodies. According to the BJP, strict adherence to eligibility norms is essential to preserve public confidence in institutions meant to oversee governance at the grassroots level. Urging the Governor to exercise his constitutional discretion, BJP leaders requested that the Cabinet decision be returned for reconsideration on statutory grounds. The move adds a fresh political dimension to the appointment, even as the government maintains that the decision is legally sound. The Governor is expected to examine the petition before taking a final call on the appointment, which has now become a subject of both legal and political debate in the state. New Delhi, Jan 24 : There is a sense of desperation that is setting in among the Khalistan elements, and this may lead to them carrying out a major attack in India. Once they were beaten down in Punjab, they took shelter in Pakistan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Since then, there have been multiple attempts that had been made to revive the movement in Punjab, but they have been largely unsuccessful. However, recent Intelligence inputs suggest that the ISI is on overdrive mode and wants the Khalistan terror groups to strike big and send across a strong message. An Intelligence Bureau official said that these elements based out of Pakistan have made several attempts to infiltrate India through Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, but have been unsuccessful. This has prompted us to look at the India border through Bangladesh, the official said. During a recent meeting, the ISI decided that all the Khalistan terror groups would operate as one. The lead would be taken by the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Since that meeting, the BKI has trained hard and managed to set up some modules in Punjab. Another official said that the ISI is trying to move the BKI cadres to Bangladesh and then move them into India. The focus areas of the attacks, according to Intelligence agencies, would be Delhi and Punjab. They have been told to hit government establishments and not target innocents. Targeting innocent civilians would mean that the recruitments will never take place. The ISI wants the BKI to send a message to the Indian establishment. In the run-up to this major plan, officials say that the BKI and its affiliates have been indulging in a major disinformation campaign. The Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which has been heading this campaign for the BKI, has been posting relentlessly on social media as well as encrypted channels, false information about the Narendra Modi government. The campaign has revolved largely around the plight of the Sikhs in Punjab. Further, the SFJ has been spreading false information about the plight of women in Punjab. There is also a focus on trying to agitate the farmer community with false information on the policies of the central government. The SFJ had, during the farmer protest, carried out a similar campaign. Some of the Khalistani elements had even tried to infiltrate the protests, but were unsuccessful. Due to this, security has been heightened in Delhi, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir. The agencies had learnt that the BKI would look to carry out a strike ahead of Republic Day. The Punjab police, too is in a state of very high alert as there is a possibility of the BKI attempting a strike in the state. Based on inputs, the Punjab police this week busted a BKI module and arrested six persons. This module was planning a massive strike on January 26, but was busted in the nick of time. The police also recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition. During the course of the probe, the police learnt that they were planning attacks using RDX, and this signals that the plan was a massive one, a police official said. The police also said that this module was backed by the ISI. Another official said that another reason for the desperation is that the cadres who are part of these Khalistan terror groups are asking questions. Questions are being asked as to why no strike is being planned or is taking place. They question why the campaign has remained online for so long. Since the cadres are getting extremely restless, the BKI leadership has become very concerned and hence is planning a huge attack on Indian soil, officials say. The BKI, which is a proscribed terror group, moved all its cadres to Pakistan following the crackdown in Punjab. Since then, they have trained alongside the Jaish-e-Mohammed under the patronage of the ISI. Intelligence assessments say that the BKI has at least 200 cadres, and each one of them is highly trained. No,w with the ISI deciding to dispatch at least 20 of them to India in the first phase, a high alert has been issued at the borders with Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Bangladesh. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Damoh, Jan 24 : In a tragic incident, the bodies of a woman and her infant son were recovered from a well in Madhya Pradesh's Damoh district on Saturday, officials said. The district administration and police have launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding their deaths. According to police officials, the incident occurred in municipal ward number 1 of the Tendukheda area. The well, which falls under the jurisdiction of the local civic body, was where the bodies were found floating. The incident is believed to have taken place late on Friday night, but came to light on Saturday morning after a municipal employee noticed the bodies in the well and alerted the police. Acting on the information, police rushed to the spot, and with the assistance of local residents, recovered the bodies and sent them for post-mortem examination. The deceased have been identified as Jayanti Kewat (35) and her six-month-old son, Devansh Kewat. Preliminary investigations revealed that Jayanti had earlier lost two children, following which she was reportedly suffering from health-related issues for the past few years. Jayanti, a resident of Jharoli village in Damoh, had recently come to her parental home in Tendukheda to attend the 'terahvi' (after-death ritual) of her brother, who had passed away a few days ago. Damoh Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDOP) Archana Ahir told IANS that, according to local residents, Jayanti was last seen at her home on Friday evening. When she could not be located later, a search was conducted, leading to the discovery of the bodies in the well. "The matter is under investigation. The bodies have been recovered and post-mortem examinations have been conducted. Further inquiry is underway to determine the exact cause of death," the SDOP said. Kolkata, Jan 24 : The BJP on Saturday alleged that the recent violence in Beldanga, a minority-dominated area in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, was provoked in a pre-planned manner by falsely portraying the suicide of a local migrant worker in neighbouring Jharkhand as a case of murder. BJP IT Cell chief and the party's central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, cited the post-mortem report of Alauddin Sheikh, furnished by Jharkhand Police, to assert that the death was conclusively established as suicide. According to Malviya, the violence that continued in Beldanga for two consecutive days was triggered by the aggressive spread of unverified claims alleging murder, without waiting for factual confirmation. "The unrest followed the unnatural death of migrant labourer Alauddin Sheikh in Jharkhand. Without waiting for facts, a claim of murder was aggressively pushed, triggering violence and intimidation," Malviya said in a statement posted on his official social media handle on Saturday. Quoting the post-mortem findings, Malviya said the report clearly mentioned the cause of death as ante-mortem hanging and noted the absence of any ante-mortem injuries, abrasions, bruises, fractures, or signs of assault. He added that the findings were officially confirmed by Palamu district Superintendent of Police Reshma Ramesan and were also reported by local media in Jharkhand. "Importantly, the deceased's family expressed satisfaction with the Jharkhand Police investigation after receiving the body. Yet, despite clear medical and investigative evidence, the state allowed a coercive narrative to dominate the streets, effectively holding Beldanga hostage," Malviya alleged. The BJP leader further claimed that none of the deceased's fellow migrant workers in Jharkhand had alleged any murder conspiracy in statements recorded by a special team from the Beldanga Police Station, which had travelled to Palamu as part of the probe. "Kasim Shaikh, who brought the body back, did not allege foul play. Ersad Shaikh, the cousin of the deceased, also mentioned no indication of murder. The family was kept informed throughout the process, including via video calls. The post-mortem and inquest reports conclusively ruled out assault," Malviya said. Raising a series of questions, Malviya alleged political motives behind the unrest. "Who engineered the rumour that spread faster than verified facts? Who benefited from blocking highways and railway lines? Why was mob violence allowed to dictate the narrative before forensic truth emerged? Why were journalists attacked with impunity, and why was the administration missing in action for hours?" he asked. "The answers lie in sinister vote-bank politics," Malviya added. New Delhi, Jan 24 : Congress Media In-charge Pawan Khera on Saturday raised the issue of Judge Vibhanshu Sudheer's transfer from the post of Sambhal Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) and said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath should not bring a "tried and tested model" in another state to "control the judiciary" in Uttar Pradesh. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in New Delhi, Khera said, "Lawyers in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, are outraged, and slogans are being raised there. Young people, women, students, labourers, religious leaders, the middle class -- every section of the country is troubled by the BJP." He shared a video of the Gujarat riots accused Babu Bajrangi's video and said that the clip "clearly shows how then-Gujarat Chief Minister changed the judge to give him relief. This means it's a tested model, which is now being implemented in Uttar Pradesh." He further asserted that Sudheer's transfer "shows how the BJP wants to control the judiciary", adding that the Congress party stands with the lawyers of Sambhal. This comes as the Allahabad High Court recently ordered the transfer of 14 judicial officers, including Vibhanshu Sudheer. Sudheer has now been posted as Civil Judge, Senior Division, Sultanpur. The transfer came days after Sudheer, on January 19, directed the Sambhal police to register an FIR against the then Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary and the Station House Officer in connection with the shooting of a youth during the Sambhal violence of November 2024. Following the order, the Sambhal police had stated that they would approach the Allahabad High Court, challenging the CJM court's directive. "Following this order, the judge was transferred and demoted in his next posting. Then a new judge was appointed in Sambhal, but when the lawyers protested, he was quietly removed as well," Khera claimed. The Congress leader further asserted that this is not the first case when the judges were transferred to "change the orders". In the Delhi riots, he claimed that Justice Muralidhar, who had given orders against BJP leaders, was also transferred in the middle of the night, adding that this shows "how the BJP arbitrarily transfers judges who hold up the scales of justice". Khera said that one "example model" is in Gujarat, where many individuals like D.G. Vanzara, Maya Kodnani, and Babu Bajrangi were granted relief by changing the judges. "Such a model is extremely dangerous for democracy and justice. Therefore, we welcome the initiative taken by the legal community to protect democracy and justice," he added. The Congress leader said that what happened in Sambhal, Delhi, Jaipur, and Gujarat "shows that after God, if people expect justice from anyone, it is the king (the ruler)." "Even God delivers justice to people through the king, but what happens when the king himself becomes an obstacle to justice and prevents it from being delivered? If the king considers religion, caste, and language while dispensing justice, then imagine how long democracy can survive in this country," he said. "That is why the Congress party stands with the legal community, because they have taken to the streets for justice. We hope that Yogi Adityanath will not implement this 'Gujarat model' in Uttar Pradesh, because this model will not provide justice to the common man," Khera added. Ujjain, Jan 24 : Tarana town in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district, the home turf of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, was gripped by communal violence over the past two days, triggered by an alleged attack on a local Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Sohal Thakur. The unrest has left vehicles torched, properties damaged, and heightened tensions, prompting a strong police response and appeals for calm even on Friday night. Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma appealed to the public not to spread rumours, inflammatory messages, photos, or videos on social media or elsewhere. He warned that strict action would be taken under the Information Technology Act and relevant Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against violators, urging everyone to maintain peace. So far, 15 to 20 individuals have been detained, with authorities examining CCTV footage and videos to identify culprits. A detailed investigation is underway, he said. Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari criticised the administration, questioning why preventive action was not taken despite tensions brewing a day earlier. He called it a failure of the government and Chief Minister, recalling Yadav's statements holding SPs and Collectors accountable for riots. "Ujjain is no exception," he remarked, demanding immediate arrests and accountability. The incident underscores the sensitivity of communal harmony in politically significant areas like Ujjain. The trouble began on Thursday evening in Sukhla Gali when Sohal Thakur Bundela, head of VHP's local cow protection cell, was reportedly assaulted by a group of youths following a verbal dispute over loitering. Sohal sustained injuries and was hospitalised after being attacked. The clash quickly escalated, with stone-pelting and vandalism targeting parked vehicles near the bus stand. Eyewitnesses reported around 11 buses severely damaged, several cars and motorcycles vandalised, and one bus set ablaze. Police intervened late on Thursday night, registering cases against the initial attackers and imposing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS in the area. However, the situation flared up again on Friday afternoon, particularly after prayers, as armed groups from both communities confronted each other. Fresh incidents included stone-pelting on houses and shops, attempts to target a place of worship, and arson attacks on Friday night too. Reports indicate that four to six houses were damaged, additional vehicles torched (including cars and possibly a timber yard in related unrest), and widespread clashes putting local forces under strain. Additional police reinforcements from five to ten stations across the district were deployed to restore order. Authorities continue efforts to normalise the situation, with prohibitory orders in place and monitoring intensified to prevent further escalation. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, Jan 24 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday participated in the 'Uttar Pradesh Diwas' celebrations as the chief guest. The event was held at Rashtra Prerna Sthal and witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers, ministers, officials, and citizens from across the state. Significantly, Shubhanshu Shukla and Alakh Pandey were among distinguished personalities honoured on the occasion. On the occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the 'One District One Cuisine' (ODOC) scheme. Under this initiative, the distinctive traditional cuisine of each district of Uttar Pradesh will be identified and linked with quality improvement, branding, and market access. The aim is to ensure that local flavours gain not only regional recognition but also national and global visibility, thereby strengthening livelihoods associated with traditional food practices. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, also visited stalls showcasing a variety of traditional cuisines from different districts of the state. The leaders interacted with participants and appreciated the diversity and richness of Uttar Pradesh's culinary heritage. During the event, awards were announced for several distinguished personalities, including Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, Physics Wallah founder Alakh Pandey, poet Hariom Panwar, and ISARC Director Dr Sudhanshu Singh, in recognition of their contributions in their respective fields. A theme song highlighting the development journey of Uttar Pradesh, titled 'Uttar Pradesh, Uttam Pradesh,' was also played during the occasion, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Addressing the gathering, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Ministers congratulated the people of the state on Uttar Pradesh Diwas and highlighted the development achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath read out a message sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion. He said, "I want to congratulate the people of the state on Uttar Pradesh Diwas. The birthplace of Lord Ram is Ayodhya, Lord Krishna's Mathura is here, eternal Kashi resides in the state, and there is sacred Prayagraj. The ongoing Maha Kumbh reflects the immense cultural capacity of Uttar Pradesh and is fulfilling the dream of boundless tourism in the state." He further said that Uttar Pradesh is the birthplace of great freedom fighters and heroes such as Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkaribai, Mangal Pandey, and Ram Prasad Bismil. "The people of Uttar Pradesh have carved a distinct identity through their determination and hard work. Today, the state is moving towards the goal of becoming a one trillion dollar economy," he added. Highlighting infrastructure development, the Chief Minister said that projects such as the Purvanchal Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway, Delhi-Meerut Expressway, and the Ganga Expressway are giving new momentum to Uttar Pradesh's growth. He noted that the state will soon have 21 airports and is emerging as a major aviation hub, with international airports in Lucknow, Varanasi, and Ayodhya opening doors to the world. He added that Uttar Pradesh is strengthening the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, with lakhs of small businesses and MSMEs operating across the state. "Every district has its own strength, whether it is the Banarasi saree from Varanasi or something else in another district. The One District One Product scheme has empowered lakhs of small entrepreneurs," he said. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also said that Uttar Pradesh has secured the top position in mobile manufacturing and has become an example of strong law and order. Concluding his address, he said, "Today is the day to take resolutions to make Uttar Pradesh a progressive state. Being the most populous state, Uttar Pradesh plays a crucial role in the nation's progress. I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people on Uttar Pradesh Diwas." Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed Union Home Minister Amit Shah through a post on social media platform X, extending warm greetings to him in Lucknow, the land of prosperity, culture, and harmony, which cherishes the sacred memories of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Tehran/New Delhi, Jan 24 : Mohammad Fathali, Ambassador of Iran to India, on Saturday expressed Tehran's "sincere gratitude" to the Indian government for its "principled and firm support" while voting against a resolution which was finally adopted by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) during its 39th special session on Friday. "I extend my sincere gratitude to the Govt. of India for its principled and firm support of I.R. of Iran at the UNHRC, including opposing an unjust and politically motivated resolution. This stance reflects Indiaas commitment to justice, multilateralism, and national sovereignty," Fathali posted on X. In the resolution - adopted by a vote of 25 in favour, 7 against and 14 abstentions - the UNHRC strongly deplored the violent crackdown of peaceful protests resulting in the deaths of thousands of persons, including children, and large numbers of injured individuals, as well as the arrest of thousands in connection with the nationwide protests that started on December 28. "The UNHRC adopted the resolution in which it extended the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran for two years, and the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran for one year. The resolution also called for an urgent investigation by the Fact-Finding Mission, in the context of the repression of nationwide protests beginning 28 December 2025," read a statement issued by the UNHRC. "It urged the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respect, protect and fulfil its human rights obligations and to take all measures necessary to stop and prevent extrajudicial killing, other forms of arbitrary deprivation of life, enforced disappearance, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, incommunicado detention and torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including against peaceful protesters," it added. Last week, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi as both ministers discussed the "evolving situation" in the region. "Received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. We discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran," EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the development. The conversation took place shortly after New Delhi issued another advisory for the Indian nationals regarding travel to Iran owing to the recent developments in the country. "In view of the ongoing developments in Iran, Indian nationals are once again strongly advised to avoid travel to the Islamic Republic of Iran until further notice," read the advisory issued by the Indian government. Earlier on January 5, India had advised its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran until further notice, owing to the recent developments in the country. "Indian citizens and PIOs currently in Iran should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, and closely monitor news as well as the website and social media handles of the Embassy of India in Tehran," read an advisory issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). "Indian nationals living in Iran on resident-visas are advised to register with the Indian Embassy, if not already done so," it added. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed New Delhi, Jan 24 : Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said on Saturday that current times are opportune for inspired and aspirational young people to join the workforce as India is being recognised as a stable growth engine with improving fundamentals. In a social media post on X, the minister noted Prime Minister Narendra Modi has handed over appointment letters to more than 11 lakh qualified candidates nationwide through Rozgar Melas, and that 61,000 letters were distributed during the 18th edition held at 45 locations on Saturday. "In a world marked by conflict, fragmented supply chains, and rapid technology disruption, India is being recognised as a stable growth engine with improving fundamentals under the decisive, firm and visionary leadership of PM Modi," Puri said. "This is a good time for Indiaas inspired and aspirational young people to join the workforce. PM Modi has handed over appointment letters to more than 11 lakh qualified candidates across the country through Rozgar Melas," the minister added. Puri said he joined the event from Chandigarh and personally handed over appointment letters to 25 young candidates out of the total 107 that were distributed to selected individuals after a rigorous recruitment process. "Placements included those in ITBP, CRPF, CISF, Assam Rifles, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology," the minister said. Puri recalled his entry into the Indian Foreign Service in 1974, and contrasted Indiaas past scale and limited resources with todayas scenario. "Indiaas population was about 609 million, and our nominal GDP was just under $100 billion, with per capita income in the low hundreds of dollars. A vast country, limited resources, and very little fiscal room for error," he stated. India's economy is now measured in trillions, with deeper markets and stronger institutions, the minister said, adding that for a public servant the work is no longer about managing scarcity but building capability at speed and integrity. New Delhi, Jan 24 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday participated in the 'Uttar Pradesh Diwas' celebrations and said that when the nation celebrates 100 years of its Independence on August 15, 2047, Uttar Pradesh will emerge as a fully developed state and play an integral role in building a Viksit Bharat. Addressing the gathering, Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the people of Uttar Pradesh on the state's foundation day. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken the initiative to realise the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat', and under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the double-engine government has resolved to build a 'Viksit Uttar Pradesh'. "Today, we once again reaffirm this resolution. On August 15, 2047, when the country celebrates 100 years of its Independence, Uttar Pradesh will become a fully developed state and an inseparable part of Viksit Bharat. Uttar Pradesh is not only the heartbeat but also the soul of India, and it is steadily transforming into the growth engine of the nation," HM Shah said. The Union Home Minister further said that Uttar Pradesh will become the engine of Viksit Bharat. "This is the sacred land where Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Baba Vishwanath, Mahavir, and Lord Buddha sanctified the soil with their presence," he added. Highlighting the transformation of the state, Amit Shah said that there was a time when Uttar Pradesh was viewed merely as a labour-supplying state. "Today, it has become a driving force of India's economy. Congress, the Samajwadi Party, and the Bahujan Samaj Party reduced Uttar Pradesh to a 'Bimaru' state. The BJP government changed this narrative and transformed it into a breakthrough state, ensuring that development reached every village," he said. Referring to the Rashtra Prerna Sthal, where the 'One District, One Cuisine' event was organised, Shah said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had informed him that the site earlier had a garbage mountain spread across 65 acres. "Today, that garbage mountain has been converted into a clean and beautiful land. As a BJP leader, I feel proud of this transformation," he said. Speaking about the initiative, Shah said that the 'One District, One Product' scheme has not only gained momentum in Uttar Pradesh but has also expanded across the country. "It has created employment opportunities for youth and women. Through 'One District, One Cuisine', the Uttar Pradesh government has showcased the unique culinary heritage of each district. I congratulate everyone associated with this effort," he added. Amit Shah also mentioned the UP Gaurav Samman 2026 awards, which were presented to Axiom astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Physics Wallah founder Alakh Pandey, and poet Hariom Pawar. "These recognitions will further boost their morale and inspire others," he said. The Union Home Minister said that Uttar Pradesh has become number one in the food business sector and that government schemes are now being implemented effectively at the grassroots level. "After 500 years, we completed the construction of the Ram Temple, and in Prayagraj, we successfully organised the Maha Kumbh," he added. Reaffirming political confidence, Amit Shah said that the BJP will once again form the government in Uttar Pradesh. "Dynastic politics cannot bring development to the state. Only the BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi, can ensure progress," he said. Concluding his address, Union Minister Amit Shah said that Uttar Pradesh now has the highest number of airports in the country and that corruption has been curbed significantly. "I appeal to the people to ensure the BJP's victory and once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Uttar Pradesh on their foundation day," he added. Chief Human Resources Officer Melissa Kremer said in a Thursday memo to employees that the companys security teams are increasing communication with Minneapolis-based workers about expected disruptions near its locations. Senior leaders are actively engaging with government officials, community partners, faith leaders and other stakeholders, she said in the memo, viewed by Bloomberg News. The company, the states fourth-biggest employer, hasnt issued a public statement regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcements detainment of the two employees in Richfield, nor commented publicly about the surge of agents that have descended on the Twin Cities or the shooting death of a US citizen, Renee Good, by an ICE agent two weeks ago. A company spokesman declined to comment. The timing of the turmoil couldnt be worse for Target, which risks angering shoppers and employees by taking almost any stance on polarizing topics such as immigration and law enforcement. The company is still reeling from backlash against a pullback in diversity initiatives that turned away some shoppers. And it comes just a few years after Target was whipsawed by protests over merchandise tied to Pride Month and counterprotests when it later stopped selling some goods. Company insider Michael Fiddelke, set to start as CEO on Feb. 1, has said he will focus on revitalizing sales and reviving the retailers underperforming shares. After immigration officials briefly detained two Target employees who are US citizens from a Richfield, Minnesota, store this month, some retail staffers started calling out of work at several locations in the Twin Cities area. Meanwhile, some teams have postponed planned in-office weeks at headquarters. And local faith leaders have demanded the company ban federal agents from its stores and parking lots and issue a statement clearly condemning the enforcement operation. Outgoing CEO Brian Cornell is set to meet with them Thursday, according to the delegation. Target Corp. was hoping for a fresh start with a new chief executive officer, but an immigration crackdown in its hometown Minneapolis is putting the retailer back in a familiar position: confronting a political maelstrom thats disrupting operations. Story Continues While we can't control everything happening around us, we are focused on what we can control, Kremer wrote. We're listening and working to de-escalate where possible while staying clear on what we need to safely operate our business and care for our team. She wrote in a separate memo this month that executives are assessing the landscape as it evolves and ensure that Target is providing the right support and flexibility where needed. Workers are taking to internal Slack channels to share their frustration about the companys silence, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified discussing private information. Employees have circulated a letter to Targets ethics team asking for guidance about how to handle law-enforcement operations and raising concern that the lack of a statement from corporate is sowing confusion, they said. Other employees say staying neutral is the appropriate path forward and caution that taking a public stance risks making the company a bigger target for immigration operations. Corporations have shied away from commenting publicly on the ICE surge because they dont want to be seen as anti-enforcement and are trying to balance their public images with protecting their premises, employees and customers, according to David Leopold, a partner at Thompson Hine LLP who has been an immigration lawyer for three decades. Putting up signs forbidding ICE agents from entering, as has been urged by some local activists, is hard to enforce because agents can be in plain clothes and there isn't a way to keep them out of public areas, he said. At Target locations in the Twin Cities, staffers at at least two stores have told managers theyre too afraid to come into work, according to people familiar with the situation who asked not to be identified discussing the matter. Of course other large businesses in the Twin Cities have been caught up in the turmoil caused by immigration enforcement and demonstrations and have mostly stayed quiet. Restaurants and hotels have been among the hardest hit as shoppers and employees stay home, according to Adam Duininck, the CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council, a business group. He added that the slowing foot traffic will have a chilling impact on companies and the local economy that had been rebounding both in the wake of the pandemic and the unrest that followed George Floyds murder in 2020. This is a really complicated issue that companies are trying to navigate by complying with the law and staying attuned to how employees and other shareholders are being affected, he said. I expect that the longer this lasts, the more business leaders will speak out. And some shoppers are upset too. Over the weekend, some customers bought bags of salt used to melt ice and then promptly returned them in an effort to gum up store operations. Protestors held a demonstration at a West St. Paul store on Jan. 19. Last week, local faith leaders staged a seven-hour sit-in at Targets headquarters. As ICE arrests get more aggressive in the Twin Cities and suburbs nearby, community activists are calling for a statewide day of no work, school and shopping on Friday. Target has told employees that it doesnt have cooperative agreements with ICE. Federal agents have legal authority to be in parking lots and consumer-facing areas of stores without a warrant, but cant enter backrooms or corporate buildings without one, according to internal documents viewed by Bloomberg. Headquarters has remained open, and travel guidance is unchanged. So far, individual teams are handling some of the messaging and guidelines, with some groups deciding to postpone in-office work weeks as tension rises, according to people familiar with the matter. The challenges are especially delicate for store employees. Target store workers in the area have been directed not to interfere with or block agents, and instead focus on de-escalation, according to an internal document. A spokesman for ICE didn't respond to a request for comment, but White House officials have defended the moves to increase the number of agents in Minnesota and potentially send military personnel as necessary to remove migrants living illegally in the US. The administration has said the massive federal force sent to the region is also investigating fraud allegations in a years-long probe involving members of the local Somali-American community. (Adds memo to employees in fifth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2026 Bloomberg L.P. New Delhi, Jan 24 : Over the last couple of months, Intelligence agencies have been picking up information relating to the revival of the Lashkar-e-Taiba -- a terror outfit that was badly struck by the Indian Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor. It is a well-known fact that groups such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad have been struggling to re-group owing to many factors that include dejection, disappointment and the lack of traction among the youth. The Lashkar-e-Taiba, which remains Pakistan's most favourite proxy, is, however, coming up with newer strategies that are clearly aimed at deception. One day, it speaks about raising a women's wing, and on the other hand, it announces that it would be recruiting children to train them early into becoming terrorists. Over the last few weeks, the focus has been on training terrorists for sea-borne attacks against India. The outfit has reportedly handed over this job to the Pakistani Markaz-e-Muslim League, which is the political wing of the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD). The JuD is the financial arm of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba, which carried out the Mumbai 26/11 attacks. An Intelligence Bureau official said that there is no doubt that the Lashkar-e-Taiba is indulging in all these activities. However, the scale at which they claim that these activities are taking place is slightly doubtful. These are clear mind games that the ISI is playing to confuse the Indian agencies. Such announcements and the circulation of videos relating to their activities keep the Indian agencies guessing. This acts as a deception and diversionary tactic, the official said. The official also added that whether it is true or not, it is something that cannot be ignored. The Lashkar-e-Taiba is capable of carrying out a sea-borne attack, and one got to witness that in Mumbai. While the outfit is capable of carrying out all these activities and has done so in the past, in the current situation, it would not be able to do so on such a scale. The ISI has been investing a lot of resources into the outfit, which includes a hefty amount of funds. However, these activities are being carried out quietly and on a much smaller scale since they would not want the Indian Armed Forces to strike them down again, another official said. Officials say that the current focus remains on recruitments and infiltrations. The infiltrations have become a tough affair for Lashkar-e-Taiba as there is heavy security at the borders. Since the recruitments have been hard in recent times, the outfit has started to put up fake banners to lure the youth. When the outfit wanted to start its sea-borne training course, it put up posters across Pakistan stating that training is being given for water rescue and swimming. The posters are being put up under the names of fake organisations, and this has led to many youth falling for it. It is only in due course of time that they realise what the real purpose of the training is. Some stick on, while many also leave, an official said. In addition to trying to deceive the Indian agencies, such reports also help the outfit in furthering its propaganda. In order to attract the youth, the outfit has to make big announcements. The Lashkar-e-Taiba has also been using Artificial Intelligence to create fake videos relating to the training programmes. If ten are undergoing training, the videos would depict over 100 being trained. Although the strategy is clear, the Indian agencies are taking no chances. "We do not want to take anything lightly, although we are aware that most of what comes out of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba is a lot of hype," an official said. New Delhi, Jan 24 : Days ahead of Bangladesh's February 12 general elections, an intelligence input has warned the government of the potential use of Rohingyas in criminal and political activities, ruling out the possibility of implementing an Election Commission proposal to seal the refugee camps during the polls, according to a media report. The agency believes it would not be feasible to implement the Bangladesh poll body's recommendation to isolate the camps during the poll process, citing the camps' vast size and infrastructural limitations, reported Dhaka Tribune on Saturday. Incidentally, thousands of Rohingyas reside in makeshift shanties in Cox's Bazar town, located in southeastern Bangladesh, about 100 km south of Chittagong. They fled Myanmar in 2017 after a military crackdown in Rakhine state, bordering Bangladesh. As the numbers swell in Cox's Bazar camps, the refugees trickle into the adjoining states of India as well. Earlier this month, said the newspaper website, Bangladesh Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Mohammad Sanaullah suggested sealing the Rohingya camps and tightening border controls to prevent any involvement of refugees during polls. The proposal, it added, was rooted in fears that the refugees may be manipulated by vested interests to influence voting outcomes or disrupt the electoral process. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened a National Task Force meeting on January 8, which agreed that Rohingyas should not be exploited for malicious purposes during the election, said the article. While sealing the camps was discussed, consensus leaned toward placing the camps under a "security blanket" rather than a complete lockdown, it added. Border surveillance was also emphasised, with officials noting the risk of infiltration from Myanmar during the election season. The report said, quoting the intelligence agency's assessment submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 22, that sealing the camps would be "unrealistic". The huge area, housing hundreds of thousands of refugees, and their infrastructure -- such as boundary walls and surveillance systems -- is inadequate to support such a measure. It highlighted risks involving their use being mobilised for carrying out sabotage activities. It also pointed out the alleged illegal inclusion of Rohingyas in voter lists over time, raising the possibility of fraudulent voting attempts. Further, they might be drawn into rallies, canvassing, or other election-related activities, potentially violating electoral codes. Despite these risks, the agency stressed that sealing the camps would not be feasible. Instead, it recommended a layered security approach. The newspaper report also shared that the intelligence agency has outlined a comprehensive plan that includes enhanced surveillance with repair and activation of damaged CCTV cameras and boundary walls in the camps, establishment of checkpoints on routes from camps to polling stations seven days before election day, and detention of Rohingyas found outside camps. It also mentioned conducting raids to recover illegal weapons from the camps and surrounding areas, ensuring security units remain stationed in camps and not reassigned during the election period. It further urged formally cautioning political parties against involving Rohingyas in election activities, treating violations as serious breaches of conduct. This report comes even as Bangladesh grapples with several poll-related allegations, including vote manipulation, concerns over the neutrality of security forces, and disputes between major political parties. Against this backdrop, the Rohingya issue adds another layer of complexity. On-ground reports suggest that the Election Commission has registered over 127.7 million voters nationwide, but the inclusion of Rohingyas in voter lists -- even if limited -- has raised alarms. Political actors fear that even small-scale participation could be exploited to delegitimise results. Meanwhile, the rising concern in Bangladesh over the trend of using religion in politics, especially during elections, was recently voiced in an article published in one of the country's online Bengali news-portal Banglanews24. "The reason for this is the absence of a democratic political environment in the country for a long time; the impact of religious fanaticism and the rise of radical political forces in the domestic, regional, and international arena has created this adverse situation in the country," it observed. It mentioned political promises of "attaining paradise" if endorsing a particular electoral symbol, while another claims support for the enforcement of Islamic laws. The February general election was announced under an interim government following a political vacuum created after the Sheikh Hasina regime was toppled in a student-led protest in August 2024, sending her into exile, while her political party the Awami League remains banned from political activities. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 24 : In a major reset of Kerala's rail infrastructure plans, the Centre, according to 'Metroman' E. Sreedharan, has decided to move ahead with an alternative high-speed rail project for the state, effectively sidelining the state government's flagship Silver Line proposal. The new corridor will be spearheaded by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), with veteran technocrat E. Sreedharan at the helm as chief consultant. Sreedharan, widely credited as the driving force behind the Kochi Metro -- now a critical mobility lifeline for commuters and business travellers in Kerala's commercial capital -- said the Centre has instructed officials to proceed without delay. An official announcement is expected within 15 days. While formal government orders may take time, groundwork has already begun, and soon an office is expected to open in Ponnani, the hometown of Sreedharan. According to him, the proposed high-speed rail corridor will stretch 430 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur, covering the distance in about three hours and 15 minutes. The project envisages 22 stations and seamless connectivity to the state's three key airports, including Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery, and Karipur Airport. It will significantly strengthen Kerala's transport and logistics ecosystem. The alignment is designed to minimise land acquisition, a key factor that derailed earlier proposals. Most of the corridor will run on elevated tracks, with around 25 per cent passing through tunnels. In elevated sections, the land will be returned to owners for use once pillar construction is completed, subject to stipulated conditions. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is expected within nine months, with construction likely to be completed in five years at an estimated cost of Rs 1 lakh crore, with the state shelling out 30 per cent of the cost. The move marks a clear departure from the Silver Line project, which was a pet initiative of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Despite repeated assurances from the Chief Minister that Silver Line would become a reality, the project failed to take off amid mounting concerns over land acquisition, environmental impact and financial viability. Sreedharan also indicated that the DPR for the Nilambura"Nanjangode railway line would be fast-tracked, signalling a broader push to modernise rail connectivity. For Kerala, the Centre-backed plan underscores a shift towards execution-driven, technically conservative infrastructure development, after years of political and policy deadlock. Kolkata, Jan 24 : West Bengal Police on Saturday refuted allegations that the administration had issued directives to stop Saraswati Puja at a school in Barasat in North 24 Parganas district, calling such claims false and misleading. In a social media post, Barasat District Police said certain posts circulating online were spreading incorrect narratives with the potential to disturb social harmony in the state. "It has come to our notice that certain social media posts are circulating misleading and false narratives regarding Saraswati Puja in a school under Barasat PD jurisdiction. These claims are factually incorrect and have the potential to disturb social harmony," the police said. Clarifying the matter, police stated that no directive had been issued by either the administration or the police to prohibit any religious observance. "Decisions related to educational institutions are taken strictly within the framework of institutional norms and legal provisions," the post added. The police also urged people to refrain from sharing unverified or provocative content on social media and advised citizens to rely only on authentic and credible sources of information. They further asked users to report any misleading or inflammatory posts to the authorities. Warning of strict action, police said those responsible for spreading misinformation would be dealt with in accordance with the law. "West Bengal Police remains committed to its policy of zero tolerance towards malicious attempts to disrupt communal harmony. Such misinformation and malicious narratives will not go unnoticed," the post said. The clarification came amid allegations that Saraswati Puja had not been organised for a long time at Moynagadi Free Primary School in the Moyna area of Barasat. This year, local residents and students had planned to hold the puja on the school premises. However, they reportedly found the school gate locked when they arrived with the Saraswati idol on the morning of the puja, leading to claims that police prevented their entry. Police, however, have categorically denied these allegations, stating they are completely untrue. Lucknow, Jan 24 : The Congress suffered a major political jolt on Saturday as former minister and senior party leader Nasimuddin Siddiqui resigned along with dozens of his associates, sending ripples throughout Uttar Pradesh. Announcing his resignation, Siddiqui said he is a grassroots worker but was unable to effectively carry forward his political struggle within the Congress. In his written resignation letter, Siddiqui said he was relinquishing his primary membership and all organisational responsibilities due to "unavoidable reasons." He clarified that he harbours no personal grievances against any Congress office-bearer, but added that the objectives for which he joined the party were not being fulfilled. The former minister said that around 72 leaders, including former MLAs, have resigned along with him. He added that consultations are underway with his associates and a collective decision would be taken on the future course of action. "We will join whichever political party we reach an agreement with to continue fighting for the people," Siddiqui said, adding that the decision would be taken after discussions with all those who have quit. Speaking to IANS, Siddiqui reiterated that he joined the Congress party eight years ago; he is a grassroots worker, but did not get the kind of role or work he expected within the party, which led to his decision to resign. He categorically ruled out joining the BJP and also dismissed the possibility of returning to the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Nasimuddin Siddiqui is a well-known figure in Uttar Pradesh politics. He began his political career with the BSP and served as a cabinet minister in the Mayawati government, where he held several key portfolios. Known for his fiery oratory and strong grassroots connect, Siddiqui built a considerable influence among Dalits, backward classes, and minority communities. After parting ways with the BSP, where he was once considered close to Mayawati, Siddiqui joined the Congress and was appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress president. During his tenure, he sought to strengthen the organisation and raise issues related to social justice, but was reportedly dissatisfied with the party's lack of political momentum and organisational direction. A resident of Banda in the Bundelkhand region, Siddiqui's resignation has once again put the spotlight on his next political move. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Bhopal/Khargone, Jan 24 : Amid widespread outrage, the Khargone Municipal Council in Madhya Pradesh has resolved to install a new "metal statue" of the revered tribal revolutionary iconic figure "Tantya Mama Bhil", also known as "Krantisurya" Tantya Mama, with full respect and honour. Bhopal/Khargone, Jan 24 (IANS) Amid widespread outrage, the Khargone Municipal Council in Madhya Pradesh has resolved to install a new "metal statue" of the revered tribal revolutionary iconic figure "Tantya Mama Bhil", also known as "Krantisurya" Tantya Mama, with full respect and honour. The decision follows a major scandal involving the earlier installation of a substandard fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) statue at Tantya Mama Bhil Tiraha (Bistan Naka Chowk), which sparked allegations of corruption and hurt tribal sentiments. The controversy erupted after the original statue -- approved under a Rs 9.90 lakh tender for bronze, metal, or stone -- was found to be a cheap FRP version valued at only Rs 75,000 - 1 lakh. Inaugurated in late 2025, the poor-quality installation drew sharp criticism for alleged misappropriation of funds and violation of tender terms. The Urban Administration and Development Department took swift action, suspending Assistant Engineer Manish Mahajan and Sub-Engineer Jitendra Medha on charges of negligence, dereliction of duty, and breach of service rules. In a series of posts on X, the urban development department wrote, "The President-in-Council passed a resolution on January 13, 2026, approving a new metal statue. An online e-tender was issued on January 19, 2026, with bids due by February 2 and opening on February 4. The successful bidder must complete installation within 45 days." Municipal President Chhaya Joshi (BJP) has reportedly blacklisted the contractor and issued notices to the involved officials. To address the grievances and honour Tantya Mama's legacy, the episode highlights administrative lapses and political sensitivities in honouring tribal icons, with the new statue seen as a step toward rectification and respect for a freedom fighter who challenged colonial oppression. Tantya Bhil (c. 18421889), fondly called Tantya Mama, was a prominent Bhil tribal leader from the Nimar region who fiercely resisted British colonial rule from 1878 to 1889. Often hailed as "India's Robin Hood," he led guerrilla attacks against exploitative British policies and local zamindars, redistributing wealth to the poor before his capture and execution in 1889. Revered among tribal communities as a symbol of resistance and justice, his legacy continues to inspire. New Delhi, Jan 24 : European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday arrived in India on a State Visit during which she, along with European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, will also be attending India's 77th Republic Day celebrations as a Chief Guest, marking a significant milestone in India-EU relations. New Delhi, Jan 24 (IANS) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday arrived in India on a State Visit during which she, along with European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, will also be attending India's 77th Republic Day celebrations as a Chief Guest, marking a significant milestone in IndiaEU relations. The European Union (EU) chief was received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada upon her arrival. "Charting the next phase of the IndiaEU Strategic partnership. A warm welcome to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, on her State Visit to India. Received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry; and Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada. As the world's two largest democracies, India and the EU share a partnership rooted in mutual trust and shared values," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X. Earlier in the day, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President Kaja Kallas arrived in New Delhi on her first official visit, with the MEA describing the trip as timely for further strengthening the IndiaEU Strategic Partnership amid sustained high-level engagements between the two sides. "A warm welcome to EU HRVP Kaja Kallas on her first official visit to India as the EU High Representative/Vice-President. The visit comes at an opportune moment to further strengthen the IndiaEU Strategic Partnership, building on the momentum of regular high-level engagements," the MEA stated. The European leaders' visit comes against the backdrop of intensified diplomatic engagement between India and the European Union, with both sides seeking to deepen cooperation amid global volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. On Thursday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held an interaction with Ambassadors from EU member countries in New Delhi with the discussions focussed on the current global environment marked by instability and rapidly shifting dynamics. "Pleased to interact with the Ambassadors from EU countries today. Spoke to them about the current state of the world with volatility and instability as the new normal," the External Affairs Minister posted on X after the meeting. EAM Jaishankar made a strong case for closer IndiaEU cooperation, highlighting areas where the partnership could play a stabilising global role. He said stronger ties would help "derisk the world economy" through cooperation on resilient supply chains, reassure the international community by providing public goods such as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), anti-piracy operations, and development projects, and stabilise the global order through enhanced trade, mobility, and security partnerships. The engagement with EU ambassadors came ahead of the State Visit to India by European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. EAM Jaishankar said India is eagerly looking forward to hosting the EU leaders, who are arriving at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During their visit, Costa and Ursula von der Leyen will also co-chair the 16th IndiaEU Summit on January 27. As part of their engagements, the EU leaders will call on President Droupadi Murmu and hold restricted as well as delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Modi. An IndiaEU Business Forum is also expected to be organised on the sidelines of the summit, reflecting the emphasis both sides place on economic cooperation and trade. According to the MEA, the high-level visits and diplomatic engagements underscore the growing strategic importance of the IndiaEU partnership at a time of global uncertainty and shared challenges. Chennai, Jan 24 : The executive and working committees of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) held a meeting at the party's headquarters in Alwarpet, with party founder and leader Kamal Haasan presiding over the deliberations. Chennai, Jan 24 (IANS) The executive and working committees of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) held a meeting at the partyas headquarters in Alwarpet, with party founder and leader Kamal Haasan presiding over the deliberations. The meeting focused on MNM's electoral strategy, particularly seat-sharing negotiations with its ally, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), ahead of the next Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for 2026. Founded in 2018 by Kamal Haasan, MNM has had a limited electoral record so far. The party contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections independently in all 39 constituencies in Tamil Nadu but failed to win a single seat, securing around 0.40 per cent of the total vote share. In the 2021 Assembly elections, MNM again went solo, fielding candidates in 180 constituencies. While it did not register any victories, its vote share increased to 2.62 per cent, indicating a modest expansion of its support base, particularly in urban pockets. In a strategic shift, MNM joined hands with the DMK-led alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Although the party was not allotted any constituencies to contest, the alliance accommodated MNM by facilitating a Rajya Sabha seat, making Kamal Haasan a Member of Parliament. Against this backdrop, the meeting assumes significance. According to sources, MNM leaders discussed the number of Assembly seats the DMK might be willing to concede to its ally and assessed constituencies where the party believes it has realistic winning prospects. MNM is said to have prepared a tentative list of 15 constituencies it would prefer to contest. These reportedly include Coimbatore South, Coimbatore North, Singanallur, Velachery, Mylapore, Maduravoyal, Ambattur, Tambaram, Sholinganallur, Koundampalayam, Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli East, Madurai Central, Alandur and Thyagarayanagar -- mostly urban and semi-urban seats where MNM has previously recorded relatively better vote shares. However, alliance-level discussions suggest that the DMK leadership may be inclined to allocate only three Assembly seats to MNM. As part of the broader campaign strategy, it has also been decided that Kamal Haasan will be deployed extensively across Tamil Nadu as a star campaigner for the alliance, leveraging his statewide recognition and appeal. Formal seat-sharing talks between the DMK and MNM are expected to intensify in the coming months. New Delhi, Jan 24 : The Netherlands has identified antibodies of the bird flu virus in a dairy cow, but the risk of the H5N1 avian influenza virus spreading from animals to humans is very small, according to the Dutch authorities. The Dutch agriculture minister, in a detailed letter, informed the country's parliament that the H5N1 virus was discovered in a dead cat that died last month. Following this, authorities from the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) examined samples of blood and milk from cattle at the farm on January 15. They found that a cow had antibodies to the virus in its milk, indicating a previous infection with the virus in that cow. No samples tested positive for the virus itself, and the officials also reported no further spread. It is the first reported case of the deadly avian influenza virus having spread to cattle outside of the US. Antibodies against avian influenza have not previously been demonstrated in dairy cattle in Europe. "Avian influenza antibodies have been detected in a dairy cow at a dairy farm in the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslan, province of Friesland. No evidence of active viral circulation of avian influenza among the dairy cows on this farm has been found. There are also no signs of avian influenza spreading to other dairy farms," stated the letter. Science journal, in a news article, quoted the minister noting that the cow had mastitis -- painful inflammation of breast tissue --, and respiratory problems in December; and its milk was not processed. As milk from the farm is pasteurised, inactivating any potential virus, it is unlikely that the disease has spread to humans. "There is very little chance that the virus from the infected cow has ended up in the milk for human consumption," the minister stressed. However, it remains unclear how the virus arrived at the farm or how the cat and cow became infected. Meanwhile, the veterinary authorities visited the farm again on January 22. Blood and milk samples were taken from all cattle present. These showed that there was no avian influenza virus on the farm. The results of the antibody tests are expected next week. "This will tell us whether more animals have come into contact with the virus. Other mammals on the farm, such as dogs, cats, and horses, have not shown any symptoms. The people on the farm and the veterinarian are being tested by the Municipal Health Service (GGD)," the Minister said in the letter. While the risk of humans contracting avian influenza by eating chicken, eggs, beef, or dairy products is very small, the Minister cautioned people not to consume raw dairy products. "The bird flu situation in the Netherlands remains worrisome. The situation is being closely monitored, and all stakeholders have been asked to remain alert for any potential signs," the Minister said. New Delhi, Jan 24 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Saturday, trained its guns on Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, alleging that his party members openly call him "immature" and the person responsible for the party's near-100 electoral defeats. Pradeep Bhandari, BJP National Spokesperson, in a post on social media platform X, said, "No one in the Congress takes Rahul Gandhi seriously!" "Shakeel Ahmad, a former Union Minister, calls 'virtual Congress President' Rahul Gandhi 'coward' and 'immature', and predicts that under him the Congress will not even be able to emerge as the third largest party nationally!" Bhandari said, attaching a video clip of Ahmad. Bhandari captioned the message, "Congress exposes Rahul Gandhi, who is about to complete his century of defeats." The BJP leader, in a video statement, said Congress leaders believe that the issues raised by Rahul Gandhi fail to have a connection with the public. "The Congress leaders agree that the entire issue of Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls raised by Rahul Gandhi is a flop show," Bhandari said. The BJP leader hit out at Rahul Gandhi for what called his "hypocrisy" over democracy, alleging that the LoP has failed to introduce democracy in his own party. "Shakeel Ahmad has claimed that Rahul Gandhi has installed Mallikarjun Kharge as a dummy Congress President... in reality, the LoP Rahul Gandhi does not believe in organisational democracy," Bhandari said. He added that more and more Congress leaders have started admitting in public that Rahul Gandhi has reduced the party into a failed organisation as he alone is responsible for the 95 electoral defeats that the grand old party has tasted under his stewardship. The video clip of Shakeel Ahmad attached by Bhandari shows the former Union Minister calling Rahul Gandhi as the "virtual President" of the Congress. In the clip, the Bihar Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad, who claimed that he has not sought time to meet Rahul Gandhi for the past five years, hinted that there was an element of suspicion in the mind of the LoP about his own partymen. Shakeel Ahmad lamented that Rahul Gandhi failed to take along even those Congress leaders who were working closely with his mother and former party President Sonia Gandhi. This shortened week started off with the tech sector doing what it has done best this month, and even back in late 2025 leading to the downside. Wednesdays rebound is par for the course in modern markets, where every small dip gets a second chance. But the tech sector, specifically through the eyes of the biggest and longest-running exchange-traded fund (ETF) dedicated to that sector, is teetering. SPDR S&P 500 Technology ETF (XLK) has a lot going for it more than $90 billion in assets, a 27-year history, and a strong position in some of the most popular and iconic U.S. tech stocks. And at 31x earnings, this growth sector is not outrageously valued, at least when considering the prospects of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. More News from Barchart www.barchart.com However, this chart is a problem. Its been flat for a while now. And when a spike like the one we saw from April through October simply stops, we have to consider the possibility that the tech trade may be toast for a while. www.barchart.com XLKs Dynamic Trio What happens from here clearly sits on the shoulders of XLKs biggest three stock holdings. Shown below, they account for more than 38% of the funds assets. Furthermore, only 10 stocks make up more than 60% of XLKs portfolio. That means the others are hard-pressed to rescue the big holdings. www.barchart.com XLKs Holdings: Who Is Still Standing? Of the top 25 holdings, most have succumbed to the January rotation out of expensive tech. However, three specific pockets are currently showing green on the screens. Whether it is the valuation reset in areas like software, as those companies start to look more like utilities, or simple buyer exhaustion in the case of stocks like top holding Nvidia (NVDA), this is not 2025 all over again. Price gains are hard to come by for traders here. And when they do, as we saw on Wednesday, it's just another step in a tight trading range. www.barchart.com The Strategy My Avoid Big Loss (ABL) rule is currently very active for the tech sector. I cant say the chart is a total turnoff. But when dead money is one of the better-case scenarios, Id rather focus my attention elsewhere. The issue these days? Theres not much elsewhere, either. New Delhi, Jan 24 : The Pakistan government has moved ahead with privatisation plans of Islamabad International Airport after it shelved a plan to outsource the management and operations to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as Abu Dhabi apparently "lost interest in the process", a new report has said. New Delhi, Jan 24 (IANS) The Pakistan government has moved ahead with privatisation plans of Islamabad International Airport after it shelved a plan to outsource the management and operations to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as Abu Dhabi apparently "lost interest in the process", a new report has said. The UAE repeatedly delayed nominating an entity for the outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport leading to a deadlock between the two countries, report from The Express Tribune said, citing sources. Sources said the Pakistani side sought a clear response from the UAE by sending a final call letter, however, the UAE responded saying it confirm any nominated entity, the report claimed. The government has now moved Islamabad International Airport into a list of institutions to be privatised. Earlier, the country had privatised Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The government had not acceded to the UAE's request for inclusion of Jinnah International Airport (JIAP), Karachi, and Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIAP), Lahore, in the draft government-to-government (G2G) framework agreement, the report said. Further, Abu Dhabi's request for privatisation of the air link between Abu Dhabi and Pakistan under the draft G2G framework agreement was also overlooked by Islamabad, the report indicated. A delegation led by the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation, along with senior officers from the concerned ministries, also visited Abu Dhabi to hold meetings with UAE officials to discuss and finalise the draft framework agreement. The Privatisation Division had earlier submitted a summary to the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP) proposing the inclusion of Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore airports in the active privatisation list for outsourcing. A recent report said that poor governance and mismanagement due to political interference are leading to huge losses in Pakistan's state-owned enterprises, after which they are put up for distress sale at throwaway prices. State-owned enterprises keep being retained despite declining performance and weak accountability. Once they have accumulated massive losses and unsustainable debt, privatisation is considered, the report said. IANS aar/na Bengaluru, Jan 24 : The Forest Department has captured the leopard that attacked and mauled a devotee to death at Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar district, officials confirmed on Saturday. The operation was carried out using drones and cages following the tragic death of a devotee, identified as Praveen. Bengaluru, Jan 24 (IANS) The Forest Department has captured the leopard that attacked and mauled a devotee to death at Male Mahadeshwara Hills in Karnatakaas Chamarajanagar district, officials confirmed on Saturday. The operation was carried out using drones and cages following the tragic death of a devotee, identified as Praveen. The leopard was trapped late on Thursday night in the foothill region of the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. The capture operation was launched after Praveen, a resident of Cheeranahalli village in Mandya district, was killed in the attack. The tragedy came to light on Wednesday when a pilgrimage to Male Mahadeshwara Hill ended in disaster after the leopard attacked and killed the youth in the Talubetta forest area. The incident had raised concern as lakhs of devotees use the same route during the annual padyatra. The victim, identified as 30-year-old Praveen, was travelling with four friends. The group had begun their journey on foot from Cheeranahalli village in Mandya district. The attack occurred late at night while they were walking along the roadside near Male Mahadeshwara Hill. Preliminary investigations suggest that Praveen was attacked after he fell while trying to escape. A case has been registered and further investigation is under way. On Wednesday morning, Forest Department officials and police launched a search operation. Praveenas body was later found in a gorge inside the forest. Officials said the leopard had mauled him, inflicting severe injuries to his neck, chest and head, and dragged the body nearly one km into the forest. When the body was located, the leopard was still present and feeding on the remains. As forest staff and police did not have crackers or firearms at the spot, they faced difficulty in driving the animal away before retrieving the body. The operation to recover the body from the dense terrain was slow and arduous. Every year, lakhs of devotees undertake a pilgrimage to Male Mahadeshwara Hill on foot, passing through long forest stretches. Night-time foot pilgrimage has already been banned, and pilgrims have been instructed to use authorised transport services during the daytime. Local residents expressed anger over the incident and alleged negligence by forest officials, claiming that leopard movement in the area had been noticed earlier and reported. In the wake of the devoteeas death, authorities have banned trekking from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. at Sri Kshetra Male Mahadeshwara Betta. Sri Male Mahadeshwara Kshetra Development Authority Secretary A.E. Raghu has sought the cooperation of devotees and appealed to them to travel in groups. The restriction has been imposed to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Patna, Jan 24 : As part of his Samriddhi Yatra, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar visited Vaishali district on Saturday, where he laid the foundation stone for 25 development schemes worth Rs 54 crore and inaugurated 103 schemes worth Rs 98 crore. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Minister Lakhendra Kumar Roshan, JD-U state president and MLA Umesh Singh Kushwaha, MLAs Awadhesh Singh, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Siddharth Patel and Mahendra Ram, along with senior state government officials and other dignitaries. During his visit, Nitish Kumar inspected the emergency ward of the Government Medical College in Mahua and visited stalls showcasing local start-ups, innovations and various departmental initiatives. He also reviewed the desilting work of the Via River and observed an exhibition highlighting schemes announced under the Samriddhi Yatra. The Chief Minister later distributed cheques to beneficiaries of various development and welfare schemes. Addressing the public gathering, Nitish Kumar highlighted the achievements of his nearly 20-year tenure and contrasted the current situation with the period prior to 2005. Referring to the previous RJD-led governments, he said that Bihar lacked roads and basic infrastructure and that people were afraid to step out of their homes after sunset. The Chief Minister also held a review meeting with district officials, directing them to conduct regular inspections of ongoing projects, accelerate execution, and ensure time-bound completion with quality and transparency. Nitish Kumar began the Samriddhi Yatra on January 16 from West Champaran, covering East Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Gopalganj, Saran, Siwan and Muzaffarpur before reaching Vaishali. During the tour, projects worth several thousand crore rupees have been inaugurated and launched across districts. The first phase of the Samriddhi Yatra concluded in Vaishali on Saturday. The second phase will commence from January 27, during which the Chief Minister will visit Darbhanga, Madhubani and other districts. Dhaka, Jan 24 : Leading Bangladeshi poet, writer and political philosopher Farhad Mazhar has voiced concerns over the relationship between the country's radical Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami and the United States, calling it a "dangerous and ominous" development, local media reported on Saturday. Dhaka, Jan 24 (IANS) Leading Bangladeshi poet, writer and political philosopher Farhad Mazhar has voiced concerns over the relationship between the country's radical Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami and the United States, calling it a "dangerous and ominous" development, local media reported on Saturday. Mazhar made the remarks in response to a question during a discussion titled 'Nationwide crisis of gas, electricity and safe water: what society should do', held at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Friday afternoon. Commenting on a report published by a leading US daily on Thursday, which claimed that the United States was seeking "friendship" with Jamaat, Mazhar said, "I believe that every political party in our country is connected to the United States in one way or another, some directly, some indirectly." He stressed that following the mass demonstration in August 2024, the "constitutional counter-revolution has been described internationally as a regime change in favour of the United States," Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo reported. Mazhar added that although he had been making this argument from the outset, it had not received sufficient attention from journalists. He said that removing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh following the demonstration was not an issue at all, because "the United States would remove her anyway. Our task was to think about how we would build a new Bangladeshi state. This is because the United States is a geopolitical power, and there is no such thing as international law in the world." "You have seen Donald Trump's behaviour. In this harsh reality, in this dangerous situation, my concern is simple: how do I survive with 170 million people? My question is very simple. I want to live with 170 million people with three square meals. I do not want to be dragged into any war," Prothom Alo quoted Mazhar as saying. Reacting further, he questioned why no one talks about "American imperialism". "Jamaat has not said that it objects to the so-called stabilisation force (ISF) going to Gaza (Palestine). This makes it clear that Jamaat certainly has a policy alignment and a relationship with the United States. That is why the United States is already making such statements. I see this as a very dangerous warning sign," he expressed. During the event, Mazhar also highlighted that the safe drinking water crisis in Bangladesh was the outcome of state mismanagement, river encroachment and commercial plunder. "Real politics is about establishing people's control over the basic conditions of life food, water, energy and land. Elections have now turned into a politics of sharing the spoils of plunder. Pro-people politics means ensuring the right to survive," he stated. Chandigarh, Jan 24 : The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Saturday announced that it would hold a series of rallies from next month in all Assembly constituencies of Punjab to highlight the historic role played by the party in the development of the state, as well as its vision once it forms the government in 2027. The decision was taken at a meeting held here, presided over by party president Sukhbir Badal, and attended by district presidents and constituency in-charges. Giving details of the meeting, senior party leader Daljit Singh Cheema told the media that Badal emphasised that successive SAD governments had carried out unprecedented development in the state, including making Punjab power-surplus, connecting major cities with four-lane roads, establishing new thermal plants and airports, and overhauling rural infrastructure. Cheema said it was a fact that both the previous Congress government and the present Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had failed to create any new major infrastructure, due to which the state had suffered immensely. "We are committed to restarting a new era of development and infrastructure creation to take Punjab forward," he said. Asserting that the Akali Dal would appeal to Punjabis to support their own regional party, Cheema said the party would also launch a people's movement against what it termed the anti-Punjab policies and decisions of the AAP government. "We also assure Punjabis that we will take the state out of the present lawlessness, ensure peace and communal harmony, and bring back investment into Punjab to create jobs for our youth," he said. The meeting also decided to complete the party's entire organisational structure by February 10. It was resolved that booth-level committees would be constituted by then, along with the formation of all party wings, including the Youth Akali Dal and the Istri Akali Dal. It was also decided that leaders who had played an important role in the recent block samiti and zila parishad elections would be given significant responsibilities in the organisational structure. Cheema said the meeting took note of the manner in which panchayats were allegedly being coerced into paying pending bills of the tubewell corporation. He said panchayats were being directed to pay these bills from funds received from the Centre for village development. "We support all panchayats who are resisting these illegal orders, as central funds earmarked for roads, sanitation, drinking water and street lighting cannot be used for paying water supply bills," he said. The meeting also took note of what Cheema described as fraud being played on Punjabis in the name of the Sehat Bima Yojana launched by the AAP government. He alleged that the government was indulging in publicity gimmicks by making grand announcements despite lacking funds to implement the medical insurance scheme. According to Cheema, the scheme was being used as a ploy to collect data for the AAP ahead of the forthcoming Vidhan Sabha elections. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 24 : Kerala, on Saturday, marked a decisive moment in its infrastructure journey with the formal launch of Phase II of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, a project that has rapidly transformed the state's standing in global maritime logistics. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the port's progress decisively counters the long-held criticism that "nothing happens in Kerala", asserting that Vizhinjam has already etched the state's name into the world's shipping routes. "Operational for nearly more than a year, Vizhinjam has emerged as a rare success story in port development. The first mothership berthed in July 2024, and the port was formally dedicated to the nation in May 2025. Designed initially for an annual capacity of one million TEUs, the port crossed that milestone within 10 months, handling 615 vessels and 1.32 million containers in its first year -- a feat few global ports can claim. In December 2025 alone, it processed 1.21 lakh TEUs, with some of the world's largest and deepest-draft container vessels calling at the port," Vijayan added. Union Minister for Shipping, Ports and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said that Kerala occupies a special place in India's maritime future, describing the state as a vital gateway between India and the world. He noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shipping has gained renewed strategic importance, with India's maritime strength expanding significantly over the past decade. Vizhinjam, Union Minister Sonowal said, stands as a "shining symbol" of this transformation, underlined by its strong operational performance. Phase II of the Vizhinjam Port marks a major capacity expansion. The container berth will be extended from 800 to 2,000 metres, making it the longest in the country, while the breakwater will grow from 2.96 to 3.88 km. Twelve new ship-to-shore cranes and 27 yard cranes will be added, enabling the port to handle next-generation vessels of up to 28,840 TEUs and berth five motherships simultaneously. Union Minister Sonowal highlighted that Vizhinjam is the first port in India to employ women as automated crane operators, setting a national benchmark. With immigration clearance secured and road connectivity to the national highway completed, Vizhinjam is poised to evolve from a national transshipment terminal into a full-fledged international transshipment hub, reinforcing Kerala's growing role in global maritime trade. Chandigarh, Jan 24 : Punjab BJP leader Pritpal Singh Baliawal on Saturday condemned the Congress for celebrating the relief granted to its leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, calling it a "disgraceful and insensitive act that has once again exposed the party's historic complicity and moral bankruptcy on the issue of justice for Sikh victims". Chandigarh, Jan 24 (IANS) Punjab BJP leader Pritpal Singh Baliawal on Saturday condemned the Congress for celebrating the relief granted to its leader Sajjan Kumar in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, calling it a "disgraceful and insensitive act that has once again exposed the party's historic complicity and moral bankruptcy on the issue of justice for Sikh victims". He said such celebrations "are not only an insult to the memory of those who lost their lives in 1984 but also a direct assault on the dignity and suffering of thousands of Sikh families who continue to seek justice even after four decades". Baliawal said in a statement that while thousands of Sikh families "are still awaiting complete justice for the horrific crimes of 1984, it is extremely unfortunate and shameful that the Congress chose to celebrate this court development by putting up posters and banners". He described the conduct as morally indefensible and politically disgraceful. He also condemned the act of Delhi Congress Mahila Wing president Pushpa Singh for portraying this limited legal relief as a "victory of truth" and glorifying Kumar through posters displayed across Delhi. Baliawal said this was not a routine legal update but a deeply painful provocation for the Sikh community. Kumar's name has long been associated with the 1984 anti-Sikh genocide, and he continues to face multiple cases related to those crimes. The 1984 massacre has been recognised by courts, commissions of inquiry and history itself as a grave crime against humanity. Projecting a minor relief in one case as a "victory of truth" and portraying Kumar as a hero amounts to a cruel mockery of the suffering endured by thousands of Sikh families, the BJP leader said. Baliawal pointed out that the Congress "is deliberately ignoring the fact that Kumar has already been convicted in other cases related to the 1984 violence and is currently serving a sentence". Several courts have held him responsible for inciting mobs and orchestrating large-scale violence against Sikhs. "In such a backdrop, the attempt by the Congress to create a celebratory narrative is nothing but an effort to whitewash the crimes of 1984 and insult the collective conscience of the Sikh community," he added. New Delhi, Jan 24 : School Education and Literacy Secretary Sanjay Kumar on Saturday inaugurated the Grand Finale of National School Band Competition (NSBC) 7, 2025-26, reiterating the Education Ministry's plan to promote diverse talents beyond the classroom in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. New Delhi, Jan 24 (IANS) School Education and Literacy Secretary Sanjay Kumar on Saturday inaugurated the Grand Finale of National School Band Competition (NSBC) 7, 2025a"26, reiterating the Education Ministry's plan to promote diverse talents beyond the classroom in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who jointly started the competition, at National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, said the event marks a significant milestone in promoting discipline, teamwork and musical excellence among school students across the country. Secretary, DoSEL, noted that the tradition of school bands is deeply inspired by the armed forces, where music has historically served as a powerful symbol of valour, unity and morale. Even in the most challenging wartime conditions, military bands have played a vital role in motivating troops and strengthening bonds of camaraderie and collective spirit, said Sanjay Kumar. He added that participation at the national level itself is a significant milestone, reflecting months of rigorous practice and dedication by students. Rajesh Kumar Singh, in his address, appreciated the collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education in institutionalising the competition as part of the Republic Day Celebrations. He lauded the students for their dedication, precision and musical excellence, noting that such initiatives instil a deep sense of patriotism and national service among young learners. Amarpreet Duggal, Joint Secretary, DoSEL, presented the Vote of Thanks. She expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participating schools, mentors and organising teams for their efforts in making the event a success. While the National Capital Delhi has sent one school to the band competition, the maximum number of three schools from Jharkhand have made the cut for the Grand Finale. The three Jharkhand schools are: St. Xavieras High School Lupungutu, Chaibasa, West Singhbhum; Kairali School Sec-2, HEC Township, Dhurwa, Ranchi and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Kanke, Ranchi. From Uttar Pradesh two schools have reached the Finale. These are: St. Joseph College, Ruchi, Khand-1, Shardanagar, Aashiyana, Lucknow and City Montessori School Kanpur Road, LDA, Lucknow, said a statement. Bengaluru, Jan 24 : Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) national president H.D. Deve Gowda came down heavily on the Congress-led government in Karnataka on Saturday, accusing it of attempting to politically finish off his family and warning that "our time will come". Bengaluru, Jan 24 (IANS) Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) national president H.D. Deve Gowda came down heavily on the Congress-led government in Karnataka on Saturday, accusing it of attempting to politically finish off his family and warning that "our time will come". Deve Gowda also mocked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over allegations of vote theft, stating that repeatedly raising the issue had resulted in the party winning only six seats in the Bihar Assembly polls. Addressing a massive convention in Hassan, Deve Gowda said the programme sent out a loud and clear message that the JD(S) is "alive and kicking" in the state. He said the ruling Congress party and its allies had held two conventions in Hassan over the past two-and-a-half years to finish off the JD(S) and asserted that the gathering would convey to the entire country that the party remains strong under the leadership of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. He said the event should also serve as a message to those who attempted to destroy the leadership of MLA H.D. Revanna by organising conventions in the district. "The crowd here has sent a strong message to those in power in the state. The people are saying they stand with Deve Gowda and Revanna. Our opponents are playing games, but the time will come. When I say this, I have faith in the Almighty. Wait for some time," he warned. "Our opponents organised two conventions to destroy the JD(S). The people here have answered them. This is my Hassan. I will invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all 18 NDA MPs from the state to Hassan, make them sit together, and get the work done on the IIT sanctioned to Hassan during Kumaraswamy's tenure. I will also ensure the airport is inaugurated," he said. "Youngsters, mothers and people from across the state have come here to give a befitting reply to those towering personalities who tried to undermine us. My kidneys have failed and I undergo dialysis three times a week. Yet, this is the district that elected Deve Gowda since the 1960s and enabled him to become Prime Minister. I have never done injustice to any state," he said. "Our country has different castes and religions, with a population of 150 crore. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi came to Hassan and said Deve Gowda was a mediator for the BJP. Today, we are allies of the BJP and part of the NDA. Kumaraswamy is handling the Heavy Industries portfolio at the Centre," he said. Referring to MLA Revanna, Deve Gowda said, "Revanna worked day and night for this district and struggled for its development. With the aim of destroying him, when I was staying at my daughter's house in Bengaluru, police arrived and arrested him. Today, SIT officers are being rewarded by those in power in the state for that," he alleged. He reiterated that rewards were announced for SIT officers who, he claimed, attempted to destroy MLA Revanna and his family. It may be noted that Revanna is the father of former MP Prajwal Revanna, who is currently lodged in jail in connection with a sex CD and rape case. "I am 93 years old. My soul is clean and I am not dependent on anyone's mercy. I have struggled and worked hard. I was defeated once in this district, but the same people elected me to the Lok Sabha in 1991. I bow before them. Despite cases being filed against me, the people stood by me," he recalled. "Kumaraswamy bought land 25 years ago after paying money, yet cases have been filed against him. They want to destroy Revanna and his sons. Why? Because with your support, he ensured development across communities through institutions like the Zilla Panchayat, dairy and district banks. They could not tolerate it," he alleged. "This Deve Gowda was once called a mediator of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Now, we are part of the NDA and in power. There is a lot of work to be done. I do not know how long I will live, but during that time, I want to bring economic empowerment to every family in this district," he said. Mocking Rahul Gandhi again, he said, "Rahul Gandhi claims Prime Minister Narendra Modi has destroyed the economy. Who is Rahul Gandhi? He keeps talking about vote theft and ended up winning only six seats in the Bihar Assembly polls. The Congress is in power in just three states. In Karnataka, the government rewards those who arrested Revanna and his family members," he alleged. "Should I reveal everything that has happened in the state? I will not make my mouth foul," he said. Highlighting his contributions, Deve Gowda said, "Who gave 33 per cent reservation to women in local bodies for the first time in the country? It was Deve Gowda. On internal reservation, I wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. SC reservation was increased from 15 per cent to 18 per cent and ST reservation from 3 per cent to 5 per cent, taking the overall reservation to 23 per cent," he said. Appealing to the state government, he said, "Let Kumaraswamy work in the state. He dreams of creating industrial clusters and reviving public sector industries." Jammu, Jan 24 : Authorities in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir said on Saturday that a hotel in the Nagrota area has been sealed over alleged illegal activities. A police spokesperson said: aActing on reliable information, police and civil administration officials on Thursday sealed aHotel Gupshupa at Ban, Nagrota, following allegations of illegal activities being carried out on the premises. The hotel, located in a residential area, was allegedly being used to provide rooms to young couples, causing nuisance to local residents and raising concerns about public morality." Reports from the area said the situation had led to public resentment and posed a potential threat to public peace and tranquillity. A joint team comprising the Station House Officer (SHO), Nagrota, and the Executive Magistrate, Nagrota, conducted a verification of the hotel. During the inspection, two young couples were found to have booked rooms at the hotel. The couples, along with the hotel staff present on the spot, were detained for questioning. To prevent the continuation of the alleged unlawful activities and to maintain public order, the Executive Magistrate ordered the sealing of the hotel. Moreover, preventive action under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was initiated against the owner, manager and all the detained individuals. According to reliable police sources, the owner of the restaurant, who also runs a newspaper from the same premises, has been summoned for questioning. Notably, the restaurant had earlier also figured in a similar police raid, sources added. Locals of Ban, while appreciating the police action, said people living in the vicinity had long been uneasy over prohibited activities allegedly flourishing under the guise of an eatery. In addition to preventing anti-social and immoral activities, police responsibilities also include maintaining public order and social responsibility, officials said. In times of natural or man-made disasters, the police are usually the first to respond to safeguard the life and property of civilians. The U.S. and China have approved a deal to sell TikToks U.S. business to a consortium of primarily U.S. investors led by Oracle Corp. (NYSE:ORCL) and Silverlake. The transaction concludes a years-long dispute between the social media platform and the two global superpowers over national security concerns. Deal Structure And Key Investors The agreement, which is set to close this week according to people familiar with the matter who spoke to Semafor, leaves ByteDance with just under 20% ownership of the U.S. business. Oracle, Silverlake and MGX, a state-owned investment firm in the United Arab Emirates focused on artificial intelligence, will each receive 15% stakes. Additional investors include Susquehanna, Dragoneer and DFO, Michael Dells family office, according to the media outlet. Don't Miss: TikTok CEO Shou Chew stated in December that ByteDance had signed a binding agreement with investors but noted that regulators hadnt yet indicated their approval, according to a report by Semafor on Thursday. Meeting Trump Administration Deadline The transactions completion is designed to meet a Jan. 22 deadline established by the Trump administration in an executive order that granted a 120-day stay on enforcing the federal ban. Former President Joe Biden signed a law in 2024 requiring ByteDance to divest its U.S. business or face a ban over national security concerns. See Also: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it? U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in September the deal would value the unit at roughly $14 billion, though the final sale price was not disclosed. Details regarding negotiations over TikToks algorithm, which has been the primary point of contention between the U.S. and Chinese governments, remain unclear. The White House, Oracle, Silverlake and the Chinese embassy did not immediately respond to Benzingas request for comment. Read Next: Image via Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Chennai, Jan 24 : Dismissing speculation over delays in alliance formation ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Premalatha Vijayakanth, General Secretary of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), on Saturday said there was ample time for the elections and that her party would take a decision on alliances at an appropriate stage. Speaking to reporters, Premalatha made it clear that the DMDK was under no pressure to rush into political alignments and criticised sections of the media for fuelling unnecessary speculation. "There is no delay in forming an alliance. Have they the Election Commission of India announced the election date for Tamil Nadu? Have political parties released their list of candidates? We still have enough time. Only the press seems overly eager to know about alliances," she said. Using a personal analogy to explain her approach, Premalatha described the DMDK as "like a child" to her. "As a mother, I know my responsibilities. Therefore, we will announce our decision at the right time," she said, underlining that the party's choices would be guided by long-term political interests rather than short-term pressures. Responding to questions on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) kickstarting its election campaign in Tamil Nadu on January 23, Premalatha said that even the NDA's alliance structure was yet to be finalised. "I was told that some more political parties are expected to join the NDA alliance," she said, indicating that discussions were still underway across political camps. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks during the campaign that the countdown had begun for the exit of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, Premalatha struck a cautious note. "A new political party will form the government after the elections. We hope it will provide good governance for the people of Tamil Nadu," she said, without naming any specific alliance or party. The DMDK had unsuccessfully contested the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in alliance with the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) led by TTV Dhinakaran. Since then, the party has kept its options open, signalling that its next political move would be announced only when the timing is right. Chandigarh, Jan 24 : Saying that RDX was used in a blast near the railway station in Sirhind town of Punjab's Fatehgarh Sahib district, State BJP Working President Ashwani Sharma, on Saturday, criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convenor Arvind Kejriwal for turning the state unsafe with an atmosphere of fear. In the blast, the driver of a goods train was injured and railway property was damaged. However, no loss of life was reported. The explosion occurred on a railway track meant for Amritsar-Delhi goods trains in Fatehgarh Sahib district on Friday night. At that time a goods train was passing through the railway track. Targeting the AAP government, BJP leader Sharma said in a statement that the blast, which occurred just days before the Republic Day, exposed negligence in security arrangements and the failure of the state administration. "Law and order is not an advertising campaign but a constitutional duty of the government. However, the Mann government has failed to discharge this responsibility," he added. BJP leader Sharma alleged that gangsterism in Punjab has become rampant, drugs have destroyed the youth, and ordinary citizens feel unsafe. "In contrast, instead of taking strict measures at the ground level, the state government is confined merely to advertisements and claims." BJP leader Sharma demanded that the Punjab government immediately fix accountability, order a high-level inquiry, and take the strictest possible action against the culprits. He said "if immediate steps are not taken on law and order, the BJP will raise this issue on every platform". Meanwhile, State Congress Chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring condemned the blast and said this was a clear failure of the state government and the police. "This is an ominous sign and does not portend well for Punjab," he said in a statement. Warring added that the Congress has continuously been warning the AAP government against the threat to peace and law and order in the state. "People of the state are already living in an atmosphere of fear of the gangsters and now there is the terror of blasts that brings back the harsh memories of the dark era in Punjab," he said, while noting the use of RDX in the blast "suggests that those behind it were up to something big and dangerous". He asserted that only the Congress could safeguard the lives and property of people as it has the proven track record. "I assure everyone on behalf of my party that we will not let anyone to push Punjab into the dark era once again," Warring said. Raipur/Bijapur, Jan 24 : In a major success for security forces combating left-wing extremism in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, a joint operation on Saturday led to the recovery of a significant cache of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and Maoist supplies hidden in dense forest areas. Raipur/Bijapur, Jan 24 (IANS) In a major success for security forces combating left-wing extremism in Chhattisgarhas Bijapur district, a joint operation on Saturday led to the recovery of a significant cache of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and Maoist supplies hidden in dense forest areas. The action took place in the rugged terrain between Bandepara and Neelamadgu villages, falling under the jurisdiction of the Madded police station. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, teams comprising personnel from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) of Bijapur, officers from the Madded police station, and members of the Central Reserve Police Forceas (CRPF) 22nd Battalion launched an intensive search operation in the forested stretch. During the combing exercise, the joint teams discovered 16 pressure IEDs cleverly concealed along the Bandeparaa"Neelamadgu trail and in the surrounding woodland. The devices, planted inside beer bottles by Maoist cadres, posed a grave threat to patrolling security personnel as well as local civilians. The Bomb Disposal Squad promptly neutralised all 16 IEDs at the site itself, strictly following standard safety protocols and preventing any potential detonation, officials said. The operation yielded further results when the joint team unearthed a large Maoist dump buried in steel containers and plastic buckets at multiple underground locations across the same forest belt. The haul included a substantial quantity of explosive materials and logistical items intended to sustain insurgent activities in the region. Security personnel recovered 784 gelatin sticks weighing approximately 100 kg, three bundles of cordex wire, about 350 metres of black uniform cloth, one kg of gunpowder, along with assorted communication equipment, including four walkie-talkie chargers, four batteries and two mobile phone chargers. In addition, the search operation led to the recovery of Maoist literature, spare uniforms, backpacks and everyday supplies such as oil, soap and storage containers, police officials said. The recovery underscores the sustained efforts of security forces to disrupt Maoist networks in the Bastar region through continuous, intelligence-driven operations. By neutralising these deadly IEDs and depriving the insurgents of critical supplies, the operation has dealt a significant blow to their operational capabilities in Bijapur district. Officials said monitoring of Maoist movement in the area remains intense, and similar proactive operations will continue to restore peace and ensure the safety of local communities from the continuing threat of Naxal violence. Patna, Jan 24 : RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha, speaking to the media at Patna Airport on Saturday, sharply criticised both the central and Bihar governments, arguing that the collapse of law and order in Bihar, exemplified by the recent NEET aspirant case, demands urgent accountability. He also countered remarks made by BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the issue. Strongly objecting to Rajiv Pratap Rudy's statement that crime rises whenever Tejashwi Yadav is in Bihar, Jha said, "I least expected such a vulgar comment from the person whose name you are mentioning." Referring to growing crime and the NEET student's mysterious death, Jha stressed the RJD's consistent stand that Bihar's law and order has collapsed and urgent corrective action is needed. He recalled that Tejashwi Yadav had stated after the formation of the government that he would assess its performance for 100 days before making comments. Jha expressed anguish over recent crimes, asserting that those in power lack understanding of victims' pain and must urgently respond to restore order. Concluding on an emotional note, Manoj Jha said the law and order breakdown has left the public deeply hurt and demanding government responsibility. "We are simply hurt people today," he said, adding that the government must answer to the public over the law and order crisis. Earlier in the day, Tejashwi Yadav launched an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the birth anniversary celebrations of former Bihar Chief Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Karpoori Thakur at the RJD office in Patna. Tejashwi asked, "Where are Narendra Modi and Amit Shah today? They didn't even tweet about the suspicious death of the NEET student." He further alleged that crime is rampant in Bihar, claiming that shootings, kidnappings, and murders occur daily, and accused the government of misusing power and constitutional institutions. Patna, Jan 24 : The last rites of 38-year-old martyred soldier Hare Ram Kunwar, who lost his life in an unfortunate accident in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, were performed with full state honours at Mahuli Ghat in Bihar's Bhojpur district on Saturday. His 11-year-old elder son, Piyush, lit the funeral pyre, as the Indian Army paid a final salute to the mortal remains draped in the national Tricolour. Before the cremation, family members offered flowers and paid emotional tributes to the fallen soldier. A deeply moving scene unfolded when the martyred jawan's father bowed before his son's body, while his younger son Priyanshu (8) saluted his father in a final farewell. Thousands of villagers and people from nearby areas gathered at the Mahuli Ghat to pay their last respects, chanting slogans in honour of the brave soldier. The martyr's elder brother, Jaiprakash Kunwar, said the family received the devastating news around 3 p.m. on Thursday, which shattered everyone. "Hare Ram Kunwar joined the Bihar Regiment at Danapur in 2009. Serving the nation was his highest duty, and he had been posted in border areas for a long time," he added. Nearly a few hours before the accident, Hare Ram Kunwar had spoken to his mother, Shanti Devi, on Thursday morning. That phone call has now become the family's most cherished and painful final memory of him. As news of the martyrdom reached Nathmalpur village under Barhara block, the entire village was engulfed in grief. Silence descended on the streets, and sorrow filled every household. The martyr's wife, Khushboo Devi, is inconsolable and has been repeatedly fainting. Their two young sons, Piyush and Priyanshu, have lost their father forever. Villagers and relatives are trying to console the grieving family, but words fall short in the face of such loss. The martyr's father resides in Nathmalpur, while his grandfather Ramgita Kunwar is still alive. The elderly grandfather is deeply shaken by the loss of his grandson. From village elders to the youth, tears filled every eye as people continued to arrive at the martyr's home to pay tribute to the brave son of the soil. While the loss has plunged the entire region into mourning, villagers said they also feel immense pride in Hare Ram Kunwar's supreme sacrifice for the nation. Paying their tributes to the martyred Army jawan Hare Ram Kunwar, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on X said, "The news of the martyrdom of brave soldier Hare Ram Kunwar ji, a resident of Nathmalpur village under Barhara block of Bhojpur district, in the tragic accident near Khanni Top in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, is extremely sad and painful. I bow to his sacrifice." On January 22, an Indian Army vehicle lost control and fell into a deep gorge near Khanni Top in Doda district. Ten soldiers were martyred in the accident, while 11 others were seriously injured. All the soldiers were on their way to operational deployment when the tragic incident occurred. Patna, Jan 24 : Two minor brothers drowned while bathing in the Ban Ganga pond near Baneshwar Sthan in Barri village, under the Benipatti police station area of Madhubani district, Bihar, on Saturday.a aThe tragic incident, which occurred around 11.30 am, triggered panic in the area, with a large crowd gathering at the spot.a According to Shivsharan Sah, the SHO of Benipatti police station, several children from the village had gone to bathe in the pond when three of them entered deep water and began to drown.a A teacher from a nearby school and local villagers noticed the situation, raised an alarm, and immediately jumped into the pond to rescue the children. With collective efforts, all three were pulled out.a However, two of the children were found unconscious, while the third childas condition was reported to be stable.a Both were rushed to the Benipatti Sub-Divisional Hospital in an auto-rickshaw, where doctors declared them brought dead.a The deceased children were identified as Shivam Mishra (13) and Ayush Mishra (12), sons of Vipin Mishra, a resident of Ward No. 7 of Barri village.a Confirming the deaths, Dr. Vikas Harinandan, a doctor at the sub-divisional hospital, said the children had already died before reaching the hospital.a Following the incident, the local administration sprang into action.a BDBDO Maheshwar Pandit arrived at the site, and divers were deployed to search the pond to ensure no other child was trapped in the water.a Benipatti SHO Shivsharan Sah also reached the hospital along with police personnel.a It was reported that the childrenas father, Vipin Mishra, works in Delhi.a He had two marriages - his first wife had passed away earlier, and both deceased children were from that marriage. He has one daughter from his second wife.a The tragic loss has plunged the entire village into mourning.a The district administration has assured adequate compensation to the deceased's family members. The dead bodies were sent to Sadar Hospital for the post-mortem.a a Hubballi, Jan 24 : Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Saturday that slum dwellers must also be brought into the mainstream, and for this reason, houses are being distributed on a large scale. He reiterated that the government's guarantee schemes aim to integrate the poor into the mainstream. Addressing a huge convention organised by the Housing Department and the Karnataka State Housing Board in Hubballi on Saturday, he distributed 42,345 houses constructed by the Housing Board across various districts. In addition, 46,000 houses built by the Slum Development Board were distributed to eligible beneficiaries. He extended his greetings on the occasion. Recalling his earlier tenure, Siddaramaiah said that during his first term as Chief Minister, the Congress government constructed 14,58,000 houses. He added that this marked a historic moment and ushered in a housing revolution. After assuming office for the second time as Chief Minister, the government distributed 36,789 houses in the first phase in 2024. It is now distributing 45,000 houses in the second phase, he said. He stated that the government has fulfilled its promises and has operated in accordance with its commitments. He also noted that others were making allegations against the government while failing to implement their own promises. "They promised to bring back black money from abroad and deposit Rs 15 lakh in everyone's bank account. Did they do it?" he asked. He commented on projects such as the Mahadayi, Upper Krishna, and Upper Bhadra, stating that he believes the BJP and the Union government did not fulfill their commitments regarding these projects. He said Union Minister Pralhad Joshi must answer these questions. He remarked that the state government provides Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per house, while the Centre provides less than Rs 1 lakh. He observed that the scheme is called the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and that most of the funding is provided by the state government, while the naming rights belong to the Centre. He underscored that over the past two years, the Congress government has allocated and spent Rs 5,500 crore on housing projects, demonstrating a significant investment in social welfare and infrastructure for the poor. "Despite all this, the BJP is spreading falsehoods claiming that the state exchequer is empty. We are providing Rs 2,500 crore in subsidies every year for farmers' pump sets. Along with this, we are releasing substantial funds for widow pensions, old-age pensions, and other welfare schemes," he added. Mumbai, Jan 24 : Following a dominant performance in the recently concluded Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat elections, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is continuing its so-called "unopposed pattern" in the Zilla Parishad (ZP) and Panchayat Samiti elections in Maharashtra. Mumbai, Jan 24 (IANS) Following a dominant performance in the recently concluded Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat elections, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is continuing its so-called "unopposed pattern" in the Zilla Parishad (ZP) and Panchayat Samiti elections in Maharashtra. As scrutiny of nomination papers concluded, in a major blow to the opposition, a total of 11 Mahayuti candidates 10 from the BJP and one from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena were elected unopposed. These unopposed victories include five seats in the Zilla Parishad and six seats in the Panchayat Samiti from the coastal districts of Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri. The strategy of persuading rival candidates to withdraw a tactic that had earlier resulted in 68 Mahayuti candidates winning unopposed in the municipal polls earlier this month has now extended to rural local bodies. Dr Padmaja Kambale of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena became the first candidate in the state to be elected unopposed in the current cycle from the Nanij Panchayat Samiti in Ratnagiri, a known stronghold of Industries Minister Uday Samant. Key wins in Sindhudurg included BJP candidates Prachi Isvalkar (Kharepatan ZP) and Pramod Kamat (Banda ZP), who secured their seats after rival candidates from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and independents withdrew their nominations. Sindhudurg is considered a high-stakes battleground as it is the home district of BJP state president Ravindra Chavan. However, the driving force behind the clean sweep is being attributed to the strategic planning and grassroots micro-management of BJP MP Narayan Rane and party minister Nitesh Rane. By consolidating local support and reportedly negotiating withdrawals by rival candidates, the Mahayuti has neutralised contests in nearly 20 per cent of the seats in certain pockets even before polling. Its influence, particularly in the Kankavli Assembly constituency, is said to have prompted several opposition and independent candidates to withdraw from the fray. Political analysts said the so-called "Rane factor" has effectively blunted opposition challenges in these areas ahead of polling. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has alleged that the ruling alliance is using pressure tactics to force candidates to withdraw. However, Mahayuti leaders have rejected the allegations, describing the unopposed victories as a "certificate of public trust" in the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. The "unopposed pattern", they said, reflects the organisational strength of the Mahayuti and its attempt to build a psychological edge over the opposition. With the opposition appearing on the back foot in this coastal belt, the Mahayuti alliance has entered the final phase of the elections with a significant psychological and numerical advantage. With record numbers of nominations filed over 7,600 for Zilla Parishads and around 13,000 for Panchayat Samitis the polls scheduled for February 5 are expected to test whether the opposition can arrest the Mahayuti's momentum in rural Maharashtra. Kolkata, Jan 24 : Trinamool Congress general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday cautioned the party's booth-level agents (BLAs) against remaining inactive during the hearing sessions on claims and objections to the draft voters' list in West Bengal, warning of strong disciplinary action if they failed to mend their ways. Banerjee issued the warning during a virtual meeting with party leaders and workers at various levels, which was also attended by BLAs, party insiders present at the meeting said. "Our general secretary gave a clear message that the party leadership will not back those workers, including BLAs, who do not remain dedicated to the tasks assigned to them, especially at this crucial stage of the ongoing special revision exercise in the state," a party insider who participated in the meeting said. Banerjee also directed elected representatives of the party, including MPs and MLAs, to ensure effective supervision of the functioning of BLAs in their respective areas. He further asked the party's Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members to spend less time in New Delhi and devote more time to their constituencies, urging them to undertake intensive mass outreach programmes in their areas. According to party sources, Banerjee placed special emphasis on the effective functioning of party war rooms set up specifically for the ongoing revision exercise. "He said that unless these war rooms function effectively, the Bharatiya Janata Party would take advantage of the situation and manipulate voters' lists, as was allegedly done in Bihar and Haryana," a party leader said. At the virtual meeting, Banerjee also claimed that he had received specific information that micro-observers appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to supervise the hearing sessions were often seeking the login credentials of district magistrates, who also serve as district electoral officers. "Our general secretary said the micro-observers were demanding the login credentials of district electoral officers following instructions from senior ECI officials. He said the party would take up the issue at the appropriate forum," the party insider added. Hassan, Jan 24 : Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy called on citizens to rise above caste and unite to challenge the Congress-led government in Karnataka, emphasising that unity is essential for the state's progress. He made these remarks at the JD(S) silver jubilee public convention in Hassan on Saturday. Kumaraswamy urged farmers to set aside caste differences and work together for Karnataka's progress. He highlighted former Prime Minister Deve Gowda's longstanding commitment to farmers' welfare, noting his service as Irrigation Minister for 2 years and as Chief Minister for 2.5 years. He stated that he waived farm loans worth Rs 25,000 crore, which enabled District Cooperative Banks to remain operational. He challenged the opposition to demonstrate their contributions to farmers, adding that he did not seek additional funds from the Prime Minister at the time. He urged the people of Karnataka, particularly in Hassan district, to consider the current situation. He stated that the BJPJD(S) alliance is operating effectively and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has supported his work in the Union Cabinet. He alleged that the current state government is corrupt, neglects farmers, and is preoccupied with political power struggles rather than addressing farmers' concerns. Kumaraswamy stated that efforts to address government corruption should begin in his home district. He described the silver jubilee as the starting point for confronting the opposition and working toward Karnataka's future. He acknowledged public support for his potential candidacy as Chief Minister in 2028 but emphasized that his priority is to guide the state in the right direction. He noted that he has already served as Chief Minister twice. He stated that Karnataka has ample resources and funding, yet lacks visible development. He criticized the Congress-led government for questioning JD(S) contributions and acknowledged setbacks in the Lok Sabha polls. He reminded the audience that Deve Gowda's 1989 defeat was due to political vendetta, a loss for the people along the Cauvery River. Kumaraswamy highlighted Deve Gowda's lifelong dedication to irrigation and farmers' welfare in Karnataka. He noted that Deve Gowda, currently in his final Rajya Sabha session, has requested time to address the injustices faced by Karnataka in the distribution of Cauvery water. He accused the state government of neglecting the reported suicides of nearly 2,800 farmers. "Ahinda families are farmers. I want to question Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who claims to follow Ahinda politics while betraying farmers. Farmers who grew maize and pulses have been pushed onto the streets. Brokers are benefiting from government procurement. This is a broker's government," he alleged. He noted public support for his leadership but emphasized that Deve Gowda, despite holding office only twice over the past six decades, secured significant funding for irrigation projects in both north and south Karnataka. He appealed to farmers in north Karnataka, stating that Deve Gowda's tenure as Chief Minister in 1994 was crucial for securing the state's share of Krishna River water. He emphasized that failure to utilize the allotted water by 2000, as mandated by the Bachawat Commission, would have severely impacted farmers. "The decisions taken by Deve Gowda, including those credited to Deve Gowda with key decisions such as raising the height of the Alamatti reservoir and issuing irrigation bonds to secure funding. He assured farmers in north Karnataka that their concerns would be addressed and reaffirmed Deve Gowda's commitment to their welfare. He has no desire to amass wealth. I have only one son. My future life will be dedicated to serving the people. Congress leaders question the JD(S) 's existence. The crowd gathered here is the answer. The Congress has to bring people from seven or eight districts to match this," he said. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, Jan 22 (Reuters) - TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, on Thursday said it has finalized a deal to establish a majority American-owned joint venture that will secure U.S. data, to avoid a U.S. ban on the short video app used by over 200 million Americans. The deal is a milestone for the social media firm after years of battles that began in August 2020 when President Donald Trump tried to ban the app over national security concerns. Trump later opted not to enforce a law passed in April 2024 requiring ByteDance to sell its U.S. assets by the following January or face a ban - a measure upheld by the Supreme Court. ByteDance said TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC will secure U.S. user data, apps and algorithms through data privacy and cybersecurity measures. It disclosed few details about the divestiture. Trump praised the deal in a social media post saying TikTok "will now be owned by a group of Great American Patriots and Investors, the Biggest in the World." He thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping "for working with us and, ultimately, approving the Deal. He could have gone the other way, but didnt, and is appreciated for his decision." The agreement provides for American and global investors to hold 80.1% of the venture while ByteDance will own 19.9%. TikTok USDS JV's three managing investors - cloud computing giant Oracle, private equity group Silver Lake and Abu Dhabi-based investment firm MGX - will each hold 15%. A White House official told Reuters that the U.S. and Chinese governments had signed off on the deal. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately comment. Trump last year said the deal met the terms of divestiture requirements under the 2024 law. The White House in September said the venture would operate TikTok's U.S. app. Interested parties have yet to disclose elements of the deal such as the business relationships between the venture and ByteDance. The president has more than 16 million followers on his personal TikTok account and credited the app with helping him win reelection. He received a document from TikTok on December 22 touting how popular he is on the app, showed a photo published this month by the New York Times. The White House also launched an official TikTok account in August. TikTok said investors in the venture include Dell Family Office - investment firm of Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell - plus Vastmere Strategic Investments, Alpha Wave Partners, Revolution, Merritt Way, Via Nova, Virgo LI and NJJ Capital. Kolkata, Jan 24 : The West Bengal government has submitted a list of eight senior IPS officers to the Centre for consideration as the state's next permanent Director General of Police (DGP), according to official sources.a Kolkata, Jan 24 (IANS) The West Bengal government has submitted a list of eight senior IPS officers to the Centre for consideration as the state's next permanent Director General of Police (DGP), according to official sources. The list, sent to Delhi on January 21, includes acting DGP Rajeev Kumar, who will retire on January 31, and Rajesh Kumar, a 1990 batch IPS officer who alleges unfair treatment in the selection process. The other nominees are Ranveer Kumar, Debashish Roy, Anuj Sharma, Jagmohan, N Ramesh Babu, and Siddhinath Gupta. By procedure, the state government sends a panel of senior IPS officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The UPSC's Empanelment Committee then selects three names and sends them back to the state government for the final decision. Sources explained that Rajeev Kumar's name was included for administrative reasons, as he was among the senior IPS officers in West Bengal Police when the last permanent DGP, Manoj Malaviya, retired in December 2023. Officials clarified that his inclusion does not guarantee reappointment. Sources also indicated that Piyush Pandey, Rajesh Kumar, and Ranveer Kumar are under serious consideration. Pandey, a former SPG officer, currently leads the security team of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. However, it remains uncertain whether the final selection will be from among these three. This is the second time the state has submitted a panel for the DGP position. The previous list, sent on December 27, 2023, was returned by the UPSC due to procedural lapses. According to regulations, the panel should have been submitted at least three months before Malaviya's retirement, by September 2023. While IPS officer Rajesh Kumar approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), claiming he had been unfairly excluded despite meeting all eligibility criteria. Acting on his petition, the Tribunal directed the state government last Wednesday to resubmit the panel by January 23. The Tribunal also instructed the UPSC to convene its Empanelment Committee on January 28 to consider the names. The Commission is expected to forward three shortlisted candidates to the state government on January 29, following which the state must make a decision "as quickly as possible." Currently, West Bengal Police is operating without a full-time DGP, as Rajeev Kumar serves in an acting capacity until his retirement on January 31. Bengaluru, Jan 24 : The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bengaluru Zonal Office, has provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs 1.53 crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with the Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) recruitment scam involving former ADGP Amrit Paul and others, the agency said in an official statement on Saturday. The attached assets include residential properties belonging to Amrit Paul, former Additional Director General of Police (Recruitment), and Sridhar H, a head constable. The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by the High Grounds Police Station of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Bengaluru, against several police officials and candidates for alleged irregularities in the recruitment of Police Sub-Inspectors in Karnataka during 2021a"22. The Karnataka Police Recruitment Cell had conducted examinations to fill 545 vacancies of Police Sub-Inspectors in the Karnataka Police Department. A provisional list of successful candidates was later published. However, after the tentative results were declared, allegations surfaced regarding cheating and corrupt practices in the examination process. According to the ED, its investigation revealed that Amrit Paul, in his capacity as Additional Director General of Police (Recruitment), played a pivotal role in the conspiracy by facilitating unauthorised access to the strong room where OMR answer sheets were stored. He allegedly handed over the keys of the almirah containing the strong room keys to Deputy Superintendent of Police Shanth Kumar, thereby allowing accomplices, including Sridhar H, to tamper with the OMR answer sheets of undeserving candidates to ensure their selection. The accused allegedly collected bribes ranging from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 70 lakh per candidate. The illicit proceeds were allegedly layered under the guise of hand loans and utilised for the construction of residential properties, the agency said. Earlier, the ED had filed a prosecution complaint in the case, and the competent court has already taken cognisance of the offence of money laundering as defined under Section 3 of the PMLA, 2002. Further investigation in the matter is under way, the ED added. Bhopal, Jan 24 : A day after the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav returned from the World Economic Forum annual meeting at Davos in Switzerland, State Congress Chief Jitu Patwari said on Saturday that he has requested a meeting with the Chief Minister for a discussion on the outcome from the three-day visit to Switzerland. Patwari wrote a letter to Chief Minister Yadav, mentioning that he would be seeking a meeting to discuss investment outcomes, achievements of foreign tours, and serious concerns regarding administrative corruption. Welcoming the Chief Minister in apparently a critical tone, the State Congress Chief said, "Congratulations and best wishes on your return to India from Davos. I hope that the targets you have set for investment, employment, and industrial expansion in Madhya Pradesh will be achieved with concrete results on the ground." He also wrote, "The results of government tours funded by the people of Madhya Pradesh should be presented, so that public trust is strengthened and a message of transparency is conveyed to investors." In his letter, Patwari attacked the BJP-led state government on media reports attributed pointed remarks on corruption to the State Chief Secretary Anurag Jain during a recent Collectora"Commissioner conference. "This statement, along with the 'complaint of corruption', is strong evidence of corruption in the state's administration. If Collectors themselves are taking money to do their work, then the common citizen's complaints, the implementation of government schemes, permits, payments, contracts, relief work -- everything will get entangled in a system of give and take," the State Congress Chief wrote. Patwari also said that he did not write this letter to the Chief Minister merely for the purpose of criticism, but with a purpose for transparency in the system. "Therefore, I request that you grant me time for a meeting so that I can share my suggestions to curb this epidemic of corruption and commission. I await your positive response and a time for the meeting," he concluded. The controversy over alleged corruption erupted from media reports, resulting in political tension in Madhya Pradesh, with the Congress portraying the incident as an evidence of deep-rooted systemic corruption. However, the Public Relation Department of Madhya Pradesh government, in a statement issued on Friday, has clarified the issue, terming the media report as "incorrect" and "baseless". Bengaluru, Jan 24 : The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Bengaluru Zonal Office, has provisionally attached three immovable properties -- one plot and two flats -- having a market value of Rs 19.46 crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, belonging to trustees of the BMS Educational Trust, the agency said in an official statement on Saturday. The attachment is part of the ED's probe into the alleged seat-blocking scam involving admissions to engineering colleges run by the BMS Educational Trust. The ED further stated that additional evidence had been seized indicating the collection of unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 20.20 crore from the sale of engineering seats in colleges controlled by the trust. "The evidence collected includes diary notings, WhatsApp chats and other material, which have been confirmed by individuals involved in the process, including college staff, management personnel and agents," the ED said. According to the agency, the investigation revealed that the unaccounted cash generated from the sale of engineering seats was allegedly used for the personal benefit of the trustees of the BMS Educational Trust. The ED initiated its investigation on the basis of FIRs registered by the Malleshwaram Police Station and the Hanumanthnagar Police Station in Bengaluru in connection with the seat-blocking scam involving admissions to engineering courses through the Karnataka Examination Authority and the alleged collection of cash over and above the prescribed fees. Searches in the case were carried out by the ED in June 2025 and on May 26, 2025. During the searches, the agency found that unaccounted cash was allegedly being collected during the admission process over and above the stipulated fees in engineering colleges run by the BMS Educational Trust. The searches also revealed that engineering seats in colleges controlled by the trust were allegedly sold by the management through middlemen and agents. Cash was collected both directly from students and through agents acting as educational consultants, the ED said. The agency added that the cash so collected was not disclosed in the books of accounts of the BMS Educational Trust. Searches conducted by the ED resulted in the seizure of Rs 1.86 crore from premises belonging to trustees, management members and agents associated with the trust. Further investigation in the matter is under way, the ED said. Bhopal, Jan 24 : Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel will address the people of the state on January 25, on the eve of the 77th Republic Day. His address will be broadcast from Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal. The Governoras message will be telecast on Doordarshan and broadcast on all 17 All India Radio (AIR) stations in Madhya Pradesh at 8 p.m. on January 25. Doordarshan will also air the address on its DD Madhya Pradesh channel at 8.30 a.m. on January 26, according to a press note issued by the stateas Public Relations Department on Friday. On Republic Day, January 26, Governor Patel will hoist the national flag and take the salute at the main state-level aaaaaa at Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal. Meanwhile, the final rehearsal of the joint parade and cultural programmes for the Republic Day celebrations was held at Lal Parade Ground on Saturday in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Director General of Police Kailash Makwana. DGP Makwana, along with Additional Director General (SAF) Chanchal Shekhar and Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra, reviewed the arrangements for the parade and cultural programmes. The main ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. on January 26, with Governor Mangubhai Patel as the chief guest. The state government has already issued the list of chief guests for Republic Day celebrations to be held across Madhya Pradesh. As per the schedule, Governor Patel will hoist the national flag and take the salute in Bhopal, while Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will unfurl the tricolour in his home district, Ujjain. Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar will hoist the national flag in Gwalior and read out the Chief Ministeras address. Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda has been designated the chief guest for Indore, while Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla will preside over the Republic Day programme in Sagar. The government has also assigned cabinet ministers to hoist the national flag in different districts on the occasion. Itanagar, Jan 24 : Arunachal Pradesh Lok Bhavan celebrated Uttar Pradesh Diwas on Saturday. The event was held at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar for people from Uttar Pradesh residing in the state. It reflected the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. Itanagar, Jan 24 (IANS) Arunachal Pradesh Lok Bhavan celebrated Uttar Pradesh Diwas on Saturday. The event was held at Lok Bhavan in Itanagar for people from Uttar Pradesh residing in the state. It reflected the spirit of aEk Bharat Shreshtha Bharata. Addressing the function, Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) said such celebrations, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, play a vital role. They help strengthen unity, oneness, and national integration. He praised the active participation of the people of Uttar Pradesh and said that the state drives development under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Uttar Pradesh has become a major hub of information technology and a cradle of spirituality. It is also one of the most sought-after destinations for pilgrims and visitors. The Governor said this symbolises Indiaas progress rooted in tradition. The Governor extended State Foundation Day greetings and conveyed his good wishes to the people of Uttar Pradesh, especially those living and working in Arunachal Pradesh in various professions and business sectors. He also expressed appreciation and gratitude for their valuable contributions to Arunachal Pradeshas growth, development, and social fabric. Reflecting on Uttar Pradeshas rich legacy, the Governor highlighted its profound contributions through cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and revolutionary spirit. These played a pivotal role in Indiaas freedom struggle. Lt. General Parnaik (Retd.) said these shared platforms bring people closer and deepen mutual understanding. They reinforce the idea that, despite diverse cultures and traditions, the nation stands united as one family. The celebration was a joyful confluence of cultures and beautifully reflected Indiaas unity in diversity. It nurtured a spirit of shared belonging and harmony. The cultural performances added vibrancy to the occasion. Members of the Uttar Pradesh community presented traditional items. Arunachali children delighted the audience with graceful folk dances of Uttar Pradesh. This symbolised cultural exchange and mutual respect. The programme was further enriched by patriotic and Bhojpuri dances, energetically performed by Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya students from Chimpu. A devotional Kirtan by Sachindr Kr Maharaj and his team added a spiritual resonance to the evening. The Governor and First Lady Anagha Parnaik of the state later interacted warmly with the students over high tea. This made the occasion even more memorable and special for the young participants. Ahmedabad, Jan 24 : The Ahmedabad Crime Branch on Saturday recovered gold jewellery worth over Rs 20 lakh and arrested two women in connection with the theft from a visiting non-resident Indian (NRI) woman.a Ahmedabad, Jan 24 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Crime Branch on Saturday recovered gold jewellery worth over Rs 20 lakh and arrested two women in connection with the theft from a visiting non-resident Indian (NRI) woman. The accused, Ramilaben Parmar (28) of Vadaj and Sarla Ganava (34) of Nirmalnagar, both originally from Dahod district, reportedly targeted passengers on crowded BRTS and AMTS buses. Officials said the women carried young children to avoid suspicion and posed as daily-wage workers while committing the thefts. The victim, Saryuben, lives in the US and had come to Gujarat with her family for a religious event at the Dada Bhagwan Trimandir in Adalaj. She was transporting ancestral gold to be redesigned for her son and daughter-in-law when it was stolen during a bus trip. A complaint was lodged at the Satellite Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. "Based on our investigation and intelligence inputs, the suspects were identified and apprehended within hours, and all stolen jewellery has been recovered," said a senior Crime Branch officer. Recovered items include six gold coins from AB Jewels weighing 102.5 grams, a gold bangle valued at Rs 2.3 lakh, and a gold necklace worth Rs 1.5 lakh, with a total estimated value of Rs 20.2 lakh. Police are probing whether the accused were involved in similar incidents elsewhere in Ahmedabad. In December, a UK-based NRI, Sunanda Malusare, reported a theft in Vadodara where her purse, containing cash and jewellery worth Rs 7.15 lakh, was stolen while shopping. Last November, Ahmedabad police raided a fake call centre accused of defrauding NRIs through fake medicine schemes and arrested 24 people. Computers and servers were seized during the probe into the multi-month scam. Officers detained 24 people from the premises on Ashram Road and seized computers and servers as part of the probe into the multi-month scam targeting Indians settled overseas. --IANS ysm/dan Two new guides by Michael Keith Bender equip small businesses to export and market globally, offering step-by-step strategies for international growth and cultural success. CAIRO, N.Y. and NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- New DualBook Series Empowers Small Businesses to Compete and Market Across Global Borders Author and strategist Michael Keith Bender has released two complementary guides designed to help small businesses expand internationally with clarity, confidence, and cultural intelligence. The new titles Compete Across Borders: How Small Businesses Scale Internationally and Marketing Across Borders: The Practical Guide to Building Global Brand Presence provide a complete, stepbystep system for founders and small teams entering global markets. Together, the books address the two biggest challenges small businesses face when going global: How to export effectively How to market across cultures and reach international customers A Complete Roadmap for Global Growth Compete Across Borders This guide demystifies the exporting process for small businesses, offering a practical framework for choosing the right markets, navigating regulations, pricing for global margins, managing logistics, and building repeatable workflows. The book emphasizes that small teams are uniquely positioned to succeed internationally due to their agility, creativity, and ability to build personal relationships. Marketing Across Borders A companion to the exporting guide, this book focuses on global marketing strategy. It teaches small businesses how to build brand presence across cultures, adapt messaging for international audiences, avoid cultural missteps, and scale marketing efforts on a smallbusiness budget. It introduces tools such as the Cultural Strategy Grid and the Global Messaging Pyramid to help founders communicate effectively across borders. A Synergistic Approach for Small Teams While each book stands alone, the two titles are intentionally designed to work together. Compete Across Borders provides the operational roadmap for entering new markets, while Marketing Across Borders delivers the strategic and cultural insights needed to grow within them. "Small businesses don't fail at exporting because they lack ambition," Bender said. "They fail because they treat exporting and global marketing as separate problems. These books form a unified system that shows founders how to enter a market and then how to thrive in it." About the Author Michael Keith Bender is a nonfiction author and strategist focused on helping small businesses compete globally. His work blends practical frameworks, cultural intelligence, and realworld case studies to make international expansion accessible to founders, creators, and small teams. Bender's mission is to democratize global opportunity by giving small businesses the tools traditionally reserved for large corporations. Availability Both books are available now in print and digital formats. Additional resources can be found at: www.mkbender.com Media Contact Michael Keith Bender Website: www.mkbender.com Email: [email protected] Location: New York, NY Media Contact Michael K Bender, MKBender.com, 1 5187041688, [email protected], www.mkbender.com SOURCE MKBender.com Adenike Olanrewaju at Harper landed North American rights, in an exclusive submission, to Skin upon Skin: Masks as a Mirror of Race by Morgan Jerkins (pictured l.) from Sharon Pelletier at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. The book, per the agency, explores the interplay between masks and race in American cultural history, from pre-Revolution beauty customs to the rise of the KKK, from minstrelsy and horror villains to political movements and state-sanctioned violence. A fall 2028 release is planned. Gabriella Mongelli at Little, Brown picked up North American rights, at auction, in a two-book deal, to Tyler McCalls People Like You from Ariele Fredman at UTA. The debut novel is set over the course of one summer in the Hamptons and follows two sworn rivals from an elite private school who reunite as adults over a decade later, according to the agency. Martha Ashby at Harper Fiction bought U.K. rights from Emma Finn at C&W. A spring 2027 release is planned. Gary Groth at Fantagraphics acquired world English rights to Riad Sattoufs The End of the Arab of the Future: A Youth in the Middle East from Marleen Seegers at 2 Seas Agency. The conclusion of Sattoufs graphic memoir series, Arab of the Future, follows the author, who was born to a Syrian father and French mother, during his teenage years spent in France as he navigates puberty, isolation, and the pressures of French society while haunted by the absence of his father and brother, and the sadness of his mother, according to the publisher. Publication is scheduled for May 2026. Mary Altman at Sourcebooks landed world English rights, in a two-book deal, to Daniel G. Millers The Neighborhood Experiment from Mark Gottlieb at Trident Media Group. The authors latest thriller centers on a woman who, while searching for her sister, infiltrates a billionaires desert wellness utopiaonly to uncover a human experiment where perfection hides something deadly, according to the agency. Publication is planned for fall 2026, and the second book, an as-yet-untitled standalone thriller, is slated for fall 2027. Nate Lanman at Del Rey secured world rights, in a two-book deal, to The Barrowvine Saint by A. Raven Demory, from Allegra Martschenko at Bookends Literary. The debut novel is a dark fantasy set in an industrial town on the precipice of the underworld, where an undead grave robber is hired to find the missing corpse of a local noblewomans daughter to win her freedom from the hive-mind entity that resurrected her, according to the publisher. Release is scheduled for summer 2027. In Brief Jillian Ramirez at Bloomsbury preempted world all-language rights to Janna Morton s Long Live the Party, a party-planning guide for those who yearn forbut struggle to emulatethe opulent soirees of the past, from Alyssa Jennette at Stonesong, for fall 2028. at Bloomsbury preempted world all-language rights to s Long Live the Party, a party-planning guide for those who yearn forbut struggle to emulatethe opulent soirees of the past, from at Stonesong, for fall 2028. Sydney Collins at Dell preempted, in a two-book deal, world rights to Dylan Aubrey s debut, Lessons in Romance, about a postdoc fellow teaching a class on the romance novel who finds herself butting heads with a classics-loving professor, from Gabriella Melendez at Great Dog Literary, for summer 2027. at Dell preempted, in a two-book deal, world rights to s debut, Lessons in Romance, about a postdoc fellow teaching a class on the romance novel who finds herself butting heads with a classics-loving professor, from at Great Dog Literary, for summer 2027. Jesse Shuman at Bantam took world rights to the next two books in Jo Firestone s Luella van Horn comedic mystery series, in which the titular sleuth investigates cases at a camp for adults with bad personalities and a haunted nudist colony, respectively, from Abby Saul at the Lark Group. The first as-yet-untitled book is set for summer 2027; pub date for the second is TBA. at Bantam took world rights to the next two books in s Luella van Horn comedic mystery series, in which the titular sleuth investigates cases at a camp for adults with bad personalities and a haunted nudist colony, respectively, from at the Lark Group. The first as-yet-untitled book is set for summer 2027; pub date for the second is TBA. Colin Robinson at OR took world rights to Pam Baileys No One Gets Out Unscarred, bringing together the perspectives of a formerly incarcerated man and a retired federal prison official to expose the harms of Americas prison system, from Jessica Craig at Craig Literary for a fall 2026 release. Dark Regards Dave Hill and Artyom Topilin. Oni, Mar. 24 ($19.99 trade paper, ISBN 979-8-89488-024-2) When comedian Hill crafted a fake online persona as a death metal legend, his hoax went very awry. Here, he plays on those facts to deliver a rocking, internet-fueled roller-coaster ride. Day One: 2024 Was 1984 FAFO Chuck D. Enemy, July 7 ($24.95 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-63614-303-3) The latest installment in what the rapper bills as his naphic grovels series relates the events of 2024 through the lens of George Orwells vision of dystopia. Death Metal Duck Justin Heggs and Cam Hayden. Black Panel, Apr. 14 ($19.99, ISBN 978-1-990521-522) This anthropomorphic tale stars a duck dad who used to be a rocker as he reckons with growing up and growing older. Godzilla Vs. America: Los Angeles Gabriel Hardman et al. IDW, Mar. 10 ($12.99, ISBN 979-8-88724-437-2) Godzilla stomps across the City of Angels in this anthology comic from L.A.-based creators including Dave Baker, Nicole Goux, and Jordan Morris. Human Nature, Book One: A Satirical Science Fiction Graphic Novel Darren Aronofsky et al. Abrams ComicArts, Mar. 31 ($29.99, ISBN 978-1-4197-8037-0) The Academy Awardwinning director teams up with comics artist Martin Morazzo and others for a trilogy about a billionaire convinced he can cheat death. Iconographics: Taylor Swift Ilaria Nassa, Brian Freschi, and Laura Angelucci. Gemini, June 23 ($19.95, ISBN 978-1-78675-169-0) The broad strokes of Swifts upbringing, musical beginnings, ascent to stardom, and lyrical stylings are painted in this graphic novel primer on the pop star. Karl Lagerfeld: An Illustrated Biography Alfons Kaiser and Simon Schwartz. Abrams ComicArts, Apr. 14 ($25.99, ISBN 978-1-4197-8446-0) From his tenure at Chanel to establishing his independent brand, Lagerfelds career and personal life are given the graphic bio treatment by journalist Kaiser. The Lost Daughter of Sparta Felicia Day. Gallery, Mar. 17 ($28, ISBN 978-1-6680-1072-3) Buffy the Vampire actor and Critical Role podcaster Day puts the overlooked fourth sister of Helen of Troy at the center of her own tale in this smart and spirited retelling, per PWs review. Mister Magic Kiersten White et al. Ten Speed Graphic, June 9 ($24.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-9848-6335-5) Married artists Veronica and Andy Fish draw this adaptation, scripted by Scott Peterson, of the bestselling novel about reunited former child stars of a cult-classic kids show that went off the air after a deadly event. Momo John Cusack and Ignacio Noe. Mad Cave, June 16 ($29.99, ISBN 978-1-5458-2780-2) The Say Anything actor sets an odd couple on a road trip across a broken America to find an alien trinket for Jackie Gleason. Parasomnia: The Graphic Album Kevin J. Anderson, et al. Z2, Mar. 24 ($34.99, ISBN 979-8-8865-6199-9) This anthology comics companion to the eponymous album by progressive metal band Dream Theater brings together artists and writers on the theme of crossings between waking and dream life. Post Malones Big Rig Post Malone, Adrian Wassel, and Nathan C. Gooden. Vault Comics, Apr. 7 ($24.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-63849-315-0) The Knights Templar in medieval Europe plead to the heavens for a savior when demons invade Earthand get sent down a gnarly 18-wheel tractor trailer, driven by an ex-priest, in the rappers monster-machine comics debut. Through David Dastmalchian and Cat Staggs. Z2, Mar. 10 ($34.99, ISBN 979-8-8865-6151-7) Late Night with the Devil actor Dastmalchian conjures a portal world where an anxiety-tortured woman seeks refugeonly to find it overtaken and torn apart by dark forces. Twiztids MAYHEM MANOR: A Haunted High on Adventure Ryan J. Downey, Stan Yak, and Marianna Pescosta. Z2, Mar. 31 ($24.99, ISBN 979-8-8865-6188-3) Horrorcore hip-hop duo Madrox and Monoxides comics alter-egos jump from the stage to a haunted roller coaster in this tale about chasing a promised fortune while outrunning ghosts. Morgan Stanley did everything right to justify a big bank at record highs. The bank achieved impressive earnings, experienced significant growth in wealth management, and implemented a strategy that was more effective than just hype. It's no surprise that Bank of America analysts reiterated a buy rating and raised its price objective to $220, with the stock changing hands at $191.23 when the report dropped. "The blueprint is in place," the analysts noted. Morgan Stanley management does not have to promise the moon. Instead, the path to higher profitability looks largely within reach. The next leg of the Morgan Stanley story may be taking shape quietly.Adams/Bloomberg via Getty Images Adams/Bloomberg via Getty Images Morgan Stanley's quarter hits all the right beats Morgan Stanley shares hit a fresh all-time high following solid 4Q25 results, a big achievement for a legacy player. The most important metric is the core EPS, which was $2.73, beating Bank of America's expectation of $2.32 and the average estimate of $2.44. Morgan Stanley said it was about 12% more than anticipated. Bank of America believes wealth management is the most important nugget for the company. Analysts were especially interested in the kinds of inflows that might modify the slope of future profits. Wealth Management was the tell: $122 billion in net new assets, margin jumps Now, let's get into the weeds. Bank of America, in its note, is full of praise for Morgan Stanleys Wealth Management, and it's perhaps the biggest driver of that confidence. Net new assets: $122 billion in the quarter, versus $57 billion a year ago Pre-tax margin: 31%, up 400 basis points (4 percentage points) The bank's conclusion is that management struck a careful balance. It didn't boost long-term financial goals, but it did confirm that the franchise is in a favorable position to make more money. Bank of America also flagged CEO Ted Picks tone on execution, quoting him on the earnings call: Our expectation going forward is that if this environment is welcoming, we are meant to execute at or above these firmwide goals, as we did in 2025. Morgan Stanley strategy is hard-to-replicate, with optionality via E*TRADE Bank of America's optimistic view is based on what it deems Morgan Stanley's best-in-class and hard-to-copy combination. A platform for financial markets throughout the world A leading U.S. company that manages wealth Owner of E*TRADE, which it calls "significant optionality," since it offers access to a younger audience and topics such as crypto, tokenization, and global development The company also says there are still chances to turn assets into advising assets, boost efficiency using AI, and improve "capital flex." The Lebanese military has made little effort to disarm Hezbollah, despite the United States sending it $230 million in military aid in October. With this persistent failure, Israeli forces have conducted near-daily operations against the Iran-backed terrorist group, and the United States is preparing to condition some of its military aid to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). However, with a bold strategy to verify disarmament and promote Lebanese economic growth, the United States and its partners can encourage the LAFs counterterror engagement, maintain the U.S.-Lebanon relationship, and promote regional security. For over four decades, Iran-funded Hezbollah transformed Lebanon into a terrorist haven. Monopolizing state resources and fostering civilian dependence on its services, such as recruiting child soldiers by framing military service as an educational opportunity, Hezbollah exploited the vulnerable and devastated Lebanons economy while bolstering its own fighters wealth. As Iran funneled billions of dollars to its terror proxy, Hezbollahs power expanded as the LAF and United Nations peacekeepers (UNIFIL) failed to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1701, requiring Hezbollahs disarmament and withdrawal from southern Lebanon. With limited funds and no political will to stabilize Lebanon, the LAFs and UNIFILs failures enabled Hezbollah to fire nearly 18,000 projectiles at Israel between October 2023 and November 2024. But Israels military campaign during its year-long war with Hezbollah, which concluded with the November 2024 ceasefire, brought new opportunities. While the ceasefire positioned the LAF and UNIFIL to patrol southern Lebanon, Israels degradation of the terrorist groups capabilities provided the LAF the opportunity to take over counterterror operations, with the United States supporting a mechanism that grants Israel the freedom to intervene militarily when the LAF stalls. With Hezbollah severely weakened, Lebanons parliament voted in favor of a plan for the LAF to disarm Hezbollah and seize the terrorist groups weapons from south of the Litani River up to the Beqaa Valley. However, despite receiving advanced funding from the United States to disarm Hezbollah, the LAF has achieved little progress to independently secure Lebanon as it relies predominantly on Israeli counterterror operations, including a recent strike against Hezbollah commander Ali Tabatabai, to degrade the groups capabilities. While Hezbollahs disarmament remains crucial, it cannot be the end goal. Ultimately, the United States needs a broader approach to promote long-lasting stability in Lebanon and combat the weak Lebanese governance that enabled Hezbollah to thrive. Therefore, the United States should develop a comprehensive verification strategy to not only enforce Hezbollahs disarmament but also prevent the group from reasserting itself within Lebanese society. To start, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) should work with Lebanons government, military, and UNIFIL to plan the disarmament process, ensuring Hezbollah does not conceal weapons or smuggle arms into the country post-disarmament. Within the plan, the LAF and UNIFIL must adhere to strict guidelines for reporting arms seizures, confiscating weapons-making materials, and storing hazardous materials in secure locations away from populated areas while also dismantling underground terrorist infrastructure built beneath civilian property. To position the LAF for future success, U.S. forces can also encourage Lebanon to expand its own intelligence collection and analysis capabilities. CENTCOM should ensure the LAF and UNIFIL disarm all known Hezbollah sites by checking their reports against U.S., Israeli, and partner intelligence. Failing to cooperate with these requirements should prompt the Trump administration to reconsider providing military aid to Lebanon until its forces comply with U.S. expectations. As part of a comprehensive strategy, the United States, along with European and Gulf allies, should fund employment opportunities for Lebanese citizens who cooperate with authorities to counter Hezbollahs weapons proliferation, promoting economic growth and undermining Hezbollahs support base. With approximately 44 percent of Lebanon living in poverty, an employment program similar to the U.S. Logistics Civil Augmentation Program in Iraq would aid the country and incentivize citizen assistance. While the Lebanese government demands that Israel cease military operations in Lebanon and withdraw from its five remaining posts in the country, decades of LAF and UNIFIL failures to combat terrorism and Iran reportedly rearming Hezbollah indicate that prematurely halting Israeli operations in Lebanon could create a security vacuum for the group to reorganize. To ensure security and incentivize Lebanese action, the United States should demand the LAF and UNIFIL prove they can adequately address terrorism before Israeli forces withdraw. Following Israels eventual drawback, the United States should also demand that Israeli forces maintain the freedom to target terrorists if the LAF and UNIFIL abandon the disarmament process or fail to address future cross-border smuggling attempts from Syria. The United States must act swiftly to advance Hezbollahs disarmament while also seizing this pivotal moment to help reshape Lebanon, laying the groundwork for enduring regional security. MajGen Austin Renforth, USMC (ret.) is the former Commanding General of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center and a 2025 Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) Generals and Admirals Program participant. Sarah Havdala is a policy analyst at JINSA. Instagram / Taylor Frankie Paul By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/23/2026 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Season 4 trailer has hinted Taylor Frankie Paul could be a "pregnant Bachelorette."In a sneak peek of Hulu's upcoming season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives that was released on Wednesday, January 21, there appears to be tension and "chaos" amongst the #MomTok group.Towards the end of the clip, Taylor, 31, cries to someone on the phone, "I hate all of you because you all knew.Taylor abruptly hangs up the phone and says, "Goodbye!"The trailer then shows Jessi Ngatikaura asking a couple of guys, "Is she going to be a pregnant Bachelorette?!"The men's faces, however, aren't shown.Taylor is already a mother of three kids: daughter Indy May, 8, who was born in August 2017; son Ocean, 5, who was born in June 2020; and son Ever True, who turns 2 in March 2026.Taylor welcomed Indy and Ocean with her ex-husband Tate Paul, and she shares Ever with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.ABC had announced Taylor as 's Season 22 star in September 2025, before viewers were able to watch her relationship with Dakota implode and come to an end on Season 3 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.Taylor and Dakota split in late 2024, although Taylor waited until early 2025 to publicly announce her breakup.Dakota revealed he's in a relationship with someone new on "The Rub Down" podcast earlier this month.Dakota also shared the current status of his relationship with Taylor on the YouTube episode.When asked how he and Taylor were doing, Dakota replied, "Better, actually.""It always hard because there are still feelings there ," he continued, "and there's something about -- obviously you have a kid now, right? It is so crazy when you have a kid with someone."Taylor, for her part, discussed co-parenting with Dakota in May 2025."We've obviously come a long way to navigate [co-parenting]," Taylor told Us Weekly."It's different from my first husband because there's obviously a friendship there. We adjusted. Whereas [with] Dakota, everything's fresh. It's something that we necessarily didn't want to do but needed to separate."The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' third season, which premiered in November, showed Dakota and Taylor contemplating a reconciliation, but allegations Dakota had sexted Taylor's family friend ruined any chance of that happening.Taylor also accused a former friend of sleeping with Dakota in late October."It's an adjustment and we've had to learn through the obstacles of this experience to do what's best for our son," Taylor added last year."Of course when things are heightened, you're breaking up and it's not something you wanted and you just had a baby. It was not the prettiest experience, but currently we've come a long way."The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives premieres its new season on March 12 on Hulu.is set to premiere Season 22 on Sunday, March 22 on ABC. Taylor's official cast of bachelors will be announced at a later date.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group Veteran analyst and investor Stephen Sarge Guilfoyles latest call on Palantir (PLTR) stock feels like a warning, rather than a verdict. Guilfoyle just cut its price target on Palantir stock to $217 from $238, not because the fundamentals deteriorated, but because its heading into earnings with a lot less technical cushion. Ill be honest, things have been remarkably silent around Palantir, particularly from the usually very vocal CEO Alex Karp. In fact, the last time I covered Palantir was over a month ago (December 15), and since then its stock has fallen about $17.35 (down 9.5%) to about $165.90 as of Jan. 23, 2026. That quiet didnt last long. Over the past week, Palantir zoomed back into focus with a major commercial deal involving South Korean shipping giant HD Hyundai, reported by Reuters, and a round of headline-grabbing remarks from CEO Alex Karp at Davos. Though Karps Davos comments on shifting labor dynamics were pertinent, the HD Hyundai deal, in particular, caught everyones attention. Despite scoring another massive commercial win, Palantir's stock is down more than 14.5% in the past month, and over 6% in the past week alone. Thats why the Sarges Palantir take makes a lot more sense ahead of earnings. Upcoming quarters earnings (FQ4 2026) Announce Date: 2/2/2026 (Post-Market) EPS Normalized Estimate: $0.23 EPS GAAP Estimate: $0.18 Revenue Estimate: $1.34B EPS Revisions (Last 90 Days): 21 upward revisions and 0 downward revisions Source: SeekingAlpha For perspective, hes been trading on the NYSE floor since the 1980s, with over three decades of market experience, and hes been spot-on with Palantir calls in the past. Guilfoyle argues that near-term momentum seems broken, with elevated risk heading into earnings (Feb. 2, 2026), and that discipline matters much more now. A veteran analyst cuts Palantir target to $217 as technical damage outweighs strong commercial momentum.Photo by Kevin Dietsch on Getty Images Photo by Kevin Dietsch on Getty Images Guilfoyle lays out a conditional view on Palantir stock Guilfoyles Palantir price target decrease ahead of earnings is entirely due to technical damageon the stock chart. The obvious red flag is momentum. Palantirs share price has fallen below both its 21-day exponential moving average and its 50-day simple moving average twice in less than a month. More Palantir These measures are essentially short- and medium-term trend markers, and when a stock cant stay above them, professional investors typically reduce their exposure. According to the police, two bullets were fired at Nalanda Society in the Oshiwara area of Andheri on January 18. IMAGE: Actor Kamal Rashid Khan. Photograph: @kamaalrkhan/X Key Points Two bullets were found in the society premises -- one on the second floor and another on the fourth floor The exact motive behind the firing is yet to be ascertained A case has been registered against the actor under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act Actor Kamal Rashid Khan, popularly known as KRK, was arrested on Saturday in connection with a firing incident at a residential building in the western suburbs in Mumbai, police said. Khan was brought to the Oshiwara police station for questioning late on Friday night, and in his statement, the actor admitted to firing two rounds using his licensed firearm, an official said. According to the police, two bullets were fired at Nalanda Society in the Oshiwara area of Andheri on January 18. During the probe, two bullets were found in the society premises -- one on the second floor and another on the fourth floor. One of the flats belongs to a writer-director, while a model owns the other one, they said. Initially, the police were unable to make any headway, as they couldn't find anything in the CCTV footage. However, a forensic analysis indicated that the bullets may have been fired from Khan's bungalow nearby, the official said. The exact motive behind the firing is yet to be ascertained, he said. A case has been registered against the actor under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act, he added. The Union health ministry has issued draft rules to mandate a blue vertical strip on all antimicrobial drug labels, aiming to rein in over-the-counter misuse and tackle India's growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problem. Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo The Centre on Friday notified draft rules mandating all antimicrobial drugs and their preparations to bear a blue vertical chip across its packaging label in bid to counter antimicrobial resistance (AMR) caused by their rampant over-the-counter (OTC) usage. In a gazette notification dated January 23, the health ministry proposed adding a clause under the Rule 95 of the Drug Rules, 1945 which gives guidelines on the manner of labelling on all medicinal drugs available in India. Key Points All antimicrobial drugs and preparations will carry a conspicuous blue vertical strip on the label under proposed amendments to Drug Rules, 1945. Stakeholders have 30 days to submit objections or suggestions before the rules are finalised and notified. The move aligns with India's NAP-AMR 2.0 and efforts to curb OTC antibiotic sales amid rising drug-resistant infections. "Antimicrobial drugs and their preparations shall bear a conspicuous blue vertical strip on the left side running throughout the body of the label without disturbing the other conditions printed on the label," the clause states. Stakeholders have been given 30 days to share suggestions or objections to the draft notifications, with the amendment expected to come into force from the date specified by the government at the time of final publication of the rules in the Official Gazette. People in the know said the amendment was proposed after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, the apex drug advisory body. The move comes at a time when the Center has been focusing on tackling the rising prevalence of AMR in India. It had recently come out with the second version of the National Action Plan to tackle AMR (NAP-AMR 2.0), which aims to combat drug-resistant infections. Similarly, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) had recently urged all pharmacists to dispense antibiotics only on the prescription of a qualified doctor, hence limiting OTC sales. 2 million deaths likely in India due to antimicrobial resistance Antimicrobial drugs are medicines such as antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals that kill or stop the growth of microorganism-based infections in humans. They are the third highest therapy segment in the Indian Pharma Market (IPM), with the supergroup seeing sales worth Rs 27,500 crore in calendar year 2025. According to market research firm Pharmarack, anti-bacterials (antibiotics) made 86 per cent of overall anti-infective sales in India in 2025. They are followed by antifungals and antivirals at a 7 and 4 per cent contribution to total anti-infective sales in India. In June last year, the government extended its AMR net to check potential antibiotic use in animals by asking all state drug controllers to extend support for developing a reporting framework to keep the possible animal-human pathway of AMR spread in check. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 10 million deaths are projected to occur globally by 2050 due to AMR, with India's share at around 2 million. In 2019 (the latest data on this subject), AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths globally, while 4.95 million deaths were associated with drug-resistant infections. Calling the decision a win for the people of Karnataka, a Rapido spokesperson said it was not just a legal victory but a milestone moment for urban mobility in the state. Photograph: Kind courtesy @rapidobikeapp/X Key Points Uber, Rapido and Ola welcomed the decision Interpreting the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the HC ruled that motorcycles used as bike taxis qualify as transport vehicles The court clarified that bike taxis require proper permissions, adding that operators may apply for contract carriage permits to operate motorcycles as bike taxis Bike taxi operations are set to make a comeback in Karnataka after the high court on Friday lifted the state governments blanket prohibition calling it an unreasonable restraint on trade. Ride-hailing players such as Uber, Rapido and Ola welcomed the decision, stating that it recognises bike taxis as a legal form of passenger transport in Karnataka. A division Bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Joshi allowed appeals filed by cab aggregators, setting aside a single judges April 2025 order that had halted bike taxi services in the state pending the framing of rules, according to legal news platform Bar and Bench. While quashing the order, the Bench held that the states claim that the matter fell within the domain of policy was unsupported, noting that no policy had been articulated to demonstrate that such a ban amounted to a reasonable restriction in the interest of the general public. Uber said the ruling would bring relief to lakhs of drivers who depend on the platform for their livelihood. Bike taxis serve as a vital mobility lifeline for Indian cities, offering people an affordable and convenient way to navigate traffic. We look forward to engaging with the state on operationalising this mobility ecosystem and serving the mobility needs of our cities across the spectrum, an Uber spokesperson said. Calling the decision a win for the people of Karnataka, a Rapido spokesperson said it was not just a legal victory but a milestone moment for urban mobility in the state. This brings immense joy and dignity to our captains, while also bolstering Karnatakas contribution towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat, said the spokesperson. 'State cannot deny permits on the ground that motorcycles are not transport vehicles' Interpreting the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the HC ruled that motorcycles used as bike taxis qualify as transport vehicles, and that the state cannot deny permits on the ground that motorcycles are not transport vehicles. The court, however, clarified that bike taxis require proper permissions, adding that operators may apply for contract carriage permits to operate motorcycles as bike taxis. Bike taxis are a simple, efficient solution for congested cities and play a critical role in improving last-mile connectivity and affordability, an Ola consumer spokesperson said. Over the past year, bike taxi drivers associated with the Namma Bike Taxi Association have repeatedly met legislators and government officials seeking relief from regulatory action against the sector. Drivers operating through ride-hailing platforms said enforcement measures, including the issuance of challans, disrupted their livelihoods after legal protection for bike taxi services was withdrawn. Many, including daily-wage earners, delivery workers and students, argued that the restrictions eliminated their primary source of income, affecting thousands of gig workers across the state. The association had urged the government to introduce clear rules on licensing, insurance and safety, warning that a blanket shutdown had also reduced affordable transport options in underserved areas. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, 'If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a 'Drop Off Port' for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken.' IMAGE: US President Donald Trump with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Photograph: White House Key Points Trump warned Canada of a 100% tariff on all goods if it deepens trade ties with China. Addressing the Canadian PM as 'Governor', Trump criticised Ottawa for opposing his 'Golden Dome' defence plan while engaging Beijing. Carney had said China has become a more predictable partner to deal with than the US. United States President Donald Trump on Saturday issued a sharp warning to Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney against pursuing economic agreements with China, threatening steep trade penalties if Ottawa moves ahead with such deals. Referring to the Canadian prime minister as 'Governor', Trump said the US would impose a 100 per cent tariff on Canadian goods should Ottawa deepen trade ties with Beijing. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, 'If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a 'Drop Off Port' for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken.' Escalating his criticism, Trump added, 'China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life. If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the USA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!' The remarks followed an earlier attack by Trump on Canada, in which he accused Ottawa of opposing his proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defence system over Greenland while simultaneously expanding economic engagement with China. 'Canada is against The Golden Dome being built over Greenland, even though The Golden Dome would protect Canada,' Trump said, adding, 'Instead, they voted in favor of doing business with China, who will 'eat them up' within the first year!' Trump's comments came in the wake of Carney's recent visit to Beijing, aimed at reviving economic cooperation with China, Canada's second-largest trading partner after the US. During the visit, Carney also criticised US and Western policies while addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos. The China trip resulted in an understanding to lower tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural exports and introduce quotas on Chinese electric vehicles entering the Canadian market. The framework could also open the door to increased Chinese investment in Canada. Marking the first visit by a Canadian leader to China in nearly a decade, the talks were described by both sides as reflecting a changing global environment, with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping welcoming what he termed a 'turnaround' in bilateral relations. Speaking earlier about the agreement, Carney appeared to allude to ongoing trade frictions with Washington, describing Canada's recent engagement with China as more 'predictable' and characterising discussions with Beijing as 'realistic and respectful'. The Kalyan unit of Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray on Friday approached police claiming two of its newly-elected corporators cannot be contacted despite inquiries with family members, relatives and party office-bearers. IMAGE: Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray addresses a press conference in Mumbai, January 15, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo The Uddhav Thackeray-led party won 11 seats in the January 15 Kalyan Dombivali civic polls. In his complaint to Kolsewadi police station, Shiv Sena-UBT Kalyan district chief Sharad Shivraj Patil said all efforts to contact newly-elected corporators Madhur Umesh Mhatre and Kirti Rajan Dhone have been in vain. He sought registration of a missing person case and a fair investigation in the matter. "The phones of the two corporators are switched off. Their sudden disappearance is not limited to personal security but is related to democratic values, law and order and public trust. The possibility of pressure, fraud, kidnapping or other criminal nature behind this incident cannot be ruled out," Patil said in his complaint. Senior inspector Ganesh Nayinde said a probe has begun after Patil's complaint was received. A group of seven corporators from the Shiv Sena-UBT has got registered with the Konkan Commissioner. Umesh Borgaonkar has been selected as the group leader. In polls held on January 15, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena won 52 seats in the 122-member civic body, followed closely by the BJP with 51 seats. The Shiv Sena-UBT came a distant third with 11 seats, while Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) managed five, Congress two and NCP-SP one. The KDMC has seen the Shiv Sena and MNS getting together after ditching their pre-poll allies BJP and Shiv Sena-UBT, respectively. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said he has some 'issues' with the party which he would take up with the leadership, but asserted that he has never violated the organisation's stated positions in Parliament. IMAGE: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo Any internal differences should be discussed within the organisation and not through the media, he said. His remarks come amid reports that Tharoor is upset over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi not adequately acknowledging his presence at a recent event in Kochi and over alleged repeated attempts by state party leaders to sideline him. Key Points Shashi Tharoor said he has never violated the Congress' stated positions in Parliament, except for a principled disagreement over Operation Sindoor. He said terror attacks should not go unpunished but without dragging India into prolonged conflict with Pakistan. Tharoor stressed that national interest and security must override party differences. "All I can say is that there are issues which I need to take up with my own party leadership and not in a public forumI will be going to Delhi for Parliament and I will get an opportunity, I believe, to make my concerns very clear to the party leadership and get their viewpoint have a proper conversation." "I am in Congress for the past 17 years. Let's not go too faras far as I am concerned, whatever has gone wrong, needs to be addressed and it will be addressed in an appropriate forum," he told PTI Videos. Speaking to reporters in Kozhikode, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said he had informed the Congress leadership about his inability to attend a party meeting. He said that some reports about him might be true, while others could be false. Tharoor explained that he wanted to attend a literature festival and that continuous travel was difficult. "However, I will certainly attend all party activities in Parliament, and at that time I can meet the party leadership," he said. Tharoor mum on 'unfair treatment' in party Responding to a question on alleged unfair treatment at a party event in Kochi, Tharoor said he would not comment on it. He also said that he wanted to exhibit his book on Sree Narayana Guru at the literature festival. Recalling an earlier instance, he said he had once been unable to attend the Jaipur Literature Festival due to a political engagement. Earlier, answering questions during a session at the Kerala Literature Festival in Kozhikode, Tharoor said he had taken a strong stand on 'Operation Sindoor' and remained 'unapologetic', about it. Explaining his position, Tharoor said that as an observer, commentator and writer, he had written a newspaper column after the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that it should not go unpunished and that there should be a kinetic response. He said that while India is focused on development, it should not be dragged into a prolonged conflict with Pakistan, and that any action should be limited to targeting terrorist camps. Tharoor said that to his surprise, the Indian government did exactly what he had recommended. "How could I be expected to criticise it when I myself recommended it. I supported it fully throughout Operation Sindoor and afterwards," he said. When the government sent him abroad as part of a multi-party delegation over Operation Sindoor, his party, for some reason, did not like it. "You can speak to them and find out," he said India comes first when nation's security is at stake: Tharoor Tharoor said it was Jawaharlal Nehru who posed the famous question: "Who lives if India dies." "When India is at stake, when India's security and its place in the world are involved, India comes first," he said. He added that political parties may have differences as part of the process of building a better India, but when national interests are involved, India must prevail. Terrorists had gunned down 26 people, mostly tourists, in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in April 2025, sending shockwaves across the country. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, a precision military offensive targeting terror launchpads in Pakistan. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said that Tharoor continues to be an integral part of the party and that he had informed the leadership in advance about his inability to attend the party meeting. "He is not someone who stays away from party programmes. He had informed the party about the reasons for not attending the meeting," Chennithala said. He said that unlike him, Tharoor is not only a politician but also a writer and author who is engaged at the international level. "He is not a full-time party worker. He is also a writer and a public speaker who is engaged in events in India and abroad. We are full-time party workers and can give priority to party events," he said. Chennithala said that no one could distance Tharoor from the party. Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan and Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph also said that Tharoor had informed the party leadership about his absence in advance and that no controversy should be created over his absence. As the Bharatiya Janata Party is falling short of a majority in the municipal corporations of Sangli and Akola in Maharashtra and needs the support of other parties or elected members, the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar has emerged as one of the decisive factors with three seats in its kitty in each civic body. IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The BJP emerged as the single largest party in Sangli and Akola municipal corporations but fell short of a clear majority in both. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP-SP, with three seats each in both civic bodies, has emerged as a potential kingmaker. Political negotiations are on, with NCP-SP leaders saying the next move will be decided by senior leaders. In the 78-member Sangli, Miraj and Kupwad Municipal Corporation, the BJP has won 39 seats, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena two, Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party 16, while the Congress has bagged 18 and its ally NCP-SP three. In the 80-member Akola civic body, the BJP secured 38 seats, the Congress 21, the NCP and the Shiv Sena one each, the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray six and the NCP-SP three. There are 10 others, including the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and independents. Hectic parleys have been underway to form power in these newly-constituted civic bodies as the BJP is falling short of a majority despite emerging the single largest party. The NCP-SP, which has three corporators each, is reportedly in touch with the BJP. When asked about reports of NCP-SP corporators being in touch with the saffron party, the corporator of the Sharad Pawar-led party Abhijit Koli told reporters in Sangli, "Our party has won as a Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituent. Whether we are in the opposition or in power, we will work for the welfare of the people and development of the region." "Our next step will be decided by our leader Jayant Patil and Congress leaders Vishal Patil and Vishwajit Kadam," he said. When asked about Akola, NCP-SP state unit president Shashikant Shinde said discussions were underway among all political parties at the local level of having a local outfit to work on welfare and development issues. "I am told that preliminary talks are on at the local level (in AKola). I have made it clear that such an alliance, including with the BJP, should not be at the political level with parties and their symbols," he said. The Gold price has surged past the $ 5,000-per-ounce mark, setting a historic benchmark for the precious metal. This move suggests mounting investor concern over the US Dollars ongoing decline, while Bitcoin and Ethereum remain well below critical levels Gold Rockets Past $5,000 Amid Dollar Collapse As of this writing, Gold is trading for $4,987 after establishing an intra-day high of $5,009 on January 24. The precious metal is up by almost 20% in the last 24 hours. Gold (XAU) Price Performance. Source: TradingView Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index (DXY) has nosedived to 97.45, a multi-month low as this level was last tested in September 2025. US Dollar Index (DXY) Price Performance. Source: TradingView The milestone coincides with a striking on-chain move, where a single trader on the Bybit exchange deposited 7 million USDT and withdrew 843 XAUT, worth $4.17 million, highlighting growing interest in tokenized gold as a hedge against fiat volatility. Lookonchain, which monitors blockchain transactions, flagged the activity, noting that the sizable XAUT purchase is among the largest tokenized gold movements in recent months. The trade may indicate potential profit-taking or reallocation strategies as gold reaches unprecedented levels. While cryptocurrencies have traditionally been considered an alternative to fiat, the latest price action highlights golds resilience relative to digital assets. Ethereum trades at $2,958 and Bitcoin at $89,615, with golds rally outpacing the gains of leading cryptos in recent weeks. Such divergence reflects golds continuing role as a safe-haven asset during periods of macroeconomic uncertainty. The US Dollars decline has been a central driver of the surge. According to recent market commentary, the greenback has lost nearly 50% of its value relative to gold over the past year. Notably, this is the largest drop in US history. Trump has imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India, including 25 per cent for its purchases of Russian oil, leading to a strain in the bilateral ties between the two countries. IMAGE: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Photograph: Denis Balibouse/File Photo/Reuters United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said there is a 'path' to remove the 25 per cent tariffs imposed on India for buying Russian oil, noting that such purchases by Delhi from Moscow have 'collapsed'. Key Points US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the 25% tariff on India over Russian oil purchases has worked, claiming Indian imports from Russia have 'collapsed'. Bessent indicated there is a 'path' to remove the tariffs, suggesting they could be revoked in future. He criticised European allies of not imposing similar measures on India and buying refined products from Indian refineries. US President Donald Trump has imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India, including 25 per cent for its purchases of Russian oil, leading to a strain in the bilateral ties between the two countries. Bessent on Friday defined the sanctions imposed on India as a 'success'. "We put 25 per cent tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. And the Indian purchases by their refineries of Russian oil have collapsed. So that is a success. The tariffs are still on. The 25 per cent Russian oil tariffs are still on," Bessent said in an interview with Politico. "I would imagine that there is a path to take them off. So that's a check and a huge success," he added. Bessent also criticised Europe for not imposing tariffs on India. "Our virtue-signalling European allies refused to do it (impose tariffs) because they wanted to sign this big trade deal with India," he said. India imported more oil after Russian invasion: Bessent Bessent accused India of importing and refining more oil from Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. "Before the Ukraine invasion, approximately 2 per cent or 3 per cent of Indian oil that went into their refineries came from Russia. The oil was sanctioned. It got deeply discounted and moved up into the high teens- 17,18,19 per cent was being refined. Huge profits from the refiners," he said. He accused Europe of funding Russia's war by purchasing the oil refined in India. "But in the ultimate act of irony and stupidity, guess who was buying the refined products from the Indian .refineries made from Russian oil. the Europeans. They are financing the war against themselves," he added. When asked if he called the Europeans 'stupid', Bessent said, "I said there was an act of stupidity." India and the EU are likely to announce the closure of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) soon. India had described the US action as 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable' while maintaining that its energy policy is guided by its own national interest. India fell to third place among buyers of Russian fossil fuels in December, after Reliance Industries and state-owned refiners sharply reduced their crude oil imports, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). Whichever combination finally emerges, Malegaon could set a record for being a town run neither by Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti nor by the Opposition MVA, but by a combination of two or three Muslim parties. IMAGE: Malegaon's economy runs on powerlooms. Photographs: Jyoti Punwani Malegaon, the Muslim-majority city associated with bomb blasts and powerlooms, presents a unique political picture after the recently held municipal elections there. Its 25-year-old municipal corporation might become the only municipal body in Maharashtra run completely by Muslims belonging to Muslim parties. The year-old I.S.L.A.M. party, an acronym for Indian Secular Largest Assembly of Maharashtra, has emerged as the largest single party in the corporation with 35 seats. Its electoral ally, the Samajwadi Party, won 5. The corporation has 84 seats, 62 of them in Muslim dominated areas, and 22 in Hindu dominated areas. The Masum river divides the two sides. The Congress, which won 3 seats, has already declared its support to the winning coalition (named Malegaon Secular Front), making it easy for an ISLAM party mayor to be elected. However, the Front might also get the support of the AIMIM, which won 21 seats. Whichever combination finally emerges, Malegaon could set a record for being a town run neither by Maharashtra's ruling Mahayuti, nor by the opposition MVA, but by a combination of two or three Muslim parties. (While the Congress cannot be called a Muslim party, the Samajwadi Party is, in Maharashtra, essentially a party of Muslims.) In the past, though Muslims have formed a majority of the city's corporators, political tie ups have resulted in Hindus being elected mayors and standing committee heads. *** IMAGE: Mufti Ismael, the AIMIM MLA from Malegaon. A test of Muslim political power The prospect of a 'Muslim corporation' should be exhilarating at a time when everyday, we read about the country's largest minority being targeted by Hindutva vigilantes and/or the administration in BJP-run states. The Malegaon Municipal Corporation could set an example for the country of Muslim political representation, which leaders such as Asaduddin Owaisi project as the community's ultimate goal. That would counter the demonisation of the community by the ruling establishment. Administering the civic body could be seen as a challenge worth taking up for corporators who fought in the name of the city's Muslims, who make up 79% of the population. *** When Asif Founded The ISLAM Party IMAGE: Bhiku Chowk, the site of the blast, as today. Unfortunately, not many in Malegaon believe that can happen. On the contrary, they fear a 'Muslim corporation' might strengthen the BJP's propaganda that when Muslims are a majority, they act as a united block and Hindus should do so too. Already, after the Congress' Shobha Bachhav defeated the sitting BJP MP in the Lok Sabha elections, Devendra Fadnavis had accused Malegaon's Muslims of 'vote jihad'. "None of these parties has the intellectual capacity to consider running the corporation as a challenge," pointed out Professor Salim Pinjari, who's spent his life in Malegaon. "Many of those who won got tickets because of their family connections," he explains."They may be newcomers, but their elders were all well-known politicians from established parties such as the Congress and NCP, and not particularly distinguished by their work." Asif Shaikh, founder of the ISLAM party, is himself the son of Shaikh Rasheed, a veteran Congressman who was twice Congress MLA. Rasheed is known for having worked for Malegaon. Asif was also a Congress MLA from 2014-2019. But, finding little scope to advance given the clout of the party's senior Muslim leaders, he and his father left to join the NCP in 2022. When the NCP split in 2023, Asif founded the ISLAM party just before the 2024 assembly polls. Interestingly, as soon as the party was formed, many prominent Muslims from Malegaon requested him to change the name, saying he could not use religion for political purposes, else nothing would distinguish him from the BJP. However, the name stayed and Asif fought the 2024 assembly elections under the party banner, losing to the AIMIM's sitting MLA Mufti Ismael by just 162 votes. *** Formation Of Teesra Mahaz After The Blasts IMAGE: The clock stood still at 9.35 pm, when the bomb went off in 2008. The tea shop has preserved it as it was then. But even before the ISLAM party made news, Malegaon had been bad-mouthed for having elected a religious figure as its MLA. After the 2006 bomb blasts in Malegaon that killed 45 Muslims, and for which 11 Muslims from the city were arrested, Mufti Ismael of the Jamiat Ulema formed a political formation called the Teesra Mahaz to fight for justice for both the blast victims as well as those arrested for them. He won the 2007 corporation elections on this issue under the banner of his Teesri Mahaz. The Mufti is now an AIMIM MLA, in his third term. Last August, Hindutva leaders and activists accused of having orchestrated both the 2006 and 2008 Malegaon blasts were given the benefit of the doubt and acquitted by a special NIA court. The state hasn't appealed against this judgment. Yet, there was not a single protest against the judgment from any political party, including the Mufti's AIMIM, said Professor Pinjari. These acquittals didn't even become an issue in these corporation elections, added Aleem Faizee, editor, umeed.com, a Malegaon-based news web site. *** Malegaon Civic Issues Of No Concern To Anyone IMAGE: Hemant Karkare Marg in Malegaon. While the Mufti's first election as MLA in 2009 was because he championed the cause of the blast victims and accused, his two subsequent victories in 2019 and 2024, says Aleem Faizee, can be ascribed to two reasons: His religious standing as a mufti, and the hold Asaduddin Owaisi has in Malegaon. Indeed, campaigning for the 2024 assembly elections, the Hyderabad-based Owaisi requested voters to vote for him, not for the non-performing Mufti. This time, says Professor Pinjari, voters were really angry with the Mufti. "They saw the contrast between the Hindu side of the town and the Muslim side," recounts Professor Pinjari."Work on laying the underground drainage system and then repairing roads dug up for that, started at the same time on both sides. But Dada Bhuse, the Shiv Sena MLA who represents the Hindus on that side, completed the work well in time. On our side, the roads are so bad that some voting booths became almost inaccessible." What's worse, says freelance journalist and lawyer Mubasshir Mushtaq, Malegaon's myriad civic problems didn't form part of any party's campaign."The focus was on identity politics," he says. The ISLAM party successfully targeted Mufti Ismael as having done nothing to protect the city's Muslims against allegations that many of them were illegal migrants who had procured fake birth certificates, says Mubasshir. 3,400 birth certificates were cancelled, and an SIT was set up to investigate the charges. Now, the two bitter rivals might come together to run the corporation. *** If Muslim Parties Get Together... IMAGE: Madrasa children in Malegaon. But some in Malegaon fear that could be a mistake. Faizee, for example, feels strongly that instead of relying on the AIMIM or the Congress, Asif Shaikh should tie up with the Shiv Sena which won 18 seats. It fought separately from the BJP which won only two seats. "This tie up would immediately blunt the BJP's continuous assault on Malegaon as a refuge of illegal immigrants and criminals," reasons Faizee. The undivided Sena and the Congress, often had tie ups in the municipal body, he says, so it would not be seen as a surprising development. The tie-up would also bring both funds and development to Malegaon, adds Faizee, given Dada Bhuse's clout as a minister. Professor Pinjari agrees. IMAGE: The gate of the Bada Qabrastan in Malegaon, the site of the 2006 blasts. Not just the name ISLAM, but even some of Asif Shaikh's statements and actions he says, ultimately benefit the BJP. Indeed, if only Muslim parties get together to run Malegaon, Hindutva organisations would have a field day agitating against the corporation, he fears. Mubasshir points out that a competitive communal posturing was indulged in both by the ISLAM party and the AIMIM during the municipal elections. He doesn't think either or both of them would be interested in resolving the basic problems of the city, not even those relating to Muslims, such as closure of Urdu municipal schools. "Even sober members of the ISLAM party as well as the AIMIM," says Professor Pinjari,"privately admit that Muslims of Malegaon haven't benefited by having 'one of their own' representing them either in the corporation or the assembly. Someone capable from the other community might work for us better, they say." "Can there be a more pathetic comment on the community in Malegaon?" he asks. Key Points Malegaon emerges as a rare case of Muslim-only political control in civic governance. The ISLAM party's rise reshapes Maharashtra's municipal power dynamics. Civic problems take a back seat amid identity-driven politics. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff When Ben Zhou founded Bybit in 2018, he first had to convince his team that Bitcoin wasnt a scam. Eight years later, digital assets are now mainstream. Governments and traditional finance institutions are warming to cryptocurrencies, perhaps most dramatically shown by the U.S.s passage of the GENIUS Act last year. The traditional world is embracing crypto, Zhou, who leads the worlds second-largest crypto exchange by trading volume, tells Fortune. If they dont embrace it, they will be obsolete, especially with crypto wallet adoption growing 20 to 30% each year. Currencies like stablecoins are becoming increasingly regulated, and can now be used for things like remittances and payments, Zhou adds. In 2025, over $18 trillion in transactions was settled in stablecoins, eclipsing total transactions on traditional payment platforms like Visa and Mastercard, according to crypto research firm Delphi Digital. Cryptocurrency transactions are faster and cheaper than traditional bank transfers, Zhou argues. If you rely on the existing infrastructure and transfer via SWIFT, its just too slow. Investment banks like Goldman Sachs are working to integrate tokenized assets in their trading and advisory operations, while payment providers like Visa and Mastercard are building partnerships with crypto exchanges like Bybit to issue payment cards which enable users to spend crypto holdings as fiat in real-time. Crypto is going to be the main driving force behind traditional financial instruments like stocks and credit-default swaps within the next decade, Zhou argues. Accessibility, connectivity and unification is really the beauty of this technology. Building Bybit Before entering the crypto industry, Zhou worked as a Forex trader at financial brokerage XM, where he spent seven years as its China general manager. Back then, crypto was still niche. Many investors viewed it as a pump and dump scam, he recalls. Zhou had an early interest in crypto, but found that platforms at the time were often overloaded whenever Bitcoin moved. He started Bybit in Shanghai, recruiting a team of about 15 software engineers from major Chinese tech firms like Tencent and Alibaba. After China banned crypto mining and trading in 2021, Zhou relocated his team to Singapore; a year later, he moved again to Dubai, drawn by the UAEs crypto-friendly regulations, including no taxation on crypto income or capital gains, and a clear regulatory framework for digital assets. Today, Bybit operates globally in over 180 countries, though the platform doesnt offer services in several others, including the U.S., Canada, China and Singapore. All 23 people on a Lao military helicopter that crashed earlier this week while traveling to northern Laos have been confirmed dead, military officials and state media said Thursday, though the cause of the accident remains unknown. Air traffic control in the capital Vientiane lost contact with the MI-17 helicopterregistration number RDPL-34062at 1:10 p.m. local time on July 27, shortly after it departed Wattay International Airport, heading for Houaphan and Xieng Khuang provinces. The aircraft was located Wednesday crashed in a remote area of Xaysomboun provinces Longchaeng district, a Lao military official told RFAs Lao Service, adding that all 19 passengers and four crew members were killed in the accident. We have accessed the crash siteall the people on board were killed because the helicopter hit a mountain in eastern Longchaeng district, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The recovery team can now retrieve all the bodies from the crash site. An official with Division 703 of the Lao Air Force told RFA that the remains of the dead would be flown to Vientiane for identification and then turned over to relatives for funeral proceedings. Lao state media cited a Ministry of Defense statement Thursday confirming that all people aboard the helicopter died in the crash. The ministry said that an investigation is underway into the cause of the crash, but preliminary findings suggest recent heavy rains and extreme weather in the region is likely to blame. The weather has also hampered recovery efforts by a task force committee assigned to the site, which is reportedly located deep in in the jungle on a slope of Phu Bia Mountain in Longchaeng. On Wednesday, a senior official from the Ministry of Defense told RFA that at least one of the 19 passengers was a high-ranking military patient who had received treatment in Hospital 103 in Vientiane and was returning to Houaphan province. Hospital 103 is a military hospital operated by the Ministry of Defense which was built to treat soldiers. A doctor from Hospital 103 told RFA on Wednesday that three other passengers were health professionals from the facility accompanying the patient in the helicopter. The identities of the other passengers and crew members were not immediately known. Recent air disasters Aircraft in impoverished Laos are mostly outdated, and the country has suffered at least two major air disasters within the last two years. On May 17 last year, a Ukrainian-made Antonov AN-74TK-300 aircraft owned by the Lao military crashed while approaching an airport in Xiengkhuang, killing 17 passengers, including Lao Deputy Prime Minister Douangchay Phichit, Minister of Public Security Thongbanh Sengaphone, and two other high-ranking officials. The group was en route to attend the 55th anniversary of strategic gains made by the Lao military during the Indochina War, according to state media. The crash, which was attributed to a technical error by the pilot, is the second deadliest air disaster in Lao history, after the crash of Lao Airlines Flight 301 seven months earlier. On Oct. 16, 2013, Flight 301an ATR-72 turbopropplunged into the Mekong River during bad weather as it approached Pakse Airport in southern Laoss Champasak province, killing all 49 passengers. Six Australians, seven French, five Thai, three South Koreans, two Vietnamese, as well as passengers from China, Myanmar, Taiwan and the U.S. were killed in the crash, which was also attributed to pilot error. Reported by RFAs Lao Service. Translated by Ounkeo Souksavanh. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Republika Srpska's government has handed a roughly $938 million wind power project to a little-known Chinese-Singaporean consortium without a public tender, prompting questions about transparency and oversight in Bosnia-Herzegovina's Serb-majority entity. The project, which is now called the Leotar Wind Farm and planned to be constructed near the southern city of Trebinje, was granted to the company through direct negotiations rather than a competitive bidding process despite legal provisions that prioritize public tenders for concessions involving natural resources. In 2025, Republika Srpska's government signed a cooperation agreement with a consortium composed of Zhongji Construction Group from China and Zodic Energy, a Singapore-registered firm with only three employees and less than a year of documented business activity. No public tender was announced, no competing bids were disclosed, and no detailed evaluation of the investors' technical or financial capacity has been made public. Previously, the project had been awarded -- also without a public tender -- to another Chinese-Singaporean consortium, Zhongbo Group and China Power, which signed an agreement with Republika Srpska's government in 2024. That consortium later withdrew from the project for reasons that were never officially explained. The episode, watchdog groups say, is illustrative of how Republika Srpska's government uses murky legal loopholes to court Chinese investment and limit oversight for large-scale resource projects. "This structure makes it difficult to verify the credibility of investors and creates risks of conflicts of interest or concealment of ties between actors," Transparency International's Bosnia-Herzegovina office said in a late December report about the deal. The report added that such deals "leave room for suspicion about the legality of the procedure and the possibility of favoring certain investors," and that the case highlights the weaknesses in the management of natural resources and large infrastructure projects in Republika Srpska. Loopholes And Transparency Concerns That lack of transparency also feeds broader geopolitical concerns in Republika Srpska and the Balkans. The European Union and the United States have repeatedly warned that Bosnia-Herzegovina is particularly exposed to murky Chinese investment practices. During a hearing in December, US Congressman Keith Self warned that China uses economic projects in the Western Balkans to exploit weak governance and corruption, and a November report by the European Council on Foreign Relations ranked Bosnia-Herzegovina among the countries most exposed to Chinese influence in the region. Under the law of Republika Srpska, concessions are generally meant to be awarded through public tenders. However, the same law allows exceptions if the government signs a direct agreement with a specific investor. Watchdog groups describe that provision as a loophole that undermines competitive and transparent decision-making. Following the withdrawal of the first Chinese-Singaporean consortium, the nearly $1 billion project was rebranded from Trebinje 1 to Leotar and reassigned to the new investors, again through closed negotiations. Republika Srpska's Energy and Mining Ministry told RFE/RL that the cooperation agreement with the Chinese and Singaporean partners was signed on October 3, 2025, but did not specify who signed it on behalf of the investors. The ministry stated that Zodic Energy is obligated to secure permits and financing and to construct the wind farm, after which a concession agreement could be finalized. If approved, the investors would pay a concession fee of 7.8 million convertible marks ($4.6 million) to the budget of Republika Srpska. Officials did respond to questions about why a public tender was not held or how the government assessed the credibility of the investors. Who Are the Investors? Publicly available information about the companies involved remains sparse. Zodic Energy, which officially applied for the concession, was registered in Singapore in March 2025. The company has no website, no publicly listed contact details, and no disclosed track record in large-scale wind energy projects. Zhongji Construction Group, headquartered in Beijing, claims on its website to operate in sectors ranging from renewable energy and smart agriculture to drone production and international trade, with annual business volume reportedly exceeding $2.6 billion. However, it provides no project-specific details for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its precise role in the Leotar wind farm remains unclear. Despite being a signatory to the cooperation agreement, authorities of the Republika Srpska confirmed that only Zodic Energy formally applied for the concession, raising questions about Zhongji's actual responsibilities and financial exposure. Further ambiguity surrounds the ownership trail left by the previous consortium. The withdrawn investors had established Zhongbo Group d.o.o. Banja Luka in September 2024. When the new consortium took over the project, it also acquired this local company. According to Republika Srspka's business register, Zhongbo Group d.o.o. has no listed phone number or e-mail address. Its registered office in central Banja Luka, at Aleja Svetog Save 7A, houses mostly law firms, with no visible sign of business activity. The company's director, listed as Zhang Wei, did not respond to RFE/RL's request for comment. A Pattern of Costly Disputes Transparency International's Bosnia-Herzegovina office stresses in their report that Republika Srpska has a history of controversial concession deals that later resulted in international arbitration and major financial losses. They cite a case involving the Slovenian firm Viaduct, where Republika Srspka was ordered by Bosnia-Herzegovina's High Representative to pay the equivalent of $67 milliom in compensation to the company after unlawfully terminating a hydroelectric project. The entity's authorities are also in the process of taking over the coal mining concession held by Comsar Energy, owned by Russian oligarch Rashid Sardarov, who is seeking more than $140 million in damages. Concerns persist at the local level, as well. The Trebinje city assembly has approved the preparation of a zoning plan for the wind farm awarded to the Chinese-Singaporean concession, but opposition councilors say they were given no meaningful information about the investors. The project still requires approval from Republika Srpska's Concessions Commission and the entity government, followed by years of permitting, planning, and financing. Construction, officials say, could last five to seven years. "You come to the assembly, you are presented with such a decision, and you know nothing about the contractors who are supposed to take on this serious job," Dajana Milisic, an opposition councilor in Trebinje's city assembly, told RFE/RL. Zahra Bahlolipour, a 23-year-old student in Tehran, was fatally shot by security forces during a protest against Iran's authoritarian regime on January 8. Her university classmates have been posting tributes to a beloved friend known as Raha. Bahlolipour is among more than 5,000 victims reported killed in the state crackdown on the protest movement, but the full scale of the violence has yet to come to light. Images of bodies in the northern Iranian city of Rasht have emerged on social media following reports of a massacre by security forces during protests earlier this month. An exiled Iranian human rights attorney who spoke to witnesses inside Iran told RFE/RL that security forces fired at people trapped inside a bazaar. He also said Iranian lawyers were being rounded up as part of a wave of mass arrests and disappearances. More than 5,000 people have been killed in the crackdown, according to the human rights group, HRANA. Ukraine has condemned a massive Russian attack overnight and into January 24 as an attempt to upend peace negotiations in the United Arab Emirates aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long full-scale war. As negotiators from the United States, Russia, and Ukraine concluded their second day of talks in the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi, on January 24, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the negotiations as "constructive," adding that further meetings could take place next week. Earlier on the same day, at least one person was killed and scores more were injured in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and the frontline city of Kharkiv. Both Ukrainian cities were hit with Russian missile and drone barrages in the early morning hours of January 24, according to local authorities. "Cynically, Putin ordered a brutal, massive missile strike against Ukraine right while delegations are meeting in Abu Dhabi to advance the America-led peace process," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha wrote on X. "His missiles hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table," he added. Ukrainian authorities said Moscow fired over 370 attack drones and 21 missiles of various types. In Kyiv, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said over 6,000 apartment buildings lost heating after the attack, and fire crews struggled to contain several blazes. He said that the houses that lost power had their central heating recently restored after large-scale air strikes on January 9 and January 20. Temperatures in Kyiv hovered around -10 Celsius on January 24 as thousands of households were left without heating. In Kharkiv, a nighttime drone attack injured 27 people, according regional head Oleh Syniehubov. City mayor Ihor Terekhov said the attack lasted nearly two and a half hours with one of the drones striking a refugee dormitory, and other strikes damaging a hospital and a maternity hospital. The Russian strikes have also left more than 1.2 million properties across the country without power. "Every such Russian strike on our energy infrastructure proves that there must be no delays in supplying air defenses," Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said after the attacks. "No blind eye can be turned to these strikes." Meanwhile, in the first direct contact between Russia and Ukraine in months, negotiations in Abu Dhabi were expected to continue on January 24. Neither side has announced any concrete results so far. Ahead of the negotiations, Kremlin aides said Russian President Vladimir Putin was satisfied with nearly four hours of talks held overnight with White House envoy Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and US officials. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia's longstanding demand that Ukrainian forces leave the portion of the Donbas they still hold. The Donbas is a wide swath of territory in eastern Ukraine; Russia controls around 90 percent of it. "Russia's well-known position is that [Ukraine's armed forces] must leave the territory of the Donbas, they must be withdrawn from there," Peskov told journalists. "This is a very important precondition." Zelenskyy, who met with US President Donald Trump in Switzerland a day earlier, told reporters the talks would include the issue of territory in the Donbas. With reporting by Reuters and AFP The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK) is one of the best large cap value stocks to buy in 2026. On January 14, Truist raised its price target on BNY Mellon to $136 from $134 and maintained a Buy rating after its Q4 2025 earnings results. The firm also raised its 2027 EPS forecast by $0.15 to $9.55, a sentiment driven by a stronger outlook for fees and net interest income. While the firm noted a slight headwind from higher expenses and a slower pace of share buybacks, the overall growth in core revenue is expected to drive higher profitability. Morgan Stanley also increased its price target for BNY Mellon to $132 from $124, while keeping an Overweight rating. This adjustment followed the banks impressive 27.4% ROTCE and its 8th consecutive quarter of positive operating leverage. The firm also pointed to an optimistic 2026 outlook, which anticipates an additional increase in operating leverage of over 100 basis points. Truist Expects Core Revenue Growth to Drive BNY Mellon (BK) Profitability Despite Expense, Buyback Headwinds Additionally, BofA increased its price target for The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK) to $142 from $140 while reiterating a Buy rating. The firm suggested that the combination of Q4 2025 performance and managements guidance should support investor confidence. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK) provides a range of financial products and services in the US and internationally. It operates through four segments: Securities Services, Market & Wealth Services, Investment & Wealth Management, and Other. While we acknowledge the potential of BK 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. Just before President Trump announced his sweeping tariffs on Liberation Day last spring, the White House celebrated Februarys gain of 10,000 manufacturing jobs, noting that more than 100,000 positions in the sector had been shed in the final year of the Biden administration. Manufacturing is Roaring Back, the White House website declared. But such gains were short-lived. Manufacturing jobs began to slide again in May and havent stopped declining. 72,000 manufacturing positions have been lost since Aprils tariffs announcement, including 8,000 roles in December alone. What gives? What were seeing is certainly a continuation of trends that began before the Trump administration, Gordon Hanson, an economist and professor in urban policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, told Yahoo Finance. But the tariffs havent helped. Indeed, millions of manufacturing jobs have disappeared from the US since 1979 amid a combination of powerful trends, Hanson said, including automation, the continuing effects of the China trade, and the fact that the US has not done a lot of the things you need to do to restore manufacturing prowess. Tariffs are hardly the solution to those problems, Hanson said though Trump insists otherwise. He vowed in April that jobs and factories would come roaring back into our country as levies on imports boosted locally produced goods. While tariffs do reduce import competition, they can also increase the cost of key components for domestic manufacturers. Take US electric vehicle plants that rely on batteries made with rare earth elements imported from overseas, for instance. Some parts simply arent made in the United States. Read more: What are rare earth minerals, and why are they important? As for sectors that had already largely left the US, like apparel and textile manufacturing, a lot of those industries are just substantially gone, Hanson said, meaning there arent many existing factories where production could be ramped up and hires could be made. Do you have a story about navigating the job market? Reach out to Emma Ockerman here. Manufacturing is hardly the only industry to add few workers these days: Job growth remains paltry across the board, and what hiring does exist is largely being driven by the healthcare and social assistance sectors. President Trump tours the assembly line at the Ford River Rouge Complex on Jan. 13 in Dearborn, Mich. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images 'Difficult for businesses to plan' Then theres the uncertainty caused by the administrations whipsawing tariff policies, which can lead employers to pull back on hiring as they await greater clarity. If Trump just picked a number whatever it was, 10% or 15% to 20% we might all say its bad, Id say its bad, I think most economists would say its bad, Dean Baker, senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, said. But the worst thing is theres no certainty about it. TABLE QUIZ FUNDRAISER A table quiz will be held in St Faithleachs GAA Club, Ballyleague on Friday, January 23rd at 8.30 p.m.. Table of 4, 40 per table. Raffle will be held on night. All proceeds going towards St Mary's Church, Ballagh. IRISH LANGUAGE CLASSES Irish language classes for adults will continue in Cruachan Ai (F45HH51) Tulsk on Wednesday, January 28thfrom 6.30 p.m. to 8 p.m.. This course is suitable for all levels with an emphasis on conversational Irish. Beginners are welcome. It will run every Wednesday for nine weeks and there is a nominal fee of 80. This course is being supported by Roscommon County Council and Boyle Municipal District. For further information contact Maire, 086 6095402. Bigi linn. SCDA FORTNIGHTLY DRAW Results of the SCDA draw held on January 6th - numbers drawn - 11, 13,16 18. Two Lucky Dip winners - Margaret McHugh, Elphin Street and Bridget O'Malley, Vesnoy. Next draw is on Tuesday, January 20th at the SCDA office. Jackpot - 900. Thank you for your continued support. SUNDAY MASS Mass at Kiltrustan Church on Sunday, January 25th is at 10 a.m.. ALONE Would you be willing to provide companionship to an older person locally? ALONE is seeking volunteers in the Strokestown area. Full training and support provided. If interested, please apply via the ALONE website at www.alone.ie or for further information call 081 222024. LOURDES GROUP QUIZ The Strokestown Lourdes Group will hold a Table Quiz in the Percy French Hotel on Friday, January 23rd at 8.30 p.m., 40 for a table of four. Raffle and finger food on the night. All funds raised go to the Lourdes Assisted Pilgrimage Fund 2026. Your support would be greatly appreciated. SPCA Roscommon SPCA sincerely thanks all who donated to the recent church gate collection. Amounts received - Strokestown,217.90; Carniska, 70.50 and Kiltrustan, 119.50. YOGA SESSIONS Yin yoga sessions resume on Saturday, February 7th at Strokestown Park, facilitated by psychologist, Marianne Fallon. This is an ideal way to renew and reinvigorate your energies for spring. Ann Marie and Gerry Burke, Hillstreet, pictured at a cabaret night in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. Pic: Gerard OLoughlin SCDA RAFFLE The results of the SCDA fundraising Christmas raffle, 2025 - 1st, Hanly's Eurospar 150 food voucher - April Duignan; 2nd, SCDA 100 voucher - William Compton; 3rd, Eugene Murphy sponsored Voucher at "The Silver Eel" - Annabelle Travers; 4th, SuperValu 75 voucher -Tris Kelly; 5th, Joe Murphy sponsored bottle of whiskey - Billy Diamond; 6th, Eugene Murphy sponsored Christmas cake - Connor Neary. SCDA congratulates all the prize winners and gratefully thanks all the sponsors and all who supported the raffle. LATE MR P. J. KEARNS The death took place recently at Mullingar General Hospital of Mr Packie Joe Kearns of The Maples, Strokestown. A native of Borefield, Strokestown, he was son of the late Mr Mick Kearns and of the late Mrs Kate Kearns (nee Conneally). He was a highly respected member of the Brothers of Charity community based in Strokestown. News of his passing at the age of 82 years was heard of with deep regret among his relatives, many friends, and the staff of the Brothers of Charity. He was predeceased by his brothers, Anthony and Des, sister, Mrs Annie Ruane (County Westmeath), brothers-in-law, J.J., Frank and Tony, and nephew, Gerard. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at Kiltrustan Church and the interment followed in Strokestown Cemetery. He is survived by his brother, Michael (The Maples); sisters, Mrs Mary Owens (Annaghmore), Mrs Bridie Herity (UK), Mrs Elizabeth McWeeney (Dublin), Mrs Pauline Casserly (Elphin Street) and Mrs Collette McLoughlin (Cloonfree), nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, brothers in-law, and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended. LATE MRS HARRIET COX The death took place recently at Thomond Lodge Nursing Home, Ballymahon, County Longford, of Mrs Harriet Cox (nee Walshe) of Church View House, Kilglass, wife of the late Mr Austin Cox. A native of Ballinrobe, County Mayo, she was daughter of the late Mr Peter Walshe and of the late Mrs Siobhan Walshe. She had a noted interest in horse breeding and was an annual exhibitor along with her husband at Strokestown Agricultural Show and other shows around the country and at the RDS in Dublin. She spearheaded the development of farmhouse accommodation in the county to answer a need to attract coarse anglers from the UK and the Continent. This supplemented the hotel accommodation already available in the area. Her talents were recognised when she was nominated a director of the Midland Regional Tourism Organisation and successfully served on its committee for many years. She also enjoyed horse racing. She also assisted her husband in the running of the family farm. News of her passing, in her 92nd year, was heard of with deep sorrow among her relatives, neighbours and friends. She was predeceased by her brother, John, and by her son-in-law, Ross. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at the Sacred Heart Church, Kilglass, and the interment followed in Kilglass Cemetery. She is survived by her son, Tom; daughters, Siobhan, Avril, Linda and Shirley; sisters, Helen and Joan; daughter-in-law, Carmel; sons-in-law, Adrian, Jerry and John; grandchildren, Billy, Andrew, Alexandra, Austin, Brad, Lucinda, Genevieve, Mark, Adrianna, James, William and Charlotte; great-grandchildren, Theodore, Elliot, Victoria Harriet, Summer and Seanna, nieces, nephews and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended. ROOSKY/KILGLASS KILGLASS GAELS LOTTO In the Kilglass Gaels Lotto held on January 17th the numbers drawn were: 9, 11, 15, 18 Bonus Number, 25. There was no jackpot winner. There was one Match 3 number winner of 200, Isla Reilly. Next week's jackpot 8,900 for four correct numbers, 12,900 for four correct numbers plus Bonus Number. Next draw takes place in the clubrooms on Saturday, January 24th. Tracey Beirne, Claire ODonovan, Louise Fallon, Michelle Tarpey and Alister Beegan, pictured at a Western Alzheimers charity walk in Roscommon. Pic: Gerard OLoughlin BALLINAMUCK SOCIAL DANCING & COMMUNITY GATHERING The next social evening is Sunday, January 25th from 5 7 p.m. in the !98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck Village (N39 Y7C1). Music by Tom Moran. A great opportunity for a dance, a cuppa, and a catch-up with friends old and new. Newcomers are always welcome. For more information contact Aisling 086 3663901. PROGRESSIVE 25 Progressive 25 continues in Kilglass GAA Centre on Tuesdays at 8.30 p.m.. Last week's winners were: joint 1st, Oliver Compton & Charlie Reynolds; joint 2nd, Aidan Cassidy & Mickey Treacy; raffle, Willie Lyttle. New players welcome. TABLE QUIZ A Table Quiz in aid of Strokestown branch of the Lourdes Invalid Fund will take place at the Percy French Hotel on Friday, January 23rd at 8.30 p.m., 40 per table of four. Raffle and finger food. Your support would be greatly appreciated. KILGLASS GAELS LADIES BONUS BALL This week's Kilglass Ladies Bonus Ball number was 12. Winners, Sheila Lawe & Margaret Duffy, 50 each. YOGA Women's health yoga classes continue at 7 p.m. on Thursdays in the Community Centre, Roosky. These classes focus on functional movement using Pilates bands to build strength. There is also a focus on the importance of keeping the pelvic floor strong through exercise and lifestyle changes. Limited places remain. Message Kate on 087 2562 348 if you are interested in joining. Chair yoga continues at 12 noon on Thursdays. Alison O'Riordan An associate of the Dundon McCarthy gang who fatally shot Noel Campion 19 years ago told multiple people - including a police officer in the US - that he had killed a man, the Central Criminal Court was told on Friday evening. The court heard during today's sentence hearing for 42-year-old Darragh Quinlivan that he later characterised what he had said as "sh**e talk" and sarcasm. Quinlivan had originally been charged with the murder of Mr Campion (35) on the northside of Limerick city on April 26th, 2007. However, when arraigned before the Central Criminal Court last week, Quinlivan, originally from Limerick City but with an address at Ranswell Close, Bolton, Manchester in the UK, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life at or about the junction of High Road and Thomondgate in Limerick. He has also pleaded guilty that on the same occasion with the purpose of enhancing the ability of a criminal organisation, being the Dundon McCarthy organised criminal group, to commit a serious offence in the State, to wit the murder of Mr Campion, did knowingly participate in the activity of that criminal organisation by shooting dead the said Mr Campion. Mr Campion was shot dead as he was riding as a back passenger on a motorbike at Thomondgate in Limerick City - close to St Munchin's Church. Prosecution counsel, Dean Kelly SC, previously told the court that Quinlivan was not pleading guilty to the offence of murder. Sentence hearing Inspector Fergal Hanrahan detailed the events of the morning of April 26th, 2007, telling Mr Kelly that the deceased Noel Campion had been due to appear in Limerick District Court for road traffic offences. Mr Kelly said Mr Campion had travelled towards the city as a pavilion passenger on a motorcycle being driven by Brian 'Spider' Scanlan, who was in a relationship with the deceased's sister. The Insp said the men were stopped in traffic behind a truck when 'lone male' Darragh Quinlivan walked out from a nearby phone booth and discharged a firearm a number of times, leading to the death of Mr Campion. An eyewitness, who later rang 999, said that as he was parking his van a man in a red hoodie, who was about to open the door of the phone kiosk, had pulled a hood down over his forehead. The witness said the shooter outstretched his right hand as the motorcycle passed him and fired four shots into the back of the pavilion passenger. Insp Hanrahan said Quinlivan made his getaway in a Volkswagen Passat and left the scene at speed in the direction of Moyross. The vehicle was later found partially burnt out. The court heard that an "extremely quick response" was made by gardai and paramedics, who commenced cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Mr Campion. This continued en route to the hospital where it was noted that Mr Campion was in cardiac arrest with gunshot wounds to the front of the abdomen, said counsel. Mr Campion, the lawyer said, was ultimately pronounced dead at 11:25am that morning; around 40 minutes after the shooting. There were eight gunshot wounds with four entry and four exit wounds. He died from blood loss from those injuries and had significant damage to the aorta. At 8:45pm that night, gardai observed Quinlivan accompanied by seven other members of the McCarthy-Dundon gang drinking and behaving in a celebratory mood. A short time later on May 1st, 2007, the court heard, Quinlivan went to the garda station to have a passport signed. On May 2nd, 2007, the witness said Quinlivan appeared before Nenagh Circuit Court on an unrelated matter regarding the taking of a car. Quinlivan gave evidence, where he said it was his intention to leave Ireland to move to the US, where work was waiting for him. The defendant said it was his desire to leave the country as soon as he possibly could due to his involvement in a feud. Mr Kelly said in 2007 there was a feud between the Keane-Collopy and the McCarthy-Dundon gangs. The barrister said that gardai later received confidential information which caused the investigation to focus on Quinlivan. On May 10th, 2007, two gardaimet the defendant by appointment and took a voluntary cautioned interview about the morning of April 26th. Asked to account for his movements, Quinlivan told officers he had stayed in his parents house on the night of April 25th. The defendant said he woke the next morning around 10:45am to a phone call from someone at the courthouse to say Mr Campion had been shot. "In essence he provided his own alibi and the news of the shooting caused him to get up," remarked Mr Kelly. Quinlivan said he left his parents house that morning and went to visit the grave of his friend Frankie Ryan, who had died in 2006. Insp Hanrahan said Gary Campion is a brother of Noel and is serving a life sentence for this murder. When gardai spoke to Quinlivan again four days later, the defendant said he recalled driving around in convoy with other cars and had gone to a party in John Dundon's house. On May 25th, 2007, George Quinlivan was asked to account for his son's movements and he said Darragh was asleep in bed on the morning of April 26th. Darragh Quinlivan, Mr Kelly said, left Ireland on June 6th, 2007, with his passport obtained in the days after the shooting. The defendant travelled to Tacoma in Washington State, where he lived and worked for the next six months. Counsel said in the early hours of January 13th, 2008 local police were called to a domestic incident in a house, where the defendant and his uncle had a significant argument which strayed into violence. One of the officers arrested Quinlivan and observed he was so drunk that when he was travelling to the police station he had trouble talking and walking. The policeman said Quinlivan told him: "You know why I'm here, I killed a man in Ireland" and then named the man as being 'Noel'. The defendant said he had shot the man in the back of the head "execution style". The officer also stated that Quinlivan said all the bullets were to the deceased man's trunk, none to the head and that he had killed him in retaliation for 'Noel' having killed a friend of his. Another family friend said in a statement to police in August 2007 that Quinlivan had told her he had done something back home. She asked Quinlivan if he had killed someone, and she said he neither admitted nor denied that was the case. Another woman said the defendant told her he was in the US as he had killed a member of an opposing gang and she recollected a motorbike being mentioned. She said Quinlivan told her he walked out and shot "the guy with a handgun". She said the defendant made the gesture of a handgun and said 'bang bang'. The wife of Quinlivan's uncle also told police that while the defendant was living with them, he said he had killed someone but hadn't mentioned the name. Mr Kelly said these revelations were brought to the attention of gardai in Ireland to see if they were of assistance. Quinlivan later denied to police in the US that he had murdered Mr Campion, adding that he hadn't fled there and that it was a planned trip. The defendant said he was closest to the Dundons and "couldn't get closer". The defendant, Mr Kelly said, was deported back to Ireland from the US in 2008 and characterised what he said to the officer in the US as "sh**e talk" and sarcasm. Insp Hanrahan said the evidence in the case had been available to gardai some years ago and it was recommenced as a cold case review in 2022. The witness said Quinlivan was a close associate of the McCarthy-Dundon criminal gang and was believed to have accidentally discharged a firearm at a house party in 2006, where a woman was injured. "It was believed to have been not an incident of deliberate criminality but rather highly reckless horseplay, which led to her suffering a gun wound," said Mr Kelly. Quinlivan has 24 previous convictions, including those for robbery with a firearm and the unauthorised taking of a MPV. Under cross-examination, the Insp agreed with Seamus Clarke SC, defending, that a significant amount of evidence the State was to rely on at trial in essence came from Quinlivan's own mouth, including what he had said to people in the US with drink on board. The detective further agreed with the lawyer that his client had removed himself from Limerick City after 2012 and moved to the UK, where he got a job, settled down and "took a turn in the road for the good". The detective agreed with the prosecutor that gardai are of the view that the killing of Noel Campion was directed by the McCarthy-Dundon criminal organisation. In his submissions, Mr Clarke said that his client wasn't somebody who was tight-lipped and had kept to himself in the past, but he was now the epitome of a family man and had worked hard the last 13 years for his three children. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded Quinlivan in custody until February 9th, when he will be sentenced. Kenneth Fox Saturday's front pages focus on a range of stories, from the Defence Forces quietly retiring its fleet of 27 light armoured vehicles to a man being given life in prison for the murder of Bruna Fonseca. The Irish Times reports that the Defence Forces quietly retired its fleet of 27 light armoured vehicles after they proved disastrous in the field. The Irish Examiner reports that the Brazilian family of the 28-year-old woman whose former boyfriend was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder were not driven by hate but by love and the search for justice. The Echo leads with tributes from TDs, mayors and councillors to former MEP Brian Crowley, who died at CUH in the early hours of Friday morning, after a long illness. Saturday's Mail is a must-read pic.twitter.com/kA91h3dbPW The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) January 23, 2026 The UFBU noted that while the IBA agreed to the five-day model during wage settlements in March 2024, government approval is still awaited. File Photo. To mitigate concerns over lost productivity, the unions have offered to increase daily working hours by 40 minutes from Monday to Friday. UFBU Confirms Nationwide Bank Strike on Jan 27: Services Likely to be Impacted Advertisement Banking operations across the country are set to face major disruptions as employees prepare for a nationwide strike on January 27. Organised by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), the strike aims to pressurise the government to approve a long-pending demand for a five-day work week. If the strike proceeds, public sector banks will effectively remain closed for three consecutive days, as January 25 and 26 are already scheduled holidays. The decision to proceed with the January 27 strike follows the failure of two-day conciliation talks hosted by the Chief Labour Commissioner on Wednesday and Thursday. Advertisement According to a statement from the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), which represents nine major officer and employee unions, the discussions yielded no positive outcome despite the participation of senior officials from the Indian Banks Association (IBA) and the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance. The UFBU noted that while the IBA agreed to the five-day model during wage settlements in March 2024, government approval is still awaited. To mitigate concerns over lost productivity, the unions have offered to increase daily working hours by 40 minutes from Monday to Friday. The forum argued that there is "no justification" for further delay, pointing out that the RBI, LIC, and various government offices already operate on a five-day schedule. Most public sector banks have already begun notifying customers of the potential service interruptions. Advertisement Source: The Tribune Delhi: Patiala House Court grants parole to Engineer Rashid; Allowed to attend Parliament's Budget Session Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who previously represented Rashid, told Scroll, The NIA has no material against him. Engineer Rashid News: Patiala House Court in Delhi on Saturday granted parole to Baramulla (Jammu and Kashmir) MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, allowing him to attend the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament, news agency ANI reported. The Budget Session is scheduled to be held from January 28 to April 2. Engineer Rashid has been permitted to attend Parliament on the days when the House is in session during this period. Advertisement Counsel for the Baramulla MP, Advocate Nishita Gupta, confirmed to ANI that the court had granted him parole and permission to attend the session. Rashid has been lodged in Tihar Jail since 2019 in connection with an alleged terror-funding case. The case dates back to 2017, when the National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered an FIR against several separatist leaders in Kashmir, alleging that they had received funding from Pakistan to disrupt peace in India. Rashid was interrogated by the NIA in October 2017 and was later arrested in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, according to a detailed report by Scroll. Advertisement Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who previously represented Rashid, told Scroll, The NIA has no material against him. Rashid has described the charges against him as absolutely fake and irrelevant, according to Scroll. (For more news apart from Delhi: Patiala House Court grants parole to Engineer Rashid; Allowed to attend Parliaments Budget Session," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) National Voters' Day: ECI to launch 2025: A Year of Initiatives and Innovations and Chunav Ka Parv, Bihar Ka Garv' Publications The National Voters' Day celebrations will be held simultaneously across the country at the State and District levels... National Voters' Day 2026: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to celebrate the 16th National Voters Day (NVD)2026 on Sunday in New Delhi, with the Chief Election Commissioner leading the event, the ECI said in a press release on Saturday. President Droupadi Murmu, who will attend the event as the Chief Guest, will hand over Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) to newly enrolled young voters. Advertisement The President will also present the Best Electoral Practices Awards in various categories, including effective use of technology, election management and logistics, innovative voter awareness initiatives, implementation and enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, training and capacity building, along with other special awards, including awards for the media. According to the ECI, the event will mark the launch of two publications2025: A Year of Initiatives and Innovations and Chunav Ka Parv, Bihar Ka Garv, a publication documenting the successful conduct of the General Elections in Bihar. A video highlighting the ECIs global leadership in electoral management and democratic development will also be screened on the occasion. Additionally, a dedicated exhibition showcasing various aspects of the electoral process, including the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections, will be organised. The exhibition will also highlight recent initiatives undertaken by the ECI for the "benefit of voters and the successful conduct of the Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections, 2025". Advertisement The National Voters Day celebrations will be held simultaneously across the country at the State and District levels through the offices of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) and District Election Officers (DEOs), the ECI said. It added that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will organise events at their respective polling stations, felicitate newly registered voters, and hand over EPICs to new electors. Advertisement Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge), Arjun Ram Meghwal, will be the Guest of Honour at the event in New Delhi. Chief Election Commissioner will lead the event, along with Election Commissioners, Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi. (For more news apart from National Voters' Day: ECI to launch 2025: A Year of Initiatives and Innovations and Chunav Ka Parv, Bihar Ka Garv Publications ," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) US President Donald Trump has sued JPMorgan Chase and its CEO Jamie Dimon, according to reports, following through with threats after the banking giant allegedly denied him services. The $5 billion lawsuit alleges the lender stopped offering President Trump and his businesses banking services for political reasons, according to a report from Bloomberg that cited court documents. The US president over the weekend wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he would sue the bank after it debanked him. The lawsuit comes as the Trump family pushes further into crypto. The presidents sons have claimed they had no choice but to use digital assets because of blacklisting by major lenders. JPMorgan Chase said in a statement that the lawsuit has no merit and that the banking giant does not close client accounts for political or religious reasons. Trumps lawyer did not immediately return DL News request for comment. Trump family ventures The Trump family particularly sons Eric and Donald Jr. have said that unfair banking practices pushed them into crypto. We got into crypto because we were debanked, Donald Jr. said in a Fox News interview last year, adding that crypto was absolutely the future of banking. The Trump family-backed crypto company World Liberty Financial claims it will unlock financial access for all by replacing the limits of traditional banking. World Liberty Financial applied for a banking licence earlier this month in a bid to get its stablecoin used by institutions and retail investors. Crypto proponents have long claimed that limited access to traditional financial services and banks will fuel the success of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. And many US-based digital asset firms claim to have struggled to maintain or open bank accounts in recent years. President Trumps campaign promises included an end to the Biden Administrations crackdown on the crypto industry, which earned him backing from prominent digital asset entrepreneurs. Since the Republican took office, he has introduced a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, appointed crypto-friendly regulators, and signed crypto-friendly legislation such as the Genius Act, which establishes a framework for regulating stablecoins. Ahead of his inauguration, President Trump even debuted a memecoin, TRUMP, which has fallen 93% after briefly touching $73 per token. The Trump Organization has already sued Capital One over alleged debanking. Eric had previously described the bank as woke. Update, January 23: This story has been updated to add a statement from JPMorgan Chase. Mathew Di Salvo is a news correspondent with DL News. Got a tip? Email at mdisalvo@dlnews.com. Republic Day 2026: CCTV Control Room with Over 1,000 HD Cameras Set Up at Kartavya Path The control room is integrated with a Facial Recognition System (FRS)... Republic Day 2026: A CCTV control room has been set up at Kartavya Path as part of the security arrangements for Republic Day 2026, ensuring tight security ahead of the celebrations. According to ANI, over 1,000 HD cameras have been installed along the parade route to monitor activities in real time. Six CCTV control rooms have been established inside metal containers, one of which is located at Kartavya Path. Advertisement The control room is integrated with a Facial Recognition System (FRS), with criminal data fed into the system for real-time monitoring and identification. DCP Traffic, New Delhi, Rajeev Kumar told ANI that a detailed security plan is in place. He added that a controlled zone has been created around the parade area, which can be accessed only by individuals possessing valid vehicle passes. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will be the chief guest on the occasion. Advertisement Also Read: Republic Day 2026: 10,000 special guests, incl Participants of Mann ki Baat'; Check Categories (For more news apart from Republic Day 2026: CCTV Control Room with Over 1,000 HD Cameras Set Up at Kartavya Path," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) This initiative is currently being rolled out on an experimental basis. File Photo. The return journey must be completed on the same date as specified on the ticket. Smart Commute: Kolkata Metro Ends Double Queues with Experimental QR Return Facility The Kolkata Metro Railway has officially introduced a return ticket facility using QR codes across all its corridors to streamline passenger travel. The new service, which became operational on Saturday, allows commuters to book their round-trip journey in a single transaction, significantly reducing travel time. Advertisement According to a Metro Railway spokesperson, the primary objective of this experimental facility is to save passengers from the challenge of standing in long queues at the destination station for a return ticket. Under the new system, commuters can purchase a return journey QR code ticket at their starting point. However, the official emphasized a key condition: the return journey must be completed on the same date as specified on the ticket. Authorities have requested passengers carefully preserve their QR tickets for the return leg of their journey. This initiative is currently being rolled out on an experimental basis across the entire network, including the Dakshineswar-Sahid Khudiram, Howrah Maidan-Salt Lake Sector V, and Joka-Majerhat corridors. Advertisement Source: The Tribune According to a post on X by the airline on Saturday, the weather system is expected to have a significant impact on flight operations from early Sunday morning through Monday. File Photo. Air India currently operates daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai to New York, as well as daily services between Delhi and Newark. Travel Alert: Air India Grounds New York and Newark Flights for Jan 25-26 Air India has announced the cancellation of all flights to and from New York and Newark scheduled for January 25 and 26. The decision follows forecasts of a severe winter storm with heavy snow expected to hit New York, New Jersey, and adjoining areas on the US East Coast. Advertisement According to a post on X by the airline on Saturday, the weather system is expected to have a significant impact on flight operations from early Sunday morning through Monday. Air India currently operates daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai to New York, as well as daily services between Delhi and Newark. Flights between Mumbai and Newark are also operated on specific days of the week. According to the airline, the cancellations were made in view of the safety, well-being, and convenience of its passengers and crew. Advertisement Source: The Tribune Blast at railway line near Khanpur, Fatehgarh Sahib; Train movement to resume soon He emphasised that the blast was not a major one and was of very low intensity. A suspicious but "very low" intensity blast was reported at the railway line near Khanpur Village in Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab, news agency ANI reported on Saturday. Ropar Range DIG Nanak Singh told the news agency that a minor blast was reported at around 9:50 pm last night, and a train driver sustained a minor cut on his cheek. Advertisement The train has not suffered any major damage, the police officer confirmed, and neither has the track. Ropar Range DIG added that the train movement will resume soon and that a scientific manner investigation by the police is underway. #WATCH | Punjab: A suspicious blast reported at the railway line near Khanpur Village in Fatehgarh Sahib. Police present at the spot. Police say that the intensity of the blast was very low and it wasn't a major blast, just a minor one. The driver suffered a minor cut on his pic.twitter.com/03fcAfraIj Advertisement January 24, 2026 We are coordinating and in communication with other agencies. This case will be solved soon. The accused will be arrested soon. He emphasised that the blast was not a minor one and was of very low intensity. Forensics and teams from other agencies have been called to the scene. Further specialised agencies will be on the scene, he added. Advertisement (For more news apart from Blast at railway line near Khanpur, Fatehgarh Sahib; Train movement to resume soon," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Archaeology in Glina, near Bucharest Archaeologists are interested in the invisible layers that hold evidence of past civilizations. Sergiu Celibidache (1912-1996) Ion Puican, 24.01.2026, 14:00 Under the visible layer of todays Bucharest and the capitals surroundings lie much older traces of human habitation, which predate the emergence of the modern city by thousands of years. Archaeologists are interested in these invisible layers, which preserve evidence of extinct civilizations, capable of giving us an essential perspective on the beginnings of human life in this area. Vasile Opris, head of the Bucharest City Museums History Section tells us more about it: Vasile Opris: Around Bucharest there are several layers lying under garbage in certain areas, under grass, mud or in other areas. What interests us, as archaeologists, and me in particular are those layers that also contain traces of human civilizations that were once here and about which we no longer know much. If we discover them and bring them to light, we will surely find out what was happening in this area, at a time when the city was not actually a city, when we did not have blocks of flats, nor the agglomerations and congestion that we know today. I believe that these beginnings are very good for introspection in the increasingly hectic world of today. So, following in the footsteps of archaeologists who already had this vision almost a century ago and tried to bring to light what was in Bucharest or in the vicinity, before this city existed, I started a documentary work on some prehistoric settlements that date back approximately 7,000 years. A period difficult to comprehend for anyone, including myself, in spite of being familiar with such scales of history. 7,000 years means a lot on a human scale. As an idea, Bucharest, as we know it today, was first mentioned in documents 500 years ago. If we add another 6,500 we are getting close to the period we are talking about now. The archaeological research in Glina targets prehistoric settlements that are approximately 7,000 years old, known as tells. Some of these sites have been partially researched in the past, but were later abandoned and are today in danger due to urban expansion. Several cultural and academic institutions have started a school-site, combining classical archaeological excavation with modern methods such as drone scanning, geophysical surveys and lab tests. Vasile Opris explains: Vasile Opris: These sites, as I was saying, are already known to a certain extent. Some of the items have been researched and some of their stories have been published, are in deposits or even in some exhibitions, but they have not been researched in recent years, they have even been abandoned and poorly preserved. And, in addition, they are in imminent danger of destruction due to the accelerated expansion of the city. So we set out to assess them and try to get some more information, especially since fortunately 21st Century archaeology benefits from tools and methods that are much superior to what could be done 50-100 years ago. And in order to see what we can do and have a concrete approach, this year we started work at a site southeast of Bucharest, between the villages of Glina and Balaceanca, a place that everyone has heard not exactly positive things about, but I think this is precisely what makes the site stand out even more. It is a mound, as I said, partly man-made. The settlements that we study are called tells. As I said, there are successive layers there, formed by human habitation, superimposed over about 3-4 meters. The Bucharest City Museum, jointly with the University of Bucharest, the National Museum of History of Romania and the Vasile Parvan Institute of Archaeology, are four institutions with which we started this endeavour. I am the scientific manager, and we also started a school-site there, as we call it, because it is also open to the students of the University of Bucharest. Another goal of these efforts is to protect and preserve what we have for future generations. But we also included classical archaeological digging, because this is what gives you the most results. We are also interested in collecting samples, especially since now we also have access to a lot of laboratory tests that can bring you a lot of information about those people: about what they ate and where they got their food, DNA tests to see where they had come from, who they were related to, what part of the world these people had come from or how long they had been here and how they developed. This was one the first Neolithic cultures in this part of Romania. After that, in the early Bronze Age, that is about 5000-4500 years ago, there came a population that is quite mysterious to us now, and this is one of the reasons we started digging here. It dates back to the early Bronze Age, and this culture took its name from this very settlement. It is called the Glina culture, about which few things are known today. The goal of this archaeological project in Glina is not only to recover the past, but also to protect it for future generations. What does the archaeologist Vasile Opris have in mind for the site near Bucharest? Vasile Opris: My plan for the next 5-10 years is to create an archaeology park there. Obviously, the plan is to have these 5 years of systematic archaeological research, to collect as much data as possible, to identify contexts and even to preserve them in-situ if they are more spectacular. After that, we should find funding and run a feasibility study to create a site museum and an archaeology park there. (EE, AMP) As a powerful winter storm swept across the United States, airlines canceled more than 1,300 flights, bringing heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain, followed by dangerously cold temperatures. According to FlightAware, a flight tracking company, over 400 U.S. flights scheduled for Friday were canceled, while 1,725 flights were scrubbed from Saturday's schedule. The largest disruptions were centered in Texas, where Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) saw nearly 1,100 cancellations, and Dallas Love Field (DAL) recorded 152 canceled flights, wiping out much of each airport's schedule. Airlines often preemptively cancel flights ahead of major storms to avoid stranding aircraft, crews, and passengers. In response, American Airlines (AAL), Delta Air Lines (DAL), United Airlines (UAL), Southwest Airlines (LUV), JetBlue, and other carriers have waived change fees and fare differences, including for basic tickets. The National Weather Service warned that the storm could affect hundreds of millions of people through Monday. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The latest headline from UnitedHealth Group (UNH) captured investors' attention for obvious reasons. During a hearing before lawmakers, UnitedHealth Group CEO Stephen Hemsley said that the firm plans to voluntarily rebate any profits made through its Affordable Care Act plans in 2026 because Congress is deciding whether to extend premium tax credits. This development comes at a time when President Donald Trump has repeatedly lashed out at major insurers. At face value, rebating profits appears to be a negative signal to shareholders. However, this needs to be considered in perspective. UnitedHealthcare operates in the individual marketplace in the ACA environment, and this step appears to be a temporary and voluntary choice and not a significant change in the business structure. More News from Barchart However, the market is just as responsive to stories as it is to statistics. Now that the health insurance industry is again in the crosshairs of the federal government, with average increases of more than 25% predicted for the average ACA plan in 2026, it is no wonder that the investing community is wondering if this is the beginning of something bigger. About UnitedHealth Group Stock UnitedHealth Group, the biggest health insurer in the U.S., functions under two major business segments: UnitedHealthcare, which offers insurance, and Optum, its rapidly expanding health care service and data analytics business. The corporation is based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and has a market capitalization of about $307 billion, making it not only a behemoth in the health care industry but also in the S&P 500 Index ($SPX). Over the past 52 weeks, the stock price of UNH has been quite volatile, oscillating between a low of around $235 and a high of more than $600, before stabilizing lately around $346. Even after the recent correction, the stock price of UNH has shown a remarkable recovery over the past five trading days, rising by 6%. Relative to the S&P 500, UNH has been a poor performer over the past year. www.barchart.com In terms of valuation, it seems that UNH is more reasonable than it has been given credit for. The company trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of about 16x and a forward P/E multiple of about 19x, with a price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of only 0.7x. For a firm with strong cash flows, a beta of less than 0.5, and a return on equity of nearly 20%, it seems as if the market is already factoring in a good bit of risk with regards to the political and regulatory environment in which it must operate. The iconic British motorcycle brand, Norton, has been in the news lately as it was acquired by TVS Motor and is set for a major revamp. The company has been working in the background to establish next gen products and has revealed Manx and Atlas range of motorcycles. Ahead of launch, Atlas ADV motorcycles have been spied testing on two occasions. Lets take a closer look. TVS Norton Atlas 585 Spied Even though TVS Motor has a strategic partnership with BMW Motorrad for affordable range of motorcycles, the company is exploring other options in the premium motorcycle world. Thats when TVS acquired iconic British motorcycle brand, Norton Motorcycles, for Rs 150 Crores and has pledged Rs 1,000 Crores for the Nortons development. Late last year, Norton showcased their next-gen motorcycle lineup consisting of Manx range with a supersport and a street fighter and then Atlas range of adventure tourers. Production of these Atlas and Atlas GT motorcycles will happen in India and the first set of test mule sightings have emerged on the internet. These spy shots are credited to thebikerman_ and sanjeevvijayakumar who spied this test mule around TVS Motors factory. Norton Atlas is a tall and large adventure tourer motorcycle which has a dominating road presence. It has a distinctive silhouette where fuel tank and the semi fairing are integrated into one. Riders triangle is upright and handlebars are positioned accordingly. There is a tall windscreen (could be adjustable) and then knuckle guards for protection. Keyless go with a smart key along with a push-button start system lends a futuristic vibe. Even more futuristic is its 8-inch TFT touchscreen dashboard with smartphone integration and USB Type-C port. Other features include LED projector headlights along with LED cornering and puddle lights. Both Norton Atlas and Atlas GT come with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels. Both the test mules spied in India are Atlas GT as they both had alloy wheels with road-biased tyres. Braking is handled by twin disc setup at the front and a single-disc setup at the rear with radially mounted brakes. New 585cc Engine All these are mounted on a platform which is derived from the one from soon-to-launch BMW F450 GS. USD front forks are likely to be adjustable and rear gets a mono-shock setup with a remote preload adjuster. Exhaust is up-swept and there is a rear rack for practicality. Norton Atlas 585 gets a 6-axis IMU which unlocks features like lean sensitive ABS. Other notable rider aids include traction control and four riding modes Sport, Touring, Urban and Off-Road. A bi-directional quick-shifter is also on offer. Norton Atlas 585 is powered by a 585cc parallel-twin engine with a liquid-cooled setup. Weight could be on the lower side when compared to rivals like Kawasaki Versys 650 and the power could be around 70 bhp mark. Source 1 Source 2 A quiet regulatory update by the Social Security Administration (SSA) could spark fresh concerns about the governments increasing use of surveillance tools to monitor ordinary Americans. In early January, the SSA updated its Evidence of Foreign Travel Foreign Travel Data Application to increase scrutiny of foreign travel by Americans receiving benefits. This change allows the agency to use travel data collected by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Must Read The update impacts millions of Social Security beneficiaries, as well as people receiving support from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program (1). In other words, Americans who receive retirement benefits or support based on needs, life circumstances or disabilities could be impacted by this tightened surveillance. And it arrives at a time when the governments data handling practices are under increased scrutiny. If youre uneasy about the governments ability to monitor individual activity, this update deserves a closer look. What does this change mean? The recent changes impact numerous beneficiaries under the SSAs purview. As of December 2025, the SSA paid benefits to roughly 75 million people, of whom about 11 million were under the age of 65 and collecting disability benefits, and nearly 5 million collecting SSI only (2). Under long-standing rules, SSI and Social Security recipients must self-report foreign travel that lasts 30 days or more. If you are a citizen, you may still be able to collect Social Security while residing abroad, but SSI is strictly limited to residents of the U.S. and certain U.S. territories (3). The SSAs revised rules update this reporting requirement to lean less on self-reporting and more on data collected by the DHS. The agency argues this move is about compliance and part of an effort to curb improper payments (1). However, the change could reflect a broader shift toward automated monitoring of benefit recipients, with limited transparency around how travel data is collected, stored, and shared across agencies. This comes at a time when government surveillance and data handling are increasingly scrutinized. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is one of the 15 Best S&P 500 Stocks to Look For in 2026. On January 15, Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) announced that it has enabled Apple Pay support for Chinese Visa cardholders. Eligible customers from the partnering Chinese banks will be allowed to add their Visa cards to Apple Pay and make payments at global merchants that offer Visa payment services. This will cover in-store contactless transactions, in-app purchases, and online purchases. The banks that will be offering Apple Pay to their users include Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of Communications, China Merchants Bank, China CITIC Bank, Ping An Bank, and Industrial Bank. Visa is also working with some other banks to add to its Apple Pay network, such as Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, China Construction Bank, China Minsheng Bank, and China Everbright Bank. Visa Mainland China general manager Yin Xiaolong said: Visa Enables Apple Pay Support for Chinese Visa Cardholders JMiks / Shutterstock.com As global digital payments develop rapidly, consumers increasingly expect mobile payment solutions that are smartphone-based and interoperable. Upholding our longstanding commitment to the Chinese market and to our cardholders, Visa is increasing its investments in data and payment security, launching tokenisation services, and taking the lead in enabling their use in crossborder scenarios. Visa is focused on its strategy to expand digital payments for Chinese consumers, with transactions secured via Apple Pay authentication methods. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is one of the leading payment technology companies with global operations. The company offers debit, credit, and prepaid cards to consumers. Visa operates VisaNet, a transaction-processing network that enables the authorization, clearing, and settlement of payment transactions. While we acknowledge the potential of V as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best New Penny Stocks to Invest In and 13 Best Gold Mining Companies to Invest In Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. The most you can lose on any stock (assuming you don't use leverage) is 100% of your money. But on the bright side, if you buy shares in a high quality company at the right price, you can gain well over 100%. For example, the Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) share price has soared 191% in the last half decade. Most would be very happy with that. In contrast, the stock has fallen 8.8% in the last 30 days. This could be related to the recent financial results, released recently - you can catch up on the most recent data by reading our company report. Now it's worth having a look at the company's fundamentals too, because that will help us determine if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business. We've found 21 US stocks that are forecast to pay a dividend yield of over 6% next year. See the full list for free. In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. By comparing earnings per share (EPS) and share price changes over time, we can get a feel for how investor attitudes to a company have morphed over time. During five years of share price growth, Wells Fargo achieved compound earnings per share (EPS) growth of 72% per year. This EPS growth is higher than the 24% average annual increase in the share price. So it seems the market isn't so enthusiastic about the stock these days. The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). NYSE:WFC Earnings Per Share Growth January 24th 2026 We know that Wells Fargo has improved its bottom line lately, but is it going to grow revenue? Check if analysts think Wells Fargo will grow revenue in the future. What About Dividends? When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. We note that for Wells Fargo the TSR over the last 5 years was 227%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. A Different Perspective Wells Fargo provided a TSR of 15% over the year (including dividends). That's fairly close to the broader market return. We should note here that the five-year TSR is more impressive, at 27% per year. More recently, the share price growth has slowed. But it has to be said the overall picture is one of good long term and short term performance. Arguably that makes Wells Fargo a stock worth watching. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Wells Fargo . STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. More than 35 years ago, a Staten Island man swore he was not the Morning Rapist. As it turns out, he was right. Ronnell Sheffield, now 64, was charged in 1989 with robbing and raping two women at knifepoint on the boroughs North Shore, as the women were walking to the St. George Ferry Terminal. The incidents occurred days apart. While Sheffield was already in jail in connection with multiple home burglaries in the area, he was charged with the rapes as well. And while he told his lawyer at the time he didnt commit the rapes, he was fearful that if found guilty by a jury, it would mean several decades in prison. So he pleaded guilty in 1991 to first-degree rape, first-degree burglary and second-degree robbery as a means to resolve his case. In exchange for his plea, he was sentenced at the time to 12-and-a-half to 25 years in prison. New evidence, however, has absolved him of the two rape incidents. That evidence, according to authorities, includes DNA and discrepancies in how Sheffield was identified at the time. On Wednesday, the conviction was vacated in state Supreme Court, St. George. The decision came in light of new evidence presented by the district attorneys Conviction Integrity Review Unit. District Attorney Michael E. McMahon issued the following statement this week in regard to the findings: Nearly 35 years ago, fearful of a potential post-trial conviction and prison sentence, Ronnell Sheffield entered into a guilty plea for a crime he knew he did not commit. This decision was not made lightly or without serious consideration ... every Staten Islander deserves fairness under the law, and today, my office moved to undo this miscarriage of justice. Coercive plea bargain: Legal Aid The Legal Aid Society, which represented Sheffield in the case, applauded the overturned conviction. For more than 35 years, Mr. Sheffield has adamantly denied having committed this crime, said Christine Bella, staff attorney with the Wrongful Convictions Unit at the Legal Aid Society. Today, the court has finally recognized that Mr. Sheffield was failed by our justice system and overturned his decades-old conviction, for which he already served his entire sentence. This case like all wrongful convictions underscores the immense damage that coercive plea bargains have on the people and communities we serve. This decision does more than correct a legal error it restores a measure of humanity that was taken from him. I want to express my gratitude to the district attorneys office for their willingness to follow the evidence in this case, and allow Mr. Sheffield the long overdue closure he deserves from this painful chapter in his life. Serial rapist put borough on edge One of the rape incidents for which Sheffield was initially accused occurred on the morning of Aug. 21, 1989, in the vicinity of Curtis High School in St. George. (Google Maps) On the morning of Aug. 21, 1989, a woman was walking near Curtis High School en route to the St. George Ferry Terminal, when she was approached from behind with a knife. She was led to a secluded area and raped. In a similar incident 10 days later and blocks away in New Brighton, a different woman reported being raped. She told police her attacker wore a black stocking on his face, and that he told her to close her eyes and count to 100 as he fled, the Advance/SILive.com reported at the time. A second rape incident for which Sheffield was initially accused occurred in August 31 1989, behind a building on the 300 block of Richmond Terrace in New Brighton. (Google Maps) Headlines labeled the suspect in some of the incidents the morning rapist. At the time he was charged in the rapes, Sheffield was being held on Rikers Island in connection with home burglaries in the St. George area. Female victims in those cases were threatened with a knife, and in one instance a womans dog was stabbed by the perpetrator as it was trying to protect her, court documents indicate. Re-opening the case, decades later In re-examining the incidents, the district attorneys office conducted what turned out to be a 15-month investigation across several states, and interviews with nearly a dozen people. The recent DNA evidence, had it been available at the time, would not have been enough for prosecutors to sustain a burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt, said McMahon. Ultimately, investigators determined there was a substantial likelihood Sheffield did not commit the rapes. Sheffield also was interviewed by detectives, during which he adamantly denied the accusations and explained his reason for taking a plea. He stated that he never raped anyone in his life. Currently jailed for 22 burglary Sheffield, who already served the sentence on the wrongful conviction, is now back in prison. In 2022, he carried out a burglary at an unoccupied home in Schenectady, according to the district attorneys office in that county and state prison records. Currently, Sheffield is facing a maximum sentence of life in prison. He becomes eligible for parole again in 2042. He could not be immediately contacted this week for comment. Conviction Integrity review unit Sheffield is the third person whose case has been vacated as part of McMahons Integrity Review Unit. In 2022, a man who spent 20 years in prison was released on the work of the unit. He received a pre-litigation settlement of $7 million from New York City, city officials announced at the time. In 2021, Grant Williams, a former producer for the Wu-Tang Clan, was absolved of murder after 20 years in prison. It was the first of three convictions vacated by the district attorney's Conviction Integrity Review Unit. In 2025, Walter Tait, 54, was exonerated of a 1993 robbery pattern that targeted local Burger King restaurants. Funding for the unit was first announced in 2018, and McMahon touted the move as a way to effectively address claims of innocence and prevent wrongful convictions from ever occurring, while also investigating and prosecuting cold cases to ensure justice is served. There are several, similar units operating across New York City and the state, New York Focus reported recently. District attorneys have the power to create and dissolve the units and to accept or reject the findings In regard to the most recent vacated conviction on Staten Island, McMahon this week commended the work of police investigators Guy Gazzillo and Thomas Joyce, Executive Assistant District Attorney Lisa Davis, Deputy Bureau Chief Arda Ozdinc, and Senior Detective Investigators. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. After 12 years serving the Staten Island community, Js on the Bay will close its doors next month, owner and chef Joe Salimeni announced in an emotional message shared with customers and supporters on social media. The Bay Street restaurant in Rosebank, which evolved from a casual daytime spot into a full-service dining destination, is scheduled to close on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. Salimeni said the decision was not driven by failure or a loss of passion, but by the growing difficulty of continuing to operate a business he could no longer fully devote himself to. A portrait of the late Anthony Bourdain hangs inside Js on the Bay, a tribute to the influential chef and to the grit and passion that define the restaurant world. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri) A difficult decision, not a loss of passion I opened a restaurant in Brooklyn, Terina, a year ago, achieving a fivestar rating on Google one of the hardest reservations to get and not giving it my all because Im distracted, Salimeni said. I cant keep living in two headspaces. While he acknowledged that operating a restaurant on Staten Island has become more challenging in recent years, Salimeni emphasized that outside conditions were only a small part of the decision. I started the place with nothing but $10,000 and a vision, Salimeni told the Advance/SILive.com. It wasnt until COVID that everything really came crumbling down for the area. Has business gotten more difficult in Rosebank and Staten Island in general? Yes but thats maybe 10% of why Im closing, he added. Im operating this restaurant out of passion now, not as a business anymore, and thats ultimately what made it unsustainable. Like many New York City restaurant owners, Salimeni cited sharply rising costs across the board, particularly labor, utilities and insurance. At the top of the list is overhead minimum wage, labor, utilities, he said. In just the past year, our utility costs alone went up about 25%. Between Con Edison and National Grid, thats an extra $1,500 to $3,000 a month. Insurance became another major strain after he was dropped by a longtime provider. After nearly 12 years with the same insurance company, I was dropped with no explanation, Salimeni said. My new policy costs 25% more than what I was paying. Chef and owner Joe Salimeni is shown inside Js on the Bay in Rosebank when he first opened 12 years ago. The chef has announced the impending closure of the restaurant. Staff-Shot Loving his neighborhood Salimeni owns the building that houses the restaurant, a distinction that has helped him weather economic hardships over the past decade. There are two businesses there: the restaurant and the property, he said. Because Im also the landlord, Im going to be selective about who comes in. I want a respectable, communityfocused business no smoke shops, no gun shops. Theres enough of those. The space was built to be a restaurant, and thats what I want it to remain. In a broader discussion about the challenges facing local businesses, Salimeni expressed frustration with what he described as prolonged government inaction that has left nearby businesses bearing the consequences. He pointed to a lengthy NYPD narcotics investigation involving an alleged drug distribution operation in Stapleton, saying the drawnout timeline took a toll on the surrounding neighborhood and local establishments. The case involves Staten Island caterer Ettore Mazzei, who has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges. One alleged supplier in the case, Kadeem Lewis, of New Jersey, pleaded recently to a felony drug charge under a plea agreement. Mazzei remains held on Rikers Island as his case proceeds. Salimeni said the prolonged investigation occurred during a period that saw the loss of nearby businesses, including two acclaimed restaurants. While cases were being built, friends of mine lost their businesses and hundreds of thousands of dollars, he said. Businesses closed, families lost livelihoods and only after that did everyone want to have meetings. Despite the closure, Salimeni emphasized that the decision was rooted in business realities not a loss of love for the industry that has defined most of his adult life. While the culinary arts and hospitality are near and dear to my heart and soul, this is purely a business decision, he wrote on social media. Throughout its run, Js on the Bay remained a deeply personal project, Salimeni said. The dining room prominently featured a portrait of the late Anthony Bourdain, a lasting symbol of the restaurants spirit and creative influence. Shown is a flashback image of the Bay Street Luncheonette, which served customers at the site until the building was purchased by Joe Salimeni and J's on the Bay opened. From the left are Gene Lynch, Donald Patti and waitress Christina Stasolla, pouring coffee. staten island advance Looking ahead In his announcement, Salimeni thanked customers, staff and supporters for more than a decade of memories. Each and every one of you have touched me in your own ways for the last 12 years, he wrote. These moments and memories will stay with me for the rest of my life. He also paid tribute to past and present staff members, calling their dedication essential to the restaurants longevity. The past 12 years would never have been a reality without you, he wrote. My door is always open to you. While Js on the Bay will soon close, Salimeni made clear that his culinary journey is far from over. He encouraged supporters to continue following his work at @chef_joesalimeni and announced plans to launch a fullservice catering and event company. This is not a goodbye, he wrote. Stay tuned. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. An NYPD religious fraternal organization presented a $1,000 donation to St. Anns R.C. Church in Dongan Hills this week to help repair damage caused during a recent incident while Mass was being celebrated. Deputy Chief Terence Hurson and Lt. Steven Jerome delivered the check from the Holy Name Society of Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island to Rev. Jacob Thumma. The organization, founded in 1914, is the NYPDs largest and oldest religious fraternal organization. Hurson, a 32-year veteran who serves as the boroughs executive officer, said the donation reflected the organizations commitment to community outreach beyond typical law enforcement duties. Churches are supposed to be safe places for all of us to go to. It was disturbing to learn that a daily Mass was violated in this way, Hurson said. Knowing the church has been damaged, and churches dont have much funding, we figured as a Catholic community of police officers, we wanted to do a little something to help out and do some outreach. Deputy Chief Terence Hurson, left, and Lieutenant Steven Jerome, right, present Rev. Jacob Thumma, the pastor of St. Ann's R.C. Church in Dongan Hills, with a $1,000 donation on behalf of the NYPDs Holy Name Society of Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. (Owen Reiter for the Advance/SILive.com) Owen Reiter Jerome, who commands the departments Chaplain Unit and serves as president of the Holy Name Society, said the organizations board was unanimous in wanting to help the church. He emphasized forgiveness for the person charged in the incident. My feeling is forgiveness, no matter what, in the sense that this man was having problems, obviously emotionally disturbed, and he wasnt in the right state when he did this, Jerome said. Were hoping and praying that he gets help as well. Father Thumma expressed gratitude for the gesture, calling it a pleasant surprise. I was a little surprised when I received a call from the Holy Name Society, but it was a good surprise, he said. Combining this aspect of law enforcement as well as the faith comes to something wonderful and marvelous; some good really comes out of that. He added, I think the world has to see the other side of the NYPD. Rev. Jacob Thumma, center, welcomes Lt. Steven Jerome and Deputy Chief Terence Hurson upon their arrival at St. Ann's R.C. Church in Dongan Hills on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (Owen Reiter for the Advance/SILive.com) Owen Reiter Suspect charged The donation came in response to a disruptive incident that occurred at the church earlier this month. The incident occurred Jan. 9 at approximately 7 a.m. when two NYPD officers responded to the church at 101 Cromwell Ave. According to the criminal complaint, Matthew Caffrey, 29, of Gansevoort Boulevarad in Meiers Corners, refused to leave when asked and swung a wooden chair at an officer. Police say he threw a statue of an angel to the ground, breaking off a wing and causing cracks in the church floor. He also allegedly shattered a vase. Caffrey faces numerous charges, including multiple counts of assault, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration. ONTARIO, Calif. (AP) Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, a top FBI fugitive accused of moving some 60 tons of cocaine from Latin America into the United States annually and orchestrating several killings, was arrested in Mexico and then flown to California, officials said Friday. Wedding, 44, turned himself in Thursday at the U.S. embassy in Mexico City. FBI Director Kash Patel said his arrest came after U.S. investigators worked with authorities in Mexico, Canada, Colombia and the Dominican Republic for more than a year. Officials say Wedding moved cocaine between Colombia, Mexico, Canada and Southern California, and they believe he was working under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexicos most powerful drug rings. Authorities said his aliases included El Jefe, Public Enemy and James Conrad Kin. Hes the modern-day El Chapo, Patel told a news conference in California, comparing Wedding to the legendary former Sinaloa cartel kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, who is imprisoned in the U.S. after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges. Wedding was previously convicted in the U.S. of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to prison in 2010, federal records show. He now faces charges related to running a multinational drug trafficking ring as well as the killings of a federal witness and three other people. It was not immediately known if Wedding had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. He had no lawyers listed in federal court records for the cases pending against him. It takes a united front U.S. authorities believe the former Olympian, who competed in a single event for his home country in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, had been hiding in Mexico for more than a decade before his apprehension. Wedding was added to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list last March, and authorities had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction. When you go after a guy like Ryan Wedding, it takes a united front, and thats what youre seeing here, said Patel, who declined to give details about the arrest. He praised Mexicos government and global partnerships for their roles in the operation. Mexicos Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch wrote on X earlier Friday that a Canadian citizen had turned himself in at the U.S. embassy. A member of Mexicos Security Cabinet later told The Associated Press that individual was Wedding. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Wedding is expected to appear in federal court Monday, said Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI field office in Los Angeles. Davis said 36 people have been arrested in connection with the drug ring Wedding is accused of running, and authorities seized large volumes of drugs, weapons and cash, as well as millions of dollars worth of automobiles, motorcycles, artwork and jewelry from Wedding and others charged in the case. Charges of ordering killings Wedding was indicted in the U.S. in 2024 on federal charges of running a criminal enterprise, murder, conspiring to distribute cocaine and other crimes. The indictment says Wedding ran a billion-dollar drug trafficking group that was the largest supplier of cocaine to Canada. The group obtained cocaine from Colombia and worked with Mexican drug cartels to move drugs by boat and plane to Mexico and then into the U.S. using semitrucks, the indictment said. It said the group stored cocaine in Southern California before sending it to Canada and other U.S. states. The murder charges accuse Wedding of directing the 2023 killings of two members of a Canadian family in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment, and for ordering a killing over a drug debt in 2024. Last November, Wedding was indicted on new charges of orchestrating the killing of a witness in Colombia to help him avoid extradition to the U.S. Authorities said Wedding and co-conspirators used a Canadian website called The Dirty News to post a photograph of the witness so he could be identified and killed. The witness was then followed to a restaurant in Medellin in January and shot in the head. Weddings arrest was also applauded in Canada, where he faces separate drug trafficking charges that date back to 2015. Gary Anandasangaree, Canadas minister of public safety, called it a significant step forward in an international fight against illegal drugs. Second FBI fugitive also apprehended Patel identified a second apprehended fugitive as Alejandro Rosales Castillo, a 27-year-old U.S. citizen charged with murder in the 2016 killing of a North Carolina woman. He also faces a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. According to the FBI, Castillo was arrested a week ago in Mexico. Mexico has increasingly sent detained cartel members to the U.S. as the country attempts to offset mounting threats by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said last month U.S. forces will now start hitting land south of the border to target drug trafficking rings. As U.S. shale production plateaus, Americas frackers are looking at opportunities abroad to tap new growth markets and develop emerging shale basins overseas, leveraging two decades of experience and technological innovation. Opportunities aboundfrom Argentina to Australiaas oil and gas-producing nations look to unlock unconventional resources to increase domestic output and boost energy security. U.S. expertise is the best chance these countries have to develop their shale industries, and American producers and oilfield service providers are seizing the opportunity. U.S. Frackers Export Expertise American shale drillers and producers are exporting expertise and experience to various projects in South America, the Middle East, and Australia, in search of growth opportunities beyond U.S. shale. Americas crude oil production is set to plateau as the slowdown in drilling activity will outpace increases in drilling productivity, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) this month. After reaching an annual record of 13.6 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025, U.S. crude oil production will decrease this year and next, by less than 1% in 2026 and by 2% in 2027, the EIA reckons. Low oil prices have already forced oil tycoon and wildcatter Harold Hamm to cease drilling operations in North Dakota for the first time in decades. But the company Hamm founded, Continental Resources, is now looking to expand its unconventional field drilling in Turkey and Argentina. Continental Resources said in March it had executed a Joint Venture Agreement to commence the commercial development of unconventional oil and gas resources in the Diyarbakir Basin of Southeast Turkey and the Thrace Basin of northwest Turkey. Early evaluations suggest the Ultimate Recoverable Reserves could reach 6 billion barrels of oil and 12-20 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas in the Diyarbakir Basin, and 20-45 TCF in the Thrace Basin, Continental Resources said. By harnessing the success pioneered by the American independent petroleum industry, this collaboration will allow for the rapid development of Turkiyes unconventional resources and pave the way for an Energy Renaissance, the largest private oil and gas producer in the United States said. Continental Resources has also just expanded its position in Argentinas top shale play, Vaca Muerta, where oil and gas production is booming, thanks to frackinig technology and business-friendly policies under Argentinian President Javier Milei. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Museum curator Rylee Eterginoso says Here You Are is an apt name for the Staten Island Museums triennial exhibit because it feels ambiguous. What does here mean? Who is you? Eterginoso said in a preview of the show on Thursday. She describes the exhibit as dreamlike. Each artist, she said, offers a reflection on what it means to be here and what it means to be you. Its a really rich exhibition, she said. Eterginoso and Janice Monger, Staten Island Museum president and CEO, worked together to present the museums second triennial exhibit. Eterginoso described a triennial as a glimpse into an era. The last triennial, titled Yes, And, was an open-call, and included 33 artists. This time, Eterginoso and Monger selected the seven featured artists all with ties to Staten Island. Defining work Artist Gabri Christa said her work is hard to define. Its often called screen-dance or dance-film, Christa said. Its like a multimedia, experimental film. Christas semi-autobiographical film, Kankantri, plays on a loop in the exhibit. Filmed entirely in Suriname, the wordless video follows a womans dreamlike journey meeting with different ancestors. She practices dance rituals with ancestors from various cultures. Its about embracing heritages, to become whole, Christa said. She said she wants people to be curious, not afraid. The piece was filmed primarily in a synagogue in Suriname, reflecting Christas own ancestry. Part of the inspiration for the project, Christa said, was discovering she had some Jewish lineage on her fathers side. Her rich heritage includes Surinamese, Chinese, and Dutch, too. Christa first thought of making the film on a trip to Suriname years ago. Many different cultures live peacefully in Suriname, Christa, a Staten Island resident, said. The synagogue she filmed the project in is located beside a mosque, and they share everything. Christa also remarked on the shared history of New York City and Suriname. The Dutch and British traded Suriname for New Amsterdam, Christa said linking the two historically. Regular people on Staten Island A photograph of a family in tableau greets exhibit visitors. Taken by photographer Olga Ginzburg, the image depicts a family gazing at the sky on July Fourth. Ginzburg, a Staten Island native who returned to the Island, has had her work featured in publications, like the New York Times. She photographs regular people living daily life, often on Staten Island. Siobhan McBrides familiar yet eerie paintings sit across from Ginzburgs photographs. McBride was born in Seoul, South Korea and grew up in Queens, but lives on Staten Island now. Siobhans work represents the tone of orientation and disorientation, the disorder, and the magic of ordinary life, Eterginoso said. The familiar spaces we sometimes take for granted. McBrides paintings appear realistic at first, but reveal a confusing jumble of textures up close. An earnest self-portrait In the back of the gallery on a wall is a collage of Roemello Agjmuratis work. Agjmurati, a Staten Island native, decided to make one poster every day for a year. Its really an earnest self-portrait, Eterginoso said. It feels so deeply personal. Lea Simoniellos abstract paintings depict, just how hard it is to have a body, Eterginoso said. Simoniellos oil painting works explore themes of gender, trauma, relationships and the body. Simoniello paints on found materials, according to Eterginoso. This often informs the shape her work takes. Hes very informed by skate culture and 90s and early-2000s NYC, Eterginoso said of Arjuna Routte-Prieur. His work often depicts urban landscapes and sometimes includes spirit-like figures. Routte-Prieur is a fifth generation Staten Islander. This is the first exhibition to show his work alongside his mothers, who passed away last September. Lenore Routtes work is on display next to her sons. Lenore grew up with a DIY-ethos, Eterginoso said. She believed every scrap has creative potential, it can be used. The exhibit includes glassware, capes and a painting by Routte. Eterginoso says the artwork Lenore created also has utility. Theyre not just objects that are static, theyre meant to be used, Eterginoso said. There is life in them. Beside a window on the right side of the exhibit is an unassuming collage. Its a collaborative work by the mother and son, from 1994. His crayon scribbles are visible across a black canvas. Routtes typical quilt-like style collage renders a sunlike centerpiece. The exhibit opens to the public Saturday, January 24 with a public reception from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The triennial exhibit will remain on display through October. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Lane closures are scheduled for several bridges and tunnels from Jan. 23 through Jan. 30, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Among those crossings is the Outerbridge Crossing linking the South Shore to New Jersey. One westbound right lane of the bridge heading into New Jersey will be closed on Saturday from 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. Then, from Monday through Thursday, a single westbound right lane will be closed to traffic from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning. While the Outerbridge is the only Staten Island crossing scheduled to experience lane closures in the days ahead, the Port Authority shared a list of closures slated to impact the Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel and the George Washington Bridge. Here are the details about those closures: George Washington Bridge: From 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, to 5 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, one westbound bus slip lane will be closed. From 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, to 5 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, one lane on Center Avenue between Bruce Reynolds Boulevard and Bridge Plaza North will be closed. From Monday, Jan. 26, to Friday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,one eastbound lane on the upper level will be closed. From Monday, Jan. 26, to Friday, Jan. 30, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., one eastbound lane on the upper level exit ramp to the southbound Henry Hudson Parkway will be closed. From Monday, Jan. 26, to Friday, Jan. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., one westbound lane on the lower level will be closed. From Monday, Jan. 26, to Friday, Jan. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., one lane from the northbound Henry Hudson Parkway ramp to westbound lanes on the upper level will be closed. From Monday, Jan. 26, to Friday, Jan. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., one lane from the northbound Henry Hudson Parkway ramp to westbound lanes on the lower level will be closed. From Monday, Jan. 26, to Thursday, Jan. 29, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning, all eastbound lanes on the lower level will be closed. Motorists should use the upper level. From Tuesday, Jan. 27, to Thursday, Jan. 29, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning, the northbound Henry Hudson Parkway ramp to eastbound lanes on the lower level Trans-Manhattan Expressway will be closed. Motorists to Amsterdam Avenue can exit at 178 th Street. On Tuesday, Jan. 27, and again on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., one eastbound lane on the lower level will be closed. Holland Tunnel: From Sunday, Jan. 25, to Thursday, Jan. 29, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning, one eastbound lane will be closed. From Sunday, Jan. 25, to Thursday, Jan. 29, from 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. the following morning, one westbound lane will be closed Lincoln Tunnel: STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Things aint like they used to be. New York City public school kids may not get a snow day Monday, as Mayor Zohran Mamdani hinted Saturday that schools may remain open despite the impending winter storm. School facility, custodial and operational teams will also be working throughout the weekend to ensure that schools are safe and cleared if schools reopen on Monday for in-person learning, the mayor said. We want to make sure that whatever decision we make is one where students, parents, (and) educators will be safe. Mamdani said he and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels will make a final decision by noon Sunday, but he left little room open for a possible snow day. Per the mayors comments during a morning press briefing in Manhattan, kids should expect to either be in classrooms or have a virtual learning day at home The school calendar has added more holidays in recent years, making it harder for the city to have snow days and meet the 180 school days mandated by state law. Virtual learning also took off during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, giving the city another option to avoid snow days. Teachers and public school staff have made sure that students have the devices they will need should classes be held remotely on Monday, Mamdani said. School staff also did additional pressure testing last night and will continue over the weekend to ensure that, if needed, virtual learning can operate seamlessly. The Sunday storm is expected to dump as many as 14 inches of snow on New York City, and sleet may complicate road clearing and transportation, experts said. Students have apparently been trying to lobby the new mayor to shut down city schools, even reaching out to his wife, Rama Duwaji, for her support. The mayor joked on New York 1 Friday that one student found Duwajis email address and made their argument for why schools should be shut down. She thought it was a very very good argument, but this is where weve ended, he said. National restaurant chain Joes Crab Shack, once a chain on the rise, will soon operate just 14 locations in the U.S., according to News4JAX. The Jacksonville Beach, Florida, location was set to close today, according to the report. We are grateful to our dedicated Joes Crab Shack team members and will be working to place employees at nearby restaurants while we transition the location to a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Terry Turney, the COO of Joes Crab Shack, told the news station in a statement. The Houston-based restaurant chain has experienced a significant drop in the number of its locations over the last 10 years. It began in 1991, and the original location was bought by Landry Restaurants in 1994. By the end of the 2000s, the popular chain had approximately 130 locations nationwide. The company was sold to Ignite Restaurant Group, Inc. in 2006. In the mid-2010s it operated nearly 150 locations. The company was sold back to Landry in 2017 after Ignite filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Since then, Joes has struggled to regain footing in the marketplace and has closed nearly 90% of locations from its peak. Never quite as popular as competitor, Red Lobster, the chain was known across the country for its casual, beach-themed atmosphere. With the Jacksonville Beach location closed, Florida and California each have three locations. There are four locations in Texas and one location each in Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina and Tennessee, according to the Joes website. In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here. Native Staten Islander August Luigi Conti, a cherished son, father, brother, and friend, died Jan. 22, 2026, in Old Bridge, New Jersey, after a brief illness. Born on Feb. 3, 1974, he moved to Old Bridge in 2012 and has resided there since. A proud member of Teamsters Local 282 for 24 years, Conti was respected for his dedication and work ethic, and he forged lifelong friendships with his union family. Possessing a creative soul, Conti found solace and expression through various artistic avenues. His passion for Legos was not merely a hobby but a testament to his intricate mind and attention to detail. Likewise, his love for history and politics was evident in his ability as a skillful debater a trait that stimulated thought-provoking conversations and revealed his intelligence and wit. His musical talent shone brightly when he played the drums and contributed to local bands. Read the full obituary on SILive. Thomas M. Doyle, 67, died Jan. 22, 2026. Born on Oct. 19, 1958, Doyle was a lifelong resident of Staten Island and remained deeply connected to the community throughout his life. He grew up in Richmond and attended St. Patricks School, I.S. 24, and Susan Wagner High School. Following his education, Doyle pursued a career in finance, where he worked diligently for many years before retiring in 2022. He found joy in simple pleasures taking trips to Atlantic City, fishing, and following sports. Above all, he cherished time spent with friends and family. Read the full obituary on SILive. Thousands of flights across the U.S. set to take off over the weekend were canceled as a monster storm started to wreak havoc Saturday across much of the country and threatened to knock out power for days and snarl major roadways with dangerous ice. Roughly 140 million people, or more than 40% of the U.S. population, were under a winter storm warning from New Mexico to New England. The National Weather Service forecast warned of widespread heavy snow and a band of catastrophic ice stretching from east Texas to North Carolina. By midday Saturday, a quarter of an inch (0.6 centimeters) of ice was reported in parts of southeastern Oklahoma, eastern Texas and portions of Louisiana. What really makes this storm unique is, just following this storm, its just going to get so cold, said Allison Santorelli, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. The snow and the ice will be very, very slow to melt and wont be going away anytime soon, and thats going to hinder any recovery efforts. Governors in more than a dozen states sounded the alarm about the turbulent weather ahead, declaring emergencies or urging people to stay home. As crews in some southern states began working to restore downed power lines, officials in some eastern states issued final warnings to residents. We are expecting a storm the likes of which we havent seen in years, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said Saturday while announcing restrictions on commercial vehicle travel and a 35 mph speed limit on highways. She added: Its a good weekend to stay indoors. Little Rock, Arkansas, was covered with sleet and snow Saturday, giving Chris Plank doubts about whether he would be able to make a five-hour drive to Dallas for work on Sunday. While some snow is a yearly event, Plank was concerned most about the ice. All of the power lines are above ground, so it doesnt take very much to end up in the dark, Plank said. Forecasters say the damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could rival that of a hurricane. Around 120,000 power outages were reported in the path of the winter storm Saturday afternoon, including about 53,000 in Texas and 45,000 in Louisiana, according to poweroutage.us. In Shelby County, Texas, near the Louisiana border, ice weighed down on pine trees and caused branches to snap, downing power lines. About a third of the countys 16,000 residents were without power on Saturday. We have hundreds of trees down and a lot of limbs in the road, Shelby County Commissioner Stevie Smith said from his pickup truck. Ive got my crew out clearing roads as fast as we can. Its a lot to deal with right now. All Saturday flights were canceled at Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City, and all Sunday morning flights also were called off, as officials aimed to restart service Sunday afternoon at Oklahomas biggest airport. More than 12,000 flights were canceled Saturday and Sunday across the U.S., according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. DallasFort Worth International Airport, a major hub, saw more than 700 departing flights canceled on Saturday and nearly as many arriving flights called off. Disruptions were also piling up at airports in Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte, North Carolina. After sweeping through the South, the storm was expected to move into the Northeast, dumping about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) of snow from Washington through New York and Boston, the weather service predicted. Please, if you can avoid it, do not drive, do not travel, do not do anything that can potentially place you or your loved ones in danger, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Saturday. Instead, I urge every New Yorker who can to put a warm sweater on, turn on the TV, watch Mission Impossible for the 10th time, above all to stay inside. Bracing for biggest ice storm in a decade Officials in Georgia advised people in the states northern regions to get off the roads by sundown Saturday and be prepared to stay put for at least 48 hours. Will Lanxton, the senior state meteorologist, said Georgia could get perhaps the biggest ice storm we have expected in more than a decade followed by unusually cold temperatures. Ice is a whole different ballgame than snow, Lanxton said. Ice, you cant do anything with. You cant drive on it. Its much more likely to bring down power lines and trees. Crews began treating highways with brine after midnight Saturday, with 1,800 workers on 12-hour shifts, Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry said. Were going to do what we can to keep the ice from sticking to the roads, McMurry said. This is going to be a challenge. Frigid temperatures and ice The Midwest saw windchills as low as minus 40 F (minus 40 C), meaning that frostbite could set in within 10 minutes. The minus 36 F (minus 38 C) reading in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, on Saturday morning was the coldest in almost 30 years. In Minneapolis, the worst of an extreme cold wave was over, but protesters calling for ICE to leave Minnesota on Saturday still faced an outdoor temperature of minus 6 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 21 Celsius). Workers from The Orange Tent Project, a Chicago nonprofit that provides cold weather tents and other supplies to unhoused individuals throughout the city, went out to check on those who did not or could not seek shelter. Seeing the forecasted weather, I knew we had to come out and do this today, said CEO Morgan McLuckie. Mardi Gras and classes canceled. Opry performs without audience Churches moved Sunday services online, and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, decided to hold its Saturday night radio performance without fans. Mardi Gras parades in Louisiana were canceled or rescheduled. Schools superintendents in Philadelphia and Houston announced that schools would be closed Monday. Some universities in the South canceled classes for Monday, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Mississippis main campus in Oxford. Around the southeast, people used the cancellations to have some fun. On a hill outside the Capitol building in Nashville, adult sledders on green discs and inflatable pool animals giggled with joy as they slid in the snow. Government prepares to respond President Donald Trump said via social media on Friday that his administration was coordinating with state and local officials, and FEMA is fully prepared to respond. Nine states have requested emergency declarations, according to a FEMA briefing document released Saturday. The declarations can unlock federal emergency resources. Trump on Friday approved emergency declarations for South Carolina and Virginia, and requests from Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia were still pending as of Saturday morning. I think there are two parts of this storm that make it unique. One is just a broad expanse of spatial coverage of this event ... Youve got 2,000 miles of country thats being impacted by the storm with snow, sleet, and freezing rain, said Josh Weiss, a meteorologist at NOAAs Weather Prediction Center. The other part of this storm thats really impressive is whats going to happen right afterward. Were looking at extreme cold, record cold. (Associated Press writers Mike Schneider in Orlando, Florida, Rio Yamat in Las Vegas, Julie Walker in New York, David A. Lieb in Jefferson City, Missouri, George Walker in Nashville and Laura Bargfeld in Chicago contributed to this report. Amy reported from Atlanta and Collins reported from Hartford, Connecticut). MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Police arrested about 100 clergy demonstrating against immigration enforcement at Minnesotas largest airport Friday, and several thousand gathered in downtown Minneapolis despite Arctic temperatures to protest the Trump administrations crackdown. The protests are part of a broader movement against President Donald Trumps increased immigration enforcement across the state, with labor unions, progressive organizations and clergy urging Minnesotans to stay away from work, school and even shops. The faith leaders gathered at the airport to protest deportation flights and urge airlines to call for an end to to what the Department of Homeland Security has called its largest-ever immigration enforcement operation. The clergy were issued misdemeanor citations of trespassing and failure to comply with a peace officer and were then released, said Jeff Lea, a Metropolitan Airports Commission spokesman. They were arrested outside the main terminal at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport because they went beyond the reach of their permit for demonstrating and disrupted airline operations, he said. Rev. Mariah Furness Tollgaard of Hamline Church in St. Paul said police ordered them to leave but she and others decided to stay and be arrested to show support for migrants, including members of her congregation who are afraid to leave their homes. She planned to go back to her church after her brief detention to hold a prayer vigil. We cannot abide living under this federal occupation of Minnesota, Tollgaard said. Protesters demand ICE leave Minnesota The Rev. Elizabeth Barish Browne traveled from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to participate in the rally in downtown Minneapolis, where the high temperature was minus 9 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 23 degrees Celsius) despite a bright sun. Whats happening here is clearly immoral, the Unitarian Universalist minister said. Its definitely chilly, but the kind of ice thats dangerous to us is not the weather. Protesters have gathered daily in the Twin Cities since Jan. 7, when 37-year-old mother of three Renee Good was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. Federal law enforcement officers have repeatedly squared off with community members and activists who track their movements. Sam Nelson said he skipped work so he could join the march. He said hes a former student of the Minneapolis high school where federal agents detained someone after class earlier this month. That arrest led to altercations between federal officers and bystanders. Its my community, Nelson said. Like everyone else, I dont want ICE on our streets. Organizers said Friday morning that more than 700 businesses statewide have closed in solidarity with the movement, from a bookstore in tiny Grand Marais near the Canadian border to the landmark Guthrie Theater in downtown Minneapolis. Were achieving something historic, said Kate Havelin of Indivisible Twin Cities, one of the more than 100 participating groups. FBI agent resigns over Good investigation An FBI supervisory agent in Minnesota has resigned over the Justice Departments handling of the investigation into Goods killing, two people familiar with the matter said on Friday. The agent resigned because she felt pressured to not investigate the shooting in a way she felt the FBI would have ordinarily done, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss personnel moves. The FBI declined to comment. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner, meanwhile, posted Goods initial autopsy report online, which classified her death as a homicide and determined she died from multiple gunshots wounds. A more detailed independent autopsy commissioned by Goods family said one bullet pierced the left side her head and exited on the right side. This autopsy, released Wednesday through the Romanucci & Blandin law firm, said bullets also struck her in the arm and breast, although those injuries werent immediately life-threatening. Detention of a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old A 2-year-old was reunited with her mother Friday, a day after she was detained with her father outside of their home in South Minneapolis, lawyer Irina Vaynerman told The Associated Press. Vaynerman said they had quickly challenged the familys detention in federal court. The petition states that the child, a citizen of Ecuador, was brought to the U.S. as a newborn. The child and her father, Elvis Tipan Echeverria, both have a pending asylum application and neither are subject to final orders of removal. A U.S. district judge on Thursday had barred the government from transferring the toddler out of state, but she and her father were on a commercial flight to Texas about 20 minutes later, according to court filings. They were flown back Friday. Agents arrested Tipan Echeverria during a targeted enforcement operation, according to a DHS statement. DHS said the childs mother was in the area but refused to take the child. Vaynerman rejected that explanation, saying Tipan Echeverria was not allowed to bring his 2-year-old to her mother inside their home. DHS repeated its allegation Friday that the father of 5-year-old Liam Ramosabandoned him during his arrest by immigration officers in Columbia Heights on Tuesday, leading to the child being detained, too. Department spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said Liam was detained because his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, fled from the scene. The two are detained together at the Dilley Detention Center in Texas, which is intended to hold families. McLaughlin said officers tried to get Liams mother to take him, but she refused to accept custody. The familys attorney Marc Prokosch said he thinks the mother refused to open the door to the ICE officers because she was afraid she would be detained. Columbia Heights district superintendent Zena Stenvik said Liam was used as bait. Prokosch found nothing in state records to suggest Liams father has a criminal history. On Friday, Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino sought to shift the narrative away from Liams detention by attacking the news media for, in his view, insufficient coverage of children who have lost parents to violence by people in the country illegally. After briefly mentioning the 5-year-old during a news conference, he talked about a mother of five who was killed in August 2023. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Staten Island plans to secede from New York City. For real this time. Maybe. Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo, who declared Staten Islands figurative independence in November, visited the College of Staten Island archives Friday to review some papers of the late State Sen. John Marchi related to secession. The nearly-50-year Republican senator chaired the secession commission that formed after 1990s November elections and was widely considered the father of the secession movement. The goal here for me is to see what they did back then, Pirozzolo said. The purpose of going through these is to see what the numbers were. Pirozzolo wanted to effectively learn what he needs to know for a forthcoming secession effort based on the failed attempt of the 1990s. A 1993 referendum saw about 65% of Staten Islanders vote to leave New York City. Albany power brokers ultimately blocked that effort, and the 8-year administration of former Republican Mayor Rudolph Giuliani helped quell even some of the loudest calls for secession. Times have changed, but many of the motivations for becoming an independent city remain the same. Secession has always been an undercurrent of a conversation on Staten Island, Pirozzolo said. Whats made it come up again? Battery sites, City of Yes, marijuana dispensaries, red light cameras, speed light cameras, all of that is make it come up again. City of Yes refers to a trio of rezoning initiatives passed during former Mayor Eric Adams administration that made it easier to build battery storage sites and are expected to bring an influx of housing to the five boroughs, particularly on Staten Island. Official rumblings of secession have sprung up since the failed 1993 effort, including a new study in September 2023 Borough President Vito Fossella announced that year, but has yet to produce. The boroughs joining of the city wasnt even a sure thing ahead of consolidation in the late 19th century. An 1896 New York Times article headlined Should Staten Island be Dropped? reported then City Corporation Counsel Francis Scott hesitations about bringing the Island into a five-borough city. It points out Staten Islands distinct cultural differences from its four borough counterparts. Pirozzolo has largely avoided making this secession effort about Mayor Zohran Mamdanis administration despite their obvious political differences. Not one to shy away from controversy, the assemblyman was uncharacteristically reserved last week when asked about his former colleague in the State Assembly. I didnt really have much a relationship with him, he said of former Assemblyman Mamdani, who represented part of Queens in Albany. During a recent interview, Mamdani said his goal as mayor is to better meet the needs of Staten Islanders and assuage any brooding towards secession. Pirozzolo knows that City Hall and power brokers in Albany would seek to block Staten Islands exit from the five boroughs, and said he hoped to be better informed through his research before taking on the city and state. I see that New York City, New York state would fight us every step of the way, of course. I think it would be intelligent to say to people like yourselves and the citizens of Staten Island, heres what happened back then, he said. My goal is to make sure everybody has a more up to date [understanding]. While an independent city of 500,000 people isnt hard to imagine, there is a mountains worth of logistical work to get to the City of Staten Island. In a video recently posted to his social media platforms, Pirozzolo laid out a bit of his early research and what he thinks Staten Islanders should know about his efforts. For too long the conversation about Staten Islands independence has been clouded by speculation, he said. This report is not about telling anyone what must happen. Its about laying out the facts so that people can make informed judgements. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. States including Oklahoma and Tennessee have borne the initial brunt of a weekend winter storm that is closing in on New York City. Photos from the southern states show near-whiteout conditions and snow accumulations from the storm, which is expected to impact much of the central and eastern parts of the country. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt told a news station that despite some power outages and poor road conditions, the Sooner State had weathered the early parts of the storm. Oklahomans did a really good job of preparing, he said. Overall, fairly good news right now in Oklahoma. The southern states expect to deal with the storm through Sunday afternoon when it will be making its full impact on the five boroughs. Snow is already falling in parts of Kansas and Missouri, as well as parts of Texas and Arkansas, and was expected to begin late Saturday afternoon along the North Carolina-Virginia border, according to the National Weather Service. Heavy snow is expected to begin in Cleveland and Pittsburgh on Saturday evening, the NWS said. In Baltimore and Washington. D.C., it is expected to start at around 11 p.m. Forecasters predict snow in New York City to begin between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday, continuing throughout the day before possibly becoming sleet Sunday night into early Monday morning. A bit more snow should return Monday morning, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani saying the city expects to see about 8 to 9 inches of snow before the storm is over. Some weather forecasters predict more. The most significant local snow totals are expected north and west of the city in New Jerseys Morris, Sussex and Bergen Counties, and in the Hudson Valley of New York. There, forecasters say residents could expect as much as 18 inches of snow from one of the tri-state areas most significant winter storms in close to a decade. The New York City Department of Sanitation has scheduled a Snow Alert to go into effect at 1 a.m. Sunday. The department began applying brine to city streets Friday and is preparing resources for deployment when snow begins falling Sunday. Given the forecast for poor road conditions, the New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a hazardous travel advisory for Sunday and Monday. Were facing a major winter storm that could bring some of the heaviest snowfall New York City has seen in years, along with frigid temperatures and high winds, said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. City agencies are fully mobilized our streets are being treated, our plow fleet is prepared, and outreach teams are working around the clock to ensure New Yorkers can stay safe and homeless New Yorkers can access shelter. Im deeply grateful to the public servants who are putting in long, cold hours under tough conditions to help our city weather this severe winter weather. I urge everyone across the five boroughs to prepare ahead of the storm, stay off the roads once it begins, and follow updates through Notify NYC. Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (NYSE:AMBP) is among the overlooked penny stocks to invest in. On January 12, UBS lifted the price target on Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (NYSE:AMBP) to $4.25 from $4 and maintained a Neutral rating on the stock, according to TheFly. As stated by the analyst in a research note, UBS is not expecting a major macroeconomic change in 2026. Recently, many analysts have updated their outlook on the company. On January 8, Stefan Diaz from Morgan Stanley increased the price target on Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (NYSE:AMBP) to $4.30 from $4.10, reiterating an Equal Weight rating. While expecting global demand for beverages to grow 2.3% in 2026, the firm favours companies with the prospects of greater earnings revision and improved return on investment (ROI). Earlier on January 6, Truist also raised the price target on Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (NYSE:AMBP) to $5 from $4, keeping a Hold rating. As the analyst noted in the research note, beverage cans appear well-positioned to accelerate in North America and Europe, and, because of disciplined supply management, containerboard producers may introduce price hikes. Ardagh Metal Packaging S.A. (NYSE:AMBP) is a Luxembourg-based metal beverage can company operating in the United States, Europe, and Brazil. Incorporated in 1932, the company mainly serves beverage producers. While we acknowledge the potential of AMBP 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. 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. The Bureau of Meteorology has downgraded a cyclone on the Kimberley coast to a category 1 but is still urging residents in the immediate area to shelter indoors. Cyclone Luana has made landfall near Broome. Bureau of Meteorology This afternoon the bureau had advised that Tropical Cyclone Luana had strengthened and is crossing the Kimberley coast between Beagle Bay and Cape Leveque. However, the cyclone has now been downgraded to a category 1, although flood warnings are still in place due to high rainfall expected from the storm. According to a Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson, wind and rain impacts are occurring from north of Broome to Kuri Bay and are expected to extend south this evening and overnight. Advertisement NationalNSWParenting In the 1960s, it was David and Karen. Now, these two baby names seem set to rule the 2020s Mary Ward January 25, 2026 12:01am 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 Jessica Sarkissian knows a lot of other Jessicas. It is not surprising: the name was the most popular for girls born in NSW every year from 1984 until her year of birth, 2000. My older sisters begged my mum to call me Jessica, she said. The new mother from Bonnyrigg will probably have some advice for her four-month-old, Noah. His name, which means rest in Hebrew, was the states most popular for the second year in a row last year. Rupen and Jessica Sarkissian with their four-month-old son, Noah. Sitthixay Ditthavong We will be Mrs and Mr Popular, she laughed. Advertisement Rupen and Jessica Sarkissian, who are Armenian Christians, chose Noah for its strong biblical meaning. We want him to live life that way: a strong leader, head forward, faith first, Jessica said. Charlotte was 2025s top girls name on NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages preliminary list, also for the second year in a row, cementing its status after a brief slip to fifth in 2023. Dee Whys Ally and Luke Wallace, who welcomed baby Charlotte on October 7, landed on the name soon after finding out they were having a girl. When we found out we were pregnant, I looked at all the top 100 baby names lists and I could see it was one of the top ones but I figured it was popular for a reason, Ally said. Advertisement We thought it was always going to stay in fashion, and it would be quite timeless. Dee Whys Luke and Ally Wallace with their three-month-old, Charlotte. Sitthixay Ditthavong An Alexandra herself, Ally said she also liked that Charlotte lent itself to several nicknames, including Lottie and Charlie. When she is older, she can pick one that she likes, she said. Olivia Squires and partner Jordan DArcy Gay, from Bargo, took a while to decide on their sons name, but Squires said Noah was just the one that stuck with them. Advertisement We didnt really have a reason, we just really liked it, she said. Noah Stephen, after Squires father, was born on September 30. Jordan DArcy-Gay and Olivia Squires with baby Noah at their Bargo home. Louise Kennerley With the 2020s halfway through, data from the past six years suggests Charlotte and Noah could become the dominant names of the decade. Although it has topped the list only three times, Noah extended its lead last year, with almost 100 more children named Noah than second-placed Oliver, which was the clear favourite for boys born in the 2010s. Advertisement Charlotte was already the most popular girls name of the 2010s, narrowly beating Olivia. Related Article Opinion Motherhood Babies need a rebrand: with the birthrate in freefall, were overlooking one aspect of parenting Charlotte Mortlock Journalist and political adviser While Jessica ruled the 1980s and 1990s for girls, historical data from NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages shows the top 1980s boys name was Matthew, ranked first seven times in the decade. Joshua was the top 1990s boys name, the most popular choice every year between 1993 and 2002. In 2003, Jack took over to dominate the list throughout that decade, while Emily was most popular for 2000s-born girls. Michael and Michelle were the two most popular names throughout the 1970s in NSW, while David and Karen dominated the 1960s. Advertisement But while some top names have staying power Michael has ranked in the top 100 every year since the lists began in 1952, with the most recent data showing 96 were born in 2024 others become virtually extinct within years of hitting their heights. Karen had fallen out of the top 100 by 1987, despite being the 12th most popular name only a decade earlier. As for 2025s most popular baby names, the top choices for parents have remained relatively stable over the past few years. For boys, Oliver and Theodore are once again the second and third-most popular picks, after occupying those same positions in 2024. Advertisement Levi and Jack have both returned to the top 10, while Charlie and Lucas have slipped out. Elijah rose to seventh place after re-entering the top 10 last year. Amelia was once again the second-most popular name for girls, with Isla taking out third place. Lily and Sienna have re-entered the top 10, replacing Harper and Evelyn. Hazel is a newly popular name for girls, ranking ninth following a rapid rise over the past decade: only 75 Hazels were born in 2014, when the name first entered Births, Deaths and Marriages top 100 lists, compared with 248 last year. Customer Service Minister Jihad Dib congratulated all families who welcomed a baby in 2025, calling the list of top names always fascinating. Advertisement This list reflects both timeless favourites like Noah and Charlotte and emerging trends in names such as Hazel and Elijah, he said. Parents in NSW have 60 days to register their babys birth, so the top 10 lists are subject to change. In 2022, Oliver was announced as the top baby name, only for Noah to beat it by two registrations when the list was finalised. The top 100 baby names for 2025 will be released later 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. Australian summers are synonymous with beaches: an unbreakable part of our national psyche, a gathering place we hold dear. A place that belongs to everyone, to holiday, celebrate, rejuvenate and heal. In this summer series, we asked local identities and journalists to tell us about their favourite spot. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A Read the rest of our stories in our summer series. See all stories . As the chief of Royal Life Saving, there are many things more important than my personal love of a great beach. Things like the 50 per cent of kids who cant swim to save themselves; the 500 local swimming pools at risk of closing without funding; or the 1300 per cent increase in drowning risk between the ages of 10 and 20. But on reflection, my favourite beach and my job advocating for water safety, here and globally, do connect. For generations of western Sydney teens a trip to the beach has been a rite of passage the choice often depended more on transport routes than any feature. After making the trek from western Sydney to Manly as a kid, Justin Scarr eventually moved to the area. Oscar Colman For me it was Manly, the long stretch from Cabbage Tree Bay to Queenscliff in Sydney. When I was a kid my parents would bring me to Queenscliff, with its ocean pool, secret tunnel (wormhole) and the QBC (Queenscliff Boardriders Club) sign painted on the cliff, underlined with locals only. Advertisement We lived west of Parramatta, so it was a long trip. Excitement on the way there, then hot seats, sunburn and sand on the way home. At about 13 years of age I returned almost weekly with a group of friends. Wed board the red rattler at Toongabbie at daybreak, timed so friends would join at the stations before Parramatta. Wed pass Wentworthville Memorial Swimming Pool, with its warm, grassy hill, hot concrete and a deep end for bombs, amid the shouts of the on-duty lifeguard. Wenty pool hosted our swimming lessons, the school carnival and, in high school, an annual dose of lifesaving called the Bronze Medallion. The Bronze was a survival swimming and lifesaving program run by the teachers. Royal Life Saving Australia chief executive Justin Scarr says hes lived in the Manly area for more than 30 years. Still not locals. James Brickwood I have fond memories of swimming in old tracksuits, diving for bricks and learning safe rescues. Sadly, this happens less frequently now: 40 per cent of 15-year-olds cant swim 50 metres. After an hour or so, the rattler would stop at Circular Quay. We had just enough time to buy breakfast usually a sausage roll and a chocolate Moove before boarding the Manly ferry. Advertisement Exiting the ferry, we held boogie boards and the occasional fibreglass surfboard. Our T-shirts and board shorts were plastered with the brands of the day, but we stood out. The walk down the Corso was filled with excitement and some tension mostly about waves and an occasional bit of local banter Westies, go home. Justin Scarr as a baby with his mum at the beach in 1971. Westie was something I was comfortable with. I was raised on the hill at Lidcombe Oval, immersed in the tribal rugby league battle: Wests v Manly; the Fibros v the Silvertails. Related Article Water safety School swimming carnivals are dying. Its putting a generation at risk When we found the sand, it was always north past the pipe, up towards the middle (North Steyne), against the wall, well away from the flags and the clubbies (lifesavers). Im sure we couldnt spot a rip but it didnt matter much. Our swimming and lifesaving classes, and the many days at Wenty pool, meant that when caught, we knew how to float and the skills to swim to safety. Advertisement Mostly we kept out of trouble, but rips and locals werent the main hazard; it was sunburn. Wed leave Manly all salty and bronzed. Two hours later wed arrive back home, glowing red, and by Tuesday we were shedding skin. Lots of it. As much as Sundays at Manly were great, when we all got licences the ferry was replaced by the long drive, usually landing off Warringah Road and into North Curl Curl. I returned often, and several years later I met my wife while walking along the Manly promenade: a well-timed oi tudo bem hi, how are you in her native tongue, Brazilian Portuguese started a long walk to Shelly Beach. Shelly Beach is known for its calm, clear waters within the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Its popular for snorkelling and diving. Oscar Colman We settled locally and have now lived in the Manly area for more than 30 years. Still not locals, we spend most free days swimming, surfing or walking at the beach. When our son was growing up we used the ocean pools, Manly pool and sometimes the calm of the harbourside, usually early or late in the day, away from the sun. When he was about five we started snorkelling in Cabbage Tree Bay, looking for Port Jackson sharks. When he was a little older we practised all the risky things teenagers do: we jumped from the pier; swam in the wrong places; surfed waves that were too big; and chain-surfed at the ocean pool. Advertisement Risk assessment and cautious advice: Scarr became the fun police practising all the risky things teenagers would do with his son. Renee Nowytarger He called me the fun police. There were always a risk assessment and some cautious advice, preparing him for the times, the many times, when I wouldnt be close. My favourite beach has been in the news this week, for all the wrong reasons. I feel desperately sad for Andre de Ruyter, the surfer who was attacked by a shark at North Steyne, and for Nico Antic, the 12-year boy attacked at Vaucluse. The emergency services lifeguards, lifesavers, police and paramedics were all amazing. Im also reassured by the brave acts of the surfers, friends and strangers closest to Andre and Nico in those heartbreaking scenes. Too often this summer, weve been reminded that in an emergency, the first minutes matter. Its why generations of Australians have been taught swimming, lifesaving and first aid in schools. Advertisement Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A The concept is simple. For every kilometre, you stop at a Brisbane bar and have a drink. The idea for FU5K was born after co-founders Ebony ODonoghue and Samara Rigg combined their enthusiasm for socialising and whetting their thirst the running part came secondary. Partly inspired by Aussie Beer Miles, the project is marketed by social media manager Ella Steele as the run club for people who hate run clubs. Ella Steele, Samara Rigg and Ebony ODonoghue are the faces and brains behind the viral run club. Neesha Sinnya How does it work? Each month about 70 runners, or walkers, meet and set off on a five-kilometre trail through the city, with stops at bars along the way. Participants have about 30 minutes to finish their drink at each stop and some dedicated drinkers even complete what they call the pyramid, with one drink at the first bar, two at the second and so on, or 15 drinks in total. Advertisement We dont advertise or encourage [the pyramid]. It just started on its own, ODonoghue says. For the hardcore, genuine runners, doing the pyramid is probably the hardest part [over the running], Steele adds. Participants for the sold-out January FU5K at New Farm Park. Neesha Sinnya The January route covered New Farm and Teneriffe, finishing at the Breakfast Creek Hotel in Albion. Bars visited along the way included Mary Maes, Common Vice, Dalgety House, and Green Beacon Brewing Co. One month the tickets sold out in 30 seconds. We had our regulars asking us what happened because they missed out, ODonoghue says. The co-founders never expected the concept to blow up in Queenslands health-conscious capital. Advertisement The run started between friends, but a viral TikTok proved there was potential for it to take up permanent residency in the Brisbane social calendar. I just filmed a bunch of footage, posted it, and the next day woke up to hundreds of thousands of views, Steele says. The run clubs growth not only led to sold-out ticketed events, it grabbed the attention of fitness enthusiast and Queensland Opposition Leader Steven Miles, who ran in the groups December event. We drunk DMd him. A lot of this is done while intoxicated, the founders say, laughing. Social club over a running club Advertisement The social aspect not the running keeps people coming back and encourages newcomers to join in, they say. Its a very social club because of that drinking aspect, Rigg says. Steele agrees: The night doesnt finish when the run does. Runners get a reprieve from the rain at the fourth bar on the trail, Green Beacon Brewing Co. Neesha Sinnya Sometimes people even end up going out [clubbing] together, and they hadnt met before the event. A lot of people do come solo, but when they come back, they are friends with people here. Brisbane isnt short of run clubs, with institutions such as SoSos attracting crowds every weekend. But the FU5K team is comfortable sticking with their casual approach, for now. We are three of the worst runners I think if we went to another [run] club wed embarrass ourselves, Rigg says. Advertisement Advertisement Investigation NationalExtremism Far-right threats to kidnap Albanese, post bombs to mosques, secret chats reveal Sherryn Groch January 25, 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 In the hours after the Bondi terror attack, far-right associates of neo-Nazis threatened to kidnap the prime minister and send bombs to mosques through the post, prompting two separate police raids. This masthead was leaked the apparent threats, including a recording of a man being offered $10,000 to rent a van and kidnap Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, from within an online chat room run by March for Australia organisers and filled with neo-Nazis in the lead-up to Mondays anti-immigration rallies. March for Australia figures Hugo Lennon (bottom), Thomas Sewell and Bec Freedom. Monique Westermann Days after the kidnap plot was discussed online, detectives swooped on a neo-Nazi associate at his Sydney home over a separate social media post, which also allegedly called for Albaneses abduction. Police are investigating, and they did not say if the cases are believed to be related. Advertisement Related Article Investigation Right-wing extremism A scary time: Nazi terror links revealed as disbanding sparks fears of violence But the chatroom, on the popular gaming platform Discord, offers a window into what experts and authorities warn is a growing underbelly of online extremism, as rhetoric again escalates before Australia Day rallies. On the Discord server, promoted by a key March for Australia organiser, posts have become even more extreme. Among the swastikas, racism and rape jokes, pictures of the Christchurch mass murderer Brenton Tarrant are now appearing. These are coded threats, say extremism experts such as Matt Kriner, who analysed the server for this masthead, and a warning sign of outsized neo-Nazi influence on Australias right. Hours after the Bondi Islamic terror attack, known neo-Nazi accounts joined other users in talk of marching on Sydneys well-known Lakemba Mosque to settle things. The comments became so vile that moderators decided to wipe the chat servers messages overnight to stop the server being shut down by Discord for inciting violence, they said. Police are now investigating after the same mosque in Lakemba was sent a separate threat this week, warning of co-ordinated violence as revenge against minorities at Australia Day rallies. Advertisement In the shadow of Australias worst terror attack, Kriner and other experts say far-right extremists are on a recruiting frenzy. Within two hours of the Bondi shooting, neo-Nazi accounts were posting hype edits of the attack footage intercut with recruiting links and clips of Thomas Sewell, leader of the National Socialist Network (NSN), which has since disbanded to escape the governments new extremism crackdown. NSN leader Sewell (centre) at the anti-immigration March for Australia rally in Melbourne in August. Chris Hopkins A flyer began circulating, calling for another Cronulla riot in retaliation for the Islamic State-inspired terror attack, which this masthead tracked to several accounts also sharing NSN content. A 20-year-old man has since been charged over that original post. The day after the Bondi attack, some users on the Discord chats livestream channel discussed abducting the prime minister, a recording obtained by this masthead reveals. Advertisement Related Article Investigation Racism Dont mention Hitler and youre sweet: The great March for Australia deception One man, then active in the chat who went by the username cav said he didnt think there was a political solution to their aspirations to install a new nationalist regime. I genuinely believe the best option is to is literally to f---ing grab him [Albanese] and put him in a room and force him to answer like every possible f---ing question, cav said. Yes, but are you actually going to do it? asked another user. I would, yeah, cav replied. And if anyone wants to like rent the van and help f---ing come grab him with me. Like, yeah, lets go. One user offered him $10,000 to carry out the plot, while another suggested they hold a proper debate with Albanese first, and later abduct him to force him to do what they say. Advertisement Well, look at all the f---ing NSN guys, brother, surely theres enough people to just f---ing like to pick him up, said cav. Ive crossed into the f---ing realm of terrorism, bro. The only way I would take power is through force. Just over a week later, another user of the same Discord server, xertz, said he had been raided by police after claiming in the same chatroom that he could make high-powered bombs to send to mosques using cheap materials bought off Amazon in posts obtained by this masthead. What do you think a mosque will do with a group of people funding it? he wrote. There is a planned shooting new years in aus as well. Xertz, who had agreed with other users that there needed to be a white Australia, was eventually banned by moderators after posting about terror attacks. Advertisement We all know what were thinking but please do not vocalise your more extreme thoughts as we would like to not get banned, said a moderator. They added: the Bondi attack was a perfect opportunity to redpill [radicalise] those closest to you. This masthead has identified multiple prominent neo-Nazis of the National Socialist Network active on that Discord chat, and it is promoted on the personal website of March for Australia organiser Hugo Lennon, a wealthy far-right influencer known to associate with the NSN. Lennon did not take part in such extreme discussions on the server, but continued to post announcements there after apparent threats were made, and users and moderators posted widely about subsequent police raids. Lennon speaks during a March for Australia rally in August Michael Bachelard He told this masthead he hadnt been aware of the specific threats, and condemned any calls for violence, saying he and March for Australia would never incite it. My involvement in that server has been minimal and sporadic, he said, and that such extreme rhetoric went against the rules he thought governed it, but did not reflect his own views. While March for Australia organisers said the Discord was not an official March chatroom, its inner workings reveal it is used to help co-ordinate the rallies in dedicated March channels and moderated by others involved. One moderator is a key member of the Adelaide March team, for example, who frequently shares antisemitic and extreme views, openly champions the NSN on the server, and claims he was raided by counter-terrorism police himself last year. Advertisement Until the latest police raids on xertz and other users, some in the chat openly proclaimed their allegiance to the NSN through badges on their profiles. One user said they would stab police if they ever came to their door, while others shared stories of their own recent raids by counter-terrorism detectives, or scoffed at the crackdown, noting death and rape threats on the server were common. Neo-Nazi Jacob Hersant, formerly second-in-command of the NSN, posted a video message on Telegram in the days after the raids, warning followers that discussion of terror plots online was often how police entrapped activists. Joel Davis (left) and Sewell outside court in November 2024. Justin McManus On Saturday, this masthead revealed the extent of the NSNs entanglement with terrorists and extremist groups overseas, as experts warned those now cut loose from the neo-Nazi groups orbit might be more volatile than ever. In the same week that the Discord threats were uncovered, police carried out a separate raid on 27-year-old plumber Nathan Ballesty over another alleged threat to abduct the prime minister, which they allege was made online a few days after the Discord recording. Advertisement Related Article Investigation Extremism An Andrew Tate insider is helping Australian Nazis recruit teens Ballesty is a long-time associate of the NSN, this masthead can reveal, part of neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewells first group, The Lads Society. Down the years, Ballesty has been pictured with prominent neo-Nazis at events and in social media posts. But it is unclear if he was an active member of the NSN when it disbanded last weekend. Police said they seized his phone and devices, and Ballesty had been released on bail, under strict conditions, including not to use Discord. They did not say if he was a member of the server under investigation. Key March for Australia organisers, including self-proclaimed nationalist Bec Freedom, and white supremacist Matt Trihey, have been revealed as associates of neo-Nazis, despite previously denying the NSNs involvement in the marches. Last year, chatlogs and footage obtained by this masthead exposed how neo-Nazi leadership used these far-right influencers to sell the rallies as a spontaneous groundswell of everyday Australians, while they sent undercover Nazis in to control the crowd. At the first march on August 31, some neo-Nazis even donned yellow vests to act as official safety marshals, and Freedom was captured on film co-ordinating with key NSN figure Joel Davis in Sydney. The march in Melbourne descended into violence when the NSN stormed an Indigenous camp and allegedly attacked counterprotesters. Advertisement Freedom told this masthead she wasnt on the Discord server, which was only loosely connected to the marches, and that she was not always monitoring the official March for Australia Telegram chat, where this masthead observed violent language was also common. Within two hours of the Bondi shooting, March for Australia posted an early picture of the massacre aftermath to its official X feed, captioned: The Australian government did this to you. In its public chats, where many moderators have also openly posted NSN recruiting content, users discussed swarming the gunmans family home and the need to set up a lynch mob. Freedom (centre) says she often wasnt paying attention on X livestreams with far-right activists. Max Mason-Hubers Freedom said the team did not condone or incite violence and did their best to remove unsavoury content. If threats of violence are made in our channels are made and I see them, they are removed immediately, she said. I am not responsible for things others say. She also often wasnt paying attention on X livestreams she participated in with other March for Australia organisers and far-right figures, she said. That included a stream in early January, where one member called for the machine-gunning of immigrants who refused to leave Australia as others agreed theres going to be bloodletting. Advertisement Another influencer helping out at the marches on Monday who has been posting folk songs praising NSN leaders, said that an era of violence was upon them, but no army can stop us as the sacking of parliament is our birthright. Related Article Exclusive Extremism Neo-Nazis chilling threats as government investigates homeschooling network Freedom had praised those speakers by name as f---ing great on the livestream shortly after their comments, before saying that recent white supremacist letterboxing by members of the NSN had also helped raise the profile of the upcoming marches. While Freedom again denied neo-Nazi involvement in the marches, her fellow March organiser Lennon has publicly praised NSN leader Sewell of late for his role leading the rallies, calling the neo-Nazi a household name. Lennon did not deny his connection to the group. Neo-Nazi leaders including Sewell and Davis spoke at the first marches in August, but on Monday neo-Nazis are not expected to take the megaphone again in the wake of the recently passed federal hate speech laws. Advertisement Read part one of the investigation here: Nazi terror links revealed as disbanding sparks violence fears 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 NationalVictoriaVictoria bushfires Otways fire poses new threat to lives and homes as temperatures soar; New fire starts east of main blaze Penelope Liersch Alexander Darling and Updated January 24, 2026 8:08pm ,first published 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 Numerous Otway Ranges towns are facing renewed fire threat as a blaze that began two weeks ago flared up in extreme heat and broke containment lines. People in the path of the Carlisle River fire south-west of Colac have been told it is too late to leave and to immediately find shelter, as a wind shift changes the danger zone. The Carlisle River fire on Saturday afternoon. Nine News Firefighters say the fire breached containment lines on a day of extreme fire danger in the south-west, where the temperature reached 39 degrees in parts of the Otways just after 5pm. It has already burnt more than 200 hectares beyond its previous footprint. As of 8pm, the bushfire is travelling from the intersection of Carlisle River Road and Walls-Skinner Track in a north-easterly direction, from Gellibrand towards Barongarook. Advertisement Authorities say people in Barongarook, Barongarook West, Beech Forest, Carlisle River, Gellibrand, Gerangamete, Irrewillipe, Kawarren, Lovat and Wimba should take shelter now, while people to the west of this area in the Black Bridge Road area of the Otways should leave immediately. As of 8pm, a new bushfire has just begun east of the main fire and is currently spreading between Gellibrand and Barongarook. Embers are spotting up to five kilometres ahead of the fire. An emergency relief centre has been set up at the Colac Showgrounds for people displaced by the fires, and animals can be brought there too. Additional information is available at Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre. Advertisement Forest Fire Management Victorias Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said the wind change was moving through the area as of 6pm. The fire broke containment lines on an extreme fire weather day in southwest Victoria. Nine News There is active fire behaviour, a column of six kilometres. The community needs to stay in tune with what is happening: this fire is likely to continue to move through the night, he told Nine News. Smoke from the fire has been blowing east, and authorities are warning a wind change will cause it to drift as far as the Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island. The fire has sent smoke billowing across coastal Victoria. Fairhaven Surf Lifesaving Club Advertisement Related Article Australian Open Australian Open as it happened: Inglis opens up on life-changing moment; Djokovics words of warning as he advances More than 60 vehicles are responding to the fires, which had already burned through more than 5000 hectares of national park over the past two-and-a-half weeks. Another bushfire in the national park at Kennedys Creek remains contained, having burnt through more than 3000 hectares. Saturday is a total fire ban day across Victoria, and the Country Fire Authority has also just announced another total fire ban for Northern Country, North Central, North East and East Gippsland on Sunday. The high temperatures have also prompted the Australian Open to suspend play on all its outside courts and close the roofs of the indoor stadiums. Advertisement Saturday is the first day of a days-long heatwave forecast for Victoria, with the hottest day anticipated to be Tuesday. Melbourne is expected to reach 43 that day, and Mildura 48, threatening temperature records for the state. Hardman said other existing bushfires across Victoria could become threats again in the heatwave. A relief centre has been set up in Colac Nine News We have active fire behaviour on the Walwa, Mount Lawson Fire. The wind change will not get through to that fire, so thats going to put a lot of pressure on the southern edge of that fire, and we expect that fire to move in the coming days, he said. Advertisement We also have a fire around Dargo in the Wonnangatta area ... that fire is starting to increase in activity now. Its not currently moving, but its one to watch. Meanwhile, police have arrested a man who allegedly deliberately lit five fires in the Goulburn Valley region across Friday and Saturday. The 59-year-old of no fixed address is expected to be interviewed after the fires in Kaarimba and Bunbartha, three of them lit on Saturdays total fire ban day. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for our breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app. In Santa Paula, construction workers are building more than infrastructure, theyre building company ownership. At our employee-owned facility in Ventura County, employees earn stock in the company they help grow, creating real retirement security and family wealth without putting their own savings at risk. As California debates how to strengthen its economy and better support working families, this model, known as Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), deserves to be explicitly recognized and prioritized by state policymakers. No business model is better aligned with Californias values than employee-owned companies structured through ESOPs. They are a proven way to build stronger companies, create real wealth for workers, and deliver long-term economic stability. The concept is simple: when an ESOP company succeeds, employees share directly in that success as owners. An ESOP is a federally regulated ownership structure in which employees earn an ownership stake in the company they work for through a trust. There is no buy-in, and workers are not asked to put their personal finances at risk. Ownership is earned over time, based on years of service and compensation, and becomes a meaningful asset, often the largest retirement benefit an employee will ever have when they are ready to retire or leave the company. For workers in Santa Paula, this ownership is deeply personal. One longtime employee spent decades in the construction industry, raising two children and building her career, never expecting she would have a meaningful opportunity to invest in her future. When she joined our company, her job did not change, but her outlook did. As an employee-owner, she built real retirement security over time and gained confidence she once thought out of reach, providing stability and peace of mind for her familys future. The data speaks for itself. National research shows that employee-owners have roughly 92% higher median household wealth than comparable workers at non-employee-owned companies. They also hold more than twice as much in retirement assets, earn higher median wages, and experience longer job tenure. These are not marginal gains. They are life-changing outcomes for working families. Employee ownership also strengthens businesses themselves. ESOP companies consistently outperform traditional firms in job retention and resilience during economic downturns. During the COVID-19 pandemic, employee-owned companies retained jobs at approximately four times the rate of non-ESOP companies and were far less likely to cut wages or benefits. When workers are owners, companies are better positioned to weather uncertainty and invest for the long term. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsFederalLiberal Party Hastie rebuffs Taylors deputy leadership suggestion as bid to roll Ley hits stalemate Paul Sakkal January 24, 2026 7:55pm 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 Liberal leadership aspirant Andrew Hastie has rebuffed a suggestion from Angus Taylor to run as his deputy in a united conservative ticket to topple Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. In a previously unreported phone conversation, the MPs spoke on Thursday as Taylor was in Europe, where he has been for weeks, and Hastie in Perth, according to three sources familiar with the discussion but not authorised to speak about it publicly. Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor in the House of Representatives in November. Alex Ellinghausen According to a backer of Hastie and another unaligned right-winger, Taylor claimed Hastie could eventually take over as leader if he served for a period as Taylors deputy, without being clear about timing. But the suggestion was not taken up, and Hastie made it clear he was being encouraged to run by a group of right-wing MPs and would only be dissuaded from doing so if colleagues actively talked him out of it, which they were not doing. Advertisement Hastie declined to comment about the call when asked by this masthead, while Taylor and his office were contacted for comment. One source close to Taylor said they could not confirm the discussion on a deputy role took place and downplayed it. Related Article Inside Story Political leadership Inside the Coalition split: From attack to collapse in 48 hours Hasties backers believe he has clear majority support in the right faction, but Taylor is winning more support among moderates who, if forced to choose, would choose him over the more hardline candidate in Hastie. The pair are due to talk again in coming days to try to resolve the stalemate, which benefits Ley and points to a possibility she may remain in the job in a weakened state for a while longer until the right can come to an agreement. Taylor had still not returned to Australia as of Saturday afternoon, making it difficult for him to engage in the manoeuvrings. The problem for both candidates is that many moderates, unaligned centrists and even some right-wingers believe Ley, while severely weakened after the historic Coalition rupture, made the right moves in taking on the Nationals last week. Advertisement That Coalition split is being used by her loudest critics to call for a spill, but Leys allies believe the rebels have misjudged the galvanising effect of Nationals leader David Littleprouds rash actions. The under-pressure opposition leader has spent the past 48 hours speaking to colleagues, one of whom told this masthead she had expressed calm and confidence about the leadership situation, which they feel is being overhyped by troublemakers. Theres not a sense of worry quite the opposite, one ally said. The Liberal leader, whose strategy to attack Labor on its Bondi massacre response blew up in her face last week, has been speaking to former prime minister John Howard multiple times a day as he advises her on the crisis with the Nationals. Advertisement Ley is not planning to reshuffle her shadow ministry to put Liberals in the positions vacated by Nationals until Littleproud announces his unofficial shadow, shadow cabinet some time next week. Related Article Updated Political leadership Liberals and Nationals leadership all facing the axe in wake of Coalition schism Leys delay is underpinned by an intent to keep alive the chance of a reconciliation, as Nationals including deputy leader Kevin Hogan, Michael McCormack, Susan McDonald, Darren Chester and others continue to discreetly talk to Liberals about an unlikely reunification. Those Nationals who want to keep the Coalition alive are unwilling to topple Littleproud, which would be the condition of reunifying for many aggrieved Liberals. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Updated WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America US reels after second citizen fatally shot by federal agents in three weeks Michael Koziol Updated January 25, 2026 5:33pm ,first published January 25, 2026 4:22am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Minneapolis: The US is reeling and a political reckoning is looming after an American citizen was shot dead by federal agents in Minneapolis, less than three weeks after Renee Good was killed in the same city by another immigration enforcement officer. Shocking video captured the moment the man, later identified by his family as Alex Pretti, was wrestled to the footpath by federal agents before an officer fired several gunshots and Pretti stopped moving. Alex Pretti, 37, was shot by a federal officer in Minneapolis on Saturday. Michael Pretti Pretti was an intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis. He was born in Illinois. In a statement, his parents Michael and Susan Pretti said their son was a kindhearted soul whose last act was to protect a woman at the incident scene. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact, they said. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Advertisement As with Good on January 7, the circumstances of Prettis death were immediately and hotly contested by the warring sides of American politics, despite footage that showed an outnumbered Pretti on the ground and seemingly without a weapon in hand. WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC CONTENT Loading The Department of Homeland Security said Pretti was carrying a 9mm semi-automatic handgun when he approached the officers as they were conducting a targeted operation against an illegal immigrant with a criminal record on Saturday morning, local time, in a suburb of Minneapolis. The officers attempted to disarm the suspect, but the armed suspect violently resisted. More details on the armed struggle are forthcoming, DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. Advertisement Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. But footage of the incident appears to show Pretti holding a phone, not a gun. While DHS said he approached officers with a weapon, they did not say whether he was brandishing it when he was killed. Federal agents point weapons at protesters near the site of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. AP Both Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino avoided answering that question directly when asked at separate news conferences following the shooting. An investigation was under way into the details of the incident, they said. Advertisement Bovino said it looked like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement. Minneapolis police chief Brian OHara said Pretti was licensed to hold the firearm, and it is legal to carry such a weapon in the state of Minnesota. Pretti had no criminal record other than minor traffic infringements, he said. Federal agents fired tear gas during clashes with anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis on Saturday, US time. AP Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the footage of the incident clearly showed more than six masked agents pummelling one of our constituents, shooting him to death. He pleaded with US President Donald Trump to end ICEs special enforcement operation in Minneapolis, saying a great American city was being invaded by its own federal government. Advertisement How many more residents, how many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end? Frey said. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he had spoken with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles following the shooting and demanded she withdraw ICE from the state. The state must conduct the investigation, he told her. Loading Minnesotas justice system will have the last word on this. It must have the last word on this, Walz said. The federal government cannot be trusted to lead this investigation. The state will handle it, period. Walz said he had seen the sickening video from several angles. Its a campaign of organised brutality against our state, he said. This needs to be the event that says: enough. Advertisement Hundreds of protesters who swarmed to the location where Pretti was killed clashed with federal agents on Minneapolis frosty streets throughout the afternoon. Officers repeatedly fired tear gas and pepper balls at demonstrators, who yelled shame and f--- ICE. Local police deemed it an unauthorised gathering and dispatched officers to the scene. The city also requested assistance from the Minnesota National Guard, and Walz said it had been activated. A protester is pepper sprayed at close range while being detained near the site of the shooting. AP Tensions between ICE and anti-ICE activists in Minneapolis have been extraordinarily high since Good was fatally shot on January 7. Confrontations have been occurring daily amid ICEs ongoing special enforcement operation, which the Trump administration has vowed to intensify. In the Good case, Noem said within hours of the incident that the 37-year-old mother was participating in domestic terrorism and that the ICE agent shot her in self-defence, despite footage casting doubt on that narrative. Advertisement A similar narrative played out on Saturday. Homeland Security adviser Stephen Miller called Pretti a domestic terrorist and a would-be assassin. He said Democrats had been fuelling anti-ICE activity for months. Vice President JD Vance said ICE wanted to work with local police to defuse tensions, but it was barred by the states Democratic leaders. This level of engineered chaos is unique to Minneapolis, he said. It is the direct consequence of far-left agitators, working with local authorities. Protesters advance towards federal agents with their hands up near the site of the fatal shooting. AP In a lengthy social media post, Trump posted a photo of the gun that allegedly belonged to the deceased man, blaming Walz and Frey for inciting insurrection with pompous, dangerous and arrogant rhetoric. These sanctimonious political fools should be looking for the Billions of Dollars that has been stolen from the people of Minnesota, and the United States of America, Trump said, referring to alleged welfare fraud by migrants in the state. LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB! Advertisement Democrats, including centrists who have opposed moves to abolish ICE, said they would try to block a funding bill for the DHS that recently passed the House of Representatives but is yet to pass the Senate. Related Article Analysis Trump's America In Trumps America, the right to bear arms now puts a target on your back Hakeem Jeffries, leader of the Democrats in the House of Representatives, said Trump and the Republican Party were trying to gaslight the nation. Trust your eyes. Not extremist lies. The video exposing the brutal slaying of VA nurse Alex Pretti speaks for itself, he said. Masked and lawless DHS agents have brutally killed another American citizen in Minneapolis. Donald Trumps extremists have unleashed this carnage on the streets of America. They must all be held criminally accountable to the full extent of the law. Advertisement Some Republicans also expressed unease about what unfolded. Republicans on the House committee on homeland security reiterated their request for ICE and Border Patrol leadership to testify before Congress. Republican senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana said the events in Minneapolis were incredibly disturbing and called for a joint federal and state investigation. The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake, he said. We can trust the American people with the truth. With AP Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaOrganised crime Modern-day El Chapo: Fugitive Olympian accused of murder and running major drug ring arrested Amy Taxin , Russ Bynum and Julie Watson January 24, 2026 1:31pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Ontario, California: Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, a top FBI fugitive accused of moving more than 60 tonnes of cocaine into the US annually and orchestrating several killings, was arrested in Mexico and then flown to California, officials said. Wedding, 44, turned himself in at the US embassy in Mexico City. FBI Director Kash Patel said his arrest came after US investigators worked with authorities in Mexico, Canada, Colombia and the Dominican Republic for more than a year. Ryan Wedding competing for Canada during the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games. Getty Images Officials say Wedding moved cocaine between Colombia, Mexico, Canada and Southern California, and they believe he was working under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel one of Mexicos most powerful drug rings. Authorities said his aliases included El Jefe,, Public Enemy and James Conrad Kin. Patel described Wedding as the largest narco-trafficker in modern times, akin to notorious drug lords such as Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and Pablo Escobar. Advertisement Hes the modern-day El Chapo, Patel told a news conference on Friday, California time, comparing Wedding to the legendary former Sinaloa cartel kingpin, who is imprisoned in the US after pleading guilty to drug-trafficking charges. Wedding was previously convicted in the US of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to prison in 2010, federal records show. He now faces charges related to running a multinational drug trafficking ring and the killings of a federal witness and three other people. An image taken from video and provided by the FBI shows Wedding being taken off a plane at Ontario International Airport in California on Friday. AP It was not immediately known if Wedding had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. He had no lawyers listed in federal court records for the cases pending against him. US authorities believe the former Olympian, who competed in a single event for his home country in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, had been hiding in Mexico for more than a decade before his apprehension. Advertisement Wedding was added to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list last March, and authorities had offered a $US15 million ($22 million) reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction. When you go after a guy like Ryan Wedding, it takes a united front, and thats what youre seeing here, said Patel, who declined to give details about the arrest. He praised Mexicos government and global partnerships for their roles in the operation. Wedding is expected to appear in federal court Monday, said Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI field office in Los Angeles. Davis said 36 people have been arrested in connection with the drug ring Wedding is accused of running, and authorities seized large volumes of drugs, weapons and cash, along with millions of dollars worth of automobiles, motorcycles, artwork and jewellery from Wedding and others charged in the case. Advertisement Wedding was indicted in the US in 2024 on federal charges of running a criminal enterprise, murder, conspiring to distribute cocaine and other crimes. FBI director Kash Patel takes questions during a press conference on the tarmac. MediaNews Group via Getty Images The indictment says Wedding ran a billion-dollar drug trafficking group that was the largest supplier of cocaine to Canada. The group obtained cocaine from Colombia and worked with Mexican drug cartels to move drugs by boat and plane to Mexico and then into the US using semitrailers, the indictment said. It said the group stored cocaine in Southern California before sending it to other US states and Canada. The murder charges accuse Wedding of directing the 2023 killings of two members of a Canadian family in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment, and for ordering a killing over a drug debt in 2024. Advertisement Last November, Wedding was indicted on new charges of orchestrating the killing of a witness in Colombia to help him avoid extradition to the US. Loading Authorities said Wedding and co-conspirators used a Canadian website called The Dirty News to post a photograph of the witness so he could be identified and killed. The witness was then followed to a restaurant in Medellin in January and shot in the head. Weddings arrest was also applauded in Canada, where he faces separate drug trafficking charges that date back to 2015. Gary Anandasangaree, Canadas minister of public safety, called it a significant step forward in an international fight against illegal drugs. Related Article Trump's White House White House posts altered image showing arrested protester crying Advertisement Patel identified a second apprehended fugitive as Alejandro Rosales Castillo, a 27-year-old US citizen charged with murder in the 2016 killing of a North Carolina woman. He also faces a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. According to the FBI, Castillo was arrested a week ago in Mexico. Mexico has increasingly sent detained cartel members to the US as it attempts to offset mounting threats by US President Donald Trump, who said last month US forces will now start hitting land south of the border to target drug trafficking rings. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Organised crime Crime Mexico USA FBI Olympics Canada Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaPlanning Next to the Australian embassy in DC, a lesson in how to build more homes Michael Koziol January 25, 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 What in the World, a free weekly newsletter from our foreign correspondents, is sent every Thursday. Below is an excerpt. Sign up to get the whole newsletter delivered to your inbox. Hello from a soon-to-be-snowed-under Washington, DC. Next door to the Australian embassy here, a construction project has been under way for the past year. A former office building once home to the Air Line Pilots Association is being converted into 157 residential apartments. An office-to-residential construction project in Washington, DC, next to the Australian embassy on Massachusetts Avenue. Michael Koziol It is one of eight similar projects being aided by a $US41 million ($61 million) tax abatement initiative from the District of Columbia government, called the Housing in Downtown program, to encourage turning underutilised CBD offices into homes. Advertisement There is no set percentage for the property tax abatement, which lasts 20 years and is offered for both adaptive reuse projects and knockdown-rebuilds. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the program at the end of 2022, and launched it with the conversion of an office block in the citys central Golden Triangle into 163 units in March 2024. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser says when she started the program, critics told her office-to-residential conversions were impossible. Bloomberg It makes so much sense, said Leona Agouridis, executive director of the Triangles business improvement district, at the launch. Downtown is the centre of it all we have wide, walkable sidewalks and world-class transportation infrastructure. You can walk to restaurants, shops, your gym, your doctor, and of course, your office, which is the new paradigm. Downtown Washington, DC, is a mixed bag. Ive been here a year, so I didnt experience it before the pandemic, but its hardly what you would call bustling. The more vibrant areas with more residents surround the CBD. Still, its got a lot more going on than most American city centres. Advertisement What stands out about the DC councils ambitions is their scale. At the start of this project, downtown DC had 25,000 residents (depending on how you define the area), and its land use was 87 per cent commercial and 13 per cent residential. Related Article Review Property development A $200 million redevelopment transformed this office block into homes. Could others follow suit? Bowser wants to add 15,000 residents by 2028, an increase of 60 per cent, which would rebalance the DNA of downtown markedly in favour of residents in just a few years. The city believes 90 per cent of that target can be reached through the Housing in Downtown program, which aims to generate 8400 new homes. The eight council-backed projects announced so far are expected to yield 1745 new residential units, including 176 affordable housing units. The largest is a $US750 million conversion of an office block near Dupont Circle into 532 homes, which secured financing just a couple of weeks ago and is expected mid next year. Breaking ground at the site this week, Bowser said the tax abatement incentive was doing exactly what we thought it would do. More offices are being converted to homes in Washington than in any other city in the US except New York. Advertisement The DC council is pursuing this policy actively and aggressively. Its a no-brainer given the ongoing changes to work patterns brought about by COVID. The office vacancy rate in downtown DC was below 10 per cent in 2014 today it is 19 per cent. DC has decided residential is the future. This drive stands in stark contrast to whats happening or rather, not happening in Australias big cities, where many councils are determined to preserve commercial zoning. Downtown DC had 25,000 residents at the start of the program. The council wants to add 15,000 residents by 2028. Bloomberg Guardian Australia reported in October that no development applications had been submitted in Melbourne to convert office buildings since 2023. But Melbourne gets a bit of a free pass because it has already built so much housing in its CBD, which has the vibrancy that Washington and other cities seek. Sydney has no such excuse. It had fewer than 17,000 CBD residents at the last census Melbourne had more than 42,000. And Sydneys CBD units are far too expensive to rent for key workers, students and most young people. Advertisement As my colleague Julie Power reported three months ago, there are issues with office-to-residential conversions, including feasibility, floor plate size and compliance with apartment design guidelines (which could be reduced with co-operation from a willing government). But these are not roadblocks in other cities. Aviator House, the development next to the Australian embassy, will be completed in a few months. A block from my office, another project is under way one thats not part of the Housing in Downtown program. A building previously belonging to the federal Department of Homeland Security is being turned into 264 apartments. Editor's pick Analysis Trump diplomacy Trumps Biden moment on world stage as he repeatedly calls Greenland Iceland Bowser says when she started the program, critics told her office-to-residential conversions were impossible. Its not enough air, its not enough light, its just so hard, we cant do it, she recalled them saying. We are proving that narrative wrong. While it may be hard, it is possible. In New York City, office-to-residential conversions, which once averaged less than 111,000 square metres a year, rose to an annualised rate of 3.1 million square metres in 2024, and 3.8 million square metres in August last year, with another 8.2 million in the pipeline, says real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield. The old Pfizer headquarters near Grand Central Station is being turned into 1600 apartments the biggest such project in the country. Advertisement A paper by the Brookings Institution last year identified at least 12 office-to-residential conversion projects completed in Los Angeless downtown and Koreatown districts since 2020, and another five in planning or construction. And according to the Illinois Policy Institute, Chicago, which has an office vacancy rate of 28 per cent, has converted 11 buildings to residential, with nine more under way. If Australias city and state leaders want new ideas to incentivise housing and revitalise their CBDs, they could do worse than look to the US. 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. SAINT MARTIN:--- In a decisive move against drug trafficking, the court has handed down severe sentences to individuals involved in a drug-dealing operation in Sandy Ground. The verdicts, announced following a thorough investigation and trial, reflect the justice system's unwavering commitment to combating illegal drug activities. Sentences Delivered: For the three main dealers: Prison terms ranging from six to seven years. Fines between 10,000 and 20,000. A 10-year ban from entering the territory. For their accomplice: A 30-month prison sentence. A prohibition on working in any capacity involving minors. All four individuals remain in custody following the court's decision. A Strong Message Against Drug Trafficking These exemplary sentences underscore the firm stance taken by law enforcement and the judiciary in addressing drug-related crimes. The dismantling of this drug-dealing operation in Sandy Ground is a testament to the relentless efforts of the gendarmerie and the justice system to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law. The case serves as a clear warning to those involved in drug trafficking: such activities will be met with severe consequences. Authorities reaffirm their dedication to eradicating drug-dealing networks and maintaining the security of the community. UK PM slams Trump for saying NATO troops avoided Afghan front line London, Jan 23 (AFP) Jan 23, 2026 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Friday denounced as "insulting" President Donald Trump's claim that troops from NATO allies avoided the front line in Afghanistan, as anger grows at the US president's remarks. In an interview with Fox News aired on Thursday, Trump appeared unaware that 457 British soldiers were among NATO troops who died during the conflict in Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. "They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan," Trump told the US outlet, referring to NATO allies. "And they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines," he added, triggering outrage across the political divide in Britain. Trump also repeated his suggestion that NATO would not come to the aid of the US if asked to do so. In fact, following the 9/11 attacks, the UK and several European countries joined the US in Afghanistan after it invoked NATO's collective security clause for the first and only time. Soldiers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark and others also died in the conflict. "Let me start by paying tribute to 457 of our armed services who lost their lives in Afghanistan," Starmer said in a video message. "There are many also who were injured, some with life-changing injuries, and so I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly, appalling, and I'm not surprised they've caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured." He said that if he had misspoken in such a way, he "would certainly apologise". The White House rejected Starmer's comments and defended the president. "President Trump is absolutely right - the United States of America has done more for NATO than any other country in the alliance has done combined," Taylor Rogers, a White House spokeswoman, said in a statement sent to AFP. - 'Heroes' - Poland's Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said he expected respect for Polish veterans "who have proven how much they serve this country and our commitments to allies". Poland lost 43 soldiers in the conflict in Afghanistan. French armed forces minister Catherine Vautrin said 90 French soldiers died in Afghanistan on operations alongside NATO allies and "many others" were wounded. "We remember their sacrifice, which commands respect." UK defence minister John Healey posted on X that the British troops who died were "heroes who gave their lives in service of our nation". UK Armed forces minister Al Carns, who served five tours in Afghanistan, said Trump's comments were "utterly ridiculous". The leader of the opposition Conservatives, Kemi Badenoch, said Trump's comments were "complete nonsense" which could weaken the NATO alliance. Even Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-immigration Reform UK party and a long-time Trump supporter rebuked the American leader. "Donald Trump is wrong," he said on X. "For 20 years our armed forces fought bravely alongside America's in Afghanistan." Lucy Aldridge, whose son William died aged 18 in Afghanistan, told The Mirror newspaper that Trump's remarks were "extremely upsetting". Mark Atkinson, Director General of the veterans' charity, The Royal British Legion, said the service and sacrifice of British troops in Afghanistan "cannot be called into question". Prince Harry, who undertook two frontline tours to Afghanistan with the Army Air Corps, also weighed in. "I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there," he said. "Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost. Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect." According to official UK figures, 405 of the 457 British casualties who died in Afghanistan were killed in hostile military action. The US reportedly lost more than 2,400 soldiers. More than 150,000 UK armed forces personnel served in Afghanistan between September 2001 and August 2021, the Ministry of Defence said, making the UK the second-largest contributor to the US-led force there. Paris fashion doyenne Nichanian bows out at Hermes after 37 years Paris, France, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 France's Veronique Nichanian will present her final men's collection for Hermes on Saturday after 37 years as chief designer, the end of an era for the family-run firm and one of the industry's top female creatives. Her departure adds to the upheaval at the top of the European luxury clothing sector over the last 12 months, which has seen a new generation of designers promoted at a host of brands including Chanel, Dior and Gucci. Many of them were barely in school when the doyenne of Paris fashion took over menswear at Hermes in 1988 with instructions from then company boss Jean-Louis Dumas to run it "like your small company". Paris-born Nichanian helped transform a niche luxury brand known for its scarves and leather goods into a global fashion profit machine with sales of menswear estimated at several billion euros a year. Her design philosophy mirrors her own discreet personality, with a focus on quality and comfort through quiet evolutions, rather than flashy re-invention. "It is time to pass the torch," the 71-year-old said as she announced her departure in October, adding that she intended to relax more and fulfil "a long-standing dream" of spending several months in Japan. Hermes is one of the few fashion houses in a male-dominated industry to have women in charge as creative directors. Womenswear has been designed since 2014 by fellow French couturier Nadege Vanhee-Cybulski, while Nichanian will be replaced by 30-something London designer Grace Wales Bonner, who previously ran her own label. Wales Bonner, whose work draws on her father's Afro-Caribbean roots in Jamaica and British tailoring, represents a generational and stylistic shift for the classic French house. "Grace Wales Bonner is very modern, committed... Hermes has chosen someone who will bring not only quality, but also an image and a point of view," Marie Ottavi, a fashion journalist at France's Liberation newspaper, told AFP. - 'Macho milieu' - On the eve of her last show, Nichanian told the Business of Fashion website that no one at Hermes had said "you have to stop" but she had felt the need to step back due to the frenetic pace of the corporate business. "There's so much change, it loses something magic, the something that makes people happy," she told the website about the fashion industry. "When I talk to my friends at the different houses, they're not happy. It's not only insecurity, it's pressure." She started out working under Italian designer Nino Cerruti, who plucked her from her Paris fashion school, L'Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne (ESCP). They worked together for eight years before Hermes came knocking. She told AFP in 2014 she had had to "work harder" and "be determined" as a woman in a man's world. "It was a pretty macho milieu and the men didn't expect a woman to tell them what to do," she recalled of her early career. As well as her gradual modernising touch, she has also won fans for her attention to what she calls "selfish" details, hidden touches of luxury such as a lambskin-lined pocket. "We women can sometimes make concessions to comfort. But men, never," she told Le Figaro newspaper in 2018. "My whole approach, therefore, is to offer them a comfort that should be felt yet remain invisible, imparting a certain sensuality and a relaxed, chic look." Her final show during Men's Fashion Week on Saturday will be held at 8:00 pm (1900 GMT) in the historic Paris stock exchange building in the centre of the French capital. Her 76th and final show will not be a "retrospective, but full of nods" to her past work, she told Madame Figaro magazine in early January. adp-mdv/jhb/ceg Hermes International Women main victims of Sudan conflict abuses: minister to AFP Port Sudan, Sudan, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 Women are the main victims of abuse in Sudan's war, facing "the world's worst" sexual violence and other crimes committed with impunity, a rights activist turned social affairs minister for the army-backed government told AFP. The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been locked in a brutal conflict since April 2023 that has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced around 11 million and been marked by widespread sexual violence. Sulaima Ishaq al-Khalifa said abuses against women routinely accompanied looting and attacks, with reports of rape often perpetrated as "the family witnessed" the crime. "There is no age limit. A woman of 85 could be raped, a child of one year could be raped," the trained psychologist told AFP at her home in Port Sudan. The longtime women's rights activist, recently appointed to the government, said that women were also being subjected to sexual slavery and trafficked to neighbouring countries, alongside forced marriages arranged to avoid shame. Khalifa said sexual violence has been reported on both sides, but she insisted it is "systematic" among the RSF, who she says use it "as a weapon of war" and for the purposes of "ethnic cleansing". Her ministry has documented more than 1,800 rapes between April 2023 and October 2025 -- a figure that does not include atrocities documented in western Darfur and the neighbouring Kordofan region from late October onwards. "It's about... humiliating people, forcing them to leave their houses and places and cities. And also breaking... the social fabrics," Khalifa said. "When you are using sexual violence as a weapon of war, that means you want to extend... the war forever", because it feeds a "sense of revenge", she added. - 'War crimes' - A report by the SIHA Network, an activist group that documents abuses against women in the Horn of Africa, found that more than three-quarters of recorded cases involved rape, with 87 percent attributed to the RSF. The United Nations has repeatedly raised alarm over what it describes as targeted attacks on non?Arab communities in Darfur, while the International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened a formal investigation into "war crimes" by both sides. Briefing the UN Security Council in mid?January, ICC deputy prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan said investigators had uncovered evidence of an "organised, calculated campaign" in El?Fasher -- the army's last stronghold in Darfur captured by the RSF in late October. The campaign, Khan added, involved mass rapes and executions "on a massive scale", sometimes "filmed and celebrated" by the perpetrators and "fuelled by a sense of complete impunity". Darfur endured a brutal wave of atrocities in the early 2000s, and a former Janjaweed commander -- from the militia structure that later evolved into the RSF -- was recently found guilty by the International Criminal Court of multiple war crimes, including rape. "What's happening now is much more ugly. Because the mass rape thing is happening and documented," said Khalifa. RSF fighters carrying out the assaults "have been very proud about doing this and they don't see it as a crime", she added. "You feel that they have a green light to do whatever they want." In Darfur, several survivors said RSF fighters "have been accusing them of being lesser people, like calling them 'slaves', and saying that when I'm attacking you, assaulting you sexually, I'm actually 'honouring' you, because I am more educated than you, or (of) more pure blood than you". - 'Torture operation' - Women in Khartoum and Darfur, including El-Fasher, have described rapes carried out by a range of foreign nationals. These were "mercenaries from West Africa, speaking French, including from Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Chad, as well as Colombia and Libya" -- allegedly fighting alongside the RSF, Khalifa added. Some victims were abducted and held as sexual slaves, while others were sold through trafficking networks operating across Sudan's porous borders, said Khalifa. Many of these cases remain difficult to document because of the collapse of state institutions. In conservative communities, social stigma also remains a major obstacle to documenting the scale of the abuse. Families often force victims into marriage to "cover up what happened", particularly when pregnancies result from rape, according to the minister. "We call it a torture operation," she said, describing "frightening" cases in which children and adolescent girls under 18 are forced into marriage. More IS detainees heading to Iraq from Syria: Iraqi officials Baghdad, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 Hundreds of Islamic State group detainees were being transferred from Syria to Iraq on Saturday, the second batch since the US announced plans to relocate the jihadists there, two Iraqi security officials told AFP. "The prisoner transfer operation is ongoing, with US forces transporting detainees by land and air," an Iraqi security official said, adding that "up to 1,000 IS detainees are expected to arrive in Iraq today". Another security source confirmed the transfer was underway, saying the detainees -- who include Iraqis and Europeans -- will be distributed among at least three prisons in Iraq. The group is the second batch of 7,000 IS suspects, previously held by Syrian Kurdish fighters, that the US military said it would transfer to Iraq after Syrian government forces recaptured Kurdish-held territory. Europeans were also among the 150 senior IS detainees who were the first to be transferred on Wednesday, two Iraqi security officials told AFP Friday. The transfer is expected to take several days. Never miss an important update on your stock portfolio and cut through the noise. Over 7 million investors trust Simply Wall St to stay informed where it matters for FREE. The recent adjustment to analyst price targets for Ford Motor has put the stock back in focus, raising fresh questions about how the market is reassessing the company today. This shift reflects updated views on the risks and opportunities around Ford, based on the latest commentary and expectations rather than any single headline. Stay tuned to see how you can follow these changing price targets and keep on top of the evolving story around the stock. Analyst Price Targets don't always capture the full story. Head over to our Company Report to find new ways to value Ford Motor. Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there's more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives or begin writing your own Narrative! NYSE:F 1-Year Stock Price Chart How This Changes the Fair Value For Ford Motor Analyst price target revisions offer a fresh reference point for what the market currently sees as a reasonable fair value range for Ford Motor, based on recent commentary and updated assumptions. These revised targets typically reflect changes in how analysts weigh Ford Motor's business risks, cash generation, and balance sheet strength, rather than any single news item. Fair value estimates often move when analysts update their models for factors such as production plans, cost structure, or capital allocation priorities, even if headline financial figures stay the same. For you as an investor, the latest set of price targets can be useful as one input among many, helping you compare your own view of Ford Motor's long term potential with the current market consensus. If the market price sits well below the cluster of updated targets, some investors may see that as a potential value gap, while a price well above recent targets may suggest expectations that are already quite optimistic. Because these targets can change as new information arrives, it can be helpful to track not just the current level but also how often analysts revisit their fair value estimates for Ford Motor. Never Miss an Update: Follow The Narrative Narratives on Simply Wall St let you set out your own story for a company like Ford Motor, connecting assumptions about future revenue, earnings and margins to a fair value. You link what you think will happen to a forecast, and then to a price you believe is reasonable. Narratives live on the Community page, are easy to update when news or earnings arrive, and help you compare that Fair Value with todays Price so you can decide how to act. NATO wants 'automated' defences along borders with Russia: German general Frankfurt, Germany, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 NATO is moving to boost its defences along European borders with Russia by creating an AI-assisted "automated zone" not reliant on human ground forces, a German general said in comments published Saturday. That zone would act as a defensive buffer before any enemy forces advanced into "a sort of hot zone" where traditional combat could happen, said General Thomas Lowin, NATO's deputy chief of staff for operations. He was speaking to the German Sunday newspaper Welt am Sonntag. The automated area would have sensors to detect enemy forces and activate defences such as drones, semi-autonomous combat vehicles, land-based robots, as well as automatic air defences and anti-missile systems, Lowin said. He added, however, that any decision to use lethal weapons would "always be under human responsibility". The sensors -- located "on the ground, in space, in cyberspace and in the air" -- would cover an area of several thousand kilometres (miles) and detect enemy movements or deployment of weapons, and inform "all NATO countries in real time", he said. The AI-guided system would reinforce existing NATO weapons and deployed forces, the general said. The German newspaper reported that there were test programmes in Poland and Romania trying out the proposed capabilities, and all of NATO should be working to make the system operational by the end of 2027. NATO's European members are stepping up preparedness out of concern that Russia -- whose economy is on a war footing because of its conflict in Ukraine -- could seek to further expand, into EU territory. Poland is about to sign a contract for "the biggest anti-drone system in Europe", its defence minister, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, told the Gazeta Wyborcza daily. Kosiniak-Kamysz did not say how much the deal, involving "different types of weaponry", would cost, nor which consortium would ink the contract at the end of January. He said it was being made to respond to "an urgent operational demand". Outrage across Europe after Trump says NATO avoided Afghan front line Copenhagen, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 US President Donald Trump has sparked outrage across Europe after claiming that NATO allies shied away from the front line in Afghanistan. In an interview with Fox News aired on Thursday, Trump claimed NATO had sent "some troops" but "stayed a little back, a little off the front lines". He also repeated his suggestion that the alliance would not come to the aid of the United States if asked to do so. "I fully understand that Danish veterans have said no words can describe how much this hurts," Danish Prime Minister Mette said Saturday on Facebook. "It is unacceptable that the American president questions the commitment of allied soldiers in Afghanistan," she added. In the interview, Trump appeared unaware that 457 British soldiers were among NATO troops who died during the conflict in Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Friday: "I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly, appalling, and I'm not surprised they've caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured." The White House rejected Starmer's comments and defended Trump. "President Trump is absolutely right -- the United States of America has done more for NATO than any other country in the alliance has done combined," Taylor Rogers, a White House spokeswoman, said in a statement sent to AFP. Following the 9/11 attacks, Britain and a number of other allies joined the United States from 2001 in Afghanistan after it invoked NATO's collective security clause. "Denmark is one of the NATO countries that has suffered the highest losses per capita," the Danish prime minister underscored. The country's population was about 5.4 million in 2003 and, according to the Danish news agency Ritzau, around 12,000 Danish soldiers and civilians had been sent to Afghanistan over the years. As well as Britain, troops from other NATO ally countries including Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Denmark also died. "Let us honour the 53 Italian soldiers who fell during the mission in Afghanistan," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in a post on X on Saturday. Meanwhile, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius recalled the "heavy price" his country paid, stressing that "our army was ready when our American allies asked for support" in 2001. "Many wounded are still suffering today from the physical and psychological consequences of that period," he added. The Danish Veterans Association earlier said it was "at a loss for words" over Trump's claims. "Denmark has always stood by the United States, and we have shown up in crisis zones around the world when the United States asked us to," the association said in a statement. Danish veterans are calling for a silent march in Copenhagen on January 31 to protest Trump's remarks. Trump's comments follow a bruising transatlantic crisis over his threats to seize Greenland -- an autonomous Danish territory -- now seemingly defused. The US president on Wednesday backed away from threatened tariffs on Europe for opposing his claims on the Arctic island. ef/ach/rlp/rh/rmb More IS detainees heading to Iraq from Syria: Iraqi officials Baghdad, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 Hundreds of Islamic State group detainees were being transferred from Syria to Iraq on Saturday, the second batch since the US announced plans to relocate the jihadists there, two Iraqi security officials told AFP. "The prisoner transfer operation is ongoing, with US forces transporting detainees by land and air," an Iraqi security official said, adding that "up to 1,000 IS detainees are expected to arrive in Iraq today". Another security source confirmed the transfer was underway, saying the detainees -- who include Iraqis and Europeans -- will be distributed among at least three prisons in Iraq. The group is the second batch of 7,000 IS suspects, previously held by Syrian Kurdish fighters, that the US military said it would transfer to Iraq after Syrian government forces recaptured Kurdish-held territory. Europeans were also among the 150 senior IS detainees who were the first to be transferred on Wednesday, two Iraqi security officials told AFP on Friday. The transfer is expected to take several days. In 2014, IS swept across Syria and Iraq, committing massacres and forcing women and girls into sexual slavery. Backed by US-led forces, Iraq proclaimed the defeat of IS in the country in 2017, and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ultimately beat back the group in Syria two years later. The SDF went on to jail thousands of suspected jihadists and detain tens of thousands of their relatives in camps. This month, the United States said the purpose of its alliance with Kurdish forces in Syria had largely expired, as Damascus pressed an offensive to take back territory long held by the SDF. In Iraq, where many prisons are packed with IS suspects, courts have handed down hundreds of death sentences and life terms to people convicted of terrorism offences, including many foreign fighters. Iraq's judiciary has said it will launch legal proceedings against the detainees brought from Syria. The first Iraqi security official said the country had formed a committee comprising the justice ministry, air forces and anti-terrorism forces to coordinate the transfers from Syria as part of the US operation. Amnesty International has called on the US to "urgently put in place safeguards before making any further transfers", and urged Iraq to hold "fair trials, without recourse to the death penalty". Trump hails UK soldiers in Afghanistan amid Starmer row Washington, United States, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 US President Donald Trump on Saturday appeared to offer an olive branch to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in their spat over the role of British soldiers in Afghanistan, calling them "among the greatest of all warriors." Trump had suggested in an interview with Fox News this week that troops from NATO allies had avoided the front line in Afghanistan, even though 457 British soldiers were killed in the post-9/11 conflict. Starmer called those remarks "appalling." "The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America!" Trump said on his Truth Social platform. "In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. It's a bond too strong to ever be broken." Following the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the UK and several European countries joined the US in Afghanistan after it invoked NATO's collective security clause for the first and only time. Soldiers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark and others also died in the conflict. "They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan," Trump said in the interview with Fox aired Thursday, referring to NATO allies. "And they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines," he added, triggering outrage across the political divide in Britain. Trump also repeated his suggestion that NATO would not come to the aid of the United States if asked to do so. On Friday, Starmer voiced his outrage. "Let me start by paying tribute to 457 of our armed services who lost their lives in Afghanistan," Starmer said in a video message. "There are many also who were injured, some with life-changing injuries, and so I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly, appalling, and I'm not surprised they've caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured." He said that if he had misspoken in such a way, he "would certainly apologize." The White House initially rejected Starmer's comments and defended the president later Friday. "President Trump is absolutely right - the United States of America has done more for NATO than any other country in the alliance has done combined," Taylor Rogers, a White House spokeswoman, said in a statement sent to AFP. Iraq majority bloc backs Nouri al-Maliki as next PM: statement Baghdad, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 Iraq's main Shiite alliance, which holds a parliamentary majority, endorsed on Saturday former prime minister and powerbroker Nouri al-Maliki as the country's next premier. The Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shiite factions with varying links to Iran, said in a statement that it "decided, by majority vote, to nominate" Maliki for the position "as the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc". The statement spoke of Maliki's "political and administrative experience and his record in running the state". A shrewd politician, Maliki, 75, has long been a central figure in Iraq's politics and its only two-term prime minister (2006-2014) since the US invasion of 2003, which ended decades of rule by the autocratic Sunni president Saddam Hussein. Since the invasion and by convention in Iraq, a Shiite Muslim holds the powerful post of prime minister, a Sunni is parliament speaker, and the largely ceremonial presidency goes to a Kurd. After Iraq's November general election, the Coordination Framework, which includes Maliki, formed the majority bloc. Soon after, it held heated talks to choose the next prime minister, along with other discussions with Sunni and Kurdish parties regarding other posts. Iraq's parliament chose a speaker last month and should convene next to elect a new president, who will then appoint a prime minister to replace the incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, remains influential in Iraqi politics despite his controversial past, including widespread accusations of corruption, stoking sectarian tensions, and failing to stop the Islamic State group. Lebanon PM says international force needed after Unifil Paris, France, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 Lebanon will need some sort of international force after the withdrawal of the United Nations's Unifil mission scheduled for 2027, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said during a visit to Paris Saturday. Some 10,800 UN peacekeepers have manned a buffer zone between Israel and Lebanon since March 1978, but they will have one year to leave Lebanon starting 31 December, under a resolution passed last August under pressure from the United States and Israel. "We will always need an international presence in the south, and preferably a UN presence, given the impartiality and neutrality that only the UN can provide," Nawaf Salam said the day after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The force would need a mix of observers and peacekeepers, largely because of a "history of hostility" with Israel, he added. UN peacekeepers current operate in southern Lebanon in cooperation with the Lebanese army, part of a ceasefire between Israel and the pro-Iranian Shiite movement Hezbollah in place since November 2024. While Israel was supposed to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon, it has maintained them in five areas it considers strategic. It regularly conducts airstrikes in the country on what it claims are Hezbollah sites and members, whom it accuses of rearming. Questioned about Hezbollah's promised disarmament, Salam said Phase 2 of this process had begun "two weeks ago". The Lebanese army says it has completed the first phase, which calls for disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River. The second phase will involve disarmament between the Litani and the Awali River, an area further north that has significant Hezbollah influence. "I can clearly see that Phase 2 has different requirements than Phase 1," said Salam, adding that Hezbollah's rhetoric had been "rather harsh". "But let me be clear, we will not back down," he added. Meloni joins criticism of Trump's NATO Afghanistan remarks Rome, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday joined criticism of US President Donald Trump's comments on the role of non-US NATO troops in Afghanistan, defending the memory of Italian soldiers killed and wounded there. In an interview with Fox News aired on Thursday, Trump had claimed NATO had sent "some troops" but "stayed a little back, a little off the front lines". "The Italian government was astonished to hear President Trump's statement claiming that NATO allies 'fell behind' during operations in Afghanistan," Meloni posted on X. During the nearly 20 years of NATO operations in Afghanistan, she said, "our nation paid a cost that is beyond dispute: 53 Italian soldiers killed and more than 700 wounded". "For this reason, statements that downplay the contribution of NATO countries in Afghanistan are unacceptable, especially when they come from an allied Nation," she added. Meloni noted that NATO had invoked Article Five after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the country that killed 3,000 people, effectively launching the Afghanistan campaign. Article Five requires member states to defend any of their number who come under attack. Meloni acknowledged the strong ties between Italy and the United States. "But friendship requires respect, a fundamental condition for continuing to ensure the solidarity at the core of the Atlantic Alliance," she added. Earlier Saturday, Italy's Foreign Minister also paid tribute to Italy's dead and wounded in Afghanistan in a post online. Trump praises UK troops as row over his NATO comments grows Copenhagen, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 US President Donald Trump on Saturday appeared to be partially walking back remarks on the role of non-US NATO troops in Afghanistan amid growing outrage from European allies. But Trump's claim in a Fox News interview that NATO sent "some troops" but "stayed a little back, a little off the front lines" brought fresh condemnation Saturday. He offered an olive branch to Britain after an angry response to his comments earlier in the week, praising British soldiers. On Saturday, a day after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned his remarks as "appalling", he appeared to have changed position -- at least as far as British troops were concerned. "The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America!" Trump said on his Truth Social platform. "In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. It's a bond too strong to ever be broken." As Trump released his latest statement, in London a Downing Street spokesperson said Starmer had discussed the issue during a call with Trump on Saturday. "The Prime Minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home," said a Downing Street spokesperson. "We must never forget their sacrifice." - 'Unacceptable': Meloni - But Britain was not the only NATO ally to express anger at Trump's earlier remarks, as other European leaders reacted sharply Saturday, recalling the sacrifices their soldiers had made. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her government's astonishment at Trump's comments. During the nearly 20 years of NATO operations in Afghanistan, "our nation paid a cost that is beyond dispute: 53 Italian soldiers killed and more than 700 wounded", she said in a statement. "For this reason, statements that downplay the contribution of NATO countries in Afghanistan are unacceptable, especially when they come from an allied Nation," she added. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk recalled attending a farewell ceremony for five fallen Polish soldiers in Afghanistan in 2011. "The American officers who accompanied me then, told me that America would never forget the Polish heroes," he wrote in a post on X. "Perhaps they will remind President Trump of that fact." The office of French President Emmanuel Macron said Saturday: "These unacceptable comments are not worthy of response. "It is to the families of fallen soldiers that the Head of State wishes to offer comfort and reiterate the nation's gratitude." Some 90 French soldiers died in Afghanistan, according to the French government. - 'Unacceptable' - Danish Prime Minister Mette said Saturday on Facebook: "I fully understand that Danish veterans have said no words can describe how much this hurts. "It is unacceptable that the American president questions the commitment of allied soldiers in Afghanistan," she added. "Denmark is one of the NATO countries that has suffered the highest losses per capita," the Danish prime minister pointed out. The country's population was about 5.4 million in 2003 and, according to the Danish news agency Ritzau, around 12,000 Danish soldiers and civilians were sent to Afghanistan over the years. Danish veterans have called for a silent march in Copenhagen on January 31 to protest Trump's remarks. On Friday, Starmer had said: "I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly, appalling, and I'm not surprised they've caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured." The White House had initially rejected Starmer's comments. "President Trump is absolutely right -- the United States of America has done more for NATO than any other country in the alliance has done combined," Taylor Rogers, a White House spokeswoman, said in a statement sent to AFP. - A 'heavy price' - Following the 9/11 attacks, Britain and a number of other allies joined the United States from 2001 in Afghanistan after Washington -- for the first time -- invoked NATO's collective security clause. As well as Britain, France, Denmark, Italy and Poland, troops from other NATO ally countries including Canada, the Netherlands and Germany were also killed. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius recalled the "heavy price" his country paid, stressing that "our army was ready when our American allies asked for support" in 2001. "Many wounded are still suffering today from the physical and psychological consequences of that period," he added. Trump's comments follow a bruising transatlantic crisis over his threats to seize Greenland -- an autonomous Danish territory -- now seemingly defused. The US president on Wednesday backed away from threatened tariffs on Europe for opposing his claims on the Arctic island. burs-jj/gv Iraq majority bloc backs Nouri al-Maliki as next PM Baghdad, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 Iraq's main Shiite alliance, which holds a parliamentary majority, endorsed on Saturday former prime minister and powerbroker Nouri al-Maliki as the country's next premier. The nomination effectively guarantees Maliki, 75, the post that he last held more than a decade ago. The shrewd politician is set to return to power today amid seismic changes in the Middle East, with Tehran's regional influence waning and tensions with Washington rising. The Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shiite factions with varying links to Iran, said in a statement that it "decided, by majority vote, to nominate" Maliki for the position "as the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc". The statement spoke of Maliki's "political and administrative experience and his record in running the state". After Iraq's November general election, the Coordination Framework, which includes Maliki, formed the majority bloc. Soon after, it held heated talks to choose the next prime minister, along with other discussions with Sunni and Kurdish parties regarding other posts. Iraq's parliament chose a speaker last month and should convene next to elect a new president, who will then appoint a prime minister to replace the incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. By convention in Iraq, a Shiite Muslim holds the powerful post of prime minister, a Sunni is parliament speaker, and the largely ceremonial presidency goes to a Kurd. Maliki, has long been a central figure in Iraq's politics and its only two-term prime minister (2006-2014) since the US invasion of 2003, which ended decades of rule by the autocratic Sunni president Saddam Hussein. - Hard task - Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, has increased his power and influence despite his controversial past, including widespread accusations of stoking sectarian tensions, and failing to stop the Islamic State group in 2014. He has been involved in forming alliances and his name was regularly put forward as a possible candidate for the premiership. Seen as close to Iran, Maliki also has a record of coordinating with the US on Iraqi politics, particularly during his previous terms. In a country that has for decades been a proxy battleground between the US and Iran, Maliki will likely face a daunting task as government formation has always been influenced by the two foes. He will be expected to address Washington's longstanding demand that Baghdad disarm Tehran-backed factions, many of which are designated terrorist groups by the US. Iraqi officials and diplomats told AFP last month that Washington had demanded that the eventual government exclude Iran-backed armed groups and instead move to dismantle them. But most of these groups hold seats in parliament and have seen their political and financial clout increase. That tightness, however, began to unwind in December. As a consequence, diesel cracks went down steadily, reaching $19.89/bbl by mid-January, as Russian refinery runs recovered faster than expected. Russias diesel output averaged 1.8 million b/d in the first half of January 2026 the highest level since January 2025 with ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) accounting for around 1.75 million b/d. Overall refinery runs rebounded from 5 million b/d in September to about 5.5 million b/d in December. The recovery came despite widespread expectations that repairs would be prolonged, particularly given restrictions on the sale of Western equipment and materials needed to restore damaged refining units. Instead, Russian operators appeared to be capable of restoring capacity more quickly than anticipated. The rise in diesel crack spreads through most of 2025 was driven in large part by a sharp contraction in Russian exports, which fell to a five-year low of 586,000 b/d in September. The tightening was shock-driven rather than gradual. It began in January with a Ukrainian drone strike on the Ryazan refinery a 13.1 Mtpa plant accounting for about 5% of national refining capacity and persisted through the year as repeated attacks disrupted refining. Pressure intensified in autumn, culminating in a record 14 drone strikes in November alone, including a hit on the Afipsky refinery near Krasnodar, a 9.1 Mtpa facility. In total, media reports indicate more than 20 refineries were affected in 2025, with some estimates suggesting around 20% of national capacity was offline at various points due to strikes or maintenance. Refinery runs reportedly fell to about 5 million b/d in September, prompting Russia to impose partial restrictions on diesel shipments and introduce a temporary export ban for non-producing companies in September 2025, later extended through March 2026. Russian diesel has moved from being the main bullish factor in global middle-distillate markets in 2025 to an overwhelmingly bearish force by early 2026, reversing a year-long surge in refining margins. The European diesel crack spread rose from $16.7/bbl in early January 2025 to $34.17/bbl in November as Russian supply already structurally weakened since the start of the war slid into acute shortage. That squeeze has now eased with the diesel crack spread averaging $21.7/bbl in January 2026. Refinery repairs, recovering runs and a rebound in diesel exports which returned to around 900,000 b/d in December have pushed Russian diesel back into the market, softening cracks before the onset of EU sanctions on January 21 briefly firmed them again. The renewed Russian diesel flows have reshaped trade routes again, triggering a sharp revival of Russian diesel shipments to Brazil despite earlier pullbacks, underscoring both Russias growing resilience to refinery attacks and the limits of sanctions pressure when discounted fuel meets persistent demand. Story Continues The rebound was visible not only in output but also in export flows. In December, the Tuapse refinery a heavily export-oriented plant was seriously damaged by a drone strike, yet loadings of ULSD resumed by mid-January. Kpler data show two cargoes were loaded on January 10 and January 14, heading to Turkey and Libya respectively. At the Primorsk oil terminal alone, the January loading program is set to reach 2.2 million tonnes, a 27% month-on-month increase, with volumes rising from 440,000 b/d in December to 528,000 b/d in January. This marks the highest loading level ever recorded at Primorsk, underscoring the growing importance of its Baltic Sea location, as exporters redirect additional volumes away from the Black Sea, where Ukrainian attacks on Russian tankers have become increasingly frequent. In total, Russian diesel exports went from roughly 590,000 b/d in September to around 900,000 b/d in December a full year-on-year recovery. Rising output has also translated into growing Russian diesel stocks: a reported 3-year high of 27.6 million barrels. In this context, Russian energy authorities are actively discussing the removal of the ban on diesel exports by non-producing companies, arguing that domestic supply is now sufficient to cover internal demand even during winter. While the recovery initially weighed on margins, the diesel crack spread has since firmed again, climbing to $25.43/bbl by January 21 amid colder temperatures and seasonal demand. That rebound is likely to encourage further Russian exports, particularly to price-sensitive destinations where supply alternatives remain limited. Brazil is a clear example. Chronic shortages in domestic refining capacity leave the country heavily dependent on imported diesel, making discounted Russian barrels economically attractive. Yet Brazilian purchases were sharply curtailed in the second half of 2025 as Russian supply shrank and political risk rose. Imports from Russia fell from 247,000 b/d in March when US President Donald Trump first signalled possible new sanctions on Russian oil if a peace deal with Ukraine failed to just 49,000 b/d in November, when those sanctions were put into effect. US diesel emerged as the primary substitute for the lost Russian volumes in the autumn of 2025. Those curbs, however, proved temporary. In December, Brazilian imports of Russian diesel rebounded to 181,000 b/d, suggesting that domestic supply gaps, favourable pricing and growing fatigue with sustained US pressure ultimately outweighed concerns about friction with Washington. Moreover, Indian diesel exports to Brazil since November 2025 have been sourced almost exclusively from Nayara Energys Vadinar refinery a sanctioned facility partly owned by Rosneft and running exclusively on Russian crude. Three conclusions stand out. First, Russia has shown far greater resilience to drone attacks on its refining infrastructure, with operators increasingly able to repair damage quickly. Considering that Ukraines long-haul strikes on refineries have tapered off, refinery utilisation is likely to remain stable, while softer post-winter diesel demand combined with steady Russian supply points to narrower diesel cracks in spring 2026. Second, as refining capacity continues to recover, Russias need to export crude should diminish, raising the likelihood of lower crude exports ahead. Third, Western pressure to curb purchases of Russian oil products remains structurally weak: as long as Russian diesel is discounted and demand stays firm, economic incentives continue to outweigh political risk a reality that has repeatedly reasserted itself across global fuel markets. By Natalia Katona for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Oilprice Intelligence brings you the signals before they become front-page news. This is the same expert analysis read by veteran traders and political advisors. Get it free, twice a week, and you'll always know why the market is moving before everyone else. You get the geopolitical intelligence, the hidden inventory data, and the market whispers that move billions - and we'll send you $389 in premium energy intelligence, on us, just for subscribing. Join 400,000+ readers today. Get access immediately by clicking here. Allow Google Search To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information. Allow and Continue A Waymo robotaxi drives across Congress Avenue on 8th Street in front of the Capitol Building as rain arrives in the Austin area Friday. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a probe into the robotaxi company after several reports of the driverless vehicles illegally passing Austin school buses. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into Waymos operations in Austin after its robotaxis were found to have illegally passed stopped school buses in the city. The independent U.S. investigative agency said its looking into 24 documented instances of the autonomous ride-hailing companys vehicles failing to stop around Austin ISD buses as required by Texas law. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Investigators will travel to Austin to gather information on a series of incidents in which the automated vehicles failed to stop for loading or unloading students, an NTSB spokesman said in a statement. The NTSB has opened a safety investigation to examine the interaction between Waymo vehicles and school buses stopped for loading and unloading students in Austin, Texas. NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) January 23, 2026 Waymo, the the driverless ride-hailing company owned by Google parent Alphabet Inc., said it welcomed the opportunity to show the NTSB its approach to safety. The investigation comes after the school district this year launched a new school bus safety campaign thats netted thousands of violators. 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 In January, it approved a contract with AlertBus, an AI-powered program that automatically issues $300 fines based on footage from cameras attached to the stop arm of a bus. The system enforces a state law requiring other vehicles to come to a complete stop when a school bus is stopped with its stop-arm extended and red lights flashing. Other vehicles may not proceed until the bus begins moving again, a requirement intended to protect students getting on or off a bus. Since the start of the school year in August, the district has recorded Waymos robotaxis illegally passing a stopped school bus at least 24 times. Several of those incidents came after the company said it had issued a voluntary recall of its vehicles to address the issue with a software update and met with district officials. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With the issue persisting, Austin ISD has requested that Waymo halt operations during school pickup or dropoff hours. But Waymo isnt the only offender in the city. The district said its police department has issued more than 7,000 citations for school bus safety violations so far this school year, with 24 of those going to Waymo. The bulk of Waymos incidents have been captured in stop-arm camera videos, which the school district has made public. Several of them show Waymo vehicles slowing for a stopped school bus before proceeding. Some videos also show children entering or exiting the buses. At least one shows a Waymo vehicle stopped while human-operated vehicles are illegally passing a bus. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a statement, Waymo said it has thousands of school bus encounters every week across the U.S. and its data collection is continuously improving Waymo Driver, the system that operates its vehicles. There have been no collisions in the events in question, and we are confident that our safety performance around school buses is superior to human drivers, Mauricio Pena, Waymos chief safety officer, said in a statement. We continue to engage productively with the Austin Independent School District and applaud their reported success in reducing human-driven violations around school buses from 10,000+ a year. We see this as an opportunity to provide the NTSB with transparent insights into our safety-first approach. Waymo vehicles also have been spotted illegally passing school buses in Atlanta. In December, those incidents, and the ones in Austin, triggered a probe from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Unlike the Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the NTSB is not a federal regulatory agency. That means it cannot issue fines or penalties against Waymo. Instead, it looks to identify the root causes of issues related to traffic safety and can conduct hearings or make nonbinding recommendations at the conclusion of a probe. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Austin probe is the NTSBs first-ever investigation of Waymo, the driverless ride-hailing company owned by Google parent Alphabet Inc. Federal immigration officers deploy tear gas at protesters after a shooting Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. Abbie Parr/AP Federal agents stand near the site of a shooting Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. Abbie Parr/AP A federal immigration officer fatally shot a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, drawing hundreds of protesters onto the frigidly cold streets in a city already shaken by another fatal shooting weeks earlier. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said a 37-year-old man was killed but declined to identify him. He added that information about what led up to the shooting was limited. The man was identified by his parents as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse. The officer who shot Pretti is an eight-year Border Patrol veteran, federal officials said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Minnesota National Guard has been activated by Gov. Tim Walz and is assisting local police amid growing protests. Guard troops are going to both to the shooting site and to a federal building where officials have squared off with protesters daily. There have been daily protests in the Twin Cities since the Jan. 7 shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who fired into her vehicle. Pretti was killed just over a mile away from where Good was shot. The Latest: Family: heartbroken but also very angry Prettis family released a statement Saturday evening saying they are heartbroken but also very angry and calling him a kindhearted soul who wanted to make a difference in the world through his work as a nurse. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trumps murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed, the statement said. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you. Gun rights group deeply concerned about shooting While noting that many critical facts remain unknown, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus said in a statement that there has been no evidence produced indicating an intent to harm the officers and called for an investigation by both state and federal authorities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Every peaceable Minnesotan has the right to keep and bear arms including while attending protests, acting as observers, or exercising their First Amendment rights, the group said. These rights do not disappear when someone is lawfully armed. Federal officials have said Pretti was armed and officers fired defensively after he approached them during an operation and resisted attempts to disarm him. However bystander videos do not appear to show Pretti holding a weapon. The Minneapolis police chief said Pretti had a permit to carry a gun. Another evening rally at a park near the scene of Saturdays shooting People chanted say his name in memory of Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot earlier in the day by a federal agent. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One speaker called for sit-ins at congressional offices to urge a halt to funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Another participant said he believes the tide of public opinion is turning in the protesters favor. Some carried lit candles, and all were bundled up against the frigid nighttime cold. After about an hour they went to the scene of the shooting. There were chants of Resisting ICE is not a crime and Observing ICE is not a crime. There were also chants honoring Renee Good, another person who was fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis this month. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Republican chair of House Homeland Security Committee requests ICE, CBP, USCIS appear before Congress Rep. Andrew Garbarino, a New York Republican who chairs the committee that oversees the Department of Homeland Security, sent a letter to the department requesting three top officials appear for questioning before the committee. As chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, my top priority remains keeping Americans safe and ensuring the Department of Homeland Security can accomplish its core mission, Garbarino said in a statement. Congress has an important responsibility to ensure the safety of law enforcement and the people they serve and protect. Garbarino requested that Immigration and Customs Enforcement senior official Todd Lyons, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow appear. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The public hearing would take place sometime in the next two months. Garbarino previously requested that senior DHS officials appear before the committee in a Jan. 15 letter. Schumer: Democrats will block spending bill if it includes Homeland Security funding Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Senate Democrats will not vote for a spending package that includes money for the Department of Homeland Security. Schumers statement increases the possibility that the government could partially shut down Jan. 30 when funding runs out. Several Democrats said Saturday that they will not vote for the bipartisan package of bills, which will need some Democratic votes to pass. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Democrats say the legislation, which includes money for a broad swath of government agencies, does not include enough restrictions on ICE. Schumer said what is happening in Minnesota is appalling. Democrats sought common sense reforms in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill, but because of Republicans refusal to stand up to President Trump, the DHS bill is woefully inadequate to rein in the abuses of ICE, Schumer said. I will vote no. Justice Department official says Minnesota leaders created this escalation Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche called the shooting an avoidable tragedy that is the result of the total failure of Minnesotas city and state officials who have resisted federal law enforcement and created this escalation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Blanche said in a statement that the Justice Department will continue to hold those breaking federal law accountable, including those who harass and violently attack law enforcement in the name of protest. The Department of Homeland Security is leading the investigation into the shooting with assistance from the FBI. The DOJ has not yet indicated whether it would open a civil rights investigation but declined to do so after the earlier shooting, of Renee Good. That was a sharp departure from past administrations, which have moved quickly to probe shootings of civilians by law enforcement officials for potential civil rights offenses. Dozens of people pay their respects to protester killed by federal agent They lit candles, placed flowers and stood in silence at the vigil Saturday evening. As dark fell, hundreds of people gathered somberly and quietly by the growing memorial at the shooting scene. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Caleb Spike came from a nearby suburb to show his support and his frustration. It feels like every day something crazier happens, he said. Whats happening in our community is wrong, its sickening, its disgusting. A nearby doughnut shop and clothing store stayed open to offer a place for people to warm up, as well as water, coffee and snacks. Democratic senators come out against funding DHS, raising risk of another shutdown Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto said Saturday that she too would not vote for legislation in the Senate that would fund the Department of Homeland Security. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In doing so, Cortez Masto joined fellow Nevada Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen. The two moderates broke with their party last year on a vote over the last government shutdown. Others like Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii have said in the wake of the shooting that they would oppose a DHS funding bill that is part of a spending package in the Senate that aims to avoid a partial government shutdown at the end of the month. Minnesota-born Defense Secretary Hegseth says ICE is greater than Minnesota Pete Hegseth posted on the social platform X to thank God for the patriots who work for ICE and said, we have your back 100%. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Pentagon chief added: Shame on the leadership of Minnesota and the lunatics in the street. ICE MN. Hegseth was born and raised in Minnesota. Nevada Sen. Rosen says she will vote against any government funding package that funds ICE Sen. Jacky Rosen, a moderate Democrat from a political swing state, made the announcement Saturday after the fatal shooting in Minneapolis. Rosen was one of eight Democratic senators last year to break ranks with her party and vote with Republicans to move to reopen the government. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The abuses of power we are seeing from ICE in Minneapolis and across the country are un-American and cannot be normalized, Rosen said via the social platform X. Enough is enough. We need to rein in ICEs out of control conduct, Rosen said. A bill that funds the Department of Homeland Security is part of a package of spending bills that is moving through the Senate to avoid a partial government shutdown at the end of the month. Top Democrat on House Homeland Security Committee calls for Noem impeachment Congressman Bennie Thompson, the top Democrat on the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be impeached and denounced statements from the administration about the man DHS agents killed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Apparently, the Trump administration and its secret police only support the First and Second Amendments when its convenient to them, Thompson said in a statement. Thompson called on Democrats in the U.S. Senate to vote against a funding bill for DHS that passed the lower chamber last week. This is un-American and has to stop, Thompson said. The House must immediately take steps to impeach Kristi Noem. Walz excoriates immigration operations in Minnesota Walz issued a statement Saturday calling immigration enforcement organized brutality. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The federal occupation of Minnesota long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. It is a campaign of organized brutality against the people of our state. And today, that campaign claimed yet another life, Walz said. He said the state, and not the federal government, will lead the investigation into the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti. Pretti was shot and killed by federal officers amid an immigration operation. Minnesotans and our local law enforcement have done everything we can to deescalate. The federal government must deescalate. I once again call on the President to remove the 3,000 agents from Minnesota who are sowing chaos and violence. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Congressional Democrats sharply criticize DHS chief Kristi Noem Congressional Democrats responded with immediate outrage to the killing of another person by federal agents in Minneapolis. Congressman Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, called for ICE to be abolished and for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be impeached. Trump has created a militarized police force accountable only to him and ready to murder people in our streets. These agents need to leave our cities NOW, the California Democrat wrote on social media. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Congressman Brad Schneider, chair of the moderate New Democratic Coalition in the U.S. House, called for an investigation into the shooting and for federal agents to leave Minnesota. Every agent involved in this shooting must be suspended pending a full and independent investigation and ultimately held to account for their actions today, Schneider said in a statement. And, Kristi Noem has got to go. She needs to resign or be fired. If not, Congress must act, the Illinois Democrat continued. Man identified who was shot and killed amid Minneapolis immigration operation The man who was shot and killed by a federal officer during an immigration operation has been identified as 37-year-old Alex Pretti. His parents told The Associated Press that Pretti was an intensive care unit nurse. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Vance criticizes local authorities for refusing to cooperate with ICE agents Vice President JD Vance responded to the shooting in a post on X and said that when he visited Minneapolis this week, what the ICE agents wanted more than anything was to work with local law enforcement so that situations on the ground didnt get out of hand. He accused local officials in Minnesota of ignoring requests from ICE agents to work with them. Notably, federal officials refused to cooperate with local officials on an investigation into the shooting death of Renee Good on Jan. 7. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Store owner opens to help protesters amid freezing temperatures Allison Bross opened her fashion store, b. Resale, next to the shooting scene for the protesters to grab food, water, use the restroom, receive medical attention and get a warm break from the frigid temperatures outside. Were a community-based business, we dont exist without the community, she said. So if we hear someone in our neighborhood is getting hurt, Im going to be here immediately. Meanwhile, a makeshift memorial at a bus stop next to the site of the shooting was taking shape. People left flowers and lit candles. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hennepin County Sheriff's Office asks for National Guard help Sheriff Dawanna Witt has requested assistance from the Minnesota National Guard to support deputies at the Whipple Federal Building so that deputies can be assigned to other areas. The Minnesota National Guards role is to work in support of local law enforcement and emergency responders, providing additional resources, the sheriff's office said. Their presence is meant to help create a secure environment where all Minnesotans can exercise their rights safely, including the right to peacefully protest. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We know this moment is challenging for our community. Remember that our local teams are also part of this community. We respect and protect everyones rights to voice concerns and stand up for what they believe in, but we urge all actions to remain peaceful and lawful. Our collective priority remains protecting our neighborhoods and keeping people safe, a statement said. Trump weighs in on the shooting in Minneapolis Trump posted to his Truth Social account after a man was killed by federal officers during an immigration enforcement action in Minneapolis. Trump's statement said: This is the gunmans gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why werent they allowed to protect ICE Officers? The Mayor and the Governor called them off? It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves Not an easy thing to do! Why does Ilhan Omar have $34 Million Dollars in her account? And where are the Tens of Billions of Dollars that have been stolen from the once Great State of Minnesota? We are there because of massive Monetary Fraud, with Billions of Dollars missing, and Illegal Criminals that were allowed to infiltrate the State through the Democrats Open Border Policy. We want the money back, and we want it back, NOW. Those Fraudsters who stole the money are going to jail, where they belong! This is no different than a really big Bank Robbery. Much of what youre witnessing is a COVER UP for this Theft and Fraud. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Mayor and the Governor are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric! Instead, these sanctimonious political fools should be looking for the Billions of Dollars that has been stolen from the people of Minnesota, and the United States of America. LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB! 12,000 Illegal Alien Criminals, many of them violent, have been arrested and taken out of Minnesota. If they were still there, you would see something far worse than you are witnessing today! DHS says officers fired defensive shots Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that federal officers were conducting an operation as part of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. She said officers fired defensive shots after a man with a handgun approached them and violently resisted when officers tried to disarm him. OHara said police believe the man was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police chief says man shot and killed was a lawful gun owner OHara said the mans only previous interaction with law enforcement as far as he knew was for traffic tickets. And we believe he is a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, he said. Police chief asks public, law enforcement to remain calm Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara appealed for calm, both from the public and from federal law enforcement, following the shooting of a man. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Our demand today is for those federal agencies that are operating in our city to do so with the same discipline, humanity and integrity that effective law enforcement in this country demands, the chief said. We urge everyone to remain peaceful. We recognize that there is a lot of anger and a lot of questions around what has happened, but we need people to remain peaceful in the area. Police also clarified that the age of the man shot is 37. Angry crowd gathers after shooting of man in Minneapolis An angry crowd gathered after the shooting and screamed profanities at federal officers, calling them cowards and telling them to go home. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One officer responded mockingly as he walked away, telling them: Boo hoo. Agents elsewhere shoved a yelling protester into a car. The intersection where the shooting has been blocked off, and Border Patrol agents are on the scene wielding batons. The shooting happened a day after thousands of demonstrators protesting the crackdown on immigrants crowded the citys streets in frigid weather, calling for federal law enforcement to leave. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar expresses outrage at shooting Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar has expressed outrage at the shooting of a man during an immigration operation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Donald Trump and all your lieutenants who ordered this ICE surge: watch the horrific video of the killing today. The world is watching. Thousands of citizens stopped and harassed. Local police no longer able to do their work. Kids hiding. Schools closed. Get ICE out of Minnesota, Klobuchar said in a message posted on X. Minnesota Democrats react to the shooting Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith issued a statement after the shooting of a man during an ICE operation. She said, We are gathering more information, but ICE must leave now so MPD can secure the scene and do their jobs. Rep. Angie Craig said in a statement that she has seen my own eyes the video of another horrific killing by ICE agents this morning in Minneapolis. This is sickening. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The agency is beyond out of control. How much more evidence do my Republican colleagues in Minnesota need to speak out? Minneapolis police chief calls for calm Police Chief Brian OHara called for protesters who amassed at the scene of a shooting to stay calm and leave the area. Please do not destroy our own city, he said at a news conference. Rep. Omar releases statement after Minnesota shooting Rep. Ilhan Omar issued a statement after the shooting of a man by federal officers in Minnesota. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I am absolutely heartbroken, horrified, and appalled that federal agents murdered another member of our community. It is beyond shameful these federal agents are targeting our residents instead of protecting them, she said in a statement. Marley Malenfant is a 10-year multimedia journalist whos worked in print, digital, and broadcast. His prior work includes working in West Texas as a TV reporter for KTXS. During his time there, he covered education, sports, features, and breaking News. Hes skilled in front of the camera as well as behind it. He was a freelance writer, published in D Magazine, Dallas Morning News, SB Nation, Dallas Observer, and was a personality for The Coach Brothers sports radio show. Outside of journalism, he was an educator in the Dallas area. He was a 2012 Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference grant recipient. In 2021, he was part of the NABJ student multimedia project. He graduated with a paralegal degree from El Centro in 2023. Currently, hes a trending news reporter for the Austin American-Statesman, covering breaking News, sports, music, and legal trends. People protest ICE outside Austin City Hall in downtown Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. A petition was given to City Council asking for an ordinance to prevent the Austin Police Department from helping ICE agents serve warrants to Austin residents. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman As freezing temperatures descended on Austin, a local group announced last-minute emergency protests after Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers fatally shot a man in Minneapolis where residents have held near-daily protests since an ICE agent killed Renee Good on Jan. 7. The demonstrations are set for Saturday afternoon at two Central Austin locations 38th Street and Lamar Boulevard and the corner of South Lamar and Ben White near Target both scheduled from 1-2 p.m., organizers said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The actions were coordinated by Indivisible Rosedale Huddle and coalition partners in response to the latest deadly encounter between federal immigration agents and a civilian in the Twin Cities. According to the Associated Press, the shooting happened amid widespread daily protests in the Twin Cities since the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Good, who was killed when an ICE officer fired into her vehicle. Saturdays incident unfolded just over a mile away from where Good was shot, the AP reported. Indivisible Rosedale Huddles protest release said participants can expect American flags, protest signs, oversized banners and flyers at both sites, with photos and video shared on social media. The group emphasized its commitment to nonviolent action and urged demonstrators to de-escalate tensions with those who disagree with their values. Organizers provided contact numbers for local leads and noted that both pop-up protests would unfold along public sidewalks. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source A separate protest is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday outside the Hyatt Regency Austin. The demonstration, organized by a new group called Watermelon ICE Watch, is being held in response to unconfirmed reports that the hotel is hosting "multiple ICE agents." The group organized an initial protest Friday evening. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "The group will continue demonstrating every night ... until management makes the right decision to not accommodate ICE!" Haithem El-Zabri, a spokesperson for the group, said Friday afternoon in a news release. Hyatt could not immediately be reached for comment. Staff writer Julianna Duennes Russ contributed reporting Canada has agreed to sharply roll back its 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, striking a trade-off that signals a broader reset in its relationship with Beijing and a notable divergence from Washington. But its impact will be felt well beyond Canadas borders. After two days of high-level meetings in China, Prime Minister Mark Carney said that Ottawa would allow a limited, but steadily growing, number of Chinese-made electric vehicles into the Canadian market in exchange for substantial tariff relief on Canadian agricultural exports after years of strained relations. We are forging a new strategic partnership that builds on the best of our past, reflects the world as it is today, and benefits the people of both our nations, Carney said. SCreenshot SCreenshot The move comes even as Mexico initiated tariffs of up to 50 percent on Chinese cars and auto parts starting January 1 to defend its domestic industry from subsidized, low-priced Chinese imports. Related: California Quietly Adds Hundreds In Fees That Inflate Traffic Tickets The Mechanics of the Deal Under the arrangement, Canada will slash its tariff, currently 100%, to 6.1%, and allow Chinese electric vehicle imports of 49,000 units, rising to 70,000 over five years. Half of the annual quota is slotted for EVs costing less than CA$35,000. Beijing will also make a considerable investment in Canadas auto sector over the next three years, Mr. Carney said. In return, China will slash its tariff on canola seed, one of Canadas most important agricultural exports, from roughly 84 percent to about 15 percent. The agreement reflects a pragmatic calculus on both sides. Canada gains renewed access to a crucial export market for its farmers, while China secures a foothold in North America for its fast-growing electric vehicle industry. It also sets Ottawa apart from Washington, which has aggressively blocked Chinese EVs with steep tariffs and other trade barriers. Related: 2026 Chevy Trax vs. 2026 Nissan Kicks: Which Affordable Crossover Should You Buy? Winners and Losers China currently accounts for roughly 70 percent of global electric vehicle production, and its vehicles are among the most affordable and energy-efficient in the world. Allowing Chinese EVs back into Canada is expected to lower prices for consumers and accelerate adoption, creating new dynamics for major players including Tesla, Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, while presenting challenges for General Motors. Lotus Lotus Lotus Technology, the British sports car maker majority-owned by Geely, projects an even more dramatic impact. The company said the CA$313,500 price of its Wuhan-produced Eletre SUV will drop by roughly 50 percent as a result of Canadas reduced tariffs. Lotus expects the change to have an immediate and meaningful effect on demand, with wholesale deliveries of the Eletre projected to see exponential growth as the tariff benefits flow through. A man in a bar in Greenland sits by a television showing U.S. President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Jan. 21. America's strength comes from leadership rooted in diplomacy, trust and shared values; Trump's rhetoric on Greenland is the opposite of that, a reader says. Sean Gallup/Getty Images Not sign of strength I strongly oppose President Donald Trumps stated desire to acquire Greenland by any means necessary. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This rhetoric alone is dangerous. Our closest allies have warned that such insistence undermines transatlantic relations, violates long-standing diplomatic norms and risks triggering a destabilizing downward spiral in international cooperation. Some have cautioned that it could even threaten the future of NATO itself an alliance that has preserved global stability for generations. This approach weakens our alliances, has already damaged U.S. credibility abroad and creates unnecessary instability among nations that have long stood beside us. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Americas strength has never come from coercion or territorial ambition, but from leadership rooted in diplomacy, trust and shared values. This is not who we are and it must not become who we are. I urge readers to speak out by calling and writing their representatives in Congress. We cannot be silent. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lori Crutchfield, Austin Editor's note: The president on Wednesday backed off his threats over Greenland, saying he and the head of NATO had reached "a framework of a future deal." Cruz should tread lightly Advertisement Article continues below this ad I enjoyed John Moritz's column, casting light on our wishy-washy Sen. Ted Cruz, who has now decided that the president is always right, even if that means invading Greenland. I think Moritz missed the ultimate target, perhaps in the interest of keeping a light tone. Invading Greenland and fighting Denmark, thus dissolving NATO, would be an impeachable offense, and the trials would not stop with the president. Cruz should think carefully before he takes a criminal stance. Win Bent, Austin Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dive deeper into finances The House Bill 27 requires all Texas high school students to complete a stand alone personal financial literacy course. I totally agree with this requirement but have a concern. Will these students be tested on or also taught the absolute necessity of being able to know how to come up with and handle their own personal budgets? Advertisement Article continues below this ad In my experience, this is of utmost importance prior to being able to learning how to invest. The inability to handle personal budgets is the main reason that some people wind up overbuying and/or losing assets. Fannie Cavazos Hewgley, Leander A view of the Statue of Liberty in New York City. A reader says if America continues down its current path on immigration enforcement where cruelty is policy and compassion is treated as weakness the cost will extend far beyond that issue. Austin American-Statesman Listen to all voters Sen. John Cornyn needs to stop grandstanding and say something true and honest. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The great majority of those protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are not radical left. Multiple polls indicate a majority of Americans do not support how ICE is operating. ICEs purpose isnt to keep us safe, but to apprehend and deport people. As even Cornyn surely knows by now, Renee Good did not try to run down the ICE officer, and was killed for no justifiable reason. Why have we heard nothing from Cornyn about President Donald Trumps praise for and pardon of the truly violent insurrectionists who actually did physically attack our brave men and women in law enforcement on Jan. 6, 2021? Cornyn talks of Democrats inflammatory rhetoric, however, if you want a lesson on inflammatory rhetoric, look no further than the commander-in-chief. Trump continues to spew his volcano of hateful, incendiary speech, demonizing anyone who does not kowtow to him like Texas' senior senator is doing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mark Warren, Austin Status of U.S. is costly A member of my family came to America as a refugee. They arrived with little more than hope and fear, and were met with something that once defined this country: civility. Neighbors helped. Institutions opened doors. There was an unspoken agreement that people fleeing danger would be treated with dignity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It allowed them to be successful contributing members of society. Their success was not an exception; it was the predictable outcome of a country that once understood that investing in people strengthens the nation itself. That understanding is now being dismantled. Today, civility is being stripped away. Immigrants and refugees are reduced to threats, statistics or political leverage. Cruelty is reframed as enforcement. Indifference is marketed as toughness. The consequences will not remain isolated. Advertisement Article continues below this ad History is clear: Nations do not fail only through war or the economy. They fail when they normalize dehumanization and discard the values that bind people together. If we continue down this path where cruelty is policy and compassion is treated as weakness the cost will extend far beyond immigration. It will define the future of this country. Chanda Parbhoo, Dallas President earns praise As a Latina wife, mother to three children and U.S. citizen, I welcome U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to assist with the deportations of immigrants without legal status. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Biden administration created this chaos, with millions crossing the border illegally. Its no wonder the Department of Homeland Security and ICE are having to clean it up. Im also glad ICE didnt notify Buda or Hays County because our leadership wouldve sounded the alarm and let those immigrants either leave town or hide out. I feel safer knowing I can walk my dogs or make a late night errand without the threat of someone who isnt suppose to be here, lurking around and causing harm. Unfortunately, some Americans have been hurt or even killed by people who aren't here legally. I am for legal immigration. Some of my family members and my husbands family members have gone through the process legally. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I thank President Donald Trump and his hard working administration for getting our nation back on track. I've voted for him three times and do not regret my vote. Analicia Spencer, Buda Supporters of President Donald Trump greet him this month as his motorcade drives into West Palm Beach, Florida. A reader praises Trump and his administration for getting the nation back on track. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images Trump doesn't speak for me I wish to state clearly and without apology that the views and actions of President Donald Trump do not reflect any of my values or view of our world. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I hope world leaders consider the position of Americans like me when judging the actions of the United States' leaders and understand that my country has turned into a monster. I am sad and overwhelmed with the fear that the leaders of other nations see Trump's actions as a reflection of the American people. This is not true. They should not assume that we are complacent or weak. Most of us are still in shock and waiting for this nightmare to end. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Art Klempner, Austin If winter weather becomes unsafe, USPS won't require postal workers to deliver mail. Christopher Evans/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images As an arctic blast from Winter Storm Fern prompts Texas school cancellations, other institutions and services may follow. Will major store chains remain open in winter weather? And will mail delivery be impacted by wintry conditions? Here's what to know. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Will post offices close for winter weather? Will mail be delivered? U.S. Postal Service offices may close during severe weather. USPS carriers arent required to deliver in perilous conditions including slippery steps, snow-packed paths or icy overhangs. While our goal is to deliver the mail, we stand by the decisions of local managers and/or carriers when delivery is suspended due to an immediate, serious safety concern particularly during changeable weather conditions, a past USPS news release says. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The entity also has a policy specific to "hazardous conditions/natural disasters," which states, "Mail delivery service may be delayed or curtailed whenever streets or walkways present hazardous conditions to our carriers and/or vehicles. The Postal Service curtails delivery only after careful consideration, and only as a last resort." Consumers, small businesses and business mailers can receive information about weather-related disruptions through USPS Service Alerts. Icy conditions lingered at the MoPac Expressway and West U.S. 290 interchange at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, a day after sleet covered much of Austin. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Santos Briseno, who said he has been homeless for three years, walks across the ice-covered yard at the Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center during extreme cold on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. He has been sheltering in a tent at a nearby car wash as overnight temperatures fell into the teens. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Firefighters battle a fire at Estates at Bee Cave apartments in the 3500 block of South FM 620. in Bee Cave on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Firefighters battle a fire at Estates at Bee Cave apartments in the 3500 block of South FM 620. in Bee Cave on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Amber warms herself in the sun outside her tent at a car wash on Menchaca Road on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, where she and several other unhoused people have been sheltering during a major winter storm. Overnight temperatures fell into the teens. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Congress avenue is empty after a winter storm on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Children sled down a hill at Doss Elementary following a winter storm that brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures to North Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman A vehicle uses a flyover ramp to get from SH-71 to I-35 South after a winter storm on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman From left, Jeff Laskorn and Shelby hold Birdie as they go down the hill with Logan, 7, sledding at Doss Elementary after a winter storm brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures to North Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Manuel Vato walks on sleet on Riverside Drive and Ben White Boulevard in East Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Vato is staying at the Motel 6 while visiting from Mexico and said he is not made for this weather. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Parents and children prepare to sled down a hill at Doss Elementary following a winter storm that brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures to North Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Hannah Williams walks her dog Moose on Congress avenue after a winter storm on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Annabeth Lenharth,12 sled down a hill at Doss Elementary following a winter storm that brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures to North Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Pedestrian cross the Congress avenue bridge after a winter storm on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman April Ramirez pushes her daughter Presley Douglas down a hill on west 10th Street after a winter storm brought rain, sleet and freezing temperatures to Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Sleet covers the Circle C Ranch neighborhood in Southwest Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Jeffrey Blackmon walks on sleet on Riverside Drive following a winter storm in East Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Blackmon said he stayed at a shelter overnight and was headed to Waffle House in search of food. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Shelby holds her daughter Birdie, 3, as they go down the hill with her husband, Jeff Laskorn, and son Logan, 7, sledding at Doss Elementary after a winter storm brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures to North Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Ice surrounds an empty picnic table at Auditorium Shores after a winter storm brought rain, sleet and freezing temperatures to Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A pedestrian crosses Congress avenue among light traffic after a winter storm on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Doug Douglas slides down a hill on west 10th Street after a winter storm brought rain, sleet and freezing temperatures to Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman A man rides his scooter through an intersection in the Mueller area as intense cold and icing settles into the Austin area, Jan. 25, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Icy roads cover the toll road in Pflugerville after a winter storm brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Gregory Neff holds on as he sleds down a hill at Doss Elementary after a winter storm brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures to North Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman A lone driver travels on a sleet-covered MoPac Expressway at the La Crosse Avenue in Southwest Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Flowers are covered in ice as intense cold settles into the Austin area, Jan. 25, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Manuel Vato walks on sleet on Riverside Drive and Ben White Boulevard in East Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Vato is staying at the Motel 6 while visiting from Mexico and said he is not made for this weather. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Icy roads cover the ground in Pflugerville after a winter storm brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Mattew Hill sled down a hill with his daughter Alana at Doss Elementary following a winter storm that brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures to North Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Ice covers a South Congress neighborhood after a winter storm brought rain, sleet and freezing temperatures to Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Children sled down a hill at Doss Elementary following a winter storm that brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures to North Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Sleet covers the Circle C Ranch neighborhood in Southwest Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Ice accumulates on a handrail on the Congress avenue bridge after a winter storm on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Parents and children prepare to sled down a hill at Doss Elementary following a winter storm that brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures to North Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Gibson Banta and her dog Sibiu cross South Congress after a winter storm on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Ice coats outdoor workout equipment at Auditorium Shores after a winter storm brought rain, sleet and freezing temperatures to Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman No traffic is present on I-35 in South Austin after a winter storm on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Cassie Kinnucane and her dog, Rosie, get out for their morning walk around Mueller Lake Park as intense cold and icing settles into the Austin area, Jan. 25, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Sleet covers the Circle C Ranch neighborhood in Southwest Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Icy roads cover the ground in Pflugerville after a winter storm brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman A man walks his dog past plants protected by tarps near Mueller Lake Park in Austin as temperatures drop toward freezing ahead of anticipated icing and winter weather, Jan. 24, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Susan Hicks walks with her grandchildren, Wyatt, 6, and Reese, 4, Vedros in the cold wind as they head in to see their first Longhornss game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Light traffic is visible on the roads where I-35 meets SH-71 ahead of a winter storm on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Andy Blake walks his dog, June, on the icy sidewalks in East Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Plants are seen covered from the icy weather in East Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman An icicle hangs off a vehicle in East Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman People walk their dogs on a sleet-covered street in the Circle C Ranch neighborhood in Southwest Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A man walks his dog in Mueller Lake Park as intense cold and icing settles into the Austin area, Jan. 25, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman A fire truck navigates ice roads in the Mueller area as intense cold and icing settles into the Austin area, Jan. 25, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Austin EMS drives on Riverside Drive during a winter storm in Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A man slips on ice outside the JDs Market following a winter storm in East Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A flower is seen frozen following a winter storm in East Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Sleet covers the ground following a winter storm in East Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A City of Austin drops de-icing liquid on Airport Boulevard as intense cold and icing settles into the Austin area, Jan. 25, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Omari Tucker, a senior sousaphone player in the Longhorn Marching Band, heads out of the cold weather and into the Longhorns game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Sleet and ice covers MoPac Expressway and La Crosse Avenue in Southwest Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Sleet and ice cover the Circle C Ranch neighborhood in Southwest Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Sleet falls in East Austin Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A runner jogs down the trail as fog hangs over the Austin skyline in the Austin area on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 ahead of anticipated drops in temperature and freezing rain over the weekend. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Kristine B. and her daughter, family members of Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) take a photo outside the Longhorns game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Pedestrians walk through Mueller Lake Park as intense cold and icing settles into the Austin area, Jan. 25, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman City of Austin Street and Bridge Operations workers pretreat West 15th Street with a brine solution on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, ahead of an approaching winter storm. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A parent pulls his children to go sledding at Doss Elementary after a winter storm brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures to North Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Guadalupe street in Downtown Austin is mostly empty ahead of a winter storm on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Rachel Hernandez and her son, Gabe, 8, brace against the cold wind as they head into the basketball game and out of the cold weather and into the Longhorns game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman A water droplet gathers on a plant as rain arrives in the Austin area on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 ahead of anticipated drops in temperature and freezing rain over the weekend. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman A pedestrian walks across Congress Avenue in front of the Capitol Building as rain arrives in the Austin area on Friday, Jan. 23, 20256ahead of anticipated drops in temperature and freezing rain over the weekend. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Icy walkways cover the ground in Pflugerville after a winter storm brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Icy roads cover the ground in Pflugerville after a winter storm brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman Kristina Beck, a Texas fan, pulls up her tickets as she heads out of the cold weather and into the Longhorns game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Water droplets turned to ice coat leaves in Mueller Lake Park as intense cold and icing settles into the Austin area, Jan. 25, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Roads in the Mueller area are covered in a layer of ice as intense cold and icing settles into the Austin area, Jan. 25, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman A young Texas fan, braced against the cold wind, heads out of the cold weather and into the Longhorns game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman City of Austin Street and Bridge Operations workers Ray Cummings, left, and Bobby Roberson prepare to head out from a facility on Harold Court to pretreat roads with a brine solution on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, ahead of an approaching winter storm. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Reese Vendors, 4, is bundled up against the cold as holds her grandmas hand and heads out of the cold weather and into her first Longhorns game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Moody Center in Austin, Jan. 24, 2026 as temperatures drop across the Central Texas area ahead of anticipated freezing precipitation. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman A utility vehicle spreads a traction compound on SH-71 in Bastrop County ahead of a winter storm on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Mayor Kirk Watson talks about an approaching winter storm at a news conference at the Combined Transportation, Emergency & Communications Center in Austin on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Fog hangs over the Austin skyline as rain arrives in the Austin area on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 ahead of anticipated drops in temperature and freezing rain over the weekend. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman A Texas Department of Transportation sign warns drivers of possible ice on the roads ahead of a winter storm on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Water droplets turned to ice coat leaves in Mueller Lake Park as intense cold and icing settles into the Austin area, Jan. 25, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman A water droplet gathers on a plant as rain arrives in the Austin area on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 ahead of anticipated drops in temperature and freezing rain over the weekend. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Texas Department of Transportation workers fill a tank with brine at a TxDOT facility on East Parmer Lane on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, to treat area roads ahead of an approaching winter storm. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Plants are covered in ice as intense cold settles into the Austin area, Jan. 25, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Travis County Judge Andy Brown talks about an approaching winter storm at a news conference at the Combined Transportation, Emergency & Communications Center in Austin on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A plant is covered in sleet and ice as intense cold and icing settles into the Austin area, Jan. 25, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz, from left, Commander Jordan Crouch and Chief of Staff Wesley Hopkins, prepare for the approaching winter storm in the Emergency Operations Center at the Combined Transportation, Emergency & Communications Center in Austin on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Fog hangs over the Austin skyline as rain arrives in the Austin area on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 ahead of anticipated drops in temperature and freezing rain over the weekend. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Light rain falls on downtown Austin as traffic moves along Interstate 35 on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, ahead of an approaching winter storm. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Bottled water is scarce at an H-E-B in Southwest Austin on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, as shoppers prepare for a winter storm. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Gov. Greg Abbott listens to a briefing as he prepares for a winter storm at the State Operations Center in Austin on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A pedestrian walks on the trail through auditorium shores as rain arrives in the Austin area on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 ahead of anticipated drops in temperature and freezing rain over the weekend. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Pedestrians walk across the Pfluger Bridge downtown as rain arrives in the Austin area on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 ahead of anticipated drops in temperature and freezing rain over the weekend. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Gov. Greg Abbott talks about an approaching winter storm at the State Operations Center in Austin on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Joining him are, from left,Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Adjutant General of Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer, Texas Department of Public Safety Col. Freeman Martin and Public Utility Commission Chair Thomas Gleeson. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A woman walks with a stroller near Mueller Lake Park in Austin as temperatures drop toward freezing ahead of anticipated icing and winter weather, Jan. 24, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Fog hangs over the Austin skyline as rain arrives in the Austin area on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 ahead of anticipated drops in temperature and freezing rain over the weekend. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd talks about an approaching winter storm at a news conference at the State Operations Center in Austin on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman David Gray, the City of Austins Homeless Strategy Officer, prepares for the approaching winter storm in the Emergency Operations Center at the Combined Transportation, Emergency & Communications Center in Austin on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Gov. Greg Abbott listens to Public Utility Commission Chair Thomas Gleeson speak at a news conference about an approaching winter storm at the State Operations Center in Austin on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A pedestrian carries an umbrella walking across the First Street Bridge as a runner passes underneath. Rain arrives in the Austin area on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 ahead of anticipated drops in temperature and freezing rain over the weekend. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Gov. Greg Abbott talks about an approaching winter storm at the State Operations Center in Austin on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Joining him is Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, left. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Fog hangs over the Austin skyline and the statue of musician Stevie Ray Vaughan as rain arrives in the Austin area on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 ahead of anticipated drops in temperature and freezing rain over the weekend. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Gov. Greg Abbott listens to a briefing as he prepares for a winter storm at the State Operations Center in Austin on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Electric Reliability Council of Texas CEO Pablo Vegas, second from right, and Public Utility Commission Chair Thomas Gleeson, right, listen to a briefing as they prepare for a winter storm at the State Operations Center in Austin on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman A man walks his dog at Mueller Lake Park in Austin as temperatures drop toward freezing ahead of anticipated icing and winter weather, Jan. 24, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Traffic uses South Congress ahead of a winter storm on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Ice coats South Congress after a winter storm brought rain, sleet and freezing temperatures to Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Ice coats South Congress after a winter storm brought rain, sleet and freezing temperatures to Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Traffic uses South Congress ahead of a winter storm on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Ice coats flyover ramps where SH-71 crosses I-36 after a winter storm brought rain, sleet and freezing temperatures to Austin on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Light traffic is visible on the roads where I-35 meets SH-71 ahead of a winter storm on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Icy roads cover the ground in Pflugerville after a winter storm brought rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman State Highway 71 is empty after a winter storm in Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A pedestrian walks on sleet off Riverside Drive in East Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A pedestrian walks their dog following a winter storm in East Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Airport Commerce Park is seen empty amidst a winter storm in East Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman State Highway 71 is empty after a winter storm in Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A bush is seen frozen following a winter storm in East Austin Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Is H-E-B open? H-E-B stores across the Austin area will remain open during the winter storm, but with adjusted hours. Stores, including Austin's Central Markets, will operate from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and reopen at 9 a.m. Sunday, with curbside and delivery availability limited at some locations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Stores in the DFW Metroplex and San Antonio metro area will operate from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and open at 10 a.m. Sunday. Houston H-E-B and Houston Mi Tienda stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and open at 8 a.m. Sunday. Is Walmart open? A "closed" sign hangs in a store's window amid severe weather. Vincent Alban/Boston Globe via Getty Images A Walmart spokesperson assured Newsweek of the companys efforts to aid customers affected by this weekends severe weather. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During severe weather, we focus on making sure customers and communities have what they need, using Walmarts supply chain to respond quickly and effectively, a spokesperson, who was not named, said. We are taking steps to help ensure essential items such as blankets, batteries, and other cold-weather necessities are available in communities expected to be impacted. We are also coordinating with community and nonprofit partners to support local response efforts where possible. Walmart stores and clubs may be impacted by weather events. The company promises to share information about closures on its website. Is Target open? A Target representative shared a statement with Newsweek. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Target stores are stocked and well equipped to serve our guests in all weather conditions, and we work quickly to make sure that high-demand products are readily available, a spokesperson for Target said. Were closely monitoring this winter storm and guests can find the current status of any store by visiting [the store locator page]. Is Whole Foods open? While Whole Foods Market hasnt publicly commented on this years winter storm, some Texas stores closed during the February 2021 winter storm. At the time, the chain encouraged customers to check in with their local store via its website. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cambodian naval members welcome U.S. warship USS Cincinnati, docked upon arrival at Ream Naval Base's pier in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. (Heng Sinith/AP) REAM NAVAL BASE, Cambodia The USS Cincinnati arrived at Cambodias Ream Naval Base on Saturday, marking the first time a U.S. Navy warship has docked at the facility since its Chinese-funded renovation was completed early last year. The completion of a new pier and dry dock at Ream has fueled concerns in Washington that China Cambodias close ally and main provider of aid and investment may have been granted exclusive access to the base. Controversy has persisted since 2019 over reports of a potential 30-year agreement for Chinese military use of the site on the Gulf of Thailand. Although Beijing funded the bases expansion, the Cambodian government has denied any agreement for exclusive Chinese privileges. Prime Minister Hun Manet, who oversaw the bases reopening in April 2025, has maintained that Ream is open to all friendly nations for joint exercises, provided the ships are not too large for the facility. The Cincinnati is an Independence-class littoral combat ship, meaning it is designed to to operate close to shore and can operate in shallower waters than other warships. Its crew of about 100 is scheduled to engage in sporting events and other activities in the nearby city of Sihanoukville during its Jan. 24-28 visit. At this location our government has worked very hard to build this port so that all foreign vessels that wish to dock in Cambodia can do so, In Sokhemra, the deputy commander of the base, told reporters gathered shipside. We have succeeded in this effort, and we are open from this moment forward for all to enter, the deputy commander said. Whether it is American ships, Australian, Japanese or any other ships that wish to dock in Cambodia, this port is ready for you. A Cambodian Navy statement on Saturday said that from 2003 through 2026, some 37 U.S. warships had made visits to Cambodian facilities. In December 2024, the USS Savannah called at Sihanoukvilles civilian port on a five-day visit, but that was the first in eight years by a U.S. military vessel due to a cooling of relations. The statement said the Cincinnatis port call is an opportunity for the navy of the two countries to cooperate in a future especially related to the human resource training, and others. The U.S. Navy in a press release Saturday said Cincinnatis visit to Cambodia reaffirms a shared commitment to regional security, peace and prosperity. The Navy said the crew, while in port, will conduct ship tours and meet with key leaders. We are always excited to work alongside our partners and continue to build a free and open Indo-Pacific for all nations, said Capt. Matt Scarlett. The ships visit coincides with a scheduled meeting between the head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel Paparo, and Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha. The United States and Cambodia began to make an effort to restore warmer relations between their militaries with the 2024 visit of then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who met with Hun Manet to discuss bilateral cooperation in regional security. Both men were graduates of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The Savannahs port call was a follow-up to Austins visit. (Joe Gromelski/Stars and Stripes) Washington, D.C., May 30, 2016: A young visitor reaches out to touch the figures etched on the wall at the Korean War Veterans Memorial on Memorial Day 2016. A screen grab from a video posted by U.S. Southern Command on Jan. 23, 2026, shows a strike on a vessel allegedly engaged in narco-trafficking operations. (U.S. Southern Command via X) WASHINGTON The U.S. military said Friday that it has carried out a deadly strike on a vessel accused of trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, the first known attack since the raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month. U.S. Southern Command said on social media that the boat was engaged in narco-trafficking operations and that the strike killed two people and left one survivor. It said it notified the Coast Guard to launch search and rescue operations for that person. A video accompanying the post announcing the latest strike shows a boat moving through the water before exploding in flames. The U.S. military has focused lately on seizing sanctioned oil tankers with connections to Venezuela since the Trump administration launched an audacious raid to capture Maduro and bring him to New York to face drug trafficking charges. On Jan. 23, at the direction of @SecWar Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern pic.twitter.com/BzeBBapfMQ U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) January 23, 2026 With the latest military action, there have been 36 known strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats in South American waters since early September that killed at least 117 people, according to announcements from the U.S. military and Trump. The majority of those of strikes have occurred in the Caribbean Sea. The last reported boat strikes occurred in late December, when the military said it struck five alleged drug-smuggling boats over two days, killing a total of eight people while others jumped overboard. Days later, the Coast Guard suspended its search. The U.S. conducted a large-scale operation in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, on Jan. 3 that led to the capture of Maduro and his wife, who were then flown to New York to face federal drug trafficking charges. Maduro, before his capture, said the U.S. military operations were a thinly veiled effort to oust him from power. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that the U.S. strikes targeting alleged smugglers are having an enormous impact on slowing drug trafficking routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Weve stopped virtually stopped almost 100% of all drugs coming in by water, Trump said in remarks on Thursday at the World Economic Forum at Davos. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla. The conference concerned the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro earlier that day. (Alex Brandon/AP) WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, will lead a summit of fellow military leaders to coordinate the campaign against narcotics traffickers and other criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere. Chiefs of defense and senior military representatives from 34 nations will meet to build shared understanding of common security priorities and strengthen regional cooperation, the Defense Department said in a statement on Friday. Participants at the gathering in Washington on Feb. 11 will explore the importance of strong partnerships, continued cooperation, and united efforts to counter criminal and terrorist organizations, as well as external actors undermining regional security and stability, the department added. The unusual event underscores the priority that President Donald Trumps foreign policy places on the Americas, weeks after he ordered a military raid on Venezuela that led to the capture of that nations president, Nicolas Maduro. A U.S. National Security Strategy, released in November, promised to assert and enforce a Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine of the early 19th century. The incursion in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas unfolded after a year of Trump upending relations with regional allies, particularly Mexico and Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a closely watched address at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this week warned of great powers coercing small nations. Although Carney did not mention Trump by name, the American president rebuked his northern neighbor during his own Davos speech, saying that the U.S. provides Canada with defense and security and should be more grateful. Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements, Trump said. The announcement of the meeting to be hosted by Caine, which was reported earlier by The New York Times, came as U.S. forces carried out an attack on a boat in the Eastern Pacific that they say was carrying narcotics. Two people on the boat were killed and a third survived, according to U.S. Southern Command. It was believed to be the the first such attack since the raid on Caracas. The Pentagon didnt name the countries that might send military officials to Washington, but they include Western Hemisphere nations and others with territorial possessions there, such as the U.K. and France, which have had a presence in the Americas dating from colonial times, according to people familiar with the matter. Courtney McBride contributed to this report. 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A highly magnified look at the underside of a deer tick, a primary vector for Lyme disease. Congress has tasked the Government Accountability Office with researching whether the Defense Department weaponized ticks with Lyme disease as part of a Cold War-era bioweapons program, in hopes that finding an origin can lead toward better testing, treatments and cures. (Graham Snodgrass/U.S. Army Public Health Center) Congress tasked a government watchdog with researching whether the Defense Department weaponized ticks with Lyme disease as part of a Cold War-era bioweapons program, in hopes that finding an origin can lead toward better testing, treatments and cures. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., added the amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which specifically calls on the Government Accountability Office to review government documents from Jan. 1, 1945, through Dec. 31, 1972, regarding experiments with two forms of tick-borne bacteria, spirochaetales and rickettsiales. The hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans suffering from Lyme disease in addition to the millions across the United States deserve to know the truth about the origins of their illness. An enhanced understanding of how Lyme came to be will only assist in finding a cure for this debilitating disease, Smith said in a statement. He is co-chair of the Congressional Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Caucus and put forward similar amendments in 2019 and 2021. Each passed the House but failed in the Senate. Lyme disease is an illness caused by bacteria carried by black-legged ticks, or deer ticks. People can become infected when bitten by a tick that transfers the bacteria under the skin and causes an infection. When diagnosed and treated early, many patients recover, but it can develop into a chronic illness, according to the Global Lyme Alliance, which funds research for the disease. Early symptoms can include severe headaches and neck stiffness, joint and muscle pain, heart palpitations and facial paralysis, according to the alliance. In later stages, symptoms can include debilitating neurological and cognitive impairments and difficulty sleeping. Roughly 476,000 new cases of Lyme are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, according to the alliance. The Comptroller General of the United States has two years to provide documentation of the Cold War research conducted by the Defense Department with help from the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Agriculture, according to the National Defense Authorization Act. Documents should include any information about the use of ticks as hosts or delivery mechanisms for biological warfare agents, and any efforts on improving the effectiveness and viability of the two types of bacteria by combining it with other diseases or viruses. The review should also uncover where the research facilities were located. Smith said the amendment was inspired by a surge of Lyme disease in his state, and he looked toward military research after reading the book Bitten: The Secret History of Lyme disease and Biological Weapons, by Kris Newby. The book included interviews with the late Dr. Willy Burgdorfer, the researcher who is credited with discovering Lyme disease and also served as a bioweapons specialist employed by the U.S. government. GAO will be fully empowered to leave no stone unturned, and now itll have a congressional mandate to get to the bottom of it, Smith said last month during a Lyme disease discussion hosted by the Department of Health and Human Services. Federal immigration officers deploy tear gas after a shooting in Minneapolis, on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. (Abbie Parr/AP) MINNEAPOLIS A federal immigration officer shot and killed a man Saturday in Minneapolis, drawing hundreds of protesters onto the frigid streets and ratcheting up tensions in a city already shaken by another fatal shooting weeks earlier. Family members identified the man who was killed as Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse who had protested President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown in his city. After the shooting, an angry crowd gathered and protesters clashed with federal immigration officers, who wielded batons and deployed flash bangs. The Minnesota National Guard was assisting local police at the direction of Gov. Tim Walz, officials said. Guard troops were sent to both the shooting site and to a federal building where officials have squared off with protesters daily. Information about what led up to the shooting was limited, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that federal officers were conducting an operation and fired defensive shots after a man with a handgun approached them and violently resisted when officers tried to disarm him. In bystander videos of the shooting that emerged soon after, Pretti is seen with a phone in his hand but none appears to show him with a visible weapon. OHara said police believe the man was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said during a news conference that Pretti had shown up to impede a law enforcement operation. She questioned why he was armed but did not offer detail about whether Pretti drew the weapon or brandished it at officers. The officer who shot the man is an eight-year Border Patrol veteran, federal officials said. Trump weighed in on social media by lashing out at Walz and the Minneapolis mayor. Trump shared images of the gun that immigration officials said was recovered and said: What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why werent they allowed to protect ICE Officers? Trump, a Republican, said the Democratic governor and mayor are are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric. Pretti was shot just over a mile from where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good on Jan. 7, sparking widespread protests. Prettis family released a statement Saturday evening saying they are heartbroken but also very angry, and calling him a kindhearted soul who wanted to make a difference in the world through his work as a nurse. The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trumps murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed, the family statement said. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Video shows officers, man who was shot In a bystander video of Saturdays shooting obtained by The Associated Press, protesters can be heard blowing whistles and shouting profanities at federal officers on Nicollet Avenue. The video shows an officer shoving a person who is wearing a brown jacket, skirt and black tights and carrying a water bottle. That person reaches out for a man and the two link up, embracing. The man, wearing a brown jacket and black hat, seems to be holding his phone up toward the officer. The same officer shoves the man in his chest and the two, still embracing, fall back. The video then shifts to a different part of the street and then comes back to the two individuals unlinking from each other. The video shifts focus again and then shows three officers surrounding the man. Soon at least seven officers surround the man. One is on the mans back and another who appears to have a canister in his hand strikes a blow to the mans chest. Several officers try to bring the mans arms behind his back as he appears to resist. As they pull his arms, his face is briefly visible on camera. The officer with the canister strikes the man near his head several times. A shot rings out, but with officers surrounding the man, its not clear from where the shot came. Multiple officers back off the man after the shot. More shots are heard. Officers back away and the man lies motionless on the street. The police chief appealed for calm, both from the public and from federal law enforcement. Our demand today is for those federal agencies that are operating in our city to do so with the same discipline, humanity and integrity that effective law enforcement in this country demands, the chief said. We urge everyone to remain peaceful. Gregory Bovino of U.S. Border Patrol, who has commanded the Trump administrations big-city immigration campaign, said the officer who shot the man had extensive training as a range safety officer and in using less-lethal force. This is only the latest attack on law enforcement. Across the country, the men and women of DHS have been attacked, shot at, he said. Walz said he had no confidence in federal officials and that the state would lead the investigation into the latest fatal shooting. But Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said during a news conference that federal officers blocked his agency from the shooting scene even after it obtained a signed judicial warrant. Amid the unrest, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats will not vote for a spending package that includes money for DHS. Schumers statement increases the possibility that the government could partially shut down on Jan. 30 when funding runs out. Protests continue in Minneapolis Protesters converged at the scene of the shooting despite dangerously cold weather. At midday Saturday, the worst of an extreme cold wave was over, but the temperature was still -6 degrees. After the shooting, an angry crowd gathered and screamed profanities at federal officers, calling them cowards and telling them to go home. One officer responded mockingly as he walked away, telling them: Boo hoo. Agents elsewhere shoved a yelling protester into a car. Protesters dragged garbage dumpsters from alleyways to block the streets, and people who gathered chanted, ICE out now and Observing ICE is not a crime. As dark fell, hundreds of people gathered quietly by a growing memorial at the site of the shooting. Some carried signs saying Justice for Alex Pretti. Others chanted Prettis and Goods names. A doughnut shop and a clothing store nearby stayed open, offering protesters a warm place as well as water, coffee and snacks. Caleb Spike said he came from a nearby suburb to show his support and his frustration. It feels like every day something crazier happens, he said. Whats happening in our community is wrong, its sickening, its disgusting. Santana reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Giovanna DellOrto, Tim Sullivan and Sarah Raza in Minnesota, Jim Mustian in New York, Michael Catalini in New Jersey and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles also contributed. President Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago club, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Palm Beach, Fla., as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens. (Alex Brandon/AP) WASHINGTON The Pentagon released a priority-shifting National Defense Strategy late Friday that chastised U.S. allies to take control of their own security and reasserted the Trump administrations focus on dominance in the Western Hemisphere above a longtime goal of countering China. The 34-page document, the first since 2022, was highly political for a military blueprint, criticizing partners from Europe to Asia for relying on previous U.S. administrations to subsidize their defense. It called for a sharp shift in approach, focus, and tone. That translated to a blunt assessment that allies would take on more of the burden countering nations from Russia to North Korea. For too long, the U.S. Government neglected even rejected putting Americans and their concrete interests first, read the opening sentence. It capped off a week of animosity between President Donald Trumps administration and traditional allies like Europe, with Trump threatening to impose tariffs on some European partners to press a bid to acquire Greenland before announcing a deal that lowered the temperature. As allies confront what some see as a hostile attitude from the U.S., they will almost certainly be unhappy to see that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths department will provide credible options to guarantee U.S. military and commercial access to key terrain, especially Greenland and the Panama Canal. Following a tiff this week at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the strategy at once urges cooperation with Canada and other neighbors while still issuing a stark warning. We will engage in good faith with our neighbors, from Canada to our partners in Central and South America, but we will ensure that they respect and do their part to defend our shared interests, the document says. And where they do not, we will stand ready to take focused, decisive action that concretely advances U.S. interests. Much like the White Houses National Security Strategy that preceded it, the defense blueprint reinforces Trumps America First philosophy, which favors nonintervention overseas, questions decades of strategic relationships and prioritizes U.S. interests. The National Defense Strategy last was published in 2022 under then-President Joe Biden and focused on China as Americas pacing challenge. Western Hemisphere The strategy simultaneously courts help from partners in Americas backyard, while warning them that the U.S. will actively and fearlessly defend Americas interests throughout the Western Hemisphere. It specifically points to access to the Panama Canal and Greenland. It comes just days after Trump said he reached a framework of a future deal on Arctic security with NATO leader Mark Rutte that would offer the U.S. total access to Greenland, a territory of NATO ally Denmark. Danish officials, who spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations, say formal negotiations have yet to begin. Trump previously suggested that the U.S. should potentially consider retaking control of the Panama Canal and accused Panama of ceding influence to China. Asked this week if the U.S. reclaiming the canal was still on the table, Trump demurred. I dont want to tell you that, the president responded. Sort of, I must say, sort of. Thats sort of on the table. The Pentagon also touted the operation that ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month, saying all narco-terrorists should take note. China and the greater Asia-Pacific region The new policy document views China which the Biden administration saw as a top adversary as a settled force in the Indo-Pacific region that only needs to be deterred from dominating the U.S. or its allies. The goal is not to dominate China; nor is it to strangle or humiliate them, the document says. It later adds, This does not require regime change or some other existential struggle. President Trump seeks a stable peace, fair trade, and respectful relations with China, it says, which follows efforts to climb down from a trade war sparked by the administrations sky-high tariffs. It says it will open a wider range of military-to-military communications with Chinas army. The strategy, meanwhile, makes no mention of or guarantee to Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own and says it will take by force if necessary. The U.S. is obligated by its own laws to give military support to Taiwan. By contrast, the Biden administrations 2022 strategy said the U.S. would support Taiwans asymmetric self-defense. In another example of offloading regional security to allies, the document says, South Korea is capable of taking primary responsibility for deterring North Korea with critical but more limited U.S. support. Europe While saying that Russia will remain a persistent but manageable threat to NATOs eastern members for the foreseeable future, the defense strategy asserts that NATO allies are much more powerful and so are strongly positioned to take primary responsibility for Europes conventional defense. It says the Pentagon will play a key role in NATO even as we calibrate U.S. force posture and activities in the European theater to focus on priorities closer to home. The U.S. already has confirmed that it will reduce its troop presence on NATOs borders with Ukraine, with allies expressing concern that the Trump administration might drastically cut their numbers and leave a security vacuum as European countries confront an increasingly aggressive Russia. A Department of War plaque hangs at the main entrance to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., after installation Nov. 13, 2025. (Madelyn Keech/U.S. Air Force) A new U.S. national defense strategy released Friday puts protection of the homeland and access to strategic terrain in the Western Hemisphere atop the militarys agenda, marking a shift from the Pentagons previous position that countering China was the Defense Departments number one pacing threat. The Pentagons long-awaited new plan lines up with the White Houses National Security Strategy, released last month, and prioritizes border security, targeting drug traffickers and fearlessly defending Americas interests across the hemisphere. We will guarantee U.S. military and commercial access to key terrain, especially the Panama Canal, Gulf of America, and Greenland, the document states. We will provide President Trump with credible military options to use against narco-terrorists wherever they may be. The Pentagon said it will work with nearby allies and partners, such as neighbor and NATO ally Canada, and added we will ensure that they respect and do their part to defend our shared interests. And where they do not, we will stand ready to take focused, decisive action that concretely advances U.S. interests, the Pentagon strategy states. The heavy emphasis on military operations in the Western Hemisphere is a shift from previous defense strategies, which since 2018 have made China the number one issue. Now, deterring China is second on the agenda. The approach calls for more diplomacy aimed at avoiding confrontation with Beijing while building up defenses in the Pacific to discourage Chinese aggression. Efforts will be made to support strategic stability, deconfliction and de-escalation, the strategy states. But we will also be clear-eyed and realistic about the speed, scale, and quality of Chinas historic military buildup, the strategy states. Our goal in doing so is not to dominate China; nor is it to strangle or humiliate them. The aim is to achieve a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and prevent China from dominating the region, according to the strategy. The peace through strength approach will be backed by erecting a strong denial defense along the Pacifics first island chain and through more military burden-sharing among allies in the region, the strategy says. In Europe, meanwhile, Russia is still viewed as a threat, especially to allies on NATOs eastern flank. In light of this, the Department will ensure that U.S. forces are prepared to defend against Russian threats to the U.S. Homeland, the strategy states. The Department will also continue to play a vital role in NATO itself, even as we calibrate U.S. force posture and activities in the European theater to better account for the Russian threat to American interests as well as our allies own capabilities. The strategy says Russia is in no position to pose a threat to Europe as a whole, given that NATO dwarfs Russia in economic scale, population, and, thus, latent military power. Still, the Pentagon says it will remain involved in Europe going forward, although on a more limited basis as allies step up their defense spending and bolster their own capabilities. Our NATO allies are therefore strongly positioned to take primary responsibility for Europes conventional defense, with critical but more limited U.S. support, the strategy states. Montezuma, N.Y. A devastating fire Thursday destroyed the home of a Cayuga County EMT and her family. The fire broke out around 11:45 a.m. on East Loop Road in Montezuma, according to the Seneca Falls Fire Department. Heavy smoke and flames were coming from the house when firefighters arrived, according to Cayuga County 911 Center dispatches. Heavy fire conditions and cold winds prompted a large mutual aid response from departments across Cayuga and Seneca counties. Fire departments from Montezuma, Cayuga, Clyde, Seneca Falls, Owasco, Port Byron, Jordan, Throop, Savannah, Union Springs and Aurelius responded, along with Jordan Ambulance. The Montezuma Fire Department reposted a message from a local resident Friday stating that no people or animals were injured. However, the home appears to be a total loss. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Janet Snyder, one of the family members affected, is an EMT with the Montezuma Fire Department who also assists numerous neighboring departments, according to the department. Janet is one of the most dedicated people I have ever met when it comes to helping her community and friends and never asks for anything in return, the department said in a Facebook post. The department is asking community members to support Snyder and her family during this time of need. Monetary donations can be made payable to the Snyder family and dropped off at the Montezuma Fire Department or mailed to P.O. Box 457, Montezuma, NY 13117. Update 10:10 p.m.: Payton E. Williams was found safe and in good health, State Police said. Original story: Vienna, N.Y. State Police are searching for a 14-year-old girl who was reported missing Friday afternoon from her home in Oneida County. Payton E. Williams was last seen around 4:30 p.m. Friday at her residence in Vienna, according to a news release from Trooper Jennifer Jiron, a spokesperson State Police. Troopers believe she may have gotten a ride and could be in the Oswego County area. A description of the clothing she was wearing at the time she disappeared is not available at this time, troopers said. Williams is described as a white female, about 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 145 pounds. She has brown hair and green eyes. State Police ask anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact them and reference case number NY2600134903. Syracuse illustrator Melquea Smith started her career as a strictly animal artist. But as she met and talked with teachers, parents and authors, she realized there was a severe lack of equal representation in childrens literature. Where were the Black and brown kids in picture books? Smith decided to pivot. She began to focus on drawing Black and brown characters so all children can connect to the stories they read. Seeing themselves in literature and media, in a positive light, is needed all the time," said Smith. Not just February, not just June. The entire year, all the time. Smith landed her first book deal in 2019 to illustrate Two Homes in Omars Heart by Ibtisam Barakat, a story about an immigrant Palestinian child from Jericho. She went on to illustrate The Time Machine by Pauline David-Sax and The Biggest Gift of All by Luda Gogolushko. One thing I want littles to see in my books is, That looks like me, or that looks like someone I know, or I identify with this, Smith said. I want both my littles and their bigs to feel hope and joy, especially where we are in this world right now. On a recent weekday in the syracuse.com newsroom, Smith showed a reporter how she sketches a character, freehand. Within minutes, a wide-eyed child emerged on her page, with expressive eyebrows, detailed braids and a small smile. Seeing peoples reactions to my artwork and books, I feel this immense joy, Smith said. That will help change the narrative in this industry, and its good for my longevity as a creative, to be versatile. To illustrate her characters, Smith uses a mix of pens, paper, pencil, crayons, markers and her rusty, trusty tablet. She believes her artistic abilities are not simply innate talent, but rather the product of years of dedicated practice and learning. It takes years of drawing, Smith said. I put so much work in. I do love when people say, Youre so talented, but I always wince just a little bit because Im not talented; Im skilled... its 31 years of me doing this. Melquea Smith is a children's book illustrator and artist based in Syracuse. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com Smith said the biggest challenge in her industry is the long wait time from signing a contract to publication. The books we see on shelves today came from deals signed three or four years ago, Smith said. The story itself may have been written long before that, and illustrating a book can take between six months to a year. Publishing is hurry up and wait, she said. It took three years on average for a book to be out, unless its a celebrity book and they try to push that thing out as quick as possible. It really is a very long process. Between illustration jobs, Smith also runs Brown Sugar Graphics, a subscription service for authors, educators and entrepreneurs who want diverse clip art for classroom use or published works. Youll find your niche, as people say, Smith said. Its really hard to find an artist who specifically does clip art of Black and brown kids. And I realized, thats a Melquea-shaped hole I can fill. Melquea Smith is a children's book illustrator and artist based in Syracuse. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com dennis nett | dnett@syracuse.com Melquea Smiths advice to other trailblazers: In any artistic industry, especially now with the age of AI, you feel like your entire industry is crumbling in front of you. Cant people just generate this? Or take my art and put it through an AI filter? Please dont do that, by the way, that would really hurt my heart. But we as humans want things that are tangible. We want things that are handmade. We want things that have a story behind it or artist behind it. Handmade work, things that are made from peoples stories, made from people, are always going to be sought after. Just keep going. For the folks that are college aged and younger? Focus on enjoying art. Focus on experiencing life. That is where the best ideas come from." Follow Melquea Smiths work at @prettykittypaintings on Instagram. Do you know a CNY Trailblazer or Trendsetter? Each month, Syracuse.com invites readers to identify Trailblazers and Trendsetters, a wide-ranging group of local entrepreneurs, professionals, artists and advocates leaders committed to uplifting their communities, inspiring change and working to make a difference in Central New York. If youd like to suggest someone to be featured next in our series, email Katrina Tulloch at ktulloch@syracuse.com. A Westchester County resident has claimed three separate $1 million Powerball prizes from a single drawing, bringing his total winnings to $3 million. Brian Lattimer of Yonkers matched the first five numbers in the Oct. 20, 2025, drawing across three tickets, each winning a second-prize award. The winning numbers were 32, 38, 66, 67, 69 with Powerball 19. After required withholdings, Lattimer received $1,896,375 in a lump sum payment. He purchased the winning tickets at V & C Taneja (One Stop Shop) in Yonkers. The New York Lottery generated $327.8 million in Powerball sales during the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Westchester County school districts received $136.2 million in lottery education funding during the same period. A Long Island-based trust has claimed a $5 million top prize from the New York Lotterys Mystery Multiplier scratch-off game, the lottery announced this week. The Triple J Irrevocable Trust of Lake Grove, New York, received a one-time lump sum payment of $2,180,856 after required withholdings, according to lottery officials. The winning ticket was purchased at Star Gulf in Saint James (Suffolk County). Three additional $5 million top prizes remain available on the Mystery Multiplier game, lottery officials said. Players can verify winning tickets and check remaining prizes by downloading game reports at nylottery.ny.gov. Scratch-off games generated $4.3 billion in sales during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, with Suffolk County school districts receiving $314.4 million in lottery aid during the same period. Ever since he was a child, Dr. Johaun Jackson knew he wanted to work in the medical field. His dream came true. Dr. Jackson grew up to be a nurse and nursing educator. His choice paid dividends when he met the love of his life at his job in 2010. He was working as an emergency department nurse at Upstate Medical Center and asked out a hospital clinical technician, Nicole Drummond, for coffee. She didnt drink coffee so he asked if she liked ice cream. There was an ice cream shop on the 12th floor of the hospital, Nicole Drummond-Jackson said. We spent many lunch breaks there together. The pair fell in love and married in 2014. He gave me permission to believe in myself, Drummond-Jackson said. Watching him pursue excellence made me want to return to school. Because of him, I earned my associates degree and my bachelors degree. She was not the only person Dr. Jackson inspired. Throughout his career, he served as a mentor to many aspiring nurses. Dr. Jackson died on Jan. 4 from natural causes. He was 50. He was born on June 2, 1975 in Syracuse. His parents were Linda Alex-Hurley, a healthcare professional at the Syracuse Community Health Center, and Jerome Jackson, an aquatic director who managed pools in Long Beach, California. He had four step siblings. From his father, who was his hero, Dr. Jackson inherited a lifelong love of water, swimming both competitively and recreationally throughout his life. While a student at Henninger High School, Dr. Jackson worked as a lifeguard. As an adult, he never quite shook his love of the water. For 30 years, while working in the nursing field and collecting degrees, Dr. Jackson also managed the pool at McKinley Park. In the summers, after working overnight shifts in the cardiac intensive care unit at St. Josephs, he would drive straight to the South Side to manage the pool and teach lifeguarding, Drummond-Jackson said. He was exhausted, but he showed up anyway. Sometimes he would fall asleep on the pool deck. The lifeguards would laugh, but they understoodhe had often been awake for 24 hours straight. Dr. Jacksons nursing career began in 1993, when he trained to became a licensed practical nurse, supporting himself by working at a furniture store while he achieved this milestone. He worked at St. Josephs Hospital Health Center, where he was the only Black male nurse, in their emergency department and cardiac intensive care unit. He worked at the emergency department at Upstate Medical Center. He also worked at Loretta Health and Rehabilitation as the director of nursing education, research and development. Dr. Jackson obtained his associates degree from St. Josephs College of Nursing, his bachelors degree and masters degree from Le Moyne College, and his doctoral degree from St. John Fisher University. His doctoral dissertation is preserved at the Library of Congress. Together with his wife, he was the co-founder and executive officer of Forthright Advancement. That was a company we built together to help nurses pass their classes and obtain their licensure to become a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse, Drummond-Jackson said. Dr. Johaun Jackson mentored many aspiring nurses as a nurse educator. Provided photo Dr. Jackson mentored many aspiring nurses as a nurse educator. He worked as an adjunct professor and doctoral dissertation committee member at St. John Fisher University, a professor at Morrisville State College, and tutor at St. Josephs College of Nursing. He was a great mentor, Drummond-Jackson said. He was passionate. He wanted you to be successful. He loved the art of teaching nurses. He had a really soft spot for LPNs, because thats where he started his nursing career. He loved to teach. He loved to see the light go off in a student where they can make the connection to our craft. He wanted to uplift his fellow colleagues, Drummond-Jackson said. He wanted to push them forward in their education. He would sit down and teach anyone who was willing to listen. That was part of his legacy. The way he would present material, the way he took time. If you called him at three oclock in the morning with a nursing question he would answer. He encouraged young men and women to follow the process and not to give up on their dream. If you needed help with anatomy, physiology, anything related to nursing, he was there. And sometimes it wasnt just nursing. He offered life lessons. My husband loved learning. He loved nursing. He just wanted to share his passion to the world. In his free time, Dr. Johaun Jackson loved to travel, swim, cook and spend time with family. Provided photo In his free time, Dr. Jackson travelled and swam in the ocean. He loved to smoke meat and was famous for his ribs. Any given Christmas, we had 45 family members at the house, Drummond-Jackson said. He would cook for everyone. He loved to feed people. He will be remembered for his wit and sense of humor. He was an amazing father. There was nothing that you could not ask him, that he would not do. He was proud of his children and their accomplishments in life, watching them grow up and become men and women of integrity, Drummond-Jackson said. Dr. Jackson is survived by his children, Khalia Jackson, Marquis Drummond, Khamaia Jackson, Alexis Drummond, Khiandra Jackson, Johaun Jackson Jr., James Butler Jr., Dandre Jones, Sophia Jackson, and eight grandchildren. Syracuse, N.Y. Less than a week after the Syracuse school board unanimously voted to remove Commissioner Twiggy Billue, Billue on Saturday announced she will appeal the decision. The school board voted to remove Billue from the board after an investigation found she violated the rules of entering a school and attempted to change her grandsons teacher. Billue said her elementary-age grandson, who she helps care for, has been bullied for two years. At a news conference Saturday morning, Billues lawyer Doug Bullock said she plans to appeal her removal. I still maintain no wrongdoing, Billue said. I just wanted to be clear with the Syracuse community that were ready for the fight ahead. Billue will take her appeal to the New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa, who will decide whether to uphold the removal by looking at the evidence. If Rosa sides with the district, Billue could ask a judge to make a ruling. More than 25 people stood behind Billue in support of her at the news conference. They included several local politicians: Syracuse Common Council Member Hanah Ehrenreich, DeWitt Council Member Bishop H. Bernard Alex and Onondaga County Chief Diversity Officer Monica Williams. Ehrenreich defended Billue after the news conference. I know she didnt break her oath and if (the school board) is trying to say she did on very tiny, miniscule administrative grounds, that is a witch hunt, Ehrenreich said. That is not a fair and impartial process. By initiating the removal process, the school board started a complicated course of action that many people involved, including board President Tamica Barnett, do not fully understand. The appeals process could take up to a year and there are several moving parts that make replacing or keeping Billue difficult, said Onondaga County Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny. Normally, Syracuse citizens would vote on an open seat during the November general election. Beginning Feb. 24, candidates can begin petitioning to be put on the ballot, Czarny said. Petitioners need to get 1,000 signatures by April 2. But this could be upended by the appeals process. Billue could ask Rosa or a state Supreme Court Judge to reinstate her temporarily while her appeal plays out. Bullock said she will likely take this action. If Billue is reinstated, the political parties can nominate a candidate beginning March 26. However if Rosa has not made a decision by Aug. 3 and Billue is still sitting temporarily, the school board election for her seat will be pushed back to the 2027 general election, according to Czarny. At some point, Mayor Sharon Owens is obligated to find a temporary replacement for Billue. The interim board member will serve until the next election. Owens previously told syracuse.com she wanted to learn more about the appeals process before appointing someone. Billue said Saturday she has not spoken to Owens since the hearing. Throughout this process, the board members have given few statements. Barnett said the districts lawyers advised her not to speak. On Tuesday, the board did not publicly discuss the removal at the hearing, immediately left the room after voting to remove Billue and then exited the building while Billue held a news conference. The school board refused to release the charges it brought against Billue until the removal hearing. Members have yet to make the investigation into Billue public, stating it needs to be redacted more. Nobody wanted to do this but something that was necessary, Barnett said. Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse issued a snow safety alert Friday night before a winter storm that is expected to dump up to 18 inches of snow on the city beginning Sunday. Forecasters are predicting 12 to 18 inches of snow between Sunday and Monday, along with extreme cold and wind chill temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees below zero. The citys Department of Public Works warned that Mondays commute could be affected as crews work to clear roads throughout the storm. Plows will first clear high-volume roads, emergency routes and hills to maintain access for emergency vehicles. Neighborhood side streets will be plowed once major routes are cleared and snowfall has slowed or stopped, officials said. City officials are warning residents to prepare for hazardous driving conditions. The city asks that people limit travel if possible and follow alternate side parking regulations so plows can effectively clear streets. Police will ticket and tow vehicles that violate parking rules, they said. Property owners are required to clear snow from sidewalks along their properties and around nearby fire hydrants. The Syracuse Fire Department asks residents to clear a three-foot area around hydrants and create a path to them. During snow storms, the city will focus parking enforcement on designated priority streets in the Northeast, Southeast, Northwest and Southwest neighborhoods, where on-street parking and narrow roadways can make plowing more difficult. Seasonal odd-even parking restrictions will also be enforced on several downtown blocks, including portions of Erie Boulevard East, East Water Street, South Warren Street, Montgomery Street, Madison Street and East and West Jefferson streets. Signage has been posted noting the hours and restrictions. Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse University has canceled its huge Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event on Sunday due to forecasts for heavy snow and cold temperatures. The event, held in the JMA Wireless Dome, has drawn about 2,000 people in past years. Its described as the largest MLK event of its kind on any college campus. We do not make this decision lightly and recognize how meaningful this annual gathering is for our campus, the city of Syracuse and Central New York, the university said in a message to the SU community Friday. However, the safety and well-being of our community is our first priority. Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens, the citys first Black mayor, was scheduled to be the speaker. Owens was sworn into office on Jan. 3. Originally from Geneva, she studied economics at SUs Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and was an athlete on the womens track and field team. University officials said they will provive information next week about rescheduling the event or processing refunds. Rescue operations end after New Zealand landslide Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 Efforts to rescue at least six people buried alive by a landslide at a New Zealand holiday park ended Saturday, with police shifting their focus to recovering human remains. Police Superintendent Tim Anderson said it could take several days to locate all of the bodies, after a mountain of dirt and debris tumbled onto a campsite in Mount Maunganui on Thursday. Anderson said it was "heartbreaking" that six people remained unaccounted for, including a 15-year-old, after camper vans, caravans and a shower block were buried in a mudslide brought on by heavy rain. For the past two days, the holiday town in the northern part of the country has staged a series of vigils, holding out hope that the search and rescue personnel would be successful. Anderson said however it had become apparent there was little chance anyone buried had survived. "This is heartbreaking news for us and obviously the families involved," he told reporters on Saturday, describing the rescue operation as complex. "There's still a lot of mud and other aspects, so my primary consideration today is actually the safety of the staff working on it. "There are really strict parameters around those that are working on site right now." Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed condolences and said the affected families would receive support. "Police have confirmed fatalities at the campground and the reality that no one would have been able to survive, therefore the rescue operation taking place there is now moving to a recovery," he said in a statement. "To the families who have lost loved ones - every New Zealander is grieving with you." New Zealand authorities are facing questions over why people were not evacuated following reports of a landslip at the campsite and neighbouring areas earlier on Thursday. Two people died in a separate landslide on Thursday in the neighbouring harbourside city of Tauranga. One of the people killed was a Chinese national, officials said. Indonesia landslide kills eight, more than 80 missing Cisarua, Indonesia, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 A landslide killed at least eight people and more than 80 are missing on Indonesia's main island of Java on Saturday, a disaster official said. Triggered by heavy rainfall, it struck two villages in Java's West Bandung region at around 2:30 am (1930 GMT Friday) and buried residential areas. Abdul Muhari, a spokesman for the national disaster agency, or BNPB, confirmed that eight people were killed. "As of Saturday 10:30 am, dozens of residents were reported safe, and 82 people were still being searched for," he said in a statement. The disaster follows flooding and landslides late last year that killed around 1,200 people and displaced more than 240,000 in Indonesia's Sumatra island, according to official figures. Environmentalists and experts have pointed to the role forest loss played in the flooding and landslides that washed torrents of mud into villages. West Bandung's mayor Jeje Ritchie Ismail told reporters that the military, police and volunteers were assisting in the search for the missing. However, he warned that the terrain was extremely difficult and that the ground remained unstable. The local search and rescue agency said it was conducting manual excavation, spraying the soil with water pumps and using drones to search for the victims. - Forest loss - Floods and landslides are common in Indonesia during the rainy season, which typically runs from October to March. Tropical storms and intense monsoon rains pummelled parts of South and Southeast Asia late last year, triggering deadly landslides and floods from the rainforests of Sumatra to highland plantations in Sri Lanka. Forests help absorb rainfall and stabilise the ground held by their roots, and their absence makes areas more prone to flash flooding and landslides, David Gaveau, founder of conservation start-up The TreeMap, told AFP in December. More than 240,000 hectares of primary forest were lost in 2024, according to analysis by The TreeMap's Nusantara Atlas project. Indonesia is regularly among the countries with the largest annual forest loss, NGOs have said, adding that mining, plantations, and fires have caused the clearance of large tracts of its lush rainforest over recent decades. The government stripped more than two dozen permits this week from forestry, mining and hydroelectric companies in Sumatra. Saturday's landslide also comes after torrential rains battered Indonesia's Siau island this month, causing a flash flood that killed at least 16 people. Indonesia landslide kills eight, more than 80 missing Cisarua, Indonesia, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 A landslide killed at least eight people and left more than 80 missing on Indonesia's main island of Java on Saturday, a disaster official said. Triggered by heavy rainfall, it struck villages in Java's West Bandung region in the early hours and buried residential areas. Floods and landslides are common across the vast archipelago during the rainy season, which typically runs from October to March. At 2:30 am (1930 GMT Friday), "there was a rumbling noise, like thunder", Oyoh, a resident of Pasirlangu village who, like many Indonesians, only has one name, told AFP. "It had been raining non-stop since the morning, and then it (the landslide) happened. I immediately felt scared." The 52-year-old had been evacuated to the village's government office along with dozens of others, mainly women and children. She said her house survived the landslide, but her niece, her niece's husband and their two children were missing. Abdul Muhari, a spokesman for the national disaster agency, confirmed that eight people were killed and 82 were unaccounted for. West Bandung's mayor Jeje Ritchie Ismail told reporters that the military, police and volunteers were assisting in the search. However, he warned the terrain was extremely difficult and the ground remained unstable. The local search and rescue agency said it was conducting manual excavation, spraying the soil with water pumps and using drones to search for the victims. - Forest loss - The disaster comes after tropical storms and intense monsoon rains late last year triggered flooding and landslides that killed around 1,200 people and displaced more than 240,000 in Indonesia's Sumatra island, according to official figures. Environmentalists, experts and the government have pointed to the role forest loss played in the flooding and landslides that washed torrents of mud into villages. Forests help absorb rainfall and stabilise the ground held by their roots, and their absence makes areas more prone to flash flooding and landslides, David Gaveau, founder of conservation start-up The TreeMap, told AFP in December. Indonesia lost more than 240,000 hectares of primary forest in 2024, according to analysis by The TreeMap's Nusantara Atlas project. It is regularly among the countries with the largest annual forest loss as mining, plantations and fires have caused the clearance of large tracts of lush vegetation in recent decades, NGOs have said. The government filed multiple lawsuits following the Sumatra floods, seeking more than $200 million in damages against six firms. It also stripped more than two dozen permits this week from forestry, mining and hydroelectric companies in Sumatra. This month, torrential rains battered Indonesia's Siau island, causing a flash flood that killed at least 16 people. Activists urge halt to Kushner's luxury Albania resort plans Tirana, Albania, Jan 24 (AFP) Jan 24, 2026 A luxury Albanian island resort project by Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner has sparked outrage from dozens of environmental NGOs calling for its suspension, a statement seen Saturday by AFP said. Albania -- one of the poorest European countries -- recently joined the US president's newly created "Board of Peace" aimed at resolving conflicts. Kushner plans to transform the uninhabited southwest island of Sazan -- once home to a secret communist military base -- into a luxury tourist destination, estimated to cost around 1.4 billion euros ($1.2 billion). But 41 environmental groups from 28 countries voiced their concern over the plans in a letter to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj this week. "The project proposes interventions across 45 hectares (111 acres), posing serious risks to the biodiversity and critical habitats of the area," the statement accompanying the letter said. Sazan and its surrounding waters "provide crucial habitats for some of the world's most endangered marine species", it added. The NGOs stressed the construction of a luxury resort "poses a serious threat to these delicate habitats" and urged the "immediate suspension of any decisions advancing the project". Earlier this week, the US president's daughter Ivanka Trump also visited several sites in the Vlora region, where the island is located, accompanied by around 60 architects. The Trump family has built a massive real estate empire of luxury resorts and hotels around the world. In December, an investment firm linked to Kushner ditched plans to build a hotel on the site of Belgrade's bombed-out Yugoslav army headquarters. The move came after Serbia's culture minister was indicted over alleged abuse of office and forgery of an official document that had allowed the removal of the site's "cultural-heritage status". Get our weekly Drive Smart newsletter for motoring news, reviews and advice from EV editor Steve Fowler Get motoring news, reviews and advice from EV editor Steve Fowler Get our EV editors weekly Drive Smart newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Toyota is recalling 162,000 of its fan-favorite trucks in the United States. The recall affects model year 2024-2025 Tundra and Tundra Hybrid line of trucks. The car manufacturing giant said the vehicles' multimedia displays could compromise driver safety. The Japanese automaker warns that the screens may become stuck on a camera view or go completely dark under certain circumstances. Affected customers are currently being notified, according to a statement from Toyota, and should receive notice by late March. This could create situations where drivers aren't able to see their backup camera feed when reversing. The rearview image may not be displayed while the vehicle is being reversed ( AP ) The vehicle may not meet a federal safety standard, and there can be an increased risk of a crash with a person behind the vehicle, Toyota wrote. The company said dealers will update the Parking Assist ECU software free of charge. Drivers can visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information to see if their vehicle is affected by a recall. 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 Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, who was on the FBIs top fugitives list, has been arrested, AP sources say. Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics, landed on the FBIs Top Ten Most Wanted list for allegedly ordering dozens of murders across the globe, including in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. The 44-year-old is accused of running a drug trafficking operation, and officials say he orchestrated several killings to further the drug crimes. Authorities had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction. The arrest is expected to be announced later Friday morning at a news conference with FBI Director Kash Patel in California. Wedding was apprehended in Mexico, one official said. Former Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, who was on the FBIs top fugitives list ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Wedding competed for his home country, Canada, in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. He was charged in 2024 with running a drug ring that used semitrucks to move cocaine between Colombia, Mexico, Southern California and Canada. Authorities said his aliases included El Jefe, Public Enemy and James Conrad Kin. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi unveiled a new indictment against him in November 2025, accusing him of new murder, witness tampering and intimidation, money laundering, and drug trafficking charges. Authorities said Wedding and co-conspirators used a Canadian website called The Dirty News to post a photograph of the witness so he could be identified and killed. The witness was then followed to a restaurant in Medellin in January and shot in the head. Wedding faces separate drug trafficking charges in Canada that date back to 2015, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Wedding was previously convicted in the U.S. of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to prison in 2010, federal records show. The January 25 Edition In our first edition for 2026, Bridgerton actor Ruth Gemmell shares how she found love in later life, both on and off the screen. Advertisement LifestyleLife & relationshipsSunday Life We married young, but after my wife developed cancer, we thought, why wait? Jane Rocca January 22, 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 This story is part of the January 25 edition of Sunday Life. See all stories . Journalist David Speers is best known for hosting the weekly political panel show Insiders on the ABC. Here, the 51-year-old talks about the value of having a spouse from outside the Canberra bubble, and how she once nearly saved his life. Journalist David Speers says his mother influenced him professionally: She instilled in me the importance of hard work. Nicholas Wilson My paternal grandmother, Marie, is 104. She was from the wave of women who went into the workforce when men went to war, did all sorts of jobs, and raised a family. Shes in a nursing home in Orange [NSW] now. Still sharp and mobile, she has a sweet tooth and loves a laugh. Nan remembers camping outside Canberra when the Old Parliament House was opened by the Duke of York. Nans first husband went off to war. They later divorced and she was married to Lex for several decades until he died. Lex was the love of her life. My maternal grandmother, Pauline, died when I was 13. She was a primary school principal and a powerful force in the family. She and my granddad lived just up the road from us in Tamworth. Nan could be quite strict, but was full of love and very caring. Advertisement My mum, Rob, and dad, Peter, met quite young through a church fellowship. Theyre still together, so thats been a wonderful influence. Related Article Sunday Life Ive been lucky to have some men as love items, but my focus has always been music I am super close with Mum. She had a fascinating career, starting as a kindergarten teacher, then in education administration. She flew small planes across remote parts of NSW, helping disadvantaged schools. When we moved to Sydney in 1986, she went up the ranks until she was effectively running the Higher School Certificate as director of exams for the Board of Studies [now the NSW Education Standards Authority]. I inherited a lot from Mum. She instilled in me the importance of hard work. She was also a feminist role model in the commitment she made to balancing work and family life. She taught me the value of public service. My big sister, Bec, is three years older than me. Weve always been very close and loved hanging out as kids, and as adults. We moved a bit: Tamworth to Sydney, then Canada for a year, and always changing schools. Bec works as a lawyer and sings in choirs. Advertisement Mum got me into drama as a young kid and signed me up for elocution lessons I loved getting up in front of the microphone. I was also a very keen trumpet player, listening to Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. That made me a little bit weird, but I loved it. My celebrity crush was Sigrid Thornton in The Man from Snowy River. Having grown up in the country, I always dreamed of riding over that mountain like in the movie. My first kiss happened at a blue light disco at 15. I had a few crushes and girlfriends through early high school, but I met my wife, Liz, at the end of year 9 and that changed everything. Liz and I got together in year 12. We both played in the school band she was playing saxophone and we did a trip to China to play. Its where our first kiss happened. I was lucky at that age to find someone I absolutely wanted to spend my life with. Liz is not involved in politics or the media. Shes a creative spirit and has a different way of seeing the world to me. We married young, just 23. Liz got cancer before we married and after that we thought, Whats the point of waiting around? She also saved my life at the beach when I got stuck in a rip. Advertisement We have two children, born in 2010 and 2014. There was a long period when we didnt think wed have kids. It was a wonderful surprise and we cant imagine life without them. Liz just gets me. She understands the pressures I face at work and is always able to bring the sanity I need. There are many women in politics who can be tough to interview. Julia Gillard and Penny Wong, at the top of their game, dont slip up. You know they dont want to answer a question, but theyre very polished. It can be a challenge to crack through. Some of the toughest interviews Ive done have been with female politicians. Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter. Advertisement MoneyInsuranceGeneral insurance Opinion Australia is nearing an insurance crisis. And its only getting worse Victoria Devine Money columnist January 25, 2026 5:01am January 25, 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 The problem of rising home insurance premiums and increasing risk of natural disasters sadly isnt new. Over the past decade in Australia, its been gradually building speed, with more and more people feeling as if they have an impossible choice to make protect the home they love in case the worst happens, or go underinsured as a result of ever-increasing premium costs in a sustained cost-of-living crunch. As weve seen already this year, this is a problem thats not going to go away any time soon. And often, it could be getting worse. Cutting your home insurance might save you money, but it could be extremely risky. Dionne Gain In 2022, nearly one in 20 Australians had their homes destroyed entirely or damaged due to weather-related disasters like bushfire, flooding or cyclones. Whats more, the Climate Council suggests more than 650,000 (roughly one in every 23) homes are already at high risk of damage or destruction by these types of disasters. They also say that within the next 25 years, as many as an additional 100,000 homes could be added to this figure. According to data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, as of 2023, one in every 20 homes is underinsured meaning the owners have some level of coverage, but not enough to fully rebuild if required. To put that in real-world terms, that works out to be roughly one child in every classroom not having a home to return to if the worst were to happen. Advertisement Following that, about one in 30 homes dont have any home building insurance at all meaning if anything happens, be it a leaky roof or complete flooding, the owners may not be eligible for any compensation at all. But heres where things get terrifying. Those figures work out to be around 800,000 properties across Australia. And the collective value of all of those underinsured and uninsured houses is at least $119 billion, as of 2023, according to the Australia Institute. Worse still, about 300,000 of those homes still hold mortgages. I can understand how, when prices have gone up and stayed up for so long, insurance feels like the thing that has to be cut. The problem with this is twofold. First, it means that if the worst were to happen, and you lose your home while theres still a mortgage attached, you could find yourself carrying debt for a property that no longer exists. Secondly, it puts you at risk of being in breach of your mortgage contract. Generally, full building insurance is a requirement for securing a mortgage from the bank. When that doesnt happen, you may be at risk of breaching the conditions of the loan. Advertisement It also puts you at risk of forced place insurance, which is where the bank takes out home insurance on your behalf as a condition of the loan, and which is almost always much more expensive than what youd be paying if you shopped around. Editor's pick Opinion Budgeting If youre going to set one money goal in 2026, make it this Victoria Devine Money columnist But because the bank has the right to do this, you still foot the bill, even if the forced place insurance is twice or three times what you were paying before the correct level of your choice of insurance lapsed. You may also find that you have problems if and when you try to get insurance again. The first issue is that like many things in life, loyalty is rewarded. Meaning the longer youre a customer, the more benefits you build up and the lower the price generally is. In allowing a policy to lapse or drop a level, you could lose any discounts or favourable rates that youve been able to enjoy in the past. But rather than simply finding yourself priced back at square one when you are ready to return to full coverage, you could face a hefty increase. Advertisement Thats because a lapse can increase your risk profile according to insurance companies, and because your property could have all new premiums applied based on current market rates, your current age and current circumstances not the ones you had when you first took out coverage. But its easy to understand why so many people have struggled to keep up recently. In 2025 alone, Australians paid up to $700 more for home and contents insurance premiums than we did in the previous 12 months. The Insurance Council of Australia said more than 20,000 claims had been received relating to bushfires since November 8. The current estimated loss is $1.65 billion. Dominic Lorrimer One analysis found that nationally, the average increase was 14 per cent from 2024 to 2025. In Victoria, the average increase was 17 per cent, which equated to an extra $341 per year. In NSW, it was $403 (18 per cent). At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I can understand how, when the price of just about everything has gone up and stayed up for so long, this feels like the thing that has to be cut. Advertisement But that same analysis from Canstar found something interesting and hopeful. In evaluating policies from more than 45 insurance providers in Australia and about 25,000 policies, they found that if households switched to a different and more affordable insurer, the average annual saving was $766. In NSW and Queensland, there are also home resistance funds available to homes in at-risk areas. This funding can not only help you make your property safer, but also bring down insurance premiums. Increasingly, there are also a number of small but effective investments you can make around the home that also pack the same one-two punch. As this masthead reported earlier this month, spending about $30,000 on retrofitting homes in areas at risk of bushfires can lift their safety rating by as many as two stars (out of a possible five), and a number of insurers now offer premium discounts where an owner improves their propertys disaster resilience. For all of us, where we live and the kinds of properties we live in will always dictate what our options are, and the cost of home insurance. But when combined, all of this indicates that there are more options than simply having insurance or not and often more options than we realised at first glance. Victoria Devine is an award-winning retired financial adviser, a bestselling author and host of Australias No.1 finance podcast, Shes on the Money. She is also founder and director of Zella Money. 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 takes into account their personal circumstances before making any 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. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: General insurance Opinion Building insurance Victoria Devine is an award-winning retired financial adviser, best-selling author, and host of Australias number one finance podcast, Shes on the Money. Victoria is also the founder and managing director of Zella Money. Advertisement NationalDefence Profound insult: Australian veterans wounded by Trumps war claims Harriet Alexander January 24, 2026 3:33pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Australian politicians and war veterans have condemned US President Donald Trumps denigration of the role played by foreign troops in Afghanistan as utterly shameful and a profound insult, comparing the hundreds of casualties with the presidents record of draft dodging. Donald Trump has questioned the commitment of NATO allies in Afghanistan. AP Liberal backbencher Andrew Hastie, who served with the Special Air Service Regiment, said Trump had insulted every Australian soldier who served in Afghanistan by suggesting in an interview with Fox News on Thursday they were not on the front line of combat. Trump said he was not certain that NATO allies would support the US if ever they were asked to do so, though he said the US had never needed them. You know, theyll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, or this or that, and they did, they stayed back a little, a little off the front line, Trump said. Advertisement But weve been very good to Europe and many other countries. Australia operated alongside NATO forces in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force from 2001 to 2021. Among the nearly 40,000 Australian troops who served in the conflict, 263 service personnel were wounded and 47 were killed. Hastie, a contender for leadership of the Liberal Party, said he had joined the Australian Defence Force as a direct result of the 9/11 attack on the United States. He was twice deployed to Afghanistan, where he worked closely with the US Green Berets and Navy SEALs. Liberal MP Andrew Hastie served in two tours of Afghanistan. Alex Ellinghausen Many Diggers saw combat through small arms fire, IEDs and rockets, Hastie said. Advertisement If thats not frontline service, I dont know what is. Why would a US president kick allies in the teeth like this? Especially when he missed the call to serve in Vietnam. Perhaps to mask a deep insecurity about his own record. Related Article Trump diplomacy Trump triggers fury in Europe over insulting Afghanistan claim We put our lives on the line, we lost mates and had others seriously wounded who still carry the scars both physically and mentally. We were frontline with the US troops, even when we had doubts about the direction of the war. RSL Australia president Peter Tinley said Trumps remarks were factually wrong, historically ignorant, and deeply offensive to the 47 Australians who died in the conflict. Australians, including himself, were among the first coalition troops on the ground two weeks after 9/11. Our troops didnt stay a little back, Tinley said. Advertisement They conducted offensive counter-insurgency operations, cleared Taliban strongholds, defused roadside bombs, mentored Afghan forces under fire, and fought in sustained close combat. To our veterans, I say I understand what you are feeling today. I feel it too. Many of you deployed multiple times, missed births, funerals and years of your childrens lives. Some of you carry visible and invisible wounds that will never fully heal. To have that service dismissed so casually is a profound insult. Your service mattered. Tasmanian independent senator Jacqui Lambie, who served in the Australian Defence Force for 11 years, told her 461,000 Facebook followers that the presidents comments that NATO troops hung back off the front lines were utterly shameful and called for him to apologise immediately. Australian soldiers patrol and search the Puza Bridge for IEDs in Uruzgan, Afghanistan. Kate Geraghty Hundreds of those who served had suffered injuries inside and out as a result of their service in Afghanistan, she said, compared with Trumps efforts to avoid military service. Advertisement So no Mr President they didnt stay back off the front lines and they didnt get daddy to get a doctor to say they had bone spurs so they could get out of it! What a disgrace! she posted. Trumps remarks have been roundly condemned by world leaders including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The conflict in Afghanistan was the first and only time that NATO has invoked its collective security clause, which obliged every allied nation to lend its support to the United States. A government spokesman said: Australian Defence Force personnel in Afghanistan made a very significant contribution, and we continue to honour their bravery and sacrifice. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. A fourth man has been charged with torturing Brisbane man Andrew Burow, whose body was found 140 kilometres away from his home last year after he had been missing for more than a week. The 56-year-old cybersecurity manager from Kelvin Grove was reported missing on August 24 last year, with police initially searching for three black vehicles in the Blackbutt area of the South Burnett, north-west of Brisbane. After receiving a tip about a fire in the area, multiple crime scenes were established around the region. It is at one of those sites, near the remote township of Maidenwell, where remains believed to be Burows were discovered on September 2. Andrew Burow was reporting missing in August. At the time, two men including 38-year-old Anthony Perrett, an ousted CFMEU delegate with links to former union boss Jade Ingham, had already been charged with torturing Burow. Advertisement NationalQueenslandQueensland courts Queensland teacher suspended for allegedly holding gun to childs head Julius Dennis January 24, 2026 9:40am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A teacher who allegedly held a gun to the head of a child has been suspended while facing assault charges in Queensland. The teacher, who could not be identified, allegedly pushed a boy and held a handgun to his head in front of the teachers daughter, a Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal decision has revealed. In his decision, senior tribunal member Ned Aughterson said there were criminal charges against the teacher, and police advised him they had CCTV of the incident, which allegedly occurred on December 1. The Queensland College of Teachers argued that bail did not necessarily mean the teacher posed no risk to children. Louie Douvis The teacher, known as KUF in the ruling, is facing charges of common assault and going armed to cause fear. Advertisement He cannot be identified as it may reveal the child involved. Similarly, the school where he works is also subject to a non-publication order, as is any information that may identify a witness. The Queensland College of Teachers suspended the teacher on December 4 last year. In their application for an extension of that suspension, the college argued the teacher posed an unacceptable risk of harm to children. In his submission, the teacher argued the proceedings should be dismissed, and said it was unreasonable for punitive measures to be sought until a decision had been made in the criminal case, adding the police report said neither child had been physically injured. The teacher also argued that the claims he possessed a firearm were unsubstantiated, he had a clean criminal record, and that his release on bail proved he was not a risk. Advertisement In response, the college submitted that suspension under section 49 of the Education (Queensland College of Teachers) Act placed the interests of children ahead of those of a teacher, and the tribunal could rely on untested evidence due to the urgent nature of such suspensions. It argued bail relied on separate considerations and did not necessarily mean the teacher posed no risk to children. Aughterson agreed. He said the purpose of a suspension was not to punish a teacher, but to protect children. In his decision he said while the children may not have suffered any physical harm, the teacher made no reference to the potential psychological damage caused by the event. That reflects a lack of insight on the part of the teacher into the nature of potential harm that might be inflicted on children, he said. Advertisement Aughterson said the onus was on the teacher to provide evidence that he posed no threat to children, and the bail decision was not conclusive proof of this. The teacher was given 28 days to apply for a review of the decision. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Save this video for later Add videos to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Advertisement PoliticsFederalSharks Exactly what we need: Call for shark danger rating system Mike Foley January 25, 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 When the First Fleet sailed into Sydney Harbour in 1788, it abounded with marine life. Early settler journals recount sailors hauling in nets filled with hundreds of pounds of fish. One specimen weighed the equivalent of 150 kilograms and dwarfed those back home in Britain. A teeming foodchain supported big apex predators. Diarist George Worgan, a surgeon on the First Fleet, reported enormously large sharks that are very numerous. The astonishing video of a bull shark leaping from Sydneys Parramatta River last week recalls these early colonial accounts. The shark leaps out of the Parramatta River while Kings School rowers train in Sydney earlier this week. Scientists say decades of environmental protections are taking effect and the ecosystem is becoming cleaner and healthier. The 2006 ban on commercial fishing in Sydney Harbour is also increasing fish stocks. Advertisement But four shark attacks in the past week have revived the debate over shark culls and netted beaches. Related Article Sharks Yes, shark bites are becoming more common, but its complicated Experts who criticise these methods as false hope say the spate of attacks shows why Australia instead needs a shark danger rating system, like the fire danger rating systems used since the 1960s. A clean break with pollution There were 44 fatal shark attacks on Sydneys beaches and in its harbour from 1788 until 1962. Since then, there have been just three, beginning with actress Marcia Hathaway, who was killed by a shark at Middle Harbour in 1963. Advertisement Sydney Harbour was known as a dirty waterway for nearly 200 years, with run-off from heavy industry and sewerage. But stricter environmental protections mean it is starting to clean up and marine life is returning. A rare southern right whale delighted Sydneysiders when it entered the harbour in the winter of 1999. Now they are frequent visitors, sighted by tourists on whale watching cruises. Swimming in Sydney Harbour also used to be less common. But Barangaroos Marrinawi Cove, which opened in 2023, shows that, as the harbour cleans up, more people than ever are swimming in it and increasing the potential for shark encounters. People swim at Marrinawi Cove earlier this month. Dominic Lorrimer Global warming is also playing a part. Bull sharks, among the most dangerous for swimmers, now arrive in Sydney about a month earlier and stay a fortnight longer than they did 15 years ago due to rising ocean temperatures. The sharks prefer water that is above 22 degrees. Advertisement Since 1851, when records start on the Australian Shark-Incident Database, there have been 54 bull shark interactions in Sydney, as well as 25 with white sharks, three with whalers, three with tiger sharks, 33 with wobbegongs, and one with a grey nurse shark. Professor Culum Brown, a shark expert at Macquarie University, told this masthead in November that the rise in swimming was a driving factor. Its not the number of sharks thats going up its environmental changes and increases in the number of people who are engaging in water sports, he said. With climate change, you can swim off Sydney pretty much all year round now. Rating system not that hard to do Advertisement Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson, a marine conservation campaigner, chaired Australias only parliamentary inquiry into shark management in 2017. Since then, there have been three shark fatalities in Sydney: at Little Bay in 2022, at Dee Why in September, and from an attack in Vaucluse last weekend. Surfers return to Dee Why beach a week after Mercury Psillakis was killed by a shark while surfing with friends. Sitthixay Ditthavong Whish-Wilson blamed the lack of action for a shark rating system on the reluctance of politicians to assume responsibility for the consequences of an ultimately uncontrollable natural phenomenon. Like the fire danger system, shark ratings would have consistent standards nationally, with state agencies using their current monitoring systems to issue low, medium and high alerts in their jurisdictions. Advertisement Warnings would be based on factors that drive the likelihood of human-shark interactions, including water temperature, murkiness, rainfall, recent shark sightings and encounters, ocean currents, and the presence of bait fish close to shore. I dont think itd be that hard to do, and its exactly what we needed [for] warning people in Sydney last week, said Whish-Wilson. As a surfer myself, and being a father of two surfers, I would certainly use a system like that. Sydney University Associate Professor Christopher Pepin-Neff has lobbied state and federal governments for more than a decade to implement a national warning system. Advertisement He said that while there was no guarantee people would adhere to warnings, such a system would at least enable them to make an educated choice. Related Article Sharks Tear gas for sharks: Non-lethal barriers proposed for Australian beaches They can make informed decisions as beachgoers and surfers. Whats lacking now is the platform to provide that information, Pepin-Neff said. Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt said human safety was his priority and local authorities were best placed to provide shark danger warnings. Public safety messaging needs to be clear, consistent and communicated in a way that doesnt confuse the community, Watt said. Advertisement Last week, Sydney copped 127 millimetres of rain in 24 hours. This created a particular risk because bull sharks enter estuaries to hunt the smaller fish that congregate to feed after downpours. Pepin-Neff said Sydney should have had a high danger rating for at least three days after the rain. Related Article Vale Shark attack victim Nico Antic, 12, dies in hospital Australian Marine Conservation Society shark scientist and shark campaigner Leonardo Guida said a warning system would be a useful safety measure, but must be designed with community input to generate buy-in. Bull sharks have lived in Sydney Harbour for millennia and a healthy Sydney Harbour, however thats achieved, is really important for peoples work, play, and culture, he said. In order to coexist with a healthy harbour, we have to look at evidence-based measures that can improve safety. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Australia head of oceans Richard Leck agreed there was a lot of opportunity for Australia to develop much better systems to inform beachgoers in real time when conditions increase the risk of shark attacks. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Our fortnightly Environment newsletter brings you the news, the issues and the solutions. Sign up here. Advertisement WorldEuropeDefence NATO chief plans Australian visit with China concerns a top priority David Crowe January 24, 2026 9:50am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Brussels: The NATO alliance will send its top military chief to Australia for talks on global security including the rise of China, in a sign of growing concern that threats in Asia will have consequences in Europe. The chair of the NATO military committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, plans to visit Australia later this year after citing the use of North Korean troops in Ukraine as one example of the way partner nations needed to work across regions to confront dangers. The chair of the NATO military committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. Omar Havana/Getty Images He revealed the plan at the conclusion of a two-day military gathering where NATO commanders declared full support for the alliance, despite the political clash over US President Donald Trump and his bid for control of Greenland. Security is not any more regional its global, Admiral Dragone said of his plan to visit Australia and other countries in the region. Advertisement Every event there has some effect here, and vice versa. Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, was at the NATO meeting this week. Alex Ellinghausen Australia joined the meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels by sending the Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, to speak at a session along with military chiefs from Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. The four nations from the Indo-Pacific are known as the IP4 and work with NATO as partner states rather than members, so they share intelligence and conduct joint military operations without being bound by the pact. Trumps push to control Greenland overshadowed the meeting in Brussels, where top officers from every NATO country gathered to discuss military strategy at the headquarters in the Belgian capital, while television screens showed the US president complaining about whether allies did enough to help the US. Advertisement Asked about the dispute over Trump and his demands, Dragone said the military talks went ahead in an uneventful way, separate from the political discussions. He said there was no guidance from political leaders on the framework Trump has spoken about for the US and Greenland. The most senior American at the NATO gathering, General Alexus Grynkewich, who is the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, avoided comment on Trumps push for Greenland, but he publicly backed the longstanding NATO provision Article 5 of the pact that says an attack on one member is seen as an attack on all. Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Grynkewich said the US commitment to Article 5 was ironclad. The Chinese frigate Hengyang off Australias coast in February. AP Dragones plan to visit Australia comes at a time when the rise of China is a key concern, especially after Chinese ships circumnavigated Australia and conducted a live-fire exercise in the Tasman Sea last year. Advertisement The opening of sea routes through the Arctic, allowing faster access from the Pacific to the Atlantic through northern passages previously sealed by ice, is one factor in the NATO talks with Australia and others. Related Article Trump diplomacy Trump triggers fury in Europe over insulting Afghanistan claim Johnston named the Chinese naval operations as a significant issue in a formal statement after the talks in Brussels, where he joined military commanders from all NATO members as well as Ukraine, Georgia and the IP4. He pointed to the circumnavigation of Australia by a Chinese naval group early last year, which made headlines when the ships conducted a live-fire exercise beneath a major flight path between Australia and New Zealand. He also cited the later deployment of a Chinese amphibious task group at the end of last year, calling the two cases examples of Chinas willingness to project their military power closer to Australian shores. Advertisement These actions do not just impact Europe or the Pacific, he said. They impact all of us, and embolden those who wish to disrupt and dismantle the rules and norms that have defined us since the end of the Second World War. While Australias primary focus is on the Indo-Pacific, my counterparts and I will continue to work with each other to understand how our regions affect and shape our shared challenges. Australias most recent operation with European partners was the deployment of a Wedgetail aircraft to Poland to monitor Russian activity along the NATO border with Ukraine. The Royal Australian Air Force spy plane is regarded as one of the most advanced in the world several NATO members have older versions and the operation was the first time an Australian aircraft had connected its surveillance systems directly into NATO systems. As a result, NATO commanders could see the aerial battlefield through the eyes of the RAAF surveillance equipment. When the deployment ended late last year, a Turkish aircraft took up the same role. Advertisement Australian forces share intelligence with NATO, but do not disclose the nature of the information. Chinese operations are a known area of concern, however, given the rapid expansion of the Chinese navy and the way this results in deployments that send its ships further afield for longer periods. Related Article National security The risk has heightened: Defence chiefs blunt warning on China Chinese ships have begun operating in the Gulf of Guinea in Africa and in the Middle East, as well as circling Australia. Admiral Dragone named cyber warfare as another example of an area where NATO could share knowledge with partners in the Indo-Pacific. His visit to Australia is expected to take place in August, subject to developments, along with a visit to New Zealand. Advertisement Admiral Johnston said the NATO partnership generated an irreplaceable military advantage in what he called a troubled security environment. When we put our partnerships into action, we are all more aware and alert to threats, more prepared, and more powerful, he said. This shared strength is a formidable deterrent, and when the worst happens, puts us all in the most strategically advantageous position to defend our countries and our interests. 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. Palisade earns Kelley Blue Book's 2026 Best Midsize SUV Award for its premium design, available hybrid powertrain, refined interior, and resale value IONIQ 5 continues its reign as the 2026 Best Electric Vehicle, winning the title for the fourth year in a row Kona wins 2026 Best Subcompact SUV for the third-consecutive year FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 23, 2026 -- The Hyundai Palisade, IONIQ 5, and Kona have been recognized with class wins in Kelley Blue Book's prestigious 2026 Best Buy Awards, reflecting the brand's continued momentum in technology, design, safety, driving experience, and quality. Hyundai 2026 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award Winners Model Award Category Hyundai Kona Best Subcompact SUV Hyundai Palisade Best Midsize SUV Hyundai IONIQ 5 Best Electric Vehicle Now in their twelfth year, Kelley Blue Book's Best Buy Awards are widely regarded as a trusted benchmark of new vehicle excellence. The program honors models that rise to the top of their segments through a full year of expert evaluation, including comprehensive vehicle testing, pricing trends, consumer sentiment, five-year costtoown data, and real-world usability. The 2026 awards reflect Kelley Blue Book's testing of nearly every new and redesigned vehicle sold in the U.S., making each recognition especially meaningful in recognizing Hyundai's continued leadership in technology, safety, performance, design, and attainability. "For our 12th annual Best Buy Awards, some obvious patterns have emerged. With three different vehicles in very challenging categories, Hyundai has proven they know how to build compelling vehicles that really appeal to new car shoppers," said Brian Moody, executive editor for Kelley Blue Book. "The new Palisade is the perfect example, with available hybrid power and a luxurious interior, it's an ideal family SUV. The Hyundai Kona combines a stylish look and usefulness for a very reasonable price. Finally, the home run of electric cars, the IONIQ 5, is one of those cars you see everywhere but is anything but ordinary. The hatchback look and thoughtful design elements make it an excellent choice for those who want both value and fun." "We are proud that these three Hyundai models continue to resonate with Kelley Blue Book's editors for their engineering integrity, advanced safety technologies, distinctive design, and refined ownership experience," said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. "IONIQ 5 extending its reign as Best Electric Vehicle, Palisade being honored for its premium design and available hybrid powertrain, and Kona winning its category for the third-consecutive year all speak to our team's commitment to delivering vehicles that reflect our customers' priorities. These recognitions reinforce that our models continue to surprise and delight consumers and expert reviewers alike on the strength of their innovation, style, and thoughtful engineering." For the fourth-consecutive year, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 captured Kelley Blue Book's Best Electric Vehicle Award, furthering its segment leadership thanks to its forward-thinking design, compelling performance, fast charging, and everyday usability. Available with the buyer's choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, IONIQ 5's real-world capabilities are complemented by ultra-fast DC charging, reassuring driving range, and a technologically rich cabin experience. The Hyundai Palisade earned Kelley Blue Book's Best Midsize SUV Award thanks to its thoughtful blend of refined design, space, and class-above furnishings. The new Palisade offers a reimagined third row with improved passenger comfort and generous visibility, premium appointments across all trim levels, and an available next-generation hybrid powertrain with increased power, range, and efficiency. Palisade's family-centric engineering and advanced safety features help it rise above consumer expectations, while its versatility makes it equally at home on daily commutes or long-distance travel. The 2026 Hyundai Kona earned Kelley Blue Book's Best Subcompact SUV recognition for its bold design, intuitive technology, and well-rounded driving performance. Its available turbocharged powertrain, modern, opencabin layout and thoughtful interior packaging deliver a confident, comfortable driving experience that stands out in the segment. With an impressive list of standard advanced safety features, versatile cargo space, and the reassurance of America's Best Warranty, the 2026 Kona delivers exceptional everyday usability and driving fun, qualities that set it apart in the subcompact class. About Kelley Blue Book Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry for nearly a century. As the industry standard for generations, Kelley Blue Book provides transparent, objective information and data-driven, innovative tools for consumers, automotive dealers and manufacturers. Kelley Blue Book publishes millions of market-reflective values weekly on its top-rated website KBB.com, from its famous Blue Book Trade-In Values to the Kelley Blue Book Price Advisor tool, which offers a range for what consumers reasonably can expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. KBB.com editors rate and review hundreds of new vehicles each year to help consumers understand the Best Cars and Best SUVs to meet their needs. Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer provides a redeemable trade-in offer to transaction-ready consumers and conveniently connects them to local participating dealers. Kelley Blue Book's Service Advisor provides guidance on how much to pay for service and repairs, allowing consumers to schedule service with local dealers on KBB.com. Kelley Blue Book also provides vehicle values to finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand. About Cox Automotive Cox Automotive is the world's largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, auto manufacturers, dealers, lenders and fleets. The company has 29,000+ employees on five continents and a portfolio of industry-leading brands that include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, vAuto, Dealertrack, NextGear Capital, CentralDispatch and Cox Fleet. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately owned, Atlanta-based company with $23 billion in annual revenue. Visit coxautoinc.com or connect via @CoxAutomotive on X, CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc on LinkedIn. Hyundai Motor America Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, several cutting-edge R&D facilities and more than 855 independent dealers. These operations are part of Hyundai Motor Group, which is investing $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com. Another water contamination scare in Indores Mhow; 22 fall ill INDORE : The drinking water contamination issue gripping parts of Indore district has resurfaced, with at least 22 people falling ill in Mhow tehsil after consuming suspected contaminated water. The incident, reported from Chander Marg in Patti Bazaar, has led to nine hospitalisations, while others are receiving treatment at home under medical supervision. Symptoms primarily include vomiting, diarrhoea, and in some cases, jaundice, raising public alarm following the recent deadly outbreak in Bhagirathpura. Late Thursday night, Indore District Collector Shivam Verma rushed to the affected area upon receiving reports. He visited the hospital, interacted with patients and their families, and inspected the locality. Verma directed doctors and health officials to ensure prompt and proper treatment for all affected individuals, emphasising zero tolerance for negligence. Health teams, deployed on site since early Friday, are investigating the contamination source, testing water samples, and preventing further spread. The official X handle of District Collector Indore has shared photos of the Collector and the patients. Regional MLA Usha Thakur also reached the hospital to meet victims and inquire about their condition, assuring support from local authorities. comes weeks after a severe waterborne disease crisis in Bhagirathpura, where contaminated supply, linked to bacterial presence, including E coli, triggered widespread vomiting and diarrhoea. The Madhya Pradesh governments status report to the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on January 15 has cited seven fatalities, including a five-month-old infant. The High Court has questioned the severity of contamination, ordered preservation of records, and sought fresh reports amid ongoing PILs. Locals in Mhow allege long-standing issues like leaking pipelines passing through dirty drains, allowing sewage to mix with drinking water, resulting in muddy and foul-smelling supply for weeks. Children and the elderly have been particularly vulnerable, with some families reporting multiple members affected. At Bhojshala, Hindus perform puja, Muslims offer namaz By Senior Special Correspondent : Amid tight security, Hindus performed puja while Muslims offered Namaz within the same premises but at a different location on the occasion of Basant Panchami that falls on Friday this year. Following a Supreme Court order, the Basant Panchami puja began on the disputed site of the 11th-century Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque Dhar district in the early hours of Friday. Saffron flags and flowers were all around the town. Devotees put up the idol of Goddess Saraswati and performed puja in a symbolic of beginning of the Basant Panchami puja. Later, Namaz was offered at designated time and location. With Basant Panchami falling on a Friday this year, both Hindu and Muslim communities were demanding to worshipping at the site on this day subsequently matter reached to court. On Thursday, the Supreme Court had issued directions to allow simultaneous Basant Panchami puja and namaz at the Archaeological Survey of India-protected this site . VHPs Alok Kumar said that the consecrated idol of the deity Maa Vagdevi for the site needs to be brought back from a museum in London. As per the courts verdict, both Hindus and Muslims were allowed to offer prayers at the disputed Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar on Friday. Members of the Hindu community were allowed to pray from sunrise to sunset on the Hindu festival Basant Panchami, which falls on Friday this year, while Muslims can offer their Friday prayers from 1 pm to 3 pm. A list of persons from the Muslim community going to offer namaz were needed to be given to the district administration. Heavy police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in Dhar. As many as 8,000 security personnel, including district police, Rapid Action Force, CRPF, MP Armed Force, SRPF and women police units were deployed around the site, and the administration opted for drones and CCTV cameras to ensure that no untoward incident occurs. First time AI based techniques were also used here according to the official. Balodabazar-Bhatapara distt factory blast Kiln sealed at steel plant after probe finds safety lapses Raipur : The Chhattisgarh Government has sealed one of the kilns at a steel plant in Balodabazar-Bhatapara district, where an explosion killed six workers, after a preliminary probe found serious violations in the safety norms, officials said on Friday. It is to be informed that workers, most of them from Bihar and Jharkhand, were charred to death in the blast that occurred at Real Ispat and Power Ltd, in Bakulahi village on Thursday morning. On the orders of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, authorities ordered an immediate ban on the operation and maintenance of kiln no. 1 at the steel plant under the Factories Act after a preliminary probe revealed serious lapses, a Government statement said. A joint team of deputy directors and officers from the Industrial Health and Safety Department inspected the factory, took photos and videos of the accident site in the presence of representatives of the factory management, it said. The preliminary investigation suggested that standard operating procedures (SOPs) were not followed. Workers were made to carry out high-risk operations without shutting down the kiln, the hydraulic slide gate of the dust-settling chamber was not closed, proper work permits were not issued, regular maintenance was lacking, and mandatory safety gear such as heat-resistant aprons, safety shoes and helmets was not provided. Adequate safety training and supervision were also absent, the statement said. The probe suggested that manufacturing and maintenance activities at kiln no. 1 posed an imminent danger. Consequently, under Section 40(2) of the Factories Act, 1948, all operations and maintenance work related to the kiln have been prohibited, it said. The ban will remain in place until the factory management ensures that safety measures are enforced and submits certified compliance documents. The order also mandates that all workers be paid their due wages and allowances during the prohibition period, it added. The factory management, meanwhile, has announced compensation of Rs 20 lakh each to families of the deceased workers and Rs 5 lakh each to the injured, another statement said on Friday. Besides, the families of the deceased will receive an average of Rs 10 lakh from the Employees Compensation Fund and an average of Rs 15 lakh in pension benefits over the coming years from the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). Injured workers will also receive a subsistence allowance through ESIC until they are fit to resume work, it said. The deceased workers were identified as Vinay Bhuiya (39), Badri Bhuiya (52), Sundar Bhuiya (49), Shravan Bhuiya (22), Jitendra Bhuiya (37) and Rajdev Bhuiya (22), all residents of Gotibandh village in Bihar, it said. The injured include Ramu Bhuiya (37) and Kalphu Bhuiya (45) of Gotibandh village in Bihar, and Sarafat Ansari (32), Mumtaz Ansari (26) and Sabir Ansari (34), residents of Rajhara village in Jharkhand, it added. The injured workers were admitted to the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) in Bilaspur on Thursday. One of them was later referred to Raipur for further treatment, an official in Balodabazar said. A team headed by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, comprising officials from the industry department, industrial health and safety, Bengali community no longer safe in West Bengal: JP Nadda Staff Reporter : Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda expressed profound concern regarding current socio-political situation in West Bengal. A state which historically provided intellectual, cultural and political leadership to India is currently facing a crisis of governance. Invited as chief guest, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, JP Nadda unveiled 8-feet tall life-sized statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose during the closing ceremony of Centenary Year celebrations of City Bengali Club on Friday. Minister Nadda emphasised that the Bengali community in West Bengal is no longer safe. He urged the Bengali diaspora in Jabalpur to communicate a message of safety and prosperity to their relatives in Bengal, highlighting that those residing in Madhya Pradesh and other BJP-governed states experience a superior quality of life and security. He called for a democratic resolution to end misrule in the upcoming months of April and May. The vision of One Nation, One Sign, One Head originated from the soil of Bengal. It is an irony that the very community that guided the nations identity now finds itself in insecure hands, stated Minister Nadda. Union Minister Nadda attended the programme with his wife, Mallika Banerjee Nadda while, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav presided over the event with Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla and Rakesh Singh as guests of honour. Other public representatives including Member of Parliament Ashish Dubey, Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh, MLA Ashok Rohani, Dr Abhilash Pandey and others were invited as special guests. Both Union Health Minister Nadda and Chief Minister Dr Yadav delivered significant addresses regarding historical legacy and current state of Bengali community. Chief Minister Dr Yadav remarked that the fractured form of Indias independencereferring to the Partitionmight have been avoided had Netajis leadership been central to the transition of power. The guests also unveiled the Centenary Pillar, a monument marking 100 years of the City Bengali Club, inaugurated the photo gallery honouring founders and ancestors of Siddhi Bala Bose Library Association and later released a special souvenir. Former Member of Parliament and Minister Jayashree Banerjee was honoured with the Centenary Award for her contribution to the society. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav invited the Bengali community to propose large-scale projects in the fields of education, literature and culture, assuring that the Madhya Pradesh government would provide full support. He acknowledged the communitys immense contribution to Indias religious and linguistic identity. Nadda highlighted the Union Governments efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to elevate Bengali heritage, citing the recognition of the Bengali language as a Classical Language and the inclusion of Durga Puja and Shantiniketan in UNESCO lists. President, Subrat Pal, Secretary, Prakash Saha, Professor Gayatri Sinha and others were present with a huge gathering of Bengali community. Bhopal Division to modernise signalling on busy Itarsi routes with Rs 8.60 cr outlay Staff Reporter : In a significant move to fortify passenger safety and bolster operational speed, the Bhopal Rail Division is set to modernise its signalling infrastructure. The railway administration has greenlit a Rs 8.60 crore project focused on the high-traffic Bhopal-Itarsi and Bina-Itarsi sections. This technical intervention aims to achieve zero-accident probability and significantly reduce the chronic problem of train late-running. Interlocking revamp at 21 key stations: The Bhopal-Itarsi stretch, a vital corridor connecting North-South and East-West India, handles hundreds of passenger and freight trains daily. The railways have identified 21 stations on this route for a comprehensive overhaul of the interlocking system. The Role of Interlocking: Interlocking is a complex safety mechanism that prevents a signal from being lowered unless the track ahead is clear. This system effectively eliminates the risk of human error in signalling. The Rs 1.56 crore project includes replacing ageing wiring, installing modern relays, and enhancing overall system reliability. The administration has set a strict six-month deadline for completion. Ending the wait at outer signals: To tackle the issue of trains being stranded at outer signals due to traffic congestion, the railways will upgrade the Auto Signalling System between Bina and Itarsi. This Rs 7.06 crore project will transition the management of train distancing to a fully automated technical process, minimising manual intervention. This system operates based on the live location of trains, adjusting signals (Green, Yellow, or Red) in real-time. This allows for reduced buffer distances between trains, enabling more services to operate on the same track safely and at shorter intervals. Impact on passenger and freight services: The completion of this project is expected to result in enhanced punctuality for passengers. Technical glitches in signalling currently lead to prolonged delays that disrupt the entire rail chart. Post-upgrade benefits: Faster turnaround and increased average speeds. Modern equipment eliminates risks associated with technical failures. Faster movement of freight trains will lead to a direct increase in railway revenue. This technical investment is being made keeping future requirements in mind. With the increasing number of trains, traditional systems are under immense pressure. Upgraded auto-signalling and robust inter locking are the only ways to ensure a safe and fast journey for our passengers, said Naval Agrawal, PRO, Bhopal Rail Division. BMC submits detailed probe report to Govt Staff Reporter : The Bhopal Municipal Corporation : (BMC) has submitted a comprehensive report to the state government regarding the controversial modern slaughterhouse at Jinsi. In its detailed submission, the civic body has outlined the chronological developments of the past decade, asserting that every administrative step taken was in strict adherence to judicial mandates. To ensure impartiality, the BMC has now recommended a third-party investigation by an independent agency to address allegations of illegal activities and rule violations. The report traces the roots of the current controversy back to 2014, when a petition was filed in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to shift the abattoir outside city limits. The BMC highlighted that while efforts were made to relocate the facility to Adampur Chhawani and Jhirniya, these plans were abandoned due to fierce local resistance and objections from the Airport Authority of India regarding flight safety. Consequently, the decision was made to construct a modern, mechanized facility at the existing location to comply with environmental norms.Addressing questions regarding the facilitys operation, the BMC clarified that the contract was awarded to Livestock Company, managed by Aslam Qureshi (alias Aslam Chamda), through a transparent bidding process initiated in December 2021.The report mentions that between 2022 and 2025, various Mayors-in-Council (MiC) meetings and successive Municipal Commissioners reviewed and approved the operational and construction phases.The civic body maintained that all necessary clearances were obtained from the Pollution Control Board before the facility became operational. Call for Independent Scrutiny: Despite defending its paperwork and procedural conduct, the BMC acknowledged the gravity of the recent allegations involving the packaging of banned meat. Given the publics mounting anger and the suspicion of a deeper criminal-administrative nexus, the Corporation has proactively requested the state government to initiate an external audit. Cg Medical Edn DEPTT cancels PG counseling rounds Staff Reporter : Raipur : In compliance with a Chhattisgarh High Court order dated January 16, the Chhattisgarh Medical Education Department under the Department of Health and Family Welfare has cancelled the first and second rounds of counseling and admissions for postgraduate (MD/MS) seats in state medical colleges for the 2025-26 academic session. The ruling was passed by the High Court at Bilaspur in the case State of Chhattisgarh and Others vs. Dr. Samridhi Dubey. Following the verdict, the state government notified the revised Chhattisgarh Post Graduate Medical Admission Rules, 2025 late on January 22. These rules introduce major changes to the reservation framework for PG admissions in clinical and non-clinical branches across Chhattisgarhs medical colleges, requiring a complete revision of the reservation roster and seat matrix. The first two counseling rounds had been conducted using the previous roster, so all seat allotments from those rounds in state medical colleges are now invalid, as per the High Court directive. Deputy Secretary Lavina Pandey stated in the official notice that fresh counseling will be organized for PG seats, based on the new rules and a 200-point roster. In government medical colleges, 50% of seats are allocated to All India Quota (AIQ) under NEET-PG, while the remaining 50% are reserved for NEET-PG qualifiers who completed their MBBS at state-affiliated colleges or state in-service doctors. In private medical colleges, 50% of seats will go to NEET-PG qualifiers from state-affiliated MBBS colleges or in-service doctors. The other 50% designated as All India open seats will follow Rule-6 for reservations. However, state NEET-PG qualifiers remain dissatisfied, questioning why MBBS graduates from AIIMS Raipur can compete for PG seats under the state quota. Dr. Heera Singh Lodhi, President of the Chhattisgarh Doctors Federation, highlighted that AIIMS Raipur graduates are exempt from the two-year rural/remote service bond required of state medical college MBBS holders post-internship, along with the 25 lakh security deposit. If theres such a disparity, why allow AIIMS Raipur MBBS holders to access PG seats in state medical colleges under the state quota? he asked. Change will happen in Kerala: PM Modi THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : HAILING the BJPs victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, which ended over four decades of the Left rule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed confidence that there will be changes in Kerala in the upcoming Assembly polls as well. Addressing a massive party-organised rally here, Modi recalled that the BJPs rise to power in Gujarat started with winning a single city nearly four decades ago, and said the same would happen in Kerala. He said that prior to 1987, the BJP was a marginal party in Gujarat and would hardly get any media coverage. He said that his partys win in Thiruvananthapuram civic body was a victory of the firm determination to liberate Kerala from the alleged corrupt rule of the LDF and UDF. Modi claimed that for decades, both the LDF and UDF have neglected Thiruvananthapuram, depriving the capital city of basic facilities and infrastructure. Modi also raked up the Sabarimala gold loss issue in poll-bound Kerala to attack the ruling Left. He also targeted the Congress for its association with the Muslim League, accusing it of promoting hardline elements in the state. Referring to the grand old party as MMC -- Muslim League Maoist Congress -- Modi said it was important to be vigilant against them, as they were allegedly using Kerala as a testing ground for their strategies. The Congress party lacks a developmental agenda. Today, it has adopted positions that are more Communist than those of the Maoists and more communal than the Muslim League. As a result, the Congress is increasingly being referred to as the MMC across the country. It is important to remain vigilant regarding the Congress, as they are using Kerala as a testing ground for their strategies. In Kerala, the Congress is actively promoting hardline elements, he alleged. Targeting the CPI(M)-led ruling alliance, Modi accused the LDF of leaving no stone unturned to tarnish the traditions of the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala. Now, there are reports of gold being stolen from the shrine. Gold has been stolen from God. I will make it clear that as soon as a BJP government is formed (apparently referring to forthcoming Assembly elections in the state), the allegations will be examined in detail and the culprits will be put in jail. This is Modis guarantee, the PM asserted. City traders, entrepreneurs honour Cm after attending WEF in Davos Business Reporter : Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav said that identity of any State is shaped not only by its geography but also by its achievements. Opting effective policies and their successful implementation, Madhya Pradesh has carved a new identity for itself not only at the national level but also globally. He was addressing a felicitation ceremony organised by traders and entrepreneurs in Jabalpur after his participation in annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, on Friday. On the occasion, PWD Rakesh Singh, Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh, MP Ashish Dubey, MLA Ashok Rohani, Dr Abhilash Pandey and office-bearers of various trade and business organisations. The Chief Minister said that the situation prevailing before 2014 has completely changed. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving rapidly on the path of progress, and today countries across the world are eager to connect with India for trade and investment. He said that although representatives from over 200 countries participated in Davos meet, maximum focus was on the Indian delegation, in which Madhya Pradesh emerged prominently, especially in renewable energy sector. Dr Yadav highlighted that Madhya Pradesh is producing affordable electricity through wind, solar and power sectors, supplying power at a rate as low as Rs 2.10 per unit. He stressed that economic strength is essential for development of any state, and Madhya Pradesh is steadily emerging as an economic power with strong infrastructure such as roads, electricity, water supply and land banks. Year 2025 is being observed as Industry and Employment Year in the State. He further said that Madhya Pradesh has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country despite a population of nearly nine crore and the per capita income is continuously rising. To promote employment-oriented industries, the State Government is offering 30 per cent capital subsidy, up to 60 per cent subsidy for MSMEs, and land at Re 1 per acre for setting up medical colleges. The Chief Minister also announced plans for an integrated master plan for Jabalpur and neighbouring areas and highlighted initiatives such as helicopter tourism services and wildlife conservation, stating that Madhya Pradesh continues to set benchmarks in development, tourism and sustainability. hardcore Naxals join mainstream Dhamtari : Nine Naxalites, carrying a cumulative reward of Rs 47 lakh, surrendered before police in Dhamtari district on Friday, a senior official said. The surrendered cadres, including seven women, belonged to the Nagri and Sitanadi area committees and Mainpur Local Guerrilla Squad (LGS) under the Dhamtari-Gariaband-Nuapada division in Odisha committee of Maoists, said Amresh Mishra, Inspector General of Police, Raipur Range. They turned themselves in before senior police officials here, citing disappointment with the hollow Maoist ideology and hardships of forest life, and said that they were also impressed by the state governments surrender and rehabilitation policy, he said. Of the surrendered ultras, Jyoti alias Jaini (28), secretary of the Sitanadi area committee, and Usha alias Balamma (45), a divisional committee member, carried a reward of Rs 8 lakh each, he said. Six others, Ramdas Markam (30), Roni alias Uma (25), Niranjan alias Podia (25), Sindhu alias Somadi (25), Reena alias Chiro (25), and Amila alias Sanni (25), carried a bounty of Rs 5 lakh each, while Lakshmi Punem (18) carried a reward of Rs 1 lakh, he said. Balamma belongs to Telangana, while others are from different districts of Chhattisgarh, he said. With this development, all listed cadres from the lowest to the top ranks operating in Dhamtari and Gariaband districts under the Raipur police range, as well as in the adjoining Nuapada district of Odisha, have either been killed, surrendered, or are no longer active in the area, he said. Five of the cadres surrendered with two Insas rifles, two Single Loading Rifles (SLRs), a carbine and a muzzle-loading gun, the official said. Mishra said sustained efforts were being made to persuade all active Maoist area committees in the district to surrender under the governments rehabilitation policy. With this, 189 Naxalites have surrendered in the state so far this year. On January 19, nine Naxalites carrying a cumulative reward of Rs 45 lakh surrendered in the adjoining Gariaband district. On January 15, at least 52 ultras, 49 of them carrying a collective bounty of more than Rs 1.41 crore surrendered Bijapur district. India seen as growth anchor: CII chief DAVOS : AS THE World Economic Forum Annual Meeting drew to a close, apex industry body CII said on Friday India was cited as a long-term reliable growth anchor amid geopolitical concerns hogging the discussions. CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee told PTI that the mood at Davos could be best described as cautiously optimistic and strategically focused. Geopolitics clearly shaped the backdrop, but it didnt crowd out the economic agenda, rather it sharpened it. Leaders and investors used the moment to rethink supply chain resilience, trade diversification, and capital allocation toward economies that offer stability, scale, and policy predictability, he said. In that context, India was frequently cited as a credible long-term growth anchor, given its macroeconomic stability, large domestic market, and sustained reform momentum, Banerjee said. He further said AI emerged as one of the most dominant themes at Davos this year, cutting across virtually every sector and policy discussion. Within this context, India is widely seen as well positioned to capitalise on this AI inflection point, combining a large and digitally enabled market, one of the worlds deepest pools of STEM talent, a rapidly expanding data ecosystem, and a strong foundation of digital public infrastructure, he added. Banerjee said India has positioned itself as an active contributor to the global conversation on responsible and inclusive AI, advocating interoperable standards, trusted data flows, and innovation partnerships that balance openness with digital sovereignty. The shared understanding is that AI is no longer a frontier technology; it is becoming core economic infrastructure, shaping competitiveness, investment decisions, and national growth strategies for the decade ahead, he pointed out. He said India has demonstrated remarkable resilience amid a challenging global environment, and to sustain this momentum, India needs to sharpen strategic priorities. Supply-side disruptions are increasingly likely in various parts of the world, and more importantly, they are becoming structural rather than temporary, he added. Overall, commodities with high supply concentration and limited short-term substitutability, across both food and industrial inputs, are the most vulnerable. This underscores the strategic importance of diversification, regionalisation, and resilience-building in global and Indian supply chains, he said. Nine districts put under CCTV watch as MP Board launches pilot surveillance project Staff Reporter : In a major step to tighten examination security, the Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) has selected nine districts for its first-ever CCTV surveillance pilot project during the Class 10 and 12 board examinations. Under this initiative, 226 examination centres, all of them private schools, have been identified, where CCTV camera installation is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed by the end of this month. The nine districts selected for the pilot project include two metro cities of the State, Bhopal and Indore along with Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Sagar, Damoh, Dewas and Rewa. These districts were identified based on sensitivity and past inputs related to examination irregularities. The board examinations will begin from February 13, with nearly 16.6 lakh students appearing across the state. According to board officials, the CCTV coverage will allow real-time monitoring by District Collectors and District Education Officers (DEOs), in addition to centralised monitoring from the MPBSE headquarters in Bhopal. Any candidate found involved in cheating or unfair practices will face strict punishment as per established examination norms. Commenting on the pilot project, Bhupesh Gupta, Chief Systems Officer of MPBSE, said, This is a historic step to ensure the sanctity of board examinations in Madhya Pradesh. With CCTV monitoring in place, exam centres will be under continuous observation, which will help prevent cheating, paper leaks, and other irregularities. The live feeds will be accessible not only to the Board headquarters in Bhopal but also to District Collectors and District Education Officers. This year, a total of approximately 16.6 lakh students are expected to appear for the Madhya Pradesh board examinations. Of these, around 9.53 lakh students will take the Class 10 exams, while 7.06 lakh students are enrolled for the Class 12 examinations. The exams will be conducted across 3,856 centres state-wide, with the Class 12 exams concluding on March 5 and Class 10 exams ending on March 2. Given the massive scale, the Board has introduced several measures to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of examinations. Among these, the pilot CCTV surveillance project is a significant step toward preventing cheating, paper leaks, and other malpractices. Board officials believe that continuous electronic surveillance will significantly strengthen existing enforcement mechanisms such as flying squads, which can only conduct inspections for limited periods. CCTV monitoring, they said, will provide uninterrupted oversight throughout the examination hours. The MP Board has clarified that this is a pilot project, and based on its effectiveness, CCTV surveillance may be expanded to more districts and centres in the coming years. The move places Madhya Pradesh alongside states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat, which have already adopted CCTV monitoring to safeguard board examinations. One in India WEF to launch 5 new centres for 4th Industrial Revolution By Barun Jha DAVOS : THE World Economic Forum has decided to establish five new Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including one in Indias Andhra Pradesh. Two such centres are already there in India -- one in Mumbai and the other in Telangana. The Fourth Industrial Revolution Network is a platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration, bringing together public and private sectors to help ensure emerging technologies deliver benefits for society while minimising risks. Launched by the WEF in 2017, the network brings together independent national and thematic centres across Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas to advance the responsible development and application of exponential technologies. Besides Andhra Pradesh, the other new centres will be in France, the UK and the UAE. Each centre will work with governments and industry to deliver practical policy frameworks and pilots, address regional priorities and advance international cooperation, the WEF said. Focus areas of these centres would include AI innovation, the energy transition, cyber resilience and frontier technologies. They will address regional needs while advancing international dialogue and cooperation. The launch of five new Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution reflects the value of bringing governments, industry and experts together around shared technology challenges, WEF President and CEO Borge Brende said. By contributing local and regional insights, partners strengthen a global effort to advance emerging technologies responsibly, he added. Established in partnership with the Andhra Pradesh Government, the Centre for Energy and Cyber Resilience will promote innovation-led approaches to the energy transition while strengthening cyber resilience across industries. Through pilots, consultations and knowledge exchange, the centre will develop scalable solutions spanning green energy systems, cybersecurity strategies and workforce development, the WEF said. This partnership with the WEF echoes our commitment to building capacity where the world is most fragile: energy security, cyber resilience, trusted digital systems and talent at scale, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said. Together, the new centres will strengthen the global Fourth Industrial Revolution Network, bringing governments, industry and experts together around shared technology challenges, the WEF said. As the Network continues to grow, it will continue to support the responsible development and deployment of emerging technologies to address global priorities. The network currently includes centres in Azerbaijan, Colombia, Germany, Korea, Israel, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, the US, Ukraine and Vietnam. Villager injured in IED blast BIJAPUR : A villager was seriously injured after stepping on a pressure IED planted by Maoists in the forests of Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. The incident occurred in the Lankapalli forest area under the Ilmidi police station limits of Usur block. According to the information received, the injured has been identified as Raju Modiyam (30). He had gone into the forest to collect firewood when he accidentally stepped on a pressure IED buried in the ground, triggering a powerful explosion. The blast caused severe injuries to his right leg. Immediately after the incident, villagers who were accompanying him rushed the injured man to the Primary Health Centre. Due to the seriousness of his condition, he was later referred to area. The surrounding forest region is also being thoroughly combed. The incident has created an atmosphere of fear and panic in the region, as innocent civilians are falling victim to pressure IEDs planted by Maoists with the intention of targeting security forces. Local villagers have expressed serious concern over the increasing danger in forest areas. Young woman brutally murdered in OYO lodge; lover booked for murder Kalmeshwar Correspondent : A shocking murder case has come to light, where a 21-year-old woman was brutally stabbed to death inside an OYO lodge. Kalmeshwar Police have registered a murder case against her lover, who is currently absconding. The deceased has been identified as Ruchita Rajesh Bhange (21), a resident of Welcome Society, Borgaon, Nagpur. She was a final-year BA student at Dhanwate National College. The accused has been identified as Saurabh alias Bittu Jamgade (25), a resident of Ashti. According to police, Ruchita and Saurabh were in a love relationship for some time. However, frequent arguments, harassment, and physical assaults had taken place between them. Based on a complaint filed by Ruchitas father, Rajesh Bhange, police said the accused was stalking and harassing her despite repeated warnings from the family. A senior police official said, Four days ago, the accused had assaulted the woman during police recruitment exam preparations and had taken away her mobile phone. The victim had informed her friend about this incident. On January 22, Ruchita left home in the afternoon but did not return. After searching for her, the family was informed by police on January 23 that her body was found in room number 105 on the first floor of an OYO lodge in Fetri. Her body was lying in a pool of blood on the bed and a knife was found at the spot. Police said that during a heated argument at the lodge, the accused stabbed Ruchita in the neck, killing her on the spot. After committing the murder, the accused escaped by jumping from the first floor of the lodge, a police officer said. A case has been registered under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 4 and 25 of the Arms Act. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and statements of hotel staff and locals are being recorded. Efforts are on to trace and arrest the accused at the earliest, police added. American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO Get Free Report) Director Noel Joseph Spiegel sold 1,896 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.66, for a total transaction of $48,651.36. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. American Eagle Outfitters Trading Down 4.1% Shares of American Eagle Outfitters stock traded down $1.04 during trading on Friday, hitting $24.10. The stock had a trading volume of 8,309,613 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,542,080. American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. has a 12 month low of $9.27 and a 12 month high of $28.46. 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 firms fifty day simple moving average is $24.23 and its 200-day simple moving average is $17.99. The stock has a market cap of $4.09 billion, a PE ratio of 20.78, a PEG ratio of 8.38 and a beta of 1.39. Get American Eagle Outfitters alerts: American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, December 2nd. The apparel retailer reported $0.53 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.43 by $0.10. American Eagle Outfitters had a net margin of 3.90% and a return on equity of 13.82%. The company had revenue of $1.36 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.32 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.48 EPS. The firms revenue was up 2.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. will post 1.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. American Eagle Outfitters Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be paid a dividend of $0.125 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. This represents a $0.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.1%. American Eagle Outfitterss dividend payout ratio is currently 43.10%. AEO has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded American Eagle Outfitters from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $14.00 to $20.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Barclays lifted their target price on American Eagle Outfitters from $20.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $23.00 price target on shares of American Eagle Outfitters in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of American Eagle Outfitters in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. They issued a neutral rating and a $25.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of American Eagle Outfitters in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $22.45. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on AEO Hedge Funds Weigh In On American Eagle Outfitters A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL increased its holdings in American Eagle Outfitters by 50.0% during the third quarter. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL now owns 1,500 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 500 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in American Eagle Outfitters during the second quarter worth $35,000. Strs Ohio bought a new stake in American Eagle Outfitters during the 3rd quarter valued at $36,000. Federated Hermes Inc. increased its holdings in shares of American Eagle Outfitters by 151.0% in the 2nd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 3,848 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 2,315 shares during the period. Finally, McIlrath & Eck LLC bought a new position in shares of American Eagle Outfitters in the 3rd quarter worth $39,000. 97.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. 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. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F Get Free Report)s share price fell 1.1% during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $13.55 and last traded at $13.5650. 39,601,640 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 37% from the average session volume of 62,660,688 shares. The stock had previously closed at $13.71. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on F shares. UBS Group boosted their price target on Ford Motor from $12.50 to $15.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Ford Motor from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Ford Motor from $10.00 to $11.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. HSBC lifted their price target on shares of Ford Motor from $9.80 to $12.80 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, Piper Sandler upgraded Ford Motor from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $11.00 to $16.00 in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Ford Motor currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $13.19. Get Ford Motor alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Ford Motor Ford Motor Price Performance The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $13.38 and a 200-day simple moving average of $12.40. The firm has a market cap of $54.05 billion, a PE ratio of 11.69 and a beta of 1.62. Ford Motor (NYSE:F Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The auto manufacturer reported $0.45 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.38 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $50.53 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $43.08 billion. Ford Motor had a return on equity of 11.94% and a net margin of 2.48%.The businesss revenue was up 9.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.49 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that Ford Motor Company will post 1.47 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Swiss National Bank boosted its position in shares of Ford Motor by 7.4% during the 2nd quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 11,822,986 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $128,279,000 after acquiring an additional 813,800 shares during the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its position in Ford Motor by 7.3% in the second quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 7,476,340 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $81,118,000 after purchasing an additional 510,473 shares during the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. raised its stake in Ford Motor by 3.2% during the second quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 9,055,356 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $98,251,000 after purchasing an additional 279,470 shares in the last quarter. Aviva PLC raised its stake in Ford Motor by 1,280.3% during the second quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 2,919,334 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $31,675,000 after purchasing an additional 2,707,834 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mainstay Capital Management LLC ADV lifted its position in Ford Motor by 111.0% during the second quarter. Mainstay Capital Management LLC ADV now owns 124,788 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $1,354,000 after purchasing an additional 65,638 shares during the last quarter. 58.74% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Ford Motor (Get Free Report) Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is an American multinational automaker headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, the company became an early pioneer of mass-production techniques with the Model T and the adoption of the moving assembly line. Today, Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a broad range of vehicles and mobility solutions under the Ford and Lincoln brands, spanning passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. Fords business activities extend beyond vehicle production to include parts and aftermarket services, fleet and commercial sales, and automotive financing through Ford Motor Credit Company. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Ford Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ford Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $68.50 and last traded at $67.4980, with a volume of 257184 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $67.22. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Scotiabank lowered their price target on Nutrien from $65.00 to $63.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Nutrien from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, January 17th. Mizuho lifted their price target on Nutrien from $65.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, January 16th. UBS Group increased their price objective on Nutrien from $58.00 to $63.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Nutrien from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and upped their target price for the company from $70.00 to $77.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $65.71. Get Nutrien alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Nutrien Nutrien Price Performance The stock has a market cap of $34.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.10 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a current ratio of 1.41 and a quick ratio of 0.89. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $61.19 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $59.14. Nutrien (NYSE:NTR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.97 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.91 by $0.06. Nutrien had a net margin of 6.79% and a return on equity of 7.54%. The company had revenue of $5.82 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.59 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.39 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts forecast that Nutrien Ltd. will post 3.72 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Nutrien Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 16th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were issued a dividend of $0.545 per share. This represents a $2.18 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 31st. Nutriens payout ratio is presently 58.76%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nutrien Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Nutrien by 0.4% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 21,983,443 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,291,022,000 after acquiring an additional 80,135 shares during the period. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its holdings in shares of Nutrien by 19.1% during the third quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 14,221,381 shares of the companys stock valued at $834,962,000 after acquiring an additional 2,276,651 shares during the period. First Eagle Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Nutrien by 14.0% in the 2nd quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 13,268,229 shares of the companys stock valued at $772,742,000 after purchasing an additional 1,627,328 shares in the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc grew its holdings in shares of Nutrien by 16.5% in the 3rd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 7,368,861 shares of the companys stock worth $432,838,000 after purchasing an additional 1,043,766 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Nutrien in the 2nd quarter worth about $395,842,000. Institutional investors own 63.10% of the companys stock. About Nutrien (Get Free Report) Nutrien Ltd. is a global fertilizer and agricultural-services company headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The company is publicly traded and operates across the farm input value chain, combining upstream fertilizer production with a broad retail and services platform aimed at supporting crop production worldwide. Nutriens business model integrates the manufacture and distribution of crop nutrients with on-the-ground agronomic support for growers and agricultural businesses. Nutrien produces and supplies the three primary fertilizer nutrientspotash, nitrogen and phosphatethrough its wholesale operations, and markets a wide range of crop inputs including seeds and crop protection products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nutrien Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nutrien and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TravelSky Technology Ltd. (OTCMKTS:TSYHY Get Free Report) gapped up before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $13.4455, but opened at $14.50. TravelSky Technology shares last traded at $14.50, with a volume of 214 shares trading hands. TravelSky Technology Price Performance The business has a fifty day moving average price of $13.65 and a 200-day moving average price of $14.16. The company has a quick ratio of 3.02, a current ratio of 3.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. Get TravelSky Technology alerts: About TravelSky Technology (Get Free Report) TravelSky Technology Limited is a leading provider of information technology solutions for the air travel industry in the Peoples Republic of China. Established in 2001 through an asset reorganization of aviation IT operations previously overseen by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the company has developed a comprehensive platform for airline reservation, distribution and related services. TravelSkys technology underpins the vast majority of domestic air ticketing in China and supports a growing number of international carriers and travel agencies. The companys core offerings include a passenger service system (PSS) that manages reservation and ticketing processes, as well as an electronic distribution network that connects airlines with travel agents, corporate accounts and online channels. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for TravelSky Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TravelSky Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TrueMark Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of America Movil, S.A.B. de C.V. Unsponsored ADR (NYSE:AMX Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 111,896 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock, valued at approximately $2,350,000. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Whittier Trust Co. boosted its position in shares of America Movil by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 21,198 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $380,000 after acquiring an additional 582 shares during the last quarter. Profund Advisors LLC raised its stake in America Movil by 1.7% during the second quarter. Profund Advisors LLC now owns 39,561 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $710,000 after purchasing an additional 666 shares in the last quarter. MAI Capital Management lifted its position in America Movil by 2.4% during the second quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 29,097 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $522,000 after purchasing an additional 680 shares during the last quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of America Movil by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. now owns 27,687 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $497,000 after buying an additional 786 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Brighton Jones LLC increased its holdings in shares of America Movil by 7.7% in the 2nd quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 11,091 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $199,000 after buying an additional 792 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 6.30% of the companys stock. Get America Movil alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages recently commented on AMX. Scotiabank increased their price target on shares of America Movil from $17.10 to $19.50 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Zacks Research downgraded America Movil from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on America Movil from $21.00 to $23.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Wall Street Zen upgraded America Movil from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, January 17th. Finally, Bank of America assumed coverage on shares of America Movil in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. They set a neutral rating and a $26.00 price objective for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $22.34. America Movil Stock Up 0.0% Shares of AMX opened at $20.76 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $21.32 and a 200-day moving average price of $20.61. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. The firm has a market capitalization of $62.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.87 and a beta of 0.78. America Movil, S.A.B. de C.V. Unsponsored ADR has a 12-month low of $13.10 and a 12-month high of $23.68. America Movil Profile (Free Report) America Movil is a Mexican telecommunications company headquartered in Mexico City that provides a broad range of communications services. Established in the early 2000s out of the expansion of the Slim familys telecommunications holdings, the company is a major provider of mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband internet and pay-television services in the region. Its operations span retail consumer services as well as wholesale and enterprise solutions, positioning it as an integrated communications provider across multiple customer segments. The company markets services under several regional brandsmost notably Telcel in Mexico and Claro across many Latin American marketsand offers both prepaid and postpaid mobile plans, fixed and mobile broadband, fiber-to-the-home where available, and video/broadcast distribution services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for America Movil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for America Movil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF (BATS:EVUS Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund bought 405,022 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,738,000. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. owned 53.29% of iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in EVUS. Farther Finance Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF during the third quarter worth about $45,000. Charter Oak Capital Management LLC bought a new position in iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $224,000. World Investment Advisors bought a new position in iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $239,000. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF by 12.9% in the 2nd quarter. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 8,260 shares of the companys stock worth $248,000 after purchasing an additional 947 shares during the period. Finally, Austin Private Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $383,000. Get iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF alerts: iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF Stock Up 3.8% Shares of BATS EVUS opened at $33.02 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $25.09 million, a PE ratio of 19.19 and a beta of 0.86. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $32.17 and a 200 day simple moving average of $31.40. iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF has a twelve month low of $25.85 and a twelve month high of $31.11. iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF Company Profile The iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF (EVUS) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund is a passively managed fund that tracks an index of US value stocks with certain environmental, social, and governance criteria. The fund aims to maximize its ESG exposure. EVUS was launched on Jan 31, 2023 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EVUS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF (BATS:EVUS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 5N Plus Inc. (OTCMKTS:FPLSF Get Free Report) shares gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $14.9560, but opened at $13.44. 5N Plus shares last traded at $13.44, with a volume of 448 shares changing hands. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating on shares of 5N Plus in a research note on Friday, October 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy. Get 5N Plus alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on FPLSF 5N Plus Stock Up 0.1% The companys 50-day moving average price is $13.83 and its 200 day moving average price is $16.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 1.39 and a current ratio of 2.97. The stock has a market cap of $1.25 billion, a PE ratio of 28.65 and a beta of 1.91. 5N Plus (OTCMKTS:FPLSF Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $0.19 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.10 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $104.90 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $89.88 million. 5N Plus had a net margin of 12.22% and a return on equity of 28.06%. About 5N Plus (Get Free Report) 5N Plus Inc is a Canadian specialty chemicals and materials company that develops, manufactures and commercializes highpurity metals and compounds for advanced technology markets. The companys product portfolio spans a range of elemental metalsincluding bismuth, antimony, tellurium, selenium, indium and germaniumalong with organometallic precursors, catalysts and radioisotopes. These materials are engineered to meet stringent purity standards (commonly known as fivenines or 99.999% purity) for critical applications in electronics, photovoltaics, catalysts and life sciences. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Boucherville, Quebec, 5N Plus has grown from its roots in highpurity research to a global manufacturing and distribution platform. Read More Receive News & Ratings for 5N Plus Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for 5N Plus and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd lowered its holdings in Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) by 26.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 490,067 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 172,428 shares during the period. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltds holdings in Barclays were worth $10,130,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in BCS. AMG National Trust Bank grew its position in Barclays by 0.5% in the second quarter. AMG National Trust Bank now owns 105,707 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,965,000 after buying an additional 561 shares during the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its stake in shares of Barclays by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 56,035 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,042,000 after acquiring an additional 599 shares in the last quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Barclays by 3.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLC now owns 19,389 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $360,000 after acquiring an additional 634 shares during the last quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc raised its position in shares of Barclays by 3.4% during the second quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 21,526 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $400,000 after purchasing an additional 699 shares during the period. Finally, Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Barclays by 5.0% during the second quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC now owns 15,473 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $288,000 after purchasing an additional 740 shares during the last quarter. 3.39% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Barclays alerts: Barclays Price Performance NYSE BCS opened at $26.22 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.94, a current ratio of 1.41 and a quick ratio of 1.41. The firm has a market capitalization of $90.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.40 and a beta of 0.98. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $24.35 and a 200-day simple moving average of $21.67. Barclays PLC has a 52-week low of $12.14 and a 52-week high of $26.64. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Barclays ( NYSE:BCS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, September 30th. The financial services provider reported $0.45 earnings per share for the quarter. Barclays had a net margin of 21.26% and a return on equity of 8.19%. The firm had revenue of $9.21 billion for the quarter. Equities research analysts predict that Barclays PLC will post 2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on BCS shares. Wall Street Zen cut Barclays from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of Barclays in a research report on Thursday. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of Barclays in a report on Monday, November 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Barclays in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded shares of Barclays from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on BCS About Barclays (Free Report) Barclays PLC (NYSE: BCS) is a British multinational bank and financial services company headquartered in London. The firm provides a broad range of banking and financial products to individual, corporate and institutional customers. Its core activities span retail and business banking, credit cards and payments, corporate and investment banking, and wealth and investment management. In retail and business banking, Barclays offers deposit accounts, mortgages, personal and business loans, and card services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BCS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Barclays Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barclays and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BigBear.ai, Hut 8, SoundHound AI, Tempus AI, and Rezolve AI are the five Artificial Intelligence stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Artificial intelligence stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose primary business or significant operations involve developing, supplying, or extensively using AI technologiessuch as machine learning models, AI software and services, data platforms, or specialized AI hardware like chips. For stock market investors, the term describes an investment theme that includes pure-play AI companies and traditional firms adopting AI, typically associated with higher growth expectations, sector-specific risks, and greater valuation volatility tied to AI adoption and innovation cycles. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Artificial Intelligence stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: BigBear.ai (BBAI) BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. provides artificial intelligence-powered decision intelligence solutions. It offers national security, supply chain management, and digital identity and biometrics solutions. The company also provides data ingestion, data enrichment, data processing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, and predictive visualization solutions and services. Hut 8 (HUT) Hut 8 Corp., together with its subsidiaries, acquires, builds, manages, and operates data centers for digital assets mining, computing, and artificial intelligence in the United States. It operates in four segments: Digital Assets Mining, Managed Services, High Performance Computing Colocation and Cloud, and Other. Read Our Latest Research Report on HUT SoundHound AI (SOUN) SoundHound AI, Inc. develops independent voice artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that enables businesses across automotive, TV, and IoT, and to customer service industries to deliver high-quality conversational experiences to their customers. Its products include Houndify platform that offers a suite of Houndify tools to help brands build conversational voice assistants, such as Application Programming Interfaces (API) for text and voice queries, support for custom commands, extensive library of content domains, inclusive software development kit platforms, collaboration capabilities, diagnostic tools, and built-in analytics; SoundHound Chat AI that integrates with knowledge domains, pulling real-time data like weather, sports, stocks, flight status, and restaurants; and SoundHound Smart Answering is built to offer customer establishments custom AI-powered voice assistant. Read Our Latest Research Report on SOUN 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 Rezolve AI (RZLV) Rezolve AI Plc operates in the mobile commerce industry with its cutting-edge engagement platform powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. It develops AI-based mobile commerce and engagement solutions, simplifying the purchasing process by providing relevant information and facilitating seamless transactions with a single tap. Read Our Latest Research Report on RZLV See Also Cib Marine Bancshares (OTCMKTS:CIBH Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings results on Friday. The company reported ($0.24) earnings per share for the quarter, Zacks reports. Cib Marine Bancshares Stock Down 4.0% CIBH stock opened at $35.56 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $49.43 million, a PE ratio of 18.72 and a beta of 0.24. The business has a 50 day moving average of $37.15 and a 200-day moving average of $35.98. Cib Marine Bancshares has a 12-month low of $27.10 and a 12-month high of $37.83. Get Cib Marine Bancshares alerts: About Cib Marine Bancshares (Get Free Report) CIB Marine Bancshares is a bank holding company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, CIBM Bank, the company offers a full suite of financial services designed to meet the needs of both individual and business clients. Its banking platform focuses on providing personalized commercial lending, real estate financing and treasury management solutions to small- and middle-market companies, as well as retail deposit and payment services for consumers. In its commercial banking division, CIBM Bank specializes in corporate lending, commercial real estate mortgages and lines of credit tailored to growing businesses. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cib Marine Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cib Marine Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CoastalSouth Bancshares (NYSE:COSO Get Free Report) is one of 20 publicly-traded companies in the State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare CoastalSouth Bancshares to similar businesses based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, profitability, institutional ownership, earnings, valuation, dividends and risk. Insider & Institutional Ownership 72.2% of shares of all State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies are owned by institutional investors. 6.7% of shares of all State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get CoastalSouth Bancshares alerts: Profitability This table compares CoastalSouth Bancshares and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets CoastalSouth Bancshares N/A N/A N/A CoastalSouth Bancshares Competitors 7.90% 7.47% 0.84% Valuation and Earnings Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio CoastalSouth Bancshares $135.78 million N/A 21.44 CoastalSouth Bancshares Competitors $701.49 million $95.99 million 39.41 This table compares CoastalSouth Bancshares and its competitors gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. CoastalSouth Bancshares competitors have higher revenue and earnings than CoastalSouth Bancshares. CoastalSouth Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for CoastalSouth Bancshares and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score CoastalSouth Bancshares 0 1 1 0 2.50 CoastalSouth Bancshares Competitors 31 176 218 26 2.53 As a group, State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies have a potential upside of 1.92%. Given CoastalSouth Bancshares competitors stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe CoastalSouth Bancshares has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Summary CoastalSouth Bancshares competitors beat CoastalSouth Bancshares on 10 of the 11 factors compared. CoastalSouth Bancshares Company Profile (Get Free Report) CoastalSouth Bancshares, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Through our wholly owned subsidiary, Coastal States Bank, a South Carolina state-chartered commercial bank, we offer a full range of banking products and services designed for businesses, real estate professionals, and consumers looking for a deep and meaningful relationship with their bank. Today, we have a community banking presence in some of the fastest growing and most business-friendly markets in the U.S., namely the Lowcountry of South Carolina (Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort), nearby Savannah, Georgia, and the Atlanta, Georgia market. In addition to our traditional community banking operations, we operate four specialty lines of business that provide scalability and diversification: Senior Housing Lending focuses on lending to operators across the spectrum of senior care, with an emphasis on assisted living; Marine Lending focuses on consumer loans primarily to high-net-worth borrowers secured by yachts and high-end sport fishing vessels; Government Guaranteed Lending focuses on origination of small business and other loans guaranteed by the SBA and USDA; and Mortgage Banker Finance focuses on mortgage warehouse lending to mortgage originators. By combining the relationship-based focus of a community bank with our specialty lines of business, we believe we can capitalize on the substantial growth opportunities available in our markets, particularly given the scarcity of community banks between $1.5 billion and $5.0 billion in total assets. Our principal executive offices are located in Atlanta, Georgia. Receive News & Ratings for CoastalSouth Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CoastalSouth Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shore Capital restated their no recommendation rating on shares of Currys (LON:CURY Free Report) in a research note published on Wednesday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. A number of other research firms also recently weighed in on CURY. Berenberg Bank upped their target price on Currys from GBX 210 to GBX 215 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Currys from GBX 150 to GBX 166 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 170.33. Get Currys alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Currys Currys Trading Down 0.9% Shares of CURY stock opened at GBX 143.20 on Wednesday. Currys has a 1 year low of GBX 83.95 and a 1 year high of GBX 147.20. The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 129.24 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 127.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 45.83, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a current ratio of 0.86. The firm has a market capitalization of 1.51 billion, a PE ratio of 12.34 and a beta of 1.31. Currys (LON:CURY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 18th. The company reported GBX 1.60 earnings per share for the quarter. Currys had a net margin of 2.38% and a return on equity of 9.53%. As a group, research analysts expect that Currys will post 9.5199569 EPS for the current year. Currys News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Currys this week: Positive Sentiment: Currys raised its profit outlook after stronger-than-expected Christmas trading, suggesting better near-term earnings momentum and market-share gains during the key season. Currys upgrades profit outlook after strong Christmas trading Currys raised its profit outlook after stronger-than-expected Christmas trading, suggesting better near-term earnings momentum and market-share gains during the key season. Positive Sentiment: Berenberg boosted its price target for Currys to GBX 215, which signals increasing analyst confidence in the companys medium-term upside. That raised target can support sentiment if others follow. Berenberg Bank Boosts Currys (LON:CURY) Price Target to GBX 215 Berenberg boosted its price target for Currys to GBX 215, which signals increasing analyst confidence in the companys medium-term upside. That raised target can support sentiment if others follow. Positive Sentiment: Currys continued its announced buyback, repurchasing 71,377 ordinary shares, which reduces share count and is typically supportive of EPS and share price over time. Currys Reduces Share Count with Latest Buy-Back Transaction Currys continued its announced buyback, repurchasing 71,377 ordinary shares, which reduces share count and is typically supportive of EPS and share price over time. Neutral Sentiment: Shore Capital assigned a No Recommendation rating to Currys, which is not overtly bearish but removes a new buy-side endorsement; this may limit short-term buying interest until clearer upgrades appear. Currys (LON:CURY) Earns No Recommendation Rating from Shore Capital Shore Capital assigned a No Recommendation rating to Currys, which is not overtly bearish but removes a new buy-side endorsement; this may limit short-term buying interest until clearer upgrades appear. Negative Sentiment: Despite positives, trading volume is below average and the stock is near its 1year high, which can blunt upside some investors may be taking profits or waiting for clearer catalysts (e.g., further upgrades or larger buybacks). No external article About Currys (Get Free Report) Currys plc is a leading omnichannel retailer of technology products and services, operating online and through over 800 stores in 8 countries. We Help Everyone Enjoy Amazing Technology, however they choose to shop with us. In the UK & Ireland we trade as Currys; in the Nordics under the Elkjp brand and as Kotsovolos in Greece. In each of these markets we are the market leader, employing 28,000 capable and committed colleagues. Our full range of services and support makes it easy for our customers to discover, choose, afford and enjoy the right technology for them, throughout their lives. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Currys Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Currys and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Customers Bancorp (NYSE:CUBI Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Thursday. The bank reported $2.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.04 by $0.02, FiscalAI reports. Customers Bancorp had a net margin of 15.15% and a return on equity of 14.56%. The company had revenue of $236.90 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $200.38 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.36 earnings per share. Customers Bancorp Price Performance Customers Bancorp stock opened at $74.67 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.04 and a beta of 1.61. The companys fifty day moving average price is $73.42 and its 200 day moving average price is $68.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 0.98. Customers Bancorp has a 1 year low of $40.75 and a 1 year high of $82.56. Get Customers Bancorp alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently commented on the company. TD Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Customers Bancorp in a report on Monday, October 27th. Stephens upped their price objective on Customers Bancorp from $62.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Customers Bancorp from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, January 17th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their target price on shares of Customers Bancorp from $76.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Customers Bancorp in a report on Monday, December 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $84.80. Trending Headlines about Customers Bancorp Here are the key news stories impacting Customers Bancorp this week: Positive Sentiment: Quarterly EPS slightly beat expectations CUBI reported $2.06 EPS vs. consensus ~$2.04, showing year-over-year improvement. MarketBeat: Earnings report Quarterly EPS slightly beat expectations CUBI reported $2.06 EPS vs. consensus ~$2.04, showing year-over-year improvement. Positive Sentiment: Multiple outlets (including Yahoo and Zacks) flagged that reported revenue exceeded some analyst models headlines noted revenue of ~$236.9M versus consensus in the ~$200M area, which on the face of it is a top-line beat. Yahoo: Beats sales expectations Multiple outlets (including Yahoo and Zacks) flagged that reported revenue exceeded some analyst models headlines noted revenue of ~$236.9M versus consensus in the ~$200M area, which on the face of it is a top-line beat. Neutral Sentiment: The company issued its formal press release and slide deck with full Q4 / FY-2025 figures; investors will parse loan growth, deposit trends and margin commentary from the materials. BusinessWire: Press release The company issued its formal press release and slide deck with full Q4 / FY-2025 figures; investors will parse loan growth, deposit trends and margin commentary from the materials. Neutral Sentiment: The earnings call transcript provides management color on credit quality, capital and outlook key for assessing sustainability of the quarters results. Investors should review the call for any guidance shifts. Seeking Alpha: Earnings call transcript The earnings call transcript provides management color on credit quality, capital and outlook key for assessing sustainability of the quarters results. Investors should review the call for any guidance shifts. Negative Sentiment: At least one outlet reported the revenue as a miss (or highlighted weaker revenue components), and that narrative appears to have triggered the selloff as traders focused on top-line composition rather than the headline EPS. Investing.com: Shares fall as revenue misses At least one outlet reported the revenue as a miss (or highlighted weaker revenue components), and that narrative appears to have triggered the selloff as traders focused on top-line composition rather than the headline EPS. Negative Sentiment: Trading shows elevated volume and volatility postreport suggesting rapid repricing as investors debate the quality of earnings and outlook. The market reaction has driven the stock lower despite the EPS beat. SeattlePI: Q4 snapshot Insider Buying and Selling at Customers Bancorp In other news, Director Bernard Bennett Banks sold 9,000 shares of Customers Bancorp stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.93, for a total value of $602,370.00. Following the sale, the director owned 7,524 shares in the company, valued at $503,581.32. This trade represents a 54.47% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Jay S. Sidhu sold 128,185 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.43, for a total transaction of $8,899,884.55. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 790,031 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $54,851,852.33. This trade represents a 13.96% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold a total of 211,900 shares of company stock valued at $14,595,664 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 8.69% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Customers Bancorp A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Royal Bank of Canada increased its holdings in shares of Customers Bancorp by 11.5% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 5,344 shares of the banks stock worth $269,000 after buying an additional 553 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its position in Customers Bancorp by 4.7% in the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 17,625 shares of the banks stock valued at $885,000 after purchasing an additional 786 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Customers Bancorp by 71.4% in the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 274,730 shares of the banks stock valued at $13,791,000 after purchasing an additional 114,430 shares during the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp acquired a new position in shares of Customers Bancorp in the 1st quarter valued at $37,000. Finally, Creative Planning purchased a new position in shares of Customers Bancorp during the 2nd quarter worth $250,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.29% of the companys stock. Customers Bancorp Company Profile (Get Free Report) Customers Bancorp, Inc (NYSE: CUBI) is a bank holding company headquartered in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and the parent of Customers Bank, a federally chartered institution. The company offers a full suite of commercial and consumer banking services, combining traditional deposit and lending products with modern digital banking platforms. As a publicly traded entity, Customers Bancorp focuses on delivering tailored financial solutions to midmarket companies, small businesses, professionals and individuals across the United States. Through its commercial banking division, the company provides term loans, lines of credit, real estate financing, assetbased lending and treasury management services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Customers Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Customers Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. decreased its position in Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report) by 5.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 83,214 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 4,521 shares during the period. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Deere & Company were worth $38,169,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new position in Deere & Company during the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute acquired a new stake in shares of Deere & Company during the second quarter worth about $27,000. Center for Financial Planning Inc. lifted its position in shares of Deere & Company by 406.7% during the second quarter. Center for Financial Planning Inc. now owns 76 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. Soundwatch Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Deere & Company in the second quarter valued at approximately $41,000. Finally, Lynch Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Deere & Company in the third quarter valued at approximately $46,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.58% of the companys stock. Get Deere & Company alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on DE shares. Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on shares of Deere & Company from $440.00 to $475.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Wolfe Research increased their price objective on Deere & Company from $520.00 to $550.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, January 2nd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Deere & Company in a report on Monday, December 29th. BMO Capital Markets restated a market perform rating and set a $460.00 price target on shares of Deere & Company in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Finally, Truist Financial increased their price target on Deere & Company from $609.00 to $612.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Fifteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $524.20. Deere & Company Stock Down 1.4% Deere & Company stock opened at $514.92 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $139.58 billion, a PE ratio of 27.82, a P/E/G ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68, a current ratio of 2.22 and a quick ratio of 2.01. The stocks fifty day moving average is $482.61 and its two-hundred day moving average is $482.05. Deere & Company has a 1-year low of $404.42 and a 1-year high of $533.78. Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 26th. The industrial products company reported $3.93 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.96 by ($0.03). The business had revenue of $12.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.77 billion. Deere & Company had a return on equity of 20.54% and a net margin of 11.00%.Deere & Companys revenue was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $4.55 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Deere & Company will post 19.32 EPS for the current fiscal year. Deere & Company Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of $1.62 per share. This represents a $6.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. Deere & Companys payout ratio is currently 35.01%. Insider Buying and Selling at Deere & Company In related news, CEO John C. May II sold 41,472 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $501.49, for a total value of $20,797,793.28. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 117,970 shares of the companys stock, valued at $59,160,775.30. This trade represents a 26.01% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Cory J. Reed sold 12,000 shares of Deere & Company stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $510.00, for a total transaction of $6,120,000.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 20,792 shares in the company, valued at $10,603,920. This represents a 36.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 64,578 shares of company stock valued at $32,471,682. Company insiders own 0.29% of the companys stock. Deere & Company Profile (Free Report) Deere & Company, commonly known by its brand John Deere, is a global manufacturer of agricultural, construction and forestry machinery, as well as turf care equipment and power systems. Founded in 1837 by blacksmith John Deerewho developed a polished steel plow to improve tillage in tough prairie soilsthe company is headquartered in Moline, Illinois, and has grown into one of the largest and most recognizable names in equipment manufacturing worldwide. The companys principal businesses include a broad portfolio of agricultural equipment such as tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, harvesters and tillage implements, complemented by precision agriculture technologies and telematics that support farm management, yield optimization and equipment connectivity. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Deere & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deere & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Delta Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 1,965 shares of the semiconductor companys stock, valued at approximately $549,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. BankPlus Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. BankPlus Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,291 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $640,000 after buying an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. Catalyst Private Wealth LLC raised its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter. Catalyst Private Wealth LLC now owns 1,407 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $393,000 after buying an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Venture Visionary Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 1.1% in the third quarter. Venture Visionary Partners LLC now owns 3,540 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $989,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares during the last quarter. Leonard Rickey Investment Advisors P.L.L.C. raised its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 2.5% in the 3rd quarter. Leonard Rickey Investment Advisors P.L.L.C. now owns 1,652 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $461,000 after purchasing an additional 41 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. Alliance Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,815 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $411,000 after buying an additional 43 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 16.51% of the companys stock. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Friday, January 9th. UBS Group set a $330.00 price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Sunday, December 7th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Freedom Capital upgraded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC upped their price objective on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $360.00 to $410.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $381.67. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Performance NYSE:TSM opened at $334.73 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $303.97 and its 200 day moving average is $277.04. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a 52-week low of $134.25 and a 52-week high of $351.33. The firm has a market cap of $1.73 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.43, a PEG ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 2.47 and a current ratio of 2.69. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The semiconductor company reported $14.32 EPS for the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 36.18% and a net margin of 45.13%.The business had revenue of $32.50 billion for the quarter. Research analysts predict that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 EPS for the current year. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.9678 per share. This is a positive change from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. This represents a $3.87 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings payout ratio is 23.57%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing this week: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Profile (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is a leading pure-play semiconductor foundry that provides wafer fabrication and related services to the global semiconductor industry. Founded in 1987 by Morris Chang and headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, TSMC manufactures integrated circuits on behalf of fabless and integrated device manufacturers, offering contract chip production across a broad set of technologies and products. TSMCs service offering covers logic and mixed-signal process technologies, specialty processes for radio-frequency, power management and embedded memory, and advanced nodes used in mobile, high-performance computing and AI applications. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DPM Metals Inc. (OTCMKTS:DPMLF Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $35.04, but opened at $36.87. DPM Metals shares last traded at $35.7550, with a volume of 4,447 shares. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts recently commented on DPMLF shares. Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of DPM Metals in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Zacks Research upgraded shares of DPM Metals from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. National Bankshares reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of DPM Metals in a report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, CIBC reiterated a neutral rating on shares of DPM Metals in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, DPM Metals presently has an average rating of Buy. Get DPM Metals alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on DPM Metals DPM Metals Price Performance The companys fifty day moving average is $30.25 and its two-hundred day moving average is $23.61. DPM Metals (OTCMKTS:DPMLF Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $0.73 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.58 by $0.15. The business had revenue of $267.41 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $227.95 million. DPM Metals had a net margin of 39.03% and a return on equity of 22.84%. Analysts expect that DPM Metals Inc. will post 1.52 earnings per share for the current year. About DPM Metals (Get Free Report) Dundee Precious Metals Inc (OTCMKTS:DPMLF) is a Canadabased precious metals producer with a focus on gold and copper mining. The companys primary operations are located in southeastern Europe, where it owns and operates the Chelopech mine, a highgrade goldcoppersilver underground mine in Bulgaria. In addition to goldcopper production at Chelopech, Dundee Precious Metals is advancing the Krumovgrad gold project, also in Bulgaria, which is expected to further diversify its output and extend the companys production profile. At Chelopech, Dundee Precious Metals employs a conventional flotation process to recover gold, copper and silver from sulphide ores. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for DPM Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DPM Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO Get Free Report) (TSE:ELD) traded up 7.2% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $45.93 and last traded at $45.9630. 1,443,238 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 6% from the average session volume of 1,540,122 shares. The stock had previously closed at $42.89. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the company. National Bankshares reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Eldorado Gold in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Canaccord Genuity Group raised Eldorado Gold from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Wall Street Zen lowered Eldorado Gold from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, October 11th. Scotiabank raised their price objective on shares of Eldorado Gold from $25.50 to $33.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Eldorado Gold from $28.00 to $29.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $31.20. Get Eldorado Gold alerts: Read Our Latest Report on EGO Eldorado Gold Trading Up 2.3% The business has a 50-day moving average price of $35.17 and a 200-day moving average price of $28.57. The company has a quick ratio of 2.28, a current ratio of 2.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.67, a PEG ratio of 0.23 and a beta of 0.54. Eldorado Gold (NYSE:EGO Get Free Report) (TSE:ELD) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The basic materials company reported $0.41 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.49 by ($0.08). The business had revenue of $436.44 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $422.25 million. Eldorado Gold had a return on equity of 8.89% and a net margin of 22.15%. Analysts anticipate that Eldorado Gold Corporation will post 1.5 earnings per share for the current year. Eldorado Gold Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Investors of record on Friday, February 27th will be paid a $0.075 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $0.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in EGO. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Eldorado Gold by 50.0% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 798,205 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $13,426,000 after purchasing an additional 266,048 shares during the period. Counterpoint Mutual Funds LLC bought a new position in shares of Eldorado Gold during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $349,000. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio boosted its stake in Eldorado Gold by 8.5% in the 2nd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 82,847 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,683,000 after buying an additional 6,475 shares in the last quarter. Ruffer LLP grew its position in Eldorado Gold by 10.2% in the second quarter. Ruffer LLP now owns 1,093,553 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $22,243,000 after acquiring an additional 101,456 shares during the period. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC raised its stake in Eldorado Gold by 10.3% during the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 278,300 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $5,669,000 after acquiring an additional 26,000 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 69.58% of the companys stock. Eldorado Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Eldorado Gold Corporation is a Canadabased gold producer engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and operation of mineral properties. The companys core focus is on gold, silver and select base metals, with an emphasis on advancing projects through feasibility and into production. Eldorado Gold maintains a diversified portfolio of both producing mines and advancedstage development projects. Operationally, Eldorado Gold manages multiple gold mining operations across Turkey, Canada and Greece. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Eldorado Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eldorado Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. reduced its stake in L3Harris Technologies Inc (NYSE:LHX Free Report) by 21.8% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 36,196 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,106 shares during the quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc.s holdings in L3Harris Technologies were worth $11,054,000 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 bought and sold shares of LHX. Kiker Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 137.0% during the 2nd quarter. Kiker Wealth Management LLC now owns 109 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC bought a new position in L3Harris Technologies in the third quarter valued at $34,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in L3Harris Technologies during the second quarter valued at about $34,000. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. purchased a new stake in L3Harris Technologies during the second quarter valued at about $32,000. Finally, Independence Bank of Kentucky lifted its stake in L3Harris Technologies by 44.4% during the second quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 130 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.76% of the companys stock. Get L3Harris Technologies alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other L3Harris Technologies news, CEO Christopher E. Kubasik sold 14,171 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $301.05, for a total value of $4,266,179.55. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 144,426 shares in the company, valued at approximately $43,479,447.30. This trade represents a 8.94% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.72% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have recently commented on the company. UBS Group increased their price objective on L3Harris Technologies to $323.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. BNP Paribas Exane upgraded shares of L3Harris Technologies to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a hold rating on shares of L3Harris Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of L3Harris Technologies from $325.00 to $340.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of L3Harris Technologies from $250.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Fourteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $315.73. Get Our Latest Report on LHX L3Harris Technologies Stock Down 0.3% Shares of L3Harris Technologies stock opened at $354.66 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 1.14. L3Harris Technologies Inc has a 52-week low of $193.09 and a 52-week high of $361.59. The companys 50 day moving average price is $301.06 and its 200-day moving average price is $288.05. The stock has a market capitalization of $66.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.09, a P/E/G ratio of 2.21 and a beta of 0.66. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $2.70 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.60 by $0.10. L3Harris Technologies had a net margin of 8.09% and a return on equity of 11.08%. The business had revenue of $5.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.51 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $3.34 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. L3Harris Technologies has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.500-10.700 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that L3Harris Technologies Inc will post 11.12 EPS for the current year. L3Harris Technologies Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be given a dividend of $1.25 per share. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. This is a positive change from L3Harris Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.20. L3Harris Technologiess dividend payout ratio is currently 51.56%. About L3Harris Technologies (Free Report) L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) is an American aerospace and defense company formed in 2019 through the combination of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company designs, manufactures and supports a broad range of technology solutions for government and commercial customers, with a particular emphasis on defense, intelligence and public safety applications. The companys offerings span communications systems, avionics, electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors, space systems and mission integration. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for L3Harris Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for L3Harris Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lockheed Martin Investment Management Co. trimmed its position in Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 41.4% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 116,700 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 82,350 shares during the period. Lockheed Martin Investment Management Co.s holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $13,158,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in XOM. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Exxon Mobil in the second quarter worth approximately $6,163,719,000. First Trust Advisors LP boosted its position in Exxon Mobil by 150.2% during the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 7,602,601 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $819,560,000 after purchasing an additional 4,563,707 shares during the last quarter. Cerity Partners LLC grew its stake in Exxon Mobil by 200.7% in the second quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 2,014,446 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $217,162,000 after purchasing an additional 4,015,099 shares in the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Exxon Mobil by 10,809.8% in the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,095,106 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $333,652,000 after purchasing an additional 3,066,736 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mizuho Markets Cayman LP acquired a new position in Exxon Mobil in the 2nd quarter worth about $144,147,000. 61.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: More Exxon Mobil News Here are the key news stories impacting Exxon Mobil this week: Exxon Mobil Stock Performance Shares of XOM opened at $134.93 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The companys fifty day moving average price is $120.74 and its 200 day moving average price is $115.27. The company has a market capitalization of $569.03 billion, a PE ratio of 19.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.51 and a beta of 0.37. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a one year low of $97.80 and a one year high of $135.98. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The oil and gas company reported $1.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.72 by $0.16. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 8.99% and a return on equity of 11.22%. The company had revenue of $83.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $83.09 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.92 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts expect that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 earnings per share for the current year. Exxon Mobil Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th were issued a $1.03 dividend. This represents a $4.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. This is a boost from Exxon Mobils previous quarterly dividend of $0.99. Exxon Mobils payout ratio is currently 59.88%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.19, for a total value of $351,570.00. Following the sale, the vice president owned 28,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,349,758.96. The trade was a 9.50% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.03% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have recently issued reports on XOM. Citigroup lifted their price target on Exxon Mobil from $115.00 to $118.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. TD Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on shares of Exxon Mobil from $146.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of Exxon Mobil from $137.00 to $134.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Exxon Mobil from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Thursday, January 1st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have given a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $131.84. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Exxon Mobil About Exxon Mobil (Free Report) Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) is an integrated oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, production, refining, distribution and marketing of petroleum products and the manufacture and sale of petrochemicals. Its operations span the full energy value chain, including upstream exploration and development of crude oil and natural gas; midstream transportation and storage; and downstream refining, product distribution and retail. The company also produces a broad range of chemical products for industrial and consumer applications. ExxonMobil markets fuels and lubricants under well-known brands such as Exxon, Mobil and Esso, and its Mobil 1 motor oil is a prominent consumer product. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tingyi Cayman Islands (OTCMKTS:TCYMF Get Free Report) and Nomad Foods (NYSE:NOMD Get Free Report) are both consumer staples companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, dividends, analyst recommendations, risk, institutional ownership, profitability and earnings. Institutional and Insider Ownership 75.3% of Nomad Foods shares are held by institutional investors. 17.3% of Nomad Foods shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Get Tingyi Cayman Islands alerts: Earnings & Valuation This table compares Tingyi Cayman Islands and Nomad Foodss top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Tingyi Cayman Islands $11.22 billion 0.65 $519.46 million N/A N/A Nomad Foods $3.35 billion 0.54 $245.74 million $1.44 8.27 Tingyi Cayman Islands has higher revenue and earnings than Nomad Foods. Profitability This table compares Tingyi Cayman Islands and Nomad Foods net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Tingyi Cayman Islands N/A N/A N/A Nomad Foods 6.56% 9.73% 3.96% Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Tingyi Cayman Islands and Nomad Foods, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Tingyi Cayman Islands 0 0 0 0 0.00 Nomad Foods 0 2 3 0 2.60 Nomad Foods has a consensus target price of $17.00, indicating a potential upside of 42.80%. Given Nomad Foods stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Nomad Foods is more favorable than Tingyi Cayman Islands. Volatility and Risk Tingyi Cayman Islands has a beta of -0.42, meaning that its stock price is 142% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Nomad Foods has a beta of 0.71, meaning that its stock price is 29% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Nomad Foods beats Tingyi Cayman Islands on 9 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About Tingyi Cayman Islands (Get Free Report) Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Holding Corp., an investment holding company, manufactures and sells instant noodles, beverages, and instant food products in the People's Republic of China. The company operates through Instant Noodles, Beverages, and Others segments. It offers ready-to-drink teas, juices, bottled water, and carbonated soft drinks, as well as coffee drinks/functional drinks/probiotics. The company also provides property rental and management, logistics, management, and support services; and manufactures and sells bakery products. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Shanghai, the People's Republic of China. About Nomad Foods (Get Free Report) Nomad Foods Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes a range of frozen food products in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company offers frozen fish products, including fish fingers, coated fish, and natural fish; ready-to-cook vegetable products, such as peas and spinach; and frozen poultry and meat products comprising nuggets, grills, and burgers. It also provides meal products that include ready-to-cook noodles, pasta, lasagna, pancakes, and other ready-made meals; ice creams, such as in-home and out-of-home ice creams; and other products consisting of soups, pizzas, bakery goods, and meat substitutes. The company sells its products to supermarkets and food retail chains primarily under the Birds Eye, Green Cuisine, iglo, Findus, Aunt Bessie's, Goodfella's, Frikom, Ledo, La Cocinera, and Belviva brand names. Nomad Foods Limited was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Feltham, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for Tingyi Cayman Islands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tingyi Cayman Islands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Forte Asset Management LLC lessened its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG Free Report) by 9.6% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 62,638 shares of the companys stock after selling 6,643 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF comprises approximately 3.4% of Forte Asset Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 8th biggest holding. Forte Asset Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF were worth $7,133,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of EFG. Wedmont Private Capital lifted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 3.2% during the third quarter. Wedmont Private Capital now owns 2,866 shares of the companys stock valued at $333,000 after purchasing an additional 88 shares in the last quarter. CW Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. CW Advisors LLC now owns 12,094 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,355,000 after buying an additional 94 shares in the last quarter. Copia Wealth Management grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Copia Wealth Management now owns 7,379 shares of the companys stock valued at $826,000 after acquiring an additional 97 shares during the period. Beacon Bridge Wealth Partners LLC increased its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Beacon Bridge Wealth Partners LLC now owns 28,746 shares of the companys stock worth $3,220,000 after acquiring an additional 98 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Morris Financial Concepts Inc. raised its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. Morris Financial Concepts Inc. now owns 8,691 shares of the companys stock worth $990,000 after acquiring an additional 106 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Price Performance EFG opened at $119.53 on Friday. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $115.10 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $113.69. The firm has a market cap of $14.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.98 and a beta of 0.96. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF has a 1-year low of $88.66 and a 1-year high of $113.16. About iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Growth Index (the Index). The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. The Fund invests in sectors, such as consumer staples, industrials, consumer discretionary, materials, healthcare, financials, information technology, energy, telecommunication services and utilities. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Great Atlantic Resources Corp. (CVE:GR Get Free Report) shot up 45.5% during trading on Saturday . The company traded as high as C$0.17 and last traded at C$0.16. 1,451,973 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 478% from the average session volume of 251,343 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.11. Key Stories Impacting Great Atlantic Resources Here are the key news stories impacting Great Atlantic Resources this week: Get Great Atlantic Resources alerts: Positive Sentiment: Sharp price and volume move reports highlight a multiday intraday jump with volume well above average, indicating fresh investor interest and momentum that can attract additional shortterm buying. Great Atlantic Resources (CVE:GR) Stock Price Up 45.5% Heres Why Sharp price and volume move reports highlight a multiday intraday jump with volume well above average, indicating fresh investor interest and momentum that can attract additional shortterm buying. Neutral Sentiment: No company press release or operational catalyst is cited in the pieces coverage is largely algorithmic marketmove reporting, so the underlying fundamental picture hasnt been updated publicly. Monitor filings or corporate news for confirmation. Great Atlantic Resources (CVE:GR) Stock Price Up 41.2% Whats Next? No company press release or operational catalyst is cited in the pieces coverage is largely algorithmic marketmove reporting, so the underlying fundamental picture hasnt been updated publicly. Monitor filings or corporate news for confirmation. Negative Sentiment: High volatility and very small market cap increase downside risk the company is lowpriced, with thin fundamentals (negative PE, low current ratio) and a history of large intraday moves; gains may reverse quickly if speculative flows cool. Great Atlantic Resources (CVE:GR) Stock Price Up 45.5% Should You Buy? Great Atlantic Resources Stock Performance The company has a market cap of C$10.38 million, a P/E ratio of -4.00 and a beta of 2.42. The companys fifty day moving average is C$0.08 and its 200 day moving average is C$0.11. The company has a current ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of -21.63. About Great Atlantic Resources Great Atlantic Resources Corp., an exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of mineral properties in Canada. It explores for gold, silver, lead, zinc, tungsten, antimony, copper, nickel, cobalt, vanadium, and other precious and base metals. The company holds interest in the Golden Promise project located in central Newfoundland. It holds interests in Glenelg Vanadium, Kagoot Brook Cobalt, MacDougal Road, Keymet, Mascarene, Mount Raymond, and Porcupine properties located in New Brunswick; Pilley's Island and South Quarry properties located in Newfoundland; and Mitchell Brook property located in Nova Scotia. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Great Atlantic Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Great Atlantic Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HE Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $15.06 and last traded at $15.1750, with a volume of 1071272 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $14.72. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have issued reports on HE shares. Barclays upped their target price on Hawaiian Electric Industries from $10.00 to $11.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries from a hold rating to an underperform rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $13.50 to $12.50 in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d) rating on shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries in a report on Monday, December 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $12.50. Get Hawaiian Electric Industries alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on HE Hawaiian Electric Industries Trading Down 2.0% The company has a quick ratio of 1.35, a current ratio of 1.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.79. The company has a market capitalization of $2.54 billion, a PE ratio of 184.19 and a beta of 0.64. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $12.48 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $11.81. Hawaiian Electric Industries (NYSE:HE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The utilities provider reported $0.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.20) by $0.39. Hawaiian Electric Industries had a return on equity of 9.51% and a net margin of 0.56%.The company had revenue of $790.61 million for the quarter. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. will post 1.71 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Trading of Hawaiian Electric Industries Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HE. Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 28.6% during the second quarter. Horizon Kinetics Asset Management LLC now owns 16,281,709 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $173,075,000 after buying an additional 3,624,709 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,093,753 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $43,522,000 after acquiring an additional 48,686 shares during the period. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its position in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 2,744,843 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $29,178,000 after acquiring an additional 34,535 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its stake in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 10.5% in the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,061,759 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $22,762,000 after purchasing an additional 195,327 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE boosted its position in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 5.2% during the third quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,565,958 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $17,288,000 after purchasing an additional 76,820 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 59.91% of the companys stock. Hawaiian Electric Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc is a diversified holding company operating in the energy and financial services sectors in the state of Hawaii. Its principal subsidiary, Hawaiian Electric Company, provides generation, transmission, distribution and customer service to the island of Oahu, while its Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light Company subsidiaries serve Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Hawaii Island. The roots of the electric utility business trace back to 1891 when service first commenced in Honolulu. Through its subsidiary Hawaii Gas, HEI extends its energy portfolio to include the distribution of natural gas and propane, supporting residential, commercial and industrial customers across the islands. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Hawaiian Electric Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hawaiian Electric Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Renasant (NYSE:RNST Get Free Report) is one of 20 publicly-traded companies in the State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System industry, but how does it compare to its rivals? We will compare Renasant to related companies based on the strength of its analyst recommendations, risk, earnings, valuation, profitability, institutional ownership and dividends. Volatility & Risk Renasant has a beta of 0.97, indicating that its stock price is 3% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Renasants rivals have a beta of 1.01, indicating that their average stock price is 1% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Renasant alerts: Profitability This table compares Renasant and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Renasant 11.26% 6.99% 1.01% Renasant Competitors 7.90% 7.47% 0.84% Institutional & Insider Ownership Dividends 77.3% of Renasant 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. 2.8% of Renasant 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, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Renasant pays an annual dividend of $0.92 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.5%. Renasant pays out 46.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies pay a dividend yield of 2.2% and pay out 60.6% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Renasant is clearly a better dividend stock than its rivals, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Renasant and its rivals revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Renasant $874.43 million $195.46 million 18.70 Renasant Competitors $708.78 million $95.99 million 39.41 Renasant has higher revenue and earnings than its rivals. Renasant 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. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for Renasant and its rivals, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Renasant 0 1 0 1 3.00 Renasant Competitors 31 175 218 26 2.53 As a group, State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies have a potential upside of 1.92%. Given Renasants rivals higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Renasant has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. Summary Renasant beats its rivals on 9 of the 15 factors compared. About Renasant (Get Free Report) Renasant Corporation operates as a bank holding company for Renasant Bank that provides a range of financial, wealth management, fiduciary, and insurance services to retail and commercial customers. It operates through three segments: Community Banks, Insurance, and Wealth Management. The Community Banks segment offers checking and savings accounts, business and personal loans, asset-based lending, and equipment leasing services, as well as safe deposit and night depository facilities. It also provides commercial, financial, and agricultural loans; equipment financing and leasing; real estate1-4 family mortgage; real estatecommercial mortgage; real estateconstruction loans for the construction of single family residential properties, multi-family properties, and commercial projects; installment loans to individuals; and interim construction loans, as well as automated teller machine (ATM), online and mobile banking, call center, and treasury management services. The Insurance segment provides insurance agency services, such as commercial and personal insurance products through insurance carriers. The Wealth Management segment offers a range of wealth management and fiduciary services, including administration and management of trust accounts, such as personal and corporate benefit accounts, and custodial accounts, as well as accounting and money management for trust accounts; annuities, mutual funds, and other investment services through a third party broker-dealer; and qualified retirement plans, IRAs, employee benefit plans, personal trusts, and estates. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated a network of 189 banking, lending, and mortgage offices located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee; 150 full-service branches and 11 limited-service branches; 173 ATMs; and 38 interactive teller machines. Renasant Corporation was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Tupelo, Mississippi. Receive News & Ratings for Renasant Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Renasant and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR Free Report) by 51.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 70,479 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 23,835 shares during the period. iA Global Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Kroger were worth $4,751,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. grew its position in shares of Kroger by 6,840.0% in the second quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 347 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 342 shares during the last quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp purchased a new stake in Kroger in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Rossby Financial LCC acquired a new stake in Kroger during the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Whipplewood Advisors LLC increased its position in Kroger by 10,425.0% during the second quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC now owns 421 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 417 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Kroger by 87.8% in the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 445 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 208 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.93% of the companys stock. Get Kroger alerts: Key Stories Impacting Kroger Here are the key news stories impacting Kroger this week: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms recently commented on KR. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $70.00 price objective (down previously from $74.00) on shares of Kroger in a research note on Friday, December 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Kroger from $73.00 to $71.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, December 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Kroger from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $75.00 price target for the company in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Barclays set a $68.00 price objective on shares of Kroger and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, Telsey Advisory Group restated an outperform rating and set a $80.00 target price (down previously from $82.00) on shares of Kroger in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $73.80. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on KR Kroger Price Performance KR opened at $64.24 on Friday. The Kroger Co. has a 1 year low of $58.32 and a 1 year high of $74.90. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $63.51 and its 200 day simple moving average is $66.75. The stock has a market capitalization of $40.66 billion, a PE ratio of 59.48, a P/E/G ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.28, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a current ratio of 0.88. Kroger (NYSE:KR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported $1.05 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.03 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $33.86 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $34.27 billion. Kroger had a net margin of 0.54% and a return on equity of 38.06%. Krogers revenue for the quarter was up .7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.98 earnings per share. Kroger has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.750-4.800 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that The Kroger Co. will post 4.44 EPS for the current year. Kroger Company Profile (Free Report) The Kroger Co (NYSE: KR) is one of the largest supermarket operators in the United States, offering a wide range of retail grocery and related services. Founded in Cincinnati in 1883 by Bernard Kroger, the company operates a portfolio of supermarket and multi-department store banners and provides customers with fresh foods, packaged groceries, deli and bakery items, meat and seafood, produce, and prepared foods. Krogers stores commonly include pharmacy services and fuel centers, positioning the company as a broad-based neighborhood retail destination for everyday needs. In addition to traditional in-store retailing, Kroger manufactures and distributes a variety of private-label brands and operates its own food production and supply-chain facilities. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Kroger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kroger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI Free Report) by 18.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 9,704 shares of the technology companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,541 shares during the quarter. iA Global Asset Management Inc.s holdings in MSCI were worth $5,506,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Intact Investment Management Inc. lifted 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 purchasing an additional 19 shares during the period. Copperwynd Financial LLC increased its holdings in shares of MSCI by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter. Copperwynd Financial LLC now owns 1,793 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,034,000 after acquiring an additional 20 shares during the period. Empirical Finance LLC grew its stake in MSCI by 0.7% in the second quarter. Empirical Finance LLC now owns 2,772 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,599,000 after purchasing an additional 20 shares during the last quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. raised its stake in shares of MSCI by 8.5% during the 2nd quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 268 shares of the technology companys stock worth $155,000 after acquiring an additional 21 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of MSCI by 2.4% during the third quarter. Baker Tilly Wealth Management LLC now owns 980 shares of the technology companys stock worth $556,000 after purchasing an additional 23 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.97% of the companys stock. Get MSCI alerts: MSCI Stock Performance Shares of MSCI stock opened at $589.11 on Friday. MSCI Inc has a one year low of $486.73 and a one year high of $634.99. The firms 50 day moving average price is $568.99 and its 200-day moving average price is $565.30. The firm has a market cap of $44.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.33, a P/E/G ratio of 2.53 and a beta of 1.30. MSCI Announces Dividend MSCI ( NYSE:MSCI Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The technology company reported $4.47 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.37 by $0.10. MSCI had a negative return on equity of 110.94% and a net margin of 40.03%.The business had revenue of $793.43 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $794.87 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $3.86 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 9.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that MSCI Inc will post 16.86 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were given a $1.80 dividend. This represents a $7.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. MSCIs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 45.63%. MSCI declared that its board has approved a share buyback plan on Tuesday, October 28th that authorizes the company to repurchase $3.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the technology company to purchase up to 7.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are generally a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts have issued reports on MSCI shares. Seaport Research Partners upgraded shares of MSCI to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of MSCI from $650.00 to $660.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. UBS Group lifted their price target on MSCI from $700.00 to $710.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Evercore ISI boosted their price target on shares of MSCI from $588.00 to $611.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on MSCI from $655.00 to $680.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $650.13. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on MSCI Insider Activity at MSCI In related news, CFO Andrew C. Wiechmann sold 450 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $550.00, for a total transaction of $247,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 21,639 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,901,450. The trade was a 2.04% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Henry A. Fernandez acquired 10,210 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 5th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $536.13 per share, with a total value of $5,473,887.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 1,487,047 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $797,250,508.11. This represents a 0.69% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. 3.31% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. MSCI Company Profile (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. Wi-LAN (OTCMKTS:QTRHF Get Free Report) and Indra Sistemas (OTCMKTS:ISMAY Get Free Report) are both business services companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership, profitability, valuation and earnings. Profitability This table compares Wi-LAN and Indra Sistemas net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Wi-LAN alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Wi-LAN -12.64% -16.03% -8.71% Indra Sistemas 7.66% 27.69% 6.94% Valuation and Earnings This table compares Wi-LAN and Indra Sistemass top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Wi-LAN $153.30 million 0.52 -$11.02 million ($0.17) -3.96 Indra Sistemas $5.24 billion N/A $300.33 million $1.22 27.18 Indra Sistemas has higher revenue and earnings than Wi-LAN. Wi-LAN is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Indra Sistemas, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Risk and Volatility Wi-LAN has a beta of 1.08, suggesting that its stock price is 8% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Indra Sistemas has a beta of 0.51, suggesting that its stock price is 49% less volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Wi-LAN and Indra Sistemas, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Wi-LAN 0 0 1 0 3.00 Indra Sistemas 0 2 0 3 3.20 Summary Indra Sistemas beats Wi-LAN on 9 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About Wi-LAN (Get Free Report) Quarterhill Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates in intelligent transportation system business in Canada and internationally. The company offers riteSuite, which offers mobility solutions, such as all-electronic tolling, dynamic pricing, agency interoperability, hosted mobility solutions, and machine learning; back-office solutions, which offers account management, customer service, violation processing, and technical services operations; roadside solutions, which offers onsite and remote maintenance and field operations services, including tolling facility support, lane equipment control, and cash management services; and international road dynamics products and services, which offers automated truck weigh stations, toll road systems and equipment, red light and speed enforcement systems, and traffic management and safety systems. It also provides VectorSense, a tire sensor suite; Vehicle Information-In-Motion traffic intelligence system, an integrated traffic control system; permanent Weigh-InMotion systems; portable slow speed Weigh-In-Motion systems; portable wheel load scales; traffic data collection products, vehicle and axle detection equipment, and automated vehicle identification services and equipment; and other hardware and software products and offerings. The company was formerly known as Wi-LAN Inc. and changed its name to Quarterhill Inc. in June 2017. Quarterhill Inc. was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. About Indra Sistemas (Get Free Report) Indra Sistemas, S.A. operates as a technology and consulting company for aerospace, defense, and mobility business worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Defence, Air Traffic, Mobility, and Minsait. It offers Mova Consulting for planing and designing transport infrastructures; Mova Collect for ticketing, tolling, and back office applications; Mova Traffic for building traffic management and control solutions; Mova Protect for protection of businesses and people; Mova Experience; Mova Comms for connecting the transportation ecosystem with personalized communication solutions; Mova Care that provides infrastructure operation and maintenance, technology operation and maintenance, and transportation services operation and maintenance; and In-Mova Space, a technological mobility and infrastructure management platform. The company also provides Indra Air Automation; Indra Air Communication; Indra Air Navigation; Indra Air Surveillance; Indra Air Drones; Indra Air Information; and Indra Air Services for air traffic applications. In addition, the company offers defence and security solutions, including Platforms, defence systems, security, cyberdefence, space technologies applied to military operations, military and civilian training solutions, and logistics and maintenance services; and other technological solutions for public administration, industry and consumption, financial services, energy, and telco and media sectors. Indra Sistemas, S.A. was founded in 1921 and is based in Alcobendas, Spain. Receive News & Ratings for Wi-LAN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wi-LAN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. W.R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB Get Free Report) major shareholder Sumitomo Insurance Co Mitsui acquired 330,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 22nd. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $67.45 per share, for a total transaction of $22,258,500.00. Following the acquisition, the insider owned 54,221,504 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,657,240,444.80. The trade was a 0.61% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Large shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys stock are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC. W.R. Berkley Stock Performance WRB stock traded down $0.43 during trading on Friday, hitting $67.10. The company had a trading volume of 3,969,317 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,177,733. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $70.96 and a 200-day moving average price of $72.05. The company has a quick ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 0.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The firm has a market cap of $25.50 billion, a PE ratio of 14.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 0.39. W.R. Berkley Corporation has a 1-year low of $56.86 and a 1-year high of $78.96. Get W.R. Berkley alerts: W.R. Berkley (NYSE:WRB Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 20th. The insurance provider reported $1.10 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.07 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $3.77 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.16 billion. W.R. Berkley had a net margin of 13.01% and a return on equity of 18.86%. The firms revenue was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.93 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that W.R. Berkley Corporation will post 4.33 earnings per share for the current year. W.R. Berkley Dividend Announcement Hedge Funds Weigh In On W.R. Berkley The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th were issued a $0.09 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 15th. This represents a $0.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.5%. W.R. Berkleys dividend payout ratio is 7.56%. A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of WRB. Compass Financial Services Inc acquired a new position in shares of W.R. Berkley during the third quarter valued at $26,000. Hilltop National Bank bought a new stake in W.R. Berkley in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in W.R. Berkley during the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in W.R. Berkley in the 2nd quarter worth about $34,000. Finally, Triumph Capital Management acquired a new stake in shares of W.R. Berkley in the third quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Institutional investors own 68.82% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts recently issued reports on WRB shares. Evercore ISI set a $69.00 price objective on W.R. Berkley and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Mizuho set a $69.00 price target on W.R. Berkley in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. TD Cowen downgraded W.R. Berkley from a buy rating to a sell rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $77.00 to $55.00 in a research report on Tuesday. Barclays reaffirmed an underweight rating and set a $64.00 price objective (down previously from $73.00) on shares of W.R. Berkley in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of W.R. Berkley in a research note on Wednesday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, W.R. Berkley currently has an average rating of Reduce and an average target price of $71.47. View Our Latest Report on W.R. Berkley Key Stories Impacting W.R. Berkley Here are the key news stories impacting W.R. Berkley this week: Positive Sentiment: Major shareholder Sumitomo / Mitsui bought a sizeable block of Berkley shares over Jan. 2021 (roughly 630,000 shares, ~ $42$43M total), increasing its stake and signaling institutional confidence/support for the stock. Mitsui Sumitomo buys Berkley (WRB) shares worth $42.6m Major shareholder Sumitomo / Mitsui bought a sizeable block of Berkley shares over Jan. 2021 (roughly 630,000 shares, ~ $42$43M total), increasing its stake and signaling institutional confidence/support for the stock. Neutral Sentiment: Zacks published an earnings preview outlining expectations for WRBs Q4 results (premium growth, investment income and underwriting performance are items to watch). This is useful context ahead of results but isnt a direct catalyst until earnings are reported. W.R. Berkley Gears Up to Report Q4 Earnings Zacks published an earnings preview outlining expectations for WRBs Q4 results (premium growth, investment income and underwriting performance are items to watch). This is useful context ahead of results but isnt a direct catalyst until earnings are reported. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst coverage and price targets remain mixed (Buy/Hold/Sell split); consensus rating is around Reduce with an average target near the low- to mid$70s keep an eye on how individual shops adjust targets after earnings. Analyst coverage and price targets remain mixed (Buy/Hold/Sell split); consensus rating is around Reduce with an average target near the low- to mid$70s keep an eye on how individual shops adjust targets after earnings. Negative Sentiment: TD Cowen downgraded WRB to a Sell and cut its price target sharply to $55 from $77, a move that likely pressured sentiment and contributed to selling pressure. TD Cowen downgrades W. R. Berkley Corporation (WRB) to a Sell TD Cowen downgraded WRB to a Sell and cut its price target sharply to $55 from $77, a move that likely pressured sentiment and contributed to selling pressure. Negative Sentiment: Zacks Research trimmed several nearterm quarterly and FY EPS forecasts for WRB (multiple cuts to Q4/Q1Q3 202627 and FY202627 estimates), lowering expected earnings momentum this reduces nearterm upside to the stock absent stronger underwriting/investment results. W.R. Berkley Company Profile (Get Free Report) W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB) is a publicly traded insurance holding company that underwrites and sells commercial property and casualty insurance, specialty insurance products, and reinsurance. Headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, the company operates a portfolio of underwriting businesses that focus on niche and specialty commercial risks, offering coverage tailored to industries such as transportation, construction, professional services and other commercial lines. The companys product mix includes primary and excess casualty, property, professional liability, environmental and other specialty lines, together with treaty and facultative reinsurance solutions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for W.R. Berkley Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for W.R. Berkley and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF (NYSEARCA:RWK Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $135.74 and last traded at $134.80, with a volume of 10011 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $134.22. Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF Stock Down 0.9% The firm has a market cap of $1.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.05 and a beta of 1.17. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $128.45 and its 200 day simple moving average is $125.27. Get Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of RWK. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its holdings in Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 69,722 shares of the companys stock worth $7,522,000 after buying an additional 442 shares during the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF by 418.0% during the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 9,791 shares of the companys stock worth $1,056,000 after buying an additional 7,901 shares during the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC grew its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF by 1.6% during the second quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 11,758 shares of the companys stock worth $1,374,000 after buying an additional 188 shares in the last quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont purchased a new position in shares of Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $117,000. Finally, Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC boosted its holdings in Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF by 22.3% in the second quarter. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC now owns 10,202 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,193,000 after purchasing an additional 1,862 shares during the last quarter. About Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Revenue ETF 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. See Also 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 Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. (NYSE:ITUB Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $7.91 and last traded at $7.9850, with a volume of 103269 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $7.86. Analysts Set New Price Targets ITUB has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of Itau Unibanco from $6.80 to $7.77 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Itau Unibanco in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Itau Unibanco from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Itau Unibanco has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $7.77. Get Itau Unibanco alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Itau Unibanco Itau Unibanco Stock Up 0.8% Itau Unibanco Announces Dividend The company has a quick ratio of 1.58, a current ratio of 1.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $91.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.80, a P/E/G ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 0.65. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $7.32 and a 200 day moving average of $6.95. The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.0032 per share. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 2nd. Itau Unibancos dividend payout ratio is currently 4.29%. Institutional Trading of Itau Unibanco Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Farther Finance Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Itau Unibanco by 3,590.6% in the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 4,318 shares of the banks stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 4,201 shares during the last quarter. MAI Capital Management bought a new position in Itau Unibanco in the second quarter worth about $41,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Itau Unibanco by 332.4% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 6,966 shares of the banks stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 5,355 shares during the period. Community Bank N.A. acquired a new position in Itau Unibanco in the third quarter valued at approximately $57,000. Finally, First Horizon Corp bought a new position in shares of Itau Unibanco during the third quarter valued at approximately $60,000. About Itau Unibanco (Get Free Report) Itau Unibanco SA (NYSE: ITUB) is a Brazilian banking and financial services conglomerate headquartered in Sao Paulo. The company was formed by the merger of Banco Itau and Unibanco in 2008 and is one of the largest private-sector banks in Brazil and among the leading banks in Latin America. Itau Unibanco is publicly listed in Brazil and maintains an international listing on the New York Stock Exchange. The bank offers a full range of financial products and services across retail, commercial and wholesale banking. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Itau Unibanco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Itau Unibanco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jennison Associates LLC increased its holdings in Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO Free Report) (TSE:ELD) by 2.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 8,173,003 shares of the basic materials companys stock after acquiring an additional 182,780 shares during the period. Jennison Associates LLCs holdings in Eldorado Gold were worth $236,118,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership raised its position in Eldorado Gold by 228.2% in the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 4,994,328 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $101,649,000 after purchasing an additional 3,472,504 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. increased its position in shares of Eldorado Gold by 8.4% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,146,359 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $23,332,000 after purchasing an additional 88,752 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in Eldorado Gold by 50.0% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 798,205 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $13,426,000 after buying an additional 266,048 shares during the period. Schroder Investment Management Group lifted its position in Eldorado Gold by 27.6% in the second quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 743,418 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $15,121,000 after buying an additional 160,875 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Qube Research & Technologies Ltd boosted its stake in Eldorado Gold by 241.4% during the second quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 682,945 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $13,891,000 after buying an additional 482,915 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.58% of the companys stock. Get Eldorado Gold alerts: Eldorado Gold Price Performance Eldorado Gold stock opened at $46.20 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.28, a current ratio of 2.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. Eldorado Gold Corporation has a 52-week low of $13.29 and a 52-week high of $46.48. The firm has a market cap of $9.17 billion, a PE ratio of 25.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.23 and a beta of 0.54. The companys 50 day moving average is $35.17 and its two-hundred day moving average is $28.57. Eldorado Gold Announces Dividend Eldorado Gold ( NYSE:EGO Get Free Report ) (TSE:ELD) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The basic materials company reported $0.41 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.49 by ($0.08). The company had revenue of $436.44 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $422.25 million. Eldorado Gold had a return on equity of 8.89% and a net margin of 22.15%. On average, research analysts expect that Eldorado Gold Corporation will post 1.5 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a $0.075 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $0.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. Eldorado Golds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -5,555.50%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. CIBC boosted their price target on shares of Eldorado Gold from $32.00 to $46.00 and gave the company an outperformer rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Eldorado Gold in a report on Wednesday. Wall Street Zen cut Eldorado Gold from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, October 11th. Bank of America raised their price target on Eldorado Gold from $28.00 to $29.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Finally, National Bankshares reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Eldorado Gold in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Eldorado Gold currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $31.20. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Eldorado Gold Eldorado Gold Company Profile (Free Report) Eldorado Gold Corporation is a Canadabased gold producer engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and operation of mineral properties. The companys core focus is on gold, silver and select base metals, with an emphasis on advancing projects through feasibility and into production. Eldorado Gold maintains a diversified portfolio of both producing mines and advancedstage development projects. Operationally, Eldorado Gold manages multiple gold mining operations across Turkey, Canada and Greece. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EGO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO Free Report) (TSE:ELD). Receive News & Ratings for Eldorado Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eldorado Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jennison Associates LLC lessened its position in shares of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET Free Report) by 3.1% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 3,146,060 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 101,753 shares during the quarter. Jennison Associates LLCs holdings in MetLife were worth $259,141,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Delta Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in MetLife in the 3rd quarter valued at about $385,000. Teacher Retirement System of Texas raised its position in shares of MetLife by 8.3% in the third quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 393,035 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,374,000 after purchasing an additional 30,200 shares during the period. UNIVEST FINANCIAL Corp raised its position in shares of MetLife by 3.2% in the third quarter. UNIVEST FINANCIAL Corp now owns 30,005 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,472,000 after purchasing an additional 934 shares during the period. Flagship Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in MetLife in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $45,000. Finally, Naples Global Advisors LLC purchased a new position in MetLife in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $221,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.99% of the companys stock. Get MetLife alerts: MetLife Stock Performance Shares of MET opened at $75.78 on Friday. MetLife, Inc. has a 12-month low of $65.21 and a 12-month high of $87.93. The company has a current ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 0.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. The company has a market cap of $49.93 billion, a PE ratio of 14.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 0.76. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $78.51 and a 200-day moving average price of $78.82. MetLife Announces Dividend MetLife ( NYSE:MET Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported $2.37 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.30 by $0.07. MetLife had a net margin of 5.30% and a return on equity of 21.00%. The business had revenue of $12.46 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.64 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.95 earnings per share. MetLifes quarterly revenue was down 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that MetLife, Inc. will post 9.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 3rd will be issued a dividend of $0.5675 per share. This represents a $2.27 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 3rd. MetLifes payout ratio is currently 42.75%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have issued reports on MET. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their target price on MetLife from $92.00 to $90.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on MetLife from $95.00 to $94.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Evercore ISI set a $97.00 target price on MetLife and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of MetLife in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $101.00 price objective on shares of MetLife and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $95.27. Read Our Latest Analysis on MET MetLife Company Profile (Free Report) MetLife, Inc is a global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs. Headquartered in New York City, the company offers a range of risk protection and retirement solutions to individuals, employers and institutional clients. Its core businesses include life insurance, group benefits, retirement products such as annuities, and supplemental health products including dental and disability coverage. In addition to traditional life and group insurance, MetLife provides workplace benefits and voluntary products distributed through employer-sponsored programs. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MET? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for MetLife Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MetLife and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jiangsu Expressway Co. (OTCMKTS:JEXYY Get Free Report)s share price traded down 3.4% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $24.80 and last traded at $24.80. 208 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 2,550% from the average session volume of 8 shares. The stock had previously closed at $25.66. Jiangsu Expressway Stock Performance The firms fifty day simple moving average is $25.82 and its 200 day simple moving average is $24.88. Get Jiangsu Expressway alerts: About Jiangsu Expressway (Get Free Report) Jiangsu Expressway Company Limited is a China-based infrastructure enterprise primarily engaged in the investment, development, operation and management of toll roads. Headquartered in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, the company focuses on highway construction, maintenance and ancillary services designed to support regional transportation networks. It holds concessions for a portfolio of expressway projects, overseeing functions such as toll collection, traffic monitoring and road safety management. The companys core assets are concentrated within Jiangsu Province, one of Chinas most economically dynamic regions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Jiangsu Expressway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jiangsu Expressway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited (OTCMKTS:KGTFF Get Free Report) were up 2% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $0.9178 and last traded at $0.9178. Approximately 3,394 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 89% from the average daily volume of 1,797 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.8994. Krung Thai Bank Public Price Performance The businesss fifty day moving average price is $0.93 and its 200 day moving average price is $0.80. Get Krung Thai Bank Public alerts: Krung Thai Bank Public Company Profile (Get Free Report) Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited (OTCMKTS: KGTFF) is a stateowned commercial bank headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. Established under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance, the bank plays a pivotal role in supporting the Thai governments economic policies and public sector funding initiatives. As one of the countrys largest retail and corporate lenders, Krung Thai Bank serves a diverse client base that includes individual consumers, small and mediumsized enterprises, large corporations and government agencies. The bank offers a full suite of financial products and services spanning retail banking, corporate banking, trade finance, treasury and capital markets. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Krung Thai Bank Public Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Krung Thai Bank Public and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Latitude Advisors LLC lowered its holdings in SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report) by 18.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 14,520 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 3,221 shares during the quarter. SPDR Gold Shares accounts for about 2.4% of Latitude Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 5th largest position. Latitude Advisors LLCs holdings in SPDR Gold Shares were worth $5,162,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Mccarter Private Wealth Services LLC grew its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 3.2% during the 3rd quarter. Mccarter Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 870 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $309,000 after purchasing an additional 27 shares in the last quarter. Norris Perne & French LLP MI increased its position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. Norris Perne & French LLP MI now owns 873 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $310,000 after purchasing an additional 28 shares in the last quarter. Revisor Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 2.4% during the third quarter. Revisor Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,237 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $452,000 after buying an additional 29 shares in the last quarter. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC increased its holdings in SPDR Gold Shares by 12.0% during the 3rd quarter. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC now owns 271 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $96,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Phil A. Younker & Associates Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 4.0% in the third quarter. Phil A. Younker & Associates Ltd. now owns 781 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $278,000 after buying an additional 30 shares during the last quarter. 42.19% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get SPDR Gold Shares alerts: SPDR Gold Shares Trading Up 1.4% Shares of GLD stock opened at $458.00 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average is $401.91 and its 200-day moving average is $360.39. SPDR Gold Shares has a 1 year low of $251.92 and a 1 year high of $458.75. The firm has a market capitalization of $172.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -32.43 and a beta of 0.09. SPDR Gold Shares News Summary SPDR Gold Shares Profile Here are the key news stories impacting SPDR Gold Shares this week: (Free Report) SPDR Gold Trust (the Trust) is an investment trust. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Trusts expenses. The Trusts business activity is the investment of gold. The Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time, but in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 100,000 Shares). The Trust issues Shares in Baskets to certain authorized participants (Authorized Participants) on an ongoing basis. The creation and redemption of Baskets is only made in exchange for the delivery to the Trust or the distribution by the Trust of the amount of gold and any cash represented by the Baskets being created or redeemed, the amount of which will be based on the combined net asset value of various Shares included in the Baskets being created or redeemed determined on the day the order to create or redeem Baskets is properly received. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Gold Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Gold Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:FNGO Get Free Report) shares saw strong trading volume on Wednesday . 17,882 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 83% from the previous sessions volume of 9,781 shares.The stock last traded at $106.7490 and had previously closed at $105.49. MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Trading Up 2.0% The company has a 50-day moving average of $119.71 and a 200-day moving average of $120.10. The firm has a market capitalization of $549.05 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.58 and a beta of 2.36. About MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN (Get Free Report) The MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETNs (FNGO) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the NYSE FANG+ index. The fund provides 2x the daily price movements of an index of US-listed technology and consumer discretionary companies. The index is highly concentrated and equally weighted. FNGO was launched on Aug 6, 2018 and is issued by REX Microsectors. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp reduced its stake in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 6.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 506,259 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 33,314 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp owned approximately 0.06% of UnitedHealth Group worth $174,811,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. LFA Lugano Financial Advisors SA purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Sagard Holdings Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the second quarter worth $29,000. Islay Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in UnitedHealth Group during the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the 3rd quarter worth $33,000. Finally, Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. grew its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 69.4% during the second quarter. Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. now owns 105 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 43 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.86% of the companys stock. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Trending Headlines about UnitedHealth Group Here are the key news stories impacting UnitedHealth Group this week: Positive Sentiment: Mizuho reiterated a Buy on UNH and kept a $430 price target, highlighting the importance of the upcoming Medicare Advantage 2027 Advance Notice as a potential tailwind for enrollment and margins. Mizuho reiterates Buy Mizuho reiterated a Buy on UNH and kept a $430 price target, highlighting the importance of the upcoming Medicare Advantage 2027 Advance Notice as a potential tailwind for enrollment and margins. Positive Sentiment: Retail sentiment on Reddit and X has moved from deeply bearish to neutral over the past week, helping shares recover after retail-driven selling earlier this month. Reddit sentiment shift Retail sentiment on Reddit and X has moved from deeply bearish to neutral over the past week, helping shares recover after retail-driven selling earlier this month. Neutral Sentiment: Morgan Stanley trimmed its price target slightly (from $411 to $409) but kept an Overweight rating, signaling continued analyst confidence despite a small technical cut to the target. Morgan Stanley target change Morgan Stanley trimmed its price target slightly (from $411 to $409) but kept an Overweight rating, signaling continued analyst confidence despite a small technical cut to the target. Neutral Sentiment: Recent commentary and market moves note UNH has outperformed the broader market in short-term trading, reflecting mixed buying interest ahead of the Jan. 27 catalyst. Outperforms broader market Recent commentary and market moves note UNH has outperformed the broader market in short-term trading, reflecting mixed buying interest ahead of the Jan. 27 catalyst. Negative Sentiment: UnitedHealth executives faced tough questioning from Congress on healthcare affordability a reminder of political/regulatory risk that could pressure policy outcomes or public perception. Congressional grilling UnitedHealth executives faced tough questioning from Congress on healthcare affordability a reminder of political/regulatory risk that could pressure policy outcomes or public perception. Negative Sentiment: UnitedHealth announced it will rebate 2026 ACA plan profits to customers, which could weigh on near-term margins and highlights ongoing regulatory/competitive pressure in the individual market. ACA profit rebate UnitedHealth announced it will rebate 2026 ACA plan profits to customers, which could weigh on near-term margins and highlights ongoing regulatory/competitive pressure in the individual market. Negative Sentiment: Analysts warn of rising medical costs and a higher medical cost ratio (MCR) heading into Q4 results several pieces advise caution until the Jan. 27 release when clearer margin and cost detail will arrive. Cost pressures warning UnitedHealth Group Stock Up 0.6% Shares of UnitedHealth Group stock opened at $356.46 on Friday. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a twelve month low of $234.60 and a twelve month high of $606.36. The stock has a market capitalization of $322.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.60, a PEG ratio of 2.14 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. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $332.07 and its 200-day simple moving average is $323.33. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $2.92 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.87 by $0.05. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 19.23% and a net margin of 4.04%.The firm had revenue of $113.16 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $113.19 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $7.15 EPS. The firms revenue was up 12.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current year. UnitedHealth Group Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 8th were given a $2.21 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 8th. This represents a $8.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.5%. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio is 46.14%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts recently commented on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on UnitedHealth Group in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $406.00 price target for the company. Barclays raised their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $386.00 to $391.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Leerink Partners set a $410.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $310.00 to $425.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Finally, Piper Sandler reduced their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $423.00 to $417.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, UnitedHealth Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $386.33. Read Our Latest Report on UNH About UnitedHealth Group (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Inc is a diversified health care company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, that operates two primary business platforms: UnitedHealthcare and Optum. Founded in 1977, the company provides a broad range of health benefits and health care services to individuals, employers, governmental entities and other organizations. Its operations span commercial employer-sponsored plans, individual and Medicare and Medicaid programs, and services for customers and health systems in the United States and selected international markets. UnitedHealthcare is the companys benefits business, administering health plans and networks, managing provider relationships, and offering coverage products for employers, individuals, and government-sponsored programs. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp reduced its position in HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA Free Report) by 2.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 190,092 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,313 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp owned about 0.08% of HCA Healthcare worth $81,017,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Ameriflex Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of HCA Healthcare during the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Chung Wu Investment Group LLC acquired a new stake in HCA Healthcare in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Clearstead Trust LLC raised its stake in shares of HCA Healthcare by 311.8% during the 2nd quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC now owns 70 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 53 shares during the period. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in HCA Healthcare by 82.9% in the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 75 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in HCA Healthcare during the second quarter valued at $40,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 62.73% of the companys stock. Get HCA Healthcare alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other HCA Healthcare news, EVP Michael R. Mcalevey sold 3,892 shares of HCA Healthcare stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $473.79, for a total value of $1,843,990.68. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 3,487 shares in the company, valued at $1,652,105.73. The trade was a 52.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 1.30% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Raymond James Financial set a $525.00 price target on shares of HCA Healthcare in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Wall Street Zen upgraded HCA Healthcare from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, October 25th. TD Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of HCA Healthcare in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of HCA Healthcare from $431.00 to $452.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein restated a market perform rating and set a $503.00 price target on shares of HCA Healthcare in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Fourteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, HCA Healthcare presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $488.75. Get Our Latest Report on HCA HCA Healthcare Trading Up 0.9% Shares of HCA stock opened at $470.52 on Friday. HCA Healthcare, Inc. has a twelve month low of $295.00 and a twelve month high of $520.00. The stock has a market cap of $107.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.19, a PEG ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.36. The companys 50-day moving average price is $480.37 and its 200-day moving average price is $433.53. HCA Healthcare (NYSE:HCA Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The company reported $6.96 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.64 by $1.32. The company had revenue of $19.16 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.55 billion. HCA Healthcare had a net margin of 8.53% and a negative return on equity of 792.25%. HCA Healthcares revenue was up 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $4.90 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that HCA Healthcare, Inc. will post 24.98 EPS for the current year. HCA Healthcare Company Profile (Free Report) HCA Healthcare is a forprofit operator of healthcare facilities headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Founded in 1968, the company owns and operates a network of hospitals and related healthcare facilities and has grown through organic expansion and acquisitions to become a large provider of inpatient and outpatient services. The companys core activities include the operation of acute care hospitals, freestanding surgical and emergency centers, and outpatient clinics. HCAs services encompass inpatient care, surgical services, emergency medicine, diagnostic imaging and laboratory testing, and various outpatient and ambulatory care offerings. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HCA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for HCA Healthcare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HCA Healthcare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp trimmed its position in McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD Free Report) by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 388,007 shares of the fast-food giants stock after selling 13,471 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp owned 0.05% of McDonalds worth $117,911,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in MCD. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. grew its position in shares of McDonalds by 142.9% in the 2nd quarter. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. now owns 85 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 50 shares during the period. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC purchased a new stake in McDonalds in the second quarter worth about $25,000. Evergreen Private Wealth LLC increased its stake in shares of McDonalds by 162.5% during the third quarter. Evergreen Private Wealth LLC now owns 84 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. GFG Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of McDonalds during the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, Financial Gravity Companies Inc. purchased a new position in shares of McDonalds during the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Institutional investors own 70.29% of the companys stock. Get McDonald's alerts: McDonalds Trading Up 1.0% Shares of MCD opened at $309.24 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $308.87 and a 200-day moving average price of $305.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $220.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.39, a P/E/G ratio of 3.04 and a beta of 0.53. McDonalds Corporation has a 12-month low of $283.28 and a 12-month high of $326.32. Insider Activity at McDonalds McDonalds ( NYSE:MCD Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The fast-food giant reported $3.22 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.33 by ($0.11). The company had revenue of $7.08 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.10 billion. McDonalds had a net margin of 32.04% and a negative return on equity of 280.89%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $3.23 EPS. Analysts predict that McDonalds Corporation will post 12.25 earnings per share for the current year. In other McDonalds news, EVP Desiree Ralls-Morrison sold 2,486 shares of McDonalds 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 completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 6,268 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,005,760. The trade was a 28.40% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Manuel Jm Steijaert sold 6,567 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The stock was 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 owned 4,606 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,407,133. This represents a 58.78% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 45,142 shares of company stock worth $13,841,169. Insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock. More McDonalds News Here are the key news stories impacting McDonalds this week: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts recently weighed in on MCD shares. TD Cowen restated a hold rating on shares of McDonalds in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Citigroup dropped their target price on McDonalds from $381.00 to $375.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Piper Sandler restated a neutral rating and set a $325.00 price target on shares of McDonalds in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Robert W. Baird upped their price target 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, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of McDonalds from $340.00 to $345.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fifteen have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, McDonalds currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $328.88. Read Our Latest Analysis on MCD McDonalds Company 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. Recommended 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. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp lessened its stake in Eversource Energy (NYSE:ES Free Report) by 9.1% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,084,468 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 209,111 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp owned approximately 0.56% of Eversource Energy worth $148,289,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in ES. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Eversource Energy by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 45,652,661 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,904,422,000 after buying an additional 691,165 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its position in Eversource Energy by 1.7% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 27,343,038 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,739,564,000 after acquiring an additional 465,822 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Eversource Energy by 2.3% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 9,273,415 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $587,449,000 after acquiring an additional 211,962 shares during the period. Magellan Asset Management Ltd boosted its position in Eversource Energy by 1.1% in the second quarter. Magellan Asset Management Ltd now owns 6,952,127 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $442,294,000 after purchasing an additional 75,784 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank purchased a new position in Eversource Energy in the second quarter worth about $274,744,000. 79.99% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Eversource Energy alerts: Eversource Energy Price Performance Shares of NYSE:ES opened at $69.54 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $26.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.05, a P/E/G ratio of 2.39 and a beta of 0.76. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $67.79 and a 200 day moving average price of $68.05. Eversource Energy has a fifty-two week low of $52.28 and a fifty-two week high of $75.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 0.71. Eversource Energy Dividend Announcement Eversource Energy ( NYSE:ES Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The utilities provider reported $1.19 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.12 by $0.07. Eversource Energy had a net margin of 10.22% and a return on equity of 11.06%. The business had revenue of $3.22 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.28 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.13 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Eversource Energy will post 4.75 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 17th were paid a $0.7525 dividend. This represents a $3.01 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 17th. Eversource Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 82.47%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades ES has been the subject of several research reports. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price target on shares of Eversource Energy from $79.00 to $77.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. TD Cowen began coverage on shares of Eversource Energy in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. They set a hold rating and a $76.00 target price for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Eversource Energy from $72.00 to $71.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, December 12th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Eversource Energy in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Scotiabank cut their price objective on shares of Eversource Energy from $64.00 to $63.00 and set a sector underperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Eversource Energy has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $71.50. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ES Insider Activity In other news, EVP James W. Hunt III sold 4,129 shares of Eversource Energy stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.77, for a total value of $300,467.33. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 32,415 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,358,839.55. The trade was a 11.30% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.41% of the stock is owned by insiders. Eversource Energy Company Profile (Free Report) Eversource Energy (NYSE: ES) is a publicly traded, regulated energy company headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. The companys core business is the delivery and transmission of electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers across parts of New England. Eversource operates transmission and distribution networks, maintains electrical infrastructure, responds to outages and storms, and manages natural gas pipeline and distribution systems in the regions it serves. Eversource serves customers primarily in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, operating through locally regulated utility subsidiaries that administer customer service, billing, meter reading and localized operations. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Eversource Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eversource Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Simplicity Wealth LLC lowered its stake in shares of Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM Free Report) by 41.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,890 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 7,832 shares during the quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLCs holdings in Newmont were worth $918,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of NEM. Bailard Inc. acquired a new stake in Newmont during the 3rd quarter worth $269,000. Mitchell Mcleod Pugh & Williams Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Newmont during the third quarter worth about $242,000. Rakuten Investment Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Newmont in the 3rd quarter valued at about $1,559,000. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH lifted its holdings in shares of Newmont by 2.5% in the 3rd quarter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH now owns 1,705,941 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $143,828,000 after purchasing an additional 41,677 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Newmont by 51.9% in the 3rd quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC now owns 7,518 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $596,000 after purchasing an additional 2,570 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.85% of the companys stock. Get Newmont alerts: Newmont Stock Performance Shares of NEM opened at $124.34 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $135.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.31, a P/E/G ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 1.74 and a current ratio of 2.04. Newmont Corporation has a 1 year low of $40.85 and a 1 year high of $124.64. The companys fifty day moving average is $100.57 and its two-hundred day moving average is $84.59. Insider Buying and Selling Newmont ( NYSE:NEM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The basic materials company reported $1.71 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.27 by $0.44. Newmont had a net margin of 33.42% and a return on equity of 20.35%. The business had revenue of $5.52 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.14 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.81 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 20.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Newmont Corporation will post 3.45 earnings per share for the current year. In related news, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 5,000 shares of Newmont stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $81.34, for a total value of $406,700.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 279,923 shares in the company, valued at $22,768,936.82. The trade was a 1.75% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Bruce R. Brook sold 2,080 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.36, for a total value of $192,108.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 32,709 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,021,003.24. The trade was a 5.98% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 9,160 shares of company stock worth $767,206 in the last ninety days. 0.05% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have commented on NEM shares. TD Securities lifted their price target on Newmont from $67.00 to $89.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Argus lifted their target price on shares of Newmont from $75.00 to $94.00 in a report on Friday, November 21st. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on shares of Newmont from $99.90 to $123.90 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Newmont in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Raymond James Financial upped their target price on shares of Newmont from $111.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $99.49. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Newmont Newmont Profile (Free Report) Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) is a leading global gold mining company engaged in the exploration, development, processing and reclamation of gold properties. The companys core business centers on the production of gold, with additional byproduct metals produced from its operations. Newmont operates a portfolio of longlived mines and development projects, and its activities span the full mine life cycle from early-stage exploration through to mining, milling and closure. Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, Newmont has grown through organic development and strategic acquisitions. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Newmont Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Newmont and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Norsk Hydro ASA (OTCMKTS:NHYDY Get Free Report) saw an uptick in trading volume on Thursday . 1,658,710 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 664% from the previous sessions volume of 217,236 shares.The stock last traded at $8.5542 and had previously closed at $8.63. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on NHYDY shares. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of Norsk Hydro ASA in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Norsk Hydro ASA in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Zacks Research raised shares of Norsk Hydro ASA from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 1st. BNP Paribas Exane raised Norsk Hydro ASA to an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered Norsk Hydro ASA from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, October 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Norsk Hydro ASA presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Norsk Hydro ASA alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Norsk Hydro ASA Norsk Hydro ASA Stock Performance The firm has a market capitalization of $17.53 billion, a PE ratio of 17.04, a PEG ratio of 0.26 and a beta of 1.15. The company has a quick ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 1.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. The company has a 50-day moving average of $7.71 and a 200 day moving average of $6.98. Norsk Hydro ASA (OTCMKTS:NHYDY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.08 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $5.06 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $47.19 billion. Norsk Hydro ASA had a return on equity of 10.20% and a net margin of 4.96%. Equities research analysts predict that Norsk Hydro ASA will post 0.72 EPS for the current year. Norsk Hydro ASA Company Profile (Get Free Report) Norsk Hydro ASA is a Norwegian industrial company with a primary focus on aluminum production and renewable energy. Established in 1905, the company has grown from its roots in fertilizer manufacturing to become one of the worlds largest integrated aluminum producers. Its operations span the full value chain, including bauxite mining, alumina refining, primary aluminum production, and downstream processing of rolled and extruded products. In addition to its aluminum business, Hydro maintains a significant portfolio of hydropower assets to support its energy-intensive processes. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Norsk Hydro ASA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Norsk Hydro ASA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NOV Inc. (NYSE:NOV Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of Hold from the fifteen ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1 year price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $16.9231. NOV has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $21.00 price objective on shares of NOV in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Morgan Stanley set a $16.00 price target on shares of NOV in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of NOV from $16.00 to $17.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Barclays increased their target price on shares of NOV from $13.00 to $15.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a sell rating and issued a $17.00 price target on shares of NOV in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Get NOV alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on NOV Insiders Place Their Bets Institutional Inflows and Outflows In related news, Director Christian S. Kendall acquired 70,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The shares were purchased at an average price of $14.46 per share, for a total transaction of $1,012,200.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 85,949 shares in the company, valued at $1,242,822.54. The trade was a 438.90% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Corporate insiders own 2.08% of the companys stock. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC increased its holdings in shares of NOV by 1,845.9% in the third quarter. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC now owns 235,081 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $3,115,000 after purchasing an additional 223,000 shares during the period. Voya Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in NOV by 239.0% in the 3rd quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 141,506 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $1,875,000 after buying an additional 99,765 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLC increased its holdings in NOV by 111.3% in the 2nd quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 476,044 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $6,006,000 after buying an additional 250,705 shares during the period. Vest Financial LLC raised its position in NOV by 31.7% during the 3rd quarter. Vest Financial LLC now owns 379,056 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $5,022,000 after buying an additional 91,272 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. boosted its holdings in shares of NOV by 76.7% in the 3rd quarter. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. now owns 178,816 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $2,369,000 after acquiring an additional 77,605 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.27% of the companys stock. NOV Price Performance Shares of NOV opened at $18.42 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 1.71 and a current ratio of 2.55. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $16.27 and a 200-day moving average price of $14.35. NOV has a fifty-two week low of $10.84 and a fifty-two week high of $19.22. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.72 billion, a PE ratio of 18.42, a PEG ratio of 4.90 and a beta of 0.95. NOV (NYSE:NOV Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.24 by ($0.13). NOV had a net margin of 4.36% and a return on equity of 5.89%. NOVs revenue for the quarter was down .7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.33 EPS. Equities analysts predict that NOV will post 1.4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. NOV Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 19th. Investors of record on Friday, December 5th were given a dividend of $0.075 per share. This represents a $0.30 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. NOVs dividend payout ratio is currently 30.00%. NOV Company Profile (Get Free Report) National Oilwell Varco (NYSE: NOV) is a leading provider of equipment and technology to the oil and gas industry. The company designs, manufactures and services an extensive portfolio of products used in drilling, completion and production operations. Its offerings include drilling rigs and related components, wellbore technologies such as tubulars and completion tools, surface equipment including mud pumps and blowout preventers, and aftermarket parts and services that support ongoing field operations. NOVs business is organized to serve upstream energy companies around the world. Read More Receive News & Ratings for NOV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NOV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. lowered its stake in Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH Free Report) by 55.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,108 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 1,356 shares during the period. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co.s holdings in Parker-Hannifin were worth $837,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Quadrant Capital Group LLC lifted its holdings in Parker-Hannifin by 20.1% during the 2nd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 3,610 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $2,521,000 after buying an additional 604 shares during the last quarter. Procyon Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Parker-Hannifin by 158,565.9% in the third quarter. Procyon Advisors LLC now owns 5,069,374 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $3,843,346,000 after purchasing an additional 5,066,179 shares in the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich acquired a new stake in Parker-Hannifin during the second quarter worth approximately $733,000. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Parker-Hannifin by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 11,125,240 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $7,770,646,000 after buying an additional 101,476 shares in the last quarter. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in shares of Parker-Hannifin by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 2,075,234 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,449,496,000 after buying an additional 14,534 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.44% of the companys stock. Get Parker-Hannifin alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes PH has been the subject of a number of research reports. Truist Financial boosted their price target on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $977.00 to $1,097.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Argus reissued a buy rating and issued a $900.00 target price on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a report on Monday, November 10th. BNP Paribas Exane initiated coverage on Parker-Hannifin in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. They set an outperform rating and a $1,020.00 price target on the stock. Barclays increased their price objective on Parker-Hannifin from $950.00 to $990.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $869.00 to $941.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday. Seventeen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Parker-Hannifin presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $950.17. Insider Activity at Parker-Hannifin In other Parker-Hannifin news, VP Berend Bracht sold 3,507 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $864.58, for a total transaction of $3,032,082.06. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 2,580 shares in the company, valued at $2,230,616.40. This trade represents a 57.61% 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, COO Andrew D. Ross sold 2,488 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $894.81, for a total value of $2,226,287.28. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer owned 13,120 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,739,907.20. The trade was a 15.94% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 7,432 shares of company stock valued at $6,484,116. Insiders own 0.32% of the companys stock. Parker-Hannifin Trading Down 1.2% Shares of PH opened at $927.58 on Friday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $886.56 and its 200 day simple moving average is $798.60. Parker-Hannifin Corporation has a twelve month low of $488.45 and a twelve month high of $954.30. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. The firm has a market capitalization of $117.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.05, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.27 and a beta of 1.25. Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The industrial products company reported $7.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.62 by $0.60. The firm had revenue of $5.08 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.94 billion. Parker-Hannifin had a net margin of 18.17% and a return on equity of 27.23%. The companys revenue was up 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $6.20 EPS. Parker-Hannifin has set its FY 2026 guidance at 29.600-30.400 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 29.600-30.400 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Parker-Hannifin Corporation will post 26.71 earnings per share for the current year. Parker-Hannifin Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 6th will be given a dividend of $1.80 per share. This represents a $7.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 6th. Parker-Hannifins payout ratio is presently 25.65%. About Parker-Hannifin (Free Report) Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE: PH) is a global manufacturer and provider of motion and control technologies and systems. The company designs, manufactures and services a broad range of engineered components and systems used to control the movement and flow of liquids, gases and hydraulic power. Its product portfolio is applied across demanding environments and includes solutions for industrial manufacturing, aerospace, mobile equipment and other engineered applications. Parker-Hannifins product and service offerings span hydraulic and pneumatic components, fittings and fluid connectors, valves, pumps and motors, electromechanical actuators and motion-control systems, filtration and separation products, and seals and sealing systems. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Parker-Hannifin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Parker-Hannifin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PFG Investments LLC grew its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 12.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 14,047 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,587 shares during the quarter. PFG Investments LLCs holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $3,923,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in TSM. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. increased its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 6.8% during the 3rd quarter. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. now owns 2,019 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $558,000 after buying an additional 129 shares during the period. Latitude Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 13.2% in the third quarter. Latitude Advisors LLC now owns 3,694 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $1,032,000 after acquiring an additional 430 shares in the last quarter. Orion Capital Management LLC increased its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 95.0% during the third quarter. Orion Capital Management LLC now owns 195 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $54,000 after acquiring an additional 95 shares during the period. Dash Acquisitions Inc. raised its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 19.4% in the 3rd quarter. Dash Acquisitions Inc. now owns 1,409 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $430,000 after purchasing an additional 229 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jennison Associates LLC raised its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 4.5% in the 3rd quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 12,591,542 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $3,516,692,000 after purchasing an additional 544,750 shares in the last quarter. 16.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing this week: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Performance NYSE:TSM opened at $334.73 on Friday. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a twelve month low of $134.25 and a twelve month high of $351.33. The company has a quick ratio of 2.47, a current ratio of 2.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $303.97 and its 200 day simple moving average is $277.04. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.73 trillion, a PE ratio of 31.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.29. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The semiconductor company reported $14.32 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $32.50 billion during the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 45.13% and a return on equity of 36.18%. On average, analysts anticipate that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 EPS for the current fiscal year. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.9678 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. This is a boost from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. This represents a $3.87 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings payout ratio is presently 28.64%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have issued reports on TSM. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Itau BBA Securities initiated coverage on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. They set an outperform rating on the stock. UBS Group set a $330.00 target price on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Sunday, December 7th. Freedom Capital upgraded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, Argus raised shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $381.67. Read Our Latest Analysis on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing About Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is a leading pure-play semiconductor foundry that provides wafer fabrication and related services to the global semiconductor industry. Founded in 1987 by Morris Chang and headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, TSMC manufactures integrated circuits on behalf of fabless and integrated device manufacturers, offering contract chip production across a broad set of technologies and products. TSMCs service offering covers logic and mixed-signal process technologies, specialty processes for radio-frequency, power management and embedded memory, and advanced nodes used in mobile, high-performance computing and AI applications. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Principal Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:PFG Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $92.69 and last traded at $92.3550, with a volume of 342420 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $91.09. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Morgan Stanley set a $93.00 price target on shares of Principal Financial Group in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Barclays reaffirmed an underweight rating and set a $85.00 target price on shares of Principal Financial Group in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Evercore ISI increased their price target on Principal Financial Group from $92.00 to $94.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price objective on Principal Financial Group from $90.00 to $91.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Principal Financial Group from $74.00 to $85.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. One analyst has 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, the stock has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $92.88. Get Principal Financial Group alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Principal Financial Group Principal Financial Group Price Performance The company has a quick ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 0.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $88.13 and a 200-day simple moving average of $83.22. The stock has a market cap of $20.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.65, a PEG ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 0.89. Principal Financial Group (NYSE:PFG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The company reported $2.32 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.20 by $0.12. Principal Financial Group had a return on equity of 14.68% and a net margin of 9.74%.During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.05 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Principal Financial Group, Inc. will post 8.5 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, EVP Wee Yee Cheong sold 1,887 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.04, for a total transaction of $160,470.48. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 81,421 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,924,041.84. This represents a 2.27% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Deanna D. Strable-Soethout sold 300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.50, for a total transaction of $27,750.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 62,252 shares in the company, valued at $5,758,310. This represents a 0.48% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 1.08% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Principal Financial Group A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in PFG. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Principal Financial Group by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 27,345,064 shares of the companys stock worth $2,172,018,000 after buying an additional 97,149 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its stake in Principal Financial Group by 9.6% in the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 12,370,852 shares of the companys stock valued at $982,617,000 after buying an additional 1,083,991 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Principal Financial Group by 23.2% during the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 3,376,797 shares of the companys stock valued at $279,970,000 after acquiring an additional 636,334 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Principal Financial Group during the second quarter worth about $227,098,000. Finally, UBS Group AG increased its holdings in shares of Principal Financial Group by 62.3% in the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 2,023,880 shares of the companys stock worth $167,800,000 after acquiring an additional 776,997 shares during the period. 75.08% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Principal Financial Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Principal Financial Group, commonly known as Principal, is a global financial services company headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. The firm provides a broad range of retirement, investment management and insurance solutions for individual, employer and institutional clients. Its core businesses include retirement plan services and recordkeeping, asset management, and life and disability insurance, supported by distribution through employers, financial advisors and direct channels. On the retirement side, Principal offers 401(k) and other workplace retirement plans, individual retirement accounts and annuity products designed to help clients accumulate and manage retirement savings. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Principal Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Principal Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rakuten Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 22,909 shares of the business services providers stock, valued at approximately $1,868,000. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in OMC. Bollard Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Omnicom Group by 6.0% in the 2nd quarter. Bollard Group LLC now owns 2,569 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $185,000 after buying an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB lifted its position in Omnicom Group by 2.0% during the third quarter. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB now owns 7,330 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $598,000 after acquiring an additional 145 shares during the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. boosted its stake in Omnicom Group by 4.3% in the third quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 3,746 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $305,000 after acquiring an additional 156 shares in the last quarter. Resonant Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Omnicom Group by 2.7% in the second quarter. Resonant Capital Advisors LLC now owns 6,288 shares of the business services providers stock worth $457,000 after purchasing an additional 168 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Binnacle Investments Inc increased its position in shares of Omnicom Group by 17.7% during the second quarter. Binnacle Investments Inc now owns 1,124 shares of the business services providers stock worth $81,000 after purchasing an additional 169 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.97% of the companys stock. Get Omnicom Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley began coverage on Omnicom Group in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $88.00 price objective for the company. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Omnicom Group in a research note on Thursday. Bank of America restated an underperform rating and set a $77.00 price objective (down previously from $87.00) on shares of Omnicom Group in a report on Monday, January 5th. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Omnicom Group from $80.00 to $82.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Omnicom Group from $99.00 to $108.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $92.14. Omnicom Group Price Performance Shares of NYSE OMC opened at $79.81 on Friday. Omnicom Group Inc. has a 52 week low of $68.37 and a 52 week high of $89.35. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $77.26 and its 200 day moving average price is $76.41. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95. The firm has a market cap of $15.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.79, a P/E/G ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 0.74. Omnicom Group (NYSE:OMC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 21st. The business services provider reported $2.24 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.17 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $4.04 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.02 billion. Omnicom Group had a net margin of 8.31% and a return on equity of 33.30%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.03 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Omnicom Group Inc. will post 8.25 earnings per share for the current year. Omnicom Group Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 9th. Investors of record on Friday, December 19th were given a dividend of $0.80 per share. This is a boost from Omnicom Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.70. This represents a $3.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.0%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 19th. Omnicom Groups payout ratio is presently 47.27%. Omnicom Group Company Profile (Free Report) Omnicom Group Inc (NYSE: OMC) is a global marketing and corporate communications holding company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1986 through the merger of the BBDO, DDB and Needham Harper agencies, Omnicom has built a portfolio of leading brands and networks serving clients across diverse industries. The companys primary business activities encompass advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations, and customer relationship management. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OMC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Omnicom Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Omnicom Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. reduced its position in Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report) by 8.4% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 631,654 shares of the companys stock after selling 57,886 shares during the quarter. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Citigroup were worth $64,268,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in C. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Citigroup during the 2nd quarter valued at $2,455,929,000. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board increased its holdings in Citigroup by 47.4% in the 2nd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 4,334,407 shares of the companys stock worth $368,945,000 after acquiring an additional 1,393,865 shares during the last quarter. Natixis raised its stake in Citigroup by 382.7% in the 2nd quarter. Natixis now owns 1,523,782 shares of the companys stock valued at $129,704,000 after acquiring an additional 1,208,089 shares during the period. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. lifted its holdings in Citigroup by 63.3% during the second quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 3,085,496 shares of the companys stock valued at $262,637,000 after purchasing an additional 1,195,950 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Citigroup by 0.7% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 165,851,890 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,117,313,000 after purchasing an additional 1,148,451 shares during the last quarter. 71.72% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Citigroup alerts: Citigroup Stock Performance NYSE C opened at $113.71 on Friday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $112.04 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $102.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.99. Citigroup Inc. has a 1 year low of $55.51 and a 1 year high of $124.17. The stock has a market capitalization of $203.46 billion, a PE ratio of 16.31, a P/E/G ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 1.18. Citigroup Announces Dividend Citigroup ( NYSE:C Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The company reported $1.81 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.65 by $0.16. Citigroup had a net margin of 8.50% and a return on equity of 8.28%. The firm had revenue of $19.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.99 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.34 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts predict that Citigroup Inc. will post 7.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 2nd will be issued a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 2nd. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.1%. Citigroups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 34.43%. Key Headlines Impacting Citigroup Here are the key news stories impacting Citigroup this week: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In C has been the subject of several recent research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Citigroup from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $107.00 to $124.00 in a research note on Friday, December 12th. HSBC reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $87.00 price objective on shares of Citigroup in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Wolfe Research reissued an outperform rating and set a $141.00 target price on shares of Citigroup in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Citigroup in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company set a $150.00 price target on Citigroup in a report on Monday, January 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have given a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $125.56. Read Our Latest Report on Citigroup Citigroup Company 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. See Also 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. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. lowered its stake in Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC Free Report) by 6.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,293,959 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 165,838 shares during the period. Bank of America makes up 0.6% of Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd.s portfolio, making the stock its 28th largest holding. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Bank of America were worth $118,644,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Bank of America by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 148,176,755 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $6,982,863,000 after purchasing an additional 403,652 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Bank of America during the second quarter worth $5,091,641,000. Fisher Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Bank of America by 5.2% in the second quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 51,405,673 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,432,516,000 after acquiring an additional 2,557,943 shares during the period. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its stake in shares of Bank of America by 124.8% in the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 17,619,837 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $833,771,000 after acquiring an additional 9,782,208 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. increased its position in Bank of America by 5.3% during the third quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 17,438,466 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $899,650,000 after acquiring an additional 875,514 shares during the period. 70.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bank of America alerts: Bank of America Price Performance Bank of America stock opened at $51.75 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 0.80. Bank of America Corporation has a 52 week low of $33.06 and a 52 week high of $57.55. The stock has a market capitalization of $377.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.29. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $54.06 and a 200-day moving average of $51.33. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades 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 for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.96 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $4.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $27.73 billion. Bank of America had a return on equity of 11.07% and a net margin of 16.23%.Bank of Americas revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.82 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Several analysts have weighed in on BAC shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $58.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Bank of America from $59.00 to $71.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Hsbc Global Res raised Bank of America from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on Bank of America from $68.00 to $64.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, Dbs Bank raised Bank of America to a moderate buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-three have issued a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $59.74. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on BAC Key Bank of America News Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of America this week: Bank of America Company Profile (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation is a multinational financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides a broad array of banking, investment, asset management and related financial and risk management products and services to individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, large corporations, governments and institutional investors. The firm operates through consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking and markets businesses, offering capabilities across lending, deposits, payments, advisory and capital markets. Its consumer-facing offerings include checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity lending, auto loans, credit cards and small business banking, supported by a nationwide branch network and digital channels. 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. RLI Corp. (NYSE:RLI Get Free Report) COO Jennifer Klobnak acquired 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, January 23rd. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $57.99 per share, with a total value of $115,980.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer owned 100,318 shares in the company, valued at $5,817,440.82. The trade was a 2.03% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. RLI Stock Down 0.5% Shares of NYSE RLI opened at $56.97 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 0.35 and a current ratio of 0.32. RLI Corp. has a 1 year low of $55.80 and a 1 year high of $81.79. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $62.61 and its 200-day simple moving average is $64.44. The firm has a market cap of $5.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.07 and a beta of 0.54. Get RLI alerts: RLI (NYSE:RLI Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 21st. The insurance provider reported $0.94 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.76 by $0.18. RLI had a return on equity of 18.67% and a net margin of 21.43%.The firm had revenue of $465.69 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $447.53 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.41 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that RLI Corp. will post 3.08 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. RLI Announces Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 19th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 28th were given a dividend of $0.16 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 28th. This represents a $0.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. RLIs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 14.68%. A number of research analysts have commented on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of RLI from an underperform rating to a hold rating and set a $52.00 price objective on the stock in a research note on Friday. Citizens Jmp restated a market perform rating on shares of RLI in a research note on Friday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their price target on RLI from $85.00 to $81.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Truist Financial set a $58.00 price objective on RLI in a report on Friday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company set a $59.00 target price on RLI and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $65.20. View Our Latest Stock Report on RLI Trending Headlines about RLI Here are the key news stories impacting RLI this week: Positive Sentiment: RLI reported Q4 results that beat estimates (EPS $0.94 vs. ~$0.76 consensus) and topped revenue expectations; management cited solid investment income and expense control, supporting near-term earnings. Earnings Press Release / Transcript RLI reported Q4 results that beat estimates (EPS $0.94 vs. ~$0.76 consensus) and topped revenue expectations; management cited solid investment income and expense control, supporting near-term earnings. Positive Sentiment: Underwriting results were strong: underwriting income rose to about $71M for Q4 and the combined ratio was in the low-80s (~82.683%), indicating profitable core insurance operations that can support underwriting margins. Underwriting Income Article Underwriting results were strong: underwriting income rose to about $71M for Q4 and the combined ratio was in the low-80s (~82.683%), indicating profitable core insurance operations that can support underwriting margins. Positive Sentiment: RLI trimmed its catastrophe reinsurance purchases by $150M at the January renewal management is taking advantage of cheaper reinsurance pricing to lower reinsurance expense and retain more premium, which could boost margins if managed carefully. Reinsurance Renewal Article RLI trimmed its catastrophe reinsurance purchases by $150M at the January renewal management is taking advantage of cheaper reinsurance pricing to lower reinsurance expense and retain more premium, which could boost margins if managed carefully. Positive Sentiment: Management highlights disciplined underwriting and substantial book-value growth (~33%), signaling capital strength and a focus on profitable growth rather than top-line share grabbing in a competitive market. Business Strategy / Book Value Article Management highlights disciplined underwriting and substantial book-value growth (~33%), signaling capital strength and a focus on profitable growth rather than top-line share grabbing in a competitive market. Positive Sentiment: Jefferies moved RLI from Underperform to Hold on valuation grounds a modestly supportive analyst action that reduces near-term downside from that firms prior view. Jefferies Upgrade Jefferies moved RLI from Underperform to Hold on valuation grounds a modestly supportive analyst action that reduces near-term downside from that firms prior view. Neutral Sentiment: Citizens JMP reaffirmed a marketperform / MP rating neutral wording from another shop keeps analyst consensus cautious. Analyst Reaffirmation Citizens JMP reaffirmed a marketperform / MP rating neutral wording from another shop keeps analyst consensus cautious. Neutral Sentiment: Full earnings-call transcript is available for detail on reserves, reinsurance strategy and segment performance for investors who want to dig into management commentary. Earnings Call Transcript Full earnings-call transcript is available for detail on reserves, reinsurance strategy and segment performance for investors who want to dig into management commentary. Negative Sentiment: Some analysts (William Blair noted via TipRanks) keep a Hold stance, pointing to slowing premium growth and rising loss costs key headwinds that could dent future underwriting leverage and justify a cautious view. Analyst Note on Growth & Loss Trends Institutional Investors Weigh In On RLI A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of RLI. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in RLI by 1.6% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 9,138,072 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $595,985,000 after acquiring an additional 148,019 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its position in shares of RLI by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 8,750,315 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $570,696,000 after purchasing an additional 279,983 shares during the period. Maren Capital LLC lifted its holdings in shares of RLI by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter. Maren Capital LLC now owns 1,595,038 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $115,194,000 after purchasing an additional 42,985 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in RLI by 15.5% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,422,596 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $92,782,000 after purchasing an additional 191,020 shares during the period. Finally, Van Berkom & Associates Inc. boosted its position in RLI by 14.6% during the 3rd quarter. Van Berkom & Associates Inc. now owns 1,229,649 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $80,198,000 after purchasing an additional 156,241 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 77.89% of the companys stock. RLI Company Profile (Get Free Report) RLI Corporation (NYSE:RLI) is a specialty property and casualty insurance company focused on underwriting niche risks for businesses and individuals. Headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, the company operates through a network of independent agents and brokers, offering customized coverage solutions. RLIs approach emphasizes disciplined underwriting, targeted product development and strong customer service to maintain profitability and long-term growth. Founded in 1965 as Replacement Lens, Inc, RLI initially provided insurance for contact lens manufacturers before shifting its focus to specialty insurance in the 1980s. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for RLI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RLI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Santander Bank Polska S.A. (OTCMKTS:BKZHF Get Free Report) shot up 216.4% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $152.00 and last traded at $152.00. 100 shares changed hands during trading, The stock had previously closed at $48.0440. Santander Bank Polska Stock Performance The businesss 50 day moving average price is $49.74 and its 200-day moving average price is $46.96. Get Santander Bank Polska alerts: Santander Bank Polska Company Profile (Get Free Report) Santander Bank Polska SA is one of Polands leading banks, offering a full range of financial services to individual, corporate and institutional clients. The bank traces its origins to the 2001 merger of Bank Zachodni and Wielkopolski Bank Rozwoju, and it became part of the global Santander Group in 2011. Headquartered in Warsaw, Santander Bank Polska operates an extensive network of branches and digital platforms throughout the country. The banks core activities include retail banking, corporate banking and private banking. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Santander Bank Polska Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Santander Bank Polska and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Simplicity Wealth LLC acquired a new position in Two Harbors Investments Corp (NYSE:TWO Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 96,611 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $954,000. Simplicity Wealth LLC owned 0.09% of Two Harbors Investments as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in TWO. Mowery & Schoenfeld Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Two Harbors Investments in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. AlphaQuest LLC raised its stake in Two Harbors Investments by 240.4% during the second quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 3,370 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 2,380 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC boosted its holdings in Two Harbors Investments by 456.0% in the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 5,465 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $54,000 after acquiring an additional 4,482 shares in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP grew its stake in shares of Two Harbors Investments by 25.0% in the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 8,250 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $89,000 after acquiring an additional 1,651 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in shares of Two Harbors Investments during the third quarter valued at $107,000. 64.19% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Two Harbors Investments alerts: Two Harbors Investments Stock Down 0.3% TWO stock opened at $13.37 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $1.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -5.35 and a beta of 1.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.09. The businesss 50-day moving average is $10.96 and its two-hundred day moving average is $10.29. Two Harbors Investments Corp has a fifty-two week low of $9.30 and a fifty-two week high of $14.28. Two Harbors Investments Dividend Announcement Insider Activity at Two Harbors Investments The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 29th. Investors of record on Monday, January 5th will be issued a $0.34 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 5th. This represents a $1.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 10.2%. Two Harbors Investmentss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -54.40%. In other Two Harbors Investments news, CIO Nicholas Letica sold 55,488 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.42, for a total transaction of $633,672.96. Following the completion of the sale, the executive directly owned 166,507 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,901,509.94. This represents a 25.00% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Rebecca B. Sandberg sold 27,370 shares of Two Harbors Investments stock in a transaction on Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.43, for a total transaction of $312,839.10. Following the transaction, the insider owned 156,718 shares in the company, valued at $1,791,286.74. This represents a 14.87% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 129,389 shares of company stock valued at $1,483,046 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.70% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Two Harbors Investments from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. UBS Group cut Two Harbors Investments from a buy rating to a neutral rating and increased their price objective for the company from $11.00 to $14.00 in a research report on Friday. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Two Harbors Investments in a report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research cut shares of Two Harbors Investments from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Two Harbors Investments from $9.50 to $10.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $12.46. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Two Harbors Investments About Two Harbors Investments (Free Report) Two Harbors Investments Corp. is a mortgage real estate investment trust (mREIT) that primarily invests in residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) issued or guaranteed by government-sponsored enterprises, as well as non-agency residential mortgage loans, mortgage servicing rights and credit risk transfer securities. The company seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for its shareholders by employing leverage to enhance net interest income derived from its portfolio of high-quality fixed-income assets. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Two Harbors operates through a self-managed platform that combines portfolio management, risk-management and securitization expertise. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TWO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Two Harbors Investments Corp (NYSE:TWO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Two Harbors Investments Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Two Harbors Investments and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. South Atlantic Bancshares (OTCMKTS:SABK Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $0.62 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.56 by $0.06, Zacks reports. The company had revenue of $16.46 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.17 million. South Atlantic Bancshares Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:SABK opened at $20.00 on Friday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $19.30 and its 200 day simple moving average is $18.01. South Atlantic Bancshares has a fifty-two week low of $14.00 and a fifty-two week high of $21.93. The company has a market capitalization of $150.60 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.52 and a beta of 0.12. Get South Atlantic Bancshares alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Zacks Research lowered South Atlantic Bancshares from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 26th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold. South Atlantic Bancshares Company Profile (Get Free Report) South Atlantic Bancshares, Inc is the bank holding company for South Atlantic Bank, a Florida-based community bank that provides a comprehensive suite of financial services. The company operates through its subsidiary to offer personalized banking solutions designed for individuals, small businesses, and commercial clients. By focusing on relationship-driven banking, South Atlantic Bancshares aims to deliver tailored financial products that address the unique needs of its customers. The companys core offerings include a variety of deposit accounts, such as checking, savings and money market products, alongside lending solutions encompassing commercial real estate loans, construction financing, equipment loans and consumer mortgages. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for South Atlantic Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for South Atlantic Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (NYSEARCA:QUS Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Wednesday . 91,042 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 217% from the previous sessions volume of 28,689 shares.The stock last traded at $176.3540 and had previously closed at $174.27. SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF Stock Performance The company has a market cap of $1.57 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.46 and a beta of 0.89. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $174.31 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $170.20. Get SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in QUS. Great Point Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $15,220,000. Hershey Financial Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF in the second quarter worth $1,061,000. Goodman Advisory Group LLC lifted its stake in SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF by 7,076.6% in the second quarter. Goodman Advisory Group LLC now owns 47,222 shares of the companys stock worth $7,702,000 after acquiring an additional 46,564 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. IL boosted its holdings in SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF by 8.1% in the second quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 1,251 shares of the companys stock valued at $204,000 after acquiring an additional 94 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Paul R. Ried Financial Group LLC increased its position in SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF by 5.5% during the 2nd quarter. Paul R. Ried Financial Group LLC now owns 65,745 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,722,000 after purchasing an additional 3,445 shares during the period. About SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF The SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks comprising three equally weighted subindexes with value, quality and minimum volatility factor strategies. QUS was launched on Apr 16, 2015 and is managed by State Street. See Also Receive News & Ratings for SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sumitomo Chemcl (OTCMKTS:SOMMY Get Free Report)s share price gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $15.08, but opened at $14.60. Sumitomo Chemcl shares last traded at $14.60, with a volume of 117 shares trading hands. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Sumitomo Chemcl to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Sumitomo Chemcl alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on SOMMY Sumitomo Chemcl Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.69. The stock has a market cap of $5.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.01 and a beta of 0.23. The companys 50 day moving average price is $14.82 and its 200-day moving average price is $14.62. Sumitomo Chemcl (OTCMKTS:SOMMY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.92 earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $3.86 billion for the quarter. Sumitomo Chemcl had a return on equity of 7.54% and a net margin of 3.43%. Sumitomo Chemcl Company Profile (Get Free Report) Sumitomo Chemical Co, Ltd. is a diversified chemical company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Established in 1913 as part of the historic Sumitomo Group, the company has grown into a global industry leader, operating across multiple chemical and material science industries. It is listed in Japans premier equity markets and is available to U.S. investors via its American depositary receipts trading under the ticker SOMMY on the OTCMKTS exchange. The companys operations are organized into several core business segments, including petrochemicals, energy and functional materials, ITrelated chemicals, living materials, and health & crop sciences. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sumitomo Chemcl Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sumitomo Chemcl and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sydbank A/S (OTCMKTS:SYANY Get Free Report) was up 40.4% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $18.04 and last traded at $18.04. Approximately 277 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 39% from the average daily volume of 200 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.85. Sydbank A/S Price Performance The business has a 50-day moving average of $13.20 and a 200-day moving average of $13.07. Get Sydbank A/S alerts: About Sydbank A/S (Get Free Report) Sydbank A/S, founded in 1970 and headquartered in Aabenraa, Denmark, is among the countrys leading commercial banks. It offers a broad array of banking services to retail, corporate and institutional clients, including deposit accounts, lending solutions, mortgage financing and payment processing. The banks core activities also encompass trade finance and structured lending tailored to diverse sectors of the economy. In addition to its extensive branch network across Denmark, Sydbank maintains a presence in Germany, providing cross-border transaction support, international cash management and foreign exchange services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Sydbank A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sydbank A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Taseko Mines Limited (NYSE:TGB Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $7.49 and last traded at $7.4150, with a volume of 5904076 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $7.06. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating on shares of Taseko Mines in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $5.00. Get Taseko Mines alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Taseko Mines Taseko Mines Stock Up 6.0% Institutional Investors Weigh In On Taseko Mines The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.48, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a current ratio of 1.71. The stock has a market cap of $2.76 billion, a P/E ratio of -254.33 and a beta of 1.27. The firms 50-day moving average is $5.64 and its two-hundred day moving average is $4.38. Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Taseko Mines in the 1st quarter valued at about $65,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Taseko Mines by 198.9% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 988,072 shares of the companys stock worth $2,213,000 after acquiring an additional 657,477 shares during the period. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC raised its stake in Taseko Mines by 10.5% in the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 1,541,741 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,454,000 after acquiring an additional 146,154 shares during the period. Focus Partners Wealth boosted its position in Taseko Mines by 19.9% during the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 60,200 shares of the companys stock worth $135,000 after purchasing an additional 10,000 shares during the period. Finally, Sowell Financial Services LLC boosted its position in Taseko Mines by 8.7% during the second quarter. Sowell Financial Services LLC now owns 62,331 shares of the companys stock worth $196,000 after purchasing an additional 5,000 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 17.94% of the companys stock. Taseko Mines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Taseko Mines Ltd. is a Vancouverbased mining company primarily engaged in the exploration, development and production of copperbased projects. Its flagship operation is the Gibraltar copper mine in central British Columbia, which ranks among Canadas largest open pit copper producers. In addition to copper, Gibraltar yields byproducts such as molybdenum and silver, reflecting Tasekos focus on base and precious metals. Beyond Gibraltar, Taseko holds two advanced development assets. The Florence Copper project in Arizona employs an insitu recovery process to extract copper, positioning it as one of North Americas first largescale applications of this technology. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Taseko Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taseko Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas lifted its holdings in MasterBrand, Inc. (NYSE:MBC Free Report) by 80.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,924,823 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 856,342 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas owned about 1.52% of MasterBrand worth $25,350,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Pzena Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in MasterBrand by 45.3% during the second quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 4,154,751 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,411,000 after buying an additional 1,295,267 shares during the last quarter. Boston Partners increased its stake in shares of MasterBrand by 5.8% in the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 8,280,239 shares of the companys stock worth $90,632,000 after purchasing an additional 452,533 shares in the last quarter. Peregrine Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of MasterBrand in the 3rd quarter worth $5,390,000. Nixon Capital LLC raised its holdings in MasterBrand by 40.1% in the 3rd quarter. Nixon Capital LLC now owns 1,230,596 shares of the companys stock worth $16,207,000 after purchasing an additional 352,489 shares during the period. Finally, CSM Advisors LLC purchased a new position in MasterBrand during the second quarter valued at $2,793,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.32% of the companys stock. Get MasterBrand alerts: MasterBrand Trading Down 3.9% Shares of MBC stock opened at $12.57 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a current ratio of 1.87. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $11.42 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $12.06. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.59 billion, a PE ratio of 19.63 and a beta of 1.46. MasterBrand, Inc. has a 52-week low of $9.33 and a 52-week high of $18.15. Analyst Ratings Changes MasterBrand ( NYSE:MBC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.33 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.36 by ($0.03). MasterBrand had a return on equity of 10.88% and a net margin of 3.00%.The business had revenue of $698.90 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $678.60 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.40 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 2.7% on a year-over-year basis. MasterBrand has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.010-1.130 EPS. A number of analysts have commented on MBC shares. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of MasterBrand in a research report on Thursday. Wall Street Zen downgraded MasterBrand from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, MasterBrand presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $15.00. View Our Latest Stock Report on MasterBrand MasterBrand Company Profile (Free Report) MasterBrand Inc is one of the largest manufacturers of cabinetry and home storage solutions in North America. The company specializes in designing, producing and distributing kitchen and bath cabinetry for both new construction and the remodeling markets. Its offerings span a broad spectrum of styles and price points, serving homebuilders, home improvement retailers and independent dealers. MasterBrands product portfolio includes framed and frameless cabinet lines, bath vanities, closet systems and other organizational accessories. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MBC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for MasterBrand, Inc. (NYSE:MBC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for MasterBrand Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MasterBrand and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas trimmed its position in shares of Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:LDOS Free Report) by 12.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 154,784 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 21,811 shares during the quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas owned approximately 0.12% of Leidos worth $29,248,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in Leidos by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,528,630 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $556,677,000 after buying an additional 111,813 shares during the period. Boston Partners increased its position in Leidos by 3.7% in the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 2,909,142 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $460,203,000 after acquiring an additional 103,321 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its stake in shares of Leidos by 1.8% during the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 2,221,518 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $419,778,000 after acquiring an additional 39,378 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Leidos during the second quarter valued at $261,501,000. Finally, Alliancebernstein L.P. lifted its holdings in shares of Leidos by 64.4% during the second quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 1,529,261 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $241,256,000 after purchasing an additional 598,974 shares during the period. 76.12% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Leidos alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Leidos In related news, insider Elizabeth A. Porter sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $192.21, for a total transaction of $576,630.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 38,575 shares in the company, valued at $7,414,500.75. The trade was a 7.22% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.96% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Leidos Stock Performance Shares of Leidos stock opened at $191.07 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $188.95 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $183.69. Leidos Holdings, Inc. has a 1-year low of $123.62 and a 1-year high of $205.77. The company has a current ratio of 1.62, a quick ratio of 1.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94. The company has a market cap of $24.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.82, a PEG ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 0.58. Leidos (NYSE:LDOS Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The aerospace company reported $3.05 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.61 by $0.44. Leidos had a return on equity of 33.02% and a net margin of 8.11%.The company had revenue of $4.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.28 billion. Leidos has set its FY 2025 guidance at 11.450-11.75 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Leidos Holdings, Inc. will post 10.62 EPS for the current year. Leidos Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were given a dividend of $0.43 per share. This is a positive change from Leidoss previous quarterly dividend of $0.40. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 15th. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. Leidoss payout ratio is 16.04%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently weighed in on LDOS. Cantor Fitzgerald increased their price objective on Leidos from $185.00 to $225.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a hold rating and issued a $220.00 price target on shares of Leidos in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. UBS Group set a $204.00 price target on Leidos in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Leidos in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Citigroup upped their target price on Leidos from $218.00 to $232.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Leidos currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $213.09. Read Our Latest Analysis on Leidos Leidos Profile (Free Report) Leidos is an American technology and engineering company that provides services and solutions to government and commercial customers, with a strong focus on national security, defense, intelligence, and civil government markets. The company delivers systems integration, engineering, cybersecurity, software development, data analytics, cloud migration and managed IT services, as well as mission support for complex programs. Leidos work spans areas such as C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance), secure communications, sensors and systems engineering, and health IT solutions for public-sector healthcare programs. Leidos traces its corporate roots to Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and emerged as an independent, publicly traded company following a corporate separation in 2013. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Leidos Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Leidos and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas decreased its holdings in Veeva Systems Inc. (NYSE:VEEV Free Report) by 28.0% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 103,341 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 40,128 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas owned about 0.06% of Veeva Systems worth $30,786,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Wendell David Associates Inc. increased its stake in Veeva Systems by 19.7% in the 3rd quarter. Wendell David Associates Inc. now owns 23,214 shares of the technology companys stock worth $6,916,000 after buying an additional 3,823 shares during the period. iA Global Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in Veeva Systems by 26.4% in the 3rd quarter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. now owns 3,502 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,043,000 after buying an additional 731 shares during the period. FWG Holdings LLC boosted its position in Veeva Systems by 5.8% in the 3rd quarter. FWG Holdings LLC now owns 2,155 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $618,000 after buying an additional 118 shares during the period. Leelyn Smith LLC grew its stake in Veeva Systems by 5.1% in the 3rd quarter. Leelyn Smith LLC now owns 9,348 shares of the technology companys stock worth $2,785,000 after acquiring an additional 451 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Triad Wealth Partners LLC increased its position in shares of Veeva Systems by 13.5% during the third quarter. Triad Wealth Partners LLC now owns 927 shares of the technology companys stock worth $276,000 after acquiring an additional 110 shares during the period. 88.20% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Veeva Systems alerts: Veeva Systems Trading Down 1.5% Shares of NYSE:VEEV opened at $221.87 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $36.47 billion, a PE ratio of 43.16, a P/E/G ratio of 1.66 and a beta of 1.07. Veeva Systems Inc. has a 12-month low of $201.54 and a 12-month high of $310.50. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $232.59 and its 200-day simple moving average is $267.03. Veeva Systems ( NYSE:VEEV Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 20th. The technology company reported $2.04 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.95 by $0.09. Veeva Systems had a return on equity of 13.68% and a net margin of 27.93%.The firm had revenue of $0.81 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $792.37 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.75 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 16.0% on a year-over-year basis. Veeva Systems has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.930-7.93 EPS and its Q4 2026 guidance at 1.920-1.920 EPS. Research analysts predict that Veeva Systems Inc. will post 4.35 EPS for the current year. Veeva Systems announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock buyback plan on Monday, January 5th that permits the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the technology company to repurchase up to 5.5% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Insider Buying and Selling at Veeva Systems In other news, insider Thomas D. Schwenger sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $231.43, for a total value of $231,430.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 23,204 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,370,101.72. This trade represents a 4.13% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 10.30% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts recently issued reports on VEEV shares. Robert W. Baird boosted their price target on Veeva Systems from $314.00 to $319.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, November 21st. Barclays reduced their price objective on Veeva Systems from $325.00 to $305.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, November 21st. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Veeva Systems in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. They issued a sell rating and a $215.00 target price for the company. KeyCorp restated a sector weight rating on shares of Veeva Systems in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on Veeva Systems from $341.00 to $333.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Eighteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $308.04. Get Our Latest Report on VEEV Veeva Systems Profile (Free Report) Veeva Systems (NYSE: VEEV) is a cloud software company that develops industry-specific applications and data solutions for the global life sciences sector. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Pleasanton, California, Veeva focuses on helping pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and consumer health companies manage regulated content, clinical and regulatory processes, quality systems, and commercial operations in a compliant, cloud-native environment. The company completed its initial public offering in 2013 and has since expanded its product suite and international footprint. Veevas product portfolio centers on its Vault platform and related application suites, which provide content and data management, clinical trial and regulatory workflows, quality management, and structured commercial capabilities such as customer relationship management and promotional content management. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Veeva Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Veeva Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas lowered its position in shares of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC Free Report) by 34.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 39,006 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 20,396 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas holdings in Northrop Grumman were worth $23,767,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Coign Capital Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Northrop Grumman by 5.3% during the 3rd quarter. Coign Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,363 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $831,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares in the last quarter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in Northrop Grumman during the third quarter valued at $9,816,000. Quadrant Private Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Northrop Grumman during the third quarter worth about $256,000. Leelyn Smith LLC purchased a new position in Northrop Grumman during the third quarter worth about $356,000. Finally, CVA Family Office LLC increased its stake in Northrop Grumman by 9.7% in the 3rd quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 226 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $138,000 after acquiring an additional 20 shares during the last quarter. 83.40% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Northrop Grumman alerts: Northrop Grumman Trading Up 0.3% NOC stock opened at $672.67 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $96.00 billion, a PE ratio of 24.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.44 and a beta of 0.05. Northrop Grumman Corporation has a one year low of $426.24 and a one year high of $677.30. The companys 50 day moving average price is $587.92 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $582.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 1.11. Northrop Grumman Announces Dividend Northrop Grumman ( NYSE:NOC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 21st. The aerospace company reported $7.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.43 by $1.24. Northrop Grumman had a net margin of 9.82% and a return on equity of 25.49%. The company had revenue of $10.42 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.68 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $7.00 EPS. The firms revenue was up 4.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts predict that Northrop Grumman Corporation will post 28.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 17th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st were given a dividend of $2.31 per share. This represents a $9.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. Northrop Grummans dividend payout ratio is presently 33.24%. Insider Transactions at Northrop Grumman In other news, CEO Kathy J. Warden sold 7,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $600.00, for a total transaction of $4,200,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 194,602 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $116,761,200. This trade represents a 3.47% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Mark A. Welsh III sold 97 shares of Northrop Grumman stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $564.08, for a total value of $54,715.76. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 4,281 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,414,826.48. This represents a 2.22% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 10,097 shares of company stock worth $6,099,716 over the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.23% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have recently issued reports on NOC shares. BTIG Research lifted their price target on Northrop Grumman from $630.00 to $680.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Truist Financial reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $623.00 target price (down from $688.00) on shares of Northrop Grumman in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $700.00 price target on shares of Northrop Grumman and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Citigroup increased their price target on shares of Northrop Grumman from $654.00 to $715.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $714.00 price objective on shares of Northrop Grumman in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have issued a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $656.82. Get Our Latest Analysis on NOC Northrop Grumman Company Profile (Free Report) Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is a leading U.S.-based aerospace and defense company that designs, builds and sustains advanced systems, products and technologies for government and commercial customers. Formed through the combination of Northrop and Grumman businesses in the 1990s, the companys portfolio spans manned and unmanned aircraft, space systems, missile defense, radar and sensor systems, and integrated command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) solutions. The companys work includes airframe and platform manufacturing, space hardware and satellite systems, advanced mission systems and cybersecurity services, as well as logistics, sustainment and modernization programs. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NOC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Northrop Grumman Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Northrop Grumman and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. increased its position in shares of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK Free Report) by 13.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 36,040 shares of the banks stock after purchasing an additional 4,324 shares during the period. iA Global Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Bank of New York Mellon were worth $3,927,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Investment Management Corp of Ontario boosted its stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 25.9% in the second quarter. Investment Management Corp of Ontario now owns 125,506 shares of the banks stock valued at $11,435,000 after buying an additional 25,842 shares in the last quarter. First National Advisers LLC purchased a new position in Bank of New York Mellon in the third quarter worth $3,304,000. Permanent Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon in the third quarter valued at $2,262,000. First Horizon Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon during the 3rd quarter worth $22,072,000. Finally, Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. grew its stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 36.4% during the 3rd quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 2,166,052 shares of the banks stock worth $236,013,000 after purchasing an additional 577,621 shares during the period. 85.31% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Bank of New York Mellon Trading Down 2.1% Shares of BK stock opened at $117.71 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $115.93 and a 200 day moving average price of $108.48. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation has a twelve month low of $70.46 and a twelve month high of $125.89. The company has a market capitalization of $82.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.89, a PEG ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a current ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. Bank of New York Mellon Announces Dividend Bank of New York Mellon ( NYSE:BK Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The bank reported $1.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $5.07 billion for the quarter. Bank of New York Mellon had a net margin of 13.62% and a return on equity of 14.37%. Research analysts forecast that The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation will post 6.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be issued a $0.53 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.8%. Bank of New York Mellons payout ratio is 28.61%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth BK has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their target price on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $132.00 to $143.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Evercore ISI upped their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $91.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b+) rating on shares of Bank of New York Mellon in a report on Monday, December 29th. New Street Research set a $143.00 target price on Bank of New York Mellon in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $119.00 to $122.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Bank of New York Mellon presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $131.92. Read Our Latest Research Report on Bank of New York Mellon About Bank of New York Mellon (Free Report) Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon) is a global financial services company headquartered in New York City that provides a wide range of asset servicing, custody, and related financial infrastructure solutions to institutional clients. Its core businesses include custody and asset servicing, clearing and collateral management, treasury services, securities lending, corporate trust services, and depositary receipt administration. The company also offers investment management and advisory services through its asset management arm and provides technology-enabled solutions for trade processing, foreign exchange, and liquidity management. BNY Mellon serves a broad client base that includes asset managers, pension funds, corporations, banks, broker-dealers and sovereign entities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE:SHW Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the sixteen ratings firms that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $385.9375. Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $415.00 price target (down previously from $422.00) on shares of Sherwin-Williams in a report on Monday, January 12th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $410.00 target price on Sherwin-Williams and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Sherwin-Williams from $378.00 to $385.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Vertical Research raised Sherwin-Williams from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $371.00 price target for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Sherwin-Williams in a research note on Monday. Get Sherwin-Williams alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Sherwin-Williams Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sherwin-Williams Sherwin-Williams Stock Down 0.7% A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in Sherwin-Williams by 1.4% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 22,637,705 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $7,838,532,000 after acquiring an additional 309,153 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,111,157 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $1,746,222,000 after purchasing an additional 90,482 shares during the period. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main boosted its holdings in shares of Sherwin-Williams by 9.9% during the second quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 3,887,808 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $1,334,918,000 after purchasing an additional 351,453 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Sherwin-Williams in the second quarter valued at $1,296,565,000. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors increased its stake in Sherwin-Williams by 0.3% in the third quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 3,432,977 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $1,188,698,000 after purchasing an additional 11,560 shares during the last quarter. 77.67% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. SHW opened at $348.19 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.11, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a current ratio of 0.82. The company has a market cap of $86.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.97, a PEG ratio of 4.33 and a beta of 1.26. Sherwin-Williams has a one year low of $308.84 and a one year high of $379.65. The businesss fifty day moving average is $335.97 and its two-hundred day moving average is $343.73. Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The specialty chemicals company reported $3.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.44 by $0.15. Sherwin-Williams had a return on equity of 66.75% and a net margin of 11.05%.The business had revenue of $6.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.21 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.37 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 3.2% on a year-over-year basis. Sherwin-Williams has set its FY 2025 guidance at 11.250-11.450 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Sherwin-Williams will post 12 EPS for the current fiscal year. Sherwin-Williams Company Profile (Get Free Report) Sherwin-Williams (NYSE: SHW) is a global manufacturer and distributor of paints, coatings and related products. Founded in 1866 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the company supplies a broad range of coatings for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Its product offering includes architectural paints and stains, industrial and protective coatings, automotive finishes, and a variety of sundry products such as primers, sealants and specialty treatments used by professionals and consumers. The company sells through multiple channels, including a large network of company-operated retail paint stores that serve professional contractors and do-it-yourself consumers, as well as through distributors and mass retailers. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Sherwin-Williams Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sherwin-Williams and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jaime King was "blindsided" by her husband Austin Sosa filing for divorce. Jaime King's marriage to Austin Sosa appears set to end in divorce after less than a year The 46-year-old actress tied the knot with the investment banker in a secret ceremony after the pair got engaged last July but he is said to have filed paperwork to end the marriage after less than a year - much to the shock of the Hart of Dixie star. Jaime told Us Weekly: "I was completely blindsided by the divorce filing, which came out of nowhere. "I was with Austin the night before it became public, and while like many marriages we had normal challenges, I genuinely believed we were working on our relationship." King was recently seen with hotelier Vikram Chatwal but insists that the encounter was a "strictly professional business meeting". She said: "Any recent interactions being referenced publicly were strictly professional business meeting and have no connection to this private matter." Jaime stressed that she was "focused" on her children James, 12, and Leo, 10, whom she has with her first husband Kyle Newman, in the wake of the divorce. The White Chicks star added: "This is deeply personal and should remain private, and I hope people will stop making assumptions particularly ones that unfairly and disproportionately scrutinise women simply for doing their jobs." King had revealed in October that she was too busy looking after her sons to concentrate on planning a wedding. She told Us Weekly magazine: My main focus is them [the kids]. So my main focus is not necessarily planning some extravaganza. My focus is chilling with them, enjoying my time with them. "Enjoying their time with Austin and our other friends that love them so dearly. It would be too singular of a focus to make it just about a wedding. "To me, every day is about being very present. And you know, focusing on the children first and foremost. The wedding, its honestly not the main thing in terms of a ceremony. Its just a vow thats extremely important, and [being] happy and enjoying our time together. "The most important thing in regards to time with them is just being present. They just need presence, and they need to be heard and they need to be seen. "They need to know how much thats valued. As they get older and theyre going through puberty its like everything shifts and changes. So just showing up for them and the way that they need, and sowing upon them the correct morals, values just how to move through this world in a way, that theyre respectful and kind and gracious and loving." Freeport-McMoRan, Hecla Mining, Newmont, Barrick Mining, Pan American Silver, First Majestic Silver, and Coeur Mining are the seven Gold stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Gold stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose primary business is producing, exploring for, or otherwise gaining exposure to gold including miners, developers, and royalty/streaming firms. Investors buy gold stocks to gain leveraged exposure to changes in the gold price and potential company-specific upside, but they also face operational, geopolitical and management risks unique to the firms. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Gold stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) Freeport-McMoRan Inc. engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile. Hecla Mining (HL) Hecla Mining Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides precious and base metal properties in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and China. The company mines for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates, as well as carbon material containing silver and gold for custom smelters, metal traders, and third-party processors; and dore containing silver and gold. Read Our Latest Research Report on HL Newmont (NEM) Newmont Corporation engages in the production and exploration of gold. It also explores for copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company has operations and/or assets in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Suriname, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Ecuador, Fiji, and Ghana. Read Our Latest Research Report on NEM Barrick Mining (B) Barrick Gold Corporation is a sector-leading gold and copper producer. Its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GOLD and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ABX. In January 2019 Barrick merged with Randgold Resources and in July that year it combined its gold mines in Nevada, USA, with those of Newmont Corporation in a joint venture, Nevada Gold Mines, which is majority-owned and operated by Barrick. Read Our Latest Research Report on B Pan American Silver (PAAS) Pan American Silver Corp. engages in the exploration, mine development, extraction, processing, refining, and reclamation of silver, gold, zinc, lead, and copper mines in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. The company was formerly known as Pan American Minerals Corp. and changed its name to Pan American Silver Corp. Read Our Latest Research Report on PAAS First Majestic Silver (AG) First Majestic Silver Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of mineral properties with a focus on silver and gold production in North America. Its projects include the San Dimas mine covering an area of approximately 71,867 hectares located in Durango State, Mexico; the Santa Elena that covers an area of approximately 102,244 hectares located in Sonora State, Mexico; and the La Encantada covering an area of approximately 4,076 hectares located in Coahuila State, Mexico. Read Our Latest Research Report on AG Coeur Mining (CDE) Coeur Mining, Inc. explores for precious metals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, zinc, and lead properties. It markets and sells its concentrates to third-party customers, smelters, under off-take agreements. The company was formerly known as Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation and changed its name to Coeur Mining, Inc. Read Our Latest Research Report on CDE Read More Trek Financial LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ Free Report) by 323.6% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 67,819 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 51,809 shares during the period. Trek Financial LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF were worth $5,440,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of EWJ. LRI Investments LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Trust Co. of Vermont purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Morgan Dempsey Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF during the second quarter worth about $36,000. Front Row Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF in the second quarter worth approximately $44,000. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $51,000. 64.60% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get iShares MSCI Japan ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Japan ETF Price Performance EWJ stock traded down $0.30 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $84.56. The company had a trading volume of 13,050,380 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,408,985. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $82.65 and a 200-day moving average price of $80.43. The company has a market capitalization of $16.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.63 and a beta of 0.68. iShares MSCI Japan ETF has a 1 year low of $59.84 and a 1 year high of $86.00. iShares MSCI Japan ETF Profile iShares MSCI Japan ETF (the fund), formerly Ishares Msci Japan Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Japanese market, as measured by the MSCI Japan Index (the Index). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Japan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Japan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TrueMark Investments LLC bought a new stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 66,423 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,388,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its stake in shares of Altria Group by 62.5% in the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 16,395,070 shares of the companys stock valued at $954,446,000 after buying an additional 6,302,819 shares in the last quarter. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al bought a new position in Altria Group during the second quarter valued at approximately $126,471,000. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Altria Group by 1.0% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 159,717,148 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,364,216,000 after acquiring an additional 1,599,923 shares during the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP grew its position in Altria Group by 1,094.0% in the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 1,158,437 shares of the companys stock worth $67,919,000 after acquiring an additional 1,061,413 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp grew its position in Altria Group by 1.2% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 72,367,263 shares of the companys stock worth $4,315,438,000 after acquiring an additional 886,583 shares in the last quarter. 57.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Altria Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms recently issued reports on MO. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. UBS Group upgraded Altria Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the company from $61.00 to $63.00 in a report on Friday, January 9th. Argus upgraded Altria Group to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Altria Group in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Altria Group has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $62.56. Altria Group News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Altria Group this week: Altria Group Price Performance Shares of MO opened at $61.92 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $103.95 billion, a PE ratio of 11.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.38 and a beta of 0.47. Altria Group, Inc. has a one year low of $50.08 and a one year high of $68.60. The companys fifty day moving average price is $58.69 and its 200 day moving average price is $61.61. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.44 by $0.01. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 319.43% and a net margin of 37.89%.The company had revenue of $5.25 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.31 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.38 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Altria Group has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.370-5.45 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.32 earnings per share for the current year. Altria Group Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 9th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th were given a $1.06 dividend. This represents a $4.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 26th. Altria Groups payout ratio is currently 80.92%. Altria Group declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share buyback program on Thursday, October 30th that authorizes the company to buyback $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the company to buy up to 1.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are typically a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. About Altria Group (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc (NYSE: MO) is a U.S.-based consumer goods company whose principal business is the manufacture and sale of tobacco products. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the companys operations are focused primarily on the U.S. market and include the production, marketing and distribution of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigars. Its flagship cigarette franchise in the United States is sold through its operating subsidiaries and is among the most recognizable cigarette brands in the country. Altrias principal operating businesses include Philip Morris USA (cigarettes), U.S. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TrueMark Investments LLC acquired a new position in Riley Exploration Permian, Inc. (NYSE:REPX Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 111,650 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,027,000. TrueMark Investments LLC owned 0.51% of Riley Exploration Permian as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. North Star Investment Management Corp. purchased a new position in shares of Riley Exploration Permian in the 3rd quarter valued at about $840,000. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al acquired a new stake in Riley Exploration Permian in the third quarter valued at approximately $236,000. Ethic Inc. increased its position in shares of Riley Exploration Permian by 13.6% in the third quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 18,294 shares of the companys stock valued at $496,000 after buying an additional 2,197 shares in the last quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC raised its stake in shares of Riley Exploration Permian by 18.8% during the 3rd quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 10,360 shares of the companys stock worth $281,000 after buying an additional 1,637 shares during the period. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its stake in shares of Riley Exploration Permian by 442.4% during the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 4,231 shares of the companys stock worth $111,000 after buying an additional 3,451 shares during the period. 58.91% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Riley Exploration Permian alerts: Riley Exploration Permian Stock Down 1.4% NYSE REPX opened at $27.17 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $26.68 and a 200 day moving average price of $26.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 0.70. The company has a market cap of $596.90 million, a P/E ratio of 4.82 and a beta of 1.03. Riley Exploration Permian, Inc. has a one year low of $21.98 and a one year high of $36.18. Riley Exploration Permian Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 5th. Investors of record on Thursday, January 22nd will be given a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 22nd. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.9%. Riley Exploration Permians payout ratio is presently 39.12%. Riley Exploration Permian declared that its board has authorized a share buyback program on Tuesday, December 16th that authorizes the company to buyback $100.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the company to reacquire up to 18% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are usually a sign that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently commented on REPX shares. Roth Mkm assumed coverage on shares of Riley Exploration Permian in a report on Monday, October 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $36.00 price target for the company. William Blair initiated coverage on shares of Riley Exploration Permian in a research report on Friday, November 21st. They issued an outperform rating on the stock. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of Riley Exploration Permian from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and one has given a Buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Riley Exploration Permian presently has an average rating of Strong Buy and an average price target of $36.00. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Riley Exploration Permian Insider Transactions at Riley Exploration Permian In related news, CEO Bobby Riley sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.91, for a total transaction of $518,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 349,431 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,053,757.21. This represents a 5.41% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Corey Neil Riley sold 3,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.87, for a total transaction of $87,045.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 162,065 shares in the company, valued at $4,030,556.55. This trade represents a 2.11% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 36,000 shares of company stock worth $918,370 over the last 90 days. 4.70% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Riley Exploration Permian (Free Report) Riley Exploration Permian, Inc (NYSE:REPX) is a special purpose acquisition company formed to identify, acquire and operate assets in the oil and natural gas sector, with a dedicated focus on the Permian Basin. Incorporated in Delaware, the company completed its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange and is positioned to pursue a business combination with one or more upstream or midstream energy businesses. Riley Exploration Permians strategy centers on leveraging the regions prolific reservoirs and existing infrastructure to drive growth and value for its shareholders. The company seeks to target exploration and production assets in both the Midland and Delaware sub-basins of West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, where extensive pipeline networks and favorable geologic characteristics support efficient development. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding REPX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Riley Exploration Permian, Inc. (NYSE:REPX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Riley Exploration Permian Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Riley Exploration Permian and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE:UCB Get Free Report) CAO Alan Kumler sold 12,043 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, January 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $35.36, for a total transaction of $425,840.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 21,096 shares of the companys stock, valued at $745,954.56. This represents a 36.34% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. United Community Banks Stock Down 3.5% United Community Banks stock opened at $33.89 on Friday. United Community Banks, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $22.93 and a fifty-two week high of $35.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a current ratio of 0.81. The company has a market capitalization of $4.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.98 and a beta of 0.83. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $32.00 and a 200-day simple moving average of $31.49. Get United Community Banks alerts: United Community Banks (NYSE:UCB Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The company reported $0.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.73 by ($0.02). United Community Banks had a return on equity of 9.49% and a net margin of 21.35%.The firm had revenue of $278.39 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $273.80 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.61 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. United Community Banks Dividend Announcement United Community Banks announced that its board has approved a stock repurchase plan on Monday, December 8th that allows the company to repurchase $100.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the company to reacquire up to 2.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are generally an indication that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 5th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were issued a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 15th. United Community Bankss payout ratio is presently 38.31%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On United Community Banks A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its holdings in United Community Banks by 7.0% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 55,319 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,557,000 after purchasing an additional 3,617 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of United Community Banks by 176.2% in the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 26,530 shares of the companys stock valued at $746,000 after buying an additional 16,925 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of United Community Banks by 4.6% in the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 71,211 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,003,000 after buying an additional 3,115 shares in the last quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd purchased a new position in United Community Banks in the first quarter worth $219,000. Finally, United Services Automobile Association purchased a new position in United Community Banks in the first quarter worth $204,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.29% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have issued reports on UCB. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price objective on shares of United Community Banks from $34.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of United Community Banks from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Stephens boosted their price target on United Community Banks from $37.00 to $39.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of United Community Banks in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, DA Davidson lifted their target price on United Community Banks from $38.00 to $39.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating and three have given 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 $37.50. Get Our Latest Analysis on United Community Banks United Community Banks Company Profile (Get Free Report) United Community Banks, Inc (NYSE: UCB) is a bank holding company headquartered in Blairsville, Georgia. It operates primarily through its subsidiary, United Community Bank, providing a broad range of banking and financial services to individual, business and governmental customers. The companys core offerings include deposit accounts, commercial and consumer lending, mortgage origination, treasury and cash management services, and wealth management. In addition to traditional banking products such as checking, savings and money market accounts, United Community Bank specializes in commercial real estate financing, small business administration (SBA) loans, equipment financing and agricultural lending. See Also Receive News & Ratings for United Community Banks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United Community Banks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UNIVEST FINANCIAL Corp lessened its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report) by 33.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 13,254 shares of the energy producers stock after selling 6,733 shares during the quarter. UNIVEST FINANCIAL Corps holdings in ConocoPhillips were worth $1,254,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Primecap Management Co. CA raised its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 66.0% during the 2nd quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA now owns 7,883,455 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $707,461,000 after buying an additional 3,135,315 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its position in ConocoPhillips by 31.4% in the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 10,778,664 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $966,267,000 after acquiring an additional 2,575,803 shares in the last quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips by 6,156.1% during the second quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 1,508,169 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $135,343,000 after purchasing an additional 1,484,062 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP lifted its position in shares of ConocoPhillips by 146.6% during the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 2,315,757 shares of the energy producers stock worth $207,816,000 after purchasing an additional 1,376,509 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips by 8,148.3% in the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 917,788 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $82,362,000 after purchasing an additional 906,661 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.36% of the companys stock. Get ConocoPhillips alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms recently issued reports on COP. Evercore ISI dropped their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $115.00 to $111.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 6th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their target price on ConocoPhillips from $110.00 to $105.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, December 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on ConocoPhillips from $108.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday. Susquehanna lowered their price objective on ConocoPhillips to $113.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Raymond James Financial lifted their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $98.00 to $113.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday. Sixteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $110.61. Key Stories Impacting ConocoPhillips Here are the key news stories impacting ConocoPhillips this week: Insider Buying and Selling at ConocoPhillips In other news, CEO Ryan Michael Lance sold 500,708 shares of ConocoPhillips stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.50, for a total value of $46,315,490.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 325,972 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $30,152,410. The trade was a 60.57% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director William H. Mcraven acquired 5,768 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 10th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $86.68 per share, with a total value of $499,970.24. Following the transaction, the director owned 5,768 shares in the company, valued at approximately $499,970.24. The trade was a increase in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. 0.24% of the stock is owned by insiders. ConocoPhillips Stock Up 1.5% Shares of ConocoPhillips stock opened at $98.34 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $93.40 and a 200 day moving average price of $93.03. ConocoPhillips has a fifty-two week low of $79.88 and a fifty-two week high of $106.20. The firm has a market cap of $121.52 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.91, a P/E/G ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 0.32. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The energy producer reported $1.61 EPS for the quarter, topping 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 during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.51 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.78 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. ConocoPhillips Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th were issued a $0.84 dividend. This is a boost from ConocoPhillipss previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. This represents a $3.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 17th. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio is presently 47.52%. ConocoPhillips Profile (Free Report) ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) is a Houston-based international energy company focused on exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Formed in 2002 through the merger of Conoco Inc and Phillips Petroleum Company, the firm operates as an independent upstream company that explores for, develops and produces crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids across a portfolio of global assets. The companys activities span conventional and unconventional resources and include onshore and offshore operations in multiple regions around the world. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ConocoPhillips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConocoPhillips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Warpaint London PLC (LON:W7L Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week low on Thursday . The stock traded as low as GBX 175 and last traded at GBX 182.50, with a volume of 306071 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 179. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their target price on Warpaint London from GBX 700 to GBX 440 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Warpaint London has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 475. Get Warpaint London alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Warpaint London Warpaint London Stock Performance About Warpaint London The company has a quick ratio of 1.56, a current ratio of 3.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.55. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 194.95 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 253.57. The company has a market capitalization of 154.30 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.68 and a beta of 0.60. (Get Free Report) Warpaint London PLC, together with its subsidiaries, provides color cosmetics. It operates through two segments, Branded and Close-Out. The company offers its cosmetic skincare products under the W7, Technic, Man'stuff, Body Collection, Very Vegan, and Chit Chat brand names. It also provides supply chain management services. Warpaint London PLC sells its products to retailers, distributors, supermarkets, and retail chains, as well as through online. The company operates in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Spain, Denmark, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Warpaint London Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Warpaint London and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Westfuller Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund acquired 1,203 shares of the credit services providers stock, valued at approximately $684,000. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. LGT Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in Mastercard in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in Mastercard during the second quarter valued at about $29,000. Robbins Farley increased its stake in shares of Mastercard by 50.0% during the 3rd quarter. Robbins Farley now owns 54 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 18 shares during the last quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Mastercard in the second quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC increased its stake in shares of Mastercard by 45.2% in the second quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 61 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 19 shares in the last quarter. 97.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Mastercard alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts have recently commented on the stock. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Mastercard from $690.00 to $700.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Macquarie increased their price target on shares of Mastercard from $655.00 to $660.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Mastercard from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, December 14th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price target on Mastercard from $645.00 to $654.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Hsbc Global Res raised Mastercard from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-one have issued a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $661.24. Key Mastercard News Here are the key news stories impacting Mastercard this week: Positive Sentiment: Compass Point analyst upgrade and higher price target lift sentiment for MA; the firm moved Mastercard from Neutral to Buy and raised its target (reported via TheFly / InsiderMonkey), supporting upside expectations. Read More. Compass Point analyst upgrade and higher price target lift sentiment for MA; the firm moved Mastercard from Neutral to Buy and raised its target (reported via TheFly / InsiderMonkey), supporting upside expectations. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Zacks previews next weeks earnings and expects Mastercard to have the attributes for an earnings beat, which could be a catalyst if results and guidance exceed market forecasts. Read More. Zacks previews next weeks earnings and expects Mastercard to have the attributes for an earnings beat, which could be a catalyst if results and guidance exceed market forecasts. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Mastercards partnership with Agoda enables instant travel redemptions in loyalty programs, accelerating experience-driven, digital-first rewardspotentially increasing cardholder engagement and merchant/issuer revenue. Read More. Mastercards partnership with Agoda enables instant travel redemptions in loyalty programs, accelerating experience-driven, digital-first rewardspotentially increasing cardholder engagement and merchant/issuer revenue. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Brand and premium-placement news: ONEflight International becomes the Official Private Aviation Partner of the McLarenMastercard F1 Teamhigh-visibility partnership that supports Mastercards premium/brand strategy. Read More. Brand and premium-placement news: ONEflight International becomes the Official Private Aviation Partner of the McLarenMastercard F1 Teamhigh-visibility partnership that supports Mastercards premium/brand strategy. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Product/acceptance expansion: Phuket Smart Bus adds contactless card payments with Mastercardincremental adoption in tourism markets supports transaction volume growth in travel-related corridors. Read More. Product/acceptance expansion: Phuket Smart Bus adds contactless card payments with Mastercardincremental adoption in tourism markets supports transaction volume growth in travel-related corridors. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Marketing leadership changes: Mastercard named Alexandra Sloane VP of integrated marketing & communications and also appointed an Optus executive as VP of marketing/comms (Australia). These hires support brand/communications execution but are unlikely to move fundamentals nearterm. Read More. Read More. Marketing leadership changes: Mastercard named Alexandra Sloane VP of integrated marketing & communications and also appointed an Optus executive as VP of marketing/comms (Australia). These hires support brand/communications execution but are unlikely to move fundamentals nearterm. Read More. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Routine calendar item: Mastercard is scheduled to release quarterly earnings on Thursdayinvestors are positioning ahead of the print, increasing sensitivity to any guidance or beats/misses. Read More. Routine calendar item: Mastercard is scheduled to release quarterly earnings on Thursdayinvestors are positioning ahead of the print, increasing sensitivity to any guidance or beats/misses. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Legal/partner risk: London fintech Guavapays founder resigned ahead of a court battle with Mastercardthis could indicate localized legal or reputational frictions, though direct financial impact appears limited at this stage. Read More. Mastercard Price Performance Mastercard stock opened at $524.67 on Friday. Mastercard Incorporated has a 52-week low of $465.59 and a 52-week 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 firm has a market capitalization of $471.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.55, a PEG ratio of 1.81 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $554.82 and a 200-day simple moving average of $565.33. 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 the consensus estimate of $4.31 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $8.60 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.53 billion. Mastercard had a return on equity of 202.03% and a net margin of 45.28%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 16.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $3.89 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 EPS for the current fiscal year. Mastercard Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be paid a $0.87 dividend. This is a boost from Mastercards previous quarterly dividend of $0.76. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 9th. Mastercards payout ratio is currently 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 Stories 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. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd increased its holdings in shares of Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS Free Report) by 43.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 84,902 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 25,889 shares during the quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltds holdings in Zoetis were worth $12,423,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Zoetis by 496.6% during the 3rd quarter. Halbert Hargrove Global Advisors LLC now owns 173 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 144 shares during the period. REAP Financial Group LLC grew its holdings in Zoetis by 201.5% in the second quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 196 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 131 shares during the period. NewSquare Capital LLC increased its position in Zoetis by 69.1% during the second quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 208 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 85 shares during the last quarter. ORG Partners LLC increased its position in Zoetis by 56.8% during the second quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 232 shares of the companys stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 84 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Financial Consulate Inc. purchased a new position in Zoetis during the third quarter worth approximately $39,000. 92.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Zoetis alerts: More Zoetis News Here are the key news stories impacting Zoetis this week: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth ZTS has been the subject of several research reports. Morgan Stanley set a $160.00 price objective on shares of Zoetis in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. HSBC set a $140.00 target price on Zoetis in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Piper Sandler restated a neutral rating and set a $135.00 price target (down from $190.00) on shares of Zoetis in a research note on Thursday. KeyCorp initiated coverage on Zoetis in a report on Thursday, November 20th. They issued a sector weight rating on the stock. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price objective on Zoetis from $140.00 to $130.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Five investment 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, Zoetis presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $152.91. Get Our Latest Research Report on ZTS Zoetis Trading Down 0.3% Shares of ZTS opened at $124.04 on Friday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $123.58 and its two-hundred day moving average is $138.43. The stock has a market cap of $54.66 billion, a PE ratio of 20.88, a P/E/G ratio of 2.16 and a beta of 0.97. Zoetis Inc. has a 12 month low of $115.25 and a 12 month high of $177.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31, a current ratio of 3.64 and a quick ratio of 2.28. Zoetis (NYSE:ZTS Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $1.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.62 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $2.40 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.42 billion. Zoetis had a return on equity of 57.19% and a net margin of 28.21%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up .5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.58 earnings per share. Zoetis has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.300-6.400 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Zoetis Inc. will post 6.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Zoetis Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 3rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be paid a dividend of $0.53 per share. This is an increase from Zoetiss previous quarterly dividend of $0.50. This represents a $2.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 20th. Zoetiss payout ratio is 35.69%. Zoetis Profile (Free Report) Zoetis Inc (NYSE: ZTS) is a global animal health company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of products and services for companion animals and livestock. The companys offerings include pharmaceuticals, vaccines and biologics, parasiticides and anti-infectives, as well as diagnostic instruments, consumables and laboratory testing services. Zoetis serves the veterinary community, livestock producers and other animal-health customers with products designed to prevent, detect and treat disease and to support animal productivity and welfare. Zoetis traces its roots to the animal health business of Pfizer and became an independent, publicly traded company following a 2013 separation and initial public offering. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ZTS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Zoetis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zoetis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code R-Day security | NEW DELHI, Jan 24 : More than 30,000 police personnel and over 70 companies of paramilitary forces will be deployed across the National capital to secure Republic Day celebrations, officials said on Friday. In a first, security forces will use AI-enabled smart glasses equipped with facial recognition system (FRS) and thermal imaging technology. The Indian-made smart glasses will be linked in real-time to a police database of criminals, suspected and proclaimed offenders. This will allow personnel on the ground to identify individuals in crowded areas instantly. "The wearable devices will connect to mobile phones used by police officers, giving them access to the criminal database," Additional Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla said. He explained that a green box appears on the device if a person has no criminal history, while a red box signals a criminal record. The security grid includes multi-layered barricading and six layers of checking and frisking. Thousand of CCTV cameras, including those with FRS, have been installed in the New Delhi. Mobile vehicles equipped with FRS will also be deployed at various points. "Delhi Police is well prepared to tackle any kind of situation," Mahla said, adding that mock drills are being conducted with multiple security agencies. Of the total deployment, 10,000 personnel will be stationed specifically in the New Delhi. The DCPs of all districts are properly briefed about the security arrangements. Police officers would remain on high alert and promptly report any suspicious activity immediately, he said. Another officer said approximately 4,000 rooftop security points have been identified across the New Delhi, North and Central districts. About 500 high-resolution AI cameras are being installed along the parade route and surrounding areas. All attendees of the Republic Day parade will be provided with security stickers. Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) have completed route surveys and anti-sabotage checks. Vigilance has been increased in high-footfall areas such as bus stops, railway station and popular markets. Preventive measures currently underway include tenant and servant verification drives across the city. Police are also holding "eyes and ears" awareness sessions with auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, vendors, and local service providers. Interstate coordination meeting are being held between the Delhi Police and their counterparts in neighbouring states to facilitate information sharing and joint preparedness. NDTV The second Global Buddhist Summit, convened by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Culture, began on Saturday at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The two-day conference brings together Buddhist leaders, policymakers, and scholars from across the globe under the theme, Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence. Moving beyond historical reflection, the summit looks at contemporary global challenges through the lens of Buddha Dhamma. Reflecting concerns over growing global fragmentation, the opening session examined Collective Wisdom and United Voice for Social Harmony. This was followed by a second session on Entrepreneurship and Right Livelihood in Buddha Dhamma. Speaking at the opening session, the former foreign minister of Thailand, Maris Sangiampongsa, reflected on on how his country served as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia, along with Japan and South Korea. Buddhism, in particular, provides a powerful civilisational link between our countries. While Orthodox Christianity remains the most widely practised religion in Russia, the country is also home to three Buddhist republics: Buryatia, Tuva, and Kalmykia. Reflecting on the Soviet period, when state-promoted atheism severely constrained religious practice, Dzgambinov Ochir Vladimirovich, Deputy Head of Government of the Republic of Kalmykia, said that the collapse of the Soviet Union left the region with almost no functioning monasteries and very few monks". However, we managed to preserve our faith, he said, adding that new monasteries are now being built and that Buddhism has been officially recognised by the Russian government as one of the countrys traditional religions. In that regard, Chowmna Mein, the deputy chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, pointed out how both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism are practised in the state. There is no competition, only mutual respect. Both traditions flourish side by side, embedded in daily life and community practice, he said. Meanwhile, Daw Nu Mra Zan, Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs, Myanmar, underscored the centrality of Pali, noting that the ancient language continues to be extensively studied in the country. The conversation then steered towards entrepreneurship, where a question emerged: Can Buddhists amass wealth? On the second and final day, the summit will focus on other contemporary issues such as 'Scientific Research', 'Healthcare', 'Medicine and Sustainable Living', 'Learning in the Light of Buddha Dhamma', and 'Sangha Dynamics, Including Roles, Rituals and Practice'. European countries refused to impose tariffs on India because of the upcoming Free Trade Agreement set to be signed by the two sides, claimed US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. In an interview given to Poilitico, Bessent said the US might mull rolling back 25 per cent tariffs imposed on India amid drop in Russian oil imports. "We put 25 per cent tariffs on India for buying Russian oil. And the Indian purchases by their refineries of Russian oil have collapsed. So that is a success. The tariffs are still on. The 25 per cent Russian oil tariffs are still on," Bessent told the news outlet. THE TRUMP TARIFF EFFECT: INDIA PIVOTS ON RUSSIAN OIL US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed at Davos 2026 that the 25% tariff penalty is working. India has significantly "geared down" its Russian crude intake to avoid a cumulative 50% trade tax. While New Delhi pic.twitter.com/V0m2j0nrO2 RAJAT (@RajatJain) January 24, 2026 He then said the USA's "Our virtue-signalling European allies refused to do it (impose tariffs) because they wanted to sign this big trade deal with India." Bessent alleged that Europe is financing Russia's war by buying the oil refined in India. "In the ultimate act of irony and stupidity, guess who was buying the refined products from the Indian refineries made from Russian oil. The Europeans. They are financing the war against themselves," he added. This comes as the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are set to hold summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on January 27. At the summit, India and the EU are set to announce the conclusion of the much-awaited Free Trade Agreement. They will also finalise a strategic defence partnership pact and a framework for mobility of Indian professionals. During the financial year 2024-25, the trade between India and the EU was worth about $136 billion. This included exports worth $76 billion and imports worth $60 billion. US President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened Canadian PM Mark Carney with 100 per cent tariffs to dissuade him from signing a trade deal with China. Addressing him as 'Governor Carney', Trump warned in a Truth Social post that "China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it". He also claimed that the 100 per cent tariff threat was to prevent Canada from becoming a "Drop Off Point" for the entry of Chinese goods into the US. This comes a week after reports of trade deal negotiations between Canada and China, which the former had once called its "biggest security threat", as well as uncertainty over ties with the US. The deal would see Canada ease tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, which it had imposed simultaneously with the US in 2024. In exchange, China would lower the retaliatory tariffs on key Canadian agricultural products. Trump's tariff threat makes a marked shift from his earlier approval of the deal, when he stated that it was what Carney should be doing and its a good thing for him to sign a trade deal". This shift comes amid worsening tensions with the US over Trump's plans to acquire Greenland, which threaten the future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and has led to an escalating war of words with Carney. Canada lives because of the United States," Trump had said while in Davos, Switzerland, for the 2026 edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF). Carney hit back, praising his country's self-reliance, the fact that America's dominant role in the world was fading, and that it was time for a "new global order" to take shape. Notably, Canadalike Greenlandhas been part of Trump's ambitions, with the US president often suggesting in his second term in office that Canada ought to be the 51st US state. The altered map of the United States that Trump posted recentlywith Canada, Venezuela, Greenland and Cuba as a part of its territorywas the latest step in this direction. As for their own trade ties, Washington and Ottawa have yet to reach a deal to reduce the tariffs that the US had imposed on key sectors of the Canadian economy. Full dress rehearsal of Republic Day parade conducted on Kartavya Path amid rain. pic.twitter.com/LmlLvyY75y News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) January 23, 2026 It was earlier confirmed that a formation flight named after 'Operation Sindoor', comprising Rafale, Su-30, Jaguar, and MiG-29 fighter jets, will be part of the Indian Air Force's Republic Day flypast. The flypast will also carry the flag to commemorate India's high-precision tri-services military campaign. READ HERE | Indian Air Force to showcase air dominance with 'Sindoor' formation in Republic Day spectacle Now, new reports indicate that the parade on 26 January will also witness the debut of the Shaktiban Regiment as well as the Bhairav light commando battalion. The dominant theme of this year's parade is 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'. An officer of the rank of Colonel will lead a small EU contingent mounted on a vehicle, and following him will be four flag-bearers riding two different vehicles. The Republic Day Parade will begin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage to bravehearts at the National War Memorial here. Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff, Delhi Area, told reporters here that about 6,000 defence personnel will be part of the parade. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India Here are some exciting debuts set to be the highlights of the parade: Suryastra Rocket Launcher System: The rocket launcher system 'Suryastra' with deep-strike capabilities, the newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion, and Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels will be part of the Republic Day Parade for the first time, officials said on Friday. The rocket launcher system 'Suryastra' with deep-strike capabilities, the newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion, and Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels will be part of the Republic Day Parade for the first time, officials said on Friday. 61 Cavalry in Battle Gear: For the first time, the contingent members of the Mounted 61 Cavalry will don battle gear during the parade. Captain Ahaan Kumar, 26, a third-generation officer, will once again lead the contingent of the iconic 61 Cavalry. Hanoverian breed 'Ranveer' will be his charger. "Last year, we wore our ceremonial uniform and carried a sword. This time, we are seen in our battle gear, so it feels like a new experience in this parade too," Captain Ahaan reportedly told PTI. For the first time, the contingent members of the Mounted 61 Cavalry will don battle gear during the parade. Captain Ahaan Kumar, 26, a third-generation officer, will once again lead the contingent of the iconic 61 Cavalry. Hanoverian breed 'Ranveer' will be his charger. "Last year, we wore our ceremonial uniform and carried a sword. This time, we are seen in our battle gear, so it feels like a new experience in this parade too," Captain Ahaan reportedly told PTI. Hypersonic firepower: Come 26 January, the world will get to see the Long-Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LR-AShM), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Navy. The LR-AShM, which can get past radars without being detected, can reportedly strike targets as far as 1,500 kilometres away. Come 26 January, the world will get to see the Long-Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile (LR-AShM), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Navy. The LR-AShM, which can get past radars without being detected, can reportedly strike targets as far as 1,500 kilometres away. Shaktiban Regiment: The parade will witness the debut of the Shaktiban Regiment, which has been set up in the artillery. Shaktiban regiments are a recent addition established to enhance the Indian Army's firepower and counter-drone capabilities. Each regiment will have a composite battery equipped with drones, counter-drone systems, and loitering munitions. The parade will witness the debut of the Shaktiban Regiment, which has been set up in the artillery. Shaktiban regiments are a recent addition established to enhance the Indian Army's firepower and counter-drone capabilities. Each regiment will have a composite battery equipped with drones, counter-drone systems, and loitering munitions. Bhairav Light Commando Battalion: The Bhairav light commando battalion, which made its Army Day Parade debut on 15 January in Jaipur, will now feature in the Republic Day Parade. The battalion was raised around October last year to "bridge the gap" between the infantry and special forces. The Bhairav light commando battalion, which made its Army Day Parade debut on 15 January in Jaipur, will now feature in the Republic Day Parade. The battalion was raised around October last year to "bridge the gap" between the infantry and special forces. Akash Weapon System: The Akash and MRSAM systems are being fielded in this year's parade. The Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) 'Suryastra', which can carry out surface-to-surface strikes up to 300 km, is being showcased for the first time in the parade, Major General Dhillon said. The Akash and MRSAM systems are being fielded in this year's parade. The Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) 'Suryastra', which can carry out surface-to-surface strikes up to 300 km, is being showcased for the first time in the parade, Major General Dhillon said. A mixed scouts contingent seen in their heavy thermal gear will also be part of the parade for the first time, PTI confirmed, citing Defence Ministry sources. #WATCH | Full-dress rehearsal for Republic Day parade held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi today pic.twitter.com/x5IAIhgHEJ ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2026 Only a few days ago, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reacted to Chinas infrastructure build-up in the Shaksgam Valley region, reiterating that it is an Indian territory. The valley, supposedly a site of a new China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project, is part of the Jammu and Kashmir territory which is presently under Chinese control. The Chinese side, as expected, was quick to retort and justified the valleys ownership as part of the 1963 China-Pakistan Border Agreement, under which Pakistan ceded an area of over 5000 sq km. The fact that the Siachen Glaciers northern edge overlooks Shaksgam Valley should be enough to alarm Indian security forces about the presence of Chinese and Pakistani troops. Shaksgams link to Jammu and Kashmir is known, but how exactly India owns the valley remains less explored. After the first Indo-Pak war on Kashmir ended with a ceasefire in 1949, the Hunza kingdom of the Gilgit region came to be included in the PoK region. As India reported the Pakistani aggression in the United Nations and sought its withdrawal from the entire state, the Pakistani side was nearly successful in convincing the UN to exclude the Gilgit region from the Kashmir affair. A string of notes were exchanged within the Indian foreign office to ascertain our exact claims to Gilgit, Hunza, and even Chitral (present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but once a tributary state to the Maharaja). Since the British notoriously interfered with the administrative taxonomy of the Himalayan frontier, the Dogra empires relationship with its tributary kingdoms underwent several changes over the years. Nevertheless, the Hunza kingdom acknowledged the suzerainty of the Maharaja. Hunzas authority over Shaksgam (among other adjoining pastures like Raskam and Taghdumbash Pamir) was also acknowledged by the Chinese, with whom Hunza shared tributary ties since the second half of the 18th century. The Shaksgam Valley thus belonged to the Mir of Hunza, and was mostly used as a grazing land for Hunzas animals during the summer season. Around the beginning of the 20th century, the British had been putting pressure on the Chinese to occupy territories on the north of Hunza to prevent potential ingress by the Russian empire, that had reached the fringes of the neighbouring Pamirs. The Chinese side never responded to the British pleas. Meanwhile, by the 1930s, British anxieties about the northern frontier were aggravated by the Soviet Unions invasion of Xinjiang, extending the threat to the Dogra empires defences. In order to appease the Chinese, British authorities compelled the Mir of Hunza to give up his claims on the valley. The Mir was ordered to stop the use of Shaksgam as a grazing area and further discouraged from paying tribute to the Chinese. Thus, by 1937, the tributary system between Hunza and China was put to an end, and the Mirs grazing lands were raided by the Chinese authorities. As this area became part of PoK immediately after independence, the Historical Division of the MEA, in 1951, published a meticulous study titled Studies on the Northern Frontier, that for the first time, gave the Indian version of its northern frontier, backed by historical claims. It is not sure whether the full version of the study has been declassified, but its excerpts can still be located in the Teen Murti Archives. ALSO READ: Is Pakistan's JF-17 fighter jet export hype full of sound and fury? The study later became the basis of our northern frontier in the Western Sector in 1954. To recall, while Indias official map before 1954 showed the eastern sector based on the McMahon Line, the western sector consisting of the Ladakh-China border remained undemarcated. After Shaksgam Valley became part of the PoK, archival records point to repeated harassment by Chinese forces in the Hunza-Xinjiang border region through reconnaissance and intrusions. The Chinese government constantly raised the issue with the Pakistani government. After years of resistance, the 1962 war provided Pakistan an opportunity to trade Shaksgam away in lieu of a strategic partnership that strengthened the security umbrella for Pakistan. The credit for Shaksgams sacrifice to China goes to Pakistans then foreign minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who outmanoeuvred Ayub Khan to reach out to the Chinese leadership, laying the foundation for the Sino-Pak strategic relationship. It is unfortunate that our frontier, with all its rich and intricate historical and cultural legacy, remains poorly studied. Archival records related to Kashmir and the broader Himalayan region are spread across libraries in India and the UK. Our academic research on Indias borders has been underfunded and politicised since independence itself, discouraging passionate researchers from taking it up as a career option. Prateek Joshi is finishing his PhD from the University of Oxford, where his research looks into the early years of Indian foreign policy Popular filmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his daughter, Krishna Bhatt, are reportedly facing serious legal trouble after a case of financial fraud was registered against them at Mumbais Versova police station. A businessman has accused the duo of cheating him of crores of rupees under the pretence of investment. The case, reportedly linked to investments in movie productions and promises of substantial returns, has now taken a significant legal turn. According to Aaj Tak, the matter began with a complaint filed by a businessman who alleged that Vikram Bhatt and Krishna Bhatt took a large sum of money from him. According to the complainant, the Bhatt family persuaded him to invest in cinema and other projects, promising him handsome profits. However, as time went on, he was neither given the promised returns nor his original investment. As per the police complaint, the alleged fraud involves an amount of around 13.5 crore. The businessman has claimed that Vikram Bhatt and his daughter extracted this substantial sum through a well-planned conspiracy and later went back on their assurances. Upon realising that he had been duped, the victim approached the police. Taking note of the gravity of the allegations, the Versova police registered an FIR in the matter. Given the serious nature of the case, the investigation has been handed over to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for further investigation, shortly after the FIR was registered at the Versova police station. Notably, this is not the first time that Vikram Bhatt was subjected to such serious allegations. Several outlets had reported that in December last year, he and his wife, Shwetambari Bhatt, were arrested by the Rajasthan Police in connection with an alleged fraud case involving nearly 30 crore. The writer of filmmaker Anubhav Sinhas upcoming feature Assi is the highest-paid crew member in it. Gaurav Solanki sees this as a much-welcome move that marks a significant shift in how writers are valued in the industry. The film highlighted this distinction in its first poster, which was released on social media earlier this week. Believe it or not, the highest paid crew member on this film is the writer, read the tagline. Solanki revealed that he became aware of his remunerationreportedly higher than that of the films starsonly recently, though he declined to disclose the exact amount. I believe it sets a new benchmark in Hindi cinema, and I feel happy and proud that this has happened. It is not just about money; it is about respect that was long overdue. So it is definitely a good thing for the entire writers community because the script is the backbone of a film, Solanki told PTI in an interview. Whether it is a big tentpole movie or a smaller-budget film, everything begins as a story on a plain white sheet of paper. In that sense, this film is making a statement that writers and scripts deserve the respect they are dueat least in content-driven cinema, he added. A courtroom drama headlined by Taapsee Pannu, Assi also stars Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Zeeshan Ayyub, with special appearances by Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak, and Seema Bhargava. In a press statement, the makers described Assi as a relentless investigative thriller that unfolds through an intense and power-packed courtroom narrative, revolving around an assault on a workaholic woman and examines the profound impact of the incident on her life. It also explores how such an event affects the lives of the accused or perpetrators, and how the justice system functions. It is an investigative thriller and a courtroom drama built around these themes, he said. Scheduled for release on February 20, Assi reunites Pannu and Sinha after Mulk and Thappad, and marks Solankis return to collaboration with the director following Article 15. Avhishek Swami, a supply chain consultant at Deloitte, highlights how rehabilitation programs are essential for more than just physical healing. He credits recovery therapies with restoring his professional independence and providing the emotional resilience needed to bounce back into the community. Rehabilitation helped me maximise whatever I am left with and successfully continue my career. It helped me heal at a psychological and emotional level, restoring my independence. Rehabilitation enabled social and community integration- which is vital, as many people can find themselves isolated in a room after an injury, said Swami. Swami suffered a D6 Asia A spinal cord injury after a fall in August 2020. Three months of rehabilitation at the Institute of Neurosciences gave him the courage to go back to work, go out with friends and lead a normal life despite some limitations. Dr Suparno Ganguly, Director of Neurorehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience, Kolkata, has co-authored a book along with Dr Lal Bhatia on life post-neurological and spinal injuries, where rehabilitation goes beyond physiotherapy. People used to think rehabilitation is only about physiotherapy. It is just a small part of rehabilitation. Physiotherapy deals with muscles. But the transformation from physical improvement to functional improvement is done by an occupational therapist. The speech part and the swallowing part are done by the speech-language pathologist. Psychology part by a psychologist. The nursing and medical part is by us. It is an orchestra. Rehab has emerged over the years. Now it is a seamless transition from the acute phase to the functional phase, said Ganguly. For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH The type of injuries that his department helps with include spinal cord injuries, head injuries, Parkinson's, stroke, motor neuron disease, peripheral nerve injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, and neurological conditions. The rehabilitation process during the golden period, which is three months post these injuries, defines life in the years to come. The department includes nursing staff, rehabilitation nursing staff, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, pathologist, social worker, rehabilitation psychologist, and rehabilitation health assistant. It is a smooth transition between the acute setup and the rehabilitation department. Here is a mixture of conventional therapy and advanced technology. We are the only ones in the robotics department in the whole of Eastern India in a private setup. It is a man and a machine department," added Dr Ganguly. On January 8th 2025, at 4 am, I rushed to the hospital. Doctors gave me 72 hours to survive. I flew in an air ambulance from Dubai to the Kolkata Institute of Neurosciences, which did not spare me. They made me get up and walk. Had they not done that, had they not been aggressive, I would still be lying in bed, so they gave me the courage to walk," said Dr Lal Bhatia. Life doesnt end after a life-altering injury. With the advancement of medical sciences, today we can still maximise what we are left with, and there are ways. You have to modify the way you used to live, which is what rehabilitation gives you, said Swami, who has no sensation in his lower limbs and moves in a wheelchair. Now freelancing in Dubai, businessman Dr Lal Bhatia hasn't let a stroke stop his career. Although he still needs nursing care for dressing and balance due to left-sided weakness, he remains a vocal advocate for recovery. You have to get out of the fear to get to the point where you can behave like a normal person with a stroke, he says. There is hope with the advancement of medical science for patients in eastern India, with facilities to help lead a fairly independent life. The key message is: Life does not stop. Around a dozen women are shaping a circular mud platform, rising nearly two feet high, at the centre of a ground in Margareta town of Assams Tinsukia district. Manju Santhal, a tribal working on the foundation says, "The structure will serve as the foundation for a statue of Birsa Munda, the iconic tribal freedom fighter and folk hero, ahead of the 21st Adivasi Mahasabha." The mega gathering, expected to draw lakhs of people, will also mark the first time visit of an outside chief minister, Jharkhands Hemant Soren, attending the event as a guest. An adivasi leader said, "Why we have brought him here is because he is an adivasi leader, till now no adivasi CM has come here, he will come and see what problems we are having and which problems are still there among the Adivasis." The entire venue reflects indigenous aesthetics. Bamboo poles have been used to erect the fencing, while the stage and seating arrangements are being crafted entirely out of wood by Adivasi workers. The four-day event will begin on January 29 and conclude on February 2, with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren scheduled to attend on the final day. The organisers have made arrangements for over five lakh people, with Adivasis expected to arrive from across Upper Assam. The programme will feature exhibitions of artefacts made by tribal communities, traditional Munda and Santhali dances, and a range of cultural performances. Spread across four days, the Mahasabha will host seven sessions, including discussions on education, the economy, and development. Albert Orea, the working president of the programme, said that small kiosks will be set up along the sidelines of the ground, showcasing a range of handmade and tribal-made products, allowing visitors to buy and sell items produced by the tribal community. There is no political significance to the visit, the leader said, adding that Hemant Soren was invited by the All Adivasi Students Union, which represents the Adivasi community. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is planning to visit every Shiv Sena Shakha in Mumbai soon. The former chief minister made the announcement on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of Shiv Sena founder late Balasaheb Thackeray's birth anniversary. Thackeray said that he plans to visit all Shakhas and not just those where the Shiv Sena candidate won in the BMC elections. Shiv Sena has won 65 seats in the BMC election, and Thackeray called it a rejuvenation moment for the party. "Shiv Sena is a vision and nobody will be able to erase it," said Uddhav Thackeray. He also said that the BJP-led MahaYuti could win only 118 seats because of the efforts taken by Shiv Sainiks to find out bogus voters before the elections. Efforts were made to destroy Balasaheb's Shiv Sena, but people have answered through their votes. The old leaves which were infected have been removed and new leaves will blossom and replace the old ones, said Uddhav, stressing that he also plans to visit Shiv Sena Shakhas where his candidates lost in order to make a fresh start. Meanwhile, unrest has started brewing in Shiv Sena (UBT) after former mayor Kishori Pednekar was reappointed as the Shiv Sena (UBT) group leader in the BMC. The objections against her were mainly related to the mismanagement of BMC affairs during the Covid pandemic, after which she had faced corruption allegations. Another angle to the unrest is about the fact that Pednekar's ward is part of Aaditya Thackeray's Worli constituency. There have been other seniors like Pednekar who have been re-elected, but they have been ignored. "Why should all the positions go to the Worli constituency?" is the question being asked. Referring to the BJP and Eknath Shindes Sena, Uddhav said that he is not answerable to those who keep raising the question, "What did Shiv Sena do in the last so many years?" They must remember that they would not have been able to enjoy power in the BMC and Mantralaya had Shiv Sena not been there. "It is okay to die, but we will not be enslaved by two merchants who have used our people to attack us," he said, without naming Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The Allahabad High Court held that if a wife's actions contribute to her husband's incapacity to earn, she cannot claim maintenance. The High Court made the observation while dismissing a revision petition of a woman seeking maintenance from her husband, a homoeopathic doctor. The man was allegedly shot at by his brother-in-law and father-in-law during an altercation at his clinic. The Allahabad High Court noted that a pellet remains lodged in the husband's spinal cord and surgery to remove it carries a high risk of paralysis, leaving him unable to sit comfortably or maintain employment. Upholding the decision of a family court in Kushinagar, which rejected the maintenance application of the wife, Justice Lakshmi Kant Shukla observed that granting maintenance in such a scenario would result in grave injustice, particularly when the man's earning capacity was destroyed by the criminal acts of the wife's family. The family court on 7 May 2025 rejected the wife's application for interim maintenance, news agency PTI reported. The HC upheld this decision, noting that the man's physical incapacity was undisputed and directly caused by the wife's side of the family. "While Indian society generally expects a husband to work and maintain his family, this case presented unique circumstances," the court of Justice Shukla observed. "It is well settled that though it is the pious obligation of a husband to maintain his wife, no such explicit legal duty has been cast upon the wife by any court of law." In the facts of the present case, it prima facie appears that the conduct of the wife and her family members has rendered the opposite party incapable of earning his livelihood, the court said. "If a wife by her own acts or omissions causes or contributes to the incapacity of her husband to earn, she cannot be permitted to take advantage of such a situation and claim maintenance. Granting maintenance in such circumstances would result in grave injustice to the husband, and the court cannot shut its eyes from the reality emerging from the record," it added. The UAE has left its mark at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland during its 56th Annual Meeting from January 19 to 23. The UAE delegation was led by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. It was the fifth-largest delegation at WEF 2026, with over 100 participants, including senior government officials and company heads, attending the event. Global Future Councils The UAE and the World Economic Forum signed memorandum of understanding to host the annual meetings of the Global Future Councils in Dubai for the next five years, marking a new phase in their strategic knowledge partnership. The insights from the Councils deliberations in Dubai will be later reflected in the official agenda of the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos. UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi said the partnership with WEF reflects Abu Dhabi's vision of "forging effective global partnerships rooted in action and positive impact." He said the councils provide an advanced model for transforming global challenges into development opportunities and reinforcing the UAEs role as a hub for shaping future solutions. TradeTech Report The UAE released the third edition of the TradeTech Report, which list the advancement in technologies used in global supply chains. The report was first launched in 2023 in an agreement signed by the UAE foreign trade ministry, Abu Dhabi economic development department and WEF. Abu Dhabi AI centre Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence inked a deal with WEF to set up the Abu Centre for the Future of Artificial Intelligence. Advanced tech centre in Abu Dhabi The Technology Innovation Institute announced the launch of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Advanced Technologies in partnership with WEF. It will focus on Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East The US is urging Bolivia to deport suspected Iranian spies from its soil and designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Tehran's military force, as a terrorist group. This comes at a time when US-Iran tensions are again on the brink of spiralling out of control as an American aircraft carrier strike group and additional military assets prepare to arrive in the Middle East. Tehran, in turn, has warned the US of "all-out war" in case of an attack on its soil. But why would the threat of war spill over into Washington's diplomatic overtures against Iran in South America? According to a Reuters report citing officials in the know, this is one of the latest efforts by the US to increase its influence in South America while also reducing enemy influence in the region. Notably, apart from kicking out the suspected Iranian spies, the US has also urged Bolivia to list the Lebanese armed group Hezbollahas well as the Palestinian militant organisation Hamasas terrorist forces. This comes after the Donald Trump administration's attack on Venezuela earlier in January, which saw its president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, brought to the US to be put on trial. According to Rick de la Torre, a retired senior CIA officer formerly stationed at Caracas, Venezuela had been an important base for Tehran's diplomatic and intelligence operations throughout South America. Other US officials noted that Iranian espionage even spread to the neighbouring states of Bolivia and Nicaragua in recent years, partly because these regions were conducive to counterintelligence operations. "(Bolivia's) value to Tehran was the permissive political climate, lighter scrutiny and central geography," de la Torre noted. Though Washington's attempts to prise apart Iran and Latin American nations aren't new, the report points out that these efforts were ramped up amid recent tensions with Tehran. This has already led to Ecuador labelling the IRGC, Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organisations, while Argentina did so for Iran's Quds Force earlier in January. The officials added that Chile, Peru, and Panama were next on the list of nations from which the US wanted to flush out Iran, although talks in that regard have not yet taken place. The effectiveness of diplomacy may not always lie in elaborate and planned events. At times, a small gesture, an unexpected talk, or a quick stopover can signal more than long parleys. Such signalling can conceal as much as it reveals. The brief visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MbZ) to New Delhi on January 19 was one such event. The UAE president was in the capital for about three hours and was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport. The bilateral meeting took place at the prime minister's residence, and he flew back shortly thereafter. The formal announcement of the visit came only 24 hours before, sparking speculation about its urgency and significance. Although it is difficult to say exactly what necessitated the flying in and out, it certainly underscored the maturing of Indo-UAE relations beyond the formalities of diplomatic manoeuvring and protocol. It was the fifth visit by MbZ to New Delhi in 10 years and the third since taking over the Emirati presidency in 2022. PM Modi has also visited the UAE seven times since his first visit in August 2015. The comfort and camaraderie shared between the two leaders reflect the depth of bilateral ties. The timing of the visit created the most buzz. It came at a time when the Middle East was witnessing a series of notable developments. The signing of the strategic mutual defence agreement (SMDA) between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in September 2025, along with news of Turkiye's keenness to join, sparked debate over a potential military alliance. It gained a new dimension in light of the tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, especially in Yemen, wherein Saudi forces targeted the UAE-supported Southern Transition Council (STC), evoking fear of a new rivalry brewing in the Persian Gulf. The Saudi-UAE divergences in the Horn of Africa further heightened such speculations. Another dimension was added when viewed alongside developments between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The latter has decided to put the negotiations on joining the Abraham Accords on the back burner after the October 2023 Hamas attacks and the Gaza War. The timing of the SMDA, coming months after Indias Operation Sindoor against Pakistan in May 2025 and the 12-day Israel-Iran war, has led some to underline the overlaps between security situations in South Asia and the Middle East. The signing of a Letter of Intent during MbZ's visit to New Delhi to develop a strategic defence partnership between India and the UAE, seen alongside Indo-Israeli defence ties and growing strategic alignment between Israel and the UAE, gives credence to speculation about rival military blocs in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye on one side and India, Israel, and the UAE on the other. This puts the two South Asian rivals, India and Pakistan, on opposing sides. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs put such speculations to rest when Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said during a media briefing after MbZs visit that the signing of the LoI should be viewed as a natural evolution from the already considerable defence cooperation between the two countries and not necessarily a response to any specific event that may have taken place in the region, or of any intent to get involved in a hypothetical future scenario in the region. Two other regional developments, too, made the timing of the visit notable. The preparation for the beginning of the second phase of the Trump Peace Initiative in the Gaza Strip and the announcement about the Board of Peace. Notably, Prime Minister Modi, along with 60 other world leaders, including MbZ, were on Trump's invitee list. Although New Delhi has thus far kept its plans on accepting or declining the invitation under wraps, the likelihood of the two leaders exchanging views on the issue during their meeting made it important. The recent developments in Iran, which witnessed widespread protests reflecting growing discontent over a poor economic situation and rising prices, might have been a likely issue of discussion. The fact that nearly 5,000 deaths have been reported in just over two weeks and that the Trump administration threatened to use military force if the Iranian leadership continued execution of the protesters made the situation explosive and worrisome. For India and the UAE, security and stability in the Persian Gulf are paramount, making the Modi-MbZ meeting significant. Notwithstanding the speculations, the focus of the visit was bilateral. Several important agreements and announcements were signed, along with the LoI for a strategic defence partnership. Two other LoIs were signed: one for investment cooperation in the development of the Dholera Special Investment Region in Gujarat and one for a joint initiative to enable the development of the space industry and commercial collaboration. Moreover, India and the UAE agreed on a long-term sales and purchase agreement under which Abu Dhabi National Oil Company would supply 0.5 million tonnes of LNG per year to India's HPCL from 2028 for 10 years. An MoU was also signed on food safety and technical requirements to facilitate and enhance Indian food exports to the UAE. Several other important announcements were made, including the establishment of a supercomputing cluster in India, and the two sides agreed to develop a partnership in advanced nuclear technologies, including development and deployment of large nuclear reactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and cooperation in advanced reactor systems, nuclear power plant operations and maintenance, and nuclear safety. Announcements were also made about the planned opening of a First Abu Dhabi Bank branch and the establishment of a DP World office, both in GIFT City, Gujarat. It was also agreed that both countries would explore the possibility of setting up digital embassies. The two sides also agreed to promote youth exchange to foster deeper understanding, academic and research collaboration, and cultural bonds among future generations. An agreement to establish a "House of India" in Abu Dhabi was announced, which will serve as a cultural space comprising, among other things, a museum of Indian art, heritage, and archaeology showcasing India. Finally, the two sides agreed to double bilateral trade to US$200 billion by 2032. The UAE is India's third-largest trading partner, and bilateral trade between the two countries has surpassed US$100 billion in 2024-25. Notably, the non-oil trade has reached US$36 billion, and India and the UAE have already agreed to work towards US$100 billion by 2030. Looking at what was revealed to the public, MbZs visit was significant, underlining close ties and expanding the horizons of bilateral relations. It did, however, create a buzz beyond the bilateral agenda. Although speculating on what was discussed beyond what is publicly stated can be counter-intuitive, the timing and manner of the visit lend credence to Indias growing regional approach to the Gulf and the Middle East. The author is an associate professor of Middle East studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University. The US is considering providing more of its military systems to Israel to be able to defend itself against the threat of Iran, according to a new unclassified Department of War document. The document, which was released on Friday, is published once every four years and details the USs national defence strategy for 2026. According to the strategy by the Pentagon, Irans 'Axis of Resistance' was devastated by Israels 12-day war, the USs Midnight Hammer strike on its nuclear sites, and Operation Rough Rider, which targeted the Houthis. Iran, however, the document states, is intent on rebuilding its military forces, and its leaders have left open the possibility that it will try to obtain a nuclear weapon by refusing meaningful negotiations. They may also seek to rebuild their infrastructure and capabilities and are intent on destroying our close ally Israel. In 2025, a White House document on the National Security Strategy called Iran the region's chief destabilising force. It also said that the country was weakened by Israeli actions since October 7, 2023. However, the document did not go beyond stating that the Middle East is an important supplier of energy and makes no further mention of Iran. The document released on Friday, however, said that the Iranian regime has the blood of Americans on its hands" and that "it remains intent on destroying our close ally Israel." The US, however, sees this as an opportunity. It called Israel a model ally and said that it demonstrated that it is both willing and able to defend itself with critical but limited support from the United States. The defence strategy was released just as Israeli defence forces completed preparation for a potential US attack on Iran after it sent its USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carriers and naval vessels to the Gulf region. Analysts say that the US is unlikely to attack Iran directly and would rely on Israel to make the move. The last time the US built up its naval forces in the region was right before Israels 12-day war with Iran. The document called it an opportunity now to further empower it to defend itself and promote our shared interests." It also says that other allies in the Gulf are also willing to do more to defend themselves against Iran and its proxies, including by acquiring and fielding a variety of U.S. military systems." The document also states that this will allow them enable the partners to do more for their defence. A top Iranian official declared that Iran will view any military attack on its soil as an act of "all-out war". The statement comes as a US aircraft carrier strike group and additional military assets are set to arrive in the Middle East soon. Speaking anonymously, the official expressed that while Iran hopes the US military movement is not for a "real confrontation", the country's armed forces are prepared for the worst. "Everything is on high alert in Iran," the official said, confirming a heightened state of military readiness. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East The official emphasised that any form of attack, regardless of its scale or typewhether "limited, surgical, or kinetic"would be met with a full-scale response. "We will respond in the hardest way possible," he added. This development follows recent comments from US President Donald Trump, who mentioned an "armada" was heading toward the region. While expressing hope that military force would not be necessary, he also issued fresh warnings to Iran regarding its nuclear programme and the treatment of protesters. Reaffirming Iran's position, the official said, "If the Americans violate Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, we will respond". He, however, did not provide details on what a potential response would involve. He explained that from Iran's perspective, being under a "constant military threat" from the US requires them to be fully prepared to defend themselves and deter any potential aggression. It is not uncommon for the US to increase its military presence in the Middle East during periods of high tension, often for defensive purposes. However, a significant build-up also occurred last year before military action was considered, which adds to the current sense of unease in the region. Since late December, Iran has faced widespread protests triggered by the country's struggling economy. These demonstrations have met with a deadly crackdown and internet shutdowns to control the flow of information. Activists report that the death toll has now surpassed 5,000 people, with over 27,000 more arrested in the widening crackdown. The official figures from the Iranian government are much lower, claiming just over 3,100 deaths. US boosts military presence in Middle East Trump had earlier warned of military action if Iran were to harm peaceful demonstrators. He later said that Iran had halted plans to execute 800 protesters, a claim that Iran's top prosecutor has called "completely false". A US Navy official confirmed that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, along with its three escort destroyers, has left the South China Sea and is heading west. The official said on Friday that the carrier group was currently in the Indian Ocean. Once they arrive, these warships will join the three specialised warships in port in Bahrain and two other US Navy destroyers operating in the Persian Gulf. The arrival of the carrier strike group will add approximately 5,700 service members to the region. The US maintains several key military installations in the Middle East, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which serves as a forward headquarters for US Central Command and hosts thousands of American troops. US Central Command recently announced on social media that Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets are now operating in the Middle East. In a related move, the UK Ministry of Defense confirmed on Thursday that it had sent its Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar to operate "in a defensive capacity". US President Donald Trump has strongly criticised Canada for rejecting his proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defence system and Canada's growing economic relationship with China, warning that the partnership would backfire on them quickly. Trump said Canada is risking North American safety by rejecting the Golden Dome. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, he wrote, "Canada is against The Golden Dome being built over Greenland, even though The Golden Dome would protect Canada, he wrote. Instead, they voted in favour of doing business with China, who will eat them up within the first year! What is the Golden Dome missile defence system? The Golden Dome is a multibillion high-tech missile defence shield proposed by the United States over Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, to create a protective bubble over North America. Its key purpose would be to spot and stop advanced threats like ballistic and hypersonic missiles. As per an AP report, Golden Dome is likely to include ground- and space-based capabilities to detect and counter missiles at all four major stages of a potential attack: detecting and destroying them before a launch, intercepting them in their earliest stage of flight, stopping them mid-course in the air, or halting them in the final minutes as they descend toward a target. The financial commitment for the Golden Dome is staggering. The Trump administration estimates the project will cost about $175 billion. However, a report from the Congressional Budget Office suggests the real cost could be much higher, with just the space-based components potentially costing anywhere from $161 billion to $542 billion over 20 years. Trump has said it will be operational before his term ends in 2029. Tensions escalate between US and Canada The US presidents public criticism highlights a serious disagreement between the two neighbouring countries. The dispute comes at a sensitive time, as the US faces growing strategic competition with China. The conflict flared up after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys recent trip to China, which led to new trade deals, making it easier for Canada to sell farm products and for Chinese electric vehicles to enter the Canadian market. While Trump had earlier called such deals acceptable, he is now using them as part of his criticism. Trumps attack also followed remarks from Carney at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. He suggested that America's dominant role in the world is fading and that it was time for a "new global order" to take shape. In Davos, Trump pushed back, arguing the Golden Dome would automatically shield Canada at no cost. Were building a Golden Dome thats going to, just by its very nature, be defending Canada, he explained. He also suggested Canada was not appreciative of US support, adding, Canada gets a lot of freebies from us. They should be grateful. Trump also took a direct shot at the Canadian prime minister during the forum. Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements, he warned. Back in Canada, Carney offered a strong reply, rejecting the idea that Canada depends on the US for its existence. Canada doesnt live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian, he stated, emphasising his country's independence while also acknowledging the value of the partnership. While in Davos, Carney had spoken out against large countries pressuring smaller ones, a comment seen as a jab at Trump. Upon his return, he added that Canada can prove that "another way is possible" for countries to operate in a world with growing authoritarian influence. The feud escalated further when Trump withdrew an invitation for Carney to join his "Board of Peace," a new group led by the US to address global conflicts. This move was widely seen as punishment for Carney's critical statements and his refusal to align with US demands on defence and trade. This isn't the first time Trump has challenged Canadian sovereignty. He has often suggested that Canada should become the 51st US state and has even shared manipulated maps showing Canada, Greenland, Venezuela, and Cuba as American territories. A domestic dispute turned violent in the US state of Georgia on Friday morning as an Indian national shot his wife and her relatives dead, according to the Indian mission in Atlanta. The Consulate General of India in Atlanta said that the alleged shooter has been arrested. The shooting left four people dead. Local reports did not confirm the nationality of the victims, but at least one of the was an Indian national. Title: Homicide - Brook Ivy Court Date: Jan. 23, 2026 Gwinnett County Police are investigating a shooting that resulted in the deaths of four individuals. On Jan. 23, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Brook Ivy Court in pic.twitter.com/MT3FchbXB6 Gwinnett County Police (@GwinnettPd) January 23, 2026 Police arrived at the Lawrenceville home after a child who hid inside the house during the crime called the cops to report gunfire, Gwinnett County authorities said. The call was made around 2.30 am local time on Friday from the 1000 block of Brook Ivy Court. Authorities found the four victims, all dead from gunshot wounds. They also found three children who survived the incident after hiding inside a closet. They were uninjured. The suspect was identified as 51-year-old Vijay Kumar. Police said he was arrested without incident in a wooded area a short distance away from the house. His wife, Meemu Dogra, was one of the victims. The other victims were identified as Gourav Kumar, 33, Nidhi Chander, 37, and Harish Chander, 38. All four of the victims were in some way related to the suspect, according to police who spoke to CBS News. Meemu Dogra and Vijay Kumar | Facebook A family member came home to pick up the children. Police are now investigating the motive for the shooting. Vijay Kumar was charged with four counts of aggravated assault, four counts of felony murder, four counts of malice murder, one count of cruelty to children in the 1st degree, and two counts of cruelty to children in the 3rd degree, according to the report. The United States considers South Korea capable of taking primary responsibility in deterring North Korea with critical but more limited US support, Pentagon's new document on its National Defence Strategy says. The report released on Friday says that the security of the US homeland is the departments chief concern. The document said that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) poses a direct military threat to US allies South Korea and Japan. It asks South Korea to remain vigilant against an invasion as the country is capable of striking targets with conventional and nuclear weapons as well as other weapons of mass destruction. It also says that the DPRK is increasingly capable of threatening the U.S Homeland as its forces are growing in size and sophistication. The report says that South Korea taking primary responsibility is the balance of responsibility consistent with Americas interest in updating U.S. force posture on the Korean Peninsula. It said that this would ensure a stronger and more mutually beneficial alliance relationship that is better aligned with Americas defense priorities, thereby setting conditions for lasting peace. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung recently said that his government is committed to further expanding the countrys defence. During a New Years news conference, he said that "strategic autonomy and self-reliant national defence are essential in an era of unpredictability. The Pentagon document, however, makes no mention of denuclearisation, which was an explicit strategy pursued by the Biden adminsitration in 2022. The US instead seeks to manage the country's nuclear arsenal rather than eliminating it. The Pentagon document is part of what Washington calls alliance mordernisation" under the Trump administration. The new strategy discusses how the US can increase burden sharing with its allies and partners and how it will prioritize strengthening incentives for allies and partners to take primary responsibility for their own defence in Europe, the Middle East, and on the Korean Peninsula, with critical but limited support from U.S. forces New Delhi, Jan 23 (PTI) The World Bank has approved the USD 815 million long-term finance package for 1,125 megawatt Dorjilung Hydropower Project, in which Tata Power holds 40 per cent share. The remaining 60 per cent in the special purpose vehicle (SPV) is held by Bhutans Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC). The Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank has approved and sanctioned long-term financing for the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project (DHPL), Tata Power said in statement. The financing package includes a USD 150 million grant and a USD 150 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) and a USD 15 million enclave loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to DGPC (Government of Bhutan). The package also includes as a USD 200 million IBRD enclave loan and a USD 300 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to Dorjilung Hydro Power Limited (DHPL). The balance funding requirements for the project will be arranged from various market participants. Tata Power Trading Company Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Power, will be responsible for importing power into India and managing its onward distribution. The 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project (DHPL) will be Bhutans largest hydropower project to be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model and is expected to generate more than 4,500 GWh of clean electricity annually. This will expand Bhutan's installed energy capacity by nearly 40 per cent and further strengthen the country's position as a reliable exporter of clean energy to India. About 80 per cent of the annual electricity generation form the Project will be supplied to India. The project is expected to generate significant employment during both construction and operations, stimulate local entrepreneurship, and support livelihoods in the Mongar and Lhuentse districts in Bhutan. Lsb Industries Inc. (NYSE:LXU Get Free Report) Director Barry Golsen sold 96,554 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.06, for a total transaction of $971,333.24. Following the transaction, the director owned 51,894 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $522,053.64. The trade was a 65.04% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Lsb Industries Stock Performance LXU stock traded up $0.14 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $9.89. The company had a trading volume of 548,034 shares, compared to its average volume of 590,009. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 2.63 and a current ratio of 2.84. The firm has a market cap of $711.17 million, a PE ratio of -988.50 and a beta of 0.75. Lsb Industries Inc. has a 12 month low of $4.88 and a 12 month high of $10.17. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $8.99 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $8.57. Get Lsb Industries alerts: Lsb Industries (NYSE:LXU Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The conglomerate reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.07 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $155.43 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $138.30 million. Lsb Industries had a negative net margin of 0.11% and a positive return on equity of 2.70%. On average, analysts forecast that Lsb Industries Inc. will post -0.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Lsb Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $11.00 price objective (up from $10.00) on shares of Lsb Industries in a research note on Tuesday. UBS Group reissued a neutral rating and set a $9.75 target price (up previously from $9.50) on shares of Lsb Industries in a report on Monday, January 12th. Zacks Research upgraded Lsb Industries from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 30th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Lsb Industries in a research report on Monday, December 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $10.25. View Our Latest Report on LXU Institutional Investors Weigh In On Lsb Industries Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in LXU. Royal Bank of Canada increased its stake in Lsb Industries by 7.4% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 38,916 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $257,000 after acquiring an additional 2,692 shares during the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC bought a new stake in shares of Lsb Industries during the 1st quarter valued at about $697,000. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Lsb Industries by 1.1% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,261,020 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $9,838,000 after purchasing an additional 14,313 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in shares of Lsb Industries by 22.3% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 178,493 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $1,392,000 after purchasing an additional 32,516 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Lsb Industries in the second quarter valued at approximately $2,412,000. Institutional investors own 73.67% of the companys stock. About Lsb Industries (Get Free Report) LSB Industries, Inc (NYSE: LXU) is an Oklahoma Citybased manufacturer of chemical products serving the agricultural, industrial and defense markets. The company operates primarily through two segments: Fertilizer Solutions and Commodities Solutions. Through its Fertilizer Solutions segment, LSB produces primary nitrogen productsincluding anhydrous ammonia and technical-grade ammonium nitratethat are sold to fertilizer distributors and agricultural retailers across North America. Its Commodities Solutions segment manufactures and sells nitric acid, sodium nitrate and other nitrate-based compounds for industrial applications such as mining, water treatment and specialty chemical production, as well as defense-related formulations used in munitions and pyrotechnics. Incorporated in 1969, LSB Industries has grown from a single production site to multiple manufacturing facilities strategically located in the central United States. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lsb Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lsb Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:BAH Get Free Report) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Friday. The company provided EPS guidance of 5.950-6.150 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 5.620. The company issued revenue guidance of $11.3 billion-$11.4 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $11.4 billion. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Booz Allen Hamilton from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Bank of America downgraded Booz Allen Hamilton from a buy rating to an underperform rating and set a $90.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Friday, October 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their target price on Booz Allen Hamilton from $93.00 to $80.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 27th. Weiss Ratings lowered Booz Allen Hamilton from a hold (c-) rating to a sell (d+) rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Finally, Citigroup lifted their price target on Booz Allen Hamilton from $93.00 to $109.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $110.08. Get Booz Allen Hamilton alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Booz Allen Hamilton Booz Allen Hamilton Trading Up 6.8% BAH stock traded up $6.49 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $102.25. The companys stock had a trading volume of 6,128,526 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,235,662. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $87.92 and its 200-day simple moving average is $97.34. The company has a quick ratio of 1.76, a current ratio of 1.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.89. Booz Allen Hamilton has a 52 week low of $79.23 and a 52 week high of $137.68. The stock has a market cap of $12.40 billion, a PE ratio of 15.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.68 and a beta of 0.34. Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:BAH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 23rd. The business services provider reported $1.77 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.51. Booz Allen Hamilton had a return on equity of 71.87% and a net margin of 7.06%.The business had revenue of $1.85 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.74 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.55 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Booz Allen Hamilton has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.950-6.150 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Booz Allen Hamilton will post 6.44 EPS for the current year. Insider Activity In other Booz Allen Hamilton news, CEO Horacio Rozanski acquired 23,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 30th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $84.66 per share, with a total value of $2,014,908.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer owned 687,745 shares of the companys stock, valued at $58,224,491.70. This represents a 3.58% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.91% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Key Headlines Impacting Booz Allen Hamilton Here are the key news stories impacting Booz Allen Hamilton this week: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its stake in Booz Allen Hamilton by 22.9% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 26,167 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $2,737,000 after acquiring an additional 4,870 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton by 365.0% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 11,750 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,229,000 after purchasing an additional 9,223 shares during the last quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton by 53.7% in the second quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 4,460 shares of the business services providers stock worth $464,000 after purchasing an additional 1,559 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Booz Allen Hamilton by 132.7% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,429 shares of the business services providers stock worth $149,000 after purchasing an additional 815 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cresset Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in Booz Allen Hamilton by 6.2% during the second quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 3,257 shares of the business services providers stock worth $339,000 after purchasing an additional 191 shares during the last quarter. 91.82% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Booz Allen Hamilton (Get Free Report) Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation is a publicly traded management and technology consulting firm headquartered in McLean, Virginia. The company provides a wide range of professional services and solutions in strategy, analytics, digital transformation, engineering and cyber security. Its expertise spans from supporting federal civilian agencies to defense, intelligence and homeland security organizations, as well as select commercial industries. Key offerings include data analytics and artificial intelligence applications, software development and modernization, systems integration, and cyber risk management. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Booz Allen Hamilton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Booz Allen Hamilton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Danone (OTCMKTS:DANOY Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $17.24, but opened at $16.1499. Danone shares last traded at $15.96, with a volume of 73,565 shares trading hands. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently commented on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Danone in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of Danone in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded shares of Danone from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Finally, Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Danone in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Danone has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Danone alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Danone Danone Stock Performance Danone Company Profile The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $17.82 and a 200-day simple moving average of $17.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a current ratio of 0.95. (Get Free Report) Danone is a French multinational food-products company headquartered in Paris, with roots dating to 1919 when it was founded by Isaac Carasso. The company positions itself around nutrition and health-oriented food and beverage products, and it combines global brand management, manufacturing and distribution to serve a broad consumer base. Danones long history has been characterized by expansion beyond its original yogurt business into bottled water, infant and medical nutrition, and plant-based alternatives. Danones principal activities include the development, production and marketing of dairy and plant-based products, bottled waters, and specialized nutrition for infants and medical patients. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Danone Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Danone and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nihon Kohden Corporation (OTCMKTS:NHNKY Get Free Report) gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $11.92, but opened at $11.40. Nihon Kohden shares last traded at $11.40, with a volume of 196 shares. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, UBS Group raised shares of Nihon Kohden from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Strong Buy. Get Nihon Kohden alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on NHNKY Nihon Kohden Stock Down 0.1% The company has a market capitalization of $2.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.24 and a beta of 0.41. The firms 50-day moving average price is $10.78 and its 200 day moving average price is $11.42. Nihon Kohden (OTCMKTS:NHNKY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The company reported $0.18 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $394.01 million during the quarter. Nihon Kohden had a return on equity of 9.28% and a net margin of 7.78%. About Nihon Kohden (Get Free Report) Nihon Kohden Corporation is a Tokyo-based manufacturer of medical electronic equipment, founded in 1951. The company has built a reputation for innovation in patient monitoring and diagnostic systems, developing one of Japans earliest electrocardiogram (ECG) machines and pioneering transistor-based oscilloscopes for clinical use. Over the decades, Nihon Kohden has expanded its product portfolio to address a wide range of healthcare needs, from emergency response to intensive care and neurology. The companys core offerings include patient monitors, ECG and electroencephalograph (EEG) devices, defibrillators, infusion pumps, and neuromonitoring systems. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nihon Kohden Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nihon Kohden and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. (OTCMKTS:DSEEY Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $9.8750, but opened at $9.55. Daiwa Securities Group shares last traded at $9.55, with a volume of 1,940 shares. Daiwa Securities Group Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.52, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.10. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $8.87 and a 200 day simple moving average of $8.12. The firm has a market cap of $13.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.11 and a beta of 0.51. Get Daiwa Securities Group alerts: Daiwa Securities Group (OTCMKTS:DSEEY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The financial services provider reported $0.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.15 by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $2.44 billion for the quarter. Daiwa Securities Group had a net margin of 11.23% and a return on equity of 7.00%. Daiwa Securities Group Company Profile Daiwa Securities Group Inc is a leading Japanese financial services firm established in 1902 and headquartered in Tokyo. Operating as a holding company, Daiwa oversees a network of subsidiaries active in securities brokerage, investment banking and asset management. With a history spanning over a century, the group has evolved to meet the changing needs of individual and institutional clients, building a reputation for comprehensive capital markets solutions. The groups core businesses include retail brokerage, offering equity, fixed income and mutual fund products to individual investors in Japan. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Daiwa Securities Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Daiwa Securities Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LCI Industries (NYSE:LCII Get Free Report)s stock price shot up 8.2% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $149.93 and last traded at $149.3280. 356,290 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 34% from the average session volume of 266,782 shares. The stock had previously closed at $138.07. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have issued reports on LCII. Roth Mkm lifted their price target on LCI Industries from $100.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Loop Capital reissued a hold rating and set a $149.00 target price on shares of LCI Industries in a research report on Thursday. Wall Street Zen cut LCI Industries from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. BMO Capital Markets raised LCI Industries from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $110.00 price target for the company in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Truist Financial set a $147.00 price target on shares of LCI Industries in a research note on Tuesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $128.50. Get LCI Industries alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on LCI Industries LCI Industries Stock Down 1.9% The stock has a market cap of $3.56 billion, a PE ratio of 20.57 and a beta of 1.31. The business has a 50 day moving average of $123.09 and a 200-day moving average of $107.15. The company has a current ratio of 2.78, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. LCI Industries (NYSE:LCII Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.97 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.44 by $0.53. The business had revenue of $1.04 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $963.96 million. LCI Industries had a return on equity of 12.60% and a net margin of 4.49%.The companys revenue was up 13.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.39 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that LCI Industries will post 6.76 EPS for the current fiscal year. LCI Industries Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Investors of record on Friday, November 28th were paid a dividend of $1.15 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 28th. This represents a $4.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. LCI Industriess dividend payout ratio is currently 64.34%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On LCI Industries Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. BNP PARIBAS ASSET MANAGEMENT Holding S.A. purchased a new stake in LCI Industries in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Signaturefd LLC lifted its holdings in shares of LCI Industries by 591.5% in the 2nd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 325 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 278 shares during the period. Financial Consulate Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of LCI Industries in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $56,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its stake in shares of LCI Industries by 358.8% in the third quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 624 shares of the companys stock valued at $58,000 after buying an additional 488 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hilltop National Bank acquired a new position in LCI Industries during the second quarter worth $66,000. 99.71% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. LCI Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) LCI Industries is a publicly traded manufacturer specializing in engineered components and systems for the recreation vehicle (RV), marine and housing industries. The company develops and supplies a diverse range of products designed to enhance comfort, convenience and functionality in mobile and leisure applications. LCI Industries serves original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarket customers throughout North America. The companys core offerings include power conversion and control systems, slideout mechanisms, entry and docking products, seating and furniture solutions, as well as window and door assemblies. See Also Receive News & Ratings for LCI Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for LCI Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE:DC Get Free Report) CEO Robert Quartermain sold 250,000 shares of Dakota Gold stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.88, for a total value of $1,720,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 7,493,244 shares of the companys stock, valued at $51,553,518.72. The trade was a 3.23% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Dakota Gold Price Performance Dakota Gold stock traded down $0.13 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $6.87. The stock had a trading volume of 1,756,426 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,618,820. Dakota Gold Corp. has a 52 week low of $2.21 and a 52 week high of $7.11. The company has a market cap of $778.11 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -16.76 and a beta of 1.08. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $5.51 and its 200-day moving average price is $4.72. Get Dakota Gold alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades DC has been the subject of several recent research reports. Zacks Research raised shares of Dakota Gold to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. HC Wainwright started coverage on Dakota Gold in a research report on Monday, January 5th. They set a buy rating and a $9.75 price target on the stock. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Dakota Gold has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $10.25. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Dakota Gold A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its holdings in shares of Dakota Gold by 3.1% in the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 117,416 shares of the companys stock worth $311,000 after acquiring an additional 3,543 shares during the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in Dakota Gold by 109.8% in the second quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 7,070 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 3,700 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its stake in Dakota Gold by 15.8% during the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 32,058 shares of the companys stock worth $118,000 after purchasing an additional 4,377 shares in the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets boosted its position in shares of Dakota Gold by 120.5% during the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 8,309 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 4,541 shares during the period. Finally, Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. grew its stake in shares of Dakota Gold by 130.7% in the second quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. now owns 8,788 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 4,978 shares in the last quarter. 37.41% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Dakota Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Dakota Gold Corp (NYSE:DC) is a mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing gold projects within the United States. The companys primary asset is the historic Homestake District in South Dakotas Black Hills, where it seeks to redevelop gold-bearing tailings and low?grade ore volumes for open?pit heap leach processing. Dakota Gold pursues a staged approach, combining exploration, resource delineation and economic studies to unlock value from legacy mine materials. The firms flagship property comprises sealed tailings impoundments and adjacent low?grade stockpiles left over from the Homestake Gold Mine, which operated from 1876 until 2002. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Dakota Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dakota Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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 Canadian medical report published Friday found no evidence linking environmental factors to an unusual set of neurological symptoms affecting hundreds of people, a five-year saga that has shaken a small Atlantic province. In 2021, health officials in New Brunswick launched an investigation involving 48 patients with a range of neurological symptoms but no apparent common illness. These included muscle spasms, memory loss, hallucinations and balance issues. Some in the province of less than a million people began describing the condition as a mystery brain disease. Provincial officials said at the time that the patient group could be suffering from a new disease not previously seen in Canada and began using the term "possible neurological syndrome of unknown cause." But the provincial investigations that followed, including the final report released Friday, dismissed claims that there was anything linking the patients other than a reported set of symptomsand a single neurologist, named Alier Marrero. The first investigation, which concluded in 2022, "found no evidence of a common illness among these patients." But in 2023, Marrero reported additional people complaining of neurological symptoms and the patients' stories continued receiving widespread media coverage. Marrero said that while the condition could not be diagnosed, he believed the patients had elevated levels of certain substanceslike herbicides or toxic metalsin their systems, suggesting an environmental cause for the illness. "Unanswered questions" New Brunswick launched a new investigation, this time looking at data from 222 patients, about 75% of whom lived in or around the city of Moncton. A Journal of the American Medical Association study published last year found no evidence of a common mystery disease, either. But New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said in May that her government would do what it could to provide patients "the information they need about what's causing these illnesses." "There's too many unanswered questions for us to stop the work," Holt said. Investigators studied living patients and analyzed autopsies. The report released Friday would appear to close the case from the government's perspective. "We are able to conclude that our investigation found no evidence of a widespread issue among this patient group," the report said. "We do not feel that exposure to these substances is a contributing factor to most patients' illness," it added. The report also pointed to concerns with Marrero's work. "Patients were reported to (the province) as having an undiagnosed illness; however, our findings suggest that it is possible that many patients do have illnesses that can be diagnosed," it said. The report also recommended that before a neurological condition is declared "undiagnosed," a patient must be seen by two specialists. Key medical concepts Neurologic Diseases Clinical categories Neurology 2026 AFP Shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (NYSEARCA:EWZ Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $34.83 and last traded at $34.8530, with a volume of 34956028 shares. The stock had previously closed at $33.62. iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Stock Performance The firms fifty day moving average is $32.80 and its 200-day moving average is $30.58. The company has a market capitalization of $8.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.58 and a beta of 0.87. Get iShares MSCI Brazil ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of EWZ. Royal Bank of Canada grew its position in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 18.0% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 344,041 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $8,894,000 after acquiring an additional 52,532 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 819.7% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 1,683 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 1,500 shares in the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 60.0% during the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 1,760 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $51,000 after purchasing an additional 660 shares in the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF during the second quarter worth about $400,000. Finally, Retireful LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $500,000. 72.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI Brazil Capped Index Fund (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Brazil Index Fund, seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Brazilian market, as measured by the MSCI Brazil Index (the Index). The Index seeks to measure the performance of the Brazilian equity market. It is a capitalization-weighted index that aims to capture 85% of the (publicly available) total market capitalization. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JinkoSolar (NYSE:JKS Get Free Report) was downgraded by Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report issued on Friday. A number of other analysts have also commented on JKS. UBS Group reissued a neutral rating on shares of JinkoSolar in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of JinkoSolar from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of JinkoSolar in a research report on Wednesday, December 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on shares of JinkoSolar from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, Roth Mkm raised their price target on shares of JinkoSolar from $17.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $22.33. Get JinkoSolar alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on JKS JinkoSolar Price Performance Shares of NYSE JKS traded up $2.34 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $27.80. 1,360,421 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 703,585. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $26.90 and its 200-day moving average price is $24.99. The stock has a market cap of $1.44 billion, a P/E ratio of -3.04 and a beta of 0.52. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07. JinkoSolar has a one year low of $13.42 and a one year high of $31.88. JinkoSolar (NYSE:JKS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 17th. The semiconductor company reported ($2.30) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($2.56) by $0.26. The company had revenue of $2.27 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.72 billion. JinkoSolar had a negative return on equity of 8.96% and a negative net margin of 4.98%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that JinkoSolar will post -0.24 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of JinkoSolar Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio increased its position in shares of JinkoSolar by 51.3% during the second quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 33,900 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $719,000 after buying an additional 11,500 shares during the period. XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new position in JinkoSolar in the second quarter valued at $1,160,000. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its position in JinkoSolar by 18.2% during the second quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 23,449 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $498,000 after acquiring an additional 3,608 shares during the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC grew its holdings in JinkoSolar by 63.0% during the 3rd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 66,997 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,610,000 after acquiring an additional 25,903 shares during the period. Finally, MTM Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in JinkoSolar during the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 35.82% of the companys stock. JinkoSolar Company Profile (Get Free Report) JinkoSolar Holding Co, Ltd. (NYSE: JKS) is a vertically integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer headquartered in Shanghai, China. The company specializes in the design, development and production of high-performance solar modules, silicon wafers, solar cells and related components. Since its founding in 2006, JinkoSolar has become one of the worlds largest solar module suppliers, known for delivering reliable products to utility, commercial and residential customers. JinkoSolars product portfolio encompasses a broad range of monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV modules, including half-cell, bifacial and high-efficiency Tiger module series. See Also Receive News & Ratings for JinkoSolar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JinkoSolar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sydbank A/S (LON:0MGE Get Free Report) fell 2.1% during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as GBX 561.50 and last traded at GBX 562.50. 505 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 92% from the average session volume of 6,731 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 574.50. Sydbank A/S Stock Performance The company has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 557.41 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 525.24. Sydbank A/S Company Profile (Get Free Report) Sydbank A/S, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services to corporate, private, retail, and institutional clients in Denmark and internationally. The company operates in Banking, Asset Management, Sydbank Markets, Treasury, and Other segments. The company offers various deposits, and loans and advances; and corporate banking services, including financing solutions and advisory services; leasing solutions to businesses; and international commercial banking services, such as payment and cash management solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Sydbank A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sydbank A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Land Securities Group Plc (LON:LAND Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of Hold from the seven ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have assigned a hold recommendation and four have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is GBX 602.33. Several brokerages recently commented on LAND. Peel Hunt dropped their target price on Land Securities Group from GBX 760 to GBX 750 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Panmure Gordon raised shares of Land Securities Group to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the company from GBX 424 to GBX 494 in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft dropped their price objective on shares of Land Securities Group from GBX 760 to GBX 730 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 14th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 725 target price on shares of Land Securities Group in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Land Securities Group from GBX 425 to GBX 440 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, November 27th. Get Land Securities Group alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on LAND Land Securities Group Price Performance LAND opened at GBX 639.41 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 59.04. Land Securities Group has a 52-week low of GBX 490.20 and a 52-week high of GBX 658.07. The company has a 50 day moving average of GBX 613.55 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 597.07. The company has a market cap of 4.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.20, a P/E/G ratio of 12.39 and a beta of 1.44. Land Securities Group (LON:LAND Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The company reported GBX 25.80 EPS for the quarter. Land Securities Group had a negative net margin of 38.71% and a negative return on equity of 4.88%. On average, analysts expect that Land Securities Group will post 49.8433829 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Transactions at Land Securities Group In other news, insider Baroness Casey acquired 500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 17th. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 615 per share, for a total transaction of 3,075. Also, insider Anne Richards bought 16,497 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 18th. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 603 per share, with a total value of 99,476.91. In the last 90 days, insiders bought 17,142 shares of company stock worth $10,344,848. Company insiders own 0.53% of the companys stock. Land Securities Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) At Landsec, we build and invest in buildings, spaces and partnerships to create sustainable places, connect communities and realise potential. We are one of the largest real estate companies in Europe, with a 12 billion portfolio of retail, leisure, workspace and residential hubs. Landsec is shaping a better future by leading our industry on environmental and social sustainability while delivering value for our shareholders, great experiences for our guests and positive change for our communities. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Land Securities Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Land Securities Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE Get Free Report) is anticipated to issue its Q4 2025 results after the market closes on Monday, January 26th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $2.15 per share and revenue of $742.6440 million for the quarter. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.980-9.040 EPS. Parties may review the information on the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning report for the latest details on the call scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET. Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, October 27th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.22 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.31 by ($0.09). Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a negative net margin of 13.43% and a negative return on equity of 1.89%. The company had revenue of $751.94 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $752.90 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.37 EPS. The firms revenue was down 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect Alexandria Real Estate Equities to post $9 EPS for the current fiscal year and $10 EPS for the next fiscal year. Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts: Alexandria Real Estate Equities Trading Up 2.8% Shares of ARE stock opened at $59.72 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $10.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -24.18, a PEG ratio of 7.02 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a current ratio of 0.24, a quick ratio of 0.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $51.05 and a 200 day moving average price of $67.43. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a twelve month low of $44.10 and a twelve month high of $105.14. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Cuts Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were issued a dividend of $0.72 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $2.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.8%. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess payout ratio is -116.60%. Alexandria Real Estate Equities declared that its board has authorized a share repurchase plan on Monday, December 8th that permits the company to repurchase $500.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the real estate investment trust to reacquire up to 6.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are usually an indication that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. More Alexandria Real Estate Equities News Here are the key news stories impacting Alexandria Real Estate Equities this week: Insider Buying and Selling at Alexandria Real Estate Equities In other news, Director Sheila K. Mcgrath bought 3,100 shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $45.60 per share, for a total transaction of $141,360.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 8,392 shares of the companys stock, valued at $382,675.20. The trade was a 58.58% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 1.08% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Alexandria Real Estate Equities Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 102.4% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 23,245 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,184,000 after purchasing an additional 11,762 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 4,261.1% during the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 3,140 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $290,000 after buying an additional 3,068 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC increased its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 4.8% in the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 6,455 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $597,000 after acquiring an additional 296 shares in the last quarter. Woodline Partners LP raised its stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 39.9% in the 1st quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 13,015 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,204,000 after acquiring an additional 3,714 shares during the period. Finally, Focus Partners Wealth boosted its position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 171.5% during the 1st quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 6,591 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $610,000 after purchasing an additional 4,163 shares during the period. 96.54% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts recently issued reports on ARE shares. Citizens Jmp lowered shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. BMO Capital Markets set a $60.00 price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Friday, January 9th. They set an equal weight rating and a $55.00 price objective on the stock. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $72.00 to $64.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Mizuho dropped their target price on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $91.00 to $70.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Alexandria Real Estate Equities currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $63.57. Get Our Latest Analysis on ARE Alexandria Real Estate Equities Company Profile (Get Free Report) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE) is a real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership, development and management of collaborative life science and technology campuses. The companys properties are designed to support research and innovation by providing specialized laboratory, office and manufacturing space tailored to biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic and related industries. Since its founding in 1994, Alexandria has cultivated a diversified portfolio of campuses across leading innovation clusters in North America and Europe. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Gap, Inc. (NYSE:GAP Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the sixteen analysts that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $30.1538. A number of brokerages recently weighed in on GAP. BTIG Research lifted their target price on GAP from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 21st. UBS Group upgraded shares of GAP from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the company from $26.00 to $41.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on shares of GAP from $26.00 to $29.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Guggenheim began coverage on GAP in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. They issued a neutral rating on the stock. Finally, Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of GAP in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Get GAP alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on GAP GAP Stock Performance NYSE:GAP opened at $27.10 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 1.72 and a quick ratio of 0.97. The firm has a market cap of $10.08 billion, a PE ratio of 12.10, a P/E/G ratio of 3.02 and a beta of 2.31. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $26.44 and a 200-day simple moving average of $23.45. GAP has a 1-year low of $16.99 and a 1-year high of $29.29. GAP (NYSE:GAP Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The company reported $0.62 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.58 by $0.04. GAP had a return on equity of 24.91% and a net margin of 5.57%.The firm had revenue of $3.94 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.90 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.72 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts expect that GAP will post 2.02 EPS for the current year. GAP Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, January 28th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 7th will be given a $0.165 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 7th. This represents a $0.66 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.4%. GAPs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.46%. Insider Activity at GAP In other news, Director Robert J. Fisher sold 500,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.45, for a total transaction of $13,725,000.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 2,329,502 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $63,944,829.90. The trade was a 17.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, major shareholder John J. Fisher sold 3,971 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.04, for a total transaction of $107,375.84. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 746,781 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $20,192,958.24. The trade was a 0.53% 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 1,349,044 shares of company stock valued at $36,857,065. 30.56% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of GAP A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of GAP in the third quarter worth about $27,000. V Square Quantitative Management LLC purchased a new stake in GAP during the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of GAP in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $35,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of GAP by 177.0% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 7,016 shares of the companys stock valued at $153,000 after buying an additional 4,483 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Covestor Ltd grew its position in shares of GAP by 1,228.1% during the third quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 7,597 shares of the companys stock worth $163,000 after buying an additional 7,025 shares in the last quarter. 58.81% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. GAP Company Profile (Get Free Report) Gap Inc is a global specialty retailer renowned for its portfolio of apparel and accessories brands, including Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Athleta. The company designs, sources and markets clothing across a broad price range and style spectrum, catering to men, women and children. Its offerings extend from everyday wardrobe essentials such as denim, tees and outerwear to performance and lifestyle pieces, reflecting each brands distinct identity and price point. Founded in San Francisco in 1969 by Donald and Doris Fisher, Gap Inc has grown into one of the worlds largest apparel companies. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for GAP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GAP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Kosmos Energy Ltd. (NYSE:KOS Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of Hold from the nine research firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $2.0786. Several research analysts recently issued reports on KOS shares. Bank of America reaffirmed an underperform rating and set a $1.00 target price (down from $3.40) on shares of Kosmos Energy in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Mizuho decreased their price objective on shares of Kosmos Energy from $2.00 to $1.50 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Kosmos Energy in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Stephens initiated coverage on shares of Kosmos Energy in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. They set an equal weight rating and a $1.75 price objective for the company. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their price objective on shares of Kosmos Energy from $1.70 to $0.80 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, January 5th. Get Kosmos Energy alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Kosmos Energy Kosmos Energy Trading Down 0.4% Shares of NYSE KOS opened at $1.30 on Wednesday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $1.07 and a 200 day moving average price of $1.52. Kosmos Energy has a 1-year low of $0.84 and a 1-year high of $3.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.04, a current ratio of 0.52 and a quick ratio of 0.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $619.44 million, a P/E ratio of -1.90 and a beta of 0.89. Kosmos Energy (NYSE:KOS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The oil and gas producer reported ($0.15) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.13) by ($0.02). Kosmos Energy had a negative net margin of 23.64% and a negative return on equity of 26.28%. The firm had revenue of $310.96 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $360.82 million. Equities research analysts expect that Kosmos Energy will post 0.42 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Kosmos Energy Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Kosmos Energy by 56.7% in the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 387,739 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $884,000 after buying an additional 140,261 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Kosmos Energy by 4.5% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 278,082 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $634,000 after purchasing an additional 12,045 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC boosted its holdings in Kosmos Energy by 21.1% in the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 2,541,006 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $5,793,000 after purchasing an additional 443,384 shares during the last quarter. Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in Kosmos Energy during the 1st quarter worth about $120,000. Finally, Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Kosmos Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at about $41,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.33% of the companys stock. About Kosmos Energy (Get Free Report) Kosmos Energy Ltd. is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Since its founding in 2003, the company has focused on identifying and developing hydrocarbon reserves in frontier and emerging basins around the world. Kosmos combines geological and geophysical expertise with a disciplined approach to acreage acquisition and partner selection to pursue high?impact offshore exploration opportunities. The companys portfolio is anchored by assets in West Africa and the Gulf of Mexico. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Kosmos Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kosmos Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UWM Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UWMC Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Hold from the ten brokerages that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $6.5313. UWMC has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $5.00 target price on UWM in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Zacks Research raised shares of UWM from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price target on shares of UWM from $6.50 to $6.75 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of UWM from $5.50 to $6.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on shares of UWM in a research report on Friday, December 19th. They issued a hold rating and a $5.00 price objective for the company. Get UWM alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on UWMC Insider Transactions at UWM Institutional Trading of UWM In other UWM news, CEO Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.82, for a total value of $3,683,326.68. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 5,952,509 shares of the companys stock, valued at $34,643,602.38. This represents a 9.61% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . In the last quarter, insiders sold 19,677,517 shares of company stock worth $104,137,897. 87.50% of the stock is owned by insiders. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC acquired a new stake in UWM in the third quarter valued at $32,630,000. 683 Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of UWM in the 2nd quarter valued at about $19,872,000. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. raised its stake in shares of UWM by 116.6% in the 2nd quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 5,991,072 shares of the companys stock valued at $24,803,000 after purchasing an additional 3,224,806 shares in the last quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP lifted its position in shares of UWM by 165.5% during the third quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 4,988,898 shares of the companys stock worth $30,382,000 after purchasing an additional 3,109,591 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Holocene Advisors LP grew its stake in UWM by 1,986.0% in the third quarter. Holocene Advisors LP now owns 3,231,243 shares of the companys stock worth $19,678,000 after purchasing an additional 3,076,340 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 53.59% of the companys stock. UWM Stock Down 0.4% Shares of UWMC stock opened at $5.78 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.45, a current ratio of 1.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.40. UWM has a fifty-two week low of $3.80 and a fifty-two week high of $7.14. The firms 50 day moving average price is $5.22 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $5.34. UWM (NYSE:UWMC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.01 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.07 by ($0.06). UWM had a negative return on equity of 6.81% and a net margin of 0.61%.The business had revenue of $151.14 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $651.51 million. Research analysts predict that UWM will post 0.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. UWM Dividend Announcement The firm 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 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.9%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 18th. About UWM (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. Featured Stories 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. Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of Hold from the twenty brokerages that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, fourteen have assigned a hold recommendation and five have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month target price among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $543.8235. Several equities research analysts have commented on LMT shares. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $398.00 to $425.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Robert W. Baird boosted their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $550.00 to $640.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, January 16th. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $513.00 to $580.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed a market perform rating and issued a $586.00 price target on shares of Lockheed Martin in a report on Monday, January 12th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: View Our Latest Report on LMT Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin Stock Performance A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. United Financial Planning Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Lockheed Martin in the third quarter worth approximately $25,000. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Lockheed Martin by 285.7% during the 3rd quarter. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 54 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Lockheed Martin during the 3rd quarter valued at $27,000. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Lockheed Martin during the 2nd quarter valued at $28,000. Finally, Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Lockheed Martin in the second quarter valued at $29,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.19% of the companys stock. LMT opened at $590.30 on Monday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $495.94 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $475.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.32, a current ratio of 1.13 and a quick ratio of 0.97. The company has a market capitalization of $136.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.24. Lockheed Martin has a 1-year low of $410.11 and a 1-year high of $596.22. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 21st. The aerospace company reported $6.95 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.33 by $0.62. The company had revenue of $18.61 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.45 billion. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 111.84% and a net margin of 5.73%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $6.84 EPS. Research analysts predict that Lockheed Martin will post 27.15 EPS for the current fiscal year. Lockheed Martin Company Profile (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. See Also 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. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Alpha Services and and SVB Financial Groups gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Alpha Services and N/A N/A N/A ($0.01) -427.55 SVB Financial Group $6.21 billion 0.00 $1.67 billion $25.35 0.00 Get Alpha Services and alerts: SVB Financial Group has higher revenue and earnings than Alpha Services and. Alpha Services and is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than SVB Financial Group, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Alpha Services and N/A N/A N/A SVB Financial Group 22.05% 13.02% 0.76% Institutional & Insider Ownership This table compares Alpha Services and and SVB Financial Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. 6.0% of Alpha Services and shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 92.3% of SVB Financial Group shares are held by institutional investors. 0.6% of SVB Financial Group shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Summary SVB Financial Group beats Alpha Services and on 8 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Alpha Services and (Get Free Report) Alpha Services and Holdings S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking and financial products and services in Greece and internationally. The company provides various deposit products, including savings, current, time deposits, and other deposit products; mortgage, consumer, corporate, and business loans, as well as leasing products, factoring services, letters of guarantee, etc.; and insurance and bancassurance products. It offers working capital facilities; investment banking services, such as corporate financing; management of institutional clients; commercial activities comprising foreign exchange, bonds, derivatives, interbank investments/placements, etc.; and debit and credit cards. In addition, the company offers property management, wealth management, and brokerage services, as well as sells and manages mutual funds. Further, the company engages in the hotel business. The company was founded in 1879 and is based in Athens, Greece. About SVB Financial Group (Get Free Report) SVB Financial Group, a diversified financial services company, offers various banking and financial products and services. It operates through four segments: Silicon Valley Bank, SVB Private, SVB Capital, and SVB Securities. The Silicon Valley Bank segment provides commercial banking products and services, including credit, treasury management, foreign exchange, trade finance, and other financial products and services. This segment also offers traditional term, growth capital term, and equipment loans, asset-based loans, revolving lines of credit, warehouse facilities, recurring revenue and acquisition finance facilities, mezzanine lending, corporate working capital facilities, and credit card programs; treasury management products and services; business and analysis checking, money market, multi-currency, in-country bank, and sweep accounts; receivables services, which include merchant services, remote capture, lockbox, and fraud control services; wire transfer and automated clearing house payment services; business bill pay, credit and debit cards, account analysis, and disbursement services. In addition, it offers foreign exchange and trade finance products and services; letters of credit; and investment services and solutions. The SVB Private segment offers mortgages, home equity lines of credit, restricted and private stock loans, capital call lines of credit, and other secured and unsecured lending products; planning-based financial strategies, wealth management, family office, financial planning, tax planning, and trust services; and real estate secured loans. The SVB Capital segment provides venture capital investment services. The SVB Securities segment provides investment banking services; products and services, including capital raising, merger and acquisition advisory, equity research, and sales and trading. The company was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. On March 17, 2023, SVB Financial Group, filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Receive News & Ratings for Alpha Services and Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alpha Services and and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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: Royy Nguyen from Pexels Recently, there has been convergence of thought by researchers in the fields of memory, perception, and neurology that the same neural circuitry that produces conscious memory of the past not only produces predictions of the future, but also conscious perception of the present. How perception and memory intertwine In a new perspective in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, researchers explain that although our conscious perception appears to simply mirror the external world, due to neural processing delays this intuitive feeling must be wrong. Instead, unconscious perceptual mechanisms represent a timeline that is then consciously remembered. Because the default mode network, along with the frontoparietal control and salience networks, are critical for simulation and memory, they are also critical for consciousness. "The same simulation processes are used whether we are consciously remembering the past, experiencing the present or imagining the future. Perceptual mechanisms represent an ongoing, editable, 'best estimate' of our past, present, and future. There is no hard boundary between conscious perception and memory at milliseconds to seconds timescales," explains corresponding author Andrew Budson, MD, professor of neurology at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Budson, who also is chief of cognitive behavioral neurology and director of the Center for Translational Cognitive Neuroscience at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, collaborated with Hinze Hogendoorn, Ph.D., professor of neuroscience at Queensland University of Technology and Donna Rose Addis, Ph.D., professor psychology at the University of Toronto. The memory theory of consciousness Previously, Budson published an opinion paper describing the Memory Theory of Consciousness (in the journal Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology), which suggests that our conscious perceptions, decisions, and actions are actually memories of prior unconscious sensations, decisions and actions. Hogendoorn, an expert on the timing of conscious perception, argues that at milliseconds to seconds timescales, "there is no hard natural boundary between perception and memory." Addis, who studies memory using functional magnetic resonance imaging, suggests that memory, imagination and even our experience of the present are all simulations created by our brain. Implications for understanding consciousness The synthesis of their combined theories can explain many mysteries of consciousness including its purpose, anatomy and physiology. "If our synthesis is correct, then we now know the purpose of consciousness, which is the purpose of explicit memoryto use prior information to understand the present moment, imagine possible futures, and plan accordingly," adds Budson. The theory also suggests that the anatomy and physiology of consciousness is the anatomy and physiology of explicit memory, which Budson argues is the entire cerebral cortex. According to the researchers, the new synthesis also complements other theories of consciousness, including global neuronal workspace and predictive processing theories. Budson notes that, "this novel synthesis suggests that many major theories of consciousness may be describing its various parts." Publication details Andrew E. Budson et al, Perception, Memory, Simulation, and Consciousness: A Convergence ofTheories, Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience (2026). DOI: 10.1162/jocn.a.2429 Journal information: Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience Key medical concepts Default Mode Network Clinical categories Neurology Simplicity Wealth LLC lessened its stake in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc (NYSE:PNC Free Report) by 42.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 4,898 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 3,578 shares during the period. Simplicity Wealth LLCs holdings in The PNC Financial Services Group were worth $984,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. First Horizon Corp purchased a new position in The PNC Financial Services Group during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $8,360,000. Benjamin Edwards Inc. increased its stake in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 27.2% in the third quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 24,763 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,977,000 after acquiring an additional 5,294 shares during the period. Charter Oak Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group during the third quarter worth $2,242,000. Cullen Capital Management LLC lifted its position in The PNC Financial Services Group by 3.8% during the second quarter. Cullen Capital Management LLC now owns 204,875 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $38,193,000 after purchasing an additional 7,478 shares during the period. Finally, Harbour Investments Inc. boosted its holdings in The PNC Financial Services Group by 115.1% in the second quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 5,631 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,050,000 after purchasing an additional 3,013 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.53% of the companys stock. Get The PNC Financial Services Group alerts: Insider Activity In other news, EVP Michael Duane Thomas sold 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $183.57, for a total transaction of $183,570.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 5,802 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,065,073.14. The trade was a 14.70% 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. 0.41% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Key The PNC Financial Services Group News The PNC Financial Services Group Stock Down 1.2% Here are the key news stories impacting The PNC Financial Services Group this week: Shares of PNC opened at $219.40 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $86.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.23, a PEG ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 0.99. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc has a 12 month low of $145.12 and a 12 month high of $227.78. The stocks 50 day moving average is $206.41 and its two-hundred day moving average is $198.21. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94. The PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE:PNC Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, January 16th. The financial services provider reported $4.88 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.23 by $0.65. The PNC Financial Services Group had a return on equity of 11.87% and a net margin of 20.40%.The business had revenue of $6.07 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.90 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $3.77 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts predict that The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc will post 15.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The PNC Financial Services Group Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 5th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be issued a dividend of $1.70 per share. This represents a $6.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, January 20th. The PNC Financial Services Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 40.99%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on The PNC Financial Services Group from $220.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. Oppenheimer raised their target price on The PNC Financial Services Group from $268.00 to $284.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday. Truist Financial boosted their price target on The PNC Financial Services Group from $210.00 to $229.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group from $211.00 to $221.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Cfra Research raised shares of The PNC Financial Services Group to a moderate buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, The PNC Financial Services Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $231.00. Read Our Latest Stock Report on The PNC Financial Services Group The PNC Financial Services Group Profile (Free Report) The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offering a broad range of banking, lending, investment and wealth management services. PNC operates a national banking franchise with a significant retail branch network and dedicated capabilities for commercial, institutional and government clients. Its services are designed to serve individuals, small businesses, corporations and public sector entities across the United States. PNCs core business activities include consumer and business banking, residential mortgage lending, corporate and institutional banking, asset management and wealth advisory services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PNC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc (NYSE:PNC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The PNC Financial Services Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The PNC Financial Services Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas grew its holdings in shares of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM Free Report) by 2.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 124,180 shares of the specialty retailers stock after buying an additional 3,122 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas holdings in Williams-Sonoma were worth $24,271,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Maseco LLP purchased a new stake in Williams-Sonoma in the second quarter worth $26,000. True Wealth Design LLC raised its holdings in Williams-Sonoma by 111.8% in the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 144 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 76 shares in the last quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 130.8% in the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 180 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 102 shares during the period. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust boosted its stake in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 57.2% during the 3rd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 228 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Richardson Financial Services Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Williams-Sonoma during the second quarter valued at about $48,000. Institutional investors own 99.29% of the companys stock. Get Williams-Sonoma alerts: Williams-Sonoma Stock Down 2.6% Shares of WSM opened at $204.50 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $24.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.50, a P/E/G ratio of 3.29 and a beta of 1.58. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $189.33 and its 200-day moving average price is $191.20. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has a 52 week low of $130.07 and a 52 week high of $219.98. Williams-Sonoma Announces Dividend Williams-Sonoma ( NYSE:WSM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 19th. The specialty retailer reported $1.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.87 by $0.09. Williams-Sonoma had a return on equity of 53.10% and a net margin of 14.30%.The business had revenue of $1.88 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.86 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.96 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will post 8.36 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 20th. Investors of record on Friday, January 16th will be paid a $0.66 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 16th. This represents a $2.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. Williams-Sonomas payout ratio is presently 29.04%. Insider Activity In other Williams-Sonoma news, CEO Laura Alber sold 35,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $207.39, for a total transaction of $7,258,650.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 806,537 shares in the company, valued at approximately $167,267,708.43. This trade represents a 4.16% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Karalyn Yearout sold 767 shares of Williams-Sonoma stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $205.16, for a total transaction of $157,357.72. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 13,236 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,715,497.76. This trade represents a 5.48% 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 65,767 shares of company stock worth $12,802,440 over the last three months. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have commented on the stock. Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $202.00 to $188.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Williams-Sonoma in a research report on Monday, December 29th. TD Cowen restated a buy rating and issued a $245.00 target price (up previously from $210.00) on shares of Williams-Sonoma in a research note on Tuesday. Telsey Advisory Group reduced their price target on Williams-Sonoma from $225.00 to $220.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada set a $206.00 price objective on Williams-Sonoma and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, November 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $200.76. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on WSM About Williams-Sonoma (Free Report) Williams?Sonoma, Inc is a specialty retailer focused on the home and culinary markets, best known for premium cookware, kitchen tools and home furnishings. The company traces its roots to a single cookware store founded by Chuck Williams in 1956 in Sonoma, California, and has evolved into a multi?brand home furnishings and housewares business. Its merchandise mix spans cookware and kitchen electrics, tabletop and food prep items, furniture, bedding, lighting and decorative accessories designed for both everyday use and higher?end interiors. The company operates a portfolio of consumer brands that target distinct segments of the home market. Featured Stories 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. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. increased its stake in shares of Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF Free Report) by 6.2% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 654,153 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 38,002 shares during the period. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc.s holdings in Regions Financial were worth $17,250,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Darwin Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Regions Financial during the second quarter worth $25,000. CVA Family Office LLC grew its position in Regions Financial by 163.2% in the 2nd quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 1,058 shares of the banks stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 656 shares in the last quarter. American National Bank & Trust increased its stake in Regions Financial by 2,433.3% during the second 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 period. Salomon & Ludwin LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Regions Financial during the third quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, FNY Investment Advisers LLC purchased a new position in shares of Regions Financial in the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.39% of the companys stock. Get Regions Financial alerts: Regions Financial Stock Performance NYSE:RF opened at $27.49 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.80. The firm has a market cap of $24.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 1.03. The firms fifty day moving average price is $26.99 and its 200 day moving average price is $26.09. Regions Financial Corporation has a 1-year low of $17.74 and a 1-year high of $29.25. Regions Financial ( NYSE:RF Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 16th. The bank reported $0.57 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.61 by ($0.04). The firm had revenue of $1.92 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.94 billion. Regions Financial had a return on equity of 12.55% and a net margin of 22.44%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.56 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Regions Financial Corporation will post 2.26 EPS for the current year. Regions Financial declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase program on Wednesday, December 10th that allows the company to buyback $3.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization allows the bank to repurchase up to 12.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are often an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $32.00 target price on shares of Regions Financial in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Regions Financial in a report on Monday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley set a $31.00 price target on shares of Regions Financial in a research note on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company downgraded shares of Regions Financial from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and set a $30.00 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Piper Sandler lifted their price objective on shares of Regions Financial from $29.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $29.27. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Regions Financial Regions Financial Profile (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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Regions Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Regions Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TrueMark Investments LLC lifted its position in shares of Dominion Energy Inc. (NYSE:D Free Report) by 42.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 123,286 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 37,006 shares during the quarter. Dominion Energy makes up approximately 1.3% of TrueMark Investments LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 25th biggest position. TrueMark Investments LLCs holdings in Dominion Energy were worth $7,541,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in Dominion Energy by 16.2% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 105,795,310 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $5,979,551,000 after purchasing an additional 14,715,895 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Dominion Energy in the second quarter valued at approximately $566,924,000. Mizuho Markets Americas LLC raised its holdings in Dominion Energy by 139.3% in the 3rd quarter. Mizuho Markets Americas LLC now owns 867,500 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $53,065,000 after buying an additional 3,073,835 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its position in Dominion Energy by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 46,341,408 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,619,216,000 after buying an additional 1,313,621 shares during the period. Finally, London Co. of Virginia boosted its position in Dominion Energy by 30.9% during the 2nd quarter. London Co. of Virginia now owns 4,965,699 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $280,662,000 after buying an additional 1,172,445 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.04% of the companys stock. Get Dominion Energy alerts: More Dominion Energy News Here are the key news stories impacting Dominion Energy this week: Positive Sentiment: Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.6675 per share (payable Mar. 20, record Feb. 27). Reinforces income profile and dividend continuity for income investors. Article Title Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.6675 per share (payable Mar. 20, record Feb. 27). Reinforces income profile and dividend continuity for income investors. Positive Sentiment: Regulatory/operational win: Dominion secured approval to restart work on its Coastal Virginia offshore wind project a long?term growth asset if execution continues. This supports future revenue diversification beyond regulated utility earnings. Article Title Regulatory/operational win: Dominion secured approval to restart work on its Coastal Virginia offshore wind project a long?term growth asset if execution continues. This supports future revenue diversification beyond regulated utility earnings. Neutral Sentiment: Company is actively mobilizing crews and resources ahead of a major winter/ice storm across Virginia and Hampton Roads communications emphasize preparation and possible multi-day outages. Operational readiness should limit damage, but the weather event raises short-term service risk and potential restoration costs. Article Title Company is actively mobilizing crews and resources ahead of a major winter/ice storm across Virginia and Hampton Roads communications emphasize preparation and possible multi-day outages. Operational readiness should limit damage, but the weather event raises short-term service risk and potential restoration costs. Neutral Sentiment: Local development: a former Dominion tower in Richmond is being redeveloped in a $158M makeover a real estate/capital redeployment note with limited direct impact on the utilitys core earnings. Article Title Local development: a former Dominion tower in Richmond is being redeveloped in a $158M makeover a real estate/capital redeployment note with limited direct impact on the utilitys core earnings. Negative Sentiment: Analyst moves: Barclays trimmed its price target (from $64 to $63) despite keeping an overweight rating, and other outlets report Wells Fargo has lowered expectations analyst repricing is weighing on sentiment and removes some upside. Article Title Analyst moves: Barclays trimmed its price target (from $64 to $63) despite keeping an overweight rating, and other outlets report Wells Fargo has lowered expectations analyst repricing is weighing on sentiment and removes some upside. Negative Sentiment: Near?term political/community risk: Prince William County school board asked Dominion to reconsider siting a power line on school property potential local opposition that could slow projects or raise permitting costs if similar disputes arise. Article Title Near?term political/community risk: Prince William County school board asked Dominion to reconsider siting a power line on school property potential local opposition that could slow projects or raise permitting costs if similar disputes arise. Negative Sentiment: Market context: coverage pieces and trade writeups note the stock has slid recently amid broader market strength; that technical/flow weakness can amplify selling after the analyst moves and weather concerns. Article Title Dominion Energy Trading Down 0.6% D opened at $59.56 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $59.70 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $59.88. Dominion Energy Inc. has a 1-year low of $48.07 and a 1-year high of $62.87. The company has a market cap of $50.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a current ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 0.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.41. Dominion Energy (NYSE:D Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The utilities provider reported $1.06 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.02 by $0.04. Dominion Energy had a return on equity of 9.60% and a net margin of 16.17%.The company had revenue of $4.53 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.71 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.98 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 14.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Dominion Energy has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.330-3.480 EPS. Analysts predict that Dominion Energy Inc. will post 3.39 EPS for the current fiscal year. Dominion Energy Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Saturday, December 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 5th were issued a dividend of $0.6675 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 5th. This represents a $2.67 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.5%. Dominion Energys payout ratio is currently 90.82%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Evercore ISI started coverage on shares of Dominion Energy in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. They set an in-line rating and a $67.00 price target for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on Dominion Energy from $62.00 to $59.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Dominion Energy in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Dominion Energy from $67.00 to $64.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Dominion Energy from $63.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $64.33. View Our Latest Research Report on Dominion Energy About Dominion Energy (Free Report) Dominion Energy, Inc, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, is a diversified energy company that primarily operates regulated electricity and natural gas utilities and develops energy infrastructure. The companys core activities include the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers, as well as the purchase, storage and delivery of natural gas. Dominion combines traditional utility operations with energy infrastructure businesses to provide essential services across its service territories. Dominions electricity portfolio spans multiple technologies and fuel sources, including nuclear, natural gas-fired generation and renewable resources such as utility-scale solar and wind. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding D? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dominion Energy Inc. (NYSE:D Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Dominion Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dominion Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. raised its position in shares of The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 20.7% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 97,214 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 16,646 shares during the period. iA Global Asset Management Inc.s holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $9,281,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of SCHW. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Charles Schwab during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. RMG Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab in the second quarter worth $27,000. West Branch Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Charles Schwab in the 3rd quarter valued at $27,000. Hoese & Co LLP lifted its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 131.6% during the 2nd quarter. Hoese & Co LLP now owns 352 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new stake in Charles Schwab during the 2nd quarter worth $32,000. 84.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Charles Schwab Stock Performance Shares of Charles Schwab stock opened at $102.24 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 0.58. The Charles Schwab Corporation has a 1 year low of $65.88 and a 1 year high of $105.81. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $97.83 and its 200-day simple moving average is $95.87. The firm has a market cap of $181.68 billion, a PE ratio of 21.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 0.94. Charles Schwab News Summary Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 21st. The financial services provider reported $1.39 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.32 by $0.07. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 37.01% and a return on equity of 22.07%. The business had revenue of $6.34 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.19 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.01 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 18.9% on a year-over-year basis. Charles Schwab has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.700-5.800 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that The Charles Schwab Corporation will post 4.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Here are the key news stories impacting Charles Schwab this week: Positive Sentiment: Company raised FY?2026 guidance to $5.70$5.80 EPS and revenue guidance above consensus, signaling stronger-than-expected forward earnings and supporting upside. FY2026 Guidance Company raised FY?2026 guidance to $5.70$5.80 EPS and revenue guidance above consensus, signaling stronger-than-expected forward earnings and supporting upside. Positive Sentiment: Schwab reported record 2025 results with asset growth, higher trading activity and revenue gains a fundamentals-driven reason investors may remain constructive. Record 2025 Results Schwab reported record 2025 results with asset growth, higher trading activity and revenue gains a fundamentals-driven reason investors may remain constructive. Positive Sentiment: Analyst and market optimism: TD Cowen raised its price target to $138 (buy) and Zacks upgraded Schwab / published bullish pieces highlighting growth and momentum coverage that can attract buyers. TD Cowen Price Target Zacks Upgrade Analyst and market optimism: TD Cowen raised its price target to $138 (buy) and Zacks upgraded Schwab / published bullish pieces highlighting growth and momentum coverage that can attract buyers. Positive Sentiment: Strategic M&A: Forge Global shareholders approved acquisition by Schwab, expanding private markets capabilities a strategic bolt-on that could support long-term growth. Forge Global Approval Strategic M&A: Forge Global shareholders approved acquisition by Schwab, expanding private markets capabilities a strategic bolt-on that could support long-term growth. Neutral Sentiment: Momentum signals: SCHW recently hit a 52?week high and has shown short-term outperformance (up ~3.6% over the week), which can drive momentum flows but also set up profit-taking. 52?Week High Momentum signals: SCHW recently hit a 52?week high and has shown short-term outperformance (up ~3.6% over the week), which can drive momentum flows but also set up profit-taking. Neutral Sentiment: Mixed headlines: Some outlets noted Schwabs EPS dynamics and near-term estimate nuances coverage that may drive trading but not change the long-term thesis immediately. Earnings Coverage Mixed headlines: Some outlets noted Schwabs EPS dynamics and near-term estimate nuances coverage that may drive trading but not change the long-term thesis immediately. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: Director Jonathan Beatty sold 2,000 shares at ~$105, reducing his stake by ~8.4% a small dilution of insider conviction that some investors may view as a near-term negative. Insider Sale (Form 4) Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Jonathan S. Beatty sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total transaction of $210,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 21,768 shares in the company, valued at $2,285,640. The trade was a 8.41% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Insiders have sold 7,072 shares of company stock worth $715,076 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 6.30% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth SCHW has been the topic of several research reports. Wolfe Research set a $120.00 price objective on Charles Schwab in a research report on Monday, January 12th. TD Cowen upped their price target on Charles Schwab from $135.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating and set a $131.00 target price on shares of Charles Schwab in a research report on Thursday. Piper Sandler raised their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $100.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $139.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $115.60. View Our Latest Stock Report on SCHW Charles Schwab Profile (Free Report) Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW) is a diversified financial services firm that provides brokerage, banking, wealth management and advisory services to individual investors, independent investment advisors and institutional clients. Its primary offerings include retail brokerage accounts, online trading platforms, Schwab-branded mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), retirement plan services, custodial services for independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), and banking products through Charles Schwab Bank. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Delta Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX Free Report) by 24.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 26,299 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 5,239 shares during the period. Chevron comprises 1.2% of Delta Financial Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 26th biggest holding. Delta Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Chevron were worth $4,084,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the business. CX Institutional grew its stake in shares of Chevron by 5.7% during the 2nd quarter. CX Institutional now owns 52,528 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $7,521,000 after purchasing an additional 2,852 shares during the period. McAdam LLC increased its position in shares of Chevron by 8.1% during the second quarter. McAdam LLC now owns 4,112 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $589,000 after purchasing an additional 309 shares in the last quarter. Fortune Financial Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Chevron by 2.2% during the second quarter. Fortune Financial Advisors LLC now owns 7,063 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,011,000 after buying an additional 151 shares in the last quarter. Register Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Chevron by 6.2% in the 2nd quarter. Register Financial Advisors LLC now owns 9,448 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,353,000 after purchasing an additional 553 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Banque Pictet & Cie SA lifted its position in Chevron by 3.6% during the second quarter. Banque Pictet & Cie SA now owns 167,524 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $23,988,000 after buying an additional 5,750 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 72.42% of the companys stock. Get Chevron alerts: Key Stories Impacting Chevron Here are the key news stories impacting Chevron this week: Insider Buying and Selling Analysts Set New Price Targets In related news, Director John B. Hess sold 275,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.75, for a total value of $41,456,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 1,128,045 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $170,052,783.75. This represents a 19.60% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Also, CFO Eimear P. Bonner sold 28,334 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $165.05, for a total transaction of $4,676,526.70. Following the sale, the chief financial officer owned 4,366 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $720,608.30. This represents a 86.65% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 635,190 shares of company stock worth $100,254,408 in the last quarter. 0.21% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. A number of analysts recently issued reports on the company. BMO Capital Markets reissued an outperform rating on shares of Chevron in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Barclays increased their price objective on Chevron from $158.00 to $166.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday. Jefferies Financial Group upped 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, January 14th. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their target price on shares of Chevron from $170.00 to $172.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reissued an outperform rating and set a $160.00 price target (down previously from $170.00) on shares of Chevron in a research report on Friday, October 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have given a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Chevron has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $170.00. View Our Latest Analysis on CVX Chevron Price Performance Shares of NYSE:CVX opened at $166.74 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The firms 50 day moving average is $154.52 and its two-hundred day moving average is $154.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $335.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.45, a PEG ratio of 10.90 and a beta of 0.70. Chevron Corporation has a 52 week low of $132.04 and a 52 week high of $169.37. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The oil and gas company reported $1.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.71 by $0.14. The company had revenue of $48.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $46.99 billion. Chevron had a return on equity of 8.74% and a net margin of 6.57%.The companys revenue for the quarter was down 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.48 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that Chevron Corporation will post 10.79 earnings per share for the current year. Chevron Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 18th were given a dividend of $1.71 per share. This represents a $6.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.1%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 18th. Chevrons dividend payout ratio is 96.20%. About Chevron (Free Report) Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) is an American multinational energy company engaged in virtually all aspects of the oil and gas industry. As an integrated energy firm, Chevrons core activities include upstream oil and natural gas exploration and production, midstream transportation and storage, downstream refining and marketing of fuels and lubricants, and petrochemical manufacturing through joint ventures and subsidiaries. The company markets fuels under brands such as Chevron, Texaco and Caltex and supplies a range of products and services to retail customers, industrial users and commercial fleets worldwide. Chevron traces its corporate lineage to the early petroleum companies that eventually became Standard Oil of California and has evolved through significant mergers and restructurings, including the acquisitions of Gulf Oil and Texaco. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Delta Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP Free Report) in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor acquired 4,245 shares of the railroad operators stock, valued at approximately $1,003,000. A number of other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in UNP. Jmac Enterprises LLC grew its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 44.5% in the third quarter. Jmac Enterprises LLC now owns 3,700 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $875,000 after acquiring an additional 1,139 shares during the period. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 5.2% in the third quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 98,196 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $23,210,000 after purchasing an additional 4,859 shares during the last quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas raised its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 18.2% during the 3rd quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 314,423 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $74,320,000 after acquiring an additional 48,371 shares in the last quarter. UNIVEST FINANCIAL Corp increased its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 5.4% in the 3rd quarter. UNIVEST FINANCIAL Corp now owns 15,212 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $3,596,000 after buying an additional 777 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northstar Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in Union Pacific in the third quarter worth about $384,000. 80.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Union Pacific alerts: Union Pacific Trading Down 0.7% Shares of Union Pacific stock opened at $229.67 on Friday. Union Pacific Corporation has a 1-year low of $204.66 and a 1-year high of $256.84. 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 stock has a market cap of $136.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.51, a P/E/G ratio of 2.66 and a beta of 0.99. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $231.23 and its 200-day simple moving average is $226.94. Union Pacific Dividend Announcement Union Pacific ( NYSE:UNP Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The railroad operator reported $3.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.99 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $6.24 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.24 billion. Union Pacific had a return on equity of 42.23% and a net margin of 28.73%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.75 EPS. Analysts predict that Union Pacific Corporation will post 11.99 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Investors of record on Friday, December 5th were issued a $1.38 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 5th. This represents a $5.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.4%. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio is currently 46.90%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages have issued reports on UNP. BMO Capital Markets set a $255.00 price objective on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on Union Pacific from $267.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, January 12th. Susquehanna restated a buy rating on shares of Union Pacific in a research report on Monday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $245.00 target price on Union Pacific in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Barclays restated an overweight rating and set a $285.00 target price (up from $270.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating and eleven have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $258.18. Get Our Latest Report on UNP Union Pacific Profile (Free Report) Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) is one of the largest freight railroad companies in the United States. Its principal operating subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad, has roots that trace back to the Pacific Railway Act of 1862 and the construction of the first transcontinental rail link completed in 1869. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and operates as a holding company for rail transportation and related services. Union Pacifics core business is the movement of freight by rail across an extensive rail network serving the western two?thirds of the United States. Featured Articles 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. Delta Financial Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT Free Report) by 89.7% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 3,564 shares of the aerospace companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,685 shares during the period. Delta Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $1,779,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of LMT. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Lockheed Martin by 285.7% during the 3rd quarter. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 54 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Lockheed Martin during the third quarter worth about $27,000. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new position in Lockheed Martin during the second quarter worth about $28,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Lockheed Martin in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, Frazier Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Lockheed Martin in the second quarter worth approximately $34,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.19% of the companys stock. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Lockheed Martin Price Performance Shares of NYSE:LMT opened at $590.30 on Friday. Lockheed Martin Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $410.11 and a fifty-two week high of $596.22. The company has a market cap of $136.59 billion, a PE ratio of 32.96, a P/E/G ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.24. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.32. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $495.94 and a 200 day simple moving average of $475.95. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Lockheed Martin ( NYSE:LMT Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 21st. The aerospace company reported $6.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.33 by $0.62. The business had revenue of $18.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.45 billion. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 111.84% and a net margin of 5.73%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $6.84 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Lockheed Martin Corporation will post 27.15 EPS for the current year. Several research firms recently issued reports on LMT. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $515.00 price objective (up previously from $465.00) on shares of Lockheed Martin in a report on Friday, December 19th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered their target price on Lockheed Martin from $517.00 to $492.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on Lockheed Martin from $398.00 to $425.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price objective on Lockheed Martin from $440.00 to $525.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of Lockheed Martin from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, December 13th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $543.82. View Our Latest Stock Report on LMT About Lockheed Martin (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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Palisades Investment Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Park Aerospace Corp. (NYSE:PKE Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 290,253 shares of the semiconductor companys stock, valued at approximately $5,904,000. Park Aerospace comprises about 2.3% of Palisades Investment Partners LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 18th biggest holding. Palisades Investment Partners LLC owned approximately 1.46% of Park Aerospace as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of PKE. Strs Ohio purchased a new stake in shares of Park Aerospace during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $75,000. Huntleigh Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Park Aerospace during the 3rd quarter valued at $1,126,000. Ethic Inc. lifted its position in shares of Park Aerospace by 71.9% during the third quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 45,436 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $924,000 after acquiring an additional 19,012 shares in the last quarter. Foundation Resource Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Park Aerospace by 1.7% in the third quarter. Foundation Resource Management Inc. now owns 500,493 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $10,180,000 after acquiring an additional 8,596 shares during the period. Finally, State of Wyoming purchased a new position in shares of Park Aerospace in the second quarter valued at $211,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.83% of the companys stock. Get Park Aerospace alerts: Park Aerospace Trading Down 3.4% PKE stock opened at $24.42 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average is $21.38 and its 200 day moving average is $19.73. The stock has a market cap of $486.59 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 56.78 and a beta of 0.31. Park Aerospace Corp. has a 1-year low of $11.97 and a 1-year high of $26.12. Park Aerospace Announces Dividend Park Aerospace ( NYSE:PKE Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 13th. The semiconductor company reported $0.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Park Aerospace had a return on equity of 9.28% and a net margin of 13.14%.The firm had revenue of $17.33 million during the quarter. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, February 4th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.125 per share. This represents a $0.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. Park Aerospaces dividend payout ratio is currently 116.28%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts have weighed in on PKE shares. Wall Street Zen raised Park Aerospace from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, January 17th. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Park Aerospace from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy. Get Our Latest Stock Report on PKE Park Aerospace Profile (Free Report) Park Aerospace (NYSE: PKE) is a specialized materials and manufacturing company that designs, develops and produces high-performance composite structures, engineered laminates and specialty adhesives for aerospace, defense and industrial markets. Its product portfolio includes advanced honeycomb cores, composite assemblies, dielectric and high-reliability circuit materials, as well as structural and bonding solutions that meet demanding performance and weight requirements. The company operates through two principal segments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Park Aerospace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Park Aerospace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gibbs Wealth Management cut its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 28.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 8,844 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,575 shares during the quarter. Gibbs Wealth Managements holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $1,435,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. PFS Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 24.8% in the second quarter. PFS Partners LLC now owns 292 shares of the companys stock valued at $53,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares during the period. Uncommon Cents Investing LLC boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter. Uncommon Cents Investing LLC now owns 5,666 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,032,000 after buying an additional 61 shares during the period. Second Line Capital LLC increased its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 4.8% during 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 period. Meridian Wealth Partners LLC raised its holdings in Philip Morris International by 3.1% in the second quarter. Meridian Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,060 shares of the companys stock valued at $375,000 after acquiring an additional 62 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bernardo Wealth Planning LLC lifted its stake in Philip Morris International by 1.8% in the second quarter. Bernardo Wealth Planning LLC now owns 3,584 shares of the companys stock worth $653,000 after acquiring an additional 62 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Trading Up 1.8% PM stock opened at $173.06 on Friday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $159.22 and a 200-day simple moving average of $161.60. The company has a market capitalization of $269.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.35, a PEG ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 0.40. Philip Morris International Inc. has a twelve month low of $125.53 and a twelve month high of $186.69. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 24th. The company reported $2.24 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.10 by $0.14. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.33% and a negative return on equity of 122.14%. The company had revenue of $10.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.67 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.91 earnings per share. Philip Morris Internationals quarterly revenue was up 9.4% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th were paid a dividend of $1.47 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 26th. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.4%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 106.52%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a hold rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $220.00 to $180.00 in a report on Tuesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on Philip Morris International from $190.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 target price on Philip Morris International and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $184.56. View Our Latest Analysis on PM 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. Read More 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. 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: Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels Polypharmacythe concurrent use of multiple medicationsis a global challenge, and the active participation of patients and their families in decisions about medication use is essential. In a new study, researchers at University of Tsukuba, Hokkaido University of Science, and Keio University developed and validated a Japanese version of the revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD). It is an internationally recognized questionnaire designed to assess attitudes toward medication reductions among patients and their caregivers. Older adults have an increased risk of adverse drug reactions and medication errors due to the greater number of prescriptions they frequently require to address multiple chronic conditions. The issue of polypharmacy is particularly pressing in Japan, and the promotion of appropriate medication reduction is a national priority. However, when physicians determine that deprescribing is clinically feasible, its implementation requires the cooperation and consent of the patient and their family. Therefore, reliable tools are needed to help health care providers understand how patients and their caregivers feel about medication reductions, which can facilitate shared decision-making. The rPATD questionnaire was originally developed by Dr. Emily Reeve and her colleagues at Monash University. It has been widely adopted in 24 countries and, as of November 2025, has been translated into 13 languages. However, to date, no Japanese version has been validated. In this study, the research team followed international guidelines to translate the rPATD into Japanese and evaluate its applicability to older adults and their caregivers in Japan. The findings, published in Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy, showed that the Japanese version is a reliable, valid, and easily understood measure. The rPATD can reveal patients' and caregivers' attitudes toward deprescribing and facilitate meaningful dialogue with physicians and other health care professionals. The Japanese rPATD could be incorporated into clinical practice during medication reviews in clinics and pharmacies. It can potentially support medication reduction strategies that are acceptable to patients and their caregivers. Ultimately, this tool is expected to promote safer, patient-centered pharmacotherapy in Japan. More information Mitsuaki Ishii et al, Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire in Japanese, Exploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2025.100685 Jennison Associates LLC grew its stake in Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL Free Report) by 189.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,187,965 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 777,541 shares during the quarter. Jennison Associates LLC owned approximately 0.18% of Dell Technologies worth $168,418,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of DELL. Winnow Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Dell Technologies during the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Westside Investment Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Dell Technologies by 84.7% during the 2nd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 218 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Dell Technologies in the second quarter worth $28,000. NewSquare Capital LLC increased its stake in Dell Technologies by 96.9% during the second quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 254 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Johnson Financial Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Dell Technologies by 66.2% during the second quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. now owns 251 shares of the technology companys stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 76.37% of the companys stock. Get Dell Technologies alerts: Insider Activity at Dell Technologies In related news, Director Egon Durban sold 71,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $138.12, for a total transaction of $9,806,520.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 1,172,428 shares in the company, valued at approximately $161,935,755.36. This trade represents a 5.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 42.00% of the stock is owned by insiders. Dell Technologies Price Performance Shares of DELL stock opened at $115.36 on Friday. Dell Technologies Inc. has a 12-month low of $66.25 and a 12-month high of $168.08. The firm has a market capitalization of $76.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 1.03. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $126.48 and a 200 day simple moving average of $133.62. Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The technology company reported $2.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.47 by $0.12. The company had revenue of $27.01 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $27.26 billion. Dell Technologies had a negative return on equity of 234.84% and a net margin of 5.01%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.15 EPS. 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. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Dell Technologies Inc. will post 6.93 EPS for the current fiscal year. Dell Technologies Dividend Announcement The firm 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 payout ratio is currently 28.00%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Dell Technologies in a report on Wednesday. Susquehanna raised their target price on shares of Dell Technologies from $120.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Citic Securities upped their target price on Dell Technologies from $150.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Raymond James Financial raised their price target on Dell Technologies from $161.00 to $166.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered Dell Technologies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Eighteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $161.26. Check Out Our Latest Report on Dell Technologies 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. Recommended Stories 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. Jennison Associates LLC raised its stake in AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV Free Report) by 1.8% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 619,984 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 10,808 shares during the period. Jennison Associates LLCs holdings in AbbVie were worth $143,551,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in ABBV. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in AbbVie in the second quarter worth approximately $26,000. Spurstone Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in shares of AbbVie in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of AbbVie in the 2nd quarter valued at $36,000. Delos Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of AbbVie during the 2nd quarter worth $39,000. Finally, Bear Mountain Capital Inc. grew its stake in shares of AbbVie by 480.6% during the second quarter. Bear Mountain Capital Inc. now owns 209 shares of the companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 173 shares in the last quarter. 70.23% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get AbbVie alerts: AbbVie Trading Up 0.5% Shares of NYSE ABBV opened at $219.21 on Friday. AbbVie Inc. has a twelve month low of $164.39 and a twelve month high of $244.81. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $225.60 and a two-hundred day moving average of $217.22. The stock has a market cap of $387.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 166.07, a P/E/G ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 0.36. AbbVie Increases Dividend AbbVie ( NYSE:ABBV Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $1.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.77 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $15.78 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $15.58 billion. AbbVie had a net margin of 4.00% and a return on equity of 3,216.47%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $3.00 earnings per share. AbbVie has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 3.320-3.360 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that AbbVie Inc. will post 12.31 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 16th will be paid a $1.73 dividend. This is a boost from AbbVies previous quarterly dividend of $1.64. This represents a $6.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 16th. AbbVies dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 524.24%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts recently commented on the company. Citigroup cut their price target on AbbVie from $240.00 to $235.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Raymond James Financial set a $256.00 price objective on AbbVie in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. BMO Capital Markets reissued an outperform rating and set a $258.00 target price on shares of AbbVie in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Scotiabank began coverage on AbbVie in a report on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $280.00 price target for the company. Finally, Erste Group Bank lowered shares of AbbVie from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating and eight have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, AbbVie presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $248.11. View Our Latest Report on AbbVie AbbVie Profile (Free Report) AbbVie is a global, research-driven biopharmaceutical company that was created as a spin-off from Abbott Laboratories in 2013 and is headquartered in North Chicago, Illinois. The company focuses on discovering, developing and commercializing therapies for complex and often chronic medical conditions. Its operations span research and development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs and commercialization, with an emphasis on bringing specialty medicines to market across multiple therapeutic areas. AbbVies product portfolio and pipeline cover several major therapeutic categories, including immunology, oncology, neuroscience, virology and womens health. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for AbbVie Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AbbVie and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd boosted its holdings in Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:OTIS Free Report) by 2.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 291,997 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 7,097 shares during the period. UniSuper Management Pty Ltds holdings in Otis Worldwide were worth $26,697,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Otis Worldwide by 4.3% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 48,587,153 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,811,100,000 after purchasing an additional 1,991,860 shares in the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. raised its position in shares of Otis Worldwide by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 19,378,760 shares of the companys stock worth $1,918,885,000 after purchasing an additional 603,860 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Otis Worldwide by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 10,673,127 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,057,594,000 after buying an additional 129,458 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Otis Worldwide during the 2nd quarter valued at $721,614,000. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its holdings in Otis Worldwide by 2.6% during the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 7,092,014 shares of the companys stock valued at $648,423,000 after buying an additional 181,739 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.03% of the companys stock. Get Otis Worldwide alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on OTIS shares. BNP Paribas Exane raised Otis Worldwide from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $105.00 price target for the company in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Otis Worldwide in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Otis Worldwide from $90.00 to $92.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Otis Worldwide from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, January 10th. Finally, Wolfe Research set a $109.00 price objective on shares of Otis Worldwide and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $104.13. Otis Worldwide Trading Up 0.8% NYSE OTIS opened at $90.96 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $88.30 and its 200 day moving average price is $89.72. Otis Worldwide Corporation has a twelve month low of $84.25 and a twelve month high of $106.83. The company has a market capitalization of $35.45 billion, a PE ratio of 26.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 1.02. Otis Worldwide (NYSE:OTIS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $1.05 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.00 by $0.05. Otis Worldwide had a negative return on equity of 30.67% and a net margin of 9.41%.The company had revenue of $3.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.65 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.96 EPS. The firms revenue was up 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. Otis Worldwide has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.040-4.080 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Otis Worldwide Corporation will post 4.04 EPS for the current year. Otis Worldwide Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 5th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were given a dividend of $0.42 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $1.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.8%. Otis Worldwides dividend payout ratio is 49.56%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Otis Worldwide news, CAO Michael Patrick Ryan sold 3,028 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $91.69, for a total transaction of $277,637.32. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 2,628 shares of the companys stock, valued at $240,961.32. This trade represents a 53.54% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 0.23% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About Otis Worldwide (Free Report) Otis Worldwide Corporation is a manufacturer, installer and servicer of vertical transportation systems, including elevators, escalators and moving walkways. The company designs and supplies new equipment for commercial, residential and industrial buildings, and provides ongoing maintenance and repair services aimed at maximizing equipment availability and safety. Otis also offers modernization solutions to upgrade aging systems and improve performance, accessibility and energy efficiency. In addition to new equipment sales, a significant portion of Otiss business derives from long-term service contracts and responsive maintenance work. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OTIS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:OTIS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Otis Worldwide Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Otis Worldwide and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd reduced its stake in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank (The) (NYSE:TD Free Report) (TSE:TD) by 24.8% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 441,938 shares of the banks stock after selling 145,562 shares during the period. UniSuper Management Pty Ltds holdings in Toronto Dominion Bank were worth $35,333,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also made changes to their positions in TD. HBK Sorce Advisory LLC lifted its stake in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank by 5.0% in the third quarter. HBK Sorce Advisory LLC now owns 2,953 shares of the banks stock valued at $238,000 after purchasing an additional 141 shares during the period. Tobam increased its holdings in Toronto Dominion Bank by 44.5% in the second quarter. Tobam now owns 490 shares of the banks stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 151 shares in the last quarter. PDS Planning Inc lifted its position in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank by 2.2% during the 3rd quarter. PDS Planning Inc now owns 7,808 shares of the banks stock valued at $624,000 after acquiring an additional 169 shares during the period. Cardinal Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. Cardinal Capital Management Inc. now owns 17,520 shares of the banks stock worth $1,402,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Private Trust Co. NA grew its holdings in shares of Toronto Dominion Bank by 15.8% in the 3rd quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 1,471 shares of the banks stock worth $118,000 after acquiring an additional 201 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 52.37% of the companys stock. Get Toronto Dominion Bank alerts: Toronto Dominion Bank Stock Performance Toronto Dominion Bank stock opened at $95.14 on Friday. Toronto Dominion Bank has a fifty-two week low of $54.14 and a fifty-two week high of $96.44. The company has a market capitalization of $159.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.29, a PEG ratio of 1.32 and a beta of 0.67. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $90.39 and a two-hundred day moving average of $81.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.03. Toronto Dominion Bank Increases Dividend Toronto Dominion Bank ( NYSE:TD Get Free Report ) (TSE:TD) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 4th. The bank reported $1.56 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.46 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $11.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.10 billion. Toronto Dominion Bank had a return on equity of 13.90% and a net margin of 16.52%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.72 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that Toronto Dominion Bank will post 5.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Saturday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be paid a dividend of $1.08 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. This represents a $4.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.5%. This is an increase from Toronto Dominion Banks previous quarterly dividend of $1.05. Toronto Dominion Banks dividend payout ratio is 37.37%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Toronto Dominion Bank in a research note on Wednesday. Natl Bk Canada raised Toronto Dominion Bank from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Toronto Dominion Bank from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded shares of Toronto Dominion Bank from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, Raymond James Financial raised shares of Toronto Dominion Bank to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating and four have given 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 $93.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Toronto Dominion Bank Toronto Dominion Bank Profile (Free Report) Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) is a Canadian multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Formed through the 1955 merger of the Bank of Toronto (founded 1855) and the Dominion Bank (founded 1869), TD is one of Canadas largest banks and offers a broad range of financial products and services to individual, small business, commercial and institutional clients. TDs core businesses include Canadian and U.S. personal and commercial banking, wealth management, wholesale banking and insurance. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Toronto Dominion Bank (The) (NYSE:TD Free Report) (TSE:TD). Receive News & Ratings for Toronto Dominion Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toronto Dominion Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National HealthCare Corporation (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $145.21 and last traded at $145.7590, with a volume of 10566 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $143.79. National HealthCare Stock Down 1.2% The stock has a market capitalization of $2.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.10 and a beta of 0.64. The company has a quick ratio of 1.72, a current ratio of 1.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06. The businesss 50-day moving average is $136.03 and its two-hundred day moving average is $121.13. Get National HealthCare alerts: National HealthCare (NYSEAMERICAN:NHC Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $1.58 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $382.66 million for the quarter. National HealthCare had a net margin of 6.75% and a return on equity of 9.52%. National HealthCare Announces Dividend National HealthCare Company Profile The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a dividend of $0.64 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $2.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.8%. National HealthCares payout ratio is 59.12%. (Get Free Report) National HealthCare Corporation (NYSE American: NHC) is a healthcare services company specializing in long-term care and post-acute rehabilitation. The company operates skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities and outpatient therapy clinics. Through its subsidiary, National HealthCare Partners, NHC provides contract rehabilitation services, pharmacy management and clinical consulting to a broad network of senior living and healthcare providers. Headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, National HealthCare Corporation has built a regional footprint across the southeastern and south-central United States. Read More Receive News & Ratings for National HealthCare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National HealthCare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Grupo Televisa S.A. (NYSE:TV Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as $3.41 and last traded at $3.4220, with a volume of 517990 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $3.27. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts recently commented on TV shares. UBS Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Grupo Televisa in a report on Monday, October 27th. Benchmark reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Grupo Televisa in a research report on Friday, January 2nd. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Grupo Televisa in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Zacks Research cut Grupo Televisa from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Friday, December 26th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and two have issued 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 $5.07. Get Grupo Televisa alerts: View Our Latest Report on TV Grupo Televisa Stock Down 2.2% The firm has a market capitalization of $1.88 billion, a PE ratio of -3.29, a PEG ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 1.95. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $2.92 and its 200 day moving average price is $2.69. The company has a quick ratio of 2.29, a current ratio of 2.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03. Grupo Televisa (NYSE:TV Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The company reported ($0.19) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.03 by ($0.22). Grupo Televisa had a negative net margin of 18.27% and a negative return on equity of 9.49%. The company had revenue of $798.55 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.66 billion. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Grupo Televisa S.A. will post -0.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Grupo Televisa A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of TV. Strid Group LLC purchased a new position in Grupo Televisa during the 3rd quarter worth $27,000. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Grupo Televisa during the third quarter worth about $28,000. TD Private Client Wealth LLC raised its holdings in Grupo Televisa by 68.8% during the third quarter. TD Private Client Wealth LLC now owns 10,685 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 4,355 shares in the last quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Grupo Televisa during the second quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Assetmark Inc. acquired a new stake in Grupo Televisa in the second quarter valued at about $34,000. 55.77% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Grupo Televisa Company Profile (Get Free Report) Grupo Televisa, SAB. is a leading Mexican multimedia conglomerate headquartered in Mexico City, specializing in the creation, production and distribution of Spanish-language content. The company operates free-to-air television networks, subscription pay-TV services, broadband and telephony under its cable arm, and a range of digital streaming platforms. Grupo Televisas portfolio spans news, sports, telenovelas, reality programming and original series, positioning it as one of the largest content producers in the Spanish-speaking world. Televisas broadcast division includes flagship channels such as Las Estrellas and Canal 5, while its pay-TV segment features operations under brands like Sky Mexico and Izzi Telecom. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Televisa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Televisa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jabil, Inc. (NYSE:JBL Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high on Thursday following a dividend announcement from the company. The stock traded as high as $258.05 and last traded at $247.2650, with a volume of 188309 shares. The stock had previously closed at $253.15. The newly announced dividend which will be paid on Tuesday, March 3rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be given a $0.08 dividend. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.1%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. Jabils dividend payout ratio is currently 4.98%. Get Jabil alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts recently commented on JBL shares. UBS Group lifted their price objective on Jabil from $239.00 to $244.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $282.00 price target on shares of Jabil in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Jabil from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, January 2nd. Bank of America boosted their price objective on shares of Jabil from $255.00 to $262.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Raymond James Financial restated a strong-buy rating on shares of Jabil in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $263.71. Jabil Trading Down 0.5% The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77. The businesss fifty day moving average is $224.63 and its 200-day moving average is $217.98. The stock has a market capitalization of $25.71 billion, a PE ratio of 37.87, a P/E/G ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 1.25. Jabil (NYSE:JBL Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 17th. The technology company reported $2.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.70 by $0.15. The company had revenue of $8.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.07 billion. Jabil had a net margin of 2.26% and a return on equity of 75.96%. Jabils revenue for the quarter was up 18.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.00 EPS. Jabil has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.550-11.550 EPS and its Q2 2026 guidance at 2.270-2.670 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Jabil, Inc. will post 8.05 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CFO Gregory B. Hebard sold 6,086 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $213.54, for a total transaction of $1,299,604.44. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 58,526 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,497,642.04. The trade was a 9.42% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Chairman Mark T. Mondello sold 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $225.32, for a total transaction of $11,266,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman owned 1,171,459 shares in the company, valued at $263,953,141.88. The trade was a 4.09% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 204,757 shares of company stock worth $46,869,301. 1.35% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Jabil Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Jabil in the 2nd quarter valued at $323,338,000. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its position in shares of Jabil by 1,157.8% in the third quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 1,454,915 shares of the technology companys stock worth $315,964,000 after buying an additional 1,339,247 shares during the period. Boston Partners grew its stake in shares of Jabil by 224.4% in the second quarter. Boston Partners now owns 1,898,681 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $414,119,000 after buying an additional 1,313,338 shares in the last quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. raised its holdings in shares of Jabil by 107.2% during the 3rd quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 1,319,675 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $286,594,000 after buying an additional 682,899 shares during the period. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA purchased a new stake in shares of Jabil during the 4th quarter valued at about $121,710,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.39% of the companys stock. Jabil Company Profile (Get Free Report) Jabil Inc (NYSE: JBL) is a global manufacturing solutions provider specializing in electronic manufacturing services (EMS) and diversified products across a wide range of industries. The company partners with original equipment manufacturers to deliver design engineering, supply chain management, precision manufacturing, and aftermarket services. Jabils expertise spans sectors such as healthcare, automotive, clean technology, telecommunications, consumer electronics, and packaging, enabling it to support both high-volume production and complex, mission-critical applications. Founded in 1966 by William E. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Jabil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jabil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Westfuller Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP Free Report) by 64.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 5,814 shares of the railroad operators stock after acquiring an additional 2,280 shares during the quarter. Westfuller Advisors LLCs holdings in Union Pacific were worth $1,374,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Acadian Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Union Pacific by 40.4% during the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 2,312 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $546,000 after acquiring an additional 665 shares during the last quarter. Magnus Financial Group LLC increased its position in Union Pacific by 4.1% in the second quarter. Magnus Financial Group LLC now owns 5,693 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $1,310,000 after buying an additional 225 shares in the last quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Union Pacific by 8.8% in the second quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,465 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $1,948,000 after buying an additional 685 shares during the period. Dakota Wealth Management lifted its position in shares of Union Pacific by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. Dakota Wealth Management now owns 14,651 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $3,371,000 after buying an additional 304 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Steph & Co. grew its stake in shares of Union Pacific by 3.8% during the 2nd quarter. Steph & Co. now owns 3,014 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $693,000 after acquiring an additional 111 shares during the period. 80.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Union Pacific alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have recently issued reports on UNP shares. TD Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Wednesday. UBS Group set a $253.00 target price on Union Pacific and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Susquehanna reissued a buy rating on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Monday. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $245.00 price objective on Union Pacific in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating and eleven have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $258.18. Union Pacific Stock Down 0.7% Shares of NYSE:UNP opened at $229.67 on Friday. 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 business has a 50 day simple moving average of $231.23 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $226.94. Union Pacific Corporation has a 1 year low of $204.66 and a 1 year high of $256.84. The firm has a market capitalization of $136.23 billion, a PE ratio of 19.51, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.66 and a beta of 0.99. Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The railroad operator reported $3.08 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.99 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $6.24 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.24 billion. Union Pacific had a return on equity of 42.23% and a net margin of 28.73%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.75 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Union Pacific Corporation will post 11.99 EPS for the current year. Union Pacific Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Investors of record on Friday, December 5th were issued a $1.38 dividend. This represents a $5.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 5th. Union Pacifics payout ratio is presently 46.90%. Union Pacific Profile (Free Report) Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) is one of the largest freight railroad companies in the United States. Its principal operating subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad, has roots that trace back to the Pacific Railway Act of 1862 and the construction of the first transcontinental rail link completed in 1869. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and operates as a holding company for rail transportation and related services. Union Pacifics core business is the movement of freight by rail across an extensive rail network serving the western two?thirds of the United States. Featured 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. 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 contrast to its competitors? We will compare Equity Bancshares to similar companies based on the strength of its earnings, analyst recommendations, profitability, dividends, valuation, institutional ownership and risk. Profitability This table compares Equity Bancshares and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Equity Bancshares alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Equity Bancshares 6.17% 12.37% 1.41% Equity Bancshares Competitors 7.90% 7.47% 0.84% Earnings and Valuation This table compares Equity Bancshares and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Equity Bancshares $367.98 million $62.62 million 37.67 Equity Bancshares Competitors $701.49 million $95.99 million 39.41 Volatility and Risk Equity Bancshares competitors have higher revenue and earnings than Equity Bancshares. Equity Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. 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 competitors have a beta of 1.01, suggesting that their average stock price is 1% more volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends Equity Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $0.72 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.6%. 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 60.6% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Insider and Institutional Ownership 71.8% of Equity 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. 6.6% of Equity 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, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Equity Bancshares and its competitors, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Equity Bancshares 0 2 0 1 2.67 Equity Bancshares Competitors 31 178 219 26 2.53 As a group, State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies have a potential upside of 1.92%. Given Equity Bancshares competitors higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Equity Bancshares has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. Summary Equity Bancshares competitors beat Equity Bancshares on 10 of the 15 factors compared. Equity Bancshares Company Profile (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. Davidson Kahn Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Watsco, Inc. (NYSE:WSO Free Report) by 90.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,018 shares of the construction companys stock after buying an additional 1,431 shares during the period. Davidson Kahn Capital Management LLCs holdings in Watsco were worth $1,220,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in shares of Watsco in the second quarter worth $26,000. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. lifted its holdings in Watsco by 2,366.7% during the 3rd quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 74 shares of the construction companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 71 shares in the last quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. grew its holdings in Watsco by 242.9% during the 2nd quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 72 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 51 shares in the last quarter. Chilton Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Watsco during the second quarter valued at about $34,000. Finally, TruNorth Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Watsco in the third quarter worth about $37,000. Institutional investors own 89.71% of the companys stock. Get Watsco alerts: Watsco Trading Down 1.0% WSO opened at $384.14 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.01 and a beta of 1.03. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $352.95 and a 200-day moving average price of $387.35. Watsco, Inc. has a 12-month low of $323.05 and a 12-month high of $535.40. Watsco Dividend Announcement Watsco ( NYSE:WSO Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 7th. The construction company reported $3.98 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $2.07 billion for the quarter. Watsco had a return on equity of 16.48% and a net margin of 7.04%. On average, equities research analysts predict that Watsco, Inc. will post 14.62 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Investors of record on Friday, January 16th will be issued a dividend of $3.00 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 16th. This represents a $12.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.1%. Watscos dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 93.75%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently commented on WSO. William Blair reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Watsco in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. KeyCorp restated a sector weight rating on shares of Watsco in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of Watsco from $460.00 to $370.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Wolfe Research set a $349.00 price objective on Watsco in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Watsco from $360.00 to $370.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, January 16th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $404.14. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on WSO Watsco Company Profile (Free Report) Watsco, Inc is the largest distributor of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) equipment, parts and supplies in the United States. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, the company operates a network of more than 600 branches across the continental U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Watsco serves residential and commercial contractors by providing essential components for climate control systems, including air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, coils, refrigerants, controls and electrical and piping supplies. Founded in 1947, Watsco has grown from a single regional distributor into an industry leader through a combination of organic expansion, acquisitions and strategic partnerships with original equipment manufacturers such as Carrier, Trane, Goodman and Lennox. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WSO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Watsco, Inc. (NYSE:WSO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Watsco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Watsco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Channing Tatum believes parenting is "hard". Channing Tatum has discussed the challenges of parenting The 45-year-old actor has a 12-year-old daughter called Everly with his ex-wife Jenna Dewan, and Channing has opened up about his own experiences of parenthood. Channing - who plays a father figure character in Josephine, his new thriller film - told E! News: "Parenting is hard and it changes day-to-day. "Sometimes you have to be the tough parent, and then other times, you need to be their soft buddy where you just love 'em and that's it." Channing explained that his Josephine character was partially inspired by his real-life dad. The film star shared: "It's a different character than I am in my life. I took a lot from my own dad in away. I think [Damien] is a bit of a mix between myself and my dad." Meanwhile, Channing previously confessed to feeling like "the radio contest winner" in Hollywood. The actor is one of the biggest names in the movie business - but Channing has always struggled with his self-belief. The actor - who worked as a stripper and as a model before finding success in the film industry - told Variety: "Anytime I see myself on the screen, it doesnt feel like a real movie. I see everybody giving these incredible performances, and I dont believe myself." Channing confessed to being surprised by his success in the movie business. He said: "I always felt like the radio contest winner. "I got called in at the right time, and I got the tickets backstage, and no one told me to leave. And once you let all that go, then you can really start." Channing thinks his acting has actually benefited from the ups and downs he's been through in his personal life. The movie star - who was married to Jenna between 2009 and 2019 - explained: "Ive lived six or seven different lives. "Life gives you fuel. If youve really been heartbroken, and really been in pain, and felt real, true aloneness Ive experienced enough life that I have something to offer. The technique, and the ability to actually deliver." In a critical move to safeguard patients with severely compromised respiratory systems, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has begun a major drive to install bird netting across all ward windows and verandahs at its Group of TB Hospitals in Sewri. The initiative aims to create a pigeon-free zone within the facility, addressing long-standing concerns over health hazards posed by bird droppings and feathers in a high-risk medical environment. The Sewri TB HospitalAsias largest specialised tuberculosis facilityhouses hundreds of patients whose lung capacity is already significantly reduced. Doctors warn that for these patients, exposure to pigeons is not merely a nuisance but can be potentially fatal. A major referral centre for TB patients in the state, the Sewri hospital has a capacity of around 1,000 beds, of which about 250 are reserved for multi-drug-resistant TB cases and 20 for children. Civic doctors said pigeon droppings are known to carry a dangerous mix of fungi and bacteria, including Cryptococcus and Histoplasma. When the droppings dry, they turn into a fine powder that becomes airborne, a senior doctor explained. These fungi and bacteria damage the lung interstitiumthe tissue responsible for oxygen transfer into the blood. Once this is damaged, treatment becomes extremely difficult. Doctors added that COVID-19 also attacks this vital part of the lungs, further compounding risks for TB patients. TB already eats away at the lung parenchyma, the doctor said. The move comes against the backdrop of past political and civic debates over pigeon-feeding spots, or kabutarkhanas, across Mumbai. While the closure of such feeding areas earlier had drawn objectionsparticularly from sections of the Jain communitythe BMC has now taken a firm stand on preventing bird entry into hospital premises altogether. The Group of TB Hospitals consists of three buildings spread across a five-hectare plot in Sewri. The civic body plans to spend around Rs 8 lakh to make the buildings bird-proof. The contractor is being finalised and work will begin shortly, a senior civic official said. Medical Superintendent Dr Namrata Kaur clarified that the netting is not targeted only at pigeons. The nets are meant to prevent all birds from entering the hospital buildings. Birds defecate inside and create a mess, requiring continuous cleaning. That manpower can be better used elsewhere, and patients also suffer because of the unhygienic conditions, she said. TB patients lungs and respiratory systems are already highly vulnerable, and exposure to bird droppings can further compromise their health, sometimes fatally. Putting up bird netting is a good and necessary step, said Dr Lancelot Pinto, Consultant Pulmonologist and Epidemiologist at P.D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre. Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych Allianz Polska S.A. raised its holdings in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM Free Report) (TSE:AEM) by 43.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 20,926 shares of the mining companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,330 shares during the period. Agnico Eagle Mines comprises about 8.7% of Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych Allianz Polska S.A.s portfolio, making the stock its 2nd largest holding. Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych Allianz Polska S.A.s holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines were worth $3,526,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. True Wealth Design LLC lifted its holdings in Agnico Eagle Mines by 381.3% in the third quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 154 shares of the mining companys stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 122 shares during the last quarter. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Agnico Eagle Mines in the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. City State Bank grew its holdings in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 69.2% during the second quarter. City State Bank now owns 269 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Agnico Eagle Mines by 59.7% during the third quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 198 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 74 shares during the last quarter. 68.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Agnico Eagle Mines alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades AEM has been the topic of several recent research reports. Scotiabank reissued an outperform rating on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Weiss Ratings downgraded shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from a buy (a-) rating to a buy (b) rating in a report on Monday, January 12th. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $198.00 to $256.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and boosted their target price for the company from $185.00 to $205.00 in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from $180.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $211.70. Agnico Eagle Mines Stock Performance Shares of AEM opened at $214.52 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $107.40 billion, a PE ratio of 31.32, a P/E/G ratio of 0.62 and a beta of 0.63. The company has a quick ratio of 1.31, a current ratio of 2.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $178.06 and a 200 day moving average price of $158.71. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited has a 52-week low of $87.45 and a 52-week high of $215.95. Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM Get Free Report) (TSE:AEM) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The mining company reported $2.16 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.40. The company had revenue of $3.07 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.93 billion. Agnico Eagle Mines had a net margin of 32.62% and a return on equity of 15.64%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.14 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Agnico Eagle Mines Limited will post 4.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Agnico Eagle Mines Profile (Free Report) Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) is a Canadian-based senior gold producer headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. The company is principally engaged in the exploration, development, production and reclamation of gold-bearing properties. Agnico Eagle pursues both greenfield and brownfield exploration to expand its resource base and operates a portfolio of producing mines and development projects to generate long-life gold production. Its core business activities span the full mining lifecycle: grassroots and advanced-stage exploration, prefeasibility and feasibility studies, mine construction, underground and open-pit mining, ore processing and metal recovery, and post-mining reclamation and closure. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE:AEM Free Report) (TSE:AEM). Receive News & Ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd raised its position in shares of Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER Free Report) by 28.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 131,456 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after acquiring an additional 29,481 shares during the period. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltds holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $12,879,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Uber Technologies by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 189,551,519 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $17,685,157,000 after buying an additional 3,025,483 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Uber Technologies by 2.6% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 45,859,136 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $4,258,756,000 after acquiring an additional 1,168,288 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Uber Technologies in the second quarter valued at about $2,348,319,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its position in Uber Technologies by 1.0% during the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 13,810,255 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $1,288,497,000 after acquiring an additional 142,933 shares during the period. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc raised its stake in Uber Technologies by 5.2% in the 2nd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 12,518,594 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $1,167,985,000 after purchasing an additional 615,692 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.24% of the companys stock. Get Uber Technologies alerts: More Uber Technologies News Here are the key news stories impacting Uber Technologies this week: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have issued reports on the stock. Exane BNP Paribas raised shares of Uber Technologies to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. TD Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Uber Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Guggenheim restated a buy rating and set a $135.00 price objective on shares of Uber Technologies in a research note on Thursday. Citigroup reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus set a $122.00 target price on Uber Technologies in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty have issued a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $107.97. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on UBER Insiders Place Their Bets In other Uber Technologies news, insider Tony West sold 3,125 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.50, for a total value of $260,937.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 176,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at $14,744,764. This represents a 1.74% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah sold 5,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.41, for a total value of $519,255.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer 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. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 14,875 shares of company stock valued at $1,319,130 over the last quarter. 3.84% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Uber Technologies Trading Down 0.4% Shares of UBER opened at $82.26 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a current ratio of 1.15. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a 52-week low of $60.63 and a 52-week high of $101.99. The firm has a market cap of $170.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.57 and a beta of 1.20. The businesss fifty day moving average is $84.65 and its 200-day moving average is $90.75. Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The ride-sharing company reported $3.11 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.67 by $2.44. The business 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 revenue for the quarter was up 20.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.20 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 2.54 EPS 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 Stories 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. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd increased its stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR Free Report) by 637.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 50,317 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 43,494 shares during the period. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltds holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions were worth $11,984,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. First Horizon Corp purchased a new position in Broadridge Financial Solutions in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. NewSquare Capital LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions by 89.5% during the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 108 shares of the business services providers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. ORG Partners LLC grew its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 360.0% in the second quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 115 shares of the business services providers stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares in the last quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd grew its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 85.1% in the second quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 124 shares of the business services providers stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 57 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Jackson Hole Trust increased its stake in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 110.3% in the second quarter. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust now owns 122 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares during the last quarter. 90.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Broadridge Financial Solutions alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have recently issued reports on BR. DA Davidson cut their price objective on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $240.00 to $228.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday. UBS Group dropped their target price on Broadridge Financial Solutions from $280.00 to $250.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $261.00 to $256.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $257.83. Broadridge Financial Solutions Trading Down 1.1% Shares of BR opened at $207.40 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $24.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.56 and a beta of 0.99. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has a twelve month low of $204.61 and a twelve month high of $271.91. The company has a quick ratio of 0.93, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $224.42 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $236.04. Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE:BR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The business services provider reported $1.51 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.19 by $0.32. The firm had revenue of $1.59 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.54 billion. Broadridge Financial Solutions had a net margin of 13.11% and a return on equity of 43.28%. Broadridge Financial Solutions has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.230-9.580 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will post 8.53 EPS for the current year. Broadridge Financial Solutions Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th were issued a $0.975 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 12th. This represents a $3.90 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.9%. Broadridge Financial Solutionss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 49.94%. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, VP Thomas P. Carey sold 10,214 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $229.26, for a total transaction of $2,341,661.64. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 6,026 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,381,520.76. The trade was a 62.89% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, President Christopher John Perry sold 3,984 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $226.00, for a total value of $900,384.00. Following the transaction, the president owned 44,829 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,131,354. This represents a 8.16% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Broadridge Financial Solutions (Free Report) Broadridge Financial Solutions is a global fintech company that provides technology-driven solutions and outsourcing services to the financial services industry. The firms core offerings center on investor communications, securities processing and post-trade services, and technology platforms that support capital markets and wealth management operations. Broadridge positions itself as a provider of mission-critical infrastructure that helps financial institutions manage regulatory requirements, investor engagement and operational complexity. Products and services include proxy and shareholder communications, investor disclosure and digital communications, proxy voting and tabulation, clearing and settlement support, trade processing and reconciliation, and a range of software-as-a-service platforms for wealth and asset managers. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Broadridge Financial Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd increased its position in shares of Reliance, Inc. (NYSE:RS Free Report) by 293.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 34,946 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 26,055 shares during the quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd owned about 0.07% of Reliance worth $9,814,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of RS. Boston Partners boosted its position in shares of Reliance by 72.6% during the second quarter. Boston Partners now owns 1,763,317 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $552,461,000 after buying an additional 741,417 shares during the period. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Reliance in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $207,741,000. William Blair Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Reliance during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $72,373,000. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. grew its stake in shares of Reliance by 273.9% during the 2nd quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 155,914 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $48,941,000 after acquiring an additional 114,215 shares in the last quarter. Finally, VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al bought a new position in shares of Reliance during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $20,658,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.26% of the companys stock. Get Reliance alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts recently commented on the stock. BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on shares of Reliance from $340.00 to $315.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 24th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Reliance in a research report on Monday, December 29th. KeyCorp restated an overweight rating on shares of Reliance in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Reliance from $284.00 to $287.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered Reliance from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $317.25. Insider Transactions at Reliance In other news, CEO Karla R. Lewis sold 5,809 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $283.50, for a total transaction of $1,646,851.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 84,421 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $23,933,353.50. The trade was a 6.44% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, COO Stephen Paul Koch sold 3,066 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $283.56, for a total transaction of $869,394.96. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer owned 14,021 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,975,794.76. This trade represents a 17.94% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Company insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock. Reliance Stock Up 0.5% Shares of NYSE RS opened at $329.71 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 4.43 and a quick ratio of 2.08. The stock has a market capitalization of $17.24 billion, a PE ratio of 24.10, a P/E/G ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 0.92. Reliance, Inc. has a one year low of $250.07 and a one year high of $347.43. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $294.13 and its 200-day moving average price is $292.00. Reliance (NYSE:RS Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The industrial products company reported $3.64 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.68 by ($0.04). Reliance had a net margin of 5.23% and a return on equity of 10.37%. The company had revenue of $3.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.54 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $3.64 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Reliance, Inc. will post 16.98 EPS for the current year. Reliance Company Profile (Free Report) Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co (NYSE: RS) is a leading metals service center company that distributes and processes a broad array of metal products. The company offers cut-to-length, shearing, blanking, sawing, bending, machining and value-added services for carbon and alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium and specialty metal alloys. Its products serve diverse end markets, including energy, infrastructure, general manufacturing, transportation, aerospace and defense. Founded in 1939 in Los Angeles, Reliance Steel & Aluminum has grown through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Reliance, Inc. (NYSE:RS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Reliance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Reliance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. lowered its position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM Free Report) by 10.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 96,069 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 11,557 shares during the quarter. iShares Russell 2000 ETF accounts for approximately 2.8% of Symphony Financial Ltd. Co.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 6th largest position. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co.s holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF were worth $23,398,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Quaker Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 211.1% during the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 120 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 228 shares during the last quarter. Pingora Partners LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Russell 2000 ETF in the second quarter valued at $32,000. Beacon Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $35,000. Pineridge Advisors LLC raised its position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 93.9% during the 2nd quarter. Pineridge Advisors LLC now owns 190 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 92 shares during the last quarter. Finally, IMG Wealth Management Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 67.7% during the 2nd quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. now owns 208 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $45,000 after buying an additional 84 shares during the period. Get iShares Russell 2000 ETF alerts: iShares Russell 2000 ETF Trading Down 1.8% NYSEARCA IWM opened at $264.81 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $77.15 billion, a PE ratio of 17.69 and a beta of 1.13. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $251.71 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $240.96. iShares Russell 2000 ETF has a 12 month low of $171.73 and a 12 month high of $271.60. 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. See Also 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. Shares of Bar Harbor Bankshares, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:BHB Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Thursday after the company announced better than expected quarterly earnings. The stock traded as high as $35.18 and last traded at $34.97, with a volume of 18601 shares. The stock had previously closed at $34.18. The financial services provider reported $0.93 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.89 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $49.37 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $42.80 million. Bar Harbor Bankshares had a return on equity of 10.73% and a net margin of 15.13%. Get Bar Harbor Bankshares alerts: Bar Harbor Bankshares Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 20th will be paid a $0.32 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 20th. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.8%. Bar Harbor Banksharess dividend payout ratio is 44.91%. Bar Harbor Bankshares Price Performance Bar Harbor Bankshares Company Profile The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The company has a market capitalization of $561.95 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.64 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $31.57 and a 200 day moving average price of $31.01. (Get Free Report) Bar Harbor Bankshares, Inc is a bank holding company headquartered in Ellsworth, Maine, and the parent of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. The company provides a full suite of commercial and consumer banking products and services, including deposit accounts, residential and commercial lending, wealth management, treasury and cash management, and online and mobile banking solutions. Its subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, operates branches across Maine and eastern New Hampshire, serving both individual and business clients with a focus on community banking relationships. With roots tracing back to the late 19th century, Bar Harbor Bankshares has built its presence along the coast of Maine, extending from Casco Bay to Downeast communities, and into neighboring New Hampshire markets. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bar Harbor Bankshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bar Harbor Bankshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in L3Harris Technologies Inc (NYSE:LHX Free Report) by 14.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 37,278 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,674 shares during the quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in L3Harris Technologies were worth $11,385,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators lifted its position in L3Harris Technologies by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter. Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators now owns 1,085 shares of the companys stock valued at $331,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares in the last quarter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd increased its holdings in L3Harris Technologies by 13.8% during the 3rd quarter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd now owns 17,537 shares of the companys stock worth $5,356,000 after purchasing an additional 2,127 shares in the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its stake in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 9.8% in the third quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 718 shares of the companys stock worth $219,000 after purchasing an additional 64 shares during the last quarter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of L3Harris Technologies in the third quarter valued at approximately $790,000. Finally, Naples Global Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 0.7% in the third quarter. Naples Global Advisors LLC now owns 7,078 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,162,000 after purchasing an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.76% of the companys stock. Get L3Harris Technologies alerts: L3Harris Technologies Stock Down 0.3% LHX opened at $354.66 on Friday. L3Harris Technologies Inc has a twelve month low of $193.09 and a twelve month high of $361.59. The companys 50-day moving average price is $301.06 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $288.05. The stock has a market cap of $66.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.09, a PEG ratio of 2.21 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. L3Harris Technologies Increases Dividend L3Harris Technologies ( NYSE:LHX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $2.70 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.60 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $5.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.51 billion. L3Harris Technologies had a return on equity of 11.08% and a net margin of 8.09%.L3Harris Technologiess revenue was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $3.34 earnings per share. L3Harris Technologies has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.500-10.700 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that L3Harris Technologies Inc will post 11.12 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 20th. Investors of record on Friday, March 6th will be issued a dividend of $1.25 per share. This is a positive change from L3Harris Technologiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.20. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. This represents a $5.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.4%. L3Harris Technologiess payout ratio is currently 51.56%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts recently commented on LHX shares. Wall Street Zen lowered L3Harris Technologies from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, January 11th. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated an outperform rating on shares of L3Harris Technologies in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of L3Harris Technologies from $250.00 to $350.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of L3Harris Technologies to $323.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Truist Financial set a $364.00 price objective on shares of L3Harris Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Fourteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $315.73. Get Our Latest Research Report on L3Harris Technologies Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CEO Christopher E. Kubasik sold 14,171 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $301.05, for a total value of $4,266,179.55. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 144,426 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $43,479,447.30. This represents a 8.94% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.72% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. L3Harris Technologies Profile (Free Report) L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) is an American aerospace and defense company formed in 2019 through the combination of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company designs, manufactures and supports a broad range of technology solutions for government and commercial customers, with a particular emphasis on defense, intelligence and public safety applications. The companys offerings span communications systems, avionics, electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors, space systems and mission integration. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LHX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for L3Harris Technologies Inc (NYSE:LHX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for L3Harris Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for L3Harris Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. lessened its position in Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX Free Report) by 4.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 470,928 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after selling 23,169 shares during the period. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Boston Scientific were worth $45,932,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of BSX. FWL Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Boston Scientific during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Sound Income Strategies LLC boosted its stake in shares of Boston Scientific by 90.9% during the 2nd quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 252 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Steph & Co. purchased a new stake in shares of Boston Scientific during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Financial Consulate Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Boston Scientific in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Finally, Kilter Group LLC purchased a new position in Boston Scientific in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. 89.07% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Boston Scientific alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have commented on BSX. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Boston Scientific from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Boston Scientific from $133.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Oppenheimer dropped their target price on shares of Boston Scientific from $125.00 to $100.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $112.00 price target on shares of Boston Scientific in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, BTIG Research restated a buy rating and set a $132.00 price objective on shares of Boston Scientific in a research report on Friday, November 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have given a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $123.89. Boston Scientific Trading Up 1.4% Shares of BSX opened at $92.56 on Friday. Boston Scientific Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $85.98 and a fifty-two week high of $109.50. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $95.70 and a two-hundred day moving average of $99.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a current ratio of 1.51. The company has a market capitalization of $137.22 billion, a PE ratio of 49.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.67. Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The medical equipment provider reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.04. Boston Scientific had a return on equity of 19.46% and a net margin of 14.43%.The firm had revenue of $5.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.97 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.63 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 20.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that Boston Scientific Corporation will post 2.85 EPS for the current year. Insider Transactions at Boston Scientific In other Boston Scientific news, EVP Arthur C. Butcher sold 17,313 shares of Boston Scientific stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $101.55, for a total value of $1,758,135.15. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 23,600 shares in the company, valued at $2,396,580. This trade represents a 42.32% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Joseph Michael Fitzgerald sold 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $99.47, for a total value of $4,973,500.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 178,342 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,739,678.74. The trade was a 21.90% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold a total of 93,095 shares of company stock worth $9,305,450 in the last three months. Company insiders own 0.50% of the companys stock. About Boston Scientific (Free Report) Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) is a global medical device company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of products used in less-invasive medical procedures. Founded in 1979 by John Abele and Peter Nicholas, the company is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and focuses on technologies that enable physicians to treat a wide range of cardiovascular, digestive, urologic, pulmonary and chronic pain conditions without open surgery. Boston Scientifics activities span product development, clinical research, regulatory affairs and commercial sales. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Boston Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edge Financial Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IMCB Free Report) by 217.0% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 9,871 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,757 shares during the period. Edge Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF were worth $820,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in IMCB. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its holdings in iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF by 0.8% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 46,267 shares of the companys stock worth $3,428,000 after acquiring an additional 369 shares in the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC boosted its stake in iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 11,659 shares of the companys stock worth $929,000 after purchasing an additional 510 shares in the last quarter. PFG Investments LLC grew its position in iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF by 29.1% during the 2nd quarter. PFG Investments LLC now owns 6,354 shares of the companys stock valued at $506,000 after purchasing an additional 1,431 shares during the last quarter. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC increased its stake in iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF by 8.7% during the 2nd quarter. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC now owns 38,738 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,086,000 after purchasing an additional 3,096 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Triad Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new position in iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF in the second quarter worth about $608,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 22.26% of the companys stock. Get iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF alerts: iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA IMCB opened at $85.77 on Friday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $83.54 and its 200-day moving average price is $82.53. iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF has a 52-week low of $64.02 and a 52-week high of $86.70. The company has a market cap of $1.46 billion, a PE ratio of 56.80 and a beta of 1.04. iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF Profile The iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (IMCB) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Morningstar US Mid Cap index. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted index consisting of US mid-cap stocks with both growth and value characteristics. IMCB was launched on Jun 28, 2004 and is managed by BlackRock. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IMCB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IMCB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Johnson Matthey PLC (OTCMKTS:JMPLY Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as $63.86 and last traded at $63.56, with a volume of 291 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $63.21. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have issued reports on JMPLY. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Johnson Matthey to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Zacks Research cut shares of Johnson Matthey from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Berenberg Bank upgraded Johnson Matthey from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of Johnson Matthey in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of Johnson Matthey in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Johnson Matthey presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Johnson Matthey alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Johnson Matthey Johnson Matthey Trading Up 0.5% Johnson Matthey Dividend Announcement The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $57.25 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $54.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 1.28 and a current ratio of 1.65. The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.5561 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st. This represents a yield of 394.0%. About Johnson Matthey (Get Free Report) Johnson Matthey plc is a UK-based specialty chemicals and sustainable technologies company with a history dating back to 1817. As a public limited company headquartered in London, it has built a global reputation for expertise in platinum group metals (PGMs) and advanced catalytic materials. The company has evolved from its origins in precious metals refining into diversified segments focused on environmental and energy solutions. The companys principal business activities encompass the development and manufacture of emission control catalysts for the automotive and industrial sectors, alongside process technologies for chemical production and refining. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Johnson Matthey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson Matthey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chaos erupted in Chemburs Tilak Nagar after Superb Realty listed Ghatkopar East as the address for its under-construction commercial building, triggering a strong local backlash and exposing divisions within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The controversy centred on a project coming up on the site of the iconic Sahakar Talkies, where residents and local leaders objected to what they described as a deliberate misrepresentation of the areas identity. The issue came to light on December 19, when locals noticed that the project banner displayed Ghatkopar East instead of Chembur. Residents immediately flagged the matter to local leaders, stressing that Tilak Nagar, named after freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, falls within Chembur and has a distinct civic and historical identity that cannot be subsumed under a neighbouring suburb for commercial convenience. A common practice The move, according to builders, was commercially motivated. Anand Gupta, spokesperson for the Builders Association of India, told Mumbai Mirror: This is common practice. The rates in Ghatkopar are much higher than in Tilak Nagar. The builder will always see that his project will get higher customer value, and this is done purely for commercial reasons. This is not a criminal offence. The matter escalated when newly elected corporator Susham Sawant discovered the change and confronted the developer, demanding the banners immediate removal. Sawant reportedly stormed into the builders office, insisting that Tilak Nagar should not be portrayed as part of Ghatkopar under any circumstances. Following sustained pressure from residents and local representatives, Superb Realty agreed to remove the banner on January 22, a move that brought temporary relief to the agitated locals. Internal political tensions However, the incident exposed tensions within political ranks. Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, Akshay Nikalje, Vice-President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), said the concerns raised by Sawant were valid, but the way he pursued them was questionable. The demands made by Susham Sawant, Amit Satardekar and others were completely valid. However, he should not have barged into the builders office and taken the law into his own hands. Alls well that ends well, as the builder removed the banner mentioning Ghatkopar, Nikalje said. Adding another layer to the controversy, Nikkhil Biilaye, a member of Ajit Pawars Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), claimed that the developers move was deliberate. This was a planned attempt to increase the rate of the plot, but their plan was foiled. We are residents of Tilak Nagar and cannot claim that the plot belongs to Ghatkopar, he said. Responding to criticism, Sawant told Mumbai Mirror that the banner was removed only after questions were raised about Tilak Nagars very existence. The plot falls within the jurisdiction of Tilak Nagar. We explained this clearly to the builder, and the banner was removed to put an end to the controversy, he said. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp raised its holdings in shares of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE Free Report) by 28.5% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 3,335,267 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 740,115 shares during the quarter. NextEra Energy accounts for about 0.6% of Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corps investment portfolio, making the stock its 24th largest holding. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corps holdings in NextEra Energy were worth $251,779,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in NEE. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd raised its stake in shares of NextEra Energy by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd now owns 697,309 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $52,640,000 after acquiring an additional 28,040 shares during the period. Birch Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in NextEra Energy by 33.2% in the 3rd quarter. Birch Financial Group LLC now owns 11,807 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $891,000 after purchasing an additional 2,944 shares in the last quarter. Hunter Associates Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in NextEra Energy by 3.7% in the 3rd quarter. Hunter Associates Investment Management LLC now owns 14,241 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,073,000 after purchasing an additional 508 shares in the last quarter. Westfuller Advisors LLC purchased a new position in NextEra Energy in the third quarter valued at about $214,000. Finally, Delta Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of NextEra Energy by 133.3% during the third quarter. Delta Financial Advisors LLC now owns 16,587 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,252,000 after purchasing an additional 9,477 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.72% of the companys stock. Get NextEra Energy alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at NextEra Energy In other NextEra Energy news, EVP Ronald R. Reagan sold 10,826 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.00, for a total transaction of $920,210.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 15,643 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,329,655. This trade represents a 40.90% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Armando Pimentel, Jr. sold 145,140 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.91, for a total transaction of $12,178,697.40. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 162,693 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,651,569.63. This trade represents a 47.15% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders. NextEra Energy Price Performance Shares of NYSE NEE opened at $84.84 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.45, a current ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30. NextEra Energy, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $61.72 and a fifty-two week high of $87.53. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $82.25 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $78.57. The firm has a market cap of $176.69 billion, a PE ratio of 27.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 0.74. NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The utilities provider reported $1.13 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.04 by $0.09. NextEra Energy had a return on equity of 12.42% and a net margin of 24.72%.The company had revenue of $7.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.13 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.03 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that NextEra Energy, Inc. will post 3.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In NEE has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $104.00 target price on shares of NextEra Energy in a research note on Wednesday. Mizuho upped their price target on NextEra Energy from $78.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of NextEra Energy from $97.00 to $98.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of NextEra Energy from $94.00 to $97.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating and issued a $89.00 target price (down from $90.00) on shares of NextEra Energy in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $91.94. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on NextEra Energy More NextEra Energy News Here are the key news stories impacting NextEra Energy this week: NextEra Energy Company Profile (Free Report) NextEra Energy, Inc (NYSE: NEE), headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, is a leading clean energy company with both regulated utility operations and competitive renewable generation businesses. The companys principal operating subsidiaries include Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a regulated electric utility serving customers in Florida, and NextEra Energy Resources, which develops, constructs, owns and operates a large portfolio of wind, solar and energy storage projects. Together these businesses provide electricity supply, transmission and distribution services as well as utility-scale renewable generation and related services. NextEras activities cover the full lifecycle of power assets, from project development and construction to operation, maintenance and asset optimization. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NEE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for NextEra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NextEra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mn Services Vermogensbeheer B.V. grew its position in shares of Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL Free Report) by 1.4% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 637,633 shares of the enterprise software providers stock after acquiring an additional 8,600 shares during the period. Oracle comprises about 1.2% of Mn Services Vermogensbeheer B.V.s holdings, making the stock its 12th largest position. Mn Services Vermogensbeheer B.V.s holdings in Oracle were worth $179,328,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Swiss National Bank grew its position in Oracle by 7.6% in the second quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 5,093,200 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $1,113,526,000 after acquiring an additional 360,000 shares in the last quarter. Patton Fund Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Oracle by 626.1% during the third quarter. Patton Fund Management Inc. now owns 11,537 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $3,245,000 after purchasing an additional 9,948 shares in the last quarter. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Oracle by 9.2% in the second quarter. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC now owns 3,817 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $835,000 after purchasing an additional 321 shares during the period. Soltis Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Oracle by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter. Soltis Investment Advisors LLC now owns 32,937 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $7,201,000 after purchasing an additional 1,515 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cascade Investment Group Inc. purchased a new stake in Oracle during the 2nd quarter worth $239,000. 42.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Oracle alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have weighed in on ORCL shares. William Blair reissued an outperform rating on shares of Oracle in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $400.00 price target on shares of Oracle in a research note on Monday, January 5th. UBS Group restated a buy rating on shares of Oracle in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a $375.00 price objective on shares of Oracle in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Oppenheimer reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Oracle in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-six have given a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Oracle currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $300.46. Oracle News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Oracle this week: Insider Buying and Selling at Oracle In related news, insider Mark Hura sold 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $196.89, for a total value of $2,953,350.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 234,077 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $46,087,420.53. This trade represents a 6.02% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Naomi O. Seligman sold 2,223 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $196.61, for a total value of $437,064.03. Following the transaction, the director owned 25,596 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,032,429.56. The trade was a 7.99% 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 sold 111,588 shares of company stock worth $26,108,046. Corporate insiders own 40.90% of the companys stock. Oracle Stock Down 0.6% Shares of NYSE:ORCL opened at $177.12 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average is $198.36 and its two-hundred day moving average is $239.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.28, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 0.91. Oracle Corporation has a 1-year low of $118.86 and a 1-year high of $345.72. The stock has a market capitalization of $508.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.29, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 1.65. Oracle (NYSE:ORCL Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 10th. The enterprise software provider reported $2.26 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.64 by $0.62. The business had revenue of $16.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.19 billion. Oracle had a net margin of 25.28% and a return on equity of 70.60%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.47 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Oracle Corporation will post 5 EPS for the current year. Oracle Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th were issued a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 9th. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.1%. Oracles dividend payout ratio is 37.59%. About Oracle (Free Report) Oracle Corporation is a multinational technology company that develops and sells database software, cloud engineered systems, enterprise software applications and related services. The company is widely known for its flagship Oracle Database and a portfolio of enterprise-grade software products that support data management, application development, analytics and middleware. Over recent years Oracle has expanded its focus to include cloud infrastructure and cloud applications, positioning itself as a provider of both platform and software-as-a-service solutions for large organizations. Oracles product and service offerings include Oracle Database and the Autonomous Database, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), enterprise resource planning (ERP), human capital management (HCM) and supply chain management (SCM) cloud applications (often grouped under Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications), middleware such as WebLogic, and developer technologies including Java and MySQL. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ORCL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Oracle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oracle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. lowered its position in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 43.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 21,195 shares of the companys stock after selling 16,503 shares during the period. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $3,362,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. WCM Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 24,968.0% during the second quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 11,275,606 shares of the companys stock worth $2,041,223,000 after purchasing an additional 11,230,626 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Philip Morris International by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 142,857,055 shares of the companys stock worth $26,018,555,000 after purchasing an additional 2,235,380 shares during the period. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main raised its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 69.0% during the 2nd quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 4,512,311 shares of the companys stock valued at $821,826,000 after buying an additional 1,842,754 shares during the last quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 88.9% in the second quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 2,138,118 shares of the companys stock worth $389,415,000 after buying an additional 1,006,014 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Panagora Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Philip Morris International by 142.2% during the second quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,512,514 shares of the companys stock worth $275,474,000 after acquiring an additional 888,148 shares during the period. 78.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have issued reports on PM shares. Wall Street Zen cut Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note 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. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Stifel Nicolaus set a $180.00 price target on Philip Morris International in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on shares of 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. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $184.56. Philip Morris International Stock Up 1.8% Philip Morris International stock opened at $173.06 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $159.22 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $161.60. The firm has a market capitalization of $269.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.35, a PEG ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 0.40. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52-week low of $125.53 and a 52-week high of $186.69. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 24th. The company reported $2.24 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.10 by $0.14. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 122.14% and a net margin of 9.33%.The company had revenue of $10.85 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.67 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.91 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 9.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current year. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 26th were given a dividend of $1.47 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 26th. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.4%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 106.52%. About Philip Morris International (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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd grew its position in shares of Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL Free Report) by 3.9% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 651,107 shares of the enterprise software providers stock after acquiring an additional 24,195 shares during the quarter. Oracle accounts for 1.1% of UniSuper Management Pty Ltds holdings, making the stock its 14th biggest position. UniSuper Management Pty Ltds holdings in Oracle were worth $183,117,000 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. Jennison Associates LLC boosted its holdings in Oracle by 2,062.4% during the third quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 9,227,252 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $2,595,072,000 after purchasing an additional 8,800,546 shares during the last quarter. Hunter Associates Investment Management LLC lifted its position in Oracle by 3.1% during the 3rd quarter. Hunter Associates Investment Management LLC now owns 10,172 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $2,859,000 after buying an additional 303 shares in the last quarter. Westfuller Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Oracle during the 3rd quarter worth about $204,000. Rossmore Private Capital grew its holdings in shares of Oracle by 5.5% in the 3rd quarter. Rossmore Private Capital now owns 9,653 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $2,715,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. increased its position in shares of Oracle by 4.5% in the third quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 129,398 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $36,392,000 after acquiring an additional 5,553 shares during the last quarter. 42.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Oracle alerts: Insider Activity at Oracle In other Oracle news, Director Jeffrey Berg sold 49,365 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $283.02, for a total transaction of $13,971,282.30. Following the transaction, the director owned 151,999 shares in the company, valued at $43,018,756.98. This trade represents a 24.52% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Douglas A. Kehring sold 35,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $194.89, for a total transaction of $6,821,150.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 33,638 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,555,709.82. The trade was a 50.99% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 111,588 shares of company stock valued at $26,108,046 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 40.90% of the companys stock. Oracle News Summary Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Here are the key news stories impacting Oracle this week: ORCL has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price target on Oracle from $350.00 to $275.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on Oracle from $355.00 to $270.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Evercore ISI boosted their target price on shares of Oracle from $350.00 to $385.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and issued a $375.00 price target on shares of Oracle in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Finally, Mizuho set a $400.00 price objective on shares of Oracle in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-six have assigned a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $300.46. Check Out Our Latest Report on ORCL Oracle Price Performance NYSE:ORCL opened at $177.12 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $508.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.29, a P/E/G ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 1.65. The firms fifty day moving average price is $198.36 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $239.52. Oracle Corporation has a one year low of $118.86 and a one year high of $345.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.28, a current ratio of 0.91 and a quick ratio of 0.91. Oracle (NYSE:ORCL Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, December 10th. The enterprise software provider reported $2.26 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.64 by $0.62. Oracle had a net margin of 25.28% and a return on equity of 70.60%. The business had revenue of $16.06 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.19 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.47 EPS. Oracles revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts expect that Oracle Corporation will post 5 earnings per share for the current year. Oracle Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th were given a $0.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 9th. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.1%. Oracles dividend payout ratio is presently 37.59%. Oracle Company Profile (Free Report) Oracle Corporation is a multinational technology company that develops and sells database software, cloud engineered systems, enterprise software applications and related services. The company is widely known for its flagship Oracle Database and a portfolio of enterprise-grade software products that support data management, application development, analytics and middleware. Over recent years Oracle has expanded its focus to include cloud infrastructure and cloud applications, positioning itself as a provider of both platform and software-as-a-service solutions for large organizations. Oracles product and service offerings include Oracle Database and the Autonomous Database, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), enterprise resource planning (ERP), human capital management (HCM) and supply chain management (SCM) cloud applications (often grouped under Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications), middleware such as WebLogic, and developer technologies including Java and MySQL. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ORCL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Oracle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oracle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK Free Report) had its price objective boosted by Stephens from $425.00 to $475.00 in a research report sent to investors on Friday,MarketScreener reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the industrial products companys stock. Other equities analysts have also issued reports about the company. Oppenheimer lowered Rockwell Automation from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday. Zacks Research lowered Rockwell Automation from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Argus upgraded shares of Rockwell Automation to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, January 16th. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Rockwell Automation from $435.00 to $440.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Rockwell Automation from $439.00 to $466.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating and ten have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Rockwell Automation currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $410.12. Get Rockwell Automation alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on ROK Rockwell Automation Price Performance Shares of NYSE:ROK traded down $7.57 during trading on Friday, reaching $417.75. The company had a trading volume of 726,164 shares, compared to its average volume of 581,817. Rockwell Automation has a 12 month low of $215.00 and a 12 month high of $429.58. 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 stock has a market capitalization of $46.90 billion, a P/E ratio of 54.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.98 and a beta of 1.52. The company has a fifty day moving average of $399.62 and a two-hundred day moving average of $367.51. Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The industrial products company reported $3.34 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.94 by $0.40. Rockwell Automation had a net margin of 10.42% and a return on equity of 32.69%. The company had revenue of $4.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.19 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.47 EPS. 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. Equities research analysts forecast that Rockwell Automation will post 9.35 earnings per share for the current year. Rockwell Automation Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th were paid a dividend of $1.38 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. This is a positive change from Rockwell Automations previous quarterly dividend of $1.31. This represents a $5.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. Rockwell Automations dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 72.06%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Rockwell Automation news, SVP Matthew W. Fordenwalt sold 146 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $402.48, for a total transaction of $58,762.08. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 4,437 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,785,803.76. This trade represents a 3.19% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Matheus De A. G. Viera Bulho sold 476 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $402.02, for a total value of $191,361.52. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 2,401 shares in the company, valued at $965,250.02. This trade represents a 16.55% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 88,053 shares of company stock valued at $34,718,919. Company insiders own 0.76% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Rockwell Automation Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. boosted its stake in Rockwell Automation by 468.8% in the 3rd quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 91 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the period. Rexford Capital Inc. bought a new position in Rockwell Automation during the second quarter valued at 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 valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. increased its stake in Rockwell Automation by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. now owns 100 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Finally, SBI Securities Co. Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Rockwell Automation by 48.7% during the 2nd quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 116 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. 75.75% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. 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. Featured 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. Murata Manufacturing Inc. (OTCMKTS:MRAAY Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $10.50, but opened at $10.19. Murata Manufacturing shares last traded at $10.5250, with a volume of 30,095 shares. Murata Manufacturing Stock Performance The firm has a market capitalization of $38.32 billion, a PE ratio of 24.37 and a beta of 0.92. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $10.35 and its 200-day simple moving average is $9.30. Get Murata Manufacturing alerts: Murata Manufacturing (OTCMKTS:MRAAY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $0.15 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $3.30 billion for the quarter. Murata Manufacturing had a net margin of 13.40% and a return on equity of 9.16%. Sell-side analysts expect that Murata Manufacturing Inc. will post 0.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Murata Manufacturing Company Profile Murata Manufacturing Co, Ltd. is a Japan-based manufacturer of electronic components and modules, best known for its development and production of ceramic components. Founded in 1944 by Akira Murata and headquartered in Nagaokakyo, Kyoto Prefecture, the company has grown into a leading global supplier of multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), ceramic resonators, and a broad range of passive and active electronic parts used across consumer, industrial and automotive electronics. The companys product portfolio encompasses passive components (such as capacitors, inductors and filters), sensors and sensing modules, power modules, and RF/wireless communication modules. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Murata Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Murata Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intesa Sanpaolo SpA (OTCMKTS:ISNPY Get Free Report) shares saw an uptick in trading volume on Thursday . 2,411,315 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 354% from the previous sessions volume of 530,702 shares.The stock last traded at $40.94 and had previously closed at $40.79. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently issued reports on ISNPY. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Intesa Sanpaolo in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating on shares of Intesa Sanpaolo in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods downgraded Intesa Sanpaolo from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Intesa Sanpaolo from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada began coverage on shares of Intesa Sanpaolo in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. They issued a moderate buy rating for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Intesa Sanpaolo has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Intesa Sanpaolo alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ISNPY Intesa Sanpaolo Trading Down 0.6% Intesa Sanpaolo Dividend Announcement The businesss fifty day moving average price is $40.68 and its 200 day moving average price is $38.85. The company has a market capitalization of $118.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.19, a P/E/G ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 0.75. The firm also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 8th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were paid a dividend of $0.9325 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. This represents a yield of 445.0%. Intesa Sanpaolos dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 55.36%. About Intesa Sanpaolo (Get Free Report) Intesa Sanpaolo is an Italian banking group formed in 2007 through the merger of Banca Intesa and Sanpaolo IMI. The group is one of Italys largest financial institutions, serving a wide range of clients from individual retail customers to large corporations and institutional investors. Its long heritage traces to several regional banks and savings institutions that became part of the consolidated group, giving it a prominent role in the Italian financial system. The company operates across multiple business lines, including retail banking (current accounts, deposits, mortgages and consumer loans), corporate and investment banking (cash management, lending, capital markets and advisory), private banking and wealth management, asset management and insurance. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Intesa Sanpaolo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intesa Sanpaolo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cadence Bank (NYSE:CADE Get Free Report)s share price was down 3.8% on Thursday . The company traded as low as $43.66 and last traded at $44.6780. Approximately 1,503,606 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 46% from the average daily volume of 2,782,746 shares. The stock had previously closed at $46.46. Key Stories Impacting Cadence Bank Here are the key news stories impacting Cadence Bank this week: Get Cadence Bank alerts: Positive Sentiment: Q4 earnings beat and operational strength Cadence reported Q4 EPS of $0.85 vs. consensus $0.79 and revenue of $528.4M, with management highlighting solid loan and deposit growth; these results underpin the recent rally. Read More. Q4 earnings beat and operational strength Cadence reported Q4 EPS of $0.85 vs. consensus $0.79 and revenue of $528.4M, with management highlighting solid loan and deposit growth; these results underpin the recent rally. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Dividend announcement lifted the stock to a 12?month high managements dividend increase boosted income-investor interest and helped drive a near-term valuation rerating. Read More. Dividend announcement lifted the stock to a 12?month high managements dividend increase boosted income-investor interest and helped drive a near-term valuation rerating. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Company press release / full results available the official 10?Q/press release provides detail on credit trends, margins and capital that investors will parse for sustainability of loan growth and payout levels. Read More. Company press release / full results available the official 10?Q/press release provides detail on credit trends, margins and capital that investors will parse for sustainability of loan growth and payout levels. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Sector context: regional-bank strategy debate commentary from peers (Huntington) on regional vs. national strategy is shaping investor views on growth opportunities and M&A, which could influence Cadences strategic premium. Read More. Sector context: regional-bank strategy debate commentary from peers (Huntington) on regional vs. national strategy is shaping investor views on growth opportunities and M&A, which could influence Cadences strategic premium. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Profit-taking and intraday pullback despite the beat and dividend, the stock pulled back on reports that traders were booking gains after the run-up; short?term volatility increased. Read More. Profit-taking and intraday pullback despite the beat and dividend, the stock pulled back on reports that traders were booking gains after the run-up; short?term volatility increased. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Valuation scrutiny some coverage highlights a P/E premium versus discounted?cash?flow measures, so investors are weighing earnings strength against a potentially rich multiple. Read More. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts recently issued reports on CADE shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods downgraded Cadence Bank from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating and boosted their price target for the company from $41.00 to $49.00 in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Cadence Bank in a report on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley lowered Cadence Bank from an overweight rating to a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Stephens downgraded shares of Cadence Bank from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, Piper Sandler set a $40.00 target price on shares of Cadence Bank and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Cadence Bank presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $42.33. Cadence Bank Stock Down 1.7% The company has a market capitalization of $7.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.23 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a 50-day moving average of $42.53 and a two-hundred day moving average of $38.75. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. Cadence Bank (NYSE:CADE Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $0.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by $0.06. Cadence Bank had a return on equity of 10.16% and a net margin of 18.12%.The business had revenue of $528.41 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $525.15 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.70 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that Cadence Bank will post 2.94 EPS for the current year. Cadence Bank Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 20th. Investors of record on Friday, January 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.3438 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 30th. This is an increase from Cadence Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.28. This represents a $1.38 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.2%. Cadence Banks payout ratio is presently 39.01%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cadence Bank A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in CADE. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL lifted its position in Cadence Bank by 77.1% during the second quarter. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL now owns 148,550 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,751,000 after purchasing an additional 64,690 shares during the period. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership purchased a new stake in Cadence Bank during the 2nd quarter valued at $8,835,000. Nordea Investment Management AB lifted its holdings in shares of Cadence Bank by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 101,585 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,266,000 after buying an additional 1,560 shares during the period. Capital Fund Management S.A. bought a new position in shares of Cadence Bank during the 2nd quarter valued at $561,000. Finally, Emerald Mutual Fund Advisers Trust boosted its stake in shares of Cadence Bank by 125.7% in the 3rd quarter. Emerald Mutual Fund Advisers Trust now owns 209,194 shares of the companys stock worth $7,853,000 after buying an additional 116,491 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.61% of the companys stock. About Cadence Bank (Get Free Report) Cadence Bank (NYSE: CADE) is a regional commercial bank that offers a full suite of financial services to individuals, businesses and government entities. Through its network of branches and digital platforms, the bank provides deposit accounts, treasury management solutions, commercial and industrial lending, equipment finance, residential and consumer mortgages, and wealth management services. Cadence Bank serves a mix of small and mid-size companies as well as retail customers in its core markets. The institution traces its heritage to Cadence Bancorporation, which was established in 1987 in Tupelo, Mississippi. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cadence Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cadence Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Aspen Pharmacare (OTCMKTS:APNHY Get Free Report) traded down 5.2% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $6.97 and last traded at $6.97. 1,273 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 13% from the average session volume of 1,462 shares. The stock had previously closed at $7.35. Aspen Pharmacare Price Performance The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $6.08 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $6.02. The company has a current ratio of 2.21, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Get Aspen Pharmacare alerts: Aspen Pharmacare Company Profile (Get Free Report) Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited is a multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Durban, South Africa. Founded in 1997 by Stephen Saad and Gus Attridge, Aspen has grown from a regional generic drug producer into a global specialist in branded and generic medicines. The company is publicly traded on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and its American depositary receipts trade over?the?counter under the symbol APNHY. Aspens core business encompasses the development, manufacture and distribution of a broad portfolio of injectable and oral pharmaceutical products. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Aspen Pharmacare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aspen Pharmacare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Newmont (NYSE:NEM Free Report) had its price target upped by TD Cowen from $89.00 to $120.00 in a research report released on Thursday morning,MarketScreener reports. TD Cowen currently has a hold rating on the basic materials companys stock. Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Macquarie upgraded Newmont from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Cibc World Mkts raised shares of Newmont from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Newmont in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Scotiabank upgraded shares of Newmont from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and increased their price objective for the company from $71.50 to $114.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Bank of America boosted their target price on shares of Newmont from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Newmont presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $103.77. Get Newmont alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Newmont Newmont Stock Up 2.2% NEM traded up $2.65 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $124.34. 8,030,429 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 7,640,620. Newmont has a fifty-two week low of $40.85 and a fifty-two week high of $124.64. The company has a market cap of $135.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.31, a PEG ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a current ratio of 2.04 and a quick ratio of 1.74. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $100.57 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $84.59. Newmont (NYSE:NEM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The basic materials company reported $1.71 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.27 by $0.44. Newmont had a net margin of 33.42% and a return on equity of 20.35%. The company had revenue of $5.52 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.14 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.81 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 20.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that Newmont will post 3.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $81.34, for a total value of $406,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 279,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,768,936.82. This represents a 1.75% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Bruce R. Brook sold 2,080 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.36, for a total transaction of $192,108.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 32,709 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,021,003.24. This represents a 5.98% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 9,160 shares of company stock worth $767,206. Corporate insiders own 0.05% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Newmont Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. GoalVest Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in Newmont during the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its holdings in Newmont by 327.8% during the third quarter. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 308 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 236 shares in the last quarter. Concord Wealth Partners grew its holdings in Newmont by 534.7% during the second quarter. Concord Wealth Partners now owns 457 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 385 shares during the last quarter. JPL Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Newmont in the 3rd quarter worth $27,000. Finally, Lodestone Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Newmont during the 4th quarter worth about $28,000. 68.85% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. 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 long?lived mines and development projects, and its activities span the full mine life cycle from early-stage exploration through to mining, milling and closure. Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, Newmont has grown through organic development and strategic acquisitions. 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. A public art installation and campaign calling for the criminalisation of marital rape will be launched in Mumbai on January 28, as a group of gender-rights advocates seek to revive national attention on an issue that remains excluded from Indias criminal law despite years of legal and constitutional challenge. How do we ensure that consent does not end at the altar, said Supreet Singh, co-founder and CEO of Red Dot Foundation, one of the campaigns founders, explaining the question that led to the initiative. Marriage cannot be a permanent consent contract, yet the law continues to treat it as one. Data and the legal gap The campaign, titled The Infinite Saree, comes at a time when data continues to point to widespread sexual violence within marriage, even as legal remedies remain limited. NFHS-5 shows that one in three married women in India has experienced spousal violence. NCRBs 2024 report indicates that in cities such as Mumbai, cruelty by husband or relatives remains the primary criminal provision available to survivors. Sexual assault by a husband is not recognised as rape under Indian law. Activists involved in the campaign say this legal framing reduces sexual violence within marriage to a question of cruelty or harassment, rather than recognising it as a non-consensual sexual act. Experts estimate that nearly 85 per cent of such violence goes unreported. A shadow pandemic Domestic violence became a shadow pandemic, Singh said, referring to the surge in distress calls from women confined to their homes during that period. Women were reaching out for help, but the law offered no language to describe what they were experiencing. The group behind the campaign has worked on documenting and responding to gender-based violence for over a decade. It runs a web and mobile platform that allows survivors to anonymously report incidents of sexual violence, with aggregated data used to identify patterns and work with communities, police, and civic authorities. The ruling that set it off The immediate trigger for The Infinite Saree was a court ruling last year in which a High Court held that no offence was made out after a woman died following alleged forced sexual intercourse by her husband, citing the marital rape exception under Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code. The exception has since been retained under Section 63 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, despite the overhaul of criminal law in 2024. That judgment made it impossible to ignore the consequences of the exception, Singh said. If the law does not recognise sexual violence within marriage, women are left without remedy. Art, law and protest The campaigns centrepiece is a saree designed by Pune-based designer Nivedita Saboo, which will be unveiled in Mumbai before being displayed at the Kala Ghoda Art Festival and later travelling to Pune and Delhi. The saree draws on the story of Draupadi, whose dignity was protected when her saree became endless, while asking what protections exist for women today. I agreed to the project without hesitation, Saboo said. The saree reclaims a garment associated with tradition and marriage as a symbol of endurance and dignity, without turning pain into spectacle. Alongside the installation, the group has launched a nationwide petition seeking the removal of the marital rape exception. Senior Advocate NS Nappinai, who supports the initiative, said, The Parliament missed an opportunity to review the marital rape exception while passing the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. She added that Supreme Court jurisprudence on bodily autonomy already provides a constitutional basis for criminalisation. The petition aims to collect 50,000 signatures and will be submitted to the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Ministry of Women and Child Development, while also being placed before the Supreme Court, where challenges to the marital rape exception are currently pending. Vertical Aerospace (NYSE:EVTL Get Free Report) and Redwire (NYSE:RDW Get Free Report) are both small-cap aerospace companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, risk, valuation, dividends, institutional ownership, profitability and analyst recommendations. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for Vertical Aerospace and Redwire, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get Vertical Aerospace alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Vertical Aerospace 1 0 6 0 2.71 Redwire 2 3 6 0 2.36 Vertical Aerospace presently has a consensus price target of $11.80, indicating a potential upside of 110.53%. Redwire has a consensus price target of $13.13, indicating a potential upside of 5.28%. Given Vertical Aerospaces stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Vertical Aerospace is more favorable than Redwire. Valuation & Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Vertical Aerospace N/A N/A -$998.35 million ($48.92) -0.11 Redwire $304.10 million 6.77 -$114.32 million ($3.17) -3.93 This table compares Vertical Aerospace and Redwires top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Redwire has higher revenue and earnings than Vertical Aerospace. Redwire is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Vertical Aerospace, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares Vertical Aerospace and Redwires net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Vertical Aerospace N/A N/A -489.91% Redwire -70.32% -16.24% -7.20% Risk & Volatility Vertical Aerospace has a beta of 1.21, indicating that its share price is 21% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Redwire has a beta of 2.44, indicating that its share price is 144% more volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership 81.2% of Vertical Aerospace shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 8.1% of Redwire shares are owned by institutional investors. 74.8% of Vertical Aerospace shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 2.6% of Redwire shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Summary Vertical Aerospace beats Redwire on 7 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About Vertical Aerospace (Get Free Report) Vertical Aerospace Ltd., an aerospace and technology company, engages in designing, manufacturing, and selling zero operating emission electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for use in the advanced air mobility in the United Kingdom. It offers VX4, an eVTOL aircraft. Vertical Aerospace Ltd. was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Bristol, the United Kingdom. About Redwire (Get Free Report) Redwire Corporation provides critical space solutions and space infrastructure for government and commercial customers in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company provides avionics and sensors including star trackers, sun sensors, critical for navigation, and control of spacecraft; camera systems; solar array solutions for spacecraft spanning the spectrum of size, power needs, and orbital location; and strain composite booms, coilable booms, truss structures, telescope baffles, and deployable booms to position sensors or solar arrays away from the spacecraft. It offers software suite that enables digital engineering and generation of high-fidelity, interactive modeling and simulations of individual components, entire spacecraft, and full constellations in a cloud-based environment. In addition, the company microgravity payloads, radio frequency systems, antennas, star trackers, platforms, and in-space manufacturing and biotech facilities. Redwire Corporation is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Receive News & Ratings for Vertical Aerospace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vertical Aerospace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mativ (NYSE:MATV Get Free Report) and AdvanSix (NYSE:ASIX Get Free Report) are both small-cap basic materials companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, valuation, analyst recommendations, earnings, profitability, institutional ownership and dividends. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Mativ and AdvanSix, as provided by MarketBeat. Get Mativ alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Mativ 1 1 1 0 2.00 AdvanSix 1 1 1 0 2.00 Mativ presently has a consensus price target of $10.00, indicating a potential downside of 21.47%. AdvanSix has a consensus price target of $28.67, indicating a potential upside of 68.07%. Given AdvanSixs higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe AdvanSix is more favorable than Mativ. Valuation & Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Mativ $1.98 billion 0.35 -$48.70 million ($8.03) -1.59 AdvanSix $1.49 billion 0.31 $44.15 million $1.92 8.88 This table compares Mativ and AdvanSixs gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. AdvanSix has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Mativ. Mativ is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than AdvanSix, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares Mativ and AdvanSixs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Mativ -22.03% 7.06% 1.73% AdvanSix 3.52% 7.14% 3.50% Insider and Institutional Ownership 95.0% of Mativ shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 86.4% of AdvanSix shares are owned by institutional investors. 2.0% of Mativ shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 5.6% of AdvanSix shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Volatility & Risk Mativ has a beta of 0.83, meaning that its share price is 17% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, AdvanSix has a beta of 1.71, meaning that its share price is 71% more volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends Mativ pays an annual dividend of $0.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.1%. AdvanSix pays an annual dividend of $0.64 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.8%. Mativ pays out -5.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. AdvanSix pays out 33.3% 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. Mativ has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and AdvanSix has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years. AdvanSix is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Summary AdvanSix beats Mativ on 11 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Mativ (Get Free Report) Mativ Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells specialty materials in the United States, Europe, the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Advanced Technical Materials and Fiber-Based Solutions. The Advanced Technical Materials manufactures and sells various engineered polymer, resin and fiber-based substrates, nets, films, adhesive tapes, and other nonwovens for the filtration, protective solutions, release liners, and healthcare end-markets. This segment sells its products directly, as well as through sales agents and distributors. The Fiber-Based Solutions segment produces packaging and specialty paper products. This segment provides premium packaging products that are used for wine, spirits and beer labels, folding cartons, box wrap, bags, hang tags, and stored value cards servicing retail, cosmetics, spirits, and electronics end-use markets; and premium papers, which are used in commercial printing services, advertising collateral, stationery, corporate identity packages and brochures, direct mail, business cards, and other uses. It also offers branded paper-based products for the consumer channel, such as bright papers, cardstock, stationery paper, envelopes, journals, and planners. This segment distributes its products through authorized paper distributors, converters, retailers, and specialty business converters, as well as directly to end-users. The company was formerly known as Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. and changed its name to Mativ Holdings, Inc. in July 2022. Mativ Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in 1995 and is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. About AdvanSix (Get Free Report) AdvanSix Inc. engages in the manufacture and sale of polymer resins in the United States and internationally. It offers Nylon 6, a polymer resin, which is a synthetic material used to produce fibers, filaments, engineered plastics, and films. The company also provides caprolactam to manufacture polymer resins; ammonium sulfate fertilizers to distributors, farm cooperatives, and retailers; and acetone that are used in the production of adhesives, paints, coatings, solvents, herbicides, and engineered plastic resins, as well as other intermediate chemicals, including phenol, monoisopropylamine, dipropylamine, monoallylamine, alpha-methylstyrene, cyclohexanone, methyl ethyl ketoxime, acetaldehyde oxime, 2-pentanone oxime, cyclohexanol, sulfuric acid, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. It offers its products under the Aegis, Capran, Sulf-N, Nadone, Naxol, and EZ-Blox brands. The company sells its products directly, as well as through distributors. AdvanSix Inc. was incorporated in 2016 and is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey. Receive News & Ratings for Mativ Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mativ and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ABN AMRO Bank (OTCMKTS:ABMRF Get Free Report) shot up 4.2% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $35.99 and last traded at $35.99. 197 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 100% from the average session volume of 67,999 shares. The stock had previously closed at $34.5340. ABN AMRO Bank Stock Up 4.2% The firms fifty day moving average price is $33.87 and its 200-day moving average price is $31.13. Get ABN AMRO Bank alerts: About ABN AMRO Bank (Get Free Report) ABN AMRO Bank is a leading full-service bank headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with roots tracing back to the 19th century. Formed in 1991 through the merger of Algemene Bank Nederland and Amsterdam-Rotterdam Bank, ABN AMRO went through a period of nationalization in 2008 before returning to the private market via an initial public offering in 2015. The bank operates under the supervision of De Nederlandsche Bank and the European Central Bank, reflecting its role in both domestic and cross-border financial services regulation. The banks core activities span retail banking, private banking, corporate and institutional banking, and wealth management. Further Reading 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. ProCook Group plc (LON:PROC Get Free Report) shares rose 2.9% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as GBX 38.49 and last traded at GBX 38.49. Approximately 29,021 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 21% from the average daily volume of 23,905 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 37.40. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Canaccord Genuity Group reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 54 target price on shares of ProCook Group in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of GBX 54. Get ProCook Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on ProCook Group ProCook Group Stock Down 5.7% The stock has a market cap of 37.17 million, a P/E ratio of 31.48 and a beta of 1.12. The stocks 50-day moving average is GBX 36.20 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 37.63. The company has a current ratio of 0.93, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 301.33. ProCook Group (LON:PROC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 10th. The company reported GBX (2.03) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. ProCook Group had a net margin of 0.97% and a return on equity of 7.65%. As a group, research analysts anticipate that ProCook Group plc will post 1.6107383 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. ProCook Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) ProCook is the UKs leading direct-to-consumer specialist kitchenware brand. ProCook designs, develops, and retails a high-quality range of direct-sourced and own-brand kitchenware which provides customers with significant value for money. The brand sells directly through its website, www.procook.co.uk, and through an expanding network of over 60 own-brand retail stores, located across the UK. Founded over 25 years ago as a family business, selling cookware sets by direct mail in the UK, ProCook has grown into a market leading, multi-channel specialist kitchenware company, employing over 600 colleagues, and operating from its Store Support Centre in Gloucester. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for ProCook Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ProCook Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Keppel REIT (OTCMKTS:KREVF Get Free Report) and InvenTrust Properties (NYSE:IVT Get Free Report) are both mid-cap finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, earnings, profitability, institutional ownership, risk, valuation and analyst recommendations. Volatility & Risk Keppel REIT has a beta of 0.7, indicating that its stock price is 30% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, InvenTrust Properties has a beta of 0.85, indicating that its stock price is 15% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get Keppel REIT alerts: Insider and Institutional Ownership 61.7% of InvenTrust Properties shares are held by institutional investors. 0.4% of InvenTrust Properties shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Recommendations Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Keppel REIT 0 0 0 0 0.00 InvenTrust Properties 0 3 4 0 2.57 This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Keppel REIT and InvenTrust Properties, as reported by MarketBeat.com. InvenTrust Properties has a consensus target price of $31.60, indicating a potential upside of 9.21%. Given InvenTrust Properties stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe InvenTrust Properties is more favorable than Keppel REIT. Profitability This table compares Keppel REIT and InvenTrust Properties net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Keppel REIT N/A N/A N/A InvenTrust Properties 40.46% 6.65% 4.44% Valuation & Earnings This table compares Keppel REIT and InvenTrust Propertiess top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Keppel REIT $195.76 million 15.21 $81.16 million N/A N/A InvenTrust Properties $293.02 million 7.66 $13.66 million $1.53 18.91 Keppel REIT has higher earnings, but lower revenue than InvenTrust Properties. Summary InvenTrust Properties beats Keppel REIT on 10 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About Keppel REIT (Get Free Report) Listed by way of an introduction on 28 April 2006, Keppel REIT is one of Asia's leading real estate investment trusts with a portfolio of prime commercial assets in Asia Pacific's key business districts. Keppel REIT's objective is to generate stable income and sustainable long-term total return for its Unitholders by owning and investing in a portfolio of quality income-producing commercial real estate and real estate-related assets in Asia Pacific. Keppel REIT has a portfolio value of over $9.0 billion, comprising properties in Singapore; the key Australian cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Perth; Seoul, South Korea; as well as Tokyo, Japan. Keppel REIT is managed by Keppel REIT Management Limited and sponsored by Keppel, a global asset manager and operator with strong expertise in sustainability-related solutions spanning the areas of infrastructure, real estate and connectivity. About InvenTrust Properties (Get Free Report) InvenTrust Properties Corp. (the Company, IVT, or InvenTrust) is a premier Sun Belt, multi-tenant essential retail REIT that owns, leases, redevelops, acquires and manages grocery-anchored neighborhood and community centers as well as high-quality power centers that often have a grocery component. Management pursues the Companys business strategy by acquiring retail properties in Sun Belt markets, opportunistically disposing of retail properties, maintaining a flexible capital structure, and enhancing environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices and standards. A trusted, local operator bringing real estate expertise to its tenant relationships, IVT has built a strong reputation with market participants across its portfolio. IVT is committed to leadership in ESG practices and has been a Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) member since 2013. Receive News & Ratings for Keppel REIT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Keppel REIT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Appearing before the Delhi High Court, where Rani Kapur has taken two starkly different positions on the conduct and character of her late son, industrialist Sunjay Kapur, within a span of months. The sharply opposing narratives, advanced in separate civil proceedings before the same court, have raised questions of credibility and consistency. In a suit filed in January 2026, Rani Kapur casts Sunjay Kapur as the central figure in an alleged conspiracy against her. She accuses him of dominating and psychologically controlling her over several years, exploiting her vulnerability as a senior citizen, coercing her into signing documents she did not fully understand, misusing her signatures, and diverting her assets into a trust without her knowledge. According to this version, Sunjay systematically removed her from control of group companies while ensuring she remained unaware of the alleged fraud. She further alleges he used threatslike criminal actionto silence her. Priya Kapur is alleged to have acted in concert with him as part of a premeditated conspiracy. This portrayal stands in sharp contrast to the stand taken by Rani Kapur in earlier proceedings before the same court in September 2025, where she appeared as Defendant No. 3 and relied heavily on Sunjay Kapurs integrity and moral standing to support her inheritance claim as a Class I heir. The dispute was raised by actor Karisma Kapoors children seeking a share in their late father Sunjay Kapurs asset. In those proceedings, Sunjay was described as a caring and devoted son who cut short a personal trip to Goa to return home after his mother suffered a fall. Rani Kapur asserted that he shared a close emotional bond with her and showed equal affection towards her and his children. Owing to her age, she claimed, she voluntarily entrusted him with the day-to-day management of the Sona Group. Far from being coercive, Sunjay was projected as a trusted custodian of the family legacy, acting at her request and in her best interests. Crucially, Rani Kapur relied on his reputation for precision and integrity to challenge the authenticity of a disputed Will. She argued that errors and inconsistencies in the document showed it could not have been authored or manipulated by Sunjay, whom she described as meticulous and incapable of sloppy documentation. By January 2026, however, that same meticulous and principled son was accused of forging documents, misusing signatures, and orchestrating a fraudulent scheme against his own mother. The narrative shifts from trust and affection to intimidation and abuse. Even Priya Kapurs role is described differently. In September 2025, Rani Kapur suggested that Priya may have influenced Sunjay to distance her from business affairs. By January 2026, this evolved into an allegation of a joint conspiracy between the two to defraud her. Rani Kapurs side maintains that there is no inconsistency in her stand. According to her, Sunjay Kapur did care deeply for her, and it was precisely this relationship of trust that was misused to exercise undue influence and secure her signatures. The matter remains pending before the court. Despite single-digit temperatures . . . A crowd of protesters this week was bigger than expected and it looks like more than hundred locals marched against ICE inside the loop despite the dearth of news coverage. Agree or disagree . . . We can't deny the commitment of these KCMO political activists in braving severe weather in support of their cause. Their efforts merit consideration & debate if only because we don't notice a lot of locals braving the cold in order to support the Prez. Here's the quote from activists and video embeds that they've shared to social media . . . #MOworkers in Kansas City are joining the nationwide Day of Truth and Freedom, right as our siblings in Minnesota launch their historic general strike No matter what we look like or where we live, we all deserve to feel safe from masked ICE agents terrorizing our city. That means KC businesses like Platform Ventures must cut all ties with the agency, and Congress must reject any additional funding in the upcoming budget. This fight doesnt end today. Only by using our strength in numbers will we win the prosperity, dignity, and freedom we deserve! Take a look via www.TonysKansasCity.com embed. . . And then the protest line near the downtown market . . . Developing . . . A not-so-fun conundrum for tonight . . . A local developer-focused organization dedicated to big money move without much oversight is attempting to demonstrate virtue for local progressive leaders against another group of po-po who have suffered damaging publicity this year. Check-it . . . "The agency will vote on ending talks with Platform Ventures as concerns swirl over a possible ICE detention facility in south Kansas City." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Skip the paywall and read by way of Internet archive or public library card. More . . . Both sides of the aisle know this . . . Most politicos don't really want "free speech" and they're mostly just supporting comments that help their agenda. We're not certain we agree with prog bloggers on this one . . . But we do know tribute legislation is often misguided . . . Here's a look: A bill introduced in the Kansas House this week, one that its Republican sponsor hopes will embolden free speech in honor of Charlie Kirk, might indeed prevent censorship and nudge student voices, as he intends. However, it might also frustrate many Kansans (including fellow Republicans) who wont enjoy the unfettered expression from students and faculty, on campus and online that this bill protects. We can nitpick other likely consequences of the bill after we cover the basics. Rep. Brett Fairchild, R-St. John, introduced a bill Tuesday that would, generally speaking, enlarge the free speech rights of people on Kansas university and postsecondary education campuses. The bills acronym? The FORUM Act, for forming open and robust university minds. In the other chamber, Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, announced this week that additional legislation is being drafted to safeguard free speech for students across Kansas education, from K-12 to public colleges. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Reflector: Kansas House bill honoring Charlie Kirk seeks to liberate campus voices, but its complicated Right now we're impressed with diva, celeb & Insta hottie Maddy as we check pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Also . . . We figured that so many snowbound locals might need a bit more reading material so we offered a bit more for this weekend blast. Check TKC news gathering . . . Blizzard Of Bucks Here's how much the weekend snowstorm will cost Kansas City Public Works Director Michael Shaw, Mayor Quinton Lucas and City Manager Mario Vasquez spoke to reporters Friday afternoon at the Public Works Department. Local Help Index Need help in the dangerous cold? Here's a list of warming centers, shelters around the KC metro Frigid temperatures are here in the Kansas City metro, and a number of warming centers are offering refuge from the bitter cold. Cowtown Calculations The cost of AI: Local leaders, advocates share concerns about KC's data center boom Local leaders and advocates are sharing their concerns about the growing number of data centers in the Kansas City area. Celebrate Dead-Tree Prizes Star reporter David Hudnall wins National Press Foundation award for 7-OH series "My goal with this project was to show readers that the story of 7-OH is happening on our doorstep," Hudnall said. Carb Collection Debuts Kansas City keeps getting more bagel shops. Here's where to find the best in town Whether you're craving lox and cream cheese, or a breakfast sandwich piled high with pastrami, Kansas City has a growing number of bagel shops starting the day early. Diva Dances Despite Dearth Of Fabric Madison Beer Playfully Performs in Micro Minidress Madison Beer stuns in a micro minidress that captures her fun, youthful vibe during her latest album listening event. MAGA All In Against Neighbors Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs over its new China trade deal President Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if America's northern neighbor went ahead with its trade deal with China. Progressives Offer Fashionable Criticism Of La Migra Bovino defends trench coat that Newsom called 'SS garb' U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino on Thursday defended his trench coat after California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) accused him of buying "SS garb." "That coat is definitely B... Newsie Leverages Controversy Don Lemon Dares DOJ After Minnesota Church Protest to "Make Me the Next Jimmy Kimmel" The former CNN host defiantly spoke against the attempts to charge him after he reported on demonstrators accusing a pastor of working for ICE entering his church amid services. American Roundup Cont'd ICE agents detaining teens, toddlers in Minnesota ICE agents have detained numerous children this month, including at least one toddler. Immigration attorneys call the detainment of children a "cruel" escalation of force in the ongoing Operation Metro Surge. Faith Community Captured Minneapolis' icy ICE rally sees 100 clergy arrested as thousands protest 'federal occupation' | Fortune Rev. Elizabeth Barish Browne was among the protesters. "It's definitely chilly, but the kind of ice that's dangerous to us is not the weather." Euro Forever War Against History How Soviet urban planning is helping Russia freeze Ukraine Thousands of people are affected when heating plants are targeted by Russian forces. Far East Friendships Fade Explained: Why China's Top Military Official Is Under Investigation China said on Saturday the senior vice chairman of its powerful Central Military Commission (CMC) and another high-ranking official were under investigation for suspected "serious violations of discipline", a common euphemism for corruption. Iran From Tyrants Scale of Iran's nationwide protests and bloody crackdown come into focus even as internet is out The scale of nationwide protests in Iran and the bloody crackdown that has followed is slowly coming into focus, even though authorities have cut off the country from the internet. Successful Fashion Statement Macron's shades at Davos sent shares of a tiny Italian sunglasses company soaring this week Things are looking up for a tiny Italian sunglasses company after French President Emmanuel Macron sported its shades in Davos this week. Well-Deserved Tech Fear AI anxiety is so widespread that veteran Microsoft researchers are having panic attacks because they're making themselves obsolete | Fortune "My 52-year-old body had one of those moments when I saw a future where I wasn't involved," Chris Brockett told Cade Metz for his book on AI. Director Opts Out 'Everybody's at each other's throats': James Cameron says he has left the US permanently Avatar director, who moved to New Zealand after the Covid pandemic says he will soon be a citizen of a country where people 'are, for the most part, sane' Science Seyz Size Matters Women do find men with big penises more attractive, academic study confirms When it comes to getting frisky in the boudoir, women generally prefer men who are well-endowed, per a phallic study published in PLOS Biology. Golden Ghetto Boozy Return Stockyards Brewing ferments opening day for its new suburban Overland Park taproom Johnson County craft beer fans have been eagerly awaiting this day for four long years - a delay caused, in part, by one founder's refusal to compromise on his vision for his latest brewhouse. But now Stockyards Brewing Co.'s Overland Park taproom has set a Jan. 30 opening at 10310 Mastin St. Snow Blast Revisions STORM UPDATES | Winter storm warning for Kansas City in effect through 6 p.m. Sunday, MoDOT crews working A winter storm warning remains in effect for the Kansas City area and points south through 6 p.m. Sunday. MoDOT crews working Madison Beer - bittersweet is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. At 24, most people expect their bodies to cooperate without effort. For one young man in Mumbai, even standing upright became impossible. Years of untreated hip pain had progressed so far that he lost the ability to walk and relied on crawling to move within his own home. He now walks independently after a complex single-stage bilateral hip replacement at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. His recovery reflects surgical expertise, but his condition reveals a much larger and deeply concerning pattern. Avascular necrosis, once rare in younger adults, now affects Indians in their twenties and thirties at alarming rates. When tuberculosis leaves a lasting mark Several years earlier, the patient received incomplete treatment for tuberculosis. The infection appeared resolved, but long-term damage continued unseen. Gradual loss of blood supply to both hip joints led to advanced avascular necrosis, a condition where bone tissue dies due to poor circulation. Pain increased steadily. Joint structure weakened. Walking shifted from difficult to impossible. By the time he reached specialised care, both hip joints had collapsed. Tuberculosis often ends with clinical cure, but its effects do not always stop there. Inflammation and vascular injury linked to TB can compromise bone health long after respiratory symptoms disappear, especially when treatment remains incomplete. A surgery few expect at this age Before surgery, doctors ruled out any trace of active infection. The process involved advanced imaging, inflammatory markers, tissue cultures, GeneXpert testing, and intraoperative frozen sections. Only after confirmation of inactive disease did the surgical team proceed. The operation involved replacement of both hips in a single sitting. Severe deformity and muscle tightening required bilateral muscle release. Surgeons used the Direct Anterior Approach and dual mobility implants to improve stability and reduce dislocation risk. Within weeks, the patient stood upright for the first time in years. Mobility returned, along with independence and dignity. Why avascular necrosis affects younger Indians AVN once appeared mainly in older adults. That profile has changed. Today, orthopaedic clinics across India see patients between 20 and 45 with advanced joint damage. Steroid exposure, alcohol use, and trauma remain known risks. However, many young patients report none of these factors. Post-infectious causes, particularly tuberculosis, now appear with increasing frequency. According to the WHO Global TB Report 2024, India accounts for 26 per cent of global TB cases. While survival rates continue to improve, delayed complications such as post-TB avascular necrosis often surface years later, long after patients believe recovery is complete. Not an isolated case At our hospital, clinicians have observed a consistent trend. Between 2022 and 2025, the hospital performed over 1,500 hip replacement surgeries. Nearly 90 per cent involved avascular necrosis in younger patients, many between 20 and 45 years of age. More striking still, over 70 per cent had no history of steroid use. This pattern points toward under-recognised triggers such as infection-related vascular damage. AVN no longer represents a rare orthopaedic diagnosis. It reflects a national public health concern. Spot the signs, and act Early symptoms often feel mild. Intermittent groin pain, stiffness, or discomfort after long walks rarely raise alarm in younger adults. Many dismiss these signs as muscle strain or fatigue. Once pain becomes constant, joint collapse may already be underway. AVN does not reverse. Early-stage disease may respond to non-surgical care, but advanced damage often leaves joint replacement as the only option. Delayed diagnosis removes your ability to choose. Early warning signs that deserve attention Persistent hip or groin pain that lasts beyond a few weeks Stiffness after rest or difficulty standing from seated positions Pain that worsens with weight-bearing Reduced range of motion without injury history Past history of tuberculosis, even years earlier Awareness and timely evaluation can prevent permanent damage. For this young patient, surgery restored more than movement. It restored confidence, autonomy, and the possibility of a full working life. His experience highlights an urgent lesson. Tuberculosis does not always end with cure, and bone health requires long-term attention in survivors. Early assessment, follow-up, and awareness can prevent irreversible loss. Avascular necrosis may progress quietly, but its consequences prove loud and life-altering. For young people, early action can mean the difference between a life of discomfort and disability. The author is a consultant hip and knee surgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. He specialises in complex joint replacement and advanced hip preservation techniques, with a focus on restoring mobility and quality of life in younger patients Just a few more things we're watching & worth sharing for our most loyal readers by way of pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Even More Winter Worries Frostbite or hypothermia? Know the difference as Kansas City braces for cold, doctors say Kansas City doctors warn of public health hazards during extreme cold, snow, including frostbite and hypothermia. Show-Me Gaming System Missouri reject a ban on college athlete prop bets The NCAA contends such bets are ripe for manipulation by athletes facing pressure, harassment or bribes from bettors Farmers Earn Political Favor Kansas bills would increase severity for livestock, grain theft The two bills would increase the severity of penalties for theft to level 5 or 6 nonperson felonies and set new thresholds for implementing penalties. Final Note For Beloved Musician Brent Hoad, co-founder of 'The Elders' has died, band says Brent Hoad, one of the founding members of "The Elders," a six-piece Celtic Rock band that formed in Kansas City, has died. Future Sounds Imagined Translating Sisterbot: KC's cello-playing sci-fi heroine has arrived (at the speed of sound) Sisterbot takes the cello out of the orchestra pit and puts it on the stage to rock out. Created by Kansas City musician and composer Adee Dancy, the project offers an ever-changing blend of classical strings, rock, theater and experimental sound. Celeb Bound In Controversy Supermodel Irina Shayk divides fans with bondage-themed photoshoot Irina Shayk has never been shy about modelling in daring photoshoots, so her latest cover shoot should come as no surprise. MAGA Against The World Trump Tells Europe To Put Its Big Boy Pants On And How They Responded Says Everything We Knew About Them The Trump administration's blunt approach may be precisely what Europe needs. American Resistance Emerges Thousands march through Minneapolis, swarm Target Center demanding ICE removal from Minnesota Anti-ICE agitators swarmed the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis Friday during a massive march demanding federal immigration enforcement halt in the city amid recent tensions. More Midterm Worries Trump privately frustrated that he risks losing control of immigration message amid Minnesota chaos | CNN Politics The ongoing protests and images coming out of Minnesota have prompted concerns from some Trump administration officials over the optics of the immigration crackdown as Americans grow alarmed by the chaotic scenes unfolding in the state. G-Man Opts Out FBI agent resigns over investigation into shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis, sources say An FBI agent has resigned over the investigation into the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good, after Trump administration officials focused the probe more on the actions of Good and her partner and less on the officer who shot her, according to two people familiar with the decision New Career Confronts Conviction Ryan Wedding, former Olympic snowboarder-turned-alleged drug kingpin, arrested etric tons of cocaine a year into Los Angeles via semitrucks from Mexico, Attorney General Pam Bondi previously said at a news conference Influencer In Crisis Ms. Rachel caught liking call to 'Free America from the Jews' - claims she 'was just tapping' to delete in tearful apology Kids' YouTuber Ms. Rachel admitted to mistakenly liking an antisemitic comment that called for America to be "free from the Jews" and claimed she was attempting to delete it when she misclicked. Euro War Forever . . . Ukraine war: High stakes but low expectations ahead of Ukraine talks with Russia and US Donald Trump is pushing hard for a peace deal - but major issues between Russia and Ukraine are still unresolved, writes Sarah Rainsford. Holy Land Scheme ALMOST Explained Stuck In The Middle?!? Thai woman dating identical twin brothers shares a six-foot bed with no jealousy; reveals how she will decide who is the father A 24-year-old Thai university student has gone viral after revealing she is in a consensual relationship with twin brothers, sharing one bed and planning a DNA test to identify a biological father if she has a child. The unusual arrangement, openly discussed on TikTok, has sparked intense debate online over polyamory, family norms, and how modern relationships are evolving in Thailand. Happy Rock Welcome Wagon A BBQ food truck legend finds a permanent home in Gladstone The barbecued meats at Off the Hook in Gladstone are delightfully moist, tender and flavorful, as succulent as I've had anywhere. Something Winter This Way Comes First Warn Weather Day: Dangerous cold today, winter storm tonight Winter arrived with a vengeance Friday morning, and it's about to get much worse. And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. Thank you for signing up! Youll soon be getting your Toronto scoop in your inbox. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to sell U.S.-made defense equipment to Azerbaijan as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties following the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia signed last August, Trend reports. We will strengthen our strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, a beautiful Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation with Armenia, Deals for our Great Semiconductor Makers, and the sale of Made in the U.S.A. Defense Equipment, such as body armor and boats, and more, to Azerbaijan, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social account. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. U.S. President Donald Trump thanked Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for their adherence to the Peace Agreement signed last August, Trend reports. "I want to thank President Aliyev of Azerbaijan, and Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia for upholding the Peace Agreement we signed last August. This was a nasty War, 1 of 8 that I have ended, but now we have Prosperity and Peace. In February, Vice President Vance will travel to both Countries to build on our Peace efforts, and advance the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. We will strengthen our strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, a beautiful Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation with Armenia, Deals for our Great Semiconductor Makers, and the sale of Made in the U.S.A. Defense Equipment, such as body armor and boats, and more, to Azerbaijan. Thank you! President DJT," Trump wrote on his page on Truth Social. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance will visit Azerbaijan and Armenia in February, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his page on Truth Social, Trend reports. According to Trump, Vances visit will be aimed at further advancing the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as implementing the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. The Davos Economic Forum, an international forum shaping the world economic agenda, has concluded. Alongside economic and political dialogues and the signing of agreements, several key moments during this gathering drew significant attention. U.S. President Donald Trump, the leader of the state, which plays a decisive role in world politics, met face to face with only two heads of state within the framework of the forum: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This reality alone is considered a bright indicator of the growing influence of President Ilham Aliyev in the new world governance. The one-on-one meeting of President Ilham Aliyev with Donald Trump within the framework of a high-level international forum attended by dozens of heads of state and government, as well as leading representatives of the global economic elite, is a clear indicator of the international political influence, personal credibility and status of the Azerbaijani head of state as an actor accepted in the circle of global leaders. This meeting confirms that President Ilham Aliyev is considered not only a regional leader, but also a reliable partner with the opportunity to establish direct contact in global political dialogue. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev's visit to Davos once again demonstrated the country's crucial role on the global agenda, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend. According to him, the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum held in Davos this January was not only another international platform for Azerbaijan, but also an important milestone in terms of demonstrating the new foreign policy line that the country has formed in recent years. The visit was remembered for a number of important messages in both political, economic and geopolitical contexts. Within the framework of this visit, President Ilham Aliyev's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, the signing of the Board of Peace Charter, his speech at the panel session titled "Defining Eurasia's Economic Identity" and his interview with Euronews TV clearly revealed Azerbaijan's position in the new global realities. "The World Economic Forum has been considered one of the main discussion platforms of the global political and economic elite for many years. The opinions expressed there, the documents signed and the meetings held directly affect not only the image of countries, but also future geopolitical and geoeconomic processes. The Davos meeting took place in 2026, at a time when the international system is entering a period of transformation. As President Ilham Aliyev emphasized in an interview with Euronews, today, international relations are entering a new era, where it is not the rule of law, but the rule of strength that is controlling the situation. Against the background of this reality, Azerbaijan openly declares that it bases its strategy on national interests, sovereignty and regional stability. The discussions held in Davos have also become a demonstration of the practical results of this approach," he said. According to the analyst, one of the main political events of the visit was the signing of the Board of Peace Charter in Davos. The goal of this organization, established under the chairmanship of the U.S. President, is to resolve conflicts in the Middle East and the world in general, and to institutionalize peace processes. Azerbaijan's invitation to this organization as a founding member demonstrates that the country is now playing an active role not only in regional but also in global peace initiatives. "The signing of this document by President Ilham Aliyev together with other heads of state and government officials can be assessed as a symbolic step that elevates Azerbaijan's image from the status of a 'country which experienced conflict' to the status of a 'peace-making actor', especially considering that Azerbaijan itself is a country that had emerged from more than 30 years of war and today is already acting as a state that is experiencing the real benefits of peace. One of the most striking moments of the Davos visit was the meeting of President Ilham Aliyev with U.S. President Donald Trump. During the meeting, the parties expressed their satisfaction with the development of U.S.-Azerbaijani relations in various fields, and special emphasis was placed on Donald Trump's role in the agreements reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington last August. This meeting actually revealed two important political lines. First, Azerbaijan-U.S. relations are entering a new strategic phase. As President Ilham Aliyev also noted, Azerbaijan is discussing a Strategic Partnership Charter with the U.S. Second, the U.S. is already acting as one of the main global actors in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In this context, the TRIPP project was also particularly emphasized. These projects are not limited by regional transport routes, but are also presented as one of the main pillars in the formation of a new geoeconomic map of Eurasia," the analyst said. Garayev noted that the main line in all of President Ilham Aliyev's speeches and interviews in Davos was the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace. This is no longer just diplomatic rhetoric, but is presented as a process accompanied by concrete economic and political realities. "At the panel titled 'Defining Eurasia's Economic Identity ', President Ilham Aliyev openly stated that there is already de facto peace in the region, and the first real results of this peace are reflected in economic cooperation. The export of oil products from Azerbaijan to Armenia, the delivery of imported grain to Armenia through Azerbaijan, the transportation of goods through the territory of Georgia, and the opening of direct corridors in the future are concrete indicators of this process. One of the most notable moments was the statement of Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan. He openly admitted that people in Armenia are already filling their cars with Azerbaijani gasoline, and this is a reality that could not have been imagined a few years ago. This fact proves that peace is manifested not only in political documents, but also at the level of everyday life," the analyst explained. He underscored that one of the main topics of the Davos discussions was the future role of Eurasia. In this context, President Ilham Aliyev presented Azerbaijan's geographical position as a strategic advantage. New transport corridors stretching from the Caspian Sea to Turkiye and from there to Europe - in particular, the TRIPP project - are turning the region into one of the main nodes of the global trade system. "Azerbaijan has already removed all restrictions on the transportation of goods from Kazakhstan and Russia to Armenia. This shows that Azerbaijan has become not only an energy center, but also a logistics and transit center. This situation reflects the main feature of a new stage in Azerbaijan's foreign policy: the country presents itself as a global connectivity center. In President Ilham Aliyev's interview with Euronews, the energy issue also held a special place. He noted that Azerbaijan already supplies natural gas to 16 countries, and 10 of them are members of the European Union. Azerbaijan is number one in the world by the geographical coverage of the supply of pipeline gas. This fact shows that Azerbaijan has become one of the main players in European energy security. The fact that Armenia is also importing excess energy resources from Azerbaijan indicates that a new model of economic dependence is being formed in the region: not security built on conflict, but stability based on mutual economic interests. The views expressed by President Ilham Aliyev regarding the European Parliament were also noteworthy. 'We do not react' - this sentence is a symbol of a new stage in Azerbaijan's relations with European structures. The country presents itself not as a constantly defensive party, but as an actor pursuing an independent policy and not reacting emotionally to external criticism. According to the head of state, the biased position of the European Parliament is generated by special lobby groups, and these criticisms are absurd, while Armenia itself appreciates the relationship with Azerbaijan," he said. Garayev pointed out that President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Davos showed that Azerbaijan is no longer a subject of regional conflicts, but an actor promoting peace, shaping economic and transport links, and influencing the global agenda. "The normalization of relations with Armenia, the deepening of the strategic partnership with the U.S., and the formation of new corridors in Eurasia indicate that Azerbaijan will become one of the main political and economic centers of the region in the coming years. In this regard, the Davos visit was a symbolic and real confirmation of Azerbaijan's new status in the international system - a state model that creates peace and acts as a coordinating force," the analyst added. 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. Yosemite, CA A historic locomotive from the former West Side Lumber Co. in Tuolumne that served the Sierra Nevada is returning to the Yosemite area and will hit the tracks again for all to enjoy. Shay #12 was built in April 1926 for the Swayne Lumber Company and later moved to the West Side Lumber Company. Shay, a superheated three-truck vehicle, weighing 60 tons. It served in Tuolumne from 1940 to 1961 and then the West Side & Cherry Valley from 1968 until 1981, when the company closed. The engine has since spent time in Colorado. The nearly century-old Shay #12 has been housed at the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, west of Denver. On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the engine successfully passed a hydrostatic boiler test, clearing the way for the locomotives return to service. The locomotive will be heading to the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad in Fish Camp, outside of the south entrance to Yosemite National Park, which offers scenic train rides through the Sierra National Forest. Once on site, the engine will undergo a full mechanical and cosmetic restoration aimed at returning her to active service on the historic line. It will then join Shay #10 and #15, already rolling along the rails. Railroad park officials relay that a special locomotive house is being constructed for Shay #12, and the restoration effort will begin in the spring. The goal is to have the engine operational later this season, just in time to help celebrate her 100th birthday, hopefully with the reopening of the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad on March 28th. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. Average transit times along the Middle Corridor rail route between China and Azerbaijan improved slightly at the start of 2026, Wanxu Dong, Managing Director of Beijing Trans Eurasia International Logistics Co., Ltd., wrote on LinkedIn, Trend reports. According to the information, the average transit time for freight trains operating between Xian and Baku stood at 16 days in January 2026, compared to 17 days in December 2025. A total of 8 trains were operated on the route in January, while 11 trains were recorded in December. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, commenced its first freight train service from Xi'an, China, to Baku, Azerbaijan, in October 2019, completing over 466 trips by late 2025. The service expanded with a new route from Beijing initiated on June 30, 2025. Key developments included the modernization of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway in 2024, increasing its annual capacity from 1 million to 5 million tons. In August 2025, China Railway Container Transport Corp. joined the corridor's regional joint venture. In January 2026 the first train of the year departed for Baku, reducing transit times to about 11 days. The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), is a transport and trade route connecting Asia with Europe and serving as an alternative to the traditional Northern and Southern corridors. The route begins in China, passes through Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, crosses the Caspian Sea via Azerbaijan, and continues through Georgia and Turkiye before reaching Europe. This overland route allows cargo to bypass longer maritime routes and provides a direct connection between East Asia, including China, and Europe. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 24. President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met in Ashgabat on January 23 with U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and U.S. Special Representative for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor and discussed expansion of bilateral ties, Trend reports via the press service of the Turkmen Government. During the meeting, President Berdimuhamedov stated that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with the United States. The sides emphasized that Turkmenistan-U.S. relations, based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding, cover political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. Special attention was paid to the active political dialogue in recent years, enabling effective exchanges of views on global issues such as sustainable development, security, and climate change. Trade and economic cooperation was highlighted as one of the key areas of partnership, with Turkmenistan maintaining long-standing cooperation with major U.S. companies in the implementation of important projects. In this regard, the significant role of the Turkmen-American Business Council was noted. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 24. Uzbekistan has secured the 53rd spot in the Global Firepower ranking for 2026, taking the lead in Central Asia when it comes to military might. The data obtained by Trend from the Global Firepower rating shows that Uzbekistan holds a Power Index score of 1.1121, with a score of 0.9908 considered exceptional in the annual Global Firepower assessment. Uzbekistans armed forces operate a fleet of 159 military aircraft, including 13 attack aircraft, 12 fixed-wing transport aircraft, 7 training aircraft, 101 helicopters, and 34 attack helicopters. A total of 145 countries were included in the 2026 Global Firepower ranking. The top three positions were traditionally occupied by the United States, Russia, and China. The Global Firepower index evaluates countries based on a wide range of indicators, including manpower, air, land, and naval capabilities, logistics capacity, and financial resources. In addition, the assessment takes into account defense spending, external debt levels, foreign exchange reserves, and a countrys purchasing power. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 24. Turkmenistan and Turkiye discussed prospects for expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation, particularly in the energy, transport and logistics, agriculture, construction, and food industries, Trend reports via the press service of the Turkmen Government. The statement followed a meeting held on January 22 between Turkmenistans Ambassador to Turkiye Mekan Ishanguliyev and Chairman of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce Gursel Baran. The sides also discussed ways to establish sustainable contacts between business communities of the two countries and prospects for participation in joint investment projects. Proposals were put forward to intensify cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises of Turkmenistan and Turkiye, including participation in exhibitions and forums, as well as attracting mutually beneficial investments. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 24. Turkmenistan and Georgia discussed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation across political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres, Trend reports via the press service of the Turkmen Government. The statement followed a meeting on January 23 at the Parliament of Georgia between Turkmenistans Ambassador to Georgia Dovletmyrat Seyitmammedov and Chairman of the Georgian Parliamentary Committee on Procedural Issues and head of the Georgian-Turkmen Interparliamentary Friendship Group David Matikashvili. The sides noted the high level of bilateral relations and the active growth of Turkmenistan-Georgia cooperation in the parliamentary sphere. They emphasized the importance of high-level visits and active interaction between parliamentarians, which strengthen mutual trust and facilitate the exchange of experience. Special attention was paid to the further development of cooperation between interparliamentary friendship groups, recognized as an important instrument for promoting constructive and sustainable dialogue. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 24. Uzbekistans Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov received copies of credentials from Saad Nasser Abdullah Abu Haimed, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Uzbekistan, the Uzbek foreign minister wrote on his X page, Trend reports. The relations between our two countries are witnessing very dynamic and positive trends across many areas, Saidov stated. He noted that the sides discussed current priorities and prospects for further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, including in trade, investment, energy, and cultural exchanges. Meanwhile, bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia amounted to $142.4 million in 2024, while in the first eight months of 2025, it reached $111.5 million. Currently, 27 enterprises with Saudi capital operate in Uzbekistan, and 56 joint investment projects worth a total of $27.2 billion are being implemented. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 24. Turkmenistan and Romania discussed prospects for expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation, Trend reports via the Turkmen Embassy in Romania. The discussions followed a meeting on January 22 between Turkmenistans Ambassador to Romania Annamammet Annaev and Ionel Minea, Executive Manager of MULTIPOWER SRL, at the Turkmen Embassy in Bucharest. During the talks, the sides exchanged views on developing trade and economic ties. Company representatives expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Turkmenistan, including the supply of certain types of processed products. WASHINGTON (AP) The Pentagon released a priority-shifting National Defense Strategy late Friday that chastised U.S. allies to take control of their own security and reasserted the Trump administrations focus on dominance in the Western Hemisphere above a longtime goal of countering China. The 34-page document, the first since 2022, was highly political for a military blueprint, criticizing partners from Europe to Asia for relying on previous U.S. administrations to subsidize their defense. It called for a sharp shift in approach, focus, and tone. That translated to a blunt assessment that allies would take on more of the burden countering nations from Russia to North Korea. For too long, the U.S. Government neglected even rejected putting Americans and their concrete interests first, read the opening sentence. It capped off a week of animosity between President Donald Trumps administration and traditional allies like Europe, with Trump threatening to impose tariffs on some European partners to press a bid to acquire Greenland before announcing a deal that lowered the temperature. As allies confront what some see as a hostile attitude from the U.S., they will almost certainly be unhappy to see that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths department will provide credible options to guarantee U.S. military and commercial access to key terrain, especially Greenland and the Panama Canal. Following a tiff this week at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the strategy at once urges cooperation with Canada and other neighbors while still issuing a stark warning. We will engage in good faith with our neighbors, from Canada to our partners in Central and South America, but we will ensure that they respect and do their part to defend our shared interests, the document says. And where they do not, we will stand ready to take focused, decisive action that concretely advances U.S. interests. Much like the White Houses National Security Strategy that preceded it, the defense blueprint reinforces Trumps America First philosophy, which favors nonintervention overseas, questions decades of strategic relationships and prioritizes U.S. interests. The National Defense Strategy last was published in 2022 under then-President Joe Biden and focused on China as Americas pacing challenge. Western Hemisphere The strategy simultaneously courts help from partners in Americas backyard, while warning them that the U.S. will actively and fearlessly defend Americas interests throughout the Western Hemisphere. It specifically points to access to the Panama Canal and Greenland. It comes just days after Trump said he reached a framework of a future deal on Arctic security with NATO leader Mark Rutte that would offer the U.S. total access to Greenland, a territory of NATO ally Denmark. Danish officials, who spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations, say formal negotiations have yet to begin. Trump previously suggested that the U.S. should potentially consider retaking control of the Panama Canal and accused Panama of ceding influence to China. Asked this week if the U.S. reclaiming the canal was still on the table, Trump demurred. I dont want to tell you that, the president responded. Sort of, I must say, sort of. Thats sort of on the table. The Pentagon also touted the operation that ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month, saying all narco-terrorists should take note. China and the greater Asia-Pacific region The new policy document views China which the Biden administration saw as a top adversary as a settled force in the Indo-Pacific region that only needs to be deterred from dominating the U.S. or its allies. The goal is not to dominate China; nor is it to strangle or humiliate them, the document says. It later adds, This does not require regime change or some other existential struggle. President Trump seeks a stable peace, fair trade, and respectful relations with China, it says, which follows efforts to climb down from a trade war sparked by the administrations sky-high tariffs. It says it will open a wider range of military-to-military communications with Chinas army. The strategy, meanwhile, makes no mention of or guarantee to Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own and says it will take by force if necessary. The U.S. is obligated by its own laws to give military support to Taiwan. By contrast, the Biden administrations 2022 strategy said the U.S. would support Taiwans asymmetric self-defense. In another example of offloading regional security to allies, the document says, South Korea is capable of taking primary responsibility for deterring North Korea with critical but more limited U.S. support. Europe While saying that Russia will remain a persistent but manageable threat to NATOs eastern members for the foreseeable future, the defense strategy asserts that NATO allies are much more powerful and so are strongly positioned to take primary responsibility for Europes conventional defense. It says the Pentagon will play a key role in NATO even as we calibrate U.S. force posture and activities in the European theater to focus on priorities closer to home. The U.S. already has confirmed that it will reduce its troop presence on NATOs borders with Ukraine, with allies expressing concern that the Trump administration might drastically cut their numbers and leave a security vacuum as European countries confront an increasingly aggressive Russia. By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and COURTNEY BONNELL Associated Press ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 24. Kazakhstan and Mongolia are aiming to increase their bilateral trade turnover to $500 million in the medium term, Trend reports via the Kazakh government. This was discussed during a meeting between Kazakhstans Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin and Mongolias Deputy Prime Minister Khassuuri Gankhuyag. The sides expressed confidence that this target can be achieved through expanding the range of mutual supplies, developing cooperation projects, and gradually removing trade and administrative barriers. It was noted that in January-November 2025, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Mongolia amounted to $121.5 million, showing a 5.5% increase year-on-year. Kazakhstans exports reached $113 million, while imports stood at $8.6 million. Kazakhstan mainly exports tobacco products, rapeseed, bread and confectionery products, foodstuffs, and oilseeds, as well as engines and engineering products. Imports from Mongolia include meat and meat products, cashmere, footwear, carpets, and wool products. To further boost trade, the Kazakh side plans to send a trade mission to Mongolia to establish direct business contacts and present Kazakhstans industrial zones, special economic zones, and export potential. The parties also highlighted strong potential for cooperation in agriculture. Discussions covered opportunities to expand exports of Kazakh agricultural products, as well as prospects for supplying veterinary vaccines, including possible localization of their production in Mongolia. Kazakhstan and Mongolia enjoy robust relations, formalized as a strategic partnership in 2024, underpinned by shared history and cultural ties. Their cooperation spans political, economic, and security areas, with a focus on enhancing tradetargeting a turnover of $500 million, emphasizing key commodities like agricultural products and oil from Kazakhstan and meat and cashmere from Mongolia. Key sectors of collaboration include technology, agriculture, and inter-parliamentary exchanges, with agreements to expand regional cooperation and initiatives like satellite exports. According to the country's Bureau of National Statistics, Kazakhstan's overall foreign trade turnover for the period amounted to $128.8 billion, reflecting a marginal 0.1% decline from the previous year. While exports fell by 4.2%, totaling $71.14 billion, imports rose by 5.5%, reaching $57.67 billion. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 24. Kazakhstan's future unicameral parliament, "Qurultay," will have 145 deputies, said Deputy Chairman of the Constitutional Commission and State Advisor Erlan Karin at the first meeting of the Constitutional Reform Commission in Astana, Trend reports. He also noted that under the current legislation, citizens over the age of 25 are eligible to become members of the Mazhilis (current parliament). They must also have resided in the country on a permanent basis for the last 10 years. The main point is that citizens who wish to serve the country should have the opportunity to become elected representatives. The working group concluded that the same requirements that apply to Mazhilis deputies should also apply to deputies of the future Qurultay. According to Karin, the working group unanimously supported President Tokayev's initiative to transition to a fully proportional electoral system. The proportional system will allow political parties to develop their personnel policies and strengthen their institutional role, as well as increase their responsibility to society. Furthermore, deputies in the new parliament will be elected for a five-year term. In his message to the people of Kazakhstan on September 8 last year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed the transition to a unicameral parliament. A month later, on October 8, the president signed a decree establishing a working group for parliamentary reform. The Constitutional Commission is the legal continuation of the working group. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 24. In Kazakhstans future unicameral parliament (Qurultay) bills will be considered in three readings, said Deputy Chairman of Constitutional Commission and State Advisor Erlan Karin, at the first meeting of the Constitutional Reform Commission in Astana, Trend reports. According to him the proposal was made by the Constitutional Reform Working Group. In the first and second readings, the content of the bill will be defined, while the third reading will ensure its legal accuracy. Karin emphasized that Qurultay will become an authoritative institution that will form constitutional bodies. He said that this is an important step in strengthening the system of checks and balances between branches of government and developing national parliamentarism. The Working Group has also reviewed the powers that were previously under the exclusive competence of the Senate (the upper house of the Kazak current parliament). The proposal is to transfer these powers to Qurultay. In his message to the people of Kazakhstan on September 8 last year, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed transitioning to a unicameral parliament. A month later, on October 8, the President signed a decree establishing a working group for parliamentary reform. The Constitutional Commission is the legal continuation of this working group. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 24. The President will appoint the Vice President with the consent of the Qurultay (Kazakhstan's future unicameral parliament), requiring a majority vote from its deputies, said Yerzhan Zhiyenbayev, Assistant to the President on Legal Affairs, during the first meeting of the Constitutional Reform Commission in Astana, Trend reports. According to him, the President will also retain the authority to remove the Vice President from office. The Vice President will represent Kazakhstan's interests in international relations on behalf of the President and act as the President's representative in interactions with Qurultay, the Government, and other state authorities. Additionally, it is proposed that the Vice President engage with socio-political, scientific, and cultural organizations both domestically and abroad. Other powers of the Vice President will be determined by the President. As part of the establishment of the Vice Presidency, the Constitution will remove provisions related to the position of the State Advisor. It is also suggested that constitutional requirements for the Vice President be clearly defined. The Vice President should not be a member of the representative body, hold other paid positions, or engage in entrepreneurial activities. During their term of office, the Vice President must not be a member of a political party. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev first proposed the establishment of the Vice Presidency at the fifth session of the National Kurultai on January 20, 2026. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 24. Iran expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its position at the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council in Geneva, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote on its X page, Trend reports. According to the ministry, a phone conversation took place between Foreign Minister of Iran Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. The Iranian minister thanked Pakistan for its call for a vote and voting against the resolution concerning Iran at the Human Rights Council. During the conversation, the ministers exchanged views on current regional and international developments. Last night, the UN Human Rights Council voted on a resolution against Iran. The resolution was adopted with 25 votes in favor, 14 against, and seven abstentions. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A federal immigration officer fatally shot a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, drawing hundreds of protesters onto the frigidly cold streets in a city already shaken by another fatal shooting weeks earlier. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said a 37-year-old man was killed but declined to identify him. He added that information about what led up to the shooting was limited. The man was identified by his parents as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse. The officer who shot Pretti is an eight-year Border Patrol veteran, federal officials said. The Minnesota National Guard has been activated by Gov. Tim Walz and is assisting local police amid growing protests. Guard troops are going to both to the shooting site and to a federal building where officials have squared off with protesters daily. There have been daily protests in the Twin Cities since the Jan. 7 shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who fired into her vehicle. Pretti was killed just over a mile away from where Good was shot. The Latest: Family: heartbroken but also very angry Prettis family released a statement Saturday evening saying they are heartbroken but also very angry and calling him a kindhearted soul who wanted to make a difference in the world through his work as a nurse. The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trumps murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed, the statement said. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you. Gun rights group deeply concerned about shooting While noting that many critical facts remain unknown, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus said in a statement that there has been no evidence produced indicating an intent to harm the officers and called for an investigation by both state and federal authorities. Every peaceable Minnesotan has the right to keep and bear arms including while attending protests, acting as observers, or exercising their First Amendment rights, the group said. These rights do not disappear when someone is lawfully armed. Federal officials have said Pretti was armed and officers fired defensively after he approached them during an operation and resisted attempts to disarm him. However bystander videos do not appear to show Pretti holding a weapon. The Minneapolis police chief said Pretti had a permit to carry a gun. Another evening rally at a park near the scene of Saturdays shooting People chanted say his name in memory of Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot earlier in the day by a federal agent. One speaker called for sit-ins at congressional offices to urge a halt to funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Another participant said he believes the tide of public opinion is turning in the protesters favor. Some carried lit candles, and all were bundled up against the frigid nighttime cold. After about an hour they went to the scene of the shooting. There were chants of Resisting ICE is not a crime and Observing ICE is not a crime. There were also chants honoring Renee Good, another person who was fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis this month. Republican chair of House Homeland Security Committee requests ICE, CBP, USCIS appear before Congress Rep. Andrew Garbarino, a New York Republican who chairs the committee that oversees the Department of Homeland Security, sent a letter to the department requesting three top officials appear for questioning before the committee. As chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, my top priority remains keeping Americans safe and ensuring the Department of Homeland Security can accomplish its core mission, Garbarino said in a statement. Congress has an important responsibility to ensure the safety of law enforcement and the people they serve and protect. Garbarino requested that Immigration and Customs Enforcement senior official Todd Lyons, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow appear. The public hearing would take place sometime in the next two months. Garbarino previously requested that senior DHS officials appear before the committee in a Jan. 15 letter. Schumer: Democrats will block spending bill if it includes Homeland Security funding Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Senate Democrats will not vote for a spending package that includes money for the Department of Homeland Security. Schumers statement increases the possibility that the government could partially shut down Jan. 30 when funding runs out. Several Democrats said Saturday that they will not vote for the bipartisan package of bills, which will need some Democratic votes to pass. Democrats say the legislation, which includes money for a broad swath of government agencies, does not include enough restrictions on ICE. Schumer said what is happening in Minnesota is appalling. Democrats sought common sense reforms in the Department of Homeland Security spending bill, but because of Republicans refusal to stand up to President Trump, the DHS bill is woefully inadequate to rein in the abuses of ICE, Schumer said. I will vote no. Justice Department official says Minnesota leaders created this escalation Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche called the shooting an avoidable tragedy that is the result of the total failure of Minnesotas city and state officials who have resisted federal law enforcement and created this escalation. Blanche said in a statement that the Justice Department will continue to hold those breaking federal law accountable, including those who harass and violently attack law enforcement in the name of protest. The Department of Homeland Security is leading the investigation into the shooting with assistance from the FBI. The DOJ has not yet indicated whether it would open a civil rights investigation but declined to do so after the earlier shooting, of Renee Good. That was a sharp departure from past administrations, which have moved quickly to probe shootings of civilians by law enforcement officials for potential civil rights offenses. Dozens of people pay their respects to protester killed by federal agent They lit candles, placed flowers and stood in silence at the vigil Saturday evening. As dark fell, hundreds of people gathered somberly and quietly by the growing memorial at the shooting scene. Caleb Spike came from a nearby suburb to show his support and his frustration. It feels like every day something crazier happens, he said. Whats happening in our community is wrong, its sickening, its disgusting. A nearby doughnut shop and clothing store stayed open to offer a place for people to warm up, as well as water, coffee and snacks. Democratic senators come out against funding DHS, raising risk of another shutdown Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto said Saturday that she too would not vote for legislation in the Senate that would fund the Department of Homeland Security. In doing so, Cortez Masto joined fellow Nevada Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen. The two moderates broke with their party last year on a vote over the last government shutdown. Others like Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii have said in the wake of the shooting that they would oppose a DHS funding bill that is part of a spending package in the Senate that aims to avoid a partial government shutdown at the end of the month. Minnesota-born Defense Secretary Hegseth says ICE is greater than Minnesota Pete Hegseth posted on the social platform X to thank God for the patriots who work for ICE and said, we have your back 100%. The Pentagon chief added: Shame on the leadership of Minnesota and the lunatics in the street. ICE MN. Hegseth was born and raised in Minnesota. Nevada Sen. Rosen says she will vote against any government funding package that funds ICE Sen. Jacky Rosen, a moderate Democrat from a political swing state, made the announcement Saturday after the fatal shooting in Minneapolis. Rosen was one of eight Democratic senators last year to break ranks with her party and vote with Republicans to move to reopen the government. The abuses of power we are seeing from ICE in Minneapolis and across the country are un-American and cannot be normalized, Rosen said via the social platform X. Enough is enough. We need to rein in ICEs out of control conduct, Rosen said. A bill that funds the Department of Homeland Security is part of a package of spending bills that is moving through the Senate to avoid a partial government shutdown at the end of the month. Top Democrat on House Homeland Security Committee calls for Noem impeachment Congressman Bennie Thompson, the top Democrat on the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be impeached and denounced statements from the administration about the man DHS agents killed. Apparently, the Trump administration and its secret police only support the First and Second Amendments when its convenient to them, Thompson said in a statement. Thompson called on Democrats in the U.S. Senate to vote against a funding bill for DHS that passed the lower chamber last week. This is un-American and has to stop, Thompson said. The House must immediately take steps to impeach Kristi Noem. Walz excoriates immigration operations in Minnesota Walz issued a statement Saturday calling immigration enforcement organized brutality. The federal occupation of Minnesota long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. It is a campaign of organized brutality against the people of our state. And today, that campaign claimed yet another life, Walz said. He said the state, and not the federal government, will lead the investigation into the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti. Pretti was shot and killed by federal officers amid an immigration operation. Minnesotans and our local law enforcement have done everything we can to deescalate. The federal government must deescalate. I once again call on the President to remove the 3,000 agents from Minnesota who are sowing chaos and violence. Congressional Democrats sharply criticize DHS chief Kristi Noem Congressional Democrats responded with immediate outrage to the killing of another person by federal agents in Minneapolis. Congressman Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, called for ICE to be abolished and for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be impeached. Trump has created a militarized police force accountable only to him and ready to murder people in our streets. These agents need to leave our cities NOW, the California Democrat wrote on social media. Congressman Brad Schneider, chair of the moderate New Democratic Coalition in the U.S. House, called for an investigation into the shooting and for federal agents to leave Minnesota. Every agent involved in this shooting must be suspended pending a full and independent investigation and ultimately held to account for their actions today, Schneider said in a statement. And, Kristi Noem has got to go. She needs to resign or be fired. If not, Congress must act, the Illinois Democrat continued. Man identified who was shot and killed amid Minneapolis immigration operation The man who was shot and killed by a federal officer during an immigration operation has been identified as 37-year-old Alex Pretti. His parents told The Associated Press that Pretti was an intensive care unit nurse. Vance criticizes local authorities for refusing to cooperate with ICE agents Vice President JD Vance responded to the shooting in a post on X and said that when he visited Minneapolis this week, what the ICE agents wanted more than anything was to work with local law enforcement so that situations on the ground didnt get out of hand. He accused local officials in Minnesota of ignoring requests from ICE agents to work with them. Notably, federal officials refused to cooperate with local officials on an investigation into the shooting death of Renee Good on Jan. 7. Store owner opens to help protesters amid freezing temperatures Allison Bross opened her fashion store, b. Resale, next to the shooting scene for the protesters to grab food, water, use the restroom, receive medical attention and get a warm break from the frigid temperatures outside. Were a community-based business, we dont exist without the community, she said. So if we hear someone in our neighborhood is getting hurt, Im going to be here immediately. Meanwhile, a makeshift memorial at a bus stop next to the site of the shooting was taking shape. People left flowers and lit candles. Hennepin County Sheriffs Office asks for National Guard help Sheriff Dawanna Witt has requested assistance from the Minnesota National Guard to support deputies at the Whipple Federal Building so that deputies can be assigned to other areas. The Minnesota National Guards role is to work in support of local law enforcement and emergency responders, providing additional resources, the sheriffs office said. Their presence is meant to help create a secure environment where all Minnesotans can exercise their rights safely, including the right to peacefully protest. We know this moment is challenging for our community. Remember that our local teams are also part of this community. We respect and protect everyones rights to voice concerns and stand up for what they believe in, but we urge all actions to remain peaceful and lawful. Our collective priority remains protecting our neighborhoods and keeping people safe, a statement said. Trump weighs in on the shooting in Minneapolis Trump posted to his Truth Social account after a man was killed by federal officers during an immigration enforcement action in Minneapolis. Trumps statement said: This is the gunmans gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why werent they allowed to protect ICE Officers? The Mayor and the Governor called them off? It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves Not an easy thing to do! Why does Ilhan Omar have $34 Million Dollars in her account? And where are the Tens of Billions of Dollars that have been stolen from the once Great State of Minnesota? We are there because of massive Monetary Fraud, with Billions of Dollars missing, and Illegal Criminals that were allowed to infiltrate the State through the Democrats Open Border Policy. We want the money back, and we want it back, NOW. Those Fraudsters who stole the money are going to jail, where they belong! This is no different than a really big Bank Robbery. Much of what youre witnessing is a COVER UP for this Theft and Fraud. The Mayor and the Governor are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric! Instead, these sanctimonious political fools should be looking for the Billions of Dollars that has been stolen from the people of Minnesota, and the United States of America. LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB! 12,000 Illegal Alien Criminals, many of them violent, have been arrested and taken out of Minnesota. If they were still there, you would see something far worse than you are witnessing today! DHS says officers fired defensive shots Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that federal officers were conducting an operation as part of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. She said officers fired defensive shots after a man with a handgun approached them and violently resisted when officers tried to disarm him. OHara said police believe the man was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. Police chief says man shot and killed was a lawful gun owner OHara said the mans only previous interaction with law enforcement as far as he knew was for traffic tickets. And we believe he is a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, he said. Police chief asks public, law enforcement to remain calm Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara appealed for calm, both from the public and from federal law enforcement, following the shooting of a man. Our demand today is for those federal agencies that are operating in our city to do so with the same discipline, humanity and integrity that effective law enforcement in this country demands, the chief said. We urge everyone to remain peaceful. We recognize that there is a lot of anger and a lot of questions around what has happened, but we need people to remain peaceful in the area. Police also clarified that the age of the man shot is 37. Angry crowd gathers after shooting of man in Minneapolis An angry crowd gathered after the shooting and screamed profanities at federal officers, calling them cowards and telling them to go home. One officer responded mockingly as he walked away, telling them: Boo hoo. Agents elsewhere shoved a yelling protester into a car. The intersection where the shooting has been blocked off, and Border Patrol agents are on the scene wielding batons. The shooting happened a day after thousands of demonstrators protesting the crackdown on immigrants crowded the citys streets in frigid weather, calling for federal law enforcement to leave. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar expresses outrage at shooting Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar has expressed outrage at the shooting of a man during an immigration operation. Donald Trump and all your lieutenants who ordered this ICE surge: watch the horrific video of the killing today. The world is watching. Thousands of citizens stopped and harassed. Local police no longer able to do their work. Kids hiding. Schools closed. Get ICE out of Minnesota, Klobuchar said in a message posted on X. Minnesota Democrats react to the shooting Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith issued a statement after the shooting of a man during an ICE operation. She said, We are gathering more information, but ICE must leave now so MPD can secure the scene and do their jobs. Rep. Angie Craig said in a statement that she has seen my own eyes the video of another horrific killing by ICE agents this morning in Minneapolis. This is sickening. The agency is beyond out of control. How much more evidence do my Republican colleagues in Minnesota need to speak out? Minneapolis police chief calls for calm Police Chief Brian OHara called for protesters who amassed at the scene of a shooting to stay calm and leave the area. Please do not destroy our own city, he said at a news conference. Rep. Omar releases statement after Minnesota shooting Rep. Ilhan Omar issued a statement after the shooting of a man by federal officers in Minnesota. I am absolutely heartbroken, horrified, and appalled that federal agents murdered another member of our community. It is beyond shameful these federal agents are targeting our residents instead of protecting them, she said in a statement. This isnt isolated or accidental. The Trump administration is trying to beat us into submission rather than protect us. This administration cannot continue violating constitutional rights under the guise of immigration enforcement. By The Associated Press Jan. 23, 2026 Dear UC Community, In preparation for the upcoming winter storm, we want to share planned closures and adjustments to university services this weekend. Additionally, you will find safety information and a list of how you will receive a closure notice, should the university close. As forecasted, conditions are likely to be snowy and icy. The university grounds crew will be working diligently throughout the weekend. Please be patient as crews do their jobs and remember to follow the safety tips outlined below. Adjustments to university services: Parking and Transportation Services will close the top decks of Blood Cancer Healing Center, Campus Green, Corry, Eden, Stratford, and University Ave. garages at 6 p.m. today, Jan. 23. Please move your vehicle to a lower level. will close the top decks of Blood Cancer Healing Center, Campus Green, Corry, Eden, Stratford, and University Ave. garages at 6 p.m. today, Jan. 23. Please move your vehicle to a lower level. MarketPointe and OTG Dining Centers will be the only dining centers open on Saturday and Sunday. They will be open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. They may offer a modified menu or operate with a reduced number of stations. Any additional announcements will be posted on Instagram and on the Dining Services website. will be the only dining centers open on Saturday and Sunday. They will be open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. They may offer a modified menu or operate with a reduced number of stations. Any additional announcements will be posted on and on the website. Shuttle Service operations will be limited or closed on Sunday, depending on the weather. For the latest updates, use the TRANSLOC live shuttle tracker . The tracker may be accessed via the web link or through the UC Mobile app. operations will be limited or closed on Sunday, depending on the weather. For the latest updates, use the . The tracker may be accessed via the web link or through the UC Mobile app. The Campus Recreation Center will be open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday. It will be closed on Sunday. Any changes to these hours will be posted on the Campus Recreation website . will be open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday. It will be closed on Sunday. Any changes to these hours will be posted on the . Tangeman University Center (TUC) will be open normal hours on Saturday. Chick-fil-A will be open 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Cincy Grill will be open 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. These hours may be adjusted if conditions require early closure. TUC and the Bearcats Package Center will be closed on Sunday. Any changes will be posted to the @ucmainstreet Instagram. (TUC) will be open normal hours on Saturday. Chick-fil-A will be open 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Cincy Grill will be open 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. These hours may be adjusted if conditions require early closure. TUC and the Bearcats Package Center will be closed on Sunday. Any changes will be posted to the Instagram. All nine UC Libraries locations will be closed on Sunday. Up-to-date information can be found on the Libraries webpage and LiBlog . If you are looking for information regarding a service not mentioned above, please look on their webpage or contact them directly. The following units never close under any circumstances: College of Medicine, University Police, Office of Residence Life/Housing units, utility plants, emergency maintenance operations, any research unit where the integrity of the research must be preserved, and service units that routinely operate on a seven day per week, 24 hour per day service schedule. The emergency closing policy is available on the universitys website. Winter storm safety tips: Stay inside and avoid prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. If you do go outdoors, stay warm with layers of warm clothing, including a water-repelling jacket, hat, and gloves. Be aware of the signs of frostbite and hypothermia . with layers of warm clothing, including a water-repelling jacket, hat, and gloves. Be aware of the signs of and . Limit driving to only when necessary. If you must drive, use extreme caution by driving slowly and increasing following distance from other cars. Completely clean snow off your vehicle before driving. Snow-blocked lights and flying snow from cars limits visibility and can cause accidents. Be aware of crews clearing roads and keep a distance from snow plows. Stay aware of snow emergency alert levels. The Hamilton County and Clermont County sheriff offices will declare the level of snow emergency in the county. You can also check local news for updated information. and sheriff offices will declare the level of snow emergency in the county. You can also check local news for updated information. A list of warming locations in Hamilton County is available online. in Hamilton County is available online. Hamilton County has an emergency notification system that includes weather alerts. Sign up online. University closure information: If the university closes, the information will be communicated in the following ways: A notification will be sent via email, text message , and Bearcat Guardian . , and . An emergency message will be posted to the university homepage and the UC Alert webpage and the faculty and staff intranet, Bearcats Landing. and the and the faculty and staff intranet, Bearcats Landing. UC social media will carry closing information via social media (@uofcincy and @ucpublicsafety). Most local news media will include UC in closure listings. Sincerely, Eliot K. Isaac Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety Welcome Guest! You are here: Home UN Committee alarmed over discrimination of Muslims in Assam The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) has expressed concerns over discrimination of Bengali speaking Muslims in Assam [Grok AI image for representation] Geneva: The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) has expressed concerns over discrimination of Bengali speaking Muslims in Assam. In a letter dated January 19, 2026, the Committee said it regretted the lack of information provided by India in response to an earlier communication sent in May 2025. The letter has been handed over to Indias Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva. The committee in its letter further said that it sought clarification on allegations linked to the National Register of Citizens (NRC), forced evictions, hate speech, and the use of force by law-enforcement agencies in the state. The NRC is a comprehensive government record designed to identify and document all legal Indian citizens while distinguishing them from unauthorised residents. The data from the final Assam NRC list, published on August 31, 2019 , revealed that out of a total of 3.29 crore applicants who submitted over 6 crore supporting documents, approximately 3.11 crore people were found eligible for inclusion. These excluded individuals are currently required to prove their citizenship before Foreigners Tribunals, where they must contest their exclusion within 120 days of receiving a formal rejection slip. The UN Committee in its letter to the Indias Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva also expressed concern over the suspension of Foreigners Tribunal proceedings during the NRC process, which allegedly prevented individuals marked as doubtful voters from contesting their status. The Committee further cited allegations of systematic forced evictions of Bengali-speaking Muslim families without adequate rehabilitation, a rise in hate speech during the 2024 elections, and claims of violent attacks and excessive use of force by authorities. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) A judges decision to toss out the boundaries of the only Republican-held congressional district in New York City could help Democrats notch a win in the national redistricting wars but for now, the outcome remains uncertain. The judge ordered new lines be drawn, and fast, with party primaries just five months away. But experts say that is no simple task, and the Republicans have promised a legal appeal. The final shape of the district currently held by U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis could be unknown for some time. In one word: chaos, said Blair Horner of the New York Public Interest Research Group when asked to characterize the situation. Yet it is clear that the ruling creates an opportunity for Democrats. The lawsuit that led to the judges decision, filed by an election law firm aligned with the Democratic Party, suggested reshaping Malliotakis suburban Staten Island district to reach across the water to include sections of Manhattan the luxury apartments of Tribeca, the once-bohemian West Village and the upscale shopping district of SoHo. The result would be a much more liberal district, much easier for a Democrat to win this fall as both parties battle for control of the House. Malliotakis has called it an attempt by Democrats to tilt the scale to give their party an advantage. But it will be up to a redistricting commission to draw the new lines and that is if an appeals court doesnt put a stop to it first. Judge says district dilutes Black and Hispanic vote The lawsuit was brought as part of a national gerrymandering fight that began after President Donald Trump pushed to craft new congressional districts in Republican-controlled states like Texas that could help his party hold onto its narrow U.S. House majority. Justice Jeffrey Pearlman on Wednesday threw out the boundaries of the current district, saying its composition, which includes all of Staten Island and a small bit of Brooklyn, unconstitutionally dilutes the votes of Black and Hispanic residents. The judge wrote that the current district lines are a contributing factor in the lack of representation for minority voters. As part of the ruling, he directed the states Independent Redistricting Commission to complete a new congressional map by Feb. 6. Pearlman said he imposed the tight deadline at the request of state election officials. The petition process for candidates starts at the end of February. The ruling gave the commission, which includes appointees of Democratic and Republican leaders in the state Legislature, only 16 days to complete a politically sensitive task that would alter the boundaries of multiple districts. Whats next? A co-executive director of the redistricting commission released a statement saying that while meeting the courts deadline would be a challenge, we are ready to do so. But Republicans said they would appeal, which could result in a hold on Pearlmans order until higher courts consider the case. This is a political gerrymander masquerading as a voting rights case, said John Faso, a former Republican congressman involved his partys redistricting efforts. The case could ultimately land before New Yorks highest court, the Court of Appeals, which has ruled on redistricting in the past. In 2022, the top court rejected new congressional maps that had widely been seen as favoring Democrats and directed a court-appointed experts to redraw district lines, only to throw out those redrawn maps again 20 months later. It is unclear if the redistricting commission can even complete a new map in mere weeks. It has failed to reach agreements in the past, and the Democrat-controlled legislature can reject the panels proposals in order to tweak the lines in their favor. Horner noted the commission, with its split of Republicans and Democrats, is essentially designed for gridlock on controversial issues. Its doable, said Jeffrey Wice, professor at New York Law School. The question is whether its possible in the time frame given. How new districts could help Democrats The judge rejected the lawsuits proposal to reconfigure the district, saying the state constitution left that decision to the Independent Redistricting Commission. But if Democrats get their way, they would likely take the chunk of southern Brooklyn that Malliotakis currently represents which is physically and culturally close to Staten Island and put it into an adjoining district that would stretch from the bottom of Brooklyn all the way into Manhattans Chinatown. U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman, a Democrat whose lower Manhattan and Brooklyn district would be upended under the proposed new lines, appears open to the change, as long as it helps his party win the House. Our top priority must be to retake the majority and make Hakeem Jeffries Speaker of the House, and I will always place that goal first, he said in a statement. Staten Island has mostly been represented in Congress by Republicans since the 1980s, through there have been exceptions. Democrat Max Rose represented the district for one term before being ousted by Malliotakis in 2020. In 2024, Malliotakis beat her Democratic opponent by 28 points. By ANTHONY IZAGUIRRE and MICHAEL HILL Associated Press We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form We are witnessing a reorganization of the world following the Anchorage summit (August 15, 2025), the ceasefire in Gaza (October 10, 2025), and Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela (January 3, 2026). It is now clear that Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin divided the world between them in Alaska. The validation of this arrangement will take place at the next Trump-Xi summit. The only information we have is the map from the Russian General Staff, published by Andrei Martyanov. It divides the world into three zones of influence, which does not contradict the principle of a multipolar world. Primitive international lawI mean pre-Cold Waronly resolves a few problems. It grants states complete freedom to do as they please within the limits they themselves have set. I explained in my last column that, contrary to popular belief, while the United States may have committed a crime by abducting President Maduro, according to previous rules, they were within their rights to do so, based solely on their commitments. Whether one finds this reality shocking changes nothing. This is now how we must operate. Until now, the world was governed by the G5/6/7/8/7, formerly composed of Germany, Canada, France, the United States, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. Its demise marks the end of the British and French empires. We must acknowledge that France will have to decolonize New Caledonia and French Polynesia; the United States will have to decolonize Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands; New Zealand will have to decolonize Tokelau; and the United Kingdom will have to decolonize Angilla, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, the Cayman and Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Saint Helena, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. This will have to be done very quickly if France, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom wish to maintain a presence in their former colonies. It is likely that the Commonwealth will disintegrate. Its member states will, at the very least, abandon their shared citizenship. The G7 will be replaced by a C4/5 composed of China, the United States, India, and Russia, to which President Trump hopes to add Japan. However, it is likely that Japan will not be admitted, given its belligerent statements. China remains furious about the rise of Japanese imperial militarism, the denialism of the Sanae Takaichi government, its views on Taiwanese microprocessors, and its rare earth exploration. Given their respective power, the four major world powers will be able to do as they please in all cases not governed by international lawas the United States did in Venezuela. Several regional alliances will allow secondary powers to play a significant role. I wont discuss NATO, which will be dissolved by mid-2027, or sooner if the transfer of Greenland from Denmark to the US allows. The admonitions of a few Europeans will change nothing: they will wage war on the United States no more than they will on Russia. The AUKUS Alliance (Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom) will also not survive the partitioning of the world. The EU is also expected to disappear. Ursula von der Leyens appearance at the signing ceremony of the EU/Mercosur free trade agreement only hastened its downfall: the people of France, Poland, Austria, Ireland, and Hungary have just realized that this bureaucracy is not defending their interests, but sacrificing their farmers to the needs of German industry. Several organizations will take over: the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a British mini-NATO, already includes Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands, all centered around the United Kingdom. Ukraine will join, while Iceland will join the United States (after the cession of Greenland). Indeed, Canada and Greenland are located on the American continental shelf, as is part of Iceland, which understandably gives the United States an appetite for it. For their part, Bulgaria, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden have already formed an Eastern Front Alliance. It is uncertain whether this new organization will be sustainable, as it currently lacks both a budget and a secretariat. These military alliances will be complemented by political coalitions, much like the EU has complemented NATO. The Three Seas Initiative is the most significant of these. It brings together Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. It aims to reform the medieval Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth or Marshal Jozef Pisudskis Miedzymorze Federation project: creating a federation between Germany and Russia. This is a Polish project, championed by President Karol Nawrocki (Law and Justice), while the Eastern Front Alliance is a project led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk (Civic Coalition). In the Middle East, the Saudi Arabia/Iran rivalry ended with the Chinese mediation of 2023. It has been replaced by a Saudi Arabia/United Arab Emirates rivalry. This rivalry has already manifested itself in Yemen and Sudan. Those who, just four years ago, were the best of friends, are now bitter rivals. Riyadh is attempting to rally support behind it, along with Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Somalia. For its part, Abu Dhabi, which has already forged military alliances with Sudanese, Libyan, and Somali factions, is expected to move closer to Israel and bring Ethiopia into its fold. In Africa, the Alliance of Sahel States, composed of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, is the only regional military alliance. It is expected to be encouraged by China and Russia. In Latin America, the Bolivarian Alliance of the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) is no longer functioning. On the contrary, a coalition is forming around Argentina and Chile with the approval of the United States. China, India, and Russia want to preserve the United Nations. Consequently, President Trump has abandoned his plans to leave the UN headquarters. It is crucial to understand that much of what the UN has built will be dismantled to bring it into line with international law. Because, contrary to what we have convinced ourselves, the United Nations is not international law. JUBA, South Sudan (AP) After agreeing to accept deportees from the United States last year, South Sudan sent a list of requests to Washington that included American support for the prosecution of an opposition leader and sanctions relief for a senior official accused of diverting over a billion dollars in public funds. The requests, contained in a pair of diplomatic communications made public by the State Department this month, offer a glimpse into the kind of benefits that some governments may have sought as they negotiated with the U.S. over the matter of receiving deportees. In the documents, the U.S. expresses appreciation to South Sudan for accepting the deportees and details the names, nationalities and crimes for which each individual was convicted. In July, South Sudan became the first African country to receive third-country deportees from the U.S. Rwanda, Eswatini, Ghana and Equatorial Guinea have since received deportees. The eight deportees to South Sudan included nationals of Mexico, Cuba, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and South Sudan itself. Contentious deportations They arrived in the South Sudanese capital of Juba after spending weeks on a U.S. military base in Djibouti, where they were held after a U.S. court temporarily blocked their deportation. Six of the eight men remain at a residential facility in Juba under the supervision of security personnel. South Sudanese national Dian Peter Domach was later freed, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Jesus Munoz-Gutierrez, a Mexican, was repatriated in September. South Sudanese officials have not publicly said what long-term plan is in place for those still in custody. The third-country deportations were highly contentious, criticized by rights groups and others who expressed concern South Sudan would become a dumping ground. Details of the deal between the U.S. and South Sudan remain murky. It is still unclear what, if anything, South Sudan may have actually received or been promised. The documents only offer a glimpse into what the South Sudanese government hoped to get in return. In other cases, Human Rights Watch said it saw documents showing the U.S. agreed to pay Rwandas government around $7.5 million to take up to 250 deportees. The U.S. will give Eswatini $5.1 million to take up to 160 deportees, according to the group. For South Sudan, in one communication dated May 12 and marked confidential, South Sudans Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised eight matters of concern which the Government of South Sudan believes merit consideration. These ranged from the easing of visa restrictions for South Sudanese nationals to the construction of a rehabilitation center and support in addressing the problem of armed civilians. Request to lift sanctions But an eye-catching ask was for the lifting of U.S. sanctions against former Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel as well as Washingtons support for the prosecution of opposition leader Riek Machar, the now-suspended first vice president of South Sudan who faces treason, murder and other criminal charges in a controversial case. The allegations against Machar stem from a violent incident in March, when an armed militia with historical ties to him attacked a garrison of government troops. Machars supporters and some activists describe the charges as politically motivated. Bol Mel is accused of diverting more than a billion dollars earmarked for infrastructure projects into companies he owns or controls, according to a U.N. report. He wielded vast influence in the government and was touted by some as Kiirs likely successor in the presidency until he was dismissed and placed under house arrest in November. Bol Mel was also viewed as a key figure behind the prosecution of Machar, one of the historical leaders of South Sudans ultimately successful quest for independence from Sudan in 2011. Machar was Kiirs deputy when they fell out in 2013, provoking the start of civil war as government troops loyal to Kiir fought forces loyal to Machar. A 2018 peace agreement brought Machar back into government as the most senior of five vice presidents. His prosecution has been widely criticized as a violation of that agreement, and has coincided with a spike in violence that the U.N. says killed more than 1,800 people between January and September 2025. The U.N. has also warned that a resurgence of fighting has brought the country back to the edge of a relapse into civil war. Machar is under house arrest in Juba while his criminal trial proceeds slowly. In its communications with the U.S., South Sudan also asked for sanctions to be lifted over South Sudanese oil companies to encourage direct foreign investments, and for the U.S. to consider investing in other sectors including fossil fuels, minerals and agriculture. When asked if the U.S. government had provided or promised South Sudan anything in return for accepting the deportees, a State Department official said, In keeping with standard diplomatic practice, we do not disclose the details of private discussions. A spokesman for South Sudans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thomas Kenneth Elisapana, declined to comment. US aid cuts Despite accepting the U.S. request to admit deportees, relations between the two governments have been strained in recent months. In December, the U.S. threatened to reduce aid contributions to the country, accusing the government of imposing fees on aid groups and obstructing their operations. The U.S. has historically been one of the largest donors to South Sudan, providing roughly $9.5 billion in aid since 2011. Over the years, South Sudans government has struggled to deliver many of the basic services of a state, and years of conflict have left the country heavily reliant on foreign aid. By JOSEPH FALZETTA Associated Press Sympathies The death occurred on January 2, of Frank Josey, Carrigahilla View, Stradbally, Predeceased by his parents Albert and Dorothy, and his brother Nicky, he is deeply mourned and sadly missed by his loving wife Madeleine, sisters Alison, Beryl, Mary and Jean, brother Graham, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, neighbours and friends. Frank was formerly employed with Guidant / Boston Scientific, Clonmel and was a devoted dog lover, with a particular fondness for pointers. A Service of Thanksgiving for Franks life took place on Tuesday, January 13th, in St. James Church of Ireland, Stradbally, followed by interment in Ballylaneen Cemetery. Drug Awareness Stradbally GAA Club will host a Drug Awareness Discussion on Thursday, January 29th, in the Stradbally GAA Social Centre, commencing at 6.30pm. The event aims to promote awareness, education, and open discussion around drug use and its impacts on individuals, families, and the wider community. Guest speakers on the night will include representatives from An Garda Siochana and Addiction Counsellor, George Henderson, who will share professional insights, practical information, and guidance. This important discussion will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn more, ask questions, and engage in a supportive and informative environment. All members of the community are encouraged to attend. Sympathies The death has occurred of Thomas OKeeffe, Ocean View, Knockrour, Stradbally, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 18th, at University Hospital Waterford. He was predeceased by his wife Sheila, his parents John and Lena, and other members of the OKeeffe family. Thomas' passing is deeply regretted by his loving brothers Michael and Anthony, sister-in-law Mary, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends. He reposed at Drohans Funeral Home, Dungarvan, on Tuesday, January 20. His Funeral Mass took place on Wednesday morning in the Holy Cross Church, Stradbally, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. A Waterford man has been refused bail after being accused of assaulting a man with hammers and a copper pipe. The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton at an in-camera hearing at Waterford District Court. Detective Garda Sean Lane outlined to the Judge the particulars of the offences allegedly committed by the defendant. Det. Lane alleged that on a date in October last year, the defendant, accompanied by two others, assaulted a man in a shed. The alleged victim was attacked with copper pipes and hammers and spent six nights in University Hospital Waterford (UHW). The court heard that he suffered a bleed on the brain, fractured skull and spine, broken fingers and cracked knuckles. The injured party made a statement to Gardai in the days following the incident. Gardai arrested the defendant at his home and investigated the site of the alleged offence. Gardai recovered blood samples found at the scene and sent them to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis. In December 2025, the injured party attempted to withdraw their statement and gave a negative report. However, in early January, he gave another statement to Gardai after a member of his family reported damage to their vehicle. Det. Lane told the Judge that Gardai are concerned that witnesses and relatives of the injured party may be subjected to intimidation. Solicitor Ken Cunningham stated that his client was a family man with no previous convictions. Mr Cunningham said that the accused enjoys the right to the presumption of innocence and could be incarcerated for months before a trial can take place in the Circuit Court. Judge Staunton refused bail, noting the "strong evidence" presented of "a most horrific assault". The case will be heard again in Waterford District Court on January 27. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme A man has been found guilty of assaulting a woman after a hearing at Waterford District Court. Keith Sherlock, of 13 Birch Rise, Birchwood, Waterford, was found guilty of Section 2 assault against a woman. The 38-year-old father of four appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton on Thursday, January 22. The court heard from the complainant that on the morning of February 7, 2025, she was walking on the Upper Yellow Road with her partner when she saw Sherlock's work van drive by. She described the van pulling up beside her and Sherlock and another person getting out of the van. She said: "I turned around and I saw the van 'Sherlock's Squeaky Clean'. My partner told me to take out my phone and call the Guards." While she was holding her phone, she said that Sherlock swung his arm towards her. "He hit me in the stomach." The woman told the court that she had a small bruise on her stomach that "was not worth" taking a photograph of. Representing the accused, solicitor Ken Cunningham asked her: "If you took your phone out to call the Guards, why didn't you record?" The woman replied that the camera on her phone was broken. Mr Cunningham noted that there was no CCTV footage, recordings, pictures or records that corroborated the woman's account. He said: "The only evidence to substantiate the claim is your testimony." Toxicity The court heard that Sherlock was distantly related to the woman but that their familial relationship was 'toxic' and deeply estranged. Mr Cunningham said that his client was working in Ballybricken at the time of the assault and couldn't have been on the Lower Yellow Road. The court heard that the woman had made a number of serious allegations about various family members. Sherlock said to the court: "She's forever making up accusations." Judge Staunton said: "This is essentially one person's word against another. I have to say I find her to be an extremely credible witness, I am taking what she said happened, happened." He heard that Sherlock had 28 previous convictions, the most recent taking place in 2018. Most of the convictions were for road traffic-related matters but Sherlock did have one assault charge dated from 2012. The Judge sentenced Sherlock to two months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme Libevitug approved in China as first-in-class treatment for hepatitis D People's Daily Online) 09:59, January 24, 2026 Huahui Health announced that China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has granted conditional approval to its Libevitug injection for the treatment of chronic hepatitis D virus infection in adults with or without compensated cirrhosis. Libevitug is a human monoclonal antibody targeting the PreS1 domain of the large envelope protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV), thereby blocking viral entry into hepatocytes. As a groundbreaking achievement in viral hepatitis therapeutics, Libevitug is a first-in-class antibody therapeutic for viral hepatitis and the first approved treatment for HDV in China, addressing a major clinical gap in this field. The drug previously received "Breakthrough Therapy Designation" from both the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the China NMPA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) consistently identify HDVHBV co-infection as the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis due to rapid progression towards liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver-related death. HDV is a satellite virus that depends on HBV's envelope proteins to complete its life cycle and therefore infects only individuals who are co-infected with HBV. Chronic HDVHBV co-infection leads to a higher risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer compared to HBV mono-infection, accounting for approximately one in six cases of cirrhosis and one in five cases of liver cancer among people with HBV infection globally. According to WHO, HDV affects nearly 5 percent (an estimated 12 million) of people who have a chronic infection with HBV. Given the severe consequences of HDV infection, WHO's 2024 Guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, care and treatment for people with chronic hepatitis B infection recommend that serological testing for anti-HDV antibodies may be performed for all individuals who are HBsAg positive, as the preferred approach to scale up access to HDV diagnosis and linkage to care. In China, with over 75 million patients living with chronic hepatitis B, limited HDV therapies, compounded by inadequate clinical awareness and low testing rates, have left patients with no treatment options, underscoring a pressing unmet medical need. Clinical development of Libevitug began in 2018. Data from its pivotal registrational study (HH003-204) were presented as a Late-Breaker at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). This international, multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label Phase IIb clinical trial demonstrated that Libevitug was significantly superior to the control group across primary and secondary efficacy endpoints including combined response rate, virological response, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization, and improvement in liver stiffness. Libevitug also showed favorable tolerability and a satisfactory safety profile. At Week 48, the combined response rate reached 44.1 percent, along with an HDV virological response rate of 60 percent and an ALT normalization rate of 70 percent, and a significant, sustained improvement in liver stiffness. "Libevitug demonstrates outstanding clinical efficacy and significantly improves liver stiffness, with particularly remarkable efficacy in patients with HBV/HDV-related cirrhosis," stated Professor Niu Junqi, principal investigator of the Libevitug (HH003-204) trial from the First Hospital of Jilin University. "This drug aligns with the core objectives of China's Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis (20252030), which aims to improve diagnosis and treatment rates for viral hepatitis and reduce the incidence of liver cancer and mortality. We anticipate that Libevitug will help effectively lower the risk of disease progression to advanced severe diseases such as liver cancer, drive the standardization of HDV diagnosis and treatment in China, advance the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health problem by 2030, and contribute a scientifically robust and accessible solution from China to global hepatitis control efforts." The development of Libevitug stems from a scientific breakthrough over a decade in the making. In 2012, a team at the National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing (NIBS) led by Dr. Li Wenhui, scientific founder of Huahui Health, identified the sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) as the critical receptor for HBV and HDV infectionsa world-first discovery solving a decades-long scientific mystery. This landmark achievement earned Dr. Li prestigious accolades, including the Baruch S. Blumberg Prize, the Future Science Prize, and the Distinguished Award in Hepatitis B Research, and opened a door for new drug development. In 2015, the lead molecule of Libevitug was developed through a collaboration between Dr. Sui Jianhua, co-founder of Huahui Health and an antibody engineering expert, and Dr. Li's team. "The global burden of viral hepatitis is immense," stated Dr. Sui. "We are pleased that Libevitug is the first monoclonal antibody approved in this field, effectively treating the most severe and progressive form of chronic viral hepatitisHDV co-infection with HBV." Dr. Li added, "We are grateful for the invaluable support from all our partners and collaborators. The teams at Huahui Health and NIBS have worked together to complete the full-cycle of biomedical innovation from 'uncovering fundamental mechanism' to 'developing effective drugs', positioning us at the leading edge of this field and demonstrating our capability and commitment to tackling critical challenges in human health." Dr. Chen Bin, Chief Executive Officer of Huahui Health, stated, "The successful approval of Libevitug fulfills our commitment to building a world-class translational and clinical development platform dedicated to delivering innovative therapies for patients worldwide. We have established an integrated R&D system covering the entire drug development process, with a pipeline expanding from HDV and HBV to oncology and other liver diseases, comprising eight core asset candidates. Going forward, we remain steadfastly committed to our vision of 'Original in China, Benefiting the Globe', leveraging science to safeguard global healthcare in infectious and liver diseases." (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Struggling Spirit Airlines is looking to a private equity deal as a possible way to avoid another bankruptcy, according to reports. The budget airline is in talks with Castlelake, a global investment firm, about a potential takeover that could give the carrier much-needed financial support as it faces ongoing losses and weak travel demand. Spirit's situation has become serious after years of financial trouble. The airline has already gone through two bankruptcy filings within a single year, highlighting just how hard it has been to stay afloat in a very competitive industry. A deal with Castlelake, which manages about $33 billion in assets, could offer Spirit a lifeline and help stabilize its future, CNBC reported. The Florida-based airline has struggled to compete with larger rivals that offer more routes, flexible pricing, and added services. While Spirit built its brand on ultra-low fares, changing customer habits and rising costs have made that model harder to sustain. Many travelers now want more comfort and options, even if it means paying a bit more. In August, Spirit entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy again after failing to complete a reorganization less than a year earlier, NY Post reported. Around the same time, the company warned investors in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it might not survive another year without major changes. Spirit pointed to "adverse market conditions," including weak demand for domestic leisure travel, as a key reason for its struggles. Broke Spirit Airlines turns to private equity firm in hopes of avoiding bankruptcy https://t.co/nzEVC7wyTw pic.twitter.com/GT69L2ImCH NY Post Business (@nypostbiz) January 22, 2026 Spirit Airline CEO Faces Restructuring Spirit CEO Dave Davis tried to reassure customers during the process. In an open letter, he said the restructuring was meant to "ensure the long-term success of our company so we can continue to serve our Guests well into the future." The airline also noted that "virtually every major airline has used these tools" to improve their business over time. According to FoxBusiness, the airline's problems grew after two failed merger attempts. Spirit first filed for bankruptcy in November 2024 following unsuccessful deals with Frontier and JetBlue. The proposed JetBlue merger was blocked by the Justice Department, which argued it would hurt competition and lead to higher fares for consumers. Spirit has also been hit by a tough pricing environment and uncertainty across the travel industry. In filings, the airline said it expects to continue facing "challenges and uncertainties" through the rest of fiscal year 2025. Originally published on vcpost.com WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if Americas northern neighbor went ahead with its China trade deal, intensifying a feud with Prime Minister Mark Carney, a rising voice in the Wests pushback to Trumps new world order. Trump said in a social media post that if Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a Drop Off Port for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken. It was unclear when Trump might impose the threatened tariff. He said in the post it would happen immediately if Canada made a deal with China, which Carney did a week earlier, drawing initial praise from the president. The White House did not offer any additional details. While Trump has waged a trade war over the past year, Canada forged ahead with its own deal to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in return for lower import taxes on Canadian farm products. At the time, Trump said that agreement was what Carney should be doing and its a good thing for him to sign a trade deal. Dominic LeBlanc, Canadas minister responsible for trade with the United States, said Canada and China had resolved several important trade issues but there was no pursuit of a free-trade agreement. Trumps threat came amid an escalating war of words with Carney as the Republican presidents push to acquire Greenland strained the NATO alliance. Trump had commented while in Davos, Switzerland, this week that Canada lives because of the United States. Carney shot back that his nation can be an example that the world does not have to bend toward autocratic tendencies. Canada doesnt live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian, he said. Trump later revoked his invitation to Carney to join the presidents Board of Peace that he is forming to try to resolve global conflicts. Trumps push to acquire Greenland has come after he has repeatedly needled Canada over its sovereignty and suggested it also be absorbed the United States as a 51st state. He posted an altered image on social media this week showing a map of the United States that included Canada, Venezuela, Greenland and Cuba as part of its territory. In his message Saturday, Trump continued his provocations by calling Canadas leader Governor Carney. Trump had used the same nickname for Carneys predecessor, Justin Trudeau, and his first use of it toward Carney was the latest mark of their soured relationship. Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said there was a sense Trump showed more respect for Carney than for Trudeau. Now, after Carneys visit to China and, even more, his widely celebrated Davos speech, which clearly outshined and upset Trump, the gloves are off. Carney has emerged as a leader of a movement for countries to find ways to link up and counter the U.S. under Trump. Speaking in Davos before Trump, Carney said, Middle powers must act together because if you are not at the table, you are on the menu and he warned about coercion by great powers without mentioning Trumps name. The prime minister received widespread praise and attention for his remarks, upstaging Trump at the World Economic Forum. The prime minister even spoke of a rupture between the U.S. under Trump and its Western allies that would never be repaired. Trump, in his Truth Social post Saturday, also said that China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life. In a later post, the president said: The last thing the World needs is to have China take over Canada. Its NOT going to happen, or even come close to happening! Carney has not yet reached a deal with Trump to reduce some of the tariffs that he has imposed on key sectors of the Canadian economy. But Canada has been protected by the heaviest impact of Trumps tariffs by the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. That trade agreement is up for a review this year. In the fall, the Canadian province of Ontario aired an anti-tariff ad in the U.S. that prompted Trump to end trade talks with Canada. The television ad used the words of former President Ronald Reagan to criticize U.S. tariffs. Trump pledged to increase tariffs on imports of Canadian goods by an extra 10%. He did not follow through. As for China, Canada had initially mirrored the United States by putting a 100% tariff on electric vehicles from Beijing and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum. China had responded by imposing 100% import taxes on Canadian canola oil and meal and 25% on pork and seafood. But as Trumps pursued pressure tactics, Canadas foreign policy has been less aligned with the U.S., creating an opening for an improved relationship with China. Carney made the tariff announcement earlier this month during a visit to Beijing. Carney has said that Canadas relationship with the U.S. is complex and deep and that Canada and China disagree on issues such as human rights. LeBlanc, the trade minister, said in a statement that Canada would work to ensure that the future of that relationship benefits workers and businesses on both sides of the border. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US $2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, as are 85% of U.S. electricity imports. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. ___ Gillies reported from Toronto. By MICHELLE L. PRICE and ROB GILLIES Associated Press Waterford City was treated to the sight of a pod of common dolphins travelling down the River Suir on Friday morning. It is hard to say how many there were, but they swam toward the north quay and were followed by a very enthusiastic welcoming committee of seagulls. Sightings Officer at the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), Padraig Whooley, said that these dolphins have been touring the south east for a couple of months now and may be in town for the dining. "They've been recorded since early December in the River Suir as far upstream as Mt. Congrieve and the River Barrow way beyond New Ross towards the Carlow border. It seems to be something of a winter phenomenon when pelagic fish species like herring and sprat move inshore to spawn in the Waterford estuary, which draws the attention of predators like common dolphins. We'd ask any members of the public fortunate enough to see them, to report their observation to IWDG on www.iwdg.ie for validation," said Mr Whooley. Check out some clips of the pod in the Suir this Friday. According to the IWDG, the common dolphin is between 1.5 and 2.7 metres long and has a distinctive hourglass pattern on its side, yellow toward the head and grey at the tail. They are one of the most sighted dolphins and the most frequently stranded cetaceans in Ireland. There has been an increase in the number of strandings since 2011, which has only gotten worse in the 2020s, but nobody knows why. If you see a pod or come across a stranding, you can report that to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group on their website. Sighting reports help with tracking these beautiful animals so we can learn more about their behaviour and stranding reports help experts intervene or learn more about why it might be happening to them. By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association An Irish-based Palestinian journalist has said she cant possibly process the number of friends she has lost during Israels military offensive in Gaza. Eman Mohammed, a speaker at Saturdays Palestine protest in Dublin, said she left Gaza after her one-year-old child was injured during a bombardment of her neighbourhood by Israeli forces in 2014. Her family was able to go to the US to seek treatment for her child because of her Irish-American husband. They moved to Ireland following the outbreak of the current conflict in October 2023, which she said felt like coming home. Members of the Dublin branch of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign march through the city (Brian Lawless/PA) Speaking before the march from Dublins City Hall to the Department of Foreign Affairs on Stephens Green, she said she hoped the event would emphasise that we do not have a ceasefire. Weve had more than 100 days of this so-called ceasefire, and not a single day has gone by without Palestinians being murdered. The photographer said she cant comprehend how many journalists have been killed in the conflict: Its just a shock that keeps on not being able to be processed. She said covering something so hostile had meant her network of journalists in Gaza were more than just colleagues. She said, I cant possibly process the number of friends that Ive lost. Ms Mohammed said her now 13-year-old daughter, Lateen, is doing well, but still needs check-ups and we definitely go through scares, but shes a perfect child. One of the protest organisers, Fatin Al Tamimi, said the demonstration aimed to send solidarity and love to Palestinian people as well as thanking the Irish people for their solidarity and support. However, the Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign vice-chairwoman also said they are calling on the Irish government for actions, not empty words. Fatin Al Tamimi, vice-chairwoman of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign, condemned empty words (Brian Lawless/PA) We want Israel to be sanctioned, and we want the Occupied Territories Bill to be passed. She said they are asking them not to use the Irish space Shannon Airport for American war planes that were sent to kill Palestinians in Gaza. She also emphasised the current situation in the region is not a ceasefire, because people are dying. She added that hundreds of thousands of people are still living in makeshift tents, facing the cold, the floods, the very limited food and no medicine, no electricity, nothing. Organisers said the event was one of a number of protests scheduled to take place across Ireland. Advertisement Review Eating outPerth and Surrounds This fine dining destination in the Perth Hills embodies the spirit (and flavours) of Australia Open for just three lunches a week, this intimate 12-seat restaurant in Chidlow is an invitation for guests to taste Australia anew. Max Veenhuyzen January 24, 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 1 / 3 Pearl barley risotto with pumpkin and pickled quandong. Supplied 2 / 3 Kangaroo with rainbow chard and native basil. Supplied 3 / 3 Snack plate presented on a serving platter made from ironbark (the sugar cane at the bottom is a signature from The Flackyards original Mackay incarnation). Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide Good Food hat 15 / 20 How we score Australian$$$$ Lets play a game. They say a picture paints a thousand words, but today, Id like you to think of an image that communicates just three: This is Australia. What do you see? Is it an apparition of the MCG on the last Saturday of September that fills your minds eye? Maybe a packed Cottesloe beach during summer? Maybe even a beat-up VHS copy of The Castle? For Emily and Nik Flack, the place that best embodies the spirit of Australia is Lake Leschenaultia, a postcard-ready nature reserve in the Perth Hills. It is a place of towering marri trees, campers and bike trails. Of blue-tongues, wood ducks and an eponymous freshwater lake that, in the right light, shimmers like a sequined dress. Advertisement When it comes to Australian food, The Flackyard is in its own league. Its a view that was stirring enough to convince the couple not just to relocate from Queensland to WA with sons Hunter and Iluka, but to also leave enough space in their bags to bring along The Flackyard, the Mackay tasting menu restaurant they opened in 2019. Or at least, the parts of it they could fit into the car. Parts such as polished hubcaps of ironbark reborn as serving platters; cutlery holders fashioned out of lacquered tree branches; plus hit dishes such as juicy sticks of sugarcane tipped with bottlebrush gel and incy-wincy green ants. But despite these throwbacks to The Flackyards Yuwi Country era, reopening as an intimate 12-seater in Chidlow last year has largely been about the Flacks finding new ways to celebrate and honour the Indigenous flavours and culture of their new Nyoongar home. Related Article Good Food hat 15 / 20 Review This hometown favourite deserves a place on every South West wish-list Advertisement Theyve worked with Perth Hills artist Olivia Kalin to build the upcycled tables that anchor their modest, clean-shaven dining room, enriched with books and art. Vast noise-cancelling glass windows offer views of the lake, reserve and crowds, only minus the din. Nik, meanwhile, has sourced prized Nyoongar ingredients such as emu eggs and the native radish youlk, then hit them with kitchen know-how gleaned from stints at Wildflower and Vue de Monde in Melbourne. Those yolks, for example, are salt-cured and slowly rendered into a dense, fudgy mess before being arranged on tiny squares of charred brioche to create ta-da! new-school eggs on toast. Crucially, relocating has also meant being able to open Flackseed, a spin-off kiosk window serving beef and kangaroo sausage rolls, fragrant strawberry gum slushies, chips seasoned with Barengi Gadjin pink lake salt and other holiday favourites that have been gently reworked using indigenous ingredients. Native ingredients star on the Flackyard menu. Advertisement But as good as crunchy chippies, juicy sausage rolls and a la carte ordering might be, committing to a tasting menu in the restaurant is the best way to understand and appreciate the Flacks ambitious mission. Whether you go the six, eight or 10-course option, each menu starts with a trio of snacks. In our case, a single creamy raw scallop from Shark Bay cloaked by sunrise lime granita was the final member of our welcome party alongside the aforementioned sugar cane and emu egg toast. From there, lunch unfolds as a series of artfully composed dishes that use contemporary kitchen thinking to celebrate some of the planets oldest ingredients. A crumb made from native grasses supplied by Dark Emu author and Bunurong, Palawa and Yuin man Bruce Pascoe crunch up spears of pickled white asparagus. Queensland coral trout is served with a distinctly ocker seafood bisque spiked with pepperberry and bitter emu bush and other indigenous plants. Occasionally, these flavours are used as accents for introduced ingredients the pickled quandongs accompanying a risotto of biodynamic pearl barley, say but by and large, Niks cooking dazzles and astounds by thoughtfully combining the, to quote the Uluru Statement from the Heart, two worlds that First Nations Australians exist in. No dish exemplifies this approach better than an extraordinary finger lime and Daintree vanilla ice-cream fizzing with sherbet-like powdered boab from Winawul Country north of Broome. When was the last time vanilla ice-cream shook your world? Advertisement Related Article 14 / 20 Review The hidden Northbridge dining room where youll find a hit of Filipino street food Knowing how to cook precious ingredients is one thing. Being able to get hold of them is another. Nik readily admits that the relationships that Emily has made with traditional custodians are the reason he has access to these rare treasures. Diners, meanwhile, also have Emily to thank for the gracious hospitality and imaginative non-alcoholic cocktails and drinks that underpin the restaurants beverage program. (Both Flackyard and Flackseed are sober venues.) Naturally, all this comes at a price. The minimum spend per diner is $170 for six courses, while guests on Saturdays and Sundays are subject to a 10 per cent weekend surcharge. Advertisement On paper, this kind of money is far from loose change, but when you consider the price of some of these ingredients (a kilo of those green ants is $770) and dinner at big-name overseas fine-diners (a friend recently ate at former Worlds 50 Best number one Geranium in Copenhagen and paid $650 for food alone), the buy-in feels fair for what you get. And gee, it feels like the Flacks give a lot of themselves here. Many places pitch themselves as a special occasion, bucket-list sort of place, yet Flackyard is one of the few that delivers. Lunch isnt just an investment in terms of money, but also time. Our eight-course menu ($220) ran close to four hours, but thanks to the view and wide-bodied beige chairs (more Officeworks than Eames but unquestionably comfortable to sit in), it never felt like a chore. Just as lunch kicked off with a set of small bites, three petit fours bring things to a close. The best of these is a smoky lemon myrtle marshmallow that is, thoughtfully, served on a gum leaf. Not only does this save diners from sticky fingers, its also one of many small details that help create a sense of place. This is Nyoongar Country, it says. This is Flackyard. This is Australia. Advertisement The low-down Atmosphere: A new, distinctly Australian destination diner to put on your dining wish list. Go-to dishes: Finger lime ice-cream with powdered boab, emu eggs on toast. Drinks: Imaginative cocktails showcasing the liquid potential of our native bounty supplemented by other non-alcoholic beverages. Cost: $340 for two people eating the six-course menu. Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide. Advertisement LifestyleLife & relationshipsDeath The conversation were not having about death Lauren Ironmonger January 24, 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 Eighty-six-year-old Jill Nashs life has been shaped by death. In her 20s, her youngest daughter Bridget died what she calls a miserable death at 18-months, after being born without a bile duct and later contracting meningitis. Then, her husband was diagnosed with bowel cancer in his 40s. He never said a proper goodbye, leaving Nash with a letter and their three young kids, to go and die alone in a hospice in England. Jill Nash is a passionate death advocate, informed by her own experiences of loss. Sam Mooy Nash was left to pick up the pieces, cobbling together paperwork and arranging to have his body flown back to Australia for cremation. There was no time to grieve. It was a total mess. I was extremely angry, she says. Advertisement Her second husband, whom she was separated from at the time, died suddenly in a plane crash. Editor's pick Family Will I have mattered? What legacy means for the child-free We do death very badly, she says. I resolved that that should never, ever happen again to our family. In the years since, Nash has become a passionate advocate for dying well, and on ones own terms, designing seminars on end-of-life planning, leading local conversation groups on death and serving on working groups for ageing well (including previously on former independent federal MP Kylea Tinks Ageing Well committee). Advertisement Her plans for her own death are extensive, detailed in a thick yellow binder she refers to as her Golden Oldie Folder (all backed up on USBs, of course), and include everything from an advance care directive to an emotional will (a non-legal document about ones personal legacy memories, life lessons and well wishes for loved ones) and funeral plans. She would like to die at home, surrounded by friends and family. Not all of us can hope to be as lucky as Nash, as more Australians face the prospect of dying without a partner, child or loved one by our side. Unfortunately, data on how many Australians die a lonely death is difficult to find, given its not something demographers tend to focus on, or government agencies such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics track. But researchers and those within the industry say its a growing concern because of our ageing population, the increasing number of people living alone and general lack of death literacy. Anecdotal evidence from forensic cleaners suggest its becoming more common too. Advertisement Camilla Rowland, chief executive of Palliative Care Australia, says lonely deaths are increasing along with the growing older and more frail population in Australia [and] the shortage of specialist palliative care health professionals. In Australia, more than one-third of those over 65 live alone. More people are also dying while facing homelessness, of which women over 55 are most at risk. And, as the fertility and marriage rate continue to drop, its likely the number of solo agers will rise. The ABS estimates that by 2046, between 3.4 million and 4 million Australians will be living alone. The fear of dying alone Lucinda Light, left, single and child-free, is navigating ageing and making preparations for who will advocate for her later in life. Her best friend, death-literacy advocate Baci Hillyer, right, is helping her. Joe Armao Advertisement Dying alone is a common, almost primal fear. Theres even a term for it monatophobia, a portmanteau of thanatophobia (fear of death) and monophobia (fear of aloneness). TV personality and author Lucinda Light, 45, always thought she would be a mother. But after a long-term relationship ended in her late 30s, she realised it might never happen. While she lives a fulfilling life, surrounded by loved ones and doing work that matters to her, dying alone is something she worries about. When I think of me [dying], Im like, Shit, I dont even have a partner. I dont have children, she says. And that thought is a little bit scary. What will I do? Who will look after me? Will I have loved ones around me? Advertisement Light is lucky that her best friend is Baci Hillyer, a death literacy advocate and founder of Deadicate, who has pushed her to start planning for death, even if it can be confronting. Editor's pick Death The conversation no one wants to have with their parents (and its not about sex) Dr Rachel Menzies, a clinical psychologist and researcher who specialises in death anxiety, says, Humans are inherently a very social species across our evolutionary history. So its completely normal and wired into us that in any time of distress or pain or discomfort, we crave the company of other people. Of course, death is the ultimate situation in which all of those vulnerabilities would be exposed. For others, death can intensify general feelings of abandonment. Advertisement Death in and of itself can be seen as this ultimate experience of being alone, Menzies says. But Hillyer, who has worked in palliative care, says not everyone fears dying alone some prefer it. There was one lady who needed to look perfect, and she just didnt want her children to see her like that [dying], she says. Kylie Hutchinson is president of No One Dies Alone Australia, a program started in the United States over 20 years ago that pairs volunteers with someone near the end of life. Dying alone, she points out, can mean two different things: literally being alone in the moment of death, and being alone in a more figurative sense, like having no one attend your funeral, being lonely in the lead-up to death or not being remembered. Advertisement The latter is usually what people fear, whereas the former is often just an inevitable part of the dying process. Theres this layer of guilt where people go, My mum died when I stepped out to go to the toilet. And its like, of course they did, because they just couldnt [die] while youre holding their hands. Theyre too attached to you, Hutchinson says. Social isolation Inherent to these growing concerns about dying alone are the growing rates of social isolation, particularly among elders. Advertisement Advertisement Theres a devaluing of older people, and then that means theyre not included in things, she says. Strengthening community bonds, particularly intergenerational ones, is something Nicholl is working towards with Elder Rights Australias volunteer program that connects older people to a friendly face. It alleviates that fear of, no one knows, no one cares. The medicalisation of death We do death badly because we do it silently, says Sydney death doula Danni Petkovic. Steven Siewert Advertisement For Hillyer, another reason so many of us fear death is because in Western societies, we rarely see it. Weve outsourced death, she says. We did death so much better over 100 years ago. Death was a part of life, and it was a community event, not a medical event. Most deaths in Australia occur in hospitals, while less than 15 per cent of deaths occur in the home, according to the ABS. Despite this, up to 70 per cent of Australians want to die at home, a Grattan Institute survey revealed. Death doula Danni Petkovic thinks the reasons so few Australians die at home despite wanting to is because we fail to talk about death early. When death is not discussed, decisions are outsourced to emergency systems, she says. Advertisement Ambulances are called because families panic. Doctors are forced to act without guidance. Older people end up in intensive care units where life-saving interventions cause pain and indignity rather than comfort. Families later say, They would never have wanted this, but by then it is too late. Most people think of palliative care as a last resort, says Rowland. But she emphasises getting to know your palliative care provider early improves health outcomes, reduces costs, supports continuity of care and allows good planning [such as for a home death] for when symptoms worsen and needs increase. For Petkovic, talking about death and doing so early is central to being prepared. Even a simple conversation with a loved one about what song youd like to have played at your funeral or what youd like to be buried in, is a step in the right direction. Talking about death does not make it happen sooner. What it does is reduce fear, she says. Advertisement People who prepare, document their wishes, and speak openly with family consistently report a sense of relief and freedom. Something loosens. The dread softens. Control is restored. She wants to see greater death literacy throughout society in homes, schools, aged care homes and among healthcare providers. We do death badly because we do it silently. Curious about death or want to learn more? Find a local death cafe: a facilitated, group discussion of death in an informal, non-judgmental space. Many local councils run regular death cafes. International organisation Death Cafe also has a directory of virtual events and upcoming events in Australia. No One Dies Alone Australia is an organisation that pairs volunteers with those at the end of life. Palliative Care Australia has its own volunteer program, while many aged care homes and healthcare services also provide end-of-life companions. If you receive a diagnosis about your health, get to know your local palliative care provider early, who can provide support and talk to you about your options. Other resources and services include: Death Literacy Institute; Deadicate; Proveda; Dying to Know. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday. Advertisement Updated NationalQueenslandQueensland Police Coroner says dingoes attacked Piper James before she died on Kgari Julius Dennis Updated January 23, 2026 6:26pm ,first published 4:35pm 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 Canadian backpacker was attacked by dingoes before likely drowning off the coast of Queenslands Kgari, a preliminary coroners report has revealed. The report also concluded no one was involved in the death of Piper James, 19, who was found near the water at 75 Mile Beach surrounded by dingoes at 6.30am on Monday. Pipers father, Todd James, said earlier on Friday evening that autopsy results showed water in her lungs. The report also said the animals had bitten her extensively after she died. Loading Further testing was called for after an autopsy on Wednesday, but Mr James told Nine News his daughters body could now be taken back to Canada. Advertisement A Coroners Court of Queensland spokesperson confirmed that drowning was the likely cause of death, but that further tests had to be completed over the next few weeks. The coroner has completed a preliminary assessment and is now awaiting pathology results to further assist in determining the cause of death of Piper James. This process is expected to take several weeks, the spokesperson said. Piper James and her father, Todd James. The autopsy has found physical evidence consistent with drowning, and injuries consistent with dingo bites. Pre-mortem dingo bite marks are not likely to have caused immediate death. There are extensive post-mortem dingo bite marks. There is no evidence that any other person was involved. Advertisement Police earlier confirmed that James body had been interfered with by dingoes, and they offered three potential causes of death: she drowned before dingoes came across her remains; the dingoes attacked her and killed her; or she was chased into the water by the animals and drowned. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli had said he would wait for James autopsy results before considering a review of dingo management, a potential dingo cull, or imposing stricter visitor caps on the island, though he ruled out a complete tourist ban. James body was found near the S.S. Maheno shipwreck on 75 Mile Beach on Kgari. WikiCommons The state government remained tight-lipped on Saturday about how they would respond to the preliminary findings, but said they had deployed a range of management activities to deter local dingoes from approaching people. Rangers increased patrols across the island following the tragedy, which came just weeks after a warning of heightened dingo activity in the area where James died, with reports of wild dogs ripping tents, approaching campers, and stealing food and property. Advertisement That warning remains in place for the summer holiday period until January 31. A camping area near where James was found remained closed on Saturday. James had been on a trip down the east coast of Australia with another Canadian, and was working on the island when she died. In an interview with The Canadian Press, Todd James said he hoped his daughter had succumbed to the surf, considering the alternative. We know her body was messed with [by] dingoes. Its one or the other, he said on Friday local time. Advertisement Weve just got to wait, and it could be one to two months. Related Article Updated Wildlife More tests needed to determine cause of Kgari backpackers death He said he and wife Angela hoped to attend a smoking ceremony on Kgari, which they had been invited to by the Butchulla people, the islands traditional custodians. The Global Affairs Canada government department said officials were providing consular assistance to the family. The backpackers death has sparked rampant debate over visitor safety on the island, with Hervey Bay Mayor George Seymour telling media that dingo behaviour in the area was changing. Advertisement Were seeing more attacks in different ways, like dingoes following people into the water and attacking them, he said following James death. Each year, almost half a million people visit the pristine beaches and blue lakes of Kgari, which is a hotspot for four-wheel-driving and camping. The Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, which represents traditional owners, said it had long been pushing the Queensland government to cap visitor numbers, as well as closing the island for parts of the year. If youve got a government thats more interested in the tourism economy ... the island is going to suffer, project officer Tessa Waia said. With AAP Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here. Advertisement PoliticsFederalBills Three hours of free solar to cut family power bill by $800 a year Mike Foley and Nick Toscano January 23, 2026 8:39am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Families can save up to $800 a year by switching several appliances to run in the three hours of free daytime power to be switched on from July, the Albanese government claims, as it hits back at power companies that are warning the scheme will favour wealthier consumers who own batteries and electric cars. The saving, modelled in government analysis, would carve a significant chunk off the average power bill, which is typically between $1600 and $2000 in Melbourne and Sydney. The Solar Sharer scheme is set to start on July 1. Getty Images This saving would be delivered by the Solar Sharer scheme, which the Albanese government will compel retailers to offer from July 1, arguing it will extend the benefits of clean energy to people who do not have solar panels or household batteries. It forces electricity retailers to offer free electricity to customers who sign up for the scheme in the middle of the day, when rooftop solar regularly floods the grid with more supply than it needs. Advertisement Representatives for Australian power and gas retailers said they supported the intent of the reform but called for scheme to be redesigned because the benefits would flow largely to those who can capitalise on the free power window by filling up battery systems and charging electric cars. Related Article Energy Three hours of free power scheme could favour well-off: energy giants However, Energy Minister Chris Bowen on Friday released an analysis that showed families of five people who can schedule their dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, or hot water heating to operate during the free-power window could save between $550 and $790 a year. The Solar Sharer offer is about making sure we make the most of our huge solar generation, including by ensuring the benefits of cheap solar can be shared with consumers who dont have solar systems, Bowen said. The government wants to shift household energy usage to the middle of the day to absorb the solar glut and reduce expensive evening peak usage. Advertisement Retailers warn the policy could add costs, compromise smaller providers, and may force increased rates at other times. Pushing back on these claims, Bowen said the scheme would be particularly useful to people who work from home, stay-at-home parents, retirees, students and those with appliances that have timers. The timing is critical for the government, which has faced criticism since it was first elected in 2022 for energy bills that have reached record highs despite its 2022 election promise to cut costs by $275 a year by 2025. It also announced in December that energy bill subsides worth $300 a year would not continue this year. Government analysis said that moving 10 per cent of energy use from the evening, when peak demand on the grid drives prices up, to the free window could save around $150 a year for a one-person household and $400 a year for a five-person home. Switching daily use of a dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, or hot water heating, represents about 20 per cent of energy consumption and switching this to the free window could save a one-person home $300 a year, and between $500 to $790 for a five-person household, the government said. Advertisement Shifting 25-30 per cent of your energy could save further. Scheduling the timing of your dishwasher, washing machine, dryer and pool pump, and charging your EV currently could save around $400 for a one-person house, to between $800 to $1100 for a five-person house. Related Article Exclusive Renewables For the first time, renewable energy is supplying most of our power The scheme will apply from July 1 in NSW, South Australia and south-east Queensland, regions where the Australian Energy Regulator sets benchmark prices. The federal government is working with other states to extend the offer to other jurisdictions by 2027. The Victorian government has said it is currently consulting industry to introduce a similar scheme. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Updated WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America US reels after second citizen fatally shot by federal agents in three weeks Michael Koziol Updated January 25, 2026 2:33pm ,first published January 25, 2026 1:22am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Minneapolis: The US is reeling and a political reckoning is looming after an American citizen was shot dead by federal agents in Minneapolis, less than three weeks after Renee Good was killed in the same city by another immigration enforcement officer. Shocking video captured the moment the man, later identified by his family as Alex Pretti, was wrestled to the footpath by federal agents before an officer fired several gunshots and Pretti stopped moving. Alex Pretti, 37, was shot by a federal officer in Minneapolis on Saturday. Michael Pretti Pretti was an intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis. He was born in Illinois. In a statement, his parents Michael and Susan Pretti said their son was a kindhearted soul whose last act was to protect a woman at the incident scene. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact, they said. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Advertisement As with Good on January 7, the circumstances of Prettis death were immediately and hotly contested by the warring sides of American politics, despite footage that showed an outnumbered Pretti on the ground and seemingly without a weapon in hand. WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC CONTENT Loading The Department of Homeland Security said Pretti was carrying a 9mm semi-automatic handgun when he approached the officers as they were conducting a targeted operation against an illegal immigrant with a criminal record on Saturday morning, local time, in a suburb of Minneapolis. The officers attempted to disarm the suspect, but the armed suspect violently resisted. More details on the armed struggle are forthcoming, DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. Advertisement Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. But footage of the incident appears to show Pretti holding a phone, not a gun. While DHS said he approached officers with a weapon, they did not say whether he was brandishing it when he was killed. Federal agents point weapons at protesters near the site of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. AP Both Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino avoided answering that question directly when asked at separate news conferences following the shooting. An investigation was under way into the details of the incident, they said. Advertisement Bovino said it looked like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement. Minneapolis police chief Brian OHara said Pretti was licensed to hold the firearm, and it is legal to carry such a weapon in the state of Minnesota. Pretti had no criminal record other than minor traffic infringements, he said. Federal agents fired tear gas during clashes with anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis on Saturday, US time. AP Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the footage of the incident clearly showed more than six masked agents pummelling one of our constituents, shooting him to death. He pleaded with US President Donald Trump to end ICEs special enforcement operation in Minneapolis, saying a great American city was being invaded by its own federal government. Advertisement How many more residents, how many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end? Frey said. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he had spoken with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles following the shooting and demanded she withdraw ICE from the state. The state must conduct the investigation, he told her. Loading Minnesotas justice system will have the last word on this. It must have the last word on this, Walz said. The federal government cannot be trusted to lead this investigation. The state will handle it, period. Walz said he had seen the sickening video from several angles. Its a campaign of organised brutality against our state, he said. This needs to be the event that says: enough. Advertisement Hundreds of protesters who swarmed to the location where Pretti was killed clashed with federal agents on Minneapolis frosty streets throughout the afternoon. Officers repeatedly fired tear gas and pepper balls at demonstrators, who yelled shame and f--- ICE. Local police deemed it an unauthorised gathering and dispatched officers to the scene. The city also requested assistance from the Minnesota National Guard, and Walz said it had been activated. A protester is pepper sprayed at close range while being detained near the site of the shooting. AP Tensions between ICE and anti-ICE activists in Minneapolis have been extraordinarily high since Good was fatally shot on January 7. Confrontations have been occurring daily amid ICEs ongoing special enforcement operation, which the Trump administration has vowed to intensify. In the Good case, Noem said within hours of the incident that the 37-year-old mother was participating in domestic terrorism and that the ICE agent shot her in self-defence, despite footage casting doubt on that narrative. Advertisement A similar narrative played out on Saturday. Homeland Security adviser Stephen Miller called Pretti a domestic terrorist and a would-be assassin. He said Democrats had been fuelling anti-ICE activity for months. Vice President JD Vance said ICE wanted to work with local police to defuse tensions, but it was barred by the states Democratic leaders. This level of engineered chaos is unique to Minneapolis, he said. It is the direct consequence of far-left agitators, working with local authorities. Protesters advance towards federal agents with their hands up near the site of the fatal shooting. AP In a lengthy social media post, Trump posted a photo of the gun that allegedly belonged to the deceased man, blaming Walz and Frey for inciting insurrection with pompous, dangerous and arrogant rhetoric. These sanctimonious political fools should be looking for the Billions of Dollars that has been stolen from the people of Minnesota, and the United States of America, Trump said, referring to alleged welfare fraud by migrants in the state. LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB! Advertisement Democrats, including centrists who have opposed moves to abolish ICE, said they would try to block a funding bill for the DHS that recently passed the House of Representatives but is yet to pass the Senate. Related Article Analysis Trump's America In Trumps America, the right to bear arms now puts a target on your back Hakeem Jeffries, leader of the Democrats in the House of Representatives, said Trump and the Republican Party were trying to gaslight the nation. Trust your eyes. Not extremist lies. The video exposing the brutal slaying of VA nurse Alex Pretti speaks for itself, he said. Masked and lawless DHS agents have brutally killed another American citizen in Minneapolis. Donald Trumps extremists have unleashed this carnage on the streets of America. They must all be held criminally accountable to the full extent of the law. Advertisement Some Republicans also expressed unease about what unfolded. Republicans on the House committee on homeland security reiterated their request for ICE and Border Patrol leadership to testify before Congress. Republican senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana said the events in Minneapolis were incredibly disturbing and called for a joint federal and state investigation. The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake, he said. We can trust the American people with the truth. With AP Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Individuals named Abran are typically perceived as strong, reliable, and paternal figures who embody leadership qualities. They often demonstrate a natural authority and wisdom that others respect, combined with a protective nature towards their loved ones. Abrans tend to be traditional yet adaptable, balancing respect for heritage with practical modern thinking. Their personality often reflects the 'exalted father' meaning through their nurturing disposition and ability to guide others. They are frequently described as patient, determined, and morally grounded individuals who value family and community. While they can be conservative in their values, they also possess the flexibility to evolve with changing circumstances, making them both stable and progressive in their approach to life's challenges. This combination of traditional strength and modern adaptability makes Abrans particularly effective in roles requiring both steadfast principles and the ability to navigate complex social dynamics. Their inherent sense of responsibility often drives them to positions where they can positively influence their communities. Individuals named Amorica are often perceived as deeply connected to heritage and tradition, carrying themselves with a sense of historical awareness and cultural pride. They typically exhibit strong intuitive abilities and emotional depth, combined with a romantic outlook on life that reflects the name's meaning of 'land of love.' Amorica's tend to be creative, artistic souls with an affinity for storytelling, music, and preserving cultural memories. Their personality often blends practicality with idealismthey can be both grounded in reality while maintaining visionary perspectives. Many Amorica's demonstrate natural leadership qualities tempered with compassion, making them effective in roles that require both strength and empathy. They often feel a strong sense of purpose about preserving traditions while adapting them to modern contexts, showing remarkable resilience and adaptability. Their connection to the name's ancient roots often gives them a unique perspective on contemporary issues, allowing them to bridge past and present with wisdom and grace. This combination of historical consciousness and modern sensibility makes Amorica's particularly effective in fields like education, cultural preservation, and community leadership, where they can honor tradition while embracing innovation. There is hardly a parish in the Ox Mountain region that does not contain the ruins of an old creamery. All these local depots were once vibrant focal points in farming communities that relied on them for essential income and a social outlet. Despite being taken over by todays larger co-ops and international PLCs, it is interesting to reflect on their place in our social fabric; the reasons they were created in the first place and their eventual demise. Tenant farmers The Plan of Campaign was a strategy adopted in Ireland between 1886 and 1891 for the benefit of tenant farmers. It was an initiative launched to counter distress in the farming community, caused by a continual fall in the prices of dairy products and cattle from the mid-1870s. The Beginnings of the Irish Creamery System, 1880-1914, a paper by Cormac OGrada, explains to us that the concept of the old clan spirit was easily harnessed. The folklore surrounding the birth and early development of Irelands creamery system is plentiful, and perhaps without parallel in the annals of Irish industrial history. This is hardly surprising, since the experiment is a comparatively recent one, directly involving and materially affecting thousands of people. The fact that, almost from the beginning, Irish creameries were partly organised on a co-operative basis, permitted popular reference in the press and in speeches (and, no doubt, in sermons) to the older traditions of mutual help. The Co-op Movement Horace Plunkett, an American social reformer, established the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society (later ICOS) in 1894. His goal was economic fair play; improving the quality of Irish farming, and revitalising rural life. The movement's early strength was in agricultural co-operatives, especially creameries, that improved food quality and the reputation of Irish butter. The model for these creameries were that they were professionally managed and shareholder led. This simple structure ensured the best results for rural farmers while, at the same time, giving them a real sense of self-empowerment. The movement had gained such strength in those early years that it was seen by many as being the backbone of Irish farming life. An inverted example of this can be seen in the destruction of creameries by the Black and Tans during the War of Independence, often as acts of reprisal against local IRA units. The burning of Rathscanlon Creamery near Tubbercurry, which happened in October 1920, was a prime example. Such attacks were a form of collective punishment, aimed at intimidating the local population. The British commanders had quite accurately identified that if they damaged the local creamery, it would impact every family in the surrounding parishes. Rathscanlon Creamery in Tubbercurry was targetted by the Black and Tans in October 1920. Simple model In times gone by, the local creamery was the centre of life in rural communities. It could be said that half the parish worked in the creamery and the other half received an income for the produce they sent to the creamery. Dairying was the main business but some had ancillary interests. For example, most had a shop where customers could get anything from a needle to a crowbar. Close to the Ox Mountains, Achonry Creamery had a bacon factory where local small-scale pig farmers could have their produce processed. Our own, James Laffey, in his book, Fields of Gold (A History of Aurivo Co-operative and farming in the West), describes the requirements of a small rural creamery in their early days. The new creamery needed milk from 600 cows within a three-mile radius if it were to be economically viable. Up to 90 per cent of farmers in north Connacht owned between one and five cows, so the typical co-operative creamery would require an average of about 200 milk-supplying members to succeed. The model was simple; milk was produced from small herds, it was taken in at the local creamery, churned into butter, the skimmed milk returned to the farmer and each month, the milk cheque arrived. Years later, Patrick Doyle, writing in The Irish Times (2019), relates the following little story, showing the impact and the social importance of the local creamery. Twenty years ago, my grandfather John Durkin, emigrated aged 90 from Dawros, Sligo to join our family in Manchester. A vivid childhood memory I carry is that he cried the day the last cow was sold before he left, thus ending a lifelong involvement in farming. For years after he would regale my sister and I with stories from his agrarian adventures. His trips to and from Achonry Creamery provided the setting for many tales - a reminder the journey to deliver fresh milk to the Co-op punctuated daily rural routines. Social platform Like rural national schools, most creameries were no more than three miles from home. This meant that each farmer could deliver his own milk to the creamery each morning. He was saved the journey if he had a carter to ferry his milk to and fro, but there was a charge for this service, stopped out of the monthly cheque. We had such a carter, Paddy. He had the exact same birthday as my father, December 5, 1911. They were twins in milk; my father produced and Paddy carted, highlighting the point that the creamery provided an income for everyone. For the most part, people brought their own milk. The ass was tackled each morning, the milk taken from the nearby stream and hoisted on to the cart for the jaunt to the dairy. The journey provided time for reflection and the conversations at the platform or in the creamery shop were valuable social encounters. It was like a night in the pub; some came to perform and others came to listen, some had the latest news and others told the latest lies but, the whole experience was ever entertaining and always worth the trip. Old ruins, new beginnings Tractors with transport boxes and bulk tankers replaced the asses and carts and over the decades, many rural creameries closed and quickly descended into ruins. I pass one every day; its old steam chimney outlined against the setting sun, the only reminder that it was ever a platform for showmen. North Connacht Farmers Co-operative Society (NCF) was formed in 1972 with the amalgamation of four co-ops, Achonry, Rathscanlon (Tubbercurry), Riverstown, and Kilmactranny. Over the next two years, six other co-ops, Gurteen, Ballaghadereen, Kinlough, Kilbarron (Ballyshannon), Palmerstown (Killala) and Ballintrillick, also joined NCF. Connacht Gold was established in 2000 following the merger of NCF and Kiltoghert Co-Op. It then had over 14,000 farmer shareholders throughout Connacht and Donegal. The co-op officially rebranded as Aurivo in 2012 after taking over the dairy business of Donegal Creameries. Aurivo currently provides employment for more than 750 people. It seems, despite the passing of the tradition of the local creamery, the co-operative ideal still holds. Weather Alert Bulletin: ...COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST MONDAY... ...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST MONDAY... * WHAT...For the Cold Weather Advisory, very cold wind chills as low as 15 below zero. For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * WHERE...Carbon and Monroe Counties. * WHEN...For the Cold Weather Advisory, until 10 AM EST Monday. For the Wind Advisory, until 1 AM EST Monday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. The cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. Use caution while traveling outside. Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside. && Info: Type: Wind Advisory start_time_local: 2026-02-01T14:05:00-05:00 end_time_local: 2026-02-02T01:00:00-05:00 county_name: state: PA headline: Wind Advisory until MON 1:00 AM EST county_fips: category: Met url: urgency: Expected severity: Moderate certainty: Likely geographicname: Monroe County state_name: Pennsylvania Individuals named Anlon are typically perceived as natural leaders with strong protective instincts and a deep sense of responsibility toward others. They often exhibit courage, determination, and resilience in facing challenges, living up to the name's meaning of 'champion.' These individuals tend to be principled and steadfast, with a strong moral compass that guides their decisions and actions. Their leadership style is often characterized by quiet confidence rather than overt dominance, earning respect through consistent action and reliability. Anlons are typically loyal to their families and communities, placing great importance on relationships and tradition. They possess an inner strength that allows them to persevere through difficulties while maintaining their integrity. While they can be reserved in unfamiliar situations, they become passionate and articulate when defending their beliefs or protecting those they care about. Their combination of strength and sensitivity makes them effective mediators and trusted advisors in both personal and professional contexts, often serving as stabilizing forces in their social circles. Individuals named Barnabe are often perceived as wise, intuitive, and spiritually inclined, reflecting the name's meaning of 'son of prophecy.' They tend to be natural counselors and mediators, possessing the ability to understand complex situations and offer meaningful guidance. Their prophetic nature doesn't necessarily mean literal fortune-telling, but rather a deep intuition and ability to read people and circumstances accurately. Barnabes are typically patient listeners who offer comfort and encouragement to others, living up to the 'son of consolation' interpretation of their name. They often exhibit strong moral compasses and may be drawn to philosophical or spiritual pursuits. While they can be reserved and thoughtful, they also demonstrate warmth and empathy in their relationships. Their combination of wisdom and compassion makes them valued friends and trusted advisors in both personal and professional contexts. Barnabes often possess a quiet confidence that comes from their intuitive understanding of people and situations. They may be drawn to careers in counseling, teaching, spiritual guidance, or any field where their natural ability to understand and comfort others can be utilized. Despite their serious nature, they often have a dry wit and appreciate intellectual humor. Their strength lies in their ability to balance deep thought with practical action, making them both dreamers and doers who can translate insights into meaningful contributions. Cultural & Historical Significance Dorbeta holds significant cultural importance within Spanish Catholic tradition as a name deeply connected to Marian devotion. The name emerged during the Spanish Golden Age when names honoring the Virgin Mary proliferated, particularly among families seeking to express their religious devotion through nomenclature. Throughout Spanish colonial history, the name spread to Latin America where it became associated with religious education and charitable works, often chosen by families wishing to honor the Virgin Mary's virtues of purity and compassion. The name carries particular resonance in regions with strong Marian traditions such as Andalusia and Extremadura in Spain, and in former Spanish colonies like Mexico and Peru. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Dorbeta became a marker of religious identity and cultural continuity, often bestowed upon daughters in families that maintained strong ties to Catholic traditions and values. The name's usage reflects the enduring influence of Marian theology in Spanish-speaking cultures and represents a tangible connection to centuries of religious and cultural heritage. Individuals named Eldan are typically perceived as thoughtful, intuitive, and deeply connected to nature and spirituality. They often exhibit a calm demeanor combined with strong protective instincts, making them natural caregivers and guardians. Their name suggests someone who is both grounded and mystical, able to navigate practical matters while maintaining a sense of wonder and connection to something greater than themselves. Eldans are often described as having old souls - wise beyond their years with a quiet confidence that draws others to them for guidance. They tend to be creative problem-solvers who approach challenges with patience and insight rather than brute force. Their connection to the 'elves' valley' meaning often manifests as environmental consciousness, artistic sensitivity, and a strong sense of community stewardship. While they may appear reserved initially, those who know them well appreciate their loyalty, depth of character, and unique perspective on life that combines practical wisdom with spiritual depth. The defection of leading Conservative Party figure Robert Jenrick to the far-right Reform UK is the latest step in leader Nigel Farages preparations for government. Jenrick was sacked by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch on January 15 after it emerged that he was plotting to leave the Tories and was unveiled by Farage as a member of his party later that day. Farage has recruited a number of senior Tories since entering parliament as a Reform MP in the 2024 general election and climbing to the top of the polls of UK voting intentions. But Jenrick is by far the most high-profile, holding shadow and cabinet position under four previous Tory leaders. Nigel Farage MP speaking in Parliament, May 14, 2025 [Photo by House of Commons/Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 Under Badenoch he was Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and Shadow Lord Chancellor from 2024 until 2026. In Rishi Sunaks government he was Minister of State for Immigration from 2022 to 2023. Jenrick held Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government from 2019 to 2021 in the first and second Johnson ministries and was a health minister under the short-lived Truss government. Jenrick cut a particularly anti-immigration figure even within a Tory party shifting sharply to the right. This culminated in his support for and participation in a far-right demonstration outside the Bell Hotel in Epping last summerthe epicentre of a series of national demonstrations demanding the deportation of tens of thousands of asylum seekers. He also promoted another far-right campaign, Raise The Colours, in which Englands St Georges flag and the Union Jack were hung in their thousands on lamp posts, buildings and in public spaces around the country. Robert Jenrick (centre) on the demonstration outside the Bell Hotel in Epping. Also pictured is Eddy Butler, a former member of Nazi terror group Combat 18. (Butler is behind, with sunglasses) [Photo: Stand Up to Racism] Jenrick was the fourth sitting Tory MP to defect to Reform, joining more than 20 former Conservative MPsamong them former Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi, who joined just days ahead of Jenrick. Exploiting Prime Minister Keir Starmers unprecedented collapse in supporthaving provided no respite to millions of workers struggling with the cost of living and shattered public servicesReform UK has led the polls by around 10 points for most of the 18 months since Labour took office. It is currently sitting at 26 percent, with the Tories and Labour tied on 18 percent. Increasingly feted by the right-wing media, Farage has been tasked by the ruling elite with assembling a credible party of government; he has praised the former cabinet members Jenrick and Zahawi for their front-line experience. For the ruling class, it is essential that Reform be primed to serve as a replacement for the crisis-ridden Starmer government, ready to hit the ground running with an agenda for slashing welfare and overall public spending, while vastly increasing military spending with the proceeds. Inspired by billionaire Elon Musks vicious cost-cutting operation in the US Trump administration, Farage has nominated former Reform UK chair Zia Yusufpreviously a luxury concierge tycoonas the leader of a UK DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) team. Reform runs 10 local authorities in the UK and is already imposingas a demonstration of its ability to governhundreds of millions of pounds of cuts collectively in these areas. In Derbyshire County Council alone it is making 2,000 jobs lossesaround 20 percent of the councils workforceto make the overstaffed authority lean and mean. Jenrick declared his support for this agenda in a speech on joining Reform. He criticised Tory shadow chancellor Mel Stride, who rightly attacked Labour for hiking taxes to fund more scrounging, but was the Cabinet minister who oversaw the explosion of the welfare bill. Decrying that One in five working age Brits is now not working, meaning welfare spending was surging, he complained, Were spending more on debt interest than on our defence and schools combined. For his part, Farage used an Op-Ed Farage in the Daily Mailwhich runs an ever more hysterical Dont Leave Britain Defenceless campaignto prove Reforms militarist credentials. With military brass loudly denouncing Labour for not yet committing to handing the keys of the Treasury to the Armed Forces, Farage declared, Our Forces deserve better than Labours bumbling platoon of no-hopers. The situation was truly bleak. Troop numbers are down, morale is low, our equipment is in a shoddy state. Backing military officers warning of a 28 billion defence funding shortfall over the next four years, he went on, At a time when China is attempting to infiltrate us at every turn and Russian submarines lurk menacingly beneath our waters, this is nothing short of terrifying. Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves repeatedly argue that the Government has committed to raising defence spending to 3 per cent by 2035. But thats a decade away. Just look at whats happening in the world. We need to get a move on, pronto. Rather than lavishing billions on benefits, Rachel Reeves should be handing that money to the military top brass to boost recruitment and invest in state of the art equipment, such as drones, fit for modern combat. Were Reform in government today it would rapidly boost defence spending. By cutting waste and slashing the overseas aid budget, we would reach that 3 per cent figure by 2030. The mouthpieces of the ruling class in the Times and Telegraph, welcoming Farages military spending pledges, are keen to ensure any populist pretensions over living standardsalways coupled with nationalist xenophobiaare done away with. To this end, the Tory Party is still being backed as a disciplining force. As Jenrick jumped ship, both papers appealed to Tory leader Badenoch to stabilise the Conservatives. The Times wrote, In November, Reform was forced to recant its rash manifesto pledge of 90 billion in tax cuts, and the Labour chancellor Rachel Reevess budget revealed little appetite for tackling Britains burgeoning welfare bill. It advised Badenoch to spurn the populist fantasies of Reform, and reclaim the mantle of economic competence. This meant advocating for a defence budget sufficient to counter the intensity of global threat; a ruthless determination to take on the so-called stakeholder state, which blocks radical change in the public sector; restraint on welfare; a smaller state and lower taxes; and genuine spurs to growth. The Telegraph noted Farages comment on recruiting Jenrick that he was aiming for the realignment of the genuine centre-Right of this country behind Reform. However, If this is the new branding, then policy will need to follow. Only last year, it cautioned, Farage announced his plans to lift the two-child benefit cap for a large number of households, clearly attempting to woo Labour voters: hardly a policy indicative of a desire to claim unique status as the party of the centre Right. This was a misstep and he has since backtracked on this position. Meanwhile, Badenochs vision of whats wrong with Britain, and how it can be fixed had supposedly produced a sharp improvement in the partys polling. But it warned, while there was the possibility that Britains oldest and most successful political party can reinvent itself yet again, whether Badenoch will seize this moment remains to be seen. As the World Socialist Web Site warned last October: This is the programme around which the ruling class expects an even more right-wing replacement for Starmers government to coalesce. Ideally for them, it will couple the more ministerially experienced and financially disciplined heads of the Tory Party with the right-wing street activism of Reform and its periphery. Julia Chunil [Photo: ishr.ch/Familia Chunil] Chiles corporate media reached a new low this past week saturating the airwaves with sensationalist and lurid headlines following the detention of the three adult children of Julia Chunil, the 72-year-old Mapuche Indigenous leader who went missing on November 8, 2024, more than 13 months ago. Beginning with the violent arrest of Pablo San Martin Chunil, Jeannette Troncoso Chunil, Bermar Bastias Bastidas and Javier Troncoso Chunil the entire media has devoted more than a week to pouring through the lives of the family to blacken their name, reporting as fact every accusation and allegation leveled against them by public prosecutors. Not only the right-aligned television and press, but also the so-called liberal media got into the act after for months burying the familys accusations and evidence incriminating a businessman in agroforestry with longstanding political and economic ties to the region. At 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, hundreds of police descended on the Chunil family home in Mafil, in the southern region of Los Rios, smashing through doors and brutally detaining Javier, Jeannette and Bermar and their 11-year-old and 4-year-old children. Pablo was arrested at his home in Temuco, in La Araucania region. The massive contingent, including Carabineros Special Forces (GOPE) and other specialized units, was sent by the regional prosecutor of Los Rios, Tatiana Esquivel, who Chunil family lawyers accuse of sustaining a prejudicial attitude against the family from the beginning of the investigation. In July 2025, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) intervened in the case issuing a precautionary measure against the Chilean state, calling on it to increase its efforts to search for Chunil and to keep her family informed at all stages of the investigation, measures which were in the main ignored. At a press conference on the day of the arrests last Wednesday, one of the familys lawyers, Karina Riquelme, denounced the complicity of the media in the state set-up. This media coverage of the case, this incrimination of the family, is very serious, and that is why we organized a hearing for tomorrow with the United Nations committee, under the Escazu Protocol, because of the persecution that the family is experiencing. And it turns out that the day before, the family is arrested. She added that the charges lacked serious evidence to incriminate. Media ratchets up prosecutors hypothesis despite lack of evidence Los Rios Prosecutor Tatiana Esquivel charged Pablo, Jeannette and Javier with aggravated murder and parricide, while Bermar, Julia Chunils ex-son-in-law, was charged with aggravated murder. Esquivel also charged the four with robbery with violence and intimidation of a 90-year-old man. She also ordered excavations around the family home after geo-radar and other search methods found traces of human blood. According to the Public Prosecutors Office (PPO) Julia Chunil was strangled by Javier in the presence of Jeannette, Bermar and Pablo. Supposedly, on November 8, 2024 at 11:00 p.m., Javier arrived drunk and angry at the property he shared with his mother, Julia, as well as Jeannette, Bermar and Pablo, and a 90-year-old man who lives in a shack apart from them but is cared for by the family. At some point, according to the allegation, Javier lunged at the 90-year-old, punched him in the face and placed a knife to his throat, demanding that he hand over his pension money, some 212,000 pesos (US$230). The PPO alleges that at that moment the 72-year-old Julia Chunil intervened to defend the 90-year-old and was killed by strangulation in the ensuing struggle with Javier. The media, with its well-heeled talking heads and opinion makers, went into overdrive. Prosecutors Office confirms Julia Chunil was murdered: Three sons and her former son-in-law arrested for parricide, reported El Mercurio. The Clinic bore the title The night Julia Chunil was killed: the robbery of an elderly person, the struggle in the family home in the presence of children, and the suffocation against a wall while El Pais headlined The clues behind Julia Chunils murder: Her son Javier took her by his own hands until she died of suffocation. La Tercera reported in salacious detail the purported course of events: Javier then lunged at his mother to beat her, taking advantage of the situation in which Julia found herself defenseless due to her age and physical condition, as she suffered from hip osteoarthritis, obesity, and diabetes, and because he thought she would not attack him in the presence of her other children who were also there. According to the prosecution, the others agreed not to intervene. Esquivels account alleged that Javier and Pablo moved their mothers body and buried it in an unknown location and burned her clothes. In the weeks following Julias children began to behave like heirs: they appropriated her estate, sold her property, including her livestock and ox cart, and divided the money among themselves. On December 8, 2024, Javier even quoted a price for a family grave in Los Laureles Park in Valdivia. In one article the regional new site Biobio focused on the prosecutors attempt to disprove that Chunil was part of the Mapuche struggle to reclaim ancestral territory, a fact recorded as far back as 2015 when she acquired her piece of land from CONADI for the Putreguel community. According to Esquivel, There is no evidence to suggest that she was involved in politics or organized activism. Rather, she was a woman dedicated to her family and her agricultural activities, with a life typical of the rural environment. Consequently, to hide their crime, Pablo manufactured a conspiracy that Julia was an activist to receive the support from environmentalist and other groups. The Los Lagos Court of Guarantee ruled last Friday that the version of events presented by the prosecutor did not prove the involvement of Jeannette and Pablo requiring them to be placed in preventive detention. The Court of Guarantee in Chilean law functions as a safeguard of constitutional rights during the investigation and pre-trial phases of criminal proceedings. The court reasoned they werent a danger to the investigation or a flight risk and placed them under house arrest pending the 120-day investigation now opened. Esquivel appealed the decision, and on Monday, January 19 the Valdivia Court of Appeals upheld the Guarantee Court ruling. Lawyer Karina Riquelme, who is representing all three siblings, explained the significance of the appeals court ruling. The PPOs claims have not been proven. The court says that there was no evidence incriminating Jeannette and Pablo. The judge said that they did not commit this crime, nor did they commit the alleged robbery with intimidation that allegedly took place on the same day that Julia was murdered. She added she would next appeal the ruling of preventive detention against Javier. The lawyer also shed devastating light on how the prosecutor relied upon questionable evidence and compromised and invalid witnesses, including Bermar, Julia Chunils ex-son-in-law, who allegedly has some cognitive impairment and who gave a statement to the police without his defense attorney present. In the case of Bermar, Riquelme raised the obvious point that a statement without a defense attorney is not valid. More significantly she intimated in a January 16 press conference that Bermar gave his testimony after the first court hearing: A person who was in court in front of everyone and said absolutely nothing, but just when neither the judge nor his defense attorney is present, he makes a statement. Dont you find that striking? What Riquelme would only intimate, the World Socialist Web Site can say outright; the Carabineros of Chile have acquired a worldwide reputation for their murderous and lawless methods. Interrogations, especially involving marginalized and vulnerable witnesses, can easily slip into torture to extract false testimony or confessions. Just last week, in a case involving a Carabineros Special Forces operative who was acquitted after incontrovertible evidence demonstrated that he had blinded Gustavo Gatica, a student involved in the 2019 demonstrations, Amnesty International Chile director Rodrigo Bustos noted that only 1.9 percent of the more than 11,500 complaints of human rights violations filed with the Public Prosecutors Office between October 2019 and March 2020 resulted in convictions. With such levels of impunity, the repressive state apparatus has carte blanche. Another key witness was the 90-year-old allegedly assaulted by Javier on November 8. At no point, in the last 13 months, the defense lawyer stressed, had he reported any of the alleged abuse that they say took place. This is a person who was in the care of this family, with senile dementia, who is visited by the CESFAM (public primary healthcare) and there is no objective evidence to suggest that he had been abused or that anything had been stolen from him The only evidence of the elderly man being roughly manhandled was by the police, during the Wednesday 14 dawn raid at the family home. Riquelme said that the identity of a third key witness is being kept confidential. But certainly, those of us who are familiar with the investigation file know that (the person) has given more than three, four, or five different statements. Another piece of evidence ruled out by the court was that Julia Chunil suffered from habitual domestic violence and abuse, a vicious allegation that was splashed across the entire corporate media to blacken the family name. So much for the witnesses and evidence. In a public statement the Chunil family accused the PPO and Esquivel of clear bias towards the family, while ignoring other lines of investigation in a case that has jeopardized the presumption of innocence which must prevail with absolute force, especially in a case so marked by media leaks, stigmatization, and possible procedural irregularities. The statement goes on to demand: Absolute transparency: full access by the defense to all the evidence that led to these arrests. Unrestricted respect for due process and the presumption of innocence of the accused. An impartial investigation, without preconceived biases, with equal rigor in all possible lines of inquiry and without privileging any hypothesis. The cessation of media and institutional narratives that prejudge guilt without a final sentence. Clear explanations regarding (the Wednesday, January 14) disproportionate police action: why so much force to arrest and so little to search for and protect? We will not be silenced. We will continue to demand truth and real justice for Julia, without allowing her memory to be instrumentalized to justify arbitrary actions or to cover up systemic failures. The familys lawyers have documented an extraordinary list of irregularities by the Chilean police and PPO from the moment they began the investigation. The familys version of events has all but been discounted by the state as very early on they became the main suspects. Family defense attorney, Mariela Santana, from the Corporation for the Promotion and Defense of the Rights of the People (CODEPU) requested nearly 50 investigative procedures, which were either ignored or poorly investigated. Santana presented evidence that on the day of his mothers disappearance, Javier Troncoso was undergoing medical tests in Puerto Montt as part of a job application. The clinic confirmed this. However, this information has not been made public in any media outlet, nor has it been duly considered by the PPO. The lawyers also filed a complaint for unlawful coercion and a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of Jeanette Troncoso who, during a violent raid the family suffered on January 30, 2025, was detained, held captive inside a police vehicle, and pressured by a police officer and in the presence of prosecutor Esquivel to incriminate herself. The Chunil siblings have maintained all along that on Friday, November 8, they were at home and that their mother, along with her friend Ana Cato, went to another farm, known as La Fritz, to check on her animals. The two elderly women remained there Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Javier took a taxi to La Fritz farm that Sunday because Julia had not returned home. When he arrived at the farm, Ana Cato, who was there, said Julia had not returned for two nights. Traces of Julia Chunils blood were found at the farm but the PPO at the time of the incident did not take DNA or soil samples, they did not georeferencee the site, nor did they interrogate the witnesses at the location. Julia Chunil was at a property that she had seized as part of a historical struggle by the Mapuche people to reclaim ancestral lands. The Chunils alleged that the agroforestry businessman Juan Carlos Morstadt Anwandter had threatened Chunil in an attempt to drive her off the property that the National Corporation for Indigenous Development (CONADI)a state body created in 1993 to assist in the restitution of indigenous landshanded to Morstadt without a cent being exchanged. But the PPO has, according to the family, not investigated the role of CONADI. Morstadt was brought in for questioning in early January 2025 and has since been treated by the PPO as a witness to the case. We understand that there have been no searches of (Morstadts) property, and the cars we requested to be examined have not been fully examined. One of the vehicles belonging to this mans father was examined, and it was found that all the records on the cars computer had been deleted, which made it particularly important to examine the other vehicles, a procedure that was not carried out, Santana raised. Last September 30 the Chunils lawyers leaked an intercepted phone conversation in which agroforestry businessman Morstadt is heard saying that Julia Chunil had been burned. They presented this extraordinary piece of evidence before Amnesty International and other human rights groups. The lawyers leaked the call under conditions where the defense lawyers couldnt access the PPO case file, despite the IACHR warnings against the Chilean state last July. Nothing came of this evidence as it was quickly discounted as irrelevant. The actions of the Chilean state stink of a cover-up and a frame-up. Incompetence, indifference, racist bias all come into play. It would be wrong, however, to leave it at that. Far more is at work. In an earlier article, the World Socialist Web Site accused pseudo-leftist President Gabriel Boric and his accomplices in the Broad Front, the Communist Party, the Socialist Party and Party for Democracy that constitute his government, of being politically responsible for the disappearance of Julia Chunil and the treatment meted out against her family. This accusation stands. The case bears all the hallmarks of a set-up whose aim is to prejudice and criminalize the Mapuche family before public opinion amid conditions where the Chilean stateacting on behalf of lucrative mining, forestry, landed and real estate interestscontinues to use all the instruments of national security and internal enemy doctrines against the historically dispossessed, persecuted and impoverished indigenous population struggling to reclaim ancestral lands in the southern regions of Chile. In fact Boric, while posturing as a progressive and radical, has gone further than any previous government since the restoration of civilian rule 35 years ago, declaring a permanent state of emergency in Mapuche territory, using the authoritarian State Security Law against dozens of Mapuche leaders, invoking laws to restrict land claims and revamping Gen. Augusto Pinochets Anti-Terrorist Law. Such measures against a marginalized layer are always a dress rehearsal for imposing police state rule against the whole working class. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks during the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. [AP Photo/Markus Schreiber] The speech by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at this years World Economic Forum in Davos was an aggressive tirade in favor of European great-power politics under German leadership. Barely concealed, Merz presented a program of militarism, rearmament and economic nationalism that stands squarely in the tradition of German world-power fantasies on the eve of the First and Second World Wars. Merz framed his entire speech around the leitmotif of a new era of great power rivalry. The world, according to the chancellor, is shaped by Russias invasion of Ukrainean invasion that was in reality provoked by NATOs anti-Russian encirclementby the rise of China, and by the United States, whose global pole position is being challenged and Washington reacts by radically reshaping its foreign and security policy. This formulation is a deliberate whitewashing of the increasingly violent rampage of US imperialism, which is attempting to offset its historic economic decline through ever more brutal force. At the beginning of this year alone, Washington attacked Venezuela and abducted its elected president, Nicolas Maduro. This was followed by open threats of a military strike against Iran and the announcement of plans to bring Greenland under US control. At the same time, the chancellor made clear that the ruling class is fully aware of the consequences of its policies. At a key point in his speech, Merz declared: A world where only power counts is a dangerous place. First for small states, then for the middle powers, and ultimately for the great ones. He continued: In the 20th century, my country Germany went down this road to its bitter end. It pulled the world into a black abyss. Yet this abyss of world war and barbaric crimes does not deter the ruling class from once again going down this road. On the contrary, Merzs entire speech made clear that Germany, above all, is responding to the historic crisis of capitalism and the violent breakdown of the international order with an aggressive offensive of rearmament and war preparation. This new world of great powers is being built on power, on strength and when it comes to it, on force. It is not a cozy place, Merz declared. But, he continued, We do not have to accept this new reality as fate. We are not at the mercy of this new world orderby which he meant nothing other than a conscious decision in favor of militarization and preparations for war. Particularly revealing in this context was Merzs explicit praise for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who had previously declared in Davos: We must no longer rely only on the power of our values. We must also recognize the value of our power. Merz responded unequivocally: I share that view. He then spelled out what this means in concrete terms. With regard to Greenland, Merz emphasized that Germany and Europe are prepared to assert their interests aggressively in the futurenot only against Russia, but also against the United States. While praising Donald Trumps temporary retreat from a direct annexation, he added pointedly: Any threat to acquire European territory by force would be unacceptable. He issued a similar warning over possible US tariffs: If they are put in place, Europes answer would be united, calm, measured, and firm. This language reflects a certain tactical restraint. As long as Europe needs time for massive rearmament and remains dependent on US support in NATOs war against Russia in Ukraine, Merz is seeking to avoid an open confrontation with Washington. But he leaves no doubt about the strategic objective: the transformation of Europe into an independent military great power under German leadership. In the new age of great powers, Europe must stand together resolutely and sovereignly, Merz declared. At last years NATO summit in The Hague, the material prerequisites for this course had already been created. Europe will invest hundreds of billions of euros in its security. Germany itself, he stressed, is massively investing in our own security while working to improve the competitiveness of our economies. Merz then articulated the German-European version of Donald Trumps fascistic Make America Great Again policy. He stated: First, Germany has to regain economic strength. Second, we want to make Europe a key player againin global politics, economically and particularly in defence. We need to be able to defend ourselvesand we need to do so fast. These goals are complementary. Economic competitiveness and the ability to shape global politics are two sides of the same coin. Germany can only lead the way in Europe if we are economically strong. And Europes geopolitical influence and our defence capability largely depend on the continents economic momentum. Translated into reality, this means that the working class is expected to pay in every respect for Germanys great-power ambitionsEuropes bid to lead the world. As cannon fodder on the battlefields, through social cuts, wage suppression, and the destruction of democratic rights. This is what Merz means by economic competitiveness and momentum. Merz boasted that the government had decided right at the start of his term in office to increase Germanys defence spending up to five percent of GDP. Such an increase represents a massive transfer of social resources into the military, the arms industry and the security apparatusat the expense of education, health care and social services. The scale of rearmament and war preparation is comparable only to the unleashing of German militarism on the eve of the two world wars. Boosting our military capabilities means to assert our sovereignty, Merz declared bluntly. How far these plans actually extend is underscored by the current cover story of Der Spiegel titled Donald, enough: What Europe must do to counter Trumps hunger for power. It openly discusses modern combat aircraft, European credit-card and AI corporations, and even a credible common nuclear deterrent. The magazine also openly acknowledges that the breakdown of the transatlantic alliance is intensifying tensions among the European imperialist powers themselves. Der Spiegel reports on resistance in France to German participation in French nuclear weapons and concludes that there is only one real alternative: A coalition of the willing under German leadership builds its own nuclear force and thereby protects the continent. While the authors note that Germany is bound by international treaties such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Two-Plus-Four Agreement to remain non-nuclear, and that German nuclear armament would trigger a nuclear arms spiral, they provocatively add that inaction would make Europe vulnerable to blackmail. In other words: once A is said, B must followultimately, there is no alternative to the German bomb. This aggressive course of German-European world-power politics, without any taboos, is supported not only by the governing parties CDU/CSU and SPD and the fascist AfD, but also by parliamentary parties that present themselves as left or progressive. Left Party leader Jan van Aken called for determined resistance by Europe following Trumps threats and demanded joint EU consulates in Greenland. Green Party chair Felix Banaszak demanded a very robust response from Merz and declared that the time of self-diminishment must be over. These parties stand fully on the ground of German-European great-power politics. Merzs speech in Davos confirms what the World Socialist Web Site has long analyzedand what the political leaders of the ruling oligarchy are now more or less openly stating themselves: the capitalist world system has entered a new phase of explosive crisis. The return of open great-power rivalry is inseparably bound up with militarism, authoritarianism and social devastation. There is only one way to stop this madness: the international unification of the working classin Europe, in the United States and worldwideon the basis of a revolutionary socialist perspective. It is for this perspective that the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) and the International Committee of the Fourth International are fighting. Six people are unaccounted for and three others are confirmed dead after severe storms caused flooding and landslides across northern parts of New Zealand this week. States of emergency remain in place for Whangarei, Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki districts and for Bay of Plenty and Tairawhiti-Gisborne regions due to severe rainfall, which was most intense on Wednesday and Thursday. A damaged house and cars are some of the debris shown Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, from a landslide in New Zealand. [AP Photo/Cory Fleming, Pool] In a horrifying and tragic incident, six people, including two teenagers, were buried by a landslide at the Beachside Holiday Park in Mount Maunganui, a suburb of Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty. At about 9.30 a.m. on Thursday, a large chunk of the sodden hillside collapsed and smashed into campervans, tents, vehicles and toilets. The Bay of Plenty Times reported: People were heard screaming for help from inside a toilet block as would-be rescuers on the roof desperately tried to use tools to get through. The voices went quiet after about 15 minutes. Emergency crews continued to dig through the dirt and debris on Saturday, and police announced shortly after midday that human remains had been found, with the operation moving from a search for survivors to the recovery of bodies. Adding to the toll, two peoplea child and his grandmother, originally from Chinawere killed in another landslide in Papamoa, another suburb of Tauranga. On Thursday their bodies were recovered from a house which sustained major damage. A search continues for a 47-year-old man, a migrant worker from Kiribati, who was washed away in his vehicle on Wednesday while trying to cross the flooded Mahurangi River at Warkworth, north of Auckland. Shock and grief over these events is already turning to anger. Critical questions are being raised, in particular, about why campers at the Mount Maunganui sitelocated at the foot of the small mountain, a popular tourist attractionwere not evacuated despite severe weather warnings being issued well in advance. On Wednesday evening, Minister for Emergency Management Mark Mitchell assured Radio NZ listeners that the country was well prepared for the storm fuelled by the tropical low weather system. We have been aware that its coming, so theres been a lot of work pre-positioning people, he said. The local states of emergency, Mitchell explained, would empower officials to be able to move people to safety, particularly those that may not necessarily understand the predicament or the danger that theyre in. In the 12 hours until 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, Tauranga recorded 198 millimetres of rain (7.8 inches)the equivalent of two-and-a-half months worth of rainmaking it the citys wettest night on record. Yet there was no evacuation order given for the campground at Mount Maunganui (also known as Mauao), where hundreds of holiday-makers were staying. Clear warnings that the area was unsafe did not trigger any official response. The New Zealand Herald reported that there had been as many as seven slips on Mount Maunganui during the storm, including one about 5 a.m. on Thursdayfour and a half hours before the much larger and more devastating one. That prompted one woman to get up and urge others to wake and move away from the slope. The woman is now among those unaccounted for, and is believed to have been in the toilet block when it was engulfed by the landslide. One camper, Karyn Henger, told the Herald she felt angry because there are people that are not going to come out alive, and we could have been among them as well. Where were the campground staff? Where were the council? Where was anybody to warn us that we needed to get out of there? Tauranga City Council announced at 8.56 a.m. that it would close the walking tracks around the mountain because it had been significantly destabilised and there was an ongoing risk of further slips and falling debris. This was about half an hour before the landslide at Beachside Holiday Park, but the councilwhich owns the campground and runs it as a businessgave no order to evacuate. The Herald also reported that Mount Maunganui local Alister McHardy, who had witnessed the earlier slips and unstable ground, called emergency services at 6:00 a.m. to report the danger and try to get the walking tracks and camping ground evacuated. He was told to call the council. Instead, he decided to wake up some of the campers and warn them about the danger. Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale and Council Chief Executive Marty Grenfell have announced there will be an independent review of the landslide. Like countless other official inquiries following such tragedies, its purpose will be to make a show of learning the lessons while deflecting calls for accountability. The full extent of the damage from this weeks storms is not yet clear. It appears to be less widespread than Cyclone Gabrielle, which inundated thousands of homes, farms and businesses in 2023. Many small towns, however, including in Northland and Tairawhiti remain isolated due to landslides and flooding. Strong winds are forecast for storm-hit regions over the weekend, threatening more destruction. At a press conference on Friday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it was yet to be determined what financial support the government would give to disaster-affected communities. The aftermath will inevitably compound the social crisis facing the working class, which will be forced to bear the cost of rebuilding. Workers are already being driven into poverty as a result of brutal austerity measures imposed by the National Party-led government and the previous Labour Party government. Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens told Radio NZ that people making claims would likely face lengthy delays. This was also the case following the 2023 flooding disaster. The grossly inadequate support for many people whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Cyclone Gabrielle contributed to the crushing defeat of the Labour Party government in the 2023 election. Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common throughout the world because of climate change. Earth Sciences NZ principal scientist Chris Brandolino told Radio NZ that the intensity of this weeks storm was linked to extremely high levels of oceanic heat content. Victoria University of Wellington scientist James Renwick warned that if governments do not act to reduce climate emissions the future cost is going to be huge and ultimately, itll be overwhelming. It will destroy our economy. Human-induced climate change threatens billions of people with catastrophe from rising sea levels, flooding, hurricanes, droughts, fires and the loss of biodiversity. Yet capitalist governments everywhere, including in New Zealand, refuse to take the actions necessary, because bringing down emissions would affect the profits of the resources industry and other powerful business interests. The climate emergency can only be addressed through a socialist reorganisation of society. This requires taking the major corporations and the fortunes of the superrich into public ownership under the democratic control of the working class, so that resources can be directed toward flood and disaster protection and a rapid transition from fossil fuels to genuinely sustainable energy. People walk in a street past working generators in Kiev, Ukraine, Friday, Nov. 22, 2025. [AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky] Mykhailo Fedorov, the newly-appointed Defense Minister of Ukraine, publicly revealed the widespread scale of troop desertions and draft dodgers in comments made to parliament last week during his own confirmation hearings. According to Fedorov, around 2 million Ukrainians are evading the draft while some 200,000 Ukrainian soldiers have deserted their positions without permission. Information on desertions, along with the number of Ukrainian soldiers killed as a result of the now four-year-long NATO proxy war, has been closely guarded by the right-wing government of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Government officials rarely comment on such figures. When they have done so in the past, they were obviously lying. For instance, Zelensky absurdly claimed in December 2024 that just 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed compared to 198,000 Russian soldiers killed. Despite Fedorovs seemingly candid admission, these numbers too are likely an understatement of the huge number of Ukrainians who often risk imprisonment or worse to avoid being killed in the imperialist proxy war against Russia. As the Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals Office reported to Ukrainska Pravda last October, from January 2022 to September 2025 law enforcement officials opened 290,000 criminal cases against Ukrainian soldiers for unauthorized abandonment of a unit or outright desertion. Such numbers clearly exceed Fedorovs claim of 200,000 desertions and do not take into account many more who deserted but have yet to be prosecuted. Nevertheless, Fedorovs admission underscores the fact that despite a massive pro-war propaganda operation being carried out both within Ukraine and the West, working-class Ukrainians privately hold very different views. As Ukrainian journalists reported for the WSWS last September, the mass desertion of personnel from the Ukrainian Armed Forces has already become one of the largest acts of civil disobedience in the countrys history since 1991. In comparison, just 50,000 US soldiers deserted during World War II, largely in the European theater of the war, while the United Kingdom reported 100,000 during its entire six-year history in the deadliest war of the 20th century. Fedorov, like his three predecessors as defense minister during wartime, has vowed to reform the defense ministry and take on systemic issues that have accumulated over the years. Fedorov also reported that the defense ministry is facing a shortfall of $6.9 billion in funding, despite receiving over $100 billion in military aid from its Western backers since the start of the war in February 2022. Zelenskys previous defense ministers have been directly or indirectly forced to resign following a series of corruption and kickback scandals involving military procurement, making it clear that for the ruling class in Ukraine, the war has served as a means to get rich quick. Throughout the course of the war, desertion schemes have continued to hamper the Ukrainian militarys ability to man its 600-mile front line against the steadily advancing Russian forces. Earlier this month, law enforcement officials arrested two Lviv residents for running a trafficking operation in which they assisted Ukrainian men fleeing the war for the cost of $13,000 to illegally cross the border into Hungary. The average monthly salary in Ukraine is just $600, making a sum of $13,000 equivalent to nearly two years of wages. Under current Ukrainian law, all men between the ages of 18 and 60 must register with the military, while only those aged 25 to 60 are subject to forced mobilization. Ukraines martial law also forbids all men aged 23 to 60 who are suitable for military service from exiting the war-torn country. Prior to August of last year, men 18-22 were generally prohibited from leaving the country. Despite these rules, in December 2023 BBC Ukraine estimated that 768,000 Ukrainian men had fled the country to the EU. Earlier in August of last year, the country underwent another mass exodus after it relaxed rules on men 18 to 22 from leaving the country after being previously banned. Just two months later in October, the Telegraph reported that 100,000 men had rapidly left the country in the wake of the changes using data from the Polish border guard. According to the Telegraph, Polish data show that from January through Augustjust before the rule changeabout 45,300 Ukrainian men aged 1822 entered Poland. Over the next two months, the total more than doubled to 98,000, averaging roughly 1,600 per day. In December, Al-Jazeera reported on the record number of Ukrainian soldiers abandoning their posts. Speaking to Al-Jazeera, Tymofey, a 36-year-old office worker from Kiev who had been forcibly conscripted in April of last year, explained his reasons for deserting after realizing he would soon be sent to the front as cannon fodder with no chance of survival. Theres zero training. They dont care that I wont survive the very first attack, Tymofey said. At the time of the report, Tymofey had not been officially charged with desertion yet and therefore would not count in the official desertion numbers cited by Fedorov in his remarks to parliament. In explaining the reason for his non-prosecution to Al-Jazeera after deserting the army, Tymofey stated a well-known but unreported fact among men of military age in Ukraine. Half the country is on the run, Tymofey said. As the WSWS reported earlier this week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the Trump administration, has made a fundamental change to how it evaluates air pollution regulations. According to internal agency emails and documents, the EPA plans to stop calculating the monetary value of health benefitssuch as avoiding premature deaths, heart attacks and asthma attackswhen setting limits for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone. At the same time, the agency will continue to fully account for the compliance costs faced by industry. The result is a regulatory framework in which pollution controls are systematically framed as economically unjustified, regardless of their impact on public health. This change is not a technical adjustment but part of a broader rollback of environmental regulation. The EPA has also moved to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which established that greenhouse gas emissions threaten public health and welfare and provided the legal basis for regulating climate pollution under the Clean Air Act. In addition, the administration has proposed eliminating the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) for most industrial sectors, removing a key source of facility-level emissions data relied upon by regulators, researchers, and the public. These actions are taking place within a wider economic and political context. With U.S. national debt exceeding $38 trillion and corporate profit margins under pressure, the administration has emphasized reducing operating costs for major industries. Weakening environmental standards lowers production costs for U.S. exporters by several percentage points in emissions-intensive sectors, cutting regulatory compliance expenses by billions of dollars each year. As the European Unions Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism came fully into force in January 2026, this approach is intended to ease near-term cost pressures on U.S. producers by reducing domestic regulatory obligations and deferring capital investment in cleaner production. Smoke stacks at the Cleveland-Cliffs Northshore Mining Company in Silver Bay, Minnesota. The facility's pollutants and emissions include CO2, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ammoniaa, lead, and mercury according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). [Photo by Tony Webster / CC BY 2.0 The health effects of these policy changes are well-documented. The EPAs own regulatory analyses have previously shown that stronger PM2.5 standards prevent tens of thousands of premature deaths each year. Rolling back these protections is therefore expected to result in thousands of additional deaths annually in the United States, with the greatest burden falling on Black and low-income communities located near highways, refineries, ports, and power plants. Over time, weaker air-quality standards, reduced emissions monitoring, and limits on climate regulation will contribute to higher greenhouse gas emissions and increased exposure to harmful pollutants across both entire urban and industrial regions. Taken together, these measures mark a shift away from managing the health impacts of industrial pollution. The likely outcome is a steady increase in preventable illness and death in the United States, alongside a growing contribution to global health risks related to climate change. By mid-century, the cumulative effects of these policies are expected to add substantially to the global burden of disease, particularly among working-class populations and poorer countries that are least equipped to absorb the consequences. From clean air to carbon: How capital tamed environmental regulation The modern environmental regulatory system in the United States took shape in the 1970s under intense public pressure. Landmark laws such as the Clean Air Act directed the federal government to set pollution standards that would protect public health with an ample margin of safety. The laws language was clear: protecting human health came first. From the beginning, however, these health-based mandates came into conflict with the economic interests of major industries whose profits depended on continued pollution. To manage this conflict, federal regulatorsparticularly the Environmental Protection Agencyincreasingly relied on cost-benefit analysis. This approach compares the financial costs imposed on industry by pollution controls with the economic value assigned to the health benefits of regulation, such as avoided illness and avoided premature death. Rather than eliminating pollution, cost-benefit analysis provided a way to justify how much harm would be allowed to continue. Pollution was no longer treated as a failure to protect public health, but as a trade-off that could be economically managed. A central tool in this framework is the Value of a Statistical Life, or VSL. The VSL is not the value of any individual life. It is a number derived from labor market data that estimates how much workers are paid, on average, to accept small increases in the risk of injury or death. Federal agencies use this figure to place a dollar value on lives saved by regulation. In practice, the VSL allows regulators to ask whether preventing deaths is worth it when weighed against the cost to industry. Mortality thus becomes a line item in economic calculations rather than an outcome to be prevented. This regulatory logic expanded beyond traditional air pollution after a series of legal developments in the 2000s. In 2007, the Supreme Court accepted that greenhouse gases qualify as air pollutants under the Clean Air Act, obligating the EPA to assess whether they pose a danger to public health and welfare. That ruling led to the agencys 2009 Endangerment Finding, which concluded that greenhouse gas emissions do threaten human health and the environment. The finding served as the legal foundation for expanded federal regulation, extending a framework originally designed for local air pollution to the global problem of climate change. To implement climate regulation within a cost-benefit framework, the Obama administration established an Interagency Working Group in 2009 to calculate the social cost of carbon. This figure estimates the long-term economic damage caused by each additional ton of carbon dioxide emissions, including impacts on health, agriculture, and infrastructure. While presented as a technical exercise, the calculation involved key policy choicesespecially the discount rate used to estimate future harm. Higher discount rates sharply reduce the importance of future damage, favoring short-term economic gains, while lower rates give greater weight to long-term and global impacts. Under the Obama and Biden administrations, this system produced a regulatory compromise. Emissions standards for vehicles and power plants were strengthened, and the social cost of carbon was used to justify those rules in economic terms. At the same time, regulations were designed to limit disruption to corporate profitability. Even when the Biden administration proposed increasing the social cost of carbon to reflect updated science, climate protection remained framed as a problem of economic optimization rather than a public health necessity. During his first term, President Trump moved to weaken this framework by executive order, disbanding the Interagency Working Group and directing agencies to revise the social cost of carbon. The administration argued that climate damage outside U.S. borders should not be counted and that future harm should be heavily discounted. As a result, the estimated social cost of carbon was reduced from roughly $40 per ton to as little as $1 to $7 per ton. This change dramatically lowered the recognized economic damage of carbon emissions and made climate regulation appear economically unjustified. This shift was not simply methodological. By sharply reducing the value assigned to future harm, the administration created a technical basis for rolling back fuel economy standards and power plant regulations. The immediate effect was to reduce compliance costs for energy and automotive companies. The longer-term costs such as rising illness, environmental damage, and climate disruption were excluded from the calculation, effectively transferring those burdens from corporate balance sheets to the public. Pollution, climate, and class: The biological impact of a social crime While the EPAs new regulatory approach treats the health effects of pollution as uncertain or assigns them a value of zero, it does not change the physical harm that pollution causes. What changes is how that harm is handled inside the regulatory system. By removing the monetary value of health benefits from cost-benefit analysis, the administration has made premature death and disease administratively invisible in rulemaking. The damage has not disappeared, but it is absent from the calculations that determine whether pollution controls are adopted or enforced. Fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, is among the most dangerous forms of air pollution regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These particles are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter and are produced by coal-fired power plants, diesel engines, refineries, ports, freight corridors, and other industrial sources now targeted for deregulation. Because of their size, PM2.5 particles penetrate deep into the lungs, pass through the airblood barrier, and enter the bloodstream. Once inside the body, they trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, damage blood vessels, and increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory disease. President Donald Trump holds a signed an executive order during an event in the East Room of the White House, April 8, 2025, in Washington, as from left Environmental Protection Agency director Lee Zeldin, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright watch. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci] Large-scale epidemiological research has repeatedly shown that there is no safe level of exposure to PM2.5. Studies reviewed by the World Health Organization and incorporated into the Global Burden of Disease framework demonstrate that mortality risk rises even at concentrations previously considered acceptable under U.S. standards. Air pollution is consistently identified as one of the leading risk factors for death worldwide, contributing to millions of premature deaths each year through cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Exposure to this pollution is structured by class. Industrial facilities, highways, ports, and logistics hubs are disproportionately located in or near working-class neighborhoods, where lower land values, housing insecurity, and long-standing patterns of disinvestment have made these areas sites for industrial siting. Research cited by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows that older adults living in areas with higher soot concentrations face sharply elevated mortality risk, underscoring how proximity to pollution sources translates directly into reduced life expectancy. As a result, the economic savings produced by deregulation are paid for in reduced life expectancy and increased illness among those least able to avoid exposure. In daily life, this burden appears as higher rates of asthma, cardiovascular disease, missed workdays, and mounting medical costs in communities already strained by insecure employment and limited access to healthcare. The removal of pollution controls does not eliminate these costs; it shifts them away from regulated industries and onto workers and their families. Climate deregulation compounds these harms. Rising temperatures intensify air pollution by accelerating the formation of ground-level ozone, a respiratory pollutant linked to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Hotter conditions also worsen the effects of PM2.5 by increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires, which release large quantities of fine particles into the air. Research incorporated into the Global Burden of Disease framework shows that climate-driven increases in heat exposure, food insecurity, and infectious diseases fall most heavily on working populations in low-income regions. Treating these outcomes as externalities valued at zero is not a neutral policy choice. It reflects a decision to prioritize lower production costs over the biological well-being of the working class. The COVID-19 pandemic established this hierarchy clearly, demonstrating that the financial system would embrace mass illness and death so long as profits and market stability were preserved. The health damage does not disappear when it is excluded from regulatory analysis. It accumulates in bodies, workplaces, communities, and healthcare systems, producing long-term consequences that extend far beyond the short-term savings claimed by deregulation. Dismantling the climate regime: What comes next The changes now underway at the EPA are aimed not at refining environmental policy, but at redefining the agencys role altogether. Internal planning documents and public rulemaking proposals show an agency preparing to step back from climate regulation by narrowing its legal authority and dismantling the tools required to exercise oversight. The objective is not to resolve scientific uncertainty, but to remove climate regulation from the EPAs mandate entirely. The legal centerpiece of this effort is the proposed withdrawal of the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which established that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health and welfare. That finding provides the statutory basis for regulating carbon pollution under the Clean Air Act. By seeking to rescind it, the EPA is asserting that climate change does not fall within the category of harm Congress intended the agency to regulate. This position draws support from a series of Supreme Court decisions that have narrowed the scope of federal regulatory authority. In West Virginia v. EPA (2022), the Court ruled that the agency could not impose broad, system-wide changes on the power sector without clear and explicit authorization from Congress, introducing the major questions doctrine. Under this framework, issues deemed to have significant economic or political consequencessuch as climate changeare presumed to lie beyond agency authority unless Congress has spoken with exceptional clarity. That constraint was reinforced by Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (2024), which overturned the Chevron doctrine. For decades, Chevron required courts to defer to reasonable agency interpretations of loosely worded statutes, particularly on technical and scientific matters. Its removal shifts interpretive authority from expert agencies to the courts, making climate regulation more vulnerable to judicial challenges regardless of scientific evidence. Earlier decisions are also being folded into this rationale. In Utility Air Regulatory Group v. EPA (2014), the Court cautioned against interpretations of the Clean Air Act that would significantly expand the agencys reach without explicit congressional approval. In Michigan v. EPA (2015), the Court held that the agency must consider industry compliance costs when determining whether regulation is appropriate. Together, these rulings provide the legal framework the EPA now invokes to argue that regulating greenhouse gas emissions exceeds its statutory authority. If the Endangerment Finding is withdrawn, the consequences are direct. The EPA would no longer claim authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under existing law. Current climate rules would become vulnerable to repeal, and future administrations would be unable to issue new standards without new legislation from Congress. Federal climate regulation would effectively come to a halt, regardless of scientific evidence or public health need. Taken together, these actions redefine the function of the EPA itself. By relinquishing its authority to regulate climate pollution and dismantling the capacity to do so, the agency is positioning itself to assert that it cannot be held responsible for climate regulation. Responsibility is shifted to Congress, where action has long been stalled. The result is not simply deregulation, but the deliberate hollowing out of the EPA as a governing institution capable of responding to climate-related environmental and health harm. Conclusion The past five decades of environmental regulation in the United States were not the product of benevolent governance or abstract concern for social welfare. It emerged from sustained worker struggles, mass opposition to industrial pollution, and popular pressure that forced limits on corporate activity. These regulations represented concessionshard-won and contestedthat constrained profit-making to blunt its most destructive effects on health and social life. What is now taking place at the EPA marks the abandonment of even this constrained settlement. The agencys current trajectory means the discarding of gains wrested from earlier struggles. The EPA will not balance health impacts against economic costs; it will remove them from consideration. It will renounce its own regulatory authority, dismantle oversight capacity, and evade responsibility. Profitability is no longer even partially offset by social constraintit stands alone as the sole organizing principle of policy. This shift coincides with a broader erosion of democratic norms and public accountability. As decision-making is insulated from popular pressure and concentrated within executive and judicial authority, protections that once reflected social resistance are recast as obstacles to be eliminated. Environmental regulation is being aligned with a wider pattern of rule in which democratic claims on the statewhether for health, safety, or basic social functioningare dismissed as illegitimate. In the context of climate change, the consequences are profound. Climate-related harm is cumulative, irreversible in key respects, and inseparable from the conditions of work, health, and survival for large sections of the population. Abandoning regulation in this domain is not a neutral retreat; it is an assertion that the social costs of environmental breakdown are acceptable so long as short-term profitability is preserved. What is being dismantled is not merely a regulatory framework, but the legacy of struggles that once imposed limits on capital in the name of human survival. The EPAs retreat signals a turn toward authoritarian governance in which those limits are no longer recognized, and in which the defense of public health and environmental stability is treated as incompatible with the priorities of the financial system. Reversing this course will require not technical adjustments but renewed social and political resistance capable of reasserting those limits under conditions that are now far more dangerous than when they were first won. Momodou Taal On Friday, UK police used anti-terror powers at Heathrow Airport to detain, interrogate and profile proPalestinian activist and Cornell University graduate student Momodou Taal in a blatant act of political intimidation directed against his outspoken opposition to the Gaza genocide. According to Taals account published on X, three officers were waiting for him as he stepped off his flight at Heathrow and immediately informed him he was being detained under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000. He was then held and interrogated for six hours, the maximum permitted period, with officers insisting the operation was about keeping the UK safe, a claim Taal correctly denounced as absurd. During the examination, officers subjected him to a sweeping fishing expedition into his personal and political life, questioning him about his childhood, religious background, mosque attendance, friendships and political views. His phone and laptop were seized, his DNA taken and retained, and he was explicitly told that under Schedule 7 he had no right to remain silent, with refusal to answer questions criminalized. Taal stressed that this was already his fourth return to Britain since leaving the United States, underscoring that nothing in his conduct justified the sudden deployment of terror powers at the border. Taal linked the Heathrow detention to months of escalating repression since he participated in antigenocide protests at Cornell University, including harassment by US immigration authorities and punitive measures by the university administration. Taal wrote in his statement: The majority of questions were about my personal history, not my political views. At one point, I was even asked whether I had read Karl Marx. This was not a serious counterterrorism inquiry. It was a racist fishing expedition designed to intimidate and punish someone for advocating freedom and opposing mass slaughter. This detention comes after months of targeted repression. In April, I was forced to flee the United States after ICE agents pursued me just days after I filed a historic legal challenge alleging that the Trump administration had violated my First Amendment rights. Shortly after taking office, Trump vowed to deport international students who participated in peaceful protests in support of Palestiniansa policy later ruled unlawful by US courts. Before that, in September, I was suspended by Cornell University for participating in peaceful pro-Palestine protests. I have never been accused of, let alone charged with, any crime. Pointing to likely intelligencesharing between British and US agencies, he added: Powerful institutions on both sides of the Atlantic that support genocide do not want their dirty linen aired in public. The UK needs to come clean about what it knows and why I was detained. Did the Americans ask authorities in the UKthe submissive partner in the so-called special relationship to stop and interrogate me? The Terrorism Act 2000 is the UKs core framework for state counterterrorism powers, enacted by a Labour government as part of the escalation of repressive legislation in the runup to and aftermath of the socalled war on terror. Section 1 defines terrorism in sweeping terms as the use or threat of action involving serious violence, serious damage to property, danger to life, serious risk to public health or safety, or serious interference with electronic systems, where such action is intended to influence government or intimidate the public for the purpose of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause. The deliberately vague definition has provided the legal foundation for a battery of powers aimed at criminalizing political activity and protest under the charge of extremism. Schedule 7, under which Taal was held, grants police, immigration and customs officers the authority to stop, question, detain and search anyone passing through UK ports and borders to determine whether they appear to be someone that is or has been concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism. Officers do not need any prior suspicion at all to exercise these powers, making Schedule 7 a regime of lawless border interrogation. Schedule 7 permits detention for up to six hours beginning from the start of questioning, the searching of the person and all property including electronic devices, compulsory provision of device passwords and unlocking, seizure and copying of data, and taking and retention of fingerprints and DNA, which can be uploaded to the same databases used for convicted terrorists. Individuals must answer all questions and provide documents on demand; refusal or obstruction constitutes a criminal offence, even though anything said under questioning generally cannot be used as evidence in later criminal proceedings. Civil liberties organizations have warned for years that Schedule 7 violates basic due process and privacy rights and has been used as a tool of racial and religious profiling, disproportionately targeting Muslims and people of Asian and other minority backgrounds. It has been noted that around 70 percent of those stopped at UK ports under antiterrorism legislation, including Schedule 7, since 2021, have been from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. In the landmark case involving the detention of David Miranda, partner of journalist Glenn Greenwald, the Court of Appeal ruled that the use of Schedule 7 against him was incompatible with Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights because of the lack of safeguards against arbitrary interference with free expression. These powers are being maintained as a permanent infrastructure for the state to monitor, intimidate and, where it deems necessary, criminalize political opposition to imperialist war crimes. The Heathrow detention of Taal is a use of this machinery against someone who has denounced the US-backed Israeli genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. In his statement, Taal also connected the attack on his rights to the broader international political context, writing: My detention also comes in the same week it emerged that the United Nations raised serious concerns with Cornell University over alleged human rights violations committed against me and another international student following our participation in pro-Palestine protests. UN Special Rapporteurs warned that universities are undergoing structural changes to systematically repress expressions of solidarity with Palestine, creating a climate of fear and intimidation. Students are self-censoring, and international students in particular are withdrawing from activism out of fear of deportation. The US and UK have a long and sordid history of intelligence sharing in the service of human rights abuses. Earlier this month, the UK government implicitly acknowledged its complicity in the rendition and torture of Abu Zubaydah, a Palestinian Guantanamo Bay detainee held and tortured in a CIA black site between 2002 and 2006. The UK settled the case out of court, paying a substantial sum, after years of denying involvement. What happened to me at Heathrow fits squarely within that history. This was not about safety. It was about silencing dissent. And it will not work. Momodou Taal is a 31yearold GambianBritish citizen who emerged as a prominent representative of the student and youth activists who were radicalized by the Gaza genocide and the eruption of imperialist violence around the world. Holding dual nationality in the United Kingdom and Gambia, he pursued graduate studies at Cornell University in the United States, where he also worked as an instructor. At Cornell, Taal became a critic of Israels assault on Gaza and of the bipartisan US support for the massacre, participating in proPalestinian demonstrations and speaking publicly against the war. His prominence made him a central target of a coordinated campaign by rightwing media, Zionist organizations and university authorities seeking to brand all opposition to the genocide as antisemitic or support for terrorism. In this context, his immigration status as an international student was used by the US state to turn his right to remain in the country into a cudgel to force his silence. Cornell twice suspended Taalin April and September 2024for his participation in campus protests, while carefully calibrating the formal sanctions so as not to trigger immediate visa revocation. University officials allowed him to continue remotely, with full access to be restored only in spring 2025, creating a protracted limbo that left him vulnerable to attack by the state while ostensibly keeping him enrolled. As the antigenocide movement spread, the Trump administration launched a vendetta against Taals legal status and attempted to deport him. He filed a lawsuit challenging Trumps executive orders targeting proPalestinian protesters, a case that posed a direct constitutional challenge to the administrations attempt to criminalize political opposition under the guise of immigration enforcement. In response, federal authorities intensified surveillance and intimidation: law enforcement agents from an unidentified agency were repeatedly seen parked outside his Ithaca residence; one individual, when confronted by staff from his former residence at Telluride House, displayed a lawenforcement badge before leaving the private property. Taals attorneys warned a federal judge that the government was preparing to detain him preemptively and remove him to a distant jurisdiction, citing the precedent of other activists such as Mahmoud Khalil who had been seized in New York and transported to remote immigration prisons hundreds of miles away from their legal counsel. Their fears were confirmed when the Justice Department informed them that Immigration and Customs Enforcement was inviting Taal to appear at an HSI office in Syracuse to be personally served with a Notice to Appear and to surrender to ICE custody. Faced with the imminent threat of incarceration and deportation before his legal challenge could be heard, Taal made the difficult decision to leave the United States and return to Britain rather than walk into ICE custody. His departure was a tactical withdrawal forced on him by the states attempt to strip him of even the possibility of a legal defense. It is precisely this actrefusing to submit quietly to an obviously political deportationthat US and UK authorities are now seeking to punish through continued harassment at the border. The use of Schedule 7 against Taal at Heathrow underscores the active collaboration between the British state and the Trump administration in hounding a politically targeted opponent of genocide and imperialist war. The same governments that arm and politically support Israels destruction of Gaza and participate in USled wars around the world are now using antiterror and immigration regimes in an attempt to intimidate and silence those who denounce these crimes. By treating a returning British citizenwhose supposed offence consists of opposing mass murder and challenging antidemocratic executive ordersas a terror suspect at the border, the UK government is signaling its willingness to function as an extension of the Trump administrations anti-democratic rampage. Taals Heathrow detention is intended as a warning: anyone who refuses to be browbeaten into silence on the question of free speech and the defense of the Palestinians will be subjected to arbitrary detention, profiling and the permanent association with terrorism. In his 1845 work, The Condition of the Working Class in England, Friedrich Engels defined a phenomenon that describes with chilling precision the current state of maternal and infant health in the United States: social murder. Engels wrote: When society places hundreds of proletarians in such a position that they inevitably meet a too early and an unnatural death ... its deed is murder just as surely as the deed of a single individual. The preventable death of a mother in the 21st century is not a tragic accident or an act of God; it is a calculated result of a social order that subordinates human life to the accumulation of private profit. Dr. Janell Green [Photo: Janelle Green] The recent death of Dr. Janell Green Smith, a 31-year-old certified nurse-midwife and doctor of nursing practice, casts a grim light on this crisis. Dr. Green Smith had dedicated her life to a solution to maternal mortality, assisting in over 300 births with a particular focus on helping African American women navigate the healthcare system. Despite her expertise, her credentials did not shield her from the systemic failures of American medicine. After being admitted with severe preeclampsia, she underwent an emergency C-section and subsequent surgery for a ruptured incision. On January 1, 2026, her heart stopped beating. Her death underscores the barbaric reality that the maternal mortality rate in the United states is highest among all developed countries, with black women facing disproportionate risks that are 80 to 90 percent preventable. Maternal mortality is calculated according to two basic measures: the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) counts the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in a given time and place. This is the indicator most often cited in global reports and allows comparison between countries and over time. The maternal mortality rate (MMRate) is measured by deaths per 100,000 women of reproductive age (usually 1549 years), capturing risk in the entire population of women who could become pregnant. The two measures are often used interchangeably. [Photo: NotebookLM] US an outlier in maternal mortality The United States stands as a staggering outlier in maternal mortality among industrialized nations. While global maternal mortality rates dropped by 40 percent between 2000 and 2023, the rate in the US has spent decades climbing. Each year, 18.6 mothers die for every 100,000 live births, a figure nearly double the average for other high-income countries. In Norway, the maternal mortality rate is a mere 1.9 per 100,000 births; in Canada it is 9.4 per 100,000. If the US performed at the level of Californiathe state with the nations lowest ratenearly 2,700 deaths could have been avoided in a recent four-year window under study. The conditions are even more stark for black mothers, with the mortality rate for black women standing 3.5 to 4 times higher than that of white mothers. In 2023, this rate reached a staggering 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. While African American women make up only 14 percent of the female population, they account for approximately 40 percent of all maternal deaths. In the US, 30 to 35 percent of black women are in the lowest economic quintile, according to US Census Bureau estimates, compared to 20 percent of the overall US population. This above all demonstrates that class, not race, is the central factor driving maternal mortality rates. This crisis extends to those who have not yet had the chance to live. In the US, black infants are twice as likely to die as white infants. The infant mortality rate (IMR) in the US is calculated as the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births in a given year or cohort. The IMR for black children stands at 10.9 per 1,000 births, compared to the national average of 5.6. In Mississippi, the overall infant mortality rate recently hit 9.7, the highest in over a decade. This death of the innocent exposes a society that cannot even guarantee the most basic requirement of any civilization: the survival of its children past one year of age. Beyond the headlines of death lies a silent burden of maternal morbiditydebilitating conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and postpartum depression that erode the quality of life for decades. In 2025 alone, these conditions are projected to result in the loss of 350,000 healthy life years for black women. On average, a woman who gives birth in 2025 will spend 10 days every year for the rest of her life dealing with a disability connected to pregnancy. Harris County, Texas, was home to the nations highest maternal mortality rate for black women between 2016 and 2020a shocking 83.4 per 100,000 live births. The county is an outlier even within a state known for its regressive health policies. It was here that Moriah Ballard, then 22, experienced a nightmare facilitated by medical negligence. Diagnosed with preeclampsia, she was told the only cure was delivery or death. Ballard recounted the excruciating pain of feeling her pleas were ignored: I remember telling God that I know youre going to take me, but save my baby, she told capitalbnews.org. Her son, Denim, was delivered stillborn by C-section. Ballard later discovered that an epidural needle had been left in her back for two days following the procedure. Now 28, she struggles with the trauma: When Im in pain, it takes so much for me to go to the hospital because I do not trust anything at all. Medicaid cuts and maternity deserts The policy response from the ruling class is not to expand care, but to dismantle what little remains of the safety net. Medicaid, the program for the poor jointly administered and financed by the federal government and the states, is the cornerstone of maternal care in the US, financing 41 percent of all births and 64 percent of births to black women, yet it is currently under a massive legislative assault. H.R. 1 (also known as Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill), signed into law on July 4, 2025, calls for systematic funding withdrawals from public safety net programs, including over $900 billion to $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over the next decade. Under the guise of fiscal responsibility, the law institutes onerous 80-hour monthly work reporting requirements. While pregnant mothers are technically exempt, they are caught in a web of frequent and complex recertification hurdles that will inevitably lead to a loss of coverage for millions. Simultaneously, the law bans Medicaid funding for community hubs like Planned Parenthood for one year. This is a counter-intuitive strike against primary care; two out of three Planned Parenthood patients consider the clinic their regular doctor, and 60 percent of these centers are located in underserved or rural areas. These cuts will exacerbate the growth of maternity care deserts, which already affect 36 percent of US counties. Rural hospitals are closing their obstetric units at an accelerating rate because low Medicaid reimbursement rates make the service unprofitable. Furthermore, critical policy levers that could save livessuch as doula reimbursement, the removal of prior authorization for maternal mental health treatments, and home-visit programsare being systematically defunded. In Indiana, the state recently cut $225 million from local health departments, disrupting home-visit initiatives that were successfully preventing preeclampsia. The ruling class has even attempted to obscure the scale of the carnage. While the full implementation of the pregnancy checkbox on death certificates in 2018 led to better counting, it also revealed a horrifying trend: age-standardized pregnancy-related death rates climbed by 28 percent between 2018 and 2022. This is not just a statistical adjustment; it is a real-world surge in death. A significant portion of this loss occurs after the hospital discharge. A third of maternal deathsso-called late maternal deathstake place between 42 days and one year after the pregnancy ends. This highlights the six-week cliff in the American healthcare system for mothers, where insurance coverage and clinical attention vanish just as life-threatening complications like postpartum depression or cardiovascular issues often peak. The refusal of the government to fund basic maternal healthcare, while funneling billions into war and state violence, reveals a ruling class policy that does not value human life. As federal paramilitary forces occupy cities like Minneapolis and the administration slanders victims of state violence, the same logic of class rule is applied to the delivery room. The state is committed to health and life only insofar as they do not interfere with the requirements of the financial oligarchy. The maternal health crisis is the inevitable result of a social system that treats medical care as a commodity and the lives of working class mothers as an expendable overhead cost. Ruthlessly, the assault on life begins in the womb. For far too many women, what should be a joyous time becomes a nightmare, and their deaths leave their children motherless. The struggle for the right to a safe pregnancy and a healthy child is, at its core, a struggle against the capitalist system. Only by reorganizing society on a socialist basiswhere healthcare is a fundamental human right and the vast resources of society are directed toward the preservation of lifecan this social murder of mothers and their babies be brought to an end. On January 18, the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) held a memorial meeting to celebrate the life of Ken Mantell, a member of the Trotskyist movement for more than 40 years. Ken passed away on November 30, two days after suffering a massive stroke. Ken, then a steel fixer, met the Socialist Labour League, the precursor to the SEP, in the early 1980s, and, once convinced of the partys program, never wavered. Despite significant health problems resulting from his decades in the building industry, Ken continued to play a major role in the daily work of the party until shortly before his death. We are posting below an edited video recording of the meeting, which more than 100 of Kens comrades, friends and family, as well as workers and young people, attended in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and online. The meeting featured main speakers SEP (Australia) National Secretary Cheryl Crisp and Kens brother Martin Mantell, as well as contributions from SEP members including Nick Beams, Warwick Dove, Luch Lopez and Morgan Peach, as well as written condolences from representatives of the International Committee of the Fourth Internationals sections in Britain, Germany and the US. We encourage all our readers to watch and share this video, which is a powerful tribute to a committed worker-revolutionary who dedicated his life to the fight for socialist revolution. Individuals bearing the name Hyde are typically characterized by their complex, multifaceted nature and strong sense of individuality. They often exhibit a blend of traditional values and unconventional thinking, reflecting the name's dual heritage of aristocratic stability and literary rebellion. Hydes tend to be perceptive and analytical, with a natural inclination toward leadership and protection of those in their care. Their reserved exterior often conceals deep emotional and intellectual currents, making them intriguing figures who value privacy while maintaining strong social connections. The literary association with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde has created cultural expectations of duality, which often manifests in Hydes' ability to navigate contrasting aspects of their personality with grace. They may demonstrate both practical, grounded qualities and creative, unconventional thinking, balancing responsibility with innovation. This complexity makes them adaptable in various situations, though they may struggle with being fully understood by others. Their protective nature, stemming from the name's original meaning of shelter and boundaries, often makes them reliable friends and family members who approach relationships with depth and loyalty, while maintaining the mysterious quality that has become synonymous with the name. Following Prime Minister Christopher Luxons State of the Nation speech and his announcement that New Zealands general election will be held on November 7, opposition Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins delivered a characteristically vacuous response, devoid of anything substantive to address the deepening social crisis facing the working class. New Zealand Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins. [AP Photo/Robert Kitchin] Speaking from the partys caucus retreat in Auckland, in his first major public statement of the year, Hipkins feigned opposition to the National Party-led coalition governments brutal austerity measures. He declared that Labour was committed to getting Kiwis back into work, dealing with the crisis in our health system, making healthcare affordable for all New Zealanders restoring the dream of home ownership, improving conditions for those who rent, and tackling the cost of living, where the government have failed over the last two-and-a-half years. Yet the Labour Party leader did not announce any policies to reverse the governments attacks, which have included thousands of public sector job cuts, pay cuts for hundreds of thousands of workers, and the refusal to adequately fund hospitals, schools and welfare services. So far, the Labour Party has only announced one election policy: a modest capital gains tax on profits from the sale of investment properties. The revenue would be used to fund three doctors visits per year for every person in the country. Even if implemented, this will not solve the public healthcare crisis that included long waiting lists for surgical procedures due to the severe shortage of doctors and other healthcare workers. The Labour Party led a coalition government from 2017 to late 2023, with Hipkins serving as prime minister for the last year following the resignation of Jacinda Ardern. The party suffered a landslide defeat in the 2023 election precisely because Arderns promises in 2017 to address child poverty, the healthcare crisis, and the lack of affordable housing had all been exposed as a fraud. Homelessness and child poverty both increased during the Ardern-Hipkins government, while healthcare and education services were starved of funds. Meanwhile, after bailing out corporations and the rich during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Labour government refused to increase tax on the countrys billionaires, whose wealth had exploded. Now Hipkins is once again spouting empty slogans and soundbites promising to address and focus on jobs, health, homes and real action on the cost of living. Labours real agenda was indicated at the partys conference last November, where the partys finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds declared: Getting the economy growing and balancing the books means we cant say yes to everything, and I make no apology for that. Responsibility must always come first. In other words, a Labour-led government will prioritise economic growth, i.e. maximising profits for big business by keeping taxes low and maintaining fiscal responsibilitycode for austerityin public services. Hipkins was silent on Luxons bellicose statements to justify increased spending on the armed forceswith which Labour and the union bureaucracy fully agree. The bipartisan agenda to double military spending from 1 to 2 percent of GDP will be funded by further gutting social programs. The last Labour government allocated $4.7 billion for new military hardware, including Poseidon anti-submarine surveillance aircraft, to improve interoperability with the US and other allies. It also increased the funding and staffing of New Zealands spy agencies by about half, boosting their contribution to the US-led Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network. The aim of the ruling elite and the entire parliamentary establishment is to fully integrate New Zealand into US-led war plans against China, which are already far-advanced. Hipkins, well aware of widespread anti-war sentiment in the population, tried to obscure this reality by telling journalists: New Zealand should be principled and independent in its foreign policy The United States threats against Greenland are a threat towards international law. What they have done around Venezuela is also in breach of international law, and New Zealand should continue to be principled in calling that out. Asked if the US was a rogue nation, however, Hipkins merely said it was pushing the boundaries. In fact, the Trump regime is seeking to create a fascist police state within the US while asserting the right to bomb and invade any country it chooses. Labour has no principled opposition to these criminal actions. It continues to support New Zealands alliance with the US, including its membership in the Five Eyes and the US-led military build-up against China. Hipkins, while he was still prime minister in late 2023, also supported the genocidal US-Israeli assault on Gazawhich contributed to Labours crushing loss in the election. In a sign of Labours continuing lurch to the right, Hipkins refused to rule out forming a coalition with the Trumpian, anti-immigrant New Zealand First Party. NZ First is part of the National-led coalition government, but was a coalition partner with Labour and the Greens in the 20172020 government. Labour adopted many of NZ Firsts policies, including its demands for draconian restrictions on immigration. During the 2023 election campaign, Hipkins described NZ Firsts statements attacking Asian immigrants and Maori as racist and denounced Luxon for being willing to work with the party. Hipkins said in one Newshub debate that he would never again work in government with NZ First leader Winston Peters. But with recent polls showing that NZ First (with about 10 percent support) could be in a position to decide which of the two main parties leads the next government, all this is being buried. The Green Partys co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chloe Swarbrick also would not rule out joining another coalition with NZ First, in an interview with the Post published on December 25despite NZ Firsts fascistic smear campaign against Green MP Benjamin Doyle (who resigned from parliament in October). As is the case internationally, the working class in New Zealand is moving to the left in response to the deepening crisis of world capitalismincluding the assault on living standards and the eruption of imperialist violence. On October 23, more than 100,000 workers joined the countrys biggest strike since 1979 in opposition to attacks on public healthcare workers and educators. The union bureaucracy is seeking to prevent further strikes and impose sellout agreementspartly by encouraging the illusion that workers can improve their conditions and wages by electing a Labour-led government. The Socialist Equality Group warns that regardless of the outcome of the election later this year, the assault on workers living standards, democratic rights, and the militarisation of society will only escalate. The fundamental task facing the working class is not to choose between the parties of big business and war, but to break decisively from them and build an independent revolutionary leadership capable of leading the struggle for socialism. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, including one wearing a 'NOT ICE' face covering, walk near their vehicles, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Richfield, Minn. [AP Photo/Adam Gray] As the Trump administration proceeds with the military-police occupation of Minnesota in the face of mass resistance, and wages war all over the world, the majority of Democrats have joined with Republicans to pass a record military spending bill. On Thursday, the House passed the combined defense and consolidated spending bills (H.R. 7148) by a vote of 341-88, with 149 Democrats voting yes and only 64 voting no. A separate bill funding the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (H.R. 7147) passed 220-207, with seven Democrats crossing the aisle to vote yes. Republicans made no secret of what Democrats were voting for. After the vote Thursday, Representative Tom Cole, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, declared the legislation would champion American military power, ensuring that our brave warfighters have the tools, weapon systems and capabilities to meet any foe anywhere in the world at any time. He summarized the bills purpose in three words: America First, Fully Funded. Representative Ken Calvert, chairman of the Defense Subcommittee, said the bill protects the administrations America first defense agenda. The House Appropriations Committee issued a statement hailing the Republican-led funding that puts America First. These bills advance President Trumps agenda. Despite Republicans openly proclaiming that the legislation would fund Trumps fascistic agenda, nearly two-thirds of House Democrats voted in favor of the defense and consolidated spending bill. An opposition party that votes this way is not in opposition, but an active collaborator. The Democratic Party is an instrument of the same ruling class that stands behind Trump. The total defense appropriations amount to $839 billion, some $8.4 billion above what even Trump requested. The bill funds $27.2 billion for 17 warships, including a Columbia-class nuclear ballistic missile submarine and two Virginia-class fast attack submarines. It allocates $7.6 billion for 47 F-35 stealth fighters, $3 billion for the Air Forces sixth-generation F-47 fighter, $1.9 billion for the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, and $4.5 billion for hypersonic weapons systems. The legislation fully funds the ongoing modernization of the nuclear triadthe B-21, the Columbia-class submarine, and the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile. The Department of Homeland Security receives $64.4 billion, with approximately $10 billion earmarked for ICE. While the vote totals differed between the two bills, the fundamental intention is the same: the Democratic Party is systematically enabling the Trump administrations assault on democratic rights and its preparations for global war. The seven Democrats who voted for the DHS funding billDon Davis, Henry Cuellar, Laura Gillen, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Vicente Gonzalez, Jared Golden and Tom Suozzivoted to fund the military occupation of Minnesota currently terrorizing immigrant communities. More than 2,000 ICE officers have been deployed across the state. Earlier this month, Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis woman and US citizen, was shot dead by a federal immigration agent. A 5-year-old boy was detained by ICE officers. On Wednesday, whistleblowers leaked an internal ICE memo authorizing agents to enter homes without judicial warrants. The passage of the military spending bill comes after the Trump administration invaded Venezuela, overthrew the Maduro government and seized the countrys oil resources as part of Washingtons drive to consolidate its grip over Latin America in preparation for confrontation with China. On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced that a massive American fleet is heading toward Iran, just in case. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group has reportedly been redeployed from the South China Sea to the Middle East. This follows Trumps bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities last year. At the same time, Trump has called for the annexation of Greenland, a territory of Denmark, a NATO ally. The drive to seize Greenland, combined with threats against Panama and military operations throughout the Western Hemisphere, reveal an administration preparing for global conflict on multiple fronts. Trump has demanded that the military budget for 2027 reach $1.5 trillion. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, For the Good of our Country, especially in these very troubled and dangerous times, our Military Budget for the year 2027 should not be $1 Trillion Dollars, but rather $1.5 Trillion Dollars. The Wall Street Journal editorial board enthusiastically endorsed Trumps demand in an editorial Friday titled A Serious Defense Budget, at Last. The subtitle declared: A $1.5 trillion military will cost much less than a war with China. The editorial insisted that the U.S. military is too small to prevail decisively in a war with a peer and that the real choice today is between guns and runaway entitlements. It concluded, The best way to go down as a peacemaker is by building a military no one wants to fight. This open declaration of support for massive military expansion from the leading organ of American finance capital exposes the ruling class consensus behind the drive to war. Whether under Democratic or Republican administrations, the trajectory is the same: ever greater military spending, ever more aggressive wars, and the preparation for a catastrophic global conflict. The Democratic Partys vote to fund Trumps military buildup continues a pattern of systematic collaboration. Throughout 2025, Democrats voted to fund the military, refused to oppose regime change operations, and accepted the consolidation of authoritarian executive power. They represent no opposition because they serve the same class interests as their Republican counterparts. The working class cannot rely on the Democratic Party, on Congress, or on any faction of the political establishment to oppose the drive to war and authoritarianism. Opposition must come from belowfrom the independent mobilization of workers in the United States and internationally against the capitalist system that produces war, dictatorship and social inequality. The building of a mass socialist movement is the only way to halt the catastrophe being prepared by the American ruling class and its political servants in both parties. Individuals named Nurita are often perceived as possessing a unique blend of warmth and strength, reflecting the name's meaning of 'little fire.' They typically exhibit intellectual curiosity, creativity, and a natural inclination toward leadership roles. Nuritas are known for their passionate nature - they approach life with intensity and conviction, yet maintain a gentle, compassionate demeanor that draws people to them. Their fiery spirit is balanced by emotional intelligence and empathy, making them excellent communicators and mediators. Many Nuritas demonstrate artistic talents or strong academic inclinations, with a particular affinity for languages, literature, and cultural studies. They tend to be independent thinkers who value authenticity and are not afraid to challenge conventional wisdom when their principles are at stake. In relationships, Nuritas are loyal and protective, often serving as the emotional anchor for their loved ones while maintaining their own strong sense of identity. Their combination of intellectual depth and emotional warmth makes them memorable individuals who leave lasting impressions on those they encounter. A federal appeals court brushed back a secretive, emergency effort by the Justice Department to revive rejected arrest warrants for Don Lemon and four other people prosecutors say committed crimes by barging into a St. Paul church last weekend. A federal magistrate judge earlier this week turned down arrest warrants for five people connected to the protesters who disrupted a Sunday service to oppose the Trump administrations deportation operations in Minnesota. Magistrate Judge Douglas Micko said prosecutors had failed to present evidence to justify the arrests. Among the rejected arrest warrants were those for former CNN anchor Don Lemon and one of his producers, who had advance notice of the protest and were at the church as the events unfolded. Senior DOJ officials have specifically called out Lemon, a longtime antagonist of President Donald Trump, and argued that his role as a journalist would not shield him from criminal charges. Advertisement Advertisement Micko did authorize arrest warrants for three people whom prosecutors described as leaders of the intrusion into the church, although he rejected one of the charges the Justice Department sought against those individuals, who were taken into custody earlier this week and then released. In a series of previously unreported moves, the Trump administration rushed to demand that a federal judge overturn Mickos refusal to charge the five others, then quickly escalated the fight to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals after Minnesotas chief district judge Patrick Schiltz declined to take immediate action, calling the gambit unprecedented. Federal prosecutors raced to the 8th Circuit, asking the court to issue a rarely used writ of mandamus to force Schiltz to grant the governments request. Late Friday, a three-judge panel of the appeals court rejected the Trump administrations demand. The panel included Obama appointee Jane Kelly and two Trump appointees, Steven Grasz and Jonathan Kobes. Before the appeals court ruled, Schiltz a George W. Bush appointee sharply rebuked the Justice Departments handling of the matter, saying the drive to seek additional arrests related to what he called the church invasion did not warrant an urgent response. Advertisement Advertisement There is absolutely no emergency, Schiltz wrote. Despite Schiltz insistence that the church protest presented no emergency, the pair of missives he sent to the St. Louis-based appeals court Thursday did convey the impression of a federal judiciary in Minnesota under siege and struggling to maintain its operations in the face of a massive surge of federal law enforcement into the region, widespread public protests and the arrests of thousands of immigrants, including what the judge called the illegal detention of many detainees by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Judges in Minnesota have been ordering bond hearings or release for dozens of people detained by ICE since the federal surge began. The 8th Circuit filings were unsealed as law enforcement braced for fallout from another fatal shooting of a Minnesota resident by federal agents Saturday morning, the details of which began to emerge Saturday afternoon. In his initial letter to the appeals court, Schiltz described being disrupted at home, just minutes after Micko rejected the arrest warrants, while caring for his mentally disabled adult son. He said the demand by federal prosecutors was unheard of in our district, or, as best as I can tell, any other district in the Eighth Circuit. Advertisement Advertisement The reason why this never happens is likely that, if the government does not like the magistrate judge's decision, it can either improve the affidavit and present it again to the same magistrate judge or it can present its case to a grand jury and seek an indictment, Schiltz wrote. Schiltz said he had intended to meet with fellow judges to discuss prosecutors request, but the meeting was postponed until Tuesday due to security concerns around Vice President JD Vance and Attorney General Pam Bondis visit to Minneapolis. But he said DOJ rejected the delay because of a claim that copycats might disrupt church services this weekend unless the arrests are effectuated. The government has also argued that I must accept this as true because they said it, and they are the government, Schiltz wrote. And that is where things stand. The five people whom the government seeks to arrest are accused of entering a church, and the worst behavior alleged about any of them is yelling horrible things at the members of the church. None committed any acts of violence. In a second message to the appeals court, Schiltz said flatly he saw no indication that Lemon or his producer committed any crime at the St. Paul church Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement The government lumps all eight protestors together and says things that are true of some but not all of them, the chief judge wrote. Two of the five protestors were not protestors at all; instead, they were a journalist and his producer. There is no evidence that those two engaged in any criminal behavior or conspired to do so. While Schiltz said the prosecutors could have brought their case to a grand jury earlier this week, the Justice Departments filing with the appeals court said no federal grand jury is scheduled to convene in the state until Jan. 27. In their ruling Friday, two of the 8th Circuit judges, Kelly and Kobes, offered no explanation for turning down the Trump administrations request. The third appeals judge, Grasz, issued a brief concurring opinion saying he believed there was clearly sufficient evidence to charge the five proposed defendants with crimes but no immediate need for the appeals court to intervene. Advertisement Advertisement The Complaint and Affidavit clearly establish probable cause for all five arrest warrants, and while there is no discretion to refuse to issue an arrest warrant once probable cause for its issuance has been shown the government has failed to establish that it has no other adequate means of obtaining the requested relief, Grasz wrote. Spokespeople for the Justice Department and for Lemon did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A federal appellate court on Friday declined to order a lower court judge to sign arrest warrants against five people, including former CNN anchor Don Lemon, in connection with an anti-ICE protest inside a church in St. Paul, Minnesota. One of the three judges said he felt there was probable cause to justify the arrests, according to court filings and sources familiar with the matter. The ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, which was unsealed Saturday, came about after the Justice Department asked the appellate court to compel the U.S. District Court in Minnesota to sign five arrest warrants over civil rights charges alleging the defendants were unlawfully interfering with the churchgoers' constitutionally-protected freedom to practice religion. The ruling made public on Saturday did not identify the names of the five defendants for whom the Justice Department is seeking arrest warrants, but multiple sources confirmed to CBS that Lemon is one of them. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Lemon had no immediate comment on the ruling. CBS News reported on Thursday that Magistrate Judge Doug Micko had refused to sign an arrest warrant for Lemon, who attended the protest at the church and interviewed the pastor. Lemon's attorney, Abbe Lowell, said Thursday that the magistrate's actions "confirm the nature of Don's First Amendment protected work this weekend in Minnesota as a reporter," and slammed the Justice Department for what he called "a stunning and troubling effort to silence and punish a journalist for doing his job." Three people so far have been charged in connection with the protest on Sunday, when demonstrators entered St. Paul's Cities Church after discovering that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official appeared to be one of the pastors at the church. Advertisement Advertisement The criminal compliant shows that several defendants were also charged, but their names are redacted after the magistrate declined to sign the arrest warrants over concerns about a lack of probable cause. Micko also separately declined to approve some of the charges for the three defendants who were arrested, also citing a lack of probable cause. In court filings to the Eighth Circuit, Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz for the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota said that Micko only found probable cause on three of the eight arrest warrants presented to him by the department on Jan. 20. When he declined to sign the other five, Minnesota's U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen personally called the court and demanded that his decision be reviewed by a district court judge. The matter was ultimately assigned to Schiltz. Advertisement Advertisement "What the U.S. Attorney requested is unheard of in our district," he wrote. He told the department he needed more time to confer with other judges because it was such an unusual demand, and it would normally be addressed by the Justice Department either re-submitting an improved affidavit with the criminal complaint, or by seeking a grand jury indictment. Although he told the department he would render a decision by Tuesday, the department claimed that was too late. Citing national security concerns, he said the Justice Department claimed that getting the five warrants signed was an emergency, and if he did not act urgently, then "copycats will invade churches and synagogues" this weekend. He said the department claimed he must accept their national security concerns as true "because they said it, and they are the government." He added that he disagrees with their claims, noting that the worst behavior alleged against the protestors is that they were "yelling horrible things." "None committed any acts of violence," he wrote. "There is absolutely no emergency." Advertisement Advertisement It is not immediately clear what the Justice Department will do next. It could draft new affidavits in support of the charges and re-present them to a magistrate judge, or it could also potentially seek grand jury indictments instead. In its opinion, a three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit denied the department's request to order the lower court to sign the five arrest warrants. One of the three judges, Judge L. Steven Grasz, in a concurring opinion, said he felt they had established probable cause to justify the arrest warrants. He did not provide an further details as to why. Editor's note: This story has been corrected to note that it was one judge, not the full appeals court, that found probable cause. Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas mayor on pivoting for ice storm as weather conditions worsen Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro recalls "strange conversation" with Trump after arson attack Trump deals with fallout over NATO comments Amazon is taking a big step into physical retail with plans to open its largest store ever, combining grocery shopping, general merchandise, prepared food, and order fulfillment under one roof. The massive new location is planned for Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, and could open as early as next year if final permits move forward. The proposed store will cover about 230,000 square feet on a 35-acre site, making it Amazon's biggest brick-and-mortar experiment to date, Yahoo reported. Roughly half of the building will be open to customers, selling groceries, everyday items, and ready-to-eat food. The other half will be dedicated to fulfilling online and in-store pickup orders, a setup designed to blend Amazon's online strength with in-person shopping. Amazon representatives explained to local officials that the retail space and fulfillment area will be kept separate. Customers shopping inside the store will not mix with workers handling online orders. People picking up orders and third-party delivery drivers will use different entrances, and grocery orders placed online will be assembled in back-of-house areas instead of pulled directly from store aisles. The goal is to make shopping smoother for everyone. Amazon to open its largest-ever retail store with massive big-box location planned in Chicago suburbs https://t.co/yyKZRIpVT5 pic.twitter.com/gD4BS52idt New York Post (@nypost) January 22, 2026 Amazon's Mega Store Approved in Orland Park, Illinois Local leaders welcomed the project. Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge said Amazon's interest shows the area remains attractive to major companies. He noted that a store of this size could bring strong sales tax revenue that benefits residents, without the village offering Amazon any financial incentives. The Orland Park Board of Trustees approved the project this week. Amazon is now applying for permits to demolish a closed restaurant on the site and begin construction. Plans include hundreds of parking spaces and a layout that does not require customers to be Amazon Prime members, keeping the store open to the general public. According to FoxBusiness, the move comes as Amazon looks for ways to grow beyond online shopping. While the company dominates e-commerce, government data shows more than 80% of retail sales in the US still happen in physical stores. Amazon has had mixed results with past retail efforts, closing several Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go locations in recent years. Originally published on vcpost.com update 9:50 AM PST -- Neo has bonded out of jail after meeting a $60,000 bail. Continue reading original story below. D4vd's friend Neo has been booked into the LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center after being arrested in Montana for failing to appear as a witness. Online records show Neo was booked around 11:30 PM Friday and is being held on a $60,000 bail. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ he remains charged with failing to appear ... a felony. TMZ We broke the news -- the popular streamer was cuffed and put behind bars in Helena, Montana Thursday on a warrant out of the Los Angeles Police Department. Police then confirmed to us he was on his way to the City of Angels after he made a court appearance before a judge earlier Friday. TMZ As you know, there's been a grand jury convened in L.A. to investigate the death of Celeste Rivas since at least November. Multiple witnesses have testified ... but it's unclear if Neo has been arrested in relation to this case. TMZ previously reported D4vd is likely to be charged with her murder after her decomposing body was found in a Tesla in September near the Hollywood Hills home he was renting. We also told you back in November, LAPD homicide detectives ID'd a second suspect who may have been involved "before, during, and after" the teen's demise. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia De Rossi seemed like they were really enjoying their new life across the pond, showing bits and pieces of their peaceful lifestyle in their English farmhouse. However, the couple just dropped over $20M on a new homein California. Does this mean theyre moving back to the US? Keep reading for more information. ellen degeneres portia de rossi A Clash With Neighbors? Back when Ellen and Portia will still renovating, there were many reports of arguments with local residents. People from the neighborhood they moved to began speaking up after the couple started renovating the large farmhouse and adding an extension, as there were some beliefs that they were living on or near historical Roman remains. They were pretty busy with the way they altered the home, reportedly adding an indoor swimming pool, gym, and more. Residents worried that the extension to the old house may increase the risk of flooding, subsequently increasing the risk of harming the Roman remains. A letter from their area's parish council read, "Concern was expressed by residents that the hedge and wire fence could increase flood risk in the village if rubbish was swept down and 'caught on the fence,' thereby 'limiting flow across the field." Advertisement Advertisement Although all the concerns were allegedly dismissed with the discovery that the Roman remains were actually located 200 yards away from their property, some are speculating that the clash with local residents may be the real catalyst behind why Ellen and Portia are buying more real estate. ellen degeneres Ellen DeGeneres & Portia De Rossi Buy California Home After Moving To The UK Robb Report reported that the couple closed an off-market deal for $27.4M on a large estate in Montecito, California. The home used to belong to producer Brian Grazer, who bought the home in 2012 for $7.6M. The property is over 3 acres and the home is about 8,700 square feet, with a few accompanying structures and a pickleball court. While that deal is signed and sealed, Ellen and Portia are still waiting for their English farmhouse to sell. They listed the 43-acre property for $30M. They originally bought the large estate because Portia "needed a home that had a horse facility and pastures for them," Ellen has explained. Whether or not the pair will be moving back across the pond to live in California or are simply expanding their real estate portfolio remains to be seen. However, we do know that it's not all rainbows over in England... NEED TO KNOW Elon Musk cracked a joke about President Donald Trump's newly announced Board of Peace that appeared to fall flat with the audience I heard about the formation of the peace summit, and I was like, is that piece? Musk said during his Thursday, Jan. 22, talk at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland Trump's Board of Peace reportedly aims to address global conflicts and has a $1 billion admission fee for permanent members Elon Musk cracked a joke about President Donald Trumps newly announced Board of Peace that didnt quite land with the audience. Musk, 54, opened his Thursday, Jan. 22, talk at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, with a joke that drew some delayed laughter, saying he misinterpreted Trump's peace efforts as "piece" efforts. Advertisement Advertisement I heard about the formation of the peace summit, and I was like, is that piece? Musk said, laughing at his own joke while the crowd remained silent. Musk looked over at the conversations moderator and clarified that his joke was a reference to Trump's expansionist efforts in the Western Hemisphere, saying, You know, a little piece of Greenland, a little piece of Venezuela, prompting the host to join him with a brief laugh. All we want is peace, Musk added. Musk, who served as the inaugural leader of the Department of Government Efficiency after Trump took office in January 2025, left the Trump administration in May. Advertisement Advertisement After a public falling out with the president chilled their friendship for several months, the two now appear to be back on good terms, with Musk attending recent events alongside Trump and characterizing a Mar-a-Lago dinner with the first couple as "lovely." Kevin Dietsch/Getty Elon Musk attends an Oval Office press conference with President Donald Trump on his last day as a government employee in May 2025 Elon Musk attends an Oval Office press conference with President Donald Trump on his last day as a government employee in May 2025 Trump created his new Board of Peace as an international organization created to oversee the redevelopment of Gaza and address other global conflicts through a 20-point plan. The board, indefinitely chaired by Trump, is free for the first three years with an invitation and will cost $1 billion afterward to achieve permanent member status. Each Member State shall serve a term of no more than three years from this Charters entry into force, subject to renewal by the Chairman. The three-year membership term shall not apply to Member States that contribute more than USD $1,000,000,000 in cash funds to the Board of Peace within the first year of the Charters entry into force, the draft said. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has struggled to gain support for his Board of Peace from Western allies, and Canada specifically will not be joining after a conflict between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trump. In a message on Thursday, Jan. 22 to Carney via Trumps Truth Social account he announced, "The Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canadas joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time." 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. Russia and China said they received invitations to join the charter but have not confirmed whether they will take part. More than 20 countries mostly from the Middle East, Asia and South America have said they will join the group, including Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam, per NBC News. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg and her husband, Grand Duke Guillaume, met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican this week During their visit, Stephanie wore a white gown with a white lace covering, a rare honor only bestowed upon some European royals, for the first time Per tradition, the honor is exclusively extended to Catholic queens and princesses Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg exercised a right granted to only a handful of royal women. The royal and her husband, Grand Duke Guillaume, visited Vatican City on Friday, Jan. 23, where they met with Pope Leo XIV. Advertisement Advertisement Grand Duchess Stephanie wore a white gown with a white lace covering, a meaningful symbol for someone visiting His Holiness. Only a handful of royal women are given special permission to wear white when meeting the pope, in a tradition known as "il privilegio del bianco," or "the privilege of the white." All others traditionally wear black. Per tradition, the honor is exclusively extended to Catholic queens and princesses. As this was Stephanie's first visit to the Vatican since her husband assumed the title of Grand Duke, it was her first opportunity to exercise "il privilegio del bianco." Simone Risoluti - Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Pope Leo XIV meets with Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg and Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg at the Vatican on Jan. 23. 2026 Pope Leo XIV meets with Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg and Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg at the Vatican on Jan. 23. 2026 Other European dignitaries who are permitted to wear white with the pope include Gulliaume's mother, the former Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, as well as Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Queen Letizia of Spain, the former Queen Sofia of Spain and the former Queen Paola of Belgium. At Pope Leo's inauguration mass in May 2025, four of those royal women attended in white: the then-Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Princess Charlene, Queen Letizia and Queen Mathilde. Advertisement Advertisement Just a few months later, in October 2025, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg officially stepped down, making way for Guillaume, his eldest son, to become the new Grand Duke, installing Princess Stephanie as the new Grand Duchess. The couple was joined in their audience with the pope by their children: Prince Charles, 5, and Prince Francois, 2, who matched their mom in white ensembles. Simone Risoluti - Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Pope Leo XIV poses with Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg and their sons during an audience at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City on Jan. 23, 2026 Pope Leo XIV poses with Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg and their sons during an audience at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City on Jan. 23, 2026 Notably, the women of the British royal family are not among those permitted to wear white while meeting with the Pope. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! King Charles, as the monarch of Great Britain, is the head of the Church of England, due to the 1534 schism from the Catholic Church by King Henry VIII. When the King and Queen Camilla visited the Vatican in October 2025, she followed protocol in a black dress and veil. Advertisement Advertisement During their visit, however, the King and Queen made a notable stride in the interfaith relationship between the British crown and the Catholic church. They attended a prayer service at the Sistine Chapel with Pope Leo, marking the first time a British monarch and pope had prayed together in public in about 500 years. Read the original article on People Colorado investigators have reaffirmed that Hunter S. Thompson, the gonzo journalist whose legend was forged in San Francisco, died by suicide at his home near Aspen in 2005 The Colorado Bureau of Investigation said it completed a comprehensive reexamination of the original Pitkin County Sheriff's Office investigation following a new request by his widow, Anita Thompson. Investigators found no evidence to support an alternate theory about Thompson's death at Owl Farm, his longtime compound in Woody Creek. Advertisement Advertisement Thompson, a Louisville, Ky. native who became one of the most influential voices of American counterculture, helped popularize a first-person, immersion style coined gonzo journalism. He was best known for "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72," as well as his reporting for Rolling Stone. Hunter S. Thompson at the Democratic National Convention, New York, New York, July 15, 1976. (Brownie Harris/Getty Images) The renewed scrutiny began last summer, after Anita Thompson said her doubts grew as she revisited the original law enforcement report and heard additional claims tied to family members who were at Owl Farm that weekend. Thompson died by a gunshot to the head Feb. 20, 2005, at age 67. She speculated that Thompson's son, Juan Thompson, and Juan's then-wife, Jennifer Winkel, might have been involved, either by killing him or assisting him in taking his own life. Both have long denied any role. Advertisement Advertisement "While we have always believed the original investigation was conducted properly, we recognized the importance of an independent review for the Thompson family," Pitkin County Sheriff Michael Buglione said in a statement. "CBI's conclusions reaffirm the original findings and, we hope, provide reassurance and clarity." Hunter S. Thompson at his ranch on October 12, 1990 in Aspen, Colorado A new investigation has reaffirmed that Thompson died by suicide in 2005, after his widow sought a new review. (Paul Harris/Getty Images) Investigators reviewed law enforcement records and autopsy reports, conducted new interviews with family members and original investigators, and returned to Owl Farm to conduct a modern trajectory and scene analysis. Much of the original physical evidence and photography had been disposed of years earlier under noncriminal case retention rules, the agency said. The bureau concluded that "all speculative theories could not be substantiated," adding that the review uncovered no new physical evidence, facts or circumstances that would change the original determination that Thompson died by suicide. Advertisement Advertisement Though Thompson spent his later years in Colorado, his rise as a cultural force was deeply rooted in San Francisco. In the 1960s and early '70s, he became a central voice in the city's counterculture, writing for Rolling Stone, chronicling the Hell's Angels and immersing himself in the political and social upheaval of the era. He later wrote columns for the San Francisco Examiner. Hunter S. Thompson and actor Johnny Depp attend a book party at the Players Club in New York City, 1997. (Rose Hartman/Getty Images) He famously holed up at the Seal Rock Inn in the Outer Richmond while finishing "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72," overlooking the Pacific as he produced some of his most enduring work. Thompson also haunted North Beach bars like Tosca Cafe and spent time around the O'Farrell Theater. More Information If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Advertisement Advertisement "I'm thankful for the kind and thorough work done by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation in their review of this case, and not a single attempt to overstep the ethical boundaries of a technical review, especially under such difficult circumstances," Anita Thompson said in a statement included with the CBI release. "This allows all of us who loved Hunter to move forward with a clean conscience." This article originally published at Hunter S. Thompson's death ruled a suicide a second time after widow's request. Melissa Gilbert has been distraught since her husband, actor Timothy Busfield, was arrested on child sexual abuse charges, fearing for his safety during a week in jail before his release on January 20. Busfield has since denied all allegations and is preparing his defense with the assistance of legal counsel and support from friends. Meanwhile, "The Cleaning Lady" hairstylist Danielle Vigil has clarified that her comments about Timothy Busfield were misconstrued, stressing she never intended to accuse him. Melissa Gilbert Feared For Timothy Busfield's Safety During His Week In Jail Before Release Jordan Hinton/Image Press Agency/MEGA Gilbert has been deeply distressed since her husband, Busfield, was taken into custody earlier this month, fearing for his well-being while he remained in jail. Advertisement Advertisement The "Little House on the Prairie" alum, now 61, was reportedly overwhelmed with "sick with worry" during the week Busfield spent in a New Mexico detention facility while awaiting a court hearing. According to People Magazine, the emotional strain eased somewhat when the 68-year-old actor was released on January 20 after seven days behind bars. A source close to the couple described the period following Busfield's arrest as agonizing for Gilbert. "The court hearing was obviously very emotional and stressful," the source said. "Things are clearly far from over, but the main focus of getting Tim out of jail was accomplished. They're both very grateful. Melissa has been sick with worry that something would happen to him in jail." Advertisement Advertisement The insider added that Gilbert and Busfield are leaning heavily on close friends as they work with legal counsel to prepare their defense. "They have this huge group of friends that support and check in on them every day. Melissa is very grateful for the support. She'll be attending all the court hearings with Tim," the source said. They added that Gilbert believes her husband is "innocent." Melissa Gilbert Stands By Timothy Busfield As He's Released, Showing Support Amid Ongoing Charges MEGA Gilbert has remained publicly supportive of Busfield since he voluntarily surrendered to authorities on January 13. She attended the January 20 hearing with her mother, Barbara Cowan, her son Michael Boxleitner, and Busfield's civil attorney, Larry Stein. Advertisement Advertisement When the judge ruled that Busfield could be released without posting bail, an emotional Gilbert clasped her hands and quietly expressed her gratitude. Busfield's release came with strict conditions. He is permitted to return home outside of New Mexico, but he must attend all scheduled court dates and keep pretrial services informed of his location. He is also barred from contacting the alleged victims or their families, from having unsupervised interactions with minors, and from possessing weapons or using alcohol or illegal substances. The actor, known for roles in "The West Wing and thirtysomething," faces two counts of criminal sexual contact involving a child under 13, along with one count of child abuse. Advertisement Advertisement The allegations relate to incidents involving two young twin actors on the set of "The Cleaning Lady," a series Busfield directed between 2022 and 2024. Timothy Busfield Denies Allegations Of Child Sexual Abuse OConnor / AFF-USA.com / MEGA Busfield has since firmly denied all accusations. In a video statement, he described the claims as "all lies." "I did not do anything to those little boys, and I'm gonna fight it. I'm gonna fight it with a great team, and I'm gonna be exonerated, I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies," he said. Ahead of the hearing, Gilbert submitted a heartfelt letter to the judge, describing Busfield as her life partner and emotional anchor. Advertisement Advertisement The actress praised his character, emphasizing that he has "the strongest moral compass of any human" she knows. Gilbert noted, "He has dedicated his spiritual self to always being of service to others. He starts every day with kindness and compassion." Melissa Gilbert Begged The Judge To 'Protect' Her Husband While He Was In Jail MEGA As her letter to the judge grew more personal, Gilbert admitted how difficult it had been for her to see her husband get arrested, ultimately asking the court to ensure Busfield's safety during the process. "I only want this extraordinary man safe and whole. So, I will close by asking you to please, please, take care of my sweet husband," she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Gilbert added, "As he is my protector, I am his, but I cannot protect him now, and I think that, more than anything else, is what is truly breaking my heart. I am relying on you to protect him for me." Hairstylist Clarifies Remarks About Timothy Busfield, Says Comments Were 'Misconstrued' ravis Wade/WENN.com Newscom/ MEGA Meanwhile, Danielle Vigil, a hairstylist on "The Cleaning Lady," has issued a clarification about remarks she previously made concerning Busfield after his arrest on child sexual abuse charges. Vigil said her earlier comments, where she recalled witnessing Busfield kiss two children on the forehead inside a set trailer, were "misconstrued." She stressed that she never meant to imply wrongdoing or offer opinions about the investigation. Speaking to Us Weekly, Vigil explained that a detective had contacted her in connection with an inquiry involving a child. Advertisement Advertisement She said the call was deeply upsetting given her past trauma: her daughter was murdered several years ago, and the case remains unsolved. 2009 Kathy Hutchins / Hutchins/Newscom/ MEGA According to Vigil, the unexpected contact initially left her "caught off guard and fearful" that the matter might somehow involve her own children or grandchildren. She noted that she told the detective she was uncomfortable continuing the conversation, but ultimately decided to respond. "Due to my lived experience with my daughter's unsolved murder, and my belief that silence and lack of cooperation can sometimes prevent justice," Vigil said, adding that she chose to answer only questions about what she personally witnessed. She reiterated that her intention was not to make accusations or cause harm, but simply to share her firsthand observations when asked. After Australia crowned an uncanny winner at a recent Robert Irwin lookalike contest, Robert Irwin decided he needed to see this resemblance for himself. The result? A face-to-face meeting that left even Irwin doing a double-take. Irwin shared a video on Instagram documenting the moment he got to meet Ben Marshall, the Sunshine Coast local who took home the $500 prize at the lookalike contest held to welcome the Dancing With the Stars champion home. Seeing double thanks for stopping by, Ben! Irwin wrote in the caption. RELATED: Robert Irwin Lookalike Contest Crowns a Winnerand Its Uncanny Hang on a Minute This Guy Really Does Look Like Me In the video, Irwin explains that after returning to Australia, he saw news coverage of the contest and immediately zeroed in on the winner. Advertisement Advertisement I arrived back home in Australia to the news that my hometown hosted a Robert Irwin lookalike competition, he says in the clip. And I went, Hang on a minute, this guy really does look like me. So Irwin did what most people probably would not: he invited Marshall to Australia Zoo to put the resemblance to the test. When the two finally met, Irwin could barely hide his amazement. Holy moly! This actually is kind of weird, man, he laughed. Dude, theres two of us now. RELATED: Robert Irwin Is Back in the Spotlightand This Time Its Not for DWTS The Ultimate Irwin Test: Giant Snakes Rather than stopping at side-by-side comparisons, Irwin decided to see just how Robert Irwin Marshall really was. The challenge? Handling a massive Burmese python. Advertisement Advertisement How do you go with snakes? Irwin asked before upping the ante. How do you go with giant snakes? The pair then held the enormous python together as Irwin explained how the species uses its weight and strength to subdue prey. Marshall passed with flying colors, earning Irwins approval and a congratulatory handshake. You passed the test, Irwin told him. RELATED: Robert & Bindi Irwin Settle DWTS Mirrorball Debate at Australia Zoo Fans Loved Every Second The wholesome encounter quickly delighted fans in the comments. Marshall himself replied, Thanks for having me, mate! Was a pleasure to meet you , while his wife Jenna added, Thanks so much for having us What an awesome experience . Advertisement Advertisement Others couldnt get enough of the seeing double moment. Now you can be in two places at once! The dream , one fan joked. That is amazing I hope you become best buddies! another wrote. Now we know who gets to be your stunt double when there is inevitably a movie made about your life , one commenter added, sparking playful replies about a future down under action film. RELATED: Robert Irwin Went Straight From DWTS to the Jungleand the Timeline Is Wild Even Visit Sunshine Coast chimed in, calling it No better way to welcome you back to the Sunshine Coast . The meeting capped off a whirlwind few weeks for Irwin, who recently returned home after winning Dancing With the Stars and jumping straight back into filming Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Between viral sibling moments, lookalike contests, and now meeting his own double while holding a 12-foot python, Irwins post-DWTS homecoming has been anything but quiet. And judging by his reaction, even he wasnt quite prepared for just how uncanny the resemblance would be. RELATED: Derek Hough Issues Bold Challenge to Survivors Boston Rob Mariano This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Sir Rod Stewart ripped into Donald Trump for suggesting that U.K. troops avoided the front lines during the war in Afghanistan. I may just be a humble rock star, but Im also a Knight of the realm and I have my opinions, he said in a video uploaded to Instagram Friday. I was born just after the war and I have great respect for our armed forces that fought and gave us our freedom. So it hurts me badly, deeply, when I read that draft dodger Trump has criticized our troops in Afghanistan for not being on the front line. As Stewart continued, he highlighted that over 400 service personnel from the United Kingdom died while serving in Afghanistan amid the nearly 20-year conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Think of their parents. Think about it, he said. And Trump calls them almost, like, cowards. Its unbearable. So, Im calling on you, Prime Minister [Keir] Starmer and [Nigel] Farage, please make the draft dodger Trump apologize. Please. Stewarts remarks came after Trump suggested on Thursday that soldiers from other NATO countries avoided the front lines during the Afghanistan war. Weve never needed them, we have never really asked anything of them, Trump said to Fox while in Davos, Switzerland. You know, theyll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, or this or that, and they did they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines. Stewart isnt the only notable name to rebuke Trump in the aftermath of his comments. Prime Minister Starmer also spoke out against the president, calling his remarks insulting and frankly appalling. He added: I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured and, in fact, across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Prince Harry also appeared to address the controversy, though he did not name Trump, directly. I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there. The United Kingdom alone had 457 service personnel killed, the Duke of Sussex said. Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost. Prince Harry went on by noting that the sacrifices deserved to be spoken about truthfully and with respect. The post Rod Stewart Demands Draft Dodger Trump Apologize to UK Troops After Afghanistan Criticism | Video appeared first on TheWrap. Rod Stewart slammed draft dodger Donald Trump following the presidents insulting remarks about NATO troops and their role in Afghanistan. In a Fox News interview earlier this week, Trump once again criticized Americas NATO allies, downplaying their contribution in the war on terror. Weve never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them, Trump said of NATO. You know, theyll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, or this or that. And they did they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Trumps comments drew the ire of European politicians, as well as his former friend and neighbor Sir Rod Stewart. I may just be a humble rock star, Im also a knight of the realm, and I have my opinions, Stewart said in response to Trumps comments in a video statement posted on social media. I was born just after [World War II], and Id like respect for our armed forces who fought and gave us our freedom, so it hurts me badly, deeply, that I read the draft dodger Trump is criticizing our troops in Afghanistan for not being on the front line. We lost over 400 of our guys. Think of their parents, think about it, when Trump calls them almost like cowards. Its unbearable. Stewart added, Im calling on you, Prime Minister [Keir] Starmer and [British politician and Trump supporter Nigel] Farage, please make the draft dodger Trump apologize. Please! During the decades-long war on terror, 457 British troops were killed in Afghanistan. While stopping short of asking Trump to apologize, Farage did challenge the presidents comments on social media, Donald Trump is wrong. For 20 years our armed forces fought bravely alongside Americas in Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Starmer, meanwhile, said of Trumps remarks, I will never forget their courage, their bravery and the sacrifice they made for their country. There were many also who were injured, some with life-changing injuries. I consider President Trumps remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling, and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured and, in fact, across the country. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Gist Wallis Simpson changed royal history forever by motivating King Edward VIIIs abdication from the throne in 1936. Simpson was an American socialite and two-time divorcee. The prospect of her marriage to Edward caused a constitutional crisis. Ahead of their wedding, Simpson wore a now-iconic Schiaparelli lobster dress for a photoshoot with Cecil Beaton. Wallis Simpson lived a singular life. The socialite-turned-royal is remembered for altering the course of historyBritains King Edward VIII abdicated the throne for her in 1936. The press demonized her as a temptress, a scandalous two-time divorcee trying to topple the monarchy. Yet Simpson paid no mind to the talk. Ahead of her controversial wedding in 1937, she donned an Elsa Schiaparelli dress featuring a lobster hand-painted by Salvador Dali. The irreverent ensemble featured in a 1937 Vogue spread spotlighting Simpsons bridal trousseau. It was unexpected and perfect for the woman whod once said, Im not a beautiful woman. Im nothing to look at, so the only thing I can do is dress better than anyone else. Advertisement Advertisement Edward and Simpson, styled Duke and Duchess of Windsor upon their marriage, spent much of their romance in exilefirst in the Bahamas, then in post-war France. Edward died of throat cancer in May 1972; Simpson died in 1986, and was buried next to her husband at Frogmore. Who was the American who won a royals heart and inadvertently changed the line of succession to the English throne forever? Heres everything to know about Wallis Simpson. She was born to a high-society family in Pennsylvania. Cecil Beaton/Conde Nast via Getty Images Wallis Simpson wearing the Schiaparelli lobster dress in 1937. Wallis Simpson wearing the Schiaparelli lobster dress in 1937. Before rising to fame and notoriety, Simpson was born Wallis Warfield in Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania in 1896. She was from an established family, readily stepping into her role as socialite in Baltimore. After graduating from Oldfields, a private boarding school, in 1914, she became a debutante. Two years later, she married American naval pilot Earl Winfield Spencer, Jr. They divorced in 1928. She wed British-American shipbroker Ernest Simpson, a fellow divorcee, the same year her divorce was finalized. They lived together in London, fatefully paving the way for Wallis to meet Edward VIII. King Edward VIII abdicated the throne for her. Bettmann via Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, circa 1941. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, circa 1941. Walliss original connection to then-Prince Edward was through his American mistress, Lady Furness. Furness introduced a 38-year-old Simpson to the Prince in 1934, and the pair promptly fell in love, per CNN. She attended Ascot and the Jubilee Ball, raising suspicions among royal staffalthough Edward denied that they had an affair while Wallis was married to Simpson. Advertisement Advertisement When King George died in 1936, Edward inherited the throne. It wasnt long before he triggered a constitutional crisis by proposing to marry Wallis. (How could the head of the Church of England marry a two-time divorcee with two living ex-husbands?) According to CNN, with her second divorce finalized, Wallis fled to France and declared she would give Edward up. He promptly abdicated the throne, citing that hed found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do, without the help and support of the woman I love (via the National Portrait Gallery). In his place, Edwards younger brother Albert became King George VI. His daughter, Elizabeth, would one day become Queen Elizabeth II; Edward and Walliss love story had changed the line of succession for good. He proposed with a 19.77-carat ring from Cartier. Central Press/Getty Images Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII in Paris before his abdication in 1936. Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII in Paris before his abdication in 1936. Months before he abdicated the throne, Edward asked Walliss hand in marriage. The then-King spared no expense when choosing a royal engagement ring, landing on an opulent 19.77-carat emerald Cartier bauble for his bride-to-be. Per Vogue, it was inscribed with the phrase We Are Ours Now 27 X 36, referencing the date of their engagementOctober 27, 1936. The outlet reported that the stone was sourced from Baghdad by Jacques Cartier (grandson of Maison founder Louis-Francois Cartier). The couple rarely returned to England after their 1937 wedding. Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Windsor on their wedding day in June 1937. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor on their wedding day in June 1937. A scandalous relationship and a constitutional crisis didnt endear Wallis and Edward to the British public. They held their June 3, 1937 wedding in France, at the Chateau de Cande. Henceforth they were known as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Cecil Beaton, whod photographed Wallis in the Schiaparelli lobster dress, took their wedding photographs. Advertisement Advertisement The couple made a controversial visit to Nazi Germany the same year, per BBC. Historians and journalists present differing accounts of the couple as either victims of Nazi propaganda or secret sympathizers with the Third Reich. Appeasement was the policy before the war, and even his [Edwards] brother George VI was supportive, and that really was a genuine wish to avoid a war and to fight Russia rather than to fight the Anglo-Saxon nations, historian Andrew Lownie told Vanity Fair in 2022 while discussing his book, Traitor King. But the fact is that the Duke was intriguing with Nazi agents. He was consulting with the Nazis when we knew what their record was, even in 1937, he continued. During World War II, Wallis and Edward spent most of their time in the Bahamas, then a British territory. Prime Minister Winston Churchill had offered the Duke a governorship there, per Britannica. The couple moved to France at the end of the war, settling in Bois de Boulogne in 1953, where they would remain until their deaths. Their rare returns to England were for funerals and a 1967 ceremony. Madonna made a movie about Simpsons lifeand another biopic is on the way. Dave Hogan/Getty Images Andrea Riseborough, Madonna, and Natalie Dormer at the U.K. premiere of 'W.E.' Andrea Riseborough, Madonna, and Natalie Dormer at the U.K. premiere of 'W.E.' The queen of pop took Wallis as the subject of her 2011 film W.E., a dual-timeline story following 90s New Yorker Wally Winthrop and the 30s-era socialite who romanced a king. The film featured Oscar Isaac, Andrea Riseborough, and David Harbourplus Game of Thrones alum Natalie Dormer as Queen Elizabeth. Madonna served as co-writer and director. Advertisement Advertisement W.E. was critically panned. Nevertheless, Wallis remains a spectre in the public imagination. Another biopic, The Bitter End, is set to chronicle the Duchesss later years, with Joan Collins playing the enigmatic woman at the center of it all. I am thrilled about the challenge of playing this iconic woman in a previously untold story, 92-year-old Collins said in a statement, per People. Read the original article on InStyle Trump's troop comments insulting, appalling: Starmer British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Trump's assertion that European troops avoided the front line in Afghanistan was appalling, adding that "I would certainly apologise." File photo: Reuters UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Friday denounced as "insulting" Donald Trump's claim that troops from Nato allies avoided the front line in Afghanistan, as anger grows at the US president's remarks. In an interview with Fox News aired on Thursday, Trump appeared unaware that 457 British soldiers were among Nato troops who died during the conflict in Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. "They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan," Trump told the US outlet, referring to Nato allies. "And they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines," he added, triggering outrage across the political divide in Britain. Trump also repeated his suggestion that Nato would not come to the aid of the US if asked to do so. In fact, following the 9/11 attacks, the UK and several European countries joined the US in Afghanistan after it invoked Nato's collective security clause for the first and only time. Soldiers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark and others also died in the conflict. "Let me start by paying tribute to 457 of our armed services who lost their lives in Afghanistan," Starmer said in a video message. "There are many also who were injured, some with life-changing injuries, and so I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly, appalling, and I'm not surprised they've caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured." He said that if he had misspoken in such a way, he "would certainly apologise". But the White House on Friday rejected Starmer's criticism. "President Trump is absolutely right the United States of America has done more for Nato than any other country in the alliance has done combined," White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said in a statement. Poland's Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said he expected respect for Polish veterans "who have proven how much they serve this country and our commitments to allies". Poland lost 43 soldiers in the conflict in Afghanistan. French armed forces minister Catherine Vautrin said 90 French soldiers died in Afghanistan on operations alongside Nato allies and "many others" were wounded. "We remember their sacrifice, which commands respect." UK defence minister John Healey posted on X that the British troops who died were "heroes who gave their lives in service of our nation". The leader of the opposition Conservatives, Kemi Badenoch, said Trump's comments were "complete nonsense" which could weaken the NATO alliance. Even Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-immigration Reform UK party and a long-time Trump supporter rebuked the American leader. "Donald Trump is wrong," he said on X. "For 20 years our armed forces fought bravely alongside America's in Afghanistan." Lucy Aldridge, whose son William died aged 18 in Afghanistan, told The Mirror newspaper that Trump's remarks were "extremely upsetting". Mark Atkinson, Director General of the veterans' charity, The Royal British Legion, said the service and sacrifice of British troops in Afghanistan "cannot be called into question". Prince Harry, who undertook two frontline tours to Afghanistan with the Army Air Corps, also weighed in. "I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there," he said. "Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost. Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect." According to official UK figures, 405 of the 457 British casualties who died in Afghanistan were killed in hostile military action. The US reportedly lost more than 2,400 soldiers. More than 150,000 UK armed forces personnel served in Afghanistan between September 2001 and August 2021, the Ministry of Defence said, making the UK the second-largest contributor to the US-led force there. (AFP) Its hard to make a documentary about the war in Gaza that does not feel overtly political. And yet director Poh Si Tengs unflinching new expose, American Doctor, is first and foremost a humanitarian story one in which medicine and moral decency take precedence over partisanship. Which isnt to say that this very hands-on look at three American physicians volunteering in Gaza isnt also a political statement. By its very existence and in what it reveals about the IDFs killing, maiming and wounding of Palestinian civilians over the past few years the film is a condemnation both of Netanyahus far-right war machine and the U.S. governments steadfast support of it. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement But what makes American Doctor stand out is how it eschews the bigger picture to focus primarily on the practical, and often hard-to-watch, reality of surgeons trying to save lives in the operating room. When children are brought into the ER after surviving a bombing, their suffering is unbearable to witness no matter what side of the Israel-Palestinian conflict you find yourself on. The trio of doctors featured in Tengs movie not only deal with such atrocities firsthand as physicians; they speak about them candidly in interviews, describing what theyve seen and the dire working conditions they face. (One of them has to smuggle basic supplies like scrubs and antibiotics in his luggage since the IDF wont allow them into the combat zone.) The doctors efforts involve both medical interventions and relaying information to the outside world, because Israel has barred foreign journalists from Gaza since October 2023. All three physicians have distinct skill sets and hail from widely different backgrounds. Dr. Feroze Sidhwa is a trauma surgeon from California whose Zoroastrian parents emigrated to the U.S. from Pakistan. The North Carolina-based Dr. Mark Perlmutter is a Jewish orthopedic surgeon who hardly conceals his contempt for the current Israeli regime (he lashes out at them as chicken fuckers, which must be a Southern thing). And Dr. Thaer Ahmad is a Palestinian-American ER specialist who speaks with a hefty Chicago accent as he gives public talks about his experience. What they have in common is volunteering their services and expertise in Gaza, which is no small feat when you consider how their own lives were at stake. Teng shows us not one but two scenes of the facility where they work the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis getting blasted by IDF missiles. In the second, an initial attack on the hospital is followed by several more bombs that obliterate a crew of Palestinian Red Crescent workers trying to save the wounded. Advertisement Advertisement As Surgeons, We Have Never Seen Such Cruelty Like Israels Genocide in Gaza, is the title of an op-ed piece Sidhwa and Perlmutter pen together, and American Doctor does not spare the viewer some of that cruelty. We see bloodied, unconscious children being carted into the operating room, where some of them are saved and some arent. (And even when they are saved, their limbs are sometimes amputated.) One 15-year-old boy survives a bombing, only to be incinerated (these are Sidhwas words) when the Nasser complex takes a direct hit from a missile. There is nothing to do but watch these scenes in horror and disgust. Thankfully, Teng also spends some time with the doctors when theyre off-duty and palling around with their Palestinian colleagues, revealing a M.A.S.H.-like camaraderie among combat physicians who have been through the worst. Other sequences show the trio of volunteers back home in the U.S., where they give more interviews, spend time with their loved ones and prep for their return to Gaza. These scenes emphasize the American part of the films title, and Teng smartly frames her film from that viewpoint. The doctors know their actions will have little impact on Israeli policy a policy that includes making it incredibly difficult for them to enter Gaza and do their jobs. (After volunteering there in 2024, Ahmad is denied access and remains grounded in neighboring Jordan.) But the trio does try to make an impact on policy back home, including paying a visit to the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington for meetings during which they mostly receive lip service. One of the most frustrating things in American Doctor is to see the U.S. government doing little to quell the devastation and suffering it shares a responsability in. Despite the doctors multiple efforts to push America to achieve its moral potential, as Sidhwa states at one point, the bombs and missles supplied in large part by the U.S. military keep raining down and the kids keep on dying. By the time the movie ends, Gaza is in ruins and too many lives have been lost. Advertisement Advertisement Like the courageous men she chronicles, Teng faces these realities with an impressive level of sangfroid, filming with a steady hand and never shying away from some truly shocking images. Her one misstep is at the very end of the film, when she inserts a montage of explosions, corpses and destruction thats meant to jar us awake, but hardly feels necessary considering all weve seen. Its perhaps too obvious and blatantly political, whereas what makes American Doctor so powerful is the way it reveals the shared humanity of physicians and patients in the face of death. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. American rock climber Alex Honnold, the death-defying star of the 2018 Academy Award-winning documentary Free Solo, will try to scale one of the tallest buildings in the world on Saturday: Taiwans Taipei 101 skyscraper. He will tackle all 1,667 feet of Taipei 101 the same way he tackled El Capitan, the sheer granite monolith he summited in Free Solo: without a single rope, harness or safety net. And he will do it live on Netflix. The climb was initially scheduled to take place on Friday, but was postponed for 24 hours shortly before Honnold was set to begin his ascent due to wet weather. Advertisement Advertisement No one has ever free soloed Taipei 101 before just as, before Honnold, no one had ever free soloed Yosemites El Capitan. (Urban climber Alain Robert, better known as the French Spider-Man, scaled the skyscraper when it opened in 2004, but Taiwans government insisted that he use a rope.) Nor has anyone ever streamed such a risky endeavor in real time, as its happening. So one way or another, history will be made on Skyscraper Live, Saturdays global event. Notoriously, inexplicably fearless, Honnold himself doesnt sound spooked. I dont think itll be that extreme, he recently told Robert on the latters climbing podcast. Well see. I think its the perfect sweet spot where its hard enough to be engaging for me and obviously an interesting climb. But the rest of us? Well be on the edge of our seats. Heres everything you need to know about Honnold and what hes attempting to accomplish. How hard is it to climb Taipei 101? It isnt easy. For one thing, buildings go straight up unlike even the most extreme rocks. Buildings are steeper than most rock faces, Honnold told Netflixs Tudum. Most rock faces, even the ones that look vertical, arent actually vertical, or theyre not vertical for the whole way whereas the building is vertical the whole way, so its cool. Advertisement Advertisement Glass and steel are also slippery. Those seem to be the more cruxy moments of the medium, just trusting the glass with your climbing shoe, Colorado climber and YouTuber Noah Kane recently told Slate. There are a couple clips of Alain Robert slipping on a building. He doesnt fall, but his foot slips off the glass, and his heart flutters for a second. Finally, buildings are consistent and repetitive in ways no natural formation could ever be which means Honnold will have to execute the same tiring moves over and over again. That has its pluses and minuses. Its not like youre going to forget one of the key footholds or something, whereas on rock faces sometimes its hard to remember exactly how to climb something, Honnold told Tudum. On a building, you know how to climb it, but its physically more taxing because youre doing the same thing over and over, so your muscles get tired. What will the climb actually involve? Taipei 101 has 101 floors hence the name. The hardest part will be the 64 floors in the middle, which resemble bamboo boxes. Each box is eight stories high, and each one tapers outward, creating a challenging overhang for Honnold to navigate. Once he does, hell be able to rest on a balcony before tackling the next box. Advertisement Advertisement They overhang, I dont know, 10 or 15 degrees its kind of steep, Honnold told Tudum. This means you do quite a hard effort for almost 100 feet and then theres a balcony, and then you do hard effort for 100 feet and theres a balcony. The boxes are definitely the most physically demanding part. Will there be any safety measures at all? James Smith of Plimsoll Productions told the Associated Press that he will be able to communicate with Honnold throughout the event. Plus, there will be cameramen positioned inside the building, various hatches and places to bail during the climb and four high-angle camera operators suspended on ropes, according to the AP. These people all know Alex. They trust Alex. Theyre going to be close to him throughout the whole climb, Smith said. Theyre going to get us kind of amazing shots, but theyre also there just to keep an eye on him, and if theres any problems, they can kind of help. The weather has to be right for such a risky feat. It wasnt on Friday, so Honnold will try his luck on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement If theres been a light shower and the buildings drying off, the temperature here is pretty good, theres often a light breeze, so the building will dry relatively quickly, Smith said in an interview with Variety. If it is deemed too wet, if theres too much moisture on the building, we will probably delay to the next day, which would be a Saturday night transmission in the U.S. We could even delay another day if we needed to. Obviously Alex has to be 100% comfortable and happy in himself and in the conditions. The climb will also stream with a 10-second delay, in case anything goes wrong. You can imagine what well do in a worst-case scenario, Netflix unscripted series vice president Jeff Gaspin told Variety. Well cut away. We have a 10-second delay. Nobody expects or wants to see anything like that to happen. But again, there wont be any ropes, harnesses or safety nets. Just Honnolds hands, feet, body and brain (along with some climbing gloves and shoes). Why is Honnold climbing Taipei 101? Why not? he said when Tudum asked the same question. Advertisement Advertisement Among the other reasons Honnold has cited: Opportunity : Its really hard to get permission to climb a building and [because] I have permission, I have to take advantage of it and climb the building. Basically, its just rare to get this kind of opportunity, so you gotta jump when you can. [Tudum] Novelty: I think Ive always had curiosity about what it would feel like to climb a building this big. Ive climbed tons of huge walls in the world but never something man-made like that. [Tudum] Joy: My hope is that people watching it will at least see the joy in it. Like when youre a kid and look around and think, Itd be amazing to climb up there. As an adult, that gets hammered out of you. Why would you do that? Thats dangerous. Do you have insurance? You know, all that type of stuff. But theres something to be said for maintaining that childlike joy of just looking at it, like, That is amazing. I want to do that. [New York Times] One reason that doesnt factor in, according to Honnold? Money. I would do it for free, he told the Times. If there was no TV program and the building gave me permission to go do the thing, I would do the thing because I know I can, and itd be amazing. I mean, just sitting by yourself on the very top of the spire is insane. Is Honnold getting paid? Of course. Citing two people with direct knowledge of the arrangement, the Times reports that Honnold will be paid in the mid-six figures for the climb. What about Honnolds wife and kids? Are they OK with this? Not really. In 2020, Honnold married writer and climber Sanni McCandless, who was his girlfriend during the filming of Free Solo. McCandlesss concern for Honnolds safety her fear that she could lose him was perhaps the most affecting part of the film. Advertisement Advertisement But that didnt stop Honnold then, and its not stopping him now. Honestly, I dont think the calculus has changed that much, Honnold told the Times. Because I never wanted to die. Which is why I put so much effort into the preparation and training. I mean, implicit in the question is that I have more to live for, and, yeah, I have more to live for, and Im still doing my very best to not die. Honnold and McCandless also have two daughters under 4, Alice and June. What about them? I mean, baby Alice wouldnt remember if he died, Honnold told the Times. Baby June probably wouldnt remember. Shell be 4 in another month. Itd be felt, and obviously itd be super hard for Sanni, but theyd be well provided for. I dont feel like Id be leaving them in the lurch. They wouldnt even necessarily be traumatized their whole lives. Advertisement Advertisement To be fair, though, Honnold said McCandless is less worried about the actual climbing of Taipei 101 than the event side of it, like the spectacle. Shes worried about all the public commentary. What other crazy things has Honnold climbed? In addition to El Cap, Honnold has free soloed the Phoenix (a notoriously difficult crack climb) and the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome (another huge wall), both in Yosemite, as well as the long and technically demanding Moonlight Buttress in Zion. Hes also climbed Synthetic Happiness in Red Rock, known for its very thin, slippery holds, and completed the first-ever traverse of Fitz Roy massif in Patagonia, which involved seven distinct peaks. How to watch Skyscraper Live? Tune in to Netflix on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 8 p.m. ET for the two-hour live event. Get ready to hit the road, because the first glimpse at the highly anticipated The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th (WT) is finally here. The seven core cast members The Real Housewives of Salt Lake Citys Lisa Barlow; The Real Housewives of Atlantas Porsha Williams; The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Kyle Richards; The Real Housewives of New York Citys Luann de Lesseps; The Real Housewives of Orange Countys Vicki Gunvalson; The Real Housewives of New Jerseys Teresa Giudice; and The Real Housewives of Potomacs Gizelle Bryant are banded together in their first-released group photos as they head to destinations unknown. In the first photo, the women pose as part of a formal setting, dripping in diamonds as they wear clean whites and sparkles for a wintry shoot with a blue backdrop decorated with snowflakes. The core cast of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th pose together in white outfits. The second photo, by contrast, features the franchise-defining Housewives bringing the heat aboard a luxurious boat, impeccably dressed in their best beachwear, sun hats, and sunglasses. Behind them is the rippling sea, though it remains unclear where they are headed. The core cast of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th pose together in vacation clothes. Where does The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th take place? Bravo's multi-destination adventure will make stops in several Real Housewives locations, including Orange County, Beverly Hills, Atlanta, Miami, and New York City. Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: How to Watch All the New and Upcoming Bravo Shows in 2026 (DETAILS) What to expect on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th Andy Cohen confirmed which Bravolebs would be making up the core cast of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th on the Jan 14. Episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. However, dozens of other Housewives (yet to be named) are expected to make appearances throughout the series, per the shows official announcement. "In this special event series, the Housewives make their way through some of the most memorable locations in the franchise's history," the announcement read. "Starting where it all began in Orange County and culminating in an epic east coast grand finale, each stop will feature appearances by fan favorites from different cities to pay tribute to the past, embrace the present, and look toward the many miles still ahead. Along the way, viewers can expect nostalgic reunions, heartfelt revelations, effortless humor, and the larger-than-life dynamics that only Housewives can deliver." Get more with Bravo Insider Sign up for Bravo Insider for FREE and read behind-the-scenes features including: Advertisement Advertisement Cynthia Bailey Unpacks the Differences Between Filming RHOA and RHOBH: "Night and Day" How to Survive a Real Housewives Dinner Party, According to the Casts Themselves Brittany Cartwright Reveals the Real Reason She Wore That Tiny Romper to a Job Interview: "Backfired" Summer House Cast Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Filming Secrets (Including Those Mystery Packages) Confessional Interviews 101: What Bravolebs Eat, How They Prepare & More Behind-the-Scenes Secrets The Ultimate Guide to Charleston, According to the Southern Charm Cast The RHOSLC Cast & Producers Spill on How the Sprinter Van "Makes the Magic" Advertisement Advertisement BravoCon 2025 Behind-the-Scenes Moments with the McBees, Melissa and Teresa, Rachel Zoe, & More Nene Leakes is confirmed to make an appearance on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th On the same day Andy announced the core cast, he confirmed RHOAs Nene Leakes' grand return to the Bravoverse with an appearance on RHUGT: Roaring 20th. As he said on his Sirius XM show, "People are very happy about it. Listen, we are going to be celebrating 20 years of Housewives, and it would be hard not to without her, and so Im happy about it. Nene, too, was excited about her return after leaving the Atlanta-based series in 2020, taking her thoughts to Instagram. This has been a really long, long journey, and gosh, Im happy, overjoyed to say that I will be returning to Bravo, she said in her Jan. 14 post. I almost cant believe the words that are coming out of my mouth. Im so happy." "I'm excited to see all of you girls, she continued. It's going to be a time. Yes! Bitches, I am back. Now pick your faces off the floor. OK!? See you on Bravo. Love you. Related: Andy Cohen Reacts to Vicki Gunvalsons RHOC Return: We Dont Take It Lightly Dont miss the other new and interesting ways Andy is celebrating the new year. The world will be watching with suspense as Alex Honnold embarks on his latest, death-defying stunt. When and How to Watch Skyscraper Live The Free Solo climber will star in Skyscraper Live, a two-hour Netflix special slated for 8 p.m. ET on Friday night and 9 a.m. on Saturday in Taipei. For this suspenseful endeavor, Honnold will attempt to climb Taiwan's Taipei 101 skyscraper. The renowned rock climber will attempt the climb without any ropes or safety equipment. Advertisement Advertisement And, yes, it'll be live on Netflix. It's such a daunting task that one outlet went with the headline, "A man might die live on TV. Will you be watching?" Taipei's 101 Skyscraper Honnold's mission is an uphill battle, literally. Taipei 101 is the 11th-tallest building in the world. It stands at a whopping 1,667 feet, and it's a 101-story skyscraper. He went on a practice climb back in September. According to Tudum, Taipei 101 is a unique challenge in that the building has "bamboo boxers," whose overhangs will complicate the climb. "Each one is eight floors," Honnold told Tudum. "There's a balcony every eight floors, so in a lot of ways it feels like a climbing pitch, which is the way most climbers differentiate [the] segments of a climb. This means hard effort for almost 100 feet, then theres a balcony. Hard effort for almost 100 feet, then [another] balcony. In a lot of ways, thats what rock climbing feels like. Climb for a certain rope length, then stop." Advertisement Advertisement Taipei was chosen due to its dry season, though a light show can still occur, according to Variety. "Our main contingency planning is we can delay the broadcast by maybe an hour, maybe slightly longer," James Smith, the head of adventure at Plimsoll Prods. Ltd., tells Variety. "If there's been a light shower and the buildings drying off, the temperature here is pretty good, there's often a light breeze, so the building will dry relatively quickly. If it is deemed too wet, if theres too much moisture on the building, we will probably delay to the next day, which would be a Saturday night transmission in the U.S. We could even delay another day if we needed to. Obviously Alex has to be 100% comfortable and happy in himself and in the conditions. And then our safety team likewise have to." Hannold, of course, shot to fame after documenting his Free Solo climb of Yosemite National Park's El Capitan. The 2018 National Geographic documentary went on to win an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. Advertisement Advertisement Strangely, Hannold says this skyscraper climb is less intimidating than rock climbing. "One of the big differences between climbing a building and rock climbing is that there really isn't a hardest single move," he tells Tudum. "In some ways, it's less intimidating than the big free solos [on rocks] that I've done. The challenge comes from the overall physicality of it. The fatigue that [sets in] over the course of the building is slightly harder to anticipate. I dont know how its gonna feel." Skyscraper Live streams at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jan 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The new-look CBS Evening News is on track for its least-viewed January since at least the turn of the millennium. Nielsen data obtained by the New York Post show that newly installed anchor Tony Dokoupil hasnt delivered in the ratings department, despite having marketed himself as more accountable and more transparent than Walter Cronkite. Since Dokoupils debut on Jan. 5, CBSs evening show has brought in an average of 4.3 million viewers per night, 560,000 of whom are between 25 and 54 years oldits lowest-rated January since at least 2000. Advertisement Advertisement Overall ratings are down approximately 20 percent from this time last year, when Norah ODonnell hosted the show. Representatives for CBS News did not immediately return the Daily Beasts request for comment. Tony Dokoupil interviewed Donald Trump at a Ford Factory in Dearborn, Michigan, last week. The CBS anchor's show has had few bright spots ratings-wise. / CBS Photo Archive / CBS via Getty Images The network previously announced one bright spot: that its Jan. 19 evening show brought in its largest audience for the broadcast since 2021, with 6.4 million viewers. But overall, the CBS Evening News has work to do. In his first four days on the job, Dokoupil lost as much as a fifth of the key 25-54 demographic. Overall viewership has steadily declined: 4.3 million people tuned in on Monday, 4.1 million on Wednesday, and 3.9 million on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Week two was also lackluster. Ratings for the CBS evening show were down 20 percent from the same period in 2025, and the figure was 19 percent in the key demographic. Whereas CBS drew 4.2 million viewers on average, rival stations ABC and NBC amassed 8.2 million and 6.8 million viewers, respectively. Nielsen data also indicates struggles for other CBS programs like CBS Mornings, which is headed for its lowest-rated month to date, and CBS Saturday Morning, which is on track for its worst January. Additionally, Late Night with Stephen Colbert, which ends in May, averaged just 285,000 viewers in the 25-54 demographic, which would be its worst January. Dokoupil, who had a subpar opening night, introduced himself to viewers on New Years Day by criticizing the legacy media for having missed the story for taking into account the perspective of advocates and not the average American, and for putting too much weight in the analysis of academics or elites, and not enough on you. Dokoupils comment echoed some of the opinions of CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss, who was appointed to the role by billionaire nepo-baby David Ellison to make the network more attractive to conservatives. Advertisement Advertisement Dokoupil, his MS Now anchor wife Katy Tur, and their two children live in a three-story townhouse in one of Brooklyns most exclusive enclaves. Dokoupil, a former Daily Beast reporter, attended a $53,000 prep school in Florida, George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and Columbia University, where he enrolled in a PhD program but did not complete it. Netflixs Skyscraper Live, which is set to follow free solo climber Alex Honnold as he climbs the Taipei 101 tower in Taiwan, has been postponed because of rain and will move to Saturday night U.S. time (Sunday morning Taiwan time) instead. Due to weather, we are unable to proceed with todays SkyscraperLIVE event. It has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 24 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, the streamer said in a statement. Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding. In a story posted earlier today by Variety, Plimsoll Prods. Ltd. CEO Grant Mansfield, Plimsoll head of adventure James Smith and Netflix unscripted VP Jeff Gaspin addressed the possibility of postponement due to weather. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement The January date for the climb was chosen because its dry season in Taiwan right now although rain was still possible, and the forecast was calling for a chance of moisture the morning Honnold starts his climb. Rain was expected right as Skyscraper Live was expected to kick off at 9 a.m. local time. So far, the forecast for tomorrow calls for conditions to be sunny and pleasant in Taipei, according to Accuweather. If it is deemed too wet, if theres too much moisture on the building, we will probably delay to the next day, which would be a Saturday night transmission in the U.S., Smith had told Variety. We could even delay another day if we needed to. Obviously Alex has to be 100% comfortable and happy in himself and in the conditions. And then our safety team likewise have to. Gaspin had compared the live telecast window to launching a space shuttle. Well be on site for a few days after if, for some reason he doesnt go on that day, he said. But after that, its probably a bigger reschedule. Theres only certain times of year you can actually climb the tower because its rainy season between April and September. Said Mansfield: He wont be on that building unless were all comfortable. But theres been a huge amount of planning for this. He said hes the fittest hes ever been. Hes really been training for this. Weve gone to Taipei in the dry season, but theres always a risk of a bit of rain. Its a live event and anything can happen, and we cant control the weather. Advertisement Advertisement Honnold has become a well-known rock climber noted for his daring free solo feats of ascending cliffs without the help of any ropes or safety equipment. He was the subject of the Oscar-winning doc Free Solo, which chronicled his climb of El Capitans 3,000-foot Freerider route in Yosemite National Park. The 2-hour Skyscraper Live will follow Honnold as he attempts to free solo the Taipei 101, a 101-story skyscraper that is the 11th tallest building in the world (and the tallest in Taiwan) at 1,667 feet. Plimsoll Prods. Limited, a part of ITV Studios, is producing the special. Al Berman is showrunner and executive producer of Skyscraper Live, while Honnold, Grant Mansfield, James Smith, Alan Eyres and Jonathan Retseck are also EPs. Joe DeMaio is director. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Casey Bloys, senior Netflix executive? In a lengthy interview with Ben Thompson of Stratechery, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters said he and (fellow co-CEO) Ted Sarandos plan to keep that HBO team in tact post-acquisition. Its a smart move considering what Bloys and co. have accomplished, and while expected by most sharps in the industry, had not previously been affirmed so definitively. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement What Netflix plans to do with HBO/Max from an integration POV is still a bit unclear. When asked if HBO (Max) and Netflix will be one service or two following Netflixs pending purchase of Warner Bros., Peters replied, This is the kind of thing we would want to sort out and weve got some thinking [to do]. We want to do some more work on that one, Peters continued. We know from our work in doing this with other providers that there are benefits. We can make a win-win. We can make a better product for consumers, lower price ultimately, and it works better for the business we know that thats capable. Netflix hasnt actually integrated another streamer into its own service before, but it has bundled with various others recently. And Netflix and AMC have a running pact in which a variety of AMC and AMC Studios programming is available and spotlighted on Netflix under an AMC Collection banner. Whether it ends up as NetflixHBOMax, Netflix + HBO Max, or an HBO Collection on Netflix, Peters knows talent when he sees it. He plans to keep the HBO team, the one his co-CEO Sarandos has been battling for years for the best content, on board. The statement of confidence came in response to a question about keeping HBO HBO. I feel very confident about that because were going to keep that HBO team and that HBO team is good at working with that talent and giving them the environment that they need to tell those amazing stories, Peters said. And they get to do it under a great brand that speaks to the kind of program theyre trying to make, and were going to give them a bigger audience. Advertisement Advertisement It sounds like Bloys (HBO CEO) and Francesca Orsis (executive vice president of HBO programming and head of HBO drama series and films) jobs and probably others are safe. In November, when asked by The Hollywood Reporter about his job security under a takeover at the time, Paramount was in pole position Bloys shrugged it off. I had a town hall a couple weeks ago, and I said, The only thing you can do in this process, and the best thing you can do, is just focus on your job, which is making the most impactful programming in whatever genre, Bloys said at the time. Its kind of a waste of energy, because I dont know whats going to happen, Bloys added. Now, that being said, Im obviously very proud of what weve done at HBO and HBO Max. I would like to see that continue. Weve all worked at HBO for a long time. Im proud of our track record, but you have to go into these processes with an open mind. And a lot of it is out of our hands. Peters is apparently doing something of a limited media tour targeting financial publications in response to Netflixs stock (NFLX) hitting a 52-week low. Wall Street has not exactly been enamored with the plan for Netflix to buy Warner Bros. studios and streaming (and HBO) for what is now an all-cash offer valued at $83 billion. No one is less in love with the plan than David Ellison, the chairman of Paramount Skydance, who put out a competing bid. Ellison wants the entirety of Warner Bros. Discovery and is willing to pay $108 billion for the total package. Advertisement Advertisement In a separate conversation with The Financial Times, Peters said Paramounts offer doesnt pass the sniff test. Paramount backer RedBird Capital took exception to that read that back-and-forth here. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 continued on Jan. 23 following the elimination of Mandy Mango in Week 3. In that episode, Mandy was a "RDR Live!" scene partner to Darlene Mitchell, but instead of sticking to her own conservative character brief chose to match Darlene's physicality, leaving the judges questioning her instincts for the second week in row. Briar Blush barely escaped elimination by defeating Mandy in the Lip Sync for Your Life while Juicy Love Dion scored an unexpected comedy challenge win. This week, the queens return to the sewing machine to create new original pieces inspired by a mash-up of two different legendary red carpet celebrity looks. Broadway star Annaleigh Ashford serves as guest judge alongside RuPaul Charles, Michelle Visage, and Law Roach. More from Gold Derby Advertisement Advertisement The queens still competing for the crown on Season 18 are: Athena Dion, Briar Blush, Ciara Myst, Darlene Mitchell, Discord Addams, Jane Don't, Juicy Love Dion, Kenya Pleaser, Mia Starr, Myki Meeks, Nini Coco, and Vita VonTesse Starr. Read on for our recap of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18, Episode 4, titled "Red Carpet Mash-Ups," which aired Friday, Jan. 23 on MTV. Mia Starr MTV "Coz the cameras are on is when you forgive me." Mia Starr With tensions already high for Briar after her bottom two placement, the girls returned to the Werk Room and referenced unseen footage to address the personality conflict many of them were feeling with her. Earlier in the day, Briar gave Mia attitude when Mia made a joke about Briar's breakup being her own fault, but failed to see the double standard she was inflicting when egging Athena on off camera. The crux of the issue for Mia and Athena was that Briar only wants to respect personal boundaries when they're offensives to her, but not when they're offensive to anyone else. Briar made things worse by bringing Juicy into the mix, suggesting that she felt compelled to defend Juicy to her own drag mother. Later when RuPaul presented the next maxi challenge, a design challenge to create red carpet mash-up looks, he asked that the queens pair up with their bestie. When Athena went to pair up with Juicy, she found that Briar had already locked arms with her. Juicy stuck with Briar and Athena chose Darlene instead; as for the other pairs, it was Mia and Vita, Kenya and Ciara, Nini and Myki, and Discord and Jane. Thinking they had chosen a partner to design with, Ru surprised them with the twist that the judges would be deciding "which bestie wore it best?" between them instead. Kenya Pleaser MTV "America, I'm fighting for my life to be the best bottom." Kenya Pleaser The mash-up inspos were chosen by random selection, resulting in: Lil Nas X at the 2020 Grammys and Rihanna at the 2015 Met Gala for Juicy/Briar; Cher at the 1986 Oscars and Sarah Paulson at the Ocean's 8 premiere for Discord/Jane; Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammys and Nicki Minaj at the 2011 Grammys for Myki/Nini; Lady Gaga at the 2010 VMAs and Britney Spears at the 2001 AMAs for Ciara/Kenya; Katy Perry at the 2019 Met Gala and Lil' Kim at the 1999 VMAs for Mia/Vita; and, Kim Kardashian at the 2013 Met Gala and Zendaya at the Dune 2 premiere for Darlene/Athena. Advertisement Advertisement Once the pairs started getting to work with their fabrics, they quickly realized which head-to-heads would be the most competitive and who would be easily "dog-walked" by their partner. Mia and Kenya knew they were out of their league against the design talents of Vita and Ciara. The closest mash-up match-up would be between Discord and Jane, even though both Darlene and Athena thought they had the creative edge over each other. While painting themselves for the runway next to each other, Mia and Briar opened up to each other about the family experiences that inform the way they show up in arguments like their own last week. Exposing their vulnerabilities to one another helped them find common ground and agree to move forward. There was no such luck in bridging the gap between Briar and Athena, however. Law Roach Presley Ann/Getty Images "You came in looking like Cher, but walking like Sonny." Law Roach For this runway challenge, the judges offered critiques to all 12 queens. After receiving the first set of critiques, Briar unexpectedly fainted on stage, but quickly recovered without any memory of having fallen. She was held backstage with a doctor out of precaution while some of the queens still on stage questioned the legitimacy of the event. In the "Red Carpet Mash-Ups" head-to-head category, the judges selected Juicy, Jane, Nini, Ciara, Vita, and Athena as the top performers. The judges liked Juicy's silhouette, but Law thought Briar looked "like a WWE wrestler." Both Law and Michelle read Discord for her stiff walk while still appreciating the complexity of her design, but Jane's construction efforts were preferred. Michelle thought Myki cheapened an otherwise lovely look one of her fabrics while the panel appreciated the simplicity of what Nini made. Ciara got high marks for the details in her "smart look" compared to Kenya who didn't reference either of the inspirations well enough. Law was relieved that Mia brought out an exposed breast to reference Lil' Kim's iconic look, but Annaleigh and Michelle were struck by the opulent style by Vita. The judges acknowledged how difficult the mash-up was for Darlene and Athena and that they both created well-made garments, but a clunky shoe from Darlene was her downfall. Advertisement Advertisement From the six top performers, Vita was selected as the winner for her "high drag" perfection. From the losers of their own head-to-heads, Briar and Kenya fell to the very bottom to fight for their lives in the lip sync. In the LSFYL to "Lights Camera Action" by Kylie Minogue, Briar showed that she was fully recovered from her fainting experience by making the most of the stage with a confident walk to each side. Kenya's approach was to mash-up the physicality of splits and a back-bend with the humor of facial expressions and titty-shaking. In the end, Briar did in fact "squabble" (she meant "squander") this opportunity by under-performing for the second week in a row, leaving Ru no choice but to save Kenya from elimination this time. 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. Celebrity chef Bobby Flay knows his way around a traditional bowl of chili, but you can leave it to him to put a few added touches to a classic. While he's definitely an expert when it comes to chile pepper paste (which he uses to instantly upgrade mayo), there is one aspect of seasoning chili that most people don't think of: adding a touch of sweetness. Flay adds a couple tablespoons of maple syrup to his chili recipe (which is featured on Food Network's website, if you're curious) to finish the dish at the end. The slight added bit of sugar helps balance out all the other flavors while accentuating the natural sweetness in the chiles themselves. Flay also uses a dark beer, which he reduces nearly into a syrup prior to incorporating it into the chili. Beer, at its core, contains a fair amount of sugar as well, which also lends some sweetness to his chili recipe. Read more: 11 Tried-And-True Regional Food Classics In The United States Bobby Flay also likes using this natural sweetener in some of his chile-heavy dishes honey on table with thyme - Stefan Tomic/Getty Images Maple syrup isn't the only sweetener you can use to upgrade chili. In an interview with Bon Appetit, Bobby Flay also expressed that he likes adding honey as a sweetener for dishes that have chile-heavy profiles to them. He said, "For dishes with big, strong flavors like chiles and garlic, I like to add a little honey, maple syrup, or fruit puree." He likens this practice to balancing out the flavor of mustard with honey as the flavors just naturally compliment each other. Flay has also used honey with ancho chile as a topping for fried chicken before, playing sweet off of savory. Advertisement Advertisement Since so many chili recipes neglect the idea of a sweetener, adding one is certainly another dimension to consider. I'm sure plenty of you have an opinion on whether or not the beans belong in there, too. (If you really want to rile people up, bring Cincinnati-style chili into the conversation.) Next time you're making the cold weather staple, whether its for a chili cook-off or a Super Bowl party, maybe try doing it as Flay does and stir a few tablespoons of a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey in at the end. It just might be the final touch you were always missing. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter and add us as a preferred search source. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. Are you sick of watching your Social Security check disappear faster than a snowflake in July? With the average monthly benefit hovering around $1,800, many retirees find themselves struggling to make ends meet in the US. But what if we told you there are countries where that same monthly check could provide you with a comfortable, even luxurious lifestyle? From sun-soaked beaches to quaint cobblestone streets, there are places where your retirement dreams can become a reality. Before you pack your bags, it's important to understand that relocating won't magically increase your Social Security payments. The key lies in choosing a country where the cost of living is significantly lower than in the United States. By doing so, your benefits can stretch further, covering everything from housing and food to healthcare and leisure activities. This list is just a jumping-off point, and your experience may vary depending on your personal preferences and lifestyle choices. Do your homework, research thoroughly, and consider consulting with financial advisors to figure out if relocating is the right decision for your personal circumstances. Now, let's explore 16 countries where your Social Security check could unlock a whole new world of possibilities. 1. Panama Image Credit: mark52 at Deposit Photos. Imagine yourself waking up to the sound of tropical birds and spending your days exploring lush rainforests or strolling along picturesque beaches. In Panama, this dream can become your reality on an estimated all-in budget of $1,600 a month. Advertisement Advertisement Embrace the vibrant expat community and take advantage of the Pensionado program, which offers retirees various discounts on goods and services. With modern infrastructure and affordable healthcare, Panama is a top choice for those seeking a relaxed and fulfilling retirement. 2. Costa Rica Image Credit: Deposit Photos. Known for its "pura vida" lifestyle, Costa Rica offers a laid-back atmosphere, breathtaking natural beauty, and a welcoming community of expats. A monthly budget of $1,500 can provide an enjoyable life amidst the country's stable government, strong environmental protection policies, and emphasis on well-being, making it an ideal place to retire. From surfing and hiking to exploring volcanoes and cloud forests, adventure awaits around every corner. Imagine yourself sipping your morning coffee while overlooking the Pacific Ocean or venturing into the rainforest to spot exotic wildlife. 3. Portugal Image Credit: fransz at Deposit Photos. Indulge in European history, culture, and delicious cuisine with a retirement in Portugal. A monthly budget of $1,500 allows for cushy living in this charming country, where you can take advantage of the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, designed to attract foreign retirees. Advertisement Advertisement Explore medieval castles, sun-soaked beaches, fresh seafood, and world-renowned wines Portugal has something to offer everyone. The country's highly regarded healthcare system is an added bonus for those seeking peace of mind in their golden years. 4. Mexico Image Credit: Deposit Photos. From bustling cities to charming colonial towns, Mexico offers a diverse range of experiences for retirees. With a rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes, Mexico is an alluring option for those seeking adventure and affordability. A monthly budget of $1,400 can easily cover your expenses, including housing, food, and healthcare. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, explore ancient ruins, or simply relax on one of Mexico's many beautiful beaches. With its affordable healthcare system and close proximity to the United States, Mexico is a popular choice for retirees seeking a change of pace. 5. Colombia Image Credit: Edaccor at Deposit Photos. Colombia has emerged as a popular retirement destination thanks to its affordable cost of living, warm climate, and diverse cultural offerings. A monthly budget of $1,200 can allow you to experience a comfortable lifestyle in this vibrant country. Advertisement Advertisement Indulge in the country's rich history, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes. From the bustling metropolis of Medellin to the colorful streets of Cartagena, Colombia offers a wide range of experiences for retirees. 6. Malaysia Image Credit: Deposit Photos. Discover a unique blend of cultures, delicious food, and affordable living in Malaysia. With a monthly budget of $1,000, you can enjoy a comfortable retirement in this Southeast Asian gem. Malaysia boasts a modern infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and a special visa program for retirees. Explore the country's diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to serene rainforests, and savor the delicious flavors of Malaysian cuisine. 7. Ecuador Image Credit: atosan at Deposit Photos. Nestled in South America, Ecuador offers a diverse landscape, from the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest. The cost of living is remarkably low, especially if you opt for a simpler lifestyle outside of major cities. Advertisement Advertisement With a monthly budget of just $1,000, you can easily cover your expenses and enjoy a comfy retirement in this beautiful country. Ecuador uses the US dollar as its official currency, making financial transactions easier for American retirees. 8. Vietnam Image Credit: imagex at Deposit Photos. Experience the beauty of Southeast Asia with a retirement in Vietnam. With a monthly budget of around $900, you can enjoy a well-off lifestyle in this vibrant country. Explore the bustling cities, ancient temples, and picturesque countryside. Savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this fascinating country. Vietnam offers a variety of affordable housing options, from modern apartments to traditional homes. 9. Thailand Image Credit: Deposit Photos. Thailand is a popular retirement destination thanks to its warm climate, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and affordable cost of living. A monthly budget of $1,000 can provide a satisfying lifestyle in this tropical paradise. Advertisement Advertisement Explore the bustling cities, ancient temples, and pristine beaches. Indulge in the flavors of Thai cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of the locals. Thailand offers a variety of affordable housing options, from modern condos to traditional homes. 10. Nicaragua Image Credit: Deposit Photos. Nicaragua is a Central American country known for its beautiful beaches, colonial cities, and active volcanoes. The cost of living is significantly lower than in the US, with a monthly budget of $900 allowing for a comfortable retirement. The country offers a special visa for retirees, making it easier to relocate and settle down. With its warm climate, friendly locals, and diverse landscape, Nicaragua is a great place to retire and explore new adventures. 11. Spain Image Credit: bortnikau at Deposit Photos. Spain is a popular European retirement destination thanks to its warm climate, beautiful beaches, rich culture, and tasty food. While the cost of living can vary depending on the region, a monthly budget of $1,500 can provide a cushy lifestyle in many parts of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Indulge in the vibrant culture, explore historical landmarks, and savor the flavors of Spanish cuisine. From the bustling streets of Madrid to the sunny shores of the Costa del Sol, Spain offers a diverse range of experiences for retirees. The country's excellent healthcare system is an added bonus for those seeking peace of mind in their golden years. 12. Peru Image Credit: wollertz at Deposit Photos. Peru is a South American country known for its colorful history, diverse landscape, and unique cuisine. With a monthly budget of $1,100, you can enjoy a comfortable retirement in this fascinating country. Peru boasts stunning ancient ruins, including the iconic Machu Picchu, as well as beautiful beaches, mountains, and rainforests. Explore the country's vibrant cities, sample the diverse flavors of Peruvian cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this fascinating country. 13. Cambodia Image Credit: CezaryWojtkowski at Deposit Photos. Cambodia, a Southeast Asian gem, is known for its ancient temples, vibrant cities, and beautiful beaches. Retire comfortably on a monthly budget of $1,200, with plenty of room to fully enjoy this enchanting country's rich history and culture. Advertisement Advertisement Explore the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex, stroll through bustling markets, and unwind on pristine beaches. Cambodian cuisine offers a delightful mix of flavors, and the friendly locals will make you feel right at home. 14. Bulgaria Image Credit: stoyanh at Deposit Photos. Bulgaria, a hidden gem in Europe, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and affordability. With a monthly budget of $1,000, you can enjoy a contented retirement in this beautiful country. Explore ancient ruins, picturesque villages, and stunning mountain ranges. Treat yourself to one of the many tasty culinary traditions and experience the warm hospitality of the Bulgarian people. The country's affordable healthcare system and low cost of living make it an attractive option for retirees seeking a European experience on a budget. 15. Albania Image Credit: Deposit Photos. Albania, a Balkan country with a rich history and stunning natural beauty, is an emerging retirement destination. With a monthly budget of $1,300, you can enjoy a comfortable retirement in this intriguing country. Advertisement Advertisement Explore ancient ruins, picturesque villages, and stunning mountain ranges. Spoil yourself in the country's unique culinary traditions and experience the warm hospitality of the Albanian people. The country's low cost of living and developing infrastructure make it an exciting option for adventurous retirees. 16. Morocco Image Credit: rybarmarekk at Deposit Photos. Morocco, a North African country with an interesting cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, offers a unique retirement experience. With a monthly budget of $1,200, you can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle in this vibrant country. Explore bustling medinas, stunning deserts, and beautiful beaches. Indulge in the flavors of Moroccan cuisine and immerse yourself in the country's rich history and culture. From the bustling city of Marrakech to the tranquil beaches of Essaouira, Morocco offers a wide range of experiences for retirees seeking a change of pace. SIU offering two spring conferences for nursing students, professionals and EMS personnel by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. Two separate health care events for nursing professionals and students as well as EMS personnel are coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale this spring. The second annual Southern Illinois Nursing Education Conference (SINEC) is set for March 20 and promises to inspire, empower and connect members of the regions nursing community. The theme of the SIU College of Health and Human Sciences event, Transforming the Culture of Care: Integrating Wellness into Education, was chosen to illustrate the goal of bringing wellness, resilience and innovation to the forefront in nursing education and practice. In addition, the Southern Illinois University Pediatric Symposium, coming April 7, is designed for college students and EMS providers and will feature an impressive group of pediatric clinicians and professionals from SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Childrens Hospital and the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN), sharing their expertise through lectures and skill stations. More about the nursing conference Bernadette Mazurek MeInyk, nurse practitioner, author, innovator and entrepreneur, will present the keynote address at the nursing educators conference. Her presentation will focus on Dont Just Survive: Evidence-based Strategies to Prevent Burnout and Enhance Well-being in Academic Communities. She is a pediatric nurse practitioner, holds a masters in nursing degree and completed her doctorate in clinical research and psychiatric nurse practitioner education at the University of Rochester. Founder and CEO of COPE2Thrive, LLC and president and co-founder of EBP Solutions LLC, she was the vice president for health promotion and chief wellness officer at Ohio State University for 13 years, where she also taught, served as dean of the universitys College of Nursing and instituted the first doctor of nursing education program in the country. She has won a variety of awards for her work and serves as editor-in-chief for Sigmas top-ranked journal, Worldviews on Evidence-based Nursing. The all-day conference, which will take place at the SIU Student Center, 1265 Lincoln Drive, will also feature a variety of other panels, guest presenters, poster presentations from SIU nursing students and more. Sessions will highlight the latest teaching strategies in the field of nursing, helping participants connect knowledge with practice, fostering growth and promoting critical thinking skills and flexibility. Sign up online. Additional details about the nursing/EMS symposium SIU nursing students and community EMS providers and nurses can enhance their skills and experience during the 2026 SIU Pediatric Symposium. Expert practitioners will share their knowledge in a wide array of pediatric health areas. Along with guest presentations, there will be assorted skills stations to help participants perfect various techniques and treatments. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration is available online. Learn more Sponsorships opportunities are available for both conferences by visiting the respective websites. Participants for each conference may register online, by email, fax (618-453-5680) or by calling SIUs Events and Outreach at 618-536-7751. Direct questions about either conference to Erica Blumenstock, assistant professor in the School of Health Sciences, at erica.blumenstock@siu.edu. For conference registration details, contact Rebecca Dycus, program director at SIU Events and Outreach, at rdycus@siu.edu. One homeowner was ready to sue when their neighbor carried out a plot to destroy their banana trees. It happens from time to time: an entitled neighbor decides that the trees are blocking their view or dropping too many leaves on their lawn. They wait until the other homeowner is away, then cut the trees down or hire a company to do it, claiming the trees are theirs. The real owner comes home to find that a valuable feature of their yard that took decades to grow is gone in an instant. This Brevard County, Florida, homeowner asked for guidance on r/legaladvice, a U.S.-based subreddit that answers a wide range of legal questions. "The trees are on the corner of the property of her yard, our yard, and property the HOA owns," they explained. "A month back she had the trees on her property cleared out; all good, it's her yard. We went out and confirmed the property line with her and the guy cutting the trees and said don't touch anything on our property." Advertisement Advertisement Sadly, the Redditor said that only lasted until they were away for a day. "Fast forward to today and he's back and has cut 15 of our 20 banana trees down and poured salt all over the roots and new sprouts, which will kill the root system, before we could stop them," they said. Killing off the trees not only reduces the value of the homeowner's real estate, it also deprives them of the cooling shade the trees provide and the clean air they produce. Plus, salting the ground will make it difficult to grow anything there, and it could also contaminate the freshwater lake that the original poster said lies right alongside their home. According to the homeowner, the neighbor simply refused to believe the trees were on the homeowner's property, although the homeowner had recently had a survey done. "We straight up said 'you need to replace those trees,' and she said 'no' and laughed," the original poster added in a comment. As commenters pointed out, the path forward was clear. "File a police report for trespassing and vandalism," said one user simply. Advertisement Advertisement Another user recommended calling the local water management district about the possibility that the salt might harm local wildlife. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet. Looking for a furry friend to keep you warm as the coldest temperatures of the winter so far hit Michigan? Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit and Feline Fund is dropping the adoption fee for cats Saturday, Jan. 24 from noon until 4 p.m. at its "Change a Cat's Life Day" event in Dearborn. "Feline Fund is helping remove financial barriers to adoption, while advancing its mission to reduce the number of cats entering shelters," according to a news release from Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit. "Each adoption creates a meaningful impact not only for the cat going home, but also for future cats waiting for care and placement." Advertisement Advertisement The event comes at a time when many adult cats at Friends for Animals have been waiting for months for adoption. The organization is preparing for the spring and summer kitten season, which brings nearly 700 kittens through the doors each year, President and CEO of Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit Cory Keller said in the news release. The event is happening at the Friends for Animals of Metro Detroits MaryAnn Wright Animal Adoption and Education Center, located at 16121 Reckinger Road in Dearborn. People looking to adopt a cat still need to meet the standard adoption requirements, according to the news release. There is an adoption questionnaire and agreement on the organization's website that asks for more information about the adopter, their type of residence and other family members and pets in the house. Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit giving away cats The San Antonio River Walk is home to a lineup of restaurants and bars that acts as a huge draw for tourists and locals venturing through downtown. A recent addition, Sin Yolanda, comes to the Alamo City from Guadalajara, Mexico, where its first location opened two years ago. Sin Yolanda doubles as a Mexican restaurant and a cantina, offering signature cocktails and an array of spirits alongside elotitos and other dishes like quesabirria. MySA spoke to Mario Escobar, who is a part of a group of partners behind the concept, which launched in the first week of December 2025. Escobar explained that during the day, the focus is more on the food, and after the sun goes down, it's party time. Advertisement Advertisement "In the nights, it's like you're at a Mexican wedding every day, and that what we like to bring to the people," Escobar said. The San Antonio location marks Sin Yolanda's first foray into Texas and the United States, but it won't be the last. Escobar shared that there are already plans underway for additional locations in other Texas cities. Sin Yolanda is now open in San Antonio. (Courtesy of Sin Yolanda) "Right now, we are under construction in The Woodlands in Houston. That will be open the last weekend of February. And we are very close on signing a place in Austin, Texas," Escobar said. Something unique that Sin Yolanda offers is microphones so customers can sing along to the music playing in the bar, similar to karaoke, except everyone can join in. Sin Yolanda is closed on Monday. Its hours run from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday and Tuesday, and from noon to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Find it: 415 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78205 This article originally published at Mexico-based cantina's debut in San Antonio marks start of TX takeover. Day 90 of the "Walk for Peace" brought the Venerable Buddhist monks to Jordan Lake State Park in Apex, North Carolina. (Photo Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) With a massive winter storm just hours away, North Carolinians found warmth and hope Friday in a message of peace from a procession of Buddhist monks. Thousands of people lined their route as they approached the Triangle area in chilly rain. This was Day 90 of a 2,300 mile journey from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to encourage loving kindness and compassion. Advertisement Advertisement The walk is led by Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, who urged the audience of more than a thousand gathered at Jordan Lake to concentrate on the present moment, breathing in and out. That is mindfulness, he said. Do not multitask anymore. Do one thing at a time. Renee McHugh of Apex acknowledged it was easy to feel overwhelmed in todays deeply partisan country. She said this message resonated. Were so plugged into whats going on in the world that we hear everything now, said McHugh. Back in the day, you could kind of buffer it, and you cant anymore. So when something good like this happens, I need to go see that. Advertisement Advertisement Frauke Rona-Bowler was born in Germany, but has called North Carolina home for 30 years. Like McHugh, she was hungry for hope. I started following them online a little bit, and its the only thing of positivity that I see when Im online, so I wanted to be part of it. It was important to be here today. Rona-Bowler said. Jim Curtis drove 50 miles from Southern Pines to hear the monks, and said he wasnt disappointed. I had such a sad feeling about the way things are, and I see a group of individuals trying to make us think better, and I was inspired, said Curtis. Curtis said it was encouraging to see so many people committed to peace. Advertisement Advertisement It is wonderful when you think sometimes, youre the only one, he said. And then I see all kinds of people around me, various colors, various genders, young and old. Pannakara told the audience that in all lives there will be moments of suffering, greed, hatred, and anger, but the key is to slow down and quiet the monkey mind the restless, wandering thoughts many people have. For those still feeling anxious, he offered a simple daily task. Every day when you wake up, get a piece of paper out, write out the statement, Today is going to be my peaceful day,' Pannakara said. Write it down, read it over and over, he told listeners. Tell the universe that today is our peaceful day, my peaceful day, so that no one can mess it up except ourselves. And please, dont mess it up. Advertisement Advertisement As a small token to represent inner peace and a blessing, the monks offered the people gathered to hear them in Apex woven peace bracelets at the end of the program a wearable reminder to maintain a calm, positive mindset. The Venerable Buddhist monks and their dog Aloka, who continues to recover following surgery in South Carolina, will continue their Walk for Peace through North Carolina this weekend. A support team is ready to make adjustments in the schedule if the weather becomes too dangerous. Click below to view full-size resolution of NC Newslines photo gallery of the Buddhist monks. North Carolinians line U.S. 64 to catch a glimpse of the monks. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) A crowd of more than one thousand gathered at Jordan Lake on Jan. 23 to hear from the Venerable Buddhist monks. Renee McHugh of Apex (left) said the country was hungry for hope. Advertisement Advertisement Jim Curtis and Frauke Rona-Bowler met for the first time at the peace march and embraced the monks' message of positive mindfulness. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) A woven peace bracelet is offered as a blessing for those seeking mindfulness. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) A woven peace bracelet is offered as a blessing for those seeking mindfulness. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) An emotional moment in seeing the monks. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) Advertisement Advertisement One of the monks offers a broad smile as he departs on the next leg of the journey to Washington, D.C. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) "Thank you, men of peace." (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) A simple gift of flowers for the Buddhist Monks. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) A simple gift of flowers for the Buddhist Monks on the Walk for Peace. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) Advertisement Advertisement The venerable monks depart Jordan Lake State Park on Day 90 of their trek. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) The venerable monks depart Jordan Lake State Park on Day 90 of their trek. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) The venerable monks depart Jordan Lake State Park on Day 90 of their trek. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) Airlines have canceled thousands of flights as a major winter storm that hit Texas and Oklahoma on Friday moves across the country. More than 3,400 U.S. flights have been canceled and over 1,200 delayed for Saturday, Jan. 24, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware. More than 6,200 scheduled to operate on Sunday, Jan. 25, have also been canceled as of 10:30 a.m. ET on Jan. 24. Those numbers are expected to climb as the weather worsens in the coming days, and the storm moves east. Advertisement Advertisement Airlines began offering travel waivers to help customers avoid flight disruptions earlier in the week and have since expanded which flights are covered. Drivers navigate icy conditions on Briley Parkway in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. A winter storm brought snow and ice to Middle Tennessee starting on Saturday. Motorists travel along north bound lanes of Interstate 65 as a winter storm moved into the region Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 in Brentwood, Tenn. The storm is expected to bring snow, sleet, freezing temperatures and ice across multiple states this weekend. Pedestrians walk through the heavy snow in Columbus as Winter Storm Fern continues to dump snow on Central Ohio on Jan. 25, 2026. Mark Anstaett of Clintonville, Ohio cross country skis though Whetstone Park as Winter Storm Fern continues to dump snow on the Columbus area on Jan. 25, 2026. Vehicles make their way along I-95 southbound into Wilmington, Del. past the W. 18th Street overpass, early morning, Jan. 25, 2026. NES crews work on restoring power after a tree fell across Bluefield Ave. in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. A winter storm brought snow and ice to Middle Tennessee starting on Saturday. Snow is plowed on route 9 in Tarrytown, NY during the winter storm Jan. 25, 2026. The storm was predicted to drop up to a foot of snow on the lower Hudson Valley. A family sleds Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at Unity Park in Greenville, SC. Cars travel Interstate 65 as snow falls Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Indianapolis. Ted Bieber of the Knolls walks across the SR-315 pedestrian bridge as Winter Storm Fern continues to dump snow on the Columbus, Ohio area on Jan. 25, 2026. Mark Bruce uses a snowblower Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, along the street in front of his Avon, Ind. home. A layer of snow blankets the back of two horses in Greenville on Jan. 25, 2026. Snow covers the ground of the Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church in New Castle County, Del. on Jan. 25, 2026. Snow is plowed on route 9 in Tarrytown, N.Y. during the winter storm Jan. 25, 2026. The storm was predicted to drop up to a foot of snow on the lower Hudson Valley. A major winter storm is forecast to spread heavy snow, sleet and dangerous ice to tens of millions of Americans across two dozen states starting on Friday and continuing into the weekend. See here, Keith Wilson, of Milwaukee, walks with frozen eyelashes down East State Street in Milwaukee on Jan. 23, 2026. The National Weather Service issued an extreme cold watch across Wisconsin with windchills between 30 and 40 below zero. Erie Downtown Partnership Ambassadors Derek Smith, right, and Rob Nelson clear ice and snow near a bus stop, with single-digit temperatures outdoors, in Erie, Pa., on Jan. 23, 2026. Smith said they try and keep paths clear during heavy snow events. American Red Cross shelter set up at the Civic Center of Anderson, SC, on Jan 24, 2026. A customer loads ice melt into their car at Lowes on Jan. 22, 2026 in Little Rock, Ark. Yahaira Rojas, of Milwaukee, shields her face from the cold as she walks down North 10th Street in from of the Milwaukee County Courthouse in Milwaukee on Jan. 23, 2026. An employee restocks a shelf with snow shovels at Keith's Hardware store on Jan. 23, 2026 in Louisville. Victoria Parker volunteers at The Store assisting customers before the winter storm in Nashville on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. The Store is a non-profit organization founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley to support foodinsecure neighbors. A pedestrian walks to the grocery store for milk during a stretch of extreme cold weather, Jan. 23, 2026, in Menasha, Wisc. Joe Gegelbach loads his trunk with ice melt at the Home Depot as he potential winter storm Evansville, Ind., Jan. 23, 2026. Orangetown Highway Department crews load salt on snow plows in preparation for the snow storm at their facility in Orangeburg, N.Y., Jan. 23, 2026. Firewood, snow shovels and other items to help deal with the coming storm at s Home Depot in Gastonia, N.C. on Jan. 23, 2026. Lynn Batizy of Anderson volunteers setting up cots for American Red Cross warming center at the Civic Center of Anderson, S.C., Jan. 23 2026. On Jan. 23, 2026, Lynn Sealey (left) and Colby Coates (right) replenish produce after an increased number of customers visited the WNC Farmers Market vendor in Asheville, N.C., ahead of the winter storm. Large trucks are filled with a salt and sand mixture at the Easter Salt Co., in Quincy, Mass. on, Jan. 22, 2026. Overnight snowfall left the morning commute in downtown Rochester, NY a little slippery on Jan. 22, 2026. A nearly empty bread shelf is seen in Madison, Tenn., ahead of the storm on January 22, 2025. John Pickering looks over a new shovel at Curry Hardware in West Quincy, Massachusetts, on Jan. 22, 2026. A sun dog seen Jan. 22, 2026 near Pittsville, WI. Sun dogs are caused by refraction of sunlight by ice crystals. A "drive safely" sign is displayed in Greenville, SC as crews work on treating roads, Jan 22, 2026. People brace the cold temperatures while walking on the Brooklyn Bridge in the Manhattan borough of New York City on January 21, 2026. Bringing icy temperatures, Winter Storm Fern will slam a massive stretch of the United States this week, with more than 175 million people facing the prospect of heavy snowfall, power outages and travel disruption. Forecasters warned it could be 2,000 miles long, well over half the length of the continental US. Massive winter storm blankets nation. See photos 1 of 34 Drivers navigate icy conditions on Briley Parkway in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. A winter storm brought snow and ice to Middle Tennessee starting on Saturday. Weekend flight cancellations Airlines often start preemptively cancelling flights ahead of bad weather to ensure airplanes and crews are positioned to get things moving as soon as possible after the storm clears. That's likely why there were already thousands of flights axed for this weekend as of Friday. Airlines were slowing their operations to aid in their recovery. Its about keeping the airport, the environment clean and ready, snow removed, and then its about having our pilots, our flight attendants and our airplanes all lined up so we can get our customers onboard and move them to where they want to be, John Laughter, Delta Air Lines' chief of operations, previously told USA TODAY. Advertisement Advertisement As the storm closes in and then starts hitting airports, it's likely those cancellation numbers will climb. It's also likely that some flights will be canceled for a day or two after the weather clears, as airlines work to get all their aircraft and crews back into place for normal operations. The focus is really to recover as quickly as we can and do right by the customer, Suzanne Williamson, managing director of American Airlines' Integrated Operations Center, previously told USA TODAY. Two days later, its really hard to explain that the weather is what caused your flight to be delayed or canceled. What to do if you're planning to fly this weekend Get ready for disruptions. Monitor updates from your airline and consider rebooking if you can. More info on airline-specific rebooking policies related to this storm are in the section below. If you absolutely have to travel, be prepared to roll with the punches. More flights are likely to get delayed or canceled as the storm progresses. Research your rebooking options and alternative itineraries in advance, and take advantage of airlines' self-service tools to avoid long lines at airport agent desks or long hold times on the phone. Advertisement Advertisement "Speed is going to be critical," Katy Nastro, a travel expert at Going, told USA TODAY in a statement. "We want those who are flying to make alternative plans much sooner rather than later so they ensure they get a rebooking that works best for them. There will not be an endless supply of seats to reaccommodate you on ... there is no time like the present to give yourself the best odds at a decent rebooking." It's also a good idea to pack extra provisions for yourself if you're heading to the airport this weekend. According to Matas Cenys, head of product at eSim company Saily, bringing extra clothes and doses of any medication you may be taking, as well as essentials like charging cables, could come in handy if you get stuck. Travel waivers by airline Terms vary, but these waivers generally allow travelers to rebook without penalty or get flight credit if they cancel their trips. Advertisement Advertisement Customers can find details, including impacted airports and key dates, on each carrier's website linked below. What happens if a flight gets canceled? Airlines will automatically rebook you on another flight if your flight is canceled. Typically, its on the same airline, but depending on the reason for the cancellation and carrier, some may be able to rebook you on a partner airline. If your flight is canceled for reasons within the carriers control say, due to staffing or aircraft maintenance youre entitled to a meal if you have to wait more than three hours for the next flight. If you end up stranded overnight, most airlines will also cover your hotel and ground transportation if the cancellation was within their control. Advertisement Advertisement Weather is notably outside of airline control. If your flight is canceled for any reason and you choose to no longer fly, Department of Transportation rules require the airline to offer you a refund, regardless of ticket type. You can find airline-specific information on the DOTs Airline Customer Service Dashboard. People check the flight tracker screens at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in Fort Worth, Texas on January 23, 2026. What happens if my flight is delayed? Airlines are required to get you to your destination, but they dont owe you anything else for delays due to weather or anything else outside of their control. Its a different story for significant delays due to issues within their control. Advertisement Advertisement All airlines will rebook customers on their same airline for significant delays (typically at least three hours) within their control, but some will also book customers on partner carriers. Airlines will also cover meals for controllable delays at least three hours long. Most airlines will also cover a hotel stay and ground transportation for overnight delays within their control. Again, weather is outside of airline control. Additional details can be found on the DOT dashboard. Its worth noting that U.S. regulators dont require cash payments for delays. Also, even when its not required, airline customer service representatives may have the power to provide meal vouchers, mileage credit or other compensation for your trouble, on a case-by-case basis. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winter storm flight cancellations keep climbing: What you're owed According to the International Living "Safest Places to Retire 2026" index, Portugal has officially claimed the top spot as the worlds safest country for retirement, marking a meaningful milestone for a nation long beloved by retirees and expats alike. This ranking reflects a growing global recognition of Portugal not just as a beautiful place to spend your golden years, but as one of the most secure and welcoming places on the planet to do so. The recognition reflects Portugal's strong blend of security, quality of life, and long-term stability for retirees from around the globe. What sets Portugal apart, according to the International Living analysis, is its low crime rates and stable society. Plus, Portugal's reputation for kindness adds yet another layer to its safety credentials. Ranked high on the Global Peace Index (as No. 7, compared to the US, which ranked No. 128 of the 163 countries listed), and now earning the No. 1 spot as the "safest place to retire," Portugal offers retirees a sense of safety that touches every part of daily life. Whether youre strolling seaside promenades, sipping coffee in a cafe, or hiking coastal trails, the day-to-day rhythm here is totally tranquil. Portugal is a place where retirees can enjoy complete peace of mind. Advertisement Advertisement But, of course, safety is just one piece of the puzzle. The broader appeal of Portugal for retirees also includes affordable, fresh food; universal healthcare; abundant sunshine; and diverse landscapes ranging from the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve to the historic cities of Lisbon and Porto. These qualities contribute to both an exceptional quality of life and peace of mind for those planning long-term stays or full retirement. "Portugal consistently ranks as one of the top places to retire, and the reasons why are clear," Kimberly Anne writes for International Living about the country, which also claimed a spot on its overall "Best Places to Retire" list. "Its stunning environmental diversity is one of its greatest assets, offering the geographic variety of a country five times its size. Combine this with fresh, affordable food, universal healthcare, a compact footprint, and kind neighbors. Add a climate that ranges from sun-drenched coasts to rolling green hills, and you have a recipe for an exceptional quality of life." With this top ranking in the International Living Index, more people than ever are likely to consider Portugal not just as a holiday spot or investment destination, but as a place to call home in their later years. Related: This Sun-Soaked Country in the Mediterranean Was Named the Best Place to Retire in 2026 This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. After George W. Bush succeeded Bill Clinton in the White House, the two didnt drift into political distance. In fact, during Bushs second term, he called his rival about twice a year to talk through the challenges he was facing. He asked my opinion, Clinton recalled in a video thats recirculated on social media. Half the time he disagreed with it, but I felt good about that. I thought that was a really healthy thing. For Clinton, the exchange reflected a broader principle that applies far beyond politics: Success often comes down to learning from people who think differentlyand getting out of your own way. Advertisement Advertisement Youve got to cultivate people who know things you dont and have skills you dontand yes, that can be taught, Clinton added. If nothing else, we can help people get out of their own way. Everybodys got a story and a dream, and they can bring it to bear if we can just help people get out of their own way sometimes. Even in an era when careers seem more competitive and polarized than ever, climbing to the top can feel like a solo sport. However, Bush and Clintons relationship makes it clear that there is true benefit to seeking out new perspectives, even if its from your staunchest critics. Presidents Bush and Clinton agree: Success is never a straight line While both Bush and Clinton are now remembered as two-term presidents, neither mapped out a straight line to the Oval Office in their youth. Like most careers, theirs were shaped as much by setbacks and detours as by ambition. Advertisement Advertisement According to Bush, rigid life plans can actually do more harm than good. People who plan their life when theyre 18 years old and say, This is my life plan, would generally be surprised and maybe disappointed, Bush said in a 2011 interview with AARP. I think you ought to be open-minded as to where life takes you. One of the things I learned as president is that your life is just not going to unfold the way you want it to. There will be surprises, challenges, and therefore the question is how you deal with the unexpected. Clintons own path tells a similar story. Before the White House, he lost his first ever political race when he ran for Congress in the 1970s. Instead of letting the defeat define him, he regroupedlater winning elections as Arkansas attorney general, then governor, and eventually president. Advertisement Advertisement If youre broken by defeat, youre giving someone else the permission to define your life. And your worth. And your tomorrows, Clinton told college students in 2013. You know, if youve lost a lot of yesterdayswelcome to the human race. But you dont have to give anybody your tomorrows. I think thats the most important thing to remember. Your competitor might be your best career assetjust look at Steve Jobs relationship with Larry Ellison and Bill Gates The same dynamic plays out far beyond politics. The idea of learning from rivalsand keeping strong relationships even in competitive environmentsis just as common in the business world. Steve Jobs, despite his reputation as an intense competitor, maintained close ties with fellow tech titans, including people whose companies were directly competing with Apple. Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison often described Jobs as his best friend. Apple became the most valuable company on earth, and it wasnt even one of Steves goals, Ellison said. He wasnt trying to be rich. He wasnt trying to be famous. He wasnt trying to be powerful. He was obsessed with the creative process and building something that was beautiful. Advertisement Advertisement Jobs relationship with Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates proved even more consequential. In 1997, when Apple was struggling, Gates made a $150 million investment in the companya move credited with helping stabilize the business at a critical moment. Bill, thank you, Jobs told Gates at the time. The worlds a better place. Gates has long embraced a leadership truth that mirrors the BushClinton dynamic: Progress often depends on being open to perspectives outside your own camp. We all need people who will give us feedback, Gates said at a TED Talk in 2013. Thats how we improve. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com David Boeck spent decades teaching architecture students how to sketch their designs, but his new exhibit is the first time his artwork has stood solo. The retired professors art show features sketches and paintings that range from serious to emotional, including damaged Ukrainian churches to more lighthearted pieces such as Star Wars characters. After 23 years teaching in OUs architecture program, Boeck aimed his professional rendering skills and artistic vision at 223 W. Gray St. where his work fills the walls in what staff call their most organized exhibition to date. Advertisement Advertisement Boeck built his career translating architectural concepts into visual reality for clients while he honed his artistic skills at home. Im an architect. I went to school at OU. I just retired, he said. But Ive always been an artist. Boecks professional work focused on rendering client projects, giving them clear visions of proposed buildings before construction began, so sketching buildings in retirement was a natural next step. His journey toward this exhibition has international roots. In 2014, he took students to Zambia. An OU alumnus working with a ministry there needed architectural help, creating an opportunity for students to contribute and learn about Zambian culture. Advertisement Advertisement The trip inspired Boecks first major artistic venture, a book titled Zambia Wheelbarrowers. In the book, he documented the workers who transported cargo in custom-built wheelbarrows with truck tires and steel frames, calling them Mad Max Wheelbarrows. A few years later, the COVID-19 pandemic influenced Boecks art when university teaching moved online in the spring of 2020. He said that friends living in Istanbul began sending street photography from their neighborhood, and he would sketch them at home. Over three years, Boeck said he created over 60 sketches of the Istanbul neighborhoods. I had seen the pictures, and then Id sketch, he said. Im turning that into a book. Advertisement Advertisement The Istanbul work appears in the show with some newer territory for Boeck about four months ago, he started painting seriously with acrylic. In acrylic, he has created about 20 landscape paintings depicting scenes from more nearby places like New Mexico, Michigan and New England. However, the international work spans more than just Istanbul. Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine shifted Boecks artistic focus as he began to document some of the destruction he saw online. While Boeck began sketching Ukrainian churches, he discovered photographs of bombed religious buildings still serving their congregations despite the severe damage they withstood. Advertisement Advertisement I started seeing what the Russians were doing and bombing churches, schools, hospitals and stuff like that, he said. Those Ukrainian sketches led to a February 2025 exhibition at a Ukrainian museum in Toronto. It was meaningful because there was a lot of personal stories of the Ukrainians that Id met there in Toronto. Some had just gotten back from Ukraine, some lived there their whole life, he said. There was a lot of emotion about whats going on there, he said. Depictions of local architecture round out the collection on display at Gray Owl, with sketches of OU campus buildings on display and for sale. The exhibition, on display until March, features work in watercolor, colored pencil, marker and acrylic. MANTACHIE For most of his life, Scott "Scooter" Clouse has wielded a blade as good as anyone. For the past six years, he's been the butcher at Sam's Town Market, and he's also a major reason many customers come to the store. "I just turned 54, so I've been doing it for 37 years now," he said. "I'm self-taught, and I just learned on the fly." Clouse didn't set out to become a butcher; he essentially backed into the role. At an early age, Clouse worked at his father's Gulf Oil stations in Tupelo, where he pumped gas and filled tires. After his dad sold the business, Clouse, then 17, went to work for Bill Sheffield at Bill's Mini-Mart in Peppertown, where he pumped gas and changed oil. Advertisement Advertisement "Their butcher didn't show up on a Saturday, and Bill fired him on the spot," Clouse said. "He came out there, and I was changing somebody's oil, and he said, 'Scott, do you know anything about cutting meat?' and I said, 'No sir.' And he said to me, 'Well, you're going to learn today." With a knife in his hand and an apron around his waist, Clouse was now a butcher. He was always handy with tools around cars, but tools for a butcher were quite different. "The knives were OK, but the band saw was a different story," he said. "I got my hand caught in a bandsaw once and learned not to do that anymore. That's a lesson you learn just one time." Local butcher shops were once common but have given way to the big box stores that eliminated the need for them. Cutting up an entire cow or pig at the local butcher shop by hand was replaced by supermarkets and their reliance on large-scale slaughterhouses and processing plants. Advertisement Advertisement "We're a dying breed and it worries me," Clouse said. "You've got your big chain stores where you get everything pre-cut, and there are very few people I consider to be butchers anymore. But it really bothers me." In Mantachie, no one has to convince Sam's Town Market owner Sam Farris how important it is to have a good local butcher. "He really could be considered a blue-collar surgeon," Farris said of Clouse. "His meat room, much like an operating room, is cold and full of stainless steel equipment and tissues of various origins. Humor aside, there is a learned science to butchering, and like the skilled surgeon, Scott does remarkable work day-in and day-out. "Simply put, customers go where Scooter goes. Not just any butcher can butcher like Scooter." Advertisement Advertisement The idea for Sam's Town Market came about in the summer of 2019, when independent of each other Farris and Clouse both wanted to do something to help their community, which had been without a local grocery for about a year. Farris was able to get his hands on Mantachie Pharmacy's old building, and he knew he wanted a meat market to be its centerpiece. Enter Clouse, who happened to be married to Farris' cousin and who Farris had known his entire life. "It didn't feel like an opportunity as much as it did an obligation. So many people had supported me when I was terminally sick. I owed the favor back to them, and had been blessed with the resources to make it happen," Farris said. "A lot of things fell into place, but the ace of my deck was a direct line to Mississippi's best butcher." Clouse might shy away from that title, but there's no doubt about his superior skills, honed over 37 years. It wasn't long after picking up that knife for the first time that this was something he not only liked to do but wanted to do. Advertisement Advertisement He worked for 21 years at Bills Mini-Mart before it closed. He then went to work for his cousin, Alan Cates, owner of the now-shuttered Mantachie Foods, who was looking for a new butcher for his grocery store. Mantachie Foods closed in 2018, leaving Clouse to seek another job. He went to Jackson Furniture, where he oversaw all the mechanical parts department. Then came that fateful call with Farris. They opened Sam's Town Market, and Clouse couldn't be happier. The people he sees at the store are more than customers. Its a small town. Theyre his friends, his neighbors, his family and fellow churchgoers. Advertisement Advertisement "Ninety percent of the people I graduated with from high school are still here," Clouse said. "All my classmates come up there. That's why I do it. I'm here six-an- half days a week, and I do it because the town needs it. It's service-oriented ... it's a necessity. It's why Sam and I got together and opened this place up." The store not only pulls in local customers, but also from around the area. "I call Saturday our 'Tupelo day' because a lot of people from Tupelo come shop with us," Clouse said. "We have our town folk of course, but there are some weekends that I don't know a soul who comes in here coming in from Tupelo, Guntown, Nettleton, Baldwyn, etc. We're not getting rich from this and we didn't do this to get rich. We got into this because we love our town." PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) Sharkys Beach Front Restaurant is holding another fundraiser to give back to the community as part of their Bay Helping Bay event series. In December, Sharkys donated $20,000 to Beach Care Services. This time, Sharkys has chosen the St. Andrew Community Medical Center as the recipient of their Bay Helping Bay initiative. Diners are invited to come out on Thursday, January 29th, to Sharkys Beach Front Restaurant, and enjoy an evening of dining in Panama City Beach. 100% of the proceeds of the date will go to the St. Andrew Community Center. Over the course of the Bay Helping Bay series, $195,000 has been raised for local non-profits. Non-profits seeking to participate in the series should visit this website and fill out the form. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. SIUs Paul Simon Institute discussion to focus on U.S. foreign policy CARBONDALE, Ill. Emma Ashford, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center a Washington, D.C. think tank will join Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute on Thursday, Feb. 5. for a virtual discussion on the future of American foreign policy. The event was rescheduled from Jan. 27. Ashford will join John Shaw, institute director, in discussing the nations foreign policy and her 2025 book, First Among Equals: U.S. Foreign Policy in a Multipolar World. The free, public discussion via Zoom begins at 10 a.m.; registration at paulsimoninstitute.org/events is required to view the conversation. The event is part of the institutes Understanding Our New World discussion series. Emma Ashford is an impressive analyst of American foreign policy, Shaw said. Her book, First Among Equals, offers a careful assessment of U.S. foreign policy over recent decades and outlines a thoughtful and thought-provoking alternative to American foreign policy called Realist Internationalism, that we are eager to learn more about. Given the swirl of recent events and the growing tension between the United States and Europe, this is an excellent opportunity for us to hear from an impressive scholar. A nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank, the Stimson Center promotes international security and shared prosperity through applied research and independent analysis, global engagement, and policy innovation. In addition to Ashfords work at the Stimson Center, she is a non-resident fellow at the Modern War Institute at West Point and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. She was a fellow at the Atlantic Councils New American Engagement Initiative, which focused on challenging the prevailing assumptions governing U.S. foreign policy. She has also been a research fellow in defense and foreign policy at the Cato Institute. Ashford has a masters degree in international relations from American University and a doctorate in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia. She writes a biweekly column for Foreign Policy magazine and other long-form essays for leading national security journals. She also hosts a podcast on international affairs. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions for Ashford on the registration form or email questions to paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu. More information, including a list of the institutes upcoming events and past speakers and events, is available. Congratulations to our State College neighbor, Delroy Lindo, for his Academy Award nomination as best supporting actor in the blockbuster film, Sinners. He and I go back to being co-featured in District Line, an 80s production of the Negro Ensemble Company. Known for his outstanding work in Spike Lees Crooklyn and Malcolm X, he was interviewed this fall at the Downtown Theatre by Dean B. Stephen Carpenter II of the College of Arts and Architecture. Congrats are also due to Ader Deng from South Sudan and Zara Amos from Ghana, who were crowned Mr. and Miss Africa at the African Students Association 13th annual pageant in Heritage Hall. Mercy Adetoyese, ASA president, said the pageant, served as way of showing Penn State students, especially those from minority groups, that there is a supportive community for them on campus. Advertisement Advertisement Congrats and welcome to Joseph Merrill, our new chief of police in the Borough of State College. He was the former police chief in Altoona. Merrill is 2005 PSU alum and graduate of State College Area High. Goodbye and Godspeed to Chief John Gardner, a good public servant and a friend of our community. Around town Leslie Laing hosted Poetry, Prose and Performance, A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King at the HUB, featuring Georjanne Rosa, Terry Watson, Jamie Campbell, Samrat Sharma, Destiny Jean- Paul, and State College Poet Laureate Carmin Wong. Penn State School of Theater artist-in-residence Rasa Drane will present her musical, Whew Chile! Black Women Working on the Penn State Downtown Theater Stage at 7 p.m. on Jan. 31. Advertisement Advertisement The Schreyer Honors College sponsored Dilemmas of Democracy: A Conversation with NPRs Ayesha Rascoe to a packed house at the Recital Hall. Rascoe talked about how her role as a White House correspondent and host of Weekend Edition has impacted her understanding of democracy and politics. She autographed copies of her new book, HBCU Made: A Celebration of the Black College Experience. The PSU College Republicans hosted its third annual Pennsylvania Collegiate Leadership Conference in the HUB-Robeson Center. Hunter Steach, VP of PSUCR, said the goals of the conference were to create a safe place for those with conservative and liberal ideologies alike to attend. Speakers included: U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim Defoor, state Sen. Cris Dush and more. The Borough of State College, AAUW and Community Diversity Group will sponsor a National Day of Healing discussion/luncheon, Race and Identity: Fostering Healing in Our Communities, on Tuesday, Feb. 3 between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Municipal Building. The resistance continues. Central Pennsylvania United (CPAU) wrote, Following the murder of Renee Good, Minnesota has been under siege by ICE. CPAU held a Solidarity with Minnesota vigil at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County and asked for postcards to be sent in support to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian OHara. A nationwide general solidarity strike has spread to at least 80 cities. Advertisement Advertisement Candles for Peace gather at the Allen Street Gate on Monday from 5-5:30 p.m. Protesters gather on Thompson Tuesdays at Congressman Thompsons Bellefonte office at noon. At the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the oxygen was sucked out of the room by the discussion of the possible armed annexation of Greenland by the USA, while the ongoing wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and Iran were barely mentioned in the U.S. press. Highlighting outlandish agendas distracts the public gaze. It has been a while since I taught Constitutional law, but my recollection is declaring war is solely within the power and authority of the Congress, the elected representatives of We, the people. Charles Dumas is a lifelong political activist, a professor emeritus from Penn State, and was the Democratic Partys nominee for the U.S. Congress in 2012. He is a Lions Paw honoree. He lives in State College with his wife and partner of over 50 years. NEW YORK A gas explosion in a Bronx apartment building sparked a four-alarm fire, killing one person and injuring over a dozen others, just after midnight, New York City officials said Jan. 24. The fire displaced hundreds from the 17-story building before a severe winter storm is set to hit most of the United States. Temperatures in the Bronx were around the single digits when the explosion occurred. "As you can imagine, this has been a deeply frightening and devastating morning for them," Mayor Zohran Mamdani told reporters. "They are not alone. Our city will stand by them and do everything in our power to help them get back on their feet." Drivers navigate icy conditions on Briley Parkway in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. A winter storm brought snow and ice to Middle Tennessee starting on Saturday. Motorists travel along north bound lanes of Interstate 65 as a winter storm moved into the region Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 in Brentwood, Tenn. The storm is expected to bring snow, sleet, freezing temperatures and ice across multiple states this weekend. Pedestrians walk through the heavy snow in Columbus as Winter Storm Fern continues to dump snow on Central Ohio on Jan. 25, 2026. Mark Anstaett of Clintonville, Ohio cross country skis though Whetstone Park as Winter Storm Fern continues to dump snow on the Columbus area on Jan. 25, 2026. Vehicles make their way along I-95 southbound into Wilmington, Del. past the W. 18th Street overpass, early morning, Jan. 25, 2026. NES crews work on restoring power after a tree fell across Bluefield Ave. in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. A winter storm brought snow and ice to Middle Tennessee starting on Saturday. Snow is plowed on route 9 in Tarrytown, NY during the winter storm Jan. 25, 2026. The storm was predicted to drop up to a foot of snow on the lower Hudson Valley. A family sleds Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at Unity Park in Greenville, SC. Cars travel Interstate 65 as snow falls Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Indianapolis. Ted Bieber of the Knolls walks across the SR-315 pedestrian bridge as Winter Storm Fern continues to dump snow on the Columbus, Ohio area on Jan. 25, 2026. Mark Bruce uses a snowblower Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, along the street in front of his Avon, Ind. home. A layer of snow blankets the back of two horses in Greenville on Jan. 25, 2026. Snow covers the ground of the Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church in New Castle County, Del. on Jan. 25, 2026. Snow is plowed on route 9 in Tarrytown, N.Y. during the winter storm Jan. 25, 2026. The storm was predicted to drop up to a foot of snow on the lower Hudson Valley. A major winter storm is forecast to spread heavy snow, sleet and dangerous ice to tens of millions of Americans across two dozen states starting on Friday and continuing into the weekend. See here, Keith Wilson, of Milwaukee, walks with frozen eyelashes down East State Street in Milwaukee on Jan. 23, 2026. The National Weather Service issued an extreme cold watch across Wisconsin with windchills between 30 and 40 below zero. Erie Downtown Partnership Ambassadors Derek Smith, right, and Rob Nelson clear ice and snow near a bus stop, with single-digit temperatures outdoors, in Erie, Pa., on Jan. 23, 2026. Smith said they try and keep paths clear during heavy snow events. American Red Cross shelter set up at the Civic Center of Anderson, SC, on Jan 24, 2026. A customer loads ice melt into their car at Lowes on Jan. 22, 2026 in Little Rock, Ark. Yahaira Rojas, of Milwaukee, shields her face from the cold as she walks down North 10th Street in from of the Milwaukee County Courthouse in Milwaukee on Jan. 23, 2026. An employee restocks a shelf with snow shovels at Keith's Hardware store on Jan. 23, 2026 in Louisville. Victoria Parker volunteers at The Store assisting customers before the winter storm in Nashville on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. The Store is a non-profit organization founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley to support foodinsecure neighbors. A pedestrian walks to the grocery store for milk during a stretch of extreme cold weather, Jan. 23, 2026, in Menasha, Wisc. Joe Gegelbach loads his trunk with ice melt at the Home Depot as he potential winter storm Evansville, Ind., Jan. 23, 2026. Orangetown Highway Department crews load salt on snow plows in preparation for the snow storm at their facility in Orangeburg, N.Y., Jan. 23, 2026. Firewood, snow shovels and other items to help deal with the coming storm at s Home Depot in Gastonia, N.C. on Jan. 23, 2026. Lynn Batizy of Anderson volunteers setting up cots for American Red Cross warming center at the Civic Center of Anderson, S.C., Jan. 23 2026. On Jan. 23, 2026, Lynn Sealey (left) and Colby Coates (right) replenish produce after an increased number of customers visited the WNC Farmers Market vendor in Asheville, N.C., ahead of the winter storm. Large trucks are filled with a salt and sand mixture at the Easter Salt Co., in Quincy, Mass. on, Jan. 22, 2026. Overnight snowfall left the morning commute in downtown Rochester, NY a little slippery on Jan. 22, 2026. A nearly empty bread shelf is seen in Madison, Tenn., ahead of the storm on January 22, 2025. John Pickering looks over a new shovel at Curry Hardware in West Quincy, Massachusetts, on Jan. 22, 2026. A sun dog seen Jan. 22, 2026 near Pittsville, WI. Sun dogs are caused by refraction of sunlight by ice crystals. A "drive safely" sign is displayed in Greenville, SC as crews work on treating roads, Jan 22, 2026. People brace the cold temperatures while walking on the Brooklyn Bridge in the Manhattan borough of New York City on January 21, 2026. Bringing icy temperatures, Winter Storm Fern will slam a massive stretch of the United States this week, with more than 175 million people facing the prospect of heavy snowfall, power outages and travel disruption. Forecasters warned it could be 2,000 miles long, well over half the length of the continental US. Massive winter storm blankets nation. See photos 1 of 34 Drivers navigate icy conditions on Briley Parkway in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. A winter storm brought snow and ice to Middle Tennessee starting on Saturday. At 12:09 a.m., New York City firefighters were investigating the smell of gas at the Boston Secor Houses when there was a gas explosion on a building's top floors, FDNY said. Firefighters were on the 16th floor when the explosion occurred, according to John Esposito, chief of department. Other firefighters were trapped in the elevator. Advertisement Advertisement A fire broke out inside multiple apartments on the 15th, 16th and 17th floors, Esposito said. Severe structural damage affected six apartments on the 15th and 16th floors. Images showed flames and smoke billowing out of top-floor windows. A fourth-alarm fire, hundreds of units responded to the scene in what Esposito described as a dangerous operation. Firefighters had to enter apartments to shield people who were trapped near windows as flames raged. One person, whose identity wasnt immediately known, died in the incident, FDNY said. Eleven people and a firefighter were transported to local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries. One person was in critical condition at a local hospital. In total, 20 people were injured, a City Hall spokesperson said. FDNY declared the fire under control just before 5 a.m. Fire marshals are investigating the cause of the explosion. At 12:09 am on Saturday morning, FDNY members were investigating an odor of gas at 3485 Bivonia Street in the Bronx. While on scene, there was a gas explosion on the upper floors. While our units were here investigating the odor of gas on the 15th and 16th floors, we had pic.twitter.com/0HPpRYLMth FDNY (@FDNY) January 24, 2026 Leila Bozorg, deputy mayor for housing and planning, told reporters residents in about 150 units had to be evacuated. Boston Secor Houses, previously a New York City Housing Authority property built in 1969, is now under private management, the housing agency said in an email. The building had been undergoing renovations, including "gas work that was completed and signed off on," Bozorg said. Advertisement Advertisement Officials established a recovery center at a local school. As of 9:15 a.m., the Red Cross registered 67 households, a total of 201 people including 64 children, for emergency assistance, organization spokesman Frederic Klein said in an email. Utilities in the building have been shut down, and 148 units are vacated, Mamdani said. Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said recovery is expected to take the next couple days, amid inclement weather during the winter storm. Iscol warned residents to stay off the roads and practice fire safety. If this happened tomorrow during the snowstorm, this is a much, much more complicated and dangerous event, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service office in New York issued winter storm warnings for the region. Conditions are expected to disrupt transportation and cause white outs, with heavy snowfall and frigid air into next week. This story was updated with new information. Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Reach him by email at emcuevas1@usatoday.com or on Signal at emcuevas.01. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NYC apartment fire leaves 1 dead, hundreds displaced before snowstorm The Antioch Police Department is investigating a suspicious death after a 17-year-old girl was found dead on the side of the road Friday morning. Authorities say the teen's body was found near the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in the area of L Street between West 18th and West 10th streets. MORE: Witnesses describe seeing Bay Point teen days before her body was found in SF The Mercury was the first to report this story and spoke to Antioch police Lt. Bill Whitaker, who said officers responded to the scene around 3:30 a.m. and tried to revive the girl. Advertisement Advertisement "Seventeen-year-olds don't die," Whitaker said. "That's the main thing that makes it suspicious." According to Whitaker, the girl was not registered in the Antioch School District system, and officers did not find evidence of narcotics use. He says the girl had injuries that were "inconsistent with an accidental fall," but that did not necessarily indicate a homicide. In you have any information about this incident or what happend, you're asked to contact Det. Robert Ibanez at ribanez@antiochca.gov or 925-481-8398. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) First responders evaluated two children Friday after they fell through an icy Susquehanna River while attempting to rescue their dog. Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company Station 57 launched an ice rescue at the Cold Cabin Park boat launch after receiving reports of the incident, the company said in a social media post. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Severe Weather Alerts Robert Fulton Fire Company also responded to the incident, it said. Rescuers tried to launch a boat from Peach Bottom Marina but were unable to due to the thick ice. When Delta-Cardiff crews arrived, they found the children and the dog out of the water. Paramedics evaluated the children, and the company said the dog is safe. On Thursday, a Dauphin County fire company rescued a horse from a frozen pond. Rescuers used ropes to pull the horse to safety. Last winter, Tony Reigle, chief of Harrisburg River Rescue and Emergency Services, warned about the dangers of walking or playing on ice. Advertisement Advertisement If a person finds themselves on a frozen body of water, they should try to return in the same direction they came, stay calm and conserve as much energy as they can, Regie said in an interview with abc27 News. As always, call 911 during an emergency. 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. The Brief A judge has ordered a toddler from Ecuador must be released from ICE custody by Friday night. The 2-year-old girl was detained, along with her father, during a traffic stop on Thursday. The arrest comes during ICE's Operation Metro Surge in the Twin Cities. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A 2-year-old child from Ecuador who was taken into ICE custody with her father during a Minneapolis traffic stop on Thursday has been ordered to be released. Toddler to be released from ICE custody Photo shows a 2-year-old girl who was ordered to be released from ICE custody. Photo courtesy of Jason Chavez-Cruz/GoFundMe. (FOX 9) What we know Attorneys filed emergency habeas for the release of the toddler and her father, citing asylum claims and warrantless arrest. Advertisement Advertisement "Respondents have taken a 2-year-old into custody an escalation of violence that is unspeakable, cruel and without any legal basis or justification," court filings say. RELATED: 5-year-old detained by ICE in Columbia Heights: Family came into US the 'right' way The judge ordered the child be released by 9:30 p.m. Friday. The attorney has been given parental authority to pick up the child from detention and return her to her mother. Click to open this PDF in a new window. RICHLANDS, Va. A federal appropriations bill that is part of a larger funding package to keep the federal government open includes $3 million for the construction of the Coalfields Expressway in Southwest Virginia and $500,000 to address water overflow issues in Tazewell County. The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026 passed the full U.S. House of Representatives ahead of the government funding deadline of January 30 and now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration. The appropriations bill includes $3 million for the Coalfields Expressway project and $500,000 for Tazewell County officials to address overflow issues in Richlands and to protect the Clinch River from potential exposure to wastewater and raw sewage, U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Va., said Friday. These important funds will help the (Coalfields Expressway) Authority construct additional lanes to approximately four miles of the expressway, Griffith said. I am hopeful that the Senate passes this transportation, housing and urban development appropriations bill so the authority is one step closer to receiving these funds to complete this important community project. Advertisement Advertisement Griffith said the $500,000 award to Tazewell County will fund the Mitigating Against and Preventing Wastewater Bypass project in Richlands. Jonathan Belcher, executive director of the Coalfields Expressway Authority, said the $3 million funding award if it remains intact in the Senate version of the appropriations bill would help to complete a missing link of the four-highway near Grundy in Buchanan County. As far as how those funds will be used it will be to widen an existing two lane section into four lanes, Belcher said Friday. That section is four miles long and it runs from the intersection of the expressway with Virginia Route 80 near the Breaks Interstate Park. Then it runs four miles from there with the intersection of Route 609 near Bulls Gap in Buchanan County. The authority originally requested $7 million in federal funds through Griffith, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., and U.S. Senator Mark Warner, D-Va. for fiscal year 2025. However, because the federal government did not approve any community project (or congressionally directed spending requests) for fiscal year 2025, the funding request was resubmitted for fiscal year 2026, according to Belcher. Advertisement Advertisement We are very pleased to see the $3 million included in the House version of the budget and are hopeful that the Senate version of the budget will include at least that much, before the budget is submitted to President Trump for his approval, Belcher said. Both Warner and Kaine have attended past meetings of the Coalfields Expressway Authority, and have expressed support for the new four-lane corridor, so officials are hopeful that the $3 million in federal funds will remain intact in the final Senate version of the appropriations bill. It too must be approved before the Jan. 30 deadline to keep the federal government open. We are very thankful to Congressman Griffith, as well as Senator Kaine and Senator Warner, without whom none of this would be possible, Belcher said. All three of them have personally met with the expressway authority board. I thought that was great. We do talk to each of their offices quite regularly. The Virginia portion of the Coalfields Expressway will extend through Buchanan, Dickenson and Wise counties. The Coalfields Expressway also will extend through McDowell, Wyoming and Raleigh counties in neighboring West Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Designated as part of the National Highway System, the Coalfields Expressway will ultimately link Interstates 64 and 77 in West Virginia with Route 23 in Virginia, which links to interstates in Kentucky and Tennessee, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. Sections of the route also overlap federally-designated Corridor Q: Route 460, which is currently being constructed. According to VDOTs project summary, the Coalfields Expressway will provide a modern, safe and efficient highway for motorists through the coalfield region of Southwest Virginia while also opening up the area for additional economic development and tourism growth. To date, about 4.95 miles of the Coalfields Expressway has been completed in Southwest Virginia. The authority hopes to see another two miles of the expressway opened to traffic in late 2027, which would then complete the Corridor Q section of the highway. Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com Heres what youll learn when you read this story: During a robotic exploration of the the oceans abyssopelagic zone, scientists discovered never-before-seen, jet-black eggs attached to a rock. After further study and DNA examination, the team discovered that the eggs belong to a flatworman animal usually associated with more shallow waterspreviously unknown to science. Though it lives in a much deeper environment, preliminary research concludes that this flatworm species is superficially similar to its more shallow-water living relatives. A well-worn expression among oceanographers and others who explore the watery depths of planet Earth is that we humans know the surface of Mars better than our ocean floors. Covering more than 70 percent of the worlds surface, oceans are notoriously difficult to studynot to mention pretty inhospitable to any creatures sans gills. Advertisement Advertisement Case in point: Scientists from Tokyo University and Hokkaido University in Japan stumbled across some mysterious jet-black eggs while piloting a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) in the Pacific Ocean at a depth of roughly 6,200 meters (or 3.85 miles). This is the maximum depth of the abyssopelagic zone, which is the deepest layer of most of the oceanhadopelagic zones are technically deeper, but only fill deep trenches. Any biological discovery in this zone is immensely important, as the life cycles of creatures living there are largely unknown. Unsure what these eggs were, University of Tokyo marine researcher Yasunori Kanowho was at the controls of the ROV at the timeopted to retrieve a sample of the eggs for further analysis topside. Kakui and Tsuyuki - Biology Letters Although most of the eggs were torn and empty, at least four eggs remained intact, and Kano sent these undisturbed specimens to a team of invertebrate biologists at Hokkaido University. After taking a closer look, the team realized that these eggs were in fact cocoons containing a handful of flatworms. Advertisement Advertisement When I first saw them, as I had never seen flatworm cocoons (and I didn't know what cocoons look like), I thought they may be protists or something, Hokkaido Universitys Keiichi Kakui, who co-authored a study about the discovery in the journal Biology Letters , told IFLScience . Under a stereomicroscope, I cut one of them, and a milky liquid-like thing leaked from it; after blowing the milky thing with a pipette, I found fragile white bodies in the shell and first realized that it was the cocoon of platyhelminths. This was a particularly surprising discovery, as we know absolutely nothing about abyssal flatwormstheyve never been discovered at such immense depths before. In fact, the deepest flatworm observed before this discovery we found at around 5,200 meters (3.23 miles). However, that specimen was attached to a piece of wood, so scientists cant be certain if the worms originated at that depth or sank there. Before that discovery, the deepest flatworm ever discovered were found at only around 2 miles, according to ScienceAlert . After further DNA examination, the team confirmed that these creatures were a previously undescribed species of the phylum Platyhelminth. However, the paper also reports that though they represent the deepest known record of free-living platyhelminths, these deep sea residents appear to be superficially the same as their shallow-water living cousins and showed no drastic developmental differences. While the ocean abyss is still shrouded in scientific ignorance, this discovery makes the knowledge of these dark depths a little brighter. You Might Also Like SEOUL, South Korea (AP) Dozens of South Koreans allegedly involved in online scams in Cambodia were returned to South Korea on Friday to face investigations in what was the largest group repatriation of Korean criminal suspects from abroad. The 73 South Korean suspects allegedly scammed fellow Koreans out of 48.6 billion won ($33 million), according to a South Korean government statement. Upon arrival in South Korea's Incheon airport aboard a chartered plane, the suspects 65 men and eight women were sent to police stations. Advertisement Advertisement The suspects, in handcuffs and wearing masks, were escorted by police officers and boarding buses. They were among about 260 South Koreans detained in a crackdown in Cambodia in recent months. When it comes to crimes that harm our people, we'll track down and arrest those involved to the very end and get them to face corresponding consequences," senior police officer Yoo Seung Ryul told a televised briefing at the airport. Public outrage over scam centers in Southeast Asia flared up in South Korea when a Korean student was found dead last summer after reportedly being forced to work at a scam compound in Cambodia. Authorities said at the time that he died after being tortured and beaten, and South Korea sent a government delegation to Cambodia in October for talks on a joint response. The suspects repatriated Friday include a couple who allegedly operated a deepfake romance scam to dupe 12 billion won ($8.2 million) from about 100 people in fraudulent investment schemes. South Korea has made various efforts to bring them back home, including more than 10 rounds of video meetings with Cambodian officials, the Justice Ministry said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement At the airport briefing, senior Foreign Ministry official Yoo Byung-seok expressed gratitude to the Cambodian government over Friday's repatriation. He said that South Korea hopes to continue close bilateral coordination until online scams targeting South Koreans are eradicated in Cambodia. Cybercrime has flourished in Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia and Myanmar, as trafficked foreign nationals were employed to run romance and cryptocurrency scams, often after being recruited with false job offers and then forced to work in conditions of near-slavery. According to estimates from the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, scam victims worldwide lost between $18 billion and $37 billion in 2023. Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said in a statement that the deportation of the 73 South Koreans, along with 136 Myanmar citizens, was part of his government's efforts to crack down on cross-border crime and combat technology-based fraud. The statement said that Cambodian authorities detained 5,106 suspects of 23 nationalities and deported 4,534 to their countries of origin over the past seven months. In January, Cambodia said that it had arrested and extradited to China a tycoon accused of running a huge online scam operation. Advertisement Advertisement Since October, about 130 South Korean scam suspects from Cambodia as well as more than 20 such Korean suspects from Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines have been sent back home. After Friday's repatriation, about 60 South Koreans will remain detained in Cambodia awaiting repatriation, according to police. Neth Pheaktra's statement said that Cambodia deported 244 South Korean nationals last year. South Korean officials said in October that about 1,000 South Koreans were estimated to be in scam centers in Cambodia. Some are believed to be forced laborers. On Thursday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for stern responses to transnational cybercrimes that he said erodes mutual trust in society and triggers diplomatic disputes with other countries. (COLORADO SPRINGS) Arrest papers for the suspect who allegedly fired shots on the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) campus shows the incident began with a disagreement over a parking space. According to the arrest affidavit for 25-year-old Jonathan Sovine, the incident began when the victim parked his car near a dormitory at UCCS to help his girlfriend move into the dorms. The affidavit states that the victim had parked his car around 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 12 when an unknown man, later identified as Sovine, approached and identified himself as a Resident Advisor (RA), instructing the victim that he could not park where he had. The affidavit states that the victim told Sovine that he was helping his girlfriend move and that she was also an RA, and Sovine replied okay before leaving. Around 9 p.m., the victim left to retrieve more items and came back, parking in the same spot around 10 minutes later. The affidavit states that the victim saw Sovine watching him through a window of a darkened common room, though Sovine did not reapproach this time. Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Suspect from UCCS shots-fired arrested Around 9:15, the victim was near the trunk of his car when Sovine came out of the building and walked directly up to the victim, stopping about a foot away. Sovine allegedly said I told you, you cant park there, as he pulled a revolver from inside his coat. The victim turned and ran as soon as he saw the gun, at which point Sovine allegedly fired, though the shot missed the victim. As the victim was running away, he felt his jacket sleeve tug immediately following the sound of a second shot. The victim was later able to identify a single hole in the in the cuff of his jacket sleeve, but he was uninjured. Sovine allegedly fired a third shot that also missed. Multiple witnesses either saw or heard the shooting, and several reported seeing two males running away after the shooting. UCCS police were able to review security footage that showed Sovine walking up to the victim and firing a gun in a manner that matched the victims statements to police. Security footage of shots fired on UCCS campus. Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department Security footage of shots fired on UCCS campus. Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department Security footage of shots fired on UCCS campus. Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department Images captured of Sovine on UCCSs security cameras before the incident allowed police to identify him as the suspect. Jonathan Lee Sovine. Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department Sovine was arrested off campus on Jan. 13, and faces charges of attempted first degree murder, use of a weapon to commit violent crime, attempted assault with a deadly weapon, menacing, and disorderly conduct. Advertisement Advertisement According to the arrest affidavit, Sovine had previously been the subject of an Extreme Risk Protection Order, which resulted in several guns being confiscated from him. Sovine showed that he was willing to contact an unknown individual multiple times and escalate to attempting to murder him from extremely close quarters showing an extreme indifference to human life, the affidavit states. For that reason, the affidavit requested an elevated bond of $500,000. Sovine is due in El Paso County Court on Feb. 11. 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 FOX21 News Colorado. Air France has resumed its Dubai service after temporarily suspending it due to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, the airline said. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened strikes on Iran over the crackdown on the protest movement that recently erupted across the Islamic republic. The French airline on Friday said it was freezing its flights to certain destinations and monitoring developments in the region to ensure the highest level of flight safety and security. Dutch airline KLM, which belongs to the same group as Air France, also halted flights until further notice to cities in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement KLM told public broadcaster NOS on Friday that it had suspended flights until further notice to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh and would not fly through the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Israel and several countries in the Gulf. The airline did not disclose the reason for the suspensions and said it was in touch with Dutch authorities, according to NOS. The latest flight disruptions came after Trump on Thursday said a big force of US warships he described as an armada was heading towards the Gulf region, days after appearing to back away from threats of military action against Iran over a recent crackdown on antigovernment protests. Were watching Iran, Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he flew back from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. You know we have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case We have a big force going toward Iran, he said. OKLAHOMA CITY Thousands of flights across the U.S. set to take off over the weekend were canceled as a monster storm started to wreak havoc Saturday across much of the country and threatened to knock out power for days and snarl major roadways with dangerous ice. Roughly 140 million people, or more than 40% of the U.S. population, were under a winter storm warning from New Mexico to New England. The National Weather Service forecast warned of widespread heavy snow and a band of catastrophic ice stretching from east Texas to North Carolina. By midday Saturday, a quarter of an inch of ice was reported in parts of southeastern Oklahoma, eastern Texas and portions of Louisiana. What really makes this storm unique is, just following this storm, its just going to get so cold, said Allison Santorelli, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. The snow and the ice will be very, very slow to melt and wont be going away anytime soon, and thats going to hinder any recovery efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Governors in more than a dozen states sounded the alarm about the turbulent weather ahead, declaring emergencies or urging people to stay home. As crews in some southern states began working to restore downed power lines, officials in some eastern states issued final warnings to residents. We are expecting a storm the likes of which we havent seen in years, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said Saturday while announcing restrictions on commercial vehicle travel and a 35 mph speed limit on highways. She added: Its a good weekend to stay indoors. Little Rock, Arkansas, was covered with sleet and snow Saturday, giving Chris Plank doubts about whether he would be able to make a five-hour drive to Dallas for work on Sunday. While some snow is a yearly event, Plank was concerned most about the ice. All of the power lines are above ground, so it doesnt take very much to end up in the dark, Plank said. Advertisement Advertisement Forecasters say the damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could rival that of a hurricane. Around 120,000 power outages were reported in the path of the winter storm Saturday afternoon, including about 53,000 in Texas and 45,000 in Louisiana, according to poweroutage.us. In Shelby County, Texas, near the Louisiana border, ice weighed down on pine trees and caused branches to snap, downing power lines. About a third of the countys 16,000 residents were without power on Saturday. We have hundreds of trees down and a lot of limbs in the road, Shelby County Commissioner Stevie Smith said from his pickup truck. Ive got my crew out clearing roads as fast as we can. Its a lot to deal with right now. Advertisement Advertisement All Saturday flights were canceled at Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City, and all Sunday morning flights also were called off, as officials aimed to restart service Sunday afternoon at Oklahomas biggest airport. More than 12,000 flights were canceled Saturday and Sunday across the U.S., according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. DallasFort Worth International Airport, a major hub, saw more than 700 departing flights canceled on Saturday and nearly as many arriving flights called off. Disruptions were also piling up at airports in Chicago, Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte, North Carolina. After sweeping through the South, the storm was expected to move into the Northeast, dumping about 1 to 2 feet of snow from Washington through New York and Boston, the weather service predicted. Please, if you can avoid it, do not drive, do not travel, do not do anything that can potentially place you or your loved ones in danger, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Saturday. Instead, I urge every New Yorker who can to put a warm sweater on, turn on the TV, watch Mission Impossible for the 10th time, above all to stay inside. Bracing for biggest ice storm in a decade Officials in Georgia advised people in the states northern regions to get off the roads by sundown Saturday and be prepared to stay put for at least 48 hours. Advertisement Advertisement Will Lanxton, the senior state meteorologist, said Georgia could get perhaps the biggest ice storm we have expected in more than a decade followed by unusually cold temperatures. Ice is a whole different ballgame than snow, Lanxton said. Ice, you cant do anything with. You cant drive on it. Its much more likely to bring down power lines and trees. Crews began treating highways with brine after midnight Saturday, with 1,800 workers on 12-hour shifts, Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry said. Were going to do what we can to keep the ice from sticking to the roads, McMurry said. This is going to be a challenge. Frigid temperatures and ice The Midwest saw windchills as low as minus 40F, meaning that frostbite could set in within 10 minutes. The minus 36F reading in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, on Saturday morning was the coldest in almost 30 years. Advertisement Advertisement In Minneapolis, the worst of an extreme cold wave was over, but protesters calling for ICE to leave Minnesota on Saturday still faced an outdoor temperature of minus 6 degrees Fahrenheit. Workers from The Orange Tent Project, a Chicago nonprofit that provides cold weather tents and other supplies to unhoused individuals throughout the city, went out to check on those who did not or could not seek shelter. Seeing the forecasted weather, I knew we had to come out and do this today, said CEO Morgan McLuckie. Mardi Gras and classes canceled. Opry performs without audience Churches moved Sunday services online, and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, decided to hold its Saturday night radio performance without fans. Mardi Gras parades in Louisiana were canceled or rescheduled. Advertisement Advertisement Schools superintendents in Philadelphia and Houston announced that schools would be closed Monday. Some universities in the South canceled classes for Monday, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Mississippis main campus in Oxford. Around the southeast, people used the cancellations to have some fun. On a hill outside the Capitol building in Nashville, adult sledders on green discs and inflatable pool animals giggled with joy as they slid in the snow. Government prepares to respond President Donald Trump said via social media on Friday that his administration was coordinating with state and local officials, and FEMA is fully prepared to respond. Advertisement Advertisement Nine states have requested emergency declarations, according to a FEMA briefing document released Saturday. The declarations can unlock federal emergency resources. Trump on Friday approved emergency declarations for South Carolina and Virginia, and requests from Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia were still pending as of Saturday morning. I think there are two parts of this storm that make it unique. One is just a broad expanse of spatial coverage of this event ... Youve got 2,000 miles of country thats being impacted by the storm with snow, sleet, and freezing rain, said Josh Weiss, a meteorologist at NOAAs Weather Prediction Center. The other part of this storm thats really impressive is whats going to happen right afterward. Were looking at extreme cold, record cold. The Pentagon has released a priority-shifting National Defense Strategy, capping off a week of animosity between the Trump administration of traditional allies like Europe. For too long, the US Government neglected even rejected putting Americans and their concrete interests first, read the opening sentence. Coming in the wake of US President Donald Trump threatening to impose tariffs on some European partners in his bid to acquire Greenland, and falsely claiming that Nato forces "stayed a little back" from the frontline in Afghanistan, the document will do little to lower the temperature. Advertisement Advertisement As allies confront what some see as a hostile attitude from the US, they will almost certainly be unhappy to see that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths department will provide credible options to guarantee US military and commercial access to key terrain, especially Greenland and the Panama Canal. It chastises US allies to take control of their own security and reasserts focus on dominance in the Western Hemisphere, above a longtime goal of countering China. The 34-page document, the first since 2022, was highly political for a military blueprint, criticising partners from Europe to Asia for relying on previous US administrations to subsidise their defense. It called for a sharp shift in approach, focus, and tone". Advertisement Advertisement That translated to a blunt assessment that allies would take on more of the burden countering nations from Russia to North Korea. Much like the White Houses National Security Strategy that preceded it, the defense blueprint reinforces Trumps America First philosophy, which favors nonintervention overseas, questions decades of strategic relationships and prioritises US interests. The National Defense Strategy last was published in 2022 under then-President Joe Biden and focused on China as Americas pacing challenge. From one crisis to another: A week in Trump-land that feels like an epoch Trump threatens tariffs against countries who oppose his Greenland plans Western Hemisphere The strategy simultaneously courts help from partners in Americas backyard, while warning them that the US will actively and fearlessly defend Americas interests throughout the Western Hemisphere. Advertisement Advertisement It specifically points to access to the Panama Canal and Greenland. It comes just days after Trump said he reached a framework of a future deal on Arctic security with NATO leader Mark Rutte that would offer the U.S. total access to Greenland, a territory of NATO ally Denmark. China and the greater Asia-Pacific region The new policy document views China which the Biden administration saw as a top adversary as a settled force in the Indo-Pacific region that only needs to be deterred from dominating the US or its allies. The goal is not to dominate China; nor is it to strangle or humiliate them, the document says. It later adds, This does not require regime change or some other existential struggle. Advertisement Advertisement President Trump seeks a stable peace, fair trade, and respectful relations with China, it says, which follows efforts to climb down from a trade war sparked by the administrations sky-high tariffs. It says it will open a wider range of military-to-military communications with Chinas army. Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning. The strategy, meanwhile, makes no mention of or guarantee to Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own and says it will take by force if necessary. The U.S. is obligated by its own laws to give military support to Taiwan. By contrast, the Biden administrations 2022 strategy said the U.S. would support Taiwans asymmetric self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement In another example of offloading regional security to allies, the document says, South Korea is capable of taking primary responsibility for deterring North Korea with critical but more limited U.S. support. Europe While saying that Russia will remain a persistent but manageable threat to NATOs eastern members for the foreseeable future, the defense strategy asserts that NATO allies are much more powerful and so are strongly positioned to take primary responsibility for Europes conventional defense". It says the Pentagon will play a key role in NATO even as we calibrate US force posture and activities in the European theater to focus on priorities closer to home. Advertisement Advertisement The US already has confirmed that it will reduce its troop presence on NATOs borders with Ukraine, with allies expressing concern that the Trump administration might drastically cut their numbers and leave a security vacuum as European countries confront an increasingly aggressive Russia. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know... MS NOWs Ali Velshi was stunned by Saturdays deadly shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis and the subsequent tear gas rounds that were shot at protesters. One visibly upset protester screamed at ICE agents as thick, white smoke enveloped him. Wow, what a scene in an American city in 2026 in Minneapolis, Velshi said before announcing the death of the person who was shot earlier by federal agents. Advertisement Advertisement Footage was taken of the shooting which showed agents having a physical altercation with a man and then multiple rounds being fired. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) revealed that he spoke to the White House about the shooting. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said at a press conference that they believe the deceased was a mid-30s white male who was a citizen living in the city. DHS claimed in a statement that the man approached agents armed with a handgun and multiple clips. Ill show you the video, unfortunately, of this in a few moments, Velshi said, adding that protesters were congregating around where the man was shot and killed. We have video of the shooting. Now this is all hard to watch. This is unbelievable that this is an American city in 2026, Velshi continued. And this is federal agents versus the residents of that city. Im going to show you this video, and I normally say, dont look away because you cant look at way at moments like this. I have to tell you, this is really graphic. Velshi added, Again, Im gonna warn you, this is really, really graphic, before playing the video. Watch above via MS NOW. The post An American City in 2026: MS Anchor Stunned By Chaos As Feds Pump Tear Gas Shots At Protesters Amid New Shooting first appeared on Mediaite. ANDALUSIA, Ala. (WDHN) After about a two year hiatus, trains are back on track on the Georgiana and Andalusia railroad after Pinsly Railroad company took it over from Genesee and Wyoming. Having a railroad is essential and we are glad we are going to have it and not going to lose it, Covington County Economic Development Commission President Jacob Morgan said. The 36 mile railroad had been unavailable since October 2024 after the former company had a tanker turn over and the tracks became dilapidated. Advertisement Advertisement But, Pinsly Railroad Company was the saving grace investing over $6 million into the line. They did this in Florida and Mississippi so they are always looking for opportunities to improve rural development, Morgan said. New severe weather shelter established in Enterprise Andalusia has two industries that depend on rail service on this track Arclin and Shaw. Before Pinsly stepped up, they had to rely on transporting materials through trucking which is expensive. However, the reopening of the railroad lightens the load. Like for Shaw what they could get on a train is $5,000 but for one load on trucking could be $20,000, so thats a big difference, Morgan said. Advertisement Advertisement The railroad also paves the way for other local industries to ship materials affordably and it can help recruit as well. We have a site were working on right now in Red Level that the track runs through and if it wasnt put here we might not be able to develop it, He said. Rail in your community will always be a necessity. Morgan said he is thankful for Pinsly Railroad Company to see the track back in operation. 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 WDHN - wdhn.com. Christians in Sudan are facing daily hunger, misery and terror. The new Open Doors World Watch List for 2026, which ranks the worst countries in the world for the persecution of Christians, placed the country at No. 4, up one place from last years report. There are an estimated 2 million Christians in the conflict-ridden northeastern African country. Sudans civil war has raged past the 1,000-day milestone with 150,000 people reportedly killed and more than 13 million displaced. Christians have lived in Sudan since the late first century. Many of Sudans Christians live in the Nuba Mountains, part of the Kordofan region. Advertisement Advertisement Rafat Samir, general secretary of the Sudan Evangelical Alliance, told Fox News Digital that the "Nuba Mountains now, where the majority of our church members are coming from, is under siege and bombing every day for the last six months or seven months. Last week, after Christmas, they bombed our church, hospital and school." Nigeria Named Epicenter Of Global Killings Of Christians Over Faith In 2025, Report Says Adding to the misery, a report by Memri citing Christian Daily international, said 11 Sudanese Christians were killed as they took part in a procession to their church for a religious celebration on Christmas Day by a drone operated by the governments Sudanese Armed Forces. Eighteen others were injured in the attack. MEMRI reported the SAF are backed by the Muslim Brotherhood. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement A State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital, "Since the April 2023 outbreak of conflict in Sudan, we have witnessed significant backsliding in Sudans overall respect for fundamental freedoms, including religious freedom. This backsliding especially impacts Sudans oppressed ethnic and religious populations, including Christians." In a Fox News Digital report last year, Christians were said to be eating grass to survive. Samir says the situation is even more bleak in 2026. "Even the grass is gone now," he said. "The conflict is accelerating the erasure of ancient Christian communities and sacred heritage," Mariam Wahba, research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), told Fox News Digital. "These losses will be far harder to reverse than the rebuilding of roads or ministries once the guns fall silent." Advertisement Advertisement Christians Targeted In Systematic Kidnapping Campaign In Nigeria By Jihadi Herdsmen, Experts Say Ideologically, Sudans Christians face a hostile future, Samir said. "Both sides in the civil conflict are daughters of the Islamist movement in Sudan, and the Islamic ideology of both of them is to not have tolerance for others," Samir said. "They consider everyone different from them is against them. The Christian is considered their enemy as part of their religious ideology, and opposing them is their religious duty. "So, whoever does something to harm Christians is considered favorable to the law or to Allah. The country is getting back to the dark ages." Advertisement Advertisement Repeated and continuing attempts at getting the governments Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the opposing militia, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to reach a ceasefire have failed. Both sides admit they are still fighting and clearly killing civilians with sustained energy, particularly in the central Sudanese region of Kordofan, home to many Christians. "The United States is committed to ending the horrific conflict in Sudan," a State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "Under President Trumps leadership, we are working with our allies and others to facilitate a humanitarian truce and bring an end to external military support to the parties which is fueling the violence. President Trump wants peace in Sudan. "The suffering of civilians has reached catastrophic levels, with millions lacking food, water and medical care. Every day of continued fighting costs more innocent lives. The war in Sudan is an enduring threat to regional stability." The U.N. says fighting is escalating in Kordofan, with U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk telling reporters in Port Sudan Jan. 18, "I am very worried that the atrocity crimes committed during and after the takeover of El Fasher are at grave risk of repeating themselves in the Kordofan region, where the conflict has been rapidly escalating since late October. Advertisement Advertisement Us Ambassador Michael Waltz Declares Atrocities Against Christians In Nigeria 'Genocide' "The Kordofan states are extremely volatile," he continued, "with relentless military engagements, heavy shelling, drone bombardments and airstrikes causing widespread destruction and collapse of essential services." Wahba said that "while the United States remains kinetically active across neighboring theaters, it is unlikely to wade directly into Sudans civil war." Members of the Sudanese army's Special Mission Forces battalion in the Northern State hold a parade in Karima city May 19, 2024. (Getty Images) "President Trump", Wahba added, "has signaled a clear desire to see the conflict resolved an objective echoed by both Egypt and Saudi Arabia but translating that consensus into outcomes on the ground has proven far more difficult than the rhetoric suggests." Advertisement Advertisement "For now," Wahba continued, "U.S. policy is centered on convening regional stakeholders and pressing for alignment among them, while prioritizing humanitarian corridors, aid delivery and coordination with partners willing to host talks. Washington is acting as a facilitator, not an enforcer." Click Here To Download The Fox News App "This posture reflects both constraint and caution. Sudan presents few reliable leverage points, no unified opposition partner, and (theres) little appetite in Congress or the White House for another open-ended entanglement in a fragmented civil war. The result is a policy that remains fluid and reactive, and is shaped less by strategy than by crisis management," she said. Despite everything, the Sudan Evangelical Alliances Samir has hope. Advertisement Advertisement "The Holy Spirit is moving and God's hand is working in our country," Samir said. " I can tell you through this evil, this darkness, the light of love of our God is lighting in many hearts. The devil is stealing people to death every day. We pray that (they) let us Christians live for one day more, for one day more to proclaim Jesuss message." Original article source: Another Christian community at risk in Africa as extremists and war take their toll The Israeli military said that it has once again killed several Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The army announced on Saturday that forces in the northern Gaza Strip identified several "terrorists" who had crossed the so-called yellow line and planted an explosive device. They posed an "immediate threat" and were killed by the air force after being identified, the army's statement said. Advertisement Advertisement This information cannot currently be independently verified. Israel has declared the so-called yellow line to be the new border with the Gaza Strip. The line marks the Israeli army's withdrawal position as part of the ceasefire with the Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas. It is marked by yellow concrete posts and signs. There have been repeated deadly incidents since the ceasefire began on October 10. According to various sources, Israel controls slightly more than half of the Gaza Strip, which is around 41 kilometres long and between 6 and 12 kilometres wide. A relative of a Palestinian child, who was killed by Israeli army fire, hugs him at the funeral ceremony held in Al-Shifa Hospital. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa WASHINGTON Prominent Democrats have been insisting as a Jan. 30 federal funding deadline creeped closer that they likely wouldnt risk another government shutdown, and all the pain that comes with it. Minneapolis has changed their minds. The latest deadly altercation in the city is threatening to imperil an 11th-hour scramble in Congress to get the last of its appropriations bills passed in less than a week. And it's prompting calls to strip out a Department of Homeland Security funding measure for a separate vote amid a spiking risk of a partial shutdown on the heels of last year's record-breaking crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, said in a statement after a Border Patrol agent shot and killed a 37-year-old man that Senate Democrats won't support keeping the government fully open while also funding DHS. Whats happening in Minnesota is appalling and unacceptable in any American city," he said. Senate Democrats will not provide the votes to proceed to the appropriations bill if the DHS funding bill is included. Another person has been fatally shot by federal law enforcement in Minneapolis, officials said on Jan. 24. The shooting comes just over two weeks after 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot in the head by a federal immigration officer in a residential neighborhood south of downtown. See the scene of a shooting. A person is detained at the scene of a shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 24, 2026. People gather at the scene of a shooting involving federal agents, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 24, 2026. A federal immigration agent stands guard as another detains a person at the scene of a shooting involving federal immigration agents, in Whittier neighborhood, in South Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 24, 2026. People hug each other at the scene of a shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 24, 2026. People gather at the scene of a shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 24, 2026. A man gestures next to federal agents at the scene of a shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 24, 2026. Federal agents stand guard at the scene of a shooting involving federal agents, in Whittier neighborhood, in South Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 24, 2026. Federal agents stand guard at the scene of a shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 24, 2026. People gather at the scene of a shooting involving federal agents, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 24, 2026. A person with an observer vests joins onlookers after a federal agent involved shooting on January 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. People gather at the scene of a shooting involving federal agents, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 24, 2026. People gather at the scene of a shooting involving federal immigration agents, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 24, 2026. Federal agents stand guard at the scene of a shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 24, 2026. Federal immigration agents stand guard at the scene of a shooting involving federal immigration agents, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 24, 2026. Man fatally shot by federal officers in Minneapolis. Photos show the scene 1 of 15 Another person has been fatally shot by federal law enforcement in Minneapolis, officials said on Jan. 24. The shooting comes just over two weeks after 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot in the head by a federal immigration officer in a residential neighborhood south of downtown. See the scene of a shooting. The fraught political moment shaped by the killings of two Minnesotans by federal agents in fewer than three weeks is underscoring just how central pushing back on President Donald Trump's immigration policies has become to the Democratic Party, especially with the midterm elections approaching in November. Read more: 'Beautiful light of our family.' Renee Goods family reveals new details about morning she was killed by ICE Advertisement Advertisement Its drawing new lines in the sand showing how far lawmakers are willing to go to prioritize fighting over immigration amid escalating federal raids even if doing so jeopardizes major concessions they've won from Republicans on other central issues, such as health care and education. "Senate Dems should block [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] funding this week," said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, in a social media post after the Jan. 24 shooting. "We can and must stop this." After canceling votes for a day due to a big impending snowstorm, senators will have just a matter of days next week to approve a massive spending package. Among the must-pass bills will be the Department of Homeland Security's annual funding measure, which includes money for ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or CBP. When the DHS appropriations bill, which was originally introduced in a bipartisan way, was first announced on Jan. 20, even one of its two main Democratic negotiators admitted it wouldn't satisfy many elements of her party. After an ICE officer shot and killed Renee Good, during an altercation on Jan. 7, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, acknowledged that her colleagues "may be dissatisfied with any bill that funds ICE." Advertisement Advertisement "The bill takes several steps in the right direction, such as cutting ICE enforcement and removal operations and reducing the number of detention beds, but it does not include broader reforms Democrats proposed," said the Connecticut congresswoman. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D -Connecticut, listens during a news conference with House Democratic leadership at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 10, 2023. Read more: Debates on ICE, Ed Dept. and health care shape bill to dodge shutdown The bill also would impose new restrictions on DHS, including requiring more de-escalation training for ICE and CBP agents, implementing more oversight of detention facilities and restricting how the agency can spend money. For many Democrats, including DeLauro herself, that ultimately wasn't enough to get behind it. After days of intraparty fuming, she voted against the bill she helped craft. Advertisement Advertisement Still, the measure passed the House of Representatives with the marginal support of seven Democrats before being tucked into one giant funding package and sent over to the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to survive. Republicans hold the Senate majority with 53 seats, while Democrats have 47, including two Independent senators who caucus with Democrats. While Senate Democrats were initially frustrated by the DHS bill, many still seemed inclined to vote for the entire appropriations package rather than risk a partial shutdown. But those political dynamics shifted on Jan. 24, when a Border Patrol agent shot and killed a 37-year-old man, identified by Minnesota's attorney general as an intensive care unit nurse named Alex Pretti. Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, a top lawmaker considered by many to potentially be Schumer's eventual successor in leadership, said shortly thereafter he'd vote against funding DHS. So did Sen. Mark Warner, D-Virginia. "I am voting against funding for DHS until and unless more controls are put in place to hold ICE accountable," Schatz posted. "These repeated incidents of violence across the country are unlawful, needlessly escalatory, and making all of us less safe." Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nevada, who cast a crucial vote to reopen the government last fall, called on Senate leadership to strip out the DHS bill, keeping the rest of the spending agreements while coming up with a compromise. It's unclear how amenable Senate Republicans would be to such a move. "We have bipartisan agreement on 96% of the budget," she said in a statement. "We've already passed six funding bills. Let's pass the remaining five bipartisan bills and fund essential agencies while we continue to fight for a Department of Homeland Security that respects Americans' constitutional rights and preserves federal law enforcement's essential role to keep us safe." The more progressive wings of the Senate Democratic caucus didn't waste any time encouraging their colleagues to take a stand against Trump. "Congress should not fund this version of ICE," said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut, on X. Advertisement Advertisement "Im a 'hell no,'" said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, "not a penny more for ICE. We should not fund this terror." Zachary Schermele is a congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social. (This story was updated to add a video.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Deadly shooting threatens to imperil government shutdown aversion People gather near the scene of 26th Street West and Nicollet Avenue, where federal agents shot and killed a 37-year-old man Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, the third shooting in as many weeks. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) A federal agent fatally shot a man in Minneapolis on Saturday amid the Trump administrations immigration crackdown, escalating tensions after another killing earlier in the month. It was the third shooting by immigration officers in the city in three weeks and the second to end in death. Democratic local and state officials immediately condemned Saturdays shooting as protests ramped up, and Republican President Donald Trump threatened again to send military troops to Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said federal agents killed a 37-year-old man whom officials believe is a U.S. citizen who lives in Minneapolis. Video of the shooting was captured by observers and posted to social media. The man who was killed has been identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti in a statement from Sen. Zaynab Mohamed, DFL-Minneapolis, and by the Star Tribune and The Associated Press. OHara said he had no information about what led up to the shooting but said the man, whom he did not name, but said he was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. OHara says police have not interacted with the deceased other than a few traffic tickets. Protesters line streets Hundreds of protesters gathered near where the shooting happened, despite subzero temperatures. Many wore gas masks and eye protection common in the Twin Cities, where demonstrations started when immigration officers arrived in December. Advertisement Advertisement Federal agents deployed tear gas and flash bangs to push back the crowds, which lined up at several intersections near the site of the shooting shouting, Shame! and ICE out, f*ck ICE! Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey again urged the federal government to end its two-month immigration siege, which has brought 3,000 federal officers to Minnesota, or nearly five times the number of sworn Minneapolis police officers. How many times must local and national leaders plead with you, Donald Trump, to end this operation and recognize that this is not creating safety in our city? Mayor Jacob Frey said. Gov. Tim Walz said hed spoken to the White House after the shooting, but he doesnt have confidence federal officials will change their actions or leave the state. He said the Department of Homeland Security has rushed to judgement and is already slandering the man who was killed. Advertisement Advertisement Minnesotans: You know who you are, and you demonstrate it every single day, Walz said. And we damn sure know who these people are. The American public knows. This needs to be the event that says, enough. Law enforcement blocked off the streets and deployed tear gas to dissuade angry demonstrators from going near the site of the shooting, which was around 26th Street West and Nicollet Avenue. Over 100 federal agents were on the scene after the shooting. Federal officers unleashed a cloud of tear gas in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis after a third Minnesotan was shot by the feds, Jan. 24, 2026. (Photo by Madison McVan/Minnesota Reformer) OHara urged demonstrators to go home. State Patrol and other state law enforcement were there also in an attempt to keep the peace. Video captures shooting In a graphic video now circulating on social media, six federal agents appear to wrestle the man to the ground in front of the New American Development Center. One of the agents hits the man three times with what appears to be a firearm. Bystanders are surrounding the group and filming on their cell phones. Advertisement Advertisement Over 10 shots can be heard in the video, but its unclear if more than one agent fired a weapon. The Department of Homeland Security said in a social media post that officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis against someone illegally in the U.S. wanted for violent assault, when another person approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm handgun. Video shows an agent in a gray jacket approach the man as hes being held on the ground by multiple other agents and then walk away with what appears to be a gun in his hand, before shots are fired. The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted. More details on the armed struggle are forthcoming, Homeland Security said. Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject but was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino said in a press conference that the officer who shot the man is highly trained and served as a Border Patrol agent for eight years. Bovino said the agent has extensive training as a Range Safety Officer, to ensure people on a gun range are using it safely. Conflict between state and federal law enforcement The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which typically investigates law enforcement shootings, said in a social media post their agents arrived at the scene of Saturdays killing at the request of the Minneapolis Police Department but were blocked from accessing the location by the Department of Homeland Security. BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said that after BCA officials were blocked from the scene of the shooting, they obtained a signed judicial warrant to gain access. BCA officials returned to the scene, but DHS agents still denied access. People react to copious tear gas and flash grenades deployed by federal agents near the scene of 26th Street West and Nicollet Avenue, where federal agents shot and killed a 37-year-old man Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, the third shooting in as many weeks. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) The BCA began a joint investigation into the ICE officer shooting of Renee Good earlier this month before being abruptly shut out of the investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, hindering local prosecutors from being able to consider if criminal charges are warranted against the officer. Advertisement Advertisement Walz expressed disbelief that the federal agents were able to leave the scene with little to no investigation. You kill a man and then you just leave? the governor said. Is there a single case in American history where you just, like, walk away and say, I guess that just happened and were not going to clean up our mess. Walz said the federal agents involved in the shooting will be held accountable. Minnesotas justice system will have the last word, the governor said. Trump posted a rambling response to the shooting on his social media platform referencing U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omars bank account and saying what youre witnessing is part of a cover up for Medicaid fraud. Advertisement Advertisement The Mayor and the Governor are inciting insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous and arrogant rhetoric, Trump wrote, reviving a threat to invoke the Insurrection Act and send military troops into the streets of Minnesota. Accounts contradict Homeland Security Homeland Security statements about the previous shootings have later been found to be false or misleading. After the Jan. 7 killing of Good, the department referred to her as a domestic terrorist. A 911 call after a second shooting, of a Venezuelan man in north Minneapolis, suggests that the agent shot at the man as he was trying to escape into a house, which would contradict the Department of Homeland Security account that the federal immigration agent fired a shot defensively. In a sworn affidavit, an FBI agent confirmed that the agent shot the man when he had begun running toward the house, the Star Tribune reported. As Reformer sibling publication Stateline recently reported, Homeland Security recently revised its account of a December shooting in Glen Burnie, Maryland, after local police contradicted its initial version. The agency first claimed both men injured in the incident were inside a van that ICE officers fired at in self-defense, but later said that one of the injured men had already been arrested and was in custody inside an ICE vehicle when he was hurt. The other man was shot twice and is facing two federal criminal charges. Advertisement Advertisement In August, federal immigration agents fired at a familys vehicle three times in San Bernardino, California. Homeland Security maintained the shooting was justified after at least two agents were struck by the vehicle, but available footage shows an agent breaking the driver-side window moments before gunfire erupted. Surveillance footage from the street does not show agents being struck by the vehicle. The Saturday shooting comes one day after tens of thousands of people protested ICE in downtown Minneapolis in subzero temperatures. The Minnesota National Guard has been on active duty for over a week, meaning that they are prepared to rapidly respond if they are deployed. Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt on Saturday requested support from the National Guard to help them provide security at the federal Whipple Building the site of ongoing protests. Its unclear how many guard members will be stationed there. People react to copious tear gas and flash grenades deployed by federal agents near the scene of 26th Street West and Nicollet Avenue, where federal agents shot and killed a 37-year-old man Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, the third shooting in as many weeks. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Reformer Deputy Editor Max Nesterak and Reporter Alyssa Chen contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota Reformer is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Minnesota Reformer maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor J. Patrick Coolican for questions: info@minnesotareformer.com. Masked federal agents on the scene near where a federal officer shot a Minnesotan for the third time in as many weeks. (Photo by Madison McVan/Minnesota Reformer) This story has been updated. A federal agent fatally shot a man in Minneapolis on Saturday amid the Trump administrations immigration crackdown, escalating tensions after another killing earlier in the month. It was the third shooting by immigration officers in the city in three weeks and the second to end in death. Democratic local and state officials immediately condemned Saturdays shooting as protests ramped up, and Republican President Donald Trump threatened again to send military troops to Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said federal agents killed a 37-year-old man whom officials believe is a U.S. citizen who lives in Minneapolis. Video of the shooting was captured by observers and posted to social media. The man who was killed has been identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti in a statement from Sen. Zaynab Mohamed, DFL-Minneapolis, and by the Star Tribune and The Associated Press. Pretti, who grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was an ICU nurse who worked at the Minneapolis Veterans Administration hospital, according to a Wisconsin Public Radio interview with his parents, who still live in Green Bay, OHara said he had no information about what led up to the shooting but said the man, whom he did not name, was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. OHara says police have not interacted with the deceased other than a few traffic tickets. Protesters line streets Hundreds of protesters gathered near where the shooting happened, despite subzero temperatures. Many wore gas masks and eye protection common in the Twin Cities, where demonstrations started when immigration officers arrived in December. Advertisement Advertisement Federal agents deployed tear gas and flash bangs to push back the crowds, which lined up at several intersections near the site of the shooting shouting, Shame! and ICE out, f*ck ICE! Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey again urged the federal government to end its two-month immigration siege, which has brought 3,000 federal officers to Minnesota, or nearly five times the number of sworn Minneapolis police officers. How many times must local and national leaders plead with you, Donald Trump, to end this operation and recognize that this is not creating safety in our city? Mayor Jacob Frey said. Gov. Tim Walz said hed spoken to the White House after the shooting, but he doesnt have confidence federal officials will change their actions or leave the state. He said the Department of Homeland Security has rushed to judgement and is already slandering the man who was killed. Advertisement Advertisement Minnesotans: You know who you are, and you demonstrate it every single day, Walz said. And we damn sure know who these people are. The American public knows. This needs to be the event that says, enough. Law enforcement blocked off the streets and deployed tear gas to dissuade angry demonstrators from going near the site of the shooting, which was on Nicollet Avenue just south of 26th Street. Over 100 federal agents were on the scene after the shooting. Federal officers unleashed a cloud of tear gas in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis after a third Minnesotan was shot by the feds, Jan. 26, 2026. (Photo by Madison McVan/Minnesota Reformer) OHara urged demonstrators to go home. State Patrol and other state law enforcement were there also in an attempt to keep the peace. Video captures shooting In a graphic video now circulating on social media, six federal agents appear to wrestle the man to the ground in front of the New American Development Center. One of the agents hits the man three times with what appears to be a firearm. Bystanders are surrounding the group and filming on their cell phones. Advertisement Advertisement Over 10 shots can be heard in the video, but its unclear if more than one agent fired a weapon. The Department of Homeland Security said in a social media post that officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis against someone illegally in the U.S. wanted for violent assault, when another person approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm handgun. Video shows an agent in a gray jacket approach the man as hes being held on the ground by multiple other agents and then walk away with what appears to be a gun in his hand, before shots are fired. The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted. More details on the armed struggle are forthcoming, Homeland Security said. Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject but was pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino said in a press conference that the officer who shot the man is highly trained and served as a Border Patrol agent for eight years. Bovino said the agent has extensive training as a Range Safety Officer, to ensure people on a gun range are using it safely. The parents of Alex Pretti, Michael and Susan Pretti, released a statement Saturday, castigating the Trump administration for slandering their son with sickening lies that they called reprehensible and disgusting. They defended their sons conduct, saying he was protecting a woman who had been pushed down by federal agents. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Thank you. Conflict between state and federal law enforcement The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which typically investigates law enforcement shootings, said in a social media post their agents arrived at the scene of Saturdays killing at the request of the Minneapolis Police Department but were blocked from accessing the location by the Department of Homeland Security. Advertisement Advertisement BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said that after BCA officials were blocked from the scene of the shooting, they obtained a signed judicial warrant to gain access. BCA officials returned to the scene, but DHS agents still denied access. People react to copious tear gas and flash grenades deployed by federal agents near the scene of 26th Street West and Nicollet Avenue, where federal agents shot and killed a 37-year-old man Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, the third shooting in as many weeks. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) The BCA began a joint investigation into the ICE officer shooting of Renee Good earlier this month before being abruptly shut out of the investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, hindering local prosecutors from being able to consider if criminal charges are warranted against the officer. Walz expressed disbelief that the federal agents were able to leave the scene with little to no investigation. You kill a man and then you just leave? the governor said. Is there a single case in American history where you just, like, walk away and say, I guess that just happened and were not going to clean up our mess. Advertisement Advertisement Walz said the federal agents involved in the shooting will be held accountable. Minnesotas justice system will have the last word, the governor said. Trump posted a rambling response to the shooting on his social media platform referencing U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omars bank account and saying what youre witnessing is part of a cover up for Medicaid fraud. The Mayor and the Governor are inciting insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous and arrogant rhetoric, Trump wrote, reviving a threat to invoke the Insurrection Act and send military troops into the streets of Minnesota. Accounts contradict Homeland Security Homeland Security statements about the previous shootings have later been found to be false or misleading. After the Jan. 7 killing of Good, the department referred to her as a domestic terrorist. Advertisement Advertisement A 911 call after a second shooting, of a Venezuelan man in north Minneapolis, suggests that the agent shot at the man as he was trying to escape into a house, which would contradict the Department of Homeland Security account that the federal immigration agent fired a shot defensively. In a sworn affidavit, an FBI agent confirmed that the agent shot the man when he had begun running toward the house, the Star Tribune reported. As Reformer sibling publication Stateline recently reported, Homeland Security recently revised its account of a December shooting in Glen Burnie, Maryland, after local police contradicted its initial version. The agency first claimed both men injured in the incident were inside a van that ICE officers fired at in self-defense, but later said that one of the injured men had already been arrested and was in custody inside an ICE vehicle when he was hurt. The other man was shot twice and is facing two federal criminal charges. In August, federal immigration agents fired at a familys vehicle three times in San Bernardino, California. Homeland Security maintained the shooting was justified after at least two agents were struck by the vehicle, but available footage shows an agent breaking the driver-side window moments before gunfire erupted. Surveillance footage from the street does not show agents being struck by the vehicle. The Saturday shooting comes one day after tens of thousands of people protested ICE in downtown Minneapolis in subzero temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement The Minnesota National Guard has been on active duty for over a week, meaning that they are prepared to rapidly respond if they are deployed. Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt on Saturday requested support from the National Guard to help them provide security at the federal Whipple Building the site of ongoing protests. Its unclear how many guard members will be stationed there. People react to copious tear gas and flash grenades deployed by federal agents near the scene of 26th Street West and Nicollet Avenue, where federal agents shot and killed a 37-year-old man Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, the third shooting in as many weeks. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Reformer Deputy Editor Max Nesterak and Reporter Alyssa Chen contributed to this report. Minnesota Reformer is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Minnesota Reformer maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor J. Patrick Coolican for questions: info@minnesotareformer.com. US federal law enforcement officers on Saturday fatally shot an American citizen in Minneapolis, the second such killing in the city in less than three weeks, as it reels from the Trump administrations ramped-up immigration enforcement that has sparked escalating protests across the US. The man, 37-year-old Alex Pretti, was an intensive care nurse with no criminal record and a legal permit to carry a firearm, according to the citys police chief. Federal agents raced to portray Pretti, who was merely filming the officers on his phone during a protest against the presidents immigration crackdown in his city, as a violent gunman who threatened to massacre law enforcement, despite video evidence that directly contradicts their account. Prettis parents have pleaded to get the truth out about our son as colleagues and those who knew him recall an outdoorsman with an easy smile who appears to have been trying to shield a woman being pepper-sprayed by an agent. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Large protests spread across US after Alex Pretti fatally shot by federal agents The fatal shooting comes after Renee Good, also a 37-year-old American citizen, was shot dead on 7 January by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis, with video showing her trying to drive away from the confrontation, sparking outrage nationwide. As protests once again swelled, local officials pleaded for calm as the Minnesota governor, Tim Walz, activated the state national guard to assist local police. A video circulating online shows Pretti being wrestled to the ground by several law enforcement officers before being shot what appears to be several times. At least two officers can be seen with their weapons drawn. Advertisement Advertisement A more comprehensive video of the shooting, obtained and posted online by Minnesota Public Radio, shows that Pretti appeared to come to the defense of an observer who was shoved to the ground by a federal officer. That officer then sprays Pretti with a chemical agent, repeatedly, before tackling him to the street along with other agents. At least five agents surround Pretti on the ground. One appears to fire a shot at him at close range, followed by a volley of more shots. Open-source experts have begun to parse the apparent video evidence online, and at least one analyst suggested the initial video shows Pretti had a gun taken away from him before the shots were fired. The visual evidence in the second video seems consistent with the interpretation that a gun appeared to have been taken away by one agent just before another shot him. Greg Bovino, a US border patrol commander who was reprimanded for lying by a federal judge last year, said at a news conference that an officer with eight years of experience at the agency shot and killed Pretti. Advertisement Advertisement This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement, Bovino said. Despite clear video evidence that Pretti was holding a phone, not a gun, Kristi Noem, the secretary of homeland security, insisted that Pretti confronted officers with a gun. An individual approached US border patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The officers attempted to disarm this individual, but the armed suspect reacted violently, she said, despite video evidence clearly showing an unarmed Pretti being beaten. Noem continued: This looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage and kill law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the day, Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the department, said the shooting occurred at about 9.05am local time as officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis against a person they said was present in the country illegally and was wanted for assault. McLaughlins statement said an individual approached US border patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, and that officers attempted to disarm him. McLaughlin accused Pretti of having resisted and, without elaborating, said more details on the armed struggle are forthcoming. She added Pretti also had 2 magazines and no ID. Related: Video contradicts Trumps claim man killed in Minneapolis was a gunman Advertisement Advertisement At a news briefing, Brian OHara, the Minneapolis police chief, said Pretti lived in Minneapolis, was an American citizen, and that his only known previous interaction with law enforcement has been for traffic tickets. OHara also said Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. Minnesota law allows citizens to obtain permits to carry handguns in public. The law does not require the concealment of those weapons. OHara also said: Our demand today is for those federal agencies operating in our city to do so with the same discipline, humanity and integrity that effective law enforcement demands. In a statement, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus echoed OHara in saying critical facts remain unknown. However, the group said it was deeply concerned about the shooting death of Alex Pretti. Shortly after the shooting, Walz said he spoke to the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Walz has called the preliminary account of the shooting offered by DHS nonsense and lies and demanded federal agents leave his state. Minnesota has had it, said Walz, who was Kamala Harriss running mate in the 2024 presidential election. This is sickening. Walz said he spoke with the White House shortly after the shooting. The president must end this operation, Walz also said, referring to the administrations immigration enforcement operation in the state. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now. Late Saturday evening, a Minnesota judge ordered federal agencies to preserve evidence related to Prettis killing. The ruling came in response to Minnesota officials lawsuit alleging that federal officials were blocking local authorities investigation of Prettis death. Advertisement Advertisement There is every reason to believe that [DHS ] will continue to deny access to evidence in Prettis death absent this courts intervention, Minnesota law enforcement agencies warned in court filings. Related: Fundraiser for Alex Pretti family raises nearly $700,000 day after fatal shooting Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey spoke at a press conference and asked the current administration: How many more residents, how many more Americans, need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end? How many more lives need to be lost before this administration realizes that a political and partisan narrative is not as important as American values? Appealing to the president directly, Frey said: This is a moment to act like a leader. Put Minneapolis, put America, first in this moment. Lets achieve peace. Lets end this operation. And Im telling you, our city will come back. Safety will be restored. Were asking for you to take action now to remove these federal agents. Advertisement Advertisement Frey later announced Minneapolis was filing a declaration to push for an immediate ruling on our temporary restraining order. We need swift action to protect our city, Frey said in a public statement. He added he had formally requested national guard assistance to support our 600 Minneapolis police officers and that community service officers are delivering food to residents afraid to leave home. The city is providing legal resources, and neighborhood resource centers are here to support families. In a statement shared with the media, Prettis parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, said they were heartbroken but also very angry. The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting, the family statement continued. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trumps murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper-sprayed. Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, the Hennepin county sheriffs office requested assistance from the Minnesota national guard, due to what it described as the potential for continuing and growing conflict related to todays federal agent-involved shooting. The Minnesota department of public safetys bureau of criminal apprehension (BCA) said that the BCA force investigations unit had been requested by Minneapolis police to investigate Saturdays federal agent-involved shooting in Minneapolis in a statement on Saturday afternoon. The BCA also said its agents and crime scene personnel had attempted to access the location but were blocked by DHS personnel at the scene. Trump also reacted to the shooting, blaming and criticizing local Minnesota lawmakers. His lengthy statement included a photo of the gun and accusations that Minneapoliss mayor and Walz were inciting Insurrection with their rhetoric. LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB! the president said. Another deadly shooting by federal agents is likely to renew anger among Democrats over the decision this week by seven Democratic members of the US House to vote to extend funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes the immigration and border patrol agents in Minneapolis. Ken Martin, the Democratic National Committee chair, who is from Minnesota, posted on X in response to Saturdays shooting: What the actual fuck is going on in this country? Live video of the scene after the shooting showed dozens of federal agents surrounding the scene, and a tense confrontation with hundreds of protesters who gathered in the area following the shooting as local police attempted to secure the area for crime scene investigators to move in. The agents deployed what appeared to be chemical irritants into the crowd. People yelled at agents, honked horns and recorded videos. The deadly shootings of Good and Pretti happened more than five years after Minneapolis witnessed local polices murder of George Floyd, which was recorded on a cellphone and ignited worldwide protests. Ramon Antonio Vargas, Rachel Leingang, Edward Helmore and Victoria Bekiempis contributed reporting A third person has been taken into custody following a controversial anti-ICE protest in Minnesota this week ... after he dared U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to arrest him. Bondi announce William Kelly's arrest on social media Thursday, writing ... "Our nation was settled and founded by people fleeing religious persecution. Religious freedom is the bedrock of this country." William Kelly is being charged with conspiracy to deprive rights, a federal crime, for his involvement in the St. Paul church riots. pic.twitter.com/cXuuvQ9zxR Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 22, 2026 Sec_Noem (@Sec_Noem) Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem later announced -- on social media -- Kelly has been charged with conspiracy to deprive rights. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this week Kelly -- a U.S. Army veteran who's been active in challenging ICE, CBP and the Trump Administration -- called Bondi a "traitorous b****" and dared her to "come and get" him on his TikTok account, @dawokefarmer2. Getty In the video he claimed children are being "dragged into concentration camps." ICYMI ... protestors entered Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, this past Sunday to confront pastor David Easterwood, who is an ICE official. Easterwood wasn't at the church at the time. ICE In Minneapolis - Click image to open gallery Lawyer Nekima Levy Armstrong, who was interviewed by former CNN host Don Lemon during the protest, and Chauntyll Louisa Allen have both been arrested in connection with the incident this week. The DOJ attempted to charge Lemon as well ... but a federal judge shot that attempt down. BATH, N.H. (ABC22/FOX44) One man has now been indicted three months after a shooting that left a mother and daughter dead at a Tyler Way home. Charles Chuck Readey, 73, was detained a short time after Cindy Moody, 67, and Kristal Moody, 39, his sister-in-law and her daughter, respectively, were reportedly shot and killed at Readeys home in Bath. He was arrested on two charges of second-degree murder. The Grafton County Grand Jury reportedly has now indicted Readey on those charges. Advertisement Advertisement The original arrest warrant charged Readey with knowingly causing the deaths of the Moodys. New Hampshires definition of second-degree murder includes causing death recklessly with an extreme indifference to the value of human life. If the case goes to trial, a jury will be able to decide whether he is guilty of intentional murder, reckless murder, or innocent. 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. NEED TO KNOW The bodies of all 10 victims of the Indonesia Air Transport plane crash have been found The aircraft went missing in the Maros region in South Sulawesi on Jan. 17 after losing contact with air traffic control Days after an Indonesia Air Transport plane lost contact with air traffic control and vanished, authorities have located all of the bodies of the people onboard the aircraft. The remaining bodies of 10 passengers a figure initially reported as 11 on the fishery surveillance plane that went missing in the Maros region in South Sulawesi on Saturday, Jan. 17, have been found, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Reuters reported on Friday, Jan. 23, citing Indonesias search-and-rescue agency. Advertisement Advertisement Andi Sultan, an official at South Sulawesi's rescue agency, announced that the final two bodies had been discovered on Jan. 23 in a video, according to Reuters. The evacuation process was still ongoing, Sultan reportedly said in the emotional footage. Antara, Indonesias national news agency, initially reported that the small plane was carrying eight crew members and three passengers, but ABC and Reuters later reported that there actually were seven crew members and three passengers. The passengers were ministry staff members, according to Reuters. Basarnas / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Indonesia search-and-rescue teams carrying a body of a victim of the Jan. 17 plane crash Indonesia search-and-rescue teams carrying a body of a victim of the Jan. 17 plane crash The Indonesia Air Transport turboplane disappeared from radar during what should have been a two-hour flight from Yogyakarta to Makassar, according to previous reporting from the Associated Press (AP) and Antara. The latter outlet reported that the plane last made contact with air traffic control at 1:17 p.m local time, citing Edy Prakoso, director of operations at Basarnas, Indonesias national search-and-rescue agency. Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after the disappearance, Prakoso told Antara that the plane likely went down over the Maros region, and that 25 search-and-rescue officers divided into three groups were deployed to search for the wreckage. Plane wreckage was later discovered in various locations around Mount Bulusaraung in the region, over 900 miles northeast of Jakarta, per Reuters. PEOPLE has reached out to Indonesia Air Transport and Basarnas for 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 victims bodies were discovered in the days immediately following the fatal Jan. 17 incident. Advertisement Advertisement The first body, an unidentified man, was discovered by rescue authorities roughly 200 meters (or 656 feet) deep on the slope of Mount Bulusaraung, Indonesia, amid debris, the AP reported on Sunday, Jan. 18, citing an official. Basarnas / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Indonesia search and rescue teams carrying a body of a victim of the Jan. 17 plane crash Indonesia search and rescue teams carrying a body of a victim of the Jan. 17 plane crash The body of a second victim was discovered by rescuers on Monday, Jan. 19, according to AFP. Mohammad Syafii, head of the national search-and-rescue agency, told reporters that one more victim has been found according to the information we received, the victim was a woman. Additional wreckage, including parts of the aircraft frame and passenger seats, were also discovered by authorities during the recovery mission, per AFP. The same group also found what is believed to be the engine of the turboprop ATR 42-500. The Jan. 17 incident was Indonesias first fatal crash involving the ATR 42 in over a decade, per ABC. Read the original article on People A Broward Sheriffs detention deputy is facing two felony charges. Michael Cammallere, 28, was arrested by the Public Corruption Unit on Wednesday afternoon, spokesperson Veda Coleman-Wright said in an email Friday afternoon. He is facing one count of introduction of contraband into a county detention facility and one count of official misconduct. The Sheriffs Office had not released details as of Friday about the investigation that led to the charges. Details of the allegations against the deputy were not available in court records. Advertisement Advertisement Cammallere is on pre-trial release and has been placed on a GPS monitor and will be required to submit to random monthly drug testing, according to the supervision order. Attorney information was not available. Cammallere was hired in October 2023. He is on administrative investigative leave without pay as of Friday. SACRAMENTO, California Gavin Newsom said Friday that California is joining the World Health Organizations Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, marking the states first formal partnership with the WHOs international public health arm and the latest move by the governor to cast California as a counterweight to the Trump administrations health policy agenda. The announcement follows the Trump administrations withdrawal of the United States from WHO. We will continue to foster partnerships across the globe and remain at the forefront of public health preparedness, Newsom said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Newsom, who discussed the collaboration with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during his recent trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, explicitly framed the move as a rebuke to President Donald Trump. Countering Trumps decision to pull the U.S. out of the World Health Organization, California is the first American state to join the WHOs Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network, Newsom wrote Friday on X . The partnership builds on a series of health initiatives Newsom has rolled out in recent months amid what his office cast as gaps in federal health care leadership. Last month, the governor announced the launch of the Public Health Network Innovation Exchange, and in October he joined 14 other governors in launching the Governors Public Health Alliance, an independent public health network. Officials are investigating after a car drove through the entrance to Detroit Metro Airports McNamara Terminal on Friday, Jan. 23. The crash took place about 7:30 p.m. Friday and the vehicle hit a ticket counter, the Wayne County Airport Authority said in a statement. The driver was taken into custody, officials said. Six people were also treated by the authoritys fire department. The cause of the crash was not immediately known. Advertisement Advertisement More: DTW operations back to normal after car drives into McNamara Terminal Whatever the cause, it made a terrifying noise, said Michele Wheaton, 54, of Pontiac. Wheaton said she had just flown back in from a trip to Puerto Rico with loved ones on Friday evening when the crash happened. She was on her way to the arrivals area to be picked up when she heard a loud bang with sounds of metal and glass, she said. I stopped and looked around like, Did anyone hear this? she said. Cause you heard the loud crash and then you just heard people screaming. Wheaton saw apparent security officers running, she said. One yelled, saying a car had crashed into the Delta area and asking whether anyone had called 911. Advertisement Advertisement Her luggage already in hand, Wheaton booked it out of the building and to her ride, she said. She told her mom to drive away. Though specifics of the incident have not been released, Wheaton expressed sorrow at the events of the evening and dangerous incidents that take place in public gathering spots. Its so sad that you cant travel, that you cant go to the movies or your churches or your grocery stores, she said. Video circulating online following the incident showed a man in an apparent Detroit Lions jersey being taken into custody. Workers clean up damage near the international ticketing gate of Detroit Metro Airport McNamara Terminal after a car drove into the building in Romulus on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. The airport authoritys police department is investigating. Advertisement Advertisement Workers could be seen still working to clean around broken entrance doors about 10:15 p.m. Friday evening. (This story was updated to add a video.) This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Car crashes through Detroit Metro Airport's McNamara Terminal A Central Texas man with a lengthy criminal history has been sentenced to a75 years in prison for sexually assaulting a minor, authorities said. Former Martindale resident Izaiah Vela, 29, was sentenced this week after a jury convicted him on a charge of sexual assault of a child, according to the Hays County District Attorney's Office. Martindale is a small town in Caldwell County about 6 miles southeast of San Marcos. Advertisement Advertisement HILL COUNTRY: How the Hill Country is preparing for the approaching winter storm Vela met up with a minor he contacted over Instagram and promised her free marijuana. Vela knew the girl was underage when contacting her, according to the release. After giving her marijuana, Vela threatened the girl with a gun and sexually assaulted her, according to the district attorney's office. The district attorney's release did not specify when the assault occurred. Vela has previous convictions on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and three counts of burglary of a vehicle, according to Hays County court records. Advertisement Advertisement Hays County court records show that in 2024 Vela was also charged with four felony counts of delivery of a controlled substance to a minor. The district attorney's office also accused Vela of selling marijuana and fentanyl pills to minors in Hays County while on parole for his firearm conviction. The district attorney's office alleged a 15-year-old Hays County girl died in 2023 after taking fentanyl pills she obtained from Vela. "The defendant preyed on vulnerable minors in Hays County in the worst ways possible," Hays County Assistant Criminal District Attorney Daniel Sakaida said in a written statement. "He saw minors as easy, manipulable clients for his drug sales and as targets for his sexual desiresNothing can truly fix the pain left in the defendant's wake, but this verdict is justice for his victims." HILL COUNTRY: Hill Country city eases rules for using tax dollars to lure businesses This article originally published at Central Texas man get 75-year sentence for sexually assaulting girl. A few decades ago, CEOs were almost intentionally boring, steady hands in gray flannel suits who projected stability. But starting with the tech boom of the 1990s, they became more eccentric, often self-consciously so. Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg wore gray hoodies to business meetings while Twitter founder Jack Dorsey meditated in a cave in Myanmar and SpaceXs Elon Musk mused about nuking the Martian ice caps. So its tempting to dismiss the wild-eyed remarks of a corporate leader at the World Economic Forum as just another episode of CEOs Say the Darnedest Things. Advertisement Advertisement But its worth paying attention to what Palantir Technologies CEO Alex Karp said at Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday because it explains a lot about the underlying ideology that appears to be motivating some of the Trump administrations actions during the past year. Palantir is no ordinary company. It does billions of dollars worth of work for the federal government, especially the Defense, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security departments, providing software that tracks data on everything from the spread of Ebola to tax evasion to immigration. It was also founded by Peter Thiel, a billionaire who was a prominent early supporter of Trumps and spoke at the 2016 Republican convention, and played a key role in the rise of Vice President JD Vance. The New York Times reports that several associates at Musks Department of Government Efficiency effort previously worked at Palantir and other companies funded by Thiel. In a conversation with BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Palantir CEO Alex Karp said a few eyebrow-raising things about the future of society under artificial intelligence: Advertisement Advertisement No one really needs to go to college any more. Were building batteries for a battery company, and the people who are doing it in America are doing roughly the same job that Japanese engineers are doing, and they went to high school, he said. AI will mean there will be enough jobs for everyone to work in their own country, so there will be no need to emigrate. I do think these trends really do make it hard to imagine why we should have large-scale immigration unless you have a very specialized skill, he said. AI will solve racism. Arguing that it bolsters civil liberties, Karp suggested a hypothetical scenario in which an AI could be used to see if patients at a hospital were treated differently based on their income or another part of their personal background. Some of this is to be expected, especially at Davos. AI is to tech CEOs what tariffs are to Trump: a magical tool that will somehow solve every problem and lead to a glorious future, if only everyone else believes hard enough. Advertisement Advertisement But theres an underlying ideology here thats worth unpacking. Despite having a degree in philosophy and a Ph.D. in neoclassical social theory from a top German university, Karp doesnt really see the value in a classic liberal arts education. He argued at Davos that AI will destroy humanities jobs, which he talks about as though it were a selling point and not an unfortunate side effect. The future all of this suggests is one in which high school students train for factory jobs, no one goes to college or immigrates to the U.S. and we all trust black-box software run by major government contractors to determine whether society is being run properly. Coincidentally or not, this also happens to be the most likely end result of several Trump administration policies. Trump has attempted to shut down the Department of Education, end student loan forgiveness programs and heavily tax the endowments of private universities, all of which would make it harder for the average high school student to go to college. Hes also instituted travel bans, raised immigration fees, suspended refugee programs and targeted 12 million undocumented immigrants for deportation, reportedly using Palantir software to do so. Advertisement Advertisement To be fair, Trump and Karp arrived at these ideas from different places. For Trump, ending immigration and somehow bringing back mid-century factory jobs are an attempt to return America to some mythic golden age, while for Karp its more about creating a glorious technocratic future. But the overlap here is significant, and helps explain why a lot of Silicon Valley CEOs who otherwise dont have a lot in common with Trump still support him. The president doesnt have much of an ideology, so its tempting for his critics to assume that Trumpism, such as it is, will fade away when he leaves office. But remarks like the ones Karp made at Davos show that there are a lot of powerful people out there with ideologies that can lead to a very similar place. Trumpism may be defeated one day, but Karpism will live on. The post The CEO of one of Trumps favorite companies just made some telling remarks appeared first on MS NOW. This article was originally published on ms.now The Brief Police say a Chicago man ran a red light, crashed into another vehicle and struck an Illinois State Police squad car on the South Side. Authorities said the driver, 29-year-old Demarko Hill, tried to flee, was armed with a loaded gun and was driving a stolen BMW. Hill faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges and is being held in the Cook County Jail pending a court hearing. CHICAGO - A Chicago man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he ran a red light, struck another vehicle and crashed into an Illinois State Police squad car on the citys South Side. What we know The crash happened about 12:18 a.m. Jan. 21 on Yates Avenue near 75th Street, according to Illinois State Police. Advertisement Advertisement Police said a black Chrysler was traveling westbound on 75th Street when a white BMW heading northbound on Yates Avenue ran a red light and struck the Chrysler. Both vehicles then hit the front of a state police squad car that was stopped at the intersection. The driver of the BMW, identified as 29-year-old Demarko Hill of Chicago, attempted to flee the scene on foot as Chicago police arrived but was taken into custody, authorities said. (From left) Pictured is 29-year-old Demarko Hill of Chicago. (Illinois State Police) Hill was carrying a loaded firearm at the time of his arrest, police said. Investigators later determined the BMW had been reported stolen. Hill and a state trooper were taken to an area hospital with minor injuries. The squad car sustained significant damage and was towed from the scene, police said. Charges filed Hill was charged with aggravated possession of a stolen motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, possession of a weapon with a revoked FOID card, two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon, forged registration, leaving the scene of a crash, unlawful possession of cannabis and multiple traffic offenses, authorities said. What's next Hill is being held at the Cook County Jail pending his initial court appearance. The Source The information in this article was provided by the Illinois State Police. Chicago has submitted a pair of bids seeking to host the Democratic National Conventions in 2028 and 2032, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the move. Chicago successfully hosted the 2024 convention, and now has officially taken steps to bring the DNC back for possibly the next two presidential election cycles. ABC7 was told the Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's office and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's office put a working team together a couple of months ago to explore the possibility. The bids were officially placed Jan. 9. Advertisement Advertisement The Democratic National Committee asked the Chicago Host Committee to submit bids for both 2028 and 2032, but the latter convention is seen by some insiders are more feasible for the city. Other cities also reportedly interested in hosting conventions those years include Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Las Vegas and San Antonio. The head of the UN's health agency on Saturday pushed back against Washington's stated reasons for withdrawing from the World Health Organization, dismissing US criticism of the WHO as "untrue". Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that US announcement this week that it had formally withdrawn from the WHO "makes both the US and the world less safe". And in a post on X, he added: "Unfortunately, the reasons cited for the US decision to withdraw from WHO are untrue." Advertisement Advertisement He insisted: "WHO has always engaged with the US, and all Member States, with full respect for their sovereignty." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in a joint statement Thursday that Washington had formally withdrawn from the WHO. They accused the agency, of numerous "failures during the Covid-19 pandemic" and of acting "repeatedly against the interests of the United States". The WHO has not yet confirmed that the US withdrawal has taken effect. - 'Trashed and tarnished' - The two US officials said the WHO had "trashed and tarnished" the United States, and had compromised its independence. Advertisement Advertisement "The reverse is true," the WHO said in a statement. "As we do with every Member State, WHO has always sought to engage with the United States in good faith." The agency strenuously rejected the accusation from Rubio and Kennedy that its Covid response had "obstructed the timely and accurate sharing of critical information that could have saved American lives and then concealed those failures". Kennedy also suggested in a video posted to X Friday that the WHO was responsible for "the Americans who died alone in nursing homes (and) the small businesses that were destroyed by reckless mandates" to wear masks and get vaccinated. Advertisement Advertisement The US withdrawal, he insisted, was about "protecting American sovereignty, and putting US public health back in the hands of the American people". Tedros warned on X that the statement "contains inaccurate information". "Throughout the pandemic, WHO acted quickly, shared all information it had rapidly and transparently with the world, and advised Member States on the basis of the best available evidence," the agency said. "WHO recommended the use of masks, vaccines and physical distancing, but at no stage recommended mask mandates, vaccine mandates or lockdowns," it added. Advertisement Advertisement "We supported sovereign governments to make decisions they believed were in the best interests of their people, but the decisions were theirs." - Withdrawal 'raises issues' - The row came as Washington struggled to dislodge itself from the WHO, a year after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to that effect. The one-year withdrawal process reached completion on Thursday, but Kennedy and Rubio regretted in their statement that the UN health agency had "not approved our withdrawal and, in fact, claims that we owe it compensation". WHO has highlighted that when Washington joined the organisation in 1948, it reserved the right to withdraw, as long as it gave one year's notice and had met "its financial obligations to the organisation in full for the current fiscal year". Advertisement Advertisement But Washington has not paid its 2024 or 2025 dues, and is behind around $260 million. "The notification of withdrawal raises issues," WHO said Saturday, adding that the topic would be examined during WHO's Executive Board meeting next month and by the annual World Health Assembly meeting in May. "We hope the US will return to active participation in WHO in the future," Tedros said Saturday. "Meanwhile, WHO remains steadfastly committed to working with all countries in pursuit of its core mission and constitutional mandate: the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right for all people." nl/jj Associated Press (AP) A Chilean court on Friday ordered the pretrial detention of a 39-year-old man for his alleged involvement in one of the uncontrolled wildfires that have been raging across the central and southern parts of Chile for nearly a week, leaving at least 20 dead. The man was arrested late Thursday night for his alleged involvement in the Trinitarias fire, the largest one amid the approximately fifteen wildfires that have been out of control since Sunday. According to the prosecution, the fire started when the man was using a wood-burning stove in poor condition. Sparks quickly spread to the vast forest that surrounds Bio Bio a region about 500 kilometers (310 miles) from the capital Santiago that has been the center of the fires unleashing one of the worst emergencies in Chiles recent history. Advertisement Advertisement The Public Prosecutors Office requested an extension of the accuseds detention because there are still some ongoing investigations, including the search for more bodies in Lirquen, the town that was ground zero for the tragedy. The Guarantee Court of Concepcion in Bio Bio accepted the request of the prosecutors office as part of an ongoing investigation into an arson case resulting in death. During the hearing, prosecutor Jorge Lorca argued that the fire spread through embers. Videos provided by a forestry company have allowed investigators to link the suspect to the events under investigation, he added. We personally inspected the feasibility and distance of the actions with the Investigative Police, using an institutional helicopter, Lorca told reporters outside the courthouse. Advertisement Advertisement According to the court ruling, the accused must remain in pretrial detention until Jan. 26, when prosecutors will formally present the charges against the suspect which have not yet been made public. It was in Bio Bio that the blazes hit the hardest, reducing several small towns to ashes. It has left a trail of destruction and at least 20 dead in the cities of Penco and Lirquen, ground zero for the tragedy. One other person died as the fires spread to other regions. The Trinitarias fire, which the man is accused of sparking, was the first of several outbreaks in central and southern Chile. As the days passed, it merged with two other fires, resulting in a massive wall of flames. In total, these fires have already ravaged more than 45,000 hectares (176 square miles) and left at least 21 dead and 305 injured, according to the most recent official figures. Advertisement Advertisement There are about fifteen active megafires, also reported in the regions of Nuble and La Araucania, in addition to Bio Bio. Nearly 700 people remained in shelters on Friday, while more than 2,300 homes have been destroyed. In terms of total area burned, these fires already far exceed what was consumed by the great Valparaiso and Vina del Mar fire in 2024, which devastated more than 8,500 hectares (33 square miles) and claimed 131 lives. ___ Follow APs Latin America coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america BEIJING, Jan 23 (Reuters) - China and the Philippines said on Friday they launched rescue operations after receiving reports of a sinking cargo ship near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea that was carrying 21 Philippine crew members. Scarborough Shoal is one of Asia's most contested maritime features and a frequent flashpoint in disputes, particularly between China and the Philippines, over sovereignty and fishing rights. The Chinese military said 17 crew members were rescued and two of them later died, after a report around 1:30 a.m. on Friday (1730 GMT on Thursday) that a foreign cargo vessel had capsized in waters near the shoal. Advertisement Advertisement It dispatched aircraft to conduct searches and the Chinese Coast Guard sent two vessels for rescue efforts. One person was receiving emergency medical treatment, it said, adding that China's maritime authorities were organising additional rescue forces to head to the area. The Philippine Coast Guard said it deployed two vessels and two aircraft to rescue the Philippine crew from a Singaporean-flagged cargo vessel loaded with iron ore that was en route to the southern Chinese city of Yangjiang. "The PCG Command Center acquired information from the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre that 10 of the 21 Filipino crew members were rescued by a passing China Coast Guard vessel," it said. Advertisement Advertisement The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore confirmed that the bulk carrier, "Devon Bay", had sunk in the South China Sea while en route to Yangjiang. "As the vessels flag state, MPA is in contact with the ship owner and relevant search and rescue authorities, and is providing support as required," it said, adding that it will investigate the incident. Underlining the Scarborough Shoal's disputed status, China's military said on Tuesday it had organised naval and air force units to repel a Philippine government aircraft that it accused of "illegally intruding" into airspace over the atoll. Both China and the Philippines claim the Scarborough Shoal, but sovereignty remains unresolved. China took control in 2012 after a standoff and has since stationed its coast guard and fishing vessels there. Advertisement Advertisement A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated China's sweeping claims in the South China Sea and declared its blockade illegal, affirming the shoal as a traditional fishing ground for countries like the Philippines and Vietnam. China rejected the ruling. China's claims overlap with the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. (Reporting by Beijing Newsroom Karen Lema in Manila and Jun Yuan Yong in Singapore; editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan, Michael Perry and Mark Heinrich) (Corrects Jan 24 story to remove incorrect reference to Zhang's Moscow visit in November as last public appearance in paragraph 7, adds December appearance) Jan 24 (Reuters) - China's most senior general is under investigation, China's defence ministry said on Saturday, in the highest-profile purge to date of senior military leadership just as Beijing modernises its forces and tries to further project its might. Zhang Youxia is second-in-command under President Xi Jinping as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission - the supreme command body - and has long been seen as Xi's closest military ally. Advertisement Advertisement The ministry said Zhang and Liu Zhenli, chief of staff of the CMC's Joint Staff Department, were under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law. Zhang is also a member of the elite Politburo of the ruling Communist Party and is one of just a few leading officers with combat experience. SWEEPING CRACKDOWN TARGETS MILITARY The military was one of the main targets of a broad corruption crackdown ordered by Xi in 2012. That drive reached the upper echelons of the People's Liberation Army in 2023 when the elite Rocket Force was targeted. Zhang's removal is the second of a sitting general on the Central Military Commission since the 1966-76 Cultural Revolution. Advertisement Advertisement Zhang and Liu Zhenli both appeared with Xi at a military promotion event on December 22, according to a report and photo on a Chinese government announcement at the time. Foreign diplomats and security analysts are watching developments closely, given Zhang's closeness to Xi and the importance of the commission's work in terms of command as well as the PLA's ongoing military modernisation and posture. CHINA IS FLEXING MIGHT While China has not fought a war in decades, it is taking an increasingly muscular line in the disputed East China Sea and South China Sea, as well as over the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which is claimed by China. Beijing staged the largest military exercises to date around Taiwan late last year. Advertisement Advertisement Singapore-based China security scholar James Char said the military's daily operations could carry on as normal despite the purges, but the targeting of Zhang showed Xi was reacting to criticism that the crackdown had been too selective. "Xi has been tapping on second-line PLA officers to fill those roles vacated by their predecessors on an interim basis in most cases," said Char, a scholar at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. "Chinas military modernizers will continue to push for the two goals Xi has set for the PLA namely, 2035 to basically complete its modernisation and 2049 to become a world-class armed forces." Zhang is the second vice-chair of the CMC to fall from grace in recent months. Former CMC vice chair He Weidong was expelled from the party and PLA in October last year for corruption. He was replaced by Zhang Shengmin. Advertisement Advertisement Eight top generals were expelled from the Communist Party on graft charges in October 2025, including He Weidong. Two former defence ministers were also purged from the ruling party in recent years for corruption. The crackdown is slowing procurement of advanced weaponry and hitting the revenues of some of China's biggest defence firms. CHILDREN OF CIVIL WAR VETERANS Both Xi and Zhang are from the northwestern province of Shaanxi and are the children of former senior officials who fought together in the 1940s civil war. Born in Beijing, Zhang joined the army in 1968, rising through the ranks and joining the military commission in late 2012 as the PLA's modernisation drive gathered pace. Advertisement Advertisement A Pentagon profile of Zhang in late 2023 noted that Zhang had been expected to retire in 2022, aged 72, given usual military practice. "However, Zhang's retention on the CMC for a third term probably reflects Xi's desire to keep a close and experienced ally as his top military adviser," the profile said, contained within the Pentagon's annual report on China's military that year. Zhang fought in a brief but bloody border war in 1979 that China launched in punishment for Vietnam invading Cambodia the previous year and ousting the Beijing-backed Khmer Rouge. Zhang was 26 when he was sent to the front lines to fight the Vietnamese and was quickly promoted, according to state media. He also fought in another border clash with Vietnam in 1984 as the conflict rumbled on. Advertisement Advertisement "During the battle, whether attacking or defending, Zhang Youxia performed excellently," the official China Youth Daily wrote in a 2017 piece entitled, "These Chinese generals have killed the enemy on the battlefield". Some China scholars have noted that Zhang emerged from the conflict an avowed moderniser in terms of military tactics, weapons and the need for a better trained force. (Reporting by Reuters staff; editing by Tom Hogue, Mark Heinrich and Sharon Singleton) Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Gen. Zhang Youxia no longer is Chinese President Xi Jinping's top military general after being ousted, along with another high-ranking general, amid an investigation into alleged legal and disciplinary violations. Youxia is the vice chairman of the Chinese Communist Party's Central Military Commission, a member of the Politburo and second only to Xi as the leader of China's military, The New York Times reported. Also facing an ouster is Gen. Liu Zhenli, who is the chief of staff of the Joint Staff of the Central Military Commission and a member of the Central Military Commission. Advertisement Advertisement "This move is unprecedented in the history of the Chinese military and represents a total annihilation of the high command," former CIA analyst Christopher Johnson told The New York Times. Johnson is the president of China Strategies Group and suggested the purge shows Xi no longer trusts his longtime commanders and has decided to make room for younger generals to fill the vacancies. Youxia was a childhood friend of Xi's, but the Chinese president had undertaken a purge of the country's top military leaders under the guise of rooting out corruption and disloyalty, Johnson said. Youxia and Zhenli were removed while Chinese officials investigate each for suspected "serious violations of discipline and law," according to a translated news release on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Their removals make them the fourth and fifth high-ranking military leaders to be removed since Nov. 28, 2024. Only Gen. Zhang Shengmin and Xi remain as controlling members of the Chinese body that oversees its military. Xi appointed all of the body's members in 2022 but since has removed all but Shengmin, who has presided over the removal of the other purged generals. Neither Youxia nor Zhenli has been convicted of wrongdoing, but once accused, virtually all of the purged generals have been found guilty. The ongoing war in Ukraine has changed the face of battlefields forever. The widespread use of drones has left traditional air defenses floundering; launching missiles that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to counter threats that may only cost a few hundred dollars is not practical. Scale this up to countering swarms of drones, and the logistics, costs, and effectiveness of such systems wane even further. This is why systems like Israel's Iron Beam laser weapon that can destroy drones for a few dollars "a pop" are being developed and introduced into combat service. The Chinese Hurricane 3000 system is another new weapon developed to tackle the growing use of drones in combat. However, unlike the laser-based Israeli system, the Hurricane 3000 system uses microwaves to disable drones and drone swarms at ranges exceeding 3 kilometers (1.9 miles). This is a similar weapon to the US Army's Leonidas microwave weapon, although China claims that the 3000's reported three-kilometer-plus range is over a kilometer more than the Leonidas system. The Zhuhai Airshow in 2024 was when the public got a first peek at the new system, and it was later showcased during a military parade in Beijing in September 2025. More recently, Norinco, the Chinese state-owned contractor that developed the system, has disclosed some of the system's technical details and its intended role. Both systems are vehicle-mounted and can be operated independently or networked into a cohesive air defence system with missile, laser, and artillery units. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Every Japanese Aircraft Carrier Sunk In WWII How high-power microwaves disable drones US Leonidas High-Power Microwave weapon - Epirus/YouTube The history of war is not just a tale of conflicts; it's also often a story of an arms race that can seesaw dramatically. The rising use of drones on the battlefield amply demonstrates this point, as arms manufacturers clamor to come up with practical solutions to address this threat not just effectively, but cost-effectively. The use of high-power microwave weapons (HPM) is one area where developers have thrown a lot of resources, and the Chinese weapon is the latest manifestation of this. Unlike laser or kinetic weapons, HPMs are designed to overwhelm a drone or a UAV's electronic systems using bursts of concentrated electromagnetic energy. These bursts travel at the speed of light and can cause drones to fail in several ways, including EMI-induced timing errors and physical damage to electronic components. Another feature of such weapons is their versatility; advanced systems like Epirus' Leonidas can not only target specific drones but have already disabled a swarm of 49 drones in a few seconds. And, as long as they have power, the other main advantages of these weapons are a bottomless ammunition supply and an exponentially lower engagement cost. The fact that these beams travel at the speed of light allows a rapid response once a target is detected and tracked. This makes them effective against fast, low-flying drones that are difficult (and potentially costly) to intercept using traditional air-defense methods. However, the system isn't flawless; it's generally considered to be a line-of-sight weapon, and its effectiveness can be reduced with effective shielding. The Hurricane 3000 The Hurricane 3000 and its smaller Hurricane 2000 variant are mobile, truck-mounted systems that have moved from the experimental stage to field deployment and were showcased at China's 2025 V-Day Military Parade. The more advanced Hurricane 3000 system has a longer range, improved tracking, detection, and fully automated combat capabilities. Overall, according to Yu Jianjun, a Norinco expert, the 3000 represents a "comprehensive upgrade in combat performance compared to the Hurricane 2000." Advertisement Advertisement The system uses radar to detect threats at longer ranges. Once detected, the system switches to optoelectronic sensors to guide the microwave antennas onto the target. However, this is not designed to replace existing air defenses. Rather, it's intended to complement the existing "traditional" missile and artillery systems to form an "iron triangle" drone defense system, with each system used to its own strengths. While the primary focus of the development program was to develop an effective way of countering the drone threat, Norinco says it wants to explore other potential applications for the platform. Mr. Yu said that among the options being explored are the use of the weapon to counter electronic warfare aircraft, interrupt communications, counteracting precision weapons, and, it's being proposed as a non-lethal active denial system against people. The latter is a beam of focused energy that can cause the recipients to encounter an intolerable burning sensation that has a minimal risk of injury. In short, the Hurricane and similar weapons exist because shooting million-dollar missiles at hobby-grade drones stopped making sense. 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. WASHINGTON (AP) Guan Heng, who exposed human rights abuses in his native China, has been in U.S. custody since being swept up in an immigration enforcement operation in August. He says he dares not even think about what would happen to him if he were sent back. I would be prosecuted, I would be jailed, I would be tortured. All of that could happen, Guan, 38, told The Associated Press in a recent call from the Broome County Correctional Facility in New York. A judge on Monday is to consider his appeal to remain in the United States, where he sought asylum after fleeing his homeland more than four years ago to publish video footage of detention facilities in Chinas Xinjiang region. Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security initially sought to deport him to Uganda, but dropped the plan in December after his plight raised public concerns and attracted attention on Capitol Hill. But his future remains unclear. Guan said the public attention has given him hope. During his first months in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention, he said there was no help from the outside world and stories from fellow detainees and reports of the Trump administration's anti-immigration campaign left him extremely pessimistic. He is among tens of thousands of asylum seekers who have been swept up in mass deportation efforts in the past year despite having what they believed to be legitimate claims to stay in the U.S. We are very worried about the number of asylum seekers that will be sent back to extremely dangerous conditions, said Vanessa Dojaquez-Torres of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Its worrying to see that an institution like asylum is being so eroded. Advertisement Advertisement Guan said ICE agents stumbled upon him during an operation targeting his housemates in the small town where he was living outside of Albany. Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson, said ICE encountered Guan when assisting the FBI in executing a criminal search warrant. This illegal alien from China entered the U.S. illegally at an unknown date and time, she said in a written response to a request for comment. All of his claims will be heard before an immigration judge. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, has urged Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to release Guan and approve his asylum request. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to the AP on Friday in reference to Guan's case, the Illinois Democrat called for careful adherence to due process and Americas long-standing commitment to protecting human rights whistleblowers. A concerted effort to remove asylum seekers Immigrants can apply for asylum when theres a fear of harm back home because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Kathleen Bush-Joseph, a policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, said the Trump administration is making a concerted effort to remove asylum seekers. Rather than allowing them to stay in the country while their cases are pending, immigration authorities are closing out cases and giving people removal orders so they can be rapidly deported, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Federal data by Mobile Pathways, a California-based nonprofit that helps immigrants navigate the U.S. legal system, shows that 170,626 asylum seekers were ordered deported in 2025. That's about one-third of the half million people the Trump administration ordered deported last year. The data also show that 31% of asylum applications were abandoned in 2025, up from 11% between 2010 and 2024. Usually, a case gets marked abandoned when the applicant misses an appointment, said Bartlomiej Skorupa, the groups chief operating officer. He said it's not yet clear what caused the rise. In cities across the country, some immigrants have stopped showing up for routine hearings after agents began making arrests right in the courtrooms, turning them into deportation traps. Guan left China to expose human rights abuses Advertisement Advertisement Guan in 2020 secretly filmed detention facilities in Xinjiang, adding to a body of evidence of what activists say are widespread rights abuses in the region, where as many as 1 million members of ethnic minorities, especially the Uyghurs, have been locked up. The Chinese government has denied the allegations, saying it runs vocational training programs to help local residents learn employable skills while rooting out radical thoughts. Beijing tolerates little dissent, especially on issues such as Xinjiang, Tibet, Taiwan and Communist Party rule, and has largely silenced dissent through a range of coercive means, including detention and forced disappearances. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy, said he was unfamiliar with the specifics of Guan's case but defended China's policy toward Xinjiang. Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese government has consistently worked to promote and protect human rights, and the development and progress in Xinjiang are plain to see and should not be smeared, Liu said in a statement. With the footage in hand, Guan knew he had to leave the country if he was to publish it. He went first to Hong Kong without a further plan. I played it by ear, he said. From Hong Kong, he flew to Ecuador, where Chinese tourists could then travel without a visa, and then on to the Bahamas before sailing to Florida in October 2021. By the time he arrived, he had released most of his video footage on YouTube. Guan settled in Queens, a borough in New York City, and said he tried to live a stable life. Once he had a work permit, he worked as an Uber driver and did deliveries. He cut off contact with nearly all of his relatives back in China so they would not be harassed by the police. Advertisement Advertisement He said he cherished the freedom from fear he enjoyed in the U.S. Then Donald Trump returned to the White House and launched his mass deportation campaign. Guan still trusts American democracy Guan said he understands why Trump has taken such a radical approach. It's because the past immigration policy was too lax and caused resentment from many people, Guan said, adding that he considers such fluctuations to be normal in a democratic society. No matter what it is, any issue gets both support and opposition, he said. I also have come to know that people in all parts of the country are protesting the government's too aggressive behavior. Advertisement Advertisement Local residents who don't know him personally have shown their support, Guan said. So these things, in total, have allowed me to experience the social atmosphere under the U.S. democratic system, he said. At the same time, I've felt the warmth of the U.S. society. Should he be released, he said he would cherish the opportunity to stay in the United States. I would like to do meaningful things, Guan said. I hope to establish some connections with others so that I can help others. While some states' coldest temperatures were recorded recently, others were documented decades ago. Hawaii remains the only state in the US yet to report a temperature below zero degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest temperature ever recorded in the US was -80 degrees in Alaska in 1971. Despite record-breaking temperature drops across the US over the last century, the world continues to get hotter. In fact, only three states have recorded their lowest-ever temperatures in the 21st century. It doesn't mean, however, that the US hasn't experienced some excruciatingly low temperatures in recent years. This weekend, a winter storm is expected to barrel across the South, the Plains, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, dumping snow, sleet, and ice, and potentially setting record low temperatures into next week. Advertisement Advertisement The coldest temperature ever recorded in the US was -80 degrees in Alaska in 1971. And since records began, all but one of the 50 states has reported a temperature below zero. What's the holdout? Hawaii, which recorded its lowest temperature of 12 degrees Fahrenheit at the Mauna Kea Observatory on May 17, 1979. According to data compiled by NOAA's State Climate Extremes Committee, the coldest temperatures ever recorded in each state are listed below. Melissa Wells contributed to a prior version of this story. Alabama's lowest recorded temperature was -27 degrees Fahrenheit at New Market on January 30, 1966. Snowy winter road in Alabama. Melissa Bobo/Shutterstock On this snowy January day, it was Lucille Hereford, the postmaster and town volunteer weather observer, who recorded the -27-degree temperature, calling it a "terribly cold" morning in a 1988 interview with an Alabama State climatologist. Advertisement Advertisement Per a 2021 news report by WHNT, a local news outlet, the official story comes with a caveat: The temperature was initially erroneously recorded as warmer than the -24 degrees Fahrenheit reported at Russellville the same day. It wasn't until years later that a Birmingham reporter uncovered the truth, and the National Climatic Data Center finally issued a correction in its records. Alaska's lowest recorded temperature was -80 degrees Fahrenheit at Prospect Creek Camp on January 23, 1971. A dramatic sunset illuminates the clear waters of Phelan Creek in early spring in the Alaska Range. Troutnut/Shutterstock The Anchorage Daily News reported in 2013 that there have been unofficial measurements of even lower temperatures. On the National Weather Service Alaska website, Phil Schaefer said it hit -84 degrees Fahrenheit in Coldfoot in 1989, and Joe Cochran said the temperature in Hughes dropped to -85 degrees Fahrenheit in the '90s, The Daily News reported. However, the Prospect Creek Camp temperature is the only one that's been verified. Advertisement Advertisement This is the lowest temperature ever recorded in the US. Arizona's lowest recorded temperature was -40 degrees Fahrenheit at Hawley Lake on January 7, 1971. Arizona after a heavy snow storm. Alexey Stiop/Shutterstock Hawley Lake isn't a town so much as a remote weather station, but it's important in Arizona's meteorological history. In addition to setting a state record for 91 inches of snow in 1968, the overseer of Hawley Lake, Stan Bryte, recorded the state's lowest temperature of -40 degrees Fahrenheit in 1971, per AZCentral. In fact, on the morning of January 7, 1971, Bryte's chief meteorologist told him, "You need to get up to Hawley Lake. I have a suspicion this is going to be a real record." Advertisement Advertisement Arkansas' lowest recorded temperature was -29 degrees Fahrenheit in Brook Farm Pond near Gravette on February 13, 1905. Early morning sunrise in Arkansas. Michael t. Morrison/Shutterstock Brook Farm Pond is near the town of Gravette, which has just over 3,500 residents, according to census data. It is located in Benton County, which has the motto "The Heart of Hometown America." At one time, it also bore the name of "Gate Community" for serving as a gateway to northwest Arkansas from Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. California's lowest recorded temperature was -45 degrees Fahrenheit in Boca on January 20, 1937. View of Truckee river and Boca Hill in snow near interstate 80 at the California-Nevada state line. AJ9/Shutterstock The Los Angeles Times reported in 1937 that the low temperatures had brought "influenza, frozen toes, broken water pipes and automobile radiators, icy streets and traffic disruption." Advertisement Advertisement Colorado's lowest recorded temperature was -61 degrees Fahrenheit in Maybell on February 1, 1985. Teri Virbickis/Shutterstock CBS News reported in January 2023 that Maybell, located 25 miles west of Craig, is home to just 76 people. Maybell resident of 56 years Georgia McIntyre told 9News in 2015, "You don't think about how cold it is. You just put all the clothes you've got on, and we even put newspapers in our shoes because we didn't have all these fancy things you have now." Connecticut has recorded temperatures of -32 degrees Fahrenheit twice: First in Falls Village on February 16, 1943, and then again in Coventry on January 22, 1961. Winter in Connecticut. Michael Macsuga/Shutterstock In 1943, a National Weather Service observer noted February was a "relatively mild month" in Connecticut, only for the state to record its coldest temperature in the state's history 16 days into the month, per a 2023 CT Insider article. Advertisement Advertisement A freezing day in January just 18 years later would hit that same low temperature. Delaware's lowest recorded temperature was -17 degrees Fahrenheit in Millsboro on January 17, 1893. Beautiful view near the river after a snowstorm in Delaware. Khairil Azhar Junos/Shutterstock Thirty-seven years later, a Millsboro weather station recorded a temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit on a scorching July day, according to the National Weather Service. Florida's lowest recorded temperature was -2 degrees Fahrenheit in Tallahassee on February 13, 1899. Sunrise in Florida in the Winter. Jesse Kunerth/Shutterstock WTXL Tallahassee reported in 2020 that in Tallahassee 124 years ago, an inch of snow coated the city (its third biggest snowfall ever), and a record low of -2 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded. Advertisement Advertisement Headlines at the time read "All Previous Records Broken," and editors were calling the storm, "The Snow King," "The Ice King," and "the Great Blizzard of 1899," Tallahassee Democrat reported in 2018. Georgia's lowest recorded temperature was -17 degrees Fahrenheit in CCC Fire Camp F-16 near Beatum on January 27, 1940. The snow-filled mountains in Georgia. PaulDaniel5010/Shutterstock Not even 12 years later, on July 24, 1952, Georgia recorded its highest temperature at 112 degrees Fahrenheit in Louisville and again on August 20, 1983, in Greenville, according to NOAA's State Climate Extremes Committee. Hawaii's lowest recorded temperature was 12 degrees Fahrenheit at the Mauna Kea Observatory on May 17, 1979. Sunset at the summit of Mauna Kea in Hawaii. Alexey Kamenskiy/Shutterstock Forecasters think this record may have changed because, on February 11, 2019, several sensors at the Mauna Kea Observatory reported temperatures between 8 and 11 degrees Fahrenheit, Khon2 reported in 2022, but it has yet to be confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Idaho's lowest recorded temperature was -60 degrees Fahrenheit in Island Park Dam on January 18, 1943. Winter Shoreline in Idaho. Grimm Film/Shutterstock Island Park Dam is located in the Targhee National Forest in the northeast corner of the state. It's tied for the eighth coldest temperature ever recorded in the US. Illinois' lowest recorded temperature was -38 degrees Fahrenheit in Mount Carroll on January 31, 2019. Old Train Bridge over a Canal in Winter (Illinois). Randy R/Shutterstock Frigid temperatures across Illinois in late January 2019 led to a startling discovery: On the morning of January 31, the weather observer at Mount Carroll in Carroll County recorded a temperature drop to -38 degrees Fahrenheit. Advertisement Advertisement Only after an extensive review did the State Climate Extremes Committee collectively validate the reading as the new state record low temperature, The State Journal-Register reported in 2019. Indiana's lowest recorded temperature was -36 degrees Fahrenheit in New Whiteland on January 19, 1994. Winter in Indiana. Waldos photo/Shutterstock ABC57 reported in 2020 that all temperatures across Indiana dropped below zero on the morning of January 19, 1994. In a newscast from 1994 for WRTV Indianapolis, a mail carrier told former Channel 6 meteorologist David James, "Well, I'll tell you, it's better today than it was yesterday, 'cuz there's not that wind. So, I don't mind this at all." Iowa's lowest recorded temperature was -47 degrees Fahrenheit in Elkader on February 3, 1996. Previously, it was in Washta on January 12, 1912. Iowa winter garden on full display. Lisa J Loewen/Shutterstock Iowa was one of many states in the Midwest that experienced the "1996 Cold Wave," as KCRG-TV9 described it in 2016. Kansas' lowest recorded temperature was -40 degrees Fahrenheit in Lebanon on February 13, 1905. Pedestrians walk down snow-swept streets in Kansas. Julie Denesha /Getty Images The winter of 1905 was reportedly so bitterly cold that "it was impossible for one to face the storm," according to "Reno County Kansas, Its People, Industries, and Institutions," by B.F. Bowen & Co. Inc. of Indianapolis, published in 1917 and reported in 2014 by The Kansas City Star. Kentucky's lowest recorded temperature was -37 degrees Fahrenheit in Shelbyville on January 19, 1994. Beautiful winter morning on a small lake in Kentucky. Alexey Stiop/Shutterstock According to meteorologist John Belski, January 19, 1994, "was certainly a day for the history books." "Those who were not around in 1994, it was the only time I can remember when grocery stores in parts of Louisville ran out of food and gas stations ran out of gas that week since no deliveries were able to be made for several days. It was so strange to see people walking in the middle of Bardstown Road and also Broadway," he recalled for WLKY News in 2020. Louisiana's lowest recorded temperature was -16 degrees Fahrenheit in Minden on February 13, 1899. Minden, Louisiana. Logan Rhoads/Shutterstock Over two weeks in February 1899, freezing weather swept over the US, with record-low minimum temperatures recorded in 12 states. According to weather historian David Ludlum in "The Great Arctic Outbreak and East Coast Blizzard of February 1899," this was "the greatest arctic outbreak in history" at the time. Maine's lowest recorded temperature was -50 degrees Fahrenheit in Big Black River on January 16, 2009. Maine saw the highest share of inbound movers in 2023, for reasons that could include access to nature and more living space. Andrew Siegel/Shutterstock After a month of scrutinizing weather data, scientists said in February 2009 that Maine had reached a record low: 50 below freezing. After much evaluation by the State Climate Extreme Committee, "It turned out [the -50 reading] was spot on," Bob Lent, Maine director of the US Geological Survey, said, as reported by NBC News in 2009. Maryland's lowest recorded temperature was -40 degrees Fahrenheit in Oakland on January 13, 1912. Muddy Creek Falls in Swallow Falls State Park in Oakland, Maryland. Richard Bizick/Shutterstock Oakland, Maryland, is home to 1,851 people, according to census data. It was established in 1849 and became a well-known tourist spot when the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad built a rail line that traveled through the town, according to Britannica. Massachusetts's lowest recorded temperature was -35 degrees Fahrenheit in Chester on January 12, 1981; in Coldbrook on February 15, 1943; and in Taunton on January 5, 1904. Winter-time hiking to the Sanderson Brook Falls in Chester, Massachusetts. scott conner/Shutterstock The same temperature was previously recorded in Coldbrook on February 15, 1943, and in Taunton on January 5, 1904. Michigan's lowest recorded temperature was -51 degrees Fahrenheit in Vanderbilt on February 9, 1934. Sunrise over frozen lake in Michigan. John McCormick/Shutterstock Only 11 states have recorded colder temperatures than Michigan: Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Minnesota's lowest recorded temperature was -60 degrees Fahrenheit in Tower on February 2, 1996. Minnesota. JordanSchopper/Shutterstock The average low in this sparsely populated former mining town is usually around 4 degrees Fahrenheit in February, according to WorldClimate.com. Mississippi's lowest recorded temperature was -19 degrees Fahrenheit in Corinth on January 30, 1966. Trees on snow-covered field during winter in Mississippi. Barbara Windham / 500px/Getty Images By contrast, Mississippi's highest recorded temperature was recorded 36 years prior on July 29, 1930, when the mercury in Holly Springs hit 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Missouri's lowest recorded temperature was -40 degrees Fahrenheit in Warsaw on February 13, 1905. Table Rock Lake, Branson, Missouri. Tara Ballard/Shutterstock Interestingly enough, the coldest and hottest temperatures recorded in Missouri have both been in Warsaw, according to the University of Missouri Climate Center. The hottest temperature was a whopping 118 degrees Fahrenheit on July 14, 1954. Montana's lowest recorded temperature was -70 degrees Fahrenheit in Rogers Pass on January 20, 1954. Mountain at Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park in Montana. Urban Images/Shutterstock "It's a day that will probably live in American history forever," Corby Dickerson, a National Weather Service meteorologist, said of the record, NBC Montana reported in February 2023. "It was the coldest day ever observed in the lower 48 states." Nebraska's lowest recorded temperature was -47 degrees Fahrenheit in Oshkosh on December 22, 1989. Previously, it was in Bridgeport on February 12, 1899. Sunrise over the Platte River after a snowstorm in Nebraska. Diana Robinson Photography/Getty Images The biggest snowstorm on the southeast US coast was known as the "Christmas Snowstorm of 1989," according to The National Weather Service, and it was felt all the way to Nebraska. It broke snowfall records in several states, and unheard-of temperatures followed. Nevada's lowest recorded temperature was -50 degrees Fahrenheit in San Jacinto on January 8, 1937. Nevada winter landscape with cloud inversion. Neil Lockhart/Shutterstock Fifty-seven years after the state's cold temperature, a weather station in Laughlin recorded a temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit in June, per data from NOAA's State Climate Extremes Committee. New Hampshire's lowest recorded temperature was -50 degrees Fahrenheit in Mount Washington on January 22, 1885. View from Boott Spur Trail, towards Huntington Ravine and Raymond Cataract on Mount Washington, New Hampshire. Ed Dods/Shutterstock More recently, sensors on Mount Washington logged the US' coldest windchill on record: -108. The Weather Service office serving Mount Washington posted in February 2023 that its recording software refused to log the reported low number. New Jersey's lowest recorded temperature was -34 degrees Fahrenheit in River Vale on January 5, 1904. A road just plowed after a large snowfall in rural Central New Jersey. Andrew F. Kazmierski/Shutterstock "That was a very cold morning in northeastern New Jersey," David Robinson, a New Jersey State Climatologist, told NJ.com in 2019. "A deep fresh snow cover, the valley location, adjacent to a pond that was used to make ice, and a generally treeless landscape near the station all helped contribute to the excessive cold." New Mexico's lowest recorded temperature was -50 degrees Fahrenheit in Gavilan on February 1, 1951. Snow-covered mountains in New Mexico. Roschetzky Photography/Shutterstock Conversely, the hottest temperature in New Mexico was recorded on June 27, 1994, at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Loving, where it reached a blazing 122 degrees Fahrenheit. New York's lowest recorded temperature was -52 degrees Fahrenheit in Old Forge on February 18, 1979. Winter Sunrise from Bald Mountain in Old Forge, New York in the Adirondack Mountains. PureADK/Shutterstock Jane Tormey, the official weather watcher for Old Forge for CNY Central, recalled in 2013, "People were saying their milk froze on the way home from the store to home. A lot of cars obviously couldn't get started. My car window driver's side was shattered." North Carolina's lowest recorded temperature was -34 degrees Fahrenheit in Mount Mitchell on January 21, 1985. Fresh snow covers trees at crest of Mount Mitchell in North Carolina. Bonita R. Cheshier/Shutterstock One of the past century's most extreme arctic outbreaks occurred between January 18 and January 22, 1985. According to the National Weather Service, newspapers at the time reported at least 165 deaths related to the weather. North Dakota's lowest recorded temperature was -60 degrees Fahrenheit in Parshall on February 15, 1936. Driving on state Highway 85 north of I-94 in North Dakota. CJ Cagney/Shutterstock Coincidentally, both the hottest and coldest temperatures recorded in North Dakota's history happened in the same year, with Steele hitting 121 degrees Fahrenheit on July 6, 1936, KYFR-TV reported in 2023. Ohio's lowest recorded temperature was -39 degrees Fahrenheit in Milligan on February 10, 1899. A snowy winter sunrise scene in Ohio with the snow clinging to the trees. Michael Shake/Shutterstock Ohio was another state affected by the unprecedented cold of February 1899. The US Weather Bureau reported 105 fatalities between January 29 and February 13 from the arctic temperatures and avalanches brought on by "the Great Arctic Outbreak." Oklahoma's lowest recorded temperature was -31 degrees Fahrenheit in Nowata on February 10, 2011. Street full with snow in Oklahoma. Wichakorn Kitrungrot/Shutterstock 2011 was reportedly Oklahoma's third snowiest year, and the state's record for most snowfall in 24 hours was reached in Spavinaw, with 27 inches, FOX23 News reported in 2020. Oregon's lowest recorded temperature was -54 degrees Fahrenheit in Ukiah on February 9, 1933, and in Seneca on February 10, 1933. A winter sun sets over the Cascade Mountain Range in Central Oregon. Wasim Muklashy/Shutterstock Ukiah and Seneca are occasionally known as "Oregon's Icebox" due to their icy winter conditions. That said, Meacham residents have said the temperature once plummeted to -62 degrees Fahrenheit, but it has never been proven officially, The Oregonian wrote in 2010. Pennsylvania's lowest recorded temperature was -42 degrees Fahrenheit in Smethport on January 5, 1904. Winter landscape in Pennsylvania. Marcello Sgarlato/Shutterstock By contrast, in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, two consecutive days of 111 degrees Fahrenheit were recorded on July 9, 1936 and July 10, 1936, in the hottest temperature ever recorded in the state. Phoenixville is five hours from Smethport, where the coldest temperature was recorded 32 years prior. Rhode Island's lowest recorded temperature was -28 degrees Fahrenheit in Wood River Junction on January 11, 1942. Winter sunrise in Rhode Island. JonPeckham/Shutterstock According to NOAA's State Climate Extremes Committee, -25 degrees Fahrenheit was previously reported at Greene, Rhode Island, on February 5, 1996, but it could not be verified. South Carolina's lowest recorded temperature was -19 degrees Fahrenheit in Caesar's Head on January 21, 1985. Winter in South Carolina. Casual Creation/Shutterstock In 1985, in the Carolinas, the coldest temperatures ever recorded were dubbed "The Coldest Day," WMBF News reported in 2020. South Dakota's lowest recorded temperature was -58 degrees Fahrenheit in McIntosh on February 17, 1936. Girl standing under frozen waterfall in South Dakota. Byron Banasiak/Shutterstock McIntosh was home to just 111 people in 2020. It is the county seat of Corson County. Tennessee's lowest recorded temperature was -32 degrees Fahrenheit in Mountain City on December 30, 1917. Snow Panorama in Tennessee. RichardBarrow/Shutterstock The two days of 113 degrees Fahrenheit were recorded in Perryville on July 29, 1930, and August 9, 1930, making them the hottest temperatures ever recorded in Tennessee. Texas' lowest recorded temperature was -23 degrees Fahrenheit in Seminole on February 8, 1933. The same temperature was also recorded in Tulia 6NE on February 12, 1899. Winter sunrise on the face of a rock outcropping in the caprock canyons of West Texas. Chris Jeans/Shutterstock Texas is known for its heat, but even this state has seen severe drops in temperatures the best known was during the Great Blizzard of 1899. Some unofficial reports even claim temperatures reached -30 degrees Fahrenheit in February 1899 at Wolf Creek, Texas. Either way, the Concho Valley Homepage reported in 2022 that newspapers in 1899 described the temperatures as "the worst freeze ever known in the state." Utah's lowest recorded temperature was -50 degrees Fahrenheit in Strawberry Tunnel (East) on January 5, 1913. A hiker ventures along the snowy trails of Utah in the winter. Ashley Hadzopoulos/Shutterstock By contrast, the city of St. George has been home to the state's record for hottest temperature twice. A temperature of 117 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded in July 1985 and again in July 2021. Vermont's lowest recorded temperature was -50 degrees Fahrenheit in Bloomfield on December 30, 1933. Winter morning in Vermont. andrew12832/Shutterstock Bloomfield, a town in Essex County, had a population of 217 in the 2020 US census. The weather station existed from 1906 to 1968, according to Century 21 Farm & Forest. Virginia's lowest recorded temperature was -30 degrees Fahrenheit in Mountain Lake Biological Station on January 21, 1985. Winter landscape in Virginia. mbell/Getty Images Centered in the Allegheny Mountains is Mountain Lake, one of only two freshwater lakes in Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Just a year after this temperature was recorded in 1985, Mountain Lake was made famous again for "Dirty Dancing," which is where the movie was filmed. Washington's lowest recorded temperature was -48 degrees Fahrenheit on December 30, 1968, in two different towns: Mazama and Winthrop. North Cascades National Park near Winthrop, Washington. Marina Poushkina/Shutterstock On June 29, 2021, Hanford, Washington, reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the hottest recorded temperature in that state. West Virginia's lowest recorded temperature was -37 degrees Fahrenheit in Lewisburg on December 30, 1917. Snow on a frigid December day in a patch of woods and fields in West Virginia. Malachi Jacobs/Shutterstock Just 13 years later, the highest temperature recorded was 112 degrees Fahrenheit in Moorefield, West Virginia, on August 4, 1930. Wisconsin recorded the lowest temperature in the state's history on February 2, 1996, in Couderay. Two days later, it broke its own record at -55 degrees. Stream running through a snow covered Wisconsin forest with snow covering the trees in January. Michael Tatman/Shutterstock The coldest temperature recorded in Wisconsin ranks ninth in the nation. Wyoming's lowest recorded temperature was -66 degrees Fahrenheit in Riverside Ranger Station in Yellowstone National Park on February 9, 1933. Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Bruce Beck/Shutterstock Although Yellowstone's temperatures in Wyoming haven't plummeted to the levels they once did in 1933, "since most of the park lies at an elevation of 6,000 feet above sea level or higher, unpredictability characterizes Yellowstone's weather," the National Park Service has said. Correction: January 9, 2024 An earlier version of this story included an image that was mislabeled as Minden, Louisiana. The photo has been replaced with one of Minden. Read the original article on Business Insider In military aviation, raw speed is no longer a benchmark for domination over the skies. Power has evolved into a multidimensional concept, blending engine performance, payload capacity, range, sensors, and real-world combat effectiveness. A variety of elements and metrics now determine the influence of these. Instead of ranking these aircraft solely by stealth or speed, this analysis evaluates them based on their influence in modern warfare. From strategic bombers delivering overwhelming forces to fighters that control the information battle space, these aircraft represent the peak of air power currently in service. That being said, let's dive into the most powerful military aircraft currently operational in the country. 1. Boeing B-1B Lancer Wikimedia Commons Advertisement Advertisement Powered by four turbofan engines producing over 120,000 pounds of thrust, the B-1B Lancer carries more conventional ordnance than any other combat aircraft in service. It can deliver up to 75,000 pounds of weapons over intercontinental distances, making it a cornerstone of U.S. strike capability. While not stealthy by modern standards, its speed and terrain-following flight profile help it penetrate defended airspaces effectively. Few platforms can reshape a battlefield as decisively in a single mission. 2. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor Wikimedia Commons The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor has a thrust-to-weight ratio exceeding 1.25, which enables commendable acceleration, vertical climb, and sustained supercruise without afterburners. Combined with thrust-vectoring nozzles, the aircraft can outmaneuver any opponent in visual-range combat. Advertisement Advertisement The aircraft's low radar cross-section allows it to engage enemies before being detected. F-22's power lies in its asymmetric advantage, enabling it to control the battle through invisibility, speed, and precision. 3. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II Wikimedia Commons The F-15EX redefines power through sheer weapons capacity. With the ability to carry nearly 30,000 pounds of ordnance across 23 hard points, it functions as a flying arsenal. This payload allows it to deploy large numbers of air-to-air standoff weapons. Its twin engines still provide speeds exceeding Mach 2.5, ensuring survivability despite its size. The F-15EX excels in scenarios requiring massed firepower rather than stealth. And, in modern air combat, volume of fire is a decisive advantage. 4. Sukhoi Su-57 Wikimedia Commons Advertisement Advertisement Russia's Su-57 has maneuverability as a core factor that defines its power. Equipped with advanced 3D thrusting-vectoring engines, it can perform extreme high-angle attack maneuvers that Western fighters might find difficult to match. When stealth may be compromised in close combat, this agility provides a kinetic advantage. The Su-57 has a weaker stealth profile compared to its American counterparts, but it compensates for that weakness with its raw aerodynamic control. Designed to dominate chaotic, high-energy dogfights, the aircraft embodies a philosophy in which survivability comes from motion rather than invisibility. 5. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Wikimedia Commons Advertisement Advertisement The F-35 is equally powerful in information dominance as it is in physical performance. A sensor system fusion that combines radar, infrared, and electronic warfare data allows pilots to detect, track, and engage threats beyond visual range. The F-35 racks up modest speed and payload numbers; its networking capability multiplies the effectiveness of allied forces. One F-35 can act as an airborne command node for an entire formation. In modern warfare, controlling information goes a long way beyond raw speed. 6. Eurofighter Typhoon Wikimedia Commons With balanced power across speed, agility, and operational reliability, the Eurofighter Typhoon has twin engines that provide excellent acceleration and sustained supersonic performance. It is primarily designed for air superiority and can perform precision strikes effectively. Advertisement Advertisement The aircraft's aerodynamic design excels in transonic combat regimes where most aerial engagements occur. The Eurofighter Typhoon has been widely adopted across NATO air forces, which demonstrates its operational value. 7. Mikyan MiG-31 Foxhound Wikimedia Commons The MiG-31 Foxhound dominates the extreme-speed interceptor role. Capable of reaching nearly Mach 3, it remains the world's fastest operational combat aircraft. Its immense radar and long-range missile capability allow it to engage targets hundreds of kilometers away. Unlike maneuver-focused fighters, the MiG-31s power comes from detection and engagement range. It is designed to defend vast airspaces rather than engage in dogfights. In its niche, no aircraft exerts greater control. Conclusion A single metric cannot define the most powerful military aircraft. Power today is distributed across thrust, payload, sensors, maneuverability, and strategic reach. Each aircraft on this list dominates a specific dimension of modern warfare. Advertisement Advertisement As air combat continues to evolve, the definition of power will shift further toward data integration, autonomous systems, and networked operations. These aircraft represent the current pinnacle of manned military aviation. In the coming decade, power in the skies may look very different - but for now, these machines rule it. The seven aircraft examined here represent the current apex of aviation power. But the definition of "most powerful" will fundamentally rewrite within the next decade. Last July, Rep. Celeste Maloy, R-Utah, sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office requesting its opinion on whether the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument land-use plan could be classified as a rule. Such a request appears like a mundane congressional procedure, but after the introduction last year of a novel use of a 1996 law, many stakeholders are concerned about the potential implications. Thats because whatever the GAO classifies as a rule can then be subject to the Congressional Review Act. That law gives Congress the ability to overturn executive agency decisions and prevent anything substantially similar from being put back into effect. Advertisement Advertisement Over the fall, however, Congress passed several bills that used the CRA to forever alter management plans for federal land in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota. What made those uses of the law novel was that it was applied to land-use plans. Such high-level federal oversight had never before been used on site-specific resource management plans like the one for Grand Staircase-Escalante. There have been lots of really smart people who have served at (the Department of the) Interior and served in Congress since the review act was passed and nobody has done what this Republican Congress is doing, said Steve Bloch, legal director for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. Which is leveraging this pretty obscure law to step in and try to undo or dismantle management plans that in almost every instance here involved years of public input, involvement, federal agency experts, engagement and decision-making. Last week, the GAO after conferring with the Trump administration and the Interior Department determined that the Grand Staircase-Escalante land-use plan can be considered a rule, and is therefore subject to the Congressional Review Act. Advertisement Advertisement Maloy wrote in a statement to the Deseret News that she has always been clear in her opposition to the current management plan for Grand Staircase-Escalante. She is an outspoken critic of the Antiquities Act, the law that gives the executive branch the ability to create national monuments. Maloy wrote that her opposition has never been a secret. But she did not comment on whether she intends to take further steps toward applying the law to Grand Staircase-Escalantes land-use plan. Her statement, though, signaled an intent to return it to a prior version. Tourists look at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on Friday, May 14, 2021. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News The Biden-era RMP (Resource Management Plan) is fundamentally incompatible with state and local goals for wildlife management, grazing, recreation, and economic development, Maloy wrote. I am working to return the monuments management plan to its previous framework, one that balances conservation with access and reflects the needs and voices of the people who live and work on this land. Advertisement Advertisement What comes next is uncertain, but some advocacy agencies and legal scholars think that its a matter of time until the CRA is applied to the controversial national monument. Legal scholars and stakeholders weigh in Grand Staircase-Escalante has had a tumultuous several years and, though there is nothing certain in the GAOs office submitting an opinion, any actions in the direction of the national monument elicit passionate responses. This is a direct assault by Utah politicians on one of the crown jewels of Americas system of federal public lands, Bloch said in a published statement from SUWA. Any attempt to leverage this obscure federal law against the monument is an effort to thwart the will of millions of Americans who have repeatedly stood up in support of Grand Staircase-Escalante, its wild red rock landscape, and its irreplaceable cultural and fossil resources. Advertisement Advertisement From a broad and strictly legal perspective, however, the use of the CRA against any land-use plans is concerning to some legal scholars. They say that this use of the law creates uncertainty for all existing plans determined since 1996, when the law was implemented. One from the Mountain States Legal Foundation even said that such a use of the CRA could create the Wild West for land-use planning. The most clear cause of that uncertainty is that the CRA stipulates in the first line written in the bill that only rules presented to Congress for review are legally enforceable. The vast majority of all land-use plans have not been presented to Congress for review, which opens the door for arguments that question whether any of them are legally valid. Those possible lawsuits could be applied to public lands that are used for recreation and extraction alike. Advertisement Advertisement In the case of Grand Staircase-Escalante, however, SUWA identified a specific concern with using the CRA for that location. The other land-use plans that Congress applied the law to are managed by the Bureau of Land Management and fall under that agencys multiple use and sustained yields mandate. A section of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is pictured on Friday, May 14, 2021. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News Grand Staircase-Escalante is a national monument with scientific, cultural and conservation priorities. The structure of its management plan is wholly different from the others. Introducing a bill to strike at the heart of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument will represent a clear escalation of use of the CRA to attack the nations wildest public lands, read SUWAs statement. As the first CRA attack on a national monument, this action threatens to upend public land protection. Advertisement Advertisement John Ruple, one of 30 other legal scholars from across the country who penned a letter sent to Senate leadership in stark opposition, called that use of the law a terrible idea. The plan was created after years of effort and close collaboration with wide-ranging stakeholders, Ruple wrote in an email. The only people who will benefit are the lawyers who will spend years untangling the mess caused by a CRA repeal. What happens next? Before the CRA is applied to the new rule, a member of Congress will have to read the GAOs opinion into the congressional record. This is not a literal reading, but rather officially submitting the opinion for consideration. Following that, members of Congress will have to submit joint resolutions of disapproval regarding the rule in question. At that point, a clock starts that gives Congress 60 days to vote on overturning the rule. Advertisement Advertisement The process serves as a fast-track method of legislation requiring a simple majority to pass, and one that has already been successful several times in the current Congress. None of those actions have been executed at this point. Maloys office, too, did not comment on any future plans beyond her intention to try and return the Grand Staircase-Escalante land-use plan to its previous iteration. Local governments, trail users, agricultural producers, and rural communities across southern Utah have all spoken out against a plan that locks up land and ignores how these lands are actually used, Maloy wrote. Asking federal agencies to do their jobs and respect congressional oversight is routine, and I do not issue a press release every time I speak with a government agency. Rep. Celeste Maloy talks to attendees before a town hall at the Carolyn and Kem Gardner Commons at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Thursday, March 20, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News Still, conservation advocates and legal scholars remain concerned and wait to see what next week brings. Its one thing to use the Congressional Review Act to undo a land-use plan amendment in northeast Montana that deals specifically with coal or for 10,000 acres or so of mineral lands in North Dakota, Bloch said. It is something else entirely to leverage this law to try and undo a management plan for something like the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument ... Its for sure an escalation, and we intend to move heaven and earth to defeat it. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) The Kansas Highway Patrol is urging drivers to use caution after a crash in Harvey County on Friday afternoon left a driver seriously injured. According to the KHP crash log, the driver of a pickup was traveling west on U.S. Highway 50, just North of Halstead, when it crossed the center line and sideswiped two vehicles, including a semi. Harvey County crash on Jan. 23, 2026 (Courtesy: Kansas Highway Patrol) Harvey County crash on Jan. 23, 2026 (Courtesy: Kansas Highway Patrol) Harvey County crash on Jan. 23, 2026 (Courtesy: Kansas Highway Patrol) Live blog: Snow and cold descend on Kansas Advertisement Advertisement The driver of the pickup was taken to a hospital with suspected serious injuries, and the semi driver was transported with suspected minor injuries. KHP says the crash serves as a good reminder to slow down, allow yourself extra time, and avoid travel altogether during the incoming storm if you can. Drivers are asked to follow these tips when traveling in snowy weather: Move over and give plows room to work safely. Allow extra time to reach your destination. Increase the following distance. Buckle up and drive for conditions. 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. Chicago police are warning about a sexual assault that happened after a female victim got off a CTA train on Tuesday. This was in the Logan Square neighborhood about 6:45 p.m. Police say a man followed the victim off the train at the Logan Square Blue Line stop, and followed her three blocks, to the 2900-block of North Kedzie Avenue, before knocking her down and sexually assaulting her. The suspect ran off, and has not yet been found. Advertisement Advertisement SEE ALSO: Former Lansing HS teacher charged with sexually assaulting students, court records show The suspect is described as a 20- to 30-year-old man, wearing a black hooded jacket, dark pants and black sneakers. He was wearing one black glove on his left hand and a purple glove on his right, Chicago police said. He is about 6-feet tall and 170 pounds, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call Area Five detectives at 312-746-6554 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com. UPDATE: Track the current snow emergency levels here Original reporting below This story has been updated with new information. Several counties and cities across Greater Cincinnati have announced snow emergencies ahead of the winter storm. Hamilton County in Ohio was placed under a level 1 snow emergency just after 7 p.m. Jan. 24. Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties in Northern Kentucky have each declared a level 1 snow emergency, all of which took effect at noon Saturday, Jan. 24. Advertisement Advertisement Under level 1, no roads are closed but unnecessary travel is discouraged. Dearborn, Switzerland and Ohio counties just outside of Cincinnati have been issued travel warnings, according the Indiana government's live travel advisory map. The "red" warning is the highest level of local travel advisory, meaning that travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only. In addition, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm, which allows for the activation of state resources, including Kentucky Emergency Management and the Kentucky National Guard. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine declared one on Saturday evening. Which cities have declared snow emergencies? Bellevue: Level 1 snow emergency effective noon Saturday. Avoid parking on streets, especially cul-de-sacs. Park as close to the curb as possible. Blue Ash : Snow emergency effective 9 p.m. Jan. 24, 2026, through Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 5 p.m. Vehicles will face fines or towing for parking on city streets and public right-of-ways. Cincinnati: Snow emergency starting Saturday afternoon. Move vehicles parked in a Snow Emergency Zone, indicated on parking signs. Vehicles could be towed or ticketed if they are not moved. Here is a full list of the citys snow emergency routes. Crestview Hills : Snow emergency effective noon Saturday to 6 p.m. Monday All vehicles must be removed from city streets. Falmouth : Snow emergency effective at 2 p.m. Saturday. Snow emergency routes may be enforced to allow for plowing and emergency access. Parking is prohibited on those routes. Residents are advised to travel only if necessary. Florence: Level 1 snow emergency effective noon Saturday. Move vehicles off the streets whenever possible. Although parking restrictions are not mandatory at this level. Fort Mitchell: Level 1 snow emergency beginning at noon Saturday until rescinded. The cities asks for all vehicles to be removed from city streets to make room for snowplows. Ft. Wright : Snow emergency effective noon Saturday. All on-street parking is prohibited on all public streets. Independence: Level 1 snow emergency beginning noon Saturday. Level 2 expected late Saturday evening. Parking is not permitted on city streets in Independence while the city is in a snow emergency. Mount Healthy: Snow emergency from 5 p.m. Saturday to 5 p.m. Monday. No level specified. Parking on snow emergency routes prohibited. Oxford: Level 1 snow emergency starting at 10 p.m. Saturday. Parking is not allowed on city streets designated as snow routes until the emergency is canceled. Southgate : Snow emergency effective 9 a.m. Saturday through noon Monday. Springdale: Snow emergency for all roads in the city starting noon Saturday, according to a Facebook post. No level specified. No parking is permitted on city streets under an emergency. Taylor Mill: Level 1 starting noon Saturday. Residents are urged not to park on the street to prepare for snowplows. What do snow emergency levels mean? Definitions for snow emergencies can vary by state and county, but here are the basics: Advertisement Advertisement More: Cincinnati, NKY brace for winter storm. Snow emergency levels, explained Level 1 Roadways are hazardous due to accumulated, blowing and drifting snow and roads may be icy. Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously. No roadways are closed but unnecessary travel is discouraged. Level 2 Roadways are hazardous due to accumulated, blowing and drifting snow and roads may be very icy. Only drive if it is necessary to do so. Employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Level 3 Ice, blowing and drifting snow has created extremely hazardous road conditions. Low visibility, extremely low temperatures and worsening road conditions are also factors. Some or all county roads have been closed to all but emergency and essential persons. No one should be on roadways unless absolutely necessary and violators could be subject to arrest. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Advertisement Advertisement This report will be updated. Enquirer media partner Fox19 contributed. Weve made this story available for free to all users in the interest of public safety. Please consider supporting local journalists covering the community through a subscription. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What are current snow emergency levels? What we know The Brief Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins was seen on a flight out of Dallas-Fort Worth as a powerful winter storm descended upon North Texas. Jenkins' flight on the eve of the storm is eerily similar to Sen. Ted Cruz's 2021 trip to Cancun amidst the winter storm that ravaged much of the state. Jenkins' office said the travel was pre-planned and that he prepared emergency operations and coordination in advance. DALLAS - Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins was seen boarding a plane to Costa Rica Friday morning, the day a powerful winter storm is expected to hit North Texas. What we know FOX 4 obtained the photo above, taken Friday, Jan. 23, showing Jenkins and his family boarding a plane leaving Dallas-Fort Worth for Costa Rica. Advertisement Advertisement The trip comes as a winter storm prepares to drop temperatures in Dallas to sub-freezing levels. In Texas, the county judge is responsible for emergency preparedness, and the only one who can declare a disaster. Dig deeper WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 05: Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, questions U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger during the Senate Rules and Administration Committee oversight hearing on January 5, 2022 in Washington, D.C. One day before the anniversary of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, the committee will hear testimony on the status of the U.S. Capitol Police. (Photo by Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images) The photo is reminiscent of when Texas sen. Ted Cruz traveled to Cancun in 2021 as a winter storm caused extended outages across the state. Cruz was seen this week leaving Texas as reports of the winter storm's intensity grew. Cruz returned to Texas Friday. He poked fun at social media chatter about the incident on his X account. Ive returned home from my work trip. Its 66 degrees & beautiful. A storm is expected tomorrow night. But I am reliably informed by Twitter that if I simply raise up my hand on Texas soil, the storm will turn around & sunshine, rainbows & unicorns will emerge. Let it be. pic.twitter.com/owtD6FvJyb Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 23, 2026 What they're saying A representative for Jenkins told FOX 4 the trip was pre-planned and that he will receive regular updates on the developing weather in North Texas. Advertisement Advertisement "The Countys full focus is on keeping people safe and services running," Lauren Trimble, his Chief of Staff, told FOX 4. "The Judge prepared in advance, ensuring emergency operations and coordination were in place during his travel which was scheduled months ago." "Dallas Countys experienced teams are ready to respond as conditions change, and he will continue to get regular updates." His office further responded on their plans with Jenkins out of office. "The countys readiness and emergency operations are fully staffed and coordinated. Chief of Emergency Services Scott Forster will oversee and coordinate the response," Jenkins' office said. "Chief of Staff Lauren Trimble is empowered to sign orders, but the Governor's order makes that unnecessary." The Source Information in this story came from viewer photos and an email from Dallas County. As a major winter storm approaches New York, hazardous travel conditions are expected statewide, with snow, strong winds and extreme cold impacting roads, highways and air travel from Sunday into Monday. In some areas, up to 18 inches of snow could fall on communities already blanketed by an earlier storm this week. Subzero wind chills are also expected, raising concerns about travel safety and exposure risks. Speaking at a Friday morning news conference, Gov. Kathy Hochul called the system a very, very dangerous weather event that could impact every corner of the state. We are used to winter in New York, but when you get complacent, thats when you get into trouble, Hochul said. This is a dangerous combination of heavy snow and extreme cold. Advertisement Advertisement Hochul issued a State of Emergency, which allows the state to quickly deploy resources to local governments. Hochul said the move ensures agencies and municipalities have what they need to keep residents safe before, during and after the storm. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said a countywide State of Emergency will take effect at 6 p.m. Saturday. Emergency Services Commissioner Susan Spear said officials are preparing for a very significant amount of snow up to a foot or more beginning early Sunday and continuing overnight into Monday. The heaviest snowfall is expected Sunday afternoon, when near whiteout conditions are possible. Spear warned that parts of the storm could include ice, making conditions more dangerous than snowfall alone. Advertisement Advertisement We want everyone to take this seriously and prepare for a significant winter storm that could disrupt transportation and daily activities, Jenkins said at a briefing in White Plains. How much snow will NY get? Heavy snow is forecast to develop late Sunday morning, intensify through Sunday afternoon and evening, and continue overnight into Monday morning, potentially disrupting the Monday commute. Additional lake-effect snow is possible Monday night into Tuesday. Snowfall totals will vary by region. AccuWeather projects up to 18 inches in parts of eastern New York, including the Hudson Valley and Catskills, while New York City and portions of central and western New York could see up to a foot. Downstate forecasts currently call for 8 to 14 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Up to a foot of snow downstate can be paralyzing in a dense area like New York City, Hochul said. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, a cold weather advisory is in effect across much of western and central New York through Saturday morning, with wind chills expected to drop to 15 to 25 degrees below zero. Extreme cold warnings are in place east of Lake Ontario and across parts of northern New York and the Adirondacks, where wind chills could fall as low as 30 to 40 below zero. NYS Thruway and major highways The New York State Thruway Authority said drivers should expect snow-covered roads, blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility during the height of the storm. Travel speeds may be significantly reduced Snowplows will operate at slower speeds and may work side by side Travel bans or restrictions for commercial vehicles are possible if conditions worsen Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, especially overnight and during peak snowfall. Know before you go. All drivers are encouraged to avoid all unnecessary travel Sunday into Monday. If you must be on the road, use extreme caution and take it slow! pic.twitter.com/H6xbicSmeS New York State Thruway Authority (@NYSThruway) January 24, 2026 Local roads and secondary highways Conditions on local roads are expected to deteriorate more quickly than on interstates. Heavy snow rates and gusty winds could lead to near-whiteout conditions at times. Advertisement Advertisement Side streets may be snow-covered for extended periods Drifting snow could make rural roads impassable Emergency responders may face delays Officials urge drivers to give plows space and stay off the roads if possible. Airports and flights Air travel could also be disrupted as the storm moves through the region. Travelers should be prepared for delays and cancellations at major airports, including: Buffalo Niagara International Airport Greater Rochester International Airport Syracuse Hancock International Airport Albany International Airport New York City-area airports Airlines often cancel flights in advance of severe weather, and passengers are encouraged to check flight status before heading to the airport. How many delays, cancellations reported at New York's major airports? JFK Airport Current conditions at JFK LaGuardia Current conditions at LGA Newark Liberty Current conditions at EWR Frederick Douglass Current conditions at ROC Buffalo Niagara Current conditions at BUF Syracuse Hancock Current conditions at SYR Albany International Current conditions at ALB Rail and public transportation Snow and wind could affect Amtrak service and some local transit systems, particularly if visibility drops or tracks need to be cleared. Riders should monitor service alerts and plan for possible delays. What travelers should do now Officials recommend residents take precautions ahead of the storm: Advertisement Advertisement Delay nonessential travel until conditions improve Allow extra time if travel is unavoidable Pack emergency supplies, including blankets, food and water Monitor 511NY and airline alerts for real-time updates NY snow tracker This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Dangerous winter storm to impact roads and flights. Here's what to know Dallas Area Rapid Transit promised not to take on any new debt until after November, in a compromise with member cities ahead of May withdrawal elections. Farmers Branch, Highland Park, University Park, Irving, and Plano called withdrawal elections on May 2, in which voters will decide whether to leave DART, as The Dallas Express reported. During negotiations, three of these cities sent requests to the agency, which it answered with a pledge not to take on new debt before the November elections. Advertisement Advertisement DART announced the compromise on January 21. DART will agree to hold off on issuing more debt as North Texas residents head to the polls to vote on DART, said CEO Nadine Lee in a press release. This will delay some of the scheduled and promised updates the DART staff has been working on, but as good-faith partners in these negotiations, we will honor this compromise. DART is negotiating with the member cities ahead of the March 18 deadline to cancel the withdrawal election, as The Dallas Express reported. After that point, the elections will move forward. Our priority has been to our riders from the outset of this process, and this allows us to release some of the urgency our member cities feel as they make decisions in the coming months, Lee said. Advertisement Advertisement If voters decide to withdraw, DART would halt services immediately after the election, as The Dallas Express reported. However, cities would still be required to continue paying off their share of the agencys billions in debt, which former Plano City Councilman Shelby Williams called an exit barrier. If voters decide to remain with DART, their next window to leave the agency will be 2032. Member cities have been growing increasingly frustrated with the agencys spending, governance, and services. A 2023 study found many suburban member cities were paying tens of millions of dollars more to DART than they received in services. Meanwhile, Dallas contributed just $407.8 million to the agency but received $690.5 million in services. Advertisement Advertisement From 2020 to 2024, DART paid its executives including Lee more than $2.4 million in bonuses, as The Dallas Express exclusively reported. But in fall 2025, the agency made historic service cuts, citing a $42 to $43 million budget shortfall from a General Mobility Plan to compromise with member cities. Meanwhile, DART ridership has still not reached pre-COVID levels, The Dallas Express also reported. Recent growth had been flattening, and Dallas accounted for 75% of ridership. Before the cities called withdrawal elections, they and DART worked with the North Central Texas Council of Governments a metropolitan planning group that orchestrates projects and funding to find solutions, according to the release. DART Board Chair Randall Bryant said in the release that the recent promise to avoid new long-term debt is an effort to address the concerns raised by DART member cities. Advertisement Advertisement We welcome feedback from our partners on solutions that benefit all cities while ensuring DART continues to provide critical public transportation services for our residents and communities, Bryant said. The next step of the negotiating process with NCTCOG will be a rate study, exploring the costs of transit services by mode, according to the release. Carrollton and Farmers Branch held elections in 1985 to withdraw from DART, but they ultimately failed, The Dallas Express reported. In 1989, Coppell and Flower Mound successfully left the agency. In 1996, four cities voted on withdrawing again, but residents chose to stay. This would have been Davion Patterson's senior year in high school. Graduation would have been right around the corner. Tiera Carter says she would've been right there, chest out, proud to watch her son march across the stage to pick up his diploma. That didn't happen. Davion was 15 when he was shot to death as a gunman opened fire into a crowd of young onlookers who had gathered on Milwaukee's north side to witness a fistfight between two girls. Advertisement Advertisement More: Gas station guard convicted of killing man over shoplifted snacks "I will never be OK. Never," Carter said at a Jan. 23 sentencing hearing for Romello Littlejohn, the man convicted of killing her first-born son. "His little brother will never know who he is, except for new pictures and us telling him stories about him." Littlejohn was 16 when he opened fire on a group that had gathered near 15th Street and Concordia Avenue nearly three years ago. Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge John Franke sentenced Littlejohn, now 18, to spend the next 25 years behind bars. A jury found Littlejohn guilty in December of first-degree reckless homicide as a party to a crime and various other felonies in connection with the deadly March 20, 2023, shooting that killed Davion and injured five other people. Here's what prosecutors say happened to Davion Patterson A group assembled at North 15th Street and Concordia Avenue as a street fight between two girls got underway. Davion Patterson According to a criminal complaint, Littlejohn threatened to "pop" anyone who harmed his sister, who was involved in the fight. Advertisement Advertisement Moments later, shots rang out. As many as 30 of them, Assistant District Attorney Ian Vance-Curzan said. Davion suffered 11 gunshot wounds and died. Five others suffered injuries. One of them, now an 18-year-old woman, was shot in the back by Littlejohn. She testified she laid on the ground next to Davion after the shooting. However, she was unable to stand or run for cover as bullets whizzed by; she was temporarily paralyzed after the shooting, but is now able to walk after undergoing multiple surgeries. "This was an incident of chaos and madness," Vance-Curzan said. Several of those who showed up to watch the fight captured video on their cellphones. Some of the footage was shown during Littlejohn's five-day trial. Advertisement Advertisement Defense attorney William Sulton reminded the judge none of the bullets that killed him were matched to the weapon that Littlejohn fired. People on the scene, including some victims who survived the shooting, said another person whom they identified also had a gun and was seen shooting during the fracas. Vance-Curzan said another firearm was recovered at the scene, but no one else has been charged in the incident. Littlejohn needed to be held accountable for Davion's death and the other injuries because he put things in motion by starting the shooting, he said. Carter said the last two mental images she has of her son still make her emotional. Advertisement Advertisement One is that of Davion cleaning the kitchen. The moment came before the shooting, and, ultimately, became the last "happy" memory she has of him. The other was of Davion lying in a casket. "[Littlejohn] does not deserve to have a life. My son's life was taken. He does not deserve to have a life," Carter said. "What he did was malicious. He does not ... deserve to get out. He deserves to die himself, just like my son died." Littlejohn's mother, Sheila Jones, pleaded for leniency and less prison time for her son, arguing he has matured since the shooting. More: Milwaukee court-watchers push for harsher sentences for reckless drivers Advertisement Advertisement "He's redeemable," she said. The shooter spoke. What did he tell the judge? Littlejohn spoke during the 90-minute hearing, saying he didn't intend to shoot anyone, adding he was intoxicated at the time and "wasn't using my right mindset." He said he has sat up every night, trying to think of a better solution for what happened, but hasn't come up with one. Littlejohn pleaded Franke to give him "a second chance on life," so he could return to his family one day, and watch his nieces and brothers grow up. Why did the case take nearly three years to get to this point? Lawyers for Littlejohn tried to get his case moved into juvenile court. They argued he'd get better treatment within the juvenile system, citing his age at the time of the killing. Advertisement Advertisement Court records show a judge in October 2023 rejected an appeal to have his case waived into juvenile court. Since then, the court received a half dozen letters of support for Littlejohn, many of them from juvenile justice personnel. Franke also ordered Littlejohn to serve 20 years of extended supervision once he is finished with his prison time. Littlejohn was given 1,048 days of in-custody credit, which can be applied to his sentence. A restitution hearing has been set for Feb. 19. Vance-Curzan requested that Littlejohn be made to pay $5,300 to cover funeral costs. Chris Ramirez covers courts for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at caramirez@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee teen convicted in shooting death of Davion Patterson, 15, sentenced A Delaware man has been fired from his job as a school bus driver after he was allegedly caught on surveillance camera having sex with a prostitute on the bus. Police in the city of Dover arrested Alvin Rohm, 62, on January 12 and charged with patronizing a prostitute within 1000 feet of a school, resident, church or place as well as lewdness. A statement from Dover cops confirmed Rohm was working as a school bus driver on January 6, the day he was caught on camera. Advertisement Advertisement In the video, Rohm is allegedly seen soliciting a prostitute who boards the bus. He then drives to Jerusalem Way, a private road that leads to a Baptist church. "Once parked in the area of Jerusalem Way, Rohm was shown engaging in sex acts with the female" on the school bus, "and exchanging money for same," reads a police statement. Man Chucked Rock at New Jersey School Bus, Severely Injured 8-Year-Old by Fracturing Her Skull Rohm is not employed by the school district but was employed by a bus service the district has contracted to shuttle students to and from school. The footage was allegedly discovered by a school district employee who was reviewing video as part of an unrelated investigation. Advertisement Advertisement The video was then turned over to the Dover Police Department. Rohm was released on bond. Reached by phone, Rohm declined to comment. It was unclear if Rohm had appeared before a judge to enter pleas to the charges. Us Weekly was unable to determine if he had a lawyer who was willing to speak about the allegations for him. If convicted for patronizing a prostitute, Rohm faces up to $1,000 in fines. However, he could be sent to prison for up to six months, and be ordered to pay $1,500 in fines, if convicted on the lewdness charge. This has not been a great month overall for school bus drivers. Last week, a Massachusetts bus driver was charged with a slew of criminal offenses stemming from his disconnecting the surveillance cameras on the bus, Us Weekly previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Police Allege New Jersey Man Abused Minors He Groomed Using Alcohol, Marijuana Vapes and Pills Redi Gace, 54, allegedly deviated from his route with students in the vehicle and made unauthorized stops, Grafton School Superintendent James Cummings said in a statement. First, on December 4, 2025, Gace was driving a 3-year-old girl home but took a road not on his route. Cops say he intentionally deactivated the interior camera, but audio from inside the bus captured the child asking to be brought home, reported the New Bedford Guide. Then, on December 22, 2025, Gace allegedly deviated from his route once again, this time while driving a 5-year-old nonverbal boy home. Cops alleged he stopped on an unauthorized road not on the route, turned off the bus engine, and left the child alone on board for approximately 11 minutes. Audio was also recovered from that trip, and in it, the child can be heard crying. Advertisement Advertisement The bus had been fitted with a GPS monitor. Grafton Police charged Gace with two counts of kidnapping and single counts of reckless endangerment of a child, misleading a police investigation and tampering with evidence, Us Weekly confirmed. During a court hearing held on Wednesday, January 14, a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf. Editors note: This story was originally published on Jan. 24, 2025. A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives. On Jan. 24, 1848, James W. Marshall found a gold nugget at Sutters Mill in Northern California, a discovery that sparked the California gold rush. As many as 25,000 miners headed to California over the next couple of years, becoming known as Forty-Niners. Advertisement Advertisement The gold rush turned out to be a boon to early Utahns, not so much for the gold pioneers who ventured West were able to mine, but in the income gained supplying other forty-niners rushing to California. Sutters Mill was a water-powered sawmill on the bank of the South Fork American River in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Marshalls discovery set off the decade-long California gold rush. Members of the Mormon Battalion had finished their service with the U.S. government in Southern California and were working their way back to the Great Basin in 1848. According to news reports, members of the Mormon Battalion were in the area, helping to build Sutters Fort when gold was discovered. In July 1846, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the ship Brooklyn, led by Samuel Brannan, arrived at Yerba Buena, now San Francisco. The ship began its voyage leaving New York harbor Feb. 4, 1846, the same day that the first wagons left Nauvoo heading west. Advertisement Advertisement Though some of those pioneers were in the area in 1848, and some had come to the Salt Lake Valley, group leader Sam Brannan and others are labeled as forty-niners as well. Chasing gold in the West was a popular topic, as evidenced by a half page of mining news in the Deseret News on April 27, 1859: A half-page article in the Deseret News on April 27, 1859, detailing gold mining prospects and reports around the West. Nine years earlier, noted pioneer poet/composter William Clayton penned the words to a song titled The Gold Diggers, to the tune of the song A Man That is Married. Per the article, it was performed on the 24th of July by John Kay. The final verse: Now ye Saints, my advice I will give without price, Advertisement Advertisement Dont be tempted to worship the dust; But stick close to your farms, and build up your good barns, For the grain is much better I trust. And in ages to come, when the fold fevers gone, You will all the wealth you desire; For your wisdom will then be esteemed amongst men, And your prudence mankind will admire Gold! Gold!! that give from above Tis a blessing I own, sirs, whenever used well; But my song is quite done, and I bid you farewell. The poem appeared in the Sept. 7, 1859, edition of the Deseret News: A poem/lyrics to a song about the pursuit of gold appeared in the Deseret News on Sept. 7, 1850. The words were written by William Clayton, per the news page. Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about the California gold rush, and how numerous pioneers and members of the Mormon Battalion were among the early prospectors in Northern California: Advertisement Advertisement Mormons among first gold rush prospectors Mormon Battalion made big contributions Impoverished pioneers mined gold from 49ers; historians say rush to California was boon to Utah History preserved in gold rush newspapers 1800s California gold rush revisited Spotlight on historical sites: Battalion display at Sutters Fort Picturing history: Sutters Mill, Coloma, California At Sutters Fort: Keeping alive a golden memory It's not new that the People's Republic of China and its People's Liberation Army (PLA) has the capability to launch conventional intercontinental ballistic missiles that have enough range to strike targets in North America or Western Europe. The Dongfeng DF-31 is an intercontinental ballistic missile has been in service since at least the early 2000s, and has a range of upwards of 7,270 miles. It's capable of being deployed via a mobile truck-based system. Now, according to the Department of Defense's report from the end of last year, a new missile has showed up in China's arsenal, the Dongfeng DF-27. It has a range of 4,970 miles, which puts it past Hawaii, if launched from China's eastern borders. As opposed to previous ICBMs, the DF-27 can do double duty as an anti-ship missile, which puts it at the bleeding edge of current missile technology. Additionally, it's a hypersonic weapon system, which means it can travel at least five times the speed of sound (3,836 mph at sea level). Read more: 10 Of The Most Advanced Nuclear Submarines In The World China's hypersonic future Chinese missile ranges on map of China - U.S. Department of Defense Whether or not China has any inclination to use such weapons anytime in the near future is a different geopolitical question entirely, and there's still a bit that's unknown about the DF-27. The Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance reports that it's unknown how many DF-27s the PLA has in service or, of course, where launch systems are stationed. Additionally, it is unknown how big the warhead on the anti-ship variant is, apart from being billed as a "carrier killer." Advertisement Advertisement Hypersonic missiles are a relatively new weapons delivery system and can be deployed via a multi-stage "glide vehicle" system like the DF-27 where the warhead glides to the target after reaching hypersonic speeds. The United States is currently developing its own hypersonic weapon by the "Dark Eagle" moniker. Air-launched hypersonics are also in the works. The technology is still in its infancy and given the velocity of such ordnance, it's difficult to intercept, although you can be sure that every country with a hypersonic arsenal is also devising ways to defeat hypersonic threats. 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. Dozens of people gathered in front of the Beaches library branch in Neptune beach standing united against ICE. The protest was hosted by the Neptune Beach Coalition, Beaches Activists Movement & grassroots movement 50501 Northeast Florida. These groups have been holding protests here once a week since last April. Each protest has a different focus, but organizers tell me that these past few have been focused on the recent ICE activity across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, protesters we spoke with were outraged about the death of Renee Nicole Good, a mother who was shot and killed during an ICE operation in Minneapolis. They dont do anything legally, they dont care about legality, theyre just people in costumes that like having power, protester Lillian Spofford said. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The protest wrapped up before the news of another deadly shooting involving a federal agent in Minneapolis came out. Action News Jax asked the Founder of the Neptune Beach Coalition what her thoughts were about the recent uptick in ICEs presence in Jacksonville. Advertisement Advertisement As long as its peaceful and they arent messing with peoples rights, I dont have a problem with it, Carole Danek, Founder of the Neptune Beach Coalition, said. Theyve been here for years and years. Action News Jax also spoke with a Jacksonville resident who wasnt at the protest. She didnt want to go on camera, but she says she does not support what the protesters are protesting about. I think that ICE is doing their job and I agree with what theyre doing, she said. We need to get some kind of balance back. We need to get rid of some of the criminals that are here that shouldnt be here. Neptune Beach coalition, Beaches Activists, and 5050NEFL will hold another protest on Saturday, January 31, in front of the Beaches library branch at 10 am. [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. It's cold in El Paso, but it isn't early-February-2011 cold. El Paso Electric, in a report filed Feb. 14, 2011, to state regulators, said it planned and prepared for the record-breaking cold weather earlier in February, but that its power plants were not designed to withstand the unusually extreme cold. It reported that two of its three power plants froze, and rolling blackouts were needed in its El Paso-Las Cruces service area. Advertisement Advertisement About 247,000 of the company's 370,000 customers experienced rolling blackouts. El Pasoans were asked to refrain from showering and doing laundry. Pipes burst and there were rolling blackouts. Feb. 2011: Rudy Landeros, left, and Juan Estrada of Tri-State Electric lift a Watch for Ice on Bridge sign into position Tuesday on U.S. 54 near Hondo Pass as the city prepared for a snowfall. The El Paso Times warned of the impending storm Feb. 1, 2011: Officials prep for expected winter storm The weather is expected to get ugly tonight, and local officials are preparing for any possible hazards the cold blast might cause. Temperatures are expected to range from the low teens to the 40s for the next few days. Precipitation also is possible. More: El Paso's all time low of -8 degrees traps Ally the alligator in San Jacinto Plaza pool Bracing for winter's worst Snow falls, temperatures head for single digits Feb. 2, 2011, El Paso Times El Paso's winter blast began Tuesday night, bringing havoc to roadways and causing area schools to delay the start of classes today. Advertisement Advertisement The temperature will fall to the mid-teens by early today and could drop to low single digits by tonight, said Lance Tripoli, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Santa Teresa. That jarring cold will be accompanied by a 20 percent to 30 percent chance of snow and 60-mph winds that could put the wind-chill temperature close to zero and maybe below. Feb. 3, 2011: Snowflakes clung to El Paso police Sgt. A. Salazar's cap as he watched a city dump truck put sand on a Downtown street Wednesday. Salazar was directing traffic away from the hazardous street until crews could finish. Power problems bring city to a standstill 'For cold, we can call this historic' Feb. 3, 2011, El Paso Times El Paso streets looked eerily abandoned on Wednesday as a furious winter storm, fed by extremely frigid polar air, blasted and paralyzed the city with a slipper sheet of ice and snow. The same arctic system that crippled much of the nation also bathed the region in the coldest temperature on record for Feb. 2 and essentially shut down El Paso... Advertisement Advertisement "For cold, we can call this historic. This is interesting, to say the least, especially for El Paso," said Dave Novlan, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Santa Teresa. The National Weather Service predicted that single-digit temperatures will continue through early today, and said a warming trend is not expected until Friday afternoon. The overnight low was expected to be between 0 degrees and 5 below zero in the El Paso area. Feb. 2011: Drivers slow down while going over the Paisano overpass Wednesday. Freezing conditions are expected to continue today. Motorists were urged Wednesday to observe a 10 p.m. voluntary curfew. Weather officials said there was still a possibility of snow showers overnight. The high today is expected to be in the upper teens. Across the border, Juarez officials declared a state of emergency. All residents were being asked to stay indoors because of the cold. The Juarez Municipal Airport has been shut down. Advertisement Advertisement El Paso city officials urged motorist to observe a 10 p.m. voluntary curfew and said it would become mandatory if the weather became worse Feb. 4, 2011: An El Paso Electric Co. employee uses a torch to warm a pipe Friday at the Newman power plant. DAY 3: DEEP FREEZE Power losses acutely felt by El Pasoans Feb. 4, 2011, El Paso Times Three days after Arctic weather blasted the region, hundreds of thousands of electricity customers continue to face periodic blackouts, and nearly 900 gas customers still have no heat. The bigger problem: The utilities can't say when the problems will be fixed. Utility officials say their companies are working feverishly to remedy and repair problems, but government leaders and residents clearly were frustrated on Thursday with the utilities' lack of progress and inability to get the city moving again. Advertisement Advertisement The utilities asked area schools and the city and county governments to stay closed for the third straight day today as El Paso Electric tried to repair local generators and Texas Gas Service tried to muster enough pressure to reach the outskirts of El Paso. The schools and the County Courthouse will be closed, and City Hall will open for a shortened day with its heat turned down. "The only reason we did this is because the utilities asked us to," City Manager Joyce Wilson said of the closures and delays. In fact, she said she called a Thursday afternoon press conference only to make clear that the weather emergency continues because of a lack of utility service. An Arctic blast howled into the region Tuesday, deranging many of the instruments that help monitor and operate the local generators on the local power grid. Advertisement Advertisement More: Stay warm from winter storm 2026 at El Paso libraries, recreation centers By Wednesday morning, El Paso Electric was limping along with only a small generator churning out 63 of the about 925 megawatts needed by the system locally. The company tried to cover the deficit by importing 630 megawatts from the Palo Verde nuclear plant in Arizona as well as 70 to 80 more megawatts from the Four Corners region. And during periods of peak demand, El Paso Electric is saving about 100 megawatts with rolling blackouts, which could continue into the weekend if the company can't get generators up and running on the power grid. Feb. 5, 2011: Erica Olvera, a cashier at the Big 8 food store at 7945 N. Mesa arranged merchandise amid rows of empty shelves where water sold out Saturday night. Olvera said people had been purchasing one gallon and 24 packs of drinking water all day. Mayor Cook declares water emergency in El Paso Residents told to boil water, not to shower, wash clothes, cars Feb. 6, 2011, El Paso Times Mayor John Cook declared a water emergency in the city of El Paso, El Paso Water Utilities announced Sunday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement This will allow the utility to enforce mandatory water restrictions currently in effect. If car washes, laundromats and industrial users don't comply, their water supply will be shut off. Mandatory water restrictions will stay in effect until further notice. The public is being asked to refrain from showering, using dishwasher or clothes washing machines or anything else that uses a large amount of water. The only exceptions are for hospitals and other emergency medical facilities. The entire city is also under a boil alert. Boil any water before consumption until further notice. The restrictions are needed to let the city water system catch up and replenish itself. Freezing temperatures last week damaged some equipment, pipes have burst throughout the city, demand is unusually high and the water utility wasn't able to produce water during rolling blackouts, water officials said. Feb. 7, 2011: El Paso Water Utility employee Jesus Unzueta emerges from well 86 at the corner of Cotton and 6th after it began working again early Sunday afternoon. El Paso Water Utilities had a portable generator on site to help speed the thawing out process. Unzueta had been on shift for over ten hours and expected to continue working throughout the day. Water limitations end: El Paso starts to recover; boil alert to end Feb. 7, 2011, El Paso Times As El Paso's reservoirs fill back up, residents are struggling to find the materials and help they need to fix broken pipes and the damage water has done to their homes. Advertisement Advertisement "I've heard we've had as many as 15,000 (buildings with burst pipes), but I don't know if that's true," City Manager Joyce Wilson said Monday. On Saturday, city workers got between 1,200 and 1,300 calls for help with broken pipes and gushing water, she said. And now people are scrambling for permits to do repairs -- one reason Wilson has been anxious to keep City Hall open. "I knew we would be having a lot of people coming in for permits," she said. "We were jam-packed today." The closure of public institutions starting last Wednesday is likely to be the topic of discussion when the City Council meets today. After the weather cleared, El Paso Electric and Texas Gas Service asked officials to continue the closures because of low natural gas pressure and rolling electricity blackouts. Advertisement Advertisement City and county officials want an investigation into the failures -- to learn how they can be prevented and whether the utility companies were negligent. Feb. 3, 2011: Arizona at Cotton was closed off due to bad weather Wednesday. Price tag for frigid storm could top $10 million Feb. 14, 2011, El Paso Times The total cost in El Paso County of 72 hours of bone-chilling cold, high winds and associated utility failures will easily exceed $10 million. The winter storms that started Feb. 1 led to days of outages and restrictions by the electric, gas and water utilities. And, when temperatures crept above freezing, thousands of residents, businesses and governmental agencies discovered their pipes had burst, in some instances causing extensive water damage. Damage estimates are still being collected, but even before they're complete, investigations are under way into whether utilities were properly prepared for the storm. If they weren't, public officials have vowed to make utility shareholders pay for part of the damage. El Paso's city government is estimating that its closures at the request of the utility companies cost taxpayers more than $500,000. But the utilities maintain that they took reasonable precautions and that their troubles were due to the once-in-a-generation cold spell. When things finally warmed on Feb. 5, it was obvious that thousands of El Paso buildings were unprepared for temperatures that dropped to zero and stayed extremely cold for three days. Just counting damage exceeding insurance deductibles - about $1,200 for the average El Paso homeowner - about 5,000 claims have been filed so far in the city alone, said Mark Hanna of the Insurance Council of Texas, an industry group. Total claims for the city are expected to exceed $10 million, he said. Trish Long may be reached at tlong@elpasotimes.com or 915-546-6179. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso winter storm 2011 wreaked havoc on city Jan. 24BEMIDJI Andrea Johnson had just moved to Bemidji with her husband and their toddler. The little boy needed a pair of rain boots. "They were impossible to find, and the ones we did find were insanely expensive," Andrea said. "We ended up with a $40 pair of rain boots that fit for a week. That's when I got the idea that maybe I should open a kids thrift store." She opened Advertisement Advertisement Ellie Lake Thrift three months ago at 217 Third St. NW in a space that previously housed The Hanger, a consignment boutique. Johnson's store sells children's clothing, books, toys and games, plus a limited stock of maternity clothes. "I wanted it to help families out," Johnson said, "because everything's so expensive, especially for young families. I know when you go to a thrift store, sometimes the kids' section can be limited. And I'm trying to help save the planet in a way, keeping things out of landfills." Johnson says her biggest challenge has been learning how to run a business. The International Falls native worked for a health insurance company for 13 years before the family moved to Bemidji. Advertisement Advertisement "My husband and I are both originally from northern Minnesota," she said, "After living in the Twin Cities for 10 years, we wanted to be closer to family. We visited Bamidji when I was growing up. We would come shopping here, and we would go to see Paul Bunyan when they had the rides there when I was little. Bemidji's a great little town, and we're just kind of surprised at how much we love it, how much is going on, and how great everyone is." Johnson said she considered selling children's clothing online, so she began sourcing inventory. "I had a little bit of stuff that I purchased myself, but I could probably fit everything in the back of my SUV," she said. "I know selling on (Facebook) Marketplace is a big thing, but it can be kind of time-consuming, and people don't always show up." After deciding to open a brick-and-mortar store, she needed a strategy for obtaining much more inventory. Advertisement Advertisement "I just kind of started sourcing donations before I was opening the store," Johnson said. She offered coupons for discounts to those who donated items, a strategy that continues today. "Most of it was donations," Johnson said. "I try to keep prices low and just help people out. So we try to keep it easy for moms and dads to just bring their stuff in here, get a coupon to help lower the price. It's kind of a good incentive to help them save time and the hassle of going through things." Johnson said her son, Baker, helped name the store. "We were just kind of brainstorming names, and he's 4 years old, so he has a big imagination," she said. "He has a stuffed elephant named Ellie that he's had since he was tiny." They added "Lake" for their love of the outdoors. "That name kind of stuck," she said. "So yeah, it's named after a toy elephant." Authorities on Saturday announced the arrest of the estranged husband of a Newport Beach woman whose body was found near an embankment in Crestline just over two months ago. The victim, 58-year-old Aryan Papoli, was found about 75 feet down a steep embankment near Highway 138 and Crestline Road on Nov. 18. After she was identified, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department detectives launched an investigation into her death and identified Gordon Abas Goodarzi as a suspect, according to a news release issued Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement The coroner determined the cause of death to be a homicide, and on Friday "through a continued and diligent investigation, Goodarzi was contacted at his residence and later arrested," the Sheriff's Department said in a statement. Goodarzi was transported to the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino and was being held without bail, according to authorities. When the body was discovered in Crestline, investigators were initially unable to identify the deceased victim and released a composite sketch of her face. Two days after Thanksgiving, Papoli's son Navid Goodarzi received notice from the Sheriff's Department that the victim was his mother. Advertisement Advertisement "When she was missing, we were sort of going from this frantic pass, all engines flaring, like how can we find her?" Goodarzi told ABC7 in a December interview. "When we got the news, it sort of feels like the wind gets knocked out of you. The first day it's a lot of shock." Investigators in San Bernardino are asking the public for help identifying a woman who was found dead on the side of a mountain in Crestline. Goodarzi set up a website dedicated to his mother's memory. "She loved people; she loved animals; she loved art," Goodarzi said. "She never grew up with an opportunity to express herself with art; she grew up in Tehran, Iran, and lived through revolution and war. She came to the United States and built a career; built a life; built a family." India and Europe hope to strike the "mother of all deals" when EU chiefs meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi next week, as the two economic behemoths seek to forge closer ties. Facing challenges from China and the United States, India and the European Union have been negotiating a massive free trade pact -- and talks, first launched about two decades ago, are nearing the finishing line. "We are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this week. Advertisement Advertisement Von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa will attend Republic Day celebrations Monday before an EU-India summit Tuesday, where they hope to shake hands on the accord. Securing a pact described by India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal as "the mother of all deals", would be a major win for Brussels and New Delhi as both seek to open up new markets in the face of US tariffs and Chinese export controls. But officials have been eager to stress there is more to it than commerce. "The EU and India are moving closer together at the time when the rules-based international order is under unprecedented pressure through wars, coercion and economic fragmentation," the EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas said Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement - 'Untapped potential' - Russia's invasion of Ukraine and US President Donald Trump's punitive tariffs have brought momentum to the relationship between India and the EU, said Praveen Donthi, of the International Crisis Group think tank. "The EU eyes the Indian market and aims to steer a rising power like India away from Russia, while India seeks to diversify its partnerships, doubling down on its strategy of multi-alignment at a time when its relations with the US have taken a downward turn," he said. The summit will offer Brussels the chance to turn the page after a bruising transatlantic crisis over Greenland -- now seemingly defused. Advertisement Advertisement Together the EU and India account for about a quarter of the world's population and GDP. Bilateral trade in goods reached 120 billion euros ($139 billion) in 2024, an increase of nearly 90 percent over the past decade, according to EU figures, with a further 60 billion euros ($69 billion) in trade in services. But both parties are eager to do more. "India still accounts for around only around 2.5 percent of total EU trade in goods, compared with close to 15 percent for China," an EU official said, adding the figure gave a sense of the "untapped potential" an agreement could unlock. Advertisement Advertisement EU makers of cars, machinery and chemicals have much to gain from India lowering entry barriers, said Ignacio Garcia Bercero, an analyst at Brussels think tank Bruegel, who led EU trade talks with New Delhi over a decade ago. "India is one of the most heavily protected economies in the world, with very, very high tariffs, including on many products where the European Union has a competitive advantage," he told AFP. Its economy in the doldrums, the 27-member EU is also pushing to ease exports of spirits and wines and strengthen intellectual property rules. India -- the fastestgrowing major economy in the world -- wants easier market access for products such as textiles and pharmaceuticals. Advertisement Advertisement - Defence pact - EU officials were tight-lipped about the deal's contents as negotiations are ongoing. But agriculture, a sensitive topic in both India and Europe, is likely to play a limited role, with New Delhi eager to protect its dairy and grain sectors. Talks are focusing on a few sticking points, including the impact of the EU's carbon border tax on steel exports and safety and quality standards in the pharmaceutical and automotive sectors, according to people familiar with the discussions. Still EU officials said they were confident negotiations could be concluded in time for the summit. Advertisement Advertisement An accord on mobility to facilitate movement for seasonal workers, students, researchers and highly skilled professionals, is also on the menu, alongside a security and defence pact. The latter envisages closer cooperation in areas including maritime security, cybersecurity and counter-terrorism, an EU official said. It is also a "precondition" for the possible joint production of military equipment, said a second EU official. New Delhi, which has relied on Moscow for decades for key military hardware, has tried to cut its dependence on Russia in recent years by diversifying imports and pushing its own domestic manufacturing base. Europe is doing the same vis-a-vis the US. "We're ready to open a new chapter in EU-India relationships, and really to unlock what we think is the transformative potential of this partnership," said another EU official. ub-bur/ec/cw/ceg Former ICE Acting Director Jonathan Fahey skewered Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) for their subversion effort to derail President Donald Trumps crackdown on illegal immigrants, saying it is outrageous conduct that has not been seen since the Civil War. Fahey shared his disgust with the Democratic politicians on Fox News on Saturday afternoon. He joined Jon Scott on Fox Report soon after Frey called on Trump to remove ICE and Border Patrol agents from the state, following the shooting of a 37-year-old man earlier in the day. Fox News played footage of Frey saying the anti-ICE protests in his state have been peaceful and embody the very principles of what it means to be an American. Advertisement Advertisement Fahey scoffed at Freys description, saying it was just plain wrong and that he has been actively making it harder for federal agents to do their jobs. He said: [Freys] talking about our democracy. Well, part of our democracy is we have elections and we pass laws, and the Executive branch enforces the laws. And hes using his authority to prevent the law from being enforced. Its a complete subversion effort by him and Governor Walz the likes of which we have not seen probably since the Civil War where the state is basically saying, Hey, this is a no-go zone for immigration law enforcement. And both Walz and Frey have said that, and thats remarkable. The president not only to has a responsibility just for the immigration law, but for all laws in general to not let that stand. Fahey added, You cant have a state, you cant have a politician, and you cant have some activists decide what federal laws get enforced and where they get enforced. Its really outrageous conduct. He was the acting ICE director for two weeks during President Trumps first term, from late 2020 to early 2021. His comments come a few hours after a protester was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent. The man was identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti by the Minnesota Star Tribune and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said he was a lawful gun owner. Advertisement Advertisement The shooting led to more anti-ICE and anti-Border Patrol protests in the streets of Minneapolis which have already been chaotic in recent weeks, following the shooting death of protestor Renee Good earlier this month. Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino told reporters on Saturday afternoon that Pretti approached agents with a 9 mm gun while they were apprehending a violent illegal immigrant from Ecuador. The suspect also had two loaded magazines and no accessible ID, Bovino said. This looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement. Watch above via Fox News. The post Ex-ICE Boss Slams Frey and Waltz for Subverting Trump Administration Outrageous Conduct Not Seen Since Civil War first appeared on Mediaite. Photo by Samuel Corum/Sipa USA (Sipa via AP Images An FBI agent who sought to investigate the ICE officer who shot and killed Renee Good resigned after facing pressure from superiors to end her inquiry. Tracee Mergen, a supervisor in the F.B.I.s Minneapolis field office, was attempting to conduct a civil rights inquiry into Jonathan Ross, the immigration officer responsible for the shooting, sources told The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Her resignation came after pressure from bureau superiors in Washington, who blocked her from working with the U.S. attorneys office in Minneapolis to investigate Ross, the sources said. Sources similarly told MS NOW that aides to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche directed Minnesota FBI agents to end the investigation into Ross, going so far as to tell both agents and the U.S. Attorneys office to instead investigate Good. Agents tasked with examining Goods car to track the path of the four bullets that struck her were instructed to redraft their warrant and change the subject of their investigation to a suspected assault on an officer. A federal judge rejected the altered warrant because Good is deceased, rendering the matter moot. Its extremely rare for judges to reject federal prosecutors requests for search warrants, as the standard for evidence needed to grant one is low, MS NOWs report noted. Advertisement Advertisement Blanch has said previously that the FBI has no plans to investigate Ross, claiming his agency wouldnt bow to pressure from the media. The governments lack of scrutiny into the shooting prompted six federal prosecutors in Minnesota to resign last week, with some citing the Justice Departments push for an investigation into Goods widow as the reason for their departure. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension withdrew from the investigation after the FBI blocked its access to evidence, a decision President Donald Trump said that he supported because Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) is a stupid person. Goods death sparked weeks of protests in Minneapolis, which sued the Trump administration last week over the recent surge of immigration agents in the area, arguing that it amounted to a federal invasion of the Twin Cities. The post FBI Agent Who Sought Probe of Renee Goods Shooter Resigns After Pressure From Higher-Ups first appeared on Mediaite. WASHINGTON, Jan 23 (Reuters) - An FBI agent who tried to probe the U.S. immigration officer who fatally shot a 37-year-old U.S. citizen in Minneapolis earlier this month has resigned, the New York Times reported on Friday, citing sources. The FBI agent was named Tracee Mergen. Earlier this month, Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three living in Minnesota, was shot dead in her car by federal agent Jonathan Ross. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Chris Reese) A double whammy of arctic air is headed to Central Florida over the next two weeks. A major winter storm is expected to dump heavy snow, sleet and dangerous ice on tens of millions of Americans across 24 states starting Jan. 23 and into the weekend, according to a USA Today report. Polk County will not be spared entirely. The National Weather Service warned the storm will be significant and long-lasting from the Southern Rockies to New England through Jan. 26. Widespread travel disruptions, prolonged power outages, and vast tree damage is likely. Frigid temperatures, gusty winds, and dangerous wind chills will expand from the north-central U.S. to the Southern Plains, Mississippi Valley and Midwest. Advertisement Advertisement Flying Avelo out of Lakeland? Airline offers rebooking for Lakeland Linder travelers amid winter storm Locally, the impact of the storm could be delayed by a couple of days, said meteorologist Christianne Pearce with the National Weather Service in Ruskin. The cold front is going to move through Sunday and then the temperatures will start to drop Monday, she said. But it looks like now it's going to be Tuesday morning when it starts to get like really cold. The coldest air of the winter is set to surge into the central and eastern United States during the final week of January 2026, AccuWeather said. The weekend will start off warm and pleasant, but by Tuesday, Jan. 27, the arctic blast hitting the northern states will move in, bringing wind chill temperatures around freezing, Pearce said. Advertisement Advertisement The NWS weekend forecast shows high temperatures from Jan. 23 through Jan. 25 in the low-80s. But as the cold front approaches, there will be a chance of thunderstorms on Jan. 26 and daytime temperatures 20 degrees colder than the weekend in the mid- to high 60s. A day later, winter returns in earnest with temperatures on Jan. 27 in Polk County dropping to the mid-30s for the low. With the wind factored in, Polk County could feel below freezing in some areas, she said of the temperature on Jan. 27. She added, overall, the cold snaps this winter are not unheard of. The cold is expected to linger with the lows for the rest of next week in the 30s and 40s. But sometime around Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, another wave of arctic air will move across Polk County. Advertisement Advertisement The second cold front is expected to bring even colder temperatures, Pearce said. It looks like were going to have back-to-back cold fronts like we had the last couple of weeks, Pearce said. She advised Polk County residents to bundle up in warm clothing, cover the plants and keep an eye on exposed water pipes. In other parts of Florida ... The latest forecasts spare Florida from any snow or sleet but "bitterly cold temperatures" behind the front could impact portions of the Sunshine State late this weekend and into early next week. Some strong storms also could impact Florida. The dynamics are setting up for possible severe thunderstorms across the Florida Panhandle to the Big Bend of Florida Sunday (Jan. 25)," Fox Weather meteorologist Craig Herrera said via email. Weather watches, warnings show dangerous conditions across US Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text Cheryl McCloud of the USA TODAY Network-Florida contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Temperatures expected to fall to mid-30s in Polk County Firefighters from the West Midlands have been deployed to Mozambique to assist with flood rescue following extreme rainfall in the country. The UK government responded to Mozambique's declaration of a national emergency and request for international assistance, after 700,000 people were affected by the severe flooding in the east African nation. Shaun Crone, Kate Murphy, Ryan Weir and Jason Plant have flown out to assist flood specialists. Advertisement Advertisement Seven crews were deployed on Tuesday to assess conditions on the ground and coordinate with local authorities - followed by another 29 fire personnel and four boats on Friday. West Midlands Fire Service is hosting a UK "incident room" for those deployed, to provide a vital link between them and their families and home brigades. The teams will assist with rescue operations in Maputo province and in Xai-Xai, north of the flood area, and help people trapped by floodwater. Reports suggest that the death toll has now exceeded 100, said the service. It is estimated over half of the 700,000 people affected by the floods are children. Advertisement Advertisement Local and international authorities report that the floods have caused major damage to health facilities and roads, with nearly 5,000km (3,000 miles) of roads damaged across nine provinces. 'Extremely challenging conditions' National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair, Phil Garrigan, said: "The thoughts of the UK fire and rescue service are with all those affected by the devastating flooding in Mozambique and parts of neighbouring South Africa. "Around the world, communities are increasingly experiencing the impacts of climate change and more frequent and severe extreme weather events, which place enormous pressure on local response and rescue capabilities. "Our teams will work closely with local authorities and international partners to support rescue efforts and help protect lives during these extremely challenging conditions." Advertisement Advertisement The West Midlands team come from the Sutton Coldfield and Bickenhall technical rescue units. Mozambique has declared a red alert, while South Africa has announced a national disaster. Authorities have also warned that Mozambique is now entering its annual cyclone season, creating the risk of a double crisis. Conditions are expected to remain challenging in the coming weeks, said the service. Simon Tuhill, Chief Fire Officer of West Midlands Fire Service, said: "The situation in Mozambique and parts of South Africa is devastating for the many communities affected. "I could not be prouder our own staff who volunteer to be part of it. They train so hard, and step up at a moment's notice when events such as this demand it." Advertisement Advertisement Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More on this story Related internet links Five people are in custody in connection with the shooting of an Indiana judge and his wife at their home. The arrests were made in a coordinated, multi-state law enforcement operation across parts of Indiana and Kentucky, law enforcement said Thursday. Tippecanoe Superior Court Judge Steve Meyer and his wife, Kim Meyer, both 66, were shot at their Lafayette home on January 18 after someone came to their door claiming he had found their dog. Both were injured but survived. Advertisement Advertisement Three people were arrested in Lafayette, Indiana and two in Lexington, Kentucky, and are facing a range of felony charges. Thomas Moss, 43, of Lafayette, faces several charges, including suspicion of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. While law enforcement has not commented on a motive behind the shooting, online court records show that Moss had a January 20 court date before Judge Meyer on charges including illegal firearm possession, intimidation, criminal recklessness and domestic battery. A man allegedly shot Tippecanoe Superior Court Judge Steve Meyer and his wife, Kim, at the front door of their Lafayette, Indiana, home on January 18 (Lafayette Police Department/Fox News) Thomas Moss, 43, of Lafayette, Indiana, is a suspect in the shooting of the Meyers and has a separate case that was scheduled before Judge Meyer (Lafayette Police Department) Moss is being held in the Tippecanoe County Jail without bond and a hearing in his earlier case is set for Friday morning, according to WTHR. Raylen Ferguson, 38, of Lexington, Kentucky, and Lafayette resident Blake Smith, 32, are facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery, firearms offenses and gang-related offenses. Raylen Ferguson, 38, of Lexington, Kentucky, is facing attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated battery and other enhancements (Lafayette Police Department) Two additional suspects face obstruction-related counts. Amanda Milsap, 45, of Indiana, has been charged with bribery and obstruction of justice. Zenada Greer, 61, of Lexington, Kentucky, is accused of assisting a criminal and obstructing justice. Advertisement Advertisement The shooting took place at around 2:15 p.m. Sunday, when an unidentified man allegedly lured the couple to the front door of their Mill Pond Lane home by claiming hed found their dog. He then opened fire, striking the judge in the arm and his wife in the hip, then fled, NBC Chicago reported. Zenada Greer, 61, of Lexington, Kentucky, has been charged with assisting a criminal and obstruction of justice (Lafayette Police Department) The couple was taken to the hospital and is recovering. Judge Meyer issued a statement Wednesday on behalf of the couple, thanking the community and law enforcement for their support. I am so grateful for the outpouring of support from friends, the community, court colleagues, and law enforcement. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my medical team. I am receiving excellent care and I am improving. Kim is also deeply appreciative for the community support, and she too is healing, he said. Amanda Milsap, 45, of Lafayette, Indiana, has been charged with bribery and obstruction of justice (Lafayette Police Department) I want the community to know that I have strong faith in our judicial system. This horrific violence will not shake my belief in the importance of peacefully resolving disputes. I remain confident we have the best judicial system in the world, and I am proud to be a part of it. Authorities urge anyone with information on this case to contact the Lafayette Police Department at 765-807-1200. The weather is warming across Southern California, but much of the rest of the U.S. is in the grip of frigid conditions with snowy weather causing flight delays and cancellations with ripple effects reaching the Southland's local airports. On Saturday morning, 58 flights were impacted at Los Angeles International Airport, six at Hollywood Burbank Airport, nine at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, 10 at Ontario International Airport and four at Long Beach Airport. The total number of flight cancellations this nationwide weekend have now surpassed 10,000, according to FlightAware. Almost 10,000 flights across the U.S. set to take off over the weekend have been canceled as a major storm expected to wreak havoc across much of the country threatens to knock out power for days and snarl major roadways. Advertisement Advertisement Dallas Forth Worth International Airport continues to see major impacts followed by Charlotte Douglas and Nashville airports. At least 3,259 flights have been cancelled so far on Saturday, with another 5,826 cancelled Sunday, FlightAware reports. At least 18 states have declared a state of emergency as the storm nears: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Washington, D.C., has also declared a state of emergency. Travelers were being advised to check with airlines before heading to the airport for an outbound flight or when expecting an arrival. ABC News contributed to this report. HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) As floods ravage Mozambique, crocodiles are appearing in submerged towns and responsible for at least three deaths. In the town of Xai-Xai, the provincial capital of Gaza province and one of the worst-affected areas in the countrys south, authorities have warned residents of heightened crocodile risks as floodwaters spread and evacuations to higher ground continue. Torrential rains and severe flooding across parts of southern Africa over the past month have killed more than 100 people in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe, destroying thousands of homes and damaging infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools and health facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Of the 13 people reported dead from the floods in Mozambique, three were killed by crocodiles, authorities said. The river levels are rising and are reaching urban areas or heavily populated areas, Paola Emerson, head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Mozambique, said this week after visiting the town. So the crocodiles that are in the Limpopo river in this case are able to get into populated areas that are now submerged under water and that is the concern. The Limpopo river flows from South Africa through Mozambique on its way into the Indian Ocean. Two people were killed in an attack that left three others injured in the Gaza region earlier this month. A man was swallowed by a crocodile in Moamba, a small town in Maputo province, local media quoted Henriques Bongece, the provinces secretary, as saying this week. Maputo is the impoverished countrys capital. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said in Maputo that the crocodiles appeared to have been driven into the area by floodwaters from a park in neighboring South Africa. We want to urge everyone not to approach still waters because crocodiles are drifting in these waters. The rivers have connected with all areas where there is water, local media quoted Bongece as saying this week. Beyond the immediate danger posed by wildlife, the floods have triggered a deepening humanitarian crisis. Weeks of heavy rainfall, compounded by dam releases to prevent structural failure, have affected more than 700,000 people, more than half of them children, leaving a trail of destruction across vast farmland, according to humanitarians bodies such as the World Food Program and UNICEF. Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the World Health Organization warned of severe disruptions to health services in Gaza and Maputo provinces following the destruction of at least 44 health facilities, leaving tens of thousands without access to care. The U.N. agency said that damage to critical infrastructure has interrupted service delivery, while more than 50,000 people who have been forced to relocate to temporary shelters face limited or nonexistent basic health services. It warned that displaced people on long-term medication face life-threatening interruptions, and said that urgent action is needed to restore essential services, deploy mobile health teams and ensure continuity of care for people with chronic conditions. Across the three countries, humanitarian agencies say hunger and disease risks are rising, with extreme weather wiping out crops that millions of small-scale farmers rely on to feed themselves, while the threat of water-borne diseases such as cholera looms large. Advertisement Advertisement ___ For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse ___ The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Now that Texas and California have completed their unusual mid-decade redrawing of the congressional maps, the next big prize is Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis has heeded the urgings of President Donald Trump and called for a special legislative session. The exact timing of when the map may be redrawn is unclear amid disagreements between DeSantis and legislative leaders. DeSantis said he wants to wait as long as is feasible in order to give the U.S. Supreme Court more time to potentiallystrike down key portions of the Voting Rights Act. If the justices rule the way DeSantis wants, that could enable a more aggressively pro-Republican map because map-drawers would no longer have to protect districts with large numbers of minority voters. Advertisement Advertisement If the U.S. Supreme Court rules that race can no longer be taken into account when districts are drawn, it will give the Legislature much wider discretion on creating new maps, said University of Central Florida political scientist Aubrey Jewett. So, once its done, what could Florida redistricting look like? Analysts say it could produce a Republican net gain as large as five seats. Smaller Republican gains are also possible, especially in a midterm environment thats looking stronger than usual for Democrats across the country. But if the GOP managed to oust five Democratic House members, that would increase the delegations partisan breakdown from the current 20 Republicans and 8 Democrats to 25 Republicans and three Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement That would mean Republicans would control 89% of Floridas House delegation in a state where the partys 2024 presidential nominee, Donald Trump, took far less of the vote, 56%. For now, its clear that essentially every Democrat in the delegation is a potential target, Jewett said, adding, there are so many different ways to gerrymander a district. Which Democratic House members are at risk? Floridas Democratic House members cluster in three geographic areas. South Florida: Democrats hold five districts in South Florida: Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (20th District), Lois Frankel (22nd), Jared Moskowitz (23rd), Frederica Wilson (24th) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (25th). These districts take in historically Democratic areas of Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties; to varying degrees, these counties have become somewhat less blue, particularly in the 2024 election. (It remains to be seen whether these red shifts, particularly among Latinos, are long-lasting or subject to a midterm backlash.) Advertisement Advertisement In a redistricting effort, any of these districts could see line changes, but Moskowitzs, Frankels and Wasserman Schultzs already have only a small Democratic lean; 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris won each of these districts with between 50% and 52% of the vote in 2024. So only a modest bit of line-tweaking could endanger any of these incumbents unless a blue wave intervenes. Both the Cherfilus-McCormick and Wilson districts, meanwhile, are more safely Democratic (Harris won both by roughly a 2-1 margin). But if DeSantis gets his wish at the U.S. Supreme Court, either district could be heavily redrawn. Further complicating the picture, Cherfilus-McCormick has been indicted on charges related to theft of a $5 million overpayment of federal disaster relief funds to her familys health care company, and Wilson is 83 and is considered a prospect for retirement. Central Florida: Two Democrats hold districts in the greater Orlando area: Darren Soto (9th) and Maxwell Frost (10th). Either could be at risk, especially if the Supreme Court rolls back the Voting Rights Act. Soto could be on the thinnest ice, Jewett said, because his district covers parts of three counties, and he won with just 55% of the vote in 2024 despite having a 47,000 Democratic edge in registration. This district is heavily Hispanic, with lots of Puerto Rican voters, so it could be a prime target if minority districts are no longer protected. Advertisement Advertisement But redistricting either Sotos district or Frosts district could imperil nearby Republican-held seats, said Rich Cohen, co-author of the Almanac of American Politics. These include GOP Reps. Cory Mills (7th) and Daniel Webster (11th). Tampa Bay: The only other Democratic member of Floridas congressional delegation is Kathy Castor (14th). Harris won her district with 53% of the vote and Democrats hold a registration edge of 40,000. She may be quite vulnerable given Republican registration gains in Hillsborough County (Tampa) and given the ability of some of the surrounding districts to trade off some Republican voters and still maintain a lead, Jewett said. How big a shift could Republicans see? I think two or three seats is the max, said Sean Foreman, a Barry University political scientist. Some may say three or four, or more than that, but it doesnt seem possible without cannibalizing neighboring districts and risking the whole experiment in a midterm election that could be unfavorable to Republicans. Jewett agreed. If there is a blue wave election, it is possible that the Florida GOP might not gain any seats and could even lose a couple, he said. He noted that the Florida GOP has a 1.4 million lead in active registered voters, but said there are a lot of Democrats still living in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Even a flip of two seats would add an extra measure of protection for the national Republican Party as it heads into a midterm cycle. Historically, midterms tend to produce a swing against the party that controls the White House. That longstanding pattern worries House Republicans, whose majority is currently a slender 220-215, assuming that four vacancies eventually result in those seats remaining with the party that previously controlled them. Ultimately, the degree of competitiveness for the Florida seats will depend on who the parties can recruit to run. Candidates matter, Foreman said. How big would the partisan tilt of Floridas maps be compared to other states? If the new Florida map enables the GOP to flip five seats, the state would have among the most heavily tilted maps of any state. A flip of five Democratic seats in Florida would produce a partisan skew similar to the one in California, if Californias new map ends up with a five-seat flip to the Democrats. The difference between the share of U.S. House seats and the states vote for president would be 33 percentage points for Florida and 34 percentage points for California. (The maximum shift is not guaranteed in either state, so the ultimate numbers may vary from this figure.) Advertisement Advertisement If a five-seat GOP gain materializes in Florida, the delegation would have a partisan skew stronger than that in Texas, another state that pursued redistricting in advance of the 2026 elections. Texas gap would be 23 points. Floridas skew would also be stronger than several other red states that have not undertaken mid-decade redistricting (South Carolina with a 28-point gap and Wisconsin and Tennessee with a 25-point gap) and stronger than several blue states that havent redistricted since 2022 (Illinois and Oregon with 28-point gaps and Maryland with a 25-point gap). Among states that have at least four House seats, four red states (Arkansas, Iowa, Oklahoma and, for now, Utah) and two blue ones (Connecticut and Massachusetts) have U.S. House delegations that are entirely held by the states dominant party. How could a legal battle play out? Its possible that the U.S. Supreme Court might not rule on the Voting Rights Act case by DeSantis deadline. Its also possible (though less likely) that the justices will not rule on the case in the way that DeSantis wants. Advertisement Advertisement If the U.S. Supreme Court failed to decide the Voting Rights Act case as quickly as DeSantis wants, Florida Republicans could still draw maps that assume a forthcoming decision undercuts the Voting Rights Act. The state could then dare the courts to stop the maps from being used. A trip through the lower courts could leave the maps in place for 2026 even if they are ultimately overturned, Jewett said. If DeSantis timetable prevails, the filing deadline for U.S. House candidates would be pushed back from April 24 to June 12, in advance of the states Aug. 18 primaries, according to an announcement by Secretary of State Cord Byrd. The U.S. Supreme Court isnt the only court thats relevant here. The Florida Supreme Court will be, as well. The states Fair Districts constitutional amendment which voters passed with nearly 63% support in 2010 is meant to curb partisan intent in redistricting (though a state Supreme Court decision last year weakened minority-protection language in the amendment). Advertisement Advertisement But DeSantis has put his stamp on the Florida Supreme Court through his appointments, and the court may green-light his approach on redistricting. Theoretically, the Legislature and governor are not supposed to draw districts to favor or disfavor a political party, Jewett said. But that is not much of an impediment given that the Florida Supreme Court will have six out of seven members appointed by DeSantis, and the court has shown repeatedly that they will favor a conservative Republican view of almost any issue. Floridas second execution of 2026, a man convicted of killing a grocery story owner, will take place in February. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the death warrant Jan. 23 for Melvin Trotter, 65, to die by lethal injection Feb. 24. Florida's first execution will take place just a few weeks earlier when Ronald Palmer Heath is set to die Feb. 10. Trotter was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death in 1987 for strangling and stabbing Virgie Langford a year earlier in Palmetto. The Florida Supreme Court awarded Trotter a resentencing after it was found the court mishandled aggravating factors of his case. He was sentenced to death a second time in 1993. Advertisement Advertisement Appeals are expected to be filed on Trotters behalf. Florida led the nation in executions in 2025 Florida set a record for executions in 2025 with DeSantis signing 19 death warrants leading to executions. Floridas final execution of 2025 was Dec. 18 when Frank Athen Walls died by lethal injection after he was convicted of fatally shooting two people during a home robbery. Walls execution was the 19th of the year, which set a record for Florida since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976. Floridas previous record for executions in a year was eight in both 1984 and 2014. There are currently 251 inmates on death row in Florida, according to state records. Nationally, 47 people were executed in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the networks Rapid Response reporter, she covers Floridas breaking news. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida executions in 2026 include death warrant for Melvin Trotter FOND DU LAC A search warrant executed Jan. 16 resulted in a significant Fond du Lac drug bust and two arrests at a residence on Sixth Street. The operation was carried out by the Lake Winnebago Area MEG Drug Unit in partnership with the Fond du Lac Police Department, as part of an ongoing Wisconsin drug investigation targeting suspected drug trafficking in the area. Child death: 51-year-old Fond du Lac woman arrested for child neglect after 12-year-old dies, police say Drugs and paraphernalia seized during a search warrant at a Fond du Lac residence Jan. 16, 2026. Fond du Lac Police Department said in a news release that during the search of the home officers seized cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and U.S. currency items commonly associated with illegal drug distribution in Fond du Lac County. Advertisement Advertisement Two suspects Willie S. Davis, 50, and Jesse J. Seltrecht, 37 were taken into custody on probation/parole holds and transported to Fond du Lac County Jail. Read more: Fond du Lac's Steve Olson shares what it takes to be a police officer Criminal charges filed On Jan. 22, multiple charges were filed in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court. Davis faces charges including the following, all as party to a crime: Possession with intent to deliver cocaine; Maintaining a drug trafficking place; Possession with intent to deliver THC; Possession of amphetamine/LSD/psilocin; Possession of THC; and Possession of drug paraphernalia. Seltrecht faces charges including the following, all as party to a crime: Advertisement Advertisement Possession with intent to deliver cocaine, second and subsequent offense; Maintaining a drug trafficking place, second and subsequent offense; Possession with intent to deliver THC, second and subsequent offense; Possession of amphetamine/LSD/psilocin, repeater; Possession of THC; and Possession of drug paraphernalia, repeater. Online court records reveal both Davis and Seltrecht are being held on $15,000 cash bond with their next court dates preliminary hearings at 1:30 p.m. March 3 before Fond du Lac County Circuit Court Judge Laura Lavey. Assistant District Attorney Joseph Radish is prosecuting. Contact Brandon Reid at breid@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Fond du Lac police arrest two in drug raid on Sixth Street Wild winter weather was expected to snowball this weekend and spill into next week with wind chills as frigid as minus-20, temperatures in the teens or single digits, and a storm lasting more than 24 hours and dumping up to a foot and a half of fluffy snow on parts of New Hampshire. State and local plow trucks remained at the ready, roads were being treated ahead of time, weather advisories were issued and school districts were weighing when and if to call off classes for Monday, officials said Friday. Starting things off, Saturday morning could see potentially dangerous wind chills from minus-15 to minus-20 degrees as winds whip up to 25 mph, said Hunter Tubbs, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine. At best, temperatures in the Manchester area will be as high as 10 degrees on Saturday but rise to a high of 20 on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Thats when the snow moves in. From Sunday afternoon to Monday night, forecasters anticipate 12 to 18 inches of snow in southern New Hampshire. The good news, Tubbs said, is the snow is likely to be light and fluffy and shouldnt knock out power to most folks. The snow will be with us for a while because temperatures are expected to hit single digits for much of the week, Tubbs said. The N.H. Department of Transportation was preparing its 326 state-owned plow trucks, in addition to the 368 trucks it contracts out, to clear the roads. Although there have been salt shortages for many towns this winter due to more ice and snow events, the state said it had plenty to get through the upcoming storm. Advertisement Advertisement NHDOT spokesperson Jennifer Lane said the state is about halfway through the winter and has used 61% of its snow and ice budget already. In Manchester, the citys Emergency Operations Center is preparing for severe weather to last more than 96 hours, officials said Friday. All city offices will be closed on Monday in Manchester. Only essential public safety and emergency services will be available. In light of the extreme cold and anticipated snowfall, the Emergency Operations Center has been elevated to an enhanced monitoring level. All City departments and the Manchester School District are coordinating resources and communication efforts to ensure residents remain informed and safe throughout the duration of the event, city officials said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Manchesters warming station at 39 Beech St. will have additional staffing and public safety messages will be shared through social media, officials said. A Snow Emergency is likely to be declared the night after snowfall has stopped to allow for road cleanup and to improve safety for the traveling public, according to the news release. When a snow emergency is declared, vehicles not removed from city streets will be towed and ticketed. Manchester officials will post a list of parking lots and garages where vehicles may be parked during the cleanup. For updates in Manchester, visit manchesternh.gov/Departments/Streets-and-Sidewalks/Snow/Snow-Emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement You can also follow the Manchester updates at the following sites: Nixle: local.nixle.com/manchester-nh-highway-department Facebook: facebook.com/CityofManchesterNHPublicWorks X: x.com/mht_snow_emerg For other communities, go to your local city or town website or Facebook pages. dpierce@unionleader.com A former Daly City public school music teacher will be sentenced next month after pleading no contest to having a sexual relationship with a former 14-year-old student. This former Robertson Intermediate School student asked that we not show her face. She is the "Jane Doe" in a pending criminal and civil case in Daly City. She says Marcus Dyson was her 5th grade music teacher in the Bayshore Elementary School District. They met when she was just 10 years old. By 14, she says their relationship became sexual. Advertisement Advertisement "He made me swear not to tell anyone," said Doe. Doe says the interactions happened at school. TAKE ACTION: Get help with sexual assault, rape, and abuse "In his music classroom which was on stage in the school auditorium. He got an apartment in Daly City and things would happen there as well," said Doe. "He groomed her and coerced her into this relationship," said Kara Szkotak, San Mateo County Deputy District Attorney. Szkotak says Daly City police brought her office the case in November of 2023, approximately nine years after Doe says Dyson kissed her for the first time. She says he continued to abuse her for four years. Advertisement Advertisement With so much time having passed, when Doe came forward as a young adult, police worked with her to help get Dyson's confession. "The only way was for me to call him and get him to admit on the phone that this happened," said Doe. "The purpose of these phone calls is for the victim to confront her abuser and see if he'll confess, and he ultimately did in this case," said Szkotak. MORE: Terra Nova HS students allege school district failed to protect them from teachers' sex abuse "It is one of the better phone calls that we have gotten in cases like this," she continued. Advertisement Advertisement "It sounded like he still believes that it was true love and that what we had was genuine and okay," said Doe. The DA's office ultimately negotiated a plea deal with Dyson, who pleaded no contest to a reduced list of charges including six counts of felony sexual intercourse with a 14 year old child and eight counts of felony oral copulation on a child under 18 years. Dyson is scheduled to be sentenced next month. His criminal defense attorney told the I-Team, "Given the pending legal proceedings, we have no comment at this time." Szkotak says at sentencing Dyson could get anything from probation to 10 years, 8 months. He will also have to register as a sex offender. Advertisement Advertisement "If he had pled to every single charge in this case, his top would have been 25 years," said Szkotak. MORE: Vallejo High School staff accused of trapping student, demanding sex acts: police "I feel like there's no amount of time that could make up what he's done to me," said Doe. "My heart is with any other potential victims," she continued. "We did have reason to believe that there were other victims, but ultimately in looking at the facts of those cases we were not able to bring additional charges," said Szkotak. Beyond the criminal case, Doe has filed a civil complaint against Bayshore Elementary School District and Dyson. Advertisement Advertisement "I definitely think that the school needs to take some sort of accountability for all of this," said Doe. According to the civil complaint and Doe's civil attorney Elana Jacobs, Doe believes that Dyson did not have a college degree and/or a teaching credential. MORE: North Bay principal charged for not reporting teacher's alleged sex crimes, DA says "The school district kind of didn't do what it needed to do at the onset," said Jacobs. "Some of the things are for example making sure that there was an adequate background check, that he was getting training before he was in the classroom, that he was being monitored, supervised, that the kids were being adequately monitored and supervised," she continued. Advertisement Advertisement In an emailed statement to the I-Team, Bayshore Elementary School District writes, "To protect the due process and privacy rights of everyone involved, it is District policy to not comment on pending litigation." Doe plans to read a victim impact statement at Dyson's sentencing. "I'm doing better than I was back then, but still not as well as I hope to be," said Doe. Dyson remains out of custody on $500,000 bail bond. His sentencing was supposed to be Friday but got moved to next month due to a court scheduling conflict. The San Mateo County District Attorney's Office says if there are other victims out there, they would like to speak with them. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live Fox News reporter Steve Harrigan said the situation in Minneapolis is getting out of control after another protester was shot and killed by immigration agents on Saturday, with Harrigan reporting the tear gas used by federal officers has been completely ineffective and only led to more turmoil. Harrigan reported live from the chaotic streets of Minneapolis on Saturday afternoon while wearing a black gas mask. Host Aishah Hasnie told Harrigan the measures ICE and Border Patrol agents were using to thwart the protesters did not seem to be working. None of this is working, Hasnie said. So far we havent seen these people leave. They continue to come right back after this tear gas is used against them, they come right back, Steve. This is not letting up at all. Advertisement Advertisement Harrigan told her she was correct. This is ineffective, Harrigan told her. The methods they are using are completely ineffective. All thats created is more turmoil here in the streets. They dont have the numbers or the force to get this done. They take a block, and then they lose that block. He added, This is the third time weve seen tear gas, and they are not winning this battle. His report came as protesters continued to clash with agents after a man was shot and killed by Border Patrol earlier in the day. The Department of Homeland Security said the man approached the agents with a 9 mm handgun. Advertisement Advertisement DHS added: The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted. More details on the armed struggle are forthcoming. Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject but was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect also had 2 magazines and no IDthis looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement. Minneapolis Police chief Brian OHara later told reporters the man was a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident who was a lawful gun owner. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) implored President Donald Trump at that same press conference to pull ICE and Border Patrol agents from his city. Harrigan told Hasnie that the situation on the ground was tense afterwards, with protesters calling the agents pigs and chanting ICE Out! The Fox News chyron mentioned some protesters were seen throwing rocks at agents. Watch above via Fox News. The post Fox News Reporter: Tear Gas Has Been Completely Ineffective Against Protesters Only Causing More Turmoil in Chaotic Minneapolis Streets first appeared on Mediaite. Fresno Police are asking for the public's help in finding a serial armed robber. Investigators say 23-year-old Joseph Dominguez is connected to three separate incidents in central Fresno. In each case, authorities say Dominguez and a juvenile held victims at gunpoint, assaulted them with their weapons and ran off with stolen property. In one incident near Shields and Maroa, the victim was knocked unconscious, suffering a broken jaw and brain bleeds. The juvenile suspect in the case has since been arrested as Dominguez remains on the loose. If you know anything on his whereabouts, you are asked to call Fresno Police. Ben & Jerry's is facing a major shake-up as its board has been reduced from eight members to just two following allegations of misconduct by its former chair. The turmoil comes amid the Vermont-based ice cream brand's ongoing legal battle with parent-company spin-off Magnum Ice Cream Company. In a court filing dated January 20 in US District Court in New York, Magnum revealed that only Ben & Jerry's CEO and a Unilever-appointed director remain on the board. The move follows the ousting of former Board Chair Anuradha Mittal in mid-December, as well as the departure of two long-serving directors after Magnum implemented nine-year term limits, Reuters reported. Magnum accused Mittal of "serious misconduct that rendered her ineligible to serve on the board," citing an Ernst & Young audit of the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, a US non-profit funded by the brand, which raised concerns about conflicts of interest. According to Magnum, the remaining independent directors did not agree to undergo compliance training, effectively leaving the board with just the two directors as of January 1. Magnum Ice Cream said new independent members on Ben & Jerrys board will be appointed, after a court filing showed its previous independent directors failure to sign a new code of conduct left their seats vacant. https://t.co/YT6CmEfuzi The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) January 22, 2026 Ben & Jerry's Foundation Caught in Board Dispute Mittal responded with strong criticism, saying, "Magnum's midnight purge of independent directors who provide oversight authority and holding hostage charitable funds all while they continue to conceal the audit report and scope of work speak for themselves." She has accused Magnum and Unilever of attempting to discredit her and weaken the board's authority. According to US News, the Ben & Jerry's Foundation also issued a statement, calling itself "collateral damage" in the dispute. Magnum claimed the foundation had made grants to organizations where trustees, including Mittal, held senior positions and received compensation or other benefits. Despite the allegations, Magnum described the situation as "regrettable" and said it remains committed to supporting Ben & Jerry's staff. "We look forward to the development of a refreshed Board with a majority of Independent Directors, led by an Independent Director," the company said. Originally published on vcpost.com A 27-year-old Galesburg man faces felony charges after the Knox County Sheriffs Office conducted a traffic stop Jan. 20 in Galesburg, according to a news release from the sheriffs office. Deputies saw a traffic violation involving a red Toyota Camry. During the traffic stop, deputies observed indicators consistent with criminal activity and, in accordance with Illinois law, conducted a lawful search of the vehicle, which resulted in the discovery of a large quantity of suspected illegal controlled-substance pills and a loaded firearm, the release says. The car was impounded. Further investigation led to a search of a Galesburg residence, where additional suspected controlled substances, packaging materials, and items consistent with drug distribution were recovered, the release says. Advertisement Advertisement The total combined weight of the pills recovered from the car and the home exceeded two kilograms, representing a significant quantity under Illinois law, the release shows. Tramir Duarte (Knox County Sheriffs Office) Tramir Duarte faces was taken into custody by the Knox County Sheriffs Office and charged with: Two charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver (Class X Felony) Armed violence (Class X Felony) Two charges of possession of a controlled substance (Class 1 Felony) Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (Class 4 Felony.) Duarte was transported to the Knox County Jail, where he remained in custody Saturday. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Feb. 10, according to Knox County Court documents. Advertisement Advertisement In the release, Knox County Sheriff Jack Harlan Jr. said that removing illegal drugs and firearms from the community remains a top priority for the Knox County Sheriffs Office. He emphasized that proactive enforcement efforts are essential to maintaining public safety and protecting the citizens of Knox County. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. A Gary Police officer has been placed on unpaid leave following a Jan. 17 arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Corporal John H. Artibey Jr. was arrested following an encounter with Indiana State Police on Interstate 94 in Porter County, according to court documents. Artibey, a Chesterton resident and 20-year veteran of the department, was charged with operating while intoxicated with a prior conviction, a Level 6 felony, and misdemeanor operating while intoxicated. A press release from the Gary Police Department said it took immediate administrative action by placing Artibey on unpaid leave pending the outcome of criminal proceedings and an internal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Public trust is the cornerstone of effective policing, and we are committed to preserving it, said Police chief Derrick Cannon in a statement on Facebook. This incident is not a reflection of the Gary Police Department as a whole, nor does it diminish the hard work our officers do every day to keep ur city safe. We will continue to serve with the highest standards and professionalism our community deserves. Court records show that Artibey pled guilty in 2023 to operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol concentration between .08 and .15, a Class C misdemeanor. Judge Christopher Buckley sentenced him to 60 days in jail, but he already had credit for 1 day served and Buckley suspended the remainder of the term. In 2021, Artibey received an Officer of the Year commendation at the District One Law Enforcement Awards, based on his actions when he and another officer rescued a woman who was abducted while walking home from work and dragged into an abandoned building in January 2018, according to Post-Tribune archives. German police have arrested a Lebanese national on suspicion of being a member of Hamas and planning attacks in Europe. The man, named as "Mohammad S", was stopped at Berlin's Brandenburg Airport after arriving from Beirut on Friday evening. Federal prosecutors said that in August 2025 he helped procure 300 rounds of ammunition and was involved in an alleged plot to attack Jewish and Israeli institutions. Advertisement Advertisement He is due to be brought before a federal judge who will decide on a pretrial detention. Hamas, which controlled Gaza but has been severely weakened by Israeli operations in the territory, is considered a terrorist organisation by the US, UK, Israel and many other countries. The militant Palestinian group carried out the attacks on Israel in October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 people taken hostage. Since then, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, more than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military action. German authorities say "Mohammad S" colluded with "Abed Al G", one of three alleged Hamas members arrested last October over planned attacks on Jewish and Israeli institutions. Advertisement Advertisement The three were reportedly arrested while meeting for a weapons handover in Berlin. Two of them are Germany nationals, another is from Lebanon. Around the time of the arrests, police searches also took place in the German cities of Leipzig and Oberhausen, Der Spiegel reported. Separately, in November, German authorities arrested another suspected member of Hamas - also a Lebanese national - near the border with the Czech Republic. NEW YORK As New York City braces for a potentially crippling storm, travel in and around the city will be difficult. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the city, advising travelers to stay off the roads as much as possible Sunday. Up to a foot is expected, along with bitter cold. City crews are out treating the roads and the MTA is making plans to try and keep above ground subways clear of snow and ice. Heres what New Yorkers need to know about getting around this weekend. Will subways be affected? The above-ground weather shouldnt slow down trains running underground, but you might need to take care going up and down the subway steps. Advertisement Advertisement To try and keep the above-ground trains rolling, The MTA has staged four of its eight deicing trains around the system, with plans to start running them Saturday morning, ahead of any precipitation. The trains cars spray a deicing solution on the third rail while scraping off any accumulation. The trains are staged at the East 180th Street Yard in the Bronx, and at Pitkin Yard, Coney Island Yard, and the 38th Street work train yard in Brooklyn. Two more deicing trains are prepped to enter service should the four staged trains prove insufficient, transit officials said. Deicing operations will continue once snow begins to fall, and the MTAs 10 snowblower trains will begin running to clear the rails. Though sources tell the Daily News that above-ground subway service could be suspended if the rate of snowfall becomes too high to clear the third rail, MTA chair Janno Lieber said Friday that his agency was determined to maintain service through the storm. Will the buses be running? The MTAs articulated buses the extra long ones used on many of the Manhattan cross-town routes are being taken out of service. Advertisement Advertisement But the MTA plans to run its shorter buses all weekend with show chains for improved traction to keep the system rolling. How about the commuter rail lines? Metro-North rail service will be running hourly service on Sunday, the expected height of the storm. Metro-North trains will be on a holiday schedule on Monday. Long Island Rail Road schedules will be largely unaffected, though service between Ronkonkoma and Greenport is being suspended. Should I even think about driving? With low visibility and questionable traction, city officials are advising all New Yorkers to stay off the roads. But the Sanitation Department, which heads up most plowing and salting operations in the city, got to work pre-treating roads and bike lanes with brine solution Friday. Sanitation workers will begin plowing streets and bike lanes once accumulation reaches 2 inches. What about parking? Will snow banks block in cars? Drivers looking to park on city streets during and after the storm will have to contend with snowbanks, and those looking to move their cars from a parking spot may have more than a foot of snow to dig out from. Will alternate side parking be suspended Monday? That may be the one transportation bright side to the storm. A Department of Sanitation spokesman told The News that alternate side parking is typically suspended during ongoing snow plowing or when snow or ice blocks access to the curb. SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (ABC4) One man is behind bars after allegedly brandishing a gun at a father and two children during a road rage incident Thursday evening. Joshua Aaron Sidonio, 41, was arrested and booked on three counts of aggravated assault of road rage and prohibited possession of a firearm. Exchanging some words At 5 p.m., a man called police saying he had to slam on his brakes to avoid colliding with a car that was stopped in the middle of traffic while attempting an improper turn. The man honked and passed the stopped car when the two drivers had some words. Advertisement Advertisement As the man passed, police say the driver of the stopped car, later identified as Sidonio, rolled his window down and brandished a handgun. He allegedly pointed to gun at the man, causing him to flee along with his two children in the back seat. The victim then fled fearing for his life and the life of his two children, documents report. Tracking down the suspect Following the incident, police were made aware that the suspect was driving a blue/gray Mercedes Sprinter van with an out of state license plate. The suspect was identified as a white man with facial hair and a brown jacket. An investigation ensued, leading officers to canvass the area. An officer with the South Jordan Police Department reported finding a Mercedes van parked in the parking lot of a nearby Super 8 hotel. Advertisement Advertisement Documents claim that security footage revealed the van (displaying Arizona license plates) arrived just minutes after the road rage incident. Through the window, police noted a brown jacket inside the van. After obtaining a warrant, officers found a Glock in the center console with a round in the chamber, documents show. According to police, video footage shows Sidonio with facial hair when entering the Super 8. As he leaves an hour later, he can be seen clean shaven. Sidonio was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on a request he be held without bail. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 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. ANNAPOLIS Gov. Wes Moore Friday proposed Maryland provide $12 million to help Allegany County recover from a May 13 flash flood that devastated areas including Westernport. His administrations fiscal year 2027 budget plan targets riverbed restoration and critical infrastructure repairs. The Trump administration in October denied the states appeal for Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster aid. Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of historic floods in Western Maryland last year, our commitment was clear: We will protect our people, Moore said via press release. As the federal government continues to deny FEMA assistance, Maryland is stepping up, Moore said. Our administration is working in partnership with local leaders to ensure investments reach the Mountain Maryland communities most affected by the floods. Western Maryland deserves not just recovery, but rebuilding and renewal and that is what we are delivering together. The governors proposal includes $5.5 million for Georges Creek riverbed restoration to mitigate future flood risks and $5.5 million for repairs to infrastructure such as sewers, waterlines, roads and bridges, according to the release. The investments follow nearly $1.5 million in immediate relief provided through the State Disaster Recovery Fund and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to support impacted families last year. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney, who toured Westernport with Moore after the flood last year, said she realized state and federal assistance would be needed to rebuild the local communities that were impacted. The Trump administrations unjustified denial of FEMA funding was bewildering, particularly given that FEMA aid was granted to neighboring West Virginia, McClain Delaney said via the release. Fortunately, true to his word, (Moore) is not leaving Mountain Maryland behind and is stepping in to help. In addition to the targeted flood recovery funds, the governors budget proposes more than $74 million in Capital Improvement Program projects across Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties, the release stated. Advertisement Advertisement In Allegany County, key projects funded in the proposal include the $2.8 million for Rocky Gap State Park campground improvements and $2.4 million for the Allegany College of Maryland Workforce Development and Training Center renovation. For Garrett County, it includes $7.9 million for upgrades to the Grantsville Wastewater Treatment Plant and $5.5 million for water and wastewater improvements at Swallow Falls State Park. Washington County will see $6.4 million for the new Downsville Pike Elementary School and $4.1 million for upgrades to the Hancock Wastewater Treatment Plant. State Sen. Mike McKay said he is grateful that Moore kept his word and delivered real relief for the families impacted by the flood. Advertisement Advertisement Moores $12 million commitment in this years budget shows he stood with us then and stands with us now, McKay said. PACEOver the past 250 days, Moore has become very clear about how much life has changed for residents of the Georges Creek area, he said Friday. The governor was at the annual Mountain Maryland PACE breakfast in Annapolis where he spoke of the floods aftermath. PACE, an acronym for Positive Attitudes Change Everything, included several local officials at a reception Thursday evening prior to Friday mornings event. Moore highlighted Westernport Mayor Judy Hamiltons dedication to her town following the flood. Advertisement Advertisement As long as her people were suffering, she was working, Moore said. You showed us what it meant to be Maryland tough. Moore thanked U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and McClain Delaney for their absolutely extraordinary work to fight in Washington for Western Maryland residents. Maryland House Speaker Joseline Pena-Melnyks focus on Western Maryland includes a newly created rural caucus, Moore said. Pena-Melnyk spoke of her early childhood in the Dominican Republic, where she and her family lived in poverty. I know what its like to be unseen, she said, and added she will try my best to help you. Advertisement Advertisement County In June, Moore announced the first use of the State Disaster Recovery Fund that provided $459,375 to support Western Marylanders impacted by the flood. At that time, FEMA, the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and local officials estimated more than $15.8 million in emergency response costs and damage to infrastructure, including more than 200 homes, numerous businesses, roads and bridges, railroads, sewer systems, drinking water and public utilities, according to the governors office. In July, the governor announced an additional $1 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds for families in Garrett and Allegany counties. Advertisement Advertisement Since the flood, FEMA validated more than $33.7 million in damages, nearly three times the states qualifying threshold for assistance, according to Moores office. Earlier this month, Allegany County Director of Public Works Adam Patterson said the county has spent roughly $7.9 million for flood-related emergency procurements with a handful of bills pending. On Friday, Allegany County Commission President Dave Caporale via press release said the county appreciates Moores continued support and his administrations willingness to partner with us. Since taking office, the Moore-Miller administration has invested roughly $418 million in capital funding for Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties local infrastructure needs, the release stated. Advertisement Advertisement LibraryMoores funding proposal includes $1 million to restore the foundation and structural stability of the flood-ravaged Westernport Library. The Allegany County Library System said Friday the support represents an important step forward. We are profoundly grateful for (Moores) commitment to providing a path forward for the rebuilding of the library, ACLS Executive Director Lisa McKEnney said via press release. We look forward to working with state and local partners as the budget process continues and to sharing updates with the community as plans move ahead. FundAlthough the budget proposal does not include money for the Senator George C. Edwards Fund, Moore said he is eager to work with the state General Assembly to support the initiative. Advertisement Advertisement The Edwards fund is used to award grants and provide loans to capital infrastructure and business development projects to promote economic growth in the area. Moore said every year since he became governor, his administration has fully funded the Edwards program. However, this is a tough budget year, he said, and highlighted the need to prioritize the Georges Creek flood recovery. Moore appeared optimistic that the Western Maryland delegation could cover funding for the program. I believe in it, he said of the Edwards fund. The government has delayed its Chagos Island bill after a push from opposition parties seeking to overturn it and apparent opposition from US President Donald Trump. The legislation concerning the deal was due to be debated in the Lords on Monday, where the upper chamber is discussing and amending the bill, but has since been removed from the order paper. The Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill will be rescheduled until a later date, after the Conservatives tabled an amendment calling for a pause in light of the changing geopolitical circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement It is not yet clear what date it will next be debated in the Lords. Trump links Greenland ambitions to UK's 'great stupidity' over Chagos deal What is the UK Chagos Island deal and why does Trump think it is 'stupid'? The deal would see the transfer of sovereignty from the UK to Mauritius, who claims the territory as their own. Part of the deal would allow for a 99-year lease of Diego Garcia back to the UK, who run a joint UK-US military base on the island. The US president had, until recently, appeared on board with the deal, taking to his social media platform on Tuesday though US President Donald Trump accused the UK of "great stupidity" over its decision to return sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning. Writing on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump said: "Shockingly, our 'brilliant' NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital US Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER. Advertisement Advertisement He continued: "The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired. Denmark and its European Allies have to DO THE RIGHT THING." Responding at the time, the government defended the deal, which it said had been welcomed by key allies, including the US. In a statement at the time, a government spokesperson said: "The UK will never compromise on our national security. We acted because the base on Diego Garcia was under threat after court decisions undermined our position and would have prevented it from operating as intended in the future. "This deal secures the operations of the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia for generations, with robust provisions for keeping its unique capabilities intact and our adversaries out. Advertisement Advertisement "It has been publicly welcomed by the US, Australia and all other Five Eyes allies, as well as key international partners including India, Japan, and South Korea. A Labour source in the Lords said Mr Trumps remarks had no bearing on the decision to reschedule the Bill for another day. They said: It is simply a response to Tory peers having flexed their much greater numbers in the House by tabling a wrecking amendment to a Government Bill just hours before the end of business ahead of a scheduled debate on the next sitting day. The Tory amendment, which has not appeared on Parliaments website but was seen by the Press Association, also called for the Government to ensure the Chagos deal does not breach a 1966 treaty signed with the US which confirms British sovereignty of the islands. Advertisement Advertisement It would also ensure ministers give the Chagossian people, banished from the islands in the 1960s and 1970s, a formal say over the deal. Donald Trump had initially backed the deal, but called an act of "great stupidity" on Tuesday. Credit: AP On Thursday, the government suffered a small rebellion in the Commons after it was urged to pause the deal. Backbencher Graham Stringer made the call after Donald Trump's criticisms, saying: I have heard (the Foreign Office minister) in this chamber, a number of times, say the United States supported this deal. The President of the United States clearly doesnt support it anymore. He added that the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination had also asked for the Bill not to go forward. Advertisement Advertisement He said: Does he not think those two things together mean we should pause? The US Presidents criticisms come as legislation to finalise the agreement, which was signed off in May, is caught in a wrangle between the Lords and the Commons. Labour MPs Mr Stringer and Peter Lamb rebelled against the Government as they voted in favour of changes to the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill tabled by peers. The legislation is intended to provide a firm legal basis for the operation of the strategically important Diego Garcia facility. Ministers have claimed the deal is necessary because international court rulings in favour of Mauritian claims to sovereignty had threatened the future of the base. Advertisement Advertisement The bid was rejected overall by MPs, who voted 344 to 182, majority 162 to disagree with the amendment. The Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel described the move as a "major victory", as she derided the deal, the negotiations of which were begun when the Conservatives were still in office. She wrote: "In the face of relentless Conservative pressure, Labour have pulled their shameful Chagos Surrender Bill from Mondays House of Lords order paper."This is a major victory for everyone standing against Keir Starmers disgraceful Chagos Surrender."The deal, which hands British sovereign territory and 35 billion to an ally of China, should be dropped altogether. The Conservatives will continue to fight the surrender every step of the way." From Westminster to Washington DC - our political experts are across all the latest key talking points. Listen to the latest episode below... RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Please stay home and off the roads unless absolutely necessary, Governor Josh Stein said during Saturdays briefing. The Governor was joined by other North Carolina state leaders on Saturday morning to address the latest measures on this weekends winter storm. Be prepared for potential power outages, and make sure you have a plan to stay warm and in contact with loved ones. Im grateful to North Carolinas first responders and emergency management officials who are already doing all they can to keep us safe through the storm, Gov. Stein said. Advertisement Advertisement Winter storm expected to have major impact on air travel in Charlotte On Saturday morning, before his press briefing, Gov. Stein announced that his Emergency Declaration was approved by President Trump. This will unlock extra resources to support vulnerable parts of North Carolina. The Emergency Declaration will enable the state to access federal assets to deploy additional generators to hospitals. Read the Governors request for an Emergency Disaster Declaration here. We will continue to work with the entire State Emergency Response Team local and state governments, the private sector, and our nonprofit and volunteer partners as the forecast continues to evolve to ensure we can support our 11 million North Carolinians, said Director of Emergency Management Will Ray. We are going to see significant winter storm impacts, and we are stronger and more resilient together. Advertisement Advertisement Major winter storm begins Saturday afternoon and evening The Queen City News Pinpoint Weather team expects snow and sleet to move into the foothills and mountains around 3 to 4 p.m. Scattered sleet will start to fall into the rest of the region, including Charlotte, around 6 p.m. Conditions will rapidly deteriorate overnight, with widespread sleet and freezing rain continuing through Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon will bring a lull in most of the activity for the piedmont, with sleet and freezing rain continuing for the mountains and foothills. BE THE FIRST TO KNOW: Sign up here for QC News Alerts and get Severe Weather Updates sent straight to your inbox 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 Queen City News. (This story has been updated to add new information.) Allen Hug, a Green Bay City Council candidate for District 11, has been disqualified for not signing his Declaration of Candidacy, the first snafu of the 2026 spring election in Green Bay and second instance of improperly filed paperwork in Brown County. City Council member Melinda Eck filed a complaint against Hug on Jan. 9, three days after the deadline passed for candidates to submit paperwork. Hug is making his first foray into politics by challenging Eck. Advertisement Advertisement Eck, in her two-page complaint, cited Wisconsin law that says declarations of candidacy are required to be signed and sworn by the candidate. She argued that because the paperwork had not been signed, "Mr. Hug has not sworn to the contents of the declaration" and alleged Hug's candidacy had not been properly filed. The complaint asked city clerk Celestine Jeffreys to not put Hug's name on the ballot. The complaint argued any incomplete election document was required to be rejected, citing the Wisconsin administrative code. Eck told the Green Bay Press-Gazette she was first notified of Jeffreys' decision to disqualify Hug from the ballot on Jan. 13. Jeffreys confirmed the disqualification, which will leave Eck's name as the lone choice on the ballot for the District 11 seat. "It's my bad for not doing it, you know," Hug said. "Not to make excuses, but just being the first time running, hey, you learn your lessons." Advertisement Advertisement Hug said, "I was not given an opportunity to correct it. Not sure why, I was told it was how it was challenged by a group." He was not deterred from running, saying he would launch a write-in campaign for the April 7 election. A campaign website apparently to solicit donations to Hug's campaign was posted Jan. 16, three days after Eck was notified of Hug's disqualification, according to the website's metadata. Jesse Lin is a reporter covering the community of Green Bay and its surroundings, as well as politics in northeastern Wisconsin. He also writes a weekly column answering reader questions about Green Bay. Contact and send him questions at 920-834-4250 or jlin@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay City Council candidate kicked off ballot in spring election Greenland and Denmark have formed a united front to face down US President Donald Trump, momentarily setting aside the troubled history between them. The Arctic island, a Danish colony for three centuries, still has a complicated relationship with Denmark, which now rules it as an autonomous territory. Greenland's main political parties all want independence, but disagree on how exactly to get there. Trump's designs on the island led them to forge a coalition government in March last year. Advertisement Advertisement Greenland's leaders made clear last week they had no interest in Trump's bid to take over the vast island -- an idea he pushed hard, before backing off on Wednesday after reaching what he called a framework deal on Arctic security with NATO's secretary-general. "Greenlanders still have a lot of grievances concerning Denmark's lack of ability to reconsider its colonial past," said Ulrik Pram Gad, a researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS). "But Trump's pressure has prompted the wide majority of the political spectrum that forms (Greenland's) coalition government to put independence preparations -- always a long-term project -- aside for now," he told AFP. "The clear European support has made this easier in the sense that the relation to Denmark feels a lot less claustrophobic when joined by others," he added. Advertisement Advertisement While the main Greenland parties differ on how to achieve independence, the growing US pressure led them in March 2025 to put their differences to one side to form their coalition. Only the Naleraq party, which wants a fast track to independence, stayed in opposition. At the height of the crisis, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen made it clear that if the government had to choose between the United States and Denmark, it would choose Denmark. - Colonial past - Trump's talk of a framework deal negotiated with NATO chief Mark Rutte prompted Denmark and Greenland to reiterate that only they can take decisions concerning them. Advertisement Advertisement In the last month of diplomatic back-and-forth, Greenland and Denmark have presented a united front, speaking with one voice. On January 14, Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt was in Washington alongside her Danish counterpart Lars Lokke Rasmussen for talks with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. By Monday, she was in Brussels for talks with Rutte, this time with Denmark's Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. But that unity conceals the scars of their colonial past. Greenland was a Danish colony from the early 18th century. It became a Danish territory in 1953, a full part of Denmark -- before becoming an autonomous territory in 1979, a status that was strengthened in 2009. Advertisement Advertisement "It's a long history. It has gone through different stages," said Astrid Andersen, a specialist in Danish-Greenlandic relations at the Danish Institute for International Studies. "Any colonial relation is a question of domination and there have been some injustices committed." - Forced sterilisation - Those injustices include a 1951 social experiment in which 22 Inuit children were forcibly separated from their families and prevented from speaking Greenlandic -- part of bid to create a Danish-speaking elite. In 2021, the six still alive were each awarded compensation of 250,000 crowns (33,500 euros). Advertisement Advertisement Another dark chapter was Denmark's efforts from the 1960s and for three decades on to reduce the birth rate in Greenland. Several thousand women and teenagers -- at least 4,000 -- had IUDs fitted without their consent to prevent them conceiving. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has presented her apologies to the women concerned -- nearly half of whom were unable to have children -- and a compensation procedure is underway. Denmark's social services even used controversial psychological tests to -- as they saw it -- evaluate if Greenlandic mothers were fit to be parents. A 2022 study showed that in metropolitan Denmark, children born to Greenlandic families were five to seven times more at risk of being placed in children's homes than those born to Danish families. Advertisement Advertisement The use of such tests was only discontinued last year. The recent debate over these issues has, for the moment, been put to one side, said Andersen. "Right now I think there's a general agreement with a few exceptions that the common opponent right now is Trump and we kind of need to face this together somehow." bur-nzg/jhb-jj/ceg By Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON, Jan 24 (Reuters) - When officials from the United States, Denmark and Greenland met last month in the Arctic island's capital, the session was reassuringly normal, with no discussion of a U.S. military or financial takeover of the Danish territory, multiple people familiar with the talks told Reuters. That all changed less than two weeks later when Trump announced a special envoy to the vast island, Jeff Landry, who posted on social media that he would help "make Greenland part of the U.S." The appointment and the message stunned Copenhagen and blindsided senior U.S. officials across the administration who work on European and NATO issues, the sources said. Advertisement Advertisement The exclusion of his own diplomats fit the pattern of Trump's foreign policy-making, which has veered wildly on a range of issues and has often been formulated without the national security officials who in other U.S. presidencies have helped steer policy. Instead, the Trump administration's moves, which included an implied threat to seize Greenland, a plan for new tariffs on U.S. allies and a push to wring concessions from Denmark, which governs Greenland, appeared to be driven solely by Trump and a small group of close aides. As Reuters reported this week, those aides included Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who proposed the idea of tariffs, and Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others who tried to steer Trump away from considering military force. In many ways it's an approach that works for Trump, given his suspicion of the Washington bureaucracy and desire to have his decisions implemented quickly. But the sudden announcements and surprise reversals that flow from it risk lasting damage to relations with key U.S. allies. Advertisement Advertisement When asked to comment on various examples of White House moves that surprised the diplomats involved in cases including Greenland, Ukraine and Syria, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said people who leak to Reuters were not clued in on sensitive discussions, and that the achievements of Trumps national security team spoke for themselves. "The president was elected to implement America First foreign policy, and he has done so more effectively through his top-down approach, Kelly said. MILITARY ACTION The danger in this centralized - and personalized - approach became clear over the past few weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Transatlantic fury over Greenland escalated after a January 5 CNN interview by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. Asked whether the White House would, after the military operation in Venezuela two days before, rule out military action to acquire Greenland, Miller declined to answer directly. Trump and officials in his administration appeared to double down on the possibility that the U.S. could use force in Greenland in interviews and on social media. The comments sowed confusion and alarm in Washington and among U.S. allies. On Capitol Hill, Democrats and Republicans grew anxious - the administration appeared to be yet again moving forward with a major military operation without consulting Congress first, two sources familiar with the matter said. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers phoned Rubio and senior White House officials, laying out their concerns and advising the administration not to move forward, one of those sources said. Some Republican lawmakers also told administration officials that they feared a potential impeachment investigation over any military invasion of Greenland, the sources said. This week, Trump brought down the tension, withdrawing his threat to impose tariffs on allies supporting Greenland and saying he had reached the outlines of a deal with NATO on the island's future. Trump said he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had "formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region" during talks in Davos, Switzerland. But military action was never seriously considered, according to two sources close to the administration. Advertisement Advertisement Kori Schake, a former Pentagon and White House official with the American Enterprise Institute, said that with Trumps threat to seize Greenland by force, the damage has already been done. "Trump is so erratic with his threats, there's no way to establish that he won't turn right around and do it again. He has made the United States untrustworthy to our closest friends, Schake said. Asked for comment, including about Miller's remarks, White House spokeswoman Kelly said: If this deal goes through ... the United States will be achieving all of its strategic goals with respect to Greenland, at very little cost, forever." Landry's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for the Danish embassy did not have a comment for this story. Advertisement Advertisement Trump and his backers have insisted the U.S. needs Greenland to fend off threats from Russian and Chinese in the Arctic and that Denmark cannot ensure its security. But the United States already has a base on the island and the ability to expand its presence there under a 1951 treaty with Denmark. CENTRALIZED DECISION-MAKING Trump's practice of centralizing foreign policy decisions, relying on trusted aides and effectively sidelining experts, has been a consistent theme of his second term. It happened several times during negotiations to end Russia's war in Ukraine. Most recently in the fall, a 28-point plan to end the war emerged from meetings between Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who heads the Russian Direct Investment Fund, one of Russia's largest sovereign wealth funds. Advertisement Advertisement Many senior U.S. officials inside the State Department and on the National Security Council, who would typically be in the know about the evolution of such a plan, were not briefed on the process, two people familiar with the plan said at the time. The approach has also been apparent in Washington's Syria policy. In May, Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia in front of cameras, effectively granting U.S. support to the former Islamist militant, even as some in his administration had advised against it. His decision to lift all U.S. sanctions on Syria caught many U.S. officials off guard. Since then, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack has been the main implementer of Syria policy with officials at the State Department and other parts of the administration having little room to make policy suggestions, according to three sources familiar with the process. Advertisement Advertisement Communications between Barrack and the subject matter experts in Washington have not been frequent, sources added. A State Department spokesperson said: "There is tremendous collaboration throughout President Trumps administration, and there are dedicated public servants dutifully advancing key priorities. Then there are the anonymous sources whining to the press who clearly dont have the judgment or temperament to implement President Trumps agenda." (Additional reporting by Erin Banco; editing by Don Durfee and Mark Heinrich) Alexander Soofer, manager of an LA-based housing program, is being charged with wire fraud. Investigators accuse Soofer of using $10 million in homeless program funds for personal spending. Investigators say Soofer bought luxuries, including a Hermes jacket and a house in Greece. Authorities have found that some funding to combat homelessness in California has instead ended up in Greece. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has accused Alexander Soofer, manager of LA-based housing organization Abundant Blessing, of "a years-long scheme to defraud the City and County of Los Angeles and other public entities providing funding for homeless housing." Advertisement Advertisement According to a complaint filed on Friday, while paying his staff "minimal wages" and feeding residents at his housing sites "ramen noodles, canned beans, and breakfast bars," Soofer pocketed at least $10 million "through bank accounts associated with other businesses in his and his wife's names" for personal expenses after "fraudulently obtaining" $23 million in public funding. Federal officials said that between 2018 and 2025, Soofer's organization received more than $5 million directly from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and over $17 million through other nonprofits. Investigators found Soofer's misuse of funds includes $47,000 in luxury home purchases from stores like Restoration Hardware, $15,000 at Hermes, $15,000 at Chanel, $1,000 for cosmetic dermatology, and $4,500 for a four-night stay at the Wynn Las Vegas. Authorities said they have yet to determine what Soofer bought at Chanel, but listed his purchases at Hermes as including a $1,250 pair of men's Paris calf-skin loafers, a $910 pair of women's Chypre sandals, a $455 Chevaux en Symetrie tie, and a $2,450 men's trotting jacket. The same Hermes trotting vest authorities listed in the photo section of the complaint. Screenshot In addition to luxury brands, the complaint said there is at least one property under his name associated with the misappropriated funds. That property in question is located in Greece and relates to "a $475,000 check issued from an Abundant Blessings bank account." Advertisement Advertisement The case against Soofer feeds into concerns that California's efforts to combat homelessness may be ineffective and inconsistent despite large spending. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, as of 2024, the state had over 187,000 homeless people, representing about 24% of the nation's total. State Auditor Grant Parks wrote in a 2024 report to Gov. Gavin Newsom and lawmakers that, when his department analyzed five housing programs that received approximately $13.7 billion in combined funding, only two were "likely cost-effective." Parks also added in the report that, between fiscal years 2018-2023, California cities lacked reliable data to track cost efficiency and outcomes needed to fully understand why the problem didn't improve, despite the billions spent by more than 30 housing programs. The attorney's office of the Central District of California referred Business Insider to the press release and did not comment further. An attorney for Soofer and the Governor's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider Weve marked this story free to all users in the interest of public safety. Please consider supporting local journalists covering the community through a subscription. Winter Storm Fern has swept through parts of Louisiana and Arkansas, leaving behind hazardous roads and widespread power outages. The Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) said, "Drivers should avoid being on roadways if travel is not absolutely necessary during inclement weather events." Road Closures Snow in Shreveport on Friday, February 4, 2022. UPDATED: 5:21 p.m. Jan. 27 Two Road Closures on US Highway 79 Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office is advising motorists that there are two complete road closures on US Highway 79. The first closure is near Estses Lane, and the second is at Buncombe Road. Advertisement Advertisement These closures have occurred because 18-wheelers are unable to navigate the icy road conditions, blocking both the northbound and southbound lanes. Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office said, "Please plan accordingly and expect longer travel times if you need to use this route. The duration of the closures is currently unknown, but we will provide updates as soon as both lanes are reopened." UPDATED: 8:14 a.m. Jan. 24 I-49 Urban in Shreveport, Caddo Parish DOTD is advising motorists that the elevated section of urban I-49 in Shreveport, Caddo Parish is closed, effective immediately. This closure includes the northbound lanes of I-49 between LA 526 and I-20, as well as the southbound lanes from I-20 to LA 3132. Access will remain open from LA 3132 eastbound to I-49 southbound. The connector ramp from LA 3132 westbound to I-49 southbound will be closed. Advertisement Advertisement I-220 in Caddo & Bossier Parishes will remain open as long as the roadway is deemed passable. However, the ramps at the I-220 interchange with I-49 in Shreveport are currently closed. Drivers can access I-49 from the MLK Jr. interchange. Additionally, the northern section of I-49 from Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. to the Arkansas state line in Caddo Parish will be maintained during the weather event and kept open to traffic as long as conditions do not warrant its closure. Benton Road (LA 3) Overpass over KCS Railroad in Bossier Parish DOTD is advising motorists that the Benton Rd., overpass over the KCS railroad tracks in Bossier City will be closed, effective immediately. LA 154 Bridge over Lake Bistineau DOTD is advising motorists that the LA 154 over Lake Bistineau Bridge in Bienville & Bossier Parishes is closed, effective immediately. Urban I-49 in Shreveport, Caddo Parish DOTD is advising motorists that urban I-49 in Shreveport, Caddo Parish is in the process of being closed. Advertisement Advertisement This closure will affect both lanes of travel, including the northbound lanes of I-49 between LA 526 and I-20, as well as the southbound lanes from I-20 to LA 3132. Access will remain open from LA 3132 eastbound to I-49 southbound. The connector ramp from LA 3132 westbound to I-49 southbound will be closed. I-49 southbound on-ramp to I-220 eastbound, Caddo Parish DOTD is advising motorists that the I-49 southbound flyover on-ramp to I-220 eastbound in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, is closed, effective immediately. I-220 eastbound ramp to I-49 northbound, Caddo Parish DOTD is advising motorists that the I-220 eastbound on-ramp to I-49 northbound in Shreveport/Caddo Parish is closed, effective immediately. DOTD will advise when these roads have been reopened. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Here's what Shreveport, Bossier roads are closed due to winter storm. EVANSVILLE The major winter storm forecasters have been warning about for days will arrive. It'll just be a little late. Originally slated to sweep across the area starting midnight Friday, snow won't start to accumulate in the Evansville area until around 1 p.m., the Paducah, Kentucky office of the National Weather Service said in its latest bulletin Saturday morning. More: Live updates as winter storm bears down on Evansville, Tri-State What's the timeline for snow in Evansville? "Light to moderate snow" will blanket the entire Tri-State by 2 p.m., the NWS said. Then there could be a "brief lull" later in the day before a heavier band arrives later in the afternoon and early evening. Advertisement Advertisement As much as 6 inches of snow could be piled on the ground by midnight. The storm will continue to churn all through the night. Evansville will have an 80%-100% chance of precipitation all the way from noon Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday. A 70% chance of snow will linger until around 6 p.m. before the stuff finally tapers off. A graphic from the National Weather Service shows the potential timeline for accumulating snow across the Tri-State. A winter storm could dump as much as a foot of snow on Evansville between Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25. How much snow will Evansville and the Tri-State get? Broadly, the NWS expects 8-12 inches to encase everywhere from the bootheel of Missouri to Southwestern Indiana. Evansville could see the high end of that. As of Saturday morning, forecasters predicted 9 to 13 inches of snow for the city and Vanderburgh County. Large portions of Henderson County, Kentucky, could get 9-13 inches as well, while other parts could see 7-12 inches. Is there any chance of sleet or freezing rain? Not for Evansville as of now. Areas of southwestern Kentucky could see a mix of both, however. It would be the northern edge of a massive ice storm that is expected to pound the southern U.S. all the way from Central Texas to the Carolinas. 'Major disruptions' expected The foot-or-so of snow will create "dangerous or impossible" driving conditions in the Tri-State. Both the NWS and Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry have urged residents to avoid any unnecessary travel. Advertisement Advertisement Crews have already pretreated miles of city and county roads. Workers on Friday were continuing to remove debris from the more than 1,000 drains and inlets that comprise Evansville's water and sewer system. Thousands of pounds of pretreated salt are on hand to de-ice streets and highways. Terry urged residents to inspect drains in their neighborhoods and to clear debris "if it's safe to do so." The Indiana Department of Transportation will handle the treating and clearing of all state roads and U.S. routes. That includes the Lloyd Expressway, U.S. 41, Interstate 69 and others. Evansville crews will largely clear main roadways along pre-determined "snow routes." This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: When will it start snowing in Evansville? Winter storm warning issued. The arrest of a Los Angeles charity CEO accused of stealing millions earmarked to help the homeless has sparked a social media clash between California Gov. Gavin Newsoms media team and the Department of Justice. Federal prosecutors and Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman allege that Alexander Soofer, 42, the CEO of Abundant Blessings, lived a lavish lifestyle funded by taxpayers through $23 million his charity received to provide housing and meals for homeless individuals in L.A. County. Among the allegations: that the charity, which was contracted to serve three healthy meals a day, instead served cheap ramen noodles, beans and breakfast bars. Prosecutors also say Soofer owned the properties where Abundant Blessings placed homeless individuals a violation of its contract with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Advertisement Advertisement The investigation was initiated by L.A. City Controller Kenneth Mejias office in 2024 and stemmed from a hotline tip, his office said. Alexander Soofer, 42, is shown in a booking photo after prosecutors announced he was arrested on wire-fraud charges tied to an alleged homelessness funding scheme. (F.A. United States Attorney Bill Essayli via X) Hours after the charges were announced Friday, Newsoms press team pushed back on X in response to a conservative journalist, Eric Daugherty, who placed blame for the alleged fraud on Newsoms leadership. HOLY SMOKES. Gavin Newsoms California just got CAUGHT in MASSIVE homelessness fraud, dishing tens of millions of dollars to a fraudster who used taxpayer funds to live a luxurious life, Daugherty wrote. From ramen to resorts: L.A. charity boss accused in $23M homeless scam Advertisement Advertisement Newsoms press office replied: TOTALLY FALSE to imply the Governor was responsible for this fraud! Fraud is unacceptable and unlike Donald Trump, who pardons fraudsters, Gavin Newsom demands anyone who steals taxpayer dollars be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This case was uncovered by local investigators working with law enforcement exactly the kind of accountability and oversight the state has pushed for. The post drew a sharp response from First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who helped announce the charges against Soofer. Gov. Newsom fired back on X over allegations that he enabled the alleged fraud committed by a homeless services charity CEO. Jan. 23, 2026. (X) WRONG. You and the California legislature facilitated this fraud by handing out billions in tax dollars to these nonprofits with zero vetting and zero state oversight. No one arrested this defendant until President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed me to investigate and charge fraud offenses in California. California could have brought charges before our arrest today but did not, Essayli wrote. In fact, California has not brought any meaningful prosecutions for homeless fraud. All you have done is hand out money to fraudsters and illegal immigrants. Taxpaying citizens deserve better. Advertisement Advertisement Soofer faces 11 felony counts of conflict of interest, two felony counts of offering false evidence and five felony counts of forgery. If convicted on all counts, he faces up to 17 years and 6 months in custody. Last year, Newsom created a task force and directed local authorities to clear homeless encampments, citing public safety concerns. At the time, he said the state had spent more than $24 billion to address homelessness since he took office in 2019. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The Brief ICE agents stopped a woman on her way to work Thursday morning and detained her, her attorney said. The agents then went to the womans house, where they used her detention to coax the rest of her family outside, according to court records. The family is from Ecuador, and the parents have pending asylum applications, their attorney said. HOPKINS, Minn. (FOX 9) - Federal immigration officials detained a Hopkins woman on Thursday morning before going to her house and using her detention as leverage to coax the rest of her family outside, their attorney said. Family detained What we know Federal immigration agents pulled over Maria Hurtado on her way to work Thursday, detaining her even after she told them she had documentation, according to court records. The agents then went to her house, where they used her detention as leverage to convince her husband, Luis Chiluisa, and their two children to come outside, where they were also detained, their attorney said. Family here legally, seeking asylum: attorney What they're saying Brian Clark, the Minneapolis-based attorney who represents the family, said he has not been able to reach them and does not know where they are being held. In court documents, he expressed concerns that the family could be taken to Texas. Advertisement Advertisement "The Velascos are our Minnesota neighbors. They are beloved in the Hopkins community. The Velasco family is in the United States legally and properly filed for asylum in the United States. We are aware of no criminal record or anything that would justify detaining this family," Clark argued. "Model citizen, helping people out in the community. And so, yeah, I guess were just asking questions at this point of why he was taken," said Hopkins Mayor Patrick Hanlon. "We would love to have our community member back. I would love for us to get back to a normal working relationship with our federal partners." Hanlon said Chiluisa is well known around town, where he works at a snow removal company. Detained father has criminal record Dig deeper Chiluisa pleaded guilty in a misdemeanor DWI case in 2024, according to court records. At the time, he signed a document acknowledging that the conviction could lead to his deportation. Advertisement Advertisement But his attorney said that case should not affect his pending asylum application. Hopkins Public Schools calls familys detention 'horrific experience' The response In a statement to parents on Thursday, Hopkins Public Schools Superintendent Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed said, in part: "It pains me to write this, but I need to stress that because this is uncharted territory for us and for other school districts, it is likely we will not know about the well-being of this family or even the outcome of this situation unless they are able to share their journey at a later time. Additionally, I want to remind you that while we continue to look for ways to assist the families who need us most during this time, we must remain diligent in our efforts to help while staying vigilant and safe." Mhiripiri-Reed also called the detention a "horrific experience." What's next On Thursday, a federal judge ordered the government not to move the family out of Minnesota and to return them if they had already been relocated. The Brief ICE and immigration agents have detained at least nine children in Minnesota this month, according to court records and school officials. The children range in age from 2 to 17-years-old. This week Immigration agents and Vice President J.D. Vance defended federal agents who took a 5-year-old into custody as they detained his father. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - ICE agents have detained numerous children this month, including at least one toddler. Advertisement Advertisement Immigration attorneys call the detainment of children a "cruel" escalation of force in the ongoing Operation Metro Surge. What we know ICE agents have detained at least nine children this month as part of Operation Metro Surge, according to court records and school officials. Most of the children and their families are seeking asylum. Immigration attorneys argue that should prevent them from being detained by ICE. However, immigration agents have regularly detained people with protected status during the ongoing immigration operation. Immigration Attorney Mark Prokosch said the recent detainment of children show ICE tactics are no longer unjustified legally, but also violent and cruel. Advertisement Advertisement "We know that detaining children and families is wrong," Prokosch said. By the numbers The children detained include at least one toddler, two pre-teens and several teenagers. A 2-year-old from Ecuador detained during a traffic stop (Father detained) 5-year-old from Ecuador detained on his way home from school (Father detained) 10-year-old detained on way to school (Mother detained) 12-year-old from Venezuela detained at home (family of six detained) 17-year-old removed from car (no parent present) 17-year-old detained in apartment (mother detained) A minor child whose age was not identified was detained during traffic stop (adult siblings detained) A middle-school student in Hopkins was detained at home (Father detained) An elementary-school student in Hopkins was detained at home (father detained) Advertisement Advertisement Source: Federal court filings and school district officials The backstory The 2-year-old girl was detained along with her father during a traffic stop in Minneapolis this week. The toddler was detained two days after a 5-year-old was picked up by ICE agents while coming home from preschool. Court records show two students in Hopkins were detained after their mother was stopped on her way to work. The brothers are originally from Ecuador and have been attending school in Hopkins since 2023. The principal of Victor Glen Lake Elementary described the youngest brother as a "model student" who doesnt stop smiling. Advertisement Advertisement Columbia Heights Schools reported at least four students in the district have been detained in recent weeks, including two high school students and a fourth grade student detained with her mother on their way to school. The superintendent for Columbia Heights Schools said the 5-year-old picked up by ICE this week was "used as bait" to detain his father. What they're saying Vice President JD Vance disputed that narrative and defended the immigration agents who took the boy into their custody. "What are they supposed to do? Let a 5-year-old freeze to death?" Vance said at a press conference in Minnesota this week. Advertisement Advertisement "If the argument is that you can't arrest people who have violated federal laws because they have children, then every single parent is going to be given complete immunity. That doesn't make any sense," Vance added. Why you should care Reports of children being detained by immigration agents create even more alarm and urgency given the governments previous failures to protect children in their custody. During the first Trump administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) detained and then separated family members as part of a zero-tolerance policy. Federal investigations later found DHS could not keep track of the detainees and regularly failed to reunite children with their families. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, a minor was detained with her adult siblings and could not be located for several days, according to the familys attorney. She was eventually released, but the situation renewed concerns about what happens to children after they are detained by immigration agents. What's next A federal judge ordered DHS to release a two-year-old girl by Friday night so she could be returned to her mother. Federal judges have ordered DHS to return several children and their parents to be returned to Minnesota after they were swiftly moved to a detention center in Texas. Attorneys argue most of the children and their family members should be released because they are seeking asylum, which should shield them from immigration enforcement. "They did everything right when they came in. They used the app, they made an appointment, they came to the border and presented themselves to Customs and Border Patrol," Prokosch said about the family of the 5-year old boy detained in Columbia Heights. "They've shared all of their information with the government, and they were following the process." Federal agents detained a Venezuelan family in an Oregon hospital parking lot as the parents sought medical attention for their 7-year-old daughters nosebleed. On Jan. 16, Border Patrol officers arrested the Crespo-Gonzalez family outside Adventist Health Portland in Portland, Oregon, according to reporting from Spanish-language publication Noticias Noroeste and The Oregonian. The parking lot where a Portland family was arrested by ICE. / Fritz Liedtke / Fritz Liedtke Yohendry De Jesus Crespo, 40, and his wife Darianny Liseth Gonzalez de Crespo, 34, arrived at the hospital seeking care for their 7-year-old daughter, Diana, whose nose wouldnt stop bleeding. Advertisement Advertisement Three unmarked cars surrounded the Crespos and arrested them, according to family friend Ana Linares, whose husband spoke to the family after the incident. The family was then flown to the Immigration Processing Center near San Antonio, Texas, according to ICEs detainee locator system. ICE has clashed with protestors in Portland, Oregon, for months. / Mathieu Lewis-Rolland / Getty Images It is unknown why Border Patrol arrested the Crespo-Gonzalez family. The Oregonians review of criminal records in Oregon and Utah, where the family previously lived, did not turn up any criminal records for either Yohendry or Darianny. Yohendry and Darianny, known to friends as Joey and Dari, came to America from Venezuela in Nov. 2024, seeking asylum. They applied for an immigration appointment via a U.S. Customs and Border Protection mobile app, requesting permission to present themselves at a port of entry. A hearing for their asylum case is set for 2028. They initially moved to Utah after entering the country, but moved to Portland after the killing of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in September. Advertisement Advertisement They are good people, not criminals, Linares told The Oregonian. They were looking for stability. They wanted to help their families in Venezuela. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino claimed ICE agents were Linares also expressed concern for Diana. She said that, according to Yohendry, Diana was suffering from a fever at the detention facility the weekend after their arrest, but was not seen by the facilitys doctor until Wednesday. The Crespo-Gonzalez family arrest is a rare instance of Border Patrol arresting an entire family in a community space. In 2025, President Donald Trump overturned an Obama-era rule forbidding immigration officers from conducting arrests in hospitals, schools, and churches. No one should live in fear of being detained while getting medical care for their child, said Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, representing Oregons 3rd District. 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, detained by ICE. / Columbia Heights Public Schools Adventist Health denied having any involvement with the arrest, saying in a statement, No law enforcement agency contacted us, and we did not coordinate with any agency. Adventist Health Portland is here for our community, open, available, and ready to provide care when its needed most. Patient care remains our priority, regardless of circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement ICE has been under heavy scrutiny for detaining young children and toddlers. On Tuesday, ICE detained a 5-year-old boy in Minneapolis, then allegedly made him knock on the door of his familys home as a ploy to lure his father out to be arrested. On Thursday, the agency detained a 2-year-old girl and her father. Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino claimed on Friday that ICE is experts with children. The IDF corroborated that a strike occurred in the central Gaza Strip, noting that Hamas terrorists were operating a drone and posed an immediate risk to soldiers. IDF fire killed 11 Palestinians, including two boys and three journalists, in Gaza on Wednesday, the Hamas-run health ministry claimed. The IDF later corroborated a strike, noting that soldiers identified several suspects "who operated a drone" posing a threat to their safety. The military, therefore, conducted a strike due to the threat that the drone posed to the troops. Advertisement Advertisement In the latest violence disrupting a brittle, three-month-old ceasefire, Palestinian health officials said an airstrike killed three Palestinian journalists traveling in a car in the central Gaza Strip. The three were on an assignment sponsored by the Egyptian Committee, which supervises Egypt's relief work in Gaza, to film tent encampments built by Egypt for displaced Palestinians, other local journalists told Reuters. An Egyptian security source confirmed the vehicle belonged to the committee but gave no further details. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. IDF Armor Brigade 7 soldiers operate in Gaza on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) Earlier on Wednesday, Gazan medics said three people, including a 10-year-old boy, were killed as a result of Israeli tank shelling east of Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza. Two others, a boy of 13 and a woman, were killed in two Israeli shooting incidents in eastern Khan Yunis in Gaza's south, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Three other Palestinians were killed in other shootings across the coastal enclave, taking Wednesday's death toll to at least 11, the Hamas Health Ministry claimed. IDF issues evacuation order in Gaza Separately, in Gaza, the IDF issued an evacuation order in the southern area of the Strip, the first one since October's ceasefire, as residents and Hamas said on Tuesday the military was expanding the area it controls. Residents of Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Yunis, said the leaflets were dropped on Monday on families living in tent encampments in the Al-Reqeb neighborhood. "Urgent message. The area is under IDF control. You must evacuate immediately," said the leaflets, written in Arabic, Hebrew, and English, which the army dropped over the AlReqeb neighborhood in the town of Bani Suhaila. Advertisement Advertisement Israel's military denied having plans to forcibly displace Palestinians from the area. It confirmed the leaflet drops but said they were aimed at warning Palestinians not to cross the armistice line with Hamas. In the two-year war before the US brokered ceasefire was signed in October, Israel dropped leaflets over areas that were subsequently raided or bombarded, forcing some families to move several times. Residents and a source from the Hamas terror group said this was the first time they had been dropped since then. Later on Wednesday, the IDF stated that troops in Gaza had identified and killed a terrorist who had crossed the Yellow Line, "posing an imminent threat to their safety." Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Hamas-affiliated health authorities said that Israeli fire killed five Palestinians, including two boys, in central and southern Gaza. Further on, Palestinian medics said three people, including a 10-year-old boy, were killed as a result of Israeli tank shelling east of Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. Two others, a boy, 13, and a woman, were supposedly killed in two separate Israeli shooting incidents in eastern Khan Yunis in Gaza's south, they said. Residents said the two incidents occurred in Palestinian-controlled areas. IDF's Adraee issues evacuation order for southern Lebanon villages The IDF's Arabic spokesperson, Col. Avichay Adraee issued an evacuation warning for three villages in southern Lebanon on Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement The villages are Qanarit, al-Kfour, and Jarjoua. The military will attack Hezbollah terror infrastructure in the areas in the coming hours, he stated, in order to reduce the terror group's attempts to rebuild and boost its operational activities in the region. The IDF confirmed that it began strikes shortly after Adraee's warning was published. The military later added that it struck weapons storage facilities and an underground site for storing terror weapons. These were "located in the center of civilian areas," the military stated. IDF strikes Hezbollah terrorist in southern Lebanon The IDF struck a Hezbollah terrorist in southern Lebanon on Wednesday morning, the military stated, citing the terror group's "repeated violations of the ceasefire understandings." Advertisement Advertisement The military later confirmed that it struck and killed Abu Ali Salameh, who served as a Hezbollah liaison officer in a village in southern Lebanon. Salameh managed the terror group's activities in the area, enabling Hezbollah to operate within the civilian environment and private properties within the village, the military noted. He also worked to "embed terrorist infrastructure within the heart of the population, through the deliberate and cynical exploitation of residents to advance the objectives of the Hezbollah terrorist organization." The IDF requested that the enforcement mechanism take action against a weapons storage facility in the area on December 13. In his role, Salameh received a report from the Lebanese Armed Forces and forwarded it on to Hezbollah terror operatives. Advertisement Advertisement LAF soldiers arrived at the scene, but Hezbollah terrorists prevented them from dismantling any terror infrastructure at the site, and enabled other terror operatives to smuggle weapons out of the property, the IDF stated. Salameh then claimed to LAF that there were no weapons on site, despite LAF finding "several suspicious boxes" which were removed from the rear door of the property. IDF strikes Lebanon-Syria border crossings The IDF struck four border crossings between the Syria-Lebanon border used by Hezbollah terrorists to smuggle weapons, the military added on Wednesday evening. In addition, the military struck Muhammad Awasha, a key weapons smuggler for the terror group, near Sidon, who used a front company that ordered and transferred prohibited goods from different countries, including Iraq, Syria, and Gulf states. Advertisement Advertisement Awasha also operated many weapons smugglers who are responsible for smuggling terror weapons from Iraq to Syria and Lebanon. IDF downs drone carrying weapon accross Egyptian border The IDF also stated on Wednesday that a day prior, troops foiled a weapons smuggling attempt at the border with Egypt. According to the military, the air control system had identified a drone that had crossed into Israeli territory. Troops downed the drone and recovered a light machine gun that it had been transporting. The weapon was then transferred for further analysis. Meanwhile, in an operation carried out by Israeli security forces this week, the terrorist Fadi Bahati, who served as a central explosives manufacturer in terrorist organizations in Tulkarm, was arrested. TPS contributed to this report. A lesson from the once popular book Who Moved My Cheese? is to not totally resist or go nuts every time conditions change, but rather, to adapt wisely. In the conversations around launching bachelors degree programs at Iowa community colleges, Iowa lawmakers and community college leaders are right about two things: Workforce needs matter and higher education needs to adapt. Where the discussion goes wrong is the assumption that adding state supported bachelors degree programs at community colleges is the right (and most efficient) solution. At first glance, the idea might sound practical, but in reality, it risks creating unnecessary duplication, higher costs and internal competition that ultimately weakens Iowas higher education system. Iowa already has the institutions, faculty, degree programs, and positive working relationships it needs. The states educators and educational leaders need to continue to collaborate, not create redundant systems. Advertisement Advertisement Another View: To reach rural Iowa students, aid workforce, add new degrees | Opinion Duplication drives cost Iowa already supports bachelors degree programs at three outstanding public universities, and it also indirectly supports over 20 private colleges and universities through tuition grants that subsidize their enrollment. Adding bachelors degrees at community colleges would not fill a gap in educational access. It would result in state support for over a dozen more overlapping sets of programs, administrations, faculty, accreditation structures, and more in an already saturated system. Every new bachelors program requires new oversight, faculty credentialing, assessment systems, advising infrastructure and compliance processes. Those costs do not disappear simply because a program is housed at a community college. They add up quickly, and ultimately, taxpayers will pay for them. Competing for the same students helps no one Iowa is not facing a shortage of academic institutions. Like every other Midwestern state, it is facing a shortage of people. When public institutions compete for the same limited pool of students, the eventual result is easy to predict. We will see smaller programs, higher per-student costs, and pressure to raise tuition or seek additional state funding. Competition inside a publicly funded system does not create efficiency and quality. Coordination does. A proven alternative already exists Advertisement Advertisement Iowa does not need to speculate about better solutions for meeting the needs of underserved people. We already offer a working example through the UNI@IACC partnerships, and most specifically the UNI@DMACC accounting program, which was launched to satisfy workforce need in the accounting industry and meet the needs of a specific underserved non-traditional student population in Des Moines. And we hope, more programs will follow suit. The program delivers a high-quality bachelors degree for place-bound learners, in person. And we didnt need to ask for state money; we launched the program through a public-private partnership and only $150,000 in seed money from a large public accounting firm. We could launch on so little money because we leveraged an existing program, university faculty, curriculum, and administrative expertise, and more, rather than recreating them. Furthermore, its a safe solution as all our incremental costs are variable. Unwinding the program if demand wanes and the workforce need is met will be as easy as it was to start. Perhaps more importantly, the accounting departments at the University of Northern Iowa and Des Moines Area Community College worked together to align programs and coursework. They worked in students' best interest to make the transition from associate to bachelors degree seamless. Students experience continuity, not disruption. Taxpayers avoid redundancy. Furthermore, the faculty within the two programs have a terrific relationship, just like the relationships between faculty at institutions throughout the state. Why risk that? Whats old is often new again Satellite programs used to be common across the Midwest. In the early 1990s I completed an entire degree at a satellite site delivered through a telecommunications network that made interactive classroom experience accessible to people in remote locations. Many of these programs were eventually replaced by fully online offerings as technology improved and in the name of convenience and cost cutting. But convenience is different from quality, and data (in accounting at least) shows that students enrolled in in-person programs learn more than those in fully online formats, so I get the desire for more options for in-person learning. Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps if Iowa wants to expand bachelors degree access while maintaining quality, partnership-based satellite models deserve renewed attention, much like the UNI accounting program at DMACC. Mission creep As a community college graduate, I feel like I keenly understand the vital role of two-year institutions and the people they serve. That role should be strengthened, not diluted. Asking community colleges to become bachelors-degree-granting institutions risks mission creep, higher costs, and unnecessary system fragmentation, and reduced quality in the role they play. The request to grow community colleges into University of Iowa North, South, East and West should give lawmakers pause. The pie wont grow, it will just get split into smaller pieces, and the price tag will grow rapidly when you multiply programs across colleges and universities. The question Iowa should be asking The issue is not whether Iowa should expand access to bachelors degrees. The question is how. If the goals are workforce alignment, affordability, and educational quality, the answer is clear: Expand access to existing university programs. One facet of the solution might just mean making them even more affordable with funding. And second, expand existing partnerships. Scale satellite and hybrid in-person programs that can be ramped up and wound down efficiently. Find ways to share faculty, curriculum, and administrative resources when possible. Reduce duplication and maximize return on public investment. A strong higher education system in Iowa, or probably anywhere, will come from working together, not pulling apart. Joseph C. Ugrin Joseph Ugrin is head of the Department of Accounting at the University of Northern Iowa. The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the University of Northern Iowa or any affiliated institution. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa already has sufficient access to bachelor's degrees | Opinion Iowa State University researchers used a database of news writing from around the world to identify when humanizing language was used related to artificial intelligence. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images) Iowa State University researchers received unexpected answers to the question of how often people humanize artificial intelligence in news writing. ISU English professor Jo Mackiewicz and Jeanine Aune, an English teaching professor and director of the universitys advanced communication program, recently published a study on how prevalent the use of anthropomorphizing, or humanizing, language is when it comes to artificial intelligence programs. Advertisement Advertisement They were surprised to find that AI was not typically described in human terms. Even the use of humanizing verbs like learns, when considered in context, did not always treat the technology like a person. Its the exact opposite of what I was expecting, Aune said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Aune said the pair got the idea for this research from a conference they both attended. The discussion included the suggestion that educators emphasize that AI is a tool that cannot replace communication principles and practices and to avoid anthropomorphizing the technology when they talk about it. Advertisement Advertisement Iowa State University alumni were also involved in the study, including current Brigham Young University associate professor of linguistics Matthew Baker and University of Northern Colorado assistant professor of English Jordan Smith. Heading into their research, Aune and Mackiewicz said they both had their assumptions as to what theyd find that humanizing the technology would be widespread. Prior research has shown people anthropomorphize when working with robotics, and Aune said theyve read articles written about how people use and perceive AI that have suggested humanization is happening. The research team used News on the Web to study language relating to AI, Mackiewicz said, as it includes the most recent data aggregated from news articles originating from 20 different countries. The database has topped 20 billion words, and it includes some of the earliest news articles about AI to recent articles covering the technology. When we started to do an analysis of the individual pairings, thats where the findings became most interesting, because the overall finding was that, oh, they dont really pair as frequently as prior research or opinion pieces would have you think, Mackiewicz said. Advertisement Advertisement Words the team was on the lookout for focused on verbs that reflect cognition, Mackiewicz said, also known as mental verbs needs, learns, means, and understands are just a few examples. They also narrowed the search to references to AI or ChatGPT, as it was one of the first AI tools to become publicly available and known. What they found is that these mental verbs are not often paired with the identified terms, and there was nuance to the instances where they were used together. AI means, or AI needs, or ChatGPT knows you put those together, just on the surface, they seem anthropomorphizing, but theyre not necessarily, Mackiewicz said. Anthropomorphization exists on a spectrum, Mackiewicz said, where a word like means could apply to different senses and meanings depending on how it is being used. Other words have different meanings in their common usage or usage by different disciplines, such as learns. Mackiewicz said the terms AI and forms of learn were paired together frequently in the data, which to some would seem to say that the technology is learning like a human could, but to others would mean something completely different. Advertisement Advertisement Its this nuance that shows why strict guidelines of what words can and cannot be used in relation to AI are flawed, she said, and what advice the researchers would offer instead is that people need to be careful about knowing who their audience is when writing about AI and thinking about how their words could be interpreted. Mackiewicz said that in a way, this work showed the value of human beings. Its easy for a computer to count how many times words are paired together, but its harder to analyze it within its context and determine the languages actual meaning. While it would be a bigger lift than this study, the researchers said they would be interested in studying what language is used to refer to AI in other areas of writing, like social media. This would require them to create their own database and scrape social media for the necessary information, Mackiewicz said, but it could yield interesting results. While journalists utilize style guides created by the Associated Press or other organizations when deciding how to write on certain topics and receive editing on their writing, Mackiewicz said, social media generally doesnt follow such rules. Advertisement Advertisement We now even had some students refer to ChatGPT with a male pronoun, not talk about it as it, Aune said. So I personally really advocate being intentional with the language, so talking about output text and it uptakes the prompt, you could really kind of emphasize that it is a tool thats really helpful, but its not replacing our brains. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE An Oskaloosa woman has been arrested after she was accused of attempting to sell her child for $10,000 in August 2025. Tiffany Smith, 33, is charged with the purchase or sale of an individual after attempting to sell her month-old infant in August 2025, according to Iowa court filings. Smith allegedly willingly gave her child to a family member of the potential buyer, and 2 hours later demanded a $10,000 payment or the return of her child, according to the criminal complaint. The child was returned to Smith. Advertisement Advertisement The potential buyer showed text messages between with Smith that discussed exchanging the child for money. In the texts, Smith was aware the sale of her child would be illegal, according to the complaint. During the Department of Human Services' emergency removal of the child from Smith's care she allegedly told officers she "needed financial help," according to the complaint. Smith is being held on a $10,000 bond at the Mahaska County Jail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 2. Kyle Werner is the breaking news and public safety reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@registermedia.com This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Oskaloosa woman tried to sell her infant, Iowa court documents say OSKALOOSA, Iowa An Oskaloosa woman has been accused of trying to sell her infant child. According to court records, back in August the Oskaloosa Police Department received information about an individual allegedly trying to sell her infant child. The OPD learned during the investigation that Tiffany Smith, 33, had allegedly arranged the sale of her one-month-old child, according to a criminal complaint. The complaint goes on to say that the child was given to a family member of the potential buyer. Roughly two and a half hours after the child was given away, the complaint says Smith demanded $10,000 from the potential buyer for her child or the return of her child. The child was returned to Smith. Advertisement Advertisement DMPD cadet arrested for alleged assault, internal investigation underway Officers also detailed in the complaint that the potential buyer showed them text messages with Smith where she allegedly talked about giving away her child for money and mentioned that she knew it was illegal. As Smith was being questioned by officers about the incident, court records say she told the officers that she needed financial help. Court records say the Department of Human Services removed the child from Smiths care. On Wednesday, Smith was arrested and charged with purchase or sale of an individual. Court records say she is being held at the Mahaska County Jail on a $10,000 cash-only bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 2. Advertisement Advertisement WHO 13 has reached out to the Oskaloosa Police Department for information about whether any additional charges and/or arrests are expected, but has not yet heard back. Iowa news Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Over the past three weeks, Iran has crossed a terrifying threshold. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has verified that as of early Thursday, at least 4,902 protesters have been killed, with many more feared dead, and 24,000 arrested since the anti-government protests began on Dec. 28. But credible reports from Iranian journalists, which are unverifiable due to the countrys internet blackout, indicate that the death toll could be much higher, exceeding 16,500. If true, this would be more than five times the number of casualties during the Iranian Revolution, which unfolded over 13 months in 1978-79. In response to the most recent uprising, the Islamic Republic has returned to its most reliable tactic: cutting off the internet and severing communication to impose a blackout that isolates the population and allows atrocities to unfold unseen. This is not crowd control; it is eradication. After weeks of violent clashes and despite sustained information blackouts, disturbing evidence has surfaced images of body bags stacked in large numbers, protesters shot at close range and others beaten to death. Multiple independent accounts report that families are being forced to pay to reclaim the bodies of loved ones, transforming grief itself into another instrument of state control. Investigations by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, echoed by international news outlets, further allege that security forces have raided hospitals, arresting the wounded and transferring them to detention centers where they face torture and forced confessions. On top of this, a heavy military and security presence remains in cities and towns across the country. Advertisement Advertisement As executions, mass arrests and disappearances take place beyond public view, families in the vast Iranian diaspora wait in agonizing uncertainty, unable to reach loved ones or access information. This is how the regime operates when it believes scrutiny has lifted, and it highlights the importance of traditional media. When a government silences an entire nation, journalism becomes more than reporting its a lifeline and protection. Supporting Iran means more than statements of concern. Iranians need unrestricted internet access. They need technologies like Starlink to break censorship and traditional media to amplify what social media has revealed and what it can no longer transmit. Irans people have had their voices forcibly silenced. If the world does not speak for them, their suffering will be buried alongside the truth. Iranians need to know the world is watching. The struggle for a free Iran belongs to all who value freedom. As authoritarianism advances globally, Irans fight is a reminder that liberty must be defended wherever it is threatened, whether that be in Tehran or Minneapolis. Advertisement Advertisement Much of the mainstream Western media has referred to these demonstrations as protests. As an Iranian-American who knows the history of my ancestral country, I call them a revolution, one that is rooted in memory as much as rage. The Iran I know and the Iran on the nightly news have never aligned. In our family albums, relatives stand shoulder to shoulder with visitors from around the world, dressed with the ease and confidence of a country open to possibility. On television, the image shifts to choreographed crowds in rigid uniforms chanting death to America. I recognize the script each time: the regimes propaganda spectacle, not the nations soul. So for years, to myself and to anyone willing to listen, I have repeated the same correction: That is not Iran. Those are not its people. But the Iran I know is rising again, guided by courage and a collective remembrance of what it once was and what it is always capable of being. The voices that filled its streets earlier this month were not only cries of protest; they were affirmations of identity. They were the sound of a people remembering themselves. More than 2,500 years ago, Cyrus the Greats vision of governance ruling through tolerance rather than terror reshaped the ancient world. He understood that stability grows from dignity, not domination, and his decrees affirmed that all peoples and beliefs had a rightful place under the law. Persians, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Zoroastrians, Bahais and those of every background were entitled to live in peace. Cyrus embedded the idea that freedom of belief and protection of minorities are the bedrock of just societies. This philosophy did not remain confined to history. It became a model. The principles articulated under Cyrus became the first human rights charter that continues to influence traditions and charters adopted by other nations centuries later. Advertisement Advertisement That heritage of justice carried forward through Irans culture, poetry, scholarship, and enduring openness to the wider world. In the modern era, those values were visible in daily life as the shahs White Revolution brought Western inclinations to the fore. Men and women moved freely through shared public spaces. Universities welcomed coed student bodies. Women chose how they lived and how they dressed. Cities thrived as centers of art, cinema and music. The works of poets like Rumi and Hafez remained internationally celebrated, their voices recognized as among the great masters of world literature. Iran stood confident, outwardlooking and deeply connected to global culture. That openness was visible to the world. In 1975, Frank Sinatra performed one of his largest concerts in Tehran. The following year, Elizabeth Taylor attended an Iranian film festival. Andy Warhol traveled to Iran to paint Empress Farah in 1977. Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only, written by Amanda Marcotte, now also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. These were not trivial spectacles. They were proof of a society comfortable with exchange, expression and modernity. Of course, beneath that outward confidence, unease was building among segments of the population. Conservative clerics such as the exiled Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini watched these cultural shifts from afar, waiting for a moment when public discontent could be harnessed and the Iran that was embracing modernity could be pulled sharply off its course. Advertisement Advertisement In modernizing and Westernizing Iran, the shah provided Khomeini with such an opening. But Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was also an autocrat, and he was slow to introduce political reforms. SAVAK, his secret police, sometimes harassed and imprisoned dissidents on the left. Corruption was widespread, and his focus on oil production helped create a growing economic disparity across Irans population, which many scholars believe allowed the anti-secular conservative faction to grow their influence and build an opposition. The shahs monarchy and his very modern Iran were violently overthrown in 1979. But the Islamic Republic did not merely replace a political system; it imposed a totalizing ideology designed to control thought, behavior and identity that Iranians have lived under for 47 years. Arbitrary arrests, torture, executions and forced confessions became tools of governance. Joy is treated as defiance. Independent thought is punished. Society has been reshaped into an Orwellian reality where truth is dictated, history is rewritten and loyalty is enforced through violence. Yet submission was never total. Even in the harshest seasons of repression, a quiet generosity persisted. When Anthony Bourdain traveled to Iran in 2014, he admitted his astonishment. I am so confused, he said. It wasnt supposed to be like this. Of all the places, of all the countries, all the years of traveling, its here, in Iran, that I am greeted most warmly by total strangers. People have been ridiculously nice to us. That warmth was not an exception it was a revelation of who Iranians are beneath the machinery of the Islamic state. Their hospitality carries a message the regime cannot censor: Iranians long to reconnect with the world that was pushed away from them. Such kindness is a quiet act of defiance, a reminder that the Islamic Republic is not the heart of Iran and that it never was. Advertisement Advertisement Less than two weeks after Khomeini assumed power in 1979, women took to the streets to protest his decree requiring the hijab to be worn. Twenty years later, students demonstrated against press censorship and called for liberalization and reforms. The Green Movement erupted in 2009 after election fraud shattered public trust. In 2019, protests spread amid economic collapse and corruption. Following the killing of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody in 2022 after she was arrested for allegedly defying the hijab mandate, the Woman, Life, Freedom movement was ignited, and Aminis death became a global symbol of state cruelty. Each uprising was answered with unrestrained force. Security units moved quickly, sweeping thousands into mass arrests, firing live rounds into crowds and unleashing the Basij and the Gasht-e Ershad, the religious and morality police forces, to enforce terror at the street level. Some protesters were killed in plain sight and others vanished behind prison walls. Many simply disappeared, their fates swallowed by silence. But this moment is different. There is a steely clarity in this uprising. Iranians are no longer asking the regime for reform. They are asserting ownership of their country, with young people raised under repression standing beside elders who remember freedom. Their unity is grounded not in outrage alone, but in a conviction to reclaim their inheritance. The post Irans protests have gone quiet. But the revolution isnt over appeared first on Salon.com. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) The commander of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which was key in putting down recent nationwide protests in a crackdown that left thousands dead, warned that his force is more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, as U.S. warships headed toward the Middle East. Nournews, a news outlet close to Irans Supreme National Security Council, reported on its Telegram channel that the commander, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, warned the United States and Israel to avoid any miscalculation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard and dear Iran stand more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, to execute the orders and directives of the Commander-in-Chief, Nournews quoted Pakpour as saying. Advertisement Advertisement Tension remains high between Iran and the U.S. in the wake of a bloody crackdown on protests that began on Dec. 28, triggered by the collapse of Irans currency, the rial, and swept the country for about two weeks. Meanwhile, the number of people reported by activists as having been arrested jumped to more than 40,000, as fears grow some could face the death penalty. Trump's warnings U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran, setting two red lines for the use of military force: the killing of peaceful demonstrators and the mass execution of people arrested in the protests. Trump has repeatedly said Iran halted the execution of 800 people detained in the protests. He has not elaborated on the source of the claim, which Irans top prosecutor, Mohammad Movahedi, strongly denied Friday in comments carried by the judiciarys Mizan news agency. Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Trump said aboard Air Force One that the U.S. was moving warships toward Iran just in case he wants to take action. We have a massive fleet heading in that direction and maybe we wont have to use it, Trump said. A U.S. Navy official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military movements, said Thursday that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other warships traveling with it were in the Indian Ocean. Trump also mentioned the multiple rounds of talks American officials had with Iran over its nuclear program before Israel launched a 12-day war against the Islamic Republic in June, which also saw U.S. warplanes bomb Iranian nuclear sites. He threatened Iran with military action that would make earlier U.S. strikes against Iranian uranium enrichment sites look like peanuts. Advertisement Advertisement Airline jitters The tension has led at least two European airlines to suspend some flights to the wider region. Air France canceled two return flights from Paris to Dubai over the weekend. The airline said it was "closely following developments in the Middle East in real time and continuously monitors the geopolitical situation in the territories served and overflown by its aircraft in order to ensure the highest level of flight safety and security. It said it would resume its service to Dubai later Saturday. Luxair said it had postponed its Saturday flight from Luxembourg to Dubai by 24 hours in light of ongoing tensions and insecurity affecting the regions airspace, and in line with measures taken by several other airlines. Advertisement Advertisement It told the AP it was closely monitoring the situation and a decision on whether the flight will operate tomorrow will be taken based on the ongoing assessment. Arrivals information at Dubais international airport also showed the cancellation of Saturday flights from Amsterdam by Dutch carriers KLM and Transavia. The airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Some KLM flights to Tel Aviv in Israel were also canceled on Friday and Saturday, according to online flight trackers. Rising death toll and arrests Although there have been no further demonstrations in Iran for days, the death toll reported by activists has continued to rise as information trickles out despite the most comprehensive internet blackout in Irans history, which has now lasted more than two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency on Saturday put the death toll at 5,200, with the number expected to increase. The groups figures have been accurate in previous unrest and rely on a network of activists in Iran to verify deaths. That death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest there in decades, and recalls the chaos surrounding Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution. Irans government offered its first death toll on Wednesday, saying 3,117 people were killed. It said 2,427 were civilians and security forces, and labeled the rest as terrorists. In the past, Irans theocracy has undercounted or not reported fatalities from unrest. The activist agency on Saturday also increased the total number of people arrested to 40,879 a significant jump from the more than 27,700 people in its previous update. There have been fears Iran could apply the death penalty to arrested protesters, as it has done in the past. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian judiciary officials have called some of those being held mohareb or enemies of God a charge that carries the death penalty. It had been used along with other charges to carry out mass executions in 1988 that reportedly killed at least 5,000 people. At a U.N. Human Rights Council special session on Iran held in Geneva Friday, Volker Turk, the U.N.s high commissioner for human rights, expressed concern over contradictory statements from the Iranian authorities about whether those detained in connection with the protests may be executed. He said Iran remains among the top executioner states in the world, with at least 1,500 people reportedly executed last year a 50% increase over 2024. ___ Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Dubai, Samuel Petrequin in Paris, Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Konstantin Toropin and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report. Irans top prosecutor pushed back Friday on a recent announcement from President Donald Trump that Iran canceled more than 800 executions, alleging that the presidents remarks are "completely false." Trump wrote on Truth Social last week, "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!" However, Irans top prosecutor, Mohammad Movahedi, said Friday that, "This claim is completely false; no such number exists, nor has the judiciary made any such decision," according to The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement "We have a separation of powers, the responsibilities of each institution are clearly defined, and we do not, under any circumstances, take instructions from foreign powers," Movahedi reportedly added in comments published by the Iranian judiciarys Mizan news agency. Trump Credits Halted Iran Executions For Delaying Military Strikes President Donald Trump is seen in the Oval Office in the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (Reuters) When asked for reaction Friday, a White House official told Fox News Digital that Trump is monitoring the situation in Iran very seriously and that all options remain available if the regime in Tehran executes protesters. Read On The Fox News App The official added that following Trumps warnings to Iran, demonstrators who were set to be sentenced to death there were not. Advertisement Advertisement The White House official also said Trump believes this is good news and is hoping the trend continues. Iranian Soldier Sentenced To Death For Refusing To Fire On Protesters During Nationwide Unrest Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 9, 2026. "What I will say with respect to Iran is that 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 last week. As of Friday, there have been 5,032 deaths during the crackdown against anti-government protesters in Iran, the AP reported, citing the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Protesters gather as vehicles burn during anti-government unrest in Tehran, Iran, in this screengrab obtained from a social media video released on Jan. 9, 2026. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Irans government offered its first death toll Wednesday, saying 3,117 people had been killed. It claimed that 2,427 of the dead in the demonstrations that began Dec. 28 were civilians and security forces, with the rest being "terrorists." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Iran's top prosecutor criticizes Trump's announcement that 800+ executions were halted: 'Completely false' Traces of Denmarks 250-year imperial reign are still visible on St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and the smattering of tiny islets that today make up the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cities and street signs hold Danish names, like Frederiksted; buildings feature yellowish-red bricks brought on boats across the Atlantic; and the stone facades of sugar plantations where enslaved Africans were forced to labor still stand. Theyre interspersed with evidence of the islands' vibrant Caribbean culture from colorfully costumed dancers to drum-driven melodies and the McDonald's and Home Depot stores that reflect its now century-long status as an unincorporated territory of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement As President Donald Trump negotiates a "framework of a future deal" with Denmark for access to Greenland, some residents of the tropical territory say they feel like they're rewatching their own past. People attend a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People bear Greenlandic flags as they march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. Protesters take part in a demonstration to show support for Greenland in Copenhagen, Denmark on Jan. 17, 2026. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen walks with people during a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. A child is wrapped in Greenlandic flag as people attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. Jens Kjeldsen, a 70-year-old carpenter and former judge from Greenland, paces with flags of Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland (Kingdom of Denmark) protesting outside the US consulate's wooden cabin in Nuuk, Greenland, on Jan. 20, 2026. The 70-year-old carpenter and former judge from Greenland is holding daily early morning protests outside the US consulate this week in hopes of getting his message across to US officials. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen waves a flag during a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People attend a protest against President Donald Trumps demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. People wave Greenlandic flags as they take part in a demonstration that gathered almost a third of the city population to protest against President Donald Trumps plans to take Greenland, on Jan. 17, 2026, in Nuuk, Greenland. Trump escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until his purchase of the Danish territory is achieved. Trump's threats came as thousands of people protested in the capital of Greenland against his wish to acquire the mineral-rich island at the gateway to the Arctic. People wave Greenlandic flags as they take part in a demonstration that gathered almost a third of the city population to protest against President Donald Trumps plans to take Greenland, on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Trump escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until his purchase of the Danish territory is achieved. Trump's threats came as thousands of people protested in the capital of Greenland against his wish to acquire the mineral-rich island at the gateway to the Arctic. People wave Greenlandic flags as they take part in a demonstration that gathered almost a third of the city population to protest against President Donald Trumps plans to take Greenland, on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Trump escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until his purchase of the Danish territory is achieved. Trump's threats came as thousands of people protested in the capital of Greenland against his wish to acquire the mineral-rich island at the gateway to the Arctic. A mother and daughter with their faces painted with the Greenlandic flag stand on a street after they participated in a march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. People bear Greenlandic flags as they march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. A couple depart after they participated in a march to protest against President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic, Danish and other European leaders are hoping they can still avert an intervention by the United States to forcefully acquire the island as Trump continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, suggesting even by military means if necessary. Protesters on City Square during a protest in support of Greenland on Jan. 17, 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The United States president continues to insist the U.S. must have Greenland, even by military means if necessary. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, which has forcefully pushed back on the U.S. threats, saying they jeopardize the future of NATO. Greenlanders march in defiance of Trumps efforts to claim the island 1 of 20 People attend a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. More: Trump says US getting 'total access' to Greenland History never repeats itself in the same way, but it shows up in a different form, said Stephanie Chalana Brown, an Afro-Caribbean visual historian with deep roots in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Brown said her ancestors were among the first enslaved by Danish colonial powers, and she is now among a cohort of people working to secure reparations from Denmark. Advertisement Advertisement As slaves, then as residents of the Danish-turned-United States territory, Brown said her relatives were sold without their consent. A century later, she worries residents of Greenland are facing the same threat her ancestors did: not having a seat at the table over decisions on the future use of their lands. I understand it because the same thing happened to my relatives, Brown said. I don't want to see it happen to another place. A cruise ship is docked on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, October 22, 2025. The annexation of the Virgin Islands More than a century ago, President Woodrow Wilson bought the islands, then called the Danish West Indies, from Denmark for $25 million after threatening to take them by force. At the time, a war was raging in Europe and the United States was seeking to assert its dominance in Latin America. Using many of the same arguments Trump has in jockeying for control of Greenland, Wilson said he wanted the islands for strategic reasons: to secure new trade routes and prevent adversaries from dominating the region. Advertisement Advertisement The nations rival then wasnt China or Russia but Germany, the aggressor in World War I. The war heightened fears that Germany would absorb Denmark and its territories a perceived threat to the United States. After the 1917 purchase, the islands served for decades as a strategic Caribbean outpost for the United States military and a hub of naval operations. But the Navy air station on the territory closed in 1948, and the islands never became the significant military asset once envisioned. Boats fill a marina on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, October 22, 2025. More: Greenland isn't the first territory America wanted from Denmark. Here's another. The roughly 26,000 inhabitants scattered across St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas in 1917 were not given a say in the acquisition, though Denmark did hold a referendum for its mainland residents. After the transaction, it took more than a decade for Virgin Islanders to gain United States citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Islanders were given the right to vote for their own governor in 1970. Today, like residents of other U.S. territories, citizens in the Virgin Islands cannot vote for president and do not have a voting representative in Congress. Virgin Islanders reflect on Greenland Felipe Ayala, a member of the St. Thomas Historical Trust, said hes heard conversations about Trumps Greenland desires, but mostly in private circles. People, he said, are more focused on the international actions happening right in their backyard. Two Navy aircraft carriers, the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Iwo Jima, docked in the U.S. Virgin Islands in December to aid in the Trump administrations efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and later to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The ships marked the first major Navy presence on the island in decades. Some residents welcomed the ships and the sailors they brought, as a welcome economic boost for the island, Ayala said. Others were frightened. Advertisement Advertisement When we step off our porches, most of the houses overlook the harbor and the bay, he said. To see aircraft carriers and knowing the political climate of the region, it took us a little off guard. Tourists pose for a selfie at the Charlotte Amalie Overlook with the U.S. Navy USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier (CVN-78) in the background, in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, December 1, 2025. In the aftermath of his military actions in Venezuela, Trump ratcheted up calls to annex Greenland and refused to rule out doing so through military force. Trump on Jan. 23 appeared to walk back some of that rhetoric, saying that the United States would have total access to the Arctic island through a deal he was negotiating. He conceded that he may not end up formally acquiring Greenland. It's possible. Anything's possible," Trump said of U.S. ownership. Advertisement Advertisement The details of the emerging agreement remain murky. So does the role Greenlands own legislature is playing in the discussions. For Brown and other Virgin Islanders with ancestry tied to Danish colonialism, the recent discussions over Greenlands future have spurred heightened empathy and concern for the 57,000 inhabitants of the 836,000-square-mile island with a climate much different from their own. Stephanie Chalana Brown, 42, is an Afro-Caribbean visual historian in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Is he bringing them to the table to talk about policies? she asked of Trumps plans for America's military footprint on the island. Those things weren't extended to Virgin Islanders. Most Greenlanders are Inuit, an Indigenous people who also live in Alaska and Canada. Greenlandic, the language they speak, is vastly different from Danish. And their traditions are distinct from those found in Denmark, Western Europe and America. Advertisement Advertisement If the United States builds up its military presence on Greenland, Brown also said she worried the island could experience some of the same Americanization she says is happening in the Virgin Islands. You see the washing of our children's identity away, where you know they're learning about American culture from the influence of things like television and radio, she said. We are losing our own Caribbean identity. I hope that doesnt happen to them as well, Brown said of Greenland. Contributing: Michael Loria, Francesca Chambers and Kim Hjelmgaard Advertisement Advertisement Karissa Waddick, who covers America's semiquincentennial for USA TODAY, can be reached at kwaddick@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The Virgin Islands, bought by the US, have a message for Greenland The summit focused on strengthening EU strategic autonomy, boosting industrial competitiveness - particularly the automotive sector - and deepening cooperation on defence, energy and migration. "We must build an authoritative, competitive Europe with its own strategic autonomy," said Meloni at a press conference following morning talks at Villa Doria Pamphili, "Italy and Germany have a special responsibility in this phase of history: the EU must choose whether to be the protagonist of its destiny". Following 75 years of diplomatic relations, "Italy and Germany are closer than ever before" Merz said, "We want to strengthen industrial competitiveness and enhance security". Advertisement Advertisement The German chancellor added that Europe must focus on key issues, including Ukraine, energy and "a strong NATO in an era of great power" that "does more for the Arctic". In a joint statement published earlier, the two heads of government reaffirmed the fundamental importance of the transatlantic link between Europe and the United States, based on shared values and common interests, while reiterating their commitment to international law, including the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty, with reference to Ukraine and Greenland. Under theGerman-Italian Action Plan, Rome and Berlin pledged to support US efforts "to end the conflict in Gaza" and to coordinate a response to "Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, including sanctions, support for Ukraine's resilience and reconstruction, and initiatives to achieve a just and lasting peace". What is in the German-Italian Action Plan? During the summit, the two governments signed seven bilateral understandings, including in fields of agriculture, culture, mining, technology and universities, as well as two agreements. The first was a non-binding political declaration aimed at strengthening cooperation in the areas of security, defence, and cybersecurity. Advertisement Advertisement The second was the long-awaited update of the 2023 GermanItalian Action Plan for bilateral and EU strategic cooperation. The document notes that Europe is facing challenges that require the EU to enhance its ability to act as a strong geopolitical player and to admit new members while preserving its capacity to function effectively. European defence and security The agreement further states that Italy and Germany "remain fully committed to strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence and to promoting the EU's defence readiness," including through consultations with "international organisations and fora of which they are members, such as the United Nations, OSCE and the G7" and a new "joint consultation mechanism between the respective defence and foreign ministers on an annual basis". Meloni and Merz also called on the EU to "make its structures, policies, and decision-making processes fit for the future." The bloc's economy and competitiveness were at the centre of the summit, which was concluded with meetings between Italian and German business leaders at the Hotel Parco dei Principi later on Friday. Competitiveness and protection of the automotive sector According to the plan, the two countries will work together "advance the European Council's indications for a competitive green transition" and to "achieve of the EU's climate objectives". Advertisement Advertisement Italy and Germany will work together "to future-proof companies and jobs and will pay particular attention to the automotive, traditional and energy-intensive sectors." "We support a competitive transition," the two leaders write, "towards a decarbonised economy, while respecting the principle of technological neutrality with respect to national choices," referring to the reduction of pollutant emissions demanded by Brussels but without a switch to exclusively electric motors in which Germany, Italy and Europe lag behind China. Migrations and the Mattei Plan for Africa In the Action Plan, Italy and Germany commit to joint initiatives to foster "the stability and prosperity of the African continent as an integral part of European and Mediterranean security". These efforts build on Italy's Mattei Plan for Africa, launched in January 2024, and Germanys updated African Policy Guidelines issued a year later. The plan highlights key sectors for development, including digital technology, energy, transport, health, culture, and education. According to the document, the initiatives adopt "a comprehensive and innovative approach to migration combining enhanced external action and internal aspects, mutually beneficial global partnerships with countries of origin and transit, more effective protection of the EU's external borders and intensified returns, while respecting international and EU law". By Cristina Carlevaro ROME, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Italy formally protested on Saturday the release on bail of the owner of a Swiss bar engulfed in a deadly New Year's Day fire and recalled its ambassador to Switzerland, as the court's decision came under criticism in both countries. Jacques Moretti and his wife Jessica, owners of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, are under investigation for negligent homicide and other crimes linked to the blaze that killed 40 people and injured more than 100, many of them teenagers. Advertisement Advertisement Jacques Moretti was detained on January 9 but released on bail on Friday. PM MELONI CALLS DECISION 'AN INSULT' TO VICTIMS' FAMILIES Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni overnight called Moretti's release "an affront to the memory of the victims ... and an insult to their families". Six of those killed in the bar blaze were Italian as were 10 of the injured. A government statement on Saturday said Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani instructed Italy's ambassador to immediately contact Beatrice Pilloud, the chief prosecutor in Switzerland's Valais canton, to convey Italy's "strong indignation" over Moretti's release. Advertisement Advertisement It added that the court had taken the decision despite the seriousness of the alleged crime, the risk of flight and the possibility of evidence being compromised. "The whole of Italy is clamouring for truth and justice, and is calling for respectful measures to be taken in the wake of this disaster, which take full account of the suffering and expectations of the families," the statement said. Meloni and Tajani also ordered Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado to return to Rome to determine what further action to take, it said. Switzerland's Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, from the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, said he spoke with Tajani and that the neighbours reaffirmed mutual support following the tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Swiss Foreign Ministry said it has not been informed of the decision to recall Italy's ambassador, but such a move was part of normal diplomatic practice and would not be permanent. Swiss prosecutor Pilloud confirmed to Swiss news agency Keystone SDA that she had been contacted by the Italian ambassador but explained that a separate court had ordered Moretti's release. "I do not wish to be responsible for a diplomatic incident between our two countries. I will not give in to any possible pressure from the Italian authorities, which is why I advised the ambassador to address himself to the Swiss political authorities," she said. 'ANOTHER SLAP', TEEN VICTIM'S FATHER SAYS OF RELEASE Advertisement Advertisement Moretti was released under a bail arrangement that included a 200,000 Swiss franc ($256,377) payment and an order to report daily to a police station. Lawyers for the victims of the fire and their families said they were struggling to understand the court order, adding that their clients were concerned about evidence disappearing. "It is another slap on a wound that will never heal," Andrea Costanzo, whose 16-year-old daughter Chiara died in the fire, said in comments published in Italian newspapers on Saturday. The Morettis have both expressed grief over the tragedy and said they would cooperate with prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement following Jacques Moretti's release, their lawyers said they would "continue to comply with all requests from the authorities". ($1 = 0.7801 Swiss francs) (Additional reporting by Emma Farge in Geneva; Editing by Joe Bavier and Tomasz Janowski) The Italian government has criticized the release on bail of the owner of the bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana where 40 people died in a fire at a New Year's party. The decision by a Swiss court to lift the detention order for Jacques Moretti is "an insult to the memory of the victims and an affront to their families," Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on X on Saturday. Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had recalled the Italian ambassador to Switzerland to Rome to "determine the further steps to be taken," the government said. Advertisement Advertisement Six Italian teenagers lost their lives in the fire at a New Year's party in Le Constellation bar. Several people are also being treated for severe burns in Milan. On Friday, a Swiss court lifted Moretti's pre-trial detention. In return, he must deposit his identity and residence documents with the public prosecutor's office, is not allowed to leave the country, must report to a police station every day and pay bail. The City of Jacksonville released a statement on Friday announcing that the Hispanic Outreach Coordinator, Yaya Cardona, resumed her duties after being placed on administrative leave following comments regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Mayor Donna Deegan issued the following statement: The administrative review related to Ms. Yanira Yaya Cardona has concluded, and she has resumed her duties as Hispanic Outreach Coordinator in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. Advertisement Advertisement As practice, the City of Jacksonville does not elaborate on internal personnel matters. We remain committed to serving all residents of Jacksonville with professionalism, transparency, and respect. Action News Jax first told you when Cardona was placed on administrative leave after warning viewers about ICE agents sighted in the city. During the live, Cardona stated, If you get pulled over, as much as we want to huff and puff, please comply. Please listen to the law, listen to the law. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] TUPELO For the first time in years, freshmen members are leading the Lee County Board of Supervisors. With them come fresh perspectives on how to improve the county and a list of goals for 2026. Each year, the boards first act is to elect a new president and vice president. This year, District 5 Supervisor Barry Parker was appointed president and District 1 Supervisor George Rutledge was elected vice president. Both are the boards newest members. Weve been so busy this past year, Rutledge said. Now we're starting all these other projects weve got going on, so we are going to get busier because that is just what happens. We like getting stuff done. Advertisement Advertisement Major goals for this year, according to the two, are to continue building a new adult detention center, further establish upgrades to emergency services in the county, and repair aging county properties. Adult detention center at forefront of plans The need to replace Lee Countys aging jail is nothing new, predating the newest board members by years. A previous board of supervisors even attempted and ultimately failed to build a new one. Since the beginning of this term, the board has made an aggressive push to replace the aged and unrepairable detention center, despite some pushback from residents. Advertisement Advertisement This was something that had been kicked down the road by the previous administration, Parker said. The need was never going to be any less, and the cost was never going to go down, so we felt like it was on our shoulders to do something. With early site work begun on the new jail, which will have a base cost of $94 million, Rutledge said the county plans to break ground on the structure this year. The new facility will nearly double the current capacity and increase safety for both inmates and corrections officers. As it has been since the beginning of discussions on the project, the sticking point is the cost. The board expects to raise the countys millage rates annually by 2 mills for a total of 6 mills increased, bringing the total millage rate to 49.75 mills to pay for the facility. The total increase represents an extra $60 on property taxes for a $100,000 home. The jail projects base bid is $94.2 million, although the price tag could rise to as much as $121.4 million if county officials opt to include all additional, auxiliary buildings. At its least expensive, the project will include a 384-bed detention center, support space, office space and an energy plant. Further additions could bring the bed count to over 500. Advertisement Advertisement Rutledge added that between 250 and 300 inmates go through the countys grand jury each month and even more spend the night in jail or are processed for misdemeanors. Sheriff Jim Johnson said the heavy use of the building has caused it to age at a rapid rate, so despite only being 25 years old, poor design choices and constant occupation has left the building unrepairable. Most jails require either major renovations or replacement after 30 years or so. Despite the increased cost, there is some merit to going beyond the base project, Parker said. One optional addition would add a new justice court to the campus, which he said would eliminate the need to transport inmates by vehicle to and from the jail for court appearances, reducing the chances for incidents and further protecting the inmates' safety during that time. Another addition is a morgue. The county currently does not have a morgue and relies on North Mississippi Medical Center to house bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Lee County Coroner Carolyn Green has been extremely vocal about the dangers inherent to the NMMC arrangement, noting that in the case of an emergency with mass casualties, the hospitals space will be inadequate, leading to no places to put the dead. Next movement on the jail project, according to County Administrator Ronnie Bell, will be bidding the first phase of the project out this summer, but there will be an update on the project in the first meeting of February as well. Emergency response, fire safety a priority this year Last year saw the establishment of the countys new emergency services department, but that is just the first step in a long road toward upgrading services in the area. The boards and county officials' goal is ultimately to reduce the fire rating county-wide; some areas have already seen the benefits of the consolidation. Advertisement Advertisement The next order of business is to lobby the state for funding to replace seven fire trucks for the volunteer fire departments and to fund construction of a new fire station in the Mooreville-Eggville fire subdistrict. As for the consolidation, it also added two strike teams for full-time firefighters in the county. They are currently stationed at the Verona and Saltillo fire departments with hopes for later expansion. If we get this new fire station built, were looking at adding another strike team, he said. If we get another strike team we will have most of the county covered. Parker also hinted at the potential ban of an over-the-counter drug in the county, but declined to specify the specific drug. Though he would not specify, last year, the state banned synthetic forms of the herbal substance kratom and restricted it to those over the age of 21. The legislation gave municipalities and counties the ability to further restrict the substance. Advertisement Advertisement The county has also begun outsourcing animal control to a third-party company, North Mississippi Animal Care and Control LLC, which Parker said has already paid off, noting that recently there was a call that involved over 200 dogs and a neglected horse. Without the company, the sheriffs office would have been completely overwhelmed, he said. The contract isnt the final action the board is preparing for animal control, Parker said, adding that the county is exploring further regulations on stray animals. We dont have any animal control (laws) in the county. All were doing is responding to calls of a dangerous dog or abandoned animal, he said. We are looking at maybe adopting a new ordinance We want to do things to help the county, but we want to provide a service to help control the (stray) population as well. Upgrades incoming for county-owned properties Advertisement Advertisement The county owns multiple properties, including many historic buildings. Among them stands the Lee County Courthouse, a building county officials say is in dire need of renovations. Last year, the state proffered $750,000 to renovate the structure, but the total cost of the first phase of the project is about $2 million, according to Bell in a previous statement. Renovations to the courthouse will be completed in multiple phases. The goal for this year, Parker said, is to complete as many of the renovations as possible. The first phase of the project includes stabilizing the outside of the building by replacing the roof, fixing the doors and windows, and repairing the crumbling stairs outside. The county is also tasked with expanding the Mississippi Department of Human Services building, which it owns, by 10,000 square feet. This will help accommodate a larger staff and more interview space. Advertisement Advertisement While the jail is the main focus, the juvenile detention center is in need of a new educational building, as the old mobile classroom has become obsolete for the countys purposes. The goal is to mix state, federal, and local funds for a total of $2.5 million. Officials look back at last years progress Rutledge noted that last year saw significant change for the board, chief among them was the inclusion of live-streaming meetings on social media. That was the most important step in making the business of our county accessible, he said. Parker and Rutledge both touted economic development that took place in the county last year, including the groundbreaking for Swiss equipment manufacturer Liebherr building at the HIVE business park, the expansion of Ashley Furnitures operations in town, and the expansion to hybrid Corollas at the Toyota Blue Springs plant. Advertisement Advertisement (The Community Development Foundation) has been extremely helpful for our economic development this year, Parker said of 2025. Weve had a record here as far as economic development Weve got a lot of new companies trying to come (to Lee County). As supervisors, we have to do whatever we can to make it attractive enough that we can compete with all these other counties and states. The county also added 49 storm shelters using $304,000 in funding from the state, making the total 89 shelters across the county. A goal for next year is to add more shelters to community centers with state backing. Another change that took place last year is that, following the significant ice storm at the beginning of the year, which knocked out roads for close to a week, the county purchased a snowplow and more salt spreaders to prepare for future freezing events. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico both pitched themselves as fighters Saturday during their first, and perhaps only, debate in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, with Crockett framing herself as a street fighter and Talarico leaning into his record battling GOP proposals in the Texas House. The two Democrats debated for an hour at the Texas AFL-CIOs political convention in Georgetown ahead of the March 3 election. Early voting begins Feb. 17, just over three weeks out from Saturday. Crockett, D-Dallas, and Talarico, D-Austin, are competing for their partys nomination to take on the eventual Republican nominee in November, when Democrats hope that backlash to the Trump administration and a GOP nominee damaged from a bruising primary battle will help lift the party to its first statewide victory in over three decades. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the Republican incumbent, is fighting to defend his seat in a bitter primary against Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt of Houston. Advertisement Advertisement Crockett has pitched her candidacy, defined by her reputation as a political brawler, as the one best positioned to expand the electorate, with a focus on juicing Democratic turnout and motivating low-propensity voters to show up at the polls. Talarico, meanwhile, has emphasized his Christian faith and a top-versus-bottom brand of economic populism, betting those tenets can win over disaffected Republican and independent voters while also engaging the Democratic base. During the debate, Crockett emphasized her ability to tap into the rawness of this moment by taking the fight to Republicans outside Capitol Hill, such as in Minneapolis during the Trump administrations ongoing immigration crackdown. She said this made her best positioned to motivate turnout and win in November. I am not just sitting in D.C., she said. I am getting out into the streets. And right now, to be perfectly honest, if were going to win and keep our country, were going to need somebody who can file bills but also knows how to be a street fighter. Talarico, meanwhile, highlighted his experience as a middle school teacher and his record fighting tooth and nail in the Texas House, where he frequently went viral over clips of his exchanges with Republicans on proposals including private school vouchers and a mandate to display the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. Advertisement Advertisement The best indicator of future behavior is past behavior, he said. I have gone toe to toe with the billionaires who are trying to dismantle public education in this state. The two candidates aligned on most policy issues that came up Saturday, including raising taxes on billionaires, repealing President Donald Trumps tariffs, banning the sale of offensive weapons to Israel and using congressional authority to check the Trump administrations foreign policy in Venezuela, Greenland and Iran. Talarico was more forceful on whether Immigration and Customs Enforcement needed to be abolished in the wake of its extensive deportation efforts in the first year of the Trump administration and the agencys contentious operations in Minneapolis, which has led to the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens and fierce backlash from Minnesotans. Its time to tear down this secret police force and replace it with an agency that actually is going to focus on public safety, Talarico said, adding that ICE agents that abuse their power needed to be unmasked and prosecuted, and that recent increases in funding for ICE should be redirected back to communities. Advertisement Advertisement Crockett, who voted against a spending bill this week that included funding for the Department of Homeland Security, also condemned ICEs operations, saying, We absolutely have to clean house, whatever that looks like. Cornyn took to social media to bash the Democrats responses on ICE, saying Texas cant afford their radical policies. The Texas Senate Democrat debate is showing just how unhinged and wrong for Texas their ideas are, he said. The two also varied on whether to expand the U.S. Supreme Court, with Crockett throwing her support behind the idea and Talarico saying only that he was open to it, while adding that he supported instituting term limits and a binding ethics code for justices. Advertisement Advertisement Talarico also embraced the wholesale elimination of the Senate filibuster as a way to pass federal protections for workers and other bold pieces of legislation, while Crockett said she would support limited exceptions to the filibuster to pass measures on fundamental issues, such as voting rights as some Senate Democrats tried and failed to do in 2022. Talarico, who is running on fighting the political influence of billionaires, defended the political donations he has received from Texas Sands PAC, a group backed by casino magnate and GOP megadonor Miriam Adelson, who has given to numerous state legislative campaigns in her bid to legalize casinos in Texas. Talarico, who has sworn off corporate PAC money, said he accepted the contributions because he aligns with Adelson on her signature issue, due to the tax revenue it would bring in. I dont know Miriam Adelson sounds like she and I disagree on almost every issue, but we do agree on legalizing gambling in Texas, Talarico said, adding that he wants to ban corporate PACs, super PACs and congressional stock trading. When asked about corporate donations she has received from companies including Lockheed Martin and Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Crockett took a passing shot at Talarico, saying her contributions came from employees, not from an individual, especially someone who is believing that Trump should have a third term. Adelson has encouraged Trump to run again in 2028, a move prohibited by the U.S. Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Crockett took another mild swing at Talarico earlier in the debate while underlining her bona fides as a fighter. James and I served in the state House together. Hes actually been elected longer than I have been elected, Crockett said. Yet hes not as known right now, because I have engaged in these fights. I have been right there on the front lines where people could see me. Talarico was first elected to the Texas House in 2018, two years before Crockett. She served a single term in Austin before jumping to Congress in 2023. Polling has consistently shown Talarico lagging behind Crockett in name recognition, with Crockett known almost universally among Democratic voters for her breakout viral moments clashing with Republican colleagues in Congress and assailing Trump, who has further elevated Crockett by bashing her on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Talarico has also risen in the Democratic Party by capturing attention on ideologically mixed online platforms, including Joe Rogans podcast last summer, and through a skyrocketing presence on social media. During the debate, Talarico made it a point to avoid attacking Crockett, saying they were focused on the same goal, which is winning in November. Congresswoman Crockett and I agree on a whole lot more than we disagree on, he said. That unity is a threat to the billionaires who want to pit us all against each other and who right now are running this country. Both candidates agreed that Trump and members of his administration had committed impeachable offenses, while emphasizing they would consider evidence gathered in a formal impeachment inquiry before deciding whether to vote for a conviction in the Senate. Asked what could prompt a renewed effort to impeach Trump, Crockett cited the presidents tariffs and Talarico highlighted Trumps personal enrichment while in office. Advertisement Advertisement Paxton responded on social media with a post accusing the Democrats of blindly committing themselves to impeaching President Trump for no reason. They stand for nothing but seizing power, weaponizing the system to take down our President and imposing their radical agenda on Texas, he said. The most recent public polling, conducted by Emerson College, showed Talarico, a Presbyterian seminarian and former middle school teacher, leading Crockett by 9 percentage points in the primary, with his margin largely driven by support among white and Latino voters. Soon after the Emerson polls release, Crockett published an internal survey that put her up 13 points. Talarico has sought to grow his support among Latino voters, buying air time for a Spanish-language TV ad that played this week in nearly a dozen of the states largest media markets. Last month, Talarico rallied with Tejano music star and congressional candidate Bobby Pulido during a stop in the heavily Latino Rio Grande Valley, where the two Democrats endorsed each other. Advertisement Advertisement Crockett, meanwhile, has faced criticism for year-old comments she made to Vanity Fair saying that some Latino Texans anti-immigrant attitudes were almost like a slave mentality, and over a remark last year in which she suggested the country needed migrants because were done picking cotton. Asked about her comments by The Texas Tribune at a campaign event this month, Crockett said, there was never an intent to actually offend somebody. Before I was elected, and through all of my elections, I have always stood with all people, she said. Crockett, who is in her second term in Congress after previously serving in the Texas House and as a public defender in East Texas, maintains overwhelming support among Black voters, a central voting bloc in the Democratic primary. Eighty percent of Black voters surveyed by Emerson said they planned to support Crockett, mirroring a December poll by Texas Southern University that found 89% of Black voters were behind her. Almost half of Black voters surveyed by TSU said they did not know enough about Talarico. Talaricos progressive outlook on his Christian faith came under fire from conservatives earlier this month after the Austin Democrat said on Ezra Kleins podcast that he believed Christianity points to the truth, while adding, I also think other religions of love point to the same truth. Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Vice President JD Vance told March for Life participants that he understands their frustration but assured them that more progress will be made to curb abortions. Vance addressed the 53rd annual March for Life event on Friday, telling attendees that the proverbial "elephant in the room" is that little progress has been made to rein in abortion at the federal level. "We are going to continue to make strides over the next three years to come," Vance said, adding that abortion is an existential matter. Advertisement Advertisement "It is about whether we remain a civilization under God, or whether we will ultimately return to the paganism that has dominated the past," Vance told march attendees. "There is still much road ahead to travel together," he said, as reported by PBS. "Let the record show, you have a vice president who practices what he preaches." The 53rd annual March for Life rally in Washington, D.C., on Friday, is held every year on the anniversary of the passage of Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in all 50 states but was overturned in 2022. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI The annual pro-life event drew many participants who expressed frustration that more has not been done to restrict abortion after the Supreme Court in 2022 overturned Roe v Wade and left such laws up to respective states. Vance, 41, called that decision the most important made by the Supreme Court during his lifetime. A religious icon of Jesus is carried near the Supreme Court during the 53rd annual March for Life rally in Washington, D.C., on Friday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI He also cited the expansion of the federal government's policy against providing foreign aid to organizations that support providers of abortion services. Advertisement Advertisement "We believe that every country in the world has the duty to protect life," Vance told March for Life participants. Vice President JD Vance on Friday told March of Life attendees in the nation's capital that more progress on abortion restrictions is coming during the next three years. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI The annual event drew tens of thousands to the nation's capital, where they gathered on the National Mall before proceeding to the Supreme Court. Many were dismayed that the Trump administration has not done more to follow up on the Supreme Court ruling. A person carrying a rosary attends the 53rd annual March for Life rally in Washington, D.C., on Friday. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI "This administration has not moved when it absolutely could move," Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, told media on Thursday. "This is not the direction that we were hoping for," she added. While the Trump administration has focused on other matters during the president's second term in office, the abortion matter largely has been relegated to individual states. Fox News host Jesse Watters defended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Friday for detaining a 5-year-old boy in Minnesota, praising their very big hearts and amazing detention centers for offering what he called concierge health care services. Watters argued as much on The Five after co-host Jessica Tarlov cited numerous law enforcement agencies and officials who have said ICE is racially profiling U.S. citizens, violating their civil rights and holding children in detention centers under horrid conditions. Politics: Trumps ICE Has A Troubling Target: At-Risk Teenagers These detention centers are amazing! Watters exclaimed on Friday. You get dental care, you get free health care. Have you ever seen the kind of concierge healthc are services they have at these detention facilities? Advertisement Advertisement Tarlov countered, I saw Alligator Alcatraz the Florida detention facility that was hurriedly constructed last year on an isolated airstrip surrounded by wetlands. Its come under scrutiny for its poor conditions and allegations that detainees have been denied the right to meet with their attorneys. The Five discussion began with the case of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, who was detained by ICE agents on Tuesday after returning home from school with his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, who authorities said ran off before being apprehended. And then in Maine, an ICE agent was talking to a woman whos a legal observer and she says, Why are you taking pictures? Tarlov said Friday. And he says, Because we have a nice little database and now youre considered a domestic terrorist. Politics: 'IT IS TOO LATE!': Trump Throws Sunday Fit Over His Biggest Obsession Tarlov, the shows liberal voice, said ICE is out of control, urging viewers who dont want to believe as much to listen to the multitude of law enforcement officials who themselves are saying that ICE is not operating properly. Advertisement Advertisement Well, first of all, of course, Watters interrupted, prompting Tarlov to ask: Of course, what? Of course they detained this kid, he said. What are they supposed to do, Jessica, shove him into an orphanage? Of course, we all agree we dont do family separation, we keep families together so when an illegal is apprehended, you deport the entire family together. Watters then argued the undocumented father was given an opportunity to leave the U.S. and return to Ecuador. He and his son, who reportedly has an active immigration case currently halting his deportation, were taken to a detention center in Dilley, Texas. Watters went on to further praise to the immigration agents who detained Ramos and his father. Politics: Pam Bondi Claims 'Chaos' In Minnesota Can Stop If Governor Cedes To 3 Demands And these ICE agents took this kid to lunch! he said. They spent a lot of time with him. Advertisement Advertisement Theyre very experienced, because so many of these illegals came across with children, theyre dealing with a lot of these illegal alien families and a lot of these ICE agents have families themselves, Watters continued. And they all have very big hearts. Related... Read the original on HuffPost (Texas Scorecard) In a landmark win for parental rights and free speech, a federal jury found that officials in the Marlin Independent School District unlawfully retaliated against two families for publicly complaining about the district and awarded them $7.5 million in damages. Today these families got justice, said Janelle Davis, lead attorney for Pacific Justice Institute, who represented the plaintiffs. The jury sent a very clear message: schools and school officials are not above the law, and school officials who abuse their power must be held accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Davis filed the civil rights lawsuit on behalf of Marlin ISD parents Monica Johnson and Brandolyn and Clifford Jones and their children in February 2024, after the law firm of State Sen. Royce West (DDallas) threatened to sue the two moms for defamation. Defendants in the case were the chronically mismanaged Marlin ISD, now-former Superintendent Darryl Henson, and the districts Chief of Police John Simmons. The unanimous verdict followed a week-long trial in Waco that ended Tuesday evening. The jury found in favor of the plaintiffs on all claims and awarded them a total of $7,546,465 in nominal and compensatory damages against Marlin ISD and the two administrators, including punitive damages of $3,753,437 against Henson and $254,762 against Simmons. Advertisement Advertisement PJI called the verdict a major victory for parental rights, student rights, and free speech in public schools. Its vindication for the plaintiffs as well. We are extremely grateful for the jury verdict. Justice could not have been served without God, our attorney Janelle Davis, and Pacific Justice Institute standing up for our children and our parental rights, stated the Jones family following the trial. No parent or student in Texas should ever experience what we did. God loves justice and truth, and justice prevailed. Retaliation for the exercise of constitutional and parental rights is against school policy, and anyone who violates it should be held accountable, added Johnson. Advertisement Advertisement The retaliation by Henson and Simmons began when the families publicly criticized Hensons decision to cancel Marlin ISDs 2023 graduation just three days before it was to take place, claiming only five seniors were eligible to graduate. Henson made retroactive changes to the districts grading policies that lowered the grades of students, including the Joneses and Johnsons children. When the moms filed a grievance, Henson handled the investigation and found he did nothing wrong. After the parents spoke publicly about the issues, the superintendent and the school district police chief retaliated against them and their children. Johnson was wrongfully issued a criminal trespass notice barring her from Marlin ISD property for one year. After Brandolyn Jones filed a complaint with the Texas Education Agency, her husband received a call from the former Marlin mayor saying Henson was going to sue. Advertisement Advertisement In February 202410 days after Jones contacted members of the Senate Education Committee, including West, for helpJones and Johnson received cease and desist letters from Wests law firm threatening a defamation lawsuit if the parents didnt muzzle their complaints about Marlin ISD and Superintendent Henson. At trial, jurors heard testimony confirming that nearly the entire senior class had been eligible to graduate on time, contradicting the superintendents assertions. This verdict sends a clear message that public officials cannot use their authority to silence parents or punish students for speaking out, said Davis. School districts are entrusted with educating children, not intimidating families who demand accountability. The Constitution protects the right to challenge government misconduct, and this jury affirmed that principle. This is a powerful victory for parents and students across America, said PJI Founder and President Brad Dacus. When school officials abuse their power to retaliate against families for speaking the truth, they undermine the very foundations of our democracy. Advertisement Advertisement The jurys decision reinforces that public school officials are not above the law and will be held accountable when they violate the constitutional rights of parents and students. Henson reportedly released a statement indicating that the Board of Trustees fully supports Henson and Simmons, and that the district believes there are strong legal grounds to challenge the award. A statement released by Marlin ISD notes that the events underlying the case occurred prior to this current school year and that federal law includes rigorous standards for qualified immunity. The district is reviewing the verdict with its legal team to evaluate all post-trial motions. The Texas Education Agency took over troubled Marlin ISD in 2017 following five consecutive years of failing grades and appointed a board of managers. Henson was hired in 2020. An improved accountability rating in 2022 put the district on track to end its state oversight at the end of this month. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz, speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, in St. Paul, denounces President Donald Trump for calling Minnesotas Somali community garbage and dismissing the state as a hellhole. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski) Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) confirmed on Saturday that ICE agents shot a man in Minneapolis and he called for ICE to end their operation. I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening, he wrote in a statement. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now. I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now. Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) January 24, 2026 The Minnesota Star Tribune first reported on Saturday that multiple sources with knowledge of the situation said a man was shot multiple times by ICE agents in south Minneapolis. This follows an ICE agent shooting and killing 37-year-old mother Renee Good in the city earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Warning: The below footage is disturbing. The X account for the city of Minneapolis asked residents to stay clear of the area. We are aware of reports of another shooting involving federal law enforcement in the area of 26th Street W and Nicollet Ave. We are working to confirm additional details. We ask the public to remain calm and avoid the immediate area, the wrote in a statement reposted by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D). We are aware of reports of another shooting involving federal law enforcement in the area of 26th Street W and Nicollet Ave. We are working to confirm additional details. We ask the public to remain calm and avoid the immediate area. City of Minneapolis (@CityMinneapolis) January 24, 2026 The Minnesota Star Tribune released footage taken outside a Glam Doll Donuts. The video shows agents wrestling a man to the ground and then multiple shots can be heard going off. Advertisement Advertisement The outlet also reported that scanner reports confirmed a man was shot and taken to the hospital. Minneapolis Police are on the scene. The post JUST IN: Tim Walz Confirms Second Horrifying Shooting By ICE In Minneapolis as New Disturbing Footage Hits first appeared on Mediaite. AP Photo/Mary Altaffer President Donald Trump has commented on the second deadly shooting by an ICE Agent of a protester in Minneapolis, escalating the political battleby tying the episode to broader grievances about immigration, alleged fraud in Minnesota, and political opponents. Trumps comments follow the Jan. 24 death of a 37-year-old man shot by federal immigration agents during a large-scale enforcement operation that has turned Minneapolis into a flashpoint. Advertisement Advertisement In his Truth Social post, Trump highlighted a photo of a handgun he said belonged to the gunman, noting it was loaded (with two additional full magazines!) and questioning why local police were not present to protect ICE officers. He also suggested the mayor and governor called them off, claimed law enforcement had to protect themselves, and linked the unrest to what he called massive monetary fraud and missing funds in Minnesota, including an unverified allegation about Rep. Ilhan Omars finances. The post also accused Minnesota leadership of inciting insurrection with dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric, and defended the broader federal immigration operation, asserting thousands of illegal alien criminals had been arrested. Trump wrote on Truth Social: This is the gunmans gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why werent they allowed to protect ICE Officers? The Mayor and the Governor called them off? It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves Not an easy thing to do! Why does Ilhan Omar have $34 Million Dollars in her account? And where are the Tens of Billions of Dollars that have been stolen from the once Great State of Minnesota? We are there because of massive Monetary Fraud, with Billions of Dollars missing, and Illegal Criminals that were allowed to infiltrate the State through the Democrats Open Border Policy. We want the money back, and we want it back, NOW. Those Fraudsters who stole the money are going to jail, where they belong! This is no different than a really big Bank Robbery. Much of what youre witnessing is a COVER UP for this Theft and Fraud. The Mayor and the Governor are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric! Instead, these sanctimonious political fools should be looking for the Billions of Dollars that has been stolen from the people of Minnesota, and the United States of America. LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB! 12,000 Illegal Alien Criminals, many of them violent, have been arrested and taken out of Minnesota. If they were still there, you would see something far worse than you are witnessing today! Video footage of the shooting has emerged that undermines the administrations assertions that the victim, identified as University of Minnesota scientist Alex Pretti as a domestic terrorist who was trying to assassinate federal officials, as Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has asserted on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Minutes later, Trump went all caps in a follow-up post, writing: AMONG OTHER THINGS, THIS IS A COVER UP FOR THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS THAT HAVE BEEN STOLEN FROM THE ONCE GREAT STATE (BUT SOON TO BE GREAT AGAIN!) OF MINNESOTA! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP Trumps assertions about fraud and missing billions echo wider claims by some federal officials and allies about alleged financial misconduct in the state, though specifics remain unverified in public records. The president also used the post to intensify criticism of Democrats and Minnesota politicians, demanding the return of allegedly stolen funds and repeatedly urging that ICE agents be allowed to do their job. The presidents post comes as Minneapolis confronts conflicting narratives about the shooting itself. Department of Homeland Security officials said agents fired defensive shots after a man with a handgun resisted disarmament, but bystander video circulating online appears to show the victim holding a phone or camera as federal agents approached, raising questions about the timeline and justification for the use of lethal force. The incident has intensified existing protests and political rifts, with local leaders calling for accountability and federal withdrawal, while Trump and allies frame the conflict as part of a broader struggle over immigration enforcement and law and order. This is a developing story. The post Trump Blames Democrats After Second ICE Shooting in Minneapolis: THIS IS A COVER UP first appeared on Mediaite. TOPEKA (KSNT) A statewide cell phone ban is now getting pushback from some lawmakers who dont want the ban to apply to private schools. Senate Bill 302, which was filed just days before the start of the legislative session, received widespread support from lawmakers when it was introduced. In its original draft, the bill would have banned cell phones in both private and public K-12 schools. However, lawmakers said that some Kansas Republicans want the bill to be revised to only apply to public schools. They argue that private schools act as private entities and should not be forced to adopt a statewide mandate. Advertisement Advertisement We spoke with House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard (D). He said he was surprised by the new push. I think its ironic that you have these folks who want to hyper regulate public schools and yet they are the ones tripping up this cell phone bill because they dont want it to apply to public schools, Woodard said. If youre going to say that this is good for kids, yet magically private schools can be exempted from every regulation theyre trying to pass. I find that ironic. Disciplinary actions against Kansas nurses over license renewals could be declared void under proposed bill Were currently reaching out to Kansas Republicans to hear more from them about why they are pushing for this change. Advertisement Advertisement For more Capitol Bureau 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. 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. A winter storm is bringing several inches of snow and dangerously cold temperatures to the Kansas City area this weekend, as part of a larger weather system sweeping across the southern United States. Although expected snowfall amounts have decreased slightly, forecasters still predict around 5 inches in the Kansas City metro, with higher totals possible south and east of the city. Areas to the north are expected to see less snow. For now, at least for the next 24-plus hours or so, were expecting widespread snow across the area, Brad Temeyer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Kansas City, said in a video weather briefing. Advertisement Advertisement For now, the weather service is leaving a winter storm warning in place for Kansas City and for areas roughly south of U.S. 36 across northern Missouri. There are some hints in the models that this system may be ending a bit quicker on Sunday, so thats something to keep an eye on, the weather service said. Although expected snowfall amounts have decreased slightly, forecasters still predict around 5 inches in the Kansas City metro, with higher totals possible south and east of the city, the National Weather Service. Areas to the north are expected to see less snow. (National Weather Service in Kansas City) Unlike other parts of the country that are facing the possibility of freezing rain and ice storms, the Kansas City area will see only snow with this system, Temeyer said. As for the storms timing, snow is already falling in the metro and spreading eastward across the region. It will continue into Saturday night. Advertisement Advertisement So whats changed there is that we thought there might be a brief break in the snow later on today, but that doesnt look to be very likely anymore, Temeyer said. Now it looks like were going to get snow throughout much of the day today, continuing into tonight and then tapering off on Sunday morning. Snow totals for the region are trending downward slightly. Generally, 2 to 3 inches is now expected across northern Missouri, 3 to 5 inches between U.S. 36 and the Missouri River, and around 5 inches in the Kansas City Metro and along Interstate 70. Areas south of the metro will see slightly higher snow amounts along and south of a line from Columbia to Clinton. The greatest uncertainty remains in snowfall totals, Temeyer said. Shoppers head to a vehicle in bitter cold during a winter storm Saturday, Jan. 24 2026, in Lenexa, Kansas. (Tammy Ljungblad/tljungblad@kcstar.com) Some areas could see a little more snowfall if heavier bands move through, but if the storm ends earlier than expected on Sunday, overall snowfall amounts may be a bit lower, Temeyer said. Advertisement Advertisement There will also be a long duration of dangerous cold, with wind chills below zero continuing for the most part through Monday. The coldest temperatures will arrive Sunday night into Monday, especially with clear skies and a fresh snowpack, Temeyer said. The metro wont see much relief from the cold until midday Monday. Even then, the relief will be temporary, as another shot of Arctic air is expected to return to the region mid-week. That cold air that we have in place really isnt going to change throughout much of this week as were dealing with those well below normal temperatures continuing all the way into next weekend, Temeyer said. If it is any consolation, Kansas Citys coldest period typically runs from Jan. 10 to 23, when the average high is 38 degrees, and the average low is 19. WAPAKONETA A Kentucky man was taken into custody Tuesday after attempting to flee from law enforcement officers on Interstate 75. According to a spokeswoman from the Wapakoneta post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Lakevioan Arnold, 31, of Frankfort, Kentucky, was driving a U-Haul van northbound on I-75 near the Wapakoneta rest area on Tuesday evening. Arnold reportedly was driving recklessly, fled a traffic stop and crashed into a commercial truck between Wapakoneta and Cridersville Arnold is charged with fleeing and eluding an officer, operating a vehicle impaired and failure to disclose personal information. He is being held on a $100,000 bond, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 30 in Auglaize County Municipal Court. Syracuse, N.Y. -- As the massive winter storm that could affect up to 200 million Americans starts to rumble across the country, the forecasts for Upstate New York are getting clearer. Forecasters are increasingly confident that all of Upstate New York will get hit with snow, with everybody getting at least 7 inches and some areas up to 15 inches. The storm will track from southwest to northeast, with snow starting in Western New York before dawn on Sunday and in the Capital Region about 8 a.m. Confidence is high that most of the area will receive a foot or more of snow, said the National Weather Service. Advertisement Advertisement The storm is originating in the Southwest with an atmospheric river pouring in from the Pacific Ocean. As it crosses the South, it will pick up more moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and bank left at the East Coast, heading toward the Northeast. Snow and ice could cripple much of the mid-South in places like Nashville and Dallas. The storm will move relatively slowly, which means it will have more time to drop rain and snow. Theres no ice in the forecast for Upstate New York. By the time the storm clashes with the bitterly cold air pouring in from Canada, the precipitation in the Northeast will be all snow. A winter storm warning is in effect for much of the region, and Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency due to the cold and snow. Advertisement Advertisement Heres a look at what to expect over the next couple of days as the storm unfolds. Today: Well see the coldest day in nearly two years. Syracuse hit minus 7 by 6 a.m., the first time the temperature has dipped that low since February 2023. The wind chill dipped to 18 below zero early this morning. A cold weather advisory is in effect until 10 a.m. Sunday morning. Light snow starts to fall before daybreak, then gets more intense during the morning. Most places will see an inch or so by noon. Sunday afternoon. The heart of the storm reaches Upstate New York in the early afternoon, with snowfall rates approaching 1 to 2 inches per hour. The bulk of the snow from this storm will fall from about 1 p.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Syracuse could get a foot of snow in that 12-hour span. Driving on Sunday could be very difficult, the weather service warns. While there will be little wind to blow around the snow, it will fall so quickly that snowplows wont be able to keep up. Because of the bitter cold, the snow will be very light and fluffy, containing about half as much water as a typical snowfall. The following maps show estimated snowfall rates for six-hour periods beginning early Sunday. These maps are for the region covered by the weather services Binghamton forecast office. Light snow Sunday morning for Upstate New York Snowfall ramps up Sunday afternoon Snowfall Sunday night in Upstate New York Monday morning: The snowfall rate begins to slow early in the morning, but 2 to 3 more inches could fall between 1 and 7 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement The intensity and timing of the storm could lead to school delays or closures. Be sure to check our weather page. Some events are already being canceled, including Syracuse Universitys Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event originally scheduled for Sunday. Later in the week: Some lake effect snow could develop in Central New York as the storm pulls away. The week is expected to be the coldest in years, with high temperatures not exceeding 20 degrees through at least next weekend. More articles on January 2026 winter storm Read the original article on syracuse.com. Jan. 23MORGANTOWN The Morgantown Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating 20-year-old Michael Bogroff, who is believed to be experiencing a mental health crisis. According to information provided to MPD, Bogroff left his family's home in Morgantown overnight on Jan. 23 in a blue Toyota Sienna minivan with West Virginia registration 34141. Bogroff is described as a white male, 5-feet 11-inches tall and approximately 155 pounds. He has strawberry blonde hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt and shorts. Anyone who sees Bogroff or the vehicle is urged to call 911 or contact their local law enforcement agency. The Office of Children's Services, housed within the Alaska Department of Family and Community Services is located in the Goldstein Building in Downtown Juneau, seen on Jan. 23, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon) A lawsuit filed in state court by advocates for foster youth is challenging Alaskas foster care system, highlighting a gap in state care for older foster youth who are not living with foster families. Those foster youth live in other housing, like shelters and dorms, and struggle to access state funds to cover basic living expenses, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit filed by the non-profit advocacy organization, Facing Foster Care in Alaska, says the state should provide the same monthly living stipends to older foster youth for basic necessities, as they do to foster families with youth in their home. Advertisement Advertisement For youth in these alternate settings, theres no foster care payment going anywhere, said Amanda Metivier, executive director of Facing Foster Care. The organization is arguing that without these living stipends, the state is failing its duty of care for older foster youth in state custody, and are asking the court to require the state to distribute living stipends directly to all older foster youth. The Office of Childrens Services, housed within the Alaska Department of Family and Community Services, runs the states foster care system. It provides a cost of care stipend to foster families for each foster youth in their home to pay for essential items like food, clothing, toiletries and school supplies. But theres no stipend for foster youth living independently, in shelters, college dorms or other housing. Instead, the department provides vouchers and small grants for living expenses, but advocates say its not enough and call it a failure of the state to uphold its constitutional duty in the lawsuit. A spokesperson for the Office of Childrens Services said older foster youth have the same funding and support as younger children, and items or services are provided by need or request. Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs say foster youth not placed with families are left struggling to care for themselves and find ways to pay for basic necessities like clothing, food and transportation to medical appointments, work or school, according to the lawsuit. And so its a lot of going without, Metivier said. She said her organization filed the lawsuit on behalf of foster youth who asked for help so they can recover a sense of financial stability. Youth who are not adopted or reunited with family are eligible to remain in state custody until they are 21 years old, as per state law, as a transitional period into adulthood. Metivier said thats a good thing, and mirrors national trends of extending foster care to provide foster youth with additional support and improve their life outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement Foster youth are more likely to be at risk for homelessness, incarceration and mental health challenges: A national survey by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 2020 to 2024 to track outcomes for foster youth found that 35% of foster youth in Alaska had experienced homelessness, 18% had experienced incarceration and 24% had a substance use referral by the age of 17. Miye DOench, an attorney with the civil rights firm Northern Justice Project, who is representing the plaintiffs, said the lawsuit calls on OCS to fulfill its legal duty of care. At the end of the day, this is to us, just plainly unacceptable, and its a massive failure of the foster care system, and its unconstitutional, she said. Moreover, the number of foster homes is not keeping up with the number of children and youth in need, according to the lawsuit, which is forcing foster youth to live independently in youth shelters, dorms or even in cots in OCS offices. In November, the state reported 2,493 youth in foster care and 1,184 foster homes. Advertisement Advertisement Officials with the Office of Childrens Services declined to answer specific questions but provided an email statement to address the issue generally, through Brian Studstill, communications director for the Alaska Department of Family and Community Services. Young adults served by OCS have access to the same funding streams available to younger children, as well as additional resources designed to support their transition to adulthood, the statement said. The department provides financial incentives for participation in skillbuilding activities, including independent living classes, assessments and transition planning, as well as funds to grantees and contractors who deliver independent living services, according to the statement. OCS routinely offers food and clothing vouchers, bus passes, and other transportation assistance such as cab fare or limited vehicle maintenance for those who rely on personal vehicles for work or school, the statement said. Additional supports may include assistance with cell phones, laptops, work attire or gear, and drivers education costs. Young adults are encouraged to seek support whenever needed. Advertisement Advertisement Studstill clarified that payments are not made regularly to older youth, like monthly stipends. There is no re-occurring stipend paid to children or youth, he said. Services and commodities are paid for by OCS based on need or request, which may include re-occurring payments for room, board or ongoing expenses or they may be covered as the need arises such as clothing and food vouchers, he said. The departments statement cited additional federal funds available to older youth, including $5,000 per year for educational and training vouchers for attending college. In the lawsuit, plaintiffs said those vouchers fail to come close to covering student expenses. For example, University of Alaska Anchorage tuition is estimated at over $30,000 per year, according to the lawsuit, and students are shouldered with covering housing, food and school supplies. As of Jan. 12, there were 112 youth in state custody between the ages of 18 and 21, and 56 youth were living outside of a foster care home or group home, according to the departments statement. Advertisement Advertisement Those living outside of a licensed foster home reside in various placements such as college dorms, on trial home visits with family, unlicensed relative homes, assisted living homes to meet extraordinary needs, or are in custody of the Division of Juvenile Justice, the OCS statement added. For licensed foster homes, OCS provides foster families with a monthly stipend for each child based on age and difficulty of care. For youth ages 12 to 20 years old, its roughly $40 per day or $1,200 per month. Metivier said teens as young as 14 and 15 years old are living outside of foster homes, and providing the living stipend would allow more stability. This gives them an opportunity to be in care, have that safety net, but to also practice managing money, she said. To take care of themselves as a staggered way to be able to cover their cost of rent and food and transportation as they prepare to be able to do that on their own once theyre out of custody. And thats successful, thats successful in a lot of places. Advertisement Advertisement DOench, the plaintiffs attorney, pointed out OCS makes a budget request from the Alaska State Legislature each year based on a foster youth count which includes older youth, estimated at 2,500 children and youth in care. OCS is also facing a federal lawsuit alleging systemic failures in the department and the states foster care system, including chronic understaffing, overburdened caseworkers and failure to find adequate placements, which is risking harm to children. The case went to trial in August, and will be decided by the presiding federal judge in the coming months. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NEED TO KNOW A suicide bomber targeted a wedding ceremony in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, on Friday, Jan. 23 At least seven people died as a result of the attack, while over two dozen others were injured The suspect has not yet been named, and no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack At least seven people are dead and multiple others are injured after a suicide bombing at a wedding in northwestern Pakistan. The attack occurred during a ceremony in Dera Ismail Khan, a city in the countrys Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, on Friday, Jan. 23, ABC News, Reuters and Al Jazeera reported, citing local police. The suspect has not been identified by any national media outlets. Advertisement Advertisement Guests were dancing to drum beats when the suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest at the ceremony, ABC News reported, citing witnesses. Three people were confirmed dead following the attack on Friday, but the death toll later rose, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. Hussain Ali/Anadolu via Getty Aftermath of wedding suicide bombing in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan Aftermath of wedding suicide bombing in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan 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. Adnan Khan, a local police chief, said that following the incident, officers transported both the dead and wounded to a hospital, per ABC News. Some of the injured guests were in critical condition, per the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Four more people later died in the hospital, taking the total number of fatalities to seven as of Saturday, Jan. 24, per Reuters and Al Jazeera. The wedding was being held at the residence of pro-government community leader Noor Alam Mehsud, according to the outlets. The building houses peace committee members, per Reuters and Al Jazeera. The committees are made up of residents and elders and supported by Islamabad as part of its efforts to counter fighters in the regions along the Afghan border, the latter outlet reported. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the fatal bombing, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera. Hussain Ali/Anadolu via Getty Aftermath of wedding suicide bombing in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan Aftermath of wedding suicide bombing in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan Suspicion is likely to fall on the Pakistani Taliban, or Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), according to Al Jazeera and ABC News. Advertisement Advertisement The TTP, which operates on both sides of the Afghan border, has labelled peace committee members as traitors, per Al Jazeera. The group has been responsible for multiple suicide bombings and other attacks, according to the United Nations security council. The Jan. 23 attack also comes as the Pakistani military prepares to fight armed groups along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, according to Al Jazeera. Tens of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes amid preparations, the outlet reported. Read the original article on People A longtime KOA campground next to the Lion Country Safari park in Loxahatchee is shutting down in April. The move follows the 2025 sale of the park and adjacent property to a family foundation linked to Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, reportedly the third-richest man in the world. The foundation affiliate paid $30 million for 600 acres of property. The safari park, which encompasses 254 acres of the 600 acres sold, is at 2003 Lion Country Safari Road west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and north of Okeechobee Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement In a Jan. 22 email, Lion Country Safari spokesperson Haley McCann confirmed the campground is closing its gates on April 30. She said guests who had reservations past this time will be automatically refunded. McCann said she didn't have any further information regarding plans for the campground site, but she did refute rumors that a data center might be coming to the property. "I can tell you with complete certainty that there are no plans to turn any of the property into a data center," McCann said. She added: "Lion Country Safari will remain open, and our commitment to the wildlife, their care, as well as conservation and education hasn't changed." Advertisement Advertisement The KOA campground is part of the 600-acre site. It sits southeast of the drive-through safari. A family favorite for 40 years, guests at the KOA campground can hear lions roaring at night as they camp in cabins, tents or their own RVs. Larry Ellison family's history of conservation Lion Country Safari opened its doors in 1967, becoming the first cageless zoo in the United States. When it first started operations, the park only featured lions. Today, the property is home to 89 species, including chimpanzees, rhinos and giraffes. The Ellison family has a record of philanthropic efforts on behalf of endangered animals, and it pledged to preserve Lion Country Safari. Advertisement Advertisement "Our proud history and exemplary record in animal care, welfare and preservation will continue to be a core focus in the future," a Lion Country Safari statement issued last year said. "Operations will continue as normal, and our commitment to engagement, guest experience and wildlife conservation remains unchanged." In 2025, the Ellison family unveiled the 197-acre Larry Ellison Conservation Center for Wildlife Care in Saratoga, California, that offers programs to rehabilitate and breed native species. What's the future of the Lion Country Safari site? Nevertheless, the closing of the KOA campground has raised questions about the future of the property, including word of a possible data center for the site. Kelly Smallridge, president of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, said she has heard nothing about a data center planned for the Ellison-owned property. Advertisement Advertisement The only center she is aware of is a proposal to build a facility in western Palm Beach County, "and we're not even certain that we can make the data center happen on that site." That center, which is slated to be heard by the Palm Beach County commission in April, is proposed along the north side of Southern Boulevard west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. The proposal was before the county commission in December, but residents opposed to the large facility led to a hearing's postponement. At issue is the level of noise and emissions that would come from the diesel backup generators. Residents also worry that the data center, called Project Tango, would destroy the rural character of the areas west of Wellington. More: Larry Ellison adds Lion Country to PBC purchases including Eau Palm Beach Larry Ellison's other Palm Beach County properties Technology magnate Ellison isn't just an owner of the Lion Country Safari land. Advertisement Advertisement He also has bought other properties in Palm Beach County in recent years. Those include a Manalapan mega mansion, a waterfront estate in North Palm Beach and the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, which he bought in 2024 for $277.4 million. Ellison is a political ally and financial supporter of President Donald Trump. His son, David Ellison, became chairman and CEO of the merged Paramount and Skydance companies this past summer. Alexandra Clough covers business and real estate for The Palm Beach Post. She can be reached at aclough@pbpost.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Larry Ellison's Lion Country Safari closing KOA near West Palm Beach Editor's note: This page reflects weather updates on Saturday, Jan. 24. For the latest winter weather updates, please read The Oklahoman's live coverage on Sunday, Jan. 25, here. After dropping a layer of snow on Oklahoma City Friday night, a severe winter storm is expected to resume with even more snow on Saturday afternoon. Temperatures are expected to stay in the single digits through the weekend, and travel conditions throughout the state are hazardous. Advertisement Advertisement The storm is part of a major, widespread winter system that will spread damaging ice and heavy snow across several southern states, like Texas and Oklahoma, into the Carolinas and mid-Atlantic states. According to AccuWeather, the volume of snow and sleet could greatly impact communities not accustomed to winter weather, such as the southern Plains and Mississippi Valley, and schools or child care centers will likely close. Check here for live weather updates and to check road conditions, power outages and school closings in real time. Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location EMSA: 11 cold-exposure emergencies As of 8:30 p.m. Saturday night, the Emergency Medical Services Authority reported it has responded to 11 cold-exposure emergences with seven patients transported to area hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement EMSA officials also said they have responded to two carbon monoxide incidents since the winter storm began on Friday. Carbon monoxide incidents are common during extreme cold conditions as people use less-than-safe measurers to try to stay warm. EMSA urged precaution by: Ensuring all home heating equipment is functioning properly. Never operating generators indoors. Dressing in warm layers when spending time outdoors. Checking on elderly relatives, neighbors and those who may be especially vulnerable to the cold. - Ryan Sharp National Weather Service adjusts anticipated snow totals In its latest update the National Weather Service in Norman has adjusted its anticipated snow totals for Saturday night into Sunday morning. Advertisement Advertisement A swath of Oklahoma from southwest to northeast is expected to pick up another 3-6 inches of sleet and snow overnight. The highest amounts are expected for the areas along and north of Interstate 44. The snowfall totals from the NWS include around an inch of sleet for most areas of central and north central Oklahoma. - Ryan Sharp Areas of snow/sleet continue. Parts of Oklahoma can receive another 3-6" of snow the remainder of the evening through Sunday, with the heaviest precipitation overnight. Higher snowfall amounts will be localized. No additional significant ice accumulation is expected in the south pic.twitter.com/cRX0PYi5OT NWS Norman (@NWSNorman) January 25, 2026 OTA warns of deteriorating road conditions With additional bands of snow again moving through the state, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is warning drivers about road conditions. Roads and highways that were cleared after rounds of snow Friday night and Saturday morning will likely become covered again, according to the OTA. Advertisement Advertisement - Ryan Sharp OTA crews are urging motorists to expect deteriorating conditions overnight and into Sunday morning with significant additional precipitation anticipated to move across the state. Motorists should expect recently cleared areas to potentially refreeze and become slick. #okwx pic.twitter.com/l4BMIWx0E5 Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (@OKTurnpike) January 25, 2026 OKC run of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' cut short by weather With perilous travel conditions statewide and another round of snow expected, OKC Broadway Oklahoma City's local presenter of nationally touring Broadway shows announced Saturday, Jan. 24 that it was canceling its remaining performances of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" due "to the unprecedented hazardous weather conditions forecasted now through Sunday." OKC Broadway season subscribers and all theatergoers for the affected performances who purchased tickets through the official OKC Broadway and Civic Center ticket outlets either online, by phone or in person at the downtown venue's box office will be contacted via email to make arrangements to receive a refund or exchange their tickets for a future OKC Broadway show, according to the announcement. - Brandy McDonnell Advertisement Advertisement More: OKC's run of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' cut short by winter storm A massive snowball fight broke out on the campus of Oklahoma State University in Stillwater on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. Massive snowball fight on Oklahoma State University campus Students stuck in Stillwater during the winter storm made the best of the situation on Saturday. After Oklahoma State's men's basketball game vs. Iowa State, students congregated on the Edmon Low Library lawn for a snowball fight. Snowball fights on the OSU campus have become a bit of a tradition. Snow storms in 2021 and 2022 also had students pelting each other like Buddy the Elf. - Ryan Sharp ODOT snowplow rear-ended An Oklahoma Department of Transportation snowplow was rear-ended by a semi on Interstate 40 in Pottawatomie County on Friday night. Advertisement Advertisement According to an ODOT Facebook post, the driver of the snowplow was taken to an area hospital, but has since been released. ODOT encourages drivers to give snowplows at least 200 feet of distance and to never try to pass them. - Ryan Sharp Winter storm leaves 4 hospitalized in OKC area The ambulance service EMSA has transported four people to area hospitals since the winter weather moved into the state on Friday. In an email, EMSA said that crews have responded to seven cold-exposure calls and two carbon monoxide incidents. Two of those hospitalizations happened on Saturday due to cold weather exposure. Take precautions during the freezing cold weather: Advertisement Advertisement Ensure all heating equipment is functioning properly Keep generators outdoors in an area with plenty of ventilation Dress in warm layers when outside Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors and relatives -Dale Denwalt Sleet, snow mix forecast for OKC Saturday night The National Weather Service believes Oklahoma City could be in for a mix of snow and sleet through Saturday evening. The latest forecast issued around noon Saturday said sleet could mix in with snow along the I-40 corridor. A more wintry mix is forecast for southern Oklahoma before later turning to snow. Areas from Cheyenne in northwestern Oklahoma to Seminole east of Oklahoma City, and further south to Purchell, could see 6 to 8 inches of snow or more through Sunday, meteorologists. said. Advertisement Advertisement Southern Oklahoma and north Texas could see around a tenth of an inch of ice accumulation through the night. -Dale Denwalt See impact of snow on Oklahoma roads Video from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation shows a transformation across Oklahoma City as snow and ice began accumulating Friday night. -Caroline McCone Snowstorm expanding faster than predicted The snowstorm expanding from southeastern Oklahoma up through OKC and Tulsa is growing faster than expected, according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center. Oklahoma City will probably only see snow. Further to the southwest, however, ice will become a problem. "Sleet accumulation of 0.1 to 0.2 inches per hour and snowfall accumulation of 0.5 to 1 inch per hour are possible within the heavier showers/bands from Northwest Texas into central Oklahoma through mid-afternoon," forecasters said. This storm is expected to weaken as it moves to the northeast, leading to scattered snowfall. A much stronger wave of precipitation will arrive later this evening, however. Advertisement Advertisement -Dale Denwalt Road Update: Snow plows still working across Oklahoma Road crews are still plowing roads on state highways and turnpikes as of 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Due to snowfall and very low temperatures, most toll roads across Oklahoma remain packed with snow. There are some icy, slick spots on the state's southern turnpikes. Interstate 35 is slick and hazardous from the Texas state line to the Kansas state line, with ice reported in southern counties. From the Oklahoma City metro area to the north, the highway has more snow. For those heading east or west, I-40 is slick and snow packed from the Texas state line to the Arkansas state line. Anyone driving today is advised to use extreme caution, drive slowly and leave plenty of room between you and other cars. Bridges and overpasses anywhere in the state could have ice. More: Why do bridges get icy before streets? Oklahoma road science, explained -Dale Denwalt USPS expecting mail delivery impacts The United States Postal Service says the winter storm could impact mail delivery in Oklahoma. The alert wasn't specific as to which parts of the state would be affected, or whether any routes are canceled. An Oklahoman reporter saw a USPS mail van operating in a neighborhood on Saturday morning. -Dale Denwalt What's the fastest, safest way to deice my windshield? There are many ways to safely melt that ice without damaging your car, even ways to prevent it from freezing in the first place. The key? Patience and preparedness. Easy, "quick" solutions might temporarily work, but eventually result in expensive repairs. Don't pour hot water onto your windshield to melt ice. The thermal shock can crack and shatter the glass, causing extreme damage to your car. Instead, AAA suggests using a deicing solution or trying a DIY recipe. Mix one part isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol with two parts water and place a few drops of dish soap to coat the ice more evenly. The AAA recommends applying the solution with a spray bottle and storing it indoors. Read more tips here. -Isa Almieda How cold is too cold to walk my dog outside? If you have to take your dog out in near-freezing or below-freezing temperatures, in most cases, it's best to keep the time outside short. According to Fetch Pet Insurance, smaller dogs with thin coats, like a dachshund or a French bulldog, could be unsafe in temperatures around 35 degrees. However, bigger dogs with heavier coats, like your German shepherds and sheepdogs, could potentially withstand temperatures closer to 25 before it becomes dangerous. Read the full story here. -Josh Kelly OKC flights expected to resume mid-day Sunday A spokesperson for OKC Will Rogers International Airport told The Oklahoman that as of now, some flights are expected to resume sometime Sunday after all flights were canceled on Saturday. The airlines have not yet notified the airport of their plans. However, on FlightAware's live flight cancellation app, roughly half of OKC's departures on Sunday are listed as canceled. -Dale Denwalt See ice, snow across Oklahoma City Meteorologist says dry air 'ate' Friday's snowfall Independent Tulsa-based meteorologist Mike Collier is responding to followers who are wondering where all the predicted snow went. Although parts of eastern Oklahoma saw several inches of snow Friday night, the totals were less than the most generous predictions that were made over the past few days. Collier said that there was a very dry layer of air near the Earth's surface. "As the snow fell into that dry air, it evaporated (sublimated) before reaching the ground. Radar and models showed precipitation because they detect whats happening aloft not whats happening in the last few thousand feet above us. This is called virga, and its one of the hardest winter forecast problems to catch," he said. "Forecast models focus heavily on where snow forms in the clouds. They dont handle the low-level dry air very well, especially in Arctic air masses like this one. So everything looked like a solid snow setup on paper, but the atmosphere below the clouds was basically eating the snow as it fell. Still have tonight!" Saturday night's precipitation is expected to be heavier than the snow that Oklahoma received on Friday, but there will be less of a threat of ice. -Dale Denwalt OKC airport confirms all flights canceled Saturday All flights to and from OKC Will Rogers International Airport on Saturday Jan. 24, have been canceled. -Dale Denwalt How are the roads today? OKC live traffic cameras Officials still advise residents stay off roads as many Oklahoma roads still have plenty of ice and snow covering them as of Saturday morning. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation provides a map of all highways, interstates and streets going through the state. Some parts of the roadways feature live cameras, allowing you to see active traffic flow throughout the state. As these are live, you can also see how the weather may have impacted the roadway throughout the day. Also included in the map, you can see traffic flow patterns, indicated by the green, yellow and red paths. -Cheyenne Derksen Flights canceled at OKC Will Rogers on Saturday As many as 93% of flights scheduled to depart Oklahoma City on Saturday have been canceled, according to FlightAware.com. Nearly all arriving flights have been canceled as well. Some local television stations have reported that all flights to and from the city for Saturday have been canceled. Most flights to and from Tulsa have also been canceled, along with hundreds of flights through Dallas. -Dale Denwalt Oklahoma snowplow tracker The City of Oklahoma City operates all snow route clean-up throughout the city, while ODOT and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority are responsible for their respective roads. Roads are cleaned, including inside suburbs, for weather events like snow, blizzards, freezing rain and ice storms. Find maps and snowplow locations at oksnowplows.org Oklahoma snowfall tracker Note: The graphic shows the chance of receiving 4 inches or more of snow or ice. Click your area to see the forecasted probability over the next three days Weather alerts: See where winter weather watches, warnings have been issued Live Oklahoma power outages map See live updates on how winter weather is impacting power across Oklahoma. One of the hardest parts about losing electricity in the winter is trying to stay warm. According to OSU-OKC, there are some do's and don'ts when it comes to heating your home during a power outage: Do not use gasoline, propane or charcoal-burning devices inside your home or garage to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not use your oven to heat your home. Use fireplaces, wood stoves and other combustion heaters only with proper ventilation. Keep space heaters more than three feet away from anything that could catch fire. Never cover your space heater. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand. Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector. Have extra blankets and layered clothing on hand to help keep warm. How to keep your house warm during a winter storm? Set the thermostat to around 68F to 70F while awake and lower it while you're asleep or away from home. Set your water heaters temperature to 120F. Change or clean air filters, which can lower energy consumption by 5% to 15%. Dirty filters cost more to use and overwork the equipment. Apply weatherstripping and caulk to seal gaps and cracks around doors and windows. Install foam gaskets on electrical switches and outlets. Change the rotation of ceiling fans to a clockwise rotation to push warm air downward. What roads are closed? The ODOT also shares road closures throughout the state. Using the map below, you can click through and see if there are any active closures on highways, turnpikes or other state-operated roadways throughout Oklahoma. Closings due to the weather Keep up with school, church and event closings using the link below. Oklahoma City Severe Weather Closings: Schools, churches, other services This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Live: Brutal mix of ice, snow blanket Oklahoma, with more coming Saturday The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for most of eastern Oklahoma, including Bartlesville, as a major system moves in on Jan. 23, 2026, and continues through 3 p.m. on Jan. 25, 2026. Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected to create dangerous travel conditions, with possible power outages and bitter cold temperatures lasting into next week. How much snow is expected in Bartlesville? Residents north of I-40, including Washington County, should prepare for 6 to 12 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible. Areas south of I-40 will likely see a messy mix of sleet, snow, and up to a quarter inch of ice in some southeastern counties. Advertisement Advertisement Blowing and drifting snow may reduce visibility and worsen road conditions. More: Live OKC weather updates: Oklahoma braces for winter, snowstorm When will the storm hit Bartlesville? The storm is expected to begin Friday late afternoon and last through Sunday afternoon. The heaviest snow and sleet will fall Friday night through Saturday morning, with lingering impacts into Sunday. Temperatures will remain dangerously cold throughout the weekend, dipping well below freezing with subzero wind chills likely. Officials urge residents to complete all storm preparations by Friday morning. More: Freezing temps are coming to Bartlesville. Here is what to do Travel in Northeastern Oklahoma could be dangerous to impossible Forecasters warn that roads may become impassable in some areas, especially overnight Friday into Saturday. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation advises residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. If you must travel, check road conditions at okRoads.org or call 1-844-465-4997. This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: How to track Oklahoma snowstorm with live weather radar It's the winter storm whose impacts could rival what we see during a hurricane. Heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain are falling from Texas to Kentucky. Ultimately, more than 220 million people could be affected by Winter Storm Fern. More than a dozen states issued states of emergency as they prepare to respond to potentially widespread power outages that could last days. One of the biggest worries is ice accumulation as this storm sweeps through the South. Advertisement Advertisement You can track Winter Storm Fern's movement across the country here. We hope that you have your supplies, your devices are charged and you're safe and sound. Throughout the weekend we'll be bringing you live updates, covering every angle of this storm. Here are our updates from Saturday, January 24. (09:10 p.m. EST) Fern To Move Into The Northeast, Southeast For Sunday From senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles: Snow and a wintry mix of snow and sleet will move into the Northeast and southern Great Lakes by early Sunday as cold air surges down the East Coast. By later in the day, just enough warm air aloft could bring some sleet as far north as Hartford and Providence, but cities like Boston, Burlington and Syracuse will be all snow until the winter storm moves out. Advertisement Advertisement Communities from the Carolinas to North Georgia will see freezing rain to start the day before warmer air arrives. The tail end of Fern will sweep from west to east through Texas and the mid-Mississippi Valley by midday, potentially with a squall line and thunderstorms when it reaches the Deep South. (08:46 p.m. EST) Update To Forecast For Major Northeast Cities From meteorologist Tiffany Savona Models are showing a warmer solution for areas along and east of I-95 corridor, so the chance for sleet, maybe freezing rain, continues to increase across the Northeast. This is due to a layer of warm air nosing in above the surface thanks to an area of low pressure developing off the coast. Determining exactly where the snow/sleet/freezing rain line sets up is the hardest part when forecasting winter weather. Advertisement Advertisement Snow totals have come down a little bit in these areas, but this is still going to be a significant snow event for New York City, Philadelphia, DC, Baltimore and especially Boston. Heres our latest snow/sleet forecast: Washington, D.C: 6-9 Philadelphia: 9-12 New York City: 6-12 (less southeast, more northwest) Boston: 16-20 (all snow) A quarter of an inch of ice is possible from DC to Baltimore up to Philadelphia to just outside New York City. (08:35 p.m. EST) DFW Working With Partners To Keep Travelers Moving Dallas-Fort Worth is holding its own against the winter storm that is ongoing. They are working with partners and are keeping people safe, and doing it in style. Advertisement Advertisement The city is under a winter storm warning until noon CST Sunday. A wintry mix is in their forecast. They could see over an inch of additional snow and sleet mixture and also see up to a tenth of an inch of ice. Despite the winter weather wrapping up by the end of the weekend, some impacts are likely to stick around for days. The metroplex is under an extreme cold warning until Tuesday morning, where subzero wind chills are expected. (08:20 p.m. EST) New Jersey State Of Emergency At least 21 states have declared a State of Emergency, and that includes New Jersey. Governor Mikie Sherrill made the declaration on Saturday, citing the safety of New Jerseyans as her top priority. Advertisement Advertisement The governor declared the State of Emergency in all 21 counties, starting at 5pm ET on Saturday night. Restrictions have been placed on commercial vehicle travel, starting at midnight. Exempt are personnel carrying food, fuel and medical supplies, as well as utility companies, public safety vehicles and essential personnel. In addition, transportation is being impacted. Bus and light rail service are suspended starting at 4:00am on Sunday. And the commuter rail system will stop running at 2:00pm on Sunday afternoon. (08:05 p.m. EST) How To Properly Measure Freezing Rain From meteorologist Tiffany Savova Its tough to estimate the thickness of ice from freezing rain because it doesn't evenly coat the surface of some objects, like tree branches. Here the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh breaks it down so you can accurately estimate how much ice has accumulated. (07:50 p.m. EST) North Carolina Governor Warns of Potential Impacts Josh Stein, the governor of North Carolina, warns of the potential impacts across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Southwestern parts of the state are under an ice storm warning, where widespread ice accumulations of a half-inch are expected, with higher elevations potentially seeing an inch. The central part of the state is largely under a winter storm warning, where snow and sleet totals of 1-4 inches are possible. Coastal North Carolina is under a winter weather advisory, where a glaze of ice up to two-tenths of an inch is possible and a snowfall/sleet mixture of an inch is possible. Here is the video of the Governor: https://weather.com/storms/winter/video/nc-governor-breaks-down-winter-storm-damage (07:35 p.m. EST) Know Your Frostbite Risk: Keeping Kids Safe In The Snow From meteorologist Tiffany Savona Advertisement Advertisement A snowstorm means kids will do almost anything to be able to go sledding, build a snowman or just play in the snoweven if that means going outside in the bitter cold. Unfortunately Winter Storm Fern will be met with record cold and dangerous wind chills. Please review this chart and find out how long it will take frostbite to set in on exposed skin. Kiddos need to be bundled up from head to toe with plenty of layers underneath a waterproof or water repellent coat and pair of pants. Make sure kids wear a hat and a face mask and remember mittens are better than gloves. To reduce the risk of frostbite, bring the kids inside often so they can warm up and sip hot chocolate. (07:20 p.m. EST) New York City Department Of Corrections Canceling Package/Visitor Drop-Offs The Department of Corrections in New York City has posted that they are canceling all package and visitor drop-offs for Rikers Island on Sunday due to the upcoming winter storm. Visits and package drop-offs will resume on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement New York City is under a winter storm warning from 3 a.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. EST Monday. Snowfall up to a foot is possible, and a switch to freezing rain is also possible Sunday night. Ice accumulations could reach 0.1 inches. Sleet is also expected to be mixed in. Gusts up to 35 mph could mean blowing snow could impact travel and reduce visibility, even if no new snow is falling. (06:54 p.m. EST) More Than 100,000 Customers Without Power Power outages continue to increase across the South and Southeast from this weekends winter storm. Texas and Louisiana each have around 50,000 customers without power, as of 6:45 pm EST. Below are some other states being impacted: Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico: 3,000+ customers Arkansas: 3,000+ customers Mississippi: 3,000+ customers Not that these reports are customers without powers, which can include entire families. (06:30 p.m. EST) City Of Atlantas Tips To Prevent Bursting Pipes With the onset of ice accumulation and cold temperatures, the city of Atlanta has issued some pointers to help prevent pipes from bursting. They include the following points: insulate pipes in cold places, let faucets drip, open cabinets to expose pipes to hot air, disconnect hoses and turn off sprinkles and keep the thermostat above 55 degrees F. Atlanta is under an ice storm warning until Monday morning, which is calling for anywhere from a quarter of an inch of ice to one inch of ice. Gusts up to 35 mph are also possible. The city is also under a cold weather advisory until Monday morning with wind chills potentially dropping to as low as 0 degrees F. (More: How To Prevent Pipes From Bursting) (06:10 p.m. EST) Virginia One Of 21 States Under State Of Emergency Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has declared a state of emergency due to the upcoming dangerous storm approaching. The entirety of the state is under winter storm warnings until Monday. The northern portions of the state are expected to see up to a foot of snowfall, with isolated pockets seeing more than a foot. Talk about a winter wonderland! The southern portion of the state will, unfortunately, see worse conditions. While they can still see some snowfall (widespread totals of 1-5 inches), the main concern is ice. There is a high chance of ice accumulations exceeding 0.25 inches. Numbers this high will likely bring power outages and travel delays, potentially lasting days after Fern ends. The state is one of 21 states that are under a state of emergency. For the latest list, see the graphic below: (05:38 p.m. EST) This NY Family Just Won the Snow Day From Content writer Toby Adeyemi Meanwhile in New York, one family is taking full advantage of the weather. They turned their backyard into a full hockey rink. Now this is the energy we need right now. The kids are out there skating, sticks in hand, living their best life. See what happens when you stop fighting the weather and just lean into it? While Fern hasnt actually brought any new snowfall yet, the whole state is under a winter storm warning beginning Sunday morning and lasting until Monday morning. Much of the state could see over a foot of snowfall, really bringing a winter wonderland to the state. (05:08 p.m. EST) Waffle Houses Are Actually Closing Across South Carolina, So Yes, It's That Bad From content writer Toby Adeyemi Multiple Waffle House locations across South Carolina's Upstate are shutting down by 5 p.m. today ahead of a major ice storm forecasters are calling "crippling." This is major because Waffle House doesn't close for anything: hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards they stay open through it all. In fact, FEMA literally uses the "Waffle House Index" to measure disaster severity. So when the chain that prides itself on never closing decides to lock up? That's your sign to stay inside. (04:46 p.m. EST) Ohio Governor To Declare State Of Emergency The governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine, has declared a state of emergency as dangerous conditions are expected across the state this weekend and into early next week. The entire state is under a winter storm warning. Cities like Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland will see their winter storm warnings end Monday. In total, these cities could get up to a foot of snowfall. Extreme cold alerts will last into the upcoming week as well, where wind chills well below zero are expected. (04:21 p.m. EST) Ice Accumulation Reports From Digital Meteorologist Rob Shackelford Ice accumulation reports are beginning to trickle in across the South. For a full list, click here. Below are some of the highest. Hall Summit, Louisiana: 0.75 inches Idabel, Oklahoma: 0.50 inches Timpson, Texas: 0.50 inches Mount Enterprise, Texas: 0.40 inches Over 20 million people remain under ice storm warnings. One swath of warnings stretches from eastern Texas to southwestern Tennessee, while the other includes the western Carolinas, eastern Tennessee and northern Georgia, including Atlanta. A third area of ice storm warnings has been issued for central Texas and includes Austin. (03:53 p.m. EST) During An Ice Storm, Dont Do This From managing editor Sean Breslin: One of the most difficult things about an ice storm and the power loss that follows is that cabin fever sets in quickly. Still, when thick ice coats trees, its incredibly dangerous to be outside. Branches can weigh three times more than normal during an ice storm, and branches can crash down without warning. If youve never experienced an ice storm, youll also be surprised to learn that a large ice-covered tree branch snapping sounds eerily similar to a gunshot. Its really hard to stay inside when youre eager to get out and walk around, but its extremely dangerous to be out and about when everythings covered in ice. (03:26 p.m. EST) Ice Storm Warning For Austin, Capitol Metro To End Service At 4 P.M. CST In anticipation of deteriorating conditions in Austin, Texas, the Capitol Metro will end all service in the city at 4 p.m. CST on Saturday. All regular services are suspended Sunday and conditions will be monitored for Monday. The city was recently upgraded to an ice storm warning until noon CST Sunday, with up to a half an inch of ice accumulation possible. An extreme cold warning is also in effect until noon CST Monday, with wind chills as low as minus 5 degrees. (03:08 p.m. EST) Severe Storm Threat From Louisiana To Florida Panhandle Sunday From Digital Meteorologist Rob Shackelford No, this isnt a joke. Across the southern end of this weekends winter storm, which has been named Fern by The Weather Channel, there is actually a threat of severe weather. The severe storm threat spreads from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle, stretching north into central Georgia. The strongest threat of severe storms, a level 2 of 5, spreads from the far southeast corner of Mississippi to the Florida Panhandle and southeast Georgia. The main threats are gusty winds, but a few tornadoes are possible as well. The storm really is pulling out all the stops. (02:42 p.m. EST) Flight Cancellations Steady Today, Much More Tomorrow Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images From content writer Renee Straker: Canceled flights across the U.S. have hovered under 4,000 so far today, but were seeing Sunday cancellations creep up, as airlines prepare for the worst of the weather impacts at major airport hubs. More than 8,000 Sunday flights are canceled so far, according to FlightAware.com. Today most of the cancellations are at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Charlotte-Douglas International. As freezing rain and ice reach the metro Atlanta area tonight, you can expect more cancellations out of Hartsfield-Jackson International. (02:15 p.m. EST) Wintry Weather Set To Expand In The South From senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles: Freezing rain, sleet and snow are already ongoing closer to the Mississippi River and in the Tennessee Valley, but a wintry mix is about to expand into northern Mississippi, Alabama and eastern Tennessee. Freezing rain and sleet are expected to be the predominant precipitation types through this afternoon with a larger layer of warm air still hanging on aloft. (01:48 p.m. EST) Your Electric Vehicle Probably Doesnt Like The Cold, Either With widespread power outages expected, those with EVs will need to be extra careful. Cold temperatures are able to drain your car's battery suprisingly quickly, even after the snow and ice have wrapped up. For More: (Here's How Your Electric Car Will Handle The Cold) (01:21 p.m. EST) West Virginia Declares State Of Emergency West Virginia has joined at least 18 other states under a state of emergency as the storm impacts their residents. After this kind of emergency declaration, National Guard members are often mobilized to assist local law enforcement and first responders. State governments can also request federal assistance. These are some of the other states that declared emergencies: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Washington, D.C., has also declared a state of emergency. (12:55 p.m. EST) Why Winds Are Also A Concern From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: One factor is likely to be an additional headache for those in the ice storm zone: winds. Thats because the force of the wind adds to the weight of accumulated ice on trees and power lines. That increases the likelihood of trees, limbs and power lines being toppled, leading to widespread power outages in these areas. And even when the freezing rain is over, lingering winds may continue to damage or topple ice-laden trees and trigger additional power outages as long as it remains cold. Ill never forget the sound of cracking, then falling trees during the pre-Super Bowl 2000 ice storm in Atlanta. We have more on ice storms and how to prepare for them here. (12:27 p.m. EST) Tennessee Cop Shows Why Roads Are a No-Go From content writer Toby Adeyemi: Sergeant Ellis from the Tennessee Highway Patrol just gave us a masterclass in "Please don't test these roads." He literally walked out onto the ice to show how bad it is roads that were salted this morning are already frozen over again. His windshield? Completely frosted. Then a car zooms past him and he drops the realest line, "Going isn't the problem stopping is." Translation: stay home unless it's life or death. Let's leave all the skating in Tennessee this weekend to the Nashville Predators. (12:04 p.m. EST) 18,000 Workers Standing By To Restore Power From executive producer Ron Brackett: Duke Energy, which provides electricity to about 4.7 million customers in North and South Carolina, said it has more than 18,000 workers positioned across the two states to restore power as soon as it's safe to do so. The workers come from 27 states and Canada. They are stationed in 22 basecamps, where they park their trucks, get food and board buses to hotels where they'll be staying. Freezing rain is going to be our enemy over the days ahead," said Rick Canavan, Duke Energy storm director. "It will build up on tree branches until the weight causes them to break bringing down power lines and poles. The freezing rain and ice will also make roads extremely difficult for our crews to navigate, slowing power restoration efforts. (11:48 a.m. EST) Snow Blankets New Mexico Mountains Heavy snow has covered the Sacramento Mountains in New Mexico. A Winter Storm Warning was expanded in the state this morning to include all of the mountains and parts of eastern Hudspeth County. The National Weather Service says a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for El Paso and several other areas. (11:27 a.m. EST) How To Accurately Measure Ice Accumulations National Weather Service From meteorologist Tiffany Savona: Did you ever try to measure ice from freezing rain? Its tough since ice doesnt coat the surface of objects evenly. The National Weather Service in Louisville, Kentucky, breaks down an easy way to accurately estimate the thickness of ice here. (11:04 a.m. EST) Ice Update, With A Little Good News From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: There are now reports of icing coming in as far south as the Texas Hill Country, including the town of Fredericksburg, west of Austin, known for its wineries. While there are already reports of accumulations in Shreveport, so far its been more sleet than ice, due to somewhat deeper, colder air near the ground. Sleet doesnt accumulate and weigh down trees and power lines like ice or snow, so thats generally better news if an area has more sleet than freezing rain. However, more freezing rain than sleet is generally expected in parts of the South going forward, leading to the danger of widespread power outages and downed trees. (10:40 a.m. EST) This Is A Thing: Snow-nado From lead editor Jenn Jordan: This storm isnt all bad (for now). It delivered a little magic in Norman, Oklahoma in the form of a mesmerizing snow-nado. Video shows wisps of snow caught in the wind at just the right angle, spinning into delicate, swirling columns. Light to moderate snow is expected to continue in the area for the rest of the morning, so keep an eye out! (10:15 a.m. EST) So... How Do Zoos Keep Their Animals Warm During Winter Storms? From content writer Toby Adeyemi: During winter storms, we get to stay bundled up or cuddled up, depending on how lucky we are. But what about the animals? Turns out, zoos have a whole playbook for keeping animals safe when it gets brutal out there. Buildings and barns get outfitted with heavy-duty heaters designed to handle extreme cold, and animals get extra hay and bedding to stay cozy. Sensitive species, like orangutans, gorillas and even endangered turtles, get brought indoors when temps drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit. But here's the thing: animals can't just binge-watch TV all day, so zoos ramp up enrichment activities like food puzzles, caretaker training sessions and nature sounds to keep them from going stir-crazy. Shout out to the zookeepers! (10:10 a.m. EST) This Will Be Definitely A Marathon Arkansas DOT Crews have been working throughout the night to clear snow off roads in Arkansas but, as soon as we make one pass, its covered again. said Dave Parker with Arkansas Department of Transportation. He gave us an update on the DOTs operations this morning, including how they use beet juice to help treat roads. Watch that interview here (09:51 a.m. EST) Power Outages Surge To More Than 80,000 In just the few hours since our first update, power outages have jumped to more than 80,000, according to PowerOutage.us. Texas is still reporting the largest number of outages with nearly 40,000 homes and businesses impacted. Outages in Louisiana have risen to more than 6,000. Arkansas, Minnesota, Arizona, Ohio and Michigan are all reporting outages under the 5,000 mark. (09:44 a.m. EST) Why Do Forecasts Differ So Much, Depending On The Source? From lead editor Jenn Jordan: This was the question posed in our weekly Ask A Met series, so we did just that. According to our Sara Tonks, the answer lies in the key difference between a weather model and a weather forecast. Models are raw computer simulations, meaning data only. Whereas forecasts are human-driven and therefore nuanced. Theyre the product of meteorologists comparing tons of different models and sources (plus their own experience). The result: Tiny differences in both the information and the interpretation can snowball into very different outcomes. Different apps and sites rely on different models, and of course, have different meteorologists digging into them. For more on how some models are just better at certain predictions (and Saras nod to "Jurassic Park"), read here. (09:30 a.m. EST) Latest Storm Reports From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: The peak snow totals weve seen so far are 6 inches in several locations, including the Little Rock metro and near Hays, Kansas. Dallas-Fort Worth is getting a little of everything from sleet and a little snow to some freezing rain on the far east and southeast side of the metro. Thats causing some elevated roads to ice over. Shreveport has picked up about a tenth of an inch of freezing rain, with sleet mixed in. Up to 1.5 inches of snow has been reported in the Memphis metro. 1 to 2 inches of snow has been reported in both the Tulsa and Wichita metro areas. (09:13 a.m. EST) Atlanta Is About To Get Iced Out From content writer Toby Adeyemi: An Ice Storm Warning has been issued across metro Atlanta. We're talking a quarter-inch to a full inch of iceenough to snap trees, knock out power, and turn roads into a slip n' slide. Saturday will likely stay dry until late afternoon, so if you're in the metro, handle your storm prep right now before conditions worsen over the next few hours. (08:57 a.m. EST) Minus 40s From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: Three reporting stations in the upper Midwest plunged into the -40s this morning. Two of them were near the Canadian border in northeast Minnesota, a notorious cold spot. Seagull, Minnesota, plunged to minus 43 degrees. The other was a reporting station in Iron County, Wisconsin, which bottomed out at minus 41 degrees. Meanwhile, Americas northernmost town, Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska, had a record high of 31 degrees above zero Friday. Its common for Alaska to be much warmer than average when the central and eastern U.S. is very cold. (08:43 a.m. EST) Empty Kennels At Animal Shelters Oconee Humane Society via Facebook From meteorologist Sara Tonks: After putting out calls on social media asking for anyone able to take in a foster animal for the weekend, animal shelters across the Southeast are happily reporting empty kennels ahead of the arrival of the winter weather. Every dog available for fostering at AthensPets in Athens, Georgia, and Oconee Humane Society in Seneca, South Carolina, (along with many others, Im sure!) has gone home with volunteers able to provide them with a safe and warm place to ride out the storm. Other animal shelters are prepping for the storm as well, including Fulton County Animal Services in Atlanta, which will have staff staying at the shelter for the weekend to take care of the animals. (08:28 a.m. EST) What Is A Wintry Mix? From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: Youve probably heard meteorologists say this, but may wonder what it means. A wintry mix is a mix of at least two of the following: snow, sleet or freezing rain. This term is used because sometimes the type of precipitation changes during a winter storm. For example, when the air is cold enough, one location may start as snow, then transition to sleet or freezing rain as warmer air above the ground moves in, then change back to snow as the storms center of low pressure moves away and deeper, colder air arrives. Other times, a location in warmer air may start as rain, but then as colder air crashes in, that may change to freezing rain, then sleet, then snow. Wondering about the difference between sleet and freezing rain? We have a brief explainer here. (08:10 a.m. EST) Flight Canceled? What To Know About Refunds From executive producer Ron Brackett: With thousands of flights being canceled, there's a good chance yours could be among them. Your airline will probably work to get you on the next available flight, but with this widespread storm, that could take a few days. If you decide to throw in the towel and not fly at all, the airline is legally required to refund your money even if you bought a non-refundable ticket, according to the Associated Press. It doesn't matter why the flight was canceled. Getty Images Even if the airline offers you a travel credit, you are still entitled to a full refund. You are also entitled to a refund of any bag fees, seat upgrades or other extras that you didnt get to use. If you paid with a credit card, a refund is due within seven business days after you decline an offer from the airline for another flight or a voucher, and within 20 calendar days if you paid for the ticket with a check or cash, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. (07:50 a.m. EST) Snow Before Sunrise In Tennessee As we mentioned earlier, parts of Tennessee are waking up to snow this morning. The Tennessee Department of Transportation showed conditions on Interstate 40 in West Tennessee. Were seeing local reports of at least one crash along I-40 in Nashville. (07:44 a.m. EST) Tens Of Thousands Without Power In These States As the temperatures plummet, more than 61,000 customers have lost power across the country so far this morning. The majority of those outages are in Texas, impacting more than 21,000 homes and businesses, according to PowerOutage.us. Just over 5,400 customers are without power in Arkansas. Minnesota, Oklahoma, Maryland and Michigan are also reporting significant outages. (07:24 a.m. EST) Bitter Cold Incoming From meteorologist Jennifer Gray: Not only is Winter Storm Fern bringing damaging and destructive ice and snow to a huge portion of the U.S., but record cold temperatures are settling in behind Ferns massive punch. Many areas impacted by ice could be without power during dangerously cold temperatures. Wind chills will bottom out at nearly 45 degrees below zero for the Northern Plains. Even the Deep South will experience record cold. Dozens of cold temperature records could fall between Sunday and Monday alone for many locations across Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas. (07:10 a.m. EST) Roadside Rescue In Oklahoma Two people who ended up in a ditch as heavy snow hit Muldrow, Oklahoma, got pretty lucky overnight. Meteorologist and storm chaser Jeff Piotrowski was able to pull them out as the wet snow blanketed Interstate 40. Piotrowski said at least 2 inches of snow was on the ground. (07:00 a.m. EST) Digging Out Old Batteries? Getty Images/Caroline Munsterman If youre preparing for power outages and pulling out spare batteries or power banks, there are some safety measures you should consider, especially when it comes to lithium-ion batteries. Danielle Spalding, lithium battery expert with Cirba Solutions, a leading battery recycler, gave us these tips: Inspect all batteries for signs of swelling/bloating, burn marks, cracks, corrosion, or overheating. These are signs that the battery is damaged and should not be used. If a battery appears damaged in any way, stop using it immediately. Store it separately, tape the terminals with clear tape, and place it in a clear anti-static bag if possible, until it can be taken to a proper recycling location. Store all batteries away from areas exposed to strong temperature swings and moisture. Unplug devices once charged. Overcharging can increase the risk of fire. Avoid leaving lithium batteries in extreme cold spaces, it could reduce their performancethis includes items like rechargeable power tools. (06:30 a.m. EST) Where Is Winter Storm Fern Now From meteorologist Jennifer Gray: The storm is dumping heavy snow from portions of North Texas to Tennessee this morning, while freezing rain and sleet have begun for the Dallas Metroplex and stretching into portions of northern Louisiana. Four inches of snow have been reported in Little Rock, and much more is to come. Expect conditions to continue to deteriorate through the day, as Fern moves eastward. You can track the latest watches, warnings and potential impacts here. (06:10 a.m. EST) First Look At Overnight Snow As the first flurries of snow arrived in parts of Texas and Arkansas overnight, residents got outside to take a look and document it. The heaviest snow has been falling in Oklahoma through Arkansas. Freezing rain and sleet is underway in Dallas and will continue through much of the day. (06:00 a.m. EST) Flight Cancellations Soaring More than 9,000 flights across the U.S. have been canceled today and tomorrow alone. Most of the cancellations are at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, according to FlightAware.com. Were also seeing hundreds of cancellations in Charlotte, Nashville, Chicago and Atlanta. DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 21 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron's aviator sunglasses have caught the eye, with social media users debating his choice of a "Top Gun" look as he criticised U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland during his speech in Davos. As he spoke at the annual World Economic Forum in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos on Tuesday, the French president wore dark, reflective sunglasses. Memes, comments and speculation over his appearance surged on social media, with some supporters praising him for his "Top Gun" look while opponents dismissed it as bombastic or speculated about his health. Advertisement Advertisement Macron's office said the choice to wear sunglasses during his speech, which took place indoors, was to protect his eyes because of a burst blood vessel. One meme, with the headline "Duel in Davos," was styled like a Top Gun parody, with Macron and Trump eyeballing each other, both wearing military-style flight suits, and Macron, looking very small next to Trump, sporting oversized aviator sunglasses. References to the 1986 movie starring Tom Cruise were ubiquitous. "Trump: be careful ... Macron is here," one social media user said on X, with a picture of the French president with the aviator glasses. "Could he not find some more sober glasses?" another user asked. Advertisement Advertisement Even Trump weighed in, mocking Macron for his glasses in his own Davos speech on Wednesday. Meanwhile, some of Macron's colleagues had gotten in on the act, with European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad posting a version of the "Soyboy vs Yes Chad" meme with Chad donning aviators and draped in a French flag. Italian group iVision Tech, which owns Henry Jullien, said the model worn by Macron was its Pacific S 01, with a price tag of 659 euros ($770) on its website. It said it sent Macron the sunglasses as a gift but that he had insisted on paying for them, and made sure they were made in France. The Milan-listed stock was up almost 6% on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement "The news this morning came as a surprise," the group's chief executive Stefano Fulchir said. "We were flooded with calls and requests on the website ... The site crashed." (Reporting by Alessandro Parodi, additional reporting by Elizabeth Pineau and Sybille de La Hamaide; editing by Ingrid Melander, Toby Chopra and Mark Heinrich) India must urgently realign its education, skilling, and hiring systems to keep pace with the rapid transformation of work driven by artificial intelligence, according to a new report released by AI4India. The recent study outlined a set of imperatives for policymakers, educational institutions, industry, and EdTech platforms, warning that fragmented or delayed responses could leave millions of graduates ill-prepared for the AI-era job market. The report, Future of Employability in the Age of AI: India's Playbook for Students, Institutions, and Industry, draws on more than 85 interviews conducted between November and December 2025 with leaders from industry, academia, government, EdTech, staffing firms, and student communities. The urgency of this research stems from three intersecting crises that, if left unaddressed in 2026, carry the risk of a fundamental decoupling of Indian higher education from the global economy with a direct impact on the employability of an entire generation of fresh graduates, it asserted. At the policy level, the report urged the government to declare AI literacy a national baseline across disciplines, rather than confining it to technical education. It also called for public funding of shared compute infrastructure and device-support schemes to address hardware gaps, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 institutions. Incentivising assessment reform, instead of banning AI use, and supporting Indic-language AI ecosystems are highlighted as critical steps to ensure inclusive participation in the AI economy in the report. Also, universities and colleges are encouraged to shift from "policing" AI to actively teaching with it. This includes redesigning assignments to reflect real-world, AI-augmented workflows; guaranteeing minimum access to devices and compute; and investing in faculty training and communities of practice. "Shift from policing AI to teaching with AI via redesigned assignments and transparent usage norms," the report read. "Declare AI literacy a national baseline and integrate it across disciplines; Fund shared compute and device-support schemes to close hardware gaps; Incentivise assessment reform, not AI bans; Support Indic language AI ecosystems and Indian datasets. Set a goal for sovereign foundational models being developed by IndiaAI Mission to enable code generation using AI in any of the multiple Indian Languages; Professionalise AI pedagogy through recognised faculty certification," it suggested the policymakers. Industry, particularly chief human resource officers (CHROs) and hiring leaders, is urged to play a more active role. The report recommended rewriting job descriptions to explicitly reflect AI-augmented responsibilities, adopting portfolio- and task-based hiring, and launching structured AI apprenticeships for early-career talent. Employers are also encouraged to co-design micro-curricula with universities and share anonymised use-case libraries to better align classroom learning with workplace realities. EdTech and skilling platforms, meanwhile, are advised to move beyond tool-centric tutorials toward capability-building programmes that emphasise reasoning, evaluation, and multi-tool orchestration. The report stressed the importance of integrating Indian sectoral challenges into learning pathways and designing mobile-first, multilingual experiences suited to low-bandwidth environments. (ANI) A fresh MAGA civil war has erupted ahead of the midterm elections, with one of President Donald Trumps most vocal allies lashing out at Vice President JD Vance over abortion and accusing him of being friends with degenerates. The scorched-earth tirade by MAGA acolyte Laura Loomer took place shortly after Vance appeared at the annual March for Life rally in Washington, D.C., where he touted Trump as the most pro-life president in history and encouraged anti-abortion activists to take heart in how far weve come. Vice President JD Vance speaks to a crowd during the 53rd annual March for Life rally on the National Mall. / Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images But Loomer questioned his presence at the event, asking her 1.8 million followers on X: Why is the GOP pushing more abortion messaging in a midterm election year? Didnt they learn their lesson in 2018? Advertisement Advertisement Trump doesnt like when the GOP focuses on abortion, she added. How many times does he have to say this? Trump gets it. The GOP will blow the midterms. Vance, however, clapped back, noting that the president himself had sent a video message that was played at the event on Friday, and had encouraged him to be there. The president literally sent a video to the March for Life today and encouraged me to accept their invitation, which I was happy to do. It's interesting that some "conservative influencers" spend all of their time attacking the administration and sowing division. Disgraceful https://t.co/zpWNThNXx9 JD Vance (@JDVance) January 23, 2026 Its interesting that some conservative influencers spend all of their time attacking the administration and sowing division, he said. Disgraceful actually. From there, things escalated even further. In a series of posts, Loomer suggested that this isnt about abortion. Its about @marcorubio. We all knowan apparent reference to the rumored rivalry between the vice president and the secretary of state, both of whom are likely contenders for the top of the GOP presidential ticket in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement We can pretend its about abortion though, lose the midterms & then the Democrats are going to impeach President Trump. Its sad to see. Ill keep fighting for Trump and calling out the REAL source of division, she added. Laura Loomer films President Donald Trump taking part in a dedication ceremony at Mar-a-Lago on Jan. 16, 2026. / Andrew Caballero-Rey/AFP via Getty Images She then hit out at Vance for failing to call out former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who called Trump a pedophile protector. Since the Vice President is so focused on conservative influencers causing division, I look forward to seeing him condemn the conservatives who called his wife a dirty jeet and his buddy Tucker Carlson, who has attacked every single policy of the Trump administration, Loomer wrote. Being aligned with the President is more important than being friends with degenerates, she continued. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are frontrunners for the top of the GOP ticket in 2028. / SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images The scathing back-and-forth between one of Trumps most outspoken MAGA acolytes and his vice president underscores the growing tensions that exist within his fracturing base. Advertisement Advertisement It also highlights the strategic dilemma the GOP faces as the midterms approach, with polls suggesting a tight race ahead. More than three years after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in 2022, abortion remains a galvanizing issue for conservatives, but poses risks among swing voters in competitive general elections. Indeed, some Republican strategists argue that overemphasis on abortion in past cycles contributed to setbacksa lesson echoed by Democrats successful framing of abortion rights as a central issue in the 2022 midterms. Trump has also warned his party against radical reform, backing away from calls for a national abortion ban during the 2024 election. Advertisement Advertisement Since then, leaders of the pro-life movement have been concerned by what they see as a lack of urgency from the administration on further curbing abortion access. Vance sought to address this at Fridays rally by highlighting efforts such as the expansion of the Mexico City policy, which bars foreign assistance from directly or indirectly subsidizing abortion programs, and ending the use of fetal tissue from aborted babies in federally-funded research. Attendees listen as Vice President JD Vance delivers remarks during the annual March for Life rally on the National Mall on Jan. 23, 2026. / Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images We believe that every country in the world has the duty to protect life, Vance told a sea of supporters waving signs reading Choose Life and Make More Babies. He also touted his own baby news: that he and Second Lady Usha Vance are expecting their fourth child, a son, in July. Advertisement Advertisement Let the record show, you have a vice president who practices what he preaches, Vance said. Trumps video message also sought to assuage concerns among pro-lifers, who defied frigid conditions to gather at the National Mall before marching to the U.S Supreme Court. Six years ago, I was proud to be the first president in history to attend this march in person, Trump told the crowd through a big screen. Since then, we have made unprecedented strides to protect innocent life and support the institution of the family like never before. Theres never been anything like it. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a warning this week that gun policies in her state could lead to catastrophe as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers under Donald Trump ramp up their increasingly violent, illiberal and racist crackdown on immigrants and their allies. And some of the presidents supporters are quite unhappy about it. In an interview with Phoenixs NBC affiliate, the Democratic attorney general said Arizonas Stand Your Ground law which allows people to use lethal force to defend themselves from imminent danger rather than flee could lead to shootouts if Trumps often masked, frequently unidentifiable immigration agents act in the violent fashion that has been documented nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement To be clear, Mayes was not advocating that anyone carry out violence against immigration authorities or impede their work. In fact, when asked whether she was giving license for people to shoot ICE agents, she said, Absolutely not. But she also noted the confusion that could arise: If youre being attacked by someone who is not identified as a peace officer, how do you know? By the way, Im a gun owner. If somebody comes at me wearing a mask and I cant tell whether theyre a police officer, what am I supposed to do? Mayes was issuing a warning about the risky combination of federal government overreach and Arizonas gun laws not a threat against ICE. Nonetheless, some in the MAGA movement influencers and lawmakers, mainly chose to frame her comments as menacing. The irony here is noteworthy. Many conservatives, such as Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona, frequently tout gun ownership as a necessary bulwark against federal government overreach. The MAGA movement tends to lionize people who take up arms against purported federal overreach, and they even have flags with cutesy phrases to promote the idea that the federal authorities will be met with violent force if they infringe on Americans rights. Advertisement Advertisement Yet according to conservatives twisted logic, a Democratic official recognizing reality in her gun-loving state is beyond the pale. The post MAGA world throws an ironic tantrum over Arizona AGs warning about ICE and guns appeared first on MS NOW. This article was originally published on ms.now A Haralson County man was arrested after deputies said he stole mail and packages from neighborhoods across a large portion of the county. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to the Haralson County Sheriffs Office, earlier this week, deputies began receiving reports of mailboxes being opened and mail packages stolen in multiple areas, including communities from Bremen to Draketown and across the eastern side of the county. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said tips from residents played a key role in the case. Citizens reported suspicious activity, shared a vehicle description, and provided video footage that helped deputies track down the suspect. On Wednesday night, a resident also discovered a large amount of dumped mail, which deputies collected and documented as evidence. TRENDING STORIES: The investigation led deputies to identify the suspect as Anthony Evans. On Thursday afternoon, Haralson County deputies working alongside Bremen police and Georgia State Patrol located Evans vehicle using Flock camera technology. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said Evans was arrested shortly after 3 p.m., following a traffic stop. taking Evans remains in custody, facing felony theft by taking and additional charges. The United States Postal Inspector is also involved in the investigation, and officials say more charges could be filed. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Deputies said they recovered a significant amount of stolen mail and will begin identifying and contacting the victims over the next week to return items. The investigation remains ongoing. Roughly 500 people attended an anti-ICE rally in the Agora Palace Event Center in Lewiston on Jan. 24, 2026 while roughly the same number braved single-digit temperatures and marched outside. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star) Hundreds in force, Mainers rallied this weekend against the Trump administrations immigration operation in the state, decrying the arrests of their neighbors and recognizing those afraid to leave their homes who couldnt join in protest. Since U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement heightened its presence in Maine on Tuesday, the agency said it has arrested at least 100 people but provided few specifics, as public officials have called for transparency, to no avail. Community organizers, faith leaders, business owners, political officials and candidates at protests in Portland and Lewiston demanded accountability, pointing to the known detentions of at least several people with permission to work in the U.S. and no criminal records. Advertisement Advertisement Others shared personal stories and the anguish of loved ones who are afraid to leave their homes. Usually filled with children doing their homework and laughing, the office of Generational Noor, a youth education nonprofit in Lewiston, is now empty, said executive director Amran Osman. Theyre scared to show up because they think that showing up to somewhere means that they might not make it home, Osman said. No child should have to feel this way. Safiya Khalid, executive director of the Community Organizing Alliance, a Lewiston-based group boosting civic engagement among Black and immigrant communities, said her phone is filled with requests for help. A friend afraid to drive into work. Another in need of food, fearful theyll be picked up outside the store. Detentions in both scenarios have already been documented in Maine. Advertisement Advertisement But at the same time, human rights activist Faisal Khan told Maine Morning Star, more and more people are waking up; more and more people are speaking out, not only in protest but really showing support to the marginalized communities that are being targeted right now. While many comments at rallies were targeted calls to get ICE out of Maine, speeches were also filled with gratitude for how community members have stepped up. There is an effort in this country to define who belongs and who does not to convince people that if it is not happening to them, it is not their problem, Khalid said. But here is what they miscalculated: they underestimated community. They underestimated neighbors who will drive each other to work. They underestimated networks that would deliver groceries. They underestimated people who refused to look away. In Portland Friday night, passing cars honked incessantly amid the chants of the roughly 1,000 people gathered in Monument Square, where speakers demanded justice for Minneapolis resident Renee Good and others killed by federal agents, before marching down Congress Street, stopping traffic. Advertisement Advertisement The next morning in Minneapolis, federal immigration officers shot another U.S citizen. On Saturday afternoon, about 500 people gathered inside the Agora Event Center in Lewiston, many taking to the podium to condemn that latest killing, while equally as many people marched outside in solidarity in single digit temperatures. Other actions were held across the state, including about 60 people who lined the streets of Saco, and dozens more who protested South Portland. Rally on Monument Square in Portland in protest of ICE arrests of immigrants on Jan. 23, 2026. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star) Amran Osman speaks the anti-ICE rally in the Agora Palace Event Center in Lewiston on Jan. 24, 2026. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star) Anti-ICE rally in the Agora Palace Event Center, a converted Catholic church, in Lewiston on Jan. 24, 2026. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star) Pointed critiques and calls to action In a statement condemning the recent killing, Gov. Janet Mills said she requested a meeting with President Donald Trump to demand in-person that his administration withdraw these untrained and reckless ICE agents in Maine and across the country who are stoking fear in communities, arresting legally present people, including law enforcement officials, and who pose a grave threat to public safety. Mills also called on Congress to immediately bring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem before them for a public hearing and to cut off further funding for ICE until their lawless tactics and dangerous behavior cease. Advertisement Advertisement Some who rallied in Lewiston and Portland criticized Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Golden for voting for a spending package Thursday after many other Democrats rejected it, objecting to funding the Department of Homeland Security amid aggressive immigration enforcement. Others directed their anger toward Republican U.S. Sen Susan Collins. Democrat Troy Jackson, gubernatorial candidate and former president of the Maine Senate, said, I hear all the time about the supposed power and influence of U.S. Senator Susan Collins. Well, Senator Collins, this would be a great time to use it. Graham Platner, the oysterman trying to unseat Collins, called on current Maine leaders to do more. Advertisement Advertisement Platner criticized Mills for delaying her decision on a forthcoming law that will restrict local police from cooperating with ICE. State and local police already couldnt enforce immigration laws, which are a federal matter, however local authorities have contributed to immigration arrests in Maine, including through traffic stops and 911 calls. While the Maine Legislature passed it last year, Mills let it become law without signature earlier this month, making it so it cant take effect until the summer. Maine State Police, however, is already following the law. Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck issued a directive last month that essentially implemented its underlying policies. Democratic State Rep. Ambureen Rana of Bangor also called out Mills during the rally in Portland, arguing that fear of government retaliation for the law was regarded above the terror that immigrants in our community face day-to-day. Immigration authorities and state Republicans have pointed to that law when defending the surge of immigration enforcement in Maine. Advertisement Advertisement Every elected official is complicit, Rana said, and they must be held accountable. They must be pushed. They must be swayed and brought along in this movement. Other calls for action came from Jackson, who said the state needs to create more accessible systems of accountability, such as a civil rights and legal action team. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, a Democrat who is also running for governor, said the state ought to use the documented evidence of ICEs actions so far to hold the agency accountable. And another Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Hannah Pingree, called on governors and attorneys general across the country to file suit every single time the Constitution is violated by ICE. Lauren McCauley contributed to this reporting. MACHIAS In October, the Washington County Commission sent letters to 53 municipalities and the Passamaquoddy Nation asking them to consider prepaying their portion of the $8 million 2025 tax anticipation note to ease the countys debt. As of this week, 28 towns have agreed to prepay, and three more are scheduled to meet in the coming week to vote on the payment, according to county records. Towns that have agreed to prepay so far account for $5.5 million, and the county has already received $4.3 million of that amount. Advertisement Advertisement Six towns Baileyville, Beddington, Danforth, Deblois, Pembroke and Princeton and the Passamaquoddy Nation have declined to prepay, representing a combined $1.2 million. Voters in Cooper were scheduled to meet Friday. Machiasport voters are scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Monday at Fort OBrien School, and Perry voters are set to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Town of Perry Municipal Building to make their decisions. Voters in Roque Bluffs are also scheduled to meet Monday, but officials there have already signaled to the county that they will prepay their share. Meddybemps Town Clerk Tammi Smith said officials have not scheduled a meeting because they have been focused on sending out tax bills and on $40,000 in community center repairs. Advertisement Advertisement Now that the tax bills are out, Smith said, the town can focus on a decision about the 2025 tax anticipation note, or TAN, prepayment. County commissioners are scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Washington County Courthouse in Machias to calculate prepayments and discuss how the county will cover its 2025 tax anticipation note owed to Machias Savings Bank, which is due Feb. 20. Officials said the meeting will be livestreamed. Federal immigration officers shot and killed a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, as protests continue to rock the city. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara confirmed that the 37-year-old man was killed, but did not identify him. He was later identified as Alex Pretti, after his parents confirmed his death to The Associated Press. He was an intensive care unit nurse born in Illinois. He cared about people deeply and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States and ICE, as millions of other people are upset, Michael Pretti said of his son. He felt that doing the protesting was a way to express that, you know, his care for others. Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security says the man was armed and the agents believed he was a threat. They released a photo of the gun they said he was carrying. This incident came just one day after an estimated 15,000 people demonstrated Friday in a general strike, where many Minnesotans did not go to work, school or shop as they ask the federal government to remove Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol officers from the city. The shooting occurred early Saturday in southern Minneapolis and details about what led up to the incident are limited. Video shared online shows officers struggling and forcing a man to the ground before officers pull out their guns and shoot him. Once the man falls to the ground and is limp, officers continued to fire shots at him. Federal agents stand near the site of a shooting Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. | Abbie Parr, Associated Press Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the public after the shooting, asking the administration to pull its officers from the city. Advertisement Advertisement How many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end? he asked. The Department of Homeland Security defended its Border Patrol agents, and said officers were conducting a targeted operation on an undocumented immigrant wanted for violent assault. They were approached by an individual with a 9 millimeter semi-automatic handgun, DHS said in a post online. The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted, the post said. Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. DHS noted that more details on the struggle between the individual and officers and the eventual shooting and death are forthcoming. The department did say that the suspect had two magazines and no identification, so it looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Medics delivered aid to the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene. At 9:05 AM CT, as DHS law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault, an individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, seen here. The officers attempted to pic.twitter.com/5Y50mYONGH Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 24, 2026 Minneapolis police chief calls for calm OHara said local police believe the man was a lawful gun owner that had a permit to carry. He called for calm and peace from both the public and the federal officials. Our demand today is for those federal agencies that are operating in our city to do so with the same discipline, humanity and integrity that effective law enforcement in this country demands, he said. We urge everyone to remain peaceful. We recognize that there is a lot of anger and a lot of questions around what has happened, but we need people to remain peaceful. The shooting happened after weeks of protest and unrest in the Twin Cities after the Trump administration deployed federal ICE agents to the area to conduct immigration enforcement. The anger in the city intensified after the killing of 37-year-old Renee Good on Jan. 7, which also occurred under disputed circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement After word spread that the man had been shot, protesters quickly gathered in the area, where officers blocked off the scene for an investigation. Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are asking the administration to let the state conduct the investigation, which was not the case for Goods murder when federal authorities took over the case and excluded state investigators. Federal immigration officers deploy pepper spray at protesters after a shooting Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. | Abbie Parr, Associated Press OHara and local police are also pushing back on DHS requests and said local law enforcement will only be patrolling in marked vehicles from now on. We understand your frustrations, he said. This is not sustainable. Asked about DHS claims about the shooting, OHara said the video circulating online speaks for itself. Advertisement Advertisement In his remarks, Frey called on President Trump to recall the officers from the city and state. He said that for the president, this is a moment to act like a leader. He noted that during Fridays strike, no violence occurred, no windows were broken, and he is tired of being told that Minnesotans are the ones responsible for the violence. Those peaceful protests embody the very principles that both Minneapolis and America was founded upon, Frey said. Conversely, the mass militarized force and unidentified agents who are occupying our streets, that is what weakens our country. That is what erodes trust in both law enforcement and democracy itself. So to everyone listening, stand with Minneapolis. Stand up for America, he continued. Recognize that your children will ask you what side you were on. Your grandchildren will ask you what you did to prevent this from happening. Trump weighed in on the shooting online, asking where the local police were. He said that the demonstrations and violence in Minnesota is a cover up of the states ongoing fraud investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Much of what youre witnessing is a COVER UP for this Theft and Fraud. The Mayor and the Governor are inciting Insurrection, these sanctimonious political fools should be looking for the Billions of Dollars that has been stolen from the people of Minnesota, and the United States of America, he wrote. LET OUT ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB! Trump said. 12,000 Illegal Alien Criminals, many of them violent, have been arrested and taken out of Minnesota. If they were still there, you would see something far worse than you are witnessing today! Federal immigration officers deploy tear gas after a shooting Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. | Abbie Parr, Associated Press Trumps post comes after he previously threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to put an end to the protests. Amid the protests and tension, Vice President JD Vance also recently traveled to Minnesota to deliver remarks about the ongoing unrest. Advertisement Advertisement Vance urged state and local officials to cooperate with immigration enforcement. In an address, Walz called on Trump again to remove the federal agents from his state. They are sowing chaos and violence. Weve seen deadly violence from federal agents again, and again, and again, Walz said. He announced that he had spoken with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles on Saturday after the shooting. He first asked her to get her people out of Minnesota and demanded that the state will handle the investigation. Walz confirmed that he has called on the Minnesota National Guard to be deployed to Minneapolis with the effort to drive away the ICE agents and have our people aid the protesters expressing their First Amendment rights. Soldiers have been on active duty for a week and ready to aid the Hennepin County law enforcement. A man who allegedly shot two teens, one of them fatally, in Orange County last year has been located and captured in Vietnam. Quoc-Bao Viet Le is accused of shooting two boys on July 5, 2025, near the Plaza Court Apartments in the 1100 block of Court Street in Stanton, an FBI agent wrote in a criminal complaint first reported by Seamus Hughes Court Watch. The shooting killed Samuel Louie Vidal of San Bernardino, who was said to be 15 years old by local officials at the time but who was said to be 16 by the FBI, and wounded another boy, 13. Advertisement Advertisement Orange County investigators identified Le as one of the two shooters who attacked the boys, then fled the scene in a black Mercedes-Benz. A little over two weeks after the shooting, Le was charged with murder, attempted murder, malicious and willful discharge of a firearm, and criminal conspiracy. However, hed already fled to Vietnam via Hong Kong more than a week before, the complaint explained. On Jan. 14, Le was found in Vietnam and taken into custody, with the Orange County District Attorneys Office working to extradite him back to the U.S. Upon his return, hes likely to face another charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, the FBI agent said. He did not appear in a search of Orange County jail records Friday night. 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 KTLA. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) An Israeli man held hostage by Hamas in Gaza shared his story of courage and resilience during a stop in Southern Nevada on Friday. I survived what I survived, Yair Horn said. And it was hell. Horn sat down with 8 News Now before speaking at Shabbat services at Congregation Ner Tamid in Henderson. He was one of approximately 251 Israeli hostages captured by Hamas during the attacks on October 7, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement We get the message that there are Hamas terrorists inside the kibbutz, he explained. And a few minutes after that, they were in my house. Before Horn knew it, he told 8 News Now that masked men broke into his safe room inside his home in Nir Oz in southern Israel, shooting through the door and holding him at gunpoint. Download the 8 News Now streaming app I walk out with my hands up, Horn said. And they took me to the Gaza Strip. Horn would spend 498 days locked in a cell underground with four other people, including his younger brother, Eitan Horn, enduring the unimaginable. You live day by day, Horn said. But you never lose the hope. Advertisement Advertisement Hope eventually became reality when Horn got his freedom back with his release on February 15, 2025. We were in a group of five people, in the cell, Horn recalled. And they told us just two of us are getting released. An Israeli man held hostage by Hamas in Gaza shared his story of courage and resilience during a stop in Southern Nevada on Friday. (Sasha Loftis/KLAS) An Israeli man held hostage by Hamas in Gaza shared his story of courage and resilience during a stop in Southern Nevada on Friday. (Sasha Loftis/KLAS) However, he was forced to leave his brother behind, which Horn described as excruciating. It was the worst, He said. Because I left my little brother in captivity. Eitan Horn regained his freedom eight months later, in the final group of Israeli hostages released as part of a ceasefire in October. I thought I would never be able to get our freedom back, Horn said. Las Vegas family seeks justice after ICE deports driver who killed woman Advertisement Advertisement Horn added that he hopes to always honor those who didnt make it through that dark day in October 2023. I will never forget that I lost a lot of friends during the war, he concluded. During the seventh of October. Horn told 8 News Now his familys home in Israel was also destroyed, but he has been back since his release and is focused on rebuilding. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A man was shot to death inside of his car on the city's Northwest Side on Friday night, Chicago police said. Police said the shooting happened in the Humboldt Park neighborhood near North Saint Louis and West Wabansia avenues just before 9 p.m. A 30-year-old man was inside of his parked vehicle when a suspect walked up, took out a gun and opened fire, police said. The victim, shot in the head, was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement The shooter fled the scene on foot, police said. There is no one in custody, and Area Five detectives are investigating. Police did not immediately provide further information about the shooting. INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood Alex Pretti. Photograph: Dimitri Drekonja The Minnesota man who was killed by federal agents on Saturday has been identified as Alex Pretti, 37, a registered nurse working in the intensive care unit at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, which serves veterans. It is the second fatal shooting this month in Minneapolis, in addition to another non-fatal shooting, amid a major crackdown in Minnesota by federal agents. Related: 37-year-old US citizen shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis Advertisement Advertisement Pretti attended nursing school at the University of Minnesota, where he was also a junior scientist beginning in 2012, according to his LinkedIn profile. Friends and colleagues expressed shock at his killing, describing Pretti as a kind, caring person who cared deeply about his work. He wanted to help people, said Dimitri Drekonja, chief of infectious diseases at the VA hospital and professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, who worked with Pretti at the hospital and on a research project. He was a super nice, super helpful guy looked after his patients. Im just stunned. He described Pretti as an outstanding nurse and a hard worker, quick with a joke and an infectious spirit. He was such a good dude, Drekonja told the Guardian. I just love working with him. Advertisement Advertisement Prettis family, meanwhile, have pushed back on the Trump administrations account that Pretti had threatened to attack officers with a gun. We are heartbroken but also very angry, said Michael and Susan Pretti, Alexs parents, said in a statement shared with the media. The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting, the family statement continued. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trumps murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper-sprayed. Please get the truth out about our son, Prettis parents urged. He was a good man. Advertisement Advertisement Michael Pretti described his son to the Associated Press as someone who cared about people deeply, and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, as millions of other people are upset. He felt that doing the protesting was a way to express that, you know, his care for others, the elder Pretti said. Videos circulating online on Saturday show Pretti directing traffic and filming federal agents, his right hand holding up his phone and his left hand empty. Another video shows him being wrestled to the ground by several law enforcement officers before appearing to be shot several times. At least two officers can be seen with their weapons drawn. Other videos show Pretti seemingly coming to the defense of a legal observer who was shoved to the ground by a federal officer. That officer then sprays Pretti with a chemical agent, repeatedly, before tackling him to the street along with other agents. As at least five agents surround Pretti on the ground, one appears to fire a shot at him at close range, followed by a volley of more shots, after which his body goes still. Advertisement Advertisement From what I can see, he was trying to help pull someone away, which is just totally in character for him, Drekonja said. Police chief Brian OHara later said during a press conference on Saturday that Prettis only known previous interaction with law enforcement was for traffic tickets. OHara also noted Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. Prettis parents, who lived in Wisconsin and are now in Colorado, told the AP that during a recent conversation with their son, they warned him about being careful during protests. We had this discussion with him two weeks ago or so, you know, that go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically, Michael Pretti said. And he said he knows that. He knew that. Advertisement Advertisement When Pretti was in nursing school, Drekonja hired him to help support a study on preventing C diff, a devastating bacterial infection. He was instrumental in completing our trial, Drekonja said. He was always asking the rest of the team what he could do. He was always trying to do what he could to free up space for others. Pretti obtained his nursing license in 2021, and it was active through 2026. He also assisted on research in 2016. The Minnesota Organization of Registered Nurses (MNORN) released a statement about Prettis death that said: Today, our nursing community is grieving. We have lost a fellow registered nurse to an act of violence connected to immigration enforcement. Regardless of where each of us stands on the issues surrounding this moment, the loss of a nurse, a caregiver, a colleague, a human being cuts us deeply. This message is not about politics. It is about mourning a life taken too soon and honoring the calling we all share. As nurses, we understand loss in a way others may not understand. We know how quickly life can change, how fragile safety can feel, and how pain reaches far beyond one individual to families, coworkers, patients, and communities. When one nurse is lost, all of us feel it. Advertisement Advertisement Dr Aasma Shaukat, who told the Washington Post that she hired Pretti at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System about a decade ago, recalled him to be the sweetest, kindest, gentlest soul you ever met. He was very bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, he wanted to get into the health care field, work with patients and be a nurse, she told the Post. He did wonderful. Did his work really well, was a team player. Shaukat also said Pretti always stood for people and human rights, helping fellow citizens and just being a good citizen of society and the communities that he lived in. Of the videos circulating on the shooting, Shaukat told the paper: It just feels so wrong. Knowing Alex, he was probably trying to protect or help or shield somebody from the agents. He had not a single mean bone in his body; always spoke about doing the right thing. Pretti loved mountain biking, and he and Drekonja always talked about biking together on the trails they both frequented. He found humor in life, and thats whats just so sad about seeing this, Drekonja said. Its just a huge tragedy. Victoria Bekiempis contributed reporting In a tragic incident, a 24-year-old law student was killed after a school bus hit his motorcycle on the Modi Mill Flyover in South Delhi on Thursday afternoon. Delhi Police have apprehended a school bus driver and registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rash driving and causing death by negligence. The fatal road accident occured at around 3:30 PM, due to the collision of a school bus and a motorcycle on the Modi Mill Flyover. The deceased motorcyclist, identified as Vinamra, was a resident of Kotla Mubarakpur and was rushed to Apollo Hospital following the collision. He was a third-year LLB student at Chaudhary Charan Singh University. Regrettably, he was declared dead upon arrival. The body has been preserved at the AIIMS mortuary for the post-mortem examination. An FIR has been registered under Sections 281 and 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the driver of the school bus, identified as Vijender, was apprehended at the scene. He had initially assisted in taking the victim to the hospital. Charges filed under BNS for rash driving and causing death by negligence. Both the school bus and the motorcycle have been seized for forensic and mechanical inspection. While there are no immediate eyewitnesses to the impact, police are analysing the scene and vehicle positioning to reconstruct the events. Further investigation into this matter is in progress. (ANI) Clods of soil poking through the snow show where manure was previously applied to an agricultural field in south central Iowa. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Sen. Ken Rozenboom and his family have farmed and raised hogs for decades in south central Iowa. The Rozenbooms, like most livestock operators in Iowa, collect the hog manure in on-site lagoons, pump it into tanks and transport it to nearby fields where it is incorporated into the soil as fertilizer. Advertisement Advertisement Like other medium to large livestock operators in Iowa, Rozenboom has a manure management plan on file with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and he calculates annually the amount of manure, based on the nutrients phosphorus and nitrogen, that can be applied to the field. This system, according to Rozenboom, means all of the manure in his operation is accounted for and the cost of fertilizer keeps farmers from over-applying to any particular field. This this isnt done willy-nilly, like some people seem to think it is, Rozenboom said. Its very precise. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement But water quality advocates in the state say these manure management plans do not sufficiently regulate the massive amounts of manure produced by Iowas concentrated animal feeding operations. This in turn, they say, contributes to consistently high nutrient concentrations in Iowa rivers, lakes and drinking water. Iowa Environmental Council and Food & Water Watch have called for greater enforcement of the manure management plans, an online database of the plans and for farms to avoid over-applying nutrients. The environmental groups argue too much of the livestock industrys waste ends up in Iowa waterways and negatively impacts the health of Iowans and the environment. What is a manure management plan? Manure management plans are required in Iowa for any confined, meaning totally roofed, livestock feeding operations with a total animal unit capacity of more than 500 units. Advertisement Advertisement The plans includes estimates, based on established values from the farm, of the amount of manure, plus the manures nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. The second part of the plan requires farmers to determine the maximum manure application rate for each of the fields where they plan to apply manure. This amount is determined using information on crop rotation and proven yields to determine how much nitrogen and phosphorus would be taken up by the crop. Under the manure management plan, farmers are not allowed to apply amounts of manure that would exceed these nutrient limitations on each field. On farm records Manure application records are not submitted to DNR, but are kept on farm in case the department decides to audit a farms manure plan. Advertisement Advertisement In a conversation explaining manure management on his farm, Rozenboom displayed a sheet of notebook paper where his great nephews had meticulously recorded, by hand, the date and amount of manure applied to each of the fields in his manure plan. Critics of the plan argue these records should be submitted to DNR as part of digital, public record. Michael Schmidt, general counsel with Iowa Environmental Counsel said records, like air emissions and solid waste discharges are public in every other industry. We clearly see that some of the nitrogen is getting from these agricultural sources into public water supplies and causing issues downstream, Schmidt said. This is an issue of public concern, and so it does not make sense to keep that confidential when people downstream are being directly affected. Advertisement Advertisement Daniel Andersen, an associate professor at Iowa State University and a manure specialist with the university extension program, said this information is not public, likely because its viewed as proprietary information for a farmer. Most farms today, I dont think theyre putting on malicious amounts of manure on purpose, Andersen said. I think generally, fertilizer prices have risen enough, relative to the cost of manure application, that theyre trying to use manure responsibly. Plus, Andersen noted, farmers who rely on commercial, non-manure, fertilizers, are not required to report the amounts they applied, nor adhere to a nutrient limit. Because manure is difficult and expensive to transport, it works out that 25% to 30% of all nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium used to support crop production in the state comes from manure. The rest of those needs are met with synthetic fertilizers, according to Andersen. Advertisement Advertisement Schmidt with Iowa Environmental Council said its also problematic that manure management plans, while public, are not more accessible. Tammie Krausman, the communications director with DNR, said the manure management plans are available for review at the field offices or via public records requests. Records maintained by the facility to demonstrate compliance with the plans are statutorily mandated as confidential records Krausman said. Schmidt said this means that even if a neighbor suspects someone is doing something wrong on their field, theres no way that they can prove that by checking the records. Advertisement Advertisement Rozenboom argued that spot checks work in a number of systems to keep players honest. Plus, the economics mean a farmer wouldnt want to apply more manure than what his field needed. The way the math works out, the manure he applies is worth about $280 per acre in nutrients. Now, I dont know too many people, farmers, or otherwise that are gonna burn half their money they cant afford to do that, Rozenboom said. Sen. Ken Rozenboom inspects a coulter on a manure injector used to incorporate hog manure into surrounding agricultural fields. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Andersen said manure management plans typically include more fields than where a farmer typically applies manure to account for a year where they might have more manure than they planned for. Audits While some of the records are not public, DNR can request them from farmers at any time, and they are reviewed by the department in the event of an audit. Advertisement Advertisement According to Krausman, in 2025 DNR staff conducted 745 onsite inspections of animal feeding operations that would have included a review of manure management plans. Krausman said DNR has consistently pursued enforcement actions since 2020 for animal feeding operation violations like late manure management plans, construction violations and prohibited discharges. A top priority for the DNR is manure discharges that reach state waters, Krausman said in an email. All such incidents are referred to DNR Legal Services for review and potential further enforcement action. Since 2020, DNR has issued 97 enforcement actions related to manure management plans and 62 enforcement actions related to prohibited discharges at animal feeding operations. Advertisement Advertisement The environmental group Food & Water Watch issued a blueprint for clean water in Iowa, with a slew of legislative suggestions that would ensure that Iowas water is drinkable for generations to come. Several suggestions related to manure management in the state. The blueprint called for a publicly available database with manure management plan data, requirements for DNR to inspect one-fifth of all permitted animal operations annually and a mandate that farms monitor for discharges during and immediately after land application. DNR relies on producers and the public to report spills of manure and other contaminants that end up in Iowa waterways. An analysis from Food & Water Watch, using DNR records, found that between 2013 and 2023, there were 179 instances of manure discharges to Iowa waterways, killing approximately 2 million fish over the time frame. Food & Water Watchs proposed solution is to mandate that all large concentrated animal feeding operations require federal discharge permits that are enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Dani Replogle, an attorney with Food & Water Watch, said these permits would give transparent information to the public and regulators about pollution entering waterways. We need federal nutrient management plans instead of Iowas manure management plan, and we need those permits to include monitoring so that we can see whats actually happening, what pollution is coming off of these facilities, and then have a way to force facilities to make changes when it comes out that they are polluting water, Replogle said. Replogle said manure management plans are a completely inadequate way to address the pollution crisis in Iowa, because the plans are written by farmers. Its really a case of the fox guarding the hen house, Replogle said. A limit, not a recommendation Andersen said the biggest point of confusion he sees with manure management plans is that producers will often view the nitrogen and phosphorus maximums as an application recommendation. I think for a long time, people thought of it sort of as a recommendation tool thats how much nitrogen I should be putting on and thats not the case, Andersen said. He explained that while the current nitrogen use factors in Iowa, as shown in part of the manure management plan, range from 0.9 pounds of nitrogen per bushel, to 1.2 pounds per bushel, data gathered from on-farm trials by the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative show that on average, farms need 0.93 pounds of nitrogen per bushel of corn. Andersen said these trials give a recommended amount of nitrogen that should be applied, which is lower than the value that most farmers can put on their manure management plan. The manure management plan is sort of setting a limit of where most fields wont be nitrogen limited, Andersen explained. It is not a nitrogen recommendation tool, and shouldnt be treated as such. He said in most manure-applied fields, farmers try to apply manure as close to the nutrient limits as they can. Part of this, he explained, is because it takes about 60 working days to apply all of the estimated manure produced in Iowa each year. Add in rain delays and the time it takes to move equipment and the reality is more like 80 to 90 days needed for application. Its easy to sit and say, We should legislate so that no ones allowed to put manure on before X date on the calendar but if we dont have the capacity to do that, we run into other issues, Andersen said. Replogle with Food & Water Watch said in addition to nitrogen and phosphorus running off of a field and into waterways, manure application can lead to other types of pollution. Replogle said things like fecal coliform bacteria, chloride, heavy metals and traces of antibiotics are all pollutants that could be in manure. Theres a lot of other stuff in CAFO waste that is not being accounted for with a manure management plan or a nutrient management plan for that matter, Replogle said. Andersen said when it comes to manure applications relationship with water quality, ground cover, rather than application rate, is more important. A field with vegetation in the ground is more likely to hold on to nutrients, especially during a rain event, than an empty field. Cropping system matters a lot, and we need to try and encourage having vegetation all the time, Andersen said. The state-led Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy has encouraged farmers to adopt cover crops and optimized nitrogen application strategies as methods to reduce the nutrient load ending up in Iowa waterways. The state has also implemented grants and funding programs to help establish vegetation along waterways, saturated buffers and other strategies aimed at improving nutrient concentrations in watersheds. A group of Iowa Democrats previewed legislation to improve water quality in the state. The plan did not include farm regulations, but called for a boost in the incentives to farmers and landowners to implement these strategies. I worry less about an individual farms records, and more about, how do we generally help support farmers, use manure as a resource, make better manure decisions, Andersen said. Because I think generally people are in compliance our real problem is that people are applying close to that manure management form (limit). This article has been updated to correct Daniel Andersens title. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The one Operation Midway Blitz case that made it to trial for an alleged murder-for-hire plot resulted in a not guilty verdict this week. It's a shocking turn of events to experts who tell the ABC7 I-Team the office typically has a more than 90% conviction rate. Marimar Martinez was called a domestic terrorist by the Department of Homeland Security, shot five times by a federal immigration agent and charged with ramming Border Patrol vehicles in October of last year. Luci Mazur was charged with forcibly resisting a federal officer during a protest outside of the Broadview ICE facility in September. And Nathan Griffin, the manager of the Laugh Factory comedy club, was charged with assaulting a federal officer last October. Advertisement Advertisement When it came time to present evidence in court, criminal federal charges stemming from Operation Midway Blitz were dropped by the U.S. Attorney in Chicago for all three people. "That doesn't happen in the old system when you're not blitzing and you're actually investigating, right? But instead...they're looking for the quick press releases, and they apparently don't seem to care about whether they get a conviction," said former Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Parente. Now a defense attorney, Parente represented Martinez in her case and tells the I-Team the dynamics of the U.S. Attorney's Office have radically changed from his perspective. He's also representing one of the Broadview Six, charged with damaging government property at a protest in September. "These federal prosecutors could be doing human trafficking cases, child exploitation cases, fraud cases, public corruption cases, all the stuff that the people of this district actually care about. They do not care about some broken windshield wiper," Parente said. Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for Juan Espinoza-Martinez echoed that sentiment after their client was found not guilty this week in an alleged murder for hire plot against Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, saying in part, "Twelve ordinary citizens stood between an overreaching government and an innocent man. They demanded proof, not politics. This verdict is a reminder that juries see through political prosecutions." The dropped charges and not guilty verdict come at a time when the U.S. Attorney's Office is bleeding talent. At least seven top prosecutors are part of an unprecedented leadership exodus from the Northern District of Illinois this year, not counting one of the lead attorneys on the Espinoza-Martinez case who also resigned unexpectedly. "People don't typically become federal prosecutors because they want to, they want to handle immigration cases, and that seems to be the focus of the office right now," Parente said. The U.S. Attorney's Office has brought 31 non-immigration criminal cases to court related to Operation Midway Blitz. So far, there have been zero convictions. The I-Team reached out to the U.S. Attorney's Office, but they declined to comment. Federal immigration agents shot and killed a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident on Saturday morning, the second time this month that federal agents killed a civilian. Video of the incident shows at least seven masked agents working to tackle the man to the ground before shooting him. What the fuck? an outraged bystander yells in the video. Did they fucking kill that guy? A second video appears to show the moments before the man was tackled. He was standing in the street, filming an agent at close range with his cell phone. The agent then pushed him toward the curb. Advertisement Advertisement This is the second time federal agents have killed a resident in the city, and the third time they shot one. ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in south Minneapolis on January 7. Another ICE agent shot and wounded Julio Cesar Sosa Celis in north Minneapolis a week later as they tried to apprehend him. The Department of Homeland Security says the man who was killed Saturday was armed, though it remains unclear what led to the shooting as well as whether he was actually holding a gun when he was shot. Minneapolis Council Member Aisha Chughtai, who represents the area where the shooting occurred, posted on X that more than 100 ICE and Border Patrol agents were present at the scene, and that they deployed chemical irritants in one of the most dense neighborhoods in the city. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called for an end of the federal governments anti-immigrant operation in his state. I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening, he posted on X. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now. Heads up, parents and students! Many schools in Massachusetts have announced closings ahead of Sundays snowstorm that will last well into the day on Monday. SUNDAY-MONDAY FIRST CALL Boston's first true snowstorm in four years... Impacts come primarily between midday Sunday and midday Monday. Expect blowing & drifting as this will be a powdery snow. Coastal flooding is not expected and power outages will remain isolated. pic.twitter.com/v7IM9otY17 Tucker Antico (@tuckerweather) January 22, 2026 See the full list of local school delays The Boston 25 Weather Team is continuing to monitor the timing, track, and expected snow totals for the storm. 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 The monster storm that's threatening to dump snow across much of the U.S. could be a test of the Trump administrations willingness to help states after natural disasters. With heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain forecast to begin falling Friday and continuing into Monday over a massive swath of the country, from the Rockies to the Atlantic, governors from dozens of states could be forced to navigate shifting policies under President Donald Trump, who has set efforts in motion to reduce the flow of disaster aid to states. As governors declare emergencies ahead of the storm, some are wondering whether the White House will reject their requests for federal funding to help pay for cleanup and repairs if predictions for over a foot of snow in some areas prove accurate. Theyre preparing for the worst, said a former senior Federal Emergency Management Agency official who was granted anonymity to describe discussions with state officials. Theyre preparing for no grants, no money. Advertisement Advertisement On Capitol Hill, lawmakers expressed concern Tuesday about Trump denying disaster aid for snowstorms in a report accompanying a proposed Department of Homeland Security spending plan for fiscal 2026. The report by House and Senate appropriators from both parties said the spending package reaffirms Congress intent that snowstorms shall be eligible for Federal relief. A spokesperson for Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat, said in a statement that the willingness of Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem "to turn even the weather into a partisan issue and play politics with people's lives may make an already bad situation somehow even worse." Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said in an email, "Any notion that snowstorms don't qualify as a disaster defies logic and is unnecessarily cruel." White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson, in a statement, called the Democratic criticisms fear-mongering that ignores reality. Advertisement Advertisement Under the Presidents leadership, FEMA, and the entire Administration, has proactively mobilized significant resources to support states in the path of this storm, ensuring a rapid and well-coordinated response, Jackson said. President Trump responds to each request for federal assistance with great care and consideration to ensure American tax dollars are used appropriately to supplement, not substitute, state obligations to respond to disasters he will do the same for any requests received. The administration has pre-positioned supplies, equipment and personnel in hubs across the country, according to an administration official, granted anonymity to share details of the logistics. It has staged 250,000 meals, 400,000 liters of water, 30 generators and 12 shuttle drivers in Louisiana, with shuttle drivers in Pennsylvania, Texas and Georgia to move supplies as needed. It has also embedded 20 FEMA staff in State Emergency Operations Centers and deployed three incident management teams, with additional teams, including search and rescue, on standby to assist with storm response at governors requests. The agency is also helping with monitoring the storm and coordinating with federal partners to support impacted areas. The administration raised alarms last year when then-FEMA acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton suggested cutting off disaster aid for snowstorms in an internal memo. No action has been taken on the memos proposals. Advertisement Advertisement It came as Trump denied numerous gubernatorial requests for disaster aid, even though FEMA had confirmed that the damage exceeded the agencys cost threshold for aid. The administration has given no explanation for the denials, creating uncertainty among state emergency managers. FEMA makes recommendations about disaster requests to the president, who has exclusive authority to approve disaster aid under federal law. In Maryland, Trump denied a request in July by Gov. Wes Moore (D) for disaster aid to help rural, Republican communities recover from extensive flood damage that FEMA found caused damage that was millions of dollars above the agency's cost threshold. "Now they want to arbitrarily deny disaster assistance to communities hit by snowstorms regardless of the severity of the event," Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D) said in a statement to POLITICO's E&E News on Thursday. "As communities across the country prepare for this weekend's snowstorm, this blanket policy is all the more alarming." In one highly controversial decision last year, Trump approved some disaster aid for Michigan after a devastating ice storm in March damaged infrastructure including power lines in the northern part of the state. But at the same time, Trump denied a request by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) for $90 million to help two rural electric utilities repair their equipment. The utilities raised rates to cover the costs. Advertisement Advertisement Federal disaster law lists snowstorms among the events that qualify for disaster aid, along with extreme winds, wildfires, floods and others. But the law does not require any allocation of disaster aid. Since 2016, presidents have approved 18 disasters following snowstorms, costing FEMA $272 million altogether, according to Hamilton's memo. Both numbers are a small fraction of the hundreds of approved disasters and tens of billions of dollars that have been spent. Craig Fugate, who ran FEMA during the Obama administration, said states often cut their funding for snowstorm-related programs after experiencing no snow for several years. Then they turn to FEMA to fill budget holes when storms hit. When budgets are lean and youre not having a lot of snow, you cut those snow removal operations and when you get caught short you say, Oh, well, the federal taxpayer will bail us out, Fugate said in an interview Thursday. We tried to set the thresholds to say, unless this is an extraordinary event, it should not be supplanting state and local responsibility to fund snow removal and treatment operations on their highways on the back of the federal taxpayers." FEMAs daily report Thursday showed that the agency was monitoring the storm at its regional offices across the country and at its Washington headquarters. The agency has nearly 4,200 employees available to be deployed to disaster areas, the report said. A year ago, FEMA had 2,400 disaster employees available. The number is higher this year because the Trump administration has been reassigning workers from state field offices to its Washington headquarters. Winter weather is here. It's unclear how much snow or ice the Memphis area will get, but the National Weather Service has said weather is expected to be severe and that the impact of the storm could linger, along with frigid temperatures, for several days. Here's what you need to know about the ongoing severe weather threat in the Memphis area today. Make sure to check back throughout the day, as this story will be updated as new information becomes available. Shelby County circuit and chancery courts closing Monday Shelby County Circuit Court and Shelby County Chancery Court, the city's two civil court systems, will be closed Monday due to the winter weather. Advertisement Advertisement The two courts are the second of Shelby County's courts to close down Monday, with Shelby County Juvenile Court closing its physical docket Monday. Virtual dockets will be held for juvenile court, but circuit and chancery court did not say it would have virtual hearings in its press release. Trump administration grants emergency declaration support President Donald Trump on Saturday afternoon granted emergency declaration support for Tennessee's statewide response to the winter storm, Gov. Bill Lee said in a press release. Nine-month-old Cloud plays in the snow with ice and snow on her nose and whiskers at the Overton Park Shell in Memphis, Tenn., on January 24, 2026. This is her first snow, Whitney Waterbury said about Cloud. The emergency declaration gives federal support to the efforts being undertaken by the Tennessee Department of Transportation, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, and other state and local groups. "As state and local law enforcement, first responders, and road crews continue responding to the winter weather conditions, the emergency declaration will support further coordination of resources," Lee said in the statement. "I'm grateful to President Trump and Secretary Noem for ensuring federal resources are available to support Tennesseans." MLGW says services are currently functioning, but voices caution with freezing rain As of 3 p.m. Saturday, Memphis Light, Gas & Water President and CEO Doug McGowen said, "all electric, gas and water systems are operating normally, without any adverse effects." Advertisement Advertisement The city has seen a "small number of electric individual outages," which included a transformer failing near Poplar and Highland, but McGowen said it was an age-related failure. MLGW President and CEO Doug McGowen speaks during a press conference to address preparations for the incoming winter storm while surrounded by other city officials at the Office of Emergency Preparedness in Memphis, Tenn., on January 23, 2026. But tonight's freezing rain could change that outlook, McGowen said. "We continue to look to this evening, for the ice accumulation should we change over to freezing rain, and things can change with respect to the impacts of that ice. We still have plenty of electric crews on standby, and our other crews are standing by, waiting to respond to anybody that has an outage we need to repair or a customer that needs us to provide service to cut their water off in the event they have a leak," McGowen said. McGowen also said there is always concern about the city's water mains when temperatures are consistently cold, like they will be over the next few days. And, as the city begins to warm up, he said he expects main breaks to start to pop up. Advertisement Advertisement But currently, he said the city's water pressure "is in very good shape." Memphis Zoo's polar bear plays in the snow Though the Memphis Zoo has closed its doors to visitors Saturday and Sunday, the snow was a welcomed addition to the zoo's polar bear enclosure. Koda is the zoo's only polar bear and came to Memphis in 2021. He was born Nov. 25, 2004, at the Denver Zoo. Often described as playful and curious by zookeepers, his playful energy was on full display as he rolled around in the snow Saturday. As Koda rolled around in the snow, the zoo's animal care team was hard at work keeping other animals warm during the cold weather, the zoo said. Advertisement Advertisement Other posts to the zoo's social media page showed the wolves sniffing the snow, a cow hiding inside the farm's stables with a frosty nose, and a thick-coated sheep posing outside. Memphis police expect to keep inclement weather policy in effect through Monday Memphis police Chief Cerelyn "C.J." Davis said during the city's afternoon briefing she anticipates the Memphis Police Department will keep its inclement weather policy in effect through Monday. "Our weather policy is still in effect, and we plan to keep it in effect depending on the conditions outside probably until Monday, unless things start clearing up before then," Davis said. While activated, people involved in crashes with no injuries, drinking or drugs involved are encouraged to exchange information with the other driver and arrange to meet at the nearest MPD precinct at a later time. Accidents should be filed with MPD within 10 days of happening. A person walks through the snow down Madison Avenue in Memphis, Tenn., on January 24, 2026. A winter storm brought severe weather and frigid temperatures to Memphis late January 23rd. The policy is MPD's way of prioritizing calls, as officers are still working during the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Officers on patrol are also checking abandoned vehicles and offering to drive Memphis' unhoused population to warming centers, Davis said. Cars that are found on streets are also being checked by police and marked to make sure nobody is left stranded in the winter conditions. MATA shutting down services Saturday afternoon The Memphis Area Transit Authority will be suspending its transit services at 4 p.m. Saturday, Trustee Rodrick Holmes said during the City of Memphis' afternoon weather briefing. The closure will extend to MATA's transit centers, which are set to close at the same time. Rides will still be available to warming centers "for as long as the conditions allow us to do that safely," Holmes said. Zoe Wolfe skis at the Overton Park Shell in Memphis, Tenn., on January 24, 2026. A winter storm brought severe weather and frigid temperatures to Memphis late January 23rd. MATA is still deciding whether transit services will resume on Sunday, saying a decision will likely come after the evening's bout of weather rolls through. Juvenile Court to close Monday Shelby County Juvenile Court will be closed Monday out of "an abundance of caution," the court said in a press release Saturday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement The closure will cancel the court's entire in-person docket for the day, but certain aspects will be held virtually. The court's detention and in-custody delinquency docket will be online at 1 p.m., and the preliminary hearing docket will be virtual at 9 a.m. Virtual custody and visitation cases, along with dependency and neglect cases, will be heard all day virtually as well. "If a family is unable to attend virtually, the case will be reset to the next available docket date, and a notice of hearing will be mailed to the address on file," juvenile court said in the release. "We ask the community to stay informed and understand that, in light of current circumstances, the court is taking these measures to ensure the safety of both the public and staff." Churches announce virtual services Due to the wintry weather, many Memphis-area churches have announced they will have virtual services on Sunday, Jan. 25. AutoZone Park is seen in Downtown Memphis on Jan. 24, 2026, after a winter storm brought snow, sleet and ice to the Mid-South. The wintry blast was expected to continue through Jan. 26. Hope Church in Cordova, Bellevue Baptist Church, Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church and Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ are just some of the churches that will not hold in-person services on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement The Catholic Diocese of Memphis said in a news release that, due to the weather, no Catholic is obligated to attend mass if road or weather conditions are unsafe. While Sunday mass is not normally canceled due to snow, the Diocese said to check with individual parishes to see if there are any weather-related closures. For information regarding in-person services not listed, please contact individual churches. Snow day for most Memphis schools The majority of Memphis-metro area schools have called off classes for Jan. 26. Zoe Wolfe takes a break from skiing to pet her dog Rhinehart at the Overton Park Shell in Memphis, Tenn., on January 24, 2026. A winter storm brought severe weather and frigid temperatures to Memphis late January 23rd. Schools that have canceled classes as of noon on Saturday are: Arlington Community Schools Bartlett City Schools Collierville Schools Germantown Municipal District Lakeland Schools Memphis-Shelby County Schools Millington Municipal School District Advertisement Advertisement Most college campuses in the area have closed their campuses, and will have remote learning in some capacity on Jan. 26. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center has not yet made an announcement for Monday classes. Road conditions 'extremely dangerous,' Memphis officials say During a Saturday morning news conference, Memphis Director of Public Works Scott Morgan said that road conditions were "extremely dangerous." The city has, so far, applied over 100 tons of salt. "When the weather initially came through, it was...some snow coming down and now it's shifted to sleet and...(is) sticking to the roads pretty bad," Morgan said. Scott Morgan, the director of the City of Memphis Public Works Division, speaks during a press conference to address preparations for the incoming winter storm while surrounded by other city officials at the Office of Emergency Preparedness in Memphis, Tenn., on January 23, 2026. Doug McGowen, president of Memphis Light, Gas and Water, said that the electric system is holding up well as of 8 a.m., but there were four water main breaks overnight. The breaks did not have any impact on the systems, McGowen said. Advertisement Advertisement McGowen said MLGW is keeping an eye on the ice that is expected to enter the area this evening. The majority of the MLGW service area is forecasted to get below one-quarter of an inch. McGowen said that below a quarter of an inch would result in some "spotty outages," due to downed limbs and individual lines. If the weather forecast changes to more and half an inch of ice, McGowen said, that is when the city should expect to see larger impacts of outages. Heavy snow moves into area The National Weather Service in Memphis said on Jan. 24 that heavy snow had moved into the Memphis area. The snowfall rate, according to NWS Memphis, was around 1 inch an hour and should continue through 7 a.m. across the Memphis area. Sleet, which has been expected by NWS Memphis, will begin to mix into the weather at times by around 7 a.m. Heavy snow has moved into the Memphis area with reduced visibilities and snowfall rates around 1 inch an hour. Heavy snow should continue through 7am across Memphis. Sleet (now moving into east-central AR) will start to mix at times by then. #mswx #tnwx #arwx pic.twitter.com/vbOGHqBgHt NWS Memphis (@NWSMemphis) January 24, 2026 As of 6 a.m. Saturday, the temperature in Memphis was 6 degrees, with windchills at -3 degrees. Cancelations cloud much of MEM flight schedule The majority of flights going in and out of Memphis International Airport have been canceled as of 7 a.m. Saturday morning. All departing flights from Memphis have been canceled. There is only one arriving flight that has not been canceled yet, American 6235 from Phoenix. MEM recommends passengers allow for extra time to arrive at the airport and check in with the airlines directly to see their flight status. Scheduling updates can also be found at flymemphis.com/flight-status. National Guard vehicles are seen at the Starbucks parking lot on Union Avenue on Jan. 24, 2026, after a winter storm brought snow, sleet and ice to the Mid-South. The wintry blast was expected to continue through Jan. 26. Winter storm warning in Memphis The National Weather Service has issued a preliminary winter storm warning through Sunday afternoon. The weather service is calling for potentially impossible travel during the weekend. While forecasters are unsure of how much snow or sleet the region could get, a winter storm warning went into effect Friday afternoon. MPD inclement weather policy The Memphis Police Department's inclement weather policy was activated early Saturday morning. A truck plows snow on Union Avenue on Jan. 24, 2026, after a winter storm brought snow, sleet and ice to the Mid-South. The wintry blast was expected to continue through Jan. 26. The policy is outlined as follows: In a crash with no injuries or impairment, and no tow needed, drivers should exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, and vehicle tag numbers. Both should meet at the nearest Memphis Police Department Precinct or the Traffic Office at 3430 Austin Peay. Bring your vehicle, proof of insurance, and registration to file the report within 10 working days. Weekend activities canceled Memphis-Shelby County Schools announced they would be canceling all weekend school activities through Jan. 25. The district did not make any announcement on whether school will be in session on Jan. 26. "We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. We appreciate your understanding and encourage everyone to stay safe and warm," MSCS said in a post on social media. Several Memphis businesses and attractions have announced closures this weekend due to the severe winter storm. Memphis and most of West Tennessee are under a winter storm warning and a cold weather advisory, with snow, sleet and ice expected to create dangerous conditions through the weekend. Check out this story to see some of the Memphis spots that will be closed. Several events in the Memphis area have been canceled or rescheduled due to the severe winter storm as well. Check out this story to see what events have been canceled. Which warming centers are open this weekend? A warming center for unhoused people located at First Baptist Church, located at 200 East Parkway North, will be open Jan. 23 at 5 p.m, said Jessica Houari, director of operations at the Hospitality Hub. The center is free of charge and does not require an ID to enter, and the center provides a sleeping space and meals. Anyone in need of transportation to the warming center can call 901-486-0939, and the Hospitality Hub staff will coordinate with the Memphis Area Transit Authority to help get them to the center, Houari said. Eli Waterbury, 12, and Ollie Waterbury, 10, walk back up the hill at the Overton Park Shell after sledding down in Memphis, Tenn., on January 24, 2026. For all others needing shelter, the city will be operating community warming shelters from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations: Frayser Raleigh Senior Center 3985 Egypt Central Bert Ferguson CC 8505 Trinity Rd Gaisman 4221 Macon Gaston 1048 S. Third St For 24-hour warming centers, the city is operating out of the following locations: Ed Rice- 2935 North Watkins Orange Mound Community Center- 2572 Park Ave Hickory Hill Community Center 3910 Ridgeway Rd State of emergency declared in Tennessee Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee issued a state of emergency for all 95 counties ahead of this weekend's major winter storm system. The order, issued Thursday, Jan. 22, encouraged Tennesseans to prepare for the possibility of "snow, ice, freezing rain, and prolonged freezing temperatures across the state." The warning will be in place from Jan. 23 through Jan. 25. Final estimates for snow, sleet, ice in Memphis The National Weather Service posted its final snow estimates on Friday morning. While the numbers have fluctuated for most of the week, Memphis is now predicted to get 3 to 4 inches of snow, 2 to 3 inches of sleet and 0.16 inches of ice between Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. The heaviest accumulations of snow and ice will happen on Saturday. Most sleet is expected to fall along and near the I-40 corridor in Tennessee. Memphis Weather Radar This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis winter storm brings snow, dangerous roads. Get the latest updates Snow clings to vegetation Jan. 9, 2026, after recent snowfall. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque is warning residents in most of northern and eastern New Mexico to prepare for another storm, this time with several inches of snow and frigid temperatures. (Julia Goldberg/Source NM) Meteorologists and state officials are urging New Mexicans to take seriously forecasts of a winter storm hitting the state this weekend. As of Friday afternoon, most of central and eastern New Mexico remained either under a winter storm warning or advisory, according to the National Weather Service, beginning Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement The warning for much of eastern New Mexico predicts total snow accumulation of four to eight inches, with up to 16 inches in areas at 9,000 feet or higher of elevation. Forecasters warn travel will become very difficult to impossible, primarily from Tijeras Canyon to the Texas border along Interstate 40. Roads appeared clear in that area around 4 p.m. Friday, according to NMRoads, which offers up-to-date driving conditions. Power outages are also possible due to the accumulating snow weight, and temperatures are expected to drop into the single digits, with wind chills below zero. Elsewhere in the state, including northwestern New Mexico and as far south as Ruidoso, between two to five inches of snow or rain are forecast, except at elevations about 8,000 feet, where as much as 10 inches of snow could accumulate, according to the NWS. Advertisement Advertisement On Friday afternoon, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued an emergency declaration, authorizing $200,000 in state funds for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to help the public stay safe through the freezing temperatures and hazardous driving conditions. Im grateful to those working around the clock in extreme weather, and to the New Mexicans who are doing their part to keep themselves, their families and responders safe, Lujan Grisham said in a statement. DHSEM officials warned residents statewide in a statement Thursday to expect several days of frigid temperatures, snow and ice that increase risks of hypothermia and frostbite. DHSEM offered a list of warming centers, but encouraged residents to reach out to local officials for the most current information on the centers. Advertisement Advertisement The department is also activating its Emergency Operations Center in anticipation of the extreme weather, they said. The looming snowstorm comes as much of the state and elsewhere of the West experience snow drought, marked by higher than average temperatures and drought that reduce precipitation or turn snow into rain. As of Thursday, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado in Boulder, snow covered about 2,900 square miles of land in New Mexico. The median snow cover for this time of year is about 14,000 square miles. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, was fatally shot by a Customs and Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis on Saturday, Jan. 24. In a harrowing video circulating online, a federal immigration officer threw a woman onto the ground, and Pretti, a registered nurse and observer, was filming and went to help the woman. He was pepper-sprayed by federal officers and thrown to the ground. Many officers surrounded him and assaulted him, while one removed his firearm, which police said was legally registered, according to the Minnesota Star-Tribune. A Customs and Border Patrol officer then shoots Pretti, who appeared to be unarmed at this point, at least four times while he was on the ground. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA JANUARY 24: People gather at the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue after a fatal shooting by federal agents on January 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Federal agents allegedly shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti, a south Minneapolis resident, amid a scuffle to arrest him. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Federal authorities told the Star-Tribune they were trying to detain an Ecuadorian man named Jose Huerta-Chuma when the fatal shooting occurred. A public records search found a man with the same name, who was convicted of domestic assault, disorderly conduct and driving without a license in 2018, though federal court records do not list any cases for Jose Huerta-Chuma. Advertisement Advertisement Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that the officers were conducting an operation as part of Trumps immigration crackdown. She said the officer fired defensive shots after a man with a handgun approached them and said he violently resisted when officers tried to disarm him. The officer who shot the man is an eight-year veteran of the Border Patrol, federal officials said. The killing of Pretti by immigration officials comes within weeks after ICE officer Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Good during a Minneapolis protest of ICE. Video analysis by the New York Times and Reuters showed that Good was attempting to flee the area when Ross fired once through her windshield and twice through the side of Goods SUV. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard to assist local police with help during protests. Several businesses in the area where Pretti was killed have closed following the shooting. Tonights Minnesota Timberwolves game against the Golden State Warriors has been postponed, the team announced, but the Minnesota Wilds game against Florida has not. The Timberwolves play in Minneapolis, where the shooting occurred, and the Wild play in St. Paul. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers the 2025 State of the State address Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, Mich. (Katy Kildee/Detroit News via AP) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement that the country is witnessing unacceptable violations of Americans safety, rights and freedoms, adding that no one should accept this. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) called on the Trump administration to turn the temperature down following the shooting and subsequent protests. On Sunday, Peters said on social media that he plans to vote no on the Department of Homeland Security funding bill because it lacks necessary reforms to immigration enforcement. Second fatal Minneapolis shooting puts Congress on verge of shutdown Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) called the shooting a continued, coordinated assault on our Constitutional rights. Slotkin also plans to vote against the funding bill, saying in a social media post that ICE and its administrators are recklessly inciting violence at the whims of the President. And they must be reined in before there is more killing. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham), who is running for Peters soon-to-be vacant U.S. Senate seat, said ICE is out of control in a social media post. Former Wayne County health official Abdul El-Sayed called on social media for the abolition of ICE. State Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) called on Congress to reject funding for ICE until the agency demonstrates accountability. El-Sayed and McMorrow are also running for the Democratic nomination for Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination in Michigans gubernatorial race, said she has watched the video of the shooting and said it is not normal or acceptable to watch masked government agents take another innocent life. Independent gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan said in a statement that Homeland Securitys mission of deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records is no longer recognizable today. Duggan, the former mayor of Detroit, added that its not a partisan issue but a matter of right and wrong. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, who is running against Benson, said immigration enforcement is ripping our country apart and is not sustainable. He argues that enforcing immigration against undocumented immigrants with criminal records is possible, but thats not what is happening. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Grand Rapids) said she is outraged by the shooting and called for an immediate investigation. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) said, Shame on every single House member (including the 7 Dems) who voted to fund this killing mob, referencing the legislation the chamber passed earlier this week to fund ICE and other DHS agencies. None of the six Michigan House Democrats voted in favor of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement The Senate is due to vote on the bill next week and needs 60 votes to pass. A federal government shutdown is likely if Congress does not pass the funding measure. Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Detroit) accused the Trump administration of blatantly lying about the shooting, adding in a previous tweet that violence was inevitable. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, said in a statement that immigration enforcement activities are not making communities safer. These federal agencies activities are causing communities to panic, Nessel said. The way in which these federal agencies are performing their duties is not reflective of the high standards residents should expect of law enforcement officials. This failure, in turn, compromises the ability of local and state law enforcement to do their jobs and jeopardizing [sic] the safety of police and civilians alike. Advertisement Advertisement Nessel applauded Minnesotans for protesting immigration enforcement. Michigan Republicans have so far been silent on social media following the Minneapolis shooting. Tom Leonard, who is running for the Republican nomination for governor, promised to stand with ICE on Friday, after it was reported that immigration officials arrested a Mexican man in Grand Rapids. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Jenison) did not post about the Minneapolis shooting, but did applaud a Chicago courts decision to pause the Trump administrations decision to end Temporary Protected Status for migrants from Myanmar. Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-White Lake), who is endorsed by President Donald Trump and expected to be the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, also did not post about the shooting. He has regularly criticized Walz for siding with criminals over cops. Advertisement Advertisement In a Jan. 21 statement, Rogers accused Democrats of allowing 20 million people in, leading to the immigration crackdown. This week, he applauded Trump after crime statistics revealed the lowest number of homicides in more than a century across the U.S., though crime has been dropping for the last several years. Duggan, while mayor of Detroit, credited the citys crime reduction to technological advancements and strategic policing. The Associated Press contributed to this report. This article has been updated with additional reporting and to include Slotkin, Benson, Duggan and Swansons reactions. 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 WLNS 6 News. Chinas highest-ranked general has been placed under investigation for serious violations of discipline in a broadside that leaves Xi Jinping in total control of the armed forces. Zhang Youxia, the operational leader of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), had survived several rounds of military purges and was thought close to untouchable as a childhood friend of the president. The 75-year-old is also a member of the ruling politburo and one of the only Chinese military commanders with combat experience, having fought in the countrys 1979 war against Vietnam. Advertisement Advertisement His dismissal marks the high point of Mr Xis years-long effort to root out corruption and disloyalty within the top ranks of the military. It is also likely to delay any attempt to seize Taiwan by force, analysts told The Telegraph. On Saturday, Chinas ministry of defence announced in a brief statement that General Zhang was being investigated for serious violations of discipline and law, a euphemism for corruption, alongside Liu Zhenli, another high-ranking military official. Both men had sat on the Central Military Commission (CMC), which oversees the armys strategy and operations, while ensuring it follows the orders of the ruling Communist Party. Advertisement Advertisement As senior vice-chairman of the CMC, General Zhang had been thought of as central to the effort to modernise the armed forces and make them combat-ready. General Zhang, a childhood friend of the president, was thought to be untouchable in his position - Ng Han Guan/AP Photo Mr Xi has doubled Chinas defence budget since taking office in an effort to make Beijing a world-class military power by 2049. According to US intelligence, he has ordered the PLA to be ready to invade Taiwan by next year. In a sign of the presidents unhappiness with progress towards these goals, nine senior generals were fired in October, including He Weidong, a former junior CMC vice-chairman. The [PLA] purge is really just complete, said Lyle Morris, a senior fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute, a Washington-based think tank. Its a complete cleaning house... the biggest purge in Chinese history since 1949. Advertisement Advertisement One result is to leave the PLA in disarray and delay any move for Taiwan, Mr Morris added. We can all sleep soundly for years, he said. There is no way they could pull off the Taiwan contingency with no senior leaders in charge. Others cautioned against complacency over the threat to the self-governing island claimed by Beijing. If this is a final part of a generational decapitation of PLA leadership, the younger, replacement generation may be real wolf warriors, so assuming this apparent chaos inside the PLA means the risks to Taiwan are lower may be risky, said Bill Bishop, who runs the blog Sinocism. Liu Zhenli is under investigation - Florence Lo/Reuters The CMC has been reduced to its smallest size in history. There are now only two members, including Mr Xi and Zhang Shengmin, the militarys anti-corruption watchdog, who was promoted to CMC vice-chair in October. Every one of the six uniformed commanders appointed to the body in 2022 has now been removed. Advertisement Advertisement Speculation soared over the fate of Generals Zhang and Liu on Tuesday after they were absent from a televised party seminar, with such disappearances often a sign of an individual being removed from their post. General Zhang has been accused of corruption, including failing to control his own family members, one source familiar with the case told the South China Morning Post. They added that he had failed to report promptly to the partys leadership about problems. Mr Xis purges of the PLA were surgically targeted in his first term, Christopher K Johnson, a former CIA analyst who follows Chinese politics, said. Fearful of inviting blowback, the president avoided active-duty generals and those most needed in the event of a hot war over Taiwan, such as the Rocket Forces. Advertisement Advertisement But he now appears to believe the whole apple cart is rotten with generals lining their own pockets [rather than] paying attention to the mission. Beijing is capable of pumping out an array of impressive, hi-tech weaponry, including aircraft carriers, rail guns and a hypersonic glide vehicle that even the smartest defence people in the US government cannot replicate, said Mr Johnson, who is president of the China Strategies Group, a consulting firm. But they fall down on the software of being able to conduct large-scale military manoeuvres combining the air force, navy and ground troops. A Chinese hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile called the YJ-21 on display at a military parade last year - Tingshu Wang/Reuters Some Western analysts and commentators on social media have speculated about a rift between Mr Xi and the PLA, interpreting the purges as a sign of anxiety over a potential coup. Advertisement Advertisement But the drastic moves showed strength rather than weakness, The Telegraph was told. This is not an indicator of flaws in Xis power over the PLA, said Mr Morris. For him to do this shows he has a lot of support in the party and is fully in charge. Mr Johnson added: If youre worried about a coup, you take everyone out in one surgical strike. You dont have a rolling purge of 24 months. Its the Night of the Long Knives, not the two years. 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. St. Paul, Minnesota Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison accused the Trump administration of turning immigration enforcement into "politics and retribution," describing what he called a "surge" of federal agents in the Twin Cities as a constitutional crisis, and said he has seen "no evidence" of a federal investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer earlier this month. "In fact, I have evidence to the contrary that the federal government is investigating the death of Renee Good at all," Ellison told CBS News in an interview Friday. He added, "Todd Blanche, who is the No. 2 at DOJ, said they're not investigating." Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Minnesota authorities, Ellison said, are seeking a "full, fair and joint investigation." "In Minnesota, if you are killed particularly if you're killedin connection with an action by an official federal or state, we will investigate your death," Ellison said. The state agency tasked with investigating Good's killing, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, withdrew from a joint investigation with the FBI a day after the shooting. It said in a statement at the time the agency said it had been informed by the U.S. Attorney's Office that "the investigation would now be led solely by the FBI, and the BCA would no longer have access to the case materials, scene evidence or investigative interviews necessary to complete a thorough and independent investigation." When asked in a Jan. 18 interview with "Face the Nation" whether the ICE officer who shot Good was under investigation, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that the department was "following the exact same investigative and review process that we always have under ICE, and under the Department of Homeland Security, and within the administration." Advertisement Advertisement Ellison on the apprehension of 5-year-old Liam Ramos by ICE Ellison strongly disputed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's assertions about 5-year-old Liam Ramos, who was taken into ICE custody outside his home. Ramos' image has been widely circulated across the news and social media in a photo that shows him wearing a blue bunny hat and Spider-Man backpack. DHS said the boy had been "abandoned." "I don't buy that at all. In fact, there are very credible people who know Liam who refute that. I believe them over ICE," Ellison said, calling DHS' claim and subsequent treatment of Ramos "another example of atrocity" tied to the deportation effort DHS has dubbed "Operation Metro Surge." Witnesses told CBS News that ICE used the boy as bait to lure family members out. Advertisement Advertisement "That is morally repugnant and nothing the federal government should ever be associated with," Ellison said. Suing to stop DHS' warrantless arrests in Minnesota Ellison's office and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to stop what they allege are unlawful tactics, framing the surge as a planned deployment targeting Minnesota, not a routine enforcement action. He argued the operation has been fueled by President Trump's anger over losing the 2020 presidential election. "Mr. Trump said 'retribution.' He said he won Minnesota three times and that leaders here wrongfully denied him. So he's mad at us," Ellison said. Asked whether the ICE operation is about politics, rather than law enforcement, he replied, "It's 100% about politics and retribution." Advertisement Advertisement DHS alleges leaders in Minnesota "created disorder" by failing to cooperate with federal law enforcement. Ellison called this "a false statement" and said planning for the surge of federal law enforcement had long been underway. He said he believes U.S. officials are shifting their rationale now because public opinion is turning against the operation. At the center of the lawsuit, Ellison said, are accusations of warrantless arrests without individualized assessment including alleged civil immigration arrests without probable cause along with racial profiling and what he described as excessive detention. DHS has claimed that there are a few arrest videos that were taken out of context. "Yeah, well, they're going to have to defend their position in court, because that's not true," Ellison replied. Advertisement Advertisement If he's successful in obtaining an injunction blocking the DHS operation in Minnesota, it's not clear whether the state could enforce it or that it would survive appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Ellison acknowledged that uncertainty but said inaction was not an option. "The only alternative is to do nothing and hope for the best," he said. "We have to do all that is in our power to insist that the federal government obey the law." Ellison said the DHS surge is imposing significant costs on state and local governments, with "hundreds of thousands of dollars" spent daily on crowd control, overtime and emergency response. He also described a stream of injury complaints tied to pepper spray, tear gas and "less lethal munitions," adding that "literally dozens every day" are making reports, while also emphasizing the harms of what he called unlawful detention and imprisonment. Advertisement Advertisement And pressed on whether the state would subpoena federal agents in its civil case to access evidence in the Good case, Ellison said legal and ethical constraints govern the boundary between civil litigation and criminal investigations, but he did not rule it out. "We're going to do what is legal and ethical," he said. ICE's new authority to carry out warrantless searches ICE agents have seen their authority expanded a May memo that was recently disclosed by whistleblowers said agents are authorized to use force to enter homes without a judicial warrant. Ellison called the policy "unconstitutional" and said he's heard reports it's being used in Minnesota. He signaled the state would challenge such actions. Advertisement Advertisement Cooperation with ICE DHS has said that Minnesota is not cooperating with ICE detainers requests to hold detainees for an additional 48 hours so they can be turned over to ICE custody or other requests for assistance. Ellison counters that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility not the state's and while Minnesota is not a sanctuary state, state laws and court orders sometimes prevent the state from assisting ICE because it cannot hold criminals beyond their sentence. For instance, he said that if an individual sought by the federal government is arrested for driving under the influence, "our courts don't have the legal authority to hold them once the court has said they need they are to be released." He indicated that the state is following its laws as they're written: "They're asking us to join them in breaking the law, and we can't do that. We believe in upholding the law." Advertisement Advertisement But cooperation with ICE detainers is uneven in Minnesota. In Hennepin County, where Minneapolis is located, the sheriff told CBS News that authorities do not notify ICE when detainees are released back into the community. The Department of Corrections, however, does notify ICE. DHS says that if every county in the state coordinated with ICE, federal agents could go home and ICE would not continue to conduct raids in Minnesota. "They're saying, 'Oh, well, if you only would tell us, do our job for us, then we could go home.' No, you didn't," Ellison said. He added, "ICE needs to do its job that it is paid to do, and it has a massive budget to do." "Minnesota is not a sanctuary state," he told CBS News. "We don't do the federal government's job, but we don't in any way obstruct them from doing their job." Advertisement Advertisement He suggested his state is at the center of a collision between politics and constitutional rights and warned that "the only way to get along" with the administration is to "abandon constitutional rights." "We must insist upon our First Amendment right to vote for whoever we please and not be persecuted," he said. "We must insist on the Fourth Amendment protection to be free of unreasonable search and seizure." Arkansas mayor on pivoting for ice storm as weather conditions worsen Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro recalls "strange conversation" with Trump after arson attack Jack Smith testifies there's proof that Trump caused what happened on Jan. 6 at the Capitol A 24-year-old man was shot multiple times outside Mr King Lounge and Cafe in Delhi's Shahadara area on Friday night, leading to heavy police deployment in the area. The victim, identified as Faizan, was shot by a father-son duo; the reason for the muder is suspected to be an unpaid loan dispute. Providing details about the victim and incident, Delhi Police said in a statement, "A firing incident was reported at PS Welcome at 11.28 pm today. On reaching the spot at 'Mr King Lounge and Cafe', Maujpur, one injured person, identified as Faizan @ Fazzi (24yrs.) S/o Sehroj Alam R/o JMC Welcome, was found. He was immediately shifted to GTB Hospital, where he was declared 'brought dead' by the attending doctors." The police further said, "The forensic team is collecting evidence from the spot. A case under Section 103(1) BNS and Sections 25/27 of the Arms Act has been registered at PS Welcome. Police teams have been deployed to identify and arrest the accused involved in the crime. Further investigation is underway." Meanwhile, recounting the brutal nature of the attack, the victim's brother said, "My brother was shot three times, but the police said that two magazine rounds were fired. One bullet hit him in the head and went right through. Two bullets hit him in the chest. He was also probably stabbed. He had cuts on his hands, so he must have struggled a lot." Detailing the events leading up to the tragedy, the victim's brother mentioned that "Faizan was a very simple man, and he had taken a loan. When he couldn't repay it, the father and son came to our house and started fighting. We had even filed a complaint at the Bhajanpura police station, but nothing happened." Expressing frustration, he further said, "We just want justice. We want both the father and son to be arrested, and the strictest possible action taken against them. The police say they are on the run." (ANI) Four special elections are set for March 10 in Georgia. Wes Wolfe/Georgia Recorder March 10 is shaping up to be a busy day There are now four special elections set for March 10 in Georgia. The most closely watched will be the race to fill former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greenes seat in northwest Georgia. Nearly two dozen candidates signed up to run in what is known as a jungle primary, which is when all the candidates appear on the same ballot at once, and if no candidate gets more than half the vote, the top two compete in a runoff. Advertisement Advertisement With so many names on the ballot, the race for the 14th Congressional District will surely go to an April 7 runoff. But there are also now three state legislative races set for that day. One election is to replace ex-state Sen. Colton Moore, a Trenton Republican who is running for Greenes seat. Senate District 53 includes Walker, Dade, Chattooga, Catoosa and part of Floyd counties. Candidates can start qualifying for the special election Thursday. There are also two House seats on the ballot after a pair of lawmakers resigned shortly before the start of the 2026 session. Former state Rep. Karen Bennett, a Stone Mountain Democrat, resigned before being charged with unemployment fraud. She pleaded guilty Wednesday to making false statements to obtain the aid, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys office for the Northern District of Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement House District 94 includes portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. Ex-state Rep. Lynn Heffner, an Augusta Democrat, said she was stepping down because damage to her home from Hurricane Helene left her unable to satisfy a state law requiring lawmakers to live in the district they represent. House District 130 includes part of Richmond County. Candidate qualifying was originally set to start Monday but will now begin Tuesday and end Thursday because of winter storm Fern. Winter storm Fern will freeze the state legislative session, at least for a day House leaders announced they would delay the start of Mondays session until 1 p.m. and that no legislative business would be conducted that day. The Senate is still set to gavel in Monday morning but the chamber is expected to be quiet. The Senate committee meetings that were scheduled for Monday have been canceled. Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Brian Kemp declared a statewide state of emergency Thursday ahead of the weekend storm that is expected to bring a wintry mix and wind gusts that could take down trees and power lines and cause other damage. If you can just stay off the roads, that would be a big favor to us and help keep everybody safe, Kemp told reporters during a virtual media briefing Thursday. Kemp was in Belgium Thursday on an economic development trip. Monday will be the sixth official day of the 2026 session, which is set to end April 2. Lawmakers are scheduled to be in session through Thursday next week. Announcements: Denise Pierce Burns, who is the former GOP congressional district chair, announced Friday that she will run to replace former state Sen. Colton Moore. In a press release, the homeschool mom describes herself as a homesteader who has also advocated for food freedom, medical freedom and small farms. Advertisement Advertisement Ross Sheppard, a Milledgeville Democrat, has launched his House campaign for District 149. Sheppard is a Milledgeville native who says he served as a legislative aide while in college for former longtime Rep. Rusty Kidd, who died in 2020, before working as a lobbyist. Hes challenging Democratic incumbent, Rep. Floyd Griffin, who won the seat in 2024. Endorsements: Sen. Nabilah Parkes, a Duluth Democrat, has picked up several endorsements from her colleagues in the Senate in her quest to become Georgias next insurance commissioner. Parkes announced Thursday that she has the backing of Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones of Augusta and more than a dozen other Democratic Senate leaders and senators. Shes the only announced candidate on the Democratic side in that race so far, and she is challenging GOP incumbent commissioner John King. Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, who is a Republican, weighed in on two races this week: Hes backing state Rep. Tim Fleming of Covington in a crowded GOP primary for secretary of state, and he endorsed Jim Kingston in the 1st Congressional District in southeast Georgia. Both of these races are for open seats. WILLIAMSPORT A federal grand jury indicted a 33-year-old Mount Carmel man for illegally possessing a firearm. According to U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that on Nov. 20, in Northumberland County, Zachary Comerford was found in possession of an H&R .32 caliber revolver after having been convicted of a felony offense. The United States Marshals Service, Coal Township Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 15 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine, officials said. MS NOW sources say a federal judge denied Trump Justice Department investigators a search warrant that listed Renee Good as a suspect following her killing by an ICE agent. It has been two weeks since a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent named Jonathan Ross shot and killed Ms. Good in Minneapolis during a hotly disputed incident that was caught on camera. Trump Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem rushed to label the 37-year-old Good a domestic terrorist whose killing was justified, and Trump himself attacked the woman. Advertisement Advertisement But there are new details on the Trump administrations efforts to shift blame to Good. In a new report by MS NOW correspondents Carol Leonnig and Ken Dilanian, sources say a court rejected the effort to target Good as weak: After Good was killed on Jan. 7, FBI agents drafted a search warrant to obtain her car to reconstruct the path of bullets that an ICE officer shot into the vehicle. But they were instructed to redraft their warrant and change the subject of the investigation from a civil rights probe to an investigation into a suspected assault on an officer, the people said. A federal magistrate judge rejected that warrant, noting that Good was already dead and could not be considered a suspect for a warrant. It was widely reported that the Justice Department chose not to investigate the ICE officer who shot and killed Good, but the details about how top Justice officials directed the altering of the investigation and search warrant and how it was rejected as weak by a federal judge have not been previously reported. Its extremely rare for judges to reject federal prosecutors requests for search warrants, as the standard for evidence needed to grant one is low. Prosecutors and investigators need to only show probable cause that they will find evidence of a crime in the location they wish to search. The news comes as protests in Minneapolis over the killing and the ICE operation continue. The post MS Scoop: Judge Denied Warrant For Trump ICE Shooting With Renee Good As Suspect first appeared on Mediaite. A winter storm expected to hit more than half the nation dumped as much as 7 inches of snow on north-central Kansas late Friday, Jan. 23, and early Saturday, Jan. 24, with more snow expected. The eastern part of the state had seen lower snowfall totals, amounting to as much as 4 inches at McLouth in Jefferson County. The National Weather Service reported 2.8 inches had fallen as of 6 a.m. Saturday at its office in Topeka. Advertisement Advertisement Kansas was among the first states hit by the massive storm, which is expected to bring snow, crippling ice and frigid conditions to a 2,000-mile stretch of the nation from the Rockies and Texas through the East Coast. More than 175 million people were under some kind of severe winter weather messaging from the National Weather Service, USA Today learned from Brian Hurley, a meteorologist with the NWS Weather Prediction Center. Topeka resident Travis Burghart uses a snowblower to clear the sidewalk off SE 23rd Terrace on Saturday, Jan, 24, 2026. Its not all wet, he said. Nice and fluffy. Storm's first wave nears its end The snow was expected to come in two waves, with the first wave still being in progress about 6:15 a.m. Saturday in Topeka, said Adams Jones, meteorologist for the weather service here. The first wave was expected to taper off later Saturday morning in northeast Kansas, with the second wave developing there Saturday evening and continuing through Sunday morning, Jones said. Advertisement Advertisement The second wave wasn't expected to cover an area ranging as far north as the first wave had, and Topeka was expected to be right on the northern edge of the area where; snow from the second wave would fall, Jones said. 7 inches of snow reported in north-central Kansas A 7-inch snowfall, recorded at Beloit in north-central Kansas, was the highest total listed on the website of the weather service's Topeka and Wichita offices. The weather service said it also recorded 6 inches two miles south of Hays; 5.5 inches three miles west/northwest of Goessel in Marion County in central Kansas; 5 inches at Salina; 5 inches at Cawker City in north-central Kansas; and 4.5 inches at Ness City. Kansans endure bitter cold The storm was accompanied by bitter cold, as the weather service reported wind chill indices as of 7 a.m. Saturday had to dropped to -19 at Manhattan, -18 at Hutchinson, -17 at Lawrence and -16 at Topeka, Wichita and Salina. Advertisement Advertisement Sub-zero wind chills were expected to continue through Monday. Power outages reported About 202 homes and businesses were without power at 7:50 a.m. Saturday in the Kansas City, Kansas, area, the electrical utility Evergy reported on a power outage map it maintains. One other home or business was without power in the area Evergy covers, that map said Law enforcement implements walk-in accident reporting Topeka city street crews were out Saturday morning clearing snow off main thoroughfares. With snow-slickened streets increasing the chance for crashes, the Topeka Police Department and Shawnee County Sheriff's Office announced they had implemented a procedure in which they were responding only to scenes of crashes involving: Advertisement Advertisement Injuries or death. Hit-and-run vehicle. Potentially impaired drivers. Disturbances. Hazardous materials. Major traffic congestion. Or damage serious enough to require towing. All other drivers involved in accidents were asked to exchange insurance, registration and contact information and call the Topeka Police Department at 785-368-9551 or report the crash at the Law Enforcement Center, 320 S. Kansas Ave. Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934. (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: How much snow Kansas received overnight in first wave of winter storm KANSAS CITY, Mo. 175 snowplow workers in Kansas City came in at 6 p.m. Friday to start preparing for the winter storm. Crews will work 12-hour shifts until the snows clear, meaning about 350 workers will be out in a 24 hour time period. Public Works Director Michael Shaw, Mayor Quinton Lucas and City Manager Mario Vasquez spoke to reporters Friday afternoon at the Public Works Department. Shaw said that because Saturdays snow will be long, it will be hard for his crews to clear it. FOX4 Forecast: Winter Storm Warning Advertisement Advertisement City crews will be plowing from 12 a.m. Saturday until about 6 Sunday morning. They started treating streets a couple of days ago with brine, because it keeps snow and ice from sticking to roads. Vasquez says cleaning up the snow will cost about $1.7 million because its happening on a weekend. A lot of that is because of the overtime pay and also includes the fuel, he said Friday. That includes the material, and the salt and everything else that is going to be deployed. Vasquez became the city manager in May. The staff really does a good job of getting prepared, he continued. Theyve been doing this for a long time. I am nervous, of course, but you know, I think were always prepared for these kinds of situations, so we should be good. Advertisement Advertisement Joes Blog: The yellow flags about the set-up (FRI-1/23) Trash that was scheduled to be picked up on Saturday will be picked up the following week. Shaw said those workers will help with snow removal over the weekend. He also doesnt want them in the cold temperatures. Shaw added that residents should give the city about two full days after the snows done falling to make sure the streets are cleared. That means they may not be clean until Monday night or Tuesday morning. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. The year has only just begun and already the world faces multiple new geopolitical crises. But there is one which is just as egregious as the others and yet is not in the headlines: Burma or, as its illegal military regime prefers, Myanmar. On February 1, we will mark the fifth anniversary of the military coup which overthrew the democratically elected civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Over the past five years, the junta has plunged the country into a desperate humanitarian and human rights crisis. It has arrested more than 30,000 people. Over 22,000 remain in jail today, including Ms Suu Kyi who turned 80 last year and is in failing health. Advertisement Advertisement The junta is conducting relentless airstrikes against civilians, bombing homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship. On December 10, International Human Rights Day, the military bombed a hospital in Rakhine State, killing over 30 people. The United Nations estimates that almost 4 million people are internally displaced, although civil society organisations on the ground believe the figure is even higher. Almost 20 million people a third of the population urgently require humanitarian aid. It is in this context that the military is holding new elections. Voting is taking place in three phases, with the final round this Sunday. But the world should not be fooled. These elections are a complete sham, a charade designed to give the military legitimacy. No opponent of the junta can contest the elections. More than 40 political parties, including Ms Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD), which overwhelmingly won the last genuine election in 2020, have been dissolved and banned. Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, according to the Asian Network for Free Elections, 57 per cent of political parties which contested the 2020 elections no longer exist, even though they won 73 per cent of the votes and 90 per cent of the parliamentary seats. The junta issued a new decree criminalising criticism of the election, with a minimum 20-year prison sentence as the penalty for doing so. More than 120 people have been arrested so far. Independent media and civil society can only operate from hiding or exile, there is no rule of law or independent judiciary, and freedom of expression or assembly are trampled on. Most of the population are disenfranchised by the militarys war against its people. Voting can only take place in areas which the military directly controls, leaving at least two-thirds of the population excluded. In the areas where people can vote, most only do so out of fear, rather than choice. Turnout has been little more than 50 per cent. Military-backed parties are already declaring a landslide victory, even before final round of voting is completed. But that is not surprising, when they have banned and jailed opposition, criminalised criticism, disenfranchised most of the electorate, and bombed the people. Advertisement Advertisement As the junta attempts this rebranding exercise, it is important to note that the orchestrators of this charade are the regimes backers in Beijing. China, along with Russia, is the Myanmar dictatorships primary ally, providing arms, a financial life-line and diplomatic support for the Generals. China pressed the junta leader General Min Aung Hlaing to hold this election, not because Beijing suddenly converted to democracy but because it wanted its puppets in Myanmar to have a veneer of legitimacy in the hope that it would create stability that would enhance Chinas economic and geopolitical interests. China wants to protect its trade routes, infrastructure investments, energy corridors and access to rare earths. Myanmar provides at least 70 per cent of Chinas rare earths and Beijing wants to ensure that source is secured. Crucially, to advance its Belt and Road Initiative China wants access to the Bay of Bengal, to dominate maritime routes into the Indian Ocean and reduce reliance on the Strait of Malacca. So how should the United Kingdom and our allies respond? Advertisement Advertisement With current tensions in the western alliance over Greenland, as well as the war in Ukraine, crises in Iran and Venezuela, and the challenge of securing peace in Gaza, our attention and resources are strained. But it would be a mistake to ignore Myanmar. First, we should categorically reject the sham elections. Britain, given its historical relationship with the country and its role as the pen holder at the UN, should lead international condemnation and an effort to ensure that the international community, and especially Myanmars Asian neighbours, do not legitimise the regime. Second, we must do more to demand the release of all political prisoners, particularly Ms Suu Kyi who has close family ties to the United Kingdom. Third, we should impose new targeted sanctions against the junta, to cut off financial support and enforce a global arms embargo. We should seek a ban on provision of aviation fuel to the military, to impede its ability to bomb civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Fourth, we should increase aid, but ensure that it is delivered by border-based civil society groups and cannot be blocked, diverted or misused by the military. And finally, we should hold the perpetrators of mass atrocity crimes accountable. Last week, the International Court of Justice in The Hague began to hear a case brought by The Gambia against Myanmar on charges of genocide against the Rohingya, who have endured repeated pogroms and massacres over the past decade or more. The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has sought a warrant for the arrest of General Min Aung Hlaing. And universal jurisdiction cases have also been filed in Argentina, Turkey, the Philippines and most recently Timor-Leste against the Myanmar military. These should all be allowed to take their course in pursuit of justice, and the United Kingdom should consider exercising its right under Article 14 of the Rome Statute to refer Myanmar to the ICC. Myanmars current plight is a human tragedy. But it is also a much over-looked geopolitical challenge. If we allow the military dictatorship to be legitimised, we are surrendering a resource-rich, strategically-located country to China, only to advance Beijings bid to reshape a new world order of authoritarianism that challenges our values and threatens our interests and security. Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws KC is Director of the International Bar Associations Human Rights Institute and is a Labour peer. Advertisement Advertisement Lord Alton of Liverpool is Chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights in Parliament, and is an independent crossbench peer. 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. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Earlier this month, Laramie County commissioners voted unanimously approve Project Jade, a proposal for what will be the largest AI data center in the nation. Leigh Reagan Smith is a news journalist for Inside Climate News, the nations largest nonpartisan climate news source, and shes been following the Jade data center closely. She explained what the impacts of a center this large could be, and she went into just how many unknowns there still are. She told ABC4 that with the large scale of the Jade data center, its setting a precedent. Advertisement Advertisement I think its going to kind of set the ball rolling for other really large, massive AI data centers across the United States, she explained. Theyll be looking to Jade, like, how are they sourcing their electricity? How are they pulling their water from the grounds? What are they providing? What economic incentives are they creating? So, I think a lot of states are going to be looking to see how this data center is being run. Utah has also been investing heavily in AI data centers, including in Millard County, where they recently approved a solar farm project to support a data center. 4,000 acres of land were already rezoned for the data center, and then on Wednesday, the Millard County Commission approved to rezone another 4,400 acres for the solar farm. The Millard County data center was going to be one of the largest in the country, until the Jade project came in and beat it. Smith mentioned that many states are looking at AI as a form of arms race, competing to have the biggest and best data centers. Former 2002 Salt Lake Olympic snowboarder arrested in connection with cocaine trafficking Advertisement Advertisement AI data centers require large amounts of electricity and water, but because the Jade data center is larger than a typical data center, it will have massive energy and water demands. Essentially, the cooling towers of the Jade data center will need, probably up to 200 million gallons of water annually, and then the electricity needed for this AI campus is going to more than double what the state of Wyoming generates in electricity a year, Smith said. She explained that some data centers in the country reuse water, but some dont. Its kind of on a site-by-site basis. The Jade data center is going to be using a closed-loop system, so the water is going to be recycled throughout the infrastructure to cool the computers and the servers. It is certainly more environmentally friendly than centers that dont use a closed-loop system, but that doesnt mean they wont have to source new water from groundwater. In her reporting, Smith talked to Jonathan Brandt, an environmental engineering professor at the University of Wyoming. Advertisement Advertisement How to make ABC4 your preferred news source on Google He has researched how these cooling systems are used at these AI centers, and he argues that even with a closed loop system, that the heat cooling process requires water as a liquid form turning into vapor, and thats part of the heat transfer process, she said. So even in a closed loop system, youre losing a percentage of the water to evaporation. She said that the percentage of that water loss is still unknown, and it will be unknown until the centers are up and operating, and they can track what their water usage is. Additionally, after a certain amount of time, the water being reused, it becomes wastewater. At what point does it [become wastewater], because it is treated with certain chemicals, and at what point does this water needs to be then expelled as wastewater? And then where does that water go? Does it go to evaporation ponds? I mean, what do they do with it? And then, so I mean, thats a really great question. Advertisement Advertisement There are many unknowns to the realities of massive AI data centers because the technology is still so new, and many of these facilities are still under construction. How many non-U.S. citizens are registered to vote in Utah? State reveals numbers Theres so many unanswered questions, and I think as communities and the public, we need to continually ask these questions, but what are the economic benefits? [] How do we track that? How many jobs are going to be created? she said. According to the Wyoming Energy Authority, there will be about 5,000 jobs during the peak of construction of the Jade data center, but once its up and running, there will only be around 400 permanent jobs, which is not too many for a facility that size. Advertisement Advertisement It is an opportunity for us to ask these questions and to reach out to our local legislators and our state legislators and ask, how can we track the economic growth? How can we track the environmental impacts? Smith said. Its kind of really up to us to push for that and to ask for that because its moving so fast that to not have some kind of framework in place to monitor these AI centers, itll just kind of go unchecked. Smith said that we, as consumers and residents in these communities, need to ask questions of our local lawmakers Suspect charged with obstruction of justice in LDS church shooting appears in court I just really want to encourage consumers and just people to ask these questions about AI because theres so many unanswered questions right now, and just to really become engaged and maybe go to some planning meetings with your commissioners. If somethings being built near you or even isnt being built near you, learn about how its being constructed. Advertisement Advertisement Smith added that one way that AI data centers can be more sustainable is if they are built to use renewable energy sources alongside fossil fuels, and that is a big question people should be asking. Additionally, Smith said that we need to consider our own usage of AI, and that we should try to conserve AI like we would any other resource. This comes down to a question, as consumers, how do we want to use the AI technology? I think of it as, because its such a massive expeller of CO2, and it sucks so much water. [] Its also our responsibility as we start to use this tool, how do we conserve it? Do we always use it? Do I just go and make silly videos with AI? Or am I just on Chat GPT all the time? Were starting to think about, okay, whats our responsibility with this tool, she said. 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. NATO has planned to create an unmanned robotic zone along its border with Russia and Belarus over the next two years and to pre-position significantly more weapons there. Source: Brigadier General Thomas Lowin, speaking to German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, as reported by European Pravda Details: Brigadier General Thomas Lowin of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) became the first NATO general to publicly set out the new defence concept Eastern Flank Deterrence Line (EFDL). Welt am Sonntag reports that NATO aims to implement it, if possible, by the end of 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "We will see noticeably larger stockpiles than before in NATO states bordering Russia." More details: Lowin is deputy chief of staff for operations at NATO's Land Command in Izmir, Turkiye. He says that this includes "weapon and ammunition depots for rearming defence systems in the automated zone and for equipping NATO forces". Lowin also said that the alliance intends to build a "comprehensive multi-layer defence system" along the border with Russia and Belarus. He says it would rely not only on conventional troops but also on obstacles and technology to create a robotic or automated zone close to the border which an enemy would have to overcome first. Advertisement Advertisement A network of reconnaissance sensors and largely automated robotic weapons would help stop Russian forces at the first stage of an attack while preserving NATO soldiers' lives. The new automated zone would be predominantly unmanned, Lowin adds. Background: The European Commission on 16 October 2025 presented to EU member states a comprehensive plan to strengthen Europe's defence capabilities, including measures to counter drones and other threats from the air, sea and space. The EU has also said it wants to create a drone alliance with Ukraine in early 2026. Poland intends to begin developing a national anti-drone system within the next few months, without waiting for the European Union's drone wall initiative to be implemented. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has weighed in on a separatist movement in Alberta, saying the western Canadian province is a "natural partner for the US". "Alberta has a wealth of natural resources, but they won't let them build a pipeline to the Pacific," Bessent told an American right-wing commentator in an interview on Thursday. "I think we should let them come down into the US, and Alberta is a natural partner for the US. They have great resources. The Albertans are very independent people." Advertisement Advertisement The top US official's comments come amid strained ties between US and Canada, and as signatures are being collected in the province seeking an independence referendum. In comments to conservative host Jack Posobiec, Bessent went on to say there is a "rumour that they may have a referendum on whether they want to stay in Canada or not". A group in Alberta has until May to collect at least 178,000 signatures - or 10% of eligible voters - for a referendum campaign. Asked about Bessent's remarks on Friday, federal Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said he'd tell him "thanks but no thanks, we will do our own things". Advertisement Advertisement He said Canadians are "able to develop our natural resources at home" and pointed to a deal recently inked by Prime Minister Mark Carney with Alberta that opens the door for an oil pipeline to the Pacific. It's a project long pushed for by Canada's oil heartland but one which faces significant hurdles. A spokesman for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said in a statement to the BBC that the province supports new pipelines "west, east, north, and south, and we will continue to work with our US partners on building more pipeline capacity to US markets". "But the premier also believes the overwhelming majority of Albertans are not interested in becoming a US state". Late last year over 430,000 signatures were gathered for a petition calling for a united Canada to counter the separatist push, and polls indicate a majority of Albertans want to stay in Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Many supporters of separatism have also told media they are seeking independence from Canada - not to join the US. Mitch Sylvestre, who is spearheading the referendum petition, told the CBC on Friday he doesn't think anyone in his movement is eyeing the US. He said he thought Bessent's comment on Alberta and the US being "natural partners" was obvious given the energy trade between them. Still, some organisers of the movement have said they have travelled to Washington to meet officials from the Trump administration. Meanwhile, trade talks between the US and Canada are on ice, and President Donald Trump has expressed irritation with the prime minister over a blunt speech he delivered at the World Economic Forum in Davos calling out "great powers" for weaponising their economic might. Advertisement Advertisement Trump responded in his own speech with: "Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements." Other US officials have also criticised Carney's speech, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who this week accused Canada of being "arrogant" and Carney of pandering to a domestic audience by adopting an anti-US stance. Nearly 18,000 participants joined a "Freedom in Iran" demonstration in the German city of Dusseldorf by Saturday afternoon, police said. They carried banners demanding the return to Iran of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last shah. "King Reza Pahlavi" was written on banners with large photos of the Iranian politician and former crown prince, who currently lives in the United States. The demonstrators marched through the city centre to the regional parliament. Everything remained peaceful until the afternoon, a police spokeswoman said. Advertisement Advertisement The police were deployed with hundreds of officers. Another rally was scheduled to take place on Saturday afternoon until early evening at Dusseldorf's Schadowplatz in the city centre with up to 1,500 people. Due to traffic disruptions, the police had called on visitors to the city centre to use public transport. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai, seized 1.815 kg of foreign-origin gold valued at Rs 2.89 crore from a courier consignment that arrived at the International Courier Terminal, Mumbai, from Riyadh. The gold was ingeniously concealed inside a courier parcel containing a meat-grinding machine. After detailed examination and dismantling of the meat grinder, and upon breaking open the internal gear, DRI officers recovered 32 cut pieces of gold of varying sizes, ingeniously concealed within the gear of the grinder. A total of 1,815 grams of gold, along with the meat grinder used for concealment, was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. In a swift follow-up action, DRI apprehended two persons: the person responsible for collecting the courier consignment and another one who had arranged KYC documents to facilitate clearance of the shipment. This case highlights the evolving, sophisticated concealment techniques adopted by gold-smuggling syndicates to evade detection. The DRI remains committed to exposing new smuggling methods, dismantling transnational smuggling networks, and safeguarding the country's economic security. Further investigation is in progress. Meanwhile, earlier this month, in a major crackdown on trans-border smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted searches in Delhi and Agartala and busted a well-organised international gold smuggling syndicate operating from Dubai and Bangladesh. The action led to the seizure of more than 29 kg foreign-origin gold and cash worth approximately 2.90 crore. Based on specific intelligence, on 6th January 2026, a key syndicate member was apprehended from a domestic logistics warehouse while taking delivery of two consignments originating from Agartala, Tripura. Examination of the consignments led to the recovery of 15 kg of foreign-origin gold, bearing international refinery markings, valued at approximately 20.73 crore. Simultaneous searches conducted at multiple locations in Delhi and Agartala resulted in the recovery of an additional 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold and 2.90 crore in cash, including Indian and Bangladeshi currency. Thus, a total of 29.2 kg of gold, valued at approx 40 crore, and cash of 2.9 crore have been seized under the Customs Act. Further, four members of the syndicate have been arrested. (ANI) WNBA, players union hold in-person meeting in New York as CBA talks drag on The WNBA and members of the players union met in person on Monday in New York as CBA negotiations continue, nearly a month past the last deadline. Gov. Jim Pillen speaks at a news conference at the Durham Museum in Omaha, with Union Pacific vintage railroad cars as a backdrop. Those attending included State Sen. Brad von Gillern, chair of the Legislature's Revenue Committee, who introduced an incentives-focused bill on Pillen's behalf. Shown on far right is Heath Mello, CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, and left of von Gillern is Todd Bingham, CEO of Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Also speaking was Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner) OMAHA Nebraska officials seek to sweeten corporate tax incentives that spur job growth in the state, targeting Union Pacific Railroad in particular as it merges with another railroad giant that just five years ago opened a new headquarters in Atlanta. Gov. Jim Pillen, Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr., and the heads of the Omaha and Nebraska business chambers of commerce held a news conference in Omaha Friday touting Legislative Bill 1165, newly introduced by State Sen. Brad von Gillern on behalf of the Pillen administration. The Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railroads announce plans in July 2025 to create the first transcontinental railroad. (Courtesy of Norfolk Southern) Dubbed the Grow the Good Life Act, the proposal modifies three existing business incentive laws. Key changes ensure that a large employer undergoing a merger or acquisition gains benefits that might encourage them to stay and grow in Nebraska, said von Gillern, chair of the Legislatures Revenue Committee. Advertisement Advertisement While U.P. is not identified by name, portions of the bill appear tailor-made for the Omaha-based railroad company as it seeks federal approval of an $85 billion merger with Georgia-based Norfolk Southern to create the nations first single-line coast-to-coast rail system. The merged systems would create a combined enterprise of more than $250 billion. The union of two Fortune 500 transportation companies faces opponents and saw a setback recently when the Surface Transportation Board rejected an initial application as incomplete. U.P. said it will provide the necessary information. Aggressive, assertive On Friday, Pillen proclaimed as groundbreaking the initiative that addresses pressure business groups have put on his administration to focus more on economic development, as he has concentrated on property tax relief measures. This is more aggressive and assertive than anything weve ever done before, Pillen said at the event, which used vintage U.P. railcars as a backdrop at Omahas Durham Museum. Advertisement Advertisement An estimated cost has yet to be attached to the new incentives, said von Gillern, who emphasized that provisions were sure to change as the measure advances through the law-making process. He called it a pay-for-performance plan not welfare, not a give-away. Ewing said he hopes for a Super Bowl business climate. We have to run new plays. We have to expect to win companies, jobs and people, the mayor said. Weve got to be willing to have the courage to go for it on fourth down. The Union Pacific glassy corporate headquarters in downtown Omaha is left of the white building labeled the Omaha World-Herald. The 19-story U.P. downtown facility opened in 2004, though U.P. has had its operational base in Omaha for more than 160 years. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) In response to a reporters question, Pillen said the state had not negotiated an incentive package with U.P. He said other businesses could benefit from the legislation as well, and mentioned HDR and Kiewit Corp. as among growing companies that could perhaps tap revamped incentives. Advertisement Advertisement U.P., in a statement to the Examiner, said the railroad was excited to grow with Nebraska. We support Governor Pillen and the Legislatures goals of attracting and retaining high-paying jobs in the state. Upon announcing the acquisition plan last July, U.P. leaders said the combined company would be headquartered in Omaha and that Atlanta will remain a core location with a focus on technology, operations and innovation. U.P. employs more than 5,500 people in Nebraska (about 33,000 nationwide) and operates more than 1,000 miles of track in the state. The railroad has maintained operational headquarters in Omaha for more than 160 years, and moved into a then-new downtown Omaha headquarters in 2004. Advertisement Advertisement Nationally, Norfolk Southern has more than 20,000 employees, with more than 3,000 at its Atlanta headquarters that the company opened in 2021. Staying ahead of competition Von Gillern said possible relocation should be a concern, noting that Georgia has been very aggressive with incentive offerings. He said the Norfolk Southern Atlanta campus is pretty stunning. State Sen. Brad von Gillern of Elkhorn. Aug. 8, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) We have to be ahead of our competition, von Gillern said. This bill will benefit the employees of Union Pacific and Nebraska taxpayers by ensuring that a high-caliber, high-paying great corporate citizen stays here in our home state. Incentives laid out in LB 1165 include sales and use tax credits and grants, and modify the Key Employer and Jobs Retention Act, the ImagiNE Act, and Site Building Development Act. Advertisement Advertisement Key provisions apply to private employers in the state that have more than 3,000 full-time workers and an enterprise value of more than $25 billion after a merger. As currently written, von Gillern said, those employers could be eligible for a 10% tax credit for bringing to the state 1,000 full-time jobs with $90,000 salaries over a seven year period. Another change, not to exceed $5 million in 2026-27 fiscal year, would provide capital improvement grants to employers following a change of ownership. The Department of Labor also would establish a grant program, not to exceed $300,000 annually for any employer, to provide workforce retention and recruitment support to businesses undergoing an ownership change. LB 1165 responds to pressure from Nebraska business leaders who have been releasing studies showing the state falling behind some of its peers in job growth and economic development. Clear message Heath Mello, a former senator who had led the Legislatures Appropriations Committee and is now CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, said the legislation reflects months of discussion with the Pillen team to retain and expand jobs and talent. Heath Mello, CEO and president of the Greater Omaha Chamber. (Courtesy of Greater Omaha Chamber) Tax incentives, Mello said, are usually the first thing companies look for in deciding where to build a workforce and commercial enterprise. Advertisement Advertisement He noted that some of Nebraskas most iconic employers currently are navigating major ownership changes, and mentioned U.P. This legislation sends a very clear message: Nebraska is prepared to meet change with confidence, Mello said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Skies darkened over the state Capitol building on Jan. 23, 2026, ahead of a forecasted winter storm that made for a quiet Friday afternoon at the Legislature. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM) As debate on the New Mexico Senate floor stretched into Friday afternoon, Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee staff members addressed the crowd in a committee room with an apologetic tone: Committee Chair Sen. Linda Lopez (D-Albuquerque) was concerned about the impending winter storm creating dangerous road conditions, they said, so the hearing on several pieces of proposed legislation would be rescheduled for Monday. Frequently during debate on the Senate floor, lawmakers reminded one other of the impending storm as a reason to adjourn early. Advertisement Advertisement That didnt stop some, like Sen. Jay Block (R-Rio Rancho), from engaging in debates over proposed legislation before the Senate. Senate Bill 2, which would fund statewide highway infrastructure projects in part with increased registration fees for passenger vehicles, electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. It would also allow the State Transportation Commission to issue bonds to finance road projects. Adding fees and taxes onto businesses, which are going to pass that onto the consumers I hear about affordability all the time from those on the left. Youre actually making it worse with this bill, Block said during debate over the bill, which passed 31-9 with amendments. Among the proposed laws the Senate Health and Public Affairs committee was scheduled to discuss were Senate Bill 6, which aims to appropriate nearly $547 million for a new University of New Mexico School of Medicine, and Senate Bill 8, which would funnel $650 million into the states Behavioral Health Trust Fund. The fund was signed into law after the 2025 legislative session as a way to rebuild the states behavioral health system. Medical compact bill advances New Mexico moved closer to entering an interstate medical compact Friday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement The state Senate voted 40-0 to pass Senate Bill 1, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Act. The bill aims to ease the states health care worker shortage by making it easier for licensed professionals from other states to practice in New Mexico. This is a big step forward, Sen. Rex Wilson (R-Ancho) said on the Senate floor. After voicing his support, though, he told his fellow senators that the legislation was not a cure-all for the many health care challenges facing the state. This is not a substitute for the big issue we need to deal with in terms of revisions to our malpractice laws. Fellow Republicans shared Wilsons sentiment. Make no mistake, we are far from truly accomplishing our goals for New Mexicans, Senate Minority Leader Bill Sharer (R-Farmington) said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. If we fail to reform our states medical malpractice laws, New Mexico will continue to drive healthcare providers out of our state. Reading bill moves forward Members of the Senate Education Committee on Friday advanced the High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act, which would build on the states structured literacy requirements in public schools. Senate Bill 37, sponsored by state Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) and Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), has been endorsed by the Legislative Education Study Committee. Stewart told the committee the bill builds on work the Public Education Department has done over the last several years to improve literacy rates and attempts to set in framework a way that we can help everybody learn to read in our public schools. Suicide Awareness Day New Mexicos most recent health data shows a 9% increase in suicide deaths in 2024. Rosella Sanchez, the director of community and stakeholder relations for the states 988 crisis line, said she wants more New Mexicans to understand their options for free resources. The 988 phone line is a free, confidential resource for people experiencing mental health crises. Rosella Sanchez, the director of community and stakeholder relations for the states 988 crisis line, wants anyone with any struggle to call anytime. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM) Its for anyone, any time, any struggle. Its not just for suicidal ideation, anybody can call no matter what situation theyre going through, she told Source NM. Theres no judgement, no shame. Advertisement Advertisement Sanchez offered resources in the Roundhouse rotunda as part of the Legislatures Suicide Awareness Day. The line has reached more than 80,000 New Mexicans, she said. The state revamped the 988 line in 2022 following the federal passage of the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act, which funded the resource for mental health, substance use or suicidal crises. In addition to the phone number, the NMConnect app allows for text messages and provides videos and links to local resources. The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line, which answers the 988 calls made in New Mexico, offers counseling, Sanchez said, along with connections to resources for alcohol or substance misuse. Additionally, there is a peer-to-peer warmline to offer a non-crisis line, for a listening ear, she said. Looking ahead After a busy first week for the legislative session, the halls of the Roundhouse were noticeably less lively Friday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Source NM had planned to cover the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee hearing Friday afternoon, and will keep eyes on legislation for the new UNM School of Medicine and the Behavioral Health Trust Fund when they are discussed next week. Also early next week, the House Education Committee will review House Bill 47, which would amend insurance contributions for public and charter schools across the state, and House Bill 24, known as the Professional Recruitment and Retention Act, which would aid licensed professionals including registered nurses and dentists with buying a house. The House Judiciary Committee will also review a slew of bills related to entering interstate compacts for licensed professionals. Later in the week, the House Energy, Environment and Natural Resources committee plans to hear the Green Amendment, a proposed change to the states constitution to enshrine a right to clean and healthy air, water, soil and environment. House Joint Resolution 3 is sponsored by Democratic Reps. Joanne Ferrary (Las Cruces), Joseph Franklin Hernandez (Shiprock) and Patricia Roybal Caballero and Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, both of Albuquerque. If passed, the voters would decide on the constitutional amendment in the next general election. This is the sixth year lawmakers have introduced similar legislation. WASHINGTON A federal jury could not reach a unanimous verdict after a nine-day trial involving Cortney Merritts, the husband of former Missouri U.S. Congresswoman Cori Bush in a pandemic fraud case. Federal prosecutors charged Merritts with two felony counts of mail fraud last year, following allegations that he fraudulently collected more than $25,000 in federal COVID relief funds for a moving business called Vetted Couriers. A federal indictment alleges that Merritts submitted false and fraudulent applications for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan in July 2020 and a Paycheck Protection Program loan in April 2021. Prosecutors also alleged that Merritts used the federal funds for his personal benefit and enjoyment. Advertisement Advertisement At trial, the defense presented evidence establishing that Merritts did not even personally submit an EIDL loan, worked with a consultant in an effort to properly prepare and submit the PPP loan, and legitimately owned and operated Vetted Couriers. Water rescue underway after man falls in pond: Officials After three days of deliberations and six days of evidence and arguments at trial, the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict. We are grateful the jury saw this for what it was: an innocent small business owner who legitimately sought financial relief during the pandemic for a moving business he built from the ground up and was prosecuted only because he is married to a former United States Congresswoman, said Justin Gelfand, his trial attorney with the law firm Margulis, Gelfand, DiRuzzo & Lambson, via a news release. The prosecution brought the full force of the federal government against this man for a loan application that resulted in no money being paid and for a subsequent loan application that resulted in approximately $20,000 of PPP loan funds paid to a real business as the PPP program was intended. Advertisement Advertisement It is not immediately clear whether prosecutors plan to retry the case. Authorities only pursued this case because Cortney is married to me, said Bus, also via news release. We appreciate the jurys unwillingness to convict a good man of a crime he did not commit. Bush lost her Missouri U.S. House seat (District 1) to Wesley Bell in 2024. The seat represents St. Louis City and parts of St. Louis County. She will attempt to reclaim the seat during the Democratic primary in August 2026. 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 2. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and other city leaders warned of the grave risks the city will face from Winter Storm Fern as it is expected to roll into the city beginning Jan. 24. Ginther said at a news conference that the storm will be "a once-in-a-decade event" and that residents should prepare to stay home for at least several days, if they can. He also cautioned the possibility of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office declaring a Level 3 Snow Emergency, which means roads are closed unless travel is absolutely necessary. "This is serious this is not a drill and we need people to take this seriously," Ginther said. "We need people to get out and to get just what they need for the next couple of days and plan on staying home." Advertisement Advertisement Large swaths of Ohio are under a winter storm warning as disruptive snow and ice are expected to descend across much of the country. The warning began at 10 a.m. Jan. 24 and is expected to remain in effect through Monday, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. The forecast calls for heavy rain now, with potential accumulation of 8 to 12 inches. Live storm updates: Winter Storm Fern threatens central Ohio. Get live updates here The weather service also issued a separate cold weather advisory that began at 6 p.m. Jan. 23 until noon Jan. 24. Expect "very cold" wind chills as low as 12 degrees below zero. Advertisement Advertisement Ginther also cautioned against residents panic-buying groceries in anticipation of Winter Storm Fern. "We don't need to induce panic and buy everything under the sun," Ginther said. "Get what you need for the next couple of days." Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther speaking to members of the media at the Transportation Operations office ahead of Winter Storm Fern, which could bring as much as 8-12 inches of snow to the city beginning Jan. 24 Scott Tourville, the city's infrastructure management administrator, said its "snow warriors" were prepared to hit the roads when the snow begins, but due to the volume of snow, they will have to focus on high-priority roads and will need to repeatedly re-plow them. Because of this, he said, some residential streets may go days before they're cleared. "We really want to stress that patience, roads are absolutely going to be impacted Sunday, Monday and well into Tuesday between the heavy snow and extreme temperatures," Tourville said. Advertisement Advertisement Tourville said Winter Storm Fern is "likely to be a Top 5 or Top 10 event in Columbus snowfall history." Find warming centers in Columbus: Columbus opening warming centers as winter storm approaches. See where Community Shelter Board President Shannon Isom said that since 2022, the board has been working to expand its availability to assist everyone struggling with housing to find a warm place during cold weather. Isom said this is "a moment where preparation and compassion matter. "There's no one that should be out in this cold," Isom said. "We've been thinking about you and have a place for you." Advertisement Advertisement Isom urged anyone who sees someone who might be homeless or needs access to a warming center to call 614-274-7000 to connect them with resources, rather than intervening themselves, including taking them to a warming center. Cole Behrens covers K-12 education and school districts in central Ohio. Have a tip? Contact Cole at cbehrens@dispatch.com or connect with him on X at @Colebehr_report. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Mayor Ginther warns 'this is serious' ahead of winter storm NEW YORK Snowstorms can make, but more often break, big city mayors. And New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, inaugurated on a freezing New Year's Day, has to lead the city through the largest expected snowstorm in years. More than half of the United States is facing a winter storm over the weekend. Forecasts, for now, show at least a foot of snow piling on New York City sometime beginning Sunday, Jan. 25. A snowstorm is for a mayor what foreign policy is for a president, Mitchell L. Moss, a professor of urban policy at New York Universitys Wagner School for Public Service and a former adviser to New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, said. "It's the stage where the mayor dominates in New York City." Drivers navigate icy conditions on Briley Parkway in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. A winter storm brought snow and ice to Middle Tennessee starting on Saturday. Motorists travel along north bound lanes of Interstate 65 as a winter storm moved into the region Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 in Brentwood, Tenn. The storm is expected to bring snow, sleet, freezing temperatures and ice across multiple states this weekend. Pedestrians walk through the heavy snow in Columbus as Winter Storm Fern continues to dump snow on Central Ohio on Jan. 25, 2026. Mark Anstaett of Clintonville, Ohio cross country skis though Whetstone Park as Winter Storm Fern continues to dump snow on the Columbus area on Jan. 25, 2026. Vehicles make their way along I-95 southbound into Wilmington, Del. past the W. 18th Street overpass, early morning, Jan. 25, 2026. NES crews work on restoring power after a tree fell across Bluefield Ave. in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. A winter storm brought snow and ice to Middle Tennessee starting on Saturday. Snow is plowed on route 9 in Tarrytown, NY during the winter storm Jan. 25, 2026. The storm was predicted to drop up to a foot of snow on the lower Hudson Valley. A family sleds Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at Unity Park in Greenville, SC. Cars travel Interstate 65 as snow falls Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Indianapolis. Ted Bieber of the Knolls walks across the SR-315 pedestrian bridge as Winter Storm Fern continues to dump snow on the Columbus, Ohio area on Jan. 25, 2026. Mark Bruce uses a snowblower Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, along the street in front of his Avon, Ind. home. A layer of snow blankets the back of two horses in Greenville on Jan. 25, 2026. Snow covers the ground of the Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church in New Castle County, Del. on Jan. 25, 2026. Snow is plowed on route 9 in Tarrytown, N.Y. during the winter storm Jan. 25, 2026. The storm was predicted to drop up to a foot of snow on the lower Hudson Valley. A major winter storm is forecast to spread heavy snow, sleet and dangerous ice to tens of millions of Americans across two dozen states starting on Friday and continuing into the weekend. See here, Keith Wilson, of Milwaukee, walks with frozen eyelashes down East State Street in Milwaukee on Jan. 23, 2026. The National Weather Service issued an extreme cold watch across Wisconsin with windchills between 30 and 40 below zero. Erie Downtown Partnership Ambassadors Derek Smith, right, and Rob Nelson clear ice and snow near a bus stop, with single-digit temperatures outdoors, in Erie, Pa., on Jan. 23, 2026. Smith said they try and keep paths clear during heavy snow events. American Red Cross shelter set up at the Civic Center of Anderson, SC, on Jan 24, 2026. A customer loads ice melt into their car at Lowes on Jan. 22, 2026 in Little Rock, Ark. Yahaira Rojas, of Milwaukee, shields her face from the cold as she walks down North 10th Street in from of the Milwaukee County Courthouse in Milwaukee on Jan. 23, 2026. An employee restocks a shelf with snow shovels at Keith's Hardware store on Jan. 23, 2026 in Louisville. Victoria Parker volunteers at The Store assisting customers before the winter storm in Nashville on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. The Store is a non-profit organization founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley to support foodinsecure neighbors. A pedestrian walks to the grocery store for milk during a stretch of extreme cold weather, Jan. 23, 2026, in Menasha, Wisc. Joe Gegelbach loads his trunk with ice melt at the Home Depot as he potential winter storm Evansville, Ind., Jan. 23, 2026. Orangetown Highway Department crews load salt on snow plows in preparation for the snow storm at their facility in Orangeburg, N.Y., Jan. 23, 2026. Firewood, snow shovels and other items to help deal with the coming storm at s Home Depot in Gastonia, N.C. on Jan. 23, 2026. Lynn Batizy of Anderson volunteers setting up cots for American Red Cross warming center at the Civic Center of Anderson, S.C., Jan. 23 2026. On Jan. 23, 2026, Lynn Sealey (left) and Colby Coates (right) replenish produce after an increased number of customers visited the WNC Farmers Market vendor in Asheville, N.C., ahead of the winter storm. Large trucks are filled with a salt and sand mixture at the Easter Salt Co., in Quincy, Mass. on, Jan. 22, 2026. Overnight snowfall left the morning commute in downtown Rochester, NY a little slippery on Jan. 22, 2026. A nearly empty bread shelf is seen in Madison, Tenn., ahead of the storm on January 22, 2025. John Pickering looks over a new shovel at Curry Hardware in West Quincy, Massachusetts, on Jan. 22, 2026. A sun dog seen Jan. 22, 2026 near Pittsville, WI. Sun dogs are caused by refraction of sunlight by ice crystals. A "drive safely" sign is displayed in Greenville, SC as crews work on treating roads, Jan 22, 2026. People brace the cold temperatures while walking on the Brooklyn Bridge in the Manhattan borough of New York City on January 21, 2026. Bringing icy temperatures, Winter Storm Fern will slam a massive stretch of the United States this week, with more than 175 million people facing the prospect of heavy snowfall, power outages and travel disruption. Forecasters warned it could be 2,000 miles long, well over half the length of the continental US. Massive winter storm blankets nation. See photos 1 of 34 Drivers navigate icy conditions on Briley Parkway in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. A winter storm brought snow and ice to Middle Tennessee starting on Saturday. New Yorkers will look to the 34-year-olds response as an early test of his managerial chops. Even if hes not in their neighborhood, theyll think of him when they see their sidewalks, streets, bike lanes and trains across the city. Advertisement Advertisement Political experts told USA TODAY it appears Mamdani, a Millennial whose age was considered by some to be too young to lead the nation's largest city and its colossal government, isnt taking chances. There have been some famous missteps, Robin Nagle, anthropologist-in-residence at the Department of Sanitation of New York, said. Its often an early test of a new mayor. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivers a speech during his inauguration ceremony in New York City on Jan. 1, 2026. On Friday morning, Mamdani gave weather updates on the Weather Channel, then the famed hip-hop station Hot 97. Hes kept on the sanitation commissioner, whose agency is tasked with transforming into the nations largest snow fighting operation, Mamdani said in an emergency management briefing. To the disappointment of some New Yorkers who would rather be sledding than sitting in class, he ruled out a snow day for the city's 1 million public school students, due to a provision on the number of school days under state law. If there is too much snow for students to get to school, they will hold remote lessons. Advertisement Advertisement The mayor said one student had even found an email address for his wife Rama Duwaji and laid out the case for a snow day to her. Blizzards have vexed mayors throughout history Not all mayors have excelled in the snow, and its cost them. In Chicago, a 1979 blizzard iced Mayor Michael Bilandics reelection after the city struggled to respond to over 20 inches of snow. In New York, Mayor John Lindsays lax response to a 1969 snowstorm stands out, Moss said. That storm, which left over a dozen dead and saw streets unplowed for up to a week, nearly cost Lindsay his reelection later that year. But other winter events plagued more mayors. People brace the cold temperatures while walking on the Brooklyn Bridge in the Manhattan borough of New York City on January 21, 2026. Bringing icy temperatures, Winter Storm Fern will slam a massive stretch of the United States this week, with more than 175 million people facing the prospect of heavy snowfall, power outages and travel disruption. Forecasters warned it could be 2,000 miles long, well over half the length of the continental US. In 2010, Bloombergs private jet landed in Bermuda the day before a snowstorm, though he reportedly came back just a day later. A deputy mayor, who had also been out of town for the blizzard, later resigned over the citys slow response, The New York Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement In January 2014, a month into Bill de Blasio's mayoralty, wealthy Manhattanites on the Upper East Side blamed the Brooklyn progressive for not adequately salting their sidewalks. Snow is second to crime in how people feel about city government, said Ester Fuchs, a professor at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs and a former Bloomberg adviser. As a quality of life issue, snow cuts across race, class and gender as people look out their windows and doors. Did that plow come down your street? Everybody remembers, Fuchs said. It is a visceral issue that actually informs people's perceptions about the effectiveness of a mayoral administration, and generally, the effectiveness of city government." The city's real response will come from about 2,000 sanitation workers working 12-hour shifts beginning Saturday evening throughout the snowstorm. Garbage trucks are equipped to plow, salt and even melt snow, a city news release said. Advertisement Advertisement Sanitation workers are required to be at the ready for winter events. Nagle, the anthropologist, cited a familiar phrase for sanitation workers: When it snows, the department owns you. A sanitation snowplow drives through Long Island City, Queens, during a winter storm on February 1, 2021 in New York City. The preparation for winter storms begins in the summer, according to Nagle, who wrote a book on the citys sanitation workers. The sanitation department begins inventories for equipment, training and licensing new hires, and practicing routes on warm September nights. Ultimately, the citys response is under the mayors control. But forecasts could change, either blowing the storm elsewhere or snowfall isnt as much as expected, in which case the mayor might get blamed for wasting taxpayer dollars on employee overtime and salting the streets. To be the mayor in this situation is potentially lose-lose, Nagle said. On the other hand, it can be a great victory. Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani has one thing going for him. The snowstorm is expected to arrive Sunday, when most are at home. But the next day, people have to step outside for the work week in the bustling city. Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Reach him by email at emcuevas1@usatoday.com or on Signal at emcuevas.01. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Big cities brace for snowstorm. How Zohran Mamdani is coping in NYC A 43-year-old Odessa man was arrested and booked into the Ector County jail early Friday morning after his former wife accused him of threatening to kill her and following her to the police station. According to an Odessa Police Department report, dispatchers received a 9-1-1 call around 9 p.m. Thursday from a 31-year-old woman who said her husband had threatened her with a knife and was currently following her. The woman drove to OPD where she met with an officer in the Municipal Court parking lot, the report stated. Advertisement Advertisement After telling the officer her former husband, Yoandris Gonzalez Perez, 43, had just left northbound on Grant Avenue, she explained that she and Gonzalez had separated 10 days ago after having been together two years, the report stated. She said Gonzalez came into her bedroom, told her hed been thinking of killing her because shed left him, threw her on the ground and held an 8-10 inch kitchen knife to her face, the report stated. The woman said she was able to get up, leave and head for OPD, the report stated. According to the police report, Gonzalez Face-Timed the woman while she was talking to the officer and he told her if she went to the police it would put him in a bad spot. Advertisement Advertisement Gonzalez was booked on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. No bail had been set as of Friday night. The post Odessa woman finds refuge after driving to OPD appeared first on Odessa American. South Africa's Drakenstein Municipality could become the country's first local government to ban single-use plastics, according to Infrastructure News. The proposed Integrated Waste Management by-law would target plastic shopping bags, straws, stirring implements, and polystyrene-based products. Public comments on the draft remained open until Nov. 30, 2025, with Council approval expected by February of this year. "Drakenstein Municipality is taking a bold step towards a more sustainable future for everyone who calls this valley home," said Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of the Municipality, per the article. Advertisement Advertisement The ban would directly benefit residents by reducing the plastic-related toxins that enter food and water supplies. Microplastics from single-use items break down in waterways and soil, eventually making their way into human bodies via drinking water and seafood. Louis Pienaar, executive director of Engineering Services, noted that the municipality is facing ongoing issues with discarded single-use plastic products, which are damaging the area's appearance and creating breeding grounds for disease-carrying pests. "We support the shift from a culture of constantly buying new products to embracing a lifestyle of reuse," Pienaar explained, per Infrastructure News. The municipality is taking a phased approach that prioritizes education and partnership over immediate penalties regarding the measure. Stores will transition to offering reusable bags meeting thickness standards of at least 30 microns (around 0.03 millimeters) or switching to compostable materials. Advertisement Advertisement Food service businesses will adopt alternative straws made from biodegradable materials, glass, or metal. Officials plan to collaborate with local establishments during the adjustment period, rather than levying immediate fines. The initiative also calls for channeling recyclable waste to informal waste collectors at the Paarl Refuse Transfer Station, creating potential income opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The municipality recently completed Phase One of an organic food waste diversion project at an estimated cost of 8 million rand, or around $440,000. Business chamber members who attended informational workshops have overwhelmingly backed the proposal, per the article. Residents will be able to give verbal comments at the Paarl Library, ensuring that everyone can participate in shaping the new policy. "By reducing our reliance on single-use plastics such as straws, polystyrene items and plastic stirrers, we are protecting our environment and securing a cleaner future for future generations," Korabie said, per Infrastructure News. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency Jan. 24 ahead of a major winter storm heading toward the Buckeye State that could bring 8-12 inches of snow. "I'm proactively declaring a state of emergency in Ohio due to the damaging and dangerous conditions Winter Storm Fern is expected to bring to our state this weekend," DeWine said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "I continue to encourage everyone to stay home unless it's absolutely necessary to be out." At least 15 governors have declared emergencies in their states. Advertisement Advertisement "We're expecting the roads to be treacherous in some places, and if you crash, first responders may not be able to get to you quickly," DeWine said in a statement. The proclamation documents DeWine's Jan. 23 directive that state agencies "provide additional resources and support to local communities as needed." It also authorizes the state to suspend any purchasing requirements "to procure any necessary resources or supplies to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Ohioans." I'm proactively declaring a state of emergency in Ohio due to the damaging and dangerous conditions Winter Storm Fern is expected to bring to our state this weekend. I continue to encourage everyone to stay home unless it's absolutely necessary to be out. pic.twitter.com/hs3fIT3SQI Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) January 24, 2026 What does "state of emergency" mean in Ohio, and what does it do? Here's what to know. What is a state of emergency in Ohio? Ohio law gives the governor authority to declare a state of emergency as a way to direct resources to help with urgent needs. The Ohio Constitution also gives the governor authority to call out the state militia (the Ohio National Guard) to act in the event of a disaster. Advertisement Advertisement The governor has broad authority to declare an emergency, according to the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, except for when it violates sections of the Constitution, such as the separation of powers. How long does a state of emergency last? A state of emergency declaration by the governor is in effect for a maximum of 90 days, per Ohio Revised Code. The state legislature can approve an extension, for up to an additional 60 days. Lawmakers can continue to extend the state of emergency if needed, according to the legislative commission. The legislature also has the authority to terminate a state of emergency. What's the role of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency during an emergency? The executive director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency coordinates all emergency management activities of state agencies and acts as the liaison between Ohio and emergency management agencies in other states and the federal government. Ohio is part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a mutual aid agreement that allows states to share resources during governor-declared states of emergency. Reporter Chad Murphy contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine declares state of emergency for Winter Storm Fern Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. She thought she was getting her house cleaned. Instead, a stranger moved in with ten dogsand now she's stuck footing the utility bill. An Ohio woman took to Reddit for help after what started as a routine cleaning job turned into a full-blown squatter situation. In her post, she said she hired a crew to prepare her home for sale. But rather than tidy up, one group allegedly moved inand never left. Now she claims they're running up her utility bills, bringing chaos to the neighborhood, and refusing to leave. Cleaning Crew Or Coup? "I paid them to clean the house because I had planned on selling it," she said. "Instead of cleaning it, they moved in." The woman, who hasn't been through an eviction process before, now says she's scrambling for guidance after being bounced from one legal dead end to another. 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 Advertisement Advertisement "The police sent me to the courthouse. The courthouse told me I needed the district court. The district court gave me the number of someone who said they'd represent the squattersbut refused to answer any of my questions." To make matters worse, the unwelcome occupants reportedly brought 10 large dogs with them. That's created safety concerns, especially for neighbors. One nearby resident, who runs a daycare, told the homeowner that she had to rush parents and children inside after the dogs were seen terrorizing the area. "I can't even enter the property safely," the woman added. "Animal control refuses to help me unless the dogs are being neglected." Am I Required to Work A Second Job?' In just one month, the squatters racked up nearly $1,000 in water, gas, and electricity bills, according to the homeowner. Desperate to keep up, she says she's now digging through her own belongings to find things she can sell. "I guess in Ohio you can't turn the utilities off," she wrote, before asking, "so I have to fully support them from here on out? Am I required to work a second job to support these people?" And this isn't someone with room to spare she's a mother of six, trying to sell the house, not bankroll another family living rent-free. Trending: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100. Commenters jumped in with suggestions, ranging from practical to unorthodox. Some encouraged her to simply stop paying the bills and let the utilities shut off due to nonpaymentarguing that legally she might not be required to maintain them. Advertisement Advertisement Others suggested the classic "new legal tenant" workaround: have a tough-looking friend move in with a signed lease and let them make life uncomfortable for the squatters. "Give them a lease agreement, have them get the electric and such changed to their names," one person advised. "They can turn off the breakers, eat all the food, sleep in the squatters' beds, borrow their car eventually, the trespassers will leave." But not everyone thought that plan would work in this case. "They'd probably just welcome the company," the original poster replied. "They don't care as long as they get to stay." Others urged her to weaponize public pressureget neighbors to call the police, report noise or dog issues, and raise a stink about the house being across from a daycare. "If kids can't come onto their own property or that of a daycare, animal control or the sheriff's department may be able to do something out of public safety interest," one user said. Some even suggested leaning into local ordinanceschecking whether the number of dogs exceeds the legal limit or if any of the occupants are on a registry that prohibits them from living near schools or childcare centers. See Also: Private-Market Real Estate Without the Crowdfunding RiskDirect Access to Institutional-Grade Deals Managed by a $12B+ Real Estate Firm Not Everyone's Cut Out For Landlord Life For homeowners, stories like this are more than just frustratingthey're financially and emotionally draining. The cost of squatter-related damage, legal fees, and missed income can be brutal. Even in a seller's market, a property under siege is hard to offload. As one commenter bluntly put it: "Post the home for sale anywaymaybe someone dumb enough will still buy it." Advertisement Advertisement But if the idea of handing over your keys to a cleaning crew who turns into long-term occupants sounds like a nightmare, there are ways to earn income from real estate without the drama. Platforms like Arrived let you invest in fractional shares of rental homes for as little as $100. You get a slice of the passive incomewithout the late-night dog complaints, legal gymnastics, or surprise roommates. While laws vary by state, and squatter headaches can still happen in certain markets, Arrived handles property management, rent collection, and tenant screening so investors don't have to. For anyone disillusioned with traditional homeownership, it's a way to build wealth without dealing with gas bills for strangers. The House That Turned Into A Handout The original poster still doesn't have a clear path forward. She's not a landlord. She never signed a lease. But somehow, she's stuck paying to keep the lights on for people who, by her account, refused to cleanand never left. "I might have to turn it over to the bank," she admitted, "because I don't have an extra' $1,000 a month to support another family." Advertisement Advertisement It's the kind of real-life horror story that makes you look at "passive income" a little differently. Because sometimes, when someone else moves into your house, you're the one who ends up paying rent. Read Next: This investment firm leverages expert insights and a 2.40x net equity multiple to help accredited investors capitalize on 2026 multifamily market trendsread the full forecast now. Building Wealth Across More Than Just the Market Building a resilient portfolio means thinking beyond a single asset or market trend. 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This allows everyday investors to diversify into real estate, collect rental income, and build long-term wealth without needing to manage properties directly. Lightstone Lightstone DIRECT gives accredited investors direct access to institutional-grade real estate, going beyond typical crowdfunding platforms. By cutting out middlemen, it aligns investor and manager interests while providing exposure to a $12B+ portfolio spanning multifamily, industrial, hospitality, retail, office, and life science properties. This approach allows investors to diversify their portfolios across multiple property types and markets, gaining professional-grade real estate exposure without the fees or misalignment common on other platforms. Domain Domain Money helps professionals and households earning $100,000+ take control of their finances with personalized, CFP professional-led guidance. By offering tailored financial planning, Domain empowers users to make smarter, more confident decisions across investments, retirement, taxes, and overall wealth strategy. Masterworks Masterworks enables investors to diversify into blue-chip art, an alternative asset class with historically low correlation to stocks and bonds. Through fractional ownership of museum-quality works by artists like Banksy, Basquiat, and Picasso, investors gain access without the high costs or complexities of owning art outright. With hundreds of offerings and strong historical exits on select works, Masterworks adds a scarce, globally traded asset to portfolios seeking long-term diversification. Bam Capital BAM Capital offers accredited investors a way to diversify beyond public markets through institutional-grade multifamily real estate. With over $1.85 billion in completed transactions and guidance from Senior Economic Advisor Tony Landa, the firm targets income and long-term growth as supply tightens and renter demand remains strongespecially in Midwest markets. Its income-focused and growth-oriented funds provide exposure to real assets designed to be less tied to stock market volatility. Advertisement Advertisement Image: Shutterstock This article Ohio Mom Hired Someone To Clean Her Home They Moved In With Dogs, Ran Up $1K Bills, and Now She's Selling Her Stuff. 'So I Have to Fully Support Them?' originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Kerala Education Minister V Shivankutty on Friday criticised the BJP for excluding the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor from receiving Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport, calling it "highly objectionable" and an insult to the city's people. Shivankutty recalled that during the election campaign, the BJP had claimed that if it came to power in the Corporation, the Mayor would receive the Prime Minister at the airport in official attire. However, he alleged that when the Prime Minister arrived, the city's first citizen was excluded from the reception. "The decision to exclude the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Mayor from the reception for the Prime Minister's visit is highly objectionable. During the election campaign, the BJP had widely publicised that if it came to power in the Corporation, the Mayor would receive the Prime Minister at the airport wearing official attire. However, when the Prime Minister arrived, the city's first citizen was excluded. This amounts to an insult to the people of Thiruvananthapuram and to federal propriety. None of the explanations being offered can be accepted at face value. Is BJP groupism behind the Mayor's exclusion, or is the Mayor being treated as someone without the 'status' to receive the Prime Minister? The BJP had claimed that within 45 days, the Prime Minister would personally visit Thiruvananthapuram and announce a development blueprint. Where is that blueprint now? This reflects the BJP's repeated stand that it has no obligation to honour election-time promises," V Shivankutty told reporters here. Shivankutty questioned the BJP's election promise to announce a development blueprint within 45 days of taking power, asking where the plan is now. "Where is that blueprint now?" he asked, claiming the incident reflected the BJP's repeated stand of not honouring its poll promises. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lauded the historic BJP victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, saying it marks the end of decades of neglect by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) and the beginning of a new era of development and good governance. PM Modi also criticised the two fronts for perpetuating corruption and mismanagement."Both the LDF and UDF have, in various ways, driven Kerala into a cycle of corruption, mismanagement, and appeasement politics. Though they may use different flags and symbols, their underlying political approach and agendas are virtually identical: rampant corruption, a lack of accountability, and the promotion of divisive communalism. Both parties are well aware that their opportunity to govern resurfaces every five years, yet the core issues remain unaddressed," PM Modi said as he addressed a gathering in Kerala's capital city, Thiruvananthapuram. "For decades, both the LDF and UDF have neglected Thiruvananthapuram, depriving the city of basic facilities and infrastructure. The Left and the Congress have consistently failed to address the needs of our people. However, our BJP team has already begun working towards a developed Thiruvananthapuram. To the people of this city, I say: have faith- the change that has long been overdue is finally on its way," he added. Hailing victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation polls, he said, "This victory is a victory for good governance. This victory is a victory for the resolve to build a developed Kerala. This victory is a victory for the commitment to free Kerala from the corruption of the LDF and UDF. "PM Modi drew parallels between the BJP's beginnings in Kerala and its early journey in Gujarat. PM Modi concluded by congratulating the voters of Thiruvananthapuram for placing their trust in the BJP and reaffirmed the party's commitment to delivering development and good governance in the city. Earlier today, PM Modi flagged off four new trains, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains, Nagercoil-Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram-Tambaram, Thiruvananthapuram-Charlapalli, and a new passenger train between Thrissur and Guruvayur. He also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various developmental projects in Kerala's capital city, Thiruvananthapuram. Addressing a public gathering here as Kerala heads into Assembly election mode, PM Modi began with the traditional greeting "Namaskaram!" and wished his long-time friend and VV Rajesh, who was sworn in as Mayor in Thiruvanthapuram after the BJP in the city's municipal elections for the first time came to power in any Corporation in Kerala.PM Modi was felicitated at the event. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar were also present. (ANI) The new U.S. National Defense Strategy released by President Donald Trump's administration is the first since 2022 and contrasts with its predecessor, issued under former President Joe Biden. Here's a look at how the two Pentagon strategies address some of the traditional concerns of U.S. security policy. The Western Hemisphere 2022: The United States derives immense benefit from a stable, peaceful, and democratic Western Hemisphere that reduces security threats to the homeland. To prevent distant threats from becoming a challenge at home, the Department will continue to partner with countries in the region to build capability and promote security and stability. Advertisement Advertisement As in all regions, the Department will work collaboratively, seeking to understand our partners security needs and areas of mutual concern. 2026: We will actively and fearlessly defend Americas interests throughout the Western Hemisphere. We will guarantee U.S. military and commercial access to key terrain, especially the Panama Canal, Gulf of America, and Greenland. We will provide President Trump with credible military options to use against narco-terrorists wherever they may be. We will engage in good faith with our neighbors, from Canada to our partners in Central and South America, but we will ensure that they respect and do their part to defend our shared interests. And where they do not, we will stand ready to take focused, decisive action that concretely advances U.S. interests. Russia and European security 2022: The Department will maintain its bedrock commitment to NATO collective security, working alongside Allies and partners to deter, defend, and build resilience against further Russian military aggression and acute forms of gray zone coercion. As we continue contributing to NATO capabilities and readiness including through improvements to our posture in Europe and our extended nuclear deterrence commitments the Department will work with Allies bilaterally and through NATOs established processes to better focus NATO capability development and military modernization to address Russias military threat. Advertisement Advertisement 2026: Russia will remain a persistent but manageable threat to NATOs eastern members for the foreseeable future. European NATO dwarfs Russia in economic scale, population, and, thus, latent military power. At the same time, although Europe remains important, it has a smaller and decreasing share of global economic power. It follows that, although we are and will remain engaged in Europe, we must and will prioritize defending the U.S. Homeland and deterring China. Fortunately, our NATO allies are substantially more powerful than Russia it is not even close. Germanys economy alone dwarfs that of Russia. At the same time, under President Trumps leadership, NATO allies have committed to raise defense spending to the new global standard of 5% of GDP in total, with 3.5% of GDP invested in hard military capabilities. Our NATO allies are therefore strongly positioned to take primary responsibility for Europes conventional defense, with critical but more limited U.S. support. This includes taking the lead in supporting Ukraines defense. China and the Indo-Pacific Advertisement Advertisement 2022: The NDS (National Defense Strategy) directs the Department to act urgently to sustain and strengthen U.S. deterrence, with the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) as the pacing challenge for the Department. The most comprehensive and serious challenge to U.S. national security is the PRCs coercive and increasingly aggressive endeavor to refashion the Indo-Pacific region and the international system to suit its interests and authoritarian preferences." "The PRCs increasingly provocative rhetoric and coercive activity towards Taiwan are destabilizing, risk miscalculation, and threaten the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait. This is part of a broader pattern of destabilizing and coercive PRC behavior that stretches across the East China Sea, the South China Sea, and along the Line of Actual Control. The Department will support Taiwans asymmetric self-defense commensurate with the evolving PRC threat and consistent with our one China policy. Advertisement Advertisement 2026: Were China or anyone else, for that matter to dominate this broad and crucial region, it would be able to effectively veto Americans access to the worlds economic center of gravity, with enduring implications for our nations economic prospects, including our ability to reindustrialize. That is why the NSS (National Security Strategy) directs DoW (Department of War) to maintain a favorable balance of military power in the Indo-Pacific. "Not for purposes of dominating, humiliating, or strangling China. To the contrary, our goal is far more scoped and reasonable than that: It is simply to ensure that neither China nor anyone else can dominate us or our allies. This does not require regime change or some other existential struggle. Rather, a decent peace, on terms favorable to Americans but that China can also accept and live under, is possible. North Korea 2022: The Department will continue to deter attacks through forward posture; integrated air and missile defense; close coordination and interoperability with our ROK (South Korea) Ally; nuclear deterrence; resilience initiatives; and the potential for direct cost imposition approaches that come from globally deployable Joint Forces. Advertisement Advertisement 2026: With its powerful military, supported by high defense spending, a robust defense industry, and mandatory conscription, South Korea is capable of taking primary responsibility for deterring North Korea with critical but more limited U.S. support. South Korea also has the will to do so, given that it faces a direct and clear threat from North Korea. Middle East 2022: As the Department continues to right-size its forward military presence in the Middle East following the mission transition in Afghanistan and continuing our by, with, and through approach in Iraq and Syria, we will address major security challenges in the region in effective and sustainable ways. The Department will prioritize cooperation with our regional and global partners that results in their increased ability to deter and defend against potential aggression from Iran, for example by working to advance integrated air and missile defense, maritime security, and irregular warfare capabilities. Working in concert with global and interagency partners, the Department will redouble efforts to support regional security coalitions within the Gulf Cooperation Council and among states in the region to ensure maritime security and improve collective intelligence and warning. 2026: DoW will empower regional allies and partners to take primary responsibility for deterring and defending against Iran and its proxies, including by strongly backing Israels efforts to defend itself; deepening cooperation with our Arabian Gulf partners; and enabling integration between Israel and our Arabian Gulf partners, building on President Trumps historic initiative, the Abraham Accords. As we do, DoW will maintain our ability to take focused, decisive action to defend U.S. interests. Asked about the multiple videos which have emerged showing the shooting, Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino says there needs to be an investigation to establish the facts The new mayor of Jersey City said he is limiting access to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents looking to conduct operations within the city. Mayor James Solomon, a Democrat, signed an executive order on Friday that bars ICE agents from using city-owned properties as they operate in New Jerseys second-largest city. What we are witnessing in America right now is an assault on families, Solomon said at a press conference. In Jersey City, we are going to choose a different path. We choose to protect everyone in the city, including immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement The executive order prohibits immigration enforcement officers from using Jersey Citys parking lots, vacant lots, parks and garages to process detainees, set up bases for operations or do other work. City officials will ensure there are physical barriers on city property, including locked gates, to limit access to federal agents, the executive order says. What this order does is draw a clear line, Solomon said. Jersey Citys resources, our property, our personnel, our tax dollars will not be weaponized against our own residents. ICE officials did not immediately respond to a request to comment. Jersey City Councilman James Solomon awaits election results in race for mayor The city will also partner with immigrant-serving nonprofit organizations to inform city officials and local residents of their rights should they come in contact with federal immigration authorities, the mayor said. Advertisement Advertisement The executive order was one of Solomons first acts as mayor. He took office earlier this month, replacing outgoing Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. Several state officials and advocates spoke at Fridays press conference, applauding Solomons expansion of immigrant protections. U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-10th Dist., said Jersey Citys executive order will help push back against ICE agents who are cruel to those living in the community. We have to have leaders like Mayor Solomon and those at our State House who are protecting our residents from this federal government, said McIver. McIver is facing three felony counts stemming from a May 2025 confrontation at Delaney Hall, a federal immigration detention facility in Newark. She denies the charges. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez, D-8th Dist., also spoke out in favor of Jersey Citys executive order. We know that Trump lied about what his immigration enforcement would look like, Menendez said, referring to non-criminals being targeted by ICE. ICEs own data shows that the people they are detaining separating from their families and communities are not criminals, said Menendez. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Trumps Board of Peace might sound ridiculous, and perhaps it is. But its no more ridiculous than claiming NATO is a board of peace. That phrase now circulates in respectable company, with a straight face, as though repetition alone could make it true. It cannot. NATO was not born as a peace club, but as a military alliance with a narrow defensive purpose specifically, to prevent the Soviet Union from rolling tanks across Western Europe. It was a disciplined arrangement built on deterrence, limits and defined aims. It worked because it knew what it was and what it was not. Advertisement Advertisement That NATO is gone. The Cold War ended. The Warsaw Pact dissolved. The Soviet Union collapsed. Rather than declare victory and stand down, NATO did the opposite. It expanded. It moralized. It wandered, a defensive pact without a clear enemy. Like most institutions that outlive their purpose and go looking for relevance, it found trouble instead. The alliance now stretches to Russias border, absorbing Finland and Sweden in the name of stability, while insisting against geography, history and common sense that this poses no threat to Moscow. It speaks the language of peace while operating as a permanent pressure machine. It calls escalation assurance. It calls encirclement defense. It calls itself restrained while funding, arming and coordinating a prolonged proxy war that has consumed hundreds of thousands of lives. If this is peace, it is a peculiar kind. Advertisement Advertisement NATOs defenders insist that the alliance has simply adapted to a changing world. That is true, but adaptation is not always improvement. NATOs mission has drifted so far that it now resembles a roaming mandate rather than a treaty-bound alliance. Kosovo. Afghanistan. Libya. Iraq by implication, if not formally. Each intervention was sold as exceptional. Each became precedent. Each left behind ruin with no accountability. Afghanistan alone should have forced a reckoning. Twenty years, trillions spent, a state assembled from briefings, metrics and wishful thinking. When it collapsed, it did so almost instantly. NATO didnt deliver stability to Afghanistan but dependency, confusion, and a withdrawal so disorderly that even its own veterans struggle to say what it achieved. The alliance learned nothing, except how to rename failure and move on. Libya followed the same pattern. A no-fly zone was sold as protection, a regime change delivered as collateral. A functioning state was reduced to a weapons depot with a flag. Slave markets returned to the Mediterranean, but NATO moved on. Mission accomplished, eyes forward, memory erased. The Ukraine War has completed the transformation. NATO is now a political-military brand whose survival depends on perpetual confrontation. It is not formally at war with Russia, but it is functionally inseparable from the conflict. It trains. It supplies. It coordinates. It escalates by inches, then calls restraint a virtue. Each new weapons package is framed as defensive. Each red line crossed is described as inevitable, each negotiation delayed as premature. Advertisement Advertisement Peace, we are told, would reward aggression at least according to the people who insist on defining peace for everyone else. But endless war also rewards something: institutions that grow richer, louder, and more powerful the longer fighting continues. NATO no longer prevents war but manages it, regulates it, ensures it doesnt end too quickly or too cleanly. The alliances greatest trick has been to rebrand itself as a moral necessity rather than a strategic choice. To question NATO now is to invite accusations of naivete or treachery. Debate is discouraged. Doubt is dangerous. The organization that once existed to prevent catastrophe now treats catastrophe as proof of relevance. Trumps proposed Board of Peace is laughable in its vagueness. A committee of signatures and ceremonies wont tame Gaza or reorder the world. But at least it admits the obvious: the current system produces neither stability nor harmony. NATOs defenders wont concede that. Denial has become the point. NATO today is an abomination not because it is evil, but because it is unaccountable. It answers to no electorate, absorbs no consequences and faces no sunset clause. It expands without end, intervenes without closure and speaks in diplomatic tones while operating through military force. It has become too big to fail and too sacred to question. Advertisement Advertisement Peace doesnt emerge from institutions that require enemies to justify their existence. It comes from limits, realism and the willingness to stop. If Trumps Board of Peace sounds absurd, it is because escalation has become the default. NATO is no longer fit for purpose. America would do well to abandon it before countless more lives are lost, and countless new justifications are manufactured to keep the machinery of death running. John Mac Ghlionn is a writer and researcher who explores culture, society and the impact of technology on daily life. 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. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Jan. 24 accused Ukraine of meddling in Hungarys parliamentary elections, saying Kyiv had gone on the offensive and was now issuing threats and openly interfering in the Hungarian elections. Orban claimed Ukraines aim was to secure funds and force their way into the European Union as soon as possible, while insisting that as a member of the European Union, Hungary has the right to say no. He portrayed his governments position as protecting Hungarian households and national security, saying Budapest does not want taxpayer money sent to Ukraine or for Hungary to be pulled into the war. Advertisement Advertisement Orban also said Hungary would not back down under pressure, insisting the country would not be intimidated and warning Kyiv that Budapest would refuse to cover the costs. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto echoed the claim of election interference, telling Ukrainian officials: Well, I see you started to interfere into our elections, and warning that Hungary would not accept a government that would say yes to Brussels and drag Hungary into your war. Ukraines Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha responded by arguing that Orbans threats to block Ukraines EU accession were aimed less at Kyiv than at Hungarys own minority community in Ukraine. When Viktor Orban says that he will not allow Ukraine to join the EU for the next 100 years, he is not really talking to the Ukrainian state, Sybiha wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Sybiha accused Orban of sacrificing ethnic Hungarians in Transcarpathia for political gain, as well as advancing Moscows interests by obstructing Ukraines EU bid. Viktor Orban and his team do not care about the well-being and security of Hungarians living in Ukraine, he posted. By blocking Ukraines EU membership, Orban is fulfilling Putins wishes. Sybiha then added that Orban was acting like Hitlers henchman Ferenc Szalasi, and warned that Hungary risked aligning itself with the Kremlin. Hungary and the Hungarian people do not deserve this, Sybiha wrote. Hungary does not deserve to once again find itself on the wrong side of historyas an accomplice of a new form of inhuman ideology represented by the Putin regime. Advertisement Advertisement Sybiha also told Hungarian officials not to fear Ukraine but domestic backlash: You should be afraid of the Hungarian people, who are tired of your lies, your kleptocracy, and your hatred. Orban has repeatedly voiced opposition to Ukraine's EU bid and for the bloc's support to Kyiv as it fends off Russia's war. Hungarian authorities are widely considered the most Moscow-friendly within the EU. Hungary has also pushed back against broader EU efforts to cut dependence on Russian energy, as the bloc moves to phase out imports of Russian gas, oil, and nuclear-related energy. Budapest remains heavily reliant on Russian crude, with Russia supplying 86% of Hungarys oil, according to the Atlantic Council up from 61% before the full-scale invasion. Orban said on Nov. 14 that Hungary would sue the EU over its decision to ban Russian gas imports. Advertisement Advertisement Read also: EU plan envisages Ukraines accession by 2027, up to $1.6 trillion in funding for Kyiv, Orban claims Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. More than 20,000 people took to the streets in Germany on Saturday in solidarity with the Kurds in Syria. According to police reports, 4,300 people participated in Berlin, 4,500 in Frankfurt and 6,000 in the south-western city of Mannheim. Protests also took place in Cologne, Munich, Bremen and other cities. Organizers in Munich called on the federal government to prioritize the protection of civilians and the provision of humanitarian aid. Advertisement Advertisement The reason for the protests is the current situation of the Kurds in Syria and the fear of further escalation. Government troops and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are engaged in battles for power, influence and territorial control in northern and eastern Syria. Despite a ceasefire, the Kurds accuse government troops and their allies of attacks on civilians in the Kurdish-administered Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, also known as Rojava. In recent days, there have been repeated pro-Kurdish protests in German cities. In some cases, there were also violent clashes with the police. People march through the city center during a demonstration under the slogan "Against oppression, intimidation, expulsion, and violence against the Kurdish population and Rojava" . Uli Deck/dpa A woman takes part in a pro-Kurdish demonstration in downtown Frankfurt am Main under the slogan "Against the oppression, repression, and massacres of the civilian population, especially Kurds in Rojava, by Islamist regimes," to protest the situation in northern Syria. Boris Roessler/dpa Over 62,000 Ukrainian service members have completed professional training in the United Kingdom as part of the multinational training programme Interflex. Source: Ukraine's Defence Ministry Quote: "Operation Interflex is one of the key elements of practical military support for Ukraine from the UK and partner countries. Over 62,000 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have completed training under the programme since 2022 and funding for the operation has been extended until the end of 2026." Advertisement Advertisement Details: The ministry stressed that the main aim of the training is to provide rapid and systematic preparation of Ukrainian troops for the realities of modern, high-intensity warfare. The training takes place at military training grounds across the UK under the leadership of the UK Armed Forces. Instructors from more than 10 partner countries from Europe, North America and Oceania have also joined the mission. This approach allows different combat experiences and NATO standards to be combined. The basic Interflex course lasts several weeks and covers a wide range of skills that are critically important on the battlefield. These include individual infantry training, small-unit tactics, live-fire training and weapons handling. Instructors also place particular emphasis on combat engineering, mine safety and tactical medicine, as well as the specifics of fighting in urban environments and trench warfare. The defence ministry noted that the programme is constantly updated to reflect the latest combat experience of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and changes in the tactics used by Russian forces. Advertisement Advertisement For reference: Operation Interflex replaced the UK-led Orbital mission, which operated in Ukraine before Russia's full-scale invasion. While Orbital focused on long-term capacity-building for the Ukrainian military, Interflex has been adapted to wartime realities and the immediate needs of the line of contact. Background: Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The University of Vaasa campus sits along Finlands western export coast, where the school has built its strategy around sustainable business, energy, and society, closely linking business education with the regions energy industry and climate transition goals. Finns often describe their countrys outline as a dancing maiden. Finlands westward reach into the Gulf of Bothnia is the ladys skirt caught in the wind, the narrow midsection her slim waist, Laplands northern bulge her head. The long sweep of Lapland forms her raised arm, lifted as if waving or spinning. Vaasa sits at the knee. The city of about 75,000 people anchors the Ostrobothnia region on the western export coast, home to a dense cluster of global energy companies as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. Advertisement Advertisement It is here that the University of Vaasa is carving out a niche in business education for the energy transition. We describe ourselves as a university centered on making and supporting the energy transition toward carbon neutrality, says Minna Martikainen, Vaasa rector since 2023, and a professor of financial accounting. This transition especially requires business renewalnew business models, clean financing, and financial mechanisms that can support very large, long-term investments. WHERE BUSINESS, ENERGY, AND SOCIETY INTERSECT University of Vaasa has four academic schools, three of them focused on business disciplines: School of Management, School of Accounting and Finance, School of Marketing and Communication. Its fourth School of Technology and Innovations links engineering, digital systems, and applied innovation to Vaasas business roots. Advertisement Advertisement It enrolls about 7,000 students across its bachelors, masters, and doctoral programs. In her three years as Rector, Martikainen is leading a strategy centered on three central pillars sustainable business, energy, and society. The aim is not to layer sustainability onto existing programs, but to integrate business, technology, and social systems into a single model that reflects how the energy transition actually happens. The universitys business education reflects that thinking. Finance students study investment behavior, valuation, and risk alongside the growing impact of AI on markets. Management students focus on strategy and business renewal. Marketing and communication students examine truth, knowledge, and media in a social environment shaped by digital platforms. Layered across all of it are cross-disciplinary modules in energy transition, digital economy and AI, innovation, and resilience. That platform is increasingly resonating beyond Finland. International student enrollment has shot up nearly 400 percent last year alone, Martikainen tells P&Q. The university now enrolls around 450 international students and expects the number to reach around 3,000 in six years. Advertisement Advertisement Part of the interest stems from the changing prospects for international business students in the U.S., part of it from the universitys commitment to a cleaner, kinder society. Q&A WITH MINNA MARTIKAINEN Minna Martikainen, Vaasa rector Finland is a logical base for a university with Vaasas stated strategy. The country is a world leader in environmental policy, including a national goal of carbon neutrality by 2035 and an aggressive shift to a circular economy. Martikainen previously served as vice rector for research at the University of Vaasa. Her academic career spans leadership and faculty roles across Finlands top business schools, including professor of financial accounting and dean for education at Hanken School of Economics, and professor at Aalto University School of Business. She has also held senior posts at Lappeenranta University of Technology, where she was vice rector for international affairs and professor of business finance and accounting. Advertisement Advertisement Poets&Quants spoke with Martikainen about values-driven strategy, its growing international footprint, and what the energy transition demands from business education. Our conversation has been edited for length and clarity. To set some context, briefly explain what the city or region is known for and how that shapes the universitys identity. First of all, the western side of Finland is known as an export area. If we compare the share of exports relative to gross national product, this is the most export-dense area in the country. We even call Western Finland the export coast of Finland, which includes Ostrobothnia. In Finland, we sometimes describe the country as resembling a dancing female figure, and Vaasa is located at the knee. Ostrobothnia as a region is very well known not only for exports, but also for its high density of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises). In Vaasa specifically, we have a very strong and growing energy sector. We are known as the Nordic energy capital. There are four globally listed energy sector companies located in the cityWartsila, Danfoss, ABB, and Hitachiin a city with about 75,000 inhabitants and around 15,000 students. Advertisement Advertisement So this is very much an area of knowledge. That is how I would put it. Students collaborate on campus at the University of Vaasa, where cross-disciplinary learning in business, technology, and energy transition is built directly into everyday coursework. How does the university, and the business school in particular, define its identity within that context? At the university, we actually have three business units. We call them schools, covering accounting and finance, management, marketing and communication, along with one technical unit focused on technology and innovation. So we are a university that combines business with technology, particularly around business renewal linked to the energy transition, and we also include elements of the social sciences. We describe ourselves as a university centered on making and supporting the energy transition toward carbon neutrality. This transition especially requires business renewalnew business models, clean financing, and financial mechanisms that can support very large, long-term investments. This is something financial markets are not typically designed for. The time horizon of financial markets is usually up to five years at most, even when considered long term. Advertisement Advertisement By contrast, investments required to support carbon neutrality and prevent climate change often have investment periods of 15 to 30 years. These are exactly the areas where we focus our expertise. We see ourselves as being at the forefront of what is needed to enable this transition and, ultimately, to help address climate change. Have Vaasas strategic pillars sustainable business, energy, and society always been core to the university? No, actually, this is our new strategy; We started working on it during my first year as rector. Of course, a strategy needs to be based on something strong. As a leader, I felt that this university has many jewelry stores inside itstrong capabilities that were not very visible or shining if they were not clearly brought forward and placed on a platform through strategy. That is what we have been doing. The university has very strong areas in research and education, and the goal has been to articulate more precisely what we are doing and to communicate clearly what kinds of professionals we are educating and what our strengths truly are. The University of Vaasas entrance anchors a campus that blends historic industrial architecture with a future-focused mission centered on sustainable business, energy, and society. How do those three pillars show up in practice through courses, research, or experiential learning? In the business school, for example, in the School of Accounting and Finance, we have Finlands largest finance program. It is highly specialized in understanding investment strategiesthe behavior of finance, the behavior of investments, and the behavior of capital in financial markets. It also focuses strongly on company valuation. Advertisement Advertisement A core part of this work is examining how the behavior of money and capital changes over time, how risk is priced and rewarded, and how developments such as AI and digital systems are influencing financial markets and investor behavior. In our management school, strategic development and strategy are very strong focus areas. In the marketing and communication unit, there is deep expertise in understanding the value of communication toolshow communication works, how meaning is created, and how to assess what is true in real time in the age of social media. That area has been growing very fast. Across the business school more broadly, we also focus on sustainable economies, international growth, innovation, and public value. Coming from Finland as a welfare state, there is a strong understanding of the role of public institutions and public finances. We pay relatively high taxes, and while taxes are debated during political elections, there is broad support for the idea that we need a strong welfare economy so the country can do well. The thinking is that people are willing to contribute so that othersour neighbors and their childrencan afford access to education and public services. In that sense, Finland offers strong possibilities. Education is free all the way through the masters level, and at the doctoral level, students are employed and receive a salary. How does your strategy translate into the way programs are structured, particularly when it comes to multidisciplinary learning? We offer cross-disciplinary studies that students can choose alongside their main program. We call these multidisciplinary modules. Advertisement Advertisement For example, there is a module focused on the digital economy and AI, typically a 20 ECTS package (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), which students can choose as part of their degree. There is also a module on energy and the energy transition from a business perspective, as well as a module focused on innovation. The newest multidisciplinary module we offer focuses on resilience and preparedness from a comprehensive security perspective. We see this as hugely important for the future. These modules are available at both the bachelors and masters levels, but students are especially interested in them during their masters studies. Students can choose anywhere from 20 ECTS up to 34 ECTS of cross-disciplinary studies within any masters program. This structure is something we see as quite unique. Many European business schools talk about sustainability and their commitment to it. What do you think truly differentiates Vaasas business education? In my opinion, what makes us unique is that we approach sustainability from a systems point of view. That perspective is central to our work, and it connects directly to the carbon neutrality transition. Advertisement Advertisement Our technical offering is what makes this strong. The same applies to digital economy and sustainabilitycreating sustainability through real change factors, not just talking about sustainable business models or sustainability as a concept. This is about true cross-disciplinary work that enables businesses to become more sustainable in practice. We focus on deeply understanding the energy transition from a business perspective and on how business models need to change in order to address climate change. You cannot teach this properly without cross-disciplinary research. It is also about educating business students to understand the technical sideto see and grasp the technicalities involved in these transitions. Do you think this emphasis on climate transition has become a recruiting tool for Vaasa? Absolutely. This is the change we need to make globallyto prevent climate change. Technical researchers are largely saying that the tools already exist. The science is almost there. But if businesses do not change, if the mindset of people does not change, and if the mindset of financial markets does not change, the transition will not happen at the scale or speed required. We still talk about green money and black money, and there is still much more black money in the market seeking fast wins, rather than waiting for green, transitional returns that require patience. At the same time, AI trends are booming and reshaping markets, but AI is also dramatically increasing global electricity demand. If this trend continues as it is, there will not be enough capacity to support all of these data centers. If we do not change how we approach this, there will eventually be a hard stop. Snow blankets the University of Vaasa campus in winter, where the schools close ties to Finlands energy sector and its focus on sustainable business and long-term climate transition shape both research and teaching year-round. I also understand that youve seen a sharp rise in international students. Can you put that into context and explain what you think is driving that growth? We have seen a strong increase in international students. Of course, the percentage growth looks high partly because we did not previously have a large international student population in our overall mix. By 2030, our goal is that roughly one-third of our students will come from international markets. The reason for this increase is very clear. Finland simply needs more workforce and more specialists. Our national population is declining significantly toward 2030, and there is ongoing debate about how the country should respond to that challenge. We want to be an example of a university that actively supports the country in this way. At the same time, it is not only about attracting international students, but about educating them in a way that supports integration into society. We focus on educating specialists in areas that are highly valuablenot only globally, but specifically for Finland. We work to help them feel comfortable staying in the country, including teaching national languages. In parallel, we also need to educate companies and the broader culture in Finland. Organizations need to become more experienced with international HR practices and more familiar with international ways of working, so that social and working environments are genuinely welcoming. It is a continuous learning process on both sides. The growth has been very strong. Last year alone, the increase was close to 400%. We currently have around 400 to 500 international students, and by 2032, we expect that number to grow to approximately 3,000. Given the turmoil in U.S. higher education, are you in a position to recruit students who might previously have considered a U.S. education? We do see that interest in us has been increasing because of changes in the U.S. market, and we do welcome talent. We see constant movement and shifts in the international recruitment landscape. I would say that Finland is becoming very attractive, especially at a time when hard values and facts seem to matter more than ever. As I mentioned earlier, Finland is a welfare country where people are willing to support one another and ensure that everyone can have a good life. These values, in what is currently quite a cold world, resonate strongly. When people hear about them, they matter. One of the symbols of our university is a heart, and I keep that with me as a reminder. We genuinely care. What about from the faculty side? Are you seeing increased interest from scientists and researchers who want to work with you? Yes, absolutely. We do see growing interest from faculty and researchers, and for many of the same reasons. We genuinely believe this is the right way to approach education and also to take care of economies. What is really strikingand you probably know thisis that only a very small percentage of the global population, something like two to three percent, controls almost 95% of global capital. At the same time, there is widespread poverty, hunger, and war. If you think about it from the Finnish perspective, the mindset is very different. People are willing to pay more than 50% of their income in taxes so that their neighbors children can have the same quality of education as their own. That value system matters, and it resonates strongly with many academics. How are you engaging with business and industry around Vaasa in the climate transition space? We work very actively with the regional ecosystem. For example, we have joint research laboratories with Wartsila, which is a game changer in the marine industrys transition toward carbon neutrality. One current project looks at engine technologies using argon and hydrogen, exploring whether that combination could be implemented in real applications so that diesel engines would ultimately produce water as the output. That is just one example. Business students are also involved in these kinds of research projects, because they are directly connected to business model renewal. On the business side, we work very closely with corporations, financial institutions, and banks. We also educate doctoral students together with our partners through what we call CoDoc models, where research problems come directly from industry and focus on what is most urgently needed by businesses. In addition, we have a pre-doctoral model in which students complete their graduate thesis work within companies, embedded in R&D projects. We are very active in this kind of collaboration. We believe this is how universities should approach both education and researchthrough integrated cooperationbecause it allows the impact of the work to be almost immediate. What milestones or metrics are you watching over the next few years, especially following the revamp of the strategic plan? How are you measuring success across sustainability and climate transition? I see the university, across all of our fields, becoming an internationally known and impactful institution. That means impact in education as well. Success would mean that people actively choose to come and study with us because they want to see and experience how change can be made toward a more stable societyhow the energy transition happens alongside integrated business model renewal. In terms of concrete measures, growth is one indicator. At the moment, we are growing at about 30% per year. Looking ahead, doubling the size of the university within 10 years would not be unrealistic. Another key measure is research funding. Currently, a little under 20% of our funding comes from external research financing. By around 2032, I would like to see that figure closer to 50%. This is not about money itself, but about the value of knowledge. It reflects how attractive our science is, how strong our cooperation with partners and corporations is, and how relevant our research is to external funders. That, in turn, signals the value of our scientists and the knowledge they produce. It also directly benefits students, because they are learning the most up-to-date knowledgeknowledge that has already demonstrated value to external partners and funders. This is how we see meaningful change taking place. Do you offer an MBA, or do you focus more on masters programs? We do offer an MBA, but in Finland the MBA market is quite small. MBAs are not part of the official degree system in the same way as masters degrees. Typically, if companies want to send someone to pursue an additional degree, they might choose an MBA, but overall the market is limited. The reason is that we already educate at the masters level in a way that is accessible to working professionals. People who are already employed can take our courses and participate in some of our programs, which are often scheduled on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. This allows them to continuously update and build on their education. At the moment, this education is still completely free. Because of that, there is not really room for a large, paid MBA market in Finland. So while we do offer an MBA, it is on a relatively small scale. Anything else youd like to add? I have tried to give a clear picture of why this type of university matters. We are small to medium-sizedrather small by Finnish standards, and medium-sized in Europebut we strongly believe that universities like ours have a very important role to play. These are the kinds of universities that seriously think about how education and research should be closely connected to companies and industry. Research and education should be oriented toward future solutionssolutions that no one fully knows yet, but where the answers exist if you combine disciplines and work hard together. That is something I believe in very strongly. The post The P&Q Interview: University Of Vaasas Minna Martikainen On Building A Business School For The Energy Transition appeared first on Poets&Quants. The Brief Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a disaster emergency proclamation ahead of a weekend winter storm. State agencies are mobilized, and Pennsylvanians are urged to stay off the roads. The Commonwealth Response Coordination Center is activated for storm response. PENNSYLVANIA - Gov. Josh Shapiro has declared a disaster emergency to prepare Pennsylvania for a significant winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and cold temperatures starting Saturday night. Stay connected with FOX LOCAL. For 24/7 winter storm coverageDownload Now. State agencies mobilize for winter storm response What we know Gov. Shapiros proclamation allows the state to quickly access funding and resources to help counties and municipalities respond to the storm. Advertisement Advertisement The 2025-26 budget doubled disaster response funding from $20 million to $40 million. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Pennsylvania State Police and PennDOT are coordinating efforts to support residents and visitors. "Our teams at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) have been working to prepare to support Pennsylvanians as this winter storm impacts our Commonwealth," said Gov. Josh Shapiro. The Commonwealth Response Coordination Center at PEMA is now active and will remain staffed throughout the storm to ensure a quick, coordinated response. Advertisement Advertisement MORE: FIND THE LATEST WINTER STORM FORECAST HERE PEMA urges Pennsylvanians to prepare Officials are asking everyone to stay off the roads if possible. "Stay off the roads if you can, be safe, and follow instructions from PEMA and your local authorities," said Shapiro. PEMA Director Randy Padfield said, "This declaration gives PEMA the flexibility to pre-position resources, streamline coordination, and respond quickly if conditions deteriorate this weekend." Padfield also urged residents to prepare ahead, stay informed and make safe decisions. Motorists are advised not to travel during the storm, though the disaster declaration does not ban travel. Advertisement Advertisement Local road restrictions may be in place, and PennDOT recommends checking 511PA.com for real-time road and weather updates. The Commonwealth is encouraging everyone to visit ReadyPA for winter storm preparedness tips. What we don't know It is not yet clear how severe the storms impact will be or how long travel disruptions may last. Stay ahead of the snow with FOX 29s expert meteorologists, streaming LIVE on FOX LOCAL. Get the latest on the forecast, snow potential, and preparation tipsbefore the storm and all weekend long. Download FOX LOCAL for 24/7 weather coverage on your smart TV and mobile devices. The Source The information in this story is from Governor Shapiro's office. BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A Panama City man has been arrested in connection with a string of vehicle burglaries in the Callaway area. According to the Bay County Sheriffs Office, on Sept. 15, 2025, and Dec. 4, 2025, officers were notified of multiple vehicle burglaries in Callaway. It was reported that during an investigation into the incidents, detectives reviewed video footage and discovered a single male suspect walking through neighborhoods early in the morning, pulling on vehicle door handles. Advertisement Advertisement Officers said on Jan. 13 that they tracked and identified the suspects whereabouts. Investigators obtained a search warrant on Jan. 16 for the residence of J-Babe Williams, 40. Officers reported that during the execution of the search warrant, multiple stolen items were found in Williams bedroom, along with clothing consistent with the suspect seen in the video footage. Investigators also allegedly found trafficking-level quantities of crack cocaine inside Williams residence. Williams was charged with two counts of armed burglary, two counts of grand theft of a firearm, four counts of possession of a stolen credit card, grand theft, possession of the identification of another, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of paraphernalia, tracking in more than 28 grams of cocaine and manufacturing cocaine. Advertisement Advertisement Officers said that as the investigation is active, additional charges are expected. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. Newly surfaced internal Google documents suggest the company viewed schools as a strategic gateway to building long-term brand loyalty among children. A heavily redacted internal presentation from November 2020, revealed through a child safety lawsuit, indicates that onboarding students into Google's ecosystem could foster "brand trust and loyalty over their lifetime." Lawsuit Targets Tech Companies Over Youth Mental Health NBC News was the first to report on the documents. This has reignited debate over Big Tech's role in education and its influence on young users. The presentation is part of evidence in a broad lawsuit filed by school districts, families, and multiple state attorneys general. The case accuses Google, Meta, ByteDance, and Snap of designing addictive digital products that harm children's mental health. Snap has already settled, but litigation against Google and other platforms remains active. As a result, internal strategies related to education and youth engagement are now under heightened scrutiny. Chromebooks and the Risk of Ecosystem Lock-In According to The Verge, Google has spent more than a decade expanding its presence in classrooms, with Chromebooks becoming one of the most widely used school-issued devices in the United States. One slide in the 2020 presentation references research suggesting that the laptop brands students use in school strongly influence their purchasing decisions later in life. Another cites a 2017 New York Times article describing a competitive race among tech companies to "hook students as future customers," reinforcing concerns about early ecosystem lock-in. Critics argue that widespread Chromebook adoption may create long-term dependence on Google's software and services, even after students leave school. YouTube's Role in Education Raises Red Flags The internal materials also reference YouTube's potential role in schools, describing it as a possible "pipeline of future users" and creators. At the same time, Google acknowledged significant challenges internally, including frequent school bans, content moderation issues, and unresolved questions about whether YouTube is suitable for classroom environments. Several slides reportedly note concerns about YouTube's impact on student mental health, highlighting internal awareness of the platform's risks alongside its growth potential. Google Denies Exploitative Intent Google has pushed back strongly against the interpretation of the documents. Spokesperson Jack Malon said the materials misrepresent the company's intentions, emphasizing that YouTube does not directly market to schools and that administrators control access within educational settings. Malon also noted that parental consent is required for students under 18 and maintained that Google's education tools are developed in response to educator demand, not as a strategy to exploit young users. Broader Debate Over Tech and Education While the lawsuit remains unresolved, the documents have intensified broader concerns about how deeply technology companies are embedded in education and whether early exposure to digital ecosystems blurs the line between serving schools and shaping lifelong consumer behavior. Originally published on Tech Times Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) Party General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran expressed confidence for the Tamil Nadu Legislative election 2026 after a large turnout from the people in the NDA rally, which was attended by the Prime Minister, comparing it to a regional conference. Expressing his delight over the PM Narendra Modi's participation, he said, "I am very happy that the Prime Minister has come and attended our meeting." Speaking to ANI, Dhinakaran hailed the number of people who had come for the rally, saying, "More than 5 lakh people have come. It has become a regional conference. Surely we are going to form the government." This comes after Dhinakaran rejoined the NDA on Wednesday, having left four months earlier. He was welcomed by senior party leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the BJP's election in-charge for Tamil Nadu, Piyush Goyal. Union Minister Piyush Goyal also hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "mega rally" in Madurantakam on Friday, saying that the public meeting garnered a massive crowd. The Union Minister told ANI, "Look at the crowd, it is unbelievable. It is a historic rally. The parties (NDA allies) are all in full strength; this is Tamil Nadu's biggest mega rally." NDA leaders from the BJP, AIADMK and AMMK were present at a show of strength at the Chengalpattu rally. During his address at a public meeting in Tamil Nadu's Chengalpattu district, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hit out at the ruling DMK-led alliance in poll-bound Tamil Nadu, saying the countdown for its exit has begun and that a BJP-NDA government will be formed in the state. PM Modi slammed the DMK, saying the party has betrayed the people's trust and alleged that it is involved in corruption. He said people are calling the "DMK government the CMC (corruption, mafia, crime) government". He said, "You gave DMK a full majority twice, but they broke the trust of the people of Tamil Nadu. DMK made heaps of promises but delivered zero work. People are now calling the DMK government the CMC government. CMC government means a government that promotes 'Corruption, Mafia, and Crime.' The people of Tamil Nadu have now made up their minds to uproot both DMK and CMC. Here, a BJP-NDA double-engine government is certain to come to power." The Prime Minister said the "massive crowd" present here is sending a strong message in Tamil Nadu and the nation. "The message that Tamil Nadu is now ready for a change. The state wants liberation from the misrule of DMK and wants the BJP-NDA government," he said. Tamil Nadu will face polls in the first half of this year, with the opposition NDA looking to defeat the DMK-led alliance. Actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is also seeking to throw out the DMK government. (ANI) A walk through the piney trails of the Ramapo Reservation isnt just a walk, not for Peggy Bost. The sound of hiking boots hitting the hardened dirt takes her back to those winter walks with her husband, when they were both bundled up, walking side by side. The bald eagle soaring overhead and the barred owl hooting are like little signs that hes still with her. Of all the natural beauties of this place, being by the Ramapo River was his favorite part. He grew up on a stream in Tenafly. When Bost, 61, and her late husband Kevin bought their Mahwah home in 2004, its proximity to the 4,000-acre reservation was the biggest selling point. We have just so much wildlife, she described. Theres everything here. Advertisement Advertisement The tranquility shes treasured all these years was at risk. Thats why Bost and other locals and activists joined a ragtag effort to fight a hulking 500-foot communication tower that was in talks to become by far the largest structure in the preserved parkland. And it appears Bost and her friends have won. Nine months ago, Bergen County entered into an agreement with a telecommunications company, McKay Brothers, to consider its proposal for a tower smack dab in the middle of the park. The structure which would have been about half the size of the Eiffel Tower would have brought improved cell phone signals, faster trade links for stock brokers, and a wad of cash to county budget coffers. As of a meeting Wednesday night, county commissioners were still considering the proposal. Amid a probe by NJ Advance Media, they abruptly changed their tune Friday evening. Advertisement Advertisement After weighing the potential benefits against the regulatory complexity and the importance of preserving the character of this treasured reservation, the county has determined that it is not in the public interest to pursue this proposal further, the commissioners said in an exclusive statement to NJ Advance Media. We appreciate the publics engagement and passion for the Ramapo Mountains. The activists say its a win, a clobbering of what would have been a desecration of one of the most beautiful places in New Jersey, according to Jeff Tittel, a longtime conservationist and among those who spearheaded the fight against the tower. But county officials did not comment on a list of lingering questions, like whether the tower was truly needed to improve public safety at the reservation or if the tower could be proposed at another location. McKay Brothers, a California-based company, on Saturday evening declined to comment on the countys decision. Advertisement Advertisement The company and county officials had said public safety was a top reason to consider the proposal, citing spotty cell service in the large swaths of wilderness at the park, and increased visitorship, though it could not provide specific numbers because the reservation is free to enter. Local cops, though, disputed the claim, saying cell service near the Ramapos isnt an issue anymore, thanks to a recently constructed cell tower at a Boy Scout camp nearby. Another reason to consider it? Green, though not the kind that grows on trees. Bergen County stood to make up to $2 million from the tower, money it says it sorely needs as it continues to rebalance the books over looming federal funding cuts. We have a federal government that is gutting funding to so many of our critical resources and our programs that affect those most in need, Democrat Tracy Silna Zur, Bergen Countys commissioner vice chairwoman, said at a meeting last fall. Its not like we can just pull other dollars out of our derriere and fund projects of a magnitude to protect public safety. Advertisement Advertisement By Friday, she felt differently. Zur said after doing due diligence, she was personally opposed to this project. Parkgoers and residents fought against a communications tower they worried would forever scar this reservation Can you hear me now? Sure, there are a few other structures within the Ramapo Reservations 4,000 acres some small historic homes, a search and rescue headquarters in a former police station and a handful of other cell towers that are about 100 to 200 feet high that are near it. Nothing even close to 500 feet tall, the mayor in Mahwah, where the reservation is located, said. The vast majority of the reservation, though, is untouched forest, and when hikers, joggers, fishers and others go there to bask in nature get lost, they need their cell phones to work. Advertisement Advertisement A lack of reliable cell service is one of the biggest public safety challenges we face in the reservation, Bergen Countys administrator Tom Duch said in the fall during a meeting. And while county officials couldnt say whether a lack of cell service had ever contributed to a major incident at the reservation, calls for help to the park are certainly on the rise. The park reservation saw an explosion of incidents and calls for service six years ago, records made available via an Open Public Records Act request showed. In 2020, the park had 77 incidents and calls for service. One year later, it had over 400. In the years since, calls and incidents have hovered around 200, with 12 so far this year, police records showed. Advertisement Advertisement The exact reason for the uptick is unclear. In its agreement with the county to consider the communication tower, McKay Brothers said there were significant communications gaps in the park that their structure would help address. County officials concurred with the assessment cell coverage in the reservation could be better. But Mahwahs police chief disagreed. Though previous communication issues existed at the reservation, last years installation of an 88-foot communication tower nearby took care of the problems. As far as this office is concerned, (the smaller tower) ends the conversation regarding local coverage gaps, the towns police chief, Timothy OHara, said. Advertisement Advertisement The towns mayor concurred. First responders have absolutely 100% no issue with radio communications at the reservation, Mahwah Mayor Jim Wysocki said. Two major carriers in the area confirmed that emergency text services on phones use GPS not cell coverage to reach first responders. Had county commissioners green-lit the project, it would have required several other approvals before actually coming to fruition, including nods from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the State House Commission and the New Jersey Highlands Council, because the park lies in the preservation area. Advertisement Advertisement Spotty cell service or not, activists said all those extra layers of approvals are there for a reason to make sure the land stays as undisturbed as possible. This tower would have set a precedent, Elliott Ruga, of the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, argued. If you can build a communications tower here despite the Green Acres diversion process and it being in Highlands preservation area, which is the most constrained, development, constrained designation in the state, Ruga said, you can build a communications tower anywhere. Parkgoers and residents fought against a communications tower they worried would forever scar this reservation A small army They showed up to county meetings. Even when the tower wasnt on the agenda. Even though, as county officials stressed, it was only ever being entertained. Nothing was ever set in stone. Advertisement Advertisement Still, they gathered, assembling a grassroots group of more than 40 members called Saving Our Amazing Ramapos. Not to mention the scores of residents advocating as private citizens. And they were mad. Were alarmed that youre even considering listening to the proposal, Ellie Gruber, of Ridgewood, said at an Oct. 15 meeting. She was one of a group who stepped up to the mic at the Bergen County Commissioners meeting that night. One resident raised concerns about the risk to the flyway the reservation served for migratory birds like the red knot that travel through this eastern corridor. Another speaker pointed out that most families just had two days notice about the tower project being discussed. She expected even more people would have spoken out at the meeting with more time to plan. We will fight them tooth and nail in court if we have to, Emile DeVito, a wildlife biologist with the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, told NJ Advance Media before the county announced it would not pursue a deal with McKay Brothers. The activist group was up against some big promises from McKay money for the county, and for Wall Street. The project what McKay Brothers called a multitenant communications tower on Bear Swamp Road would have brought with it a ten-year lease that cell carriers (Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile) could link to if they chose, according to tower proposal documents. The McKay Brothers lease was valued at $13 million over ten years if companies had decided to connect to the tower with $2.5 million guaranteed to Bergen County ($250,000 a year) in that time as part of the not-yet-finalized agreement, the companys planning outline showed. The plan for the tower also noted its proposed location in the reservation and its height would allow it to easily connect the stock markets in New York and Chicago. Besides citing the public safety improvements, McKay Brothers called that specific connection in the public interest. None of that fazed the activists, Tittel said. Why should our parkland be sacrificed so hedge funds can make faster bets? On Friday, he was relieved that the financial pressures didnt push the project through. Im glad that the county is coming to their senses, he said. For Bost, the news was a cautious sigh of relief. She felt an obligation to fight for the land that she and her late husband loved so much. Shell continue to do so. These mountains are pristine, she told NJ Advance Media on a walk through the park earlier this winter. When you look from afar and you see the view, it was kept that way for a reason. Parkgoers and residents worry communications tower will forever scar massive N.J. park Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Injuries were reported in a Chicago police-involved shooting Friday evening on the city's South Side, sources told ABC7. The shooting happened at at East 79th Street and South Ingleside Avenue in Grand Crossing. The block was filled with officers from corner to corner Friday night. Chicago police confirmed that it was a shooting involving police. Chicago fire officials said two people were shot at the location, and one person was in fair condition and another was in serious condition. Advertisement Advertisement Sources told ABC7 the person in serious condition was shot by Chicago police. ABC7 is working to find out who shot the other person. Chicago police officials have only confirmed there was a police-involved shooting and said no officers were injured in the incident. People living on the Grand Crossing neighborhood street looked through their windows to find emergency lights and sirens blaring. Their block became the scene of a shooting involving at least one Chicago police officer. CPD officers quickly descended to the location with initial reports heard on police scanner of shots fired at police. Advertisement Advertisement The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is expected to lead the investigation into the officers' actions. ABC7 was also told an officer was also taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center just to be checked out after falling on the scene. We do expect No further information was immediately available. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Visitors to the President's House site in Independence Mall were met on Thursday with what one described as "a big, empty space where there should be part of our history," after federal officials removed interpretive signs detailing the lives of the nine enslaved people once held at George Washington's presidential residence. Only the outlines of the panels remain. The signs were taken down under a directive from the Trump administration to take down anything the administration considered "disparaging" of America's history. With the displays gone, some visitors struggled to understand what they were looking at. SEE ALSO | Slavery exhibits at President's House in Philadelphia removed after Trump administration directive "I have absolutely no idea what I'm looking at right now," said Fallon Berube, who was visiting Philadelphia with her family from North Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Others said the absence was unmistakable. "This is a very important place for us. If you come here and it's empty, it's like a missing piece in our hearts," said Nasir Hawthorne, a senior at Constitution High School. Reactions ranged from confusion to anger. "Really sad. More than sad, it's outrageous. They're cancelling history," said Jane Pajor of Chicago. Philadelphia officials say the federal government had no authority to remove the signs. The city has filed a lawsuit, citing a 2006 agreement between the federal government and the city governing changes to the exhibit. "That agreement requires parties to meet and confer if there are to be any changes made to an exhibit," said Mayor Cherelle Parker. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to Action News, the Department of the Interior called the lawsuit "frivolous." The statement reads in part: "The Department of the Interior is implementing Secretary's Order 3431, which carries out President Donald J. Trump's Executive Order on "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History." All federal agencies are to review interpretive materials to ensure accuracy, honesty, and alignment with shared national values. Following completion of the required review, the National Park Service is now taking appropriate action in accordance with the Order." The President's House opened in 2010 and gained new significance after slave quarters were unearthed at the site. For many visitors, seeing the stories of the enslaved removed was deeply upsetting. "This is ridiculous!" shouted Miranda Thompson as she showed her class around the now-empty area. Advertisement Advertisement Thompson, an art teacher who brought her class to the site, said the loss of the signage erases essential context. "The true American history in this country is amazing, but it's amazing because of its diversity," she said. "If we don't understand our history, we're doomed to repeat it." Members of Friends of the Environmental Trust and representatives of the Sierra Club of Nebraska called on lawmakers to reject a $14 million transfer out of the Trust in 2023. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN The Nebraska Governors Office is more than doubling down on its effort to use state lottery funds, via the Nebraska Environmental Trust, to help close a $471 million state budget shortfall. Gov. Jim Pillen at Nebraskas National Guard Air Base on Jan 5, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner) In his budget proposal released Jan. 15, Gov. Jim Pillen proposed to transfer $40 million, over two years, out of the Nebraska Environmental Trust to finance a new boat marina along with bank stabilization work at Lewis & Clark Lake, and to pay for water conservation projects two things previously funded using state taxpayer funds. Advertisement Advertisement The $40 million take, which must be approved by the Legislature, would nearly exhaust about $20 million-a-year in state lottery proceeds given to the Trust to dole out annually via competitive grants to enhance and conserve the states environment. Amendment proposed A proposed constitutional amendment introduced in the Nebraska Legislature would cut out all of this nonsense, and preserve the (Environmental) Trust, according to former State Sen. Sandy Scofield, the head of the watchdog group, Friends of the Environmental Trust. Legislative Resolution 298CA, by State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, would let voters decide whether Trust funds only can be used for the conservation, enhancement, or restoration of the natural physical and biological environment in Nebraska. It also would require state agencies to come up with a 50% match for any funds granted to them by the Trust. Advertisement Advertisement The $32.7 million earmarked for the Lewis & Clark Lake marina and bank improvements would nearly replace the $37.5 million in state tax funds that Pillen set aside for the project last year. The $8 million in Trust funds proposed for the Water Resources Cash Fund mirrors a request made recently by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment, which administers the fund. Neil Sullivan, the governors budget director, told the Examiner in an email that using $40 million in Trust funds, rather than state taxpayer funds, contributes toward delivering both a balanced budget and additional property tax relief. But Jon Oberg, a former director of the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services who has sued previously to prevent a transfer of Trust funds, characterized the use of Trust money to replace general taxpayer funds as classic money laundering to solve a state budget problem. Oberg, in an email, said he hopes the Legislatures Appropriations Committee rejects the Pillen administrations attempt to circumvent the Constitution and uphold(s) budget integrity. Advertisement Advertisement He said rejection of the transfer by state lawmakers is preferable to requiring citizen lawsuits like the one he and W. Don Nelson, a chief of staff under then Gov. Bob Kerrey, filed in 2020 to block a swap of Trust grants to benefit an ethanol blender pump project. In May, Oberg threatened but didnt file a lawsuit against the Pillen administrations proposal to transfer $15 million in Trust funds to sustain a state water conservation fund. From left to right: State Budget Administrator Neil Sullivan, DHHS CEO Steve Corsi, Speaker of the Legislature John Arch, State Sen. Bob Andersen and State Sen. Tanya Storer stand beside Gov. Jim Pillen as he signs four bills on improving government efficiencies. July 16, 2025. (Erin Bamer/Nebraska Examiner) The proposed Trust fund transfer comes as Pillen looks to close a $471 million budget gap by tapping excess state funds (see infobox) and cutting government spending. The Legislature has, in past years, approved transfers of funds from the Trust into the Water Resources Cash Fund. Local natural resources districts use that fund to finance projects that conserve water and soil. Backers say it fits with the Trusts stated purpose to conserve, enhance and restore the natural environments of Nebraska. Advertisement Advertisement The Environmental Trust currently shows a surplus fund balance of about $20.6 million, but that does not include a recent $6.5 million transfer from the state lottery at the end of December. The governors fund transfer proposals in Legislative Bill 1072 call for $32.7 million for the Lewis & Clark Lake work to be transferred by June 30, which raises the question of whether the Trust will have enough money by then. Questions also have been raised about whether Trust funds can be used for recreation projects, such as a marina for boats at Lewis & Clark Lake. Sullivan, the state budget official, said recent Trust grants have included a discovery center at Pecan Creek in Lincoln and renovation of Memphis Lake. He said the Lewis & Clark project would improve public access to the lake and include shoreline restoration and enhancement of fish habitat. Sandy Scofield, president of Friends of the Nebraska Environmental Trust, speaks before the Trust concering its grants application process on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, Lincoln, Neb. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Using these funds to protect the vital groundwater and surface water resources and for lake improvements, access enhancements and shoreline restoration is a clear constitutional and commonsense use of the funds allocated to the Environmental Trust, he said. Advertisement Advertisement But former State Sen. Sandy Scofield, who heads a watchdog group called Friends of the Environmental Trust, said financing a marina for 350 motorboats and sailboats at Lewis & Clark Lake doesnt fit with the Trusts purpose. The only habitat it creates is for predatory humans, Scofield said. I love the [marina] idea, and Id certainly support the project, but its not even remotely appropriate for the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Last year, the governor had a bill introduced to expand the use of Trust funds to include recreation and the construction of new cabins at state parks, but the bill didnt advance. Scofield added that transferring almost all of the Trusts funds to one project at Lewis & Clark Lake runs contrary to the Trusts goal of spreading the lottery money to all counties and cities across Nebraska. Advertisement Advertisement Its just unfair to everyone in the rest of the state to play games like this, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Other proposed fund transfers Besides the $40 million transfer from the Nebraska Environmental Trust, Gov. Jim Pillens budget proposes several other fund transfers to the general fund, including: * $50.7 million from the Water Recreation Enhancement Fund. (It was created by the so-called STARWARS committee, created in 2021 to improve recreational opportunities in the state. The original proposals included new marinas at Lewis & Clark Lake and Lake McConaughy, a new lodge at Niobrara State Park and a huge sandpit lake between Omaha and Lincoln.) Advertisement Advertisement * $18 million from the Economic Recovery Contingency Fund. * $13.8 million from the Nebraska Capital Construction Fund. * $7.8 million from the Health and Human Services Cash Fund. * $6.5 million from the Homeless Shelter Assistance Trust Fund. * $5.7 million from the Perkins County Canal Project Fund. * $4.9 million from the Trail Development and Maintenance Fund. * $2.4 million from the Nebraska Rural Projects Fund. * $5 million from the Records Management Cash Fund. * $2.5 million from the Secretary of State Cash Fund. Paul Hammel SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Pinellas County residents who remove an average-sized tree from their yard must no longer plant 15 others or pay over $7,000, solving what some commissioners believe is a property rights issue. County commissioners unanimously passed several ordinance amendments related to tree removal, protection and planting Tuesday. The goal was to mitigate overly burdensome regulations and simplify a complex and costly process that often resulted in disputes or unpermitted home improvements. Pinellas administrators initially proposed requiring residents who remove a tree with a diameter between 14 and 24 inches to plant four others or contribute $1,200 to a related fund. Commissioner Chris Scherer led the charge to remove those regulations. Advertisement Advertisement There are lots of reasons for a homeowner to want to take the tree out of their front or backyard, Scherer said. Philosophically, I have a difficulty accepting the premise that I should have to go to the government to receive a permit to remove a tree thats on my property. He also believes that residents should not have to hire an arborist, argue with the county and prove that a tree is dying. Scherer worked with administrators on a compromise for that property rights issue. Removing trees with diameters over 24 inches would still require multiple replants or a contribution to the countys fund, according to the condition and lot size. However, officials have capped the number of replants at eight and reduced the financial penalty by approximately 75%. For example, a homeowner who removed two large trees from a 5,500-square-foot lot previously had to plant 27 others or pay $10,233. Commissioner Kathleen Peters called that an unreasonable burden for someone who wants to put a swing set up. Advertisement Advertisement That same homeowner must now complete eight replants or contribute $1,800 to the fund. The county also implemented a $300 flat fee for removing trees with diameters up to 12 inches. Commercial property owners would pay $500. I think our old ordinance impedes on our property rights, and I think it was too overreaching, Peters said. I think it was too expensive. So, I like this better to make it more affordable. Kevin McAndrew, director of building and development review services, said the changes to an overly complex code would provide flexibility. The overarching goal is right tree, right place. McAndrew noted that a strong tree canopy increases property values by 10% to 20% and provides environmental benefits. He said 85% of permitted removals in Pinellas stem from home improvements. Advertisement Advertisement However, there is no practical application for dozens of shade trees, and the previous payment-in-lieu option was likely greater than the cost of the driveway improvement, McAndrew said. When a homeowner is faced with these kinds of numbers and dollar values, theyre choosing not to even pursue a permit, he added. We do have our 2-acre lots in the north portion of the county it would require 44 trees. Under this, with the cap, it would be 15 trees. Administrators reduced the tree rating system from six to three classifications. McAndrew said that would mitigate frequent disputes between residents, arborists and county staff. The changes apply to commercial properties but exclude rights of way. Commissioners also wanted to ensure that separately governed short-term rentals did not receive the residential exemption for removing trees with a diameter smaller than 24 inches. Advertisement Advertisement County Attorney Jewel White then warned that the industry is fraught with litigation. Pinellas already faces lawsuits related to its short-term rental ordinances. Peters bemoaned corporations that are buying up homes and paving over the backyard for pickleball courts and bowling alleys. White advised the commission to limit the exemptions to homesteaded properties rather than exclude short-term rentals, which would certainly make enforcement clearer for staff. That makes me feel better, Peters said. A lot better. Administrators expect a 10% increase in tree-only permits due to the changes. They also expect Tree Bank Fund revenue to shrink by approximately 60%, from an estimated $300,000 annually to $120,000. This content provided in partnership with stpetecatalyst.com. A Toledo police lieutenant is facing a charge after he was accused of driving drunk and crashing in December. The lieutenant has been placed on unpaid leave pending the outcome of his criminal case. On Thursday, Lieutenant Adam Fish was indicted on one count of aggravated vehicular assault and on two first-degree misdemeanor charges of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, according to our CBS news affiliate, WTOL. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement In a police report from the Perrysburg Police Department, Fish said that he was coming home from a work shift party. Toledo Police officers said that he was off-duty at the time of the crash. Fish was driving south on State Route 25 when he tried to turn on Roachton Road and hit an SUV head-on, according to the crash report. The SUV was then pushed back into a third card. A witness said to Perrysburg officers that the man driving a gray sedan, which was later identified as Fish, had taken the turn at 45 mph. The driver of the SUV and her daughter were taken to Mercy Healths hospital in Perrysburg, with the daughter suffering serious injuries. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement that she wrote, she said, I heard my mother scream, hes going to hit us. She also said that Fish was out of his car, saying that he never meant to hurt anyone. An officer on scene said they could smell alcohol on Fishs breath and that he was allegedly slurring his words, according to the report. Fish said that he had not been drinking and that he had taken the corner too hard and was not going fast at all, according to the police report. The officer conducted a field sobriety test on Fish, which he had initially refused. According to the police report, Fish failed several aspects of the test and was transported to an area hospital for evaluation, where he allegedly refused to provide a breath test. Advertisement Advertisement A Toledo Police spokesman, Sergeant Mohamad Nasser, said that no other officers who attended the party had been placed on leave or are under investigation. He said, The Department did not sponsor, organize, or endorse any shift party or off-duty gathering. Fish has been with the Toledo Police Department since 2011, and was promoted to lieutenant in July. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Chicago police shot and seriously injured a suspect accused of shooting a woman and firing shots at officers on the city's South Side on Friday night, officials said. Police said officers responded to a domestic disturbance call regarding a male armed with a gun and a knife in the Grand Crossing neighborhood's 7900-block of South Ingleside Avenue just after 7:45 p.m. When officers arrived, the suspect, whose age was not immediately known, tried to flee and fired shots toward them, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Police said two officers then fired back, striking the suspect, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the body. Officers rendered aid on the scene. The suspect was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he is listed in serious condition and remains in custody, police said. Investigators found a gun on the scene, and both officers involved were transported to a local hospital for observation. Before officers responded to the scene, police say, the suspect shot a 23-year-old woman at a home in the same block. The victim, who suffered two gunshot wounds to the arm, was transported to the same hospital, where she is listed in good condition. Advertisement Advertisement The Civilian Office of Police Accountability and CPD's Investigative Response Team are investigating. The officers involved will be placed on routine administrative duties for a minimum period of 30 days. Further information was not immediately available. INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood The Port Authority of Kansas City could end negotiations with a local company that plans to sell a warehouse to the federal government for a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility, according to the agency. The potential cut ties are related to talks of Port KC selling additional land to the company and would not directly change anything happening with the warehouse facility in question. Port KC, which helps carry out big development projects in Kansas City by offering financial incentive plans, has worked with local firm Platform Ventures to build out a large industrial park on the citys far south side, near Grandview and Belton. That partnership over the past few years has resulted in what is now known as the I-49 Industrial Center, with multiple warehouse-type buildings in the area of the former Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base. Advertisement Advertisement But the Port KC Board of Commissioners agenda for Monday includes an item that would cut off ties with Platform Ventures that would signal its disapproval of the companys alleged plans to turn a warehouse into an ICE detention center for in KC. Cutting off Platform Ventures Past reporting shows that Platform Ventures is a big player in Kansas City real estate and development and has been tied to high-profile projects like the redevelopment of the old Kansas City Club building downtown that houses Hotel Kansas City. Brothers Ryan and Terry Anderson are co-founders and co-presidents of the company, according to their LinkedIn profiles and since-removed pages on the companys website. According to a proposed resolution that the Port KC board will vote on, Platform Ventures and its affiliates own or control about 195 acres of property in the area of the industrial park. Port KC owns more land to the south, in an area the agency calls 49 Crossing, and has sought further development on it. The agenda item says that Platform Ventures has expressed interest in buying an additional 305 acres from Port KC for more industrial development in the 49 Crossing area. Advertisement Advertisement But while negotiating the sale of that additional land, Port KC learned that Platform Ventures intends to sell an approximately 1 million-square-foot facility in the industrial park, to the federal government for use as a detention facility by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to Port KC documents. Such a sale would come as President Donald Trumps administration has ramped up immigration enforcement, detention and deportation efforts over the past year. That sale is inconsistent with the intended industrial use that was represented to Port KC and which would have benefited the public good through increased tax revenues to the relevant taxing jurisdiction, the creation of new jobs, and the remediation of blight, the agenda item says. The sale of land that might be used in a manner that is inconsistent with Port KCs statutory mission and community expectations is not in the public interest. Advertisement Advertisement The Port KC board is expected to vote on Monday whether to terminate any negotiations with Platform Ventures for the sale of additional land in the area. Officials would be directed to pursue other offers. ICE facility in KC? Previous reports have indicated that federal agents visited a large warehouse tied to Platform Ventures at 14901 Botts Rd. last week. Jackson County Legislative Chair Manny Abarca said that DHS agents told him on site that ICE and DHS are planning to build a detention facility with capacity for about 7,500 beds there. The roughly 920,000-square-foot space was built in 2023, with Port KC help, as a speculative warehouse. Platform Ventures said in a statement last week that it received an unsolicited offer on a vacant, industrial warehouse in October and that negotiations are complete. The company did not say who made the offer. Advertisement Advertisement Port KC reiterated on Friday that the warehouse property is not Port KCs to sell and that Platform Ventures does not need Port KCs permission to sell it. Kansas Citys zoning code indicates that the warehouse could theoretically be used for a detention center if its owner met certain requirements and obtained a special use permit, which city officials placed a moratorium on approving last week in an effort to block ICE from operating a mass detention center in city limits. That said, the possibility of the federal governments involvement raises questions about the citys ability to block an ICE detention site, experts told The Star. Depending on how things play out, the moratorium could be challenged in court, and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has vowed to use all available legal tools to enforce the moratorium and fight any future facility. South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven Jensen delivers the State of the Judiciary speech on Jan. 14, 2026, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight) Judges in South Dakota routinely order people charged with alcohol or drug offenses to get chemical dependency evaluations or sign up for drug treatment programs as a condition of pretrial release from custody. In practice, those orders have long functioned more like suggestions in most counties. Advertisement Advertisement Nobody follows up on that, South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven Jensen told the Legislatures Joint Appropriations Committee on Friday at the Capitol in Pierre. We dont have anybody doing that, because were not doing pretrial probation. Thats about to change in South Dakotas second most populous county, Jensen told lawmakers earlier this year. The chief justice told the committee that the pretrial supervision pilot program in Pennington County will use a $385,000 grant from the MacArthur Foundation to build a base-level of supervision for people whove yet to be tried in court. Probation officers will follow up with people released on bond to notify them of upcoming court dates. One piece of the Pennington County program is already in place in Minnehaha County, and has been since 2018. Advertisement Advertisement In all counties outside of Minnehaha, Jensen said, judges set bond conditions without seeing a criminal or drug abuse history for the person asking for pretrial release. Under the pilot program, Pennington County court staff will gather that information and share it with judges upfront, as staffers in Minnehaha County already do. The Unified Judicial System isnt asking for any extra money from lawmakers this year for the pilot program, as Jensen said existing employees should be able to shoulder the workload. He also said, however, that the pilot program could point the way to a future expansion of pretrial services. Jensen is asking lawmakers to take an action without a price tag, however. House Bill 1015 would authorize the state court system to offer probation-like services to people whove yet to be convicted. The House Judiciary Committee voted 10-3 on Wednesday to send that bill to the full House of Representatives. Advertisement Advertisement Committee members commended court system officials for exploring ways to refine bond condition decisions and reduce problems with missed court appearances. Some members expressed concerns about ongoing funding when the grant money runs out. One opponent, St. Onge Republican Rep. Mary Fitzgerald, said she couldnt support a bill that put more responsibilities on overworked court service officers. How in the world do you expect them to do this in Pennington County without hiring? she said Wednesday. Rep. John Hughes, R-Sioux Falls, said he understands concerns about ongoing funding, but that he supports the program. The issues created by a lack of pretrial services for people at risk of missing court or misbehaving are too serious to ignore, he argued. Im of the mindset that doing something is mandatory, and doing something like this is way better than doing nothing, Hughes said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Thurston County prosecutors said Friday that they would not file criminal charges against four Bellarmine Preparatory School students police investigated for allegedly sexually assaulting another student during a sleepover in Tumwater. Due to evidentiary issues with the case, we will not be pursuing charges at this time, Tara Tsehlana, a spokesperson for the Prosecuting Attorneys Office, said in an email to The News Tribune. However, should further evidence become available, the State will re-review this case for charging at that time. The Tumwater Police Department referred the case to prosecutors in November but noted in a report that an investigator had a difficult time obtaining evidence. The victim and potential witnesses did not want to provide statements or evidence, and what authorities did have was third hand information from the school and friends of the suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Tumwater and Tacoma police investigated the claims, which surfaced in October after staff at the school became aware of rumors that a 16-year-old student who lost a bet during a sleepover in September was forced to perform oral sex and was held down and molested with an object. Bellarmine Preparatory School is a private Catholic, Jesuit college prep school located in Central Tacoma. The school interviewed the students involved, and staff contacted the victims parents, who on Oct. 4 brought their son to Mary Bridge Childrens Hospital. Tacoma police spoke with the parents and the victim. Police reports indicate the victim stated he didnt want his friends to get in trouble and that he willingly took part in what happened. In interviews with the school, the victim reported that he was held down and didnt want to participate, according to interview summaries included in a redacted Tumwater police report released to The News Tribune through a records request. Advertisement Advertisement [The victim] reported that he feels like he has to go along with peer pressure because they are his friend group and he doesnt want to disappoint them, the police report stated. The interview summaries say one suspect admitted to the sex acts and said the victim said no at one point. Reports differed on whether the victim was clothed. Students who were interviewed by the school about the incident and a student who approached police with an attorney to provide a statement gave different accounts of what led to the alleged sexual assault. One described committing sex acts on the boy because it was funny, according to the Tumwater police report. Another reportedly said the victim lost a game of Cards Against Humanity and because of that they were given the option to perform oral sex for a few seconds or experience typewriter, which was described in reports as being hit in the chest on the ground. According to the police report, the victim told the school the group of boys were wrestling when someone underwent typewriter, and that he was then given the option to go through the same or perform the sex act. Advertisement Advertisement The Tumwater police investigator reviewed Bellarmines investigatory documents and then followed up with the victims mother, who said her son was still reluctant to provide a statement, according to the investigators report. The investigator set up a time for the mother to come in and provide a cellphone and iPad to be searched for evidence Oct. 16, but the mother canceled. The investigator then contacted Bellarmine to ask for contact information for all parents of the involved children. Police wrote in the report that on Nov. 10 an attorney for the school said it would not provide any further information without a court order. The same month, the victims mother told police her son didnt want to provide the cellphone and iPad to be searched, according to the police report. The mother reportedly said her son had questions about what providing a statement would entail. The report shows the investigator offered to discuss the process with him, but there was no response. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday expressed grief over the death of soldiers after a bus fell into a deep ravine in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, and paid tribute to Jobanpreet Singh from Rupnagar district, who lost his life in the incident. In a post on X, CM Mann wrote, "A few days ago, in Doda, Jammu-Kashmir, a bus full of soldiers fell into a deep ravine, resulting in the martyrdom of 10 brave soldiers. Among those martyrs is the tragic news of the martyrdom of 23-year-old youth Jobanpreet Singh from Chanolli village in Rupnagar district." https://x.com/BhagwantMann/status/2014898855326973969?s=20 "Deep condolences to the family. We bow to the martyr soldier's courage for the nation. In this difficult time, the government stands with the martyr's family. Every possible assistance will be provided to the family," the post read. A day earlier, a wreath-laying ceremony was held for the ten army jawans who died in an accident in Doda district. An equal number of personnel sustained injuries during the mishap. According to the White Knight Corps, the Army vehicle carrying troops for an operation slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather. "In an unfortunate incident, an army vehicle carrying troops for an operation slipped off the road while navigating treacherous terrain in bad weather in the general area of Doda. There are multiple casualties, including fatal. The injured have been evacuated for further treatment," said White Knight Corps in their official statement. The army personnel who lost their lives included Sowar Monu, Sowar Jobanjeet Singh, Sowar Mohit, Daffadar (DFR) Shailendra Singh Bhadoriya, Sepoy Samiran Sing, Sep Pradumna Lohar, Sowar Sudhir Narwal, Naik Hare Ram Kunwar, Sepoy Ajay Lakra, and Sowar Rinkhil Baliyan. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep anguish over the tragic road accident. In a post on X, PM Modi said that the army personnel's service to the nation will be remembered forever. "Deeply anguished by the mishap in Doda, in which we have lost our brave army personnel. Their service to the nation will be remembered forever. May the injured recover at the earliest. All possible support is being provided to those affected," PM Modi wrote. (ANI) A protester was arrested in Orange County after tensions escalated outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Orlando. The arrest happened as demonstrators gathered outside the ICE facility on Delegates Drive. Channel 9 had a crew on the scene that witnessed the arrest. Dozens of law enforcement officers, who had staged nearby for the protest, responded within seconds to a call for backup. Advertisement Advertisement Video from the scene shows whistles, sirens and protesters chanting as a person was handcuffed on the ground outside the facility. Another angle shows dozens of state troopers surrounding the protester and blocking the street. The Orange County Sheriffs office said the protest was almost exclusively peaceful until a woman approached a federal agent who was in a car and struck the law enforcement vehicle. She was arrested on charges of Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest. Protesters said the arrest followed a verbal exchange with a federal agent who was inside their car. Just hours earlier, Channel 9 witnessed the arrestee peacefully protesting alongside others. Demonstrators said they were opposing what they described as an escalation of aggressive ICE tactics. Advertisement Advertisement Many protesters said they were responding to a story Channel 9 broke earlier this month about ICE considering converting a warehouse in Orlando into a detention center. They also told Channel 9 they were responding to what they called aggressive tactics used by ICE in Minneapolis and in Central Florida. They need to block the acquisition of that warehouse. And we need to make it very clear that our jails are not a holding point for these nonviolent immigrants, said John Held, who was part of the protest before the arrest. The protest began at noon and was peaceful for several hours. During that time, law enforcements presence was visible with officers on bikes and in vehicles circling the area about every 30 minutes. At least one counterprotester stood roughly 200 yards away, holding a Trump flag and yelling at demonstrators. Advertisement Advertisement Orange County Republican Party Vice Chairman Kevin Kelly said he was supporting ICEs mission. I just hope that people put more effort into positive actions like solving the absolute evil human trafficking problem that we have here and work together to solve those problems rather than running interference for folks that have broken the law, said Kelly. He also told Channel 9 he would support the detention center if ICE needed it to pursue law enforcement. We wanna be known as a safe, clean, fun place to bring your family on vacation. And if that means that there needs to be a detention center so they could adequately and safely process not only these offenders, but deal with again with these victims of human trafficking, then that seems like a necessary tool, said Kelly. Advertisement Advertisement The Orange County Sheriffs Office released the following statement about the arrest: At the Orange County Sheriffs Office, our top priority is the safety and security of our residents and visitors, and the safety of our deputies. Earlier today, during what was almost an exclusively peaceful protest at the ICE facility, a woman approached a federal agent who was in a car and struck the law enforcement vehicle. She was arrested on charges of Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest. The right of all people to peacefully assemble or protest is fundamental, and a cornerstone of every Americans First Amendment right to free speech. What is not protected, however, is the destruction of property or violence against any member of our community. Any attempt to assault, stop, block, or otherwise hinder any law enforcement officers from doing their jobs will not be tolerated. I want to assure everyone in our community that our deputies will always respond to ensure the safety of those who are exercising their rights peacefully. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Iran's government says 3,000 protesters have been killed over the last three weeks, but human rights groups say the number is far greater than that. Around the world and here in Southern California, Iranians have been demonstrating against the regime. Many at a Thursday rally in Beverly Hills said they're angry and frustrated with President Donald Trump after watching the U.S. seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, wondering what the hesitation is with Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Some said they have faith that the U.S. will act within the next coming weeks, but other say that with the death toll now in the thousands it may be a little to late. Protesters calling for regime change say it's long overdue as reports of a deadly crackdown continue to emerge. Activists say thousands have been killed during nationwide protests, with demonstrations erupting in Iran's capital, Tehran, and other major cities. In Southern California, home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran, protesters say they feel helpless watching the violence from afar. Among them, a woman who told Eyewitness News she fled Iran just two night ago -- still visibly shaken as she described what she saw before escaping. Advertisement Advertisement "It's worse than the holocaust, it's a million times worse than holocaust. it's worse than any Hollywood movies. You cannot imagine how they kill the people with no fear, with no hesitation - nothing - and they enjoy killing the people," said Sanaz Nikjou. The U.S. is moving a large number of ships and fighter jets in Iran's direction. Trump says he's ordering the fleet towards Iran "just in case". The president has threatened to act if Iran executes anti-government protesters. Protesters say they hope Los Angeles is paying attention because many people in this community have not been able to talk their family or their friends over in Iran since the internet has been cut out. They also told ABC7 that this is not the last demonstration -- they're going to hold another protest on Saturday in Orange County calling for regime change. ILLINOIS (WCIA) With up to nine inches of snow being forecasted in some parts of Central Illinois over the weekend and temperatures that will remain well below freezing, public works departments across the state are preparing for a busy weekend. The Illinois Department of Transportation said it will have nearly 1,900 snowplow trucks working throughout the state to clear more than 45,000 miles of lanes. Where to warm up this winter in Central Illinois Advertisement Advertisement For a good portion of the state, well be out all weekend long and probably into next week, said Paul Wappel, IDOTs Public Information Officer. Wappel said with temperatures this low, normal road salt can stop being effective. So the department is already spraying brine on places that need it. Were pre-treating bridges, ramps, overpasses, Wappel said. In Saint Joseph, village officials are getting their trucks and plows ready too. Public Works superintendent Mike Peters said his team loaded 15 tons of salt into three trucks Friday, which still might not be enough. We wont put that on until we get all plowed and see what the intersections are like and go from there, Peters said. Advertisement Advertisement IDOT, State Police issue travel warnings ahead of winter weather With only three to five people who clear the roads for the village, Peters is ready for his 12-hour shift behind the wheel as well. Well go and plow the whole town out, see where were at, Peters said. We may go home get a bit of sleep, come back and start all over again. Peters said after nearly 40 years of driving a plow, its just second nature. Im used to it by now, yeah, Peters said. Its more or less repetition. Both Peters and Wappel are asking you to avoid crowding snowplows and remind you that the roads are always worse in front of a snowplow than they are behind one. 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 WCIA.com. CUMBERLAND Residents stocked up on supplies, and state and local officials detailed response plans Friday ahead of a winter storm that could leave the region with its biggest snow total in a decade. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning from 11 p.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. Monday, forecasting 10 to 16 inches of snow that could be followed by a light glaze of ice. Frigid temperatures were also expected. Advertisement Advertisement Those conditions, coupled with sub-zero wind chills through the middle of next week, could make travel impossible, the weather service said. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency Friday, and also requested a federal emergency declaration, which enables the federal governments ability to expedite assistance to the state during and after a storm, if necessary. Keeping our people safe is always our top priority, but local officials, law enforcement and first responders cannot do it alone, Moore said during an afternoon news conference. Everyone must act with caution and follow guidance from local officials during this winter storm. Advertisement Advertisement Late Friday, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued a State of Emergency for the states 55 counties, which allows the Emergency Management Division to prepare staff and resources to respond in the event of an emergency. Both governors urged residents to avoid travel. Staying off the roads is essential to keeping routes clear for law enforcement, snow removal crews and emergency responders so they can do their jobs without delay, Moore said. Luke McKenzie, Mineral Countys director of Emergency Services, said the county has coordinated with Division of Highways representatives to confirm plow strategies and emergency request procedures. Advertisement Advertisement Preparation and coordination are key ahead of any significant winter weather, McKenzie said. We are closely monitoring forecast updates and working with our local and state partners to ensure plans are in place and resources are ready. The weather service said snow would likely overspread the area Saturday evening and become heavy Saturday night with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour possible. A mix with sleet or freezing rain was possible Sunday, along with low visibility. While current forecasts show snow as the primary concern rather than ice, winter storms can change quickly, McKenzie said. Advertisement Advertisement In West Virginia, residents needing information about shelters, warming locations, food assistance, transportation resources or other non-emergency services can call 211 or visit www.wv211.org. WV 211 provides free, confidential referrals to health and human service resources statewide. The last time Cumberland received more than a foot of snow was January 2016, when more than 20 inches fell, according to the National Weather Service. The same storm dumped more than 3 feet on parts of Garrett County. There is help available for those who need it in case of emergencies due to this weekends ice storm. >>Stay updated on radar and ice accumulation at this link. Shelter Information Counties in the Carolinas are opening warming shelters for those who need a safe place to stay. Mecklenburg County - For Men: Roof Above provides shelter for men and expanded capacity at its shelter locations. Men may arrive at Roof Above at 3410 Statesville Avenue, Charlotte beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. For Women and Families: The Salvation Army provides shelter for women and families with expanded capacity at its shelter location. Women and families may arrive at the shelter at 534 Spratt Street, Charlotte between 4 p.m. 7 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Alexander County - Open at 9 a.m. Sunday in the JV gymnasium at Alexander Central High School, 223 School Dr., Taylorsville. Anson County - 2 p.m. on Saturday at Wadesboro Primary School, 1542 US Highway 52 South. Ashe County - Ashe County High School opening 10 a.m. Saturday. Burke County - Burke County government will close its emergency shelter at 10:30 a.m. on Monday. Collett Street Recreation Center, 300 Collett Street in Morganton, NC. | Priority is for residents with power-dependent medical needs and special needs. Cabarrus County - Concord Active Living Center (formerly the Concord Senior Center) at 331 Corban Ave. SE. Admission is first-come, first-served. Advertisement Advertisement Catawba County - The Salvation Army of Greater Hickory is opening, for information call 828-322-8061. Also available: First United Methodist Church of Newton at 300 N. Main Ave. Chester County- Chester Middle School, 1014 McCandless Road Chester, SC 29706| Great Falls War Memorial Building, 401 Dearborn Street Great Falls, SC 29055. Gaston County - Unity Baptist Church at 482 N. Myrtle School Road at 8 p.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Tuesday. Rowan County - 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. nightly at 217 N. Long Street in Salisbury. Stanly County - Opening at 8 a.m. Sunday - Stanly County Senior Center, 283 N Third Street, Albemarle, NC 28001. Advertisement Advertisement Statesville - Officials are currently working with the Salvation Army located at 1361 Caldwell Street. Union County - Monroe Middle School: 601 E. Sunset Drive, Monroe, NC 28112. York County - Northside Recreation Center - 900 Annafrel St, Rock Hill, SC 29730, or York Recreation Center - 21 White Rose Ln, York, SC 29745. School and Business Closings Churches have already announced closures and cancellations of service for Sunday morning, and were keeping close watch on school districts across the Carolinas for their plans on Monday. You can see an updated list of closings, and search for your school, church or business, at this link. Power Outages and Downed Trees Duke Energy and power providers in North Carolina have crews staged throughout the area to respond to power outages. Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday night, there were about 6,000 Duke Energy customers without power. To report outages or downed lines: In Charlotte, dial 311 to report a downed tree. Duke Energy - Call 1-800-769-3766 or text OUT to 57801 Blue Ridge Electric Co-Op - Call 888-258-3743 Dominion Energy - Call 866-366-4357 EnergyUnited - Call 800-386-4833 Statesville residents - Call 704-878-3479 York Electric Cooperative - Call 866-374-1234 Union County - Call 800-794-4423 If your power goes out, conserve your phone battery by using the WSOC Lite website. Its a text-only website with the important updates you need to know, all at this link. Keep updated on live weather conditions at this link, or by streaming the Severe Weather Center 9 team. (VIDEO: Duke Energy sets up at Carowinds to respond to winter storm) HONOLULU (KHON2) It is next week at the Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall. Its happening on Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Over 100 booths of employers from various industries will provide career opportunities for potential employees. Job seekers will be able to learn about available jobs and experience one-on-one conversations with company recruiters at this event. Need help with your resume? There will be a FREE resume workshop presented by City and County of Honolulu Dept. of Community Services on Jan. 26 and 27 at 10 a.m. and at 1 p.m. at Dole Cannery Office Building. These workshops offer assistance in creating, updating and printing resumes before attending the Career Expo. You can register online for this workshop. Advertisement Advertisement Experts say dress professionally and appropriately to impress potential employers. And come with a positive attitude. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to ask important questions regarding the available jobs. Bring copies of your resume to give to the employers that you are interested in working for. Attendees may present a printed copy of their resume at the front door to obtain free admission between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Pre-registration is highly recommended at hawaiicareerexpo.com. Organizers encourage everyone needing a job to explore the possibilities at this Hawaii Career Expo, where you will get to meet many of Hawaiis best employers who are looking for qualified people to join their teams. 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. From San Jose to Hollister and back, witnesses recorded one man's rampage Wednesday afternoon from carjackings and shootouts to his final moments when he was shot by San Jose police, and then hit by a patrol vehicle. On Thursday, SJPD released new information about an hours-long police pursuit and multi-day crime spree that started in Sacramento. Video from a Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department helicopter, obtained by Fugitive.com, showed the harrowing moments when a carjacker shot a San Jose police sergeant and was struck by a patrol vehicle. RELATED: San Jose carjacking suspect's crime spree started in Sacramento days before shootout, police say "When that other police vehicle came and took him out, that was necessary," said Scott Castrutia, co-founder of Fugitive.com and a retired San Jose police sergeant. "I couldn't be more proud of my department." Advertisement Advertisement Castrutia detailed what would be going on in his mind. "I know their thought process. I have to stop this guy, because this can't continue," Castrutia said. "Because if he gets away again, if he takes somebody else's car, we're going to be in another pursuit. We're going to have more bullets flying, and there's more chance of people being killed." SKY7 showed dozens of cars scattered all around the intersection during the start of a busy Wednesday afternoon commute. While the rampage started in San Jose with a carjacking at a local dealership, the pursuit crossed county lines into Hollister, where the suspect got into at least two shootouts with Hollister PD and San Benito County sheriffs before stealing another car and returning to San Jose. Only then, did SJPD join in on the pursuit. INTERACTIVE: Take a look at the ABC7 Neighborhood Safety Tracker "They're very strict about the pursuit," Castrutia said. "And most departments are, because we've all heard the horror stories of how some of these pursuits end." Advertisement Advertisement San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph said after the suspect was hit by the patrol vehicle, he continued to move on the ground and was still armed, forcing officers to continue firing. "You continue until the threat is stopped. Until, in your mind, that person is no longer a threat," Castrutia said. "If that guy is still laying on the ground, grasping the weapon, you already know what his intentions are." If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live During the protests that ripped through Iran in January, one person who gained attention was Reza Pahlavi. Pahlavi, who lives in a suburb of Washington, D.C., is the son of the late shah of Iran, who ruthlessly ruled the country before being deposed during the Iranian Revolution in 1979. Pahlavi emerged during the recent upheaval as a prominent political dissident in exile who encouraged and inspired Iranians to demonstrate. It remained unclear, however, what level of popular support he commanded inside Iran, not to mention whether he was, in fact, dedicated to democracy as the descendant of a monarch. While some Iranians perceived Pahlavi as an opposition leader, others considered him an opportunistic figure with monarchical designs and a mixed track record. Crown prince to political dissident Born in Tehran in 1960, Reza Pahlavi was the eldest son of the shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and his wife, Queen Farah Diba, making him the crown prince. Advertisement Advertisement From 1941 to 1979, the shah ruled Iran with an iron fist. With funding and training from France, the United States and Israel, he established and deployed a secret police force, the SAVAK, that subjected political opponents to surveillance, imprisonment, torture and execution. As popular discontent against the shah grew in 1974-75, Amnesty International estimated there were between 25,000 and 100,000 political prisoners in Iran. Although the shah stated during the 1979 revolution that he would rather flee the country than fire on protesters, his security forces killed approximately 500 to 3,000 Iranians though those figures are lower than those killed in the latest Iran protests. In 1980, the shah admitted to mistakes, including acknowledging that his regime had tortured Iranians. The shah and his family fled Iran in 1979, and the Islamic Republic subsequently was established. After the shah died in 1980, Reza Pahlavi declared himself the next shah and started his political activism against the Islamic Republic from abroad. Advertisement Advertisement More recently, he attempted to organize and unify a divided opposition composed of ethnic and religious groups, leftists, rightists, centrists, republicans and, of course, monarchists. In the process, Pahlavi also aspired to raise his public profile. From 2013 to 2017, he served as co-founder and spokesperson of the Iran National Council, an umbrella organization of opposition groups, headquartered in Paris. It reportedly suffered defections from some groups, which stifled its ability to accomplish much. In February 2019, Pahlavi helped establish the Phoenix Project of Iran, a think tank in Washington, D.C., dedicated to regime change and a transition plan in Iran. During the 2022-23 Woman, Life, Freedom protests, sparked by the death of the young Iranian woman Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police, Pahlavi called for rallies against the Iranian government in the United States, Canada and other countries. Leading opposition figures spoke at these rallies, and thousands of people participated. That same year, some high-profile activists and celebrities, including some his father had imprisoned, endorsed Pahlavi as a leader or figure who could unite the opposition. Presence and politics In April 2023, Pahlavi made his first official visit to Israel, where he was hosted by Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The visit was condemned by Iranians, from regime supporters to anti-government activists, who were opposed to monarchy and unsympathetic to Israel. Advertisement Advertisement After Pahlavis participation in the February 2025 Munich security conference was nixed, he and his supporters gathered in the city that month and in the summer to unify the political opposition and plan a post-regime transition. For Pahlavi, the meetings may have been simply a face-saving measure after the security conference snub. As a political dissident, Pahlavi continually called for a popular uprising, regime change and a secular and democratic state. At the same time, he did not rule out the return of the monarchy, albeit a constitutional one, based on a national referendum and constituent assembly. In an attempt to appease other opposition groups and some anti-monarchy Iranian citizens, Pahlavi occasionally insisted he was not a political leader and was not personally seeking political office in Iran if the regime fell. On the foreign policy front and following in his fathers footsteps Pahlavi has advocated for Iran to align itself with the United States and Israel. Iranian protesters hold a photograph of Reza Pahlavi during a Free Iran rally in London on Jan. 18, 2026. Dinendra Haria/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Unclear support, mixed record As Pahlavi became more politically active abroad, questions surfaced about his viability as an opposition leader in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Discounting a 2023 poll conducted by a pro-Pahlavi institute indicating he was widely popular in Iran, it remained difficult to determine his support in Iranian society. In a 2022 poll conducted by an independent, nonprofit research foundation with 158,000 respondents in Iran, Pahlavi received the highest percentage 32.8% among 34 candidates listed to serve on a transitional solidarity council, should the regime collapse. At the same time, Pahlavi apparently lacked a serious monarchist movement and a strong connection with local opposition leaders and activists in Iran. He purportedly had little, if any, support among reformist or liberal groups in the country. The lack of clarity concerning support for Pahlavi in Iran explained the hesitation of U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, to engage with him. That did not deter Pahlavi from attempting to persuade them to abandon diplomatic talks and negotiations with the Islamic Republic over its nuclear program. Advertisement Advertisement Despite the debates outside Iran about Pahlavis support within the country, pro-monarchy slogans increasingly appeared in Iranian social media postings and anti-government protests, including those in 2017-18, 2019-20, and 2022-23. During the 2019-20 protests, the security forces arrested members of monarchist groups around the country and acknowledged their rising popularity and ability to infiltrate the government. Some reformist intellectuals suggested that monarchist slogans were merely a means for Iranian youth and other citizens to channel their anger and frustration at the authorities rather than expressions of true support for Pahlavi. The slogans also reinforced the regimes efforts to delegitimize the protests by portraying them as a plot by external and internal enemies, including the monarchists, to destabilize the country. Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi of Iran inspects a guard of honour composed of young boys in uniform in Tehran, Iran, on Sept. 19, 1963. Keystone Hulton Archive/Getty Images. Throughout the 12-day war in June 2025 between Iran and Israel, which claimed the lives of 1,190 Iranian civilians and injured and displaced thousands more, Pahlavi publicly lamented the destruction of Irans military infrastructure that his father had initially built and the price its people paid for a war he blamed on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the regime. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, he was criticized by prominent political prisoners and other Iranian activists and citizens for betraying his country by supporting the Israeli strikes and failing to condemn them. After the war, Israeli investigative journalists uncovered an influence operation conducted and funded by Israeli public and private entities to promote among Persian-speaking audiences on social media Pahlavi as a potential leader in a post-Islamic Republic Iran. The disinformation campaign created cynicism and controversy concerning Pahlavis true popularity inside the country and his tacit connection with Israel before and during the war. Latest protests and future prospects During the most recent protests, Pahlavi expressed support for protesters and encouraged them to demonstrate at certain times in the evening. The timing of the protests and demonstrations was intended to increase turnout by accommodating peoples work schedules and to maximize media coverage by aligning with news cycles. Thousands of protesters turned out in the streets at those times, with some chanting anti-government slogans and others pro-monarchy ones. Advertisement Advertisement His role in the protests was reduced after the regime cut off the internet and telecommunications between the people of Iran and the outside world, as well as among activists inside the country. While some people praised Pahlavi for inspiring protesters, others asked whether he was responsible for sending them to detention and possible death, as some believed Trump was for similarly encouraging the protesters. For the last 15 years, Pahlavi has intensified his efforts to unify the political opposition and gain greater exposure, culminating in him emerging as a central figure in the latest protests. Yet there remain questions about whether he is viable as an opposition leader or is simply an opportunist. Advertisement Advertisement His message about a democratic future for Iran has been largely consistent. However, his fathers repressive and imperial legacy, combined with his own royal pedigree and American and Israeli proximity, prevent him from finding favor with Iranians who oppose monarchy and prioritize sovereignty. Now, the prospect of Iranians across the country rallying around Pahlavi remains as much of an open question as whether they will succeed in creating the conditions for his return by toppling the regime. This story has been updated to reflect that Reza Pahlavi lives in a Washington, D.C. suburb. 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: Eric Lob, Florida International University Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Eric Lob is affiliated with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. CAMDEN, New Jersey A Royse City man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a romance fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims and funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars overseas, federal prosecutors said. Felix Clark, 37, also known as Joseph Moore and Stanley Smith, was sentenced Jan. 15 to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, according to court records. U.S. District Judge Renee Marie Bumb imposed the sentence in federal court in Camden and ordered Clark remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals to begin serving his term. Prosecutors said Clark received money from victims and transferred the funds abroad, primarily to Ghana. Advertisement Advertisement Clarks girlfriend Esther Amppiaw, 34, also of Royse City was sentenced Jan. 7 to 18 months in prison and two years of supervised release for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. She pleaded guilty May 23, 2025 to accepting and transmitting fraud proceeds for profit. Amppiaw is scheduled to report to prison at a later date. According to court filings and statements made in court, the scheme operated from at least October 2021 through September 2022 while Clark was living in Delray Beach, Florida. Co-conspirators based in Ghana posed as romantic interests on online dating sites, using false identities to build relationships with elderly victims, many of whom had recently lost spouses. The scammers persuaded victims to send money by claiming, among other things, that large quantities of gold were being held in Ghana and that taxes or fees were required to release it. Victims were directed to send payments to Clark and others acting at his direction, including Amppiaw. Clark used false names and financial accounts opened in those names to receive and transfer the money overseas, prosecutors said. During his guilty plea, Clark admitted responsibility for $501,071 in victim losses. Advertisement Advertisement Court records also show that after law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home, Clark attempted to obstruct justice by arranging for a falsified death certificate and funeral notice. Prosecutors said the documents were submitted to falsely claim the death of a family member in an effort to recover a passport that had been lawfully seized. Amppiaw admitted she operated an unlicensed money transmitting business from January 2022 through June 2023, also while living in Delray Beach. She acknowledged receiving checks, money orders and electronic payments totaling $317,290 from individuals she did not know and transmitting most of the funds to others, primarily in Ghana. Prosecutors said Amppiaw also lied on four occasions to federal authorities and her bank about the nature and scope of her financial activities, including during interviews with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and federal law enforcement. Officials overseeing the weekend snow plowing and salt spreading efforts in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County recommend that people avoid driving. Rutherford County Highway Superintendent Greg Brooks said he's concerned about clearing the roads from the Jan. 24 snow storm with temperatures below 20. "I'm not liking what I'm seeing," Brooks said. "This salt is not having the impact like it typically does." A commuter drives over snow conditions Jan. 24, 2025, on Rutherford County's One Mile Lane by Greenleaf Avenue in the Smyrna area. Rutherford County Schools will take 2 snow days The weather concern also will mean Rutherford County Schools will be closed for students and employees Jan. 26-27, according to a news release from district spokesman James Evans. Advertisement Advertisement "All Rutherford County schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 26-27, because of the snow, the expected ice, the extremely low temperatures and negative double-digit windchill that are forecast," Evans said. "We hope everyone enjoys the snow but please be safe." The district's Central Office also will be closed at least on Monday, Evans said. "We will make a decision about the Central Offices Tuesday schedule, on Monday," Evans said. "Custodians and maintenance will follow the same schedule as Central Office, but should be on standby if needed, just like the other essential district workers." Advertisement Advertisement The Rutherford County government announced offices would closed Jan. 26 and public meetings cancelled because of the National Weather Service forecast, spokeswoman Lisa Kaye reported in a news release. Highway Superintendent: 'It's only going to get worse' Brooks has county highway teams operating four trucks with plows and salt spreaders working to clear snow and ice on the most traveled county roads. "We're going to see less results from our efforts," Brooks said. "This is not a typical event. Unfortunately, it's only going to get worse from what looks like a few more days." His teams may be facing road conditions changing to ice, he said. Advertisement Advertisement "If you have to be out, especially at night, make sure you make someone aware of your travel plans," Brooks said. 'If you see a salt truck, stay out of the way' Murfreesboro has teams operating 15 trucks with plows and ice spreaders, Raymond Hillis, the city's executive director over public works. "Stay home if you can,"' Hillis said. "If you see a salt truck, stay out of the way." In Murfreesboro's case, City Manager Darren Gore will decide if government offices will be closed and meetings cancelled if roads are determined to be unsafe Jan. 26, Hillis said. Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription. This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Rutherford Co. schools plan snow days, road officials say 'stay home' Speaking for the first time since skipping the All India Congress Committee (AICC) meet, party leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said that he had informed his party leaders about his intention not to attend the meeting beforehand. While he said that certain media reports about him skipping the meeting "might be true, while others may not be", such things should not be discussed on a public platform. "It is better to convey concerns directly to the party leadership. Several things have appeared in the media, some of which may be true while others may not be, and that such matters should not be discussed on public platforms. I had informed the party in advance that I would not be attending the programme and whatever I have to say will be said within the party," he said, while at the Kerala literature festival. Tharoor's comments come a day after he missed a key AICC meet to discuss preparations for the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls. The Congress leader had informed the leadership that he wouldn't be able to attend the meeting, which had already been postponed, due to his prior commitments at the Kerala Literature Festival. Tharoor had gone to the festival to speak on his latest book, Sree Narayana Guru. "Dr Tharoor is in Calicut for the Kerala Literature Festival, Asia's Biggest Literary Festival. He is speaking on his latest book on Sree Narayana Guru. He had informed the party that he won't make it," according to the Congress MP's office. He also said, "I have nothing to say about the Ernakulam controversy. I had wished to release the book at the event, but the book launch at the Jaipur Literature Festival had to be postponed due to political commitments. This is the reason I chose to attend the event in Kozhikode." The All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting was attended by multiple party leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, party General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, Rahul Gandhi, Jairam Ramesh, Deepa Dasmunshi, Meira Kumar and others in Delhi. Congress leaders have earlier informed that there is "no difference of opinion" with Tharoor and the central leadership. "He spoke to the leaders about that, and I guess the leaders have given him permission to be there. This is not about him skipping the meeting. It is an important literary festival in Kerala that he attends every year. This is about our pathway ahead," said party leader Shafi Parambil. "It is also very important for the party and for us, so he is releasing that (his book), that is why he sent us a message. Party is his priority, he was just in an event with Rahul," said Deepa Dasmunshi, AICC General Secretary. When asked if Tharoor is 'angry' with the leadership, she added, "No, no, nothing like that. Tharoor is very happy with the Congress party and the central leadership; there is no difference of opinion on this." This is not the first time the Congress leader has skipped the AICC meeting. Earlier, Tharoor had been criticised by other party leaders for his stance on being part of the multi-party delegation on Operation Sindoor, which went to different countries to put forward India's stance following the Pahalgam terror attack. At that time, Tharoor had been criticised by his party leaders for the delegation, given that other prominent leaders, like Rahul Gandhi, Jairam Ramesh, Kharge, and others, had not been invited to be part of it. (ANI) b' Air India lead - Long read ' Vishwash Kumar Ramesh spends most of his days in his bedroom at his home in Leicester, shunning conversation and trying to make sense of the events of June 12 2025. Seven months on, he is still struggling to come to terms with his status as the sole survivor of Air India Flight 171, which crashed on that day and claimed the lives of 260 people, including his younger brother Ajay. Ramesh, 39, is also the sole eyewitness to what happened inside the Gatwick-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in its final moments, and a comment he made from his hospital bed has taken on ever-increasing significance as the search for the truth goes on. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh was the sole survivor of the Air India crash on June 12 2025 - PA/Alamy Moments after take-off in Ahmedabad, the lights started flickering green and white, he said. Just 32 seconds after it left the ground, the aircraft ploughed into a building, having suffered a catastrophic loss of thrust. Advertisement Advertisement Two opposing theories about what caused the crash and the significance of those flickering lights are now being examined by international investigators in what has become an increasingly bitter and politicised battle to seize the narrative of the tragedy. Did one of the pilots deliberately sabotage the aircraft, as was initially suggested? Or was the aircraft itself faulty, as the families of the pilot and co-pilot and a growing number of others believe? Conflicting narratives Much is at stake as Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) prepares to publish its final report this year. The families of the men who were at the controls of the aircraft are convinced they are being scapegoated for one of the worst air disasters of recent times in order to minimise the financial and reputational damage to the 140bn US industrial giant Boeing and its suppliers. They say evidence has been selectively released to the media in order to smear their loved ones, who are not alive to defend themselves, and that the facts are being slotted into a predetermined explanation for why the aircraft came down. They believe that the real reason for the crash is an electrical fault, possibly the result of a water leak, that caused the lights to flicker as Ramesh described, but also triggering the disastrous loss of thrust. There is mounting evidence to suggest that they could be right. Credit: X Advertisement Advertisement The alternative is too awful for them to contemplate: that one of the pilots murdered hundreds of people as collateral damage in a suicide. Entire countries now appear to have taken sides, with parties in the United States pushing the theory that Sumeet Sabharwal, the 56-year-old captain, deliberately crashed the aircraft, and India favouring the idea that Boeing is to blame. Boeings share price, which hit $430 in 2019 (320 at todays values), collapsed to around $100 after two disasters involving 737 Max aircraft led to the lengthy grounding of the entire world fleet of that aircraft type later that year, and has never gone above $269 since. The 737 Max tragedies, which claimed 346 lives in total, cost Boeing an estimated 15bn in fines, compensation and legal fees and another 45bn in cancelled orders. It can ill afford a repeat. We have realised that the people who should be taking responsibility for the Air India crash are instead trying to put everything on Sumeet, a member of the pilots family told The Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement First, a small, selective part of the cockpit conversation was picked and selectively mentioned in the preliminary report to create a narrative against him. After that, a sustained media campaign was run, first to question his professionalism and then his mental health. Its sad to see a powerful lobby tarnishing the reputation of Sumeet. He was a gentle soul. A calm, cheerful, disciplined person and a professional pilot. Whether they are right, or whether they are grasping at straws in order to preserve his memory should become clear in the coming months, but there is already enough evidence in the public domain to suggest that one of the two sides is likely to question the investigations outcome. The AAIB has summoned Sabharwals nephew, Captain Varun Anand, to give evidence to the investigation, which the Federation of Indian Pilots is opposing, saying it gives rise to a serious apprehension that the investigation is proceeding on a preconceived narrative seeking to portray or attribute responsibility to the deceased flight crew, rather than objectively examining systemic, mechanical or operational causes. Advertisement Advertisement Ed Pierson, a retired Boeing senior manager and now the executive director of the US-based Foundation for Aviation Safety, says: When you step back and look at the bigger picture, we believe there are forces at play here that have good reason to blame the pilots gigantic financial, legal and reputational reasons. Our position from the outset has been that before you rush to blame the pilots, you need to rule out all potential systems failures, and that has not been the case. Our organisation believes there are many potential systems failures that could have occurred and caused this tragedy. In fact, Pierson says, 787s have been plagued by engineering, manufacturing and quality control problems throughout their history, and this particular 787 had been troubled by multiple issues from the day it left the factory. The crash, second by second June 12 was a hot, clear day in Ahmedabad, with a ground temperature of 37C at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and a wind speed of around seven knots. Advertisement Advertisement Air India Boeing 787-8, registration VT-ANB, touched down at 11.17 local time (05.47GMT) after an internal flight from Delhi. Sabharwal and his co-pilot, first officer Clive Kunder, 32, arrived at the airport and passed a breathalyser test at 11.55. The 10 flight attendants boarded the aircrafts 230 passengers, and its take-off weight was measured as 213,401kg (210 imperial tons) against a maximum allowed 218,183kg, so it was not overloaded. The aircraft, first flown in 2013 and designed to last for 30-50 years, had undergone its annual airworthiness check three weeks earlier, on May 22. It had completed 41,868 flying hours, and both engines had been replaced in the three months before the accident. A similar Air India Boeing aircraft shortly after take-off - Gail Hanusa/Boeing Air traffic control data showed that at 13.37 the aircraft was cleared for take-off. By 13.38.35 the aircraft had reached take-off speed of 155 knots and it became airborne at 13.38.39. There was no significant bird activity in the vicinity. Three seconds after taking off, the aircraft reached 180 knots, the fastest speed it would attain during the ill-fated flight, and it was at this point that something peculiar happened. According to the preliminary report, two fuel control switches in the cockpit, situated just under the throttle levers, transitioned from the run position meaning they were supplying fuel to the two engines to cut-off, with a one-second time gap between the first and second switch moving. Advertisement Advertisement The report stated that in the cockpit voice recording one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cut off. The other pilot responded that he did not do so. CCTV footage filmed from the ground showed the aircrafts ram air turbine (RAT) being deployed. The RAT is an emergency power source. It is automatically triggered by the loss of both engines, total loss of hydraulic power, or a massive electrical failure. The RAT pump began supplying hydraulic power at 13.38.47, eight seconds after take-off and around five seconds after the fuel cut-off switches moved. As will become apparent, this is a hugely significant piece of evidence. With the fuel to the engines cut, the aircraft started to lose altitude before it had even crossed the perimeter wall of the airport. Survivor Ramesh later described how it seemed to be stuck in the air as it stopped climbing. Advertisement Advertisement The flight data recorder later recovered from the wreckage of the aircraft showed the Engine No 1 fuel cut-off switch moving from cut-off back to run at 13.38.52, meaning the fuel had been cut for 10 seconds before it was restored. Four seconds later, Engine No 2s cut-off switch returned to the run position. Both engines were automatically reignited, but only one, Engine No 1, managed to start to progress to recovery. At 13.39.05, one of the pilots transmitted Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. Air traffic control responded, but six seconds later, at 13.39.11, after clipping several trees and an incineration chimney, the aircraft hit the canteen of a hostel building at the BJ Medical College, 0.9 miles from the end of the runway, where several students were having their lunch. The tail section and right-hand main landing gear embedded themselves in the wall of the hostel. The front of the aircraft, including the flight deck and the intact windscreen glass, came to rest about 650ft from the initial point of contact with the hostel. In seat 11A, next to an emergency exit, was Ramesh. b' ' The aircraft hit the canteen of a medical colleges hostel building, leaving the tail section embedded in a wall - X I managed to unbuckle myself, used my leg to push through that opening, and crawled out, he later explained. I saw people dying in front of my eyes the air hostesses, and two people I saw near me. Advertisement Advertisement For a moment, I felt like I was going to die too, but when I opened my eyes and looked around, I realised I was alive. I still cant believe how I survived. I walked out of the rubble. b' ' Of the 242 people on board, including two infants and 11 other children, only Ramesh escaped death. Not only that, but he was able to walk unaided towards a waiting ambulance. Another 19 people were killed on the ground, with 68 injured. The passengers who died were 169 Indian nationals, 52 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian. It was the first fatal accident involving a 787, of which there are more than 1,100 currently in service worldwide. Glaring and plausible systemic causes Air accident investigators were scrambled to the scene and once the two black box flight recorders had been recovered, attention turned to the two men who had been at the controls. The switching of the fuel control knobs to cut off the supply to the engines, coupled with the verbal exchange between the two pilots, appeared damning. Advertisement Advertisement There seemed to be no question of either man cutting the fuel off accidentally: Sabharwal, who held an airline transport pilot licence, the highest level of certification, had logged 15,638 flying hours, including 8,596 on 787s, while Kunder, who held a commercial pilot licence, had 3,403 hours, including 1,128 on 787s. In addition, the spring-loaded knobs had to be pulled out before being turned, in order to prevent accidental movements. Although the preliminary report did not specify which of the two pilots had accused the other of moving the switches, Sabharwal was the monitoring pilot while Kunder was the one actually flying the aircraft, suggesting that Sabharwal would have had his hands free to move the switches, while Kunder would have been looking ahead with his hands on the control column. b' Flight 171 pilots ' On August 30, 10 weeks after the crash, two people from the investigation team turned up unannounced at the home of Sabharwals father, Pushkaraj, a retired air traffic controller, in Mumbai. A family member says: One of them told him that Sumeet had a suicidal tendency, asserting that the cockpit voice recorder analysis implicated him. It has hurt us all. He told them that his son was a highly qualified and trained pilot, who regularly passed all mandated medical exams. He also told them that he was not under any emotional distress. Pushkaraj Sabharwal has filed a petition in Indias Supreme Court claiming that the preliminary report was profoundly flawed with serious infirmities and perversities. He believes that the report overlooked glaring and plausible systemic causes and wants an independent judicial review. Speaking through his lawyer, Joseph Pookkatt, Pushkaraj Sabharwal told The Telegraph: The investigation team, rather than conducting a comprehensive technical inquiry, appears predominantly focused on the deceased pilots, who are no longer able to defend themselves. Leaks have fuelled a malicious media campaign, resulting in the character assassination of my son. False narratives of suicidal intent have been propagated, based on personal events with no relevance to his professional conduct. Those personal events include the death of his mother in 2022 and separation from his wife. There were also reports, denied by his family, that he suffered from depression. Amit Singh, an aviation expert and the founder of Indias Safety Matters Foundation think tank, agrees that the investigation appears to be suffering from confirmation bias. It doesnt make much sense, he says. If the pilot wants to commit suicide, why would he want the co-pilot to fly the aircraft? He would fly himself and push the aircraft to the ground, thats easier. Why were they trying to revive the engines and keep the aircraft airborne? Clearly the co-pilot is not [doing that], it is the captain. If he doesnt want to fly, he will push the aircraft down rather than trying to keep it afloat. But if the fuel control switches were not deliberately moved, what alternative explanation could there be? Phantom switch readings? Intriguingly, problems with the fuel control switches had been reported in the past. On December 17 2018, the USs Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) issued a special bulletin regarding the potential disengagement of the fuel control switches locking mechanism. Pilots of other Boeing aircraft reported the switches being installed with the locking feature disengaged. The throttle control module, which includes the switches, was replaced on VT-ANB in 2023 and no faults had been reported with it, but a possible fault will have to be ruled out by the investigators. b' ' Another possibility is that the switches were never touched by the pilots, and that it was a short-circuit or other fault deep within the aircrafts electronic brain that triggered the fuel shut-off and falsely recorded that the switches had been moved. Engineers call this switch mimicking, meaning that a circuit switches on or off without the physical switch itself moving. Credit: X/@varun__2020/@karunspeak Charanvir Randhawa, the president of the Federation of Indian Pilots union of which both pilots were members believes that the fuel control switches, which were in the run position when the wreckage was examined, were never touched by the pilots. He says: The preliminary report claims that both fuel control switches moved from run to cut-off within one second and reverted shortly thereafter. Such near-synchronised manual actuation is implausible under take-off conditions. This strongly suggests an automatic or corrupted digital command, not human intervention. To treat this as a deliberate pilot error, without first excluding electronic malfunction, is procedurally unjust. It reverses causation, blaming the pilots for what could be a symptom of system failure. Signs of an earlier fault? Randhawa argues that other clues point to a malfunction, rather than sabotage. The deployment of the RAT, which automatically pops out of the fuselage when both primary and backup electrical or hydraulic systems fail, is further evidence of an electrical or digital malfunction, he says. The preliminary report states that the RAT began supplying hydraulic power at 13.38.47, eight seconds after take-off and around five seconds after the fuel cut-off switches moved, but it does not give a precise time for when the RAT was deployed, other than immediately after lift-off. 878 Dreamliner landing with the RAT deployed - YouTube/ OwnsGermany Singh believes that the deployment of the RAT proves there was already a major problem before the flight recorder logged the fuel being cut off. According to one expert, the RAT takes six seconds to spool up, meaning it deployed at 13.38.41, which would suggest that the fault that made it deploy happened at around 13.38.40, one second after take-off and two seconds before the fuel cut-off was registered. Mike Andrews, an American lawyer who is representing 140 victim families, says: My focus has always been on what caused the RAT to deploy. If we understand that, we will be a lot closer to understanding what happened. The condition of the two black boxes Others believe that the state of the flight recorders themselves rather than the information stored on them provides yet more evidence of faults on board. Boeing 787s are fitted with two flight recorders, one at the front and one at the back of the aircraft, both of which record flight data and cockpit voices. While the soot-blackened forward device, which has its own backup power supply, was recovered intact, the aft recorder, which is powered only by the main electrical system, was so badly damaged that its data was irrecoverable. b' ' Both devices are built to withstand temperatures of 1,100C (2,000F) for at least 60 minutes the sort of temperatures reached in a fuel fire but the casing of the aft recorder had completely melted. Singh says: That kind of temperature comes only from a lithium-ion battery fire, which reaches 1,500 to 2,000C. In other words, Singh says, the fuel fire did not cause the damage to the black box. I think the fire was there before, during take-off or sometime before, and this was already melted, he says. It is not a post-impact fire. b' 2301 Air India Flight 171 Debris and flight recorders ' Because the aft flight recorder was destroyed, investigators cannot retrieve the one piece of information that it alone contained the moment it stopped working, which might have provided a vital clue about a fire or electrical failure in the moments before the crash. Add to this the fact that the aircrafts emergency locator transmitter, a sort of homing signal that helps rescuers locate downed aircraft, did not send any signal after the crash, and a strong picture of a major electrical malfunction builds. A monster of complexity Pierson says the question over the fuel control switches is a red herring, because weve got to look at the whole picture, including the 787s controversial common core system (CCS). The 787 is a monster of complexity, in his words. The CCS is a centralised brain that combines many of the aircrafts functions in one place. Older aircraft have dedicated electronics for each function spread throughout the aircraft, making it less likely that all of them will be knocked out at the same time. The CCS handles thrust management, flight management and the remote power distribution system, among other things. Safety experts have warned that this approach means that a single problem, known in aviation as a single point of failure, could cause a domino effect of multiple malfunctions, a theoretical danger that has been acknowledged by the FAA. Pierson says: We have analysed over 2,000 aircraft systems failure reports from 787 safety reports, and we found that there are a lot of chronic issues involving the electrical and electronic systems. A lot. General Mary Schiavo, a former US Department of Transportation inspector general, had previously warned of the potential for the automated systems accidentally to reduce engine thrust. In particular, she identified the thrust control malfunction accommodation (TCMA) which monitors engine power and shuts them down if it senses a major problem and full authority digital engine control (Fadec), which manages fuel flow, as systems that could cause loss of thrust in a malfunction. A TCMA problem was blamed for an uncommanded dual engine shutdown in 2019 as a 787-8 landed in Japan. Schiavo believes that something similar could have happened to Flight 171, arguing that this is a far more likely scenario than pilot error or suicide. The pilots families have pointed out that the preliminary report contained no evidence that the investigators had raised this issue with Boeing, engine manufacturer General Electric or avionics supplier Honeywell. They are demanding that the investigators carry out tests to check whether an electrical or software failure could have caused the loss of thrust. Perhaps oddly, both thrust levers the throttles, in laymans terms were near the idle position when found in the wreckage, even though the black box showed that they had been in the take-off thrust position until the impact. Could this also indicate false data? Possible water damage or deteriorated sealant? If a problem with the CCS did cause the crash, what caused the problem with the CCS in the first place? Andrews believes there is strong evidence to suggest that a leak in the aircrafts drinking water pipes could be to blame, while Pierson believes that it could be the result of a wide variety of potential electrical hazards. On May 14 2025, the FAA issued an airworthiness directive for all Boeing 787-8s prompted by reports of water leakage from the potable water system due to improperly installed waterline couplings, and water leaking into the electronics equipment (EE) bays from above the floor in the main cabin, resulting in water on the equipment in the EE bays. The FAA mandated inspections of 787s for missing, damaged or deteriorated sealant including moisture barrier tape above the EE bays, warning of unsafe condition on these products. The FAA asserted that Boeing was to blame for the fault, saying: The root cause was due to the floor panel design missing sealant and moisture barrier tape at certain floor panels and seat tracks, because of the inadvertent omission of sealing instructions from Boeing floor panel drawings. According to the FAA, the problem arose in 2018, meaning that only aircraft manufactured after that date were affected. But the Foundation for Aviation Safety contested this, saying the problem had been identified as long ago as 2016, meaning that older aircraft including VT-ANB were potentially affected. On February 10 2025, four months before the Air India Flight 171 crash, the Foundation for Aviation Safety complained to the FAA about the delays in repairing 787 water ingress defects and the corrective action that was being taken to fix the root cause. Andrews, who has been contacted by several whistleblowers who are concerned about safety standards at Boeing, says that water intrusion could affect the TCMA and Fadec systems that Schiavo was so worried about, which would explain the flickering lights and the RAT deployment. If he is right, it would raise the possibility that Flight 171 crashed because sealant costing $350 had been omitted or incorrectly applied 12 years earlier. A fatal cascade of minor faults? Until the final report comes out, theories about water leakage or short circuits are just that: theories. But there is a wealth of evidence that VT-ANB was ailing even before it reached the runway. According to the preliminary report, four problems with so-called minimum equipment list items on the aircraft had been identified. These are non-critical items that an aircraft can temporarily fly without, provided they are fixed within a certain timeframe. These four category C faults were reported on June 9 2025, three days before the crash, meaning that they had to be fixed by June 19. The four faults related to flight-deck door visual surveillance, airport map function, flight-deck printer and core network. Air passengers may not be aware that while your car will fail its MOT if any warning lights on the dashboard are on (and it cant be driven until they are fixed), civilian aircraft are allowed to fly with multiple faults, so long as there is a schedule to fix them, because the aircraft are so complicated that faults crop up all the time. Whether a particular fault is minor or non-critical for flight is open for debate: one of the questions being posed by the families of the dead is why a core network malfunction was classed as a category C fault rather than one that required immediate repair. The day before the crash, there had been a problem with the nitrogen generation system in the tail of the aircraft, a system that displaces fuel vapour in empty tanks with inert nitrogen, decreasing the risk of fire. Then, on the day of the crash, the crew that flew the aircraft from Delhi to Ahmedabad made a pilot defect report stating STAB POS XDCR in the aircrafts technical log, meaning there was a potential fault with the stabiliser position transducer, a sensor that measures the position of the horizontal stabiliser (the part of the tailplane that is used to move the nose up or down in flight). Engineers checked the part and the aircraft was released for flight just under an hour later. Just 15 minutes before take-off, the aircrafts bus power control units (BPCUs), which manage the electrical systems, sent real-time signals to Boeing and Air India indicating malfunctions with both BPCUs. In isolation, none of these problems is classed as major issues, but taken together, according to some experts they show a pattern of electrical problems that point to issues with the core network. According to reports in India, in the minute before the aircraft took off, and almost certainly as it was heading down the runway, the 787s aircraft communications addressing and reporting system sent a fault code to Boeing and Air India which indicated that the Fadec was receiving corrupted data from an engine monitoring probe. Pierson says: That aircraft was sending out fault messages before it took off. That is a big red flag. The aircraft health management system was also sending real-time data to Air India and Boeing so they had that information before the fires were even put out. None of that information was included in the preliminary report. Any system that has a fault on that plane should not be discounted by anyone. I would say, prove to me that that is not a big deal. We have found over the years that very small, minor things can be a triggering point for something major. Nor were these faults on the aircraft uncharacteristic. Pierson says: This particular aircraft, from the time it was built until the day it crashed, had a long history of serious system failures. There is ample compelling evidence to show that this aeroplane was experiencing electrical and electronic problems for years. A clear deterioration of standards Although official records state that it was built in 2013, VT-ANB actually rolled out of Boeings factory in Everett, Washington state, in November 2010, but its maiden flight was not until December 2013. It was finally delivered to Air India on January 31 2014, more than three years after it was assembled. The aircraft was supposed to be the second 787 to be delivered to Air India, but the hold-up meant that it was the 12th. The pilot who flew the aircraft from the factory to Delhi referred only to certain pre-delivery observations when he was asked about the lengthy delay by an Indian newspaper last year. b' ' Pierson says there has been a clear deterioration of standards in the aviation industry in the last 15 or so years. During the time he worked for Boeing, for example, aircraft would be continually inspected during the in-house build process, but Boeing now outsources much of the 787s production. As a result, some airlines have taken to ordering independent inspections of new aircraft before they accept delivery. Boeing quality engineer Sam Salehpour told a US Senate committee in 2024 that Boeing took shortcuts to speed up production of 787s, including jumping on misaligned panels to make them fit, which, he said, could significantly shorten the lifespan of the aircraft and limit the ability of airlines to predict when aeroplanes need to be taken out of service to avoid a failure during flight. Boeing said at the time that it was fully confident in the safety of 787s, and that: Under FAA oversight, we have painstakingly inspected and reworked aeroplanes and improved production quality to meet exacting standards that are measured in the one hundredths of an inch. However, it added: We know we have more work to do and we are taking action across our company. Across the board in the airline industry, Pierson believes: We have seen a stunning amount of defects. They still call aviation safety the gold standard, but when you look under the rock and see whats underneath, you just want to put that rock back over it. It should be stressed that air travel remains by far the safest form of transport. Statistically, travelling by car is hundreds of times more dangerous than flying on commercial aircraft when it comes to fatalities per million miles travelled, and the worlds 787s have clocked up around three billion miles since the Air India disaster without any other crashes or fatalities. The purpose of air accident investigations, though, is to ensure that even the most unlikely sequence of events leading to a disaster cannot be repeated. The Telegraph put the questions raised in this article about 787 safety to Boeing, whose spokesman replied: We will defer to Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau to provide any information with regards to Air India flight 171, consistent with the UN International Civil Aviation Organisation protocol known as Annex 13. Air India was also approached for comment. Boeings history of blaming pilots If the investigators final report concludes that the aircraft, rather than the pilots, caused the crash, it would not be the first time that flight crew have been blamed for deadly incidents that turned out to be Boeings fault. In 2019, the pilots of an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max were blamed by some US politicians for a crash six minutes after the aircraft had taken off from Addis Ababa, killing all 157 people on board. In fact, the aircraft had effectively flown itself into the ground by forcing its nose down as a result of a single faulty sensor on the wing. b' ' An identical problem with an Indonesian Lion Air 737 Max the previous year had caused that aircraft to crash into the sea 13 minutes after take-off, killing all 189 passengers and crew. It was these crashes that led to the grounding of the 737 Max fleet and the collapse in Boeings share price. b' ' Nevertheless, the blame game over flight 171 goes on. In October, Air Indias chief executive, New Zealander Campbell Wilson, made clear which side he was on, saying the preliminary report had indicated that there was nothing wrong with the aircraft, the engines or the operation of the airline. Justice Surya Kant, the Supreme Court of India judge considering the application for a judicial inquiry into the tragedy, told Sabharwals father: You should not carry this burden that your son is being blamed. Nobody can blame him for anything. Misleading and incomplete information Air India has offered 21,500 interim payments to victims families, and it seems likely that that figure will be dwarfed by eventual compensation payouts, which are likely to top 1m for each family based on past precedent. But money will not bring anyones loved ones back. Imtiyaz Ali Syed, 42, whose brother Javed died in the crash with his wife, Mariam, and their two children, said he wanted a fair investigation, not to be silenced by monetary compensation. My mother has fallen into depression, he says. She has lost her younger son, her daughter-in-law and two grandchildren. For a mother it feels like the end of the world. Our top demand is a proper investigation, not money. No amount of compensation can heal this pain. In India, the publication of the preliminary report was greeted with anger and distrust, as there was scepticism about its strong steer towards pilot sabotage. There is also talk of Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau coming under pressure from the US to exonerate Boeing, with rumours of the preliminary report being cut down from 40 pages to just 15 as a result. The crash has largely dropped off the agenda in India in recent months. Sabharwals father says: The Supreme Court has said the whole country is with our son. We see hope in the court. All we have ever asked for is a truthful investigation. Justice, for us, means a fair and transparent investigation. We are fighting to protect Sumeets reputation. Sumeet Sabharwals father, Pushkaraj, at his sons funeral in Mumbai on June 17 2025 - Divyakant Solanki/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock In Leicester, Ramesh has built a wall of silence around himself as he battles post-traumatic stress. I just sit on my bed all day. I just think about my brother, he said in November when he agreed to be interviewed by a handful of broadcast and print journalists, but said almost nothing about the events of June 12. Credit: PA Radd Seiger, a retired lawyer who is acting as an adviser to the family, said Ramesh, who is married with a four-year-old son, remains a recluse. He still suffers from the physical injuries he sustained in the crash, and is in pain when he walks, but his mental scars are clearly far worse. Sanjiv Patel, a community leader in Leicester, said the family still havent been able to have a conversation with him about what happened in Ahmedabad. Anything to do with that day, he kind of blocks it out, he said. The ongoing uncertainty over the cause of the crash raises the inevitable question of whether 787s are safe, and whether passengers should be worried about flying in them. This air accident investigation should be of interest to everyone that flies, says Pierson. The information that has been put out so far was misleading and incomplete. There was nothing that even suggested they were looking at a potential systems failure. Based on what I now know, I have been telling people not to fly in a 787 until all the systems issues with this aircraft are properly investigated and resolved. b' ' 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. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) The bloodiest crackdown on dissent since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution is slowly coming into focus, despite authorities cutting off the Islamic Republic from the internet and much of the wider world. Cities and towns smell of smoke as fire-damaged mosques and government offices line streets. Banks have been torched, their ATMs smashed. Officials estimate the damage to be at least $125 million, according to an Associated Press tally of reports by the state-run IRNA news agency from over 20 cities. The number of dead demonstrators reported by activists continues to swell. Activists warn it shows Iran engaging in the same tactics it has used for decades, but at an unprecedented scale firing from rooftops on demonstrators, shooting birdshot into crowds and sending motorcycle-riding paramilitary Revolutionary Guard volunteers in to beat and detain those who cant escape. Advertisement Advertisement The vast majority of protesters were peaceful. The video footage shows crowds of people including children and families chanting, dancing around bonfires, marching on their streets, said Raha Bahreini, of Amnesty International. "The authorities have opened fire unlawfully. The killing of peaceful protesters as well as the threat of mass executions have been a red line for military action for U.S. President Donald Trump. An American aircraft carrier and warships are approaching the Mideast, possibly allowing Trump to launch another attack on Iran after bombing its nuclear enrichment sites last year. That risks igniting a new Mideast war. Iran's mission to the United Nations did not respond to detailed questions from the AP regarding the suppression of the demonstrations. Protests over rial spiral Advertisement Advertisement The demonstrations began Dec. 28 at Tehrans historic Grand Bazaar, initially over the collapse of Iran's currency, the rial, then spread across the country. Tensions exploded on Jan. 8, with demonstrations called for by Iran's exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi. Witnesses in Tehran told the AP before authorities cut internet and phone communication that they saw tens of thousands of demonstrators on the streets. As communications failed, gunfire echoed through Tehran. Many witnesses said they had never seen such a large number of protesters on the streets, said Bahar Saba of Human Rights Watch. Iranian authorities have repeatedly shown they have no answers other than bullets and brutal repression to people taking to the streets. Advertisement Advertisement Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, a deputy interior minister speaking on state TV Wednesday, acknowledged the violence began in earnest on Jan. 8. More than 400 cities were involved," he said. By Jan. 9, Revolutionary Guard Gen. Hossein Yekta, previously identified as leading plainclothes units of the force, went on Iranian state TV and warned mothers and fathers to keep their children home. Tonight you all must be vigilant. Tonight is the night for keeping mosques, all bases everywhere filled with Hezbollahi, Yekta said, using a word for followers of God that carries the connotation of fervent supporters of Iran's theocracy. Advertisement Advertisement Already weakened by the 12-day war Israel launched against Iran in June, the authorities decided to fully employ violence to end the demonstrations, experts said. I think the regime viewed it as this was a moment of existential threat and that they could either allow it to play out and allow the protests to build and allow foreign powers to increase their rhetoric and increase their demands on Iran, said Afshon Ostovar, an expert on the Revolutionary Guard and professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, California. "Or they could turn out the lights, kill as many people as necessary ... and hope they could get away with it. And I think thats what they ultimately did. Basij key in disrupting protests Advertisement Advertisement In Iran, one of the main ways its theocracy can squash demonstrations is through the Basij, the Guard's volunteer arm. Mosques in Iran include facilities for the Basij. Guard Gen. Heydar Baba Ahmadi was quoted by the semiofficial Mehr news agency in 2024 as estimating 79% of Basij resistance bases are located in mosques and 5% in other holy places. Iranian state media repeatedly has aired images of mosques damaged in the protests without exploring their links to the Basij. Most neighborhood Basij bases are co-located with mosques and most neighborhood Basij leaders are associated with the mosque leadership," Ostovar said, adding that demonstrators going after regime targets associated with repression would have considered them a legitimate part of it. Advertisement Advertisement Videos show Basij holding long guns, batons and pellet guns. Anti-riot police can be seen wearing helmets and body armor, carrying assault rifles and submachine guns. The videos show police firing shotguns into crowds, something authorities deny despite corpses showing wounds consistent with metal birdshot. Scores have reportedly suffered blinding eye wounds from birdshot something seen in the protests around the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini. Iran's semiofficial ILNA news agency reported that Tehran's Farabi Eye Hospital, the premiere clinic for eye injuries, called in all current and retired doctors to help those injured. We received accounts that the security forces were just firing relentlessly at protesters, said Bahreini of Amnesty International. Advertisement Advertisement "Theyre not just targeting one or two people to create a climate of terror for people to disperse ... but just relentlessly firing at thousands of protesters and chasing after them, even as they were fleeing so that more people were just collapsing to the ground with severe gunshot wounds. Casualties grow as crackdown intensifies For two weeks, Iran offered no overall casualty figures. Then on Wednesday, the government said 3,117 people were killed, including 2,427 civilians and security forces. That left another 690 dead that Pourjamshidian identified as terrorists. That conflicts with figures from the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which put the death toll on Saturday at 5,137, based on activists inside Iran verifying fatalities against public records and witness statements. It said 4,834 were demonstrators, 208 were government-affiliated personnel, 54 were children and 41 were civilians not participating in protests. Advertisement Advertisement Death tolls in Iran have long been inflated or deflated for political reasons. But the fact that Iran's theocracy offered any death toll and gave a number beyond any other political unrest to strike the country in the modern era underlines the scale of what happened. It also provides a justification for the ongoing mass arrest campaign and internet shutdown. State media report dozens to hundreds of people detained daily. Pourjamshidian also gave an extensive list of vandalism from the protests and crackdown, including 750 banks, 414 government buildings, 600 ATMs and hundreds of vehicles that sustained damage. Meanwhile, uncertainty looms for Iran's theocracy over what Trump may or may not do. Advertisement Advertisement Traditionally, Iranians hold memorial services for their late loved ones 40 days after their deaths meaning the country could see renewed demonstrations around Feb. 17. Online videos from Behesht-e Zahra, the massive cemetery on the outskirts of Tehran, show mourners chanting: Death to Khamenei! Satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC analyzed by the AP show large numbers of cars daily at Behesht-e Zahras southern reaches, where those killed in the demonstrations are being buried. Elaheh Mohammadi, a journalist at Tehran's pro-reform newspaper Ham Mihan, recently noted it had been shut by authorities. She said journalists were working on stories about Behesht-e Zahra they weren't able to publish. We send out a message to let people know were still alive, Mohammadi wrote online. The city smells of death. Hard days have passed and everyone is stunned; a whole country is in mourning, a whole country is holding back tears, a whole country has a lump in its throat." NEED TO KNOW In 1986, a group of 20 including 15 high-school students set out to hike Oregon's Mt. Hood The hike would end in disaster, with a PEOPLE article detailing what happened For days, some of the teens lay huddled in a self-made snow cave, some ultimately succumbing to the frigid temperatures Even with the Weather Service predicting snow, the climb up Mount Hood was still on. What's more, it was a rite of passage and part of a required outdoor program called "Basecamp" at the exclusive Oregon Episcopal School in 1986, when 20 people (including 15 high school students) set out to hike the 11,245-foot peak. Among the students were 15-year-old Richard Haeder who, as a 1986 PEOPLE article detailed, appeared alarmed the day prior to the planned May hike. That's when he called school chaplain Rev. Thomas Goman (a seasoned hiker who was among those in the hike party) to express his concern. Advertisement Advertisement Goman, who had hiked Mt. Hood 17 times, reassured the boy, his father told PEOPLE: "[Richard] would rather not have gone on the trip, but he didn't feel he had a choice in the matter." Accompanying the students were Goman, one student's mother, Dean of Students Marion Horwell, and two guides: Dee Zduniak from Outward Bound and Ralph Summers. AP Photo/Michael Hinsdale Rescue workers carry one of the eight missing mountain climbers from a helicopter after they were found in a snow cave, May 16, 1986 on Mount Hood, Ore. Rescue workers carry one of the eight missing mountain climbers from a helicopter after they were found in a snow cave, May 16, 1986 on Mount Hood, Ore. The teenagers and their guides and chaperones were set to hike up the south face of Mt. Hood, Oregon's highest mountain and the world's most frequently ascended peak outside of Japan's Mt. Fuji. They would head to the warm lodge down below if the weather took a turn for the worse. As PEOPLE detailed, the hike up Mt. Hood was something of a final exam for students at the school, who learned survival skills as part of the "Basecamp" curriculum. Advertisement Advertisement When the day came, PEOPLE writes that the teens each wore three pairs of socks and layers of clothing, bringing along axes and sandwiches. No one, however, brought overnight gear or insulating blankets. It also appeared no one had heard that "at least four other groups from Portland had canceled their expeditions in the preceding three days because of the weather reports," per PEOPLE's reporting. So, on that spring Sunday, the group set out at 2 a.m. (the typical time for a day trip up the mountain's south face). AP Photo/Jack Smith A helicopter lifts off towards Mount Hood as rescue efforts for the missing Oregon Episcopal School students and staff continues, May 15, 1986. A helicopter lifts off towards Mount Hood as rescue efforts for the missing Oregon Episcopal School students and staff continues, May 15, 1986. Less than an hour after they set out, the group ran into a strong snow flurry, with six members of the party deciding to head back (per the school, sophomores were given credit if they opted to descend once they had hiked 500 feet). The six who headed to the lodge were told that the other members of the climbing party would join them by 6 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Some never did. Members of the search party would later determine that clouds began to shroud the top of the mountain by 4 p.m., making visibility near-impossible, and forcing the remaining members to turn back when they were less than 100 feet from the summit. The temperatures dropped, too, with the windchill factor at roughly 50 degrees below zero. Then: the snow. When one of the boys began to succumb to hypothermia, the other members of the group spent two hours scooping out a snow cave, then arranging themselves around the boy in an effort to warm him up. As Molly Schula, a 17-year-old senior, described to The Oregonian after: "People were shaking and shivering. When the boy's temperature stayed down, we decided to dig in." Advertisement Advertisement The next morning, one of the guides, Ralph Summers, decided to head for help, with student Molly Schula in tow. A few hours later, the pair found themselves at Mount Hood Meadows, a ski resort three miles southeast of the snow cave. At that point, 31 hours had passed since the group first set out on their expedition and a search party (complete with Sno-Cats and helicopters) had already begun scouring the mountain for the group. Rescuers found nothing, with the weather forcing even them to turn back for their own safety. The next day, rescuers set out again and came across three frozen children: 15-year-olds Erin O'Leary, Alison Litzen-berger and Eric Sandvik. All three were rushed to Portland's Emanuel Hospital, and, per PEOPLE, "doctors managed to start Eric's heart and keep it beating for nearly four hours" before he was pronounced dead, while the two others were never revived. Advertisement Advertisement The following day at which point the group had spent 89 hours on the mountain rescuers came across the snow cave and in it, eight people. Two of them (16-year-olds Brinton Clark and Giles Thompson) were alive, and moaning, but with slow heart beats and low body temperatures. As PEOPLE noted, the efforts to remove each person were strenuous, with seven men needed "to carry each climber over 700 feet of snow to a helicopter." 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. From PEOPLE's 1986 story: "Giles's legs had to be amputated above the ankles, but both youngsters were given a good chance of recovering. Neither Susan McClave, 17, nor Patrick Mcginness, 15, showed vital signs on arrival at University Hospital. Teacher Marion Horwell, 39, died at St. Vincent Hospital, and Tasha Amy, 15, at Emanuel Hospital. Richard Haeder and the Reverend Goman were connected to heart-lung machines at Good Samaritan Hospital. But it was too late. Richard died at 10:53 p.m. and Father Tom died 12 minutes later." Advertisement Advertisement In total, nine of the hikers (including seven students) died, making the incident the second deadliest alpine accident in North American history. As Haider's father, Richard Haeder Sr., told PEOPLE at the time, "I am heartbroken. It could have been avoided." The two students who survived, Brinton Clark and Giles Thompson, have since spoken about their experience to Willamette Week in 2004. Per the outlet, Clark spent six weeks in the hospital recovering, ultimately returning to OES and later graduating from Stanford with a degree in human biology. She went on to serve in the Peace Corps in Ghana before going to medical school. Advertisement Advertisement Thompson, meanwhile, had a tougher road to recovery. Doctors amputated both of his legs (one above the knee and one below) and removed muscle tissue in other parts of his body. "After a couple of nights up there, I was unconscious," Thompson told the outlet. "I don't recall if I thought I was going to die. I just remember it being completely unreal. I don't remember it occurring to me." Read the original article on People Snow and heavy rain have killed 61 people in Afghanistan in the past three days, disaster officials said on Saturday, with a major road and power also cut in several provinces. The deaths occurred mainly in central and northern provinces between Wednesday and Friday, according to a map released by Afghanistan's disaster management authority (ANDMA). The "initial figures of casualties and destruction" also include 110 injured people and 458 houses that were either partially or fully destroyed, ANDMA said on social media platform X. Advertisement Advertisement A total of 360 families were affected, said a spokesman who asked people in a video message to avoid unnecessary travel on snowy roads. The spokesman also told AFP that most of the casualties were caused by roof collapses and avalanches, while many also died from frostbite in sub-zero temperatures. The emergency department in the southern province of Kandahar said six children were killed when the roof of their home collapsed in strong wind and heavy rain on Wednesday. Houses were also damaged in other districts. - Major highway cut - The Salang highway, one of Afghanistan's main roads, has been closed, authorities in Parwan province north of Kabul said. The highway is a vital connection to Afghanistan's northern provinces. Advertisement Advertisement Food supplies were also distributed to travellers stuck on a mountain pass in central Bamyan province, west of the capital. A transmission line importing electricity from Uzbekistan was also damaged on Thursday, leaving households in almost 12 provinces without power. "The technical teams are ready but cannot reach the area because of the blockage of Salang pass," said Mohammad Sadiq, the spokesman for Afghanistan's national power utility DABS. The heavy snow and rain also destroyed shops and killed livestock in different parts of the predominantly rural country. "Snow and rain, when managed properly, contribute positively to Afghanistan's environment and livelihoods," the Kabul Times daily wrote in an editorial. Advertisement Advertisement "However, without sufficient preparation and timely intervention, these natural phenomena can quickly turn into sources of tragedy," it said. Around half of Afghanistan's population of more than 40 million people will need humanitarian assistance this year, according to the United Nations, after a sharp drop in foreign assistance in recent years. Natural disasters such as earthquakes and drought also often compound the daily struggle to survive. ash/iw/pbt Upstate New York is preparing for what could be the biggest snowstorm of the year - and perhaps one of the biggest in years - and forecasts call for at least a foot of snow to drop in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley by Monday. More: Here's how much snow you can expect this weekend. Early Saturday, the National Weather Service released a new winter storm warning in effect from 7 a.m. on Sunday through 7 p.m. on Monday for all of eastern New York and western New England. Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, snow will start to fall between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. in the Hudson Valley, 10 a.m. and noon in the Capital Region and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Adirondacks, said Rosemary Webb, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Albany. Webb said forecast models have been consistent over the last few days and estimate total snow accumulations between 12 and 18 inches in the Capital Region and down into the mid-Hudson Valley, with up to 24 inches in the eastern Catskills. The snowstorm could be the biggest the Albany area has seen in years, and perhaps one of the biggest in history, depending on how much snow falls. Webb said the last time Albany saw greater than 12 inches of snow accumulation was in December 2020. The last time Albany saw 10 inches of snow was in March 2023, Webb added. "If we get at least 13.9 inches, it will be in the top 10 all-time largest snowstorms for the month of January in Albany," Webb said. Advertisement Advertisement More: These are the Capital Region's 10 biggest snowstorms - so far. Related: Snow emergencies, parking restrictions declared across Capital Region. Snowfall rates will fall at 1 to 2 inches per hour at times, especially later on Sunday, Webb said. Frigid temperatures will bring along "light, fluffy snowfall," Webb said. Forecasts predict heavy snowfall on Sunday will transition to light snowfall on Monday through much of the day before ending by the evening. Webb advises residents to avoid traveling throughout the snowstorm, as roads will be covered with snow and there may be reduced visibility. Advertisement Advertisement "If you do have to travel, make sure your car does have emergency preparedness items - such as blankets, an extra set of clothes, water, food - in case you do get stuck," Webb said. "Monday morning is going to be very hazardous, very dangerous traveling conditions. If you do have to travel, take your time, go slow." This article originally published at When will the snowstorm start in Albany, Hudson Valley on Sunday?. A major winter storm will impact South Carolina from Saturday, Jan. 24, through Sunday night, Jan. 25. The storm is expected to bring a mix of snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain, with significant icing of 0.25 inches or more possible. This could lead to dangerous travel conditions and widespread power outages across the region. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring local news and weather reports for updates on the storm's progress, and to ensure they have emergency supplies such as food, water, batteries, and blankets. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, keep emergency and utility phone numbers handy, and establish a plan with your family to stay safe during potential power outages and hazardous conditions. Numbers to call in an emergency Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid travel as roads will be impassable due to ice and sleet. In the event of an emergency, people can contact local authorities by dialing 911 for immediate assistance. Emergency and utility numbers Road Conditions: Dial 511 or visit 511sc.org for the South Carolina Department of Transportation website . Highway Patrol (Non-Injury Accident): Dial HP (47). Additionally, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division can be reached at 1-866-246-0133 for non-emergency inquiries related to the storm. Dispatchers work at the Anderson County 911 Center in Anderson, They should also know the emergency contact numbers for local utility companies to report outages, as well as the South Carolina Emergency Management Division hotline for updates and assistance. Advertisement Advertisement For power outages, residents should contact their local electric cooperative or provider immediately. This includes companies like Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, and your local co-op for assistance and updates on restoration efforts. SC weather: Live updates as 'significant winter storm' approaches Duke Energy: Power outage numbers Duke Energy, which serves more than five million customers across the Carolinas, has already warned customers they could see significant power outages due to the storm. Make sure to have your account information handy when reporting outages to expedite the process. According to Brooks, Duke Energy will alert customers when and where an outage could occur. Advertisement Advertisement If your power goes out, Duke Energy customers can report outages by using the following methods: Duke Energy - Text OUT to 57801 or call 800.POWERON (800-769-3766) Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply). Use the Duke Energy mobile app. Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via the App Store or Google Play. Visit duke-energy.com/outages on a desktop computer or mobile device. Visit Duke Energy's interactive outage map to find up-to-date information on power outages, including the total number of outages systemwide and estimated times of restoration. Clarence Sullivan, left, of the Civic Center, Duke Energy workers, and Anderson County Emergency Services personel discuss logistics near Duke Energy command center and supply yard sets up at the Civic Center of Anderson, SC, Friday, Jan 23 2026. Not a Duke Power customer? Here are the ways to report outages to other power companies Need shelter: Know who to call For immediate assistance and real-time updates on cold weather shelters in Upstate South Carolina during the upcoming winter storm, dial 2-1-1 to connect with SC 211. Advertisement Advertisement Residents can also text SHELTER and their Zip Code to 43362 to receive automated location data. The following is a brief overview of cold shelters opening in Upstate South Carolina. Greenville - Area Greenville Rescue Mission (Men): (864) 242-6933 | 575 W. Washington St. Shepherds Gate (Women & Children): (864) 268-5589 | 11 Regency Hill Drive Jeremy Huff, facility director for Miracle Hill Ministries Greenville Rescue Mission looks at books, bibles, and water at the Cooling Shelter part of the ministry in Greenville, S.C. Friday, July 25, 2025. Spartanburg - Area Spartanburg Rescue Mission: (864) 583-1351 | 189 N. Forest St. Spartanburg Emergency Warming Center: (Contact 2-1-1 for current status) | 701 Saxon Ave. Pickens, Oconee, & Cherokee Counties Cherokee County Rescue Mission : (864) 488-0376 | 227 Henderson St., Gaffney LifePoint Church (Seneca): (864) 723-4925 (Shelter Coordinator) | 1926 Blue Ridge Blvd Pickens County Emergency Services : (864) 898-5945 (For medical/oxygen needs) City of Easley Non-Emergency: (864) 859-4025 (For transportation/shelter info) Anderson County Medical Emergency Power Shelter: 833-351-9990. Call this number if you have medical devices that depend on power (e.g., oxygen concentrators) and are experiencing an outage. Anderson Civic Center Warming Shelter: (864) 260-4800 at 3027 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Opened Saturday morning, Jan. 24, at 7 a.m. HOPE Missions: (864) 359-2396 at 213 S. Tower St., Anderson. Open daily for men and women through Feb. 2. Check intake times as they vary during this storm event. Haven of Rest Ministries Rescue Mission: (864) 226-6193 at 219 W. Whitner St., Anderson, is open 24 hours a day for emergency shelter. The Salvation Army (Stringer Emergency Lodge): (864) 226-9340 or (864) 225-7381 at 112 Tolly St., Anderson. Reports as of Jan. 24 indicate this facility is currently at full capacity, but you should call for the latest status or referrals. Julie Huber checks prepared cots in the warming center area of Hope Mission of the Upstate in Anderson, SC Jan 20, 2026. With colder weather settling in for the next few weeks, warming centers utilize donations for those who come for overnight shelter at the center. These shelters offer a range of services, including warm meals, temporary lodging, and access to essential resources. Advertisement Advertisement They aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families facing homelessness, especially during the upcoming winter storm. Stay connected and prepared! South Carolina residents should also stay connected to local news outlets and weather apps for real-time information on the storm's progress. To stay informed about weather conditions, viewers can visit weather.gov/gsp for updated forecasts, radar images, and alerts. Additionally, following their social media accounts and listening to NOAA Weather Radio can provide real-time updates. On-the-go visitors can access their mobile-friendly site at weather.gov/ilm/mobile to check the latest weather information. South Carolina updated forecast outlook The National Weather Service has issued an ice storm warning in effect for Upstate South Carolina from 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, through 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26. Advertisement Advertisement As of Saturday, Jan. 24, the National Weather Service of Greenville-Spartanburg reported that light precipitation was already moving into the western part of the forecast area. Wintry Precipitation Beginning This morning, light snow is possible around the Smokies, with a chance of a light dusting. In the lower elevations of northeast Georgia and the Upstate, residents might see sprinkles, flurries, or light sleet. NWS weekend forecast According to the National Weather Service, winter weather conditions are expected to worsen as temperatures continue to fall, increasing the likelihood of freezing rain and ice accumulation. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautions to protect themselves and their property. Advertisement Advertisement Today, Jan. 24: A chance of flurries and sleet before noon, then a slight chance of snow between noon and 4 pm, then a chance of freezing rain after 4 pm. Cloudy, with a high near 31. East winds 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow and sleet accumulation expected. Tonight: Freezing rain and sleet, becoming freezing rain after 2 a.m. The sleet could be heavy at times. Patchy fog after midnight. Low around 21. Northeasterly winds 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chances of precipitation are 100%. New ice accumulations of 0.3 to 0.5 inches are possible. New accumulations of less than one inch are possible. Sunday, Jan. 25: Freezing rain. Patchy fog before 1 p.m. High near 34. East wind 5 to 8 mph, becoming calmer in the afternoon. Chances of precipitation are 100%. New ice accumulations of 0.6 to 0.8 inches are possible. Sunday Night: Rain before 2 am, then a slight chance of freezing rain between 2 am and 3 am. Low around 22. Light and variable winds becoming northwesterly 6 to 11 mph in the evening. Winds could gust to 21 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%. New ice accumulations of less than 0.1 inch are possible. This current winter weather event is reminiscent of past storms that have significantly impacted the region. The last significant snowstorm in the Upstate, which occurred on Jan. 1617, 2022, resulted in extensive power outages and dangerous travel conditions. Similarly, a major ice storm in December 2005 was catastrophic, emphasizing the need for residents to prepare for potential disruptions. South Carolina is ready and prepared While the system continues to track into the Palmetto State, officials are taking proactive measures to ensure public safety. Advertisement Advertisement A winter storm watch has been issued for parts of South Carolina, especially in the Upstate and northern mountains, starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, and is valid through Monday, Jan. 26. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is coordinating efforts with local authorities to deploy resources where they are needed most. Gov. Henry McMaster speaks Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, during a press conference to announce the governors recommendations to 2026-27 state budget at the South Carolina State House in Columbia, South Carolina. Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local officials. Gov. Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, Jan. 20, to mobilize resources and the National Guard in preparation for the impending weather. Advertisement Advertisement South Carolinians should remain aware of local forecasts and take the appropriate precautions ahead of this weekend's storm, as winter weather can change quickly and create hazardous conditions with little notice, McMaster said. Preparations are already underway by state agencies, and this State of Emergency ensures Team South Carolina is ready to respond and support communities as conditions develop." Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events in your area Download the free Greenville News app and turn on Notifications to get breaking news updates on the winter storm. Prefer email news alerts? Sign up for those here. This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Winter weather advisory: Essential contacts for South Carolina residents Across Upstate South Carolina, ice and snow are set to linger as the state faces one of its most widespread winter events in years. A major ice storm is moving across the region Saturday into Sunday evening, Jan. 24-25, with the National Weather Service keeping an Ice Storm Warning in effect for the entire area. In some locations, ice accumulation could reach or exceed three-quarters of an inch, creating the potential for widespread power outages and near-impossible travel conditions well into the work week. The storm which first hit Texas and Oklahoma overnight began with light snow across the Smoky Mountains and flurries or light sleet in lower elevations of northeast Georgia and Upstate South Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events in your area How long will ice last in South Carolina? Precipitation is expected to transition to freezing rain across most of the state tonight, with the heaviest ice totals along the Blue Ridge escarpment and the Greenville metro area. Lower amounts are expected across the SC Lakelands and valleys beneath the Smokies, according to the National Weather Service in Greenville. Even after the storm passes, dangerously cold wind chills will settle in Monday night into Tuesday morning, Jan. 26-27. Temperatures in the mountains may dip below zero, while the Piedmont sees readings in the single digits to low teens. With highs struggling into the upper 30s and low 40s, melting will be slow, and black ice is likely to remain a hazard through the end of the week. Residents are urged to check on neighbors, pets and vulnerable family members while ensuring they have blankets, warm clothing, and safe heating sources. The region may face another reinforcing cold front later in the week. A brief shot of northwest snow showers could occur Wednesday night, Jan. 28, with gusty winds bringing renewed dangers of frostbite and hypothermia. Advertisement Advertisement While temperatures may rebound slightly during the week, warmth is not expected to arrive in earnest until later, meaning frozen roads and icy conditions will persist for several more days. North Carolina Emergency Management shared this infographic Jan. 23, 2026, on the impact of ice accumulation ahead of a winter storm posed to hit the state Jan. 24-Jan. 26, 2026. More: Winter storm begins: Live updates as brutal mix of snow, ice impact millions South Carolina forecast Note: The graphic shows the chance of receiving 4 inches or more of snow or ice. Click your area to see the forecasted probability over the next three days. South Carolina power outage map Ice and sleet could bring down tree limbs and power lines across parts of South Carolina this weekend. Keep devices charged and have backup plans ready in case of outages. South Carolina 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. South Carolina weather watches and warnings 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 Greenville News: How long will snow, ice last in SC? See projections and maps LONDON, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Andy Burnham, regarded as a potential leadership rival to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, announced on Saturday he would seek a return to parliament, but promised he would not "undermine" the government if successful. Burnham, who is one of the governing Labour Party's most prominent figures and is currently mayor of Greater Manchester in northwest England, said he had put his name forward to contest a vacant parliamentary seat. "This has been a difficult decision for me to make," he said in a letter to the party's National Executive Committee, adding that, if elected, he would "support the work of the government, not undermine it". Advertisement Advertisement "I have passed on this assurance to the prime minister," he said. Starmer's party is faring badly in opinion polls and faces a test in local elections in May, leading to speculation about a possible leadership challenge. Polls also suggest Starmer himself is hugely unpopular, with a net favourability rating of -54, according to YouGov in December. The same survey showed Burham was one of the few politicians without a negative net favourability rating. Burnham, who was briefly Britain's deputy finance minister under Gordon Brown's Labour government in the 2000s, is hoping Labour will now choose him to contest the seat of Gorton and Denton after the current incumbent, former minister Andrew Gwynne, said this week he would step down. Advertisement Advertisement He will not automatically be selected as Labour's candidate for the seat, which the party won comfortably in the 2024 national election, with media reports suggesting allies of Starmer might seek to block him. Even if Burnham is selected to contest the Gorton and Denton seat he could find it hard to win, with one recent poll putting the Reform UK party of Nigel Farage ahead of Labour in the constituency. (Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Jan Harvey) Governors in more than a dozen states have declared a state of emergency ahead of this weekend's winter storm, though as of 4:15 p.m. on Jan. 23, Delaware had not. But what exactly is a state of emergency and what does it mean? What is a state of emergency in Delaware? According to Delaware law, the governor can declare a state of emergency "upon a finding that an emergency or disaster has occurred or that such occurrence or threat of that occurrence is imminent." Advertisement Advertisement Essentially, the declaration activates special emergency powers for the governor and state agencies, including the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. UPDATE: Delaware state of emergency set, operation center activated as snowstorm nears LATEST FORECAST: What time will it start snowing? How much snow winter storm will bring In fact, the law specifically allows the governor to confer his or her authority to the secretary of public safety, the director of DEMA or "such other person any authority vested under" the law. What does a state of emergency allow? A state of emergency allows the governor to "mobilize state resources, coordinate emergency management and provide aid to local governments," according to the Office of the Governor. Advertisement Advertisement It also allows the governor to request federal help. Which states have declared a state of emergency? Alabama Arkansas Georgia Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Mississippi Missouri New York North Carolina South Carolina Tennessee Texas Virginia Washington, D.C. (though not a state) Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What is a state of emergency? Will one be declared in Delaware? Labour has admitted that the Governments Chagos deal will collapse if Donald Trump refuses to rip up a 60-year-old treaty. Sir Keir Starmers surrender of the British island territory was thrown into chaos on Friday night after the Conservatives warned it could violate a US-UK treaty from 1966. This forced the ministers to withdraw the bill which was expected to be debated in the House of Lords on Monday, while government lawyers examined the significance of the historic legislation. Advertisement Advertisement The Telegraph can reveal that in a letter sent late on Friday evening, the Government conceded that it would not be possible for the Chagos deal to be ratified without the US agreeing to overhaul its 1966 defence deal with Britain. The US president turned against the Chagos agreement on Tuesday, saying that Britains plan to hand the Indian Ocean territory to Mauritius, an ally of China, was an act of great stupidity. White House officials are now lobbying Mr Trump to stop the Chagos deal by refusing to overhaul a 1966 treaty between the UK and the US. The agreement asserts Britains sovereignty over the islands and is meant to ensure they remain available to both sides for defence purposes. Sources with knowledge of the discussions said the White House was likely not to accept Mauritius sovereignty amid a mounting backlash over the deal. Donald Trump took to social media on Tuesday to criticise the Chagos deal, having praised it last year Under the proposed arrangement, Britain would hand over the archipelago to Mauritius and lease back the Diego Garcia military base, a facility built in the 1970s that has been used by British and American forces. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile the campaigner Misley Mandarin, the first minister of the newly-established Chagossian government-in-exile, is planning to fly to the US on Sunday to urge Mr Trump to halt the so-called Chagos surrender. He plans to lobby Mr Trump by arguing that transferring sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius would pose a danger to Americas security. It is the same argument made to the US president by nine former army, navy and intelligence leaders last week, who said the deal would make the Diego Garcia airbase inherently less secure. The Diego Garcia military base on the Chagos Islands is used by UK and US forces - AFP Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, said the Conservatives had been engaged in quiet diplomacy with the Republicans, including speaking to officials at the American embassy to flag how this deal is a risk to national security. She told The Telegraph: Weve had so many U-turns the grooming gangs inquiry, winter fuel payments, family farm tax, digital ID and now Chagos, which is honestly the biggest one. Thats 35bn we are saving the taxpayer. Lets be clear, what Labour is trying to do is hand over strategic British territory to Mauritius a country that is aligned with China. Advertisement Advertisement On Friday evening, Lord Callanan, the shadow Foreign Office spokesman in the House of Lords, wrote to Baroness Chapman, the Africa minister, asking whether the Chagos deal would be legal if the 1966 treaty remained unchanged. Later that night, Lady Chapman replied, confirming that it would not be possible for the Chagos deal to be ratified without the relevant domestic law and international arrangements in place. The Tories described the revelation as massively embarrassing for Sir Keir and a disaster for the Government. This says that Starmer has not sorted out the international agreements that he needs to get in place to get the Chagos deal over the line. Everyone says he is this great international player but he has failed to get the necessary agreement over the line, a source said. Advertisement Advertisement It is just incompetence, sheer incompetence. They have known about it for ages and have allowed it to drag on. The fact is that we are beholden to the US. Meanwhile Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, is understood to have spoken to Mike Johnson, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, and Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, in the past week to hammer the message home about the dangers of the Chagos bill. He explained how this could stop US nuclear submarines being based in Diego Garcia and the Americans were shocked and felt lied to by Labour, a source close to Mr Farage said. Mike Johnson, the US House speaker seen here meeting Sir Keir Starmer, spoke with Mr Trump while in the UK about the deal - PA/Jordan Pettitt On Saturday Downing Street sources insisted that the bill wouls be rescheduled, saying it is all in line with international law. Advertisement Advertisement They blamed the Tories for playing parliamentary games by laying a fatal motion in the Lords, meaning they were left with no choice but to pause the bill. Whitehall sources told the Telegraph that British and US officials were continuing to work together to ensure necessary arrangements in place for the future operation of the base. A government spokesman said: The Government remains fully committed to the deal to secure the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia, which is vital for our national security. This is irresponsible and reckless behaviour by peers, whose role is to check legislation, not interfere with our national security priorities. 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 Election Commission of India will celebrate the 16th National Voters' Day in New Delhi on Sunday, said an official release. According to ECI, the theme of the event is "My India, My Vote" and the tagline is "Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy". ECI said that President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the function as the Chief Guest. Other prominent attendees, such as Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, will lead the event. Additionally, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal will serve as the Guest of Honour, and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi will also attend the event. As per the ECI, the convention includes the President addressing the event and presenting Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) to newly enrolled young electors. The President also presents the Best Electoral Practices Awards in various categories, which include the effective use of technology, election management and logistics, innovative voter awareness, implementation and enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, and training and capacity building, as well as other special awards and recognition for the media. The ECI further stated that the function will witness the launch of two publications: '2025: A Year of Initiatives and Innovations' and 'Chunav Ka Parv, Bihar Ka Garv', a publication on the successful conduct of General Elections in Bihar. A video reflecting the Commission's global leadership in electoral management and democratic development will also be screened on the occasion. Additionally, a dedicated exhibition will showcase various aspects of the elections, including the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of polls. The exhibition will also highlight recent initiatives taken for the benefit of voters and the successful conduct of the Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections in 2025. According to ECI, these celebrations are conducted simultaneously throughout the country at the State and District levels through the offices of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) and District Election Officers (DEOs), respectively. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) also organise events at their respective polling stations and shall felicitate newly registered voters and hand over the EPIC to the new electors, the ECI stated. (ANI) And just like, the Greenland crisis seems to have been defused. It was a crisis of President Donald Trumps own making. After broaching the idea of the United States taking Greenland a year ago, Trump ramped up his rhetoric in recent weeks, culminating with the threat of tariffs against Europe and the specter of military action and the dissolution of NATO if the US didnt get what it wanted. But this week, after speaking before world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump announced that he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had reached a framework of a deal over Greenlands future one that did not include US ownership of the island. Advertisement Advertisement The announcement was widely seen as a comedown for Trump. So why did he back down? To answer the question, Today, Explained co-host Noel King spoke with Henry Farrell, a professor of international affairs at Johns Hopkins University. Farrell recently wrote an op-ed for the New York Times titled Europe Has a Bazooka. Time to Use It. In the piece, he argues that Europe had been too timid in pushing back against Trumps threats, and that it needed a more forceful posture, one grounded in deterrence theory. According to reports, thats what Europes leaders showed at Davos this week and it may well explain Trumps retreat on Greenland. Below is an excerpt of their conversation, edited for length and clarity. Theres much more in the full episode, so listen to Today, Explained wherever you get podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Pandora, and Spotify. Its been roughly 80 years since the last World War, which means weve been doing something right, all of us. How do big powers deter attacks from other big powers? So I think that you really want to start with the nuclear age and the nuclear era, and you even want to start with the Cuban Missile Crisis, which was a moment when the United States and the USSR scared the hell out of each other because it was very close to a situation in which we wouldve actually had a nuclear war and possibly the extinction of humanity. Advertisement Advertisement So after that, we began to see the development of a set of concepts, a set of ideas, which really tried to figure out, how can you work through the situation of nuclear crisis, the risk of nuclear armageddon, the fact the United States and the USSR have fundamentally different political interests, and how can you actually get to a place of stability? So you begin to get the development of all of these ideas by people such as Thomas Shelling, who won a Nobel Prize for economics. Hes a game theorist who begins to work out, how do you deter? How do you in a sense use the fact that you have nuclear weapons as something that people will pay attention to without ever actually having to use them. You want to make it so that you dont have to use a nuclear weapon. How? The key example, which I think shows some of the brutality in a certain sense of this way of thinking that Shelling offers, is troops in West Berlin during the Cold War. The idea behind this was that, as Schelling describes these people, these soldiers, their job in a certain sense was to, as he said it bluntly, their job is to die. Advertisement Advertisement And so what the calculus is, is that if you have these soldiers there, these soldiers are in a sense not going to be able to defend the city particularly well, but they will die or be captured if the city is in fact attacked by the Soviet Union. If that happens, then any president is not going to want to be able to stand over the fact that thousands of troops have been captured and killed. This is likely to lead to further escalation, and Shellings argument is that this risk of further escalation and the possibility, maybe a 10 percent possibility, that this might actually lead to nuclear war, is sufficient to deter the Soviet Union from attacking. Nobody is threatening anybody with a nuclear weapon, but Donald Trump is making some statements that very clearly make Europe very nervous. Where do we see deterrence theory operating now, today? First of all, we see these eight European countries who send a small military force for a brief period of exercises to Greenland. What theyre doing here is theyre setting up a trip wire, which is like a less powerful version of what the United States did with West Berlin. So really what theyre doing here is they are saying effectively to Trump that if Trump actually goes ahead and invades Greenland, that there are going to be eight other NATO allies who are willing to be on Greenlands and Denmarks side if this happens. Advertisement Advertisement That is one of the reasons plausibly why Trump goes from these saber-rattling threats where he suggests that he is indeed going to invade Greenland, [then] moves instead to economic measures of one sort or another. In particular, these tariffs. He imposes tariffs against these eight European countries in order to punish them for what they do. And then that leaves a second set of questions for Europe, which is, how do they respond to that? And they have this very weird, very complicated, very awkward legislative mechanism called the anti-coercion instrument, which possibly serves as a very imperfect trip wire. And that is more or less where the argument goes. How does that serve as an economic trip wire? This is a legal instrument that the European Union brought into being, which allows them to retaliate in a wide variety of ways. Its one of these very vague seeming instruments, which allows the EU legally to retaliate against economic coercion by, for example, blocking investments by taking away intellectual property, by imposing import or export restrictions. Its very, very open-ended. It sounds like the European Union did not have to use the economic bazooka but Trump backed down anyway. Why? [Theres] some interesting clues as to what is happening, which come from some of the statements of the people who were at Davos representing Trump before he got there. Over a period of two days, [theres] a huge difference in the ways that theyre talking about the problem. Advertisement Advertisement So it begins with [Treasury Secretary Scott] Bessent being quite insulting to Europe, more or less saying, Well, yeah, so theyre just going to mount some kind of a committee of inquiry or words that affect sort of, lets see how far that gets. In other words, completely dismissing the possibility that Europe can do anything which is effective. And then a few hours later, he is saying that Europeans really shouldnt escalate. We really dont want you to escalate; please dont escalate, dont escalate, dont escalate, dont escalate. And so that suggests that he has been having conversations in between the first statement and the second where clearly there has been some real sense that there is a coalition which is engaging against this measure, and that coalition is sufficiently credible that the United States has something to worry about. So it really does look like a climbdown disguised as a declaration of enormous victory. The fact that this is happening through Rutte and through NATO rather than, for example, through direct negotiations with Denmark, suggests that what is going to happen is that were going to get some kind of agreement on security in the Arctic region, which everybody is more or less on the same page on and Trump will declare this a glorious victory over Greenland and then move on. Canada's Arctic is a massive, treacherous, and largely inhospitable place, stretched out over nearly 4 million square kilometres of territory - but with a small population roughly equal to Blackburn in England or Syracuse, New York. "You can take a map of continental Europe, put it on the Canadian Arctic, and there's room to spare," Pierre Leblanc, the former commander of the Canadian Forces Northern Area told the BBC. "And that environment is extremely dangerous." Standing at the defence of that massive landmass is an aging string of early warning radars, eight staffed military bases and about 100 full-time Coast Guard personnel covering 162,000km of coast, about 60% of Canada's total oceanfront. [BBC] The Arctic region is the scene of intense geopolitical competition, bordered by Russia and the US on either side of the North Pole - and increasingly attractive to China, which has declared itself a "near Arctic state" and vastly expanded its fleet of naval vessels and icebreakers. Advertisement Advertisement Standing in the middle is Canada, whose population is a small fraction of the larger Arctic players. Nearly four years after Arctic security was thrust into the headlines following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the defence of Canada's far north has again been brought to the forefront of public consciousness by Donald Trump's designs on Greenland, a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark that the White House says is vital to safeguarding the US from would-be enemies abroad. Canada's Arctic has not gone unnoticed by the Trump administration, which has reportedly become increasingly concerned by perceived vulnerabilities to US adversaries, and in April signed an executive order underscoring American "commitment to ensuring both freedom of navigation and American domination in the Arctic waterways." The Canadian government, for its part, has sought to reassure the US and Nato allies that it is doing its part to protect the region. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prime Minister Mark Carney said that Canada is working to secure "our shared objectives of security and prosperity in the Arctic" through "unprecedented" investments in radar systems, submarines, aircraft and "boots on the ground" in the region. Col Leblanc, who spent a total of nine years in the Canadian Arctic, said those investments have marked a "major shift" in Arctic security, noting that increases in Canadian defence expenditure - from 2% to 5% of GDP by 2035 - have meant "real action" in terms of additional over-the-horizon radar and aircraft dedicated to the Arctic. The Dempster highway as seen from the window of a CH-147F Chinook helicopter during a Canadian Armed Forces training exercise near Inuvik, Northwest Territories in March [Getty Images] Much of this focus, he added, has been prompted by the Trump administration's renewed focus on the Arctic and Greenland. "[That] certainly helps the Canadian government move in the right direction," Leblanc added. Advertisement Advertisement Still, challenges persist, including limited port facilities and difficulties resupplying far-flung bases that are sometimes thousands of cold, empty miles apart. While Canada and other US Nato allies have opposed the Trump's administration bid to "take over" Greenland to protect the Arctic, several experts who spoke to the BBC agreed with the administration's broad assessment that additional defences in the region are urgently needed. Troy Bouffard, the director of the Fairbanks, Alaska-based Center for Arctic Security and Resilience, said that while on-the-ground cooperation between the US and Canada in the Arctic "remains the envy of the world", much of the existing defence infrastructure was designed to combat Cold War-era threats, rather than existing ones. In particular, he warned of the prospect of hypersonic missiles that travel at least five times the speed of sound, making them much harder to detect and intercept than traditional ballistic missiles, which would follow predictable arcs over the North Pole. Advertisement Advertisement Such a threat is no longer theoretical. Russia has used hypersonic missiles in combat in Ukraine, including a January strike that saw the first operational use of the nuclear-capable "Oreshnik" missile that carries multiple warheads at approximately 10 times the speed of sound. "That technology has changed everything for us. We have to relook at the entire North American defence system and re-do it," he said. "What exists right now cannot defend against hypersonic cruise missiles, at all. Like 0%." Traditional ground-based radar systems, he added, "are not going to work" against these emerging technologies. Space-based satellites must also contend with coverage gaps in high latitudes, prompting a renewed focus and investments in over-the-horizon radar. Advertisement Advertisement Notably, over-the-horizon technology - along with space-based sensors - form a key part of the Trump administration's planned Golden Dome missile defence system for North America. For now, it is unclear what role Canada will play in the Golden Dome, a project Trump said at Davos Canada should "be thankful for". On Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social that Canada was opposed to having the Golden Dome over Greenland "even though The Golden Dome would protect Canada. Instead, they voted in favor of doing business with China, who will 'eat them up' within the first year!". The BBC has contacted Carney's office for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Those negotiations have been strained by the often antagonistic relationship between the US and Canada, with Trump in May posting that Canada could pay $61bn to join the programme or become the 51st US state and join for free. Trump's remarks prompted Canada's ambassador to the UN, Bob Rae, to compare it to a "protection racket". Despite tensions, Michael Byers, an expert in Arctic security at the University of British Columbia, said that American concerns over Arctic security, and their threats of tariffs, have helped prompt Canada's government to re-focus on the Arctic. "Whether or not American concerns are justified, there is a feeling in Ottawa that we have to satisfy [them]," he said. "No one takes the 51st state issue seriously, but what we do take seriously are the economic pressures that the US is able to impose." Advertisement Advertisement "The Canadian government is very aware of that possibility," he added. High level tensions between Ottawa and Washington, however, have yet to turn into tensions on-the-ground in the Arctic - with those there expressing confidence that the US and Canada are cooperating for the time being. "That's the business of politicians," Bouffard said. "It has complicated things, but the practitioners are still going to work together until they're not allowed to. Everyone's going to have to rise above the rhetoric." Students said they were warned of suspension if they ditched school without permission for a protest Friday in Warner Robins against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A handful of kids, including 17-year-old Jose Pena, walked out of class anyway during school hours at Northside High School. Pena said he wanted to show the public what is right, and held a sign that said, We are skipping our lessons to teach you one! Advertisement Advertisement An ideal world to him meant everybody has freedom, everybodys equal because a human is a human, and no difference between me, him, you, were all human, Pena said. But the young protesters said thats not the current reality in many areas across the country. Students wait outside Northside High School before the start of a school day protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in Warner Robins, Georgia. The march occurred during school hours. Terrible things happening Federal immigration officers have violently arrested U.S. citizens, raided homes and schools, rammed vehicles, and killed dozens of people nationwide since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, according to several news outlets and social media. An internal ICE document said its officers are authorized to arrest people without a judges warrant, the Associated Press reported Wednesday. A five-year-old and his dad were detained Tuesday in what opponents described as hunting, CNN reported. Advertisement Advertisement A dozen students, a few parents and local Democratic advocates marched a mile through the cold rain, chanting, Melt the ice, and, We want justice, we want peace. They trekked the sidewalk along Green Street to Walmart Neighborhood Market on North Houston Road and back from around 1 to 4 p.m. Samantha Thurman, an 11th-grader who organized the walkout through social media and word of mouth, asked fellow protesters if they felt unsafe expressing political views under Trump. Some raised their hands and others yelled in solidarity. People dont want to stand up because theyre scared of punishments because everything you see in the news today is just about Trump, about all these terrible things happening, Thurman shouted. Northside High School junior Samantha Thurman, right, walks with fellow student Jackson Crabbe along Green Street to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in Warner Robins, Georgia. The march occurred during school hours. Thurman and a few others said they were permitted to leave school early if a guardian checked them out, but teachers told them anyone without permission would face in-school suspension. Advertisement Advertisement They said they have everything on camera, so everybodys faces, everybodys gonna have (in-school suspension) that protests, Pena said. Tara Faiella, a mother of one of the teenagers, joined them for safety and support, and brought granola bars to sustain them. The Middle Georgia native acknowledged her familys privilege and ability to speak out for others whove been racially profiled and arrested by ICE. Faiella described herself as a white, heterosexual, cisgender person, meaning her gender aligns with the sex she was assigned at birth. My greatest teachers in my life have been Black women, Faiella said. I dont have any idea what its like to be in a body thats different from mine, but I do know if I can teach my kids to use their privilege to stand up for others, then Ive done a good job. A Northside High School student holds a protest sign during a school day protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in Warner Robins, Georgia. Around a dozen Northside students as well as community members marched to protest recent practices by ICE under the Trump administration. She loudly encouraged young people to protect one another, regardless of their race. Advertisement Advertisement Ive lived in privilege my entire life, nobody follows me in a store, nobody looks at me different, Faiella said. Why have privilege if I cant use it for people that dont have that privilege? Spectators The crowd caught the attention of locals who watched from the doorways of convenience stores and porches around the Title I high school. Some drivers honked, and one yelled slurs at the protesters. Northside High School student Wyatt Faiella, 18, holds an umbrella while walking along North Houston Road to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in Warner Robins, Georgia. Around a dozen Northside students as well as community members marched to protest recent practices by ICE under the Trump administration. Jo Ann Rodriguez, a Warner Robins resident and manager of The Laundry Basket laundromat at 513 N. Houston Road, watched the youthful crowd march past her business. If ICE increased its presence in Warner Robins, Rodriguez, a Texas native of Mexican descent, said shed try to protect people from being targeted. Advertisement Advertisement I would hide them in there. I really would, Rodriguez said. Id tell (officers), You cant go in, Im the manager. Jerry Brown, a 64-year-old man who recently moved to Warner Robins from Liberty City, a historically Black community in Miami that faces high poverty, smoked a cigarette outside his brick house while kids chanted across the street. I think its good, Brown said of the demonstration. In my younger days we didnt have this kind of problem. You got ICE shooting people and all that, roughing people up, theyre doing a lot of unnecessary stuff that doesnt make no sense. Regular school day, principal says Principal Dustin Dykes walked outside the schools front office minutes before students started walking out around 1 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Were having a regular school day at Northside High School, he told The Telegraph. He declined further comment, but told a parent that students could leave with a parents permission, but if not, theyre not my responsibility. Spokespeople for Houston County School District did not immediately respond to The Telegraphs request for comment. Police nearby Patrol vehicles with the Houston County Sheriffs Office and Warner Robins Police Department followed the students and looped around nearby streets to ensure the protesters and community stayed safe, according to Lt. Chad Weldon. I heard it was gonna happen, I (came) over just to kind of get my guys and be here to make sure everything goes good, thats why were here, Weldon said while standing in front of Northside High. Weldon said he supervises the school regularly, but more officers than usual were in the area because of the protest. DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan (AP) A suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest among guests at a wedding ceremony in northwestern Pakistan on Friday, killing at least seven people and wounding 25, police said. The attack took place at the home of Noor Alam Mehsud, a pro-government community leader in Dera Ismail Khan, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said local police chief Adnan Khan. He said officers transported the victims to a hospital, where some of the wounded were listed in critical condition. The ceremony was underway, with guests dancing to the beat of drums, when the bomber struck. Advertisement Advertisement No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, suspicion is likely to fall on the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, who have carried out numerous attacks in the country in recent years. The group is separate from but allied with the Afghan Taliban. TTP has been emboldened since the Afghan Taliban retuned to power in neighboring Afghanistan in 2021 when U.S. and NATO troops left the country after 20 years of war. Many TTP leaders and fighters have found sanctuaries in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover there. A suicide bombing attack at a wedding in northwestern Pakistan has killed at least seven people, according to the police. The bombing tore through a building housing members of a peace committee during a wedding ceremony on Friday in Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police official Muhammad Adnan said on Saturday. The committees are made up of residents and elders and supported by Islamabad as part of its efforts to counter fighters in the regions along the Afghan border. Advertisement Advertisement Three people were confirmed dead on Friday. Four others, who were among those hurt in the attack, died in the hospital, Adnan added. The suicide attack came as the Pakistani military readies for its fight against armed groups in the areas along Pakistans border with Afghanistan. Tens of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes, despite harsh winter conditions in the region. No group has claimed responsibility for Fridays bombing. However, suspicion is likely to fall on the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has carried out numerous attacks in the country in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement The TTP, which operates on both sides of the Afghan border, has labelled peace committee members as traitors. The TTPs stated goal is to replace Pakistans system of governance with the strict brand of their own understanding of Islamic laws. The TTP has been emboldened since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in neighbouring Afghanistan in 2021, when US and NATO troops left the country after 20 years of war. Many TTP leaders and fighters have found sanctuaries in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover there. Islamabad has accused the Afghan Taliban of allowing the Pakistani group to plan its attacks from Afghanistan. Kabul denies the charge, saying the groups activities are Pakistans domestic problem. Jan. 23A 40-year-old man awaiting trial on charges stemming from a confrontation with a neighbor in September is back behind bars after allegedly drinking and driving on New Year's Day. Prosecutors filed a motion to revoke Michael Kraig Anderson's bond in Flathead County District Court following his Jan. 1 arrest in Kalispell. Anderson pleaded guilty to a single count of operating a non-commercial vehicle with alcohol concentration of 0.08% BAC or greater, first offense, the day after his arrest. Booked back into the county jail on Jan. 3, Anderson remains behind bars with bail set at $25,000. Advertisement Advertisement Anderson pleaded not guilty on Oct. 30 to felony criminal endangerment, misdemeanor obstructing a peace officer and two counts of misdemeanor criminal mischief in connection with the Sept. 30 showdown on the 300 block of East California Street. Kalispell Police officers found him arguing with another man about 7:54 a.m. while responding to a report of a dog running loose in the neighborhood, according to court documents. Anderson allegedly had used a pool cue to smash the back window of the other man's vehicle shortly before officers arrived. Ignoring their attempts at conversation, he headed inside his home, court documents said. But he reappeared, allegedly carrying a roughly 3-foot piece of wood, soon after. Again, ignoring the officers, Anderson headed to a neighbor's home and tried to get inside, according to court documents. The officers eventually used projectiles to take Anderson into custody, though he allegedly continued to struggle as they handcuffed him. Advertisement Advertisement An omnibus hearing in Anderson's felony case is scheduled for Feb. 4 with a pretrial conference set for Feb. 25. Judge Paul Sullivan is presiding over the case. News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected]. By Orhan Qereman and Khalil Ashawi QAMISHLI, Syria, Jan 24 (Reuters) - A four-day ceasefire between the Syrian government and Kurdish forces, which expired on Saturday night, has been extended by 15 days, both sides said, offering a respite amid mounting tensions. Government troops have seized swathes of northern and eastern territory in the last two weeks from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in a rapid turn of events that has consolidated President Ahmed al-Sharaa's rule. Advertisement Advertisement Sharaa's forces were closing in on the last SDF strongholds earlier this week when he abruptly announced a ceasefire, giving them until Saturday night to lay down arms and come up with a plan to integrate with Syria's army - or to resume fighting. Earlier on Saturday, a Syrian official said the SDF had not responded to the government's attempts to reach out, while the SDF accused the government of moving towards escalation in a "systematic manner" through military build-ups. However, about an hour before midnight, Syria's defence ministry announced that its forces would cease military operations for a further 15 days to support an ongoing U.S. operation to transfer Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq. The SDF said in a statement the agreement has been reached through international mediation, "while dialogue with Damascus continues". Advertisement Advertisement The new ceasefire took effect at 11 p.m. (2000 GMT), the ministry said in a statement. US, FRANCE CAUTION SHARAA ON KURDS, SOURCES SAY The U.S. has been engaging in shuttle diplomacy to establish a lasting ceasefire and facilitate the integration of the SDF - which for years was Washington's main partner in Syria - into the state led by its new favoured ally, Sharaa. Senior U.S. and French officials have urged Sharaa not to send his troops into remaining Kurdish-held areas, fearing renewed fighting could lead to mass abuses against Kurdish civilians, diplomatic sources told Reuters. Government-affiliated forces killed nearly 1,500 people from the Alawite minority and hundreds of Druze people in sectarian violence last year, including in execution-style killings. Advertisement Advertisement Amid the instability in the northeast, the U.S. military has been transferring hundreds of detained fighters from the Islamic State group from Syrian prisons formerly run by the SDF across the border into Iraq. CULMINATION OF A YEAR OF RISING TENSIONS As the Saturday deadline approached, SDF forces had reinforced their defensive positions in the cities of Qamishli, Hasakeh and Kobane for a possible fight, Kurdish security sources told Reuters. The possible showdown is the culmination of rising tensions over the last year. Sharaa, whose forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, has vowed to bring all of Syria under state control - including SDF-held areas in the northeast. Advertisement Advertisement But Kurdish authorities who have run autonomous civilian and military institutions there for the last decade have resisted joining up with Sharaa's Islamist-led government. After a year-end deadline for the merger passed with little progress, Syrian troops launched the offensive this month. They swiftly captured two key Arab-majority provinces from the SDF, bringing key oil fields, hydroelectric dams and some facilities holding Islamic State fighters and affiliated civilians under government control. (Reporting by Orhan Qereman in Qamishli, Khalil Ashawi and Mahmoud Hasano in Deir al-Zor; Additional reporting by Laila Bassam in Beirut, Ece Toksabay in Ankara and Menna Alaa El-Din in Cairo; Writing by Maya Gebeily, Jonathan Spicer and Hatem Maher; Editing by William Mallard, Sharon Singleton, Daren Butler and Diane Craft) With budgets, the devil or at least the cuts may well be in the details. While Gov. Wes Moores budget increases spending at the macro state level, there are indeed cuts at the micro level prompting some groups to promise a fight as the General Assembly begins reviewing the plan as part of its approval process. The budget, released Wednesday, closes a projected $1.4 billion shortfall by a mix of cost-shifting measures, as well as fund transfers, and in some cases by keeping spending at current levels or increasing it at lower rates than had previously been planned. As the 2026 legislative session gets underway and heats up over the coming weeks, we will be on the frontlines advocating for what is in the best interest of all of our members across the state, said Kenya Campbell, president of the American Federation of Teachers union Maryland affiliate. Advertisement Advertisement Moores budget calls for adjusting the states share of the retirement costs for teachers, community college staff and librarians to save $39 million, shifting more of it to local governments. A program that provides mental health services for students also took a $20 million hit this year, following an earlier reduction. The governors plan allocates $80 million to the Consortium for Community Services Support, which helped more than 136,000 students across the state last year. But when the consortium was first created as part of Marylands ambitious education reform plan, Blueprint for the Future, it was supposed to receive $130 million a year by now. This is incredibly disheartening, at a time when the need for mental health care is more needed than ever, said Dan Martin, chief public policy officer for the Mental Health Association of Maryland. These services are whats helping us bend that corner on the youth mental health crisis. Martin said advocates will fight to restore funding as the budget undergoes legislative review. Advertisement Advertisement This is an area, mental health services for children and youth, where theres bipartisan support, he said. We understand that there are tough decisions to be made, but we are hopeful we can work with partners in the legislature to find other ways to balance the budget. Moore officials said his administration has worked in partnership with local governments on aligning priorities and how to fund them. The state increased total aid to localities in the fiscal 2027 budget, said Jake Weissmann, acting budget and management secretary. Local government aid goes up this year in the budget, Weissmann said. Even with that cost shift, our local governments are receiving more money this year from the state than they did last year. Factors at play Maryland is, of course, not alone in facing hard spending decisions, according to Josh Goodman, senior officer for the Pew Charitable Trusts state fiscal health project. Advertisement Advertisement Certainly we see this year as one of the most challenging years since the start of the [COVID] pandemic, Goodman said. Factors playing into that include how the federal government has passed more costs on to states, such as for the SNAP food assistance program, and the greater costs that states face for things like caring for an aging population or for handling natural disasters, he said. Additionally, previous decisions states have made, either cutting taxes or increasing spending those costs are coming due over time, Goodman said. States face the usual three options to balance their budgets, he said, increasing revenues, cutting spending or relying on reserves. They tend to be reluctant to choose the first option if its not the last resort, its not the first resort, Goodman said. Moores budget does not include a tax increase, which he pledged to avoid. Advertisement Advertisement The governors budget slows down increases in spending in areas such as higher education. Marylands public four-year universities, for example, get a 3% increase in the plan, compared to the 9% average bump-up they received from fiscal years 2020 to 2025. Meanwhile, the Cade formula for funding community colleges, named after the late former Senator John Cade was reduced by $21 million in the coming fiscal year. The increase for any community college will be capped at 3% for three years, which Moores budget calls a more sustainable level given the states expected revenues. Daria J. Willis, president of Howard County Community College, called it encouraging news that the school would receive $35.8 million in direct state aid in Moores budget. That is almost $2 million more than college officials had projected as they developed their budget proposal and anticipated flat state funding, according to Willis. In a year when Maryland faces extraordinary fiscal challenges, our college has not only maintained strong state support we have seen it grow significantly, she said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement But there could be consequences down the road, Willis said in an additional statement to The Sun. The states capped Cade funding model is understandable in times of fiscal austerity, but we believe it may have an adverse impact in the years to come, she said. We are grateful that in difficult times, Gov. Moore finds value in modest growth for community colleges and the communities they serve. We hope that the budget dialogue will continue to prioritize our institutions contributions to industrial growth, healthier and safer communities, and Marylands future prosperity. We have a long way to go Additionally, Moores budget calls for reducing the higher ed personnel budget by $31.5 million to better reflect vacancy trends. The question of vacancies is an important one, and we are always evaluating open positions to see where we can tighten our budgets, said Michael Sandler, spokesman for the University System of Maryland. The system office and the universities will be reviewing vacant positions closely to see where we can find savings. Advertisement Advertisement Sandler said the system is encouraged by Moores proposal. We are reviewing the details of the proposed budget to see how they affect our system office and our universities, he said. We know that we have a long way to go before this budget is final. The governors budget looks to save almost $27 million by maintaining rather than increasing the funding level for the disparity grants that the state gives to less-wealthy jurisdictions, including Baltimore City and counties including Prince Georges and several on the Eastern Shore and in Western Maryland. In 2017, then-Gov. Larry Hogan initially sought a $6 million or 3.6% cut to disparity grants, but ultimately dropped the proposal. Local governments will take on an increased share of retirement costs of some employees, such as teachers and librarians, the latter of whom have increasingly unionized for better wages and protections. One of the few remaining incentives for public service is a stable retirement, especially when employees are required to contribute 7% of every paycheck, said Laura Toner, president of the WPL United, Council 3318, which represents Wicomico Public Library staff. Advertisement Advertisement Shifting retirement costs from the state to local governments doesnt solve a budget problem, it creates one, particularly for poorer counties that already pay their public employees the least, she said. This compounds existing inequities and forces the communities least able to absorb new costs to do exactly that. While lawmakers and other stakeholders are starting the review process for the upcoming fiscal years budget, some are already looking down the road. While Moores budget touts a record $10.2 billion in pre-K-through-12 spending, it also shows that starting in fiscal 2028, the Blueprint fund will go into massive deficit without additional revenue via taxes or fees. Ultimately, it is a pretty stark choice, Meyer said, between rolling back the Blueprint, or raising more revenue. Baltimore Sun reporters Raquel Bazos, Josh Davis and Kiersten Hacker contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Jean Marbella at jmarbella@baltsun.com, 410-332-6060, or @jeanmarbella.bsky.social. Jan. 24GRAND FORKS Ask Kelly Armstrong to list the highlights of his first year as North Dakota's governor and he'll quickly point to two pieces of well-documented, well-publicized legislation. An effort that received less fanfare but helped many North Dakotans during the federal government shutdown is right up there, too. Two were political in nature, passed during the 2025 session of the Legislature. The other came outside of politics, Armstrong said, and "is absolutely one of my highlights" from his first 13 months in office. A Republican from Dickinson whose path to the governor's office included six years in the Legislature and another six in the U.S. House of Representatives, Armstrong took office on Dec. 15, 2024. In the 13 months since, he pushed two pet projects through the Legislature, made waves with high-profile vetoes, drew a rebuke from the state Republican Party, worked to offer relief for state residents amid a federal government shutdown and created an atmosphere of collegiality that even a top Democrat is praising. Advertisement Advertisement Reflecting on the year, Armstrong said he's "really excited." "I think we had a great year, and we can always do better," Armstrong said Thursday, Jan. 22, the day after giving his second State of the State speech. In an interview earlier in the month with the Grand Forks Herald, he said North Dakota has challenges and likely will in the future, as well. "But I am really proud to be the governor of this state," Armstrong said. "It has very little to do with what we do in this office and it has to do more with what I see everyday across the state. ... This is a fantastic place and it's been a lot of fun." Advertisement Advertisement Armstrong earned the seat by getting 68% of the vote against Democrat Merrill Piepkorn in November 2024. In the months leading up to the election, he regularly outlined what he felt was a need for property tax reform. It continued after he took office. "The people of North Dakota have big hearts and big ideas, and we have always had the courage to try new things," Armstrong said during his 2025 State of the State speech. "Summoning that courage is essential if we are going to solve some of our most pressing issues first and foremost, property taxes." With the governor pushing it, Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 1176 passed in the final days of the session. It expanded the primary tax credit to a maximum $1,600 more than three times the previous credit of $500 and caps local-level property tax increases to no more than 3% annually. That property tax relief and an Armstrong-inspired cellphone ban in K-12 schools were the governor's legislative wins of the session, he told the Herald. Work to push forward a west-to-east natural gas pipeline also stands out as noteworthy, he said, as was an initiative to improve engagement with American Indian tribes. But property tax relief for primary residents and the cellphone ban in K-12 are "top tier" wins, Armstrong said. Advertisement Advertisement The cellphone ban came with House Bill 1160, which prohibits "personal communication devices" particularly cellphones during school instructional time. It went into effect as students returned to classrooms in August. Sen. David Hogue, R-Minot, believes the governor had "lots of highlights" in his first year, but that property tax relief stands above the others. "It was a major component of his success in 2025. It's something we all worked together on," he said. "The caps were something where we needed complete collaboration between the governor and Legislature to get that done. That's certainly a highlight." The K-12 phone ban, Hogue believes, will have "a profound impact on educational outcomes." Advertisement Advertisement Also, money allocated to the transportation budget found its way to local projects, Hogue noted. An example was funding that will go to Grand Forks, to help pay for a planned railroad underpass to ease congestion at a busy intersection near the University of North Dakota. Also among the biggest wins for the governor, according to Hogue, was Armstrong's ability to adapt well back in Bismarck after three terms in Congress. "This is what you would expect. He served in the (state) Senate. ... He was well acquainted with the legislative process the give and take, the dynamics between the executive branch and the legislative branch," Hogue said. "It's not just knowing the process but the personalities, too, and knowing where people are at on a lot of issues. I think that's important and, yeah, it's a big help." Rep. Zac Ista, a Democrat from Grand Forks, also believes Armstrong's ability to work well with the Legislature was noteworthy. Advertisement Advertisement "On a personal level, I appreciate that Gov. Armstrong is always respectful, collegial and honest with me and my Democratic caucus. We will not always agree nor should we in a representative democracy but I know Gov. Armstrong's door is open to hear our concerns and give them fair consideration," said Ista, the House minority leader. Ista said there seems to be less "civil disagreement and joyful public service" in politics today, yet Armstrong in his first year as governor bucked that trend. He called the governor "objectively well-qualified for the office." During his first year back in North Dakota, Armstrong "has shown little tolerance for the so-called 'culture war' distractions that some legislators insist on, and I am optimistic that the governor will maintain that outlook throughout his tenure," Ista said. "My Democratic colleagues and I won't hesitate to call him out when he's wrong or to hold his administration accountable for mistakes, but it is a good thing that such disagreements start from a foundation of mutual respect." Armstrong said "there is always friction between the executive branch and legislative branch. It's going to occur no matter what governing body you're in." Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the property tax and cellphone bills were examples of cooperation, he believes. He said that if he didn't have a history with state-level lawmakers and a "willingness to engage them and offer advice, counsel and resources, but also listen to what their concerns are, I don't think we get those done without cooperation between our office and the Senate and House and, by the way, both parties." Ista hopes that in the future, Armstrong will "support policies that take costs off the plates of middle class families." Examples, Ista noted, include no-cost meals for school children and programs that lower the cost of child care. "I also encourage the governor to fully fund our public schools and public school teachers and reject wrongheaded efforts to divert public dollars to private school vouchers," Ista said. That touches on a subject that drew headlines during Armstrong's first year. Advertisement Advertisement In April, the governor vetoed House Bill 1540, which sought to establish education savings accounts for private school students. The bill introduced by 12 Republicans passed the House 49-43 and the Senate 27-20. Armstrong killed it with a pen stroke, saying it did not truly expand choice but instead would have impacted "one sector" of the state's students. He said at the time that passing a bill that caters to such a small part of the population "all but guarantees a voter referendum." He urged lawmakers to combine the best parts of multiple bills and try again. He also bucked Republican lawmakers Advertisement Advertisement when he vetoed a bill that would have banned controversial content in libraries. Senate Bill 2307 sought to have any content considered "sexually explicit" removed from general areas of libraries to sections not easily accessible by children. Additionally, SB 2307 would have required state's attorneys to investigate possible violations. Any library found to have violated the new law could have had funds withheld. "The bill imposes vague and punitive burdens" and "opens the door to a host of unintended and damaging consequences for our communities," Armstrong said as he vetoed SB 2307. Some Republicans weren't happy. A resolution passed during the GOP summer convention was critical of Armstrong, stating that the "North Dakota Republican Party expresses its deep disappointment in the failure to enact Senate Bill 2307 due to the governor's veto and the Legislature's inability to override it." In an interview with Forum Communications Co.'s Rob Port, the governor's response to the rebuke was blunt: "I don't care." He did, however, show concern during an extended federal government shutdown that left some residents without paychecks and certain federal benefits, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (known as SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The combination of the benefits suspension and, for some, lack of pay led to heavy use of food banks in the state. In late October, he directed more than $1.5 million in state funds to support food assistance programs. "The state of North Dakota has the responsibility and the resources to care for its citizens who face a sudden loss of federal food assistance through no fault of their own," Armstrong said on Oct. 30. "Through a combination of state contingency funds and private donations, North Dakota can help meet the nutritional needs of our children and families until Congress passes a temporary funding bill to reopen the federal government. We strongly encourage residents to open their hearts, wallets and food pantries to support their local food banks with cash or food donations and help their fellow North Dakotans in their time of need." Earlier this month, he told the Grand Forks Herald that "we took all the politics out of it." "This is, without a doubt, a highlight," Armstrong said. "It's why I love this job." Among other highlights of the governor's first year, according to Armstrong, were: * Gas pipeline: In August, the North Dakota Industrial Commission voted to commit $50 million per year for a decade to purchase transport capacity on a proposed natural gas pipeline, from the Bakken oilfields to eastern North Dakota. He credits work done by others, including former Gov. Doug Burgum and the Legislature, to get the plan moving forward. It's a highlight, but "I was not the driving force on that ..." he said, but "it is a really unique infrastructure project in the history of North Dakota that is going to be a win-win for everybody involved." * Tribal engagement: In the latter half of 2025, Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden met with state tribal leaders to discuss "challenges, opportunities and shared priorities for state-tribal relations," according to a release from Armstrong's office. * Storm relief: When storms, tornadoes and straight-line winds hit the state last summer, Armstrong worked with the federal government on federal disaster declarations. The declarations came in September for June storms and again in October for storms that hit Aug. 7-8. Also last summer, Armstrong announced the Grain Storage & Facility Rebuilder Program, intended to aid producers in rebuilding infrastructure, such as grain bins, after they were destroyed by the storms. NEED TO KNOW Authorities are investigating if a string of robberies could involve a male suspect who was killed by a deputy outside of a Michaels store A suspect, whose identity has not been made public, was allegedly armed with a semi-automatic handgun A woman who declined to give her name told local media the deceased was her 18-year-old grandson who recently graduated A young man was killed in a deputy-involved shooting in California, according to police. In an updated press release published on Friday, Jan. 23, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Information Bureau confirmed a fatal incident at approximately 8:40 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22 where an adult male was shot and killed in a shopping plaza on the 6600 block of Fallbrook Avenue, in the city of West Hills. Advertisement Advertisement An investigation conducted by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Homicide alleged that detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Major Crimes Bureau observed an armed robbery in progress. The agency alleged that while attempting to prevent the robbery from occurring by detaining the male, and to protect the female victim from harm, a deputy involved shooting occurred. During this altercation, a deputy shot the alleged suspect and rendered aid to him until the Los Angeles City Fire Department arrived. However, he was pronounced dead on scene at 8:48 p.m. Authorities did not provide a name or age for the victim, nor the deputy involved. Advertisement Advertisement A female accomplice fled the scene in a vehicle southbound on Fallbrook Avenue. She was located in the city of Agoura Hills and detained without incident, investigators said, adding that a loaded semi-automatic handgun was recovered where the suspect died. PEOPLE reached out to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, who offered no additional information. A woman who declined to share her name told KTLA that the person who was shot and killed was her 18-year-old grandson. I have no idea what happened, the woman said. He just came to stay with me for a day last night and he went out with his girlfriend. The girlfriend called my daughter and told me my grandson got shot. I just cant believe it. Advertisement Advertisement His mother, who did not share her identity, also spoke with the news station. 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. This does not sound like my son at all. This is not something my son would do at all. He comes from a good family. He graduated high school last year. Im heartbroken. Im in shock. I dont know how to process this all, she told KTLA. Authorities said they are continuing to investigate two recent armed robberies and an assault with a deadly weapon that occurred in the Lost Hills Sheriffs Station policing area involving a male suspect, armed with a semi-automatic handgun. They have not said if the incidents are related. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Read the original article on People According to a statement from the President's Secretariat, the address will be broadcast from 07:00 pm on the entire national network of Akashvani and telecast on all Doordarshan channels in Hindi, followed by the English version. The address in Hindi and English on Doordarshan will be followed by broadcasts in regional languages on Doordarshan's regional channels. Akashvani will broadcast regional-language versions from 09:30 pm onwards on its respective regional networks. Meanwhile, a total of 30 tableaux, including 17 from States and Union Territories (UTs) and 13 from Ministries, Departments, and Services, will roll down the Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26. The list of the participating tableaux includes Assam - Asharikandi - Terracotta Craft Village of Assam; Chhattisgarh - The Mantra of Freedom - Vande Mataram; Gujarat - Mantra of Swadeshi - Self-Reliance - Freedom: Vande Mataram; Kerala - Water Metro & 100 per cent Digital Literacy; Maharashtra - Ganeshotsav; Manipur - Towards Prosperity; Nagaland - The Hornbill Festival - Celebrating Culture, Tourism & Self-Reliance; Tamil Nadu - Mantra of Prosperity; Ministry of Culture - Vande Mataram - The Soul Cry of a Nation; Ministry of Information & Broadcasting - Bharat Katha. For the first time, Indian Army contingents participating in the Republic Day Parade will march in a combat-ready battle array, reflecting their actual deployment during warfare, Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi, said during a media interaction in New Delhi on Friday. The Indian Army Tableau will depict an Integrated Operations Centre, illustrating joint planning, precision targeting and air defence under the protective umbrella of "Sudarshan Chakra", showcasing how modern conflicts are planned and executed in real time. The parade will comprise 6,065 participants and will be commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar. The event will also feature 12 military bands and 8 pipe bands, adding ceremonial grandeur to the operational narrative. The 77th Republic Day Parade will thus stand out as a vivid demonstration of the Indian Army's transformation into a technology-driven, integrated and combat-ready force, firmly anchored in indigenous capability and operational excellence. (ANI) The sun was still low on the horizon when 19-year-old Piper James walked toward the Pacific Ocean for a morning swim on an island whose name in the local language means paradise. Within two hours, she was found dead, her body surrounded by dingoes, wild Australian native dogs that roam freely on Kgari, a national park famous for its natural beauty off the countrys eastern coast. Its not yet clear what caused the death of the Canadian backpacker, a young woman with an adventurous spirit, who had been working on the World Heritage-listed island for several weeks, fulfilling a long-held dream of visiting Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary autopsy results found evidence of drowning, but also dingo bites inflicted before and after she died. Pre-mortem dingo bite marks are not likely to have caused immediate death, the Queensland Coroners Court said in a statement. Of course, we all want to believe it was drowning, said her grieving father, Todd James. Its horrific, but maybe a little more peaceful than the alternative. Pathology tests to determine the cause of Pipers death could take several weeks, but if dingoes are found to have played a significant role, it would be only the third fatal dingo attack in Australia in nearly 50 years and the first involving an adult. Piper James, 19, was found dead on 75 Mile Beach on K'gari on Monday. - Todd James In 1980, a dingo infamously snatched baby Azaria Chamberlain from her parents tent in the Northern Territory. At that time, no one believed a dingo would take an infant and, despite her claims of innocence, the babys mother Lindy Chamberlain was jailed for murder. She was exonerated years later, when new evidence supported her story, inspiring a courtroom drama starring Meryl Streep. Advertisement Advertisement The second fatality occurred in 2001, when 9-year-old Clinton Gage was mauled on Kgari, then called Fraser Island, by two dingoes who also attacked his younger brother. Thats when we started to see the fences being put up around the townships and the resorts, said George Seymour, mayor of the Fraser Coast region that includes Kgari. In the days afterward, more than 30 dingoes on the island were humanely destroyed, a decision that prompted public outcry. A possible third fatality put some in the community on edge. Not because of any change in the perceived risk which they know well but because they feared it could drive calls for another cull. Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, the state government announced that the dingoes involved in the incident would be removed and humanely euthanised, without specifying how many would be killed. Rangers had observed aggressive behavior from the pack this week and they posed an unacceptable public safety risk, the statement added. James said his daughter would not have supported a cull. Piper would not want that and would be devastated to be any part of that, he said. Visitors to Kgari are warned of the risks, but James says young foreign nationals like his daughter, who work on the island, need firmer guardrails. Piper had told her parents that dingoes looked cute. Advertisement Advertisement They look like her dog from home, said James. Those dogs, I said, You dont touch them. You cant touch them. And shes like I know. Do not go into the water Around half a million people visit Kgari every year for its white-sand beaches, sparkling blue lakes and native wildlife including dingoes, or wongari, as theyre known in the local Aboriginal language. Up to 200 dingoes roam the island, and while they look similar to their relatives on the mainland, their isolation from domestic and feral dogs means they have some of the purest dingo DNA. To Australia, their conservation is considered an issue of national significance. Advertisement Advertisement While dingoes are treasured, theyre also acknowledged as dangerous. Visitors to K'gari are warned to keep their distance from dingoes. - DETSI Dingoes see camp sites as an easy source of food. - DETSI Visitors to Kgari are warned to stay at least 20 meters from the animals, travel in groups, and keep children within arms reach. Dingo sticks are provided to ward off those that get too close. Dingoes see people as a source of food, and thats the issue, not people themselves, said Ben Allen, a wildlife biologist who works for Ecosure, an environmental consultancy that did the last major review of dingoes on Kgari in 2012, though smaller ones have followed. Over here, they sort of jokingly call it seagull syndrome, where you give a seagull a chip and then it wants the whole hamburger, said Allen. Well, these seagulls have got four feet and teeth, so you dont really want to be feeding them a chip, because when it comes to ask for the whole hamburger, you can have problems. Advertisement Advertisement Tourists are urged to lock up their food and trash, and anglers instructed to bury any bait that may attract scavengers. Hefty fines are issued for anyone who feeds them or is seen to be encouraging their presence. Information guides warn visitors not to run, as dingoes will give chase. In the past, weve told people that if youre on the beach and youre being stalked, you should go into the water, said Seymour, the local mayor. However, that advice changed after recent attacks including two in 2023, when a 10-year-old boy was dragged underwater by a dingo before his sister stepped in, and when a woman was attacked despite running into the surf to escape four dingoes. She was pulled from the water by two men and treated for serious injuries to her legs and arms. Ive been saying for a couple of years that there is a risk of a fatality, said Seymour. An early-morning swim On the morning of her death, Piper James had gone for a swim alone on the beach near the rusty hull of the Maheno shipwreck, a local landmark that washed ashore in a cyclone almost 100 years ago. No one knows what happened next. Advertisement Advertisement We dont know if she actually went in the water, said her father, Todd. If she did go in, theres a good chance she drowned. She was a strong swimmer But good swimmers get taken away all the time. The SS Maheno is the most famous shipwreck on Kgari Island and has become a landmark on 75 Mile Beach, very popular with tourists visiting the Island. - Deano968/iStockphoto/Getty Images Swimming is not advised on the islands unpatrolled beaches and strong ocean currents are considered hazardous, especially along the eastern coast. Strong winds on Monday whipped up eight-foot (2.5-meter) waves, according to one resident, who lives nearby. Its possible James got into trouble in the surf before dingoes entered the picture. James knows his daughter didnt take a dingo stick with her because she didnt think shed need it. Advertisement Advertisement Piper should not have gone. She made that decision to go. I just wish shed maybe taken a stick, or not have gone at all. She shouldnt have gone alone, thats the bottom line. James said Piper loved Byron Bay and Bondi Beach other popular Australian destinations for beach-loving tourists but Kgari was a next-level kind of experience. Scott Bell, the secretary of the Happy Valley Community Association on Kgari, has been visiting the island on and off since the 1960s, and understands its appeal. Its a magical sort of place, he said. It is a wilderness area. And in that environment, there are a lot of dangers, be they sharks, snakes, spiders or dingoes. Hundreds of thousands of visitors go to K'gari each year to swim in the clear waters of Lake McKenzie and immerse themselves in nature. - Nigel Marsh/iStock Editorial/Getty Images The Maheno shipwreck has drawn tourists to 75 Mile Beach for close to 100 years. - stanciuc/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Bell said his time on the island has taught him to stand up to dingoes. You stand tall, they see a large animal there, and they tend to run away, said Bell. Children are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller size and natural reaction when scared. Advertisement Advertisement Kids tend to run Thats probably the worst thing you can do. Turn your back on a predator running, be it a lion, tiger, bear, you know youre in trouble, he said. Bell said that, until the cause of James death is confirmed, its too early to decide what should be done. He said rangers are working hard to manage the risks but for as long as humans and dingoes share the island, that risk will never truly go away. The lands traditional custodians, the Butchulla people, have a culturally significant bond with the islands dingoes, stretching back thousands of years. They have long called for caps on visitor numbers, especially during the dingoes breeding season from March to May, to lower the risk. Everyone should enjoy Kgari, but they need to come when it is not the breeding season, Christine Royan, director of the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, told local media. The solution is not to blame or punish the animal, she added. Were going to fight anybody that wants to remove the wongari from KGari. Signs warn visitors to keep their distance from dingoes seen to be aggressive in the area. - karenfoleyphotography/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Queenslands state premier has ruled out a cap on visitor numbers. Sundays statement said the island remains open: We are supporting our tourism operators as they continue to showcase the Fraser Coast as an incredible place to visit. Seymour, the mayor, has called for children to be banned from camping outside fenced areas. If the government has to tell you to keep your children within arms length that is not why people go camping. People go camping to feel free to be there within nature. I just dont think its suitable for children to be camping in the unfenced areas, he said. Pipers father agrees that children are at risk especially those who camp outside fenced areas. You cannot leave people exposed and children exposed and let parents think that its not going to happen to them, because we thought it wouldnt happen to Piper. K'gari has a permanent population of fewer than 200 people. - Deano968/iStockphoto/Getty Images Visitors also come to see K'gari's rainforests, that are home to a variety of native animals. - Deano968/iStockphoto/Getty Images Inherent risks of nature Over the years, individual dingoes deemed too habituated to humans have been euthanized, in consultation with the Butchulla people. Its not a measure taken lightly and only occurs after specific dingoes pose a repeated threat to visitors safety. Allen, from Ecosure, says annual turnover in dingo populations is quite high about two thirds of the islands dingoes die naturally each year. Not every pup can survive when youre stuck on an island, he said. The population typically peaks between December and February, when pups are learning to become independent. Its not uncommon for this time of year to see the larger group sizes, which coincides with summer when everybody in Australia is at the beach, he said. In some ways, Australias challenge with dingoes is not dissimilar to issues elsewhere, for example Japans attempts to hold bears at bay, or Indias problem with lions. However, the dingo population is not growing its people who are becoming more common, bringing carloads of food for family trips, and driving up and down the beach where dingoes would typically hunt. Barriers have been erected to keep dingoes out of formal campsites. - Matthew Starling/iStockphoto/Getty Images To some, they may look like small domestic dogs, but theyre unpredictable and wild. And just as tourists are urged to stay away from large predators in other nations, they need to keep their distance from dingoes, no matter how harmless they may seem. If I travel to Kruger National Park in South Africa and wanted to go for a walk, I can accept a certain level of risk. I might get eaten by a lion or stomped on by an elephant, said Allen. If I do the same in Chitwan in Nepal, which is a beautiful national park, Ive got to put up with tigers and leopards and elephants there, too. We dont have lions and tigers and bears, but weve got dingoes and kangaroos and lots of venomous snakes and all that kind of thing. Theres just inherent risks with being out in nature. The James family plans to travel to Kgari in the coming weeks to attend a smoking ceremony as guests of the islands traditional custodians. The ancient ritual will see smoke from smoldering native leaves waft over the islands sandy beaches to cleanse, and to heal. James wants his daughters death to force a change in rules and culture, so there are more guardrails around children and young travelers, like Piper, who are strong and independent but dont necessarily have the life experience to fully appreciate the dangers. Maybe more education with Piper would help, because when youre put on the tour, youre educated, and then youre protected, and then you feel safe, he said. Then youre left alone and things are a little different than the tour. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com While wintry precipitation exits Texas, freezing temperatures will continue Monday over much of the state. The severe weather has triggered hundreds of flight cancellations in Texas and many school districts are closed Monday. While this storm wasnt as severe as 2021s Winter Storm Uri, which killed at least 246 people, memories of the grids failure are still fresh almost five years later. As of 10:30 a.m. Monday, the grid was still holding its own, according to ERCOTs supply and demand data. Nevertheless, an executive order issued by the U.S. Department of Energy on Saturday authorized the use of backup generation resources to prevent blackouts in the state. Meanwhile, power outages have remained localized mostly in far East Texas. Advertisement Advertisement As the snow, sleet and freezing rain Texas has experienced over the weekend can create dangerous road conditions, state and local officials continue to urge residents to avoid travelling if they dont have to. Check back for updates as the winter weather continues. Slideshow: Texas Gov. Greg Abbot was briefed and held a press conference about the incoming storm on Jan. 22, 2026, in Austin. Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune Austinites gathered supplies for the winter freeze at a Walmart on Friday. Manoo Sirivelu/The Texas Tribune The Code Blue Warming Station in Amarillo opened two hours earlier than usual on Friday in anticipation of the freezing temperatures expected over weekend. Phoebe Terry for The Texas Tribu Tony Foster, a volunteer at the Code Blue Warming Station in Amarillo, brought in cases of bottled water to the shelter on Friday. Phoebe Terry for The Texas Tribune Snow began to accumulate on neighborhood streets in Amarillo on Friday evening. Phoebe Terry for The Texas Tribune Shoppers bought supplies as the storm moved into Longview on Saturday. Michael Cavazos for The Texas Tribune Icy roads in Longview on Saturday. East Texas was hardest hit by the storm, suffering the largest number of power outages. Michael Cavazos for The Texas Tribue Icicles form in Longview during the early hours of the winter storm on Saturday. Michael Cavazos for The Texas Tribune A blanket of ice formed over Longview streets as the winter storm entered East Texas on Saturday. Michael Cavazos for The Texas Tribune Dustin Arnn smoked brisket outside of his Longview home on Saturday morning, preparing to make chili. Michael Cavazos for The Texas Tribune Gilpin Street in Dallas on Saturday. Johnathan Johnson for The Texas Tribune Icicles on a power transformer in Dallas on Saturday. Johnathan Johnson for The Texas Tribune Dallas Area Rapid Transit buses were still running during the storm on Saturday. Johnathan Johnson for The Texas On Saturday night, customers visited the Metro Diner, a 24-hour establishment on Davis Street in Dallas Johnathan Johnson for The Texas Tribunee Some Austinites headed outdoors to Zilker Park with their dogs on Sunday. Kaylee Greenlee for the Texas Tribune By Sunday afternoon in Austin, the precipitation had passed, but a stiff north wind still whipped the flags flying at the Capitol. Kaylee Greenlee for the Texas Tribune Nick Wagner glided down an icy slope at Ricky Guerrero Park in Austin on Sunday afternoon. Kaylee Greenlee for the Texas Tribune Winter storm updates Advertisement Advertisement Jan. 24, 2026, 10:18 a.m. Jan. 26, 2026, 10:45 a.m. Mass local power outages still affecting East Texas as ERCOT grid holds up Much of Texas still has a few more days of dangerously cold weather. But the power grid has so far held up including through its tightest conditions, which were expected at 8 a.m. Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott said. The grid has held once again, works absolutely flawlessly, he said during a radio interview. That is because of everything that weve done over the last five years. But there were still some large local power outages in parts of the state, particularly in east Texas near the Louisiana border. There were more than 60,000 households and businesses without power in the state as of 10:30 a.m. Monday, according to PowerOutage.us. This was down from more than 130,000 affected customers Sunday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Nacogdoches County remained the most affected area in Texas by total number, with more than 9,000 households and businesses or 24% of the countys customers still without power. In neighboring areas, around 55% of customers in Shelby County and nearly 40% in Panola County had no power, accounting for more than 15,000 households and businesses combined. Travel disruptions continue with high numbers of flight cancellations and delays at major Texas airports. The most affected one so far Monday is the Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport, which has reported more than 600 cancelled flights, according to FlightAware. The National Weather Service is also urging drivers and pedestrians to continue taking caution as hazardous road conditions remain, with some areas potentially seeing black ice developed on untreated roads and sidewalks. Alex Nguyen Advertisement Advertisement Jan. 25, 2026, 4:20 p.m. Lawsuit filed to extend early voting in Harris County After Harris County closed polling stations Sunday and Monday due to the severe weather, two nonprofits filed a lawsuit seeking to add two days to the early voting period for the runoff election of Texas 18th Congressional District. The Texas Civil Rights Project said in a Sunday social media post that it has filed the lawsuit against the county on behalf of Houston Justice and Pure Justice, asking to add Jan. 28 and 29 to early voting. While understandable in light of severe weather and safety concerns, these closures will make it impossible for some of Plaintiffs members and other voters in Congressional District 18 to exercise their right to vote in this important special runoff election, the lawsuit said. Advertisement Advertisement The runoff election is between former Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards, both Democrats. Both support the lawsuit. Folks in TX-18 have already gone nearly a year without a voice in Congress, Menefee said in a Sunday post on social media. We shouldnt have to settle for just five days to vote early in such an important election. The district hasnt had representation in Congress since the March 2025 death of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner. This district has gone without its voice, without its vote, without anyone to advocate on its behalf of federal funding for far too long, Edwards told The Texas Tribune. We are finally on the cusp of it getting its voice back and we want to make sure that as many people in this 18th Congressional District as possible have the opportunity to participate in this process. Advertisement Advertisement The winner will hold the seat through the end of this year, but will have little time to prepare for the primary election on March 3, which will effectively decide who represents the heavily Democratic district starting in 2027. The primary also includes U.S. Rep. Al Green, who is changing districts after his district was redrawn in the recent mid-decade redistricting, and Gretchen Brown, a candidate with defense policy experience. In the Nov. 4 special election to replace Turner, Menefee finished first with 28.9% of the vote, while Edwards was second at 25.6%, out of 16 candidates. Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeths office didnt immediately respond to a comment request Sunday afternoon. The Harris County Clerks Office will continue to monitor the evolving weather situation and provide reopening plans as soon as conditions improve, said the offices initial post announcing the poll closures. Advertisement Advertisement Alex Nguyen Jan. 25, 2026, 7:15 p.m. Heaviest winter precipitation leaves Texas as power grid holds A blanket of ice forms over northwest Longview during the early hours of a winter storm on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. Michael Cavazos for The Texas Tribune As the heaviest winter weather left most of Texas Sunday, the state has so far largely weathered the storm without major problems. Frigid temperatures are expected to linger through the next few days. Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday announced that hes adding 85 more counties to his previous disaster declaration, which included more than 130 counties before the storms arrival to ensure communities could access all possible resources. In Austin, Mayor Kirk Watson announced one death due to exposure during the winter storm. He didnt provide more information, but reminded residents that the citys warming centers and 24-hour cold weather shelters are available to escape the cold. Advertisement Advertisement Tragedies like this are completely preventable, Watson said in a statement on social media. If you need sheltering, PLEASE take advantage of all the resources the City has. The statewide electrical grid is holding up, but there were still large local outages in some parts of Texas. More than 70,000 homes and businesses remained without power as of 7 p.m. Sunday, most of them in East Texas near the Louisiana border, according to PowerOutage.us. That was down from more than 130,000 customers without power Sunday morning. Nacogdoches County topped the list with more than 10,000 homes and businesses still without power as of 7 p.m., accounting for more than 25% of the countys customers. In neighboring Shelby County, more than 7,500 homes and businesses or around 50% of the countys customers had no power Sunday evening. Large percentages of utility customers in Panola, Sabine and Rusk counties also remained without power. Advertisement Advertisement Like much of the state, East Texas was under an extreme cold warning Sunday evening through Tuesday morning. Some school districts across the state, including many in Houston, Dallas and Austin, have already announced Monday school closures. Travel continues to be disrupted around the state: Major airports saw mass flight cancellations, according to FlightAware. As of Sunday evening, around 1,200 flights going into or out of Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport were cancelled, while more than 450 flights were cancelled at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The Texas Division of Emergency Management reminded Texans to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary, saying that ice covered thousands of roads Sunday. Alex Nguyen Texas grid holding steady as DOE order lets ERCOT tap backup generators The federal government issued an emergency order Saturday that could help Texas avoid blackouts as a massive winter storm continues to move across the state. The U.S. Department of Energy said the order lets the Electric Reliability Council of Texas tap backup generators at data centers and other large facilities if the grid needs extra power. The order was issued under a federal emergency authority in the Federal Power Act and is in effect until Jan. 27. As of 8:40 p.m. Saturday, ERCOTs dashboard showed Texas demand for electricity at 70,268 megawatts and a capacity of 92,778 megawatts. The bigger test for the grid may come overnight and early Sunday when demand typically spikes as people crank up their heaters. ERCOTs forecast also shows demand could stay high into Monday morning. Around 8 a.m. Monday, demand is expected to near 83,800 megawatts, not far below the roughly 89,400 megawatts ERCOT lists as available capacity. Jessica Priest Jan. 24, 2026, 4:00 p.m. As freeze takes hold in Texas, risk of power outages rising As the winter storms freezing line crosses over Central Texas, National Weather Service meteorologist Jimmy Fowler said the risks of localized power outages are increasing, especially in areas that recently saw precipitation. Wind gusts will only increase the chance of iced tree limbs breaking and potentially knocking out power lines. The window where were going to be monitoring the most for any weather-related power outages is going to be [Sunday] afternoon as those gusty winds come through, Fowler said. As of Saturday afternoon, more than 54,300 electricity customers in Texas were experiencing localized power outages, according to PowerOutage.com. Those were mostly affecting homes and businesses in the northeast and east area of the state. Texas officials expect the states power grid to meet the demand for electricity through the prolonged sub-freezing temperatures forecasted for much of the state instead of repeating the catastrophic 2021 failure that killed hundreds of people. The Texas Oil & Gas Association, in a news release on Saturday, said there has been minimal impact to the overall natural gas production and distribution system, although there have been several reports of local and intermittent power outages in the Permian and Delaware Basins. The Panhandle, West Texas and North Texas have already plunged into subfreezing temperatures. The storms freezing line is expected to push through Houston overnight, Fowler said, when temperatures may reach the single digits. In West Texas, residents should largely be wary of dangerous road conditions and cold temperatures lasting into Monday. Precipitation in that region is expected to transition from sleet to snow Saturday night, likely causing slick roadways, according to Kevin Lamberson, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Midland.On Sunday, light snow showers as well as cold temperatures with a wind chill of -5 to -10 degrees are expected. Berenice Garcia and Colleen DeGuzman Jan. 24, 2026, 1:58 p.m. Ice storm expected to make travel nearly impossible in Austin, the Hill Country Significant icing is expected to accumulate in the Hill Country, the Austin area and portions of Interstate 35 on Saturday afternoon, making travel nearly impossible, according to the National Weather Service. The area could see possible ice accumulations of a quarter inch and isolated totals of half an inch. This is expected to cause roads, especially bridges and overpasses, to become slick and hazardous, prompting the weather agency to strongly discourage any travel. If people must travel, they recommend keeping a flashlight, food and water in the vehicle. Because of ice accumulation, power outages and tree damage are also possible Berenice Garcia Jan. 24, 2026, 11:10 a.m. Dallas County says officials out-of-state trip wont hinder storm response Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins speaks at the first general session at the Texas Democratic Convention in El Paso on June 7, 2024. Justin Hamel for The Texas Tribune Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins office said Saturday that the countys emergency response to the storm wont be affected by his departure from the state after Fox 4 KDFW reported he was seen boarding a plane to Costa Rica on Friday as North Texas braced for the winter storm. In Texas, elected county judges oversee county government and act as emergency managers during disasters. In a statement to The Texas Tribune on Saturday morning, Jenkins office said he prepared in advance ensuring emergency operations and coordination were in place before flying out, and that his trip was scheduled months ago. The countys chief of emergency services, Scott Forster, is leading the countys winter storm response efforts, and Jenkins chief of staff has been empowered to sign emergency orders, according to the statement. The county has not confirmed when the judge is expected to be back in Texas, and whether his trip is for personal or work reasons. In 2021, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz was fiercely criticized for taking a trip to Cancun, Mexico during Winter Storm Uri when Texas power grid failed, leading to massive power outages and nearly 250 deaths. Afterwards Cruz said that his trip was obviously a mistake. Ahead of this weeks winter storm, Cruz was seen on a plane headed to Laguna Beach, which spurred a new round of questions and a bevy of social media memes. But in a Friday post on X, Cruz confirmed he was back in Texas. Colleen DeGuzman Jan. 24, 2026, 9:40 a.m. Winter precipitation has already fallen in northern swaths of Texas with more expected A blanket of ice forms over northwest Longview during the early hours of a winter storm on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. Michael Cavazos for The Texas Tribune The Dallas-Fort Worth area was already seeing a mix of sleet and freezing rain Saturday with more on the way as temperatures will remain below freezing through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. Fort Worth NWS meteorologist David Bonnette said there will be a break in precipitation in the early afternoon, but even more will fall later in the day. Theres going to be another more widespread, a more robust, round of winter precipitation this evening and overnight, Bonnette said. Meanwhile, the Panhandle saw a break in precipitation Saturday morning after snow fell overnight, according to Amarillo NWS meteorologist Peter Vanden Bosch. More snow was expected later Saturday afternoon into the evening. Its -1 degrees in Amarillo, but Bosch said wind will make it feel around -20 degrees. Temperatures werent as cold in Central Texas where the high Saturday is an estimated 36 degrees, but thats going to fall to around 27 degrees by 5 p.m. In the Austin and San Antonio regions, it was expected to rain until noon. Central Texas NWS meteorologist Eric Platt said that freezing rain is expected to fall near the Interstate 35 corridor in the afternoon as temperatures drop and the winter storm heads south. Texans in the Hill Country are already seeing freezing rain, he said. As of Saturday morning, nearly 46,000 households and businesses were experiencing power outages, according to PowerOutage.com. Most of the outages were concentrated in the northeast corner of the state. Colleen DeGuzman Jan. 23, 2026, 10:00 p.m. Winter storm makes its way into Texas After days of forecasts warning Texans of a winter storm that would blanket the state with ice, sleet and freezing temperatures, the massive system crossed the state line Friday evening. While most of Texas braced for the impending frost that was expected to make travel hazardous and shut down businesses, residents in northern regions of the state began experiencing sleet and ice accumulation Friday night. Temperatures in Amarillo and across the Panhandle also dipped into single digits late Friday. The National Weather Service warned of wind chills in the northern tip of the Panhandle reaching lows of -17 degrees early Saturday. Wind chill is the combined effect of cold temperature and wind speeds on exposed skin. Freezing rain and sleet could be seen in Wichita Falls that gradually increased through the evening. However, NWS forecasts expected the intensity of the precipitation to lessen into Saturday afternoon. Officials in the Dallas-Fort Worth region said that precipitation, combined with freezing temperatures, would also develop into sleet through Friday night and warned residents of the growing potential for ice accumulation on trees and power lines that could cause localized power outages. For Houston and the southeastern regions of the state, the more intense elements of the winter storm are expected to begin Saturday evening and develop through Monday morning. Several cities including Waco and San Antonio have winter storm warnings scheduled to go into effect at 6 p.m. Saturday, according to the NWS. Ayden Runnels Jan. 23, 2026, 10:00 p.m. The electrical grid is ready, officials said Ahead of the storm, ERCOT issued a weather watch from Saturday to Tuesday, citing the weather forecast, higher electrical demand and potentially lower reserves. Though it said the grid is still expected to operate as normal under this designation. State leaders have similarly assured Texans that they can depend on the electrical grid through the winter storm. The ERCOT grid has never been stronger, never been more prepared and is fully capable of handling this winter storm, Abbott said Thursday. Gov. Greg Abbot is briefed on the incoming winter storm on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, in Austin. Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune The governor added that there is an abundance of natural gas, the source of more than half of the states power. And since Uri, Texas lawmakers have pushed natural gas plants to harden their facilities against severe cold. ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas also said the operator has increased the reserve margins held during these severe weather events in case it needs to call on those backup supplies. If there were to be an interruption of the gas supply, more than 30 power-[generating] facilities can draw on that on-site fuel to keep operating during an event like this, Vegas said. Alex Nguyen Jan. 23, 2026, 10:00 p.m. Utilities have learned lessons from previous storms On the ground, a major issue to watch is ice accumulation. While state officials say the electric grid is prepared, Texans could still see local outages if ice buildup or fallen trees topple power lines or utility poles. This was a major reason why tens of thousands of households and businesses in Austin went without power for days during the 2023 winter storm. In turn, utilities in Austin and Houston have buried power lines in targeted areas. More efforts to prevent falling trees from knocking out power are also underway. For instance, Public Utilities Commission of Texas Chair Thomas Gleeson on Thursday said Oncor did vegetation management on 8,000 extra lines and replaced almost 20,000 additional distribution poles, following the passage of House Bill 2555 in 2023. And in case of local power losses, utilities outage trackers are currently all up and running, Gleeson said. The lack of a local outage tracker was an issue during Hurricane Beryl in 2024, leading some Houstonians to turn to the Whataburger app for information on where power had returned. Check the PUCTs map to see which utility operates in your area. Alex Nguyen Disclosure: Oncor has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. About 12,800 children in Northern Ireland have received their transfer test results online on Saturday. They got the results from a body called the Schools Entrance Assessment Group (SEAG), which runs the common transfer test. All primary seven pupils who sat the tests in November received their results via a website their parents log into. In all, 63 post-primary schools across Northern Ireland use the test to decide which pupils to admit into Year 8. Advertisement Advertisement Pupils sat two test papers on two separate Saturdays in November 2025. Each paper had 56 questions on English or Irish, including comprehension and spelling, and Maths which pupils had an hour to answer. 'Test does not define them' Speaking ahead of results day, Keith Wysner, principal at Whiteabbey Primary School, described getting the results as "one of life's biggest lessons". He said the test "imposed upon us by Northern Ireland's education system is unfortunate, as it tests pupils at 11 years old, when some are not as cognitively developed as others". As results this year are received online, Wynsner said his role as principal will continue as he is on hand to answer calls from parents. Advertisement Advertisement "There will always be disappointments, those that buck the trend, but our team will be as pastoral as they can be." Seaview Primary School principal Corrine Latham said the week leading up has been "relatively calm". She said a letter had been given to all parents at her school, to "let the parents and pupils know that this test does not define them". She added that the test "is a premature indicator of future success, it is only designed to test numeracy and literacy", and that "there are so much more aspects to education". Anxiety does not just fall with the kids however, as Latham stated that parents "have to make the choice as to what school is the right one for their kid". The transfer test has continued to prove controversial with a number of criticisms of academic selection. [Getty Images] The SEAG test began in 2023 and was the biggest shake-up to the transfer procedure since 2008, when a state-run transfer test ended after about 60 years. Advertisement Advertisement The then education minister, Sinn Fein's Caitriona Ruane, had called it an "outdated and unequal education system", which labelled 11-year-olds as "failures". But many grammar schools continued to use academic selection to admit pupils, and used two separate tests run by AQE and PPTC. That system ended in 2022 after grammars set up the SEAG company to run a common test. In a statement to BBC News NI, the chair of SEAG Deborah McLaughlin wished pupils getting their results "every success". "We would also like to thank Primary 7 parents for their support, and acknowledge the commitment of the staff in the 63 post-primary schools who help run the SEAG Entrance Assessment," she said. Advertisement Advertisement The transfer test has continued to prove controversial, however, with a number of criticisms of academic selection. Research from the Centre for Research in Educational Underachievement (CREU) at Stranmillis University College, for instance, said that academic selection had significant social, educational and economic consequences for pupils. A paper from Queen's University Belfast published in 2022 also claimed that academic selection perpetuated division in wider society in Northern Ireland and "disadvantages the already most disadvantaged". There's little doubt about it, we're in for a big snowstorm this weekend. But how much are we going to get? Luckily, less than originally predicted. The National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey, slightly changed its forecast to widespread snow and ice accumulation totaling between 6 and 16 inches throughout the region. However, the chance is greater for more ice in certain areas, the weather service warns. Advertisement Advertisement Despite the downgraded snow inch count forecast, Delaware still will be under a winter storm warning from 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, until 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, in northern and central Delaware and from 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, until 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, in Sussex County, according to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, New Jersey. Here's a look at the breakdown from the weather service. Winter Storm Warnings are now in effect for Saturday night through Sunday night. For more information, check this link:https://t.co/YY21CjQ2WL Graphics will be updated as the afternoon progresses.#NJwx #PAwx #DEwx #MDwx pic.twitter.com/n8uncwz1gS NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 23, 2026 How much snow are we getting in Delaware? The storm is expected to bring widespread snowfall with amounts ranging from 6 to 16 inches likely in certain areas outside Delaware. Lower amounts will be farther south and close to the coast where it will turn into a wintry mix, according to forecasters. Snowfall rates near 1 to 2 inches per hour are possible during daytime Sunday, Jan. 25. Advertisement Advertisement According to the National Weather Service, here are the projected snow totals in Delaware: Wilmington: 8 to 12 inches Dover: 8 to 12 inches Bethany Beach: 4 to 6 inches The forecast for Sunday's winter storm has been updated. Snow amounts have trended down slightly, but ice amounts have trended up slightly for some areas. Regardless of exactly how much snow falls, our message is the same: Significant impacts are expected for our area! pic.twitter.com/LMgyBRESvG NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 23, 2026 Here is the chance of 6 inches or more: Wilmington: 85% Dover: 65% Bethany Beach: 32% Here is the chance of 8 inches or more: Wilmington: 57% Dover: 44% Bethany Beach: 14% Here is the chance of 12 inches or more: Wilmington: 32% Dover: 20% Bethany Beach: 0% When will the snow start? Here's the projected timing of events during the storm: Snow will start to arrive in Delaware on the night of Saturday, Jan. 24, and continue through the afternoon of Monday, Jan. 26. The heaviest snowfalls will occur during daytime Sunday and into Sunday night. Ice, sleet and freezing rain will impact Delaware during the day Sunday, Jan. 25 Blowing snow will impact Delaware from Sunday, Jan. 25, into Monday, Jan. 26. Cold weather and low wind chills will impact Delaware from Friday, Jan. 23, through Sunday, Feb. 1. Isolated minor flooding of vulnerable roads and other areas possible along the Atlantic Coast in Delaware and New Jersey during the high tide at night on Sunday, Jan. 25. Freezing rain in the snow forecast The potential for additional disruptions due to freezing rain has increased from the previous assessment for most of the I-95 corridor southward into much of Delaware and the Maryland Eastern Shore, according to the NWS. Amounts generally 0.1 to 0.3 inches are expected. Advertisement Advertisement A transition to a wintry mix of sleet and/or freezing rain will occur from south north inland into the I-95 corridor, and potentially as far north as the I-78 corridor starting Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening, forecasters said. The NWS warns that the combination of heavy snow followed by sleet and/or freezing rain and breezy northeast winds gusting between 20 and 30 mph could result in some isolated instances of downed trees and power lines as well as power outages. What is a winter storm warning? There are three advisories when a winter storm is coming to a region. Here's a look at each: Winter storm advisory: Winter weather including light amounts of wintery precipitation or patchy blowing snow will cause slick travel conditions. Winter storm watch: There is a medium level of confidence that a winter storm may cause heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain and cause significant impact . Winter storm warning: There is a high confidence that a winter storm will produce heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What time will it start snowing? How much snow winter storm will bring Quebec will feel the effects of a major U.S. winter storm on Monday as moisture streaming north of the border interacts with the frigid Arctic air parked over the province. Expect a challenging commute on Monday with very difficult travel amid heavy and blowing snow across the region. DON'T MISS: Extreme cold targets Canada as the polar vortex buckles Snow pushes into very cold air mass Temperatures will be downright frosty across Quebec this weekend, with daytime highs in the -20s with overnight lows and wind chill values in the -30s. Advertisement Advertisement A forecast high of -20C in Montreal on Saturday may be the coldest weve seen in the city since Jan. 6, 2018. Quebec temperatures Sunday overnight The northern side of a powerful and potentially devastating winter storm in the U.S. will scrape southern Quebec with heavy snowfall. Expect precipitation to begin Sunday evening and continue overnight into Monday. Initially, temperatures in the -20s will make for lighter snowfall. Snowflake formation becomes much less efficient at these bitterly cold temperatures because cold air hotels significantly less moisture. RELATED: When is the cold too cold? How extreme cold warnings are issued Quebec snowfall through Monday Well see snowfall rates increase overnight into Monday as temperatures warm into the minus teens, which is a more efficient airmass for creating snowflakes. Advertisement Advertisement Snowfall totals throughout the region will range from 5-15 cm, with heavier totals closer to the international border. However, despite the relatively low accumulations expected, the fluffy nature of the snow will lead to blowing and drifting. Reduced visibility will make for dangerous travel throughout southern Quebec into Monday, likely affecting your Monday morning commute. WATCH: Tracking a major winter storm heading to Canada's East Click here to view the video Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on conditions across Quebec. Last week, officials at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced that health authorities in Guinea-Bissau had moved to halt a controversial study which would have used unvaccinated infants as lab rats. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), however, insisted the trial was still on. That wasnt all US health authorities had to say. In a bizarre outburst, the HHS told Futurism that the Africa CDC was a fake and powerless organization, and insisted that it was not a reliable source for information. During a press meeting on Thursday, director-general of the Africa CDC Jean Kaseya hit back. Let me tell you: we are not an NGO, Kaseya said defiantly. We are not a UN organization. We are the convening power in Africa. The mandate [is] given to us by all 55 African heads of state and government. Advertisement Advertisement People can meet in the US, people can meet in Europe, Kaseya continued, likely referencing leaked emails between HHS officials and Danish researchers to push the vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau. If we are not there, they are wasting their time. Kaseya also made it clear that no government has the right to impose experiments on the people of Guinea-Bissau. Africa CDC is respecting and supporting the sovereignty of the country, the official continued. Its not Africa CDC that will say, this clinical trial will take place or not. Its not any other international body that will come to say, this clinical trial will take place or not. Its not a foreign country that will come and say, this one will take place. Its the sovereignty of the country. Though the HHS evidently thinks it has the power to push dangerous vaccines experiments on African countries, the reality isnt so simple. According to the Africa CDCs guidelines, any vaccine trial that doesnt receive a written authorization from the countrys National Medicines Regulatory Authority is illegal. Likewise, it must have approval from the National Ethics Committee, as well as a local institutional review board at each site where the trial is to take place. Advertisement Advertisement On top of all that, any trial must also have explicit approval from the countrys Ministry of Health granting officials in Guinea-Bissau the power to functionally veto any experiment the government doesnt support. Kaseya emphasized the importance of exercising sovereignty over African public health. Our vision is not coming from Western countries, he said. Our vision is coming from Africa, shaped by African leadership, based on African realities. In an interview with the Guardian, Abdulhammad Babatunde, a doctor and global health researcher in Nigeria, said that its very important to fund research that Africans actually want. Africans want to solve Africas problems, not satisfy the curiosity of the funders, Babatunde said, referring to the HHS, which announced the $1.6 million funding package for the study in December. Advertisement Advertisement Once up and running, the vaccine trial would have given 7,000 newborn children a vaccine for hepatitis B, while 7,000 more infants in the control group wouldnt receive the vaccine. As the Guardian notes, nearly one in five adults and 11 percent of children in Guinea-Bissau have hepatitis B which carries a significant risk for debilitating illness and death. In such a health environment, theres no justification for purposefully leaving infants unvaccinated for any length of time. This is not acceptable, Babatunde told the paper. To prevent things like the Tuskegee study and others, the control group has to get the standard of care, and the intervention group should get [potentially] better care. Asked whether the HHSs comments would affect future collaboration with Africa CDC, Kaseya said hes putting the strange episode behind him. Advertisement Advertisement I was briefed that they dont know anything about any statement against Africa CDC, he said. I could tell you about a statement that could be somewhere, made by someone. But officials from HHS just yesterday senior people said they dont know anything about the statement. I trust them, Ive closed the chapter. More on Africa: AI Companion Bots Actually Run by Exploited Kenyans, Worker Claims CLASSIFIED EYES ONLY You are now cleared to access restricted files on aerial assets developed between 1947 and 1991. What you are about to read was once locked behind blast doors and guarded by armed patrols. The Cold War was not fought solely with armies and speeches. It was waged in the thin air above hostile borders, where seconds could decide the fate of nations. Both the United States and the Soviet Union poured untold resources into warplanes that could climb higher, fly faster, and vanish from radar before anyone knew they were there. The Lockheed A-12 Oxcart ran missions the world would not learn about for decades. The MiG-25 Foxbat pushed the limits of speed and altitude in ways Western pilots could only imagine. Some aircraft carried cameras capable of reading a license plate from the edge of space; others bristled with weaponry designed to end a confrontation before it began. Advertisement Advertisement This dossier contains some of the most mysterious and highly classified warplanes of the Cold War. Each one shaped history in the shadows, operating in a realm where the rules were unwritten, the risks were absolute, and the sky itself was the battlefield. Behind the Veil: How We Picked the Cold Wars Top Secret Warplanes Image Credit: Senior Airman Keith James - Dvidshub.net/ Public Domain/ Wiki Commons. SELECTION CRITERIA RESTRICTED Determining which aircraft would make this list required careful review of what little information has escaped the vaults of Cold War secrecy. Many of the eras most remarkable planes still sit in the gray zone between fact and rumor, their true capabilities buried in classified archives. Our mission was to focus on warplanes that paired genuine secrecy with a measurable impact on the intelligence and military balance of the time. The aircraft you are about to read about were, at various points, denied by their own governments. Their test flights were hidden from public view, and their missions were carried out without acknowledgment for years, sometimes decades. What makes them truly secret is not just their stealth profiles or blistering speeds, but the untold stories of their creation, the extreme risks taken by their pilots, and the unwavering silence maintained by those who knew the truth. Advertisement Advertisement This dossier covers both American and Soviet machines that shaped the invisible dogfight playing out high above the Earth. Together, they reveal the shadow war of the Cold War, a game of pursuit and evasion where victory often meant the other side never knew you were there. Lockheed A-12 Image Credit: U.S.Air Force - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. The Lockheed A-12 was born out of a need for eyes in the sky that no radar could catch. Developed in absolute secrecy by the legendary Skunk Works, it was tested at a remote desert base that the government wouldnt even admit existed. The A-12 often operated at altitudes and speeds that could reduce contrail visibility, though contrail formation depended on atmospheric conditions. Pilots were hand-picked and briefed in windowless rooms, their missions cloaked in deniability. For years, even the families of those who flew it had no idea what they were doing. The aircrafts unusual shape and color were designed to scatter radar signals, a trick that would become the foundation for future stealth technology. It was officially retired before the public even knew it existed. Operational profiles were typically in the 85,00090,000 ft range. Many people still confuse it with its more famous successor, the SR-71 Blackbird. But for insiders, the A-12 was the real ghost of the Cold War skies. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 'Foxbat' Prototype Image Credit: Leonid Faerberg - GFDL 1.2/Wiki Commons. When Western intelligence first got wind of the MiG-25s prototype flights, they were baffled. Satellite images showed a massive interceptor with a unique wing shape and proportions unlike anything in NATO service. Advertisement Advertisement Soviet engineers had designed it to counter threats they believed were coming, planes that could fly higher and faster than anything seen before. For years, the West could only guess at its capabilities, which led to exaggerated rumors. Some intelligence analysts thought it might be unbeatable in the air, others suspected it was a bluff. The truth began to leak after Lt. Viktor Belenko defected on September 6, 1976, landing a MiG-25 in Japan. Even then, the story behind its development remained hidden, with design decisions rooted in Soviet fears of American spy planes. In the Cold War chess match, the MiG-25s secrecy kept NATO planners awake at night. For the Soviets, that was half the point. North American XB-70 Valkyrie Image Credit: US Air Force - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. The XB-70 looked like something out of a futuristic comic book, with a sleek white frame and a profile unlike any other bomber. It was designed to outrun anything that tried to catch it and to deliver its payload before enemy defenses could react. While aspects of the program were classified, the XB-70 was not a denied-existence aircraft in the way later black programs were; it became widely discussed as the program evolved. Test flights were closely guarded, and cameras were banned from the airfield. The Valkyrie was as much a political tool as it was a military one, a signal to the Soviets that the U.S. could design the unimaginable. Unfortunately, shifting strategies and rising missile threats cut its future short. Advertisement Advertisement A tragic mid-air collision during a photo flight only deepened the aircrafts aura of mystery. Even today, the XB-70 remains one of the most striking aircraft ever built. In the Cold War sky, it was a swan that never fully spread its wings. Tupolev Tu-160 'Blackjack' Early Versions Image Credit: Mil.ru - CC BY 4.0/Wiki Commons. Before the Tu-160 became known to the world, its early prototypes were hidden deep within Soviet facilities. Western satellites caught glimpses of a huge white bomber on snowy runways, but no one could confirm its purpose. The Soviet Union wanted an aircraft that could challenge American airpower and project strength across oceans. Engineers worked under strict surveillance, with security officers shadowing them everywhere. Even the workers assembling it didnt always know the full scope of the project. Test flights took place at odd hours to avoid foreign reconnaissance. For years, Western analysts debated its true capabilities and operational role, with limited reliable information during early development. By the time it was revealed, its size and speed stunned Western observers. In its early secretive phase, the Tu-160 was less a plane and more a phantom in the intelligence communitys files. Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk (Early Development) Image Credit: Derrick C. Goode - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. The F-117 is famous now, but in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it was a ghost story in aviation circles. Known only by code names like Have Blue, its development was hidden behind layers of compartmentalized secrecy. The stealth demonstrator program Have Blue first flew on December 1, 1977, and directly fed into the F-117. Advertisement Advertisement Engineers worked in isolated desert hangars where even support staff were carefully vetted and cleared. Its shape was so unusual that early prototypes looked more like space vehicles than fighter jets. Test flights happened at night, when the dark sky could hide its jagged silhouette. Locals near the testing range sometimes reported strange triangular shapes and mysterious lights. The Pentagon dismissed such claims as nonsense, further fueling rumors. The idea that a plane could be nearly invisible to radar sounded like science fiction at the time. When the F-117 was finally unveiled, it turned out the rumors had been true all along. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-31 Prototype Image Credit: Dmitriy Pichugin - GFDL 1.2/Wiki Commons. The MiG-31 was the Soviet answer to high-speed threats in the upper atmosphere. Before its official debut, the aircrafts existence was one of the USSRs better-kept secrets. It could fly farther and see farther than its predecessor, but that was all speculation in the West for years. Rumors of its testing leaked only through scattered reconnaissance photos and intercepted communications. Soviet pilots selected for the program underwent intense vetting to ensure absolute loyalty. The planes early missions were often disguised as routine training flights to avoid attracting NATO attention. Its long, needle-like fuselage made it easy to confuse with other jets from a distance. Advertisement Advertisement Its early patrol mission was built around countering high-speed reconnaissance threats, without ever crossing into hostile airspace. By the time it was acknowledged, the MiG-31 was already a veteran of secret patrols. Convair B-58 Hustler Special Recon Versions Image Credit: US Air Force - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. The B-58 Hustler was already a marvel of its time, but a small number of specially modified B-58s. These aircraft were modified for high-risk reconnaissance missions. Painted in unusual coatings and fitted with classified gear, they flew routes the military wouldnt officially admit to. Pilots were briefed on their missions only hours before takeoff, and their maps often had large sections marked Do Not Discuss. Even the mechanics servicing them sometimes didnt know what equipment they were handling. These special Hustlers flew at times when tensions were razor-sharp, often probing the edges of enemy radar networks. Each successful mission added to their quiet legend among crews. In the grand picture of Cold War aviation, these secret Hustlers played a game of high-speed hide-and-seek. Few outside the program knew just how dangerous their flights really were. Sukhoi Su-15 Interceptor Experimental Variants Image Credit: dodmedia - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. The Su-15 interceptor was a workhorse of Soviet air defense, but some experimental versions were never meant to be seen by the public. These prototypes tested radical new radar systems and aerodynamic tweaks. They were kept in hidden hangars far from major bases, guarded by armed personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Western intelligence occasionally spotted odd-looking Su-15s during rare test flights, but details were scarce. The secrecy surrounding them was partly because they were chasing the Wests most elusive spy planes. Crews were under strict orders to avoid contact with any foreign observers, even at international airshows. The Soviets never officially acknowledged these variants, preferring to let the standard Su-15 take the spotlight. Decades later, aviation historians are still piecing together the real story. For the Cold War pilots who flew them, the experimental Su-15s were a job that came with no bragging rights. Rockwell B-1A Lancer Image Credit: dodmedia - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Long before the B-1B became a mainstay, the original B-1A was shrouded in Cold War secrecy. Its development was a cat-and-mouse game between advancing technology and shifting political priorities. Test flights took place in the remote American Southwest, far from curious eyes. The aircrafts sleek lines made it look like something out of a spy novel, and that was part of its appeal. For years, it was unclear whether it would ever enter production, leading to conspiracy theories about hidden capabilities. Some claimed it could perform missions the Pentagon wasnt admitting to. The Air Force kept most details locked away, releasing only carefully staged photographs. Advertisement Advertisement When it was eventually canceled in favor of missile systems, many thought the story had ended, but the B-1As shadow still lingered, influencing bomber design for years afterward. Yakovlev Yak-141 Freestyle (Early Testing) Image Credit: Ken Videan - GFDL 1.2/Wiki Commons. The Yak-141 was the Soviet Unions secret attempt at a supersonic vertical takeoff fighter. While NATO had its Harriers, the USSR wanted something faster and more powerful. Early tests took place on isolated airstrips and even at sea on modified carriers. Few outside the program even knew it existed, and those who did often doubted it could actually work. Details were tightly guarded and reliable information was scarce in the West until the aircraft appeared publicly at Farnborough in 1992. Test pilots faced enormous risks, as the aircrafts unique flight system pushed the limits of engineering. The Soviets wrapped the program in secrecy partly to protect against Western espionage and partly to hide its setbacks. On the rare occasion a foreign observer caught sight of it, it was dismissed as a one-off experiment. In truth, it represented a bold leap in aviation design. When its existence finally came to light, it was a reminder of how much innovation stayed hidden during the Cold War. Douglas A-12 Avenger II (Late Cold War Development) Image Credit: FOX 52 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons. The Avenger II was eventually tied to the post-Cold War era, but its roots began in late Cold War planning. Designed as a stealthy carrier-based strike aircraft, it took shape under extreme secrecy. Advertisement Advertisement The Navy needed something that could slip past enemy defenses without a trace. Early prototypes and design studies were locked away, with only a handful of engineers in the loop. The triangular flying wing design was so unusual that leaks were almost impossible to verify, no one believed a jet could look like that. Internal memos referred to it only by code name, and funding was hidden in obscure budget lines. The programs secrecy made it a target for rumors, with some claiming it was meant for missions the Navy wouldnt even publicly acknowledge. Though it never saw operational service, its development embodied the hidden ambitions of Cold War aviation. It was a plane that lived more in classified documents than in the open sky. Myasishchev M-50 'Bounder' Image Credit: Hohum - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. The M-50 was the Soviet Unions answer to the American fascination with futuristic bombers. Only a few prototypes were built, but their existence sparked endless speculation in the West. With its unusual proportions and massive engines, it looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. It made its only public appearance on July 9, 1961, at the Tushino air show. The Soviets paraded it only once, and after that, it seemed to vanish. This disappearance fueled speculation about its intended future or hidden bases. In reality, the M-50s story was tangled with politics, budgets, and changing strategies. Test pilots who flew it described the experience as unlike any other, but they could never speak freely about their missions. For NATO analysts, the lack of information was more alarming than any confirmed threat. The M-50 remains one of the Cold Wars most enigmatic aircraft, a machine that appeared briefly, then faded into classified history. B-2 Spirit Image Credit: Royal Air Force - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. The B-2 Spirit might be better known today, but its early days were steeped in the same kind of secrecy that defined Cold War aviation. From the moment its sleek, flying-wing shape was designed, it was a guarded secret buried deep within classified programs. Unlike traditional bombers, the B-2 was built to slip past radar like a ghost, striking deep into enemy territory without warning. Test flights took place under strict blackout conditions at remote bases, far from prying eyes and cameras. The B-2 was publicly displayed on November 22, 1988, and its first flight followed on July 17, 1989, while many program details remained tightly classified, catching the world by surprise with a design that looked more like science fiction than reality. Pilots trained in silence, their missions wrapped in layers of top-secret clearances. Every part of the program was compartmentalized to prevent leaks. Even today, the B-2 carries the legacy of Cold War stealth technology into the modern era. Its a symbol of how far secret warplanes have come, and a reminder of the invisible battles once fought in the sky. Lockheed U-2 Image Credit: United States Department of the Air Force - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. The U-2 was the Cold Wars original eye in the sky, so secret that the U.S. government refused to admit it even existed after one was famously shot down over Soviet territory. Its high-altitude reconnaissance missions were critical to gathering intelligence on the USSRs military capabilities. Pilots flew missions of extraordinary risk, often without fully knowing what awaited them. For years, the U-2s existence remained classified, forcing officials to manage political fallout whenever fragments of the truth surfaced. Its long, slender design was optimized to fly above most known Soviet fighters and air defenses and was widely believed to be beyond the reach of surface-to-air missiles, until the shootdown on May 1, 1960 proved otherwise. The secrecy surrounding the U-2 extended far beyond the aircraft itself; it was about preserving the fragile balance of Cold War diplomacy. Its missions shaped key moments in history, including tense negotiations and brinkmanship. Even after its cover was blown, the U-2 remained a symbol of clandestine airpower. The plane that once flew in the shadows helped define the Cold War itself. North American RB-45C Image Credit: USAF - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. The RB-45C was one of Americas early answers to the need for covert reconnaissance during the Cold War. At a time when spy satellites were still science fiction, this jet flew risky missions deep into enemy airspace. Officially, the Air Force denied these flights, but whispered rumors spread among intelligence circles. The RB-45Cs pilots were among the bravest, often navigating hostile skies without backup or public recognition. Its missions were carefully planned to avoid detection, flying under the radar, literally and figuratively. The aircrafts role was critical in collecting photographic and electronic intelligence that shaped U.S. strategy. It was a ghost in the sky for many years, operating in silence while tensions simmered below. Despite being overshadowed by later spy planes, the RB-45Cs contribution to Cold War espionage was immense. Today, its remembered as a pioneering secret warrior of the early jet age. Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Image Credit: NASA - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. The SR-71 Blackbird is legendary, and for good reason, but it started as one of the most secretive aircraft programs of the Cold War. Developed as the successor to the A-12, it pushed the boundaries of speed and altitude to stay far ahead of enemy defenses. Its sleek black shape was designed for stealth long before that word became common in military circles. Test flights took place under tight security at remote locations, with only a select few knowing the full scope of its capabilities. Pilots flew at speeds that made them almost untouchable, gathering intelligence from places no other aircraft could reach. Even its name was classified for years. The Blackbirds existence was a closely guarded secret, and early on, many thought it was a myth. When it was finally revealed to the public, it captured imaginations worldwide as a symbol of American technological dominance. The SR-71 remains one of the most iconic secret warplanes ever built. Lockheed D-21 Image Credit: USAF - Public Domain/Wiki Commons. The D-21 was a drone unlike anything else of its time, designed for ultra-secret reconnaissance missions over hostile territory without risking a pilots life. Launched from a modified aircraft, it was intended to fly high and fast, gathering intelligence before disappearing into the horizon. Its development was wrapped in layers of top-secret classification, and few outside the program knew it existed. Early tests were conducted far from public eyes, and many missions were cloaked in mystery and denial. Its futuristic design and unmanned nature made it an early example of stealth and drone technology combined. When missions failed or ended abruptly, official explanations were few and far between. The D-21s story is one of daring innovation and secretive risk-taking, embodying the Cold Wars high-tech espionage race. Though it never saw wide operational use, its legacy paved the way for modern unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. In the shadows of Cold War skies, the D-21 was a silent watcher, unseen but strategically significant. Final Flight: What These Secret Warplanes Teach Us Today Image Credit: United States Air Force/ Osan.af.mil/Public Domain/Wiki Commons. Though many of these aircraft have been retired or replaced (at least, as far as we are allowed to know), their shadows still drift through the corridors of aviation history. They are reminders that in war, and especially in the Cold War, what you could not see often mattered more than what you could. These secret warplanes were more than machines. They were leaps of engineering born from fear, ambition, and the relentless push to outthink and outfly an opponent who was doing the same. They shaped the future of stealth, reconnaissance, and high-speed flight, laying the groundwork for aircraft that still patrol the skies today. Behind every rivet and every classified blueprint were pilots who took risks the world would never fully know, and crews who worked in silence, knowing their victories might never make the headlines. Looking back, these ghosts of the sky tell the story of a conflict fought in whispers and shadows, where the race to rule the air shaped not only the course of the Cold War, but the modern world itself. "Since the high-speed line was built, 30-something years ago, we never had any problems, it worked perfectly and was fantastic," says Alberto Montavez Montes, a shop-owner opposite Cordoba city hall, where the Spanish and Andalusian flags have been hanging at half-mast. Now, though things feel different: "It's not that there's psychosis, but it does make you just a bit reluctant to get on a train, without a doubt." In just a few tragic days since two high-speed trains collided in this southern region of Spain, with the loss of 45 lives, it has felt that Spain's much-vaunted rail system has been thrown into a sudden, deep crisis. Spaniards observed three days of mourning this week as they reflected on the Adamuz disaster [EPA/Shutterstock] Second only to China in scale, Spain has 3,900 km (2,400 miles) of high-speed (AVE) rail and until now its national network has been admired for its efficiency and safety. Advertisement Advertisement In 2009, then-US president Barack Obama singled out Spain for praise when he outlined a vision for the creation of a high-speed rail network across America. The line connecting Madrid and Seville "is so successful that more people travel between those cities by rail than by car and airplane combined", he said. At the time a Spanish-led consortium had just begun work on a high-speed link across the Saudi Arabian desert, confirming the country's status as a rail superpower. That reputation has been humbled this week. Last Sunday, the back three carriages of a train run by private Italian operator Iryo derailed at high speed, along a straight stretch of track, into the path of an oncoming train run by national rail operator Renfe which bore the brunt of the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Two days later, a trainee driver was killed when a wall collapsed on to a suburban rail line near Barcelona in the north-east after heavy rainfall, derailing a train. [BBC] The same day another local train in Catalonia hit a rock, although nobody was injured. And on Thursday, several passengers on a narrow-gauge train suffered minor injuries when a crane struck a carriage. Train drivers in Catalonia refused to work in the wake of the accident near Barcelona, demanding safety guarantees and contributing to two days without local rail services in the region. Separately, train drivers' union Semaf has called a nationwide strike for three days in February over what it has described as "the constant deterioration of the rail network". A trainee driver was killed when a wall crashed on to his cab in Catalonia in heavy rain [NurPhoto via Getty Images] In addition, several high-speed lines have had their speed limits temporarily reduced, due to safety concerns. Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the week, delays, stoppages and other incidents affecting the rail system over recent months have been pored over in the media, while members of the public have aired grievances on social media about uncomfortable or alarming travel experiences. "I think the trains aren't as safe as before," says Olga Marquez, another resident of Cordoba. Her husband regularly travels to Madrid for work, on the same line on which the high-speed collision took place, and she says he has often mentioned vibrations and noises during the journey which suggested to her the track was not in optimum state. "I'm happy to get on a train, but when it comes to my husband, all this makes me think twice," she says. [BBC] A long delay between the high-speed crash and the rail and rescue services' realisation that two trains rather than just one had been involved has created doubts about the emergency response to such tragedies. Advertisement Advertisement The government, the civil guard and an independent commission all continue to investigate the Andalusia crash, although sabotage and human error appear to have been ruled out. Meanwhile politicians, commentators, and ordinary Spaniards have been debating the possible cause as well as highlighting weaknesses in Spain's overall rail system. The amount of investment the rail network receives has come under particular scrutiny. The Socialist-led government has sought to dismiss such queries, pointing out, for example, that 700m (605m) has been invested in updating the Madrid-Andalusia line in recent years, with the stretch of track where the accident took place included in that renovation. "We're not looking at a problem of lack of maintenance, we're not looking at a problem of obsolete [infrastructure], and we're not looking at a problem of lack of investment," said the transport minister Oscar Puente. Investigators believe the track already fractured before the Iryo train went over it [Guardia Civil] A preliminary report by rail accident investigation commission CIAF has found that grooves found on the wheels of the derailed Iryo train and three earlier trains suggests that a fracture in the track occurred before the Iryo train went over it. Advertisement Advertisement Urging caution, Puente said he suspected "a problem that we have never seen on our network before." Grooves were found on wheels of the Iryo train that had already passed over the track before the derailment [CIAF Spain] Figures released by his ministry show a sharp increase in maintenance spending on the rail system since Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez took office in 2018. However, other data tells a different story: Spain was bottom of an index published by German railway association Allianz pro Schiene of spending per capita on rail infrastructure by 14 European countries in 2024. Salvador Garcia-Ayllon, head of the civil engineering department at Cartagena's University-Polytechnic, described the high-speed network as being "the jewel in the crown of Spanish infrastructure". However, the liberalisation of the rail sector in 2020, allowing France's Ouigo and Italy's Iryo to provide high-speed services, may have increased competitivity and reduced ticket prices, but it has also put more pressure on the system. Advertisement Advertisement Around 22 million travellers currently use Spain's high-speed trains each year, around double the number prior to the liberalisation, and 17 times the number of users in 1992, the year the Madrid-Seville line was inaugurated. Salvador Garcia-Ayllon also points to new lines which have been built over recent years including the north-western region of Galicia and the northern city of Burgos, with a new route along the Mediterranean under construction whose upkeep presents a challenge. All of this, he said, has left Spanish rail "bursting at the seams". "The challenge is not just to buy a Ferrari, you have to take the Ferrari to the garage," he said. "You have to invest in maintaining the infrastructure you have." Advertisement Advertisement The high-speed rail system's reliability has dropped noticeably in recent years. In July of 2025, its trains were 19 minutes late on average, according to data provided by Renfe. Local rail has also seen a rise in incidences, such as delays, cancellations and technical problems, which have more than tripled since 2019 on the Madrid local Cercanias network. Catalonia, which suffered the double accident on Tuesday, has had longstanding and well-documented deficiencies in its suburban Rodalies network, which have fed into its political tensions with Madrid over the last decade. Perhaps inevitably, the recent tragedies have already spilled into the deeply divided political arena. Far-right party Vox has said that "travelling in Spain [by train] is no longer safe", a claim that fits into its repeated insistence that the country is akin to a failed state. The main opposition People's Party (PP), meanwhile, has accused the government of hiding information about the high-speed crash. Advertisement Advertisement The prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, has acknowledged that the accident in southern Spain caused "irreparable" damage. Yet he also insisted that the high-speed network "is the cause of pride for the country". Not so long ago, few Spaniards would have queried that assertion. Now, many will find it hard to agree. Severe cold temperatures hitting much of the country this week could branch out literally. As people brace for the winter weather, some social media posts in recent days have warned of the chance for exploding trees. But experts say that's not entirely true. A sudden drop in temperature can cause a break in a tree known as a frost crack, Bill McNee, a forest health specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network. Advertisement Advertisement While frost cracks can be loud and cause branches to fall off, it would be extremely rare for a tree to fully explode because of it, McNee said. Here's what we know about "exploding" trees. See the maps: Extreme cold, major snow likely for millions across US Can severe weather really cause exploding trees? McNee said it's not uncommon for a sudden drop in temperature to cause "frost cracks" in trees. These longitudinal cracks can run the full length of a tree and are accompanied by a loud "bang." "It's going to get cold enough that this sap may actually finally freeze. And when it does that, like ice cubes in your freezer, they expand very quickly," McNee told the Journal Sentinel. "That just creates a lot of physical pressure that can lead to the frost cracking appearing suddenly, branches can fall off, and people hear this really loud crack from their tree, almost like it's a gunshot." Advertisement Advertisement It would be unlikely for a tree to fully explode because of frost cracking; usually, the crack becomes part of the tree, McNee said. "I've never seen the damage of it, but from what I have seen and what I read online is that it is rare for there just to be so much pressure that is suddenly released inside this tree that it almost does explode," McNee said. McNee advised anyone who sees a severe crack in a tree to consult an arborist to evaluate if the tree is a safety hazard. Severe frost cracking could cause trees to fall. A fallen tree is covered with fresh fallen snow, inviting hikers to cross the icy waters. What are frost cracks? 'Exploding tree' phenomenon Frost cracks are vertical openings that can extend deep into the wood of a tree. They are most often on the trunk, but branches can also be effected, according to the University of Connecticut. Advertisement Advertisement McNee said frost cracks occur because the thick sap inside a tree freezes at a colder temperature than water, and usually stays liquid even when temperatures are well below freezing a state known as "supercooling." Another factor that can lead to frost cracks, according to the Wisconsin DNR, is that when temperatures drop suddenly, the exterior of a tree can get much colder than a tree's inner wood, causing the cells of the tree's bark to shrink and lead to "unequal contraction" between the tissues of the tree's exterior and interior. Frost cracks are most likely to occur in thin-barked trees like maples, lindens and sycamores, but can happen in other species, according to the DNR. McNee said any tree that has sap could have frost cracking in the right conditions. Frost cracking is common for many trees every few winters, and some trees adapt by dehydrating themselves before winter, making it less likely for physical damage to occur, McNee said. For most trees that do get a crack, the living part of the tree typically heals over the "wound" over time, he said. However, a crack can expose a tree to fungal infection or decay, which could lead to the tree dying. Other strange weather effects: Thundersnow, pancake ice So-called exploding trees aren't the only strange weather phenomena out there. Advertisement Advertisement Thundersnow, a rare weather event, occurs when snow, rather than rain, accompanies a thunderstorm. Pancake ice in Lake Michigan, seen Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in St. Joseph, Michigan. Pancake ice, a type of ice that resembles the breakfast staple, forms in bodies of water in cold weather when waves are still churning the surface. Chunks of ice collide and clump together, forming round, flat disks that resemble pancakes floating on the waters surface, according to The Weather Channel. Snow rollers, a kind of nature-made snowball, are a cylindrical forming of snow that happens when snow chunks roll down hills or are blown along the ground by wind, according to the Idaho State Department of Education. And when it comes to cracks, another phenomenon known as a frost quake or cryoseism can create cracks in the ground caused by the freezing and expansion of water deep within the earth's crust, according to AccuWeather. Forecast: Severe cold is on the way An arctic front is expected to bring frigid temperatures to the middle and eastern part of the country from Jan. 22 through Jan. 26, according to the National Weather Service's latest forecast. Advertisement Advertisement Wind chills could fall as low as minus 60 across Illinois, Minnesota and North and South Dakota. From the northeast to states as far west as Colorado and Montana, wind chills are expected to hover around 10 degrees below zero. In the southern half of the country, from New Mexico to South Carolina, wind chills could be around 10-20 degrees. Meanwhile, a winter storm will bring heavy snow from the Southern Rockies and Plains through the Mid-Atlantic and into the Northeast through the weekend, per the National Weather Service. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com. (This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Do trees explode in severe cold? They're frost cracks The Brief A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to keep child care and social service funds flowing to five states for at least two more weeks. The ruling affects California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York, while courts review the administrations attempt to withhold funds. The administration says funding was paused over fraud concerns, which states deny, arguing the programs are vital for low-income families. On Friday, a federal judge ruled that President Donald Trumps administration must keep federal funds flowing for child care subsidies and other social service programs in five states at least for now. Trump must keep funding child care subsides in 5 states Big picture view U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderickss ruling extends by two weeks a temporary one issued earlier this month that blocked the federal government from holding back the money from California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York. The ruling Friday from U.S. District Judge Vernon Broderick extends by two weeks a temporary one issued earlier this month. (Credit: Getty Images) The initial temporary restraining order was to expire Friday. What they're saying Broderick said Friday that he would decide later whether the money is to remain in place while a challenge to cutting it off works its way through the courts. The programs are intended to help low-income families The backstory The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sent the five states notices in early January informing them it would require justifications for spending the money aimed at helping low-income families. It also said it would require more documentation, including the names and Social Security numbers of the beneficiaries of some of the programs. Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 9, A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration could not block funding for child care subsidies and other programs that support children in need in the five Democratic-led states. EARLIER: Trump administration can't block child care, other program money for these 5 states, federal judge rules The programs impacted include the Child Care and Development Fund, which subsidizes child care for children from low-income families; the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which provides cash assistance and job training; and the Social Services Block Grant, a smaller fund that provides money for a variety of programs. The states say that they receive a total of more than $10 billion a year from those programs and that the programs are essential for low-income and vulnerable families, including paying about half the cost of shelters for homeless families in New York City. The other side The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said earlier this month that it was pausing the funding because it had "reason to believe" the states were granting benefits to people in the country illegally. At the time, it didnt explain why. Advertisement Advertisement But in Fridays hearing, Mallika Balachandran, a federal government lawyer, said that the concerns were raised by media reports, though she told the judge she did not know which ones. In a court filing this week, the administration objected to the states describing the action as a "funding freeze," even though the headline on the Department of Health and Human Services announcement was: "HHS Freezes Child Care and Family Assistance Grants in Five States for Fraud Concerns." Federal government lawyers said the states could get the money going forward if they provide the requested information and the federal government finds them to be in compliance with anti-fraud measures. The administration also noted that it has continued to provide funding to the states. The Source This story was reported from Los Angeles. The Associated Press, previous FOX Local reporting contributed. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday highlighted the open buying and selling of leaders in Maharashtra politics, describing it as a "market of slaves" where money power dominates and individual opinions hold little to no value. Speaking on the recently concluded Municipal Corporation polls, Raut alleged that corporators elected on their party tickets are being lured to switch sides by the ruling party. Raut stated, "A market of money is running in politics," claiming there is open buying and selling of leaders. "It has become a slave market," he remarked, alleging that Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is behaving like a feudal lord who believes he can auction loyalty. Raut further claimed that this political culture has been initiated by "two emperors sitting in Delhi," a veiled reference to the BJP's central leadership. Raut elaborated his views in detail, saying, "Yesterday, both leaders spoke openly about the political situation. A person's opinion has no value anymore. Open buying and selling, a slave market--BJP's feudal lord Shinde too is acting like a king and auctioning loyalty. All this has been initiated by two emperors sitting in Delhi." Commenting on developments within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Raut said, "Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar are being seen coming together almost simultaneously. Candidates from both sides are contesting on the same election symbol," he said. Raut further asserted that Sharad Pawar stands firmly with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) and claimed Ajit Pawar would eventually have to exit the present state government. "One cannot keep a foot in two boats," Raut said. On reports of both Shiv Sena factions contesting together in Solapur, Raut dismissed them as unofficial. He said Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray would not take such a decision, though he admitted that "something has happened" without providing details. Regarding the Solapur civic polls, Raut dismissed reports of both Shiv Sena factions contesting together as unofficial. Raut stated that "something has happened" without providing any details. "Uddhav Thackeray will not take such a decision. Something has happened, but there is no clarity on what exactly," he added. Referring to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, Raut said political parties coming together require forgetting past differences, calling it an important principle. Raut also alleged that as long as the BJP remains in power, people will support it with "body, mind, and wealth." Mocking the internal BJP and Shinde faction dynamics, he added, "Their factionalism will continue till the installation ceremony. Shinde is sitting upset..." Raut further went on saying, "We will put up posters of those KDMC corporators... have you seen them? We will also put up posters in BJP-Shinde offices." On VBA (Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi) leader Prakash Ambedkar, Raut said, "He is great. He is Ambedkar's grandson," as he commands respect towards VBA leader Prakash Ambedkar. (ANI) This week, ICEs detention of a five-year-old boy wearing a Spider Man backpack in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights quickly became a defining image of the Trump administrations hardline immigration enforcement. Furious critics, including many local politicians, seized on Liam Ramoss ordeal as glaring evidence that Trumps mass deportation campaign has little to do with crime and a lot to do with terrorizing children and their families. A homeland security spokesperson said ICE officers took the boy into custody only after his father fled during an attempted arrest. The superintendent of the school district in Columbia Heights said another adult living in the home was outside during the encounter and had pleaded to take care of Liam so the boy could avoid detention, but was denied. But Liam Ramoss detention is not an isolated incident. Its part of a uniquely aggressive push to detain more unauthorized immigrant families, a turbocharging of a policy discontinued five years ago. Advertisement Advertisement ICE booked about 3,800 minors into immigrant family detention from January to October 2025, including children as young as one or two years old, according to a Guardian analysis of records obtained by the Deportation Data Project. More than 2,600 of those minors were apprehended by ICE officers, which usually means they were apprehended somewhere inside the country rather than at the border. Those numbers mark a major shift. Previous administrations used family detention mostly to detain parents and children crossing into the United States together by land. Minors in ICE custody have special legal protections dating from a 1997 consent decree called the Flores Settlement. Under the terms of that settlement, ICE does not detain unaccompanied children. A child immigrant accompanied by a parent may be held in a detention center with somewhat higher standards than other adult facilities, but the settlement generally requires ICE to release them if the government cannot swiftly deport them. But the Trump administration is increasingly locking up families detained in high-profile immigration sweeps taking place in major cities across the country, according to Becky Wolozin, an attorney with the National Center for Youth Law. Advertisement Advertisement This is not people showing up at the border at this point, Wolozin said. Its people being arrested who live in the United States, who have permission to live in the United States. Now, theyre starting to re-interview people who have refugee status. Theres no status that protects people any more. Even US citizens are getting arrested. It is as horrible as it looks Many minors may spend several days detained in places that arent equipped to care for children, said Sergio Perez, the executive director for the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law. His organization, which represents child migrants covered by the Flores Settlement, has taken declarations from families detained for days at improvised sites in airports or office buildings. In some cases, children were forced to use the bathroom under the watch of guards of the opposite gender, Perez said. What youre seeing is places with no medical care, places where the lights never go out, places where the children are not allowed to go outside, places where the food is abhorrent and places where people are not treated with the dignity required by the law, Perez said. Were seeing more imprisonment of families and children for longer periods of time and under more and more deplorable conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Most children detained with a parent eventually end up at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, which is managed by the private prison contractor CoreCivic. Family detention centers are supposed to offer a less-jail-like setting for children, offering access to education and playgrounds. Last year, the Trump administration also detained families at a separate facility in Karnes, Texas, though its not clear whether ICE continues to hold families there. Homeland security did not respond to a request asking how many family detention centers it currently operates. As a lawyer representing immigrant child detainees in the ongoing litigation over their rights under the Flores Settlement, Wolozin has toured the Dilley family detention center. Constructed during Barack Obamas second term in response to the high numbers of Central American families who began arriving at the US-Mexico border in 2014, the 2,400-bed Dilley facility is by far the largest family detention center in the country. Ramos and his father are now detained there, according to their lawyer. Many of the people who wind up there, Wolozin said, have pending asylum claims and work authorizations that prove they have complied with existing immigration laws, but were arrested anyway. Many were detained at the border patrol checkpoints that dot the highways within 100 miles (160km) of the US-Mexico border, not knowing that their work authorizations or paperwork showing they had applied for asylum or some other form of relief from removal would no longer keep them from getting detained there. Advertisement Advertisement Liam Ramoss father appears to fit that pattern. His family, Ecuadorian nationals, presented themselves at the US-Mexico border using the CBP One app and then made a claim for asylum, saying they faced persecution in their home country, according to his lawyer, Marc Prokosch. They did everything right when they came in, Prokosch said this week at a press conference. ICE didnt care about the fact that they had those pending claims, and just arrested them. The boys apprehension typifies the new policy of targeting immigrant families, regardless of their pending immigration claims, Wolozin said. Advertisement Advertisement It is as horrible as it looks, Wolozin said. Hes coming home from school and now he can get abducted and detained for who knows how long and sent to somewhere he might not be safe. Its making the United States worse than wherever they came from the first place. Columbia Heights school officials said that ICE officers had also apprehended three other minors, according to Reuters two 17-year-olds and a 10-year-old. 100% designed to hurt kids The modern family detention policy dates to the George W Bush administration, which established two detention centers one in Pennsylvania, the other in Texas to house unauthorized immigrant families together while they awaited deportation. Barack Obama scaled back family detention shortly after taking office, then dramatically increased it after the number of Central American mothers traveling with children began to surge in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement The first Trump administration inherited that capacity and tried unsuccessfully to overturn the provisions of the Flores Settlement in court in order to detain immigrant families until their immigration cases concluded. The first Trump administration also implemented a short-lived and widely repudiated family separation policy of prosecuting unauthorized immigrant parents who crossed into the United States with their children, which routed the parents into jails and their children into shelters run by the office of refugee resettlement. The Biden administration halted family immigrant detention in 2021. Now, Trump and Republicans in Congress are once again attempting to scrap the Flores Settlements restrictions. Last years One Big, Beautiful spending bill directs ICE to hold families until such aliens are removed, which directly contradicts the settlement. The bill quadrupled ICEs immigrant detention budget to $45bn and allowed any portion of that appropriation to be used to detain families. These are just families, Wolozin said. Theyre not dangerous. They are really trying, by and large, to follow the ever-changing rules. This is totally, 100% unnecessary and 100% designed to hurt kids. The Trump administration is weighing new tactics to drive regime change in Cuba, including imposing a total blockade on oil imports to the Caribbean country, three people familiar with the plan said Thursday. That escalation has been sought by some critics of the Cuban government in the administration and backed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to two of the three people, who were granted anonymity to discuss the sensitive discussions. No decision has been made on whether to approve that move, but it could be among the suite of possible actions presented to President Donald Trump to force the end of Cubas communist government, these people added. Preventing shipments of crude oil to the island would be a step-up from Trumps statement last week that the U.S. would halt Cubas imports of oil from Venezuela, which had been its main crude supplier. Advertisement Advertisement But there are ongoing debates within the administration about whether it is even necessary to go that far, according to all three people. The loss of Venezuelan oil shipments and the resale of some of those cargoes that Havana used to obtain foreign currency has already throttled Cubas laggard economy. A total blockade of oil imports into Cuba could then spark a humanitarian crisis, a possibility that has led some in the administration to push back against it. The discussions, however, show the extent to which people inside the Trump administration are considering deposing leaders in Latin America they view as adversaries. Energy is the chokehold to kill the regime, said one person familiar with the plan who was granted anonymity to describe the private discussions. Deposing the countrys communist government in power since the Cuban revolution in 1959 is 100 percent a 2026 event in the administrations eyes, this person added. The effort would be justified under the 1994 LIBERTAD Act, better known as the Helms-Burton Act, this person added. That law codifies the U.S. embargo on Cuban trade and financial transactions. Advertisement Advertisement Cubas embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment. A White House spokesperson did not address a question on whether the administration was considering blocking all oil imports into Cuba. Cuba imports about 60 percent of its oil supply, according to the International Energy Agency. It was heavily dependent on Venezuela for those imports until the Trump administration started seizing sanctioned shipments from that country. Mexico has more recently become the main supplier as Venezuelan crude shipments have dried up. Mexico, however, charges Cuba for imported oil and its shipments are not expected to fully ameliorate Cubas worsening energy shortage. Advertisement Advertisement Since the U.S. operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, the administration has turned its attention on Cuba, arguing that the islands economy is at its weakest point, making it ripe for regime change soon. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, have each voiced their optimism that the islands communist government will fall in short time given the loss of Venezuelas economic support. Toppling the communist regime in Cuba would fulfill a nearly seven-decade political project for Cuban exiles in Miami, who have pushed for democracy on the island since Fidel Castro took power after ousting the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista in 1959. Rubio has long been an advocate for tough measures against Havana in the hopes of securing the fall of the regime. Conditions on the island have indeed worsened, triggering blackouts and shortages of basic goods and food products. But the regime has weathered harsh U.S. sanctions and the sweeping trade embargo for decades and survived the fall of the Soviet Union after the Cold War. Meanwhile, concerns remain that the sudden collapse of the Cuban government would trigger a regional migration crisis and destabilize the Caribbean. Critics of the Cuban government will likely celebrate the proposal if implemented by the White House. Hawkish Republicans had already embraced the idea of completely blocking Cubas access to oil. There should be not a dime, no petroleum. Nothing should ever get to Cuba, said Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) in a brief interview last week. WASHINGTON (AP) The Pentagon released a priority-shifting National Defense Strategy late Friday that chastised U.S. allies to take control of their own security and reasserted the Trump administrations focus on dominance in the Western Hemisphere above a longtime goal of countering China. The 34-page document, the first since 2022, was highly political for a military blueprint, criticizing partners from Europe to Asia for relying on previous U.S. administrations to subsidize their defense. It called for a sharp shift in approach, focus, and tone. That translated to a blunt assessment that allies would take on more of the burden countering nations from Russia to North Korea. For too long, the U.S. Government neglected even rejected putting Americans and their concrete interests first, read the opening sentence. Advertisement Advertisement It capped off a week of animosity between President Donald Trumps administration and traditional allies like Europe, with Trump threatening to impose tariffs on some European partners to press a bid to acquire Greenland before announcing a deal that lowered the temperature. As allies confront what some see as a hostile attitude from the U.S., they will almost certainly be unhappy to see that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths department will provide credible options to guarantee U.S. military and commercial access to key terrain, especially Greenland and the Panama Canal. Following a tiff this week at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the strategy at once urges cooperation with Canada and other neighbors while still issuing a stark warning. We will engage in good faith with our neighbors, from Canada to our partners in Central and South America, but we will ensure that they respect and do their part to defend our shared interests, the document says. And where they do not, we will stand ready to take focused, decisive action that concretely advances U.S. interests. Advertisement Advertisement Much like the White Houses National Security Strategy that preceded it, the defense blueprint reinforces Trumps America First philosophy, which favors nonintervention overseas, questions decades of strategic relationships and prioritizes U.S. interests. The National Defense Strategy last was published in 2022 under then-President Joe Biden and focused on China as Americas pacing challenge. Western Hemisphere The strategy simultaneously courts help from partners in Americas backyard, while warning them that the U.S. will actively and fearlessly defend Americas interests throughout the Western Hemisphere. It specifically points to access to the Panama Canal and Greenland. It comes just days after Trump said he reached a framework of a future deal on Arctic security with NATO leader Mark Rutte that would offer the U.S. total access to Greenland, a territory of NATO ally Denmark. Advertisement Advertisement Danish officials, who spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations, say formal negotiations have yet to begin. Trump previously suggested that the U.S. should potentially consider retaking control of the Panama Canal and accused Panama of ceding influence to China. Asked this week if the U.S. reclaiming the canal was still on the table, Trump demurred. I dont want to tell you that, the president responded. Sort of, I must say, sort of. Thats sort of on the table. The Pentagon also touted the operation that ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month, saying all narco-terrorists should take note. Advertisement Advertisement China and the greater Asia-Pacific region The new policy document views China which the Biden administration saw as a top adversary as a settled force in the Indo-Pacific region that only needs to be deterred from dominating the U.S. or its allies. The goal is not to dominate China; nor is it to strangle or humiliate them, the document says. It later adds, This does not require regime change or some other existential struggle. President Trump seeks a stable peace, fair trade, and respectful relations with China, it says, which follows efforts to climb down from a trade war sparked by the administrations sky-high tariffs. It says it will open a wider range of military-to-military communications with Chinas army. Advertisement Advertisement The strategy, meanwhile, makes no mention of or guarantee to Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own and says it will take by force if necessary. The U.S. is obligated by its own laws to give military support to Taiwan. By contrast, the Biden administrations 2022 strategy said the U.S. would support Taiwans asymmetric self-defense. In another example of offloading regional security to allies, the document says, South Korea is capable of taking primary responsibility for deterring North Korea with critical but more limited U.S. support. Europe While saying that Russia will remain a persistent but manageable threat to NATOs eastern members for the foreseeable future, the defense strategy asserts that NATO allies are much more powerful and so are strongly positioned to take primary responsibility for Europes conventional defense. Advertisement Advertisement It says the Pentagon will play a key role in NATO even as we calibrate U.S. force posture and activities in the European theater to focus on priorities closer to home. The U.S. already has confirmed that it will reduce its troop presence on NATOs borders with Ukraine, with allies expressing concern that the Trump administration might drastically cut their numbers and leave a security vacuum as European countries confront an increasingly aggressive Russia. President Donald Trump appeared to hope that last week would amount to an extended victory lap marking the first anniversary of his return to the White House, starting with a celebratory press conference capped by a demonstration of his global muscle at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Things didnt turn out as planned, either at home or abroad. The milestone of Trumps first year back in power was greeted by polls showing American voters overwhelmingly disapprove of the job hes doing, even on issues like immigration and the economy that were once his strong suits. Advertisement Advertisement Then, things went from bad to worse in Switzerland, where Trump retreated from his insistent demands that Denmark hand over Greenland to the U.S. None of it seemed to rattle the president. I think God is very proud of the job Ive done, Trump said last week at the anniversary press conference. Just 12 months after Trumps return to the White House, though, hes sitting at about a 40% job approval rating according to polling averages. Key demographic groups that fueled his impressive 2024 comeback victory have soured on him, including young voters, men and, crucially, Latinos. Voters, it seemed, were willing to give him another shot (in 2024), G. Elliott Morris, a prominent pollster, wrote on his Strength in Numbers blog. They are no longer willing to give him that chance. Advertisement Advertisement They dont like what theyre seeing with immigration agents carrying out a violent crackdown on the streets of American cities and rising prices that many blame on his tariffs on imported goods. The political consequences of Trumps blind spot could be dire for him and his Republican allies. Trump feels he has the power to control everything: public opinion, the markets, the bureaucracy and media, said Basil Smikle, a Columbia University professor and Democratic strategist. The rank and file become less important to him. Voters are leaning towards handing Democrats control of the House of Representatives in the midterm elections, with numbers in the generic ballot mirroring the #BlueWave of 2018 during Trumps first term. Theres even an outside chance they could win the four GOP Senate seats it would take to grab control of that body. Advertisement Advertisement Political analyst Larry Sabato warned not to count out Trump, who has made a political career out of energizing his base of loyal supporters and overpowering the rest of the political establishment in both parties. American democracy is on thin ice and has a president willing to break the ice whenever he desire, said Sabato, a University of Virginia political scientist. MAGA will hold him above water so he wont even get wet. The anniversary week came as Minneapolis was still reeling from unrest after the killing of unarmed motorist Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, which has led to a further erosion in support for Trumps mass deportation push. As Trump headed to Davos, Switzerland, European allies and many Americans were angry over Trumps territorial claim on Greenland and repeated insistence it needed to become part of the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Things got off to an inauspicious start when Air Force One was turned back by mechanical issues. They got worst when he arrived in the tony city in the Swiss Alps, where a crowd of world leaders and titans of industry awaited. Trump delivered one of his trademark mercurial speeches in which he tripled down on his demand for a takeover of Greenland, which threatened to erode the foundation of the Western military and political alliance. As U.S. Treasury bonds plunged and NATO allies openly rebelled, though, Trump appeared to back away from his own position that American sovereignty over the Arctic island was a nonnegotiable national security requirement. There did not appear to be any immediate concessions from Greenland or Denmark, which controls the island as a semi-autonomous territory. Trump simply said NATO had agreed to an unspecified framework of a future deal. Advertisement Advertisement Then, Trump sought to change the subject to his so-called Board of Peace. Originally billed as a body to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza after the devastating war following the Oct. 7 terror attacks in Israel, its been rebranded as a pro-American global body that could implement catchall solutions to world conflicts. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, among other world leaders, declined Trumps invitation to join the board and instead delivered a powerful speech at Davos where he called on less-powerful nations to chart their own path and to resist geopolitical bullying. On Friday, Trump responded by informing Carney that his invitation had been revoked. In other words: you cant quit, youre fired. Apparently, some things never get old for the reality TV star turned president. Following the fatal shootings during a federal agents' operation in Minneapolis, President Donald Trump has attacked the mayor and the governor of the state of Minnesota. "The Mayor and the Governor are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric!" Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social. Trump also wrote regarding the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): "LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB!" Advertisement Advertisement The governor of the US state of Minnesota in which Minneapolis is located, Tim Walz, urged Trump in a press conference to withdraw Minnesota's forces. "Remove this force from Minnesota, they are sowing chaos and violence." On X, Walz had written earlier: "Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now." "Minnesota has had it. This is sickening," Walz posted. The mayor of the city, Jacob Frey - like Walz, also a Democrat - posted on X: "How many more people need to die or get shot before this ends? President Trump, I am calling on you to put the American people and this American city first & get ICE out." Advertisement Advertisement If the mission's goal is to ensure peace and security, then it is achieving exactly the opposite, Frey said. On Saturday, a man died after being shot by federal agents, according to official reports. Many details of the incident remain unclear. The US Department of Homeland Security stated that the agents were on a mission targeting a foreigner who was allegedly staying illegally in the US when they were approached by a person with a handgun. According to local police, the deceased is likely a US citizen who lived in the city. Already at the beginning of January, a woman was killed in her car in the same city during an operation by ICE agents. President Donald Trump endorsed the Utah Republican Partys effort to repeal the Proposition 4 redistricting law on Friday, urging voters to sign the initiative before the February deadline to put the question on the ballot. The president claimed in a Truth Social post that the GOPs signature-gathering campaign is needed to ensure congressional map-drawing remains accountable, to stop Radical Leftist Judges and to keep KEEP UTAH RED. The Great State of Utah, a place I love and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024, sent four terrific Republicans to Congress, and we want to keep it that way! the post read. MAKE UTAH, AND AMERICA, GREAT AGAIN! Advertisement Advertisement Trumps recognition of the GOP initiative is the culmination of increasing attention from the heights of the MAGA movement as Utah GOP Chair Rob Axson cashes in on national relationships to bring attention to the repeal. GOP get-out-the-vote guru Scott Presler visited the state last weekend to help gather signatures. This was preceded by commitments from Turning Point Action and Donald Trump Jr. to lend their clout and resources to the cause. Trump has pressured Republicans around the country to engage in mid-cycle redistricting ahead of the midterm elections. But Axson has made a point of distinguishing this partisan push from Utahs yearslong redistricting saga. Advertisement Advertisement The president cares deeply about right and wrong, Axson told the Deseret News. Its wrong for the people of Utah to be denied the opportunity to decide for themselves how to proceed, and thats what our Prop 4 repeal effort is. What is Prop 4? Passed narrowly by voters in 2018, Proposition 4 created an appointed commission to recommend new electoral boundaries for U.S. House seats after each census. The maps would need to comply with partisan fairness rules. Rep. Cory Maloy, R-Lehi, holds a packet of potential redistricting maps as SB1012 Congressional Boundaries Designation is discussed in the House chamber during a special session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News The new law quickly became a source of constant contention for the states GOP-led legislature, which was sued in 2022 after lawmakers made Proposition 4 nonenforceable and adopted a map that split up the states Democratic voters. A series of legal rulings determined the Legislature had violated the Utah Constitution by amending an initiative that sought to reform government, and that the map passed by the Legislature in 2021 had violated Proposition 4. Advertisement Advertisement Based on these rulings, 3rd District Judge Dianna Gibson threw out the map, as well as a remedial map approved by the Legislature in October, in favor of one submitted by nonprofit plaintiffs that created a deeply Democratic seat in Salt Lake County. A month before this ruling, Axson announced he would be sponsoring a ballot initiative to repeal Proposition 4 entirely. That efforts is supported by Sen. Mike Lee, Attorney General Derek Brown and former U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop. Republican Party Chair Rob Axson speaks with media after filing paperwork to run a referendum to repeal map C and an initiative to ask the legislature to repeal Proposition 4 at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News Supporters of the initiative have centered their arguments around constitutional concerns over a judge being allowed to make the final determination on electoral boundaries, instead of the peoples elected representatives. But, if it remains in effect, Gibsons order also directly impacts the makeup of Utahs congressional delegation. In addition to likely sending a Democrat to Washington, the map would force four Republicans to battle over three seats. Congressional delegation responds In statements to the Deseret News, 2nd District Rep. Celeste Maloy and 3rd District Rep. Mike Kennedy expressed their appreciation for the GOPs initiative, and shared that they had both given their signatures to support it. Advertisement Advertisement I appreciate President Trumps encouragement to sign the repeal of Prop 4, Maloy said in a statement. I support representative government, and I believe our elected representatives should draw our congressional boundaries and amend laws when necessary. A campaign spokesperson for Kennedy said the congressmans family is actively working to circulate sign-up sheets for the initiative. The former state senator believes map-drawing responsibility belongs to the Legislature, his spokesperson said. He supports placing this issue on the ballot so voters can decide after seeing Proposition 4 in practice, the spokesperson said. Utahns across the state have raised serious concerns about accountability and judicial overreach in the map-drawing process. One of several map options is displayed during a meeting of the Legislative Redistricting Committee held in the East Senate Building of the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News In a post on X, 4th District Rep. Burgess Owens also said he had signed the initiative. Owens encouraged every Utahn who values representative government to also support putting the question before voters in November. Advertisement Advertisement President Trump is spot on, the post said. The alternative is representation dictated by judges and activists. Rep. Blake Moore, who represents Utahs 1st District, said he agrees that a judge doesnt have the constitutional right to choose maps in Utah. At the very least, if the judge didnt believe the Utah Legislature followed the statute, she should have continued to allow for our elected representatives to finalize the map drawing process instead of delaying a ruling until the last 10 minutes before the deadline and choosing a map drawn by plaintiffs unaccountable to voters, he said in a statement to the Deseret News. The Utah Legislature is responsible for drawing the maps, and they must also be able to adjust ballot initiatives to meet constitutional parameters. Whats next? The comment from the president elicited fiery responses from Democrats, and Better Boundaries, the political interest committee that has led advocacy for Proposition 4 for nearly a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Better Boundaries, which received millions of dollars from national special interest groups including Democratic megadonors said Trumps endorsement was a sign the GOPs initiative was stumbling despite outside money. That tells you everything, Better Boundaries executive director Elizabeth Rasmussen said in a statement. If this repeal were popular with Utah voters, it wouldnt need national megaphones and millions of dollars to survive. This was the same tone taken by Utah Democratic Chair Brian King, who called securing Trumps support an act of desperation and a strong-arm tactic by the GOP to intimidate voters instead of facing the truth. Republicans are scrambling because they know how unpopular their gerrymandering scam is, and theyre trying to distract Utahns from the real issue: theyre trying to bully voters into looking the other way, King said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement The initiative campaign to repeal Proposition 4 must submit more than 140,000 verified signatures to county clerks by Feb. 14. As of Friday, the Lieutenant Governors Office had recorded just over 56,000 signers. Utahns for Representative Government, the group funding the campaign, told the Deseret News this mostly represents signatures gathered in November and December because the group has 30 days to turn in a signature packets. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The detention of a 5-year-old Ecuadorian boy with his father outside their home in Minnesota has become the latest lightning rod for Americas divisions on immigration under the Trump administration. Versions offered by government officials and the family's attorney and neighbors offer contradictory versions of whether the parents were given adequate opportunity to leave the child with someone else. Neighbors and school officials say that federal immigration officers used the preschooler as bait by telling him to knock on the door to his house so that his mother would answer. The Department of Homeland Security calls that description of events an abject lie. It says the father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, fled on foot and left the boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, in a running vehicle in their driveway. Advertisement Advertisement The dueling narratives come just two weeks after the deadly shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer that witnesses also viewed as a blatant abuse of power and that the government defended as a legitimate act of self-defense. The father and son are now at family detention facility in Dilley, Texas, near San Antonio. Federal officials say the father was in the U.S. illegally, without offering details. Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff, said he came illegally in December 2024. The familys attorney said he had a pending asylum claim allowing him to stay in the country. Advertisement Advertisement Both can be true. The government may have tried deporting him after determining he entered illegally but he may have exercised a legal right to seek asylum, putting his removal on hold until a judge rules on his claim. An online court summary shows the case was filed on Dec. 17, 2024, and is assigned to the immigration court inside the Dilley detention center. Here's a look at what various officials, lawyers and others are saying about the case: School officials say ICE used the boy as bait Columbia Heights Public Schools Superintendent Zena Stenvik told reporters that the officers instructed the boy to knock on the door to his home to see if other people were inside, essentially using a 5-year-old as bait, she said. Advertisement Advertisement The father told the childs mother, who was inside, not to open the door, Stenvik said. School officials said the agents wouldnt leave Liam with other adults. A photo of the boy wearing a beanie and a Spiderman backpack has circulated widely on social media, sparking strong reactions. Why detain a 5-year-old? the superintendent asked. You cannot tell me that this child is going to be classified as a violent criminal. Other adults at the scene wanted to care for the boy School officials said other adults at the scene offered to care for the boy but were ignored by agents, including a neighbor who said they had papers authorizing her to take care of Liam on behalf of the parents. Advertisement Advertisement Mary Granlund, school board chair for Columbia Heights, said she told agents that she also could take care of him. ICE denies what school officials and neighbors said ICE did NOT target, arrest a child or use a child as bait, said Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. ICE law enforcement officers were the only people primarily concerned with the welfare of this child. McLaughlin said the child was abandoned and officers tried extensively to get the mother to take custody of the child. Officers even assured her she would NOT be taken her into custody. The officers, she said, abided by the fathers wishes to keep the child with him." Advertisement Advertisement Bovino and ICE officials criticize media coverage At a news conference Friday, Border Patrol Commander at Large Greg Bovino criticized what he called the false media narrative about the case. Marcos Charles, acting executive associate director of ICE enforcement and removal operations, faulted the father for abandoning his child in the middle of winter in a vehicle. He told reporters one officer stayed with the child while others arrested the father. He said his officers then got food for the boy, and did everything they could to reunite him with his family. Tragically, when we approached the door of his residence, the people inside refused to take him in and open the door. ... Fortunately, Conejo Arias eventually requested that his child stay with him," Charles said. Advertisement Advertisement And Charles said he didn't know what had become of the child's mother. Where are the father and son now? They're at a family detention center in Dilley, Texas, where families have reported that children are malnourished, ill and suffering from prolonged detention. Conditions there are worse than ever, said Leecia Welch, chief legal counsel at Childrens Rights, who visited the facility last week. The number of children had skyrocketed and significant numbers of children had been detained for over 100 days, Welch said. The administration in December acknowledged that about 400 children had faced extended detention. Advertisement Advertisement Nearly every child we spoke to was sick, Welch said. Bovino pointed out that when U.S. citizens anywhere in the country are arrested and jailed by their local police, they get separated from their children. I challenge any other law enforcement agency anywhere nationwide to show me the fantastic care that ICE and the U.S. Border Patrol provide children, Bovino said. If Liam wasn't with his father, Bovino said, he could have ended up in the custody of social services without a parent instead. Charles said people at the family centers get top-notch care. They have medical care. The food is good. They have learning services. They have church services available. They have recreation. Advertisement Advertisement The familys lawyer was unable to reach them The familys lawyer, Marc Prokosch, said Thursday that he assumed Liam and his father were in a family holding cell but that he did not have direct contact with them. Were looking at our legal options to see if we can free them either through some legal mechanisms or through moral pressure, he said at a news conference Thursday. On Friday, Prokoschs office said he was unavailable to comment. What is the Trump administration's policy on detaining children? The childs immigration status may be a critical factor, and it is unclear if the 5-year-old was legally in the United States. If he wasnt, he may be subject to deportation with one or both parents. Charles, the ICE official, said Friday that the family entered the United States together, suggesting the he was not a U.S.-born citizen. Advertisement Advertisement Trump border czar Tom Homan has repeatedly said parents of U.S.-born children have a choice to take their children with them when deported or leave them with someone else. This is parenting 101. You can decide to take that child with you or you can decide to leave the child with a relative or another spouse, Homan said last year on CBS Face the Nation. The Trump administration last July issued a Detained Parents Directive that if minor children are encountered during ICE enforcement actions, ICE should under no circumstances take custody of children or transport them. The directive includes exemptions for when people could lose their immigration status. The directive says that ICE should allow parents and guardians to make alternate care arrangements for the children before their detention. It does not specify what happens when the parents say that they want their child to stay with them. If a parent is arrested while with their child, the government is not required to arrest the child, regardless of the childs immigration status, said Neha Desai, managing director at Childrens Human Rights and Dignity at the National Center for Youth Law. When ICE detains a parent, its own policy requires them to allow time for arrangements to be made for the childs care. ___ AP reporters Elliot Spagat in San Diego and Gisela Salomon in Miami contributed to this story. London European military veterans, families of the fallen, and politicians have voiced outrage after President Trump claimed the U.S. had "never needed" its NATO allies, and that allied troops had stayed "a little off the front lines" during the 20-year war in Afghanistan. "The only time NATO has ever enacted Article 5 was after the 9-11 terrorist attacks on the United States, and the world rallied to the support of the U.S.," Alistair Carns, the U.K. government's Minister of the Armed Forces and a veteran who served five tours in Afghanistan alongside American troops, said in a video posted Friday on social media. "We shed blood, sweat and tears together, and not everybody came home. These are bonds, I think, forged in fire, protecting U.S. or shared interests, but actually protecting democracy overall." More than 2,200 American troops were killed in Afghanistan, according to the Pentagon. The Reuters news agency says 457 British military personnel, 150 Canadians and 90 French troops died alongside them. Denmark lost 44 troops in Afghanistan in per capita terms, about the same death rate as that of the United States. Hearses carrying the bodies of eight British soldiers killed in Afghanistan pass mourners lining the street in Wootton Bassett, England, on July 14, 2009. Two of the soldiers were just 18 years old when they were killed in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, where British and U.S. forces were involved in a major operation to recapture territory from Taliban militants. / Credit: Matt Cardy/Getty Images "There are two great sayings worth remembering," Carns said in his video responding to Mr. Trump's remarks. "Number one: 'There's only one worse thing than working with allies. That is working without them.' And when you do, always remember: 'Never above, never below, always side-by-side." Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Friday that Mr. Trump, "was wrong to diminish the role of NATO troops" in Afghanistan. Later Friday, Starmer called the remarks "insulting and frankly appalling." "We expect an apology for this statement," Roman Polko, a retired Polish general and former special forces commander who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, told the Reuters news agency. Mr. Trump has "crossed a red line," he said. "We paid with blood for this alliance. We truly sacrificed our own lives." Lucy Aldridge, the mother of the youngest British soldier killed in Afghanistan, told the BBC she was "deeply disgusted" by Mr. Trump's comments. Her son William Aldridge was only 18 years old when he was killed in a 2009 bomb blast, while trying to save fellow troops. The Bredenbury War Memorial, in Herefordshire, England, is seen after the name of Rifleman William Aldridge, who was killed at the age of 18 fighting in Afghanistan in 2009, was added. / Credit: David Jones/PA Images/Getty Images (David Jones/PA Images/Getty) "Families of those who were lost to that conflict live the trauma every day. I'm not just deeply offended, I'm actually deeply disgusted," Aldridge said. "This isn't just misspeaking, he has deeply offended, I can imagine, every NATO member who sent troops to fight in Afghanistan and certainly the families of those who never came home." Advertisement Advertisement The former head of the British Army, Lord Richard Dannatt, called Mr. Trump's comments, "outrageous." "Well frankly, one was dumbfounded, because they're [Mr. Trump's comments] so factually incorrect. Absolutely disrespectful to our nation, to our armed forces and to the families of the 457 British service men and women who lost their lives in Afghanistan," Dannatt told the BBC. "The comments that he made are just totally disrespectful, wrong and outrageous. It does make you wonder whether he is actually fit for the job that he apparently is doing," Dannatt added. "We Europeans must do more, and if there's anything positive that Donald Trump has done in his assorted ramblings over the last year, it's actually to make that point," the former U.K. army chief said. "European governments must really listen up, stand up now and find the cash that's needed to increase our military capability, not because we want to fight a war, but we need to deter further aggression." Advertisement Advertisement CBS News asked the White House on Friday about Mr. Trump's remarks on the role America's NATO allies played in the war in Afghanistan, and the criticism directed at him. Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly replied with the following statement: "President Trump is right America's contributions to NATO dwarf that of other countries, and his success in delivering a five percent spending pledge from NATO allies is helping Europe take greater responsibility for its own defense. The United States is the only NATO partner who can protect Greenland, and the President is advancing NATO interests in doing so." Arkansas mayor on pivoting for ice storm as weather conditions worsen Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro recalls "strange conversation" with Trump after arson attack Jack Smith testifies there's proof that Trump caused what happened on Jan. 6 at the Capitol US President Donald Trump praised British troops Saturday after sustained outrage over comments he made this week downplaying the sacrifices of NATO forces in Afghanistan. The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America! Trump wrote on Truth Social. In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors, he continued. Its a bond too strong to ever be broken. The U.K. Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the U.S.A.!). We love you all, and always will! Advertisement Advertisement The message came after furious reaction to comments the president made minimizing the role NATO forces played in Afghanistan. The presidents remarks rankled US allies in NATO, coming at the end of a week in which he severely strained the alliance through his threats to seize control of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, another NATO member. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince Harry, who served in the conflict, were among those who criticized the comments, with Starmer calling them insulting and frankly appalling. Starmer later raised the issue on a call with Trump on Saturday, in which they discussed the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home, a Downing Street spokesperson said. King Charles also conveyed his concerns to the White House about Trumps comments, the Sun newspaper reported. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the story to CNN, but did not deny it. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen in Chequers, in Buckinghamshire, Britain, on January 22. - Stefan Rousseau/Pool/Reuters After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the US became the first and so far only NATO member to invoke Article 5, which states that an attack against one member is an attack against all. For 20 years, NATO allies and other partner countries fought alongside US troops in Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Weve never needed them, Trump said of NATO in an interview on Thursday with Fox Business. We have never really asked anything of them. You know, theyll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan or this or that. And they did. They stayed a little back, little off the front lines. If I had misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologize, Starmer said Friday. The White House initially shrugged off Starmers criticism and insisted Trump was correct in his sentiments. President Trump is absolutely right the United States of America has done more for NATO than any other country in the alliance has done combined, Taylor Rogers, a White House spokesperson, said when asked to respond to Starmers comments. Advertisement Advertisement Starmer and Trump in their call Saturday discussed the need for bolstered security in the Arctic, Downing Street said, after a tense week of diplomacy regarding Greenland and Trumps announcement of a framework deal in relation to the autonomous territory. The leaders discussed the importance of the UK-US relationship, which continues to stand the test of time, the Downing Street readout concluded. They agreed to speak soon. Trumps social media post Saturday came amid intense backlash over his NATO comments. Prince Harry, a veteran of two front-line tours in Afghanistan, said through his spokesperson that the sacrifices of NATO troops deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect. President Donald Trump aboard Air Force One after leaving the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22. - Evan Vucci/AP Even Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a staunch Trump ally, disavowed his remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Meloni wrote in a post on X on Saturday that the Italian government was surprised by Trumps comments. Statements that minimize the contribution of NATO countries in Afghanistan are unacceptable, especially if they come from an allied Nation, she said. Meloni said that Italy and the US remain bound by a solid friendship. But friendship requires respect, a fundamental condition for continuing to ensure the solidarity at the heart of the Atlantic Alliance, she continued. Danish troops who fought alongside US forces expressed a feeling of betrayal over Trumps remarks on NATO, compounded by the presidents repeated threats to acquire Greenland before walking them back this week. Advertisement Advertisement While Trump praised British troops in his message Saturday, he made no mention of other NATO countries that lost troops over the two-decade conflict. Antonia Mortensen and Max Foster contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Donald Trump has praised UK soldiers who fought in Afghanistan after his claim that allied forces avoided the front lines prompted criticism from veterans and politicians. Earlier this week Trump angered US allies by downplaying the role of Nato troops in the war and doubted whether the military alliance would be there for the US "if we ever needed them". Trump's words drew condemnation from international allies, while Sir Keir Starmer called them "insulting and frankly appalling". Advertisement Advertisement The UK prime minister spoke to Trump on Saturday, after which the US president used his Truth Social platform to praise UK troops as being "among the greatest of all warriors". Trump was criticised for remarks he made during an interview with Fox News on Thursday in which the president said of Nato troops: "We've never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them. "They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan... and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines." That triggered a huge backlash from the families of soldiers who served in Afghanistan, as well as veterans and politicians from across the Westminster and international spectrum who called for Trump to apologise. Advertisement Advertisement Prince Harry said the sacrifices of troops needed to be respected as he pointed out Nato's collective security clause had been invoked once - following the 9/11 attacks. In October 2001 the US invaded Afghanistan to oust the Taliban, whom they said were harbouring Osama Bin Laden and other al-Qaeda figures linked to the 9/11 attacks the previous month. Nato nations contributed troops and military equipment to the US-led war. More than 3,500 coalition soldiers died, about two-thirds of them Americans, as of 2021 when the US withdrew from the country. The UK suffered the second-highest number of military deaths in the conflict behind the US, which suffered 2,461 fatalities. On Saturday, Downing Street said the prime minister and US president spoke about the UK's involvement alongside US and Nato forces in the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson said: "The prime minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home. We must never forget their sacrifice". Shortly after the conversation, Trump posted fresh comments on his Truth Social platform - appearing to step back from his critical comments but stopping short of directly apologising for the words he used in Thursday's interview. He wrote: "The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America. "In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. Advertisement Advertisement "It's a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA). We love you all, and always will!" Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was pleased Trump had acknowledged the UK's role in fighting alongside the US and Nato allies in Afghanistan. "It should never have been questioned in the first place," she said. On Friday, the Duke of Sussex released a statement in which he praised the contributions of Nato troops who were in Afghanistan. "I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there," the prince said. Advertisement Advertisement "In 2001, Nato invoked Article 5 for the first - and only - time in history. It meant that every allied nation was obliged to stand with the United States in Afghanistan, in pursuit of our shared security. Allies answered that call. "Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost. "Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace." Most of the 457 British troops who died serving in Afghanistan over a period of nearly 20 years were killed in Helmand - the scene of the heaviest fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds more suffered injuries and lost limbs - including Cpl Andy Reid who lost both his legs and his right arm after stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan. "Not a day goes by when we're not in some kind of pain, physically or mentally reflecting on that conflict," he told BBC Breakfast on Friday. Reid recalled working with American soldiers, adding: "If they were on the front line and I was stood next to them, clearly we were on the front line as well." Badenoch, Sir Ed Davey and Nigel Farage were among the Westminster leaders to call out the US president for his comments; while outside the UK, ministers from foreign governments also criticised Trump's remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Canada's Minister of National Defence David J McGuinty said Canadian "men and women were on the ground from the beginning, not because we had to, but because it was the right thing to do." American political and military figures have also expressed their anger and frustration over Trump's Nato comments. "I think it's insulting to those who were fighting alongside of us," former national security adviser Herbery Raymond McMaster told the BBC. Trump's new comments on Saturday did not mention any of the other Nato allies who sent troops into Afghanistan. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her government "was astonished" to hear Trump's first statement and added "our nation paid a cost that is beyond dispute: 53 Italian soldiers killed and more than 700 wounded". Advertisement Advertisement She said on X: "For this reason, statements that downplay the contribution of Nato countries in Afghanistan are unacceptable, especially when they come from an allied nation". Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday launched a scathing attack on opposition parties, including the Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), accusing them of turning Uttar Pradesh into a "beemaru" state during their regimes, while asserting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has transformed it into a breakthrough state. Addressing the Uttar Pradesh Statehood Day in Lucknow, Shah highlighted the scale of development achieved under the BJP-led government and said that the state has witnessed unprecedented progress over the past few years. He asserted that development has now reached every village of Uttar Pradesh, reversing decades of stagnation and neglect. "There was a time when Uttar Pradesh was considered a labour source state. Today, it has become the driving force of India's economy. Congress, SP, and BSP had reduced it to a 'beemaru' state. The BJP government transformed it into a breakthrough state, and development has now reached every village," Shah said while addressing the gathering. The Union Home Minister also expressed hope of transforming Uttar Pradesh into a fully developed state by August 15, 2047, when the country would celebrate 100 years of its independence. "On 15 August 2047, when the nation will celebrate 100 years of its independence, Uttar Pradesh will become a fully developed state and will be an integral part of Viksit Bharat. Uttar Pradesh is the heartbeat and also the soul of India. Uttar Pradesh is becoming India's growth engine," he added. During the event, Shah also felicitated astronaut and Indian Air Force Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla with the 'Uttar Pradesh Gaurav' honour in recognition of his contribution to innovation and space exploration. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brijesh Pathak, along with several senior leaders and officials, were present on the occasion. Uttar Pradesh Statehood Day is observed annually on January 24 to commemorate the renaming of the United Provinces as Uttar Pradesh in 1950, two days before the adoption of the Indian Constitution. Since then, the state has played a pivotal role in shaping India's political, cultural and social landscape. Blessed with sacred rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna and Saryu, Uttar Pradesh is home to some of India's most important religious and historical centres. Cities such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Vrindavan, Prayagraj, Sarnath, and Kushinagar attract millions of pilgrims and tourists each year. Varanasi, situated on the banks of the Ganga, is considered one of the world's oldest living cities and is home to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Sarnath holds special significance as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Uttar Pradesh has also contributed to India's industrial growth, with Kanpur emerging as a major industrial hub. In November 2000, the hill state of Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh, further shaping the region's administrative landscape. Leaders across the political spectrum marked the occasion by highlighting Uttar Pradesh's historical legacy and its evolving role in India's development journey. (ANI) A lot of people have been killed in Iran, but there's a difference between a lot and 20,000 - we'll figure that out," Trump said and emphasized: "We have an armada heading their way." US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States "has a lot of ships heading towards Iran," but he "hopes we don't have to use them," as tensions grown in the Middle East towards a possible American attack against the Islamic Regime. With this in mind, a security source told N12 that "no changes were expected in the Homefront Command, if any changes were to be made, the public would know with enough time to prepare." Advertisement Advertisement The IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin insisted in a message sent before the start of Shabbat that "the IDF is ready to answer against any situation." "It is important to emphasize that there is no change in the Home Front Command's instructions. We will make sure to update you if there is a change," Defrin said in a Friday statement. "Continue to listen only to authorized sources and the IDF Spokesperson and do not cooperate with rumors," he added. US President Donald Trump and members of his cabinet in the situation room during US strikes on Iran, June 22, 2025. (credit: WHITE HOUSE) Trump, Iran might be prepared for dialogue Before leaving the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump talked to reporters about a possible attack on Iran. "A lot of people have been killed in Iran, but there's a difference between a lot and 20,000 - we'll figure that out," he said and emphasized: "We have an armada heading their way, they know what we want." Advertisement Advertisement The main American demand seems to be centered on the handling of protests, while the negotiators will likely aim for a total disarmament of Tehran's nuclear and missile programs. In Tehran, the only objective seems to be avoiding the attack, whether by delaying it enough to crash the protests or even negotiating a way to cancel any type of American action. Meanwhile, the regime continues to threaten with a strong response in case of an attack against American assets in the region and Israel. The IDF has been long preparing for this possible scenario, with a commander of the Air Force claiming that the next operation in Iran will be done with "even more strength than the one performed during the 12-day war." President Trump appeared on Saturday to walk back comments he made earlier in the week, suggesting non-U.S. troops in NATO avoided the front lines in Afghanistan, following widespread anger from British political leaders and military families. The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America! In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. Its a bond too strong to ever be broken. The U.K. Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the U.S.A.!). We love you all, and always will! Trump wrote on Truth Social. Trump remarked during an interview at the World Economic Forum on Thursday that the U.S. never needed non-U.S. troops. Advertisement Advertisement You know, theyll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, or this or that, and they did they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines, Trump told Fox Business in Davos, Switzerland. The assertion sparked outrage across the United Kingdom, where leaders spanning the political spectrum, along with former soldiers and parents of fallen military members, slammed Trump for doubting NATOs commitment to its allies and diminishing the role of non-U.S. troops. NATO allies sent troops to Afghanistan after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, supporting the effort for more than 20 years. Roughly 3,500 NATO and partner-nation soldiers died in the conflict, with U.K. forces suffering more than 450 casualties the second most losses behind the U.S. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Trumps remarks as insulting and frankly appalling, while paying tribute to the British personnel who died and were severely injured. Advertisement Advertisement I will never forget their courage, their bravery and the sacrifice they made for their country, Starmer said. I consider President Trumps remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured and, in fact, across the country. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey suggested that Starmer should demand an apology from Trump, calling his comments totally unacceptable. Diane Dernie, the mother of a former paratrooper severely injured in Afghanistan, told BBC News that it was absolutely disgraceful to have her sons experience negated by Trump. Trumps remarks also drew the ire of Danish Ambassador to the U.S. Jesper Mller Srensen, who responded in a post on the social platform X that Denmark answered when the U.S. called for help fighting terrorist groups overseas. Advertisement Advertisement Thousands of Danish troops served in Helmand on the front line. We lost more soldiers per capita than even the United States. That was solidarity. We stood with America then and we still do. I witnessed our brave men & women during my 1.5 years in Afghanistan, Srensen wrote. 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 threatened to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if it goes ahead with a trade deal with China in a Truth Social post on Jan. 24, following a string of insults lobbed at its neighbor during the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland, earlier this week. Referring to the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as Governor Carney drawing on his oft-stated desire to annex Canada and absorb it as the 51st state of the U.S. Trump wrote if Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a Drop Off Port for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken. China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life, he wrote. If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A. Trump has been incensed with Carney ever since his attention-grabbing speech at Davos describing a "rupture" in the world order and making clear that Canada opposed tariffs over Greenland and stood firmly with Denmark on its sovereignty over the arctic island. Advertisement Advertisement We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition, Carney said Jan. 20. Great powers have begun using economic integration as weapons. The question for middle powers, like Canada, is not whether to adapt to this new reality. We must, Carney said. Middle powers must act together, because if were not at the table, were on the menu, Carney said. Trump shot back saying Canada should be grateful" to the U.S. "but theyre not. President Donald Trump and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney meet in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 7, 2025. "Canada gets a lot of freebies from us, by the way, Trump said on Jan 21. Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements." Advertisement Advertisement A day later, Trump announced on Truth Social that he was excluding Carney from his Board of Peace, which Trump established to help rebuild Gaza but has since expanded to target other conflicts. "The Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canadas joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time," Trump wrote on Jan. 22. Matthew Holmes, the chief of Public Policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, in a statement to USA TODAY on Jan. 24, said the Canadian government had made clear that deal with China was about domestic consumers and businesses in Canada and China, "not schemes aimed at other markets." "At the same time, the United States has said it is also pursuing its own new trade engagement with China," said Holmes. "No business can survive forever with one customer. A structured and stable relationship with China or any other country, like our new engagements with Indonesia or the UAE, are not to replace our deeply rooted relationship with the United States." Advertisement Advertisement Canada has not yet reached a trade deal with the U.S. and the 2020 Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement is up for review this year. Three hours after his first Truth Social post, Trump fired off another missive on the China-Canada deal at 11:36 a.m. "The last thing the World needs is to have China take over Canada," he wrote. "Its NOT going to happen, or even come close to happening!" Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House Correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X @SwapnaVenugopal This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs over deal with China WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if America's northern neighbor went ahead with its China trade deal, intensifying a feud with Prime Minister Mark Carney, a rising voice in the West's pushback to Trump's new world order. Trump said in a social media post that if Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a Drop Off Port for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken. It was unclear when Trump might impose the threatened tariff. He said in the post it would happen immediately" if Canada made a deal with China, which Carney did a week earlier, drawing initial praise from the president. Advertisement Advertisement The White House did not offer any additional details. While Trump has waged a trade war over the past year, Canada forged ahead with its own deal to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in return for lower import taxes on Canadian farm products. At the time, Trump said that agreement was what Carney should be doing and its a good thing for him to sign a trade deal. Dominic LeBlanc, Canadas minister responsible for trade with the United States, said Canada and China had resolved several important trade issues but there was no pursuit of a free-trade agreement. Trumps threat came amid an escalating war of words with Carney as the Republican presidents push to acquire Greenland strained the NATO alliance. Trump had commented while in Davos, Switzerland, this week that Canada lives because of the United States. Carney shot back that his nation can be an example that the world does not have to bend toward autocratic tendencies. Canada doesnt live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Trump later revoked his invitation to Carney to join the president's Board of Peace that he is forming to try to resolve global conflicts. Trump's push to acquire Greenland has come after he has repeatedly needled Canada over its sovereignty and suggested it also be absorbed the United States as a 51st state. He posted an altered image on social media this week showing a map of the United States that included Canada, Venezuela, Greenland and Cuba as part of its territory. In his message Saturday, Trump continued his provocations by calling Canada's leader Governor Carney. Trump had used the same nickname for Carney's predecessor, Justin Trudeau, and his first use of it toward Carney was the latest mark of their soured relationship. Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said there was a sense Trump showed more respect for Carney than for Trudeau. Now, after Carneys visit to China and, even more, his widely celebrated Davos speech, which clearly outshined and upset Trump, the gloves are off. Advertisement Advertisement Carney has emerged as a leader of a movement for countries to find ways to link up and counter the U.S. under Trump. Speaking in Davos before Trump, Carney said, Middle powers must act together because if you are not at the table, you are on the menu and he warned about coercion by great powers without mentioning Trumps name. The prime minister received widespread praise and attention for his remarks, upstaging Trump at the World Economic Forum. The prime minister even spoke of a rupture between the U.S. under Trump and its Western allies that would never be repaired. Trump, in his Truth Social post Saturday, also said that China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life. In a later post, the president said: The last thing the World needs is to have China take over Canada. Its NOT going to happen, or even come close to happening! Carney has not yet reached a deal with Trump to reduce some of the tariffs that he has imposed on key sectors of the Canadian economy. But Canada has been protected by the heaviest impact of Trumps tariffs by the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. That trade agreement is up for a review this year. Advertisement Advertisement In the fall, the Canadian province of Ontario aired an anti-tariff ad in the U.S. that prompted Trump to end trade talks with Canada. The television ad used the words of former President Ronald Reagan to criticize U.S. tariffs. Trump pledged to increase tariffs on imports of Canadian goods by an extra 10%. He did not follow through. As for China, Canada had initially mirrored the United States by putting a 100% tariff on electric vehicles from Beijing and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum. China had responded by imposing 100% import taxes on Canadian canola oil and meal and 25% on pork and seafood. But as Trumps pursued pressure tactics, Canadas foreign policy has been less aligned with the U.S., creating an opening for an improved relationship with China. Carney made the tariff announcement earlier this month during a visit to Beijing. Carney has said that Canada's relationship with the U.S. is complex and deep and that Canada and China disagree on issues such as human rights. Advertisement Advertisement LeBlanc, the trade minister, said in a statement that Canada would work to ensure that the future of that relationship benefits workers and businesses on both sides of the border. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US $2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, as are 85% of U.S. electricity imports. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing in for national security. ___ Gillies reported from Toronto. US President Donald Trump has threatened to slap a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if the country strikes a trade deal with China. "If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A.," Trump said on Truth Social. It is unclear what deal Trump is referring to in his social media post. Last week, Canada's Prime Minister Carney announced a "strategic partnership" with China, and agreed to reduce tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Trump called the move "a good thing". But tensions between the US and Canada have grown in recent days, after Carney said in a speech in Davos that the US-led world order had been ruptured. Carney also urged other "middle powers" to band together in the face of economic coercion by "greater powers", though he did not mention Trump by name. Trump responded to the remarks in his own speech the next day, saying: "Canada lives because of the United States." The US president also withdrew an invitation for Canada to join his new Board of Peace. On Saturday, Trump said in his social media post that if Carney "thinks he is going to make Canada a 'Drop Off Port' for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken". Advertisement Advertisement The BBC has contacted the White House and Carney's office for comment. Canada's US trade minister Dominic LeBlanc said in a statement: "There is no pursuit of a free trade deal with China." "What was achieved was resolution on several important tariff issues." LeBlanc said the government was focused on building a stronger Canadian economy and strengthening trade partnerships "throughout the world". Canada has been seeking to diversify trade away from the US, its largest trade partner, following the uncertainty caused by Trump's on-again-off-again tariffs. Under the agreement reached between Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, China will lower levies on Canadian canola oil from 85% to 15% by March, while Canada will tax Chinese EVs at the most-favoured-nation rate, 6.1% down from 100%. Advertisement Advertisement The deal was seen as a breakthrough after years of strained ties and tit-for-tat tariffs, and could see more Chinese investments in Canada. Carney said the progress made with China sets Canada up "well for the new world order". US President Donald Trump is threatening Canada with 100% tariffs to prevent closer economic cooperation between the northern neighbour of the United States and China. If Canada were to sign a deal with China, the country would immediately be subject to a 100% tariff on all Canadian goods imported into the US, Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform on Saturday. "If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a 'Drop Off Port' for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken," Trump wrote in his post. Advertisement Advertisement Carney is the prime minister of a sovereign nation, and governors are the heads of state governments in the US. Trump has said in the past that Canada should become the 51st state of the US, hence his use of the term governor to denigrate Carney's role. Carney recently travelled to Beijing and subsequently announced greater cooperation with China. Both sides agreed on concrete steps in trade. The Canadian government said that Ottawa had withdrawn some of its tariffs on Chinese electric cars. In return, China agreed to remove trade barriers for Canadian agricultural products such as rapeseed. Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100 per cent tariffs on Canada if it goes ahead with its planned trade deal with China. The US president warned that Canada would be eaten alive if Mark Carney, its prime minister, carried through his plans to trade more closely with Beijing. Mr Carney is trying to foster a new global trading order by working more closely with China after Mr Trump upended long-standing trade relationships by imposing sweeping tariffs on goods imported to the US last year. Advertisement Advertisement If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a Drop Off Port for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform. China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life. If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100 per cent Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the USA. Mr Carneys deal with Xi Jinpings China would reduce Canadian import duties on electric vehicles - Adrian Wyld/AP Last week, Mr Carney took his trade diversification push further than his European allies by signing a deal with China. He aims to project Canada as a potential leader in a new global trading order that will reduce the worlds dependence on the US. Advertisement Advertisement The move undermines Mr Trumps quest to reshape global trade by isolating Beijing throughout the Western Hemisphere, which his administration views as its backyard. Ottawas trade deal with Beijing has cut the 100 per cent tariffs on electric vehicles that Canada imposed on China in concert with Washington. Canada will initially allow in up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles at a tariff of 6.1 per cent on most-favoured-nation terms, Mr Carney said. The US president and Canadas prime minister traded barbs at the World Economic Forum in Davos, with Mr Carney urging other middle powers to band together in the face of economic coercion by greater powers. Advertisement Advertisement Soon afterwards, Mr Trump withdrew an invitation for Canada to join his Board of Peace. Forging alliances has taken on new urgency for countries such as Canada as Mr Trumps foreign policy grows more aggressive and unpredictable. Mr Trumps push to wrest sovereignty over Greenland from Denmark, a fellow Nato member, prompted the European Union to weigh hitting back with its own measures. Mr Carney, the former head of the Bank of England, won an election last year promising to create new economic alliances to help Canada survive Mr Trumps tariffs. The European Union is also intensifying its trade diversification efforts, signing a deal with South American trade bloc Mercosur after 25 years of talks. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Mr Trump continues to look to Venezuela as a solution to his domestic economic headache. On Friday, he told the New York Post that the US had taken the oil that was on seized Venezuelan tankers and that it would be processed in American refineries. Lets put it this way they dont have any oil. We take the oil, he said. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. President Donald Trump threatened on Saturday that he would implement 100% tariffs on Canada if it strikes a deal to become a "drop off port" for China. "If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a "drop off port" for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken. China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life," Trump wrote earlier on Truth Social. "If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A.," the president added. Advertisement Advertisement Trump referred to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as a "governor," echoing comments he made while campaigning for a second term about annexing Americas northern neighbor. He previously used the same term when speaking about Carneys predecessor, Justin Trudeau. Us Trade Rep Shrugs Off World Leaders Swipes At Trump Amid Davos Backlash Tensions between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump flared after the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. (Getty Images) In a follow-up post, Trump asserted, "The last thing the World needs is to have China take over Canada. Its NOT going to happen, or even come close to happening! Thank you for your attention to this matter." Read On The Fox News App Carney made his first official visit to China earlier this month as he and Chinese President Xi Jinping work together to forge an improved bond between their countries. Advertisement Advertisement During the Jan. 14-17 visit, the leaders of the two nations reached an agreement that would allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles to enter the Canadian market at a lower tariff rate of 6.1%, Carney's office announced. "At its best, the Canada-China relationship has created massive opportunities for both our peoples. By leveraging our strengths and focusing on trade, energy, agri-food, and areas where we can make huge gains, we are forging a new strategic partnership that builds on the best of our past, reflects the world as it is today, and benefits the people of both our nations," Carney said in the statement. Additionally, by March 1, China is expected to drop its tariff on Canadian canola seed to a combined rate of 15%. Carney's office said that Canada expects that its canola meal, lobsters, crabs and peas will not be subject to relevant anti-discrimination tariffs beginning March 1 "until at least the end of this year." Chinese President Xi Jinping hosts Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for a meeting held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Jan. 16, 2026. Canadian Pm Carney Fires Back At Trump Over Claim That Canada Lives Because Of The United States Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear what deal would trigger a response from Trump in the wake of the ones made during Carney's trip to China. Tensions between Carney and Trump have flared in recent days, as the leaders took swipes at one another at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and at home after the conference. Carney, fresh off his trip to China, delievered a speech that garnered international attention. While he did not mention Trump by name, he made a reference to the U.S., saying that "rules-based order is fading." Many, including the U.S. president, saw this as a jab at Trump. "Every day were reminded that we live in an era of great-power rivalry," Carney said. "That the rules-based order is fading. That the strong can do what they can, and the weak must suffer what they must." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivers a speech at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting held in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 20, 2026. Trump Announces Escalating Tariffs On Denmark And Other European Nations To Force Greenland Purchase Deal Advertisement Advertisement He admitted that there were benefits to U.S. leadership on the world stage but painted the entire concept of a rules-based international order as a falsity that is actively failing. Additionally, in his address, Carney urged middle powers, like Canada, to assert themselves and take the opportunity to "build a new order that embodies our values." "Middle powers must act together because if you are not at the table, you are on the menu," Carney said. When delivering his address on Wednesday, Trump did not shy away from taking aim at Carney. He said that Canada "should be grateful" because the country gets "a lot of freebies" from the U.S., though he did not say what he was referring to. "I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn't so grateful," Trump said. "Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements." Advertisement Advertisement In another apparent swipe at Carney, Trump issued an "open letter" to the Canadian leader on Truth Social revoking Canada's invitation to join the Board of Peace, a U.S.-led council tasked with managing Gaza's post-war future. "Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canadas joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump wrote on Truth Social . The inauguration of the Board of Peace took place after Carney had already departed, according to The Associated Press. Prime Minister Mark Carney delivers remarks in Quebec City, Quebec, on Jan. 22, 2026, following his recent participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Upon his return to Canada, Carney addressed a cabinet retreat and took the opportunity to reject Trump's claim. "Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership in the economy, in security, and in a rich cultural exchange," Carney said on Thursday while speaking in Plains of Abraham, Quebec, during a cabinet retreat. "But Canada doesnt live because of the United States," he said, referencing Trump's remark. "Canada thrives because we are Canadian. We are masters in our own house. This is our country. This is our future. The choice is ours." Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and Carney's office for comment. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Trump warns Canada of 100% tariffs if it becomes China's 'drop off port' with new potential trade deal WASHINGTON President Donald Trump has long admired political strongmen such as Russia's Vladimir Putin, Hungary's Viktor Orban and Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman. Now hes got a new invite-only international Board of Peace thats full of them. "Usually they say, 'he's a horrible dictator-type person, Im a dictator,'" Trump said of himself in a speech Jan. 21 on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. But sometimes you need a dictator." At Davos the next day, Trump held a signing ceremony for new members of the Peace Board, which he initially established to cement a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and then to help rebuild Gaza after it was decimated by the two-year war. President Donald Trump arrives in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF), on January 21, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The annual meeting of political and business leaders comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over a range of issues, including Trump's vow to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. President Donald Trump (C-R) attends a bilateral meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (C-L) alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting on January 21, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The annual meeting of political and business leaders comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over a range of issues, including Trump's vow to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. President Donald Trump applauds after his special address during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on Jan. 21, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from Jan. 19 to Jan. 23, 2026. President Donald Trump gestures as he leaves the congress centre during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. President Donald Trump leaves a plenary session at the Congress Hall, walking past journalists after his speech on the sidelines of the 56th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Jan. 21, 2026. The World Economic Forum is taking place in Davos from Jan. 19 to Jan. 23, 2026. President Donald Trump (R) listens as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting on January 21, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The annual meeting of political and business leaders comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over a range of issues, including Trump's vow to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. President Donald Trump looks on during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. President Donald Trump speaks during a bilateral meeting with NATO's Secretary-General on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. President Donald Trump leaves the congress centre during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. President Donald Trump addresses the media as he leaves the congress centre during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. President Donald Trump looks on as he leaves the congress centre during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. President Donald Trump gives a speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on January 21, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The annual meeting of political and business leaders comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over a range of issues, including Trump's vow to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. President Donald Trump (R) speaks to Apple CEO Tim Cook (L) as he attends a reception for business leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting on January 21, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The annual meeting of political and business leaders comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over a range of issues, including Trump's vow to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. President Donald Trump greets executives during a reception for business leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting on January 21, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The annual meeting of political and business leaders comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over a range of issues, including Trump's vow to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. President Donald Trump speaks during a reception for business leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting on January 21, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The annual meeting of political and business leaders comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over a range of issues, including Trump's vow to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. President Donald Trump appears on a large screen as he addresses the World Economic Forum (WEF) in the Davos Congress Center on January 21, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The annual meeting of political and business leaders comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over a range of issues, including Trump's vow to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. CEO of BlackRock Larry Fink (L) embraces U.S. President Donald Trump during an evening reception with business leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) at the Davos Congress Center on January 21, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The annual meeting of political and business leaders comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over a range of issues, including Trump's vow to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. President Donald Trump takes the stage before delivering a speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) at the Davos Congress Center on January 21, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The annual meeting of political and business leaders comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over a range of issues, including Trump's vow to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. A Blackhawk helicopter, part of the U.S. Marine Corps HMX presidential helicopter squadron, travels between Zurich and Davos on its way to the World Economic Forum on January 21, 2026 near Liechtenstein. The annual meeting of political and business leaders comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over a range of issues, including U.S. President Trump's vow to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. President Donald Trump disembarks Marine One as he arrives in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF), on January 21, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The annual meeting of political and business leaders comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over a range of issues, including Trump's vow to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. Trump mingles with global leaders in Davos for World Economic Forum 1 of 20 President Donald Trump arrives in Davos to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF), on January 21, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The annual meeting of political and business leaders comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Europe over a range of issues, including Trump's vow to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. Putin, Orban and bin Salman have all joined the board or expressed a desire to do so. So have Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu. Advertisement Advertisement All have drawn condemnation from international human rights groups and some international legal organizations. Once this board is completely formed, we can do pretty much whatever we want to do, Trump told the new signatories on Jan. 22, and we'll do it in conjunction with the United Nations. Criticism, but not for its board members The new signatories were mentioned only by title, not by name, as they came in pairs to sit with Trump and sign a document. Each got a handshake and pat on the back from Trump too, and then smiled for a photo. Everyone in this room is a star or you wouldnt be here, Trump told the assembled dignitaries. You're the biggest people, the most important people in the world, most powerful people in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has asked numerous democratically elected leaders to join as part of his initial invitations to as many as 50 countries. Nations that want to become permanent members must pay $1 billion to become charter members. The White House did not respond to requests for comment on whos officially in the group and how much theyve paid. Edgar Vasquez, a State Department spokesman, told USA TODAY that the administration is "working on compiling the list. It includes democratic countries." The bylaws state that Trump will remain chairman of the board in perpetuity, potentially long after he leaves the White House at the end of his constitutionally mandated second and last term in January 2029. The board has been attacked by Trump's critics as serving his personal interests. Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not naive about the corruption and the graft at a scale we've never seen in American history," California Gov. Gavin Newsom told a Davos audience "I'm not naive about folks writing billion-dollar checks to (Steven) Witkoff, to Jared Kushner for this new peace deal they're announcing today." Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, and Witkoff a Trump confidant and his special envoy to the Middle East are among Trump's delegates to the organization. But the group has also garnered headlines for who else Trump has invited to join. More: Trump loves populists and strongmen. Here's who he's invited to the inauguration Advertisement Advertisement Invitations have been extended to U.S. adversaries such as Russia and China. Trump also sent them out to repressive states including Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. "I have some controversial people on it," Trump told CNN, saying Putin has agreed to join. The Russian president has floated using Russian assets frozen in the United States to pay the $1 billion fee for a permanent seat. Who are the 'controversial people' on the board? Putin is among the most controversial, given that he has waged a brutal war against much smaller neighbor Ukraine for nearly four years. Putin's decades-long rule in Russia has included allegedly orchestrating dozens of murders of dissidents like Alexei Navalny, using the country as his personal piggy bank and kidnapping thousands of Ukrainian children. Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said it would be difficult for him to see being "together with Russia in any council," and that "the issue is that Russia is our enemy, and Belarus is their ally." Lukashenko, a staunch ally of Putin, has kept Belarus under rigid authoritarian control since 1994. In an effort to quash opposition, he has overseen human rights violations against the countrys civilian population so severe that some amounted to crimes against humanity, the UN Group of Independent Experts on the Human Rights Situation in Belarus warned in a report last February. The report found that men and women in detention "had been routinely subjected to torture and ill-treatment, including beatings, electric shocks and threats to rape not only detainees but their partners as well." Orban, whom Trump praised for his hardline anti-immigration record, has been accused since taking power in 2010 of systematically dismantling democratic institutions and committing widespread human rights violations. Advertisement Advertisement Bin Salman, known informally as MBS, is Saudi Arabias de facto ruler and has been criticized for having a similar authoritarian leadership style. He was accused by U.S. intelligence agencies of ordering Saudi-American journalist Jamal Khashoggi brutally killed and dismembered in a Saudi embassy in Turkey. "Things happen," was how Trump described Khashoggi's murder during bin Salman's visit to the Oval Office last November. "It's an honor to be your friend," Trump told MBS at the meeting, "and it's an honor that you're here." Israel's Netanyahu is also reportedly on board but like Putin faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes. That may explain why neither of them attended the annual economic summit in the Swiss resort town. Under Erdogan's leadership since 2014, Turkey has an "unconscionably large number of political prisoners, especially ethnic Kurds and Turks adhering to the Gulen movement," Republican Rep. Chris Smith, of New Jersey, said at a human rights hearing last June. What is the Board of Peace? Trump initially floated the Board of Peace as part of a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire plan in September. Advertisement Advertisement In November, the United Nations Security Council backed the plan, giving it international legitimacy and a mandate to oversee the demilitarization and rebuilding of Gaza. But the group's charter has also raised questions about whether it could conflict with the United Nations, stating that it will work to "secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict." Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban and Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto take part in an event held for U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts, alongside the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland, January 22, 2026. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse Asked this week if he wanted his Board of Peace to replace the United Nations, Trump said, "Well it might. The UN just hasn't been very helpful," before adding that, "I believe you've got to let the UN continue because the potential is so great." Few have criticized it publicly. Annalena Baerbock, president of the United Nations General Assembly, told Sky News the United Nations was the only institution with the moral and legal ability to bring together every nation, big or small. Advertisement Advertisement "And if we question that ... we fall back and very, very, dark, times," Baerbock said, adding that it was up to individual states to decide what to do. China, another repressive regime, has confirmed it received an invitation. But it has not yet decided, saying through a spokesman that it wants to "stay firmly committed to safeguarding the international system with the UN at its core." Who else is on the Board of Peace? So far, few high-profile U.S. allies have joined, in part due to Trumps in-your-face, America First approach. French President Emmanuel Macron rejected the offer outright, Politico reported, with his office saying the boards charter goes beyond the framework of Gaza and raises serious questions about undermining the U.N. Advertisement Advertisement Norway and Sweden have also declined. Pope Leo, the first pontiff from the United States and a critic of some of Trump's policies, is evaluating his invitation, the Vatican said Jan. 21. Trump withdrew his invitation to Canada Jan. 22 just days after Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered an address at Davos that indirectly but forcefully criticized Trump for creating a "rupture" with the United States over tariffs and Greenland. "The Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canadas joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time," Trump said in a social media post directed at Carney. Other autocrats on the board Some other high-profile autocrats attended Trump's Board of Peace rollout, including Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the president of Uzbekistan. In office since December 2016, hes consolidated power and extended presidential terms in a country where no legal opposition exists. Others sent representatives to the signing, including Mohammed bin Zayed, the president of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi. His Gulf kingdom is known for securitycentric, authoritarian state rule. Egypts militarybacked president, Abdel Fattah elSisi, wasn't there but a representative confirmed in a Jan. 21 statement that he's agreed to participate and that the country would complete all necessary legal and constitutional procedures to formalize its membership on the board. After leading a military coup in 2013, Sisi has been accused by Amnesty International of aggressively repressing political opponents and keeping tens of thousands of political prisoners, according to Human Rights Watch, which he denies. In his first term, Trump said Sisi "doing a great job." Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was also there, smiling for a photo alongside Trump. Inaugurated in October 2024, Subianto was once banned by the United States from entering for two decades due to his human rights record while in the military. He served as a special forces commander in a unit linked to torture and disappearances, allegations that he vehemently denied while campaigning. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's new Board of Peace includes 'controversial people' like Putin In a Jan. 22, 2026, Truth Social post (screenshot), U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., was "worth over $30 Million Dollars." "There is no way such wealth could have been accumulated, legally, while being paid the salary of a politician," Trump wrote. "She should be investigated for Financial and Political Crimes, and that investigation should start, NOW!" Trump's comments came shortly after the New York Post, a conservative tabloid whose reporting has previously spread unverified and misleading claims examined by Snopes, claimed the House Oversight Committee was conducting a probe into Omar's finances. Advertisement Advertisement Similar rumors about Omar's net worth have circulated online since late 2025, including allegations that her net worth grew from a negative amount to $30 million since she took office in 2019. Similar iterations of these claims circulated on X, Facebook and in conservative tabloids like the New York Post and the Daily Mail, while a Snopes reader contacted us to ask if Omar's "stunning spike in net worth" could be attributed to her "husband's connection to a winery" or if there was more to the story. While these numbers were somewhat based in legitimate documents, this claim requires context. Omar did have a negative net worth in 2019, according to her financial disclosure filing for that year. Furthermore, her 2024 financial disclosure, filed in May 2025, listed millions in assets but those assets represented estimated valuations for businesses run in part by her husband, political consultant and entrepreneur Timothy Mynett, whom she married in 2020. Omar's financial reports did not list a single number for each of her assets and liabilities, instead offering a wide estimated range for each listed monetary item, as is expected from filers. Federal law also did not require members of Congress to disclose certain types of financial assets as of this writing. Advertisement Advertisement Given that we did not have a definitive idea of her exact net worth and the Facebook post did not specify whether it was referencing her individual or household net worth, we have not rated this claim. In an emailed statement, Omar's office called the claim "inaccurate" and a "right-wing smear campaign." "If reporters actually read the financial disclosure, they would clearly see that the income that was received did not exceed $15,000. The value range listed for the assets reflects the full cost assessment of the businesses, in which her husband is one of several partners, and does not reflect her husband's individual share," the statement said. Omar also addressed the allegations in a TikTok video posted on Sept. 3, 2025, in which she pointed out that the income she and her husband actually received was minimal. "Keep wishing millions into existence so I could pay off these student loans," the caption of her TikTok joked. Here's what we know about the representative's finances: Advertisement Advertisement Omar's financial disclosure for 2019, filed on Aug. 13, 2020, showed a single asset: a retirement account, valued at $1,001 to $15,000. She also listed only one liability: student loan debt incurred in October 2005, estimated between $15,001 and $50,000. https://media.snopes.com/2025/09/ilhan_omar_2019_financial_disclosure_report.pdf In her 2024 report, filed on May 14, 2025, Omar listed six assets and two liabilities. Of her assets, she had anywhere from $1,001 to $15,000 in interest coming from her congressional savings account. In addition, she maintained three different retirement investment accounts, with a total estimated value ranging between $17,003 and $80,000. The majority of value from the listed assets came from two businesses run by Mynett, her husband, and were thus labeled as "Partnership Income." Omar's filing valued Mynett's winery, eSt Cru Wines, at about $1 million to $5 million. Mynett's venture capital management company, Rose Lake Capital, was valued between $5 million and $25 million. Mynett co-founded eSt Cru Wines in 2020 alongside longtime business partner William Hailer, who was listed as CEO on the company's initial business license. Rose Lake Capital's website lists three other partners aside from Mynett. Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Omar reported $15,001 to $50,000 in student loan debt and $15,001 to $50,000 in credit card debt. https://media.snopes.com/2025/09/ilhan_omar_2025_financial_disclosure.pdf In other words, based on her financial disclosure forms, Omar estimated her overall household net worth as ranging between approximately $6 million and $30 million but her individual net worth as anywhere between negative $82,000 and positive $65,000. However, this assumes that Mynett owns his businesses outright, rather than in partnership. (Snopes reached the first figure by subtracting her maximum liabilities from her minimum assets; we reached the second figure by subtracting her minimum liabilities from her maximum assets). Aside from what Omar included in her financial disclosures, she also would have received her annual $174,000 salary as a member of Congress, an amount that has not changed since 2009, according to an August 2025 Congressional Research Service report (see "Compensation"). Advertisement Advertisement Snopes has previously fact-checked other rumors about various elected officials' wealth, including a false claim that U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., became a multimillionaire after spending five years in Congress and an unproven assertion that Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's net worth increased from $500,000 to $4.6 million since becoming a senator. Sources: @IlhanMN. " Dummy, First of All I Haven't Been in Congress for 8yrs and My Net Worth Isn't $83 Million Dollars..." X (Formerly Twitter), 10 Feb. 2025, x.com/ilhanmn/status/1889079083335868429?s=12&t=6PIBPChWmiFLIY74AZlQXA. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025. @ilhanmn. "To the Right Wing Media: Try Reading..." Tiktok.com, 3 Sept. 2025, www.tiktok.com/@ilhanmn/video/7545956652680367373. Accessed 4 Sept. 2025. Brudnick, Ida. "Congressional Salaries and Allowances: In Brief." Congress.gov, 28 Aug. 2025, www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL30064. Advertisement Advertisement "Business Search." Ca.gov, bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business. "Methodology - Personal Finances." OpenSecrets, www.opensecrets.org/personal-finances/methodology. Omar, Ilhan. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT. 14 May 2025, disclosures-clerk.house.gov/public_disc/financial-pdfs/2024/10068415.pdf. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025. ---. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE REPORT . 13 Aug. 2020, disclosures-clerk.house.gov/public_disc/financial-pdfs/2019/10036809.pdf. Accessed 2 Sept. 2025. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday targeted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, terming him a "puppet" CM, while highlighting a bomb attack on a police vehicle near the Trichy-Chennai highway. Taking to the social media platform X, Palaniswami said that while CM Stalin was "patting his own back and boasting" in the state assembly, "some mysterious individuals have hurled country-made bombs at a police vehicle near the Perambalur toll plaza on the Trichy-Chennai highway." "In the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly today, while puppet Chief Minister Stalin was patting his own back and boasting away, near the Perambalur toll plaza on the Trichy-Chennai highway, some mysterious individuals have hurled country-made bombs at a police vehicle," EPS wrote on X. https://x.com/EPSTamilNadu/status/2015032577346908338?s=20 According to Palaniswami's X post, the incident occured when the police officials were escorting a "rowdy" known as Vellai Kali from Madurai for interrogation, stating that his name is linked to several criminal cases. Citing media reports, the AIADMK general secretary claimed that four police personnel were injured in the bomb attack and have been admitted to the hospital. "This brutal incident occurred when police were taking a rowdy known as Vellai Kali from Madurai, who is connected to various cases, for interrogation. News reports indicate that 4 police personnel, who had come for the rowdy's protection, sustained serious injuries in this bomb-throwing attack and have been admitted to the hospital," Palaniswami wrote. The former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister criticised the current Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, asserting that law and order had become a "laughingstock," alleging that criminals operate without fear of either the police or the state administration. "It seems that those engaging in criminal acts have absolutely no fear of either the police or this government. In a situation where law and order is being made a laughingstock, one wonders who Chief Minister Stalin--who's been spinning the wheel of governance somehow or the other--will try to blame for this incident. I strongly condemn Chief Minister MK Stalin for not allowing the police to act independently," EPS wrote on X. (ANI) Britains wind farm turbines wasted enough energy to power all of Londons homes last year, new figures show. A record 10 terawatt hours (TWh) of wind power went to waste in 2025, according to a report from energy analyst Montel costing billpayers a total of 1.4bn in curtailment costs. This was up 22pc on the year before, as growing strain on the grid prevented wind power from being transported to the cities and towns that need it most. Advertisement Advertisement This results in so-called curtailment costs, which are paid to wind farms when they are asked to switch off. At the same time, grid operators must call on gas plants to step in and keep the lights on with replacement power, often at great expense. Analysts said that wind farms in Scotland were largely to blame. Montels report said: The amount of renewable electricity curtailed in Great Britain in 2025 (10TWh) could have met the combined electricity demand of every domestic household in London for the entire year. Northern Scotland has seen the most curtailment by far. Over 8.8TWh of wind power in northern Scotland was switched off, enough to also power all Scottish domestic electricity demand for the year. Advertisement Advertisement The cost of curtailment has been growing as Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, rolls out more renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. As well as paying wind developers, Montel said solar farms are also being asked to switch off because of bottlenecks. Montel said: Solar curtailment costs rose over the year to total over 252,000. While this is substantially lower than the corresponding figures for wind, it represents a rise from the negligible costs associated with solar curtailment in 2024. To combat curtailment, regulator Ofgem has approved plans for the UKs three transmission operators National Grid, Scottish Power and SSE to spend up to 90bn on new lines and substations. Advertisement Advertisement However, these will take at least five years to build, with constraint payments set to continue rising. Octopus Energy has warned that such payments could see 8bn added to bills by 2030. Claire Coutinho, the shadow energy secretary, has blamed Mr Milibands planned expansion of renewables for the recent uptick in costs. The Energy Secretary has approved large numbers of new wind and solar projects as part of his plan to decarbonise the grid by 2030. She said: We are paying more than ever before to pay wind farms to switch off when the wind blows. Costs are set to triple by 2030 as he approves more wind farms than ever before. He cares far more about his own Clean Power 2030 target than looking after consumers. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for SSE said: The UK has built renewables where the resources are strongest, and now we need to upgrade the grid to eliminate bottlenecks so we can harness more of that energy, more of the time. The National Energy System Operator said it was working to keep energy costs down but stressed that grid expansion was crucial. A spokesman said: Without the crucial expansion of the electricity network by those who own it, and industry working together to deliver the changes needed, there is a risk that curtailment costs will continue to rise. 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. ANKARA, Turkey (AP) Turkey is celebrating the latest developments in Syria, where the new government has effectively defeated a major Kurdish-led force with an abrupt offensive. Ankara has long viewed armed groups led by Kurds an ethnic minority with large populations in eastern Turkey, Iraq and northern Syria as a threat as Turkey as fought to quell the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, whose decadeslong insurgency claimed tens of thousands of lives. Coming just a few months after the Kurdish militant group in Turkey agreed to lay down its arms, the collapse of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces is a major step toward Ankaras regional goals. Advertisement Advertisement Kurdish group was swept aside by Syria's new government In just two weeks, Syrias Kurdishled Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF once the main partner of the United States against the militant Islamic State group in Syria lost most of its territory in northern Syria to an offensive launched by Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The SDF was then forced to accept a deal under which it would dissolve and merge tens of thousands of its fighters with Syrian governments military as individuals rather than in a bloc, after the failure of months-long negotiations on the integration of its troops into the new Syrian army. The SDF was established a decade ago with U.S. support as a coalition to fight IS. Its backbone was made up of a Syrian Kurdish armed group affiliated with the PKK. Advertisement Advertisement Al-Sharaa took power after the ouster of the President Bashar Assad's government in December 2024, and has been consolidating authority while dealing with challenges from the remnants of pro-Assad groups as well as some former opposition groups that want to maintain autonomy from Damascus. In particular, minority religious and ethnic groups have viewed the new, Sunni Arab-led government with suspicion. Turkey has been a key backer of alSharaa, providing political and military support to strengthen his government. Washington declined to intervene on behalf of SDF, shifting its support to al-Sharaa's nascent government and focusing on brokering a ceasefire. Turkey played a behind-the-scenes role in the offensive Advertisement Advertisement SDF's loss in Syria of "influence and territorial hold is certainly a very favorable outcome for Turkey, said Sinan Ulgen, director of the Istanbul-based EDAM research center. The extension of the capabilities of the new Syrian government is also another favorable outcome. Ulgen cautioned, however, that the Syrian governments recent gains could prove temporary if al-Sharaa fails to stabilize the northeast of the country. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended congratulations to the Syrian government in remarks to his ruling partys legislators on Wednesday. From the very beginning, Turkey has strongly defended the existence of a single Syrian state, he said. We have repeatedly declared that we will not consent to any separatist structure along our southern borders that poses a threat to our countrys security." Advertisement Advertisement Turkey not only benefited from the developments but played a supportive role, advising the Syrian government during operations that led to the withdrawal of SDF forces from the city of Aleppo, Turkish security officials said. Turkeys intelligence agency remained in contact with the Syrian administration to prevent harm to civilians and the safe evacuation of SDF members and their families from lost territory, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Turkey also kept in touch with the United States, the international coalition against the Islamic State group, and other regional countries during the offensive, they said. Obeida Ghadban, a strategic researcher at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Turkey did not play a direct role in negotiations with the SDF but that the Syrian government kept Ankara informed, both directly and through Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and envoy to Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Kurdish group's decline relieves some Turkey-US tensions Also key to the Syrian government's success was the willingness of the U.S. to see a former ally the SDF dismantled. Experts say the SDF counted on Washington's support when it rejected an earlier deal proposed by al-Sharaa. Erdogan's warm personal ties with Donald Trump likely helped win the U.S. president over, Ulgen said. But he added that the shift in U.S. policy was based on the White Houses assessment that its interlocutor in Syria should be the new government and not a non-state entity, referring to the SDF. Israel refrains from intervening Advertisement Advertisement The development also came despite tensions between Turkey and Israel over Syria. Some SDF representatives openly called for Israeli intervention during the recent clashes, citing Israels past support for the Druze community during violence in Syria's southern Sweida province. But Israel also chose to stand aside. Ulgen said a key turning point was a recent meeting between Syrian and Israeli officials in Paris, during which Syria effectively recognized Israels zone of influence along its southern border. Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, an expert on Turkey at the German Marshall Fund, also said Syria and Israel reached a tacit agreement on the SDF during the meeting in Paris but added that U.S. support for the Syrian government played a key role. Advertisement Advertisement Boost to Turkey's peace effort with the PKK Turkish officials now hope that the integration of the SDF into Syrian government structures will help advance Ankara's latest peace initiative aimed at ending Turkey's own conflict with the PKK. In May, the PKK announced that it would disarm and disband as part of reconciliation effort, following a call by its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan. Last summer, the PKK staged a symbolic disarmament ceremony in northern Iraq, where it has safe havens, and later announced that it was withdrawing its remaining fighters from Turkey to Iraq. The SDF, however, rejected pressure to follow suit, insisting that Ocalans call applied only to the PKK. Advertisement Advertisement Now that handicap has been eliminated Ulgen said. He, however, cautioned that Ankara must still address potential frustrations among its own Kurdish population, should tensions arise in Syria. On Tuesday, Turkeys pro-Kurdish party, warned that any violence against Kurds in Syria would undermine peace efforts in Turkey. At a time when we are talking about internal peace and calm, can there really be peace if Kurds are being massacred in Syria and the feelings of Kurds in Turkey are ignored? said the party's co-chair, Tulay Hatimogullari. ___ Associated Press writers Abby Sewell in Beirut and Omar Albam in Raqqa, Syria, contributed to this report. Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM party on Saturday called for the blockade on the Kurdish-majority city of Kobane in northern Syria to be lifted immediately, warning of a "humanitarian tragedy". The situation in Kobane had escalated from a crisis into a "deadly catastrophe", DEM said after sending a delegation to visit northeastern Syria which over the past week has been targeted by a major Syrian military offensive. The Kurdish-held city, which is also known as Ain al-Arab, is surrounded by the Turkish border to its north and government forces on all sides. Advertisement Advertisement It lies around 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the Kurds' stronghold in Syria's far northeast. "Both the military and humanitarian siege on Kobane must be lifted as soon as possible," said DEM co-chair Tulay Hatimogullari. Kurdish forces have withdrawn from areas near Kobane over the past week following pressure from the Syrian military as President Ahmed al-Sharaa seeks to extend his control across the country. As the military offensive advanced, residents of surrounding villages flooded into Kobane, where they were now stranded, Hatimogullari said. "When we went, the snow was knee-deep... Electricity has been cut off, the internet is cut off, water is cut off. This is a great humanitarian tragedy," she told a news conference. Advertisement Advertisement With Kobane's access to fuel and heating cut off, DEM said four children had frozen to death on Saturday as a result of extreme cold and a lack of shelter. Pharmacies were empty and there was a severe shortage of flour, food and medicine, with hunger widespread, it said. "Guarantor countries... must urgently carry out their responsibilities to lift the siege on northern and eastern Syria," she said. She was referring to the US and western allies who for years have thrown their support behind the Kurdish-dominated SDF forces that have been forced out of the area. - Another protest banned - Advertisement Advertisement Damascus is now demanding the SDF disband, and Washington has indicated its historical alliance with the force has served its purpose. Kobane is highly significant for the Kurds as it was overrun by Islamic State (IS) jihadists in 2014 but the city was liberated in January 2015 by US-backed SDF forces. Although SDF went on to spearhead the fight that forced IS out of Syria in 2019, Turkey has long viewed the force as linked to the Kurdish militant PKK and a major threat along its southern border. It has thrown its weight behind Damascus's current military offensive, prompting fury from DEM and Turkey's Kurdish community who have staged a number of protests against the offensive. Advertisement Advertisement In Istanbul, scuffles broke out during the afternoon as riot police sought to prevent around 300 people from protesting, firing riot balls and pepper spray to disperse them, an AFP correspondent said. A DEM lawmaker was injured and taken to hospital, local media said, and police could be seen making arrests but it was not clear how many. Earlier on Saturday Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed the ongoing Syrian offensive against the SDF. "Terrorist organisations are being pushed out of those regions by the Syrian army.. All these sources of trouble for our country are being resolved," he said. "When this separatist terrorist organisation is tackled once and for all in northern Syria, the whole region will benefit from it." vid-hmw/rlp "I hope they find a different path, but the reality is that Israel, in particular, is looking for an opportunity to strike Iran," Fidan said in a televised interview on Friday. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said there were signs that Israel was still seeking an opportunity to attack Iran, warning such a move could further destabilize the region. "I hope they find a different path, but the reality is that Israel, in particular, is looking for an opportunity to strike Iran," Fidan said in a televised interview on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Turkey made news earlier this week when it recently deployed an advanced radar system at Damascus International Airport in a move that could limit Israels freedom of action in Syrian airspace. Over the past year, Israel has operated freely in Syrian airspace, using it to reach targets in other countries, such as Iran. HTRS-100 air traffic control radar system, produced by the Turkish defense company ASELSAN. (credit: Turkish media via Amichai Stein) Rising Israeli-Turkish tensions Recently, tensions between Israel and Turkey have escalated. Yeni Safak, a Turkish outlet with a pro-President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spin, published a headline declaring Israel is Turkeys number one enemy a day after a trilateral meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the leaders of Greece and Cyprus. During that meeting, Netanyahu stated, To those who fantasize about restoring their empires, its not going to happen, in an apparent reference to Erdogan. Turtle doves are being pushed closer to the brink of extinction in England by invasive deer eating their hedgerow habitats. Muntjac deer, which stand 20 inches tall and are originally from Asia, have been blamed for fuelling the collapse in numbers of the bird, which have existed in England for centuries. Natural England warned in a recent report that an explosion in the deer population, which also includes a rise in the number of non-native fallow deer as well as Muntjac, had contributed to a crisis for rare bird habitats. Advertisement Advertisement Turtle doves are Britains fastest-declining bird species, with the population falling 99pc since the 1960s from around 125,000 pairs to just over 2,000 pairs. The migratory species rely on dense, thorny scrub such as blackthorn and hawthorn to nest. However, this habitat is being destroyed by deer, which eat saplings and stop woodland and scrub naturally regenerating. Mark Nowers, who runs the RSPBs Operation Turtle Dove, which seeks to stop the species becoming extinct, said hungry deer were a major problem. He said: When we do advisory visits to farms to help them improve conditions for turtle doves, we look to find out if the farms or land holdings have any scrub, we look at its condition, and see if its good. Advertisement Advertisement If there are deer impacts in the area, we talk to the farmers about deer management. Muntjac deer weigh up to 18kg and eat up to 8pc of their body weight a day. Mr Nowers said: Muntjac browse off fresh regrowth inhibiting natural regeneration, which is the key issue. A 2009 report by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology put the Muntjac population at 150,000 but experts believe it has grown since then. Michael Ankar, of the Norfolk Deer Initiative, said: Nobody knows how many muntjac there are. There are a lot more than any figures quoted, and theres no reliable survey figures available. A Muntjac deer can eat up to 8pc of its own body weight - Martyn Large It is of paramount importance to protect scrub habitat for the turtle doves by reducing their numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Richard Negus, who is employed by farmers to restore hedges in areas where there are turtle doves, said overpopulation of deer was disastrous for farmland bird species, including the endangered turtle dove. He added: It is not hyperbole to state that deer are as much to blame for Britains habitat loss crisis as the growing curse of house building in rural areas. The turtle dove is an integral part of British folklore and is often used as a symbol of love because it mates for life. The term turtle dove is cockney rhyming slang for love and the species features in William Shakespeares poem, The Phnix and the Turtle. The species is also famously referenced in the English Christmas carol The Twelve Days of Christmas, thought to originate during the Georgian period. Advertisement Advertisement Muntjac deer were imported into Britain by Herbrand Russell, the 11th Duke of Bedford, during the late Victorian period for his private collection. However, the deer escaped and started multiplying. The 11th Duke also helped to introduce grey squirrels, which have devastated the red squirrel population by aggressively driving them out of woodland. As well as turtle doves, ravenous non-native deer also pose a threat to other rare birds, including nightingales and willow warblers, which also rely on hedgerows and scrubby habitat. David Simmonds MP, a member of the Conservative Environment Network, called for more people to eat deer meat to help address the problem. Advertisement Advertisement He said: Part of the reason for growing deer numbers is that people dont see venison as a viable choice for dinner. The Government should amend its procurement policies so venison is served in schools and prisons. Herbicides that kill weeds are also posing problems for turtle doves, which eat weed seeds. The species is hunted in places like Morocco when they migrate to Africa in the autumn, which contributes to their endangered status. 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. After a wave of city employee departures, Stockton City Hall saw another leadership change this week, as two deputy city managers left and one was hired. Chad Reed and Christy Courtney "are not currently employed by the city of Stockton," city spokesperson Tony Mannor said in an email to The Record on Thursday, Jan. 22. He did not respond to questions about when they left or why. Deputy city managers oversee city departments and budgets and play a central role in day-to-day city operations, serving as key advisers to the city manager. Stockton City Manager Johnny Ford attends the city councils first meeting of 2026 at City Hall on Jan. 13, 2026. Under the city charter, the city manager has the authority to appoint all officers and employees of the city. The city manager may also suspend without pay, demote, discharge, remove or discipline any officer or employee appointed by the city manager when deemed necessary for the good of the service. Advertisement Advertisement Reed and Courtney are the first known departures from the city managers office since City Manager Johnny Ford took office in November. Since then, Ford has announced several other personnel changes, including the appointment of Gilbert Garcia as chief financial officer, Audree V. Jones-Taylor as interim director of community services and Peni Basalusalu as public works director. Employee departures Over the past year, Stockton has experienced a wave of employee departures, including top officials. Most recently, City Attorney Lori Asuncion announced her resignation on Tuesday, Jan. 13, after three councilmembers requested that her potential discipline, dismissal or release be placed on the closed session agenda. Reed began his career with the city in 2017 as a fleet operations manager, according to his LinkedIn profile. He became deputy director of public works in 2021 and director of public works in 2024. In 2025, he was promoted to deputy city manager and simultaneously served as public works director and acting chief financial officer while the city recruited for those roles. Advertisement Advertisement Courtney began her career with the city in 2017 as a program specialist, according to Transparent California. She was promoted to program manager in 2018, assistant city manager in 2020, and deputy city manager in 2021. Last year, the Stockton City Council's audit committee launched an investigation into diversity, equity and inclusion funds after reports that DEI money was used for a consultant contract awarded to Lathrop City Manager Stephen Salvatore by former Interim City Manager Steve Colangelo. Reed and Courtney were among 10 city officials subpoenaed and later testified as part of the inquiry. New deputy city manager The city announced the appointment of Christine Tien as a deputy city manager on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Mannor did not answer when asked whether there are plans to recruit another deputy city manager to fill the current vacancy. Tiens appointment as deputy city manager marks her return to Stockton. She previously held the same post and was community relations officer from 2001 to 2009, overseeing multiple departments and leading citywide initiatives in sustainability, neighborhood revitalization, workforce development and public safety. During that time, she also acted as interim community development director, budget officer and parks and recreation director, city officials said. Advertisement Advertisement "I am honored to return to the city of Stockton and to serve the community once again," Tien said. "Stockton is a city with tremendous resilience and potential, and I look forward to working alongside the city manager, council, employees and community partners to deliver meaningful and lasting results for residents." Tien previously worked at The California Endowment, where she served as a senior program manager overseeing initiatives in health equity, housing stability, environmental sustainability and economic opportunity. In that role, she directed the award of more than $110 million in grants, building partnerships and connecting government agencies, nonprofits and community organizations across California, city officials said. Tien holds a bachelors degree in industrial engineering and operations research from the University of California, Berkeley, a masters degree in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School and a law degree from the University of Arizona, according to her LinkedIn profile. "Christine brings a rare combination of strategic vision, operational excellence and deep community experience," Ford said. "Her leadership will be instrumental as Stockton continues to advance priority initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods, promote equity and improve quality of life for our residents." Advertisement Advertisement Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow. This article originally appeared on The Record: Stockton deputy city managers depart as leadership changes continue The U.S. military on Friday carried out a lethal strike on an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, U.S. Southern Command announced. The attack marked the first known U.S. strike in the region since the military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro earlier this month. The Friday strike killed two people and left one survivor, the military said. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations, the military wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement The military directed the U.S. Coast Guard to activate search and rescue protocols for the survivor. The U.S. on Friday blew up an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific, reviving its Latin American airstrike campaign following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro (U.S. Southern Command) Video of the strike shows aerial footage of a low motorboat exploding with what appears to be a person standing on its bow. Fridays attack brings the estimated death toll of the Trump administrations air strike campaign in the region to 125 people. Earlier this week, the military seized what it said was a sanctioned, Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the Caribbean, its seventh such operation since the campaign began last fall. The operation has attracted controversy throughout, with critics accusing the U.S. of violating international law and using military force against non-combatants. The administration also faced scrutiny for a September double-tap strike in which an initial survivor was killed. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration defends the strikes and insists the U.S. is in a legally sanctioned armed conflict with criminal groups it alleges are narco-terrorists. The U.S. has claimed a variety of rationales for its Latin American military campaign against Nicolas Maduro (pictured) and drug groups, from combatting cartels to punishing Venezuela for nationalizating U.S.-linked oil interests (@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social) Both houses of Congress have attempted to check President Trumps Venezuela campaign, after the Maduro raid was conducted without prior legislative approval. A Senate resolution to block further strikes within Venezuela failed earlier this month, and a tied House vote this week failed to advance a similar war powers resolution. In addition to air strikes and boat seizures, the military deployed a secret sonic weapon during the special forces raid that captured Maduro, President Trump said this week. The Trump administration also said this week it is facilitating talks with oil companies to revitalize Venezuelas degraded oil infrastructure. Critics accuse the U.S. military of breaking international law by targeting non-combatants, but the Trump administration insists it is in a legally recognized armed conflict with drug cartels (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) President Trump accused the country of stealing U.S. oil assets as part of the countrys long-term nationalization process, which began in the 1970s. He has said that after the Maduro capture, the U.S. will indefinitely control Venezuelan oil sales. By Maha El Dahan, Timour Azhari and Humeyra Pamuk DUBAI/WASHINGTON, Jan 23 - Washington has threatened senior Iraqi politicians with sanctions targeting the Iraqi state - including potentially its critical oil revenues - should armed groups backed by Iran be included in the next government, four sources told Reuters. The warning is the starkest example yet of U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign to curb Iran-linked groups' influence in Iraq, which has long walked a tightrope between its two closest allies, Washington and Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. warning was delivered repeatedly over the past two months by the U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Baghdad, Joshua Harris, in conversations with Iraqi officials and influential Shi'ite leaders, according to three Iraqi officials and one source familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters for this story. The message was delivered to some heads of Iran-linked groups via intermediaries, they said. Harris and the embassy did not respond to requests for comment. The sources requested anonymity to discuss private discussions. Since taking office a year ago, Trump has acted to weaken the Iranian government, including via its neighbour Iraq. Iran views Iraq as vital for keeping its economy afloat amidst sanctions and long used Baghdads banking system to skirt the restrictions, U.S. and Iraqi officials have said. Successive U.S. administrations have sought to choke that dollar stream, placing sanctions on more than a dozen Iraqi banks in recent years in an effort to do so. Advertisement Advertisement But Washington has never curtailed the flow of dollars from the oil revenues of Iraq, a top OPEC producer, sent via the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to the Central Bank of Iraq. The U.S. has had de facto control over Iraq's oil revenue since it invaded the country in 2003. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's office, the Central Bank of Iraq and Iran's mission at the United Nations did not respond to requests for comment. "The United States supports Iraqi sovereignty, and the sovereignty of every country in the region. That leaves absolutely no role for Iran-backed militias that pursue malign interests, cause sectarian division, and spread terrorism across the region," a U.S. State Department spokesperson told Reuters, in response to a request for comment. The spokesperson did not answer Reuters questions about the sanction threats. Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who bombed Iran's nuclear facilities in June, threatened to again intervene militarily in the country during protests last week. NO ARMED GROUPS IN NEW GOVERNMENT Among the senior politicians to whom Harris' message was passed were Prime Minister Sudani, Shiite politicians Ammar Hakim and Hadi Al Ameri, and Kurdish leader Masrour Barzani, three of the sources said. The conversations with Harris started after Iraq held elections in November in which Sudani's political bloc won the single-largest bloc of seats but in which Iran-backed militias also made gains, the sources said. Advertisement Advertisement The message centered on 58 members of parliament views by the U.S. views as linked to Iran, all the sources said. "The American line was basically that they would suspend engagement with the new government should any of those 58 MPs be represented in cabinet," one of the Iraqi officials said. The formation of a new cabinet could still be months away due to wrangling to build a majority. When asked to elaborate "they said it meant they wouldn't deal with that government and would suspend dollar transfers," the official said. The U.S. has had de facto control over oil revenue dollars from Iraq, a top OPEC producer, since it invaded the country in 2003. Advertisement Advertisement Iran has long supported an array of armed factions in Iraq. In recent years, several have entered the political arena, standing for election and winning seats as they seek a slice of Iraqs oil wealth. Renad Mansour, director of the Iraq Initiative at London's Chatham House think tank, said armed groups were increasingly benefiting from positions in Iraqs massive bureaucracy and so took the threat of cutting dollar flows seriously. The U.S. has significant leverage, he said. The threat of the loss of access to U.S. dollars, which is how Iraqs economy functions through the sale of oil, has made it very concerning. WASHINGTON OPPOSES FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER Advertisement Advertisement One of the people Washington objects to is Adnan Faihan, a member of the powerful, Iran-backed political and armed group Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH), who was elected first deputy speaker of parliament in late December, the Iraqi official and the source with knowledge of the matter said. They said the U.S. opposed Faihan's appointment to the post. In a sign the pressure campaign was working, AAH leader Qais al-Khazali communicated a willingness to the Americans to remove Faihan as deputy speaker, the Iraqi official said. Faihan currently remains in his position. The AAH media office and Faihan did not immediately respond to a request for comment and neither did Faihan. Advertisement Advertisement In the last government, AAH held the education ministry, and Iraqi officials say it is seeking to participate in the next government too. AAH was a key group in a sophisticated oil smuggling network generating at least a $1 billion a year for Iran and its proxies in Iraq, sources previously told Reuters. Khazali was sanctioned by Washington in 2019 for AAH's alleged role in serious human rights abuses, related to the killing of protesters in Iraq that year and other violence, including a 2007 attack that killed five U.S. soldiers. At the time, he dismissed the sanctions as unserious. DOLLAR CONTROL Advertisement Advertisement Iraq holds the bulk of proceeds from its oil export sales at a Central Bank of Iraq account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Though it is a sovereign account of the Iraqi state, the arrangement gives the U.S. practical control over a critical choke point of Iraqi state revenues, making Baghdad reliant on Washington's goodwill. "U.S. efforts to achieve stability in the region are focused on ensuring states retain their sovereignty and can achieve security through mutual economic prosperity," the State Department spokesperson said in their reply to Reuters questions. The move to pressure Baghdad with a possible suspension of dollars takes place as the U.S. begins marketing Venezuelan oil, which followed the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in Caracas by U.S. forces and his transfer to New York to be put on trial in relation to drug charges. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of Energy has said all proceeds from Venezuelan oil sales would be initially settled in U.S.-controlled accounts at globally recognized banks. (Reporting by Maha El Dahan, Timour Azhari and Humeyra Pamuk; Additional reporting by Ahmed Rasheed; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel) Prince Harry and British Prime Minister Kier Starmer on Friday slammed President Donald Trump's comments after he claimed troops from NATO allies were "a little off the front lines" during fighting in Afghanistan. Harry, a British Army captain deployed to Afghanistan twice in 2008 and 2012, said in a statement that when NATO invoked Article 5 for the first and only time in its history to assist U.S. troops in Afghanistan -- America's allies "answered that call." "I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there. The United Kingdom alone had 457 service personnel killed," he said. John Stillwell/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Britain's Prince Harry shows off his flight helmet as he makes his early morning pre-flight checks at the British controlled flight-line at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, December 12, 2012. "Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost," he said. Advertisement Advertisement EU leaders talk coordination over Greenland as Trump readies for Davos "Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace," Harry added. His comments came after Trump repeated claims downplaying the help NATO allies provided in military operations against the Taliban following the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the U.S. In an interview with Fox News on Thursday in Davos, Switzerland -- amid this week's tensions with NATO over his efforts to acquire Greenland -- Trump said, "We never needed them." Advertisement Advertisement "We have never really asked anything of them," he said. John Stillwell/WPA Pool via Getty Images - PHOTO: Prince Harry sits in the front seat of the cockpit of an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion, October 31, 2012 in Afghanistan. "They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines," Trump added. In response to a request for comment on the reactions from world leaders, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers provided a statement reading: "President Trump is absolutely right the United States of America has done more for NATO than any other country in the alliance has done combined." More than 3,500 NATO troops died in Afghanistan, according to icasualties.org, a website that tracked combat deaths by country. The majority of those -- nearly 2,500 -- were U.S. troops with thousands more wounded. Advertisement Advertisement But while Americans took the heaviest hit, other countries suffered similar losses in terms of per capita. Britain, whose population is about one-fifth the size of the U.S., says it lost more than 457 troops in the conflict while Denmark, whose population is 2% of the U.S., said 44 of its soldiers were killed. Leon Neal/Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announce an agreement between the two countries as they hold a press conference conference at Chequers at the conclusion of a state visit, September 18, 2025 in Aylesbury, England. Starmer told reporters Friday that Trump's remarks were "insulting and frankly, appalling." "I'm not surprised they've caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured. And in fact, across the country," the British leader said. Taliban leaders respond to Prince Harry's reported claim in 'Spare' he killed 25 fighters in Afghanistan Advertisement Advertisement Starmer paid tribute to the British personnel killed and wounded. "I will never forget their courage, their bravery and the sacrifice that they made for their country," he said. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk also blasted Trump's comments in a post on X on Friday. The country lost 44 soldiers during the operations, according to Poland's Ministry of National Defence. John Moore/Getty Images - PHOTO: British Marines take cover while blasting a whole in a wall during an anti-Taliban operation near Kajaki in the Afghan province of Helmand, March 18, 2007. "On December 22, 2011, in Ghazni, Afghanistan, I took part in the farewell ceremony for the five fallen Polish soldiers. The American officers who accompanied me then, told me that America would never forget the Polish heroes. Perhaps they will remind President Trump of that fact," Tusk said. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has in recent weeks repeated his claim that NATO countries wouldn't come to defense of the U.S., despite the fact that Denmark, in particular, fought alongside the U.S. after the 9/11 attacks. Leon Neal/Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announce an agreement between the two countries as they hold a press conference conference at Chequers at the conclusion of a state visit, September 18, 2025 in Aylesbury, England. "The big fear I have with NATO is we spend tremendous amounts of money with NATO, and I know we'll come to their rescue, but I just really do question whether or not they'll come to ours," Trump said on Wednesday during his address at the World Economic Forum. -ABC News' Zoe Magee, Karen Travers, Justin Fishel and Tierra Cunningham contributed to this report. By Max Hunder Jan 24 (Reuters) - Russia launched another vast attack on Ukraine's energy system, rocking Kyiv with explosions overnight and into Saturday morning, leaving 1.2 million properties without power countrywide during sub-zero winter cold. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said more than 3,200 buildings in the capital remained without heating in the late evening, down from 6,000 in the morning. Night-time temperatures were hovering around -10 degrees Celsius (14 F). Advertisement Advertisement More than 160 emergency crews were operating in the capital to restore heating, he said. Crews were also at work in other affected areas, mainly in western and southern Ukraine. Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, writing on Telegram after the daily meeting of officials devoted to energy, said more than 800,000 Kyiv households were still without power as were a further 400,000 in Chernihiv region, north of the capital. "As for power, constant enemy attacks unfortunately keep the situation from being stabilised," he wrote. Many residents' apartments were already freezing cold from disruption to Kyiv's centralised heat distribution system following previous attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Moscow carried out the strikes as trilateral, U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine continued into a second day in the United Arab Emirates, later adjourning with no sign of compromise. More talks were due to take place next weekend. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said Russia targeted the capital and four regions in the country's north and east. "We are quickly restoring damaged power generation facilities, increasing imports as much as possible, and introducing new alternative capacity," she said. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said one person was killed in the capital city and four were injured, three of them requiring hospitalisation, while over 30 people including a child were injured in Ukraine's second city, Kharkiv. Advertisement Advertisement Klitschko visited Kyiv's worst-affected district, the northeastern suburb of Troyeshchyna, where 600 buildings were without power, water and heat. He said vulnerable residents were being given hot food and medicine, and that the city was rolling out extra, heated shelters which would be operating around the clock in the area. Kyiv recently loosened its wartime military curfew to allow people in freezing apartments to go to heated tents or public buildings at night. Russia, which has pummelled Ukraine's power grid since November 2022, nine months into its full-scale invasion, is conducting its heaviest bombardment campaign on energy facilities this winter. People across Ukraine have been left with only a few hours of electricity a day, some without heat or water. Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's air force said Russia had unleashed 375 drones and 21 missiles, including two of its rarely deployed Tsirkon ballistic missiles, in its overnight attack. The sky over Kyiv was lit up by regular orange flashes as air defences fired on missiles and drones descending on the capital. Loud booms echoed around the city's tall buildings. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv's military administration, reported strikes in at least four districts. A medical facility was among the buildings damaged. Before Saturday, Kyiv had already endured two mass overnight attacks since the New Year that have knocked out power and heating to hundreds of residential buildings. Advertisement Advertisement Emergency workers were still engaged in restoring services to residents that had been knocked out by those attacks, and Klitschko said many of the buildings that had lost heating on Saturday had only recently had it restored. In Kharkiv, a frequent target 30 km (18 miles) from the Russian border and much closer to eastern battlefronts, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said 25 drones had hit several districts. Writing on Telegram, Terekhov said the drones had struck a dormitory for displaced people and two medical facilities, including a maternity hospital. (Reporting by Max Hunder and Ron Popeski; editing by Chris Reese, Tom Hogue, Mark Heinrich and David Gregorio) Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the capacity augmentation works of Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Saturday, an official press release said. The event was held in the presence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, senior State and Central Government officials, and representatives of the concessionaire. The inauguration marked the commencement of construction for Phases II, III, and IV of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, which are being implemented under a fast-tracked, integrated development programme. The expansion aims to substantially augment India's container transhipment capacity and strengthen the country's maritime infrastructure ecosystem. Vizhinjam International Seaport commenced commercial operations of Phase I on 3 December 2024 with a designed capacity of 1 million TEUs. Within a short period of operation, the port has demonstrated strong performance, handling over 1.43 million TEUs and operating at more than 130 per cent capacity utilisation. The port has established direct connectivity with major global shipping routes across Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Far East, reinforcing its role as a key national transhipment terminal, the release stated. Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Sonowal said, "The rapid operationalisation and expansion of Vizhinjam International Seaport reflects India's focused approach towards building world-class port infrastructure. He stated that the capacity augmentation will play a critical role in reducing India's dependence on foreign transhipment hubs, improving logistics efficiency, and supporting the growth of India's external trade." Under the capacity augmentation programme, the existing container berth will be extended to create a continuous 2-kilometre-long container berth, the longest in India. The breakwater will be extended to 3.88 kilometres, and additional container yards will be developed through sea reclamation. The port's cargo-handling capacity will be strengthened through the addition of ship-to-shore and yard cranes, enabling the handling of next-generation container vessels up to 28,000 TEUs. On completion, the port will be capable of handling up to five mother vessels simultaneously, with an operational throughput capacity of up to 5.7 million TEUs per annum. The capacity augmentation works are being undertaken pursuant to a Supplementary Concession Agreement signed in November 2024 between the Government of Kerala and Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited, advancing the project timeline by nearly 17 years, with completion targeted by December 2028. The total investment envisaged for the Vizhinjam International Seaport project is approximately Rs 16,000 crore, including about Rs 7,398 crore for the expansion phases. The Union Minister further noted that the development of Vizhinjam International Seaport is aligned with the national objectives under Maritime Vision 2030 and the Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, and will contribute to the creation of a resilient, efficient and globally competitive maritime sector. Speaking on the occasion, CM Pinarayi Vijayan said, "Vizhinjam is currently serving mainly Indian Container Ports as a Transhipment port. With the completion of Phase 2 development, Vizhinjam will become the transhipment hub of the whole world, including continents of Asia, Europe, America and Africa." With the commencement of the capacity augmentation works, Vizhinjam International Seaport is set to progress towards becoming a regional transhipment hub, strengthening India's position in global maritime trade and supporting long-term economic growth. (ANI) The University of Tennessee at Knoxville hasn't canceled classes in anticipation of a winter storm blowing into town this weekend, but campus leaders are keeping students up to date and sharing guidance in advance of dangerously cold weather. Faculty members are preparing to teach virtual classes if the winter storm's effects carry over into next week. UT asked students and employees to move their cars from the top floor of parking garages and surface lots before the storm, and the university asked noncommuter students to move vehicles inside of parking garages. "The forecast continues to evolve," UT's Vice Chancellor for Student Life Frank Cuevas and Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Paul Byrnes wrote to students. "As of this morning, the National Weather Service has low confidence around the location of precipitation types (snow, sleet, freezing rain, rain) and how those types will mix, which will affect accumulations." Advertisement Advertisement Here's what will remain open and what will close on campus: Residence halls will remain open for students living on campus, and front desk staff members and Resident Assistants will be ready to help The Tennessee Recreation Center for Students facilities will be open but only from noon to 5 p.m. this weekend, and UT will update hours at recsports.utk.edu Rocky Top Dining Hall, Stokely Dining Hall, P.O.D. markets in residence halls, Cumberland Food Hall on the Strip and Chick-fil-A on the Strip will be open this weekend The Student Union will be closed except for the food court, Starbucks, VolBooks and VolSnacks operating on limited business hours UT will share announcements closing or delaying classes through the UT Alert system and on social media. The decision to close or delay will come down to Chancellor Donde Plowman, according to UT's inclement weather policy. UT typically doesn't close campus unless the weather conditions are severe. Advertisement Advertisement Decisions are made on a "workday-by-workday basis," according to the policy, which defines inclement weather as snow or ice that make campus and roads hazardous. Plowman may decide to delay classes, dismiss early or fully close the university. The strict weather policy harkens back to the 1960s when UT President Andy Holt promised to hold classes even during a blizzard. UT has closed for snow before including a delay to the start of the spring 2024 semester. You can read all about the origins of the policy here. Keenan Thomas is the higher education reporter for Knox News. Email: keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com. Advertisement Advertisement Support strong local journalism by subscribing to subscribe.knoxnews.com. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: University of Tennessee preps for winter storm and student safety More than 200 million Americans are expected to face an unusually brutal winter storm starting Friday, with heavy snows and freezing rains forecast. The storm is expected to sweep through much of the United States, leaving "extremely dangerous" conditions in its wake as it tracks eastwards from the High Plains and Rockies, the National Weather Service (NWS) said. It warned that the Arctic blast will bring sub-zero temperatures and wind chills, which "pose a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite to exposed skin". Advertisement Advertisement US transportation officials, including airport authorities in several major cities, have warned of weekend travel disruption, delays and cancellations. What is the storm's predicted path? The winter storm is forecast to move slowly across the US, blanketing cities including Memphis, Nashville, Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York with snow. Heavy snow is predicted through the Southern Rockies and Plains, into the Mid-Atlantic and reaching the Northeast. According to the NWS Probabilistic Precipitation Portal, the regions that could see more than a foot of snow stretch from Colorado to West Virginia to Boston. Parts of northeast New Jersey and southeast New York, including New York City, could see between 10 and 14 inches of snow starting early on Sunday and lasting through Monday, the NWS predicts. And windchills as low as -10F (-23C) are expected for the same region from Friday evening to Saturday afternoon, the service says. Advertisement Advertisement Most of southern New England, including Boston, can expect between 12 and 17 inches of snow and wind gusts up to 30mph from Sunday into Monday, NWS says. Wind chill temperatures there could reach -15F (-26C) Friday into Saturday. Numerous low temperature records are likely to be broken, according to the NWS, with the coldest wind chills potentially falling below -50F (-46C) across the Northern Plains. A much wider area of the south-eastern US is also forecast to experience freezing temperatures. Parts of North Texas were already seeing sleet and ice on Friday night. How are states preparing for the storm? Governors in several US states, including Arkansas, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, have declared states of emergency, allowing emergency officials - including National Guard troops - to begin mobilising response efforts. Advertisement Advertisement In a press conference on Friday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the state has over 1,600 snow plows and 114,000 tonnes of salt on hand for the storm, which she said will leave no corner of the state "immune from feeling the effect of Mother Nature's wrath". Hochul urged residents to work from home, stock up on groceries and essentials ahead of time and be careful when shoveling snow, which can increase the risk of a heart attack. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Friday the city will be deploying thousands of sanitation workers this weekend, 700 salt spreaders and 2,200 snow plows once two inches of snow have accumulated. While subways and buses will be operational this weekend, he urged New Yorkers to stay home if they can. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Thursday there's "no expectation whatsoever" that the state's power grid will fail, as it did during a major storm in 2021 which led to hundreds of deaths in the state. The disruption from heavy snowfall could cause widespread power outages and travel disruption [AFP via Getty Images] There may be some local power outages due to falling ice and snow, he said, but stressed that this would be different from a large-scale grid failure. Advertisement Advertisement "The local power providers have never been more prepared for any winter storm ever," Abbott said. In total, 16 states were under a state of emergency on Friday ahead of the storm. Some airlines have offered passengers the option to change their flights, in some cases without incurring extra fees, due to concerns about cancellations. More than 3,200 flights within, into or out of the US have already been cancelled for Saturday, as well as over 4,800 for Sunday, according to flight tracker FlightAware. Motorists should avoid driving across the weekend, with travel expected to be "nearly impossible during the peak of the storm", NWS meteorologists Rich Otto and Tony Fracasso told the BBC's US news partner CBS. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile in Canada, freezing temperatures are already gripping the country, with snowfall expected in eastern and Atlantic regions on Monday, meteorologist Geoff Coulson told CBC earlier in the week. Even after the storm passes through the US this weekend, a strong arctic air mass originating in Canada will keep temperatures frigid in the eastern US into next week, according to the NWS Weather Prediction Center. How is the storm impacting you? Click here or use the form below. CAIRO (AP) Top U.S. envoys met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, urging his government to move into the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and Middle East adviser, according to the prime minister's office, which did not give details. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe the talks, told reporters the envoys had been working closely with Netanyahu on recovering the remains of the last hostage in Gaza, and on the next steps for demilitarizing the territory. The U.S. is anxious to keep the Trump-brokered deal moving, but Netanyahu faces pressure to wait until Hamas returns the hostage's remains. Advertisement Advertisement The biggest signal of the second phase would be the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Ali Shaath, the head of a future technocratic government in Gaza that is expected to run day-to-day affairs, said Thursday the border crossing will open in both directions this coming week. There was no confirmation from Israel, which said it would consider the matter this week. The crossing's Gaza side is currently under Israeli military control. The family of Ran Gvili, whose body is still in Gaza, urged more pressure on Hamas. President Trump himself stated this week in Davos that Hamas knows exactly where our son is being held," the family said Saturday. Hamas is deceiving the international community and refusing to return our son, the last remaining hostage, in what constitutes a clear violation of the agreement it signed. Hamas said Wednesday it has provided all information it has on Gvilis remains to ceasefire mediators, and accused Israel of obstructing search efforts in areas it controls in Gaza. The ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10. Egypt pushes for Rafah crossing to open Advertisement Advertisement Egypts top diplomat pressed for an immediate opening of the Rafah crossing with the director of Trumps new Board of Peace in Gaza, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said Saturday, including the ability of Palestinians to enter and exit the territory. Foreign Minister Bader Abdelatty spoke by phone with Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza, the ministry said in a statement. They discussed the implementation of the ceasefire's second phase, including the deployment of an international monitoring force, the opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the strip, the statement said. The Egyptian minister said implementing the second phase is a key entry point to launch Gazas reconstruction. The statement didnt say when the crossing will open for travelers and the evacuation of sick and wounded. Israel is expected to discuss opening the Rafah crossing during Sunday's Cabinet meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Hamas in a statement Saturday said a delegation met in Istanbul with the head of Turkey's National Intelligence Organization about the ceasefire's second phase and the fulfillment of the requirements of the first phase. 2 teens killed in Gaza while searching for firewood Also on Saturday, an Israeli strike killed two Palestinian teens in Gaza, according to hospital authorities. The boys, cousins aged 13 and 15, were searching for firewood, according to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, which received the bodies. The boys were killed in the area that Israel's military has said is safe for Palestinians, about 500 meters (yards) from the Yellow Line, which separates the Israeli-controlled areas in eastern Gaza from the rest of the strip, said a relative, Arafat al-Zawara. Advertisement Advertisement Israel's military said it had targeted several militants who crossed the Yellow Line and planted explosives, threatening troops. It denied that those killed were children. Since the ceasefire, more than 480 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts. Israel disputes its figures but has not provided its own. ___ Shurafa reported from Deir Al-Balah, Gaza Strip, and Lidman reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Sally About AlJoud in Beirut and Michelle Price in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war ___ This story has been corrected to show the spelling of the boys name is Mohammad. Incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn is celebrating a round of key endorsements in his 2026 reelection bid. Cornyn, R-Texas, is currently embroiled in a primary battle with Attorney General Ken Paxton and state Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Houston. But the incumbent's campaign gained steam this week after garnering over 60 endorsements from prominent West Texas Republicans. West Texas is built by hardworking people who value freedom, faith and opportunity, and Im proud to have the support and friendship of so many leaders and families from this incredible region, Cornyn said in a news release. Throughout my time in the Senate, Ive worked hand-in-hand with President (Donald) Trump to unleash American energy, stand up for our oil and gas producers, and ensure our farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to thrive." U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) speaks at a roundtable discussion with officials from the City of El Paso, local non-profits, law enforcement officials, businesses and other stakeholders at the Emergency Migrant Operations Facility located in the recently shuttered Bassett Middle School in El Paso, Texas, on Monday, Jan 9, 2023. Some of the key endorsements came from former U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, state Reps. Drew Darby and Carl Tepper, Odessa Mayor Calvin Hendrick, former Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope and former state Rep. Four Price. Advertisement Advertisement "Ill always fight to secure reliable water resources and protect the West Texas way of life that helps power Texas and America forward, Cornyn said. More: Cornyn says Big Beautiful Bill reshapes El Pasos economy. Here's how Talarico picks up LGBTQ+ group endorsement While Cornyn engages in his own battles, state Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, are in a battle in the Democratic primary. With his campaign already on a high after recent polling showed him leading Crockett, Talarico also picked up a key endorsement from the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, the oldest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the South. State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, speaks during a campaign stop at El Paso's Firefighters Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. Talarico is vying to unseat U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX, in the November 2026 General Election. The Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus is proud to endorse State Representative James Talarico for U.S. Senate," said Austin Davis Ruiz, outgoing president of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, in a news release. "He is a fierce ally to the LGBTQ+ community that will advocate for all marginalized communities in Washington and ensure our rights are protected, not rolled back. He is the fighter we need in Washington to stand up for our freedoms and deliver for all Texans." Advertisement Advertisement For his part, Talarico, who has consistently earned an A+ pro-equality voting record, vowed to continue protecting marginalized voices is hoisted to the U.S. Senate. More: Crockett poll shows 13point lead over Talarico in US Senate primary My faith teaches me that every human being is made in the image of the sacred and that includes all members of the LGBTQ+ community," Talarico said in the release. "In the U.S. Senate, I will fight to protect equality at every turn. Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: US Senate Texas 2026: Talarico surges with new nod, Cornyn banks endorsements By Emily Rose and Nidal al-Mughrabi JERUSALEM, Jan 24 (Reuters) - U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were in Israel on Saturday to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, mainly to discuss Gaza, two people briefed on the matter said, as local authorities reported further violence in the enclave. The U.S. on Thursday announced plans for a "New Gaza" rebuilt from scratch, to include residential towers, data centres and seaside resorts. Advertisement Advertisement The project forms part of President Donald Trump's push to advance an October ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas that has been shaken by repeated violations. LOCAL AUTHORITIES REPORT MORE DEATHS The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said on Saturday that Israeli fire had killed three people, including two children, in two separate incidents in the northern Gaza Strip. A statement from the Israeli military said that its troops operating in the northern Gaza Strip identified several militants "who crossed the Yellow Line, planted an explosive device in the area, and approached the troops, posing an immediate threat to them." Advertisement Advertisement Under the ceasefire accord, Israeli troops were to retreat to a yellow line marked on military maps that runs nearly the full length of Gaza. A source in the Israeli military told Reuters that the military was aware of only one incident on Saturday and that those involved were not children. Since the beginning of the war, the death toll in Gaza now stands at 71,654 people, with 481 deaths since the October ceasefire, according to the Health Ministry data. A spokesperson for the Israeli prime minister's office confirmed that the meeting was planned but did not provide further details. Gaza has been reduced to rubble in the war that was triggered by an attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023 that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, Washington announced that the plan had now moved into the second phase, under which Israel is expected to withdraw troops further from Gaza, and Hamas is due to yield control of the territory's administration. (Reporting by Emily Rose in Jerusalem, Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo and Steve Holland in Washington; Editing by Jan Harvey and Sharon Singleton) A US warship on Saturday made a port call at a Cambodian naval base for the first time since Chinese renovations that have raised concerns in Washington, AFP journalists saw. The United States has said Ream Naval Base, off Cambodia's southern coast, could give China a key strategic position in the Gulf of Thailand near the disputed South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost in its entirety. The littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS-20) docked Saturday morning at one of the base's piers 150 metres (yards) away from a pair of Chinese warships. Advertisement Advertisement "It is our privilege and our honour to be here as the first US naval vessel to moor pierside at Ream Naval Base, and we hope this is the beginning of a longstanding tradition and friendship," Andrew J. Recame, the ship's commanding officer, told reporters. Cambodian leaders have repeatedly denied that the base is for use by any single foreign power, following US media reports in 2022 saying the new facilities at Ream -- originally built partly with US funds -- would be exclusively for the Chinese navy. Ream base said in a statement that the five-day US visit would "promote cooperation between the two countries", and that it showed Cambodia's "commitment in implementing an open policy, transparent and cooperation with international partners". Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and a delegation from China's People's Liberation Army inaugurated the base in April last year. Advertisement Advertisement Hun Manet denied the new and improved facility would be for Beijing's "exclusive" use, saying ships from other countries would be allowed to dock. Two weeks after its inauguration, two Japanese warships were the first vessels to dock at the base. Beijing has since 2022 been contributing to a revamp of the Ream Naval Base, which was originally built partly using US funds. Western concerns about the base go back as far as 2019, when The Wall Street Journal reported on a secret draft deal allowing China to dock warships there. In late 2023, Chinese warships first docked at the 363-metre (1,190-foot) pier, on Cambodia's sole coastline in the south of the country between Thailand and Vietnam. Advertisement Advertisement A US warship docked in the commercial Sihanoukville port in 2024 in the first American military port call in Cambodia in eight years. On Saturday morning, AFP journalists saw two Chinese warships still docked at the base. Cambodia has long been one of China's staunchest allies in Southeast Asia, and Beijing has extended its influence over Phnom Penh in recent years. Under former leader Hun Sen -- Prime Minister Hun Manet's father -- China poured billions of dollars into infrastructure investments, while Washington's relationship with Phnom Penh has deteriorated in recent years. suy-sjc/mtp REAM NAVAL BASE, Cambodia (AP) The USS Cincinnati arrived at Cambodias Ream Naval Base on Saturday, marking the first time a U.S. Navy warship has docked at the facility since its Chinese-funded renovation was completed early last year. The completion of a new pier and dry dock at Ream has fueled concerns in Washington that China Cambodias close ally and main provider of aid and investment may have been granted exclusive access to the base. Controversy has persisted since 2019 over reports of a potential 30-year agreement for Chinese military use of the site on the Gulf of Thailand. Although Beijing funded the bases expansion, the Cambodian government has denied any agreement for exclusive Chinese privileges. Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Hun Manet, who oversaw the bases reopening in April 2025, has maintained that Ream is open to all friendly nations for joint exercises, provided the ships are not too large for the facility. The Cincinnati is an Independence-class littoral combat ship, meaning it is designed to to operate close to shore and can operate in shallower waters than other warships. Its crew of about 100 is scheduled to engage in sporting events and other activities in the nearby city of Sihanoukville during its Jan. 24-28 visit. At this location our government has worked very hard to build this port so that all foreign vessels that wish to dock in Cambodia can do so, In Sokhemra, the deputy commander of the base, told reporters gathered shipside. We have succeeded in this effort, and we are open from this moment forward for all to enter,' the deputy commander said. "Whether it is American ships, Australian, Japanese or any other ships that wish to dock in Cambodia, this port is ready for you. Advertisement Advertisement A Cambodian Navy statement on Saturday said that from 2003 through 2026, some 37 U.S. warships had made visits to Cambodian facilities. In December 2024, the USS Savannah called at Sihanoukville's civilian port on a five-day visit, but that was the first in eight years by a U.S. military vessel due to a cooling of relations. The statement said the Cincinnatis port call is an opportunity for the navy of the two countries to cooperate in a future especially related to the human resource training, and others. The U.S. Navy in a press release Saturday said Cincinnatis visit to Cambodia reaffirms a shared commitment to regional security, peace and prosperity. The Navy said the crew, while in port, will conduct ship tours and meet with key leaders. Advertisement Advertisement We are always excited to work alongside our partners and continue to build a free and open Indo-Pacific for all nations, said Capt. Matt Scarlett. The ships visit coincides with a scheduled meeting between the head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel Paparo, and Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha. The United States and Cambodia began to make an effort to restore warmer relations between their militaries with the 2024 visit of then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who met with Hun Manet to discuss bilateral cooperation in regional security.. Both man were graduates of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The Savannah's port call was a follow-up to Austin's visit. The video of the murder of Renee Nicole Good is being called a Rorschach test. But there really isnt any disagreement about what we see. The argument is what the meaning is. The feds say Jonathan Ross was following his training and was justified in shooting Good. What they are really saying is that this is how it is going to be from now on. The Department of Homeland Security is releasing video now that they think shows she deserved to be shot. She was being noisy and disruptive. She didnt obey. This is how its going to be from now on unless we demand that all this un-American junk that President Donald Trump is doing stops. And it is plain stupid to think that if Trump gets away with it, some liberals wont abuse the same powers that Trump has abused. Advertisement Advertisement Finally, this is not going to go away. There is going to be accountability. These ICE people will be identified and prosecuted for the crimes they are committing by future administrations. Robert Maloney, Milwaukee Letters: Wisconsin needs leadership grounded in law, not outrage Tearing communities apart is not the American way The residents of Minnesota were living amicably before ICE agents entered their state. None of this chaos was caused by migrants legal or illegal. They were neighbors within communities, working, raising families and simply going about the business of living life. ICE swarmed though neighborhoods demanding those who lived there submit to interrogations, traffic stops and mayhem, disrupting their daily life and routines. These people by and large have done nothing wrong yet are being subjected to Gestapo police tactics. They resent being victimized and being made victims for doing nothing wrong. Advertisement Advertisement It is not the American way to send a federal police force to run roughshod over the rights of masses of innocent people, seeking to disappear whomever might be in this country improperly. Legal or illegal, these people are not causing the current upheaval for which President Donald Trump is threatening to send in military personnel. This country must find a way for those who are here improperly but contributing to our well-being to remain. Tear gas and flash grenades used against Americas people cannot be the solution of choice. Tearing communities apart is not the answer, nor is it the American way. Remove ICE and use the peace that ensues to brainstorm a more effective solution to the immigration issues we face. Jerry Hanson, Elkhorn Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Ag secretary food tips comical distraction from high prices Tips for getting your letter to the editor published Here are some tips to get your views shared with your friends, family, neighbors and across our state: Please include your name, street address and daytime phone. Generally, we limit letters to 200 words. Cite sources of where you found information or the article that prompted your letter. Be civil and constructive, especially when criticizing. Avoid ad hominem attacks, take issue with a position, not a person. We cannot acknowledge receipt of submissions. We don't publish poetry, anonymous or open letters. Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months. All letters are subject to editing. Write: Letters to the editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. E-mail: jsedit@jrn.com or submit using the form that can be found on the on the bottom of this page. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: ICE is subjecting people to Gestapo police tactics | Letters UPDATE: Virginia Beach Police say Darrell Perry has been found and is safe. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) The Virginia Beach Police Department is asking for the publics help locating Darrell Perry. Police say Perry left his residence in the 2400 block of Las Brisas Drive on foot toward Sandbridge Road. He was last seen around 1 p.m. Friday and is believed to be endangered. Perry is 78 years old, stands 5-foot-10, 220 pounds. He has gray hair and blue eyes. Advertisement Advertisement He was last seen wearing a red USA ball cap, a black leather jacket, a green shirt, blue jeans and gray shoes. Police say Perry has been diagnosed with dementia and diabetes. Police say if you know about Perrys whereabouts or have any information, please contact VBPD Missing Persons Detective at (757)-385-4101 or the non-emergency line at 757-385-5000. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Virginia Beach Police missing persons detective at 757-385-4101 or the non-emergency line at 757-385-5000. 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. HANOI, Vietnam (AP) To Lam was reelected Friday as general secretary of Vietnams ruling Communist Party and appears poised to become the countrys most powerful figure in decades, with analysts expecting him to assume the presidency in a break from Vietnams tradition of collective leadership. Lam, 68, pledged to accelerate economic growth and was reappointed unanimously by the 180-member Central Committee at the conclusion of the National Party Congress that ran from Monday through Friday. No formal announcement was made about the presidency. But the composition of the newly elected 19-member Politburo, the partys top decision-making body, strongly suggests Lam will further concentrate his power with the presidency, said Le Hong Hiep, a fellow at Singapores ISEASYusof Ishak Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Such consolidation could speed decisions and push through reforms, he said, but risks weakening intra-party checks and complicating succession. The model mirrors power structures in China under Xi Jinping and neighboring Laos. The Congress was shaped by the central question of whether Vietnam can transform itself into a high-income economy by 2045, setting a target of 10% or higher annual growth from 2026 to 2030. Party leaders say this will require moving beyond cheap labor and export-led growth toward productivity, technology and a stronger private sector. We must achieve double-digit growth to reach the set goals, Lam said. Advertisement Advertisement How To Lam rose to the top Lams reappointment caps the rise of a career policeman who climbed from the security services to the apex of Vietnams political system. His ascent was propelled by a sweeping anti-corruption campaign launched under his predecessor, Nguyen Phu Trong, which Lam oversaw as head of the powerful Ministry of Public Security. That sidelined or removed dozens of senior officials including two former presidents and Vietnams parliamentary head, dramatically reshaping the party's balance of power. Lam oversaw Vietnams most ambitious bureaucratic overhaul since the late 1980s, cutting tens of thousands of public-sector jobs, merging ministries, redrawing provincial boundaries and pushing through major infrastructure projects. Advertisement Advertisement Unlike his predecessor Nguyen Phu Trong, an ideologue who prioritized party discipline, Lam has focused on economic performance and repeatedly emphasized the need to empower the private sector and move Vietnam beyond a growth model built on cheap labor, exports and foreign investment. The model saw Vietnam becoming a manufacturing hub, lifted millions out of poverty and fueled a growing middle class. But challenges loom including the need for deeper reforms, an aging population, climate risks, weak institutions and U.S. pressure over its trade surplus. Hanoi also is balancing ties with major powers including China, its largest trading partner and rival claimant in the South China Sea. He is a pragmatic reformer, said Nguyen Khac Giang of Singapores ISEASYusof Ishak Institute. He noted Lam's near-immediate acceptance of U.S. president Donald Trumps offer to join the Board of Peace, an unusually fast decision for Vietnam, where foreign policy moves are typically calibrated with an eye on Beijing's possible interpretation. Advertisement Advertisement We are ready to contribute even more as mediators and bridges to build peace, Lam said at a post-Congress news conference. That pragmatism has unsettled the partys conservative faction, led by the military, which is wary of his reform agenda and intent on preserving socialist discipline. Lams expansion of the state security apparatus with broader police authority over legislation and businesses also has sharpened a long-running rivalry with the military, which controls extensive commercial interests, analysts said. His expected power consolidation also heightens human rights concerns in a nation that has intensified crackdowns on activists, journalists and environmental advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Vietnam makes high stakes push for growth Vietnam has set an ambitious target of 10% or higher annual economic growth over the next five years, placing the private sector at the center of its development strategy in a notable shift for the communist state. The country fell short of its earlier aim of 6.5% to 7% growth in the first half of the decade, despite posting a robust 8% expansion in 2025. Policymakers are recalibrating the growth model to give a leading role to private enterprise and emphasize higher-value industries, modernized production and greater use of science, technology and digital tools. What stands out this cycle is not just the direction, which is broadly consistent, but the sense of urgency, said Richard McClellan, founder of consultancy RMAC Advisory. Vietnams window of strategic opportunity wont stay open forever. Advertisement Advertisement Policy documents adopted at the Congress describe the private sector as one of the economy's most important driving forces and elevate foreign affairs and international integration alongside national defense and security, highlighting dependence on global trade, investment and geopolitics. The shift could give major private conglomerates a bigger role in infrastructure, energy and industrial projects long dominated by the state. Critics warn it risks further entrenching powerful business groups. Those firms seek to diversify away from the U.S. market amid tariff uncertainty, with companlies including Vingroup, Hoa Phat and Masan increasingly looking to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The party's updated platform also raised environmental protection to a central task alongside economic and social development, a notable shift in Vietnam where rapid growth has fueled worsening air pollution and other environmental pressures. Advertisement Advertisement The environmental shift is significant in intent, but uneven in impact so far, said McClellan, who noted Vietnam has stepped up its rhetoric on green growth but faces a challenge in translating that intent into concrete policy trade-offs. To Lam's reliance on state security creates other tensions. Efforts to formalize the economy, expand the tax base and curb informal payments collide with entrenched practices at the local level, where corruption has long lubricated everyday commerce. Hoa, a Hanoi cafe owner who used one name for fear of government reprisal, said her business relies on allowing customers to park motorbikes on the pavement outside, which is technically illegal but permitted through bribes. Stricter tax enforcement without addressing those practices, she warned, would be damaging. I support the partys reforms," she said. "But businesses dont just run on paperwork. Advertisement Advertisement Hiep, the analyst, said Lams continued leadership would preserve Vietnams political stability and signal economic and foreign policy continuity. But he cautioned the 10% growth target for the next five years will be tremendously challenging given Vietnams limited new growth engines and continued reliance on exports, foreign investment and infrastructure spending in a hostile global environment. If Vietnam isnt careful, the country may face significant economic problems within the next few years, he said. Maharashtra BJP leader Kirit Somaiya on Saturday welcomed AIMIM Corporator Sahar Shaikh's apology over her "will make Mumbra green" remark. Somaiya told ANI that the Mumbra police gave a strict warning to Shaikh following his complaint. The BJP leader said, "AIMIM Corporator Sahar Shaikh finally said sorry for his statement. It is AIMIM's design to paint the entire Mumbra. After my complaint, Mumbra police gave me in writing that Sahar Shaikh has apologised and has been given a strict warning." Sharing police's note, which said that the Sahar Shaikh apologised for her remark, Somaiya wrote on X, "Sahar Shaikh's apology AIMIM's Sahar Sheikh apologised for her speech 'We will make Mumbra green' After My complaint, Police sent her Notice & called for explanation During My today's follow up visit, Mumbra Police in written response informed me about the apology." The row erupted after AIMIM Corporator Sahar Shaikh, in a statement, said "We will make Mumbra green" as her party swept all 25 seats in the local body polls in Thane. Defending her remark, the AIMIM leader said that she was promoting that colour as their party flag is green. She had said, "We are promoting green colour, because the colour of my flag is green. Had the colour of my flag been orange or saffron, I would have promoted it. This was party-level politics, but the opposition turned it into communal politics. This has nothing to do with community. Does everyone have a stake in a colour? People should stop with their communal politics. I am secular, and what I meant was that I want to win all 25 seats of Mumbra." After Kirit Somaiya approached the police, Mumbra Senior Police Inspector Anil Shinde said that the police served her with a written warning. "She has been served a written warning not repeat this. She has been told not to make any such speeches in future. Senior BJP leader Kirit Somaiya had approached us and showed us the statement she had made. We gave him our letter in response to the request he had made. He is satisfied...India is a vast country, and people of all castes and religions live here. So, nobody should make statements that would cause disharmony in society or lead to law and order issues," Senior Inspector Anil Shinde said. As Maharashtra held elections for 29 municipal corporations, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) recorded its most impressive performance yet, winning 125 corporator seats and significantly expanding its presence across the state's urban centres. (ANI) Members of a Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office task force arrested a wanted man on Friday. The McKees Rocks Police Department says Davion Thompson, who was wanted for terroristic threats, was arrested after a brief foot chase. Upon his arrest, police say he had narcotics and a ghost gun with a full auto sear and an extended magazine. After his arrest, Thompson had a dozen additional charges filed against him, including carrying a firearm without a license and possession with intent to deliver. Hes now being held in the Allegheny County Jail awaiting arraignment. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A bill that would ban most law enforcement officers from wearing masks while interacting with the public cleared a key Washington Senate committee this week, as supporters argue it is needed to ensure accountability and transparency. The Senate Committee on Law & Justice on Thursday advanced Senate Bill 5855 , which would prohibit most law enforcement officers including federal agents from wearing face coverings while performing their duties and would require officers to be clearly identifiable, according to the bill text. The measure was sponsored by Washington State Senator Javier Valdez and moved out of committee following a public hearing earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement After the committee vote, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson publicly urged lawmakers to act quickly on the proposal. ICE is out of control. Lets get that bill to my desk immediately so I can sign it into law, Ferguson said, referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. What the bill would do Under SB 5855, law enforcement officers would be barred from wearing facial coverings while interacting with the public in the course of their duties. The agents are covering their identities, which makes it even harder to know who they are, whether they are actually agents, whats the basis for their authority, said WA Sen. Jamie Pedersen of the 43rd Legislative District (D). Advertisement Advertisement The bill defines a facial covering as any opaque mask or garment that conceals or obscures a persons facial identity, including balaclavas, tactical masks and ski masks. The bill would also require officers to be reasonably identifiable through clearly displayed names or other identifying information on their uniforms that the public can see and agencies can use to identify them. The definition of law enforcement officer in the bill includes not only Washington peace officers, but also employees or agents of the U.S. government who have authority to carry firearms and make warrantless arrests while enforcing criminal, customs or immigration laws. Exceptions written into the proposal The legislation includes several exceptions. Advertisement Advertisement It would not apply to officers working as undercover operatives during authorized undercover operations, or to protective gear used by SWAT officers when face protection is necessary for safety, according to the bill language. Certain health- and safety-related equipment would also be allowed. The bill explicitly exempts medical masks, respirators and other protective devices needed to prevent disease transmission or protect against hazardous conditions. Helmets used for bicycle or motor vehicle transportation would also be permitted. What happens next With committee approval, the bill can move to the full Senate for further consideration. Advertisement Advertisement If it passes both chambers of the Legislature, it would be sent to the governor for signature. Ferguson has made clear he supports the proposal and wants it enacted quickly, tying his support to concerns about the conduct of federal immigration enforcement. Context Similar laws have been challenged by the federal government in California. The Department of Justice has sued the state over its No Secret Police Act and No Vigilantes Act. Not only are the laws illegal attempts to discriminate against and regulate the federal government, but, as alleged in the complaint, the laws threaten the safety of federal officers who have faced an unprecedent wave of harassment, doxxing, and even violence, the department wrote in a press release. WATCH: Gov. Josh Stein speaks on severe winter weather impacts in North Carolina GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) North Carolina Governor Josh Stein spoke alongside other North Carolina officials on Saturday morning to provide the latest updates on the winter storm forecast to strike the state on Saturday evening. The press briefing can be watched in full in the player above. North Carolina Emergency Management director William Ray says that over a .25 of an inch of ice accumulation is expected across much of the state due to the impacts of the winter storm. Advertisement Advertisement The North Carolina Department of Transportation is urging drivers to stay off the road this weekend due to the increased risk of crashing due to icy road conditions. Stein says that less-traveled roads and areas that get less sunlight could still experience hazardous conditions into next week. What do we know so far? A winter storm warning goes into effect at 1 p.m. on Saturday and will remain in effect until 1 p.m. on Monday. All your preparations for the winter storm should be complete by Saturday afternoon and you should be off the roads by late afternoon. Temperatures are already well below freezing across the Piedmont Triad and will remain below freezing through the remainder of this event. By later afternoon (4 p.m to 7 p.m.), the moisture will begin moving into the area from west to east. Snow showers are expected first as temperatures will be below freezing from the upper-levels all the way down to the ground. As we head into the late evening hours, warm air will begin to move in aloft, which will transition our snow showers to sleet. The transition will happen from the south to the north as the warm air filters in. The further north you live, closer to the North Carolina-Virginia line, the later the transition from snow to sleet will occur. Expect a mix between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. of snow and sleet. By late Saturday night and through the overnight hours, sleet looks to be the primary form of precipitation. If it makes a pinging noise, its sleet. However, on Sunday morning, the layer of warm air aloft will grow, and a changeover from sleet to freezing rain is expected. The majority of Sundays precipitation looks to be freezing rain as a thick layer of warm air continues to stick around in the upper-levels. The freezing rain moves out by late Sunday night. Even though the event itself ends Sunday night, impacts are expected to linger into the week ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Sleet/snow accumulations are highest in the mountains/foothills and along the NC/VA line with 3 to 4 inches of sleet and snow. The immediate Triad (Forsyth, Guilford) is forecast to see 2 to 3 inches of sleet/snow with 1 to 2 inches of sleet/snow accumulation further south into Davidson and Randolph counties. Ice accumulations range from 0.1 to 0.25 of an inch further north (counties bordering the North Carolina-Virginia line), with the remainder of the Piedmont Triad seeing over 0.25 of an inch. The further south you live, the higher the ice accumulations (0.5 of an inch). Power outages, downed trees, and dangerous road conditions are all very likely with this event. Once ice accumulation reaches 0.25 of an inch, tree limbs begin snapping, roads are iced over and power outages become isolated or scattered. By 0.5 of an inch of ice accumulation, widespread downed trees and powerlines are likely and roads become impassable. Make sure you have a plan in place for power outages and know what youll use to keep your home warm. Everything should be charged up and backup batteries and lanterns should be in a designated area of your home, so you know where they are in the event of power outages. The thawing out process from this event could take a while with impacts lasting into next week. Temperatures remain below freezing much of the upcoming week, so any melting would happen from direct sunlight on specific areas with refreezes occurring overnight. Make sure youre prepared to stay wherever you are on Saturday night, for at least 3 days. Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Stein requested an Emergency Declaration from President Trump to unlock federal resources needed to support vulnerable North Carolinians. On Saturday, Stein was told that the request had been approved. Once the weekends winter storm arrives, significant and widespread power outages are expected across the state. According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services emPOWER data, approximately 99,000 of North Carolinas 2.2 million Medicare recipients are considered medically at risk and dependent on electricity for life-sustaining equipment. These power outages, along with impassable roads and impaired emergency communications, are likely to result in heightened exposure to cold, increased traffic-related incidents and delayed or inaccessible emergency medical services. The Emergency Declaration will allow the state to access federal assets in order to deploy additional generators to critical facilities like hospitals, support sheltering operations, provide emergency food, water, and fuel and receive support from the Forest Service to remove downed trees. As winter weather reaches you in North Carolina today, please stay home and off the roads unless absolutely necessary, Stein said. Be prepared for potential power outages and make sure you have a plan to stay warm and in contact with loved ones. 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 FOX8 WGHP. The shocking shooting and killing of a man by federal agents in Minneapolis on Saturday morning was caught on camera as the city has been hit with a new wave of anti-ICE protests. The Minnesota Star Tribune first published the footage, taken by a bystander outside of a Glam Doll Donuts. The footage shows federal agents tussling with a man before multiple shots go off. Did they f**king kill him?! a bystander in the video asks after multiple rounds go off. Advertisement Advertisement Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara confirmed on Saturday that the man had been killed by federal agents. DHS officials claimed to Fox News Bill Melugin that the man was in possession of a firearm. The shooting is one of multiple in recent weeks by federal agents, including an ICE agent shooting and killing 37-year-old Minneapolis mother Renee Good. That incident has led to anti-ICE protests across the city. ICE officials have claimed the agent acted in self defense, while local officials like Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) have rejected that narrative. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) said he had been in contact with the White House about the new horrific shooting. I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening, he wrote in a statement. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now. Advertisement Advertisement City officials have told residents to stay clear of the scene of the shooting, but protesters have already clashed with agents on the ground, with tear gas even being deployed. Watch above via MS NOW. The post WATCH: Horrific Shooting Caught On Camera As Protests Against Trump Deportation Forces Erupt first appeared on Mediaite. Reporters at the Daily Beast have grown accustomed to rude, belittling insults from the White House when they responsiblyand politelyask for a response to stories they are writing about the president or his administration. But this week, one of our reporters was called mentally ill for asking a simple question about Trumps bruised hand. We had clearly touched a nerve with a question on a topic that vexes the president more than any other: His health. The bruises do not appear as much on Donald Trump's left hand as on his right. / Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images For almost a year, the Daily Beast has led the way in reporting on an issue that is patently clear to the naked eye. Despite all his protestations to the contrary, Trump, 79, is not a well man. Advertisement Advertisement Just this week, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The New Yorker finally seemed to realize that the president not only has no clothes; he doesnt know where he left them. Thomas L. Friedman, a three-time Pulitzer Prize winner, wrote in the Times on Wednesday that Trumps behavior has grown so reckless that the question must be asked, Is America now being ruled by a mad king? On the same day, the Journals Holman W. Jenkins Jr., a member of the editorial board, suggested that Trump may even be flirting with cognitive decline for all we know. And in The New Yorker on Thursday, Susan B. Glasser had her own diagnosis for Trump of untreated logorrhea, giving the dictionary definition as excessive and often incoherent talkativeness. Trump makes a speech in Davos. / FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP via Getty Images These are conditions well known to Daily Beast readers, as we have been highlighting Trumps cognitive problems for much of his second term. Advertisement Advertisement But while the presidents mental state may be a matter of some debate, his physical condition is clear for all to see. That became clear to the rest of the worldand, finally, to the rest of the mediathis week when a huge, ugly bruise could clearly be seen on the presidents left hand as he unveiled the depleted line-up for his new Board of Peace in Davos, Switzerland. A bruise can be seen on the back of President Donald Trumps left hand during a signing ceremony for the Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Jan. 22, 2026, in Davos, Switzerland. / Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images By the time an exhausted-looking Trump arrived at his homeward-bound plane, the angry blemish was covered in a pancake of makeup. Our reporter, Catherine Bouris, as every good journalist should do, submitted a request for comment to the White House. Advertisement Advertisement She asked the White House Press Offices shared email address whether the presidents application of makeup to his hands on the flight back to Washington was in response to growing speculation sparked by images of his bruised hand on stage at Davos. Donald Trump holds up his hand after being asked about it by a reporter while speaking to journalists while in flight on Air Force One. / Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images This is the third or fourth story the Daily Beast has written on this -- are you mentally ill? Is the President so successful that you cant find anything else to write about? said the replyanonymously. The account is a 24-hour operation, but, generally, those who reply do not identify themselves. It is a veil of anonymity that they clearly feel lets them be uninhibited. Email exchange between The Daily Beast and the White House Press Office / The Daily Beast Email exchange between The Daily Beast and the White House Press Office / The Daily Beast An additional comment was forwarded, attributed to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, saying: At the Board of Peace event today in Davos, President Trump hit his hand on the corner of the signing table, causing it to bruise. Advertisement Advertisement A White House official then told Bouris that the president was susceptible to hand bruising due to his daily aspirin regimen and pointed out that there was no visible bruising before the ceremony. A bruise on the back of U.S. President Donald Trumps left hand during a signing ceremony for the Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Jan. 22 in Davos, Switzerland. / Getty Images But questions remain. They are the kind of questions the Beast has been asking the White House for the past 11 months, and the so-called mainstream is just beginning to raise. For a vain man who goes to such trouble to pompadour his hair and perma-tan his face and considers himself indestructible, it seems incomprehensible that Trump would continue to allow his hands to showcase a medical problem. The makeup on President Donald Trumps hand as he partied on New Years Eve. / Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast/Getty Images Images If his daily aspirin regimen is, indeed, to blame for the bruising, then why does he take so many? In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump said he takes 325 mg of aspirin a day, which is well above the baby aspirin dose of 81 mg usually recommended by doctors as a daily aid to heart health. Advertisement Advertisement It seems inconceivable that such a conceited man would keep daubing his hands in makeup when something could be done to prevent the malady. Clearly, it has little to do with shaking hands, as the White House has previously claimed. Could there be a more serious health issue we dont know about? A sleepy Trump wears adhesive bandages on the back of his hand during a meeting of his cabinet in the Cabinet Room of the White House on Dec. 2, 2025. / Getty Images Professor Bruce Davidson of Washington State Universitys Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine has speculated that the president suffered a stroke several months ago, suggesting that his sleepiness in meetings, shuffling feet, the cradling of his right hand in his left, and garbling his words are symptoms. Unsurprisingly, Leavitt went on the attack, insisting her boss was in excellent overall health. Advertisement Advertisement Pushing these fake and desperate narratives now about President Trump is why Americans trust in the media just fell to a new all-time low, she added. Donald Trump was the oldest person to be inaugurated as president, at age 78 years and 7 months, last January. It is only appropriate that the country should be concerned about his health, especially as Trump excoriated the media for failing to report on his predecessor Joe Bidens mental frailties. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump exit Air Force One after arriving at London Stansted Airport for a state visit on Sept. 16, 2025. / Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images It is not just Trumps hands. We have reported extensively on his swollen ankles, an ailment the White House attributes to the medical condition chronic venous insufficiency. In the Journal interview, given in an attempt to kill off the growing questions about his health led by the Beast, Trump said he tried compression socks. Donald Trump wore make-up to cover a large bruise on his hand during a February meeting with 47-year-old French President Emmanuel Macron. / Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images We have also reported consistently on the presidents cognitive difficulties. While he claims to have aced tests of his mental acuity, Trump has forgotten the names of the countries with wars he claims to have solved. In Davos, he mixed up Greenland with Iceland. He either forgot or didnt know that hundreds of allied soldiers died in Afghanistan after 9/11. Trump insinuated they dallied behind the front lines. Advertisement Advertisement The Daily Beast first reported on Trumps bruised hands in February 2025 when a close-up photo showed makeup piled on top of discoloration on the presidents hand during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in the Oval Office. That was his right hand. The Davos bruise was on his left. At the FIFA Club World Final in July, visible swelling was spotted around Trumps ankles and lower legs as he sat between first lady Melania Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Donald Trump's cankles are often seen spilling over his shoes. / Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast/Getty Images Images In October, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney tap danced around Trumps ambitions to turn his country into a 51st state, but the American presidents cankles didnt look up to a quick-step. President Donald Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House, Oct. 7, 2025, in Washington, D.C. / Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast The compression socks, or whatever else the president was trying, clearly werent working as his ankles also appeared swollen a month earlier at a White House meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki. Donald Trump's cankles on display during a meeting with the President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki in the Oval Office at the White House on Sept. 3, 2025 in Washington, D.C. / Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast Trumps health issues were a sideshow to some high-profile talks. Advertisement Advertisement His swollen ankles were all the more apparent when compared to Russian leader Vladimir Putin in August. Donald Trump's swollen ankles look even more severe while sat next to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. / Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast/Getty Images Images His left hand appeared ragged during a September meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. President Donald Trump greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on Dec. 29, 2025. / Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images Trump is old, and its not surprising that he is showing signs of his age as he approaches 80. It is possible that a man who thinks he can do everything genuinely believes he can defy the years and carry on as though he is still in his prime. With an administration that plays fast and loose with the truth, it is also possible that Trump will not want to admit to any weakness. Power through strength, after all, is the motto of his presidency. Advertisement Advertisement For the White House, using the troll-like veil of anonymity is not its most direct attack on the free press, but it shows its desire to denigrate and villainize those who hold it to account. When we asked the White House for comment on this story before publication, we unleashed its most trollish instincts. Our editor Opheli Garcia-Lawler, who requested comment, was immediately mentioned by Steven Cheung, the White House director of communications, on his Twitter account, screenshotting a list of donations she had made many years ago to Democratic campaigns, long before she was a reporter at the Daily Beast. She was not covering politics at the time, and was not barred from making such donations by her then employers. Daily Beast reporters and editors do not make donations to political causes. Cheung, an apparently single man in his mid-forties who Trump has repeatedly suggested should use GLP-1s, also said Garcia-Lawler had shown her a--, while the anonymous White House press office account provided an equally trollish quote from Leavitt, 28, a failed Republican candidate for a New Hampshire congressional seat, saying, Does the Daily Beast realize that literally no one, except for deranged leftists, takes them seriously? Get over yourselves. You are not journalists, you are left-wing propagandists. Intriguingly, the email address the response came from had previously been used to make anonymous, misleading statements when the undocumented mother of Leavitts nephew was picked up by ICE. It claimed the woman had never even lived with Leavitts brother, the father of the child; in fact they had posed for photos at their home for a local newspaper. Leavitts comments, Cheungs trollish instincts, and their operations anonymous and misleading emails will not stop the Daily Beast and its brilliant reporters as we continue to ask the hard questions, and to inform our readers what we see. Whatever names the White House wishes to call us. President Trumps interest in Greenland has reached meme territory, with the White House posting an AI-generated image on Friday of President Trump walking with a penguin through a snowy, mountain landscape. Embrace the penguin, the White House wrote on the social platform X, alongside a photo depicting a penguin holding an American flag next to Trump with Greenlands flag planted in the background. Hours later, the Department of Defenses rapid response page joined in with its own version, captioning the image Be a warrior, embrace the penguin. Advertisement Advertisement The posts hopped on a viral internet meme known as the Nihilist Penguin, which originated from a 2007 Werner Herzog documentary showing a lone Emperor penguin that abandons its colony to wander toward the Antarctic mountains. Users on social media were quick to mock the White Houses post, pointing out that penguins live almost exclusively in the southern hemisphere. Nice try. We dont have penguins here in Greenland, a self-identified Greenlander wrote on X. Former Canadian Minister of Defense Jason Kenney also honed in on the factual inaccuracy, tying it to a gaffe made by Trump this week in which he appeared to mix up Greenland and Iceland. Advertisement Advertisement In the same week as his humiliating climb down on Greenland, he confused Iceland and Greenland multiple times, and now his staff is confusing Antarctica with Greenland (penguins inhabit the former, not the latter, Kenney wrote on X. The most powerful nation on Earth is being run like a clown show, he said. The White House responded to the backlash on Saturday, writing: The penguin does not concern himself with the opinions of those who cannot comprehend. Trumps renewed ambition to acquire Greenland was put on the global stage this week as world leaders attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, he backtracked on an earlier threat to seize the self-governing Danish territory by military force but continued to argue in favor of U.S. control. Later that day, Trump announced that he had reached the framework of a future deal with NATO on Greenland on strengthening security and mineral rights. He also clawed back proposed tariffs on Denmark and other European allies, saying those would no longer be enacted next month. Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. Greenlands leaders have maintained that the island is not for sale, and Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said Thursday that the terms of the deal were still unclear. Advertisement Advertisement In terms of the deal thats been [talked] about, I dont know whats concrete in that deal, either. But I know that we have now a high-level working group working on a solution for both parties, Nielsen said. We have said from the beginning in Greenland, we have some red lines. We cannot cross the red lines. We have to respect our territorial integrity. We have to respect international law. 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. For the latest winter storm updates on Saturday, Jan. 24, follow this link. A major winter storm is forecast to spread heavy snow, sleet and dangerous ice to tens of millions of Americans across two dozen states starting on Friday and continuing into the weekend. The storm was moving in Friday night, with freezing rain falling in Lubbock, Texas, the National Weather Service reported. "This is expected to be an unusually large and severe winter storm," the weather service said. "Dangerously cold air remains in the forecast for more than half of the U.S. population through the weekend and into early next week." Advertisement Advertisement The storm started in Texas and Oklahoma with conditions forecast to worsen by Friday evening. The system is expected to spread from New Mexico to Virginia on Saturday before pushing into the Northeast on Sunday. A combination of significant snow, ice accumulation and frigid conditions could cause power outages and icy roads to "linger longer than usual after a typical winter storm," according to the weather service. The system is forecast to bring cold temperatures not seen since 2021, according to AccuWeather. More than 230 million people are at risk of impacts from the storm or the bitter cold, the weather service said. Disruptive snowfall is expected from the Southern Rocky Mountains to the Northeast and two corridors from the South to the southern Mid-Atlantic will be hit with heavy ice. Keep up with live updates from the USA TODAY Network. Drivers navigate icy conditions on Briley Parkway in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. A winter storm brought snow and ice to Middle Tennessee starting on Saturday. Motorists travel along north bound lanes of Interstate 65 as a winter storm moved into the region Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 in Brentwood, Tenn. The storm is expected to bring snow, sleet, freezing temperatures and ice across multiple states this weekend. Pedestrians walk through the heavy snow in Columbus as Winter Storm Fern continues to dump snow on Central Ohio on Jan. 25, 2026. Mark Anstaett of Clintonville, Ohio cross country skis though Whetstone Park as Winter Storm Fern continues to dump snow on the Columbus area on Jan. 25, 2026. Vehicles make their way along I-95 southbound into Wilmington, Del. past the W. 18th Street overpass, early morning, Jan. 25, 2026. NES crews work on restoring power after a tree fell across Bluefield Ave. in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. A winter storm brought snow and ice to Middle Tennessee starting on Saturday. Snow is plowed on route 9 in Tarrytown, NY during the winter storm Jan. 25, 2026. The storm was predicted to drop up to a foot of snow on the lower Hudson Valley. A family sleds Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at Unity Park in Greenville, SC. Cars travel Interstate 65 as snow falls Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Indianapolis. Ted Bieber of the Knolls walks across the SR-315 pedestrian bridge as Winter Storm Fern continues to dump snow on the Columbus, Ohio area on Jan. 25, 2026. Mark Bruce uses a snowblower Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, along the street in front of his Avon, Ind. home. A layer of snow blankets the back of two horses in Greenville on Jan. 25, 2026. Snow covers the ground of the Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church in New Castle County, Del. on Jan. 25, 2026. Snow is plowed on route 9 in Tarrytown, N.Y. during the winter storm Jan. 25, 2026. The storm was predicted to drop up to a foot of snow on the lower Hudson Valley. A major winter storm is forecast to spread heavy snow, sleet and dangerous ice to tens of millions of Americans across two dozen states starting on Friday and continuing into the weekend. See here, Keith Wilson, of Milwaukee, walks with frozen eyelashes down East State Street in Milwaukee on Jan. 23, 2026. The National Weather Service issued an extreme cold watch across Wisconsin with windchills between 30 and 40 below zero. Erie Downtown Partnership Ambassadors Derek Smith, right, and Rob Nelson clear ice and snow near a bus stop, with single-digit temperatures outdoors, in Erie, Pa., on Jan. 23, 2026. Smith said they try and keep paths clear during heavy snow events. American Red Cross shelter set up at the Civic Center of Anderson, SC, on Jan 24, 2026. A customer loads ice melt into their car at Lowes on Jan. 22, 2026 in Little Rock, Ark. Yahaira Rojas, of Milwaukee, shields her face from the cold as she walks down North 10th Street in from of the Milwaukee County Courthouse in Milwaukee on Jan. 23, 2026. An employee restocks a shelf with snow shovels at Keith's Hardware store on Jan. 23, 2026 in Louisville. Victoria Parker volunteers at The Store assisting customers before the winter storm in Nashville on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. The Store is a non-profit organization founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley to support foodinsecure neighbors. A pedestrian walks to the grocery store for milk during a stretch of extreme cold weather, Jan. 23, 2026, in Menasha, Wisc. Joe Gegelbach loads his trunk with ice melt at the Home Depot as he potential winter storm Evansville, Ind., Jan. 23, 2026. Orangetown Highway Department crews load salt on snow plows in preparation for the snow storm at their facility in Orangeburg, N.Y., Jan. 23, 2026. Firewood, snow shovels and other items to help deal with the coming storm at s Home Depot in Gastonia, N.C. on Jan. 23, 2026. Lynn Batizy of Anderson volunteers setting up cots for American Red Cross warming center at the Civic Center of Anderson, S.C., Jan. 23 2026. On Jan. 23, 2026, Lynn Sealey (left) and Colby Coates (right) replenish produce after an increased number of customers visited the WNC Farmers Market vendor in Asheville, N.C., ahead of the winter storm. Large trucks are filled with a salt and sand mixture at the Easter Salt Co., in Quincy, Mass. on, Jan. 22, 2026. Overnight snowfall left the morning commute in downtown Rochester, NY a little slippery on Jan. 22, 2026. A nearly empty bread shelf is seen in Madison, Tenn., ahead of the storm on January 22, 2025. John Pickering looks over a new shovel at Curry Hardware in West Quincy, Massachusetts, on Jan. 22, 2026. A sun dog seen Jan. 22, 2026 near Pittsville, WI. Sun dogs are caused by refraction of sunlight by ice crystals. A "drive safely" sign is displayed in Greenville, SC as crews work on treating roads, Jan 22, 2026. People brace the cold temperatures while walking on the Brooklyn Bridge in the Manhattan borough of New York City on January 21, 2026. Bringing icy temperatures, Winter Storm Fern will slam a massive stretch of the United States this week, with more than 175 million people facing the prospect of heavy snowfall, power outages and travel disruption. Forecasters warned it could be 2,000 miles long, well over half the length of the continental US. Massive winter storm blankets nation. See photos 1 of 34 Drivers navigate icy conditions on Briley Parkway in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. A winter storm brought snow and ice to Middle Tennessee starting on Saturday. 'Exceptional' sleet totals possible Sleet and freezing rain will be making news during this storm, forecasters warned Friday. Advertisement Advertisement The layer where sleet can refreeze as it falls to the surface is so deep in some areas that the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center said some locations "will experience exceptional sleet accumulations." Major sleet accumulations are likely from southern Oklahoma and northern Texas into central Arkansas and the Mid-South, with more than a few inches possible. The center said theres high confidence in an extreme event, leading to long-lasting impacts both to travel and infrastructure because of the bitter cold that will linger after the storm. In southern Arkansas, northern Louisiana and parts of northern Mississippi, the probability is high for more than a half-inch of freezing rain over 72 hours, the Weather Prediction Center warned in a Jan. 23 forecast. That ice accumulation "could be crippling" and exceed more than 3/4 of an inch of ice, "which would almost certainly lead to widespread long-lasting damage to infrastructure, including power outages and tree damage, according to an afternoon forecast from the prediction center. Salt shortages reported in some states States from Michigan to Vermont are facing salt shortages ahead of the upcoming storm, according to reports by local and national outlets. Advertisement Advertisement Shortages in Vermont result from the frequency of storms this season, according to reporting by Vermont Public. The lack of salt has forced some towns to scale back ice removal. State officials in Michigan also attributed shortages to the severe winter season, CBS News reported. An official from Monroe County, located between Detroit and Ohio, told the news station that local crews used more salt in December than in the past four Decembers combined. Officials in Cleveland are telling residents that they may not have enough salt for residential streets. Plows will still be assigned to clear neighborhoods, the city said. Avoiding Saturday airport chaos Around 2,800 flights within the U.S. or headed into the country on Saturday were already scrapped by Friday evening, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware. Advertisement Advertisement Airlines often start preemptively canceling flights ahead of bad weather to ensure airplanes and crews are positioned to get things moving as soon as possible after the storm clears. The goal is to keep airports clear, get snow removed and line up pilots, flight attendants and aircraft for a smoother recovery, Deltas chief of operations John Laughter has previously told USA TODAY. As snow and ice move in, cancellations are likely to rise and some will probably linger even after the skies clear, as airlines work to untangle aircraft and crew schedules. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and take advantage of the airline waivers available. Zach Wichter Shoppers facing empty grocery store shelves ahead of storm Shoppers have been panic-buying this week in anticipation of forecasts of extreme cold and a major winter storm. News reports and social media posts have been showing empty grocery shelves across the country. Advertisement Advertisement USA TODAY talked to grocery and food experts to find out how prepared stores are for this influx of demand, how retailers handle getting more product to restock shelves and how long shoppers may need to wait. "With a (storm) system this large, once road conditions start to deteriorate, it becomes much harder for stores to stay ahead. Even wellprepared retailers can only restock as long as trucks are able to run," said David Ortega, a food economist and professor at Michigan State University. "If deliveries are disrupted across multiple states, some shelves could remain empty until conditions improve." Betty Lin-Fisher Can Southerners handle snow? These famous winter storms hit the South. Forecasters are projecting over 6 inches of snow to fall on areas from New Mexico through the Texas Panhandle and Mississippi Valley while freezing rain and sleet are expected to pound the Southern Plains, the Mid-South, Tennessee Valley and the southern Mid-Atlantic. Advertisement Advertisement For southern states less equipped for the cold, the forecast sparks fears of a repeat of the 2021 Texas freeze or the bitterly cold winter storm that battered New Orleans in January 2025. Meteorologists have, luckily, said they don't expect this weekend's storm to be as devastating as others in recent Southern history. But as thousands of people have taken to prepping for the worst-case scenario, buying out stores and fortifying their homes, here's a look back at how the U.S. South has endured major winter storms of the past. Reading more here about past disasters, from the New Year's Snowstorm of 1964 which dropped more than 17 inches of snow on Huntsville, Alabama to the Christmas Coastal Snowstorm of 1989 that saw all-time low temperatures hit coastal North Carolina. Mary Walrath-Holdridge More than half of US facing winter storm. See the latest maps Which areas face the greatest risk of snow and ice? What places are expecting subzero temperatures? How many inches of snow can you expect or whats the probability of freezing rain in your area? Advertisement Advertisement Read here to see the latest maps on what to expect in terms of snowfall, wind chill and falling temperatures. Wind chill values what the temperature feels like are forecast to drop to incredible lows as the storm moves across the nation, as low as 50 degrees below zero in the darkest pink areas. Ice storm triggers power outage concerns Power outages are an increasing concern across the regions set to be hit with the "catastrophic" ice storms that can down trees and power lines. Electric companies have pre-positioned equipment, resources and more than 50,000 mutual assistance workers from at least 36 states and the District of Columbia, the Edison Electric Institute said Friday morning. Those workers will be ready to begin damage assessment and response efforts as soon as it is safe, the Institute said. In Texas, the state hopes to avoid a replay of the 2021 disaster that occurred when a winter storm blanketed the state in snow, ice and bitter cold. A grid outage left up to 4 million without power. Advertisement Advertisement The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issued a weather watch earlier this week because of the risky combination of freezing temperatures, precipitation and high energy demand. ERCOT, which manages the electrical grid for most of the state, asked Texans to conserve power and asked government agencies to reduce energy use at their facilities. The councils President and CEO Pablo Vegas met with state officials on Thursday to discuss preparations for the powerful storm expected to deliver ice and snow across a wide portion of the state. ICF, an energy power markets analyst, shared in a post on LinkedIn on Friday morning that the extreme cold conditions could put the states power grid to the test. The key will be storage and demand-side response availability during critical hours, the analysis stated. Other variables such as outages, forecasted demand, and wind output could also play important roles. Demand is forecast to be highest during the early evening hours on Jan. 26 to Jan. 28, according to ICF. Advertisement Advertisement More: Texas improved power grid after catastrophic 2021 Texas storm. Here's how Polar plunge: Below-zero wind chills to spread Cold air has blasted into the central United States, sending wind chills plunging to as low as minus 58 degrees in Brooks, Minnesota, and Langdon, North Dakota, on Friday morning. A combination of cold temperatures and windy conditions were conspiring to produce widespread wind chill readings in the negative 50s across parts of Minnesota and North Dakota, the weather service reported. Wind chills in the minus 15 to minus 21 range occurred across Kansas and west into Colorado. In the Aberdeen, South Dakota, region, wind chill values of more than 45 degrees below zero, were reported, including a minus 48 in Summit, South Dakota. Wind chills Minnesota and North Dakota also were reported at minus 40, including in Fargo and Grand Forks. Even as far south as Lubbock, Texas, wind chills and temperatures plummeted on Friday morning. The weather service reports wind chills also will plunge into the sub zero range farther east by Monday morning, including in Kentucky, where wind chills could be minus 15 to minus 20 on Tuesday. People brace the cold temperatures while walking on the Brooklyn Bridge in the Manhattan borough of New York City on January 21, 2026. Extreme cold in Chicago could lead to 'icequakes' this week Locals in the greater Chicago area may hear a sudden "boom" over the weekend the result of what meteorologists call a frost quake, a weather phenomenon that takes place when temperatures plummet and groundwater freezes quickly. According to AccuWeather, frost quakes, also sometimes called icequakes, are seismic events caused by a sudden cracking action in frozen soil or rock saturated with water or ice. "Since water expands when it freezes, it can basically push apart dirt and rocks. If this expansion happens all at once, say a rock under pressure gives way and breaks, it can lead to the sound and earthquake like sensation," AccuWeather senior meteorologist Adam Douty wrote in an AccuWeather report. Frost quakes are often mistaken for earthquakes, since initial indicators may appear similar, but meteorologists said they have nothing to do with tectonic plates. The phenomenon takes place frequently in Alaska and the northeastern United States, AccuWeather reported, as well as Canada and Iceland. -Natalie Neysa Alund How can it sleet when temperatures are 20 degrees? It might seem counterintuitive that sleet can fall when temperatures near the surface are 20 degrees, but the weather service explains it is possible. When theres a warm layer above the surface thats just above freezing, it can melt the snow, even though temperatures at the ground are in the low 20s, the weather service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey explained on Friday morning. On its fall to the ground, that melted snow falls through a deep layer of well below freezing air temperatures that refreeze it into sleet. Airlines cancel flights, offer waivers as winter storm nears Airlines often start preemptively cancelling flights ahead of bad weather to ensure airplanes and crews are positioned to get things moving as soon as possible after the storm clears. Nearly 1,700 are already scrapped for Saturday, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware, as carriers work to position planes and crews to quickly restart once the weather passes. The goal is to keep airports clear, get snow removed, and line up pilots, flight attendants, and aircraft for a smoother recovery, Deltas chief of operations John Laughter has previously told USA TODAY. As snow and ice move in, cancellations are likely to rise and some will probably linger even after the skies clear, as airlines work to untangle aircraft and crew schedules. Airlines began offering travel waivers to help customers avoid flight disruptions earlier in the week and have since expanded which flights are covered. Terms vary, but these waivers generally allow travelers to rebook without penalty or get flight credit if they cancel their trips. -Zach Wichter and Eve Chen Millions under extreme weather alerts Friday afternoon, much of the eastern half of the country was blanketed by some form of extreme winter weather alert from the weather service. Roughly 180 million Americans were under some kind of watch, warning or advisory for snow, sleet or freezing rain. When coupled with the states that were under advisories for cold or extreme cold temperatures, more than 220 million people could be affected, said Jacob Asherman, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center. Winter storm warnings extended from New Mexico and Texas, through parts of Tennessee and into the Midwest, West Virginia and surrounding states. Extreme cold warnings were declared in states including the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. 'Be prepared to be stuck at home' Forecasters warned that the overwhelming snow and ice in some areas in the path of the storm could make recovery a lengthy process, with plows making slow progress on covered roads. Lingering freezing temperatures will also mean ice and snow won't melt after the storm passes. "Everyone in the path of this storm should have emergency supplies, food, bottled water and a plan to charge their cell phone and stay warm with emergency heating options if the power goes out," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said. "Be prepared to be stuck at home for several days." Storm to bring heavy snow and 'catastrophic' ice The far-reaching winter storm will last from Friday through Monday, according to the weather service. Heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain will be widespread from the Southern Rocky Mountains to New England. Snowfall totals above 12 inches are likely across the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, and will cause travel disruptions, the weather service said. "Extremely cold air will follow, prolonging dangerous travel and infrastructure impacts into next week," the weather service warned. "In wake of the storm, communities from the Southern Plains to the Northeast will contend with bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills." Forecasters also warned of "catastrophic" ice accumulation with freezing rain and sleet impacting parts of the Southern Plains, Lower Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley, the Southeast and southern Virginia. The weather service said significant to local ice accumulations could cause long-duration power outages, extensive tree damage, and extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions. More than 19 million people across the south are under an ice storm warning. More: A look at some of the biggest snowstorms as winter storm set to hit US Over 15 states issue disaster or emergency declarations At least 16 states have issued emergency declarations ahead of the major storm, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Alabama issued a state of emergency for 19 northern counties in anticipation of the "wintery and icy forecast for the state," according to a news release. Maryland declared a state of preparedness with the storm expected to bring accumulating snow and potential ice to the state. The storm will likely affect roads and transportation centers and could cause significant snow accumulation in some parts of the state, a news release said. Marylanders are cautioned to avoid travel if possible, to follow local forecasts, and to stay prepared for winter storm hazards. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey also declared a "state of preparedness," noting that the weather service has issued a winter storm watch for most of the state from Saturday morning through Monday morning. Which states will be hit hardest? While snow is expected all the way from the Southwest to the Northeast, and everywhere in between, AccuWeather meteorologist Bob Larson told USA TODAY there is potential for portions of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia to receive up to 24 inches of snow or more. "This will be a large and potentially historic storm, with major impacts over a very large area (more than 2 dozen states)," Larson said in an email, noting that "the greatest risk of a major ice storm will extend from Texas to the Carolinas." Local officials in these areas have urged residents to avoid traveling and prepare for possible power outages. The weather service has advised the public to stay home and off the roads during this time due to the hazardous weather conditions. A view of downtown Rochester, New York, from Monroe Avenue after overnight snowfall on Jan. 22, 2026. Winter storm causes rare phenomenon in upstate New York A winter storm packing strong winds and newly fallen snow caused dozens of "snow rollers" to appear overnight in the Rochester suburb of Chili, according to a local video. Snow rollers are nature's own snowballs that grow ever larger as wind, gravity and very specific weather conditions cause these winter equivalents to tumbleweeds to start rolling around. Snow rollers can be the size of a small snowball or grow as large as a car, according to the Idaho Department of Education. For snow rollers to form, there must be a light dusting of snow on top of an icy layer on the ground, sometimes a hill or other flat expanse with no little vegetation. The snow needs to be wet enough so that it can adhere to itself but not stick to the ground. The wind must be around 30 miles per hour to coax the snow into its cylindrical shape, and the temperature must be three to five degrees above freezing. That level of cold allows the balls to form in cool shapes, but doesn't let the snow melt completely. Read more. -Bill Wolcott, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle See snowfall totals nationwide Stay up-to-date on how much snow falls by checking USA TODAY's snowfall tracker: Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winter storm live updates: Latest forecast, news as snow and ice brew The Brief A major winter storm is impacting eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware with heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain. Winter Storm Watches remain in effect across the region as travel conditions worsen. Dangerous cold is expected to linger, prolonging impacts even after the storm ends. PHILADELPHIA - A significant winter storm is affecting the region this weekend, with heavy snow, icy conditions and dangerous cold expected across eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware as conditions intensify through the day and into tonight. Advertisement Advertisement Widespread snow and sleet accumulations ranging from 48 inches in southern areas to 1216 inches in northern areas are expected Saturday night into Monday morning. Around the I-95 corridor, 812 inches are expected. The heaviest snowfall is expected during the day on Sunday with 12 inches per hour. Snow will mix with or change to sleet and freezing rain across southern New Jersey and into the I-95 corridor beginning Sunday afternoon into Sunday evening. Pennsylvania Eastern Pennsylvania remains under a Winter Storm Watch, with forecasters warning of major impacts from heavy snow and increasing cold. A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect at 7 p.m. Saturday for most areas. Advertisement Advertisement FIND THE LATEST WINTER STORM FORECAST HERE The highest snowfall totals are expected farther north, including parts of the Poconos, where colder air will support heavier accumulation. Forecasters also warn that blowing snow and poor visibility could make travel very difficult, especially on highways and untreated roads. In addition to snow, dangerously cold temperatures are settling in, with wind chills dropping well below zero in the higher elevations, which could slow road clearing and extend disruptions. New Jersey Much of New Jersey is also under a Winter Storm Watch, with forecasters warning of major impacts from heavy snow and increasing cold. A Winter Storm Warning will go into effect at 7 p.m. Saturday for most areas. Advertisement Advertisement Forecasters say inland areas are more likely to see heavier snow, while locations closer to the coast could experience some mixing with sleet or freezing rain later, reducing snow totals but increasing the risk of icy roads and power outages. Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly, and residents are urged to limit travel as conditions worsen. Stay connected with FOX LOCAL. For 24/7 winter storm coverage Download Now . Delaware Delaware is preparing for significant winter weather impacts, particularly from a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain. Forecasters say ice accumulation is a growing concern, especially south and east, which could lead to downed trees, power outages and dangerous driving conditions. Snow and ice are expected to be slow to melt as cold air remains locked in place. Advertisement Advertisement Officials warn that even areas with lower snowfall totals could still see hazardous conditions due to ice and prolonged cold. When will the snow fall? Timeline The storm is expected to continue to develop through tonight and last into early Monday, with dangerous cold lasting well into next week. Here's the latest snowfall timeline for the Philadelphia area: 35 a.m. Sunday: Snow will start to fall in Philadelphia and South Jersey overnight with some flakes beginning earlier in Delaware. 10 a.m. to noon Sunday: The area is expected to see the heaviest snowfall during the storm. 3-7 p.m. Sunday: Snow will mix with sleet and freezing rain What you can do Residents across the region are urged to stay informed, avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for prolonged impacts, including possible power outages and slow recovery on roads. Advertisement Advertisement Stay ahead of the snow with FOX 29s expert meteorologists, streaming LIVE on FOX LOCAL. Get the latest on the forecast, snow potential, and preparation tipsbefore the storm and all weekend long. Download FOX LOCAL for 24/7 weather coverage on your smart TV and mobile devices. The Source This article was written using information from the National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly winter storm briefing. A Spirit Airlines passenger got into a heated confrontation with staff before takeoff in the Caribbean ... and she was booted from the plane along with her 2 dogs while the cameras were rolling. TMZ obtained dramatic video from Thursday's jaw-dropping incident aboard the aircraft, which was standing on the tarmac at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Check it out ... the woman is clearly pissed as she argues with 2 staffers ... saying something about her seat while pointing to the number on the overhead bin. TMZ.com Things quickly devolved into chaos, with security officers yanking her out of the plane and down a flight of boarding stairs onto the tarmac, while another worker led the dogs out. Advertisement Advertisement Our sources say the woman was "acting crazy" and "yelling F-bombs." We're also told she was ordering around the Spirit employees. The woman's 2 dogs -- they appear to be Boston terriers -- had a front-row seat to the drama, watching their owner being led down the stairs in handcuffs as she struggled with the officers. Other passengers can be heard gasping as they record all the craziness with their phone cameras. TMZ.com The good news is ... the plane took off shortly after that and made it to its final destination in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We've reached out to St. Thomas Police Service ... nothing back yet. Spirit Airlines tells TMZ ... "Law enforcement was requested and removed a disruptive passenger ... We do not tolerate disruptive behavior of any kind, and this passenger is no longer welcome on any of our flights." Jan. 23MORGANTOWN The city of Morgantown is redirecting some of its Community Development Block Grant funding to capitalize on a gift from West Virginia University. Morgantown City Council recently moved a total of $301, 248 in fiscal year 2025 CDBG funds to support the creation of a pedestrian bridge spanning Deckers Creek to provide direct access from lower Greenmont to the Deckers Creek Trail and the future site of a bike /skate skill park. Late last year, council approved a $653, 775 contract with Nature Trails LLC to construct the bike skills pump track. Advertisement Advertisement The vast majority of the CDBG money being reallocated ($221, 248) is being shifted away from the creation of a lower Greenmont neighborhood park in the immediate area. While the pedestrian bridge has been contemplated as part of that park project long-term, it was not initially considered the primary focus. City Manager Jamie Miller explained the sequencing changed when WVU offered to donate a 100-foot, pre-engineered fiber reinforced polymer bridge created as a demonstration project in the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Sciences and currently located on the university's agronomy farm. The CDBG funds will be used to transport the bridge to its new home, construct abutments on either side of Deckers Creek with ADA compliant ramps, reassemble the bridge in place and reroute a short section of the Deckers Creek Trail to align with the bridge entrance. Advertisement Advertisement The new span will be located near the convergence of Brockway and Pennsylvania avenues, next to the Kona Ice shop. Due to the length of the donated structure, the new bridge abutments will be several feet behind existing abutments that once supported a vehicular bridge across Deckers Creek at that location. Miller explained that while funds are being diverted out of the overall neighborhood park project, the park remains a priority. She said roughly $272, 000 remains allocated for that project. "This is just peeling off a portion of it to move the pedestrian bridge forward, " she said. "Efforts toward the lower Greenmont green space do remain a priority. Staff, in fact, just this week or last week met with HRG design group, who's completed surveys. They did some borings last week. They are working through some landscape architecture plans and working to bring some concepts back to the neighborhood." CDBG is a program through which the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development provides direct funding to entitlement communities using a formula based on factors like poverty rate, housing conditions and population. Actor Kim Seon Ho is also trending for his recent series release on Netflix titled "Can This Love Be Translated?," as well as for his pictorial and interview release showcasing his views on acting and connection on screen. This particular work emphasizes his role as "Joo Ho Jin," which is the story of a multilingual interpreter whose experiences are based in various countries and entail romance and self-realization. On Jan. 20, Kim's latest pictorial shoot for ELLE was unveiled, which features a nighttime theme that shows both intensity and calmness. According to AllKpop, the shoot is also focused on Kim's changeover to Joo Ho Jin, a changeover that is already regarded as a pivotal point in Kim's career by a number of viewers. After the photo shoot, Kim discussed the first impression he formed regarding the series. While setting the context to begin with, talking about the series, and then commenting on it, he said, "In the story, Ho Jin and Mu Hee spend time together across different countries, gradually developing feelings for each other. Haven't we all dreamed at least once of a romantic moment: meeting someone unexpectedly while traveling?" He added, "This series brings that dream to life right before your eyes, in those moments when it feels like every emotion could open up. That's why I think the emotions between the two characters came through so clearly." Kim also addressed his widely praised chemistry with co-star Go Youn Jung. Introducing his remarks on their collaboration, he reflected on the importance of mutual openness in acting. He said, "I believe chemistry naturally forms when both people open their hearts. Fortunately, Youn Jung and I were very well aligned in terms of our energy and approach on set and in our acting. We focused on making the two characters feel real, doing our best to truly 'live' in each scene as naturally as possible." He continued, "I was lucky to work with such wonderful people. It's a project that came with a lot of good fortune for me." The Chosun Daily has also highlighted Kim Seon Ho's steady rise and his thoughtful approach to selecting roles, noting that his performances often resonate because of their emotional sincerity and restraint. This perspective aligns with Kim's own reflections on his acting philosophy. When asked what message he would want conveyed if someone could fully interpret his heart to the world, Kim chose a phrase that reflects his mindset. Introducing his answer, he spoke about personal accountability and growth. He said, "Facing things head-on." He explained further, "It's not about excitement or fluttering feelings. As I continue acting, I want to properly face myself, reflecting on my shortcomings while also being generous enough to praise what deserves praise. In that sense, it means I don't avoid things." Kim Seon Ho's full pictorial and interview are available in the February issue of ELLE and on the magazine's official website, offering a deeper look at an actor continuing to evolve through careful reflection and meaningful collaboration. Union Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Saturday laid the foundation stone of the Rs 80 crore Agarwood Value Chain Development Scheme. During the second day of his three-day visit to Tripura and Assam, Scindia reached North Fulkabari in Tripura. On the occasion, the Union Minister said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a developed Northeast, he has brought several development initiatives for the region during this visit. Some of these were dedicated to the public on the first day of the visit on Friday, the foundation stone for the agarwood value chain has been laid today. tomorrow the Matabari Tourism Circuit will be inaugurated as one of the biggest gifts of this visit. According to the release, Minister Scindia stated that India's agarwood production capacity is primarily concentrated in Tripura and Assam, and this scheme aims to infuse new energy into the strengths of both states. Minister Scindia explained that the scheme will strengthen the entire agarwood value chain from trees in farmers' fields to perfume bottles in international markets. He informed that two Central Processing Centres (CPCs) will be established under the scheme, one in Golaghat (Assam) and the other in this region of Tripura. These centres will enable comprehensive processing, branding and marketing, eliminating middlemen and ensuring that farmers receive the full value of their produce. Minister Scindia said several key steps have been taken to make the agarwood sector globally competitive. The process for obtaining a Geographical Indication (GI) tag is underway; export quotas have been increased six-fold; agarwood chips exports have been raised from 25,000 kg to 1.5 lakh kg; agarwood oil exports from 1,500 kg to 7,500 kg; and sites and permissions are being integrated on a digital platform so that farmers can directly connect with international markets. He emphasised that the clear objective is to remove intermediaries and ensure that the full benefit reaches farmers directly. The Union Minister said that Fulkabari's agarwood sector stands as one of the strongest examples of Prime Minister Modi's vision of 'Local to Global', 'Vocal for Local' and 'One District One Product (ODOP)'. He noted that India currently has around 150 million agarwood trees, nearly 90% of which are located in the Northeastern states. Through this scheme, Tripura's production capacity is expected to increase by up to 50 per cent. The minister expressed confidence that, within the next 3-4 years, Tripura's agarwood market alone could develop an annual turnover of Rs 2,000 crore. To connect farmers directly with global markets, buyer-seller meets are being organised. He cited a recent meeting with buyers from Qatar, where farmers were directly linked with international purchasers. The Union Minister said that this scheme is a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of focusing on the unique strengths of each state. Continuous efforts in this direction have been underway for over a year, and today those efforts have borne fruit, a release said. He expressed confidence that in partnership with the Tripura Government, the agarwood sector will be given global recognition, making the state a new benchmark in the journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. Minister Scindia stated that while he is in Tripura today for the agarwood project, several other development initiatives for the state are also progressing. Just yesterday, he laid foundation stones and inaugurated projects worth Rs 220 crore, reviewed the Agartala Government Inter College project (Rs 192 crore) and the Maternal & Child Health Hospital (Rs 200 crore). The minister further informed that on Sunday, he will lay the foundation stone for the Rs 280 crore Matabari Tourism Circuit. (ANI) Get the day's news. Sign up for our Daily Headlines newsletter delivered to your inbox every morning at 7 a.m. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested a fugitive on the list of the 10 Most Wanted-- Alejandro Rosales Castillo -- and returned him to North Carolina. Castillo was allegedly evading charges for the 2016 murder of a 23-year-old woman. In an official statement issued by the FBI, it was mentioned, "FBI Director Kash Patel, FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr., and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) Chief Estella D. Patterson announce Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Alejandro "Alex" Rosales Castillo's return to Charlotte. The FBI worked with the Government of Mexico to secure the transfer of Castillo to law enforcement custody in Charlotte, North Carolina." "Alejandro Castillo is one of six Ten Most Wanted fugitives apprehended under this FBI in less than one year--a sign of what can be accomplished when law enforcement has the support and resources they need to execute the mission," said FBI Director Kash Patel, as per the statement. He further noted, "Castillo had been on the run in Mexico for nearly a decade, evading charges for the 2016 murder of 23-year-old Sandy Ly Le, but thanks to the leadership of President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, and outstanding work from our field agents and partners, he is now back in the States to face justice. Special thanks to our partners in Mexico--Ambassador Johnson, President Sheinbaum, Secretary Harfuch, and more--who were instrumental in helping make this quick transfer back to the U.S. possible. I hope today will begin to provide peace and comfort for Sandy's family, knowing her alleged killer will finally face long-awaited accountability." In a video message shared on X, the FBI Director called it a "historic achievement". He said, "Truly is a historic achievement when you think about it; to find the worst of the worst hiding in Mexico- You have to use intelligence. You have to gain intelligence every step of the way at the state level, at the local level, at the federal level. You got to share that intelligence with our partners in Mexico. Then you have to join forces and combine operations and go hit the ground hard and relentlessly...Ten years have passed and we found them." https://x.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/2014860491055595590?s=20 As per the statement, Castillo was captured in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico, on January 16, 2026. The FBI's Law Enforcement Attache Office in Mexico City coordinated with Agencia de Investigacion Criminal-INTERPOL (AIC-INTERPOL) Vetted Team and the Secretaria de Seguridad y Proteccion Ciudadana (SSPC) to take Castillo into custody. It noted that Castillo was added to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list on October 24, 2017. As per the statement, "Castillo is charged with murdering 23-year-old Truc Quan "Sandy" Ly Le. The Charlotte, North Carolina, woman's body was found on August 17, 2016, in a wooded area in Cabarrus County. A state arrest warrant was issued in the District Court of North Carolina, for Mecklenburg County on November 2, 2016, charging Castillo with First-degree murder, First-degree kidnapping, Robbery with a dangerous weapon and Larceny of a motor vehicle. On February 10, 2017, a federal arrest warrant was issued in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, charging Castillo with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution." "Today marks a critical step in seeking justice for Sandy and her loved ones," said FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. "The FBI, working side by side with our law enforcement partners at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and our international partners, located, apprehended and brought Alex Castillo back to the United States to face justice. This arrest underscores the resolve of our investigators and the strength of our partnerships because time, distance and borders will not protect those who commit violent crimes. While Sandy's family has endured an unimaginable loss, today marks a decisive step toward accountability. The FBI will continue to pursue justice relentlessly, no matter how long it takes or where the trail leads." As per the statement, the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list was established in March of 1950. Since then, 537 fugitives have been placed on the list, and 499 have been apprehended or located. Castillo was the 516th person to be placed on the list. (ANI) Rights activist and lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha, were detained in Islamabad on Friday while reportedly heading to a court hearing, her family said, according to a report by The Balochistan Post (TBP). Imaan's mother, former federal minister Shireen Mazari, said in a series of posts on X that police officials intercepted the couple and took them into custody. She said they were placed in separate vehicles and moved to undisclosed locations. She added that the police presented no first information report (FIR) and that members of the bar association "sadly could do nothing." Describing the arrest as "fascism at its peak", she said those in power "must be so pleased with this achievement", as noted by a TBP post. The couple was scheduled to appear before a trial court on Friday in a case linked to allegedly controversial tweets, after failing to attend the previous day despite repeated summons. The court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Afzal Majoka had issued arrest warrants for both on January 16. Family sources said the couple had evaded arrest for the past two nights by taking shelter in the office of Islamabad High Court Bar Association President Wajid Ali Gilani, TBP reported. Nadia Baloch, sister of detained Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leader Dr Mahrang Baloch, condemned the detentions. She termed them a "gross violation of human rights" and "an attack on freedom of speech and the peaceful struggle." She said both Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali had supported "marginalised and oppressed people across Pakistan, especially the Baloch nation," and called on rights organisations and activists to work for their release. Dr Shalee Baloch, organiser of the Baloch Women Forum (BWF), said the couple had been "the voice of oppressed people" and described their arrest as "heartbreaking". She said the detentions demonstrated "how lawlessness prevails across the country even for lawyers", adding that the arrests were "a direct attack on the integrity of those who speak against human rights abuses and for the rule of law." She said those responsible should be held accountable and that the incident reflected "a growing violation of the state's own laws and international conventions." Sammi Deen Baloch said the arrests should concern "anyone who still believes access to justice exists in Pakistan," adding that Baloch families had witnessed relatives taken "before they could reach the court." She said Mazari and Chattha were being targeted for "standing with the disappeared" and that their arrest served as "a warning to anyone who crosses the line between observing injustice and naming it," as quoted by a TBP post. Human rights organisation Amnesty International said the arrests marked "the latest escalation in a sustained campaign of judicial harassment and intimidation" by Pakistani authorities. The group cited eyewitness accounts alleging that law enforcement personnel used excessive force during the arrest and failed to provide reasons at the time, raising "serious concerns" about the couple's safety. It said the absence of due process and the pursuit of "spurious and retaliatory cases" appeared intended to silence the pair for their human rights work. Amnesty International called for the immediate release of Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha. It urged authorities to drop all charges "targeting them solely for their work defending human rights", as noted by a TBP post. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said it "strongly condemns" what it described as the unlawful arrest and reported manhandling of the couple by Islamabad police while they were travelling from the Islamabad High Court to the sessions court. HRCP said detaining lawyers in the presence of bar leadership and taking them to an undisclosed police station amounted to a "grave abuse of authority and contempt for due process." It said the repeated use of "successive and fabricated FIRs" to "harass, intimidate and ultimately muzzle dissent" violated constitutional guarantees, TBP reported. The Baloch Yakjehti Committee, in a statement released a day before the arrests, said the prosecution of Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act illustrated how the state was "weaponising laws to silence human rights defenders." The group said targeting a lawyer for performing her professional duties constituted "a grave assault on human rights advocacy". It said Mazari had stood with families of the forcibly disappeared and defended Baloch students against racial profiling, as cited by a TBP report. (ANI) The makers of Salman Khans upcoming film Battle of Galwan have released the first track from the movie. A day after unveiling the teaser of the song Maatrubhumi, Salman shared the full song on his social media platforms. Composed by Himesh Reshammiya, the song offers audiences a patriotic anthem just ahead of Republic Day, providing an emotionally charged glimpse into the musical heart of the much-anticipated war drama. Battle Of Galwan The track features Salman Khan as an Indian Army officer alongside Chitrangada Singh and also highlights Chitrangadas warm family moments, setting the tone for the films narrative. The visuals show the couple, along with their two children, singing Maatrubhumi. The sequence then transitions to Salman and his team preparing for battle, reflecting the storys patriotic and emotional themes. The song has been sung by Master Mani Dharamkot, Shreya Ghoshal, and Arijit Singh, with lyrics penned by Sameer Anjaan. Speaking about the song, Himesh Reshammiya said, Composing Maatrubhumi for Battle of Galwan was deeply emotional. Inspired by the rhythm and intensity of army beats, the song found its soul there. Collaborating with Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal was special, and reuniting with Salman Khan, while marking the music release from Salman Khan Films Music label, makes it truly memorable. Battle of Galwan stars Salman Khan and Chitrangada Singh in the lead roles. The story is based on the real-life 2020 clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley. The film was initially set to clash with Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Waghs Alpha on April 17. However, the clash has been averted, and the makers of Alpha are expected to announce a new release date soon. Battle of Galwan which is one of the most awaited films of this year is directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The movie promises an unflinching portrayal of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience. New Delhi: After much anticipation, Shah Rukh Khans King has finally locked its release date. The film is set to hit theatres on Christmas, December 24, 2026. The announcement was made by Shah Rukh Khan and director Siddharth Anand on the eve of the three-year anniversary of Pathaan, marking their much-awaited reunion. Along with the release date, the makers have offered fans a deeper look into the world of King, showcasing Shah Rukh Khan in a bold and fierce new avatar, set against stunning landscapes and striking frames. The powerful imagery and strong visual language have further fuelled excitement, as the countdown for King has officially begun. The film is now ready to roar at the end of the year, just 11 months from now. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The electrifying title reveal, dropped on November 2 to mark Shah Rukh Khans birthday, introduced his silver-haired, action-driven look, an SRK-special theme song, and a striking dialogue delivered by the actor, Darr nahi, dehshat hoon, which set off a frenzy across media platforms. With the date reveal, anticipation for the film continues to soar. About King and Its Cast Directed by Siddharth Anand, King will feature Shah Rukh Khan as a don who takes on a mentorship role for a young woman, played by his daughter, Suhana Khan, marking their first project together. The film also stars Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan (who plays the antagonist), Jaideep Ahlawat, Raghav Juyal, Anil Kapoor, and Abhay Verma. The project promises to be a high-octane drama that charts the transformation of a feared don into a mentor, setting the stage for an emotional and powerful on-screen dynamic between SRK and Suhana. While plot details under wraps, King is already high on the excitement levels among fans.King is shaping up to be one of the most awaited big-screen spectacles of 2026. Republic Day 2026 celebration: Republic Day is more than a national holiday in India, it is a living reflection of the countrys diversity, history, and collective pride. While the grand parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi captures national attention, the real magic unfolds across states, districts, villages, and communities, each celebrating January 26 in its own distinctive way. In 2026, as India marks its 77th Republic Day, these regional traditions continue to showcase how unity thrives amid cultural diversity. Delhi: Grandeur, Ceremony, and National Pride In the national capital, Republic Day is marked by unmatched ceremonial splendour. From the Presidents salute to the marching contingents of the armed forces, Delhi becomes the symbolic heart of the nation. Cultural performances, tableaux from states and ministries, and aerial flypasts reflect Indias military strength and cultural depth, making the capital the epicentre of the celebrations. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Uttar Pradesh: School Parades and Patriotic Plays Across cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, and Prayagraj, Republic Day celebrations begin with flag hoisting in schools, colleges, and government institutions. Students perform patriotic skits, poems, and dance dramas that narrate Indias freedom struggle and constitutional values. In rural areas, gram sabhas and community gatherings emphasise civic responsibility and national unity. Punjab: Patriotic Fervour with Folk Energy In Punjab, Republic Day blends nationalism with vibrant cultural expression. Patriotic songs echo through towns and villages, while bhangra and gidda performances add colour to local events. NCC cadets and ex-servicemen play a significant role in parades, reflecting the states deep connection with the armed forces. Glimpses from the Republic Day Celebrations 2025 A vibrant display of Indias unity in diversity. The magnificent parade showcased cultural heritage and military prowess. The vibrant tableaux represented the rich traditions of our states. pic.twitter.com/JaIN6xsqCJ Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2025 Rajasthan: Desert Parades and Royal Traditions Jaipur and other major cities in Rajasthan celebrate Republic Day with parades that carry a royal touch. Camel-mounted police units, traditional attire, and folk music highlight the states heritage. In border areas, the celebrations hold special emotional significance, honouring soldiers and local communities living along Indias frontiers. West Bengal: Cultural Tributes and Intellectual Spirit In West Bengal, Republic Day is marked by cultural programmes, patriotic recitations, and musical performances. Rabindra Sangeet and thematic dance dramas are commonly performed, blending nationalism with the states rich artistic legacy. Educational institutions often host discussions on constitutional values and democratic rights. Tamil Nadu: Community Celebrations and Artistic Performances Republic Day in Tamil Nadu is celebrated through flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, and traditional music and dance performances. In Chennai and other cities, schools and colleges organise parades and debates focusing on civic duties, social harmony, and Indias constitutional journey. Maharashtra: Urban Energy Meets Grassroots Pride Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur witness large-scale flag hoisting events, police parades, and cultural showcases. In housing societies and local communities, Republic Day becomes a collective celebration with patriotic songs, speeches, and performances by children, reinforcing national pride at the grassroots level. Kerala: Simplicity, Discipline, and Student Participation Keralas Republic Day celebrations are known for their disciplined and inclusive nature. Educational institutions play a central role, with students participating in parades, yoga demonstrations, and cultural programmes. The focus remains on democratic values, social equality, and constitutional awareness. North-East India: Tradition Meets Tricolour States like Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh celebrate Republic Day with traditional dances, indigenous music, and local parades. Cultural performances highlight tribal heritage while reaffirming national unity. These celebrations beautifully blend regional identity with patriotic sentiment. Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh: Pride, Resilience, and Unity In these regions, Republic Day holds deep symbolic meaning. Flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, and community events are organised despite challenging weather conditions. The celebrations stand as a testament to resilience, peace, and Indias democratic spirit. Why These Regional Celebrations Matter Republic Day celebrations across states remind us that patriotism is not uniformit is deeply personal and cultural. Whether through a school skit, a folk dance, or a local parade, every celebration reinforces the same core values: democracy, unity, and respect for the Constitution. As India celebrates Republic Day 2026, these diverse traditions together tell one powerful story, that the strength of the nation lies in its many voices, cultures, and ways of expressing pride. (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.) Republic Day 2026, A Moment of National Pride: India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, with a grand parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, showcasing the countrys military strength, cultural diversity, and democratic spirit. This years celebrations hold special emotional and historical weight as they commemorate the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram, a powerful symbol of Indias freedom movement. From breathtaking tableaux to first-of-its-kind military formations, Republic Day 2026 promises to be a deeply symbolic and visually spectacular event that connects Indias past with its present and future. History of Republic Day: Why January 26 Was Chosen Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Republic Day marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950, officially transforming India into a sovereign, democratic republic. The date itself has deep roots in the freedom struggle. On January 26, 1930, the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence). Choosing this date decades later was a deliberate tribute to the sacrifices made during the independence movement and a reaffirmation of Indias commitment to self-rule and democracy. Significance of Republic Day in Modern India Republic Day goes beyond ceremonial celebrations. It stands as a reminder that: 1. Power lies with the people of India 2. The Constitution safeguards equality, justice, and liberty 3. Democracy is sustained through unity, responsibility, and participation Every parade, salute, and cultural performance symbolises Indias collective identity, rooted in tradition yet evolving with time. Republic Day 2026 Theme: Celebrating Vande Mataram And Self-Reliant India The central theme of Republic Day 2026 honours 150 years of Vande Mataram, woven seamlessly into parade decor, tableaux, and cultural performances. Rare paintings from the 1923 Bande Mataram Album by Tejendra Kumar Mitra will be displayed as view-cutters along Kartavya Path. These artworks illustrate verses of the national song, visually narrating Indias journey from colonial resistance to constitutional democracy. The cultural performances by around 2,500 artists will revolve around the themes: : : Together, they reflect Indias freedom ethos and its modern vision of self-reliance and progress. Republic Day Parade 2026: Timings And Schedule 9:30 am IST: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay a wreath at the National War Memorial 10:30 am IST: Republic Day Parade begins at Kartavya Path Duration: Approximately 90 minutes The event will be broadcast nationally on Doordarshan and streamed live on PIB and MyGov YouTube channels, allowing global audiences to witness the celebrations. Highlights of the Republic Day Parade 2026 Marching Contingents And Military Innovations The parade will feature marching contingents from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Central Armed Police Forces. A standout attraction this year is the first-ever battle array formation, showcasing military units moving in operational sequence rather than static display. New inclusions like the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion underline Indias evolving defence preparedness. Tableaux Showcasing Indias Diversity A total of 30 tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path: 17 from States and Union Territories 13 from Ministries, Departments, and Services These tableaux will depict historical milestones, technological advancements, cultural heritage, and development narratives, offering a panoramic view of Indias achievements and aspirations. Indian Air Force Flypast The aerial display remains one of the most awaited moments. The Indian Air Force flypast will feature 29 aircraft, including: Rafale Su-30 MiG-29 Apache and LCH helicopters P8i, C-295, ALH, and Mi-17 Flying in multiple formations, the flypast will demonstrate Indias air power and operational readiness. International Presence: Chief Guests At Republic Day 2026 In a historic first, two senior European Union leaders will attend Republic Day celebrations together: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission Antonio Costa, President of the European Council Their joint presence reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and the European Union. Around 10,000 special guests from diverse walks of life have also been invited, emphasising people-centric celebrations. Why Republic Day Still Matters Today Republic Day is a reminder that Indias freedom was only the beginning. The Constitution laid the foundation for justice, equality, and inclusive growth, principles that continue to guide the nation. As India celebrates Republic Day 2026, the message is clear: honour the past, protect democratic values, and move forward together as a self-reliant, united nation. New Delhi: Investors are likely to remain on edge over the proposed US framework on Greenland, and near-term volatility related to this issue can continue, a report has said. The report from Bank of Baroda said that market participants are awaiting more details that could determine whether negotiations succeed or unravel. "Going ahead, investors are likely to await more details of the deal, as there are a few sticking points which can derail the negotiations. Hence, some volatility can be expected," the report said. Several analysts expect the arrangement to resemble an update of the existing security agreement between the US and Denmark, which was signed in 1951, the report noted. Further negotiations will follow in due course which will cover areas such as US military presence in Greenland, as well as use of its mineral resources and sovereignty, said Aditi Gupta, Economist, Bank of Baroda. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source US President Donald Trump has framed Washingtons interest in Greenland as driven by national security concerns, but the islands largely unexplored mineral wealth including oil, gas and rare earth elements is of interest to US, the report said. "The announcement of a framework deal between the US and NATO has helped to soothe investors nerves, however the details of the deal are still fuzzy," it added. Geo-political tensions escalated and markets went into turmoil after the US President intensified rhetoric to annex Greenland and threatened economic measures against European countries that oppose US plans. In response, several European nations, including France, Germany, Sweden amongst others increased military deployment in Greenland, further escalating tensions. Trump had announced a 10 per cent additional tariff on goods from the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Netherlands and Finland from February 1, 2026. The rate was expected to increase to 25 per cent by June 1, 2026. Later, he backed off from his threat of imposing tariffs on European countries along the sidelines of the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. In view of an active western disturbance expected to trigger heavy snowfall and rainfall across Himachal Pradesh between January 26 and 28, the state government on Saturday issued a statewide advisory. According to a bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is likely to cause a prolonged wet spell, with isolated spells of heavy snowfall in higher reaches and rainfall in lower and adjoining areas. The weather conditions may disrupt road connectivity, power supply and other essential services. Citing the advisory issued by the Revenue Department, the state government has directed all District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to activate District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs) for round-the-clock monitoring and coordination. District administrations have also been instructed to review and update contingency and evacuation plans, especially for snow-bound regions, flood-prone zones and low-lying urban areas. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source "All departments have been instructed to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness to deal with any eventuality arising due to heavy snowfall or rainfall," the HP government said in the advisory, ANI reported. According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) of Himachal, widespread rainfall and heavy snowfall across Himachal Pradesh over the past 24 hours have severely disrupted public utilities, blocking hundreds of roads and affecting electricity and water supply in several districts. As per the Evening Public Utility report issued by the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) at 6 pm on Friday, a total of 683 roads, including two National Highways (NH-03 and NH-505), remain blocked across the state. The number of distribution transformers (DTRs) disrupted rose to 5,775, while 126 water supply schemes were reported to be affected. The worst-hit regions include Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Chamba, Kullu and Sirmaur, where heavy snowfall and rain triggered road blockages and power outages. In Lahaul-Spiti alone, 290 roads are blocked, and both key National Highways connecting the region remain closed due to snow accumulation. Several strategic stretches such as Koksar-Rohtang Pass, Darcha-Sarchu and Gramphu-Batal have been shut for traffic. On the other hand, in Shimla, a tourist from Saharanpur shared that they had been staying in the hill town for the past seven days in anticipation of snowfall. The tourist told ANI, "I have been staying in Shimla for the last 7 days waiting for this day to see snowfall. This is Shimla's first snowfall, and the city looks beautiful." (With ANI inputs) Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, expressed Tehran's sincere gratitude on Saturday to New Delhi for its principled and firm support in voting against a resolution ultimately adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) at its 39th special session on Friday. Extending his gratitude, Irans envoy shared on X, I extend my sincere gratitude to the Govt. of India for its principled and firm support of I.R. of Iran at the UN_HRC, including opposing an unjust and politically motivated resolution. This stance reflects Indias commitment to justice, multilateralism, and national sovereignty. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Govt. of India for its principled and firm support of I.R. of Iran at the UN_HRC, including opposing an unjust and politically motivated resolution. This stance reflects Indias commitment to justice, multilateralism, and national sovereignty. pic.twitter.com/kLFnqpNjmB Iran Ambassador Mohammad Fathali (@IranAmbIndia) January 24, 2026 Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The resolution, adopted 25-7 with 14 abstentions, strongly deplored Iran's violent crackdown on peaceful protests that erupted on December 28, resulting in thousands of deaths, widespread injuries and mass arrests nationwide. The UNHRC resolution extended the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran by two years and the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran by one year. It also urged the Mission to urgently investigate the repression of nationwide protests that began on December 28, 2025, per the Council's statement. The resolution also urged Iran's government to uphold human rights obligations by halting extrajudicial killings, arbitrary deprivations of life, enforced disappearances, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary arrests, incommunicado detention, torture, and other cruel treatment, especially against peaceful protesters. Last week, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss the region's evolving situation. "Received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. We discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran," EAM Jaishankar posted on X. Received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. @araghchi We discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran. Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 14, 2026 The development comes after a deadly protest in Iran, and India issued a travel advisory on January 5, 2026, urging its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran amid recent unrest. (with IANS inputs) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince Harry condemned the remarks by US President Donald Trump about sending troops to the Afghan frontlines, CNN reported. Their reactions came after Trump, in an interview with Fox News, spoke about the US involvement in NATO and said that Washington received little in return when compared to its contributions. "Will they be there if we ever needed them?" Trump asked, "I'm not sure of that." With regards to NATO members sending troops to Afghanistan, CNN reported that Trump said, "We've never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them. You know, they'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, or this or that. And they did - they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines," he said. In a video message on X, the UK PM paid tributes to the 457 armed forces personnel who lost their lives in Afghanistan and recalled their courage, bravery and sacrifice and several of those injured with life-changing injuries. "I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling", he said. https://x.com/Keir_Starmer/status/2014755885826895898?s=20 A key principle of the NATO alliance is Article 5, under which all members agree to come to the defence of any member state if it is attacked. Article 5 has been invoked once, by the United States after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. CNN reported that around 3,500 allied troops died in the conflict, of whom 2456 were Americans and 457 were British. The Duke of Sussex, who served in the British Army with two tours of Afghanistan, issued a strong statement via his spokesperson on January 23 in response to Trump, People reported. As per People, Harry said, "In 2001, NATO invoked Article 5 for the first--and only--time in history. It meant that every allied nation was obliged to stand with the United States in Afghanistan, in pursuit of our shared security. Allies answered that call. I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there". He further said, "Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost...Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace." CNN reported that when asked to respond to Starmer's comments, the White House shrugged off his criticism and insisted Trump was correct. "President Trump is absolutely right - the United States of America has done more for NATO than any other country in the alliance has done combined," Taylor Rogers, a White House spokeswoman, said as per CNN. (ANI) Indias Republic Day celebrations this year will be unprecedented and are likely to cause heartburn to Pakistan that it will never forget. Scrambling to hide its failure during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan not only promoted its army chief to a field marshal position but also claimed victory. However, the destroyed terror sites struck runways still show a mirror to Pakistan and sang the Indian victory song. Now, the Indian Army has decided to showcase its indigenous prowess, used during Operation Sindoor, to the world via the Republic Day parade 2026. For the first time, the Indian Air Force will fly the 'Sindoor' formation at the Republic Day parade, in which the fighter aircraft that took part in the Operation Sindoor will fly. The formation would include two each of Rafales, Su-30s, and MiG-29s, along with a single Jaguar fighter. The Indian Armed Forces will showcase a tableau on Operation Sindoor with a motto of "Victory through jointness", highlighting India's success and the coordination of the tri-services in the military operation against Pakistan's terror infrastructure, following the Pahalgam terror attack. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The air force tableau will also showcase the S400 system, that executing the longest-range engagement of the operation at 350 kms, neutralises the adversary's airborne early-warning platform, sending an unequivocal message: India detects first, decides first and destroy first. The Indian Armed Forces' military might will also be on display with the BrahMos missile system, Akash weapon system and other weaponry, focusing on the resolve of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat.' The long-range supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos, which was used to strike the Pakistan armys bases during Operation Sindoor, surely serves as the centre of attraction for the parade. India's indigenously developed third-generation Main Battle Tank (MBT), the Arjun, will also be on display. This is the first time the MBT Arjun will be on the Kartavya Path. Apart from this, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase some of its path-breaking innovations. The systems are: Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) and DRDO Tableau-Naval Technologies for Combat Submarines. The DRDO will showcase LR-AShM with a launcher during the parade. This weapon system is designed to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy. The LR-AShM is a Hypersonic Glide Missile capable of engaging static and moving targets and is designed to carry various payloads. This hypersonic missile follows a quasi-ballistic trajectory with hypersonic speeds starting at Mach 10 and maintaining an average Mach 5.0 with multiple skips. These systems will be a reminder to Pakistan that its misadventures will be responded to decisively and strongly, as Operation Sindoor is just on a hold, and can be launched when India desires. In a major move to address the problem of vehicle emissions, the Delhi government has notificationally mandated a move to double the rates of parking in Delhi whenever the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) goes into Stages 3 or 4. This will be a financial strategy to deter people from using private vehicles on Delhi's "Severe" or "Severe-Plus" peak hazardous days. New mandate under E.P Act The gazette notification, which is issued under Section 5 of the Environmental Protection Act, confers powers on the LG to enforce the automatic hike. Though the note is dated January 8, it was released by the Environment Department on January 22. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source This order will apply to all authorised parking areas in the city, with a sharp emphasis on curbing the massive vehicle footprint of this city. Delhis whopping vehicle population of 8.24 million competing for only 106,037 approved parking spots in 677 parking facilities is described in the gazette. Exemption for Delhi Metro (DMRC) Furthermore, in a move to encourage the shift towards sustainable models of travel, parking lots run by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Pvt. Ltd. have been kept completely exempted from the hike. Here, the government pointed to the Metro as a service vital to connecting the public transportation network in the area by providing the "park and ride" experience. The scientific rationale: Vehicles as major polluters It references the landmark study conducted by IIT Kanpur to justify the increase in the prices. The study emphasised the damage caused to lungs due to vehicular exhaust in Delhi: Winter Impact: Vehicles contribute 25.1% of PM2.5 and 19.7% of PM10 levels. Gas Emissions: In the city, road transportation contributes to 92% of the total Nitrous Oxide (NO) and 30% of the total Carbon Dioxide (CO) emissions. Implementation issues and expert criticisms While it may sound feasible, the experts warn of "implementation confusion." In effect, in Grap Stage 2, or "Very Poor," there are already measures proposed to be implemented in raising parking fees. Note that by explicitly mandating the "doubling" at Stages 3 or 4, the government is creating a loophole in enforcement in GRAP Stage 2 itself. ALSO READ | Cold wave returns as rain and snow loom; IMD forecasts major drop in temperatures India will commemorate its 77th Republic Day, themed around Vande Matarams 150 years. Amajestic parade will roll out on the Kartavya path with approximately 6,000 defence personnel. The much-anticipated parade will witness several First-time displays, including the Indian Armys newly raised Bhairav Light Commando Battalions, Shaktibaan Artillery Regiments with drone warfare, Divyastra Batteries, and animal contingents like Zanskari ponies and camels from the Remount & Veterinary Corps. Major General Navraj Dhillon, Chief of Staff of Delhi Area, told reporters that around 6,000 defence personnel will participate in the Republic Day parade. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Delhi | On the R-Day parade, Major General Navraj Dhillon says, "Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar to head the parade for the fourth time. 6050 military personnel are taking part in the parade. Bhairav Battalion, Shaktibaan regiment to take part in the parade for the first time, along with pic.twitter.com/HuGlg9cEQL ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2026 For the first time, 61 Cavalry contingent members will march in full battle gear down Kartavya Path, with key Army assets, including indigenous platforms and personnel, in a phased battle array formation. Traditionally, the lead armed forces contingent, the 61 Cavalry, commands attention in its ceremonial uniforms and distinctive headgear. The Republic Day Parade will debut the Shaktiban Regiment, a new artillery unit equipped with drones, counter-drone systems, and loitering munitions. A mixed scouts contingent, equipped with heavy thermal gear, will make its debut in the Republic Day Parade. The Bhairav light commando battalion, which made its first appearance at the Army Day Parade in Jaipur on January 15, will also feature in the Republic Day event. The Republic Day Parade will also showcase key defence assets, including BrahMos missiles, Akash and MRSAM systems, ATAGS and Dhanush artillery guns, Shaktiban regiments, and a static drone display. Eighteen marching contingents and 13 bands will feature in the 90-minute Republic Day Parade, accompanied by a first-time Animal contingent debut, which includes Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels, and dogs. The phased battle array formation debuts at Republic Day 2026, simulating real combat sequencing as Army assets roll down Kartavya Path. The contingents will advance down Kartavya Path in real battle order, with reconnaissance first, then logistics and combat units with personnel in battle gear, making the parade more engaging for viewers. The flypast will also follow the battle array formation. The flypast will roll out in two parts, featuring 29 aircraft, including Rafales, Su-30s, P-8Is, MiG-29s, Apaches, LCHs, ALHs, Mi-17s, C-130s, and C-295s, in varied formations. A small European Union contingent will also take part in the Republic Day parade, led by a colonel-rank officer, followed by four flag-bearers on three vehicles. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will grace the parade as chief guests on Monday. Ahead of the Republic Day, intelligence agencies have issued a high-level alert for terror attacks across key cities, including Delhi, Ayodhya and Varanasi. The security has been tightened in the wake of the alerts. However, it seems that terrorists or miscreants are not only planning a major terror attack but also something more sinister. The recent incidents related to Indian Railways suggest that a major train accident is being plotted to cause mass casualties. The situation is more concerning because Pakistan and Khalistani militants are not happy with Indias rising graph, as European leaders have descended in New Delhi to grace the Republic Day as chief guests and to sign the historic Free Trade Agreement. According to an IANS report, there is a sense of desperation that is setting in among the Khalistan elements, and this may lead to them carrying out a major attack in India. Once they were beaten down in Punjab, they took shelter in Pakistan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Since then, there have been multiple attempts that had been made to revive the movement in Punjab, but they have been largely unsuccessful. However, recent Intelligence inputs suggest that the ISI is on overdrive mode and wants the Khalistan terror groups to strike big and send across a strong message. During a recent meeting, the ISI decided that all the Khalistan terror groups would operate as one. The lead would be taken by the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). Since that meeting, the BKI has trained hard and managed to set up some modules in Punjab. Another official said that the ISI is trying to move the BKI cadres to Bangladesh and then move them into India. The focus areas of the attacks, according to Intelligence agencies, would be Delhi and Punjab. The blast at the train track connecting Delhi to Punjab may be a part of that attempt. A suspicious blast took place at the railway line near Khanpur Village in Punjab's Fatehgarh Sahib on Saturday, and the city has been put on a high alert, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain said. Punjab Police rushed to the spot. Police said that it was a low-intensity, minor blast. The loco-pilot sustained minor injuries, while the train and the track sustained no major damage. Just days ago, there was an attempt to tarnish Indias image by plotting to derail the prestigious Maharaja Express, which is used by foreign visitors for an India tour. A major conspiracy to sabotage the Maharajas Expressone of Indias most luxurious tourist trainswas foiled near Jaipur in Rajasthan. The loco pilot spotted five to six iron angles, each around five feet long, deliberately placed on the railway track. Acting swiftly, he applied the emergency brakes, averting a potentially catastrophic disaster. Another major rail accident was narrowly averted in Gujarats Amreli district on Thursday evening after an apparent attempt was made to derail the BhavnagarPorbandar Passenger train (No. 59560). The incident occurred near Khijadiya village, between Khijadiya Junction and Chital railway station. As the train was passing through the stretch, the loco pilot noticed stones and a cement pole deliberately placed on the railway track. Sensing the danger, the loco pilot immediately applied the emergency brakes, bringing the train to a halt in time and preventing a potentially catastrophic accident. Railways are strategic national assets. National security is not limited to protecting bordersit also means safeguarding the lifelines that keep the nation moving. Thus, the terrorists are looking to go beyond conventional attacks on security establishments and appear to have been eyeing transport carriers as well ahead of the Republic Day. Mumbai: Abhishek Bachchan is the latest celebrity to hop onto the viral Just a Boy AI trend, and the internet is loving every bit of it. The actor recently shared a striking AI-generated video that has quickly captured the attention of fans across social media platforms. Set to the trending rap track Just a Boy by DrINsaNE, a sound that has exploded in popularity with the rise of this AI-driven trend, the video reimagines Abhishek Bachchan through visually stunning avatars inspired by some of his most iconic film characters. The blend of nostalgia and futuristic animation has struck a powerful chord with audiences. The video seamlessly transitions between avatars drawn from his memorable roles in Guru, Bluffmaster, Dasvi, Dhoom, and his recent film Kaalidhar Laapata. Each avatar reflects the distinct personality and emotional depth of these characters, from the raw ambition of Guru and the charismatic swagger of Bluffmaster to the political wit of Dasvi and the sleek intensity of Dhoom. Social media users flooded the comments section with praise, calling the video a perfect blend of tech and cinema. With this viral moment, Abhishek Bachchan joins a growing list of celebrities embracing AI-driven storytelling. On the Work Front Abhishek Bachchan has several high-profile film projects lined up for 2026 and beyond. He will be seen playing the main antagonist in King, starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan. The action thriller, directed by Siddharth Anand, is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 24, 2026. He will also appear in Raja Shivaji, a historical drama directed by Riteish Deshmukh, slated for release on May 1, 2026. The actor was recently seen in Kaalidhar Laapata and Housefull 5. New Delhi: Actor and self-proclaimed film critic Kamaal R. Khan (KRK) has been detained by Mumbai Police in connection with a firing incident that occurred earlier this month in Andheri Wests Oshiwara area, according to a report by Moneycontrol. Firing Incident at Nalanda Society The incident took place on January 18, when four gunshots were allegedly fired near Nalanda Society, a residential complex located in Oshiwara. Bullets were later recovered from the facade of the building and from inside flats located on the second and fourth floors. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though the incident caused panic among residents. Police Trace Origin of Shots Following the incident, police launched an extensive investigation involving CCTV footage analysis and bullet trajectory mapping. Based on the findings, officials traced the possible origin of the gunshots to the vicinity of KRKs residence, which is located close to the housing society. Investigators reconstructed the sequence of events to determine the direction from which the bullets were fired, leading them to suspect that the shots originated from the actors home. Also Read | Delhis Tis Hazari Court Commits Alleged Rape Case Against TV Actor Ashish Kapoor, Two Others To Sessions Court KRK Questioned, Admits to Firing: Police After several days of inquiry, KRK was brought in for questioning late on Friday night. During interrogation, he allegedly admitted to firing the shots using his licensed firearm. According to police sources, as reported by the same agency, KRK claimed he was testing the weapons functionality and had no intention of harming anyone. He reportedly told investigators that he fired in the direction of a nearby mangrove area, assuming the bullets would not reach residential premises. However, due to wind conditions, the bullets allegedly travelled further and struck the building. Weapon Seized, Forensic Examination Underway Mumbai Police have since seized the firearm and recovered shell casings from the scene. The Crime Branch and forensic teams are examining the bullets and other material evidence as part of the ongoing investigation. New Delhi: Planning to visit your bank soon? You may want to check the holiday schedule first. Banks across the country are set to remain closed for the next four days, This means regular branch services will not be available during this period. January 24 falls on the fourth Saturday of the month and as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, banks remain shut on the second and fourth Saturdays. Since it is the fourth Saturday, bank branches will stay closed. Banks To Remain Closed For Four Consecutive Days If you have any bank-related work lined up, you may want to plan accordingly. Banks will remain shut for four days in a row from January 24 to January 27 due to a combination of scheduled holidays and a proposed strike. While branches will be closed, customers can continue using digital services such as net banking, mobile apps, UPI and ATMs to withdraw or transfer money. Bill payments and other online transactions will also remain available. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Following the fourth Saturday holiday on January 24, banks will remain closed on January 25 due to Sunday. January 26 is a national holiday on account of Republic Day, and bank unions have announced a strike on January 27. If the strike goes ahead, banking services at branches will not be available that day either. Bank Unions Plan Nationwide Strike on January 27 Bank services could be affected on January 27 as employee unions prepare for a nationwide strike. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has called for the protest, demanding that banks adopt a five-day work week. The union argues that a five-day schedule would help reduce workload and improve efficiency for employees. It has been pointed out that most government offices and several financial institutions already follow a Monday-to-Friday work routine. As part of its proposal, the UFBU has suggested keeping banks closed on Saturdays by adding 40 extra minutes to working hours from Monday to Friday. Notably, institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), LIC, stock markets, forex, and money markets already remain closed every Saturday. What Has SBI Said? The State Bank of India (SBI) has alerted its customers that some banking services may be disrupted if the proposed strike goes ahead. In an advisory, the bank said it will try to keep essential services running to minimise inconvenience. For cash needs, SBI has advised customers to use ATMs or Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs). For other basic services, customers can visit nearby Customer Service Points (CSPs). The bank has also encouraged customers to rely on digital options such as net banking, the YONO app, mobile banking and UPI to carry out transactions during this period. The Middle East has seen the map of power redrawn time and again in the long shadow of the United States. Senior police official Qaim Lashari said that the bomber attacked the convoy of Baluchistan provincial assembly candidate Siraj Raisani, who was running for a seat in the legislature in upcoming elections. US President Donald Trump on Friday criticised Canada for rejecting his proposed "Golden Dome" missile defence system over Greenland, warning that the country risked falling under Chinese influence within a year. Trump accused Ottawa of prioritising trade ties with Beijing over US-backed security. Chinese state-run Catholic bodies have introduced new internal regulations compelling Catholic clergy across China to hand over their passports and other travel documents, placing overseas travel under tight approval procedures and mandatory post-trip reporting, according to a report by The Epoch Times (TET). The measures were jointly approved on December 16 by the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA) and the Bishops' Conference of the Catholic Church in China (BCCCC), both of which operate under the supervision of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The rules require centralised custody and authorisation of all exit and entry documents belonging to Catholic clergy, including bishops, priests, deacons and nuns. Under CCP oversight, the state-recognised Catholic Church and the bishops' conference permit the regime's National Religious Affairs Administration to appoint bishops and oversee church teachings and doctrine. Historically, the CCPA has not been in communion with the Vatican and functioned independently. In recent years, however, the Vatican has sought cooperation with the CCP on the appointment of bishops. At the same time, underground Catholic churches in China remain loyal to papal authority and operate outside CCP control, TET reported. According to the policy, clergy are required to submit their ordinary passports, Hong Kong-Macau travel permits and Taiwan travel permits to church authorities for collective storage. Individuals are no longer permitted to retain their own travel documents. Any foreign or cross-border travel, whether for official responsibilities or personal purposes, must receive prior approval from the relevant authorities, the TET report highlighted. Once authorisation is granted, the documents are temporarily issued to allow visa processing. Clergy must return the documents within seven days of re-entering China and provide written reports confirming their return and outlining their travel activities. This system closely resembles the CCP's long-established exit controls applied to government officials, party cadres and executives of state-owned enterprises, whose passports are routinely held and whose travel is closely supervised. The move indicates that Catholic clergy are now being administered in the same manner as regime officials, TET reported. For many years, the CCP has relied on passport restrictions to deter defections, limit foreign engagement and maintain political control. Extending this framework to Catholic clergy indicates that religious personnel are increasingly regarded as politically sensitive figures rather than solely spiritual leaders. The regulations also impose strict requirements on private travel. Clergy wishing to travel abroad for personal reasons must submit a written request at least 30 days in advance, specifying the purpose of the trip, travel plan, length of stay and companions. Applicants are also required to sign a written commitment and are prohibited from changing their itinerary or overstaying while overseas, the TET report highlighted. (ANI) Redmi Note 15 Pro series India launch date: Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the Redmi Note 15 Pro series in India on January 29, following the recent debut of the Redmi Note 15 earlier this month. The upcoming lineup is expected to include two smartphones, the Redmi Note 15 Pro and the Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus. While the Pro series has already made its global debut earlier this month and was launched in China last year, its India launch is now confirmed. The new smartphones will feature Xiaomis Redmi Titan Structure, which the company claims provides 10 times higher resistance to impact, making the devices more durable. Redmi Note 15 Pro series (Expected) Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The Redmi Note 15 Pro series is expected to feature a large 6.83-inch AMOLED display offering up to 3,200 nits of peak brightness. The screen will come with TUV eye care certification and Hydro Touch 2.0 technology, which improves touch responsiveness even when the phone is used with wet hands. The smartphone will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor, paired with up to 12GB of RAM for smooth performance. The devices are likely to pack a massive 6,500mAh battery with support for 100W HyperCharge fast charging and 22.5W reverse charging. According to Redmi, the battery is designed to deliver reliable performance for up to five years. You call it a long day. Your battery calls it light work. Thanks to the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G, with 2-day battery life from a 6500mAh Silicon-Carbon Battery. pic.twitter.com/GAaXTsZYh5 Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) January 23, 2026 On the camera front, the Redmi Note 15 Pro series is expected to sport a 200MP MasterPixel primary camera with HDR support. The smartphones will also offer several AI-powered features, including AI Writing, AI Speech Recognition, and AI Interpreter. In terms of durability, the series is expected to carry IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings for dust and water resistance, along with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection. Redmi Note 15 Pro Series Price In India (Expected) The REDMI Note 15 Pro series is likely to land in the sub-Rs 30,000 segment. The smartphone will be sold on Amazon.in, in addition to mi.com and offline stores, after the launch. Iran has issued a stark warning to US President Donald Trump that it would treat any American attack as an "all-out war," just a day after Trump announced a "big force" of warships was heading towards the violence-hit Middle East nation. "This time, we will treat any attack - limited, unlimited, surgical, kinetic, whatever they call it - as an all-out war against us, and we will respond in the hardest way possible to settle this," a senior Iranian official told Reuters. The threat follows Trump's recent confirmation of a massive military deployment, stating that a US armada is heading to the Gulf region as Washington closely monitors Iran. Trump has repeatedly kept the door open for new military action against Iran, following US support for and participation in Israel's 12-day war in June aimed at degrading Tehran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Unprecedented US military buildup near Iran According to open source military reporting, American forces under US Central Command show a massive buildup within striking distance of Iran. Naval strike and Tomahawk-capable assets include USS Mitscher, USS McFaul, USS Oscar Austin, USS Roosevelt, USS Bulkeley, USS Paul Ignatius, USS South Dakota, and USS Georgia, with 358 Tomahawks combined. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groupwith escorts USS Frank E. Petersen, USS Spruance, USS Michael Murphy, and nine fighter squadronsis en route carrying 454 more Tomahawks, per The New York Times. The US Air Force has deployed a dozen F-15E jets. Other vessels: USS Mount Whitney, USS Lewis B. Puller, USS Tulsa, USS Canberra, USS Santa Barbara, USNS Carl Brashear, USNS Henry J. Kaiser, USNS Bruce C. Heezen, USNS Marie Tharp. Massive air power deployment According to open source military reporting, on the ground, American airpower includes two F-35 squadrons, three F-15E squadrons, one F-16 squadron, and one A-10 squadron. Intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), support, and logistics assets deployed include P-8A Poseidon, C-17A Globemaster, KC-135 Stratotanker, KC-46A Pegasus, KC-130J Super Hercules, and MQ-4C Triton. The US Coast Guard also has a presence with USCGC Charles Moulthrope, Robert Goldman, Glen Harris, Emlen Tunnell, John Scheuerman, and Clarence Sutphin Jr. Iran on high alert Amid the massive US military buildup near Iran, the Iranian official stated that Tehran remains on high alert and fully prepared for the worst-case scenario. "This military buildup, we hope it is not intended for real confrontation. But our military is ready for the worst-case scenario. This is why everything is on high alert in Iran," the official emphasized. Tensions briefly subsided last week Tensions between the US and Iran had appeared to ease last week after Trump seemingly backed away from military threats following assurances from Tehran that detained protesters would not be executed. The US President claimed his threats had stopped Iran from executing more than 800 protesters who had been arrested during recent anti-government demonstrations. With the world moving into a new year, namely 2026, the name Athos Salome has gone from a subject of tabloid news to a viral sensation. As a "Living Nostradamus"-style parapsychologist from Brazil, this single father of two is riding a wave of global attention thanks to his past predictions, which have remarkably occurred on three major news events: COVID-19, Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter, and the death of Elizabeth II. Currently, his new prediction for the current year has caused a buzz of interest and apprehension among the social media community. A new type of warfare: Humans vs. machines Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Salome reminded us that arguably the most terrifying of all prophecies concerning what will be in 2026 has to do with an essential change in the order of worldwide conflict. While informing us that the potential Third World War will not resemble anything that we have witnessed in history until now, he maintained that what he foresees in this context is the "battle of machines," in which Cyber Warfare and Artificial Intelligence will be at the core. He also specifically mentions two unusual conflicts of interest in The Arctic Circle: There was an ice melt of 2026 that was used to set off a military confrontation between NATO and Russia. The Sahel Region: Full-scale war in Africa, involving nations such as Nigeria, Chad, and Sudan. 'Seismic Impact': A fragile peace in 2026? Looking forward to the British Monarchy, Salome has predicted that in the first half of 2026, there will be "a major health incident concerning a top Royal figure." It will be the reason why Prince Harry and King Charles III will have a "fragile truce." Nonetheless, despite a general positivity, the prophet remains pessimistic regarding the brothers, stating that there will still be a "fracture point" between them and Prince William. Salome says that real healing will only be seen in several decades through a new generation, comprised of George and his siblings, as they make amends with Harry and his siblings, Archie and Lilibet. The 'God of Chaos' and solar disruptions Apart from politics, the 2026 agenda prepared by Salome has significant environmental and technological challenges. Solar storms: A massive solar storm, according to him, has been forecasted from 12th to 15th of March. "The massive solar storm that threatens the Earth on March 12th 15th of 2026 has the potential for power failures that can precipitate a global technological collapse." Antarctic Virus: Threat of a lethal virus from Antarctica, which he thinks could probably affect people much more quickly compared to past pandemics. Space Race: A renewed "cosmic rivalry" between Russia and China in space resources. Skepticism vs. 'The Living Trinity' However, despite gaining more and more prominence and fame, Salome remains an extremely polarising character and has been accused of making prophecies based on 'hindsight bias,' namely vague prophecies based on news items and events and then claiming them to have been predicted. ALSO READ | Middle East flight disruptions: KLM, Air France, and Lufthansa suspend routes amid US-Iran standoff The world may be in a weekend, but global attention is firmly fixed on the Middle East as tensions escalate sharply between the United States and Iran. US President Donald Trump has issued what is being described as a war notice against Iran, triggering fears that a military conflict could begin at any moment. In response, Irans leadership has issued serious threats of retaliation, raising the possibility of a direct conflict between the two countries. There is also growing speculation internationally that Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could face a situation similar to that of Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro, although this remains uncertain. Multiple military and strategic indicators from land, sea, and air are contributing to fears of a major regional conflict. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Watch DNA Episode Here: Key Signs of Escalation The Trump administration has directly warned Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, signaling that negotiations are no longer an option and that a conflict is now being considered. A US Carrier Strike Group has reached a position from which direct strikes on Iran are possible. Israel has indicated it is prepared for war, both to participate in an attack and to defend against any Iranian retaliation, acting in coordination with the United States. Ayatollah Khamenei did not attend Friday prayers, and reports suggest he has moved to a secure bunker. Irans military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have warned that any attack on Iran or its leader would result in a decisive war with no ceasefire. Several Western countries have canceled flights to the Middle East amid fears of a large-scale conflict. Military Preparations and Strategy US media reports suggest that any American attack would be targeted, aiming to avoid civilian casualties while focusing on Irans military and nuclear infrastructure. The US has deployed extensive military assets around Iran, achieving what is described as full-spectrum strike readiness, allowing attacks from air, sea, and missiles without ground deployment. The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is now positioned within striking range. Experts say the first phase of any attack would likely involve Tomahawk cruise missiles, with more than 800 such missiles reportedly available. These missiles can strike targets over 1,500 kilometers away and are designed to evade radar. The strike group also includes nuclear-powered submarines USS Georgia and USS South Dakota, capable of launching Tomahawk missiles from underwater positions. In the air, the US could deploy F-35 stealth fighters for initial strikes, F-15E and F-16 jets for follow-up attacks, and A-10 aircraft for ground targets. Support aircraft such as P-8 Poseidon, MQ-4C Triton, and KC-135/KC-46 refuelers have also been deployed. According to analysts, the US plan involves three phases: blinding Irans radar and communication systems, destroying air defenses and key military and nuclear facilities, and finally weakening Irans naval power to control the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for around 20 per cent of global oil supply. The entire operation is reportedly planned to be completed within 72 hours to limit Irans ability to retaliate against US bases and Israel. The confrontation between the United States and Iran has moved into a dangerous new phase. What was once a contest managed through proxy battles, sanctions, and careful signalling has increasingly spilled into direct military action. US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, followed by Tehrans measured but unmistakable retaliation across the region, have stripped away many of the restraints that once kept tensions from tipping into open conflict. For Gulf states, this shift is not a distant strategic problem. Any US-Iran clash would unfold on their doorstep, placing their security, energy infrastructure, and economic stability directly at risk. It is against this backdrop that Qatars diplomacy between Washington and Tehran should be understood. Dohas role is not about sitting on the fence. It is a calculated effort to prevent escalation in a region where even limited fighting can quickly spiral out of control. Periods of intense US-Iran tension have always carried regional consequences, but recent developments have sharpened the stakes. Following waves of protests inside Iran, which, by various estimates, resulted in the deaths of several thousand people, relations between Tehran and Washington hardened further. President Donald Trumps public threat to intervene on behalf of protesters added another layer of volatility, increasing fears in the Gulf that internal unrest in Iran could intersect with external military pressure. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The geography of the Gulf leaves little room for error. Energy facilities are densely concentrated, shipping lanes are narrow, and security relationships are tightly interlinked. Even a short exchange of strikes risks disrupting oil and gas flows, endangering civilian populations, and pulling neighbouring states into the crisis. For Qatar, whose economy and security are closely tied to regional stability, de-escalation has therefore become a strategic necessity rather than a diplomatic preference. Over the years, Doha has built a reputation as a discreet and credible intermediary between adversaries who no longer trust one another. Its sustained ties with Tehran, combined with its strategic partnership with Washington, including hosting US forces at Al Udeid airbase, place Qatar in a rare position. When direct communication becomes politically toxic, Qatar has been able to keep channels open, allowing messages to pass and misunderstandings to be clarified before they harden into confrontation. This approach has delivered tangible results. Qatars mediation was most clearly on display in September 2023, when it helped broker a prisoner exchange between Iran and the United States, alongside the release of frozen Iranian funds for humanitarian use. The deal took months of indirect negotiations, careful sequencing, and reassurance on both sides. It did not signal a broader thaw in relations, but it demonstrated that limited agreements remain possible even amid deep hostility, provided a trusted intermediary is available. For Doha, such efforts are not symbolic. They reflect a consistent belief that coercion alone cannot manage the Iranian nuclear issue or wider US-Iran tensions. Qatar has long argued that dialogue, however slow and imperfect, is the only sustainable way to contain risks and avoid unintended escalation. This does not mean overlooking Iranian regional behaviour or ignoring proliferation concerns. Rather, it reflects a sober assessment of costs: military action may weaken Iran in the short term, but it also carries unpredictable consequences that could destabilise the entire region. That calculation was put to the test in June 2025, when Iran launched a calibrated missile strike on the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, a Qatari military facility hosting US forces, in response to American attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. Despite being directly affected, Doha moved swiftly to engage both Washington and Tehran. Through urgent outreach and established communication channels, Qatar played a role in broader efforts that helped support a fragile ceasefire, which has largely held since. The episode underlined both the risks Gulf states face and the trust placed in Qatari diplomacy during moments of crisis. The alternative to restraint is stark. A military campaign aimed at overthrowing Irans leadership would almost certainly produce consequences far beyond Irans borders. Internally, such pressure risks state collapse, fragmentation of authority, and the reawakening of ethnic and sectarian tensions within a complex society of more than 80 million people. Externally, the fallout could include mass displacement towards neighbouring countries, severe disruption to maritime security, and turmoil in global energy markets. For Gulf states, these outcomes would be costly, destabilising, and difficult to contain. Recent regional shifts have already altered the strategic landscape. Since the October 7 attacks and the conflicts that followed, Irans network of allied non-state actors has come under sustained pressure. Several elements of the so-called axis of resistance have been weakened militarily and politically, limiting Tehrans ability to project influence in some theatres. At the same time, US strikes in June 2025 dispelled any lingering doubt about Washingtons willingness to hit Iranian territory directly and target its nuclear enrichment capabilities. Yet from a Gulf perspective, escalation now offers diminishing returns. Weakening Irans regional influence does not automatically produce stability, especially if pursued through strategies that risk chaos or state failure. For Gulf capitals, the priority is not dramatic regime change in Tehran, but the prevention of disorder that would spill across borders and unsettle already fragile regional balances. This view is no longer confined to Doha. In recent years, Qatars approach has increasingly aligned with those of Saudi Arabia and Oman, both of which have invested heavily in dialogue with Tehran and confidence-building measures. Their efforts to communicate the risks of military escalation to the Trump administration reflected a broader regional mood: one that favours containment and engagement over confrontation. That convergence is striking, given the political differences that have historically divided Gulf states. Qatars mediation does not promise sweeping breakthroughs. Its impact is often quiet and incremental, measured in crises that do not happen rather than deals that dominate headlines. But by keeping lines of communication open, facilitating limited agreements and discouraging maximalist strategies, Doha seeks to reduce the risk of miscalculation at a time when tensions are running high. In a region shaped by repeated cycles of conflict, the value of de-escalation is easily overlooked. It lacks the drama of military action and the clarity of deterrence. Yet as Qatars engagement between Washington and Tehran shows, diplomacy, however restrained and imperfect, remains one of the few tools capable of preventing local crises from turning into regional catastrophes. For Gulf states that would bear the costs of war long after the shooting stops, that role is not just useful. It is essential. Pakistan faced a stinging double humiliation at the World Economic Forum in Davos after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's rushed signing of US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" charter. Within hours of joining the Gaza peace initiative, Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat publicly rejected Pakistan's participation, branding Islamabad a "terror backer" unfit for any role in Gaza's transition or peacekeeping. The rebuke came as Sharif also faced fierce domestic backlash, with jailed former PM Imran Khan's party demanding a national referendum and opposition leaders calling the move "morally incorrect and indefensible." Speaking to NDTV on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Barkat said, "Any country that supported terror is not welcome... and that includes Pakistan." Responding to a question on international peacekeeping forces, Barkat ruled out the involvement of several countries, accusing them of backing militant groups. Speaking firmly, he said, "We will not accept the Qataris, the Turks... and that includes Pakistan... Theyve been very supportive of the jihadi organisation in Gaza, and we will not trust them having boots on the ground." Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Imran Khan's PTI slams Sharif Back home, Sharif immediately faced a backlash. Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) strongly criticized the decision and demanded a national referendum. The party argued that peace efforts should strengthen the UN, not create parallel structures, and vowed to reject any plan that went against the wishes of the Palestinians. Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas called it "morally wrong and indefensible," further fueling accusations of betrayal. Critics highlighted Sharif's previous skepticism towards Trump, suggesting that economic pressures had driven the change in stance. What is 'Board of Peace'? US President Donald J Trump on Thursday launched the Board of Peace at Davos, unveiling a US-backed initiative aimed at stabilising Gaza through ceasefire enforcement, opening of crossings, demilitarisation of armed groups, and long-term reconstruction and economic revival. The initiative forms part of the second phase of Trumps 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict. While invitations were sent to nearly 60 countries, including India and China, fewer than 20 participated in the Davos launch. Permanent membership of the board is reportedly linked to a contribution of $1 billion. Who is on Trump's 'Board of Peace'? According to the White House, countries that have accepted the invitation include Argentina, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Morocco, Mongolia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. India was invited but has not yet responded. Russia unleashed a massive attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure early Saturday, leaving Kyiv with overnight explosions and knocking out power to over 1.2 million properties nationwide. According to a Reuters report, nearly 6,000 buildings in Kyiv were left without heating on Saturday morning while the temperature dipped to -10C, with many apartments already freezing from prior attacks on the city's centralized heat system. Moscow timed the strikes for ongoing U.S brokered trilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine in the UAE, now in their second day, with no compromise in sight . Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported one killed and four injured in the capital, plus 19 wounded, including a child, in Kharkiv. Russia's heaviest winter attack yet on Ukraine's power grid, targeted since the 2022 invasion, has left millions with only hours of electricity daily and many without heat or water. Over 800,000 in Kyiv and 400,000 in Chernihiv's northern region remained powerless after the latest attacks, Deputy PM Oleksiy Kuleba said. Ukraine's air force reported Russia launched 375 drones and 21 missiles, including two rare Tsirkon ballistic missiles, in the overnight barrage, reported Reuters. The capital had already weathered two mass overnight attacks since the New Year, cutting power and heat to hundreds of residential buildings. The attack comes in the backdrop of the trilateral U.S brokered peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, which opened on January 23, in Abu Dhabi, marking the first direct negotiations among the three since Russia's full-scale invasion nearly four years ago. US President Trump's envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, joined by Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and Russia's Admiral Igor Kostyukov, to discuss a ceasefire framework, with territorial disputes. Fresh Russian attacks hit Kyiv and Kharkiv on Saturday, even as US-brokered negotiations aimed at ending the nearly four-year conflict continued in Abu Dhabi. At least one person was killed, and 15 others were wounded in the overnight strikes. Kyiv is under a massive enemy attack. Do not leave shelters! Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned on Telegram, according to AFP. He added that residential buildings had been hit, disrupting heat and water supplies in parts of the capital. Kharkivs mayor, Igor Terekhov, reported that the city was targeted with Iranian-made Shahed drones, causing damage to several residential complexes. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source High-Stakes Talks In Abu Dhabi The trilateral talks in the UAE capital, involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, are scheduled to continue over two days. The UAE Foreign Ministry described the discussions as part of ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis. A key sticking point remains the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, where Russia has demanded Kyiv withdraw its forces. Russia's position is well known on the fact that Ukraine, Ukrainian armed forces, have to leave the territory of the Donbas, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated. The Abu Dhabi talks followed meetings in recent days involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, as well as discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trumps envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Peace Proposals Nearly Ready Zelensky told reporters that proposals aimed at ending the conflict were nearly ready but acknowledged uncertainties over the future of Ukrainian territory sought by Russia. He also reiterated his support for establishing a free trade zone under Ukrainian control in the east, describing it as potentially positive for our business. The US-brokered discussions in Abu Dhabi are expected to continue over the weekend, with officials emphasising the goal of fostering dialogue and seeking political solutions to the crisis. US President Donald Trump on Friday criticised Canada for rejecting his proposed "Golden Dome" missile defence system over Greenland, warning that the country risked falling under Chinese influence within a year. Trump accused Ottawa of prioritising trade ties with Beijing over US-backed security. On Truth Social, Trump wrote: Canada is against The Golden Dome being built over Greenland, even though The Golden Dome would protect Canada. Instead, they voted in favour of doing business with China, which will 'eat them up' within the first year! The remarks follow rising tensions between the US and Canada, sparked by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys address at the 56th Annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos earlier this week. Trump criticised Carney for what he described as a lack of gratitude towards the United States for the security it provides. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Canada gets a lot of freebies from us, by the way. They should also be grateful, but they're not. I saw your Prime Minister yesterday; he wasn't so grateful. They should be grateful to us, Trump said. He added that the Golden Dome system would protect Canada. Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements, he added. Carney, in his WEF speech, highlighted the challenges of an era of great power rivalry, where the rules-based order is fading, and criticised the use of tariffs as leverage, implicitly referring to Washingtons efforts to secure Greenland. On January 17, Carney announced a new trade agreement with China, aimed at expanding markets for Canadian businesses. He said: We've secured a new trade agreement with China unlocking more than $7 billion in export markets for Canadian workers and businesses. The Prime Ministers Office stated that Canada is working to build a stronger, more independent, and more resilient economy by diversifying trade partnerships and attracting investment. As the world's second-largest economy, China presents enormous opportunities for Canada in this mission, it added. Under the deal, Canada agreed to remove its 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, while China will cut tariffs on Canadian farm products, including canola seeds, from 84 per cent to around 15 per cent. An initial cap of 49,000 Chinese EVs will be allowed to enter Canada annually, rising to roughly 70,000 over five years. Carney described China as a more predictable trade partner than the US. Our relationship has progressed in recent months with China. It is more predictable, and you see results coming from that, he said, according to CBS News. The trade developments come amid broader US-China tensions over tariffs. While both countries had threatened 100 per cent duties on each others goods, a partial exemption was agreed following a meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, covering some Chinese products until 10 November 2026. Meanwhile, Canada continues to face a 35 per cent levy on its goods, as well as US tariffs of 50 per cent on imported metals and 25 per cent on non-US automobiles. Trumps criticism of Canada underscores the ongoing strategic and economic rivalry in the Arctic and highlights Washingtons concerns over Chinas growing influence in North Americas northern neighbour. (With ANI inputs) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday condemned as insulting remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting that NATO allies avoided frontline combat in Afghanistan, as criticism of the comments mounted across Britain and Europe. Speaking in an interview with Fox News aired on Thursday, Trump claimed that allied nations sent troops to Afghanistan but kept them away from the front lines. Theyll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, he said. And they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines. The remarks prompted widespread anger in the UK, where 457 British service personnel died during the conflict that followed the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Trump also repeated his assertion that NATO would not come to the aid of the US if required. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source In a video message, Starmer began by paying tribute to British casualties. Let me start by paying tribute to 457 of our armed services who lost their lives in Afghanistan, he said. There are many also who were injured, some with life-changing injuries. I consider President Trumps remarks to be insulting and frankly, appalling, and Im not surprised theyve caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured, he added, saying that if he had spoken in such a way, he would certainly apologise. Following the 9/11 attacks, the United States invoked NATOs collective security clause for the first and only time, prompting the UK and several European allies to join the military campaign in Afghanistan. Troops from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark and other NATO nations also lost their lives during the conflict. Polands Defence Minister, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, said he expected respect for Polish veterans who have proven how much they serve this country and our commitments to allies. Poland lost 43 soldiers in Afghanistan. French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin said 90 French troops died while operating alongside NATO allies and that many others were wounded. We remember their sacrifice, which commands respect, she said. UK Defence Secretary John Healey said on X that the British troops who died were heroes who gave their lives in the service of our nation. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, who completed five tours in Afghanistan, described Trumps comments as utterly ridiculous. Opposition Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the remarks were complete nonsense and warned they could weaken the NATO alliance. Even Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and a long-time supporter of Trump, publicly criticised the US president. Donald Trump is wrong, Farage wrote on X. For 20 years our armed forces fought bravely alongside Americas in Afghanistan. Families of fallen soldiers also expressed distress. Lucy Aldridge, whose son William was killed in Afghanistan at the age of 18, told The Mirror that the remarks were extremely upsetting. Mark Atkinson, Director General of veterans charity The Royal British Legion, said the service and sacrifice of British troops in Afghanistan cannot be called into question. Prince Harry, who served two frontline tours in Afghanistan with the Army Air Corps, also responded. I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there, he said. Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost. Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect. According to official UK figures, 405 of the 457 British personnel who died in Afghanistan were killed in hostile action. The United States is reported to have lost more than 2,400 soldiers during the conflict. More than 150,000 UK armed forces personnel served in Afghanistan between September 2001 and August 2021, making Britain the second-largest contributor to the US-led mission, according to the Ministry of Defence. More than 10,000 Tibetan students were admitted to the so-called "Tibet Classes" in major Chinese cities in 2025, marking the highest annual intake since the programme began, according to Chinese government figures released in a report by the Education Bureau of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), as cited by Phayul. The report stated that a total of 10,500 students from Tibetan areas were enrolled in Tibet Classes operating in schools across multiple provinces and provincial-level cities in China in 2025. Chinese officials described the enrolment figure as an all-time high. The data also indicated a significant rise in the number of specialised classes and institutions created under the programme. During 2025, five new schools exclusively for Tibetan classes were established in major Chinese cities. In addition, 150 new junior middle school classes were introduced, enrolling 2,000 students. A further 205 new senior middle school classes enrolled 4,500 students, while 223 new middle-level vocational education classes enrolled 4,000 students. Among students enrolled in vocational education programmes, 3,215 were reported to be from the TAR. The remaining 785 students came from Tsongon (Qinghai) Province, which covers a significant portion of the traditional Tibetan region of Amdo. Chinese authorities said around 70 per cent of students admitted to these programmes come from farming, nomadic and border populations in remote and high-altitude regions, the Phayul report noted. According to the official report, the expansion of Tibet Classes, also known as Tibet Middle Schools, has accelerated since 2023. Student enrolment has increased at an average annual rate of 9.9 per cent over the past three years. The rapid growth of the programme is guided by what Chinese officials describe as the policy framework of "three increments, three coverages, and one standardisation." The "three increments" refer to increases in boarding school enrolment, annual student admissions and the total number of schools. The "three coverages" involve full implementation across all ethnic groups in Tibetan regions, all remote counties and border-area towns. The "one standardisation" focuses on linking vocational education with job placement within middle-level vocational schools. Chinese authorities claim these policy objectives are being effectively implemented each year, the Phayul report highlighted. The Tibet Class system was first introduced in 1984, with Beijing citing limited educational development and a shortage of skilled personnel in Tibetan areas as justification. However, Tibetan organisations and rights advocates have long criticised the programme as a mechanism for political indoctrination and cultural assimilation. As of 2025, official data state that 129 Tibet Class schools are operating across 23 provinces and 60 provincial-level cities in China, enrolling a total of 25,000 Tibetan students. Chinese authorities further claim that approximately 180,000 Tibetan students have graduated from these schools over the years and are now working in various sectors, contributing to economic development in Tibetan regions, Phayul reported. In 1996, China's State Council released a policy document titled "Regarding the Expansion of the Scale of Inland Tibet Classes," which framed the programme not only as an educational initiative but also as a "political responsibility." The document called for strict oversight, coordinated implementation and strong institutional backing from local governments to ensure its execution. It outlined the establishment of Tibet Classes across at least 16 provinces and major municipalities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangdong, Sichuan, Chongqing, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shandong, Phayul reported. (ANI) US shooting: A deadly domestic shooting took place on Friday early morning in US' Lawrenceville-area neighbourhood. The tragic incident in Georgia claimed the lives of four adults, and according to the information provided by authorities, officers responded to a shots fired call at approximately 2:30 am in the 1,000 block of Brook Ivy Court. Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered four adults inside the residence who had suffered gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, all four victims of Indian origin were pronounced dead at the scene, IANS reported. Consulate General of India expresses sorrow Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The Consulate General of India in Atlanta expressed deep sorrow over a tragic shooting incident in Georgia and has assured full assistance to the bereaved family. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Consulate said, We are deeply grieved by a tragic shooting incident linked to an alleged family dispute, in which an Indian national was among the victims. The alleged shooter has been arrested, and all possible assistance is being extended to the bereaved family. The statement came as Gwinnett County Police continued investigating the domestic shooting. Also Read- Indian national among four killed in domestic shooting in Atlanta; suspect arrested Details of the shooting incident Investigators have revealed that the incident was of a domestic nature, and the police have also stated that three young children were inside the home when the shooting began. Notably, the children hid together inside a closet to save themselves, showing a remarkable act of presence of mind. The children were not injured during the incident and were later released into the care of a family member. Moreover, one of the children managed to call 911 (the emergency contact number in the US), providing critical information that helped officers to reach the scene within minutes. Officers arrived while the suspects vehicle was still parked in the driveway and fearing that the shooter might still be in the area, police deployed K-9 units to conduct a search. A police dog later tracked the suspect to a nearby Woodline, where he was taken into custody without incident, according to authorities, IANS further reported. Police identified the victims as Kumars wife, Meemu Dogra (43) of Atlanta, Gourav Kumar (33), Nidhi Chander (37), and Harish Chander (38), all residents of Lawrenceville. Who Is Vijay Kumar? Gwinnett County Police, on Friday afternoon, identified the suspect as Vijay Kumar (51) of Atlanta. Kumar has been charged with four counts of aggravated assault, four counts of felony murder, four counts of malice murder, one count of cruelty to children in the first degree, and two counts of cruelty to children in the third degree. What led to the shooting? Gwinnett County Police, in a post on X, informed that it was learned through the investigation that an argument began between Dogra and Kumar at their home in Atlanta, and they traveled to the residence on Brook Ivy Court with their 12-year-old child. "Gourav Cumar, Nidhi Chander, and Harish Chander, who are relatives of Dogra and Kumar, resided at the Brook Ivy Court home, along with two juveniles who are seven and ten years old. After the incident occurred, the 12-year-old child was the one who called 911," the post added. Title: Homicide Investigation - Brook Ivy Court Date: (Update #1) Jan. 23, 2026 The suspect in this case has been identified as Vijay Kumar (51, Atlanta). The victims are Kumars wife, Meemu Dogra (43, Atlanta), Gourav Cumar (33, Lawrenceville), Nidhi Chander (37, https://t.co/Xf8KkXh3on Gwinnett County Police (@GwinnettPd) January 23, 2026 The investigation is reportedly ongoing, and further information is awaited. (with IANS inputs) The global race for Arctic dominance has intensified under the Trump administration, with the United States, a post-WWII superpower, pursuing unprecedented control over strategic outposts like Greenland to secure its position in this melting frontier. Washington has repeatedly proposed acquiring Greenland outright for national security, explicitly to counter Russia's militarised icebreaker fleet and China's Polar Silk Road infrastructure push in what Trump officials call our hemisphere, referring to the Western Hemisphere in Trump's revived Monroe Doctrine or termed as Donroe Doctrine, invoking US dominance in the region. This shift stems from climate change melting Arctic sea ice at record rates, opening the Northern Sea Route (NSR), a 40% faster Asia-Europe path, rich in rare earth minerals, undiscovered oil reserves that power EVs and semiconductors. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source But what sparked this sudden Arctic obsession? How does melting ice connect to redefined trade routes, mineral wars, and Trump's Golden Dome missile shield plans that stay on Greenland's radar-ready geography? Drill Baby Drill: The race for critical minerals Us President Donald Trump's signature "Drill, Baby, Drill" mantra, pushed since his 2024 campaign, now collides with Arctic ambitions, demanding maximum control over Greenland's untapped reserves to energy dominate' against growing Russia-China influence, choking the strategically important Northern Sea Route. This Monroe Doctrine policy revives 19th-century expansionism under a modern "Donroe Doctrine," where US control of Greenland's minerals and Pituffik base becomes essential for the Golden Dome missile shield while unlocking oil and gas riches. 13% of global undiscovered reserves, to flood markets and kneecap rivals' energy leverage, according to the Arctic Institute report. Redefining Northern Sea Route As Arctic ice melts at unprecedented rates, a new geopolitical chessboard emerges where control over frozen waters could dictate tomorrow's trade empires, energy lifelines, and military might, pulling in superpowers from Washington to Moscow. The Northern Sea Route slashes Asia-Europe shipping by 40%, bypassing chokepoints like the Suez Canal, shrinking the Yokohama-Rotterdam journey from 21,000 km in 45 days via the Suez route to 13,000 km in 25 days via the Northern Sea Route. Russia maintains the world's largest icebreaker fleet in the region with approximately 40-50 vessels, including both nuclear-powered and diesel-electric types, maintaining its dominance in the Northern Sea Route (NSR). According to a report by Interfax, the Northern sea route handled 36 million tons of cargo, mostly Russian oil and gas, with plans to hit 200 million tons by 2030, all protected by Russia's unmatched fleet of over 40 icebreakers. China funds Russian ports via its Polar Silk Road to secure minerals for EVs and technology in the Arctic. The melting ice in the Arctic can act as a year-round shorter trade route for global cargoes. The US eyes Greenland's vast rare earths and bases like Pituffik for Golden Dome to counter the growing Russian and Chinese threats. The possibility of cheaper trade, with shorter trade route, chokepoints like Suez lose power, thus heating the race for Arctic power dominance. Is Greenland key to Arctic dominance? Greenland's prime Arctic position makes it a pivotal chess piece for global powers, guarding North Atlantic approaches, missile defence, and vital shipping lanes amid melting ice fueled by climate change. Positioned above the Arctic Circle off Canada, it houses the US-run Pituffik Space Base for missile warning and surveillance against Russian hypersonic threats, central to President Trump's Golden Dome shield, while its untapped rare earths act as an added benifit fueling the global race for Critical minerals. Home to 25 rare earth elements, 11% global graphite, plus zinc, gold, and uranium in a $1 trillion jackpot, leading the EVs and Chip race. Currenlty China controls 90% of the processing, but owning Greenland flips that. Trumps bickering for Greenland is not merely a territorial expansion but a strategic flip in controlling both the Arctic and the Atlantic routes. Control over Greenland will serve as a strategic shield, blocking rivals from dominating the Arctic while safeguarding US interests. The United States has hinted at a possible removal of the 25% tariffs imposed on India, with Treasury Secretary describing the levy as a "huge success" that led to the "collapse" of Indian purchases of Russian oil. Speaking about the tariffs, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he "would imagine there is a path to take them (tariffs) off now," signaling a potential shift in US trade policy towards India. US calls tariffs "huge success" Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Besant noted that before Russia invaded Ukraine, Russian oil accounted for only 23 percent of the crude processed by Indian refineries. However, after sanctions were imposed and Russian crude began selling at significant discounts, its share rose sharply, enabling Indian refiners to achieve higher profit margins. The Treasury Secretary described the 25% tariffs on India as a major achievement, claiming they successfully pressured New Delhi to reduce its purchases of Russian crude oil drastically. European Union's "mother of all deals" US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessents remarks come as India and the European Union prepare for what is being called the mother of all deals, even as uncertainty over President Donald Trumps tariff policies remains. The proposed agreement comes at a difficult time for Europe, after Trump earlier threatened to widen his trade war with European allies over their opposition to a US takeover of Greenland. According to some reports, the agreement could be announced as early as January 27, when leaders from both sides are expected to meet for a high-level summit. US 50% tariff on India US has levied a 50% tariff on most Indian exports. Washington initially imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on April 2, 2025, over unfair trade practices and India's large trade surplus, then added another 25% penalty via Executive Order 14329 on August 6, 2025, explicitly targeting New Delhi's continued purchase of discounted Russian oil amid the Ukraine war. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that India's buying Russian oil directly funds the Kremlin's war machine. India defended its energy policy, asserting its sovereign right to source oil from the most advantageous suppliers to ensure energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens. After the levy of tariffs, several rounds of meetings have been held between America and India over the issue; however, no conclusion has been reached. Recently, Trump has struck a conciliatory note, saying in an interview at Davos with Moneycontrol, News18s sister publication, that he has great respect for Indias Prime Minister, calling him a fantastic man and a friend. He added that he was confident both sides would reach a trade agreement despite ongoing tariff-related tensions. Iran's ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, appreciated India's stand on the United Nations Human Rights Council's (UNHRC) 39th special session to address the deteriorating human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. India voted against the resolution at the UNHRC calling for increased scrutiny of the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, aligning itself with a group of countries that opposed what they described as a selective and politically driven initiative. The resolution sought to address what sponsors termed a deteriorating human rights situation in Iran. India's vote placed it among a minority of states rejecting the measure, while several others abstained. The resolution was adopted at the session by 25 votes in favour, seven against and 14 abstentions. Reacting to India's vote, in a statement on X, Iranian Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali welcomed New Delhi's stance, saying, "I extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of India for its principled and firm support of I.R. of Iran at the UN_HRC, including opposing an unjust and politically motivated resolution. This stance reflects India's commitment to justice, multilateralism, and national sovereignty." Earlier, noting that the history of the relationship and collaboration between Iran and India dates back hundreds of years before the emergence of Islam, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, the Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader, said that India philosophical texts were studied in Iran. He said India's achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine were studied in Iran and people of Iran have always learned about the relationship between the two ancient civilisations. "The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran always insists on good relations and collaboration between Iran and India...I hope that in Chabahar they will work nicely...The history of the relationship and collaboration between Iran and India goes to 3,000 years ago, before the emergence of Islam. Even at that time, we were using philosophical books of India," he said. "Even at the university, we studied philosophical books of India, and in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine, we were also using your civilisation, your knowledge, and we always learned through our schools the relationship between Iran and India," he added. Meanwhile, Iranian state television has released the first official death toll from the recent anti-government protests that engulfed the country, reporting that 3,117 people were killed during the crackdown, as reported by Al Jazeera. In a statement carried by Press TV on Wednesday, Iran's Martyrs Foundation said that 2,427 of those killed in the demonstrations were civilians and security forces. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has said 4,519 were killed during the wave of demonstrations, including 4,251 protesters, 197 security personnel, 35 people aged under 18 and 38 bystanders who it says were neither protesters nor security personnel. HRANA also said 9,049 additional deaths were under review, as per Al Jazeera. The demonstrations, which began in late December with shopkeepers protesting against the flailing currency and the cost of living, snowballed into a widespread anti-government movement, as per Al Jazeera. The government crackdown was widely condemned, with US President Donald Trump threatening to intervene in support of the protesters. (ANI) Amid rising tensions and deteriorating conditions in Iran, the All India Medical Students' Association (AIMSA) has written to the Embassy of India in Tehran, seeking urgent intervention for the return of passports of Indian students studying there and urging that evacuation measures be considered if the situation worsens. In its letter to the Indian Ambassador, AIMSA said it wished to highlight "the growing distress among Indian students currently studying in various universities across Iran," noting that concerns have intensified due to the prevailing situation in the country. The association said, "Many Indian students have expressed their desire to return to India due to the prevailing situation, but are unable to do so as their passports are still withheld by their respective universities, preventing them from making travel arrangements despite advisories issued earlier." AIMSA said this has "caused serious anxiety among students and their families back home." It said it has "humbly requested the esteemed Indian High Commission to kindly intervene with the concerned authorities and universities to facilitate the immediate return of passports to Indian students who wish to travel back to India." AIMSA further said that "if the situation worsens," it "respectfully urges the High Commission to consider necessary evacuation measures to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals." Expressing confidence in official support, the association added, "We trust in your continued support and intervention in safeguarding the interests of Indian students abroad," and said it "remains ready to extend full cooperation and provide any assistance required in this regard." The concerns raised by AIMSA come amid widespread unrest in Iran, where protests began spreading across the country in late December last year as citizens took to the streets over a weakening economy and the sharp fall of the Rial. Following the outbreak of protests, Iran witnessed what has been described as the longest and most extensive internet shutdown in its history, lasting nearly two weeks. Authorities also imposed additional curbs on communication networks, some of which have since been partially eased. The situation escalated further amid allegations of a violent crackdown on demonstrators, with activists claiming that at least 5,000 people were killed. The reported scale of the violence prompted warnings of possible intervention from Iran's long-time adversary, the United States. Although the protests appeared to briefly subside last week, tensions resurfaced as Iran and the United States exchanged fresh warnings. US President Donald Trump said an "armada" was "heading in that direction," referring to a US aircraft carrier moving toward the Middle East, while adding that he hoped it would not have to be used. The remarks triggered strong reactions from Tehran, where officials cautioned that any further escalation could lead to an all-out war, underscoring the fragile and volatile state of relations between the two sides. (ANI) Former Bangladesh MP and Joint General Secretary of the Awami League, Bahauddin Nasim, described the statement made by Sheikh Hasina, former Prime Minister and President of the Bangladesh Awami League, as "entirely justified," alleging that the current Yunus government has "blood on its hands." His remarks came in response to Sheikh Hasina's recent attack on the Interim Government led by Muhammad Yunus. Speaking to ANI from an undisclosed location, Nasim alleged that under the orders and patronage of what he described as the occupying and fascist Yunus government, "countless people in Bangladesh have been subjected to violence and bloodshed at the hands of its henchmen, and many innocent people have died." He claimed that "a vast number of people in Bangladesh, especially leaders, activists, and supporters of the Awami League, religious minorities, indigenous communities, and even young people, poets, writers, and people from various other walks of life, have lost their lives," adding that they "have faced and continue to face widespread terrorism on a daily basis." Nasim further alleged that "the acts of protecting and encouraging the murderers, and the actions that further exacerbate this evil, are all being carried out under the leadership of this unelected, occupying, and communal Yunus government," saying these actions have "completely destroyed the environment of peace, harmony, development, and prosperity that existed in Bangladesh" when the Awami League was in power. Stating that "today, Bangladesh has reached the brink of destruction," Nasim held the "fascist Yunus government" responsible for what he described as extreme insecurity across the country. He said Bangladesh is now "plagued by fear, revenge, hatred, and malice," adding that people believe "the entire country has been transformed into a closed prison." Nasim's remarks come weeks ahead of Bangladesh's parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12 and follow a sharp public address by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in which she strongly criticised Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the Interim Government. In a pre-recorded audio message played at an event in the national capital, Sheikh Hasina described Yunus as "a usurer, a money launderer, a plunderer, and a corrupt, power-hungry traitor," alleging that he has "bled our nation dry with his all-consuming paradigms, staining the soul of our motherland." She said the nation must rise united and be "galvanised by the spirit of our great Liberation War in this grave hour," calling on citizens to overthrow "the foreign-serving puppet regime of this national enemy at any cost" and to defend and restore the Constitution "written in the blood of martyrs." Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh today stands "at the edge of an abyss, a nation battered and bleeding, navigating one of the most perilous chapters in its history." Referring to the legacy of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she said the homeland won through the Liberation War has been ravaged, adding that "the entire country has become a vast prison, an execution ground, a valley of death." Referring to her departure from the country in August 2024 amid violent protests, Sheikh Hasina said she was "forcibly ousted" by "murderous fascist Yunus, and his anti-state militant accomplices," despite being a directly elected representative of the people. She said the nation has since been plunged into an "age of terror," adding, "Democracy is now in exile." Calling on democratic and progressive forces to unite, Sheikh Hasina urged them to take a "solemn oath to build a humane and welfare-oriented democratic state" and confront what she described as the designs of the Yunus government and its collaborators. Bangladesh is set to undergo parliamentary elections on February 12. The Election Commission had suspended the registration of the Awami League as a party last year, and the Interim Government has banned all activities of the party. (ANI) At least three people were killed after a fire broke out at a hotel in Lahore's Gulberg area, rescue officials said, according to Dawn. Punjab Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmed said the blaze at the Indigo Hotel claimed the lives of three individuals. The victims were identified as Shehreyar, around 25 years old, Imran, around 30 years old, and Riaz, also around 30 years old, he said. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif shared multiple updates related to the incident on X as rescue and evacuation efforts continued, Dawn reported. She also posted a video message by Rescue 1122 Director General Rizwan Naseer, who described the operation as "difficult", noting that the hotel had 21 floors, including three levels below ground. He said a boiler located in the basement was being heated using LPG cylinders, where the fire originated. According to Naseer, hotel staff initially attempted to extinguish the fire themselves before rescue services were alerted. He said Rescue 1122 received the emergency call around 12:25 p.m. and that rescue teams faced extreme heat and smoke while entering the basement, Dawn reported. Earlier, the Chief Minister said she was monitoring evacuation and rescue efforts through the Safe City drone system. She described the incident as "severe" and attributed it to the "explosion of the air-conditioning system boiler". "Strict directives have been issued: All commercial boiler and cylinder installations across Punjab must fully comply with safety standards. Any premises found compromising public safety will be sealed immediately, without exception," she said. The incident comes amid heightened concerns over fire safety in Pakistan, following a deadly blaze at a shopping mall in Karachi that has claimed at least 71 lives so far, according to Dawn. Earlier this week, the Punjab government gave stakeholders a two-week deadline to implement standard operating procedures in plazas, schools and hospitals following the Gul Plaza inferno. "A building grading system has now been introduced across the province, under which safe buildings will be categorised as A-grade, while others will be graded according to their condition. The firefighting sector is being upgraded with modern technology, drones and state-of-the-art equipment," Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said at a press conference in Lahore. (ANI) The advertising industry is also feeling the effects of the growing repercussions surrounding ASTRO member and actor Cha Eun Woo, who is currently accused of receiving over 20 billion KRW, or approximately $13.7 million USD, in additional income taxes due to charges of tax evasion. According to reports, all content on the YouTube channel and social media accounts of the Shinhan Bank containing images and videos of Cha were changed from public viewable content to private viewable content. This makes all of them inaccessible to the public, who can view only messages saying they cannot view the content. There is no official statement from the Shinhan Bank about the change in official advertising content containing images of Cha. However, speculation is rife that there is some connection between the change and the recent tax controversy. According to an article on AllKpop, Shinhan had appointed Cha as their advertising model replacing Kim Soo Hyun. The tax allegations stem from an investigation conducted last year by the Seoul Regional Tax Office's Investigation Division 4. Authorities examined suspicions that Cha had reduced his tax burden through a one-person agency established under his mother's name. Following the probe, the National Tax Service reportedly notified Cha of additional income tax exceeding 20 billion KRW, an amount described as the largest tax reassessment ever imposed on a Korean celebrity, according to coverage cited by The Chosun Daily. Under this system, income generated from his work was distributed among Fantagio, the family-linked agency and Cha himself. Tax authorities reportedly concluded that the one-person company did not provide substantive services and functioned largely as a paper entity. Investigators believe the structure was designed to lower the effective tax rate by shifting income away from the top personal income tax bracket, which can reach 45 percent, to a corporate tax rate that is significantly lower. The Chosun Daily noted that officials viewed this setup as an attempt to reduce overall tax obligations rather than a legitimate business arrangement. In response to the allegations, Fantagio addressed the matter through an official statement. Before sharing the agency's position, Fantagio clarified its stance on the central issue under review. Fantagio stated, "The key issue in this case is whether the corporation established by Cha Eun Woo's mother qualifies as a substantive taxable entity. This matter has not been finally confirmed or officially assessed, and we plan to actively present our position through lawful procedures regarding the interpretation and application of the law. The artist and his tax representatives will fully cooperate to ensure the process is concluded as swiftly as possible." As the investigation continues, industry observers are closely watching how the outcome may affect Cha's endorsements and public image. Morocco and UN Economic Commission for Africa signed on Friday the Host Country Agreement for the organization of ECAs 58th session and Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (COM2026). The agreement was inked in Rabat by ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete and Morocco Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah Alaoui. ECAs conference will be held in Tangiers from 28 March to 3 April under the theme: Growth through innovation: harnessing data and frontier technologies for the economic transformation of Africa. This an annual and continental UN event that brings together African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, governors of central banks, and entities of the United Nations system to engage and exchange views on the state of economic and social developments in Africa. This years debates will focus on how African countries can leverage innovation, data and frontier technologies, including artificial intelligence, in support to economic transformation and job creation. We thank Morocco for its leadership and trust. By hosting COM 2026 in Tangier, Morocco is helping elevate Africas collective economic voice and demonstrating how national leadership can drive regional solutions with global impact, said Mr. Claver Gatete. Hosting COM 2026 in the city of Tangier also positions Africas economic message at the intersection of regions, institutions, and markets, strengthening Africas voice in global economic governance, he added. For her part, Nadia Fettah Alaoui said Morocco is convinced that regional integration must be a priority: African countries are often left behind when other priorities emerge, it is therefore important that we work together, said Minister Alaoui. The UN Economic Commission for Africa was established by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1958 as one of the UNs five regional commissions. Its mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africas development. U.S. and Moroccan customs officials are joining forces to make the world safer through innovation and cooperation in customs enforcement, said the U.S. embassy in a post on its X account. The U.S. Department of Commerce led a workshop, in partnership with Moroccos Customs Administration, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to share global best practices in risk management and targeting. The effort strengthens intellectual property enforcement and helps keep counterfeit goods out of global supply chainsprotecting security, innovation, and legitimate trade. Last June, Moroccan Customs Administration signed with U.S. CBP a Declaration of Principles formalizing Moroccos customs membership in the U.S. Container Security Initiative (CSI). This milestone represents a significant advancement in customs cooperation between Morocco and the United States of America, founded on mutual trust and a shared commitment to securing the supply chain while promoting the facilitation of trade an achievement that will make both countries safer and more prosperous. The extension of CSI systems to Moroccan ports, especially Tanger- Med, means enhanced oversight of customs clearance times and related costs. The CSI designation serves as a guarantee of greater confidence and attractiveness for ship owners, international investors, exporters and all commercial and economic stakeholders active in the region. Through the extension of the CSI network, the Moroccan and U.S. customs administrations are enhancing the targeting and predictive analysis of high-risk cargo prior to shipment, thereby strengthening efforts to effectively counter threats and ensure the protection of consumers and citizens in both countries. The Algeria-backed Polisario separatist group has been hit with a harsh reality-check during a meeting held lately in Washington with U.S. officials who reaffirmed that Autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty is the ONLY offer on the table. Take it or face consequences! According to press reports citing sources close to the Polisario, the meeting was chaired by a senior American official who made it clear that the Moroccan Autonomy plan under the Kingdoms sovereignty is the only framework of any future negotiation in line with UN Security Council resolution 2797. The U.S. administration delivered to the Polisario delegation a clear message: there is no back-and-forth game or procrastination tactics. The clock is ticking to close the deal before it is too late. The Polisario leadership and Algeria have rejected openly the UNSC resolution 2797 endorsing Moroccos Autonomy Proposal as a basis for talks to achieving a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable resolution to the Sahara dispute. But in Washington, the Polisario delegation swallowed its frustration and tried to keep up appearances without venturing to express its opposition to the American supportive stand of the Moroccan Sahara and the Autonomy plan. After chasing an elusive dream for over five-decades, the Polisario realized it reached the end of the road and the big lies of the Algerian regime which used the separatists as a proxy to undermine Moroccos territorial integrity and serve its own interests and geostrategic agenda. The Polisario has been summoned by Washington to receive constructive suggestions in response to the Autonomy Proposal adopted by the UN Security Council last October. In its historic resolution 2797, the Council calls on the parties to the Sahara conflict (Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania and Polisario) to engage in discussions without preconditions, taking as basis Moroccos Autonomy Proposal supported by the international community. The Polisario Washington trip coincided with the historic signing of founding charter of the international Board of Peace in Davos by U.S. President Donald Trump, Moroccan foreign minister Bourita and representatives of several countries around the world. The Board is committed to building a secure and prosperous future for Gaza. It also seeks peace and stability in areas affected or threatened by conflict. A search of a "suspicious" fishing boat sailing through the Pacific Ocean has uncovered almost five tonnes of cocaine, with the drugs reportedly bound for Australia. It's believed the cargo came from Central America, with its 13,000km journey cut short when the boat was intercepted in French Polynesia. The French Navy boarded the boat on Friday, January 16, and discovered 96 bales containing a total of 4.87 tonnes of cocaine. Australian police have since praised the seizure, which otherwise would have ended up on local streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would like to thank the exceptional work of our partners in French Polynesia, who have prevented a significant amount of illicit drugs from reaching Australia," AFP Commander Stephen Jay said. The harm caused by organised crime syndicates attempting to import illicit drugs into Australia is significant and extends beyond individual users to a myriad of violent and exploitative crimes and harm to the community. The fishing vessel was intercepted near French Polynesia. Source: Marine Nationale/AFP "It is no doubt that as a result of the work of the French authorities, significant organised crime entities within Australia have been disrupted." The AFP have vowed to work with French police to identify those in Australia who might be linked to the drugs. Pacific Ocean a popular route for drug trafficking Last year, a fisherman found an abandoned narco sub floating close to the Solomon Islands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's one of many that have been discovered around the Pacific. Ben Mostyn, drug policy expert and deputy director of the Sydney Institute of Criminology, previously told Yahoo News the Pacific is at risk of being "taken over" by organised crime. The low-profile vessel was spotted near Ramos Island in the Solomon Islands. Source: Ben Maenu'u "Cocaine is very popular in Australia and very expensive... so it just seems obvious that market forces from Latin America will start sending more and more cocaine to Australia," he said. He added drug smugglers will use "anything and everything" to get their deliveries across borders. "They will get speed boats that go faster than police boats, they will get submarines, they will build tunnels, they use large ships and then go to shore on a small ship, they can use private sailboats... so they kind of just throw the kitchen sink at it, really." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Mostyn said it's generally accepted that customs stop less than 10 per cent of illicit drugs coming into the country, with the substances coming in via "every entry" and "every port". "It is effectively a flood," he said. Australians spend $10 billion a year on all illegal drugs, and top the list of the world's biggest users of cocaine per capita, according to the World Drug Report 2025. The majority of that is consumed in NSW. Australians also pay up to six times more per kilo than users in the US. For free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drug treatment services call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015. Australians can access free 24/7 drug and alcohol counselling online. For information about drug and alcohol addiction treatment or support, go to the Turning Point website. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Public confidence in the nuclear sector has been harmed by the 2011 Fukushima disaster and further damaged by recent news of a utility, Chubu Electric Power, fabricating seismic risk data. Japan is shifting its energy policy to redevelop its nuclear energy capacity, aiming for 20 percent of its power from nuclear energy by 2040 to support climate goals. Alongside plans to establish a strong renewable energy sector, Japan aims to redevelop its nuclear energy capacity to boost its power and support its climate goals. However, with memories of the Fukushima nuclear disaster still fresh, many in Japan are worried about the risks involved with developing the countrys nuclear capacity. Nevertheless, the government has big plans for a new nuclear era, commencing with the restarting of the worlds biggest nuclear facility. The 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident is viewed as the second-worst nuclear disaster after the Chornobyl disaster of 1986. On 11th March 2011, a magnitude-9.0 earthquake hit the north of Japan, with the shock from the quake provoking a tsunami, the waves of which damaged the backup generators at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Although all three of the operating reactors were successfully shut down, the loss of power caused cooling systems to fail in each of them. Rising residual heat within each reactors core caused the fuel rods in reactors 1, 2, and 3 to overheat and partially melt down, leading to the release of radiation. Three explosions resulted from the buildup of pressurised hydrogen gas in the following days, leading to fears of leaked radiation and the evacuation of tens of thousands of people within a 30 km radius of the plant. The accident prompted a widespread distrust of nuclear power in Japan for more than a decade. However, in February 2025, Japans Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry published a draft revision of the national basic energy plan, in which the statement on moving away from nuclear power has been removed. Later that month, the Cabinet approved the revised Seventh Strategic Energy Plan, which stated the aim of producing 20 percent of power from nuclear energy by 2040. This marked a significant shift in Japans approach to nuclear power. Before 2011, Japan had 54 reactors that provided around 30 percent of the country's electricity. At present, just 14 of 33 operable reactors are producing power, while efforts to restart others have been thwarted due to public opposition. Japan is home to the worlds largest nuclear facility, the 8.2 GW Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, which covers 4.2 km2 of land in Niigata prefecture, 220km north-west of Tokyo. The facility was developed in 2012, but it has yet to come online, as, following the Fukushima disaster, the poor public perception of safety in the nuclear sector led the government to shut down several nuclear reactors. Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is operated by Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco), the same utility that managed Fukushima. Tepco aimed to restart one of the seven reactors at Kashiwazaki on 19th January, but was forced to delay the restart as an alarm malfunctioned during a test of equipment, although the company expects to bring it online within the next few days. The restarting of reactor No. 6 will increase Tokyos electricity supply by around 2 percent, as well as mark a major step forward in the governments plans to deploy more nuclear power in the coming years. However, many in Japan are still wary about the risks involved with nuclear power projects. Many of those living with proximity to Kashiwazaki-Kariwa are worried about the potential for another Fukushima-scale event, which could lead up to 420,000 residents to be evacuated from across a 30 km radius. However, Tepco says it has learnt from the mistakes of the Fukushima incident. Since its development, 6,000 workers have continued working at Kashiwazaki. Seawalls and watertight doors have been installed at the facility to ensure greater protection against a potential tsunami. The plant is also fitted with mobile diesel-powered generators and a large fleet of fire engines capable of providing water to cool reactors in the case of an emergency. In addition, upgraded filtering systems have been fitted to control the spread of radioactive materials. However, public confidence in nuclear power companies has been further harmed due to recent news of a firm fabricating data. It was found that Chubu Electric Power, a utility in central Japan, fabricated seismic risk data during a regulatory review, ahead of a possible restart of two reactors at its idle Hamaoka plant. In response, Japans Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) scrapped the safety screening at the plant, which is located on the coast, around 200 km west of Tokyo, in an area prone to Nankai Trough megaquakes. The NRA is now considering inspecting Chubus headquarters. Nuclear power is now widely viewed as one of the safest forms of energy production, on a global scale, which has led several countries to invest in a new era of nuclear power. Despite overwhelming public opposition to the development of Japans nuclear power sector, the government plans to gradually restart several reactors and expand nuclear capacity in the coming decades to support decarbonisation aims. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The supply chain for critical capacitor materials, including high-purity etched aluminum foil and ultra-thin polypropylene film, is dangerously concentrated among a handful of manufacturers, which poses a significant and unaddressed risk to future EV production targets. Failures in high-voltage systems, such as a blown $25 fuse in the sealed Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), lead to repair bills between $3,000 and $4,500 because the entire assembly must be replaced, resulting in an impending "totaling" crisis for older EVs. The shift to 800-volt systems and Silicon Carbide inverters, while increasing efficiency, imposes extreme thermal and electrical stress on passive components like capacitors, effectively trading short-term battery range for long-term hardware durability. The global electric vehicle transition is currently being sold as a triumph of mineral procurement and gigafactory scaling... a narrative where lithium mines and nickel refineries are the only hurdles between us and a decarbonized fleet. But while the industry fixates on the battery, it is ignoring the passive electronic components that must handle the violent throughput of high-voltage energy. The market for EV capacitors has ballooned to $5.32 billion. This growth is a symptom of a technical crisis. The shift to 800V architectures and Silicon Carbide (SiC) inverters has turned the humble capacitor from a commodity into a stubbornly analog, physically massive, and heat- and vibration-prone strategic choke point. To understand the financial volatility of 2026, one must look past the software and into the etched foil and polypropylene film... because the physics simply isn't adding up to the marketing promises. The 800-Volt Fever: A Double-Edged Sword Automakers are currently locked in an arms race to 800-volt systems to enable the 15-minute charge times that consumers demand. On paper, it is a masterstroke of efficiency. In reality, it is a pressure cooker for power electronics. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that global EV spending exceeded $425 billion, but a growing slice of that capital is being eaten by the "multiplier effect" of component density. A standard internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle requires roughly 3,000 Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCCs). A modern Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) requires up to 22,000. This represents more high-purity aluminum and specialty ceramic than the existing supply chain was ever designed to extrude... and the friction is starting to smoke. The DC-link capacitor is the literal dam holding back the reservoir of energy from the battery. In 800V systems, this component must be 20-30% larger to maintain safety margins against electrical arcing. Yet, the industry-wide push for "e-axles", where the motor and inverter are one compact unit, forces these larger, more heat-sensitive components into tighter, hotter spaces. The result is a collision between the marketing department's desire for "fast charging" and the engineering department's struggle with "thermal runaway." Efficiency at the Expense of Durability Wall Street loves Silicon Carbide (SiC). It is the material that allows Tesla, BYD, and Hyundai to squeeze 5% more range out of a battery pack by reducing switching losses. But SiC is a "violent" switch. These chips turn on and off in nanoseconds. This speed is what makes them efficient, but it creates a massive dV/dt (change in voltage over time) that hits the capacitor and motor windings like a high-frequency sledgehammer. "We are effectively trading long-term hardware durability for short-term battery range..." The high-frequency ripple current generated by SiC switching passes through the capacitors internal structure, generating heat through Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR). Since the dominant dielectricpolypropyleneis a thermoplastic, it begins to soften and degrade at 105C. In 2026, we are seeing a rising trend of "insulation fatigue." You might have a million-mile battery, but if the insulation in your $2,000 inverter is chewed up by the dV/dt of your SiC chips, the car is dead at 100,000 miles. The "efficiency" isn't free... it is being transferred from the battery's Bill of Materials (BOM) to the consumer's future repair bill. The "Right to Repair" Time Bomb The most contentious issue at the intersection of finance and hardware is the reparabilityor lack thereofof these high-voltage systems. Take the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failures that have plagued the industry over the last 18 months. When a transient over-current conditionoften driven by the very SiC switching we praiseblows an internal high-voltage fuse, the financial fallout is absurd. The fuse costs roughly $25. However, because the unit is potted in resin and sealed for liquid cooling, dealers do not open them. They replace the entire assembly. For the owner of a five-year-old EV, this results in a repair bill ranging from $3,000 to $4,500. This is the EV equivalent of a blown engine caused by a faulty spark plug. As the first massive wave of 2020-2022 EVs exits warranty in 2026 and 2027, the secondary market is facing a "totaling" crisis. A $4,000 repair on a vehicle with $12,000 in remaining equity is an economic death sentence. This "analog entropy" is the silent killer of EV residual values... and its a story no OEM wants to tell. Three Hidden Monopolies: Foil, Film, and Fumes The supply chain for these components is more concentrated than the market for lithium. If you want to understand the real risk to 2026 production targets, you have to look at the "etched foil oligopoly." Aluminum electrolytic capacitors rely on high-purity etched foil. This is not kitchen foil; it is an electrochemical marvel that increases surface area hundreds of times through acid-tunnel etching. This process is energy-intensive, environmentally toxic, and almost entirely controlled by a handful of Japanese and Chinese titans: JCC (Japan Capacitor Industrial), Resonac (formerly Showa Denko), and UACJ. Lead times for these foils have historically blown out to 24 weeks during demand surges. Then there is the "3-micron bottleneck." The film capacitors used in 800V inverters rely on ultra-thin, bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film. The market leader, Toray Industries, is currently the only supplier that can consistently produce the <3-micron grades required for high-density automotive inverters. While China is aggressively expanding its capacity, Western OEMs are terrified of the liability. A defect in a capacitor film doesn't just make the car stop... it can cause an energetic disassembly (a fire). This risk premium keeps the global supply chain tethered to a few legacy factories in Japan. Addressing the Supercapacitor Hype We cannot discuss this market without addressing the hype around supercapacitors. Every few months, a headline suggests supercapacitors will replace batteries. The data says otherwise. Supercapacitors have immense power density but pathetic energy density. They are not the "tank"... they are the "booster." We see them in high-performance halos like the Lamborghini Sian or in heavy-duty garbage trucks where they capture regenerative braking energy that would otherwise fry a chemical battery. Skeleton Technologies and Maxwell (now a shadow of its former self) have shown that the real volume is in "shaving the peaks." By using a supercapacitor to handle the instant-on torque or the hard-braking surges, you extend the life of the main battery. It is a protective layer, not a replacement. In 2026, this remains a niche high-cost solution for vehicles that live in a "stop-start" hell. A Reality Check As we look toward the 2030 targets set by the EU, the math for the capacitor supply chain doesn't work without a radical shift in engineering. The industry is currently running toward a "Hardware Wall." We have optimized the software, we have scaled the battery chemistry, but we are still relying on a 50-year-old dielectric and a 100-year-old manufacturing process to manage the most advanced powertrains in history. The financial winners won't be the companies that announce the most pivotal software updates. They will be the ones that solve the serviceability of the inverter and the durability of the insulation. Short term: The grey market for third-party EV repair will boom as owners realize they don't want to pay $4,000 for a blown fuse. Long term: The value consolidates around the companies that control the high-purity materials. If you don't own the film or the foil, you don't own the future of the electric vehicle. The electric transition isn't just a software revolution; its an analog brawl... and the capacitor is the one throwing the hardest punches. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Mexico is weighing whether to halt or scale back oil shipments to Cuba as concerns grow within President Claudia Sheinbaums government that continuing the policy could trigger retaliation from the United States, according to sources familiar with internal discussions. The review comes at a sensitive moment. Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba have stopped following U.S. intervention in Venezuela and the removal of Nicolas Maduro, leaving Mexico as Cubas most important remaining oil supplier. That shift has pulled Mexico directly into Washingtons crosshairs as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on Havana. Publicly, Sheinbaum has said Mexico will continue shipping oil to Cuba under long-standing contracts under the guise of humanitarian aid. Behind closed doors, however, officials are increasingly uneasy. President Donald Trump has warned that there will be no more oil or money flowing to Cuba, and U.S. officials have made clear that countries facilitating Havanas fuel supply are being closely watched. Mexicos dilemma is geopolitical as much as it is economic. The country is seeking a favorable review of the USMCA trade agreement while also trying to convince Washington it is doing enough to combat drug cartels. Mexican officials fear that oil shipments to Cuba could complicate both efforts at a time when Trump has openly floated unilateral U.S. action in the region. The stakes are high for Cuba. The island is in the throes of a deep energy crisis that has manifested in the form of chronic blackouts, fuel shortages, and grid failures driven by years of underinvestment and dependence on imported oil. Venezuelan supplies once covered a large share of Cubas fuel needs. In their absence, Mexicos crude and refined products have attempted to fill the void. Between January and September last year, Mexico shipped roughly 17,200 barrels per day (bpd) of crude and 2,000 bpd of refined products to Cuba, according to Pemex filings. This may be modest by global standards, but it is what keeps Cubas power plants and transportation running. Within Sheinbaums government, some officials argue that cutting off Cuba entirely could trigger a humanitarian crisis and migration toward Mexico. But some are concerned that defying Washington could come with far greater costs. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com OPB is reporting that the mega-size union lobby non-profit, Our Oregon, is putting out social media ads targeting Democrat lawmakers to vote to undo parts of President Trump business tax cuts. The lawmakers targeted are; State Rep. Emerson Levy (Bend), Rep. Hai Pham (Hillsboro), and Rep. Daniel Nguyen (Lake Oswego). Here is a copy of the ad. Because Oregon tax law draws its definitions to Federal code for uniformity purposes, it means sometimes that when Congress cuts taxes by changing definitions, it also by default, applies to Oregon tax law. Congress cut taxes for businesses in 2025. This included depreciation breaks. Now the Oregon Democrat leaders wish to disconnect Oregon from this savings on Oregon taxes, in hopes to diverting away as much as $300 million in tax breaks to Oregon business back to Oregon tax revenue coffers. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain In the same week that New South Wales experienced four shark attacks, Victorian beachgoers were warned about stinging jellyfish. The headlines can make it feel like Australian beaches are becoming increasingly dangerous places to swim. So what is causing these events? Are they becoming more frequent, or are they part of our ecosystem's natural cycles? Experts analyzing the NSW shark attacks suggest intense rainfall caused murky water in some areas, attracting fish and sharks to feed. Apps like SharkSmart can help beachgoers stay alert to changing conditions. Heading south to Victoria, January has seen high numbers of Lion's Mane jellyfish (Cyanea annaskala) reported in the northern waters of Port Phillip Bay. Lion's Mane jellyfish This jellyfish species has a distinctive dark red-brown body that is around 25 cm in diameter with fine tentacles, many times longer than the body, trailing beneath it. Its tentacles mean it is sometimes known as "Hairy Stingers." If you swim past a Lion's Mane, it will likely sting you, which can be painful, but it is not considered venomous like the blue-bottle jellyfish (Physalia physalis). Lion's Mane jellyfish have special stinging cells called nematocysts. The venom is a neurotoxin that kills their small prey, which is not usually enough to be harmful to humans unless they have an allergy, but it can harm dogs. First aid for these non-tropical jellyfish involves rinsing with seawater and removing any remaining stingers. It's also recommended to immerse the sting site in hot water (45C) or, if not available, apply a cold pack. The Lion's Mane jellyfish is native to Victorian and Tasmanian waters and is typically found in the mid-sections of the water column, making it difficult to detect. They can quickly form dense populations, suddenly bringing large numbers close to shore. So, these jellyfish inundations are uncommon, but they are not unprecedented. When they do occur, they tend to happen during warmer summer months and often follow heavy rainfall events. The last similar bloom in Port Phillip Bay was recorded in the summer of 2022. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. What causes a jellyfish 'smack?' Lion's Mane jellyfish feed on zooplanktontiny drifting animals including copepods, water fleas, fish eggs and larvae. While food availability can influence jellyfish populations, it seems more likely that the recent influxknown as a "smack" or "bloom"in Port Philip Bay was driven by environmental conditions rather than a sudden increase in prey. A combination of higher water temperatures over summer, salinity fluctuations and wind-driven currents are likely to have pushed jellyfish into the northern parts of the bay and nearby beaches. While a few long-term monitoring programs can definitely demonstrate this relationship between population size and environmental conditions, none monitor Australian waters. We have some clues about this relationship from a jellyfish monitoring program on the coast of southern Brazil, based on data collected over 10 years. This study investigated the relationship between incidents of swimmers stung by jellyfish and environmental conditions (temperature, salinity and wind direction). The researchers found that in years with high jellyfish density, salinity levels were slightly lowersometimes by just one or two parts per thousandcompared to low-jellyfish density years. Wind direction also played a critical role, influencing whether jellyfish were pushed toward beaches or kept offshore. A similar pattern may occur in the coastal waters of Port Phillip Bay. Will jellyfish "smacks" become more frequent? The best way to answer the question of whether these events will become more frequent is to collect data across seasons and multiple years. In Australia, the best long-term data set is collected by the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), which records information on ocean conditions and marine life. Data from fixed monitoring sites along southeastern Australiaincluding the Bonney Coast in western Victoria, Maria Island in Tasmania and Kangaroo Island in South Australiashow clear peaks in abundances of zooplankton during summer (December to February), which drop during winter. This strong seasonal pattern aligns with what we're seeing in Port Phillip Bay. However, the data doesn't show any evidence of more frequent peaks in zooplankton numbers over time. How can we be confident swimming with jellyfish around? Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of storms and alter rainfall patterns. That means sudden fluctuations in salinity and strong, shifting winds may become more commonpotentially increasing the likelihood of jellyfish being driven into coastal swimming areas. Marine heat waves (MHWs) are becoming increasingly more common, but the effect on jellyfish is not straightforward. If conditions become too hot, their food sources could decrease, reducing their chances of survival. The answer to predicting jellyfish numbers and locations likely lies in improving monitoring and understanding the specific environmental "trigger levels" that cause jellyfish to move shoreward. This information would help forecast when conditions are favorable for jellyfish, and therefore less favorable for swimmers. 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: KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA from Pexels In the modern workplace, flexible arrangements can be as important as salary for some. For many employees, flexibility is no longer a nice-to-have luxury. It has become a fundamental requirement for staying in the workforce, especially after COVID. Reportsfrom the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, professional services firm Aon and UNSWindicate while a substantial number of workers prioritize flexibility, many of their requests are still being declined. This leaves many employees with a stark choice: either conform to standard, rigid office hours or look for better conditions elsewhere. The stakes of these negotiations are remarkably high. For the employee, a successful deal can mean the difference between professional growth and total burnout. For the employer, it is a major lever for retaining top talent. Yet, many employees approach these conversations as simple "asks," unaware that the success of their requests often hinge on invisible factors that have little to do with their actual job performance. In our new research, published in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, we wanted to provide an evidence base for how to negotiate for flexible work, so both employers and employees can benefit. Request for approval To understand why some flexible work requests are approved and others are rejected, we ran two studies with more than 300 participants. Instead of asking people what they think influences flexible work approvals, we asked them to make real decisions on a series of requests presented to them. To strengthen our findings, all participants had management experience. In both studies, participants read short requests from hypothetical employees asking to work flexibly. Each request was designed to look realistic, but was given a focus on one of four different things: caring responsibilities improved productivity greater well-being via work-life integration task completion instead of hours worked. In the second study, we varied both the gender of the requester and how much flexibility they asked for: either two or four days working from home. What we found Across both studies, a clear pattern emerged. Requests related to caring responsibilities and improved productivity had the greatest success. Requests which focused on improved personal well-being or greater autonomy over their time were less successful. However, contrary to what we expected, we found men and women were equally likely to be approved for flexible work. This suggests that, at least at the approval stage, "gendered flexibility stigma," or bias against workers (usually women) who access flexible work arrangements, may be less pronounced than earlier research has suggested. Overall, we found managers have a clear preference for fewer days of flexible working. Requests for two days of flexible work were much more likely to be approved than requests for four days. 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. Some good news for parents Remote work, normalized in the pandemic, allowed fathers to become more engaged in caring. Our results indicate fathers won't be penalized for asking for flexible work to provide care to their children. However, there's an important caveat. While their requests were just as likely as women's to be approved, our research cannot speak to the impact on men's (or any workers') careers after they take up flexible work. The stigma against those who cannot be seen in the office or workplacea perceived lack of commitment, judgments about decreased productivity, reduced likelihood of getting promotedmay still be present. Other ways to make a strong case Flexible work debates often focus on and even favor parents. That can leave non-parents with fewer options. Our research provides good news for those without caring responsibilities who still want to embrace the benefits of flexible work. We found the business case was equally as effective as the child-care argument. Non-caregivers should strongly consider the mutual benefits to their employers and to themselves and be sure to make a strong case for how the company will reap the rewards. For example, workers could highlight the possibility for increased productivity or fewer sick days. Resources and tools are available to help employees construct their business cases, such as the Workplace Gender Equality Agency's page on legal requirements in Australia and evidence for a business case. What the law says Anyone can ask for flexible working arrangements; your boss might say no, but it's worth a shot. At a national level, in Australia where this study was conducted, employers cannot unreasonably refuse flexible working arrangements for people in certain circumstances, including those who have worked for the same employer for more than 12 months and who are: pregnant a person with disability have various caring responsibilities 55 or older experiencing family and domestic violence providing care for someone who is experiencing family and domestic violence. Employers are legally required to respond to such flexible work requests in writing within 21 days, and make their approval decisions based on "reasonable business grounds." Room to make things fairer Together, our findings show that flexible work is still not doled out fairly. Because these negotiations often occur on a one-on-one basis, they are highly susceptible to individual bias, favoritism, and assumptions about who deserves to work flexibly. One factor outside an employee's control is their manager's attitude. Our research found managers who held positive views about flexible work were more likely to approve requests of any kind. Those with negative attitudes were more likely to say no, regardless of how the request was framed. Ultimately, success depends on how the request is framed, how much flexibility is asked for, and who is making the decision. 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: Examples of advertisements that ran on the exterior of buses. Credit: Boykoff et al., 2026, PLOS Climate, CC-BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Researchers investigating the effectiveness of outdoor ads promoting climate change awareness and action found that a general message of climate emergency awareness received more QR code scans compared to a more-specific campaign focusing on sustainable fashion, according to a study published in PLOS Climate by Maxwell Boykoff from the University of Colorado Boulder, U.S., and colleagues. Study design and demographic details Advertising can help shape public opinion, for better or worse. Climate advocates and climate change activists are now using advertisements to promote their messages to the public. In this study, Boykoff and colleagues attempted to gauge the public impact of a real-world climate advocacy campaign. The authors analyzed QR code scan data from two waves of a real-world advertising campaign designed to raise climate change awareness that ran from November 2022 through February 2023 in a targeted area in the Southwest of the United States. According to US Census data, the median age in the targeted area at the time the experiment ran was 37.5 years old, with a poverty rate of about 11%, an unemployment rate of 4.5% and an average commute time of 23.2 minutes through various modes of transportation. Ethnically, the targeted population was 75% white, 15% Hispanic/Latino, 5% Asian, and 1% Black/African American. Ad campaign content and results There were large and medium-sized advertisements in both English and Spanish which ran on the exterior as well as interior of buses, as well as static billboards. The first wave of advertisements were all generalized messages, such as: "Take climate action: we're all in this together" or "Boulder is in a climate emergency. Right here. Right now." The second wave of advertisements were more specific and related to environmental issues in the fashion industry, such as: "Sustainable fashion requires community-wide effort" or "Your gear can be green even if you ski [black diamonds]." Overall, public engagement was higher for the general climate change action messages than for the sustainable fashion messages, though the differences were not always statistically significant; for the largest exterior bus ads, this difference was statistically significant and general messages were 3.0 times more likely to be scanned compared to sustainable fashion messages. For ads with the same message but different formats, static billboards were almost 2.5 times more likely to receive QR code scans compared to any other format; billboards and the larger exterior bus ads were the most-scanned formats for ads, with engagement significantly increasing as advertisement sizes increased. Limitations and future directions The results have some limitations: for instance, there was no control group or comparison with other locations, and there was no information collected regarding the members of the public scanning the codes due to privacy concerns. The authors hope that future pro-environmental communications experiments are able to build on their results in order to create successful campaigns. Lead author Maxwell Boykoff says, "This study was a great example of interdisciplinary collaborationsthrough advertising, the arts and environmental studies and sciencesthat are needed to address intersecting climate change considerations relating to human engagement going forward." Boykoff adds, "This research provides insights for ongoing research to understand the utility of advertisingby carbon-based industry, by groups seeking to inspire greater pro-environmental behaviorthat seeks to shape and influence awareness and behavioral action. "This study contributes to ongoing pursuits to better understand the interactions between communication, (mis/dis)information-sharing, education and literacy in contemporary society." Publication details Boykoff M, et al. How advertising matters: Outdoor media strategies for increased engagement with creative climate change messages.PLOS Climate (2026). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000645 Journal information: PLOS Climate Key concepts Climate ChangeSustainability 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: Timur Weber from Pexels There's growing concern about the rise of harmful and aggressive forms of masculinity, whether at home, in schools or in public spaces. Parents, educators and researchers are increasingly interested in how and where boys are learning these behaviors. The texts boys encounterfrom picture books to social mediaall play a role in shaping their understanding of what it means to be male. The influence of media on masculine identity Boys and young men learn about masculinity in various ways, including watching other males, like their father or peers. Representations of men in media and other texts boys read and viewwhether factual or fictionalcan also influence their understanding of masculinity. The recent Netflix series, "Adolescence," sparked widespread public conversations about masculinity, specifically in relation to the role online platforms might play in the rise of violent and misogynistic behavior. The series, though, also highlighted two key issues. Firstly, parents and caregivers may be unaware of what exactly young people are encountering. And secondly, young people may not be comfortable discussing the things they read or view. A young person's discomfort could be for a whole range of reasonsthings like content sensitivity, lacking language or emotional skills to talk about what they have seen, unwillingness or inability to voice their uncertainties, feeling unsupported or afraid to speak up, or a combination of all of these factors. Using books to connect with boys In our increasingly digital world, where online connections can seem more significant than real-world interactions, discussing the books you see boys reading is one way to connect with them. Talking to boys about what they are reading can help to uncover the messages they are receiving about masculinity and gender relations. And it's discussions like these that can provide opportunities for boys to ask questions to help them make sense of their gendered experiences and lives, and to guide them towards healthier ways to be male. Starting with a popular book series can be helpful. While they can foster a love of reading among boys, they can also reinforce restrictive, aggressive and harmful forms of masculinity. The very popular Treehouse series, by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton, is one example. While there's no doubt that these books have positively impacted boys' reading habits, the treehouse is an exclusively masculine space inside which the male characters use ridiculea form of bullyingin a constant one-upmanship to establish superiority. While the nonsense and farce are humorous, the series nevertheless promotes violence, comedic as it may be, as a central characteristic of being male. This isn't to suggest that the Treehouse series should be censored in any way. Far from it. Rather, the series provides a window into boys' thinking and feeling. As does the similarly popular The Bad Guys series, by Aaron Blabey. While much of the humor is also largely physical and absurd, the male charactersall animal predatorsset out to become model citizens by repressing their innate violent urges to perform good deeds. The later books in this series actually begin to address the way in which violent masculinity reproduces violence and harms everyoneboth men and women. Research has shown that boys and young men are critical consumers of online content, and the same skills we encourage in reading books can be applied to other media they read and view. Asking boys to reflect on the characters' behaviors and relationships, and whether these are ways of being male they want in their own lives, is one way to begin understanding how they are forming their understanding of masculinity. Discussing the texts boys encounter also offers an opportunity to directly challenge aggressive or harmful forms of masculinity. It can also provide a space for young men to voice any concerns, anxieties and insecurities they may have. 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. Shifting perspectives on masculinity While some say that gender is biological, gender norms are not fixed, but change between places and over time: men kissing and holding hands is acceptable in some cultures, and pink used to be for boys. The Men's Project's recent report on the Adolescent Man Box found there are some positive shifts in boys' views about masculinity. But challenges still remain. Boys still feel pressure to appear strong and confident. Some express homophobic or transphobic views. Access to harmful pornography remains a concern. Supporting boys to critically think about what they're reading, observing and absorbing can contribute to positive changes in boys' understanding of masculinity. There are some helpful steps we can all take to help foster meaningful discussions about masculinity with boys: Start early: Engage boys in conversations about gender from a young age. Use relatable examples: Draw parallels between characters' experiences and real-life situations. Encourage questioning: Prompt boys to challenge stereotypes they encounter in texts. Provide diverse reading materials: Expose boys to a wide range of literature that depicts different ways to be male. Create safe spaces: Ensure boys feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Rather than banning boys (and young people) from reading and viewing texts, we should empower them to critically engage with media, question harmful stereotypes and construct their own positive versions of masculinity. By actively participating in boys' media consumption and fostering open dialogue, parents, caregivers and educators can help to shape more positive and inclusive understandings of masculinity for everyone. This article was first published on Pursuit. Read the original article here. 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: How the friendly floatees made their way around the world. Credit: NordNordWest / wiki, CC BY-SA Over Christmas, vegetables, bananas and insulation foam washed up on beaches along England's southeast coast. They were from 16 containers spilled by the cargo ship Baltic Klipper in rough seas. In the new year, a further 24 containers fell from two vessels during Storm Goretti, with chips and onions among the goods appearing on the Sussex shoreline. For most people, this is a nuisanceor perhaps a bit of fun. For oceanographers like me, who study tides and currents, it is also an accidental experimenta rare chance to watch the ocean move things around in real time. Think of it as a very large message in a bottle. In reality, cargo has been falling off ships since traders first went to sea. What has changed is that, in the modern world, most goods are transported in standardized containers. Apart from oil, gas, vehicles, bulk grain, aggregatesand peoplepretty much everything is moved this way. More than 250 million containers are shipped around the world each year, and it is likely that over 80% of goods in your home traveled at some point in a container by sea. Losses are rare. Industry group the World Shipping Council estimates that over the past ten years an average of 1,274 containers a year have been lost globally, out of hundreds of millions transported. This figure does vary: in 2020 a single huge ship, the ONE Apus, lost around 1,800 containers of its 14,000 load in a Pacific storm, while in 2024 global losses were estimated at just 576. Ducks go global Some losses make the news in unexpected ways. In January 1992, 12 containers washed off the Ever Laurel in the North Pacific. One of these contained 28,800 bath toysplastic beavers, frogs, turtles and duckswhich spilled into the ocean and washed up on beaches around the Pacific over the next decade or more. Curt Ebbesmeyer and James Ingraham, oceanographers from Seattle, tracked these so-called "friendly floatees" around the world and used them to improve scientific models of ocean circulation. In more recent years I've looked at the progress of these floatees into the Arctic and beyond. Not all cargoes are this benign or useful. In January 2007, the MSC Napoli was hit by a major storm in the Channel and lost 114 containers, 80 of which washed up on beaches around Branscombe in Devon. Containers of wine, BMW motorbikes and perfumes drew locals to scour the beach for prizes but there were also far more sinister containers of explosives, weed killers, fertilizers and acid. Both the cargoes and the containers themselves pose serious risks. Chemicals can destroy habitats, while containers can sometimes lurk one or two meters below the surface, kept semi-buoyant by trapped air, making them difficult to detect and capable of causing serious damage in a collision. 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. Designed for speednot 100% security Modern container ships are designed for speed and efficiency in port. A single 400-meter vessel can carry up to 25,000 containers, many towering high above deck like a block of flats. The containers interlock and are secured using industry standard fixingsone reason cranes are able to rapidly move them around a port. In severe storms, however, the forces involved can exceed what the fixings are designed to withstand, and containers can be dislodged, particularly those at the edge. It is almost impossible to secure cargo 100% safely. To do so would mean smaller ships, with cargo held internally, reversing decades of efficiency gains. That would mean far more ships required to move the same volume of goods, higher costs for consumers, greater fuel use per ton of goods, and a higher overall risk of accidents. It would also clog up ports around the world. The English Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and is regularly battered by storms. Southampton, the UK's second busiest container port, is also one of only a few worldwide that can accommodate the largest container ships. It is therefore no surprise that container losses are often visible along England's south coast. Looking ahead, the risks are unlikely to diminish. Climate change is intensifying storms as oceans warm, while international trade continues to grow and ships become ever larger. The ship ownersusually through their insurance companiesare responsible for cleaning up spills, but the system only works if the losses are reported. Until now, containers lost at sea have often gone unreported or their contents have been barely documented. However, from January 1, 2026, new international rules introduced by the World Shipping Council working with the International Maritime Organization (the UN Agency responsible for shipping) will require ship owners to report all cargo losses and their contents. While this may not prevent containers being lost at sea, it should improve tracking, recovery and accountability. If you see a container on a beach, resist the temptation to see it as an early Christmas present. You should report it immediately to the coastguardscavenging wrecks can count as theft. In the UK, who owns what washes up is decided by a single civil servant with the grand title of the Receiver of Wreck. Critically, that container may contain a far less pleasant cargo that could ruin your Christmases for years to come. 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: Finless porpoises at Shimonoseki City Aquarium Kaikyokan, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Credit: Iwata Takashi An animal ecologist researching large marine animals such as whales and dolphins, Assistant Professor Iwata Takashi of the Graduate School of Maritime Sciences has performed surveys in oceans across the world. By using a method known as "biologging," which involves attaching various recording instruments to animals in order to collect data, Iwata is working to elucidate the activity and surrounding environment of mysterious marine life. In recent years, he has also focused on surveying endangered finless porpoises native to nearby Osaka Bay. Iwata spoke about the current state of the oceans revealed through his research, as well as problems facing ecosystem conservation. You've continued to research finless porpoises in Osaka Bay. What led you to this topic? Up until I started at Kobe University in 2021, my research was mostly performed overseas. I carried out surveys primarily on marine mammals in places like Iceland, Norway, Canada, Thailand, the subantarctic island of South Georgia as well as Antarctica. Upon moving my base of operations to Kobe, I decided to perform surveys in Japan, which gave me the idea to study finless porpoises in Osaka Bay. It was known to a certain extent that finless porpoises live in the area around Kansai International Airport, but we didn't really know much about their ecology or the state of their habitat. Common dolphins observed in Osaka Bay. Credit: Iwata Takashi At about 1.5 meters long and weighing about 50~60 kg, they're quite small when compared to other dolphins. There also aren't many of them in Osaka Bay, so they're tough to directly interact with. For the biologging used in my previous surveys, we attached recording instruments to whales that came up to the ocean's surface, but this proved difficult to do with finless porpoises. So, we sampled water from 100 different locations around Osaka Bay and surveyed the state of the finless porpoises' habitat by analyzing the DNA found in the sampled water by season in an "environmental DNA survey." We also installed underwater microphones to capture and analyze the sounds of finless porpoises. In addition, we took the stomachs of finless porpoises that had died due to being stranded and analyzed what they had been eating. We performed these surveys over the course of three years from fiscal year 2022, securing funding from the many generous supporters of our crowdfunding campaign. What did you learn from these surveys? It was revealed that finless porpoises may actually live in a very wide area between the Akashi and Kitan straits. We weren't able to ascertain how many actually live there, but we did discover that they inhabit almost all of Osaka Bay. We were also able to infer, based on measurements of finless porpoise sounds, that there are more of them living on the east side of the bay near Kansai International Airport than on the west side near Awaji Island. Assistant Professor Iwata Takashi. Credit: Kobe University It is thought that there are more finless porpoises living on the shallow east side of the bay than the deeper west side because finless porpoises tend to prefer shallow places. As for why they have this preference, it may come from the fact that their prey lives on the sea floor. This conjecture was supported by investigations of the stomach contents of finless porpoises, which revealed that they do indeed often eat bottom-dwelling fish. While they do eat all sorts of different things, it appears that finless porpoises prey on animals that are slow and relatively easy to catch. Populations of finless porpoises can be found in five ocean areas in Japan, namely from Sendai Bay to Tokyo Bay, Ise Bay and Mikawa Bay in the Tokai region, Seto Inland Sea (including Osaka Bay), Ariake Sea and Tachibana Bay in Kyushu, and Omura Bay, also in Kyushu. By getting a better picture of the state of their habitat in Osaka Bay, which was not previously well known, we're now able to compare each of the ocean areas and use that knowledge to preserve the ecosystem. Tread-water feeding of Bryde's whales in the Gulf of Thailand. Credit: Iwata Takashi Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. What was a survey you performed overseas that left a particular impact on you? One paper that got quite the reaction was our survey on the Bryde's whale in the Gulf of Thailand. The whales feed while treading water, which is fascinating. Generally, rorquals, which include the Bryde's whale, are known to charge into schools of small fish and other prey with their mouths wide open in what is called "lunge feeding." However, the Bryde's whales of the Gulf of Thailand were treading water with their heads stuck out of the surface simply waiting for prey to jump inside. It's thought that nutrient over-enrichment of the Gulf of Thailand due to human sewage has led to hypoxic conditions (low levels of oxygen) in the water, pushing all the fish to the surface; therefore tread-water feeding is an efficient strategy for capturing surface prey. There had never been any reports of tread-water feeding in whales before we published our paper, but there have been reports since, even in other ocean areas. Biologging devices being attached to whales in Norway. Credit: Iwata Takashi Is there a reason why your research focuses on large marine life? By studying top predators in the ecosystem, we can get a better understanding of the marine ecosystem as a whole. In addition, many large marine animals are endangered species, so if we don't study them now, it may be too late. Elucidating where they live and what they eat can also give us a benchmark for environmental change and allow us to think about ways to conserve our oceans and the animals that live in them. In Japan, there are active movements to protect marine life as a food source, but the policy for conserving the environment, which includes the living things within it, is lagging behind that of Europe and North America. I feel as though we need to think about these animals and their coexistence with humans and advance policies that establish protected areas for marine life. To that end, the data and analyses accumulated through research that will form the foundation for these policies are of the utmost importance. What merits are there to utilizing biologging to collect data? I mentioned this before, but biologging is when we attach cameras and sensors to animals to measure their activity and the surrounding environment. When targeting large whales, we approach the whales on a small boat and stick equipment, known as a "tag," to their backs with a suction cup using a long pole. The tag detaches after several hours to about one day and drifts to the surface, where it is recovered by following the radio waves from the transmitters on the tags. For surveys of marine animals, there is also a method in which information is received via satellites from transmitters attached to the animals (biotelemetry), but that only tells us relatively simple data such as their location. To understand behavior and foraging from the animal's perspective, and to obtain three-dimensional information about the underwater environment, it is necessary to recover the biologging equipment. Fieldwork is really hard. It can be influenced by the weather and requires us to wait for just the right chance to attach equipment and go recover it in the open ocean. But the data we acquire is extremely valuable. It may even be useful in getting an understanding of ocean debris, pollutants and the state of climate change. It's only been 20 years or so since biologging was established as an academic field, but recent advancements in equipment miniaturization and research on minimizing burden on the animals could lead to even wider utilization of the technique. What are some future prospects and challenges of your research? This year, I published a paper ( Aquatic Mammals) on dolphins that live in Osaka Bay. When we used underwater microphones to record and analyze the sounds of common dolphins, we confirmed that they mostly appeared in the winter and spring. This coincides with nori seaweed cultivation season, so it's possible that these dolphins feed on prey such as fish around the seaweed nets that have become temporarily abundant during that period. Moving forward, I plan to use biologging to perform surveys on marine mammals within Japan. Surveys on marine animals require funding and there will be plenty of challenges, but I'd like to collaborate and perform joint research with corporations. When thinking about activity related to corporate social responsibility, there are those who feel that environmental conservation of oceans is more difficult to tackle than that of terrestrial environments such as forests, but given the opportunity, I'd like to first consider what kind of collaborations are possible. This research field is one in which results are hard to come by, and we've also got very few young researchers, so I'll do my best to convey the appeal of ocean research to as many people as possible. I'd like to cooperate with young researchers in a variety of ways by providing them with my experiences, knowledge and data. More information Takashi Iwata et al, A Possible Example of the Coexistence of Dolphins and Marine Economic Activity in Osaka Bay, Japan, Aquatic Mammals (2026). DOI: 10.1578/am.52.1.2026.1 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: Share of radicals, extremists, and fundamentalists by country. Credit: Humanities and Social Sciences Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-06295-5 From a social sciences perspective, people with radical, extremist, or fundamentalist attitudes are similar in some respects: In most cases, they are younger and less educated men who feel that they are not taken seriously enough. This is one of the key findings of a research team led by professor Marc Helbling, sociologist at the University of Mannheim focusing on Migration and Integration and Executive Board member of the Mannheim Center for European Social Research (MZES). Together with his MZES colleague Nina Fadarkhan Osenbrugge and Dr. Sebastian Jungkunz (University of Halle and University of Bamberg), Helbling has, for the first time, systematically compared radicalism, extremism, and fundamentalism in Germany and across various European countries on a large scale. The work is published in the journal Humanities and Social Sciences Communications. "Using newly developed and validated measures, we make commonalities and differences more clearly visible and can better understand the backgrounds of these tendenciesthis facilitates developing effective prevention and countermeasures," Helbling says, outlining the relevance of the study. Based on survey data from more than 6,000 respondents from Germany, Great Britain, and the Netherlands, the team investigated the extent to which radical, extremist, and fundamentalist attitudes can be explained by similar or different factors at an individual leveland how much support these people show for political violence. "We find many commonalities in the sociodemographic and sociopsychological backgrounds of radical, extremist, and fundamentalist people," Helbling states. He goes on to explain that in many cases, they are younger men with a relatively low level of education who also feel that they are not taken seriously enough. This perceived or actual lack of importance can arise, for example, from disillusionment with politics, marginalization within social groups, experiences of discrimination, or income inequality. This results, among other things, in alienation, social isolation, and perceived or actual material and financial disadvantages. Despite all these commonalities, the research team also finds differences: For example, women rather tend to be left-wing radicals than right-wing ones. And while older people are generally less inclined to hold fundamentalist, extremist, and left-wing radical attitudes, they are not less right-wing radical than younger people. According to the study, religious people are generally more susceptible to radicalism, extremism, and fundamentalism. This applies equally to Catholics, Protestants, and Muslims. The only exception is that Protestants are less likely to be left-wing radicals. While, according to the study, between 4% and 9% of the overall population support various forms of political violence, the same applies to around 60% of right-wing and left-wing extremists. As for religious fundamentalists, regardless of their denomination, only between 10% and 20% show such support. "In all societies analyzed, there is only a small minority that justifies violence. And apparently very few of them also want to use violence themselves. However, merely supporting violence can already legitimize it and thus encourage others to use it," Helbling summarizes. Who is considered 'radical,' 'extremist,' or 'fundamentalist'? However, when is someone actually "radical," "extremist," or "fundamentalist"? The research team uses the following scientific definitions as a basis: "Extremism" means any anti-democratic attitude that calls into question the rule of law. Religious fundamentalism shares these anti-democratic elements but focuses on religious aspects: Fundamentalists believe that there is only one interpretation of religious rules, in which they see the infallible truth about mankind and divinity. In contrast to extremism, radicalism accepts procedural democracy but opposes the fundamental values of liberal democracy. Right-wing radicals and right-wing extremists express their sympathy for ethnic nationalism, racism, and social Darwinism. Left-wing radicals and left-wing extremists extend the idea of equality to the point of superimposing individual freedom, which manifests itself in the support of socialism, anti-fascism, and opposition to capitalism and imperialism. More information Marc Helbling et al, A comparison of individual needs and support of violence among radicals, extremists and fundamentalists in Western Europe, Humanities and Social Sciences Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-06295-5 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: Marine darkwave as a conceptual framework. Credit: Communications Earth & Environment (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-03023-4 Life in the ocean runs on light. It fuels photosynthesis, shapes food webs and determines where many marine species can live. Gradually, that light is fading. Since the early 2000s, more than one-fifth of the global ocean has darkened as sediment, nutrients and organic matter increasingly cloud coastal watersraising concern about the future of reefs, kelp forests and seagrass meadows. Alarming as this picture is, focusing only on gradual darkening may miss the most ecologically damaging part of the story. Our newly published study introduces the phenomenon of "marine darkwaves": sudden, intense episodes of underwater darkness that can last from days to months and push marine ecosystems into acute stress. Darkness events are often triggered by storms, floods, sediment plumes or algal blooms. As with marine heat waves, these short, intense episodes can be just as ecologically disruptive as slow, long-term trends. Unusual underwater darkness is harmful for a range of marine ecosystems, yet the phenomenon did not have a name and definition until the marine darkwave framework was developed. Credit: Cassandre Villautreix, Leigh Tait Why light matters underwater When light within the ocean drops suddenly, even for a few days, marine ecosystems can suffer. Prolonged darkness can slow growth, reduce energy reserves and in severe cases lead to dieback or mortality. Fish, sharks and marine mammals can also change their behavior when visibility drops, altering feeding and movement patterns. Until now, scientists have examined ways to track long-term coastal darkening but have lacked a consistent way to identify, measure and compare extreme short-term light-loss events across regions and depths. In other words, we have known this phenomenon existsbut we haven't had a shared language to define and describe it. With marine darkwaves, we now have an event-based framework for extreme underwater darkness. Darkwaves occur when underwater light falls below a depth-specific threshold for a minimum duration, relative to what is normally expected at that location. This allows scientists to identify when conditions shift from merely dim to unusually dark. Importantly, this framework works across different depths, where light conditions naturally vary; across local to regional scales, from coastal reefs to entire coastlines; and across multiple data sources, including light sensors and satellite observations. Its consistency enables meaningful comparison of events that were previously difficult to place into broader contexts. What our research revealed Our study used long-term datasets from both hemispheres in markedly different coastal regions. In California, 16 years of underwater light measurements revealed repeated darkwave events, some lasting several weeks. In Aotearoa New Zealand, ten years of monitoring data from Auckland's Hauraki Gulf showed rapid drops in underwater light during storms, at depths of seven and 20 meters. Satellite data extending back 21 years revealed a broader pattern. Along New Zealand's East Cape coast, up to 80 marine darkwaves have occurred since 2002, most linked to storms and river-driven sediment plumes. Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 provided a stark example. The storm delivered vast amounts of sediment to coastal waters, smothering many reefs and creating prolonged underwater darkness over large areas. In some places, the seabed received almost no light for several weeks. Long-term averages are important, but they can smooth over the very events that cause the greatest ecological damage. Just as a single marine heatwave can devastate kelp forests and coral reefs, a single marine darkwave can sharply reduce photosynthesis and disrupt ecosystems already stressed by warming, acidification and nutrient pollution. Climate change is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of these events. Heavier rainfall, stronger storms and intensified land use all increase sediment and organic matter flowing into coastal waters, reducing water clarity and light availability. Our framework allows identification of discrete periods when light thresholds critical for ecosystem function are crossed. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. A new tooland cause for hope The marine darkwave framework complements existing tools used to track marine heat waves, deoxygenation and ocean acidification. By focusing on extremes, it provides clearer insights into acute stress on coastal ecosystems. In New Zealand particularly, this information is increasingly important for iwi (tribes) and hapu (sub-tribes), coastal communities, conservation groups and environmental managers making decisions about land use, restoration and marine protection. Related monitoring work is already underway in parts of New Zealand, where expanded sensor networks aid in linking land-based processes to changes in underwater light, and linking these to ecological changes on coastal reefs. Ultimately, marine darkwaves remind us that the ocean doesn't always change slowly. Sometimes, it changes abruptly and quietly if we don't pay attention. There is also reason for cautious optimism. Many marine darkwaves are driven by landsea connections, so their frequency and intensity are not inevitable. Reducing sediment runoff through nature-based solutions, such as restoring wetlands, stabilizing riverbanks, improving harvest techniques of exotic forests, and replanting native forests in vulnerable catchments can directly increase water clarity and underwater light. Understanding marine darkwaves is not only about detecting change, but also about identifying practical pathways to protect coastal ecosystems before further darkness descends. Key concepts marine biology 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: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain With western states deadlocked in negotiations over how to cut water use along the Colorado River, the Trump administration has called in the governors of seven states to Washington to try to hash out a consensus. The governors of at least fourUtah, Arizona, Nevada and Wyomingsay they'll attend the meeting next week led by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, but California Gov. Gavin Newsom won't. Newsom is "unable to attend but plans to send key representatives of his administration to attend in his place," spokesperson Anthony Martinez said in an email. Representatives of the seven states that depend on the river have met regularly for two years trying to agree on how much less water each will take after the current rules expire at the end of this year. Federal officials have told the states' leaders to come to an agreement, giving them until Feb. 14. The states are "actively engaged and doing the hard work needed to reach consensus," said JB Hamby, chairman of California's Colorado River Board, who will attend the meeting. Hamby said California will "continue to lead" with real commitments to water reductions "because shared responsibility means every state has to do its part." California has used less water the last three years under a temporary deal, with farmers being paid to leave some of their hay fields dry part of the year. "My expectation for this meeting is that everyone comes prepared to put forward what every state can contribute to support the system that sustains us all," he said in an email. In the negotiations, the three downstream or lower basin statesCalifornia, Arizona and Nevadaare at odds with the four states in the river's upper basinColorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico. Rhett Larson, a water law professor at Arizona State University, said it's hard to say whether bringing the governors together might help unjam the negotiations. "These are pretty technical conversations, and the distance that would have to be bridged is pretty far right now," Larson said. "So I'm not sure how much progress is going to be made by having governors in the room, but I think it's still a good sign." California's farmlands and cities use more Colorado River water than any other state. If Newsom ends up being the only governor absent from the meeting, it will look like a snub, Larson said. "Not going isn't good optics," Larson said. Addressing the Colorado River's crisis is one of the most important issues facing the country, Larson said, and there is a chance that being absent from the meeting might not sit well with federal officials who have authority to order cuts in water use in the river's lower basin. "Why would you want to upset someone whose power is so great?" Larson said, "and that power is over your water supply." The Trump administration hasn't said what it will do if there is no agreement. But it released an outline this month of four options, each of which could dramatically cut the water available for Southern California and Arizona. 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. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a Jan. 12 speech that for years the three lower basin states "have regularly brought proposals, offers of collaboration, and a commitment to the long-term health of a river that sustains nearly 40 million people." The federal government "must ensure the upper basin is stepping up and conserving water like Arizona does," she said. "The upper basin states, led by Colorado, have chosen to dig in their heels instead of acknowledging reality," she said. "As negotiations continue, I refuse to back down." Hobbs is going to the Jan. 30 meeting in Washington focused on protecting Arizona's farmers and businesses, spokesperson Christian Slater said. She is "glad Secretary Burgum heard her calls for greater involvement from the federal government," he said, "and hopes the meeting will be a productive conversation." As the negotiations remain at an impasse, the possibility of the states suing each other is increasing. It's a path riddled with uncertainty that water managers in both camps say they hope to avoid. The Colorado River provides water for cities from Denver to Los Angeles, 30 Native tribes and farming communities from the Rocky Mountains to northern Mexico. It has long been overused, and its reservoirs have declined dramatically amid unrelenting dry conditions since 2000. In the last quarter-century, the river has lost about 20% of its flow. Research has shown that climate change has intensified the long stretch of mostly dry years. Lake Mead, the river's largest reservoir, is now just 34% full, and Lake Powell, its second-largest reservoir, is at 27% of capacity. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said in an interview with Salt Lake City's FOX 13 News that the negotiations are "going to be difficult for every state" but that "it will be good to have us all in the room." A spokesperson for Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon said he is "committed to working on a solution that benefits the entire basin, while protecting Wyoming's interests." Conor Cahill, a spokesperson for Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, said he "hopes to attend this meeting if it works" for the other governors, and that "we remain hopeful that we will reach a sustainable solution for all who depend on the river." Larson, the ASU law professor, said based on the lack of progress in the talks, he expects the states will miss the federal government's Feb. 14 deadline, but "a deadline with no consequences is just a date." This winter has so far brought very little snow in the Rocky Mountains. That means less water flowing into the river's reservoirs. It's possible, Larson said, "that the hydrology is just getting so bad right now that people are getting really nervous, and that'll push people to the table as they get worried." Yet, he said, for now it's hard "to see a way in which we get out of this with no lawsuits." 2026 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Nava Thakuria Nepal prepares for the national election, which was necessitated following the collapse of KP Sharma Oli's government in the height of Gen-Z rebellion (youth uprising) in September 2025, which is scheduled for 5 March. The Himalayan nation conducted the last general election in 2022 (next national polls were due in 2027), but due to the dissolution of Nepal's lower house of Parliament last year by President Ram Chandra Poudel, the electoral process began under the patronage of an interim government, installed under the leadership of retired Supreme Court judge Sushila Karki on 12 September. The Hindu majority nation of over 29 million people will witness over 3,400 (including 390 women) electoral candidates representing 68 political parties as well as independents vying for 165 seats in the 275-member House of Representatives. At least four former Prime Ministers remain in the fray, where three mayors are also expected to try their luck in the electoral battles. Deposed premier Oli, 74, who leads Communist Party of Nepal (Unified MarxistLeninist) will face electoral challenges from Balendra Shah (who recently resigned as Kathmandu metropolitan city mayor and joined Rastriya Swatantra Party) in Jhapa-5 Parliamentary constituency of eastern Nepal. Balendra, 35, an engineer turned rapper turned politician, who was one of the protagonists in the anti-government protest demonstrations last year, is anticipated by local political observers as a tough contestant against the four-time premier of Nepal. Oli, who resigned as Prime Minister on 9 September, recently claimed that some foreign hands instigated the people to overthrow his government in Kathmandu. He suspected that the last uprising that resulted in the killing of 77 nationals and damaging of government & private property worth NPR 84 billion (Rs 52 billion) was unusual and it was orchestrated after meticulous planning. Oli even mentioned that after Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Nepal was targeted by those elements to destroy the democracy in the south Asian nation. On various occasions, he also made anti-India comments and remained critical of New Delhi's foreign policies towards Nepal, which also borders Tibet (now under China). Other three former premiers, who are contesting in the Nepal election, include Pushpakamal Dahal (alias Prachanda, 71) of Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), Baburam Bhattarai, 71, of Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party and Madhav Kumar Nepal, 72, of Nepali Communist Party. Two former premiers namely Sher Bahadur Deuba (Nepali Congress) and Jhala Nath Khanal (NCP) however opted not contesting in the polls. Deuba was actually compelled to avoid the contest by the division of his party under the mentorship of Gagan Thapa, now recognized as the chief of Nepali Congress. Besides Balendra, two other candidates from mayoral positions including Harka Sampang (Dharan sub-metropolitan city) and Renu Dahal (Bharatpur metropolitan city) remain in the fray. It may be mentioned that Ms Renu is the daughter of Prachanda, who led the decade-long Maoist movement in Nepal. In reality, the hardliner communist leader was instrumental in abolishing the Nepal Hindu monarchy in 2008. Nepal's last king Gyanendra Shah, who lives a common citizen's life, but with visible support bases across the country, recently made a public comment criticizing the Nepali political leaders 'for adopting an increasingly imbalanced foreign policy and conduct' against national interests. Addressing the nation on the occasion of 304th birth anniversary of Prithvi Narayan Shah (his forefather) and National Unity Day, the former monarch slammed the political leadership for bringing the country under persistent crises in the last two decades. India, responding to the requests from the government and different political parties, continues extending logistical support to Nepal. Recently, the largest democracy on Earth, handed over more than 60 double-cab pickup vehicles along with other supplies to support Kathmandu's preparation for the forthcoming polls. Those were formally received by Nepal's home minister Om Prakash Aryal from Indian diplomat Rakesh Pandey. Thanking New Delhi for the support, minister Aryal stated that the assistance reflects the depth of trust and friendship between the two neighbours, reported The Kathmandu Post, a leading daily newspaper of the Himalayan nation. Mentionable is that, since 2008, New Delhi has been offering election-related assistance to Nepal, where this time over 600 vehicles are expected to deliver to its northern neighbour. The Communist China also expressed its commitment to provide every possible support for the successful conduct of Nepal general elections. During a recent interaction with a group of editors and journalists, Chinese diplomat in Kathmandu Chen Song commented that Beijing was working in close coordination with the interim government as it places high priority on Nepal's political stability, development, and prosperity. Amid the electoral fever, hardcore supporters of the deposed king are demanding restoration of the monarchy arguing that selfish politicians had failed the citizens, precisely the young generation, and the return of king Gyanendra emerges as the only alternative to save Nepal and its nationals. KATHMANDU As the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) convenes in Davos, a troubling silence regarding the future of global development echoes through the halls of power. Despite a landscape fractured by "resource imperialism," extreme weather, and historic government aid cuts, the traditional pillars of international development have been largely relegated to the periphery of this years summit. While the forums official theme focuses on a "Spirit of Dialogue," experts warn that the public gaze has shifted away from the worlds most vulnerable regions at a critical juncture. The international aid sector is currently grappling with a "perfect storm" of challenges that receive little airtime on the Davos main stage. For the first time in decades, the four largest global donorsthe United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Francehave simultaneously slashed their foreign assistance budgets. The U.S. has undergone a dramatic restructuring, including the 2025 closure of USAID and its transfer to the State Department, while the UK continues to reduce its spending toward 0.3% of GNI. These retrenchments, combined with Chinas expanding geopolitical reach and the increasing impacts of extreme weather, are fundamentally reshaping the aid landscape as we enter 2026. Amidst this uncertainty, World Neighbors, an international NGO entering its 75th year, offers a resilient blueprint for survival. Headquartered in Oklahoma City with a key office in Washington, D.C., the organization has operated almost exclusively on private funding for decadesa model that many other NGOs are now scrambling to emulate as public funds dry up. Dr. Kate Schecter, CEO of World Neighbors, recently returned from the Bihar and Uttar Pradesh regions of India, where she observed thriving economic development projects built not on government mandates, but on local skills and private donor support. The "private-first" model championed by World Neighbors emphasizes community-based savings and credit groups, allowing isolated villages to move away from dependency on international grants. Their approach focuses on long-term climate resilience and locally led adaptations to weather extremes, maintaining stable operations in 14 low-income countries, including Nepal, Haiti, Kenya, and Mali. As the Davos forum concludes, the message from the field remains clear: international development cannot afford to be an afterthought. Without a concerted effort to address resource gaps and climate impacts in the Global South, the divide between high-level discussions and on-the-ground reality will only continue to widen. Canadian cocaine trafficker on FBIs Most Wanted returned to U.S. after surrendering in Mexico Mexico City, Mexico Canadian Ryan Wedding who had been wanted by authorities for drug trafficking has been escorted to the U.S. Wedding was taken into custody Thursday after voluntarily surrendering himself at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. On Friday, Mexicos Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar Garcia Harfuch, reported that a Canadian on the FBIs 10 Most Wanted list voluntarily surrendered a day earlier at the United States Embassy. On Friday, Omar Garcia Harfuch met with FBI Director Kash Patel who has since returned to the U.S. with 44 year old Ryan Wedding who they said, had ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder, was among Americas most wanted for leading a transnational drug trafficking organization responsible for bringing about 60 metric tons of cocaine a year into the city of Los Angeles, mainly through cargo trucks from Mexico. Omar Garcia Harfuch, center, met with the FBI Friday January 23, 2026. FBI Director Kash Patel had compared Ryan Wedding to Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, former leader of the Sinaloa cartel. U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson also confirmed that Wedding surrendered voluntarily in Mexico due to pressure from authorities in both countries. In a statement, Johnson noted the efforts that both governments have maintained to eradicate fentanyl trafficking and arrest drug traffickers and criminals such as Wedding. Ryan Weddings voluntary surrender was a direct result of pressure exerted by law enforcement authorities in Mexico and the United States who worked in close coordination and cooperation, the statement said. Today marks a concrete step against transnational criminal organizations, cartels and narco-terrorists, and testifies to the collaboration between President Trump and President Sheinbaum to hold criminals accountable wherever they operate. Wedding had been on the FBIs Most Wanted list since March of 2025 and was named in a long list of others also wanted by American authorities. Johnson said this latest arrest was the result of talks and cooperation between government of Mexico and the government of the United States. Weddings voluntary surrender was the result of the determined work of multiple authorities from both countries including the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) and the Attorney Generals Office (FGR) of Mexico, as well as U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Justice and the FBI. This arrest is an example of what can be achieved when we work together as sovereign partners. U.S. authorities say Wedding is estimated to have trafficked 60 tons of cocaine a year from Colombia while living in Mexico under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel. Wedding has since been returned to the U.S. where he will face charges. Riviera Maya News serving Quintana Roo Mexico since 2014 Your official online newspaper Letters to the Editor: Almost deaf in Isla Mujeres On a recent visit to Isla Mujeres, my friends and I were taking a tour of Isla Mujeres and unfortunately passed by the airport on our tour and we were almost made deaf by driving by what appears to be a large diesel spewing generator! What an eyesore and also what I would think a health hazard for anyone driving by, not only on their hearing but breathing in these toxic fumes? When questioning some locals both native and immigrants we were informed that CFE placed this generator over 6 years ago in front of homes that have been on the island for years. It was to help generate power to the bigger, more Miami Vice housing and hotels that were being built. What a shame to those who decided to invest on the island in an area where no one cares about them, meaning those people who live directly in front of this monster. Even though residents were told that it was only a temporary thing until newer and stronger electrical lines were installed to Isla from the mainland. We were also informed that this was accomplished about 2 years ago. Was it? And if so why does that machine still need to be operated in a residential neighborhood. We were also informed that people were promised about 4 years ago that it would be moved by the local government, however to date, we were told that these residents are just being ignored and their health and life just arent a concern to either CFE or anyone else that could do something about it. In driving around we saw so many other places that this generator could have been placed or could be moved where it would not infringe on lives. Why hasnt this happened? We were also informed that the generator at times can be helpful to everyone since it does help supply power when there is a fault on the mainland. Understanding that everyone deserves to have power but why at the expense of people who have called Isla home for years? I would never recommend to anyone to invest on the island since your health just doesnt matter, and also will have to rethink where my friends and I spend our money to go on vacation. And will tell others to think otherwise. How can you support a place that just doesnt seem to care about people that live there? It is a shame that this has happened to what was once a quiet and beautiful, peaceful placed to visit and/or invest in. Thank you for your time in reading this, Almost Deaf Isla Mujeres Motorists report accident after watching pickup flip off Riviera Maya highway Riviera Maya, Q.R. Police are searching for the owner of a truck found rolled and abandoned off a Riviera Maya highway. The wrecked pickup was located Friday night near Punta Venado, approximately 18 kilometers south of Playa del Carmen. Other drivers who watched as the truck left the highway and rolled also saw the driver get out and stagger away. Motorists who stopped to try and help called 9-1-1 due to the seriousness of the accident. Early information says the male driver was heading toward Playa del Carmen when the truck left the road and flipped at least twice before landing in a grassy area. Police found the totaled vehicle abandoned with a rear wheel missing Friday night January 23, 2026. Police were able to locate the gray Nissan Frontier which was found destroyed. Authorities are looking for the driver of the vehicle they found had been left in the ditch. National Guard Highways secured the area Friday night until a tow truck arrived to remove the pickup. Riviera Maya News bringing you headline news for Playa del Carmen since 2014 Your official online newspaper For decades, products sporting the "Knipex" label have earned a reputation for quality and are widely considered to be the gold standard for pliers. Knipex even made it to SlashGear's list of the best hand tool brands. A German company that has been making pliers since 1882, Knipex is unique because it has a steadfast focus on a single product category. Unlike typical toolmaker brands that started with a single product before diversifying into selling everything under the sun, Knipex has focused on one single category: pliers. Given that Knipex has been around for over a century, it's natural that the company's product portfolio has evolved extensively. It has a plier for almost any purpose you could think of, which is why Knipex is often referred to as a "specialist" brand. Despite its ever-widening product portfolio, one thing that hasn't changed in over a century is that almost all of its products are manufactured at its own facility located in Wuppertal, Germany; the key word here being "almost." However, despite prominently displaying the text "KNIPEX Tools Quality Made in Germany" on its website, Knipex has also outsourced production of select tools to manufacturing partners outside of Germany. Some Knipex products like these Angled Electricians' Shears and 9 1/2" Crimping Pliers, now clearly state that they are made in Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The Best German Tool Brands, Ranked Technical limitations led to Knipex's outsourced manufacturing Close-up of a black Knipex Cobra plier - matsiukpavel/Shutterstock There is no denying that Knipex's reputation has been built over its relentless obsession with quality, and it's arguably one of the best German tool brands out there. One way it ensured this was by making all of its products itself, although this has changed over the years. In an "Ask Me Anything" post on Reddit, Knipex product manager Marc-Andre Schild said these changes were implemented because the company faced several "technical manufacturing limitations" that prevented it from producing some tools in-house. However, Schild said that all outsourced products undergo a mandatory quality inspection at Knipex's facilities in Wuppertal, Germany, before being released for sale. The official also noted that it's really only "a handful of products" in Knipex's range that are manufactured by third parties. We couldn't find any publicly available information online regarding who its partners in Taiwan are. Nevertheless, it appears that several dedicated Knipex users are aware of the company's decision to outsource some production, and the general consensus among them is that Knipex's Taiwan-made products meet its excellent quality standards. 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. These durable fashion staples have helped us brave the frosty temperatures here in the US. These durable fashion staples have helped us brave the frosty temperatures here in the US. Photograph: Bill Hornstein/Getty Images These durable fashion staples have helped us brave the frosty temperatures here in the US. Photograph: Bill Hornstein/Getty Images (Photograph: Bill Hornstein/Getty Images) Bear with me: Im going to be that annoying person who talks about the weather. Lately, New York has been bone-chillingly cold. Ive lost count of how many layers Ive had to throw on every morning, and my nose turns red the minute I leave the warmth of my apartment. Of course, going outside would be 10 times worse if I didnt have the proper attire. Luckily, the Filter team has gathered the very best winter gear (both warm and stylish) that weve personally worn for years. We also talked to experts including people living in some of the coldest places around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While few of us are dog sledding in Mongolia or adventuring through Iceland, these 20 durable staples have also helped us brave the frosty temperatures here in the US. Read on for our ultimate cold-weather apparel guide. *** Our top five winter essentials at a glance For an ultra-warm coat: Patagonia Down Drift Parka $399 at Back Country Gloves that keep your hands warm: ATG MaxiFlex Work Gloves and M Mcguire Wool Glove Inserts combination $7.97 per pair at Home Depot $9.99 at Mcguire Army Navy Boots that keep your feet warm: Sorel Waterproof Slip-On Boots $120 at Free People To keep your feet even warmer: Ignik Compostable Foot Warmers $39.95 at Ignik Pants that are warm and stylish: Aritzia knit pants $110 at Aritzia *** Our picks for ultra-warm winter coats Aritzia Super Puff $250 at Aritzia I depend on my Aritzia Super Puff to keep me warm on my frigid walk to the office. I credit this coat (that I fully acknowledge lives up to its name, making me look like a marshmallow) with helping me bear the last three winters. Its 800+ premium down keeps me warm, and I love that its both wind- and water-resistant. Lauren Gould, editorial coordinator at the Filter US Lululemon Wunder Puff 600-Down-Fill Long Jacket $448 at Lululemon Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I call this Lululemon puffer my sleeping bag coat because it looks like one, but its also so soft and warm I could sleep in it. Ive worn it for six winters, through which its stayed waterproof, wind repellent and roomy enough for a thick sweater (and more layers) underneath. Its freezing in New York City right now, but this coat has kept me toasty. Karen Yuan, commissioning editor at the Filter US Venustas Heated Jacket Womens $189.99 at Venustas Mens $189.99 at Venustas When we asked writers around the world for their essential winter coats, Mongolia-based Breanna Wilson recommended her Venustas heated jacket, which shes worn traveling with nomadic herders in the frigid countryside. Thanks to the jackets heating zones in the chest, shoulders and pockets, my core stays warm, she wrote. Rains Long Puffer Jacket Mens $550 at Rains Womens $550 at Rains Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its like wearing a duvet, an engineer in Stockholm told writer Jonna Dagliden Hunt about her black long puffer, a staple in many Swedes wardrobes. Its also great for wearing with a skirt underneath or the opposite: sweatpants for a grocery run, and no one will notice. Patagonia Down Drift Parka $399 at Back Country $399 at Patagonia I can tolerate a lot of cold things, but not a cold bum, wrote Alaska-based journalist Julia OMalley. She recommended her thigh-length Patagonia Downdrift Womens Parka, which is extra warm thanks to 600-fill-power recycled down. *** Our picks for durable winter boots Red Wing Classic Moc $309.95 at Tip Top Shoes $319.99 at Red Wing Heritage Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, I pulled the trigger on a pair of limited edition Red Wing boots to traverse filthy salt-covered sidewalks and lingering ice patches and I learned theyre suited to just about any weather condition. The sturdy soles provide much-needed stability, and the leather repels whatever wintry mix is falling from the sky. They also play nicely with about 80% of my wardrobe. Seven years and hundreds of wears later, I can confidently say theyre one of the best purchases Ive ever made. My exact pair has limited availability, but this style comes pretty close. Ruth Baron, senior editor, US newsletters Danner Explorer Boots $439.95 at Dodds Shoe Co. $465.99 at The Western Company I made those boots! a total stranger once told me at a party, shortly after I bought these Portland-made Danner Explorers. Buying local has never felt more personal. The lugged Vibram sole laughs at snow and ice, and the full-grain leather upper is borderline indestructible. While theyre pricey, after 16 years and counting, Id say theyve earned their keep. The Gore-Tex liner doesnt quite lock out water like it used to, but a once-a-year coat of Sno Seal keeps them serviceable. Nick Mokey, editor at the Filter US Steger Mukluks North Country Boots $249.95 at Steger Mukluks Advertisement Advertisement After years of searching for boots that kept her feet completely warm, Alaska-based OMalley found the Steger Mukluks. They keep my feet toasty whether Im riding on a snowmobile, slipping bare feet in them for a short drive to a hot yoga class or even on assignment in the Arctic, she wrote. Handmade in Ely, Minnesota, theyre crafted with leather, canvas and thick wool felt. Polyver Winter Boots $196.95 at BobLeisure In Stockholm, winters can range from 5F (-15C) to 50F (10C), with anything from slush to three feet of snow. Many of its residents wear the waterproof Polyver boots. I cant have a separate pair of shoes for every type of weather ideally, I want one pair that works across the board, a teacher told Dagliden Hunt. Polyver boots have that dressing-gown or pyjamas feel you just slip them on and head out. Sorel Waterproof Slip-On Boots $120 at Free People $120 at Zappos Advertisement Advertisement Reporting from Kuopio, Finland, journalist Paula Hotti recommends these thick-soled Sorel boots that she loves for their stylish green and pink color combination. *** Our picks for warm and stylish winter clothing Alex Mill Nottinghill Sweater $198 at Shopbop $198 at Nordstrom Tell me youre an elder millennial living in Brooklyn without telling me youre an elder millennial living in Brooklyn: yeah, I did buy myself an on-sale Alex Mill Nottinghill sweater on Black Friday. Its a perfect uniform when I need to look presentable but absolutely do not want to leave the house. A birthday party on a frozen Saturday night? Perfect. The office when Im running late? Yes. Meeting a friend at an overpriced wine bar? Throw it on! I have tried to limit myself to wearing it no more than twice per week, and I have not been successful yet. Ruth Baron, senior editor, US newsletters Aritzia Knit Pants $110 at Aritzia Advertisement Advertisement Im a sucker for a wide-leg pair of pants, and these knit ones from Aritzia have lasted me through the past four winters. Made with a double-layer structure, soft yarn and an added elastic waistband, these pants are warm and comfy without sacrificing style. Theyre versatile enough to pair with my Salomon shoes for a gorp-core look or loafers for a dressed-up office outfit. And bonus: theyre stretchy enough to layer a pair of tights or leggings underneath for added warmth. Lauren Gould, editorial coordinator at the Filter US Sezane Gaspard Cardigan $120 at Sezane Recently, Ive been on a mission to up my office outfit game. For a fun pop of color, I adore this red knit cardigan from cool-girl-approved French brand Sezane. Made with mohair and alpaca, it keeps me warm, while its pearl buttons add an elegant touch. And if youre a chronic outfit repeater like me, its also reversible, doubling as a chic boat neck sweater. Lauren Gould Aritzia Polar Tech Fleece $138 at Aritzia Advertisement Advertisement This thermal hoodie has gotten me through chilly hikes in Peru and winter runs. It keeps me warm, and its fleece material elevates it beyond your average hoodie. I love pairing this with my Free People barrel jeans for an elevated sporty look. Lauren Gould Gobi Cashmere Organic Sweater $159 at Gobi While cashmere is an investment, Mongolian resident and travel journalist Breanna Wilson swears by this sweater from Gobi for keeping warm. When temperatures are about -13F outside, only the best garments are going to cut it. *** Our picks for accessories warmer than a scarf Smartwool Merino Neck Gaiter $32 at Amazon $35 at Smartwool When temps drop below 30F (-1C), you wont find me running, biking or even walking the dog without this thing. You can push it down over your chin to keep the wind at bay, or hike it up over your nose, mouth and ears in extreme cold. Ive owned several varieties, and its worth spending extra for soft, breathable merino wool to avoid the clammy feeling youll get from synthetic versions. Nick Mokey, editor at the Filter US Inner and outer winter glove combo M Mcguire Gear Wool Nylon Blend Glove Inserts $9.99 at Mcguire Army Navy $12.99 at Amazon ATG MaxiFlex Ultimate Work Gloves $7.97 per pair at Home Depot $17.95 for a pack of three at Amazon Advertisement Advertisement This inexpensive duo of winter gloves warms your hands as well as one bulky pair does, but theyre much easier to move your hands in. While they arent a substitute for a thicker pair of mittens, theyre perfect for when the weather warms up a bit. Nick Mokey, editor at the Filter US Athleta Running Gloves $27.99 at Athleta A pair of well-constructed gloves is an absolute essential for my winter runs. I love this pair from Athleta, which shields my fingers from the cold without feeling too thick or bulky. I wear these for more than just runs, and love that this pair comes with touchscreen-enabled fingertips and gripping dots which makes them suitable for climbing or hiking too. Lauren Gould Ignik Foot Warmers $39.95 at Ignik $39.95 at Amazon Breanna Wilson credits these eco-friendly foot warmers for keeping her feet toasty during a nine-day dog-sledding trip across Mongolia. These are also reusable, coming with an AirBarrier pouch to preserve any leftover heat. Malina Balaclava $78 at Malina A balaclava is the hat-and-scarf-combos fashionable counterpart. This one from Malina is made from an alpaca blend and is loved by one Scandinavian resident for keeping her face warm without sacrificing style. More advice on how to stay warm this winter In a statement posted on Thursday, Jan. 22, the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association (IHHA) notified participants that racing for Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 25 at Hawthorne Race Course was once again cancelled as the track's banking issues remain unresolved. "Hawthorne Racecourse has again requested approval from the Illinois Racing Board to vacate the Jan. 24-25 race dates, as its banking issues remain unresolved," said Jeff Davis, IHHA President. "This marks yet another weekend where racing cannot proceed because horsemen cannot be paid. We have formally asked the Illinois Racing Board to begin discussing alternative options, as repeating this same outcome week after week is not workable for horsemen or the industry. "Our position remains unchanged: racing should not resume until horsemen have reliable access to their earned funds. We will provide further updates as soon as they are available." (with files from IHHA) Every month, hundreds of millions of users flock to Pinterest looking for the latest styles. One page titled "the most ridiculous things" is filled with plenty of wacky ideas to inspire creatives. Crocs repurposed as flower pots. Cheeseburger-shaped eyeshadow. A gingerbread house made of vegetables. But what would-be buyers may not know is the tech behind this isn't necessarily US-made. Pinterest is experimenting with Chinese AI models to hone its recommendation engine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've effectively made Pinterest an AI-powered shopping assistant," the firm's boss Bill Ready told me. Of course, the San Francisco-based tastemaker could use any number of American AI labs to power things behind-the-scenes. But since the launch of China's DeepSeek R-1 model in January 2025, Chinese AI tech has increasingly been a part of Pinterest. Ready calls the so-called "DeepSeek moment" a breakthrough. "They chose to open source it, and that sparked a wave of open source models," he said. Chinese competitors include Alibaba's Qwen and Moonshot's Kimi, while TikTok owner ByteDance is also working on similar technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pinterest Chief Technology Officer Matt Madrigal said the strength of these models is that they can be freely downloaded and customised by companies like his - which is not the case with the majority of models offered by US rivals like OpenAI, which makes ChatGPT. "Open source techniques that we use to train our own in-house models are 30% more accurate than the leading off-the-shelf models," Madrigal said. And those improved recommendations come at a much lower cost, he said, sometimes ninety percent less than using the proprietary models favoured by US AI developers. 'Fast and cheap' Pinterest is hardly the only US enterprise depending on AI tech from China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These models are gaining traction across an array of Fortune 500 companies. Airbnb boss Brian Chesky told Bloomberg in October his company relied "a lot" on Alibaba's Qwen to power its AI customer service agent. He gave three simple reasons - it's "very good", "fast" and "cheap". Further evidence can be found on Hugging Face, the place people go to download ready-made AI models - including from major developers Meta and Alibaba. Jeff Boudier, who builds products at the platform, said it is the cost factor that leads young start-ups to look at Chinese models over their US counterparts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you look at the top trending models on Hugging Face - the ones that are most downloaded and liked by the community - typically, Chinese models from Chinese labs occupy many of the top 10 spots," he told me. "There are weeks where four out of five top training models on Hugging Face are from Chinese labs." In September, Qwen topped Meta's Llama to become the most downloaded family of large language models on the Hugging Face platform. Meta released its open-source Llama AI models in 2023. Up until the release of DeepSeek and Alibaba's models, they were considered the go-to choice for developers working on bespoke applications. Advertisement Advertisement But the release of Llama 4 last year left developers underwhelmed, and Meta has reportedly been using open-source models with Alibaba, Google, and OpenAI to train a new model set for release this spring. Airbnb also uses several models, including US-based ones, hosting them securely in the companys own infrastructure. The data is never provided to the developers of the AI models they use, according to the company. Chinese success Going into 2025, the consensus was despite billions of dollars being spent by US tech firms, Chinese companies were threatening to pull ahead. "That's not the story anymore," Boudier said. "Now, the best model is an open-source model." Advertisement Advertisement A report published last month by Stanford University found Chinese AI models "seem to have caught up or even pulled ahead" of their global counterparts - both in terms of what they're capable of, and how many people are using them. In a recent interview with the BBC, former UK deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg said he felt US firms were overly focused on the pursuit of AI which may one day surpass human intelligence. Last year, Sir Nick left his post as head of global affairs at Meta, the developer of Llama. Boss Mark Zuckerberg has committed billions of dollars to achieving what he calls "superintelligence." Some experts are now calling these ambitions vague and ill-defined giving China an opening to dominate the open-source AI space. Advertisement Advertisement "Here's the irony," Sir Nick said. In the battle between "the world's great autocracy" and "the world's greatest democracy" - China and America - China is "doing more to democratise the technology they're competing over". The Stanford report also suggested China's success in developing open-source models could be partly explained by government support. On the other side of the world, US companies like OpenAI are under intense pressure to increase revenue and become profitable - and is now turning to ads to help get there. The company released two open-source models last summer its first in years. But it has poured most of its resources into proprietary models to help it make money. Advertisement Advertisement OpenAI boss Sam Altman told me in October it has invested aggressively into securing ever more computing power and infrastructure deals with partners. "Revenue will grow super fast, but you should expect us to invest a ton in training, in the next model and the next and the next and the next," he said. [BBC] Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow the world's top tech stories and trends. Outside the UK? Sign up here. 10 years on, Suez flagship project becomes model for Global South partnership 10:17, January 24, 2026 By Xinhua Writers Li Kun, Yao Bing, Zhang Yuqi ( Xinhua *Over the past 10 years, the cooperation zone project progressed steadily. By the end of 2025, the zone hosted nearly 200 companies, with over 3.8 billion U.S. dollars in investment and around 10,000 jobs created, according to official data. *The cooperation zone in Egypt is also closely connected with China's Tianjin Municipality, often referred to as "TEDA," an abbreviation for "Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area." *In terms of green and smart manufacturing, the TEDA zone is introducing green projects like Atum Solar Egypt, promoting a circular economy, and striving to build Egypt's green energy demonstration zone and a zero-carbon chemical industry benchmark. CAIRO/TIANJIN, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- For Nahla Emad, her 16-year work experience with the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone has completely changed her view of an industrial zone. "For Egyptians like me, we had never heard before that an industrial zone could be a modern city," Emad said. The location of the zone near the Suez Canal was like a barren desert when she first saw it at the end of 2009, "but now you can find how many shops we have and how many commercial units we have here." The 41-year-old CEO of Egypt-TEDA SEZone Development Company said she started to treat her career as "a big goal" 10 years ago. Jan. 21 marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of the second phase of the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone. Ten years on, the cooperation zone has become a model for Global South partnership. FLAGSHIP PROJECT "In 2024, we received over 300 business delegations. In 2025, this number increased to more than 500," said Wei Na, Emad's Chinese colleague who has worked in the cooperation zone for 18 years. Over the past 10 years, the cooperation zone project progressed steadily. By the end of 2025, the zone hosted nearly 200 companies, with over 3.8 billion U.S. dollars in investment and around 10,000 jobs created, according to official data. Major players in the zone include Jushi Egypt, which has helped position Egypt as the world's fourth-largest fiberglass producer, and XD-EGEMAC, enabling the local manufacture of high-voltage electrical equipment. Waleid Gamal El-Dein, chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), also highlighted the importance of the cooperation zone inside the SCZone. According to him, over the past three and a half years, the SCZone has attracted investments totaling 11.6 billion dollars, with Chinese investors accounting for around 50 percent of the total. By the end of 2025, the cooperation zone had contributed an estimated 310 million dollars in local tax revenue and generated over 6.6 billion dollars in sales. This undated file photo shows a view of the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Ain Sokhna district of Suez province, Egypt. (TEDA Investment Holding Co., Ltd./Handout via Xinhua) DRIVER FOR DEEPER TIES At last year's Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin Summit, China highlighted the cooperation zone as a driver for deeper ties with Egypt, as the two countries are "good brothers firmly supporting each other." The cooperation zone in Egypt is also closely connected with China's Tianjin Municipality, often referred to as "TEDA," an abbreviation for "Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area." In the 1990s, China drew up a plan to help Egypt build an economic zone in Suez. TEDA took up the task of assisting in developing the project. In 2008, the first-phase construction of a 1.34-square-km area kicked off. In 2016, the second-phase project was unveiled, which covers an area of 6 square km. For many Egyptians, TEDA has been more than a source of employment; it's a gateway to modernity in their hometown. "We now have locally made affordable dishwashers, which wasn't possible before," said Maryam Ibrahim, an Egyptian worker at Midea (Egypt) Kitchen &Water Heater Appliances Co., Ltd. Midea Group, a leading Chinese home appliance manufacturer, established the country's first smart dishwasher factory, integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance product quality while driving down costs. "Core components like dish racks, powder-coated parts, and injection-molded parts are now produced independently in Egypt," said Yang Yang, the company's operations and HR director. "We also have many supporting enterprises that are local Egyptian companies, and their manufacturing capabilities are gradually improving," Yang said. Today, TEDA in Egypt hosts a diversified industrial ecosystem. It has fostered leading clusters in bonded logistics, new building materials, petroleum and electrical equipment, machinery manufacturing, textiles, chemicals, new energy and consumer appliances. A prime example of this targeted investment is Shandong's Sailun Tire, a global leader in the tire industry, which entered the zone in 2025. "With tens of millions of vehicles on its roads, Egypt has substantial demand for tire replacement," explained Li Daixin, chairman of China-Africa TEDA Investment Co., Ltd. "Sailun's presence here addresses a clear gap in the local market." "By developing modern bonded logistics facilities, we provide a critical springboard for companies to expand internationally," Li said. More breakthroughs are being made in the TEDA zone. In December 2020, the first phase of the Chinese-funded TEDA Royal Bonded Warehouse was put into use. Almost at the same time, Egypt's Luban Workshops were also opened, giving the cooperation zone another role -- a training base. Luban Workshop is a project supported by Tianjin and concentrated on international cooperation in vocational training. The TEDA zone has also secured its first major offshore loan in RMB or Chinese yuan and signed cooperation memoranda with systems like the Cross-border Interbank Payment System, aiming to become a regional hub for RMB settlement. This undated file photo shows a view of the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Ain Sokhna district of Suez province, Egypt. (TEDA Investment Holding Co., Ltd./Handout via Xinhua) SHARED FUTURE Seventy years ago, Egypt was the first Arab and African state to establish diplomatic relations with China. Now the two sides are working together toward the building of a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era and to further advance the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership. As the development of the initial 7.34-square-km area neared completion, Egypt and China signed an agreement in July 2025 to expand the TEDA zone. Under the deal, Chinese developer TEDA will invest 100 million dollars in infrastructure to develop an additional 2.86-square-km area within the SCZone, bringing its total area to more than 10 square km. Hassan El-Khatib, Egypt's minister of investment and foreign trade, said the next phase of economic cooperation with China should focus on expanding joint production and strengthening export-oriented domestic manufacturing. He said Egypt's Vision 2030 for sustainable development aligns closely with the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in regional integration, industrial connectivity, and cross-border trade, citing Egypt's strategic location linking three continents, its competitive labor costs, and its extensive trade agreements that provide access to global markets. Yang Chuansheng, general manager of TEDA Investment Holding (Group) Co., Ltd., said their future plans will include pivoting to electric vehicles, renewable energy, digitalization and smart manufacturing. In terms of green and smart manufacturing, the TEDA zone is introducing green projects like Atum Solar Egypt, promoting a circular economy, and striving to build Egypt's green energy demonstration zone and a zero-carbon chemical industry benchmark. Located near the Egyptian port of Ain Sokhna -- whose name means "Hot Spring" -- the zone is now heating up with the promising potential of Global South cooperation in the decade ahead. (Xinhua correspondents Liang Zi in Tianjin, Xu Haofu in Cairo, also contributed to this story.) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Datasets used to train AI algorithms may underrepresent older people. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain It is a stereotype that Canadians apologize for everything. We say sorry when you bump into us. We say sorry for the weather. But as we trudge through the gray days of winter, that national instinct for politeness hits a wall of fatigue. The temptation is obvious. With a single click, Gmail's "Help me write" or ChatGPT can draft a polite decline to an invitation or a heartfelt thank you for a holiday sweater you'll never wear. It's efficient. It's polite. It's grammatically perfect. It's also a trap. New research suggests that when we outsource our social interactions to AI, we are trading away our reputation. Using AI to manage your social life makes you seem less warm, less moral and significantly less trustworthy. The trap of efficiency In our consumer economy, we love automation. When I order a package, I don't need a human to type the shipping notification; I just want the box on my doorstep. We accepteven demandefficiency from brands. But our friends are not brands, and our relationships are not transactions. The new study published in Computers in Human Behaviortitled "Negative Perceptions of Outsourcing to Artificial Intelligence," by British academic Scott Claessens and other researcherssuggests that emotional dynamics follow different rules than those shaping more practical situations. The researchers found that while we tolerate AI assistance for technical tasks like writing code or planning a daily schedule, we punish it severely in social contexts. When you use AI to write a love letter, an apology or a wedding vow, the recipient sees a lack of effort instead of a well-written text. In relationships, effort is a strong currency of care. Less warm, less authentic You might think you can hack this system by being honest. Perhaps you tell your friend: "I used ChatGPT to help me find the right words, but I edited it myself." Unfortunately, the data doesn't indicate this is much of a solution. Claessens's work investigated a "best-case" scenario, where a user treated AI as a collaborative tool, employing it for ideas and feedback rather than verbatim copying, and was fully transparent about the process. The researchers found that the social consequences of this approach are highly task-dependent. For socio-relational tasks like writing love letters, wedding vows or apology notes, participants still rated the sender as significantly less moral, less warm and less authentic than someone who didn't use AI. However, for instrumental or non-social tasks like writing computer code or dinner recipes, this collaborative and honest use of AI didn't lead to negative perceptions of moral character or warmth, even if the user was still perceived as having expended less effort. This creates a uniquely modern anxiety for the polite Canadian. We apologize to maintain social bonds. But if we use AI to craft that apology, we sever the very bond we are trying to hold onto. An apology generated by an algorithm, no matter how polished, signals that the relationship wasn't worth the 20 minutes it would have taken to write it yourself. Authentic inefficiency This friction isn't limited to text messages. I've observed a similar pattern in my own preliminary research on consumer behavior and AI-generated art. This work was conducted with Associate Prof. Ying Zhu at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, and will be presented at the American Marketing Association's Winter Conference. Consumers often reject excellent AI creations in creative arts fields because they lack the moral weight of human intent. I believe we're entering an era where inefficiency and imperfection will become premium products. Just as a flawed hand-knit scarf means more than a mass-produced, factory-made one, a clunky, typo-ridden text message from a friend is becoming more valuable than a sonnet written by a random internet language model. The renowned "Canadian sorry" is only meaningful because it represents a moment of humility, a pang of guilt, the effort used to find the right words. When we outsource this type of labor, we outsource the meaning too. So as you tackle your inbox this winter, resist the urge to let the robot take the wheel for every case. Your clients might need the perfect email, but your friends and family certainly don't. They want to know you cared enough to find the words yourself. 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: An introduction to research at KOBELSI was given at an event to commemorate the launch of the project in August 2023. Credit: Kobe University How do cutting-edge science and technology respond to ethical and legal issues when incorporated into society? These issues are known as ethical, legal and social issues, or "ELSI" for short, and research on these issues is being carried out both within Japan and around the world. In 2023, Kobe University launched KOBELSI, its university-wide research project on ELSI in life sciences and natural sciences. As revolutionary technology in fields such as medicine and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to pop up one after another, how has ELSI research advanced? Professor Chatani Naoto of the Graduate School of Humanities, leader of the project and an expert in ancient Greek philosophy and bioethics, spoke about the current state of ELSI research and its future prospects. When did ELSI research start to become more widespread? ELSI research began to really spread in the U.S. from the end of the 20th century, and there were two big reasons for this. First of all, from the 1970s, the field of molecular biology started to see rapid growth, owing to the elucidation of genetic organization and advances in genetic engineering. There were also pushes to apply this technology to medicine. On the other hand, the scientists themselves began to raise fears of the risks of these advances, such as biohazards and abuse of technology. It was at that point that James Watson, known for his discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, proposed a moratorium in 1974 for researchers to stop and consider the way research should be conducted. Another reason was the human genome project that began in the U.S. in the 1980s. This was an international endeavor to decipher all the genetic information of humans, and during the project promotion process, Watson advocated the importance of ELSI. He proposed that when performing research, a certain percentage of the budget should be allocated to ELSI research, which the US government accepted and applied when organizing the project. With the advancement of DNA analysis comes the possibility of all sorts of disadvantages, such as not being able to get insurance or a job due to the prediction of the formation of an illness due to a certain genetic disease. In addition, genetic information, also known as the blueprint for our bodies, was a previously unexpected intellectual property, which raises the issue of how society and laws should handle it. Promotion of the human genome project has suddenly brought these issues into the spotlight. What about in countries besides the U.S.? Perhaps due to lessons learned following the human experiments conducted by the Nazis, Europe tends to emphasize human rights issues involved in medical research on humans, and has for some time now. However, in Europe, research has developed not as ELSI, but as ELSA, in which the A stands for "aspects." A signing ceremony held at Lingnan University for an Agreement of Friendship and Cooperation between the Hong Kong Catastrophic Risk Center at Lingnan University and Kobe University (December 2023). Credit: Chatani Naoto On the other hand, Japan has only really started its own ELSI research within the last few years. In the fifth edition, for the academic years 2016-2020, of the Cabinet Office's "Science and technology basic plan," which is released every five years, the concept of ELSI was included for the very first time. Following this, ELSI became eligible for public research grants, and in the past few years, centers for conducting ELSI research have begun to be established at national universities. At Kobe University, the "Project innovative ethics" was launched at the Graduate School of Humanities in 2007, which carried out research and education regarding applied ethics. This project has been involved in activity such as conducting surveys on asbestos issues in industrial areas in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, and in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, publishing academic journals and holding research seminars. To make use of the activity that has accumulated in the project, KOBELSI was started as a university-wide organization in 2023. Currently, some 20 researchers from graduate schools in both liberal arts and sciences participate in KOBELSI. What about ethical issues in research even before the term ELSI came to be? In recent years, the span between developing science and technology and its social implementation has become extremely short. Not only that, once it's implemented into society, the effects are both wide and varied. Even if there are fears that technology will be misused, there is also the issue of laws not being able to keep up. Once that technology becomes widespread in society, it's already too late to think about any issues. Whether it's the internet or smartphones or what have you, it's impossible to go back to a society where those things didn't exist. Rapidly evolving generative AI will likely turn out much the same. Generative AI searches through massive amounts of data to provide answers to questions in an instant, but this comes with its own issues. From biased expressions created in a world centered around Europe and North America to copyright issues associated with the original data being used, all kinds of issues have been pointed out. One characteristic of ELSI research is that it looks to find issues not after social implementation, but from the development stage of science and technology to try to solve as many of those issues as possible. Rather than pointing out issues from the outside, ELSI research aims to think about issues together in the same circles as the researchers who are developing new science and technology. In order to do this, researchers from ELSI fields, such as law and ethics, must have a certain level of understanding of the specialized knowledge of their target science and technology, while the researchers developing this technology must also consider the social effects of their research. However, when these researchers do think from within the same circle, there is also the issue that they may lose their critical attitude. Even if there's a framework for researchers with ELSI-based perspectives to enter into, it's meaningless if they just approve each technology as it's developed. The more organized this framework becomes, the more researchers need to be aware of the risks involved with the technology and emphasize communication among themselves. Perspectives on the use of research by the military are important ELSI topics as well. I often hear the term "dual-use" being used, but this can actually mean both "military and civilian use" and "good use and misuse." There are dual-use aspects to new science and technology. The internet we use all the time, the GPS in our car navigation systems, those were all developed for the military and expanded to civilian use. Conversely, there are also examples of technology developed for civilian use that were later adopted by the military. I like to think based on the keywords of "intention" and "foresight" of the doctrine of double effect, which is well known in the field of ethics. Development of new science and technology for the benefit of society or for civilian use is the intention; however, such technology could also be foreseen as being used for crime or for war. In cases where these uses are foreseen, this then requires thinking from all sorts of angles, such as cruelty, invasiveness and even potential use in weapons of mass destruction. So, once you consider the overall situation, i.e. the scale and reliability of the benefits that this technology will provide society, only then can you decide whether a certain level of dual use can be tolerated. The people of Japan deeply regret the use of university research for military purposes in wars past, making this problem a large point of discussion for ELSI. If we're being extreme, it's certainly possible that all science and technology could be used by the military, but what's most important when carrying out research is autonomy and openness. Autonomy is when research begins from the intellectual curiosity of researchers and is not interfered with externally. Openness is when the content of research is made public through papers and other media. In other words, the lack of either autonomy or openness would be in opposition of the true nature of academic research. What kinds of endeavors is KOBELSI engaged in? In 2022, Kobe University constructed a framework called the Digital Bio and Life Sciences Research Park (DBLR), which includes research hubs in five areas, such as biomanufacturing, medical engineering and healthy longevity, where research is being conducted with a stronger awareness of enterprise partnerships and social implementation. Since research conducted at DBLR in particular requires ELSI perspectives, this led to the launch of ELSI research projects. We are especially active in collaborations in the area of biomanufacturing. A research project that creates all kinds of chemical and medical products using microorganisms and materials of biological origins was even selected to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's "Program for forming Japan's peak research universities (J-PEAKS)." Biomanufacturing makes use of techniques such as genetic engineering and genome editing, which means that we must not only think about how we can ensure the safety and security of society, but also about how we can get society to accept our research. We also need to think about how this research aligns with the culture and traditions rooted in society. In addition, we need to do our best to keep things fair and make sure that people from specific countries or regions or the very wealthy aren't the only ones benefitting from new technology. That's also why we begin by finding issues that would lead to those types of problems. ELSI is an area to which researchers from a wide variety of fields contribute, meaning that one group of researchers can't handle every problem that arises. At KOBELSI, we invite individuals from both inside and outside the university for research seminars held about once a month while also collaborating with universities overseas. To this point, we've concluded exchange agreements with Lingnan University in Hong Kong, the University of Genoa in Italy and the University of Valencia in Spain, and moving forward, we'll be conducting joint research and other forms of exchange with these universities. What is your personal topic of research? One research topic of mine is informed consent. In medicine, this process involves the patient receiving an explanation regarding treatment and, once they understand the details, making decisions regarding treatment on their own, rather than leaving treatment strategy entirely up to their physician. Even in medical research that involves people, there is a model in place in which research is conducted only after the research targets receive an explanation, give their consent and the research passes internal screening. I think this process is necessary even in fields outside of medicine. Be it generative AI or genetic engineering, when it comes to the introduction of new technology, I think we're going to need a system in which we explain the technology to society to gain their understanding and consent. The current focus of my research is on problems regarding the collection and use of personal data. When we use services on the web, most of the time we click the "I agree" button to consent to providing our personal information, but how many people actually read the rules and restrictions displayed on their screens? Many people say that privacy is important, but the act of pushing that button without reading is saying the exact opposite. This is what is called the "privacy paradox." Even if one piece of personal data can't identify an individual, when you link various pieces of data together, it can paint a fairly detailed picture. If people use these services with an understanding of these issues, then that's fine, but when they don't, a proper explanation is required. In my research, I'd like to take into consideration the current state of personal data management to think about how to make these agreements possible in a practical sense, referencing the results of informed consent carried out in medical fields. Where is ELSI research headed? The goal of ELSI research is to pursue whether or not science and technology will truly be beneficial to society and make people happy, in other words, whether or not it will bring about well-being. Well-being shares traits with "eudaimonia," a state of happiness in ancient Greek philosophy, one of my fields of research, which describes a way of living that is fulfilling and has purpose. Thus, the E in ELSI (Ethical) forms a crucial foundation for the way we think about our research. When introducing science and technology that could change the structure of the world we live in, each and every citizen becomes a stakeholder. It's extremely important, then, that they receive an explanation about the technology and have the right to choose. If they have the right to use the technology, then they ought to have the right to not use it. I'd like to think about how to make procedures to exercise that right possible. Science communication is essential to researchers. What we need is a structure that will allow us to hold discussions with citizens, apply the content of those discussions to our research and then get even more feedback from citizens before the social implementation stage. Recently, in addition to ELSI, the term "RRI," or responsible research and innovation, has also come into use. RRI further enhances the nuance that researchers themselves think about ELSI as they conduct research, but it's the way of thinking that's important, not so much what you call it. Even if terms like ELSI and RRI fall out of use, I think that it's a topic that we should continue to deal with for as long as science and technology evolve. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The icon for the TikTok video sharing app is seen on a smartphone in Marple Township, Pa., Feb. 28, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File TikTok has at last finalized a deal to keep the popular video sharing platform operating in the U.S. after years of uncertainty, but questions remain about whether users' experience will change and whether the changes actually address security concerns around the app. Here's what to know about the deal, which created a new TikTok U.S. joint venture after social video platform company signed agreements with major investors including Oracle, Silver Lake and the Emirati investment firm MGX. Why was the deal needed? After wide bipartisan majorities in Congress passedand President Joe Biden signeda law that would ban TikTok in the U.S. if it did not find a new owner in the place of China's ByteDance, the platform was set to go dark on the law's January 2025 deadline. For several hours, it did. But on his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to keep it running while his administration sought an agreement for the sale of the company. A string of orders continued to extend the deadline until this deal was reached. We don't know how the TikTok experience will change, but there's no new app American TikTok users can continue using the same app, according to TikTok. But exactly what American users will see on their TikTok feeds once the changeover happens remains unclear. The algorithmthe secret sauce that powers its addictive video feedpowering the U.S. backend will be licensed from ByteDance and then retrained on U.S. user data and updated. The act of retraining the recommendation formula is certain to at least have subtle changes to a user's personalized feeds. Any noticeable changes made to a social media platform's service raises the risk of alienating its audience, said Jasmine Enberg, an analyst for the research firm Emarketer. TikTok's press release claims U.S. creators will still be discoverable in other regions worldwide, and businesses will be able to maintain global reach. But how interoperability between the U.S. and ByteDance to maintain a global TikTok experience is currently unknown. The retrained algorithm means that the trends"and what dominates feedswill feel distinctly American," said Forrester analyst Kelsey Chickering. "Global content will still appear, but its ranking will change," she said. "This matters because the algorithm is the heartbeat of the app's addictive experience. The question becomes: Will a U.S.-centric feed supercharge engagement, or will it chip away at TikTok's cultural cachet?" What is known, however, is that there is an updated Terms of Service. One of the updates notes that while users retain ownership of their content, TikTok is able to use that content to operate or improve the platform, subject to settings. Americans under the age of 13 will be limited to an "Under 13 Experience." And users are also responsible for any posted AI-generated content and must label it as created by artificial intelligence. TikTok's new owners have ties to Trump Although he no longer runs Oracle as its CEO, company co-founder Larry Ellison remains a top executive while also overseeing an estimated personal fortune of $390 billion. Ellison, 81, now could be in line to become a behind-the-scenes power player in the media, having already helped finance Skydance's recently completed $8 billion merger with Paramount, a deal engineered by his son, David. Ellison's relationship with the Trump administration dates back to the president's first term, where he played a role in the administration's efforts to get ByteDance to sell TikTok. These ties have raised concerns among some users around content moderation and what videos American users will see on their feeds. "If moderation happens to tilt toward one political viewpoint or fails to curb misinformation, TikTok risks a user exodus to rival platforms," Chickering said. "We've seen this before when Twitter's transformation into X triggered fallout from users and advertisers." Vice President JD Vance, who was tasked with helping lead the White House's efforts to find a U.S. buyer for TikTok, was involved in negotiating meetings along with way, as was Trump, according to a person familiar with the meetings who was not authorized to speak publicly. In September, when U.S. officials including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, met in Madrid with Chinese officials, Vance and Trump joined some of the negotiating meetings by phone and they pressured China to agree a deal by the end of the trip, which they did, according to the official. That led to Trump's September executive order that allowed TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. and allow an American-led group of investors to buy the app. The deal does not completely address security concerns in the law Lawmakers previously expressed concern that the Chinese government could use TikTok's algorithm to push propaganda or gather data on individual users, a key reason Congress passed legislation in 2024 requiring the company's divestment from Beijing-based owner ByteDance. The law prohibits "any cooperation with respect to the operation of a content recommendation algorithm" between ByteDance and a new potential American ownership group, so it is unclear how ByteDance's continued involvement in this arrangementespecially since they will license the algorithm to the U.S. entitywill play out. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party will scrutinize the deal, said Rep. John Moolenaar, R.-Michigan who chairs the committee, on Friday. "The Chinese Communist Party cannot be allowed to weaponize an app to divide and weaken our country," he said. "Does this deal ensure China does not have influence over the algorithm? Can the parties involved assure Americans their data is secure? Those are questions that need to be answered as the Select Committee does oversight of this deal." Last year, Moolenaar said he would be conducting "full oversight" over the TikTok deal, including "hosting the leadership of the new TikTok entity at a Select Committee hearing next year." How are users and creators reacting? Skip Chapman, co-owner of KAFX Body in Manasquan, New Jersey, which makes and sells natural deodorants, launched his business in April 2023 on TikTok when TikTok shop was still in beta testing. He said he's mainly glad he can stop worrying about a possible ban, the threat of which has been looming over his business for over a year. He sells his products on his own website and Amazon, but 80% of sales still come from the TikTok shop and it is the primary way he reaches new customers. He said he is cautiously optimistic the deal will be good for TikTok and his shop, but he is a little concerned that the new owners might de-prioritize the e-commerce aspect of TikTok. "The past two years, TikTok has really leaned into this live social commerce and just the ability to sell on the platform and they've kind of prioritized it and I'm hoping that the new owners continue to prioritize it and even more so add more features, more benefits, more opportunities for my business," he said. Vanessa Barreat owns La Vecindad Mexican restaurant in Las Vegas, and she has TikTok page for the restaurant that has over 100,000 followers. Visibility on the site has helped her attract customers, particularly out-of-towners, and spend less on marketing. She said she's in a "wait-and-see mindset" about the deal. "Anytime there's a major shift or deal, there's uncertainty, but I'm not operating from fear," she said. "TikTok has empowered so many voices that historically didn't have access to platforms like this, and that impact doesn't disappear overnight." 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Airport service firm reports 2025 profit second-highest in 33 years By Giao Thuy, Minh Hue Sat, January 24, 2026 | 3:10 pm GMT+7 Noi Bai Catering Services JSC recorded strong business performance in 2025, with after-tax profit reaching the second-highest level in its history, officially eliminating all accumulated losses. The company, formerly known as Noi Bai Catering Processing Enterprise, was established in 1993 and is currently headquartered at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. The headquarters of Noi Bai Catering Services in Hanoi. Photo courtesy of the company. In 2004, the company underwent equitization and converted into a joint-stock company, with national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines becoming its largest shareholder. By December 2015, the firms shares were officially traded as NCS on the Unlisted Public Companies Market (UPCoM). NCS mainly operates in the processing and supply of in-flight meals for commercial airlines and special charter flights. In addition, the company has expanded into catering services and other activities related to the production and supply of meals for customers both within and outside the aviation sector. Notably, it benefits from its exclusive position as the in-flight meal provider for Vietnam Airlines the companys largest shareholder, which holds more than 60% of NCSs charter capital. This exclusive relationship has provided significant support to NCSs business operations. This advantage is reflected in the companys financial results. In 2025, NCS recorded revenue of VND875 billion ($33.34 million), up nearly 19.5% year-on-year, according to its Q4/2025 financial statements. The firm's profit after tax reached VND67.7 billion ($2.58 million), an increase of nearly 24%. This marks the second-highest profit in the companys history, trailing only the peak year of 2017, when profit exceeded VND83 billion. Explaining the strong growth in revenue and profit, NCSs leadership said that the recovery of the overall economy boosted travel demand, thereby increasing revenue for the company. At the same time, airlines expanded flight frequencies, enabling the firm to increase the volume of meals supplied. Beyond business performance, NCSs financial structure remains highly sound. As of the end of 2025, the companys total assets reached VND485 billion ($18.48 million), slightly up from the year beginning. Of this, short-term assets accounted for more than 38% of total assets, reaching VND189 billion, up 17%. A notable highlight was the companys cash and short-term financial investments (mainly bank deposits), which amounted to nearly VND89 billion ($3.39 million), a significant increase from VND66.5 billion at the beginning of the year. This provides a strong liquidity buffer for the business. Fixed assets represent the largest portion of NCSs asset structure, totaling VND287.9 billion ($10.97 million) and accounting for nearly 60% of total assets. Notably, the company disclosed that as of December 31, 2025, a large portion of its tangible fixed assets had been fully depreciated, while their remaining usable value stood at just over VND74 billion ($2.82 million). This suggests that depreciation expenses in future periods may decline significantly or remain at a very low level compared to previous years. In particular, by the end of 2025, the company had sharply reduced total liabilities by 15.9%, from VND289.5 billion ($11.03 million) to VND244.4 billion. Outstanding loans and finance lease obligations (both short-term and long-term) fell from VND147.6 billion to approximately VND77.9 billion. As a result, interest expenses in 2025 declined to VND7.7 billion, down 36% compared with 2024. The substantial repayment of long-term debt, leaving only VND17.5 billion ($5.62 million) in long-term liabilities, has significantly eased financial pressure and created ample room for future investment expansion plans. Another positive development, thanks to strong business performance in 2025, NCS fully cleared its accumulated losses of VND51.7 billion ($1.97 million) carried forward from the end of 2024 and recorded a small positive retained earnings balance of nearly VND129 million ($4,916). Accordingly, the companys equity increased slightly from VND472 billion ($17.98 million) to VND485 billion. The improving financial position has also been an important driver of NCSs share price performance. At the close of Friday, NCS shares were trading around VND41,400 ($1.58) apiece, up 7.51% compared with the beginning of this year. Over the past 12 months, NCS has gained 57.2%. Another week, another provocation from Donald Trump. This time he claims that European allies were not at the pointy end of NATOs wars. The remark is insulting and historically false. European soldiers fought and died in Afghanistan and Iraq. Their sacrifice is not in dispute. What is in dispute is the moral authority of those now expressing outrage. Across British politics, figures who spent years campaigning against a stronger Europe are suddenly appalled that the United States questions European credibility. Among them are Kemi Badenoch, Nigel Farage, and a parade of MPs who left the Conservative Party to join Reform UK, taking their Euroscepticism with them. This is where the outrage collapses under its own weight. During Brexit, the idea of Europe developing real strategic autonomy was deliberately turned into a scare story. Voters were warned that the European Union wanted an army, as if collective defence were evidence of tyranny rather than adulthood. A stronger Europe was framed as a threat to Britain rather than a shield for it. That argument has not merely aged badly. It has failed completely. For decades, Europe outsourced its security to the United States through NATO. In return, it accepted dependency and a reduced voice. European states went to war in Iraq and Afghanistan largely because alliance politics and American pressure made refusal costly. These were not wars of clear European choosing, yet Europe paid for them in blood and treasure all the same. Trump did not invent this imbalance. He is exploiting it. A continent that cannot guarantee its own defence will always be spoken down to by those who can. That is not ideology. It is geopolitics. Trumps language is crude, but the vulnerability he is pointing at is real, and it was preserved by those who argued relentlessly against European strength. This is why the recent hardening of language from Keir Starmer, calling Trumps remarks appalling and insulting, matters. For too long, European leaders have offered concessions, soft words, and diplomatic cushioning in the hope of managing Trump. All that achieved was normalisation. Behaviour that would once have been unthinkable was quietly accepted as the price of American protection. That era is ending, whether Britain admits it or not. This moment now sets a trap for Reform, for Brexit hardliners, and for those Conservatives who reinvented themselves as anti European crusaders. They cannot argue simultaneously that Europe must remain weak, oppose deeper cooperation, and then demand security guarantees from a United States they no longer trust. They will be forced to choose between honesty and nostalgia. It also tests Labour and the broader left. This is the first serious opportunity since Brexit for pro European voices to speak clearly about Britains place in the European family without relitigating old referendums. Not as sentiment or regret, but as a matter of security, economic growth, and political stability. When an ally becomes a source of risk rather than reassurance, fence sitting is no longer a serious option. The question now is simple. When Britains security and prosperity are threatened, who stands with us? If the answer is Europe, then pretending otherwise becomes untenable. Trump did not create this reckoning. He accelerated it. Those who once warned that a strong Europe was dangerous should show some restraint in their outrage. This is not a moment for pearl clutching. It is a moment for clarity. Europe was warned. Some chose not to listen. Now they are being answered. Disney has reversed course on a previously denied shareholder proposal seeking a review of the Disability Access System (DAS) changes. The DAS disability pass eligibility changes, first introduced in 2024, have drawn criticism and have continued to generate national attention. As a result, advocacy groups have emerged to push back on the restrictions, most notably DAS Defenders, which supported efforts such as the recent shareholder proposal. Below, we break down Disney's latest decision and what this review could mean for the future of DAS at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news, including a look at recent policy changes and construction impacts at Disneyland. READ MORE Don't Waste Your Lightning Lane On This Popular Disneyland Ride Shareholder Proposal Urges Disney to Reconsider DAS Changes Toontown Disneyland DAS was significantly restructured in 2024 in an effort to curb overuse, misuse, and other issues that were beginning to weaken the program's effectiveness. Since that overhaul, Disney has continued to make adjustments, including changes to the online registration process. One of the most closely scrutinized changes in early 2025 was the removal of the word "only" from language stating that DAS is available to guests with "developmental disabilities or similar." As we noted in our initial coverage, this wording change did not expand eligibility for the program, despite early speculation from some guests that it might. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A shareholder proposal recently introduced by advocates urged The Walt Disney Company to "assess the legal, financial, and reputational risks associated with its controversial Disability Access Service (DAS) overhaul." Part of the language in this shareholder proposal attributed the recent dip in Disney Parks attendance, previously noted by executives on a February 2025 quarterly shareholder call, to the more restrictive DAS eligibility criteria. A shareholder proposal is a formal request submitted by an investor of a publicly traded company urging the company to take a specific action. These proposals are generally included in the company's proxy materials and presented for consideration at a shareholder meeting. Disney's original response "intended to exclude this proposal from its proxy materials for the 2026 annual meeting of shareholders." But now, a recent SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) filing submitted by Disney's legal counsel reveals that the company has withdrawn its request to exclude the proposal. Disney is about to vote on this newest proposal at the next shareholder meeting. Disney Reverses Course on Denying Shareholder Proposal Disability Access Sign at Disneyland The shareholder proposal does not require specific operational changes but instead asks Disney to commission an independent review of the DAS changes, provide board-level oversight, and share the findings with shareholders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its original response, the legal counsel for The Walt Disney Company submitted a letter, initially published on the SEC's website, requesting permission to exclude the resolution because it was "materially false and misleading," related to the company's ordinary business operations, and had already been substantially implemented. After that filing, however, an administrative change within the SEC's Division of Corporation Finance eliminated the requirement for companies in similar situations to obtain SEC approval before excluding shareholder proposals. So it is quite a surprise to learn that The Walt Disney Company has withdrawn its request to exclude the shareholder proposal from its 2026 proxy statement. In a letter to shareholders, copied below, The Walt Disney Company confirmed that it has withdrawn its request to the SEC to exclude the shareholder proposal and that the proposal will appear in the company's 2026 proxy statement for consideration at the annual shareholder meeting. January 19, 2026 Via Online Shareholder Proposal Form U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Corporation Finance Office of Chief Counsel 100 F Street, NE Washington, DC 20549 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Re: The Walt Disney Company Withdrawal of No-Action Request Dated November 4, 2025, Relating to a Shareholder Proposal Submitted by Erik G. Paul Ladies and Gentlemen: We are writing on behalf of our client, The Walt Disney Company (the "Company"), with regard to our letter dated November 4, 2025 (the "No-Action Request"), concerning the shareholder proposal and supporting statement (collectively, the "Proposal") submitted by Erik G. Paul. In the No-Action Request, the Company sought concurrence from the staff of the Division of Corporation Finance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Staff") that the Company may exclude the Proposal from its proxy statement and proxy in connection with the Company's 2026 annual meeting of shareholders (the "Proxy Materials"). The Company has determined to include the Proposal in its Proxy Materials and therefore withdraws the No-Action Request. If the Staff has any questions with respect to the foregoing, please do not hesitate to contact me at or (202) 663-6743. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Best regards, Lillian Brown cc: Jolene Negre, Deputy General Counsel Securities Regulation, Governance & Secretary The Walt Disney Company Does This Mean Disney Will Change DAS? Disneyland disability pass Advertisement Advertisement While this does not guarantee any changes are coming to the eligibility for DAS, this is good news for DAS advocates. The withdrawal of Disney's request to exclude the proposal means shareholders will be able to vote on whether the company should formally evaluate and address these concerns. The company now has to publicly disclose the proposal and let shareholders weigh in, moving the issue out of internal discussions and into the public spotlight. This is also a sign that the advocacy efforts are having an impact. The fact that Disney withdrew its attempt to exclude the proposal could indicate that these efforts are influencing corporate decision-making. It also creates a record that advocates can cite in future negotiations and media coverage. Shareholder proposals become part of the permanent proxy record, so even if it does not pass, it can be helpful to reference and keep disability access firmly on Disney's agenda. DAS Defenders has become a prominent voice in the advocacy movement, consistently engaging with reporters to keep the disability access changes in the national spotlight. On the other hand, Disney might feel confident that a formal review of DAS might come out in their favor, and allowing the possibility for a review to move forward could help bring the issue to a close. Regardless, shareholders would still need to vote in favor of the proposal for the review to move forward. The proposal is expected to be included in Disney's 2026 proxy materials and considered at the company's annual shareholder meeting. The date for the next shareholder meeting has not been announced yet, but based on the company's typical schedule, it should take place in the first quarter of 2026. The first quarter of 2026 runs from January 1 through March 31, 2026. READ MORE Hidden Details on Disneyland Rides That You Will Completely Miss if You Don't Know Where to Look We will continue to keep our readers informed of any updates to DAS as this process moves forward. Don't Miss the Latest Disney News Don't miss the latest Disneyland and Disney World news from Mickey Visit. Join the FREE Mickey Visit newsletter that over 100k readers receive every single week. Mickey Visit is here to help you save money and experience more during your Disney and Universal vacation. See the Mickey Visit guide to Disneyland and the Mickey Visit guide to Disney World for tips. The post Disney Drops Effort to Block DAS Disability Pass Change Shareholder Proposal appeared first on Mickey Visit - Disney News & Planning Tips. Australia is one of the absolute best places to explore by train. If you're craving spectacular scenery served with elegance, The Ghan Expedition is nothing short of extraordinary. Spanning nearly 1,850 miles, this four-day, three-night rail journey links tropical Darwin to coastal town Adelaide across the varied heart of Australia. It carries passengers through landscapes that shift from lush river gorges to fiery desserts and silent outback expanses all from the comfort of a lavish train car. This isn't just transit it's a rolling stage through history. Named in honor of the Afghan cameleers who blazed the early inland trails, The Ghan has been running since 1929, making it one of the oldest vintage trains around the world you can still ride today. It evokes that same spirit of exploration, now cushioned with modern luxury. With thoughtful service and curated off-train excursions, the journey marries authenticity with refinement, drawing a line from pioneering grit to five-star ease. Read more: 50 Of The Most Mesmerizing Places On Earth The Ghan: luxury and local flavors on rails A woman smiles in The Ghan's Queen Adelaide Restaurant - Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images Inside, the train serves as a sanctuary: cabins span from Gold Service compartments with classic amenities to the newer Gold Premium class an elevated tier akin to airline premium economy, featuring designs with polished brass, walnut veneers, and cream leather seating. For those seeking top-tier comfort, Platinum lodging delivers even more space, privacy, and elite styling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dining aboard the Ghan turns travel into a culinary adventure: multi-course meals in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant highlight local ingredients like kangaroo, barramundi, and crocodile sausage all complemented by Australian wines. This isn't just a luxurious menu, it's a menu rooted in place, delivering refined outback flavors. Beyond the rails, the experience continues with immersive excursions. In Katherine, board a river cruise that glides past Indigenous rock art dating back 10,000 years. In Alice Springs, trek the Desert Park to encounter wallabies and red center vistas. In the opal-mining gem of Coober Pedy, descend underground for a surreal lunch. On-board elegance and authentic off-board immersion push The Ghan from a mere rail trip to a sensory narrative of Australia. Why The Ghan is a must-do adventure A railroad track runs through the Australian Outback - Thomas Oswell Richards/Shutterstock Time Magazine named The Ghan among the World's Greatest Places for 2025, celebrating its sweeping scale, cultural resonance, and the launch of the Gold Premium tier. Averaging just two departures per week during its peak season (May through October), the train promises exclusivity and stillness absent from the typical tourist experience. That tranquil pace grants passengers time to absorb the changing light, shifting terrain, and cultural echoes from a vantage point most travelers never reach. The full four-day journey runs between $2,463 and $6,037, depending on class and timing. Yet, when measured against private lodges or multi-stop tours, The Ghan delivers remarkable value, making it a gem to add to your Australian bucket list. It's both transport and destination pooling rich dining, stylish cabins, and exclusive excursions under one roof. The Ghan is more than just a journey. It's an invitation to see Australia as not just a spot on the map, but an immersive story written in red dust, stretched horizons, and corridor windows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Explore. Colette Barajas's phone started blowing up Wednesday afternoon as word got out that Tucson Pride was cancelled and the organization was shuttered. "My phone hasn't stopped ringing since yesterday," the Tucson Realtor said Thursday afternoon. Organizers and stakeholders in Tucson's LGBTQ community were looking to Barajas for advice and direction on next steps. Barajas said she didn't have much to tell them beyond the idea that something had to be done. There was too much legacy at stake, too much history to walk away from. "I can't see Tucson being without a pride," she said, but what that will look like? "I don't know today," she said, "but this community steps up and supports when needed." Many stakeholders said they can't imagine Tucson without a pride celebration. Tucson Pride is the oldest LGBTQ+ event in the state and one of the longest-running in the country. "I think there's a need for something. I don't know if it's trying to resurrect this organization, or if it's better to just let it go and start fresh," said Scott Blades, executive director of Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network who, like Barajas, has been fielding questions and suggestions since Wednesday. "Maybe there's a way to continue the organization with an entirely new group of people, and I'm just not sure about that," he said. "But there's definitely a need ... to focus on pride and to have community events." Neither Barajas or Blades were surprised that Tucson Pride canceled the Feb. 21 festival; it had already been rescheduled once before from October to last November, when organizers moved it again, this time to 2026. They worried that the November date conflicted with El Tour de Tucson. But they and others in the community said they were surprised that the board of directors, newly appointed in recent weeks, decided to end the organization. Tucson Pride held its first pride event in June 1977 at Himmel Park. It was a memorial, a rally and a protest wrapped up in grief, frustration and anger over the beating death of Richard Heakin, a Nebraska tourist attacked by four Tucson teens when he was leaving Stonewall Tavern on Speedway. The teens were tried as juveniles and received probation. That one-day-long event spawned one of the country's longest-running pride events. Which is why local activists and supporters were scrambling for answers after Wednesday's announcement. Board members could not be reached for comment, but former pride board member Jeff Fulgham, in a statement shared with the Star, said the decision mostly came down to money. After a blistering heatwave in 2024 that drove attendance down, Tucson Pride recorded a $45,000 loss, according to financial documents released publicly last October. That compounded losses from 2022, when the festival didn't serve alcohol after organizers failed to get a liquor license. The group also lost its non-profit status last year after missing the deadline to refile, Fulgham said. But one of the group's biggest hurdles was finding enough volunteers to put on the festival, according to Fulgham's statement. Tucson Pride does not pay its board and has no paid staff to work the festival. It relies entirely on volunteers, which Barajas said has always been hard. "It's no simple task to put on that event," she said, speaking from her years volunteering with Tucson Pride from its first event in 1977 to 1992. "I think most community members won't admit this, but when things are good, we all relax and nobody wants to help. And sometimes I think people don't know how to ask for help, or they do and they can't get it." Beyond the parade and community events, Tucson Pride played a significant role in expanding LGBTQ+ rights, from lobbying the city to adopt anti-discrimination laws to creating the country's first LGBT commission, which Barajas said still exists. Tucson also had the nation's first same-sex domestic violence program, the Wingspan Domestic Violence Program, created by activist and domestic violence survivor Lavina Tomer. Her efforts and advocacy led to state laws that give same-sex domestic violence victims the same legal rights as heterosexuals. "There's history, there's context.(Tucson Pride) has legacy," said Southern Arizona Senior Pride Executive Director Mary ODonoghue, whose organization advocates and provides services for seniors. "We can't start something new next year and kind of fully replace that void. However, it is in the nature of our community, as diverse as it is, to really come together, rise up, unite and support." Barajas said the community has begun those conversations, but it might take some time. "I think that we, as this community, have always stood up on a rock anytime somebody pushed us down, and I absolutely believe that we're going to do that," said longtime volunteer Rickey Morey-Wolfe, a cofounder of Tucson Queerstory, which documents Tucson's LGBTQ community. "I believe ... this is probably the best thing that can happen because it needs to be brand new and come from a different place." Michael McFall, publisher of the Phoenix-based Pride Guide that promotes LGBTQ+ events statewide, said losing Tucson Pride "might have been a good thing," giving the community a chance to "start from fresh." "They just need to kind of regroup," he said. "I think it's going to be at least a couple years before they have a pride, but I don't think it should be done fast. It needs to be done right." Tucson is not the only city to lose its pride event. Fort Myers, Florida, and Arlington, Texas, nixed their 2025 plans while other cities, including New York, St. Louis and San Francisco, were forced to scale back after losing corporate sponsors, something that also impacted Tucson. St. Louis lost its biggest corporate sponsor in 2025 when Anheuser-Busch pulled out after facing conservative backlash. A report in Forbes magazine last April showed that nearly two-fifths of corporations, including Anheuser-Busch, Target, Comcast and PepsiCo, scaled back support for LGBTQ Pride Month events last summer largely because of political pressure. UZHHOROD, UKRAINE In the far southwestern corner of Ukraine, a drone with an oversized battery pack buzzed above a childrens summer camp turned military base near the border with Slovakia. Against a landscape dotted with church spires in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, a soldier who goes by the call sign Ravik looked up. That sound is the scariest sound (on the front line), said Ravik, who had a thick beard and wore a hoodie that covered the tattoos up and down his arms. The officer had recently returned from nine months of combat in eastern Ukraine, where he led a team of soldiers flying inexpensive first-person view (FPV) drones armed with explosives into enemy territory. Advancements in drone technology, Ravik said, have made the battlefield more deadly. Back at the base, he was helping train other soldiers in the border guards combat unit to fly drones in battle. Now in its fourth year of full-scale war against one of the most well-resourced militaries in the world, Ukraine has become the epicenter of modern drone warfare. The country burns through thousands of drones a month, challenging the might of Russias war machine and holding front lines in ways most thought was impossible. The drone arms race between Ukraine and Russia has made the war a proving ground for defense companies across the globe. If it flies in Ukraine, itll fly everywhere, said Volodymyr Lymanets, the former head of the 190th Training Center, a major military training school. Facing Russias sophisticated electronic warfare, Ukraines military has had to rapidly improve its drones to match the pace of battlefield advancements. Other nations have taken notice. Drones and other technology tested or used in Ukraine are now being introduced along the United States border with Mexico, where the Trump administration has devoted tens of billions of dollars to bolster security in response to what it calls an invasion of migrants and drug traffickers. One of the first U.S. agencies set to pilot the systems is the Cochise County Sheriffs Office. The drone it is testing in Arizona, an earlier version of which was flown in Ukraine, can fly for up to seven hours and carry a payload of 100 pounds. In doing so, the rural law enforcement agency has become a testing ground of its own as the Trump administration increases coordination between local police and federal agencies and expands its military presence along the U.S.-Mexico border. Its a sign, experts say, of the increasingly blurred lines between such agencies and the wartime technology being rolled out on U.S. soil. Once these tools and strategies are developed for military purposes, they can easily be used in law enforcement and border control, according to Kateryna Bondar, an expert on defense and international security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. That spillover has fueled the rise of dual-purpose, military-grade technology in domestic border operations, adding to a virtual wall of cameras and sensors designed to make the boundary with Mexico impenetrable. The influx marks a further escalation by the Trump administration to recast the border as a military zone within the United States at a time when illegal crossings are at 50-year lows. The administration has already declared an invasion, deployed active-duty military and labeled drug cartels and gangs like Tren de Aragua as foreign terrorist organizations. This narrative and rhetoric of invasion, war, terrorism helps foster a sense of crisis or emergency in the country that will be able to help justify further power grabs down the road, said Brian Finucane, a senior policy adviser at International Crisis Group. Finucane previously spent a decade at the State Department advising the government on military force and counterterrorism. As these domestic operations become more frequent, few guardrails exist to oversee either the technologies or the agencies wielding them. In the past year alone, the administration has deployed Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and National Guard troops to U.S. cities in an unprecedented interior immigration enforcement campaign. Customs and Border Protection has also flown Predator drones to surveil protestors in Los Angeles, building on CBPs decade-long use of Predator drones to assist local law enforcement. A lot of these more extreme measures that have played out at the border for decades are now coming to the cities, said Timothy Dunn, a professor at Salisbury University in Maryland who specializes in the militarization of the southern border. At a certain point, the police start looking like the military and acting like the military. And at another point, the military start acting like the police. The U.S. pioneered military drone use, but in Afghanistan and Iraq, it largely operated in airspace it controlled. Ukraine is fighting under very different conditions: It has turned cheap, off-the-shelf drones into frontline tools that must operate in contested skies against Russian aircraft and air defenses. The result, analysts say, is the worlds first true drone war. Ukrainians initially flew commercial drones but quickly adapted them to counter Russias advanced systems. Today, the drones are resistant to electronic jamming, run custom software that obscures their launch point and fly longer thanks to fuel-burning or hybrid engines. In a strip of forest outside Kyiv in October, soldiers in virtual reality goggles navigated FPV drones through an obstacle course made from hula hoops and pool noodles. The drone school, Dronarium, went from training civilians like journalists and filmmakers just three years ago to an essential component of combat readiness. Now, its taking operations abroad to places like Poland and Japan, recently training the Latvian National Guard. The low cost and versatility of drones make them easy to use almost anywhere. Beyond carrying explosives to a target, they can support search-and-rescue missions in difficult terrain, deliver fertilizer to crops and monitor a border around the clock. One drone can do the work of 30 guards or more, according to 1st Lt. Andrii Hrechka, who oversees the border guard along a stretch of Ukraines boundary with Slovakia. His unit, which once patrolled the agricultural region on foot, now relies on an inexpensive yet effective drone fleet. In just three years, the commercial surveillance drones used by Hrechkas guards have become more capable, with stronger antennas and more powerful cameras. Operators say software tweaks let the drones fly farther than off-the-shelf versions. At night, border guards launch infrared-equipped drones over high-traffic areas, maintaining a constant patrol by launching a new drone as soon as the previous ones battery dies. One recently helped them catch 18 Ukrainians attempting to flee the country through a field. For U.S. officials, these kinds of innovations are instructive. Federal agencies and local law enforcement operating along the U.S. Mexico borderhave been studying how low-cost, adaptable drones can track people more safely and efficiently, particularly in rough terrain. Arizona has become a major point of interest. Sprawling Fort Huachuca has long been the U.S. Armys largest drone training center. Its controlled airspace has supported surveillance equipment testing since the Cold War, but its role expanded dramatically after 9/11, when the base became a key site for training soldiers to fly drones, including Predator-class aircraft, for operations in the Middle East. Today, the kinds of military technologies deployed at bases like Fort Huachuca overlap with those used in border enforcement. Customs and Border Protection operates a fleet of unarmed Predator drones across the borderlands to detect drug smuggling and illegal crossings, and troops stationed at the border use military-grade radar and armored Stryker vehicles. Cochise County, home to Fort Huachuca, is also piloting what its sheriffs office calls a first-of-its-kind drone designed for border operations. Canadian manufacturer Draganfly is working with the office to develop the Outrider Southern Border drone, with the possibility of selling to other law enforcement agencies at the border. The sheriffs office has said it plans to share the equipment with federal partners like Border Patrol as well. Draganfly has touted its humanitarian work in Ukraine, including sending drones with temperature-controlled medical-delivery boxes, as part of its public messaging around the Cochise County project. A version of the drone that were going to be providing to Cochise County was actually used to fly insulin into besieged cities, CEO Cameron Chell told a local news station in July. But the company later told AZCIR the Cochise County drone is not a replica of any system employed in Ukraine, nor adapted from a military context. In a statement, a spokesperson said the equipment is purpose-built for the specific needs and constraints of that program, though its design incorporates broad lessons from past deploymentssuch as durability considerations and payload flexibility. The Arizona drone will be larger than a standard surveillance droneabout nine feet across and powered by a hybrid engine that will allow it to reach remote desert stretches while carrying heavier payloads. Draganfly has advertised a flight time of up to seven hours, far longer than the roughly 30 minutes typical of small surveillance drones, and sensors that can measure a human heart rate. During a public demonstration in Sierra Vista on Nov. 17, which AZCIR was barred from attending, officials highlighted how the drone could spot people crossing the border, assist in searches for missing individuals and deliver emergency supplies. While Cochise County hasnt yet purchased drones from Draganfly, the companys humanitarian drone work has come under legal scrutiny elsewhere. A Florida charity that purchased the companys drones to deliver medical supplies in Ukraine later sued Draganfly, claiming it received filming drones that werent suitable for a conflict zone. Draganfly disagreed with that characterization and challenged the case on jurisdictional grounds. The charity eventually withdrew the suit, citing a lack of funds. Many Ukrainians are skeptical that battle-tested in Ukraine is much more than a marketing slogan. Western drones have performed poorly against Russian forces: They tend to be more expensive yet more vulnerable to jamming. Part of the problem is that American companies built drones to U.S. military specifications, which couldnt keep up with rapid advancements on Ukraines battlefield, then were slow to respond to feedback. Questions remain about how well lessons from Ukraines electronic warfare proving ground actually transfer to domestic operations. Skydio, the U.S.s largest drone manufacturer, sent hundreds of drones to Ukraine at the wars outset. CEO Adam Bry testified before Congress that the deployment informed the companys next generation X10 surveillance drone, which can fly autonomously without GPS and features an advanced thermal camera. Bry said Ukraine has since requested thousands of the companys updated system, though he has acknowledged that American drones, including his own initial version, have a poor reputation in Ukraine. That hasnt kept the U.S. government from investing in this and other drone companies. Skydio has partnerships with all branches of the military, including $12.3 million in recent contracts with the Army for its X10D drones, the defense version of the X10. Customs and Border Protection has begun purchasing Skydios X10D models as well. The U.S. is also negotiating a deal in which Ukrainian companies would share their drone technology in exchange for royalties or other compensation. Joint U.S.-Ukrainian projects are already underway. Drone technologys shift from foreign battlefields to domestic law enforcement has coincided with a dramatic expansion of drone operations in the U.S.and minimal oversight. Regulations havent kept pace, and there is no one federal standard governing how law enforcement should use drones or manage the data they collect. In practice, agencies operate under a patchwork of state laws, internal policies and federal privacy principles that are largely nonbinding, giving many broad freedom to deploy drones without a warrant. A 2024 Government Accountability Office report found that DHS lacks consistent requirements for evaluating bias or civil liberties risks across its detection and monitoring technologies, though the agencys use of small drones did meet privacy requirements outlined in the Fair Information Practice Principles. Customs and Border Protection said it issued new privacy policies for its use of small drones in September but declined to share them. With few checks to mitigate bias, the GAO warned, surveillance and monitoring tools could disproportionately impact certain communities or be used to target activity protected by the First Amendment, like protests. DHS initially agreed to the GAOs recommendations but later resisted reforms around bias, citing staffing cuts within its Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. Meanwhile, drone use along the U.S.-Mexico border continues to surge. Today, CBP has a fleet of about 500 small unmanned systems, up from just a handful of drones six years ago. Much of that growth has been in small reconnaissance drones similar to those flown widely in Ukraine, though a CBP spokesperson said the agencys compact drones differ from the systems deployed there in unspecified ways. The smaller models are cheaper and more flexible than Predator-class aircraft, which carry a price tag of more than $28 million and cost thousands per hour to fly. The lower cost could allow for more extensive border surveillance, which some argue will deter crossings and protect officers navigating desert terrain. This 100% coverage with sensors and surveillance will make borders safer for both sides, said Bondar, with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Military presence along the southern border has grown at the same time. Under the Trump administration, more than 8,500 troops are stationed at the border, supporting surveillance operations and tracking drone incursions. Military leaders have openly discussed adapting Ukrainian tacticsat one base in Virginia, Marine Maj. Gen. Anthony Henderson instructed a colonel to replicate Ukraines rapid development of suicide drones after reading a New York Times Magazine article. A military spokesperson called the influence of the Ukraine war at the southern border transcendent, saying lessons and technology from the conflict have helped U.S. soldiers detect illicit and illegal activities. Officials have said more than 1,000 unauthorized drones are spotted there each month, often used by cartels for reconnaissance or smuggling drugs and weapons. Soldiers stationed at the border are tracking the unauthorized flights with an upgraded version of the Lockheed Martin radar systems Americans sent Ukraine to help defend against Russian aerial attacks in 2015. Some experts question whether the current administrations highly militarized response is warranted. Finucane, the former State Department attorney, has said hes not aware of any drone attacks on U.S. personnel at the border that would demand combat-level escalations. The border militarization under this administration has been political theater, Finucane told AZCIR. It fits into the broader narrative of casting immigrants as military adversary and enemy, and characterizing undocumented immigration as invasion. Some analysts warn that escalating counterdrone operations could push the border region toward a form of electronic warfare. In Ukraine, both sides constantly adapt their drones to evade jamming and interference. If cartels and U.S. agencies follow the same cycle of rapid adaptation, the border could become the site of a similar technological arms race. The United States has long imported battlefield tactics and equipment to the border, from Nixons war on drugs through the post-9/11 expansion of Homeland Security. But todays political climate magnifies the stakes. Customs and Border Protection already has broad search and seizure powers within 100 miles of an international border an area that covers two-thirds of the U.S. population and includes major cities like Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and all of Florida and beyond that zone, border agents can function like any other federal law enforcement. Those powers are being exercised more aggressively nationwide. The Trump administration has deployed Border Patrol and ICE agents for raids and street arrests, many escalating into violent interactions documented on social media. National Guard troops now occupy growing numbers of U.S. cities despite local and state opposition. Legal permanent residents and U.S. citizens have been detained or arrested in these operations, while international students have faced detention for expressing political views that angered the administration. Advocates fear that a rapidly expanding, lightly regulated drone surveillance system could be used in similarly retaliatory ways. With wide discretion for law enforcement, federal watchdogs and civil rights groups warn that drone use could infringe on civil rights or discriminate against certain groups. If you set up a whole system of enforcement with very little oversight and massive amounts of discretion and resources, you create the situation where, if somebody of ill will comes in, they can do a whole lot, said Dunn, the border militarization expert. Once you empower this, its hard to take it back. Home > 2026 > Bengal has become the battle ground for capitalist Gujarati skill and (...) Kazi Nazrul Islam, the revered poet of Bengalis around the globe must be sulking in his grave at the disregard and insult meted out to his famous poem " (Mora eki brinte duti kusum), meaning "two blooms on one stem" by the BJP Bengali leaders, who see Gujarati duo, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah as the precursor of a communally exclusive new future for West Bengal Nazruls poem is used as a powerful expression of unity, particularly to emphasize the shared existence and harmony between Hindus and Muslims. The verse highlights that despite different identities, both communities share the same motherland, air, and water, essentially growing from the same source. But what has been most unfortunate is Modi for promoting the business interest of his friends, has been out to tear the two blooms apart. This is the basic difference between the two cultures. If Gujarati culture has been basically of inclusive nature, Gujarati duo must have refrained from dividing the Muslims and Hindus. An insight into the Gujarati culture would make it explicit that it has significantly different from Bengali. The "culture" of Gujarat can be defined as an authoritarian populist culture of "corporate Hindutva", characterized by a fusion of neoliberal economic policies that benefit big capital and an aggressive form of Hindu nationalism (Hindutva) that deepens social and religious polarisation. Modis "Gujarat Model" of development is seen not as a general success for all, but as a system built on granting significant subsidies and benefits to large industrial corporations (e.g., the Adani Group) at the expense of social welfare spending on health and education. This has led to "jobless growth" and the increased informalization of labour, resulting in precarious conditions and stagnant wages for the working class. Violent Hindu nationalism is an essential, underlying component of this culture. This "culture" involves the de-institutionalization of the rule of law and the suppression of dissent, creating a "deeper state" where Hindu nationalist ideology penetrates societal institutions. This top-down, centralized governance structure ensures that the interests of the ruling class and the Hindu nationalist agenda are maintained. This culture is not defined by its traditional heritage, instead as a contemporary "laboratory" for a national strategy that uses an ideological mix of "development talk" and religious majoritarianism to facilitate capital accumulation for the few, while marginalizing large segments of the population. Marxist theory posits that culture is not an abstract, independent sphere but a "superstructure" determined by the "base" of economic production and class relations. Bengali culture, therefore, is viewed as a reflection of the evolving agrarian and industrial systems, land ownership patterns, and class conflicts throughout its history. In Bengal, the link between culture and politics has historically been very strong, with a large section of the intelligentsia leaning heavily towards Marxist ideology. Cultural activities are not merely private or individual pursuits but have an "interventionist" purpose, aimed at transforming society. This is evident in the work of the Indian Peoples Theatre Association (IPTA) and various Bengali periodicals that sought a "concrete analysis of concrete situations" across society, economics, and art. Karl Marx saw culture as part of the superstructure, which arises from and reflects the economic base (infrastructure), consisting of forces and relations of production, with political/legal institutions (structure) mediating between them, meaning the ruling classs economic interests shape cultural values, laws, and ideas to maintain their power, though this relationship is complex and reciprocal. Behind of the facade of preserving culture, Gujarati duo has been pursuing this nature of exclusive culture comprising the means of production (tools, technology) and relations of production (class structures). Basically culture isnt an independent force but a product of economic realities, serving to uphold the dominant classs control, though its exact manifestation is complex and evolving. Cultural Materialists believe that all societies operate according to a model in which production dominate and determine the other sectors of culture , effectively serving as the driving forces behind all cultural development. They propose that all non-infrastructure aspects of society are created with the purpose of benefitting societal productive and reproductive capabilities. Capitalisms drive breaks down traditional cultural ties (like family) among workers, replacing them with economic relationships, creating alienation and a shared struggle. Though both Gujarati and Bengali cultures are some perceived cultural friction and mutual stereotyping exist due to differences in lifestyle, economic focus, political leanings, and social practices. Gujaratis are widely perceived as having a strong inclination for business and entrepreneurship, which is a major part of their cultural identity. Bengalis, historically, have placed a strong emphasis on education, arts, literature, and government/service-oriented jobs, often leading to stereotypes that they are "lazy" or averse to business. While Gujaratis have basically rightist orientation, Bengalis have historically Left-leaning, currently TMC-ruled. The political differences and related accusations (calling Bengalis "anti-national" or "pseudo-intellectual") contribute to online and social friction.In their pursuit to grab power and rule Bengal, RSS and Narendra Modis have turned the non-Bengali population, which has made Bengal as their home, vulnerable and has made their loyalty and love for the state suspect in the eyes of the common Bengali. What has been happening in West Bengal during last few days is more than RSS and BJP, the saffron ecosystem, simply trying to set a political narrative. Both have their divergent reasons for targeting Bengal, but it is the Bengali sub-nationalism that has been under attack. In their desperation to capture Bengal and expand with the pan-India dynamics, they have endangered the identity and the very existence of the Bangali and their culture. It is indeed frightening to see that the idea of Bengal has turned "battleground" for Gujarati and Bengali culture with the spectre of intensification of the social conflict. Once the social conflict escalates, the much talked about and admired Bengali culture would suffer serious erosion. The most potent threat that Bengal faces is from the Gujarati duo, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. Their consistent rhetoric that Bengal should emulate Gujarats growth model and turn into a developed industrial destination causes much consternation. Though they have not been forthcoming, their desire is to turn Bengal into a "Gujarat colony". Some may deny it as a literal policy or plan, but their desperation to win election and capture Bengal is testimony to this. Only recently a top BJP leader has described winning Bengal assembly election essential for expansion of BJP across India. Bengals culture and civilisation have been major impediments in its plan to expand across India. It would not be an exaggeration to say that "Gujarat model," is the synonym of Adanis protuberance. Whether the "Gujarat model" has "failed" or led to significant "growth" is a subject of intense debate among economists and political analysts, but the fact remains that significant rural poverty persists, with high multidimensional poverty rates in certain districts (like Dahod), alongside issues like educated youth unemployment and distress suicides linked to economic hardship, indicating a gap between industrial growth and inclusive poverty reduction. Gujarat might have attained high industrial economic growth but has been lagging in human development and social equity indicators. Recent datas of Niti Ayog indicates around 11.66% of its population is multidimensionally poor, facing deprivations in health, education, and living standards, with significant district-level variations, like high poverty in Dahod (over 38%). High rates of maternal mortality rate (MMR), infant mortality rate (IMR), and child malnutrition were significant concerns. Modi who has not succeeded to alleviate poverty in his own state, which he ruled for twelve years claims to bring prosperity to Bengal. It is indeed sad to listen to Bengal BJP leaders claiming to emulate Gujarats "growth model" to develop West Bengal if voted to power. This is purely an act of misleading the people. It is wrong to construe that Modis focus on West Bengal is primarily driven by political and developmental factors. The real motive has been to benefit Adani. While the Adani Group has proposed significant investments in Bengal. It already has massive investment in the neighbouring Bangladesh. Besides Adani Group is significantly expanding its presence in the North Eastern states of India through a massive investment plan, focusing on developing a strong network in key infrastructure sectors, particularly green energy and digital infrastructure. In May 2025, Gautam Adani announced a doubling of the groups investment commitment in the Northeast to a total of ?1 lakh crore over the next decade. This is in addition to the ?6.2 lakh crore reportedly invested in the region since 2014. The groups network development is concentrated in critical infrastructure areas across most North Eastern states. It already has some of the airports in eastern India in its kitty. The investments span other vital areas such as city gas distribution, cement production, and capacity-building through skill development centers. Bengal has historically faced challenges with industrialization and attracting private investment. Taking advantage of the situation he intends to promote Adani in Bengal and it cannot be done under Mamatas government though she too has been soft to Adani. But she was not for handing over Bengal in platter to Adani. The Adani Group has expressed a strong interest in investing over ?10,000 crore in West Bengal across various sectors, including ports, data centers, logistics, and edible oil production. While Adanis business interests align with the central governments push for infrastructure development, Modis focus on West Bengal is promote Adanis agenda. Significantly some days back Modi has said that West Bengal holds immense potential for industrial development. Bengal needs massive industrialisation and growth, a requisite requirement for checking migration. But certainly it cannot be done at the altar of sacrificing the culture and societal ethics and relations. It is worth taking note that Mamata has been holding investors meet to bring investment. But she has been opposed to "outsider" penetration in the state. Some time back she has used the "Gujarat colony" phrase to counter the BJPs narrative, framing the BJP as an "outsider" party that does not understand or respect Bengals unique cultural identity and heritage. Bengal thrives on a culture of excellence and harmony, which she contrasts with the "Gujarat model". In contrast to Modi, the RSS is interested in promoting its Hindutva ideology and working toward a "Hindu Rashtra". However the RSS us scared of Bengals strong cultural and nationalistic sentiment which embodies Hinduism, but is antagonistic to RSSs Hindutva. Though RSS has been active in the state for quite long, it has not succeeded so far in creating a strong base. It aims to counter what it perceives as a decline in the Hindu population and the rise of "radicalism" in the state, which it argues poses a threat to national security.The RSS accuses the TMC government of appeasing minority communities, which it argues is detrimental to Hindu interests. Like BJP and Modi, RSS also has a mystifying perception about Muslims. Bengali Muslims practice different nature of social-culture ethos than the Bihari Muslims, those migrated from Bihar. In 1941-42 Syama Prasad Mookerjee had served as the Finance Minister in coalition the Ministry, led by A.K. Fazlul Haq, which included the Muslim League, when Congress ministries had resigned and the Quit India Movement was active. Unfortunately it is the communal politics of RSS and BJP which alienated the Bengali Muslims. After a long gap in 2016, the RSS had set a "Mission Bengal". Districts after districts were taken over by men wearing saffron bandanas, who chanted "Jai Shree Ram," and welded swords and trishuls. The saffron flags were mounted on vehicles, on houses and on shops. The slogan Jai Ram Shree Ram has not been the part of Bengali culture. In Bengali culture Maa Durga is superior to Ram. RSS tried to change the cultural tenet by imposing Ram. The RSS took out massive Ramnavami procession"to display aggression of the Hindu youth. It was shakti pradarshan". Since 2016 RSS had tried to mobilise thousands of Hindu youth for the processions in every possible district. The political narrative "jihadis are entering into Bengal" was basically flawed and was part of its conspiracy. R$SS says jihadis have entered Bengal. Fine. But they must substantiate their allegation. The primary reason is no such development has taken place. They have been targeting the migrant Muslims coming to Bengal for employment. Like Hindu migration, Muslims from Bihar and eastern UP have been migrating to Bengal. Ironically the RSS in 2017 at its ABPS summit instead of looking at this from economic perspective, described it as the rise of "jihadi elements in West Bengal, and "encouragement to the anti-national elements by the state government due to its Muslim vote bank politics and declining Hindu population in the state." It also urged the Central government to take "firm action against these anti national Jehadi elements of the state". Yet another fact which the RSS deliberately ignores is; the Muslims or Hindus from both Bengal and Bangladesh have close familial relation. They interact. But this interaction is projected RSS as infiltration of Bangladeshis in India. It is a widely known fact that Kolkata is the medical destination for Bangladeshis. A large number of hotels, lodges and even specialist hospitals depend on patients from Basngladesh. RSS has smashed this business. For RSS, a BJP government will help it to accomplish its mission. During these years it has expanded awfully. At least 1,700 shakhas, 800 milan units and 300 mandalisa unit that holds monthly meetingsare operational in the state. Nearly 4,000 swayamsevaks work in each of 294 constituencies of the state. RSS has used the proximity of Mamata with the BJP of Atal Behari Vajpayee government to expand in Bengal. During her rule the shakhas mushroomed in the state. During CPI(M) rule there were 800 sakhas now they have shot to 1,700. The two cultures have historically different primary value systems regarding occupation. Bengali culture has traditionally emphasized academics, arts, and government service as sources of social standing, while Gujarati culture has a long, strong tradition of trade, enterprise, and business. It is a known fact that cultural differences generate conflicts and, therefore, retard economic development. The cultures of Bengal and Gujarat are not compatible. Moreover Modi has his plan to hand over the state to Adani. This will be more tragic for the state. The state will witness huge influx of non-Bengali further endangering the Bengali culture. The tussle between the BJP and the TMC is as a clash between the TMCs assertion of Bengali sub-nationalism and the BJPs narrative of a uniform, Hindi-centric national identity, which is often associated with its leaders who hail from states like Gujarat. The TMC often frames the BJP as a party of "bohiragoto" (outsiders) who are ignorant of or disrespectful towards Bengals unique culture and heritage. BJP leaders occasional mispronunciations of Bengali names or words have been used by the TMC to reinforce this narrative. It has even been evident in their slights against Bengali cultural icons like Rabindranath Tagore and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and others.Besides TMCs "Jai Bangla" slogan is often presented as a secular and regionally authentic counter to the BJPs "Jai Shri Ram" chant. The TMC has accused the Midi government of systematic marginalization of Bengalis, including issues related to central funds and the treatment of Bengali migrant workers in other states, including Gujarat. While regional identity is a potent factor in the political discourse, the underlying issues also involve intense political competition for power, control over resources, economic factors like unemployment, and a long-standing history of political violence in the state. With the 2026 Assembly elections barely two months away Mamata is working to consolidate her image as the sole defender of Bengals pride and rights. While BJP BJP is banking on welfare delivery, Hindu vote consolidation, and anti-incumbency to challenge TMC in key districts. Gujarati duo quite surprisingly have been engaged in the battle to appropriate Bengali icons and symbols. Saffron ecosystem uses its might to identify with illustrious Bengali figures, like Swami Vivekananda. But this appears to have backfired. Notwithstanding putting its best effort to entice Bengalis, the party could not succeed in achieving its object. It is still being identified as party of Hindi speaking migrants. The BJP has electorally performed well in the areas inhabited by the Hindi speaking OBC, EBC and to some extent Gujaratis. In the latest SIR exercise unfortunately the names of large number of these saffron supporters have been deleted logical discrepancies. They have not been to produce the necessary certificates and documents. This clash of culture has taken to attacking the Bengali identity. This is the most serious and nasty development that is gathering momentum. Abhishek Banerjee, MP and TMCs national general secretary, recently told a rally in Howrah: "This is not just about politics. This is about dignity. Bengalis are not second-class citizens. We are being insulted, ignored, and suppressed at every level in education, employment, migration, and memory." The party looks at the development as a "national pattern of Bengali exclusion." The slogan "Bangla-ke apoman" (Insult to Bengal) is becoming a rallying cry across campuses and trade unions in the state. The saffron zealots targeting Bengalis and lynching them across India on the plea of their being Bangladeshi has further deteriorated the situation. The situation might not have taken nasty shaped, if the RSS or Modi would have sent message across no to ill treat Bengalis. But they did not do it. It unearths their deep design against Bengalis. With the 2026 Assembly elections less than two months away, the TMC is working to consolidate its image as the sole defender of Bengals pride and rights. The party believes this emotional issue cuts across class and religious lines and helps it counter BJP. Meanwhile, the BJP is banking on Hindu vote consolidation. The RSSs campaign against West Bengal and Bengalis is like the Right wings earlier campaign against Kashmiris. Through the 1990s and 2000s, allegations were made that Kashmiri Muslims were somehow "Pakistan sympathisers", which only alienated the Kashmir Valley further. Now, RSS and BJP have launched more insidious campaign. They claim that Bengal is the house of "Bangladeshis", "Rohingya", or "outsiders". Its a political campaign to somehow create the fear of "outsiders" (read Muslims) in Bengal and spur communal polarisation ahead of the Assembly polls. It would wrong to construe that the tussle between "Gujarati and Bengali culture" is of political nature and also simplification of a complex political and ideological conflict. TMC labelling BJP as a party of "bohiragoto" has ideological root. RSS and saffron supporters allege that Mamata has politicised a section of bureaucracy but it is a bare fact that BJP has communalised the police force and the entire bureaucracy. This is clearly evident in the manner they protrude their desire to carry out Gujarati duos diktat. The bureaucrats are using different mechanism in the case SIR voter list verification in Bengal. Even a person like Amartya Sen, the noble laurate, is being asked to potentially prove his connection to his parents. Two people were killed when a driver fleeing Border Patrol crashed his vehicle head-on into another on Interstate 19 near Nogales Friday morning, state troopers say. Two other people were seriously injured. The Arizona Department of Public Safety gave the following account in a news release late Friday: U.S. Border Patrol agents had attempted to stop a vehicle at about 4 a.m. as part of a human trafficking investigation. The driver fled, drove the wrong way into oncoming traffic on I-19 in Santa Cruz County, and struck another vehicle. Two passengers in the suspect's vehicle were killed and a third passenger of that vehicle was seriously injured. The driver of the vehicle that was struck also suffered serious injuries. The driver of the vehicle at fault, identified as Adolfo Hernandez Salazar, ran but was captured close to the crash scene by the Border Patrol agents. He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Salazar was booked into the Santa Cruz County jail on suspicion of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and additional charges. "Detectives are working to complete victim identification and next-of-kin notification, and victim details will not be released at this time," the news release said. The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: SAN FRANCISCO Jane Kay's timeless Victorian flat in San Francisco's Mission District explains why my flight from Paris to Tucson seemed light-years longer than usual. The country we've known for 162 years between us is off in a galaxy all its own. Jane, my sister, is also a lifelong reporter with wide-ranging interests. She narrows in on environmental reporting, a field she pioneered at the Star a half century ago. Her multiple awards are lost among books, photos and memorabilia from far-flung places. Countless first editions and offprints fill shelves sturdy enough to withstand an earthquake: M.F.K. Fisher's "How to Cook a Wolf" and volumes of Virginia Woolf; Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath" and Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring." But there is no "Brave New World" where Aldous Huxley should be. For the same reason I call Mort Reports "non-prophet" journalism, Jane avoids dystopian fiction. Instead, she burrows down to ground truth, observable fact and hard science. The lodestone is her matched set of a dozen Sinclair Lewis books, pre-war reportage thinly masked as novels, from "Main Street" and "Babbitt" to "It Can't Happen Here." Lewis's books, far more than "muckraking," define a human condition that has not changed since Aristotle defined it. Most people are basically good but are caught up in their own disparate interests. Bad ones know what they want and how to get it. MOCA just honored Jane on the 40th anniversary of her deeply researched expose of carcinogenic pollutants in Tucson groundwater from Hughes Aircraft, now Raytheon. It should have been an alarm bell heard round the world. When it appeared, I was bouncing around between wars and famines, picking up PTSD while looking hard at humanity's uglier sides. And I saw a pattern emerge. History not only repeats itself, but it also gets steadily worse. Now we are out of time for that. Jane has a copy of Stanley Karnow's "Paris in the Fifties," and so do I back in Provence. But I also have his "Vietnam: A History" and "Mao and China." Stan is a much-missed old hand from a different era of reporting. Back then, reporting was mostly "local" or "national." The rest was mostly distant echoes of other people's problems. With nuclear "MAD," mutually assured destruction, a USA and a USSR blunted the risk of High Noon. China and India were still backwaters. Today, a single story transcends all borders, involving eight billion-plus hapless humans: Who gets to survive into the future, at what cost, and for how long before Earth sloughs off all Homo sapiens? And what can be done to protect sustainability. My sister and I approach this story from different angles. Ever the optimist, she believes human nature's better side will prevail, beginning with November elections in America. A wiser Congress might help begin steering the world back towards sanity. She may well be right, and I hope she is. But if so, an awful lot more people need to wake up fast. My breed studied foreign languages. Also, multiple versions of "Don't shoot, I'm a journalist" no longer of much use. To cover governments, we learned Doublespeak from Orwell's "1984." Now everyone needs a new lingua franca: Corporate Sleaze. An authoritative annual study of 28 countries found 70 percent of respondents thought companies twisted facts to increase their profits. Regrettable, if hardly a surprise. But these days, that has a crippling impact on free people and an endangered planet. We have no more leeway for more avoidable environmental calamity. And authoritarians seldom restore democratic institutions once they cripple them. Preparing for the Paris-Los Angeles flight was like heading to Moscow in the Evil Empire days. Even U.S. citizens now face official spot checks to reap contacts, files and "social" media data from their computers. In fact, I breezed through Global Entry. A camera face scan flashed all-clear. Convenient, except if something deep in Big-Brother software makes you need a lawyer on speed dial. By now, we Americans are corpuscles in a bloodstream surveilled by ill-trained, partisan public servants. Upon finally reaching the friendly scaled-up airport I left in 1962 on my first flight abroad, a large sign welcomed me. It was erected by my new self-proclaimed friendly neighbors who, it said, would be making Tucson great: Hudbay Minerals of Toronto. A publicity blitz touts its Copper World: 400 jobs and some wherewithal for people who suffer dust and disruption from a constant parade of heavy trucks. Vast open pits will be left behind, permanently evaporating, and likely polluting, already scarce water. Profits would be banked in Canada until the mines play out, leaving Arizona with devastated mountain splendor that belongs to future generations. It is worth immeasurably more in recreational income left as it is. Proponents say we need copper for "national security." If so, reserves should stay in the ground until needed. There is plenty in countries that are eager for jobs and the income. But it is easier and cheaper for outsiders to plunder for profit in the United States. Hudbay's stock shot up by 189 percent in the last 12 months, three times Alphabet's and close to 18 times Apple's. Copper nears $6 a pound, twice its previous stable level, as the Trump administration mines as it there were no tomorrow. I am singing an old song. Tony Davis and other reporters, Pima County authorities, Indian tribes that revere the land, environmentalists and others, have been at it since well before I began chiming in two decades ago. Today, the lyrics are beyond urgent. The courts blocked Hudbay's Rosemont Mine on public land. But under a government hellbent on deregulation, Copper World plans to start up soon on land the company owns. Clearing is underway. There could be last-minute hitches. But once bulldozers move, natural splendor is lost forever. Stepping back, it is hard to confront professional hype and gross distortions. America is increasingly run by greed-obsessed billionaires and coopted politicians with no thought to the generations whose future they are dimming and eventually dooming. I'll head back soon for a hard look at what is left of old trails and campgrounds. Many of "400 jobs" are sentries who seal off backroads. For now, what matters is why runaway mining in Arizona is a small sidelight of a global scourge. Donald Trump has an insatiable lust for wealth and an illusion of omnipotence. He grasps at any shiny or sensual thing that catches his eye. He needs to be stopped now. Jane's books explain what went wrong and why. Now a new breed of reporters needs to reflect reality to people who look inwards, confusing themselves with preposterous AI summaries and limiting "silos" of the like-minded. One vignette sums it up. Eager not to offend San Francisco's no-smoking jihadis, I perched on a backstreet fire hydrant to light a pipe. I peeled the label off a mini-lighter, rolled it into a tiny ball and distractedly let it drop into a gutter of filth about to be sluiced away. A scolding voice echoed among leafy trees: "You dropped something!" It was a pleasant-looking young woman. "Thank you for helping protect the world," I replied, with mild sarcasm. "Well, it's my block, she said, "So ..." Actually, it isn't. She just lives there, as all of us live in a single closed ecosystem. Sooner than most of us think, it will no longer be able to support the bulk of us. No time is left to obsess over our own little patches and not look up to see the rest. PHOENIX A House panel approved three measures that critics say appear to be efforts to restrict reproductive rights and even abortion in Arizona despite voter approval of a constitutional amendment protecting the procedure. In separate votes last week, the Judiciary Committee voted to: Expand laws on causing death during a felony to include an "unborn child''; Extend the requirements for child support to "preborn children''; Impose new reporting requirements by those who witness "partial-birth abortions,'' a procedure that already is illegal under both state and federal law. All three were approved by the Republican-controlled committee on party-line votes. Proponents of each measure argued that Arizona law needs to be updated. The first bill, HB 2043, deals with an existing "felony murder'' law that says if someone is killed during the commission of certain felonies, the person convicted of that crime has to be sentenced either to death or to life behind bars. Rep. Selina Bliss said current homicide laws already include unborn children as possible victims. The Prescott lawmaker said this is designed to close a loophole. She cited an incident in Pinal County where a woman who was six months pregnant was killed by someone who was fleeing from police in a human trafficking case. Bliss said that prosecutors were unable to charge that person with a separate count of felony murder because of the death of the fetus. Jodi Liggett, lobbyist for the Arizona chapter of Reproductive Freedom for All, acknowledged nothing in HB 2043 would allow prosecutions for abortions performed with the consent of the woman or deaths that occur during medical treatment. And it also says charges cannot be brought against the mother of an unborn child. But Liggett said there's a larger problem: the words used in the legislation. "The language of the bill essentially places a fetus on an equal criminal justice footing with a born person,'' she told lawmakers. Liggett said "personhood laws'' can and have been used to ban contraception, fertility care, in vitro fertilization, stem cell research and other pregnancy management care. Pamela Hicks, a lawyer with Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, questioned the need for the bill. She said the existing felony murder law already says that if a victim is younger than 15, there is a mandatory 35-year sentence. "So 'unborn child' is a victim,'' Hicks said. But Christy Kelly, speaking on behalf of Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller, said the fact that the law does not specifically include the death of an unborn child is a "profound gap'' in the current statute. "We must amend to recognize the right to life from the moment of conception and extend unbreakable protection to our most vulnerable victims, the unborn,'' she said. And Kelly said that is an acknowledgment that "Science and faith alike affirm'' that definition. "From that instant, a unique human being exists with their own DNA, heartbeat emerging,'' she told lawmakers. But Rep. Alma Hernandez said all that ignores what is in Proposition 139, approved at the ballot in 2024, which provides a constitutional right to abortion prior to fetal viability. "I believe that the voters were very clear in Arizona that we were protecting women's rights,'' said the Tucson Democrat. Hernandez also said that, as worded, it is overly broad. Consider, she said, a situation where it is the pregnant woman who, while committing some crime, suffers a miscarriage. "I don't believe that she should spend the rest of her life in prison for that,'' Hernandez said. There were similar arguments about HB 2144. Current law says that when a judge awards child support payments, they are backdated to when a lawsuit over divorce, maintenance or child support is filed. The proposal by Rep. Justin Olson would require that to go back even further, to the date of a positive pregnancy test confirmed by a licensed health care provider. And it would cover the direct medical and pregnancy-related expenses of the mother "if the child is a preborn child.'' "This is an important bill to recognize the fact that if there's going to be child support proceedings, that the mother should be entitled to the child support for a child that she's carrying, just like she would for any other child that she has with the ex-spouse,'' said the Mesa Republican. Olson said there are similar laws in other states. Here, too, Liggett had objections over the wording. "We are concerned about the consequences of fetal personhood,'' she said. "Defining 'preborn child' and attaching enforceable child support obligations moves Arizona further to conferring person-like status to embryos and fetuses.'' But Daryl Groves, testifying on his own behalf, said there is merit in the legislation. "Fathers should share responsibility for prenatal care,'' he told lawmakers. "This is about male responsibility,'' Groves said. "If a man helps create a child, he should support that little girl or little boy.'' Rep. Lupe Diaz said he supports the proposal. "I'm pro life, and so is God,'' said the Benson Republican. "Just because people say that something is right doesn't mean it's morally permissible, especially in the eyes of God.'' But Rep. Brian Garcia said the legislation relies on "dangerous fetal personhood ideology.'' "There are ways that the state can ensure that pregnant people have the financial support that they need for a healthy pregnancy,'' said the Tempe Democrat. "Child support is not the proper mechanism to address this issue.'' HB 2074 takes on what has been referred to as "partial-birth abortion,'' defined as when a fetus is partially outside the body and it is "deliberately and intentionally'' killed. It already is a felony. The legislation would provide similar penalties for anyone who has direct knowledge of such an event and fails to immediately report that to the county attorney. Marcus Tork, a member of Arizona Right to Life, acknowledged that the procedure itself is already illegal. But he said there's still a need for a law to require people to report what they know. For example, Tork said, child abuse is also illegal. But he reminded legislators that there also are laws that mandate certain people who are aware of it, like teachers and doctors, to report that crime to law enforcement. But Liggett said all the legislation would do is have a "chilling effect'' on the ability of doctors to provide care that otherwise is legal. All three measures now need approval of the full House before they can go to the Senate. But their future beyond that is doubtful. Just days after the committee vote, Reproductive Freedom for All -- the group whose lobbyist testified against all three bills -- endorsed Gov. Katie Hobbs in her bid for reelection. "No governor in Arizona history has done more to defend reproductive freedom than Gov. Hobbs,'' Athena Salman, the organization's Arizona director, said in a prepared statement. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) The Economy Track of the Structured Dialogue in Libya, during its first five-day session this week, reached a significant consensus on the necessity of unifying the national budget and reforming oil-revenue governance, a press release by the UN Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said on Friday With a total cultivation area of over 730,000 hectares, Vietnam harvested approximately 1.9 million tonnes of coffee last year. Of that, nearly 1.6 million tonnes were exported, earning the country nearly USD 9 billion. Exports to Europe made up about 50% of total volume, but significant growth was also seen in African and Asian markets. The figures were announced by Nguyen Nam Hai, Chairman of VICOFA, during a press conference held on January 23 to review the sectors performance in 2025 and set priorities for 2026. The past three years have seen coffee prices rise steadily, significantly improving farmers incomes. As a result, farmers now have more resources to reinvest in their crops, boosting both yield and quality, Hai said. He added that if favorable weather continues, Vietnams coffee output could increase by 510% in 2026, with export revenue expected to exceed USD 10 billion. Vietnam remains unknown in the global coffee brand landscape Despite being the worlds second-largest coffee exporter, Vietnam remains relatively unknown among global consumers for its coffee products. The root of this issue, according to Hai, lies in the fact that 87% of Vietnams coffee exports are still in raw green bean form, with only 13% comprising processed or instant coffee. This is the paradox of Vietnams coffee sector, Hai noted. We export millions of tonnes, but the world rarely sees Vietnamese labels on supermarket shelves. He pointed to countries like Guatemala as a model. Few people knew Guatemalan coffee until a targeted marketing campaign by the Specialty Coffee Association and a branding agency made it visible globally - within just three years, he said. Vietnamese coffee brands such as Trung Nguyen, Lamant, King Coffee, and Intimex have made efforts to develop more value-added products in recent years. However, Hai acknowledged that progress remains modest compared to the countrys vast potential. He emphasized the need for a robust national strategy to promote Vietnams coffee brand worldwide - but noted that the cost of such campaigns can be a significant hurdle. A single global promotional push could cost as much as USD 1.6 million over one to two years, which VICOFA cannot shoulder alone. The association is calling for greater support from government ministries and agencies to help take Vietnamese coffee to the global stage. Agricultural exports exceed USD 70 billion in 2025 Also at the January 23 press conference, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reported that Vietnams total agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports reached USD 70.09 billion in 2025 - an increase of 12% over the previous year. Crop exports brought in USD 37.25 billion (up 13.7%), while livestock products reached USD 627.8 million (up 17.4%). Seafood exports hit USD 11.32 billion (up 12.7%), and forestry products added another USD 18.5 billion (up 6.6%). By region, Asia remained Vietnams largest market, accounting for 45.2% of agricultural exports, followed by the Americas (22.8%) and Europe (13.2%). Notably, exports to Africa rose by 68.1%, while those to Europe and the Americas increased by 34.2% and 7.2%, respectively. In terms of individual markets, China accounted for 22.3% of agricultural exports, followed by the U.S. at 20.6% and Japan at 7.1%. Tran Chung A highlight of the 20212025 phase is the intensified investment in airport infrastructure, especially the Long Thanh International AIrport (Dong Nai), considered Vietnam's most critical aviation project in decades. Long Thanh Airport is being built to ICAO 4F standards, with a designed capacity of more than 100 million passengers per year, targeting the role of an international aviation hub for Southeast Asia. On December 19, 2025, the projects main components were technically inaugurated and welcomed the first flights, creating an important foundation for commercial operations from 2026. Meanwhile, Gia Binh International Airport (Bac Ninh) has emerged as a new planning model based on "dual-use" functions, harmonizing economic development with national defense and security. Located in Northern Vietnams electronics industrial heartland, Gia Binh is designated as an aviation logistics hub for high-value goods like chips and electronic components, easing the pressure on Noi Bai International Airport. With a 4F rating, an expected capacity of 50 million passengers per year, and four runways, Gia Binh serves as a strategic link in restructuring the Capital region's aviation network. According to Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh, the investment in Gia Binh Airport is a strategic move that contributes to the formation of an "airport cluster" model, expanding operational capacity and enhancing connectivity with neighboring airports. Alongside new projects, the existing airport system has also been strongly upgraded. Tan Son Nhats T3 terminal was completed and put into operation in April 2025, raising the airports total capacity to about 50 million passengers per year. In the north, Noi Bai International Airport continues to expand Terminal T2. After the expansion, the total terminal floor area increased to more than 200,000 sqm, with capacity rising from 10 million to 15 million passengers per year and a maximum service capability of around 18 million passengers per year. In addition, many local airports such as Phu Quoc, Phu Bai, Vinh, Phan Thiet, Tuy Hoa, Pleiku and Buon Ma Thuot are also being promoted for investment under the plan through 2030, expanding flight networks and driving socio-economic growth for their respective regions. Rapid fleet expansion and impressive market recovery Alongside infrastructure milestones, the fleet size of Vietnamese airlines has grown robustly. By mid-2025, the total number of operating aircraft reached 254, a significant increase compared with the beginning of the term. The 20212025 period also recorded an impressive recovery and growth in air transport. In 2025 alone, the industry transported 83.5 million passengers, a 10.7 percent increase year-on-year, the highest level to date. Regarding the market structure, international passengers reached 46.6 million (up 12 percent), while cargo volume hit approximately 1.3 million tons (up 22 percent). The domestic market served 36.9 million passengers, an 8.4 percent increase, with a network of about 55 routes connecting Hanoi and HCMC to 20 airports nationwide. Notably, Vietnamese airlines are currently operating 113 international routes, directly connecting with major aviation hubs in Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Europe and Oceania. Experts attribute these results to effective management and administration. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proactively coordinated operations, flight licensing, and supported airlines in leasing and augmenting their fleets, especially during peak periods, ensuring transport capacity and market stability. Heading toward double-digit growth According to Ho Minh Tan, Deputy Director of the CAAV, 2026 is forecasted to be a year where multiple new growth drivers converge for the aviation industry. The GDP growth target of 10 percent or more, approved by the National Assembly, will provide a significant boost for travel, tourism, and logistics. Furthermore, the amended Civil Aviation Law, along with newly issued policies, will create a more favorable legal framework for market development. Forecasts suggest that in 2026, Vietnam's aviation industry could reach approximately 95 million passengers and over 1.6 million tons of cargo, representing increases of 13.6 percent and 9.3 percent, respectively, compared to 2025. CAAV stated that besides pushing infrastructure investment and accelerating capacity-enhancing projects, airlines will be supported in adding aircraft, increasing seat capacity on domestic and international routes, and diversifying leasing and purchasing methods. Simultaneously, domestic maintenance capabilities will be strengthened to reduce dependence on external resources. In tandem, the authority will promote negotiations and the signing of new or amended international aviation agreements to expand markets and create conditions for the effective operation of Long Thanh International Airport. Nguyen Le Since late 2024, Vietnam has for the first time put into operation a premium rail tourism product, enabling travellers to explore the country in its entirety on an eight-day, seven-night NorthSouth journey aboard a train dubbed the Orient Express of Asia. The SJourney itinerary is Vietnams first luxury rail cruise, jointly operated by PYS Travel and Vietnam Railways. The product is expected to open up a new direction for high-end tourism, built around slow-paced, immersive and emotionally rich travel experiences. Departing from Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City, the train runs along the NorthSouth railway line, widely regarded as the backbone of the countrys transport network. Throughout the journey, passengers are treated to a diverse panorama of Vietnams landscapes, ranging from rice fields, coastal villages and lagoons to limestone mountains and highlands. Carefully curated stopovers serve as cultural and historical highlights, including Ninh Binh, the former imperial capital of Hue, and the ancient town of Hoi An. At each destination, guided excursions are organised and fully included in the travel package. Onboard, the train is presented as a luxury hotel on rails. Serving only around 60 passengers, it features exclusively private cabins equipped with high-end amenities, along with shared lounges, a bar and a dining car offering a fusion of Asian and international cuisine, accompanied by a curated selection of wines from around the world. Photo: Sjourney According to French media, SJourney evokes the spirit of legendary rail voyages, placing emphasis on a leisurely rhythm and the journey itself rather than solely on destinations. At a time when air travel compresses distances, the train allows travellers to discover Vietnam frame by frame through its windows. The journey is priced at around 8,000 EUR per person, reflecting its premium positioning and its target market of international travellers seeking luxury experiences combined with in-depth cultural exploration. The launch of SJourney is seen as a notable step in Vietnams efforts to diversify its tourism offerings, leveraging the NorthSouth railway not merely as a means of transport but as a distinctive, experience-driven tourism space rich in national character./.VNA Part 1: Bac Ninh Provincial Party Secretary Nguyen Hong Thai On the threshold of the 14th National Party Congress, as the entire Party, people, and army focus on preparing major orientations for the country's new development period, establishing a vision, goals, and development roadmap for each locality is of particular importance. With an aspiration for breakthrough, Bac Ninh Province aims to become a centrally-run city before 2030. This is not merely an administrative shift but a comprehensive process of elevating the growth model, governance capacity, and people's quality of life. Provincial Party Secretary Nguyen Hong Thai gave an interview to VietNamNet on the vision, goals, and major orientations to build a Bac Ninh that is fast-growing, sustainable, modern, and rich in identity. After merger, Bac Ninh possesses larger space and resources The 14th Party Congress establishes new development orientations for the country in the next phase. Within that overall context, what vision has Bac Ninh defined to develop rapidly and sustainably? Following the merger, Bac Ninh Province has entered a new development stage with expanded space, greater potential, larger resources, and higher governance requirements. The province's consistent vision is to build a Bac Ninh that develops rapidly yet sustainably; modern yet rich in identity; where economic growth is closely linked with social progress, environmental protection, and improving citizens' lives. The province identifies science-technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers; places people and businesses at the center; treats Kinh Bac culture as the spiritual foundation and intrinsic strength; and uses the discipline, order, and effectiveness of the political system as the guarantee. This is the path for Bac Ninh to move fast in speed, solid in foundation, and sustainable in the long term, ensuring it has sufficient capacity and conditions to become a centrally-run city before 2030. What do you think are the growth drivers continue to be promoted, and what will be decisive for the province to maintain high growth while shifting strongly toward depth, quality, and sustainability? Bac Ninh continues to maintain high and stable growth among the national leaders. In 2025, its GRDP at current prices is estimated at over VND522 trillion, an increase of 10.27 percent, placing it among the localities with double-digit growth rates. The economic structure has shifted positively, with industry continuing its role as the main driver; total import-export turnover reached $182 billion, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the country's total, making Bac Ninh one of the two largest import-export hubs in Vietnam. The FDI in Bac Ninh and state budget revenue remain among the top, affirming the attractiveness of the investment environment and creating important resources for development. Alongside economic growth, the socio-economic development picture of Bac Ninh is becoming more comprehensive and harmonious. Trade and services are thriving alongside urbanization and economic expansion. Transportation, urban, and digital infrastructure continue to receive synchronous investment, opening new room for development. Agriculture is shifting toward ecological, high-tech, and multi-value models. Cultural, educational, medical, and social security fields receive comprehensive attention; the material and spiritual lives of the people are improved, creating a solid social foundation for sustainable development. To develop rapidly and sustainably in the coming period, the province identifies the need to create decisive new drivers. The focus is on shifting strongly from growth in scale to growth in quality, efficiency, and depth. First, the province will soon review, adjust, and issue the provincial planning for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, and establish the general urban planning for Bac Ninh to 2050, with a vision to 2075, ensuring consistency with regional and national planning to create new space for development. Second, the province focuses on restructuring the economy toward high-tech industry, green industry, supporting industries, and the digital economy, forming a modern industrial ecosystem linked to innovation and deeper participation in global value chains. Third, the province continues to invest in infrastructure and urban development, focusing on completing inter-regional and international transportation routes: Gia Binh International Airport, roads connecting to Hanoi, Ring Road 4, Ring Road 5, and railways such as Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong and Hanoi - Lang Son - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh - Mong Cai. This will form large industrial zones, urban areas, synchronous logistics systems, and modern Inland Container Depots (ICD). Fourth, the province aims to treat the development of the private sector, enhancing domestic enterprise capacity, increasing localization rates, and fostering links between FDI and domestic enterprises as an important driver. Fifth, the province is promoting comprehensive digital transformation across government, businesses, and society. to be continued... Thanh Hue Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) The UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, Francesca Albanese, has expressed grave concern about the ongoing, systematic attack against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the UN system and the Palestinian people The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam has been hailed as a transformative event-not only for its outcomes but for the bold shifts it introduced in both political thought and institutional practice. For Dr. Dinh Duy Hoa, a veteran policy analyst, three major breakthroughs stand out. Together, they signal a decisive turn toward strategic clarity, institutional agility, and people-first governance. 1. A strategic shift in policy vision After the 14th Central Committee was introduced, General Secretary To Lam delivered a speech on behalf of the committee at the Congress. Photo: Pham Hai Unlike previous congresses, the 14th Congress was preceded by a wave of significant policy resolutions that laid the groundwork for a new development trajectory. These included: Resolution 57 (December 2024) on science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. Resolution 59 (January 2025) on global integration in a shifting geopolitical context. Resolution 66 (April 2025) on reforming lawmaking to meet the needs of a modernizing society. Resolution 68 (May 2025) on the role of the private sector. Resolution 71 (August 2025) on education reform. Resolution 79 (January 2026) on state-owned economic development. These documents reflect a fundamental change in the Partys strategic thinking: Vietnam can no longer rely on old growth models. Instead, it must pivot to knowledge-based, digital, green, and circular economies-where private enterprise, innovation, and global integration become the new engines of development. This readiness to embrace new paradigms-while directly confronting existing weaknesses-marks the first major breakthrough of the 14th Congress. It also shows the political courage to reframe long-standing assumptions: that private enterprise is not just important but the primary driver of economic vitality in the years ahead. 2. Institutional reform that cuts to the core Vietnams political apparatus has long struggled with bloated structures, inefficiencies, and fragmented implementation. Despite multiple past resolutions on institutional streamlining, progress remained slow and uneven. That changed in 2025. In what Dr. Hoa describes as a quiet revolution, Vietnam undertook a comprehensive restructuring of its political system-starting with the most entrenched elements. The Party, government bodies, and mass organizations were trimmed, restructured, and aligned more closely with performance and accountability goals. This institutional shake-up was not merely cosmetic. It served as both precedent and platform for the second breakthrough of the 14th Congress: a commitment to effective governance, guided by leaner structures, stronger coordination, and a results-based culture. In the words of General Secretary To Lam, We must say what we mean, do what we say, and see it through to the end. That ethos now extends across the entire political system, from top-level leadership to frontline administration. 3. A social contract rooted in real lives General Secretary To Lam. Photo: Pham Hai Perhaps the most powerful shift is the Congresss renewed commitment to social equity-not as ideology, but as action. In a country where Party legitimacy is deeply tied to the lived realities of everyday citizens, economic growth alone is not enough. What matters is what growth delivers: decent incomes, access to healthcare, quality education, and social security. The 14th Congress enshrined that ethos in concrete policies-many of which began rolling out as early as 2024. These include: Universal tuition-free public education from kindergarten through high school. An ambitious public housing agenda targeting low-income and working-class citizens. Construction of nearly 250 multi-level boarding schools in remote border communes. Expanded social pension coverage for elderly citizens. Increased public health insurance subsidies for vulnerable groups. Dr. Hoa notes that while such policies are not new in concept, their scale, political backing, and rapid implementation signal a real breakthrough. The most powerful illustration came in 2025, when Prime Ministerial and military leaders were seen on the ground in flood-stricken central provinces-personally inspecting relief efforts and helping rebuild homes damaged by natural disasters. These images were not just symbolic. They showed a political system ready to deliver-where serving the people is no longer just a slogan, but a visible commitment. The long arc of transformation Vietnam has entered a critical window for development. With less than a decade before its population begins to age significantly, the country must move fast-and move smart. That requires not only economic agility but political will, strategic clarity, and a governance model capable of earning public trust. As Dr. Hoa recalls, the oi Moi (Renovation) reforms of 1986 were celebrated-but their first real results didnt arrive until 1989, when Vietnam successfully exported rice for the first time in modern history. The legacy of the 14th Congress may follow a similar trajectory: early disruption, gradual momentum, and eventual transformation. For now, the signs are promising. The 14th Congress has delivered three breakthroughs that speak not only to the Partys evolving thinking but to its readiness to act. In doing so, it has begun to redefine what leadership looks like in Vietnams new era-strategic, efficient, and grounded in the needs of the people. Dr. Dinh Duy Hoa Pepper exports to the UAE, Thailand and Egypt surged sharply in December 2025. Photo: Tam An According to data from Vietnams General Department of Customs, the country exported 246,130 tons of pepper in 2025, earning $1.66 billion, the highest export value ever recorded for the spice. While export volume dropped slightly by 1.5% compared to 2024, the overall value surged by 26.3%, signaling a sharp rise in global pepper prices. December proved especially strong for the sector. Vietnam shipped 22,015 tons of pepper that month, generating about $145 million-an increase of 49.3% in volume and 48.9% in value year-on-year. Among the top 10 export markets, three countries stood out for their sudden, large-scale purchases of Vietnams so-called black gold. Vietnamese companies exported 1,518 tons of pepper to the United Arab Emirates, earning nearly $9.4 million-a remarkable 208% increase in volume and 196% in value compared to December 2024. Cumulatively, exports to the UAE reached $82.2 million in 2025, making it Vietnams third-largest pepper buyer, following the US and Germany. Thailands appetite for Vietnamese pepper also spiked in December. Exports to the country jumped 264% in volume and 259% in value, with 1,269 tons shipped, earning nearly $9.63 million. For the full year, Thailand imported $62.72 million worth of pepper, up 73.2% from 2024. Data from the International Trade Centre (ITC) revealed that Vietnam was Thailands largest pepper supplier in the first 11 months of 2025, accounting for 85.8% of total import volume and 84.86% of value. Vietnam was also Thailands fastest-growing pepper supplier, reinforcing its competitive edge in both price and quality and its role as a core, irreplaceable source in the Thai market. Meanwhile, exports to Egypt in December reached 417 tons, worth $2.93 million-a 274% increase in volume and 249% in value year-on-year. For the full year, pepper exports to Egypt totaled nearly $41.2 million, up 57.9% compared to 2024. With this performance, Thailand and Egypt ranked 6th and 10th, respectively, among Vietnams top 10 pepper export markets. Following years of price volatility and the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnams pepper industry has made a strong comeback. In response to changing market dynamics, domestic enterprises are shifting toward deep processing to enhance value and better capitalize on what has been called the world's largest black gold reserve. This pivot marks the beginning of a new golden age for Vietnams pepper exports-one driven not only by quantity, but also by quality, branding, and market adaptability. Tam An A scientific paper co-authored by two Vietnamese academics has been officially retracted from the International Journal of Applied Economics, Finance and Accounting (IJAEFA) after one of the authors admitted to using a students research without giving them proper authorship credit. Screenshot of the retracted paper on the IJAEFA website: Influences of environment perception and social media communication via brand loyalty on the intention to buy green products among Vietnamese youth. The paper, titled Influences of environment perception and social media communication via brand loyalty on the intention to buy green products among Vietnamese youth, was removed from the journals system following an internal review and verification process prompted by concerns over research integrity. According to the journals official notice, the retraction was made due to an act deemed unethical in the realm of academic publishing. Dr. T.L.T., a lecturer at FPT University Da Nang and the lead author of the study, confessed to using a students research contribution without listing them as an author. The journal also cited a lack of transparency in the submission and publication process. The second author listed, M.A. N.D.Q., is a lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH). Following the retraction, a HUTECH representative confirmed with VietNamNet that the university had been made aware of the case and launched an internal inquiry. According to HUTECHs statement, the paper in question was part of the lecturers independent research collaboration and was conducted outside the framework of any institutionally assigned or managed project. The university clarified that the lecturer was not the lead researcher, nor was he responsible for submitting the article or overseeing the publication process. Furthermore, the lecturer had not included the paper in any personal research declarations submitted for academic evaluation, internal review, or professional appraisal within the institution. As such, the publication did not fall under HUTECHs scientific research database or management system. HUTECH emphasized its unwavering commitment to upholding academic ethics and transparency in research. The university stated that faculty members are routinely reminded of regulations regarding authorship, publication standards, and proper academic conduct. The retraction highlights growing scrutiny over ethical standards in academic publishing, particularly concerning proper attribution of intellectual contributions. It also raises wider questions about how institutions monitor collaborative research conducted outside their official oversight. As the academic community continues to address issues of plagiarism, ghost authorship, and data misuse, cases like this serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding research integrity-both within and beyond university walls. Le Huyen Four students from Columbia Heights Public Schools have been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in separate incidents over the past two weeks, school officials announced Wednesday. The detentions occurred amid growing tensions in Minnesota following intensified federal immigration enforcement operations in the Twin Cities. The Columbia Heights Public School District, located just north of Minneapolis, serves a student population that is more than 50% Hispanic or Latino. District leaders held a press conference to share details about each case and voice concerns about the safety of students and families, according to CBS News. Cases of Student Detentions The cases include a 17-year-old high school student who was removed from his car while on his way to school on Tuesday morning, with no parents present. On the same Tuesday afternoon, a 5-year-old preschool student named Liam Conejo Ramos was taken from his home's driveway along with his father shortly after arriving home from class. School officials say ICE agents used the young child as a means to draw out other family members. The agents reportedly removed the boy from a still-running vehicle and instructed him to knock on the front door to see if anyone else was inside the home. Two weeks prior, a 10-year-old fourth-grade girl was apprehended by ICE agents while walking to school with her mother. The child called her father to report what was happening, but by the end of the school day, both the girl and her mother were already in a detention facility in Texas. A fourth incident involved a 17-year-old student who was detained with her mother in their apartment last week. School officials confirmed that one of the detained families is following legal procedures and maintains an active asylum case with no deportation order issued against them. District Superintendent Zena Stenvik questioned the detention of the 5-year-old, stating that such a young child cannot reasonably be considered a public safety threat, the Star Tribune reported. School Safety Concerns and District Response The detentions have heightened anxiety throughout the school community. School officials reported that ICE vehicles have been observed in neighborhoods, near school properties, and while monitoring bus routes. An ICE vehicle even drove onto the high school loading dock on Wednesday before administrators ordered agents to leave. In response to ongoing safety concerns, the district has offered remote learning options. The situation reflects a broader pattern of immigration enforcement affecting schools across Minnesota as federal agents continue operations in the state, as per kstp. ASEAN economies could generate up to 8.5 million barrels per day of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2050, according to the ASEAN SAF 2050 Outlook report released on January 23. The report assesses regional supply chains and demand scenarios for 2030, 2040, and 2050 across Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as key import markets including Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. The report was developed by GHD Group, a global professional services company specialising in water, energy, environment, property, and transport, with financial support from Global Affairs Canada through the Canadian Trade and Investment Facility for Development, implemented by Cowater International, with Boeing as the knowledge partner and support from the ASEAN Secretariat. SAF is a renewable or waste-derived aviation fuel that meets sustainability criteria, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and is compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure. ASEANs key SAF feedstocks include used cooking oil, rice waste, cassava waste, and forestry residues. The countries examined within the report could potentially have capacity to position themselves as net SAF exporters. Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand have the most abundant feedstock to support SAF production, while Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, may have the most cost-efficient distribution for markets in Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. In addition to exporting SAF, ASEAN is predicted to become a significant market for SAF in its own right. The report projects that SAF demand in ASEAN will grow sharply from 15,000 barrels per day in 2030 to over 700,000 barrels per day by 2050. The largest SAF demands are expected to come from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, as well as other Asian economies such as Japan and South Korea. The report also examined different ways of producing SAF. Hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) is the most prevalent technology for producing SAF today, costing about twice as much as jet fuel, with the largest cost contributor being feedstock. Alternative methods could be between four and seven times more expensive, but this gap is expected to reduce as technologies mature and scale up. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Economic Community, said the outlook confirms ASEANs strong supply-side advantage, particularly in sustainable bio-feedstocks, alongside rising regional and global demand for sustainable aviation fuel. To fully capitalise on these dynamics, ASEAN member states should work together to scale up production capacity, deploy cost-effective technologies, and establish robust regional trade and market frameworks, he said, adding that this would help position ASEAN as a competitive and reliable supplier supporting aviation decarbonisation across the Asia-Pacific. Sharmine Tan, Boeings regional sustainability lead for Southeast Asia, said the regions aviation industry is expanding rapidly and will need increased supplies of sustainable aviation fuel alongside more fuel-efficient aircraft. The ASEAN 2050 SAF Outlook shows the regions strong potential to increase SAF production with the right policies, partnerships, and investments, she said. Sachin Narang, GHDs executive advisor for energy and infrastructure, said ASEANs abundance of agricultural and forestry waste could serve as low-cost feedstock for SAF, helping narrow the gap with conventional jet fuel. Policy intervention, scaling, and innovation can further reduce costs for alternative SAF pathways over the medium to long term, he said. Vietnam expected to double air traffic over next 10 years Boeings Commercial Market Outlook, released in Hanoi on April 24, forecasts significant growth in air traffic and fleet sizes across Southeast Asia through 2043. Vietjet takes delivery of first Boeing 737-8 in $32bn order Vietjet has celebrated the delivery of its first Boeing 737-8 aircraft, marking a milestone in the airlines landmark $32 billion order with the US manufacturer. At a conference held on January 22, the Ministry of Health (MoH) gathered feedback on a draft decree regulating cosmetics management, as part of efforts to modernise oversight and align it with current market realities. Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Tri Thuc underscored that cosmetics are essential consumer products which, beyond enhancing appearance, directly affect public health, consumer rights, and quality of life. Photo: MoH Current practices pose many challenges to state management of cosmetics, as well as to the compliance with legal regulations by organisations and individuals producing and trading cosmetics, he said. Circular No.06/2011/TT-BYT on cosmetic management, issued 14 years ago, is considered outdated. As a result, on December 4, the MoH submitted a draft decree on cosmetic management to the government, incorporating feedback from multiple agencies and organisations on regulatory scope, product notifications, post-inspection, business conditions, and the balance between state oversight and a favourable business environment. The draft aims to ensure consumer safety, promote voluntary compliance among businesses, and reduce the regulatory burden on management agencies. Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Tri Thuc. Photo: MoH "The improvement of institutional frameworks and legal regulations prioritises protecting the health of the people," said Thuc. At the conference, experts and representatives from ministries, agencies, local health departments, and business associations shared scientific evidence and practical experience to inform the draft decree. Key discussions covered global and domestic cosmetic management practices, the drafts constitutionality and feasibility, product declarations, and the certification of cosmetic manufacturing facilities in line with Good Manufacturing Practice standards. They also exchanged views on potential issues that could arise if the draft decree on cosmetic management is approved, and proposed measures to address them. The deputy minister called for further refinement of the draft towards a more modern and transparent framework, with a clear shift from pre-inspection to post-inspection and stronger accountability. He also stressed the need to align with international commitments, particularly the ASEAN Harmonisation Agreement on Cosmetic Management, and to reflect industry practices and development needs in the new phase. The conference provides an important basis for the Ministry of Health to continue a thorough review of the draft, ensuring it is consistent, coherent, feasible, and aligned with the prime ministers direction on administrative procedure reform. French cosmetics retailer Sephora enters Vietnam World-renowned cosmetics retailer Sephora has officially entered the Vietnamese market via an e-commerce channel, rather than through a traditional brick-and-mortar store. Rohto-Mentholatum Vietnam takes over Naris Cosmetics Rohto-Mentholatum Vietnam has completed the purchase and sale agreement and change of ownership of Naris Cosmetics Vietnam. Korean cosmetics capturing hearts Vietnams cosmetics segment is thriving as South Korean brands leverage the rising influence of its culture to meet the growing demand for high-quality beauty products. The Institute of Construction Economics under the Ministry of Construction and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) signed an MoU on January 22 to develop a centre of excellence for BIM application in railway projects, aimed at strengthening technical capacity, standards, and best practices in rail infrastructure development. The event had the participation of Matt Western MP, the UK governments Trade Envoy, British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Construction Bui Xuan Dung, head of the Institute of Construction Economics Nguyen Tan Vinh, as well as representatives from Vietnam and the UK. Photo: MoC Speaking at the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister of Construction Bui Xuan Dung said the presence of UK representatives showed the British governments strong commitment to Vietnam and highlighted the increasingly substantive strategic partnership between the two countries. Vietnam is striving to become a developed country by 2045, and transport infrastructure, especially railways, is a key driver of this goal, he said, noting preparations for major projects including the NorthSouth high-speed railway and urban rail networks in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and neighbouring provinces. Dung said these projects are technically demanding, require large capital outlays, and are designed to serve for generations, with completion set out in Vietnams railway network development plan to 2030 and beyond. Under Resolution No.57-NQ/TW on advancing science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, and Resolution No.71/NQ-CP, digital transformation is not a choice but a requirement. Applying BIM to construction works, including major railway schemes, is therefore essential to ensure quality and efficient use of resources, he said. Photo: MoC The deputy minister welcomed the UKs track record in applying BIM, particularly in railway projects, and said the partnership would support Vietnam in establishing a specialised BIM centre. He also expressed hope that British experts would provide technology transfer and training, enabling Vietnam to build in-house capacity for applying BIM in railway development. Matt Western MP said, Todays MoU signing is the culmination of 10 years of technical cooperation and mutual trust. British expertise is perhaps best illustrated by the Elizabeth line in London. He added that a BIM centre of excellence for railway projects would serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, allowing British specialists to train Vietnamese engineers directly. This approach, he said, would help ensure Vietnams railway network meets international standards, cut construction costs by up to 20 per cent, reduce waste, and support the countrys net-zero commitments. Vingroup and T&T build investment dossiers for urban railway projects Vingroup and T&T Group are permitted to compile investment dossiers on three of the ten urban railway projects to be constructed until 2025. French firms eye railway projects in Vietnam A mission of the French Embassy in Vietnam led by Laurent Chopiton, Deputy Economic Counsellor, on October 8 worked with Vietnam Railways (VNR) on a possible cooperation in railway projects in the future. Hitachi Group proposes to develop railway projects in Vietnam Hitachi Group has expressed its interest in expanding its operations in Vietnam in numerous sectors, especially railway. Extraordinary Council meeting called as Motion put forward for PM Starmer to intervene on asylum dispersal accommodation issues Wrexham Council will debate a motion at a special Extraordinary Council meeting on Friday, February 6, calling out serious concerns over the lack of fairness, transparency and accountability in the Home Offices asylum dispersal system. The move has been announced via a joint statement from Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council and Councillor David A Bithell, Deputy Leader of Wrexham Council. The motion appears to have resulted from well documented local concerns following proposals affecting the Rhos area, where the council and local representatives were given only a matter of days to respond to the potential use of the Plas yn Rhos site for asylum dispersal accommodation. The councillors say the motion will highlight the lack of fairness and transparency in the asylum dispersal system overseen by the Home Office The statement says, It will call on the UK Government to end the use of private sector agents, and to scrap profit-making arrangements that allow millions of pounds of taxpayers money to be extracted from the situation. Under the current system, the Home Office uses private sector businesses to identify accommodation for asylum purposes. These businesses operate for profit, with limited transparency or accountability to local councils. When councils are consulted on the potential use of a local property for asylum placements, they are often given very little time to respond as little as five days. This severely restricts our ability as a council to plan, assess impacts and consult with local councillors and local people. This blatant lack of meaningful consultation with councils undermines partnership working, places additional pressure on already stretched local services, including health, and risks negative outcomes for communities. The way the Home Office is conducting itself is unacceptable, and there has to be a public outcry about this. Public sector organisations across the UK are expected to subscribe to the Nolan Principles, which include openness and transparency. The Home Office is not being open or transparent in the way it deals with asylum dispersal there is a complete lack of adequate consultation with local councils. Using private sector agents to identify asylum accommodation is completely unfair on taxpayers, and the consultation time-frames are completely unrealistic, and the system has to change. As a result, we call on the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to intervene, and to help ensure the Home Office takes the appropriate steps to create a fair and transparent system for everyone. This is a deeply important issue, and we look forward to a full and open debate at the Extraordinary Council meeting on February 6. Public urged to help shape the future of post-16 education in Wales Universities, colleges, schools, learners, and businesses across Wales are being urged to share their views on post-16 education and research. The Future of Tertiary Education in Wales evidence paper identifies key challenges the post-16 education sector faces and invites the sector to answer questions on these areas where further insight is most useful to policy making. These challenges include participation gaps, rising costs for both learners and institutions, demographic changes, competition between education providers and aligning skills provision and research to the needs of the Welsh economy. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, said the challenges facing the post-16 education sector are too complex for us to solve alone. Universities, colleges, schools, employers and learners hold vital insights about what is working, what is not, and what is possible, said Vikki Howells MS. We have already delivered reforms to the post-16 sector, including establishing Medr and maintaining our approach to student support, but we cannot ignore that there are further challenges that need to be addressed. This call for evidence is our opportunity to build on our progress, and your expertise will shape Waless future. This is your opportunity to influence the future direction for your institution, your staff, your learners and your communities. This week I will be visiting Bangor University and Coleg Meirion Dwyfor to speak with staff and students and hear their views on the challenges the sector faces. These conversations will build on my ongoing dialogue with the sector, and will be an essential part of this work. I encourage everyone involved in post-16 education to come forward and be part of this conversation. The call for evidence is open from January to March 2026. Ms. Rachel is facing growing backlash after what critics are calling a "non-apology" over her involvement with an antisemitic Instagram comment, sparking outrage from Jewish groups and civil rights advocates. The controversy centers on the popular children's YouTuber, whose real name is Rachel Griffin Accurso, after she liked a comment that read "Free America from the Jews." Ms. Rachel later said the action was a mistake, claiming she meant to hide the comment, not like it. While the comment was eventually deleted, the response that followed only fueled more criticism. According to Unilad, in a tearful video posted Wednesday, Ms. Rachel said, "I would never agree with an antisemitic thing like the comment. We have Jewish family, a lot of my friends are Jewish." She added that she is "only human" and blamed the incident on accidentally tapping the wrong button while scrolling. However, the backlash intensified after Ms. Rachel replied to a post from a pro-Hamas Instagram account that suggested Jewish or pro-Israel groups had planted the antisemitic comment to trap her. The account wrote, "Spoiler alert: They left the comment themselves," to which Ms. Rachel responded, "Oooooo00000hhhhh." Critics described the reply as endorsing an antisemitic trope that blames Jews for their own harassment. Ms. Rachel keeps spiraling with lie after lie to try to cover up her racist behavior. And when that doesnt work she tries to play the emotional victim card. But no one is falling for it. pic.twitter.com/PZ23wlVTPp The Persian Jewess (@persianjewess) January 23, 2026 Ms. Rachel Criticized for Ignoring Jewish Concerns Civil rights organizations quickly condemned her response. Liora Rez, founder of StopAntisemitism, said Ms. Rachel "cries and plays the victim" instead of addressing real concerns. "She ignores Jewish concerns and blows off antisemitism for a publicity stunt," Rez said, adding that Ms. Rachel should not be connected to public office, NY Post reported. Ms. Rachel was recently appointed to the inauguration committee of newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani and appeared with him at a Manhattan pre-K center. Jewish groups have urged the mayor to distance himself from her amid the controversy. StopAntisemitism previously nominated Ms. Rachel for its "Antisemite of the Year" list, citing her repeated use of what it called "Hamas-aligned language" in posts about Gaza. The influencer, who has more than 18 million YouTube subscribers, has frequently posted about children in Gaza but has shared little to no content about Israeli children or other global conflicts. Critics say this one-sided focus has raised concerns long before the latest incident. Social media reaction has been harsh. One writer on X said Ms. Rachel "apologizes" for liking the comment, then immediately supports a claim that Jews set her up. Another user questioned her explanation, saying the like and hide buttons are clearly different. Originally published on Enstarz PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Maines leading Republican and Democratic officials, now engaged in one of the nation's highest profile Senate races, offered starkly different comments on Friday as a surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents racked up their arrest totals. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has challenged immigration officials to provide judicial warrants, real-time arrest numbers and basic information about who is being detained in Maine. Mills also called on her Republican rival, Sen. Susan Collins, to act after the House's GOP majority defeated efforts by Democrats to curtail ICE funding. Let me be clear: Maine will not be intimidated, and the reckless actions that weve seen ICE turn to will not be tolerated here in Maine, Mills said Friday. Collins avoided criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactics, other than to say that people who are in the country legally should not be the target of ICE investigations. She also said that policies she has advocated for, including providing body cameras and de-escalation training for ICE personnel, could help improve accountability and trust. And as protest organizers announced Friday demonstrations against ICE in Maine's largest cities, she urged them to avoid interfering with ICE arrests. There are people in Maine and elsewhere who have entered this country illegally and who have engaged in criminal activity, Collins said in a statement. They could be subject to arrest and deportation pursuant to the laws of the United States, and people who are exercising the right to peacefully gather and protest their government should be careful not to interfere with law enforcement efforts while doing so. Several hundred people gathered at night in Portlands Monument Square to protest ICE, despite frigid and windy conditions. The demonstration was orderly and attracted a minimal police presence as speakers criticized the enforcement surge and people held signs with slogans such as ICE Out Maine and other slogans. ICE is terrorizing our community, and they dont belong here, said demonstrator Levi Alexander, 22, of Portland. Im just here to do my part. Mills' run for Collins' seat could ultimately help determine the balance of the Senate. Mills, who is termed out as governor, must first beat oyster farmer Graham Platner, whose outsider campaign is endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, in the Democratic primary. Platner has strongly condemned ICE's surge in Maine, and posted a video on social media Friday offering step-by-step advice on how to resist. Over the past couple days, ICE's operations are clearly rounding up people who are legally in the state of Maine, Platner said in the Facebook reel. I'm sick and tired of hearing that legally there is nothing that law enforcement in Maine can do to protect citizens from these thugs. ICE says Operation Catch of the Day has about 1,400 targets The enforcement action began Tuesday and has succeeded in removing dangerous criminals from the community, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement to media on Thursday. Some of the more than 100 arrests were of people convicted of horrific crimes including aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child, McLaughlin said. The detentions in Maine, a mostly rural state where about 4% of the 1.4 million residents are foreign-born, have sparked anxiety in Portland and Lewiston, which are home to sizable immigrant and refugee populations, particularly from African nations. Community leaders say that just like in other U.S. cities where the agency has surged forces, some families are staying indoors, avoiding work and keeping children home from school for fear of arrest. Corrections officers detained The enforcement surge has also included the detention of corrections officers vetted by county authorities. York County officials said one of their jail corrections officers was detained by ICE after being summoned to an immigration appointment this week and as of Friday remained in at a detention facility in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Separately, Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce said one of his corrections officer recruits was arrested by ICE despite passing background checks and federal employment verification. The person had no known criminal history and was authorized to work in the United States, he added. While enforcement actions are being promoted as targeting the worst of the worst, the reality appears far more complicated, York County officials said in statement. Roofer says ICE agent threatened his family Cristian Vaca, an immigrant from Ecuador who lives in Biddeford, said ICE agents repeatedly threatened him Wednesday outside his home, where the 28-year-old roofer lives with his wife and young son. Im here legally. I came here in September 2023, Vaca said, citing his familys safety and economic opportunity as reasons for the move. Speaking to The Associated Press in Spanish through a translator, Vaca said he was sitting on his couch when he noticed agents taking photos outside. Vaca said he has a U.S. Social Security number, a work permit and pays income taxes. A video Vaca took shows an ICE agent speaking to him through his closed front door. Before turning away, the agent says, Were going to come back for your whole family, OK? A childs voice can be heard in the background. Protest organizers plan gathering in Portland's Monument Square Organizers announced more demonstrations, one planned for Friday evening in downtown Portland. A small group of demonstrators also gathered Thursday afternoon and again Friday morning outside an ICE field office in Scarborough. Maine is one of those places where you look out for your neighbors and everyones there, said one of the Scarborough demonstrators, college student Ava Gleason. Were a community, and to see people come in and rip apart a community is freaking terrifying. Willingham reported from Boston. WASHINGTON (AP) A report by former special counsel Jack Smith on his investigation into President Donald Trump's hoarding of classified documents belongs in the dustbin of history" and should remain sealed, the Justice Department said in a sharply worded court filing Friday. The illicit product of an unlawful investigation and prosecution belongs in the dustbin of history. The United States will leave it there, prosecutors wrote. The department's position echoes that of Trump, whose lawyers this week asked U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to permanently block the release of the Smith report. It adds to the likelihood that a detailed report on a criminal investigation once seen as posing significant legal peril to Trump might continue to remain hidden from public view. Smith and his team produced a two-volume report on investigations into Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election after he lost to Biden and his retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, after he left the White House following his first term. Both investigations produced indictments that were abandoned by Smith's team after Trump's November 2024 election win in light of longstanding Justice Department legal opinions that say sitting presidents cannot face federal prosecution. The volume on the election investigation was released in the final days of the Biden administration. But Cannon, a Trump-appointed judge in Florida who issued multiple favorable rulings for Trump and his two co-defendants in the classified documents case, last year granted a defense request to at least temporarily halt the release of the report dealing with that case. That edict meant that Smith could not discuss the substance of that investigation when he testified Thursday before the House Judiciary Committee. The injunction is set to lift on February 24. But Jason Reding Quinones, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, where the case was filed, said in a three-page court filing that the report should remain sealed. He and another prosecutor in that office, Manolo Reboso, wrote that Smith's investigation was unlawful from its inception. They also wrote that Attorney General Pam Bondi had determined that the report was an internal deliberative communication that is privileged and confidential and should not be released outside the Justice Department. Smith not only weaponized the Department of Justice against a leading presidential candidate in pursuit of an anti-democratic end, but he did so without legal authority and while targeting constitutionally protected activity, the prosecutors wrote. Smith, during his testimony Thursday, defended his investigations of Trump and insisted that he had acted without regard to politics and had no second thoughts about the criminal charges he brought. No one should be above the law in our country, and the law required that he be held to account. So that is what I did, Smith said of Trump. JACKSON, Miss., Jan. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, one of the country's largest women's service organizations, delivered critical health, wellness and resources during its Global Day of Service initiative that took place from January 16 to January 17, 2026 for nearly 2,000 Mississippians. The historic two-day initiative Power of S.H.E. Community Blueprint comes on the heels of the Mississippi State Department of Health's recent declaration of a public health emergency in response to the rising infant mortality rates. Implemented across three areas of critical need Cleveland, Canton, and Jackson the initiative addressed Mississippi's maternal and infant health crisis through direct service, education and community engagement. This work builds on Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated's long-standing national leadership in birth equity through its over 50-year partnership with the March of Dimes and its signature Stork's Nest program, a proven, community-based model focused on improving maternal and infant health outcomes. "This initiative reflects what Founders' Day truly represents - service in action," said Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President & CEO of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. "We didn't come to raise awareness alone. We came to deliver solutions, resources, and hope as a blueprint for other maternal deserts across the country." Grant's remarks reflect a deliberate strategy grounded in coalition-building and collective impact. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated continues to advance its work alongside respected national community partners including the March of Dimes, the NAACP, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Heigher Heights for America, D-Free, Black Votes Matter, Black Health Matters, the Black Women's Roundtable, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated. Local partners included the Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus, Jackson Medical Mall Foundation, Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health, Magnolia Medical Foundation, Mom.me , MS Center for Justice, MS Families for Kids, MS Public Health Association, MS State Department of Health, Six Dimensions, The She Project, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Dynamic Wellness Medical Clinic and the Mallory Community Health Center. This collaborative framework guided the Sorority's decision to focus its efforts where the need was greatest. "Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated's Community Blueprint work in Mississippi exemplifies the type of community-centered programming needed to advance health equity and address the maternal and infant health crisis impacting Black families," said Dr. Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's Inaugural International Health Equity Think Tank Director. In 2024, Black infants in Mississippi were dying at a rate of 15.2 per 1,000 live births, more than double that of white infants (5.8 per 1,000), underscoring the urgent racial inequity in maternal and infant health outcomes, according to the state health department. "Black women and our babies are literally dying. When we engage our neighborhoods in identifying urgent needs, uniting diverse partners, and implementing targeted strategies we can create meaningful, sustainable progress towards maternal and infant health equity and in turn save our moms and babies," said Amutah-Onukagha. Zeta's efforts in Mississippi demonstrate how community-driven solutions can lead to measurable, life-saving outcomes and lasting impact. "This moment demands bold and coordinated action," said Zakiya Summers, Mississippi District 68 Representative and Zeta member. "Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated's Power of S.H.E. Community Blueprint unites community leadership with legislative solutions to advance maternal health policies that expand care, support families, and confront disparities that have gone unaddressed for far too long. This is how advocacy becomes law and how law creates lasting change. That is why we introduced the Mississippi Maternal Health Momnibus Act: to shine a light on this crisis and, more importantly, to expand access to care, strengthen the maternal health workforce, and center Black women and families. Together, we are building systems that save lives and create healthier outcomes for generations to come." Community Impact at a Glance 1,920 Maternal and infant care kits distributed to support expectant and new mothers Health screenings, including HIV testing and other wellness services provided on site Financial and insurance education and resources shared Voter registration opportunities made accessible Nutritious snacks provided at each site Leadership, Policy, and Community Alignment The initiative convened healthcare experts, elected officials, nonprofit partners, and volunteers, reinforcing the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing health disparities. A press conference on January 16th brought national attention to Mississippi's maternal health crisis and emphasized the need for sustained, community-driven solutions. A Model for National Impact The Power of S.H.E. Community Blueprint is designed as a scalable model demonstrating how organizations can align advocacy, service, and partnerships to create measurable outcomes. The Jackson activation will serve as a reference point for future community-based health and justice initiatives. About Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Founded on January 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is an international service organization committed to advancing Social, Health, and Economic Justice (S.H.E.). Guided by its founding principles of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood, the organization has a century-long legacy of community leadership and impactful advocacy. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated's service and advocacy efforts are powered by Z-HOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel) the organization's global programmatic engine designed to track community-based service, measure impact, and ensure accountability across chapters and regions worldwide. Through initiatives such as the Power of S.H.E. Community Blueprint, Z-HOPE enables data-informed, community-driven solutions that address critical disparities affecting women, families, and underserved communities, with a particular focus on maternal and infant health equity. Media Contact Carla Ellison [email protected] SOURCE Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. AceShowbiz - There are few figures in American history as influential as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The iconic leader of the Civil Rights Movement mobilized millions to advocate for justice and equality. His enduring legacy continues to shape contemporary activism, inspiring generations to confront social issues. Dr. Kings profound influence can be seen across various facets of culture, from literature and film to music. One of the most significant cultural contributions inspired by Dr. King is Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday". While many people celebrate birthdays with traditional songs like the Beatles' "Birthday," it is Stevie Wonder's rendition that has become a cultural staple during birthday celebrations. Yet, few realize that this funky and joyful version of the classic birthday tune carries a deeper significance. In 1979, Congress debated the establishment of a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but the bill failed to pass. In response to this setback, Wonder released "Happy Birthday" in 1980, using his platform to advocate for the recognition of MLKs birthday as a national holiday. The song's catchy refrain, which repeatedly states "Happy Birthday to you," quickly resonated with audiences and became a beloved anthem during birthday celebrations across America. However, the first verse of the song reveals a more profound message, addressing the importance of Dr. King's legacy and the need for recognition: "You know it doesn't make much sense..." Wonder's lyrics highlight the necessity of honoring Dr. King's contributions to society, urging listeners to reflect on the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality. The song not only celebrates individual birthdays but also serves as a powerful reminder of the collective fight for justice. By intertwining a personal occasion with a significant historical cause, Wonder's "Happy Birthday" has transcended its original purpose to become a symbol of activism. Over the years, the song has been embraced by various movements and events, reinforcing its status as an anthem for social change. Each time it is sung, it echoes a commitment to the principles that Dr. King stood for, reminding us that birthdays can be more than just personal milestones; they can also be moments of reflection on the broader societal issues we face. In conclusion, Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" is not merely a song for celebrations; it is a powerful cultural artifact rooted in the fight for justice and equality. Its origins remind us that every birthday can also be a moment to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to continue striving for a better future for all. AceShowbiz - All About the Money is a thought-provoking documentary directed by Sinead OShea that tackles significant issues surrounding wealth, morality, and the complexities of power dynamics. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, this film dives deep into the controversial themes that often ignite debate. Documenting the life of James Cox Chambers, also known as Fergie Chambers, the film presents a unique perspective on wealth and activism. As the great-grandson of James M. Cox, a former governor of Ohio and a 1920 Democratic presidential nominee, Chambers is part of a family with deep financial roots, primarily through Cox Enterprises. His journey includes controversial activism related to Palestine and anti-Israel sentiments, coupled with the political resurgence of Donald Trump. Described by Sundance as a documentary for our times of concentrated wealth and power, All About the Money provides an insightful examination of how vast wealth influences individuals and their surroundings. The film follows Chambers as he attempts to establish a Communist revolutionary base in rural Massachusetts, aiming to challenge the existing capitalist framework. Produced by Claire McCabe, Harry Vaughn, Katie Holly, and Sigrid Dyekjr, alongside OShea, the documentary is a collaborative effort from SOS Productions and Real Lava. OSheas role as the writer and director is central to the film's narrative, as she explores the profound implications of wealth. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, OShea discussed how she discovered Chambers and the inspiration behind All About the Money. She shared an interesting anecdote about finding out about her subject through a friend who had briefly lived in Chambers project. It sounded strange and very intriguing, OShea reflected, emphasizing her dual identity as both a journalist and filmmaker. The film not only highlights the personal struggles within the framework of wealth but also raises broader questions about societal structures and the moral responsibilities that come with affluence. By examining the life of Fergie Chambers, All About the Money invites viewers to reflect on the intricate relationship between money, power, and ethics in contemporary society. As the documentary makes its debut at Sundance, it promises to spark discussions about the uncomfortable truths surrounding wealth and the impact of financial influence on individual choices and societal norms. Ajit Pawar Will Return to MVA, NCP Factions to Reunite: Sanjay Raut 2 Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday claimed that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar would eventually return to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), asserting that the two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) were headed towards reunification. Speaking to reporters, Raut said the ruling NCP and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) had effectively come together, pointing to the fact that both factions are contesting the upcoming Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections on the clock symbol. Though Ajit Pawar is part of the Mahayuti, he is still emotionally connected with the MVA. Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar will come together. Ajit Pawar cannot step on two stones, Raut said. Ajit Pawar had joined the then Eknath Shinde-led government in July 2024 along with eight MLAs, triggering a split in the NCP. His faction retained the party name and the clock symbol, while the outfit led by Sharad Pawar is now known as NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). The two NCP factions have recently contested municipal corporation elections together in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad and have announced a tie-up for the third phase of civic body polls scheduled for February 5, where they will contest on the Ajit Pawar-led partys symbol. Raut also alleged growing unease within the ruling Mahayuti, claiming that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is unhappy with the BJP over the mayoral post in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. He claimed that even the BJPs central leadership in Delhi was unwilling to relent on the issue. In the recently held civic elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party won 89 seats, while its ally Shiv Sena secured 29, giving the Mahayuti a narrow majority in the 227-member BMC. Shinde has maintained that Mumbai will have a Mahayuti mayor, though he has not clarified how the post will be shared among alliance partners. Though largely ceremonial, the Mumbai mayors post is seen as a powerful symbol of political dominance, with the mayor presiding over key meetings of the countrys richest civic body. NCP (SP) Emerges Kingmaker in Sangli, Akola Civic Polls as BJP Misses Majority 2 The Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) has emerged as a key player in the formation of power in the Sangli and Akola municipal corporations after the Bharatiya Janata Party fell short of a majority in both civic bodies despite emerging as the single largest party. In the 78-member Sangli, Miraj and Kupwad Municipal Corporation, the BJP secured 39 seats, one short of the majority mark. The Shiv Sena won two seats, Ajit Pawars Nationalist Congress Party bagged 16, while the Indian National Congress won 18 seats. The NCP (SP), with three corporators, has emerged as a potential kingmaker. A similar situation has unfolded in the 80-member Akola Municipal Corporation, where the BJP won 38 seats, again falling short of a majority. The Congress secured 21 seats, the NCP and Shiv Sena one seat each, the Shiv Sena (UBT) six seats, and the NCP (SP) three. Ten seats were won by others, including the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and independents. With no party crossing the halfway mark, intense negotiations are underway in both cities to form governing alliances. The NCP (SP), which has three corporators in each civic body, is reported to be in talks with the BJP, though party leaders have been cautious in their public statements. Responding to speculation in Sangli, NCP (SP) corporator Abhijit Koli said the party had contested the elections as part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi and would prioritise public welfare and regional development. Whether we sit in the opposition or join the ruling side, our work will focus on peoples welfare. Our next step will be decided by our leader Jayant Patil and Congress leaders Vishal Patil and Vishwajit Kadam, he said. On the Akola situation, NCP (SP) state president Shashikant Shinde said discussions were ongoing at the local level among all parties to explore the formation of a civic front focused on development. I have made it clear that any such arrangement, including with the BJP, should not be at the political level with party symbols, he said. As negotiations continue, the final shape of the civic administrations in Sangli and Akola is expected to hinge on the stance taken by the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP). 'Never Crossed Party Line': Shashi Tharoor Defends Stand on Operation Sindoor, Says India Comes First 2 Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said he has never violated the partys stated position in Parliament, asserting that his only principled public disagreement was over Operation Sindhoor, a stance he said he remains unapologetic about. Speaking during a session at the Kerala Literature Festival, Tharoor addressed reports suggesting differences with the Congress leadership, including speculation that he was unhappy over not being adequately acknowledged by Rahul Gandhi at a recent event in Kochi and alleged attempts by state leaders to sideline him. Clarifying his position, Tharoor said that as a writer and observer, he had penned a newspaper column following the Pahalgam incident, arguing that such an attack should not go unpunished and that a limited, kinetic response was warranted. He stressed that while India remains focused on development, it should not be drawn into a prolonged conflict with Pakistan, and that any action should be restricted to targeting terrorist infrastructure. To my surprise, the government did exactly what I had recommended, Tharoor said, adding that his views were guided by national interest rather than partisan considerations. Invoking Indias first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Tharoor recalled the question, Who lives if India dies? and said that when the countrys security and global standing are at stake, national interest must take precedence over political differences. Political parties will always have disagreements as part of the democratic process, he said. But when it comes to Indias security and its place in the world, India must come first. LUXEMBOURG, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Foresea Holding S.A. (the "Company" or "Foresea") announced today that it is soliciting (the "Consent Solicitation") consents (the "Consents") from holders (the "Holders") of the Company's outstanding 7.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 (the "Notes") to effect a certain amendment to the indenture governing the Notes (as amended from time to time, the "Indenture"), as described below, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement, dated January 23, 2026 (as may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Consent Solicitation Statement"). The Consent Solicitation will expire at 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on January 30, 2026 (such time and date, as the same may be extended from time to time, the "Expiration Date"). All capitalized terms used herein but not defined in this announcement have the respective meanings ascribed to them in the Consent Solicitation Statement. Certain details regarding the Notes and the Consent Solicitation are set forth in the table below. Title of Security CUSIP and ISIN Number(s) Aggregate Consent Payment(1) 7.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 CUSIP: 262051AA3 / L26915AA3 ISIN: US262051AA36 / USL26915AA33 U.S.$1,500,000 (1) The Consent Payment (as defined below) is payable pro rata (rounded to the nearest U.S.$0.01, with half a cent rounded upwards)to Holders of Notes who have validly delivered their Consents prior to the Expiration Date and not validly revoked prior to the Revocation Deadline, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement. No accrued interest will be paid in connection with the Consent Solicitation. Holders who validly deliver (and do not validly revoke) their Consents on or prior to the Expiration Date will receive the Consent Payment, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement. The Company is soliciting Consents in order to amend Section 4.07(b) of the Indenture to reset the general basket for Restricted Payments to allow for Restricted Payments after the date of the Supplemental Indenture in an aggregate amount not to exceed U.S.$175,000,000. For the actual text of the Proposed Amendment, see "The Proposed Amendment" in the Consent Solicitation Statement. Except for the Proposed Amendment, all of the existing terms of the Indenture will remain unchanged. After the satisfaction or waiver of the Consent Conditions (as defined below) and subject to the execution of the Supplemental Indenture, the Company will pay, or cause to be paid, to DTC a cash payment in the aggregate amount set forth in the table on the cover of the Consent Solicitation Statement (the "Consent Payment"). The Consent Payment will be made pro rata for the benefit of the Holders of Notes who validly delivered and did not validly revoke Consents to the Proposed Amendment on or prior to the Expiration Date. The Company expects to pay, or cause to be paid, the Consent Payment to DTC for the benefit of such Holders who validly delivered and did not validly revoke Consents to such Proposed Amendment on or prior to the Expiration Date within two business days after the Expiration Date and upon the satisfaction or waiver of all Consent Conditions with respect to the Notes (such date, the "Settlement Date"). Holders of the Notes for which no Consent is validly delivered, or is validly revoked, will not be eligible to, and will not, receive the Consent Payment, even though the Proposed Amendment, if approved, will bind all Holders of Notes and their transferees upon the execution and effectiveness of the Supplemental Indenture (as defined below) at the Consent Time (as defined below). See "The Consent SolicitationConsent Payments" in the Consent Solicitation Statement. The Company's obligation to pay (or cause to be paid) the Consent Payment for valid and unrevoked Consents to the Proposed Amendment for the Notes is subject to and conditioned upon: (i) the receipt of the Requisite Consents (as defined below) on or prior to the Expiration Date, and (ii) the absence of any law or regulation, and the absence of any injunction or action or other proceeding (pending or threatened), that (in the case of any action or proceeding if adversely determined) would make unlawful or invalid or enjoin or delay the implementation of the Proposed Amendment, the entering into of the Supplemental Indenture or the payment of the Consent Payment to the Holders of the Notes or that would question the legality or validity thereof (collectively, the "Consent Conditions"). If the Holders of at least a majority of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Notes validly deliver and do not validly revoke Consents to the Proposed Amendment (the "Requisite Consents") and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the other Consent Conditions, the Company and, upon receipt of an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent will execute a supplemental indenture to the Indenture in a form acceptable to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent effecting the Proposed Amendment (the "Supplemental Indenture"). The time and date on which the Supplemental Indenture is executed is hereinafter referred to as the "Consent Time" with respect to the Notes. Consents to the Proposed Amendment may not be revoked at any time after the earlier of the Consent Time and 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on January 30, 2026 (such time, as may be extended by the Company in its sole discretion, the "Revocation Deadline"), even if the Revocation Deadline is later than such Consent Time. Although the Supplemental Indenture and the related Proposed Amendment will become effective immediately upon execution at the Consent Time, such Proposed Amendment will not be operative until the Consent Payment to DTC for the benefit of the Holders is paid on the Settlement Date. The Company expects to pay (or cause to be paid) the Consent Payment to DTC for the benefit of the Holders on the Settlement Date. Once the Supplemental Indenture is effective, any Consents given with respect to the Notes may not be revoked, and all Holders, including non-consenting Holders, and their respective transferees will be bound by the terms thereof. If the Consent Conditions are not satisfied or waived with respect to the Notes or if the Supplemental Indenture is not executed for any reason, no Consent Payment with respect to the Notes will be paid to any Holder thereof. The Notes for which a Consent has been delivered through DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP") as part of the Consent Solicitation prior to the Expiration Date will be blocked in the relevant account at the relevant clearing system during the period beginning at the time the DTC Participant electronically delivers a Consent and ending on the earlier of (i) the Consent Time or the Expiration Date and (ii) the date on which the DTC Participant validly revokes its Consent. The Notes will be unblocked as soon as practicable in accordance with the above, but no later than three business days after either the Expiration Date or any subsequent extension of the Expiration Date. The blocking of the Notes in no event will exceed 45 calendar days from the date of the announcement of the Consent Solicitation. The Consent Solicitation is being made solely by the Consent Solicitation Statement and on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement. The Company may, in its sole discretion, terminate, extend or amend the Consent Solicitation at any time as described in the Consent Solicitation Statement. In particular, subject to applicable law, the Company, in its sole discretion, may extend the Expiration Date with respect to the Notes without also extending the Revocation Deadline with respect to the Notes. This announcement is for information purposes only and is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any security and is not a solicitation of consents with respect to the Proposed Amendment or any securities. The Consent Solicitation is not being made in any jurisdiction in which, or to or from any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such solicitation under applicable state or foreign securities or blue sky laws. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is acting as the Solicitation Agent for the Consent Solicitation. Morrow Sodali International LLC, trading as Sodali & Co is acting as the Information and Tabulation Agent for the Consent Solicitation. Questions or requests for assistance related to the Consent Solicitation or for additional copies of the Consent Solicitation Statement may be directed to the Citigroup Global Markets Inc. at 388 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013 Attn: Liability Management Group Tel. (collect): +1 (212) 723-6106 Tel. (toll free): +1 (800) 558-3785, or to Sodali & Co at 103 Wigmore Street W1U 1QS London Telephone: +44 20 4513 6933, at 333 Ludlow Street, South Tower, 5th Floor Stamford, CT 06902 Telephone: +1 203 658 9457 or by email at [email protected]. The Consent Solicitation Statement is available at: https://projects.sodali.com/foresea. Holders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Consent Solicitation. Holders are urged to review the Consent Solicitation Statement for the detailed terms of the Consent Solicitation and the procedures for consenting to the Proposed Amendment. About Foresea Foresea is a leading offshore drilling company, focused on offering intelligent drilling solutions in offshore drilling, with expertise and excellence in chartering and operating rigs for ultra-deep waters. Foresea operates a high specification rig fleet of four UDW drillships and one semisubmersible and provides operational and management services to third parties' fleet. With experience, technology and a commitment to safety and sustainability, Foresea is always innovating when chartering and operating platforms and ships. Additional information is available on Foresea's website, www.foresea.com. Forward-Looking Statements Disclosures in this press release contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that management expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this press release specifically include statements regarding the consummation of the Consent Solicitation, including the timing thereof, the Proposed Amendment and the execution of the Supplemental Indenture. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by the Company based on its management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. These include risks set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement. Any forward-looking statement applies only as of the date on which such statement is made and the Company does not intend to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Foresea Holding S.A. Investor Relations: [email protected] SOURCE Foresea Holding S.A. This launch marks the first time that GemFair's ethically sourced, artisanal- mined diamonds are featured in jewellery, bringing their story of supporting livelihoods to consumers LONDON, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- De Beers Group is pleased to announce a collaboration between GemFair, the company's programme to help formalise the artisanal and small-scale diamond mining (ASM) sector, and its luxury jewellery brand, De Beers London, to bring the story and beauty of GemFair's ethically sourced, artisanal diamonds to consumers for the first time. GemFair is a first-of-its-kind sourcing initiative that aims to transform standards and livelihoods for artisanal diamond miners by providing fair value purchasing, training to improve mining and working practices and a formal and traceable route-to-market for ethically sourced artisanal diamonds. Through GemFair's proprietary digital tools and thirdpartyverified assurance programme, eligible diamonds can be traced from mine site to market. GemFair is also part of Building Forever De Beers Group's industry-leading commitment to sustainability transforming rarity into responsibility by supporting meaningful impact that endures beyond diamonds for countries, communities and ecosystems. The programme's success is measured through improvements in standards, support of livelihoods in both mining and alternative livelihoods like farming and fishing, and traceability rather than production volume, reflecting its long-term, systems-based approach. The capsule collection with De Beers London translates this journey into a series of creations that pair rough and polished GemFair diamonds, offering a rare and tangible expression of transformation. Comprising twelve unique pieces, the capsule collection celebrates the House's intimate relationship with the source. Sculpted by the quiet force of rivers, each diamond was individually selected for its character and quality. The polished diamonds were handcrafted exclusively for the capsule, while the rough diamonds remain as nature intended an authentic and powerful tribute to the Earth's raw beauty. Through 'Toi & Moi' rings and the 'Modern Lines' set, each piece reflects a continuous dialogue between discovery and craftsmanship, honouring both the origin of the diamond and the artistry that reveals it. Beyond this capsule, GemFair is now a registered supplier to De Beers London for future collections, having met the House's rigorous standards for quality and responsible sourcing. This partnership marks an important step in strengthening the connection between exceptional diamonds, the people who discover them, and the finished jewellery piece. Emmanuelle Nodale, CEO of De Beers London, said: "We're proud to be the first jeweller to launch a collection featuring GemFair ethically sourced diamonds, bringing not just their beauty but also the powerful story of artisanal miners to our clients. By introducing both rough and polished diamonds within the same creation, we offer a rare and tangible connection to each diamond's path, from its discovery in ancient riverbeds to its transformation into a jewel. These pieces carry not only the beauty of the diamond itself, but also the human stories behind it stories of pride, opportunity and meaningful impact for artisanal mining communities. This collection marks an important step in our ongoing commitment to GemFair and to raising awareness of the programme's important work." De Beers Group launched GemFair to lead industry efforts to formalise a transparent route to market for artisanal diamond miners, which accounts for around 10 per cent of global diamond supply by value and provides a vital source of livelihood for millions of people in some of the poorest parts of the world. The programme launched in 2018 in the Kono region of Sierra Leone, where it continues to operate today. De Beers chose Sierra Leone to establish the GemFair programme because the government has made substantial efforts to include artisanal mining in its regulation and the country has transformed following the civil conflict that ended more than two decades ago. Sandrine Conseiller, CEO of De Beers Brands & Diamond Desirability said: "Today's luxury is defined not only by craftsmanship but by conscience. As part of our commitment to Building Forever, GemFair plays a vital role in supporting livelihoods by formalising artisanal mining and creating fair, traceable routes to market. For the first time, we are bringing these diamonds to consumers through this new collection with De Beers London with pieces that celebrate the beauty of natural diamonds while telling a story of the producers' empowerment and transformation. It's an important step in our efforts to translate rarity to responsibility and create meaningful impacts that endure beyond diamonds." Today, there are more than 500 artisanal mine sites participating in GemFair, which in turn support approximately 7,000 direct and many more indirect livelihoods. Since launching, GemFair has purchased more than 20,000 diamonds from participating miners and conducted more than 5,700 compliance visits to participating sites. GemFair has also launched a programme to reclaim artisanal mine sites once mining has ended to help improve safety and environmental practices within the sector. Since 2020, the programme has converted almost 160 abandoned mine pits to agricultural use and donated over 1,000 kilograms of rice, fruit and vegetable seedlings for local communities, supporting food security and providing an alternative source of livelihoods. Steve Allan, Head of GemFair, said: "The collaboration with De Beers London marks a significant milestone for GemFair as our beautiful, ethically-sourced artisanal diamonds are sold in a dedicated jewellery collection for the first time. GemFair makes a tangible difference to the lives of the artisanal miners involved in the programme and it's a great privilege to help tell their stories through the diamonds that we source and sell. We've come a long way since starting out as a pilot programme trying to establish a model for something that had never been done before. It's very rewarding to see GemFair diamonds set in such stunning jewellery pieces, representing a real full circle moment." For more information, visit: www.gemfair.com About De Beers Group Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world's leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world's largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group's strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers London and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to 'Building Forever,' a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability that underpins our efforts to create meaningful impact for the people and places where our diamonds are discovered. Building Forever focuses on three key areas where, through collaborations and partnerships around the globe, we have an enhanced ability to drive positive impact; Livelihoods, Climate and Nature. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com. SOURCE De Beers Group Beirut has recently become a focal point for a growing network of Iranian-backed Iraqi actors moving money, securing assets, and embedding themselves in an opaque, cash-based economy. In December, Iraq inaugurated a permanent office inside its Beirut embassy, officially to oversee $20 million in reconstruction aid pledged during the Arab Summit in Baghdad in May 2025. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun praised the move as a gesture of Arab solidarity, emphasizing the return of Shiite residents to their villages. Advertisement The initiative appears humanitarian, yet analysts and security sources to whom Ive spoken warn that the reality may be far less humanitarian. Iraq and Lebanon are both multi-sectarian states, but power is organized differently in each. In Iraq, Shiites form a demographic majority and control the government through the prime ministership, reinforced by U.S.-designated Iran-aligned militias embedded in the state. Advertisement In Lebanon, Shiites are not a majority, but they hold the systems most entrenched position through the speakership of parliament, backed by Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization that functions as a de facto state authority within Lebanons political system. In both cases, Iran exercises influence through these power centers, constraining sovereign decision-making via entrenched institutions, militias, and illicit financial networks. A senior Lebanese security source said, Anything moving in the Shiite areas is expected to be equally shared between Nabih Berri [Lebanons parliamentary speaker] and Hezbollah. Advertisement Image created using AI. Advertisement Another major player is MP Kabalan Kabalan, a longtime Berri ally and former head of the Council of the South, the postwar reconstruction body for Lebanons Shiite south. At the same time, Randa Berri, Nabihs wife, illicitly handled its finances. Separately, Kabalan is a point man for Iraqi funds and works with Ayman Jomma, Berris son-in-law. Jommas Iraqi interests are linked to his brother, Imad, and together they are alleged to provide Caribbean passports to Iraqi, Iranian, and Hezbollah operatives. For that reason, a security source said that the new Iraqi initiative is part two of the Council of the South charade, warning it could repeat a pattern in which reconstruction funds were historically siphoned to enrich the Berri family and Amal networks. Advertisement The timing of Iraqs move is particularly sensitive. In November 2025, a U.S. delegation led by senior national security official Sebastian Gorka and Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John Hurley visited Beirut to press Lebanese leaders to curb illicit finance and Hezbollah-linked money flows. During the visit, Berri publicly declined to meet the delegation, citing unavailability and suggesting they meet one of his advisers Ali Hamdan instead. A U.S. official said that Berris explanation was misleading, calling it a smokescreen to downplay Washingtons scrutiny. He is at extremely high risk of being sanctioned for his continued malign activities with Hezbollah, the official warned. He is walking on very thin ice. Advertisement Following the U.S.s recent tough stance on Venezuela and Iran, Berri described U.S. President Donald Trump as an emperor who wants to control the world. When I asked about Berris audacity, a Senior Trump advisor responded bluntly, The future of the Middle East is at stake, and figures like Nabih Berri have shown they are no true friends of America. Behind closed doors, he constantly presents himself as cooperative and willing to do whatever Washington wants, but in reality, he is a kleptocrat whose loyalties lie with Hezbollah and Tehrannot the Lebanese people or U.S. interests The episode highlighted rising tension between Washington and Lebanons Shiite political leadership. All eyes are on Lebanon, the official added, noting that the countrys fragile financial system and political constraints amplify the risks. Any new structure that increases opacity rather than transparency, especially now, carries serious consequences. Reconstruction lies at the heart of US concern. Hezbollah MP Mohammad Raad has repeatedly criticized international financial oversight, framing reconstruction as a domain of resistance and local control. Analysts warn that funds flowing through Shiite areas can move large volumes of cash under the guise of rebuilding infrastructure, while enriching Hezbollah- and Amal-aligned networks. A senior Iraqi official said to me that Iran had pressured Baghdad to step up support for Lebanon ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections in Lebanon. People in those areas are unhappy, and Tehran wants money and projects moving quickly to protect its interests. Iraqs prime minister, the source added, faces his own domestic political struggles and relies heavily on Iran-aligned allies. Supporting Lebanon serves both Tehrans regional strategy and the prime ministers political survival. Both are right that money matters. Beiruts economy is overwhelmingly cash-driven, with an estimated $10-12 billion circulating annually outside the banking system. In this environment, money rarely moves innocently. Iraqi businessmen tied to militias and militia leaders reportedly funnel vast sums into the city daily through exchange houses and informal networks. Money goes to luxury real estate, high-end vehicles, or low-activity investment projects that are money-laundering fronts. Lebanons reconstruction needs are immense. The 2024 Israel-Lebanon war caused an estimated $14 billion in damages and losses, with more than 99,000 housing units damaged or destroyed in the south. Even Iraqs $20 million pledge carries outsized political weight, particularly as the Lebanese lira has lost over 90 percent of its value since 2019. Even before 2026, though, Beirut was a hub for Iranian-backed Iraqi actors. Networks linked to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) maintain residences, assets, and business interests in the city. Their operations, once informal, now risk being formalized through the new office. Three figures stand out: Muhammad al-Bawi of Kataib Imam Ali; Hussein Falih Aziz (Abu Zainab al-Lami), head of the PMFs Central Security Directorate; and Shibl Muhsin al-Zaydi, the groups secretary general. All maintain residences and assets in Beirut and have a track record of moving large sums through Lebanons economy. A senior Lebanese security source said to me that if these actors operate under Hezbollah and Amals umbrella, no state authority can investigate them without triggering a political confrontation. A Lebanese judicial official with whom I spoke echoed this assessment: We see luxury vehicle registrations and property deals that indicate hundreds of millions in cross-border flows each year, yet our hands are tied. Without political backing, no prosecutor will touch these cases, and no judge will issue orders that antagonize powerful actors. [snip] Interference often comes directly from Nabih Berris palace in Ain El Teneh, through his senior advisor Ahmad Baalbaki, who oversees government appointmentsparticularly in security and the judiciaryand functions as Berris official coordinator. Obstruction can also flow through Berris personal security apparatus, including the longtime head of his palace guard, honorary General Dimackhi AKA (Abu Khushbi), or his son, Major Hussein Dimashk, now head of the ISF Investigations Unit in Mount Lebanon. Beyond his inner circle, Berris familyhis sister Hanadi, brother Mahmoud, and especially his wife, Randacontinues to exert influence over key political and financial decisions and control vast financial networks. Together, these networks ensure near-total impunity, allowing foreign funds to penetrate Beiruts opaque economy while neutralizing formal legal processes. With Iraq on the move in Beirut, shadowy intermediaries long active in Iraqi-Lebanese relations are being scrutinized. One is Amin Nasser, an Iranian-aligned Iraqi operative and journalist, who is a broker for militias in Lebanon. Sources say Nasser monetized access and moved money rather than exercising any formal authority. According to a senior Iraqi security source, He doesnt represent anyone; hes a fraudster. Nasser was publicly ousted from Iraqs state television network, Al-Iraqiya, for alleged corruption, blackmail, and extortion, highlighting the risks posed by shadowy intermediaries in Beirut. With Syria no longer a reliable corridor for Iranian influence, Iraq has become Tehrans frontline in Lebanon. In a city where cash rules and oversight is weak, the embassy office functions as both a humanitarian mechanism and a strategic tool. Optimally, the $20 million might provide real assistance to communities in need. Still, Beiruts entrenched networks and opaque economy raise a central question: is this Arab solidarity, or a semi-official conduit for malign influence and illicit cash? After the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump stated, "We will run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition We can't take a chance that someone else takes over Venezuela who doesn't have the interests of Venezuelans in mind." This stirred criticism from both ends of the political spectrum, though on foreign policy libertarians, isolationists, and anti-imperialists often sound the same. These calls for restraint only increased with the uprising against the theocracy in Iran when President Trump pledged support for the Iranian people. Advertisement The father of modern strategic thought Carl von Clausewitz famously defined war as a continuation of politics with the admixture of other means. Politics is always about the control of people and territory, with their associated wealth and resources. The anti-imperialist argument (found mainly on the Left) against intervention is precisely because it involves the control of people and territory. The rebuilding of Venezuelas infrastructure which was run into the ground by the Maduro regime will benefit both the people of Venezuela and those who do business there as investors or customers. Thats how commerce works. On the Right, the fear is that intervention will lead to another forever war which is alleged to be our unbearable burden in the Middle East which should not be expanded to other regions. This view ignores history with its myopic focus centered on the 2003 invasion of Iraq. There are certainly lessons to be learned from Iraq, but they do not discredit the principle of regime change. Indeed, our missteps in Iraq actually confirm the need to fully implement regime change as the way to avoid forever wars. We should remember Clausewitzs other famous quote, that the purpose of war is to compel our enemy to do our will. But regimes can be very resilient and their leaders quite stubborn, buoyed up by ideology, religion, and support from allies. It may not be possible to break their will. If we cannot change the minds of hostile leaders, we will have to change who the leaders are to get the desired results. Advertisement This is not a new concept. Foreign intervention in civil wars to install a faction favorable to their interests is as old as history itself. In the 18th century, major Wars of Succession were fought in Europe to decide who would rule Spain, Austria, and Poland. The American Revolution was a regime-change war which attracted the support of France, Spain, and Holland against the British Empire. The Cold War featured a number of wars of national liberation and did not end until the Soviet Union collapsed with an apparent, but short-lived, regime change. The balance of power shifted decisively towards the West as regime changes swept Eastern Euope. The list of other recent regime changes running from Panama to Libya and beyond is long, with varying outcomes depending on what happens after a regime is removed. Wars of conquest are about regime change in a very direct manner. In 1950, the North Korean regime sought to eliminate the regime in Seoul and unite the people and territory of the Korean peninsula under its rule. The U.S.-led counterattack sought to initially unite the peninsula under South Korea with its drive to the Yalu. Chinese intervention defeated this effort but could not fulfill the original communist aim of unification. Though President Harry Truman abandoned the goal of liberating the north, the survival of the North Korean regime was still at risk. The election of Dwight Eisenhower, who had led Allied forces in WW II Europe, renewed this potential threat. There had been no desire to negotiate a peace that would have left Hitler or Mussolini in power. Beijing accepted an armistice that left North Korea on the map. The lack of regime change in Pyongyang has, however, perpetuated a forever war of tension on the divided peninsula. An enemy that is allowed to live to fight another day will prepare to do so if its aggressive regime remains in power. Advertisement In Vietnam, the survival of the Hanoi regime was never in question. Only the survival of the Saigon government was at risk. This asymmetrical strategic situation doomed the effort to save South Vietnam as the leaders of North Vietnam had no incentive to give up their dream of conquest. Their efforts could be defeated time and again, but they could not lose the war. Americans eventually give up on a no win war. The war ended with the regime change in Saigon that had been prevented in Seoul. The tragic fate that befell the Vietnamese people compared to the South Koreans should have proved decisively the favorable results of resolute American policy. Yet, pressure has mounted again (this time with support on the Right) to abandon forever wars to enemies who believe they have all the time in the world to win. In Iraq, the George W. Bush administration wanted a quick exit and did not give the Iraq Governing Council it had created time to entrench itself before calling elections that put a hostile Shiite regime into office with ties to Iran. I visited Baghdad in 2011 and was amazed that after sending an army to remove a hostile regime, and with those troops still in country, we allowed a new leader (Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki) to take power who was strategically even worse than the one we had removed. And then we withdrew! There are two halves to regime change, and we have not been very adept at the critical second phase of a change for the better. President Trump claims to have learned from these mistakes. We can only hope he is right, though trying to deal with the remnants of the Maduro regime rather than with the democratic opposition seems like an attempt to reduce involvement rather finish the job. Advertisement As the U.S. was taking action in Venezuela, its Great Power rivals were continuing their regime change operations. Russia pressed its invasion of Ukraine, which has as its ultimate objective the imposition of a puppet government in Kyiv, if not outright annexation. China conducted major naval operations around Taiwan, the de facto independent island whose conquest is unstoppable proclaimed Chinese President Xi Jinping in his New Years address. Despite its many military reverses at the hands of Israel and the U.S., the Iranian regime is rebuilding its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. It lost a key ally when the Assad regime was overthrown in Syria, a regime change that will hopefully reintegrate that devastated country into the Arab world which is at peace with Israel and the West. But as long as there is no regime change in Tehran, its forever war will continue across the Middle East as it has since 1979 when a regime change flipped a U.S. ally into an implacable enemy. The protests across Iran give hope for change, but these have been ruthlessly put down. President Trumps threat to take action if Iran used force against the demonstrators has only provoked counterthreats of escalation by Tehran. Only when the regimes security forces are taken off the board will the people be able to gain power. President Trump must not miss this opportunity the way President Barack Obama did in 2009. Advertisement Tragically, nothing has been done to implement the regime change promised for Gaza as the prerequisite for the successful rebuilding of that war-ravaged land set out in the 20-point peace plan signed with so much ceremony in October. The lack of a peacekeeping force that can disarm Hamas and expel Iranian influence has been a crippling failure in implementation. Does this indicate another desire to avoid a deeper involvement rather than finish the job? The creation of a Board of Peace is only another scrap of paper if no action follows. I was opposed to the occupation of Afghanistan because it was not worth the cost. Venezuela, however, clearly is worth the cost given not only its oil and mineral wealth, but its strategic position in the region. Under Maduro, it has been the major support for the Cuban regime, which is again at risk of collapse. The ripple effect will also be felt in Nicaragua and in Columbia where presidential elections are scheduled for May. The benefits of a regime change in Iran would be a multiple of those in Venezuela. The Tehran regime has been the leading state sponsor of terrorism, with oil revenue to support regional aggression and a nuclear weapons program. And even more than Venezuela, Iran has been a partner with Russia and China in their broad anti-Western campaigns. Advertisement Filling Latin America and the Middle East with governments united in peace and development certainly improves the world for America. The nature of regimes is at the heart of international politics. The legitimacy of regime change is based on centuries of experience as a common tool of statecraft. Debates over how best to conduct a regime change and when it is worth the risk and cost are healthy because the stakes are high, but the strategy cannot be dismissed or used as a prejudicial term. Back in 2016, I, along with a lot of people, made the argument that the election was critical to Americas future. It was, and America made the right choice. I made the same argument in 2020, and while America made the right choice, the Democrats ran a coup detat, and we suffered through four years of watching whoever was controlling Joe Biden basically run the country into the ground. Then, two years ago, I again made the same argumentbasically, that if America made the wrong choice, the Republic was going to soon find its end. Thankfully, America made the correct choice again. Advertisement But Come on, youre probably saying, America cant be on the cusp of collapse at virtually every election. Youre just fearmongering Well, thats not technically true. Just because you survive three pulls of the trigger in a game of Russian Roulette doesnt mean the next one cant kill you. Of course, 2028 is a long way off, and a lot can happen between now and then. But the truth is, 2026 is here, and while we may be playing with a smaller caliber weapon, the potential damage is almost as greatas has been demonstrated by the last few weeks, and the last few days in particular. Advertisement As it relates to the last few weeks, Im of course talking about Nick Shirley putting a spotlight on the Democrat enabled Somalian treachery in Minnesota. Im not actually talking about the money being stolen from taxpayers, per se. Advertisement Image created by Vince Coyner. No, as bad as that is on its face, whats worse is what it communicates about the modus operandi of Democrats around the country: i.e., import Third World immigrants and figure out ways to enrich them at the public trough. That same kind of model is happening across the country, from Maine to Maryland to California, and in countless states in between. Different groups, different scams, same result: public money that makes its way into the hands of immigrants and magically comes out the other side as votes for Democrats. Advertisement To put something of a fine point on it, Kevin Bass did a great analysis looking at states Americans are moving into or out of, correlated by those who provide benefits to illegal aliens versus those that dont: Americans are fleeing Democrat-run states in droves. Do Democrats incentivize illegal immigrants to replace them? I crunched data from 2023. I found: the more Americans fleeing their states, the more benefits these states provide to illegal immigrants, p<0.0001. Democrats are pic.twitter.com/9Q39Kiiqdv Kevin Bass (@kevinnbass) January 21, 2026 Not surprisingly, nine out of the top ten states from which Americans are fleeing provide benefits to illegals, while nine out of the top ten states to which Americans are heading dont. Not coincidentally, nine out of ten of the first group are Democrat states, while nine out of ten of the second are Republican. The bottom line is, Democrats increasingly dont represent the values or interests of Americans and are systematically replacing American voters with immigrants, most of whom are illegal. Advertisement And if there were any question as to whether this is really going on, we dont have to wonder, courtesy of leftist CIA agent and new Virginia governor, Abigail Spanberger. What was her first official act as governor? Why rescind ex-Gov. Glenn Youngkins executive order requiring Virginia law enforcement to cooperate with ICE, of course. Literally the first thing she did was basically turn the once red state into a sanctuary state. Democrats, who now control both houses and the governors office, quickly introduced a phalanx of hard-left policies such as guaranteeing illegal aliens free education, making it illegal to hand-count ballots, and requiring that the government award 42% of their programs based on DEI criteria. Advertisement So, what does this have to do with 2026? Everything. As it stands right now, 2026 is going to be a bloodbath for the GOP. Almost across the board, you see Republican voters angry and upset with the GOP. Have they cut spending? No. Have they shut down the federal grift mills that funnel money to leftists? No. But most importantly, have they done something, anything on election integrity? No. If there is any one issue that animates Americans in 2026, its voter ID, aka election integrity. Why? Because virtually everything about government funnels into or out of it. From Democrats importing Third World voters to trillions of dollars that go to support illegals to the cancer of local Democrat rule, its all part of the election integrity ecosystem. But the Republicans in the Senate dont care about that. They, like elites everywhere, sit back in their cushy offices with their guaranteed paychecks, armed security, and safe neighborhoods, and laugh at the hard-working Americans who are paying taxes to support illegals, fighting to keep their homes, and looking over their shoulders for criminals loosed on the world by Democrats. How can we tell? Because the blind squirrel GOP over in the House accidentally tripped over a nut and sent the SAVE Act to the Senate last April . And what has the Senate done with it? Nothing. But, you might say, almost every GOP Senator states that they are in favor of the SAVE Act. Sure, they do. Even Mr. Ethanol himself, Chuck Grassley, did a flip-flop in less than 24 hours after he stated very clearly that he would not support it. So, there we go. We should get it. But no, we dont. We cant. Why, because Americans are being forced to play Russian Roulette, only instead of one round and five empty chambers, were playing with all six chambers loadedand there are a bunch of backup rounds nearby in case one falls out. And what are those chambers loaded with, you might ask? Senators! To pass the SAVE Act, were told the filibuster must be overcome. But the reality is, it doesnt. All we need are 50 Senators to vote to eliminate the filibuster, and VP Vance would break the tie. But we cant get those 50 Senators because there are almost a dozen GOP traitors who would rather allow Democrats to destroy America so they can pat themselves on the back that they didnt nuke the filibuster. These hypocritical GOP Senators pretend they are doing the peoples work, but in reality, theyre doing anything but. From stealing elections to funding fraud to basically legalizing crime across the country, Democrats are no longer representing Americans. They are purposefully turning America into a failed Third World dystopia. And by refusing to eliminate the filibuster (something Democrats will do the first opportunity they get), these Senators are basically shrugging their shoulders and saying, I didnt do that. In reality, they did. Its like watching a man drowning and standing on the dock with a life preserver but refusing to throw it to him. Sure, you can technically say you didnt drown him, but youre responsible for his death, nonetheless. For anyone paying attention over the last decade, its crystal clear that the filibuster serves only to block Republicans. From the moment Harry Reid changed the rules for presidential appointments in 2013, weve seen where that road leads. But treacherous Senators like Mike Crapo, Tom Tillis, James Lankford, and the other grifters pretend theyre being principled by not eliminating it. Theyre not, unless their principles include eviscerating the Trump agenda, sidelining the MAGA movement, and betraying the American people. Because thats what happens in January 2027 when the Democrats take the House and perhaps even the Senate this November . Follow Vince on X at @ImperfectUSA One topic that Ive dealt with a few times on my Twilight Patriot Substack is right-wing authors and artists whose response to the wokification of pop culture isnt simply to complain, but to create art or literature of their own that reflects their own values. Last April I profiled Alexander Macris, a creator of several tabletop RPGs and graphic novels, and in August I reviewed Richard Nicholss spy novel Lost Causes. Then in December, the military sci-fi author Tom Kratman mailed me an advance copy of his time travel novel For the Eternal Glory of Rome, which I also reviewed. Advertisement To introduce my readers to Tom Kratmans life and works, I had to learn a bit about the Sad Puppies movement within the Hugo Awards AKA Puppygate to people like George R.R. Martin, who considered it a scandal. Sad Puppies happened a while ago, in 20132017 to be precise, with 2015 being the peak of its influence, so some of my readers might not know much about it. Its important to understand what it was and what happened in the aftermath. The story began in 2013, when Larry Correia wrote a blog post about how his readers could get one of his books, Monster Hunter Legion, nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Novel. Advertisement Monster Hunter Legion is eligible. ... Im just pointing that out. The fact that I write unabashed pulp action that isnt heavy handed message fic annoys the literati to no end. When I got nominated for the Campbell, the literati message-fic crowd had a conniption fit. A European snob reviewer actually wrote If Larry Correia wins the Campbell, it will END WRITING FOREVER. After explaining a bit about the mechanics of that years Worldcon (which was held in Texas, and whose members even supporting members who pay $60 for voting rights but dont attend, get to choose the Hugo winners), he finished with this: Advertisement It doesnt take very many votes for something to actually get nominated! I was shocked how few it was. The thing is, the same group of people vote every year, so their favorites insta-win, and since most readers who disagree dont realize that their opinion actually matters, they dont even bother. In the smaller categories ... it only takes like 30 votes! In best novel, the biggest, baddest award, it only takes like 100. ... Seriously. All these years youve thought these fancy awards meant something, it is actually a popularity contest where the nominees have been decided by the tiny percentage of people who cared enough to show up. (sort of like life, imagine that). In the end, Monster Hunter Legion got 101 votes, 17 short of what it would have needed to make the final ballot. (Every member gets to nominate five works in each category; the top five become nominees, and a round of ranked choice voting determines the winners.) Advertisement But the incident brought an important fact to the minds of a lot of readers that the most prestigious award in science fiction and fantasy is handed out by the thousand-or-so random people who care enough to show up. So when a lot of recent awards had been going to stories full of literary pretentiousness, or left-wing political messages, or when popular genres like military science fiction, time travel stories, and Star Wars tie-ins (this was before Star Wars went woke) got short shrift, or when the 2012 Hugos (the last pre-Puppies event) gave the majority of its major nominations (Best Novel, Novella, Novelette, and Short Story) to women, even though the writers and readers of science fiction are at least 70 percent male...the people who disliked all this realized that it wasnt inevitable. Conservatives just needed to be persuaded to show up and to vote their interests. This is what happened with Sad Puppies 2 (2014) and Sad Puppies 3 (2015), in which large numbers of right-wing sci-fi and fantasy fans organized behind a slate of candidate novels and short stories. You can read the blog posts announcing the campaigns here and here. In 2015, Brad Torgerson was leading the movement, and he had three to five suggested nominees for each of the major categories. By that year, enough sci-fi and fantasy authors and readers were on board that Sad Puppies swept the nominations, with 51 of their recommended works making the final ballot, and five categories consisting entirely of Puppies nominees. Advertisement Predictably, the liberal establishment was incensed. Rather than let their enemies win anything, a majority of 2015 Worldcon members opted to vote No Award. Usually, once all of the instant-runoffs have been resolved, No Award ranks dead last, but this time it ranked above the Puppy nominees, meaning that in the all-Puppy categories like Best Novella and Best Short Story, no Hugo Awards were given out at all. Then the mainstream press celebrated with grossly inaccurate headlines like Sad Puppies campaign fails to undermine sci-fi diversity at the Hugo Awards. Yes, they really went with the claim that it was an anti-diversity campaign and nothing else, even though the 2015 Puppy slate included nominations for six women and several non-white people. Advertisement This reaction is especially unhinged in light of the fact that most of the Puppies nominees had little or no political agenda. For instance, for Best Dramatic Presentation, they nominated The Lego Movie, Guardians of the Galaxy, Interstellar, and The Maze Runner. (Due to the overlap with non-Puppies nominations, this was the only category where one of the Puppies picks was able to win.) For Best Novella, the options included Flow, by Arlan Andrews a tale set millions of years in the future that follows a humanoid youth as he helps steer an iceberg south from the polar regions to sell in the temperate zone, and also (by leaving the land of endless mist and clouds behind) learns things about his world that no one else in his tribe knows. Then there was Big Boys Dont Cry, by Tom Kratman, a master of military science fiction, which deals with events in the thirtieth century told from the point of view of a Ratha, one of the sentient supertanks built to fight mankinds wars. Meanwhile John C. Wrights One Bright Star to Guide Them begins when the child-heroes of a Narnia-like portal fantasy get recalled to action in their middle age. When Thomas tries to tell his old friend Richard that the talking cat Tybalt has an errand for them, Richard at first makes fun of Thomas for still believing the silly tales they told as children...until the twist reveal that something much darker has been going on. Like in any year, a few of the nominees were genuinely bad and didnt deserve an award. But for the most part, the rejection of the Puppies candidates was just a rejection of their authors. Big Boys Dont Cry deals with fairly standard anti-war themes and could have gotten an award with no trouble if it had Joe Haldemans or George R.R. Martins name attached to it. But Big Boys Dont Cry was by a man who spoke proudly of having left the Peoples Republic of Massachusetts at age 17, and who wrote a novel called Caliphate in which Christians in 22nd century Germany live under dhimmitude and can have their daughters sold as brothel slaves if they fall behind on their taxes. Therefore, anything by Kratman simply must be bigoted dreck. Unfortunately, the Sad Puppies movement fell apart after the fiasco of 2015. To avoid irking Worldcon attendees who disliked bloc voting, Kate Paulk replaced the rigid slates with a Sad Puppies forum on which readers could discuss their favorite works, of which she would choose ten or so in each category and encourage her followers to vote for the five they liked most. But a breakoff group called the Rabid Puppies followed Vox Day, who insisted on voting his slate precisely as they are. Then, knowing his picks had no chance of winning, Day began listing works like Space Raptor Butt Invasion just to embarrass the Hugos. Meanwhile the left-wing faction hammered in its victory by giving awards to stories like this one and this one that went much farther with their progressive moralizing than most Puppies stories had ever gone in the other direction. In 2017, Worldcon changed its rules so that six works would be nominated in each category (though members would still vote for only five), and when a lot of voters submitted an identical slate, its weight would be reduced in accordance with a complicated algorithm called E Pluribus Hugo. This, plus the demoralization that comes with not winning anything, finished off the Sad Puppies campaign. (For some more details on the history and motivation of Sad Puppies, check out this Medium article, which is the one honest account of the fiasco that Ive been able to find in professional media.) So why does it still matter? First, because the authors whose work was being promoted during Sad Puppies have not gone away. Kratman, for instance, is working on a series of time travel novels set in ancient Rome, of which I reviewed the first volume here. If you are at all a fan of time travel stories, or even just a history buff who likes to contemplate the decline and fall of civilizations, then Kratmans work is definitely worth looking into. And second, because readers who want exciting stories rather than elitist message-fic have also not gone away. They just tend to hang out at places other than the increasingly woke and irrelevant Worldcon. (Worldcon dug itself even deeper into the hole by holding the 2023 Hugos in China, where the government had veto power over nominees and used it mainly to exclude Asian-Americans from the nominations, so as not to let its own citizens think the grass might be greener on the other side of the fence. The fact that wokesters can bleat about diversity while putting up with this should tell you all you need to know about them.) One of the beneficiaries of Worldcons slow-burn decline is Dragoncon, which meets annually in Atlanta and is by far the best attended sci-fi and fantasy convention in the world. This convention began giving out its own Dragon Awards in 2016, and several of the Dragon Award winners are Sad Puppies veterans namely, John C. Wright, Brad Torgerson, Larry Correia, and Brian Niemeier. There is a future for non-woke pop culture. And though it takes a bit of effort on the part of right-wingers to find like-minded creatives and support their work, Sad Puppies proved that it can be done. It also showed that progressives who prefer to write for a progressive echo chamber, and pout when they dont get their way, arent the most relevant people in the long run, even if theyre still in control of the Hugo Awards. Twilight Patriot is the pen name for a young American who lives in South Carolina, where he is currently working toward a graduate degree. You can read more of his writings at his Substack. Image via Pexels. For the entirety of the Biden term, Arizona, one of the states abutting the border with Mexico, was an illegal immigration freeway. Its currently estimated to have as many as 300,000 illegal aliens, although I suspect the number is higher, and Kris Mayes, Arizonas Democrat attorney general, wants to keep it that way. Not only has she set up an official hotline for doxxing ICE agents, but shes also promised to prosecute them if they violate state law, and subtly encouraged people to shoot them. This is an amalgamation of illegal, unconstitutional, and downright evil. Advertisement Mayes became attorney general in 2022, when she defeated Republican Abraham Hamadeh by only 280 votes. Given reports of massive election fraud in Arizona, I leave you to decide whether she actually defeated him. Nevertheless, he conceded, and she was sworn in. Mayes is also a NeverTrumperthat is, she was a registered Republican who left the party because of Trumpism. To understand her, just know that shes pro-abortion, that she campaigned on her lesbianism, and that she threatened to prosecute Trump for saying Liz Cheney would be less of a hawk if she ever had to face a guna clear rhetorical trope about armchair warriors. Advertisement Consistent with her goal of putting as much distance as possible between herself, on the one hand, and Donald Trump and conservatism, on the other hand, Mayes has thrown herself wholeheartedly into interfering with Donald Trumps efforts to enforce immigration laws in America. Let me say in this regard that enforcing those laws is all that Trump is doing. Hes not rewriting the laws. Advertisement Under federal law, the consequence for people who are here illegally, whether because they sneaked across the border or overstayed a visa, is deportation. If theyve claimed asylum, their due process, to the extent illegal aliens have a due process right, is via a hearing before an administrative judge. If that judge denies their asylum application, they must leave. With a deportation order in hand, ICE is ready to facilitate their departure, just as a sheriff would when he is handed an eviction notice in a rental dispute. Its not complicated andthis is importantits a matter of federal supremacy. If ICE agents are acting within the parameters of federal law, they have complete immunity. The states, despite their huffing and puffing, cannot stop them. Advertisement BREAKING: Democrat Arizona AG Kris Mayes is ENCOURAGING people to report and dox ICE agents and suggests that people can shoot ICE agents if theyre wearing masks because you dont know if theyre agents or not pic.twitter.com/Z3q58HhXot Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 23, 2026 This doesnt mean that ICE agents are immune outside of their job. For example, if an ICE agent, during his coffee break, decides to rob a grocery store, then the state can step in. Mayes, however, who apparently has a law degree from Arizona State University, has set up a website to dox ICE agents and to prosecute any agent who violates state laws while performing his duties as an ICE agent. Advertisement Even worse, shes implied that, because ICE agents are wearing masks, they deserve to get shot under the states Stand Your Ground laws. Again, this is a shocking statement for someone with a law degree. First, its ludicrous to believe that seeing an agents face would enable anyone to know that the person is, in fact, an agent. Instead, ICE agents, like any other law enforcement officers, are recognizable because of their uniforms, not their faces. Second, Stand Your Ground laws are not a license to shoot a law enforcement agent in the performance of his dutiesand these guys are very public about what theyre doing. This is not a 2 a.m. no-knock raid that could be a home invasion. Theres no secret about whats going on here. Advertisement Third, to the extent ICE is targeting illegal aliens, most of whom have committed felonies, these people have no right to bear arms. That also means that they have no Stand Your Ground rights. In other words, Mayes threats fall completely outside of legal and rational parameters. Even if she hasnt violated any laws (although I think shes pushing the Insurrection Act), shes proven herself to be utterly unqualified for the job of Arizonas top legal enforcer. X screen grab. Fake news was out and about with a banner headline story that ICE had arrested a pitiful, helpless, five-year-old illegal alien, wearing bunny ears. Advertisement According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, in this posting by a standard-issue lefty: Todays front page of the Minneapolis Star Tribune should horrify every American. Children detained. Citizens disappeared for days. ICE pushing warrantless entry. Chemical spray in the streets. If this front page was from any other country itd be a global human rights crisis. pic.twitter.com/b1iiAeaEWL Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) January 23, 2026 Other outlets piled on, taking their marching orders from activists instead of facts-on-the-ground and spreading the 'narrative.' Advertisement Fake news ABC's David Muir reported another lie that ICE agents used a child as bait to capture his father when the fact is, the father abandoned him! ICE, DHS, and every agent should sue into oblivion! pic.twitter.com/7fsfallQPx Mike Engleman (@RealHickory) January 23, 2026 And Democrats got out there quickly to make political hay: Minnesotans want safety. They want freedom. They want whats best for our kids. Masked agents snatching preschoolers off the street and sending them to Texas detention centers serves none of those purposes. This campaign of retribution has got to stop.https://t.co/DYXvNF0SKa Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) January 22, 2026 Enforcing the law is one thing. Terrorizing a population, using children as pawns, is another. My heart aches for Liam Ramos and his family.https://t.co/Y1pkUvBilT pic.twitter.com/TsppVxrX2e Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) January 22, 2026 I am aware of reports that this precious 5-year old, Liam Ramos, who was kidnapped by ICE as he returned home from preschool in Minneapolis may be in San Antonio, Texas. I will be visiting the Dilley Detention Center in San Antonio next week to conduct oversight and will demand pic.twitter.com/ADrNcrwBPX Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) January 23, 2026 But, that isn't what happened. Advertisement Five months ago, activists tried to paint the same picture theyre so desperately trying to paint now. They lied and claimed ICE detained a 5-year-old. That was a LIE then and its a LIE now. Both children were ABANDONED by their criminal illegal alien parent who put the pic.twitter.com/6oTxjlUUiQ U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) January 22, 2026 MEDIA LIES: "ICE detained a 5-year-old" FACTS: A criminal illegal alien ABANDONED his child as he fled from ICE officers, and our officers ensured the child was kept SAFE in the bitter cold. ICE made multiple attempts to get the family inside the house to take custody of the pic.twitter.com/ymQKVUPmKj U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) January 22, 2026 And it gets worse for their phony story: JUST IN: ICE Assistant Director says his men spent HOURS comforting that 5-year-old child the Fake News keeps lying was "detained" "My officers did that - NOT his father." pic.twitter.com/v5C9j4czbD "My officers stayed with the child. They cared for him. Took him to get https://t.co/e4HHY7rz8q Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 23, 2026 BREAKING: ICE agents took that 5-year-old boy in Minnesota to MCDONALD'S, and "played his favorite music to comfort him" The Fake News said he was "DETAINED" by ICE. The reality is he was abandoned and SAVED by ICE. YOU CAN'T HATE THEM ENOUGH! Good on these ICE agents! pic.twitter.com/tBBBPnc3T2 Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 23, 2026 Abandoned by dad, and apparently his purported mom, he ended up here: Advertisement JUST IN: INSIDE the facility housing the 5 year old saved by ICE following his illegal father abandoning him Obama & Biden put kids in CAGES. Trump has children of illegals in state-of-the-art education centers Democrats couldnt care LESS about kids pic.twitter.com/MPu1e4snzc Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 23, 2026 What kind of a dad abandons his five-year-old son to save his skin, leaving the kid on his own in ice-cold weather with lawmen all around? Obviously this wasn't a particularly good father, showing no protective fatherly instincts; he actually abandoned his child to the elements and let him figure it out on his own what to do. Advertisement ICE was relegated to the job of involuntary babysitter, taking care of the kid because his father put himself first, his flight likely a function of having committed crimes beyond immigrating to the U.S. illegally. The government officials identify him as a criminal illegal alien, presumably meaning, an alien who came here illegally and committed additional crimes, meriting his repatration to his home country as a priority collar for the ICE agents. Yet the mainstream press plays up a disgustingly phony narrative that ICE is going around and arresting five-year olds with many saying that ICE used him as "bait" which isn't true at all. Advertisement It's amazingly sloppy advocacy journalism, one of the worst instances I've seen, leaving the press with egg all over its face and having to retract and correct erroneous reporting, assuming they have the standards to do it. They keep doing it in the interest of getting what they want politically, hoping the correction on the back pages won't be noticed, and in the internet age, they aren't getting away with it. Anyone think they're adult enough to end this disgusting credibility-killing practice and correct themselves and vow to do better? Color me skeptical, based on the wretched refuse of their previous reportage. Image: Screenshot from X post, fair use. At some point, one would hope that a free republican society would find the will to stand up to thugs. Advertisement But Minneapolis has shown us that many want to stand up to those who would remove the thugs from our society. And the rapists. And the murderers. And the serial pedophiles. This is -- or should be -- an unexpected, indeed shocking and revolting development. But, theyre our neighbors, some claim. As if ones neighbors could never be criminals. Just because someone resides in your neck of the woods does not mean they are saintly pillars of the neighborhood. Every thief, murderer, and serial rapist lives somewhere. Same for every wife-beater, sexual predator, karen and wildly misguided protester. Advertisement The ever-tolerant, welcoming, and open-minded protesters, mostly white women, scream at black ICE agents, calling them race traitors and idiots, and inform them that they try to detain their own person and possess the reading level of a f*cking eighth-grader. ICE agents have been harassed in or chased out of gas stations and retail stores. Regular police officers who have been mistaken for members of ICE have been turned away at hospitals and chased around schools by a mentally ill woman with an air horn. In the latter case, police were at the school because of a threat involving a person of interest who had communicated an intent to kill school staff and others. Advertisement Nice job, lunatic. Chris Cuomo goes off on CNNs token sane person, Scott Jennings, for using the word illegals to describe illegal aliens, despite a young man telling him not to, calling him a wannabe tough guy and asserting that somebody might beat his ass. Advertisement Cuomo clearly inferred that that somebody could quite possibly be Chris Cuomo, who obviously, if ironically, thinks of himself as a tough guy. Crazy loves company. Remarkably rotund Illinois Gov. J,B, Pritzker has now decreed that cooperation with federal law enforcement is actually a form of illegal discriminatory conduct punishable by law. Advertisement Read that again and try to keep your head from exploding. So, acting as a whistleblower and tipping off law enforcement about the presence of criminals is now somehow itself a crime? And what happened to the Supremacy Clause? Beam me up, Scotty. Advertisement Pritzker averred that Illinois will not tolerate conduct that puts anyone in Illinois at risk of discrimination or harm. Hello?! Making it illegal to remove criminals from your state definitionally puts everyone in Illinois at risk of harm, Jabba, but you know that. And how dare you use the word illegal! Isnt that illegal?! This is stupid on steroids. Have we finally reached peak idiocy? Have we been subject to so much learing that we can no longer think for ourselves? So many are maximally insane and minimally rational that it is a clear and present danger to the republic. The anti-ICE fanatics are hurling obscenities and objects at federal law enforcement officers, male and female, white and black. They are impeding them, following them, threatening them, mocking them, and attempting to shame them. Ironically, the unstable mob is treating ICE officers as Nazis treated Jews at the onset of the Holocaust. It is pathetic, sickening, maddening, and extremely depressing. Image: Pixabay, via Picryl // CCO 1.0 universal public domain A citywide student walkout occurred on Friday, organized by a self-described youth-led movement protesting federal immigration enforcement and events in Minnesota. The United Federation of Teachers (UFT), New York Citys powerful teachers union, has already issued an emergency resolution calling for demonstrations in solidarity with the protest. Advertisement Many parents and educators respect students right to express their views. But they are asking a reasonable question: why is school time, and union infrastructure, being used to advance political activism instead of education? Unfortunately, New York is not an isolated case. Across the country, teachers unions are increasingly placing political protests ahead of classroom stability and student learning. The pattern is troubling and growing. Advertisement In Minnesota, multiple school districts canceled classes following protests tied to the Renee Good shooting. In response, Fridley Public Schools and Minneapolis Public Schools suspended in-person learning -- not due to unsafe classroom conditions, but amid union-driven political pressure that shifted focus away from keeping schools open. Catina Taylor, president of the Educational Support Professionals Chapter of the Minneapolis Federation of Educators, publicly demanded ICE out of Minneapolis now, turning national immigration policy into a centerpiece of school operations. That isnt education, its politics. And families paid the price through canceled classes and disrupted learning. Advertisement Chicago tells a similar story. The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) used its official social media platforms to direct tens of thousands of members and parents to a far-left rally focused on U.S. foreign policy toward Venezuela, aligning itself with groups such as the ANSWER Coalition and Students for Justice in Palestine. This isnt solidarity with students. Its solidarity with ideology. Advertisement Public education exists to serve students, not to function as a staging ground for political activism. Parents expect schools to focus on literacy, math, science, safety, and opportunity. Instead, union leadership increasingly treats classrooms as leverage in unrelated political fights. This misplaced prioritization is not limited to protests and walkouts. It is embedded in how teachers unions spend the dues paid by educators and support staff. Advertisement According to recent analysis from the Illinois Policy Institute, the National Education Association (NEA) -- the nations largest teachers union -- spent roughly ten cents of every dollar in 2025 on representing teachers and advancing teaching priorities. Nearly four times that amount went toward political activities, including lobbying, contributions, gifts, and grants that often advance progressive causes far removed from the classroom. That means more member dues are spent on politics than on teacher representation -- such as contract negotiations, classroom resources, professional development, or student-focused advocacy. This isnt an anomaly. Multiple years of data show the NEA and its affiliates consistently divert large portions of dues away from core educational functions and toward ideological and political influence. Advertisement In Illinois, the NEAs state affiliate has historically spent only about 13 percent of its budget on actual teacher representation, with the rest going toward politics, administration, and union leadership priorities. Teachers join unions to negotiate fair pay and receive workplace support -- not to bankroll political causes unrelated to student achievement. Parents send their children to school expecting educators and their representatives to put students first, not last behind unrelated political agendas. When union leadership prioritizes political activism over performance, the consequences are clear: classrooms closed, instruction disrupted, focus diverted, and parents left scrambling. Even more damaging is the message it sends -- that childrens education is secondary to someone elses politics. Parents, teachers, and taxpayers deserve better. Our schools deserve leaders, including union leaders, who understand that their mission is education, not activism. At their worst, teachers unions have chosen politics over performance, ideology over instruction, and protests over progress. And in the end, its our kids who lose. Chip Rogers is CEO of Americans for Fair Treatment and Education Freedom Chair at the Job Creators Network. Image: United Federation of Teachers The Trump administrations recent ouster of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro illustrates why border security is national security. Maduro now languishes in federal detention in New York, facing a Manuel Noriega-style indictment for drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. And Venezuelan expatriates all over the world have praised President Trumps action as a positive step toward restoring democracy in their home country. Nevertheless, critics have been quick to accuse President Trump of launching yet another long war, like the Iraq and Afghan campaigns. There is, however, one major difference between this incursion and others in which the U.S. has recently participated. Typically, the U.S. has admitted alleged refugees from countries where it has been militarily active only after it has concluded operations. In this case, the situation was completely reversed. Venezuelans began streaming into the United States prior to the U.S. engaging there. That creates a massive national security problem for the United States. While America has certainly had its fair share of Iraqi and Afghan bad apples slip through cracks, U.S. control of those countries for an extended period meant that at least some vetting of refugees and asylum seekers was possible. The information we possessed was not always complete or reliable. But, at least, we were able to perform basic security checks when an enforcement-minded president was inclined to do so. Prior to 2021, Venezuelans composed a small proportion of the migrant flow into the United States. Moreover, throughout most of the 1990s the U.S. had a good relationship with the pre-Chavez, Venezuelan government, cooperating closely on defense drug interdiction, anti-corruption efforts, and counter-terrorism. Accordingly, it was easy to obtain information to vet would-be Venezuelan migrants. And, on the rare occasion when it became necessary to deport them, Venezuela was not at all reluctant to take them back. However, the Hugo Chavez government was overtly hostile to everything for which the U.S. stands. As a result, in 1999 , the Venezuelan government stopped intelligence and law enforcement information with the U.S. Then Venezolanos began leaving their country in droves. From 2021 through 2024, over one million Venezuelan migrants entered the United States, rendering them the second largest group of illegal border crossers after Mexicans. And those are just the ones we know about, we have no idea how many Venezuelan gotaways slipped into the U.S. undetected. Regardless of how they entered the U.S., none of the Venezuelans who arrived here since 2021 have been properly vetted. Therefore, the U.S. has no way of telling how many are employees of Venezuelas intelligence and security forces. Groups like the Atlantic Council, have claimed that, The idea that Maduro is directing Tren de Aragua members and sending criminals to infiltrate the United States is ludicrous. But the idea that migrants may act as agents of foreign governments is very, very far from silly. Americas enemies have long exploited our countrys generous immigration policies to infiltrate soldiers, spies, and agents of influence. The hit television show, The Americans , was a fictionalized account of the KGBs actual Cold War insertion program, and China was recently caught establishing secret police stations in the United States to keep track of Chinese nationals who are expected to furnish the CCP with both economic and strategic intelligence. None of this is a surprise to anyone who has worked in either immigration enforcement or intelligence over the last several decades. And the U.S. government is well aware that Venezuelas vicious Tren de Aragua gang was tasked by the Venezuelan government with destabilizing American communities and testing the abilities of local law enforcement. All the foregoing factors have created a tenuous national security situation. For the first time in its history, the United States has engaged in offensive military operations against a country with a huge group of unvetted migrants already residing within our dominions. And nobody knows whether they constitute a massive fifth column that can be used to conduct asymmetrical warfare against us. In other words, it may not matter whether Venezuela resists Americas military incursion because Venezuela engaged in a covert, four-year invasion of the United States during the Biden administration. In fact, it is virtually certain that elements of the Venezuelan military and intelligence services, as well as Venezuelan terrorist cells are already staged in the United States and waiting for instructions on how to retaliate against the Trump administration for removing President Maduro. It is also likely that there are thousands of Venezuelans already in the U.S. who are more than willing to engage in so-called diaspora diplomacy, expressing their dissatisfaction with President Trumps Venezuela policy to willing Democrat ears, in a bid to influence U.S. electoral politics. The moral of this story is simple: If the U.S. is hellbent on pursuing irresponsible migration policies that allow millions of citizens from adversary nations to enter the U.S. without challenge, then we can no longer engage in expeditionary military adventures without first determining whether we have invited the fox into the henhouse and given it the tools to defeat us in our own backyard. Border security is national security, and U.S. policymakers must begin to act accordingly. Dr. Matt OBrien is the deputy executive director at the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). Matt has 30 years of experience in immigration law and policy. Immediately prior to joining FAIR, he was the Assistant Chief Immigration Judge, overseeing the U.S. Immigration Court at Annandale, Va. Image: Screenshot from X video China rescues 17 Filipino sailors in South China Sea shipwreck, 4 still missing Xinhua) 10:18, January 24, 2026 SANYA, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese rescue teams have retrieved 17 Filipino crew members from a shipwreck in the South China Sea, authorities said on Friday. Fifteen of those rescued are in stable condition, while two were found dead. Four others remain missing by Friday evening. At 0:46 a.m. Friday, the Sansha maritime search and rescue branch received a report from the Hainan provincial maritime search and rescue center, which said a Singapore-registered cargo ship "DEVON BAY" en route from the Philippines to south China's Guangdong Province had lost contact in waters about 55 nautical miles northwest of China's Huangyan Dao, with a total of 21 Filipino crew members on board. According to the provincial center, the last time of contact with the ship was 9:26 p.m. Thursday, when the ship crew reported that the hull had tilted severely and water was flooding in. Contact was lost after that while the ship's emergency wireless position indicator later sent out an alarm signal. Upon receiving the report, the Sansha maritime search and rescue branch immediately launched a multi-agency international rescue operation. The Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command sent military aircraft to conduct search operations over the waters where the accident occurred. Two nearby China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels also joined the rescue mission, along with teams from the Nanhai Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport. Multiple international commercial vessels, including ships registered in Liberia, Panama, and Japan, also joined the search operation. At 4:28 a.m. on Friday, CCG vessels found and rescued four crew members from a lifeboat. Severe sea conditions, with high winds and rough waves, posed significant challenges to the rescue operation. The search and rescue effort is still going on, said the authorities. The 15 Filipino sailors in stable condition have received medical treatment and are under proper care on board a Chinese vessel, according to the CCG. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until February 9, 2026 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Integer Holdings Corporation ("Integer" or the "Company") (NYSE: ITGR), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's shares between July 25, 2024 and October 22, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Get Help Integer Holdings investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-itgr/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options. About the Lawsuit Integer and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On October 23, 2025, the Company disclosed a lower full-year 2025 sales guidance to a range between $1.840 billion and $1.854 billion, well short of analysts' estimates, as well as expected net sales growth of -2% to 2% and organic sales growth of 0% and 4% for the full year of 2026, among other things, due to the market adoption of its products being slower than anticipated. On this news, the price of Integer's shares fell $35.22 per share, or more than 32%, from a closing price of $109.11 per share on October 22, 2025, to a closing price of $73.89 per share on October 23, 2025. The case is West Palm Beach Firefighters' Pension Fund v. Integer Holdings Corporation, et al., No. 25-cv-10251. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. SOURCE ClaimsFiler In order to understand why Somali illegal immigration is so poisonous, the lunatic left-wing fringe has to understand Somali culture. Advertisement The Somali people are very tribal. Theyre organized into clans, each with thousands of families. Loyalty to the clan is everything. Plundering rival clans is honored. And America is viewed as a rival clan by all the Somali clans. Likewise, the women and children of rival clans are seen as loot that can be plundered. So, they rape the women of rival clans and kidnap their children...if they can get away with it. Advertisement Also, marriages between cousins are seen as a good thing because that keeps all the property in the family. As a result, inbreeding produces a country with an average IQ of 68. This means that a lot of the people from that country are simply stupid thugs, by American standards. Piracy off the Somali coast is just one reflection of their values. Massive fraud by Somalis in Minnesota, currently estimated at $9 billionand the number just keeps growingis another. Advertisement Image by Jim Davis created using AI. Advertisement They refuse to assimilate. They refuse to adopt our values, just like other illegal immigrants who wave foreign flags, and are making entire neighborhoods in American cities into slightly more prosperous versions of the Third World countries they came from. Our values properly view marriage between cousins as a bad thing. And we urge all Americans to work together and live together, as one gigantic clan. This is reflected by a popular left-wing bumper sticker that says, Coexist. Advertisement Its funny how left-wing actions speak so much louder than left-wing words. Far too many of these illegal immigrants simply cant coexist. They see us as a rival clan, ripe for plundering. Interview one of them in a candid moment. If your Uber driver is a Somali immigrant, make some small talk, then ask him why he came to America. If your small talk has made him lower his guard, hell tell you. It isnt for the freedom. Its for the money. Advertisement President Trump is revoking the Somalis Temporary Protected Status. So now all the refugees who came here, seeking asylum, are becoming illegal immigrants just as if theyd overstayed their student visas. And since they refuse to assimilate, they can go home now and resume plundering each other. Jim Davis is an IT specialist and paralegal, with degrees in political science and statistical analysis: the underpinning of all science. His work has appeared in Daily Caller, Newsmax, and American Thinker. You can find him as RealProfessor219 on Rumble. One of the issues roiling Democrats is that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, opened in 1971, now has a new name: The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. Left-leaning artists are now refusing to perform on that renowned stage. Advertisement Their grounds for refusal seem trivial, of the Shakespearean Whats in a name? category. It is still the same facility: an Edward Durrell Stone-designed building with a budget of $32.30 million in 2025. However, Jeffrey Seller, who produced Hamilton, pulled out, complaining that his politically-themed Broadway musical should be performed in a setting that is protected from politics. The Facility Formerly Known as the Kennedy Center, while named after a politician, was apparently free from politics until Trumps name came up. In the ecumenical spirit of Rodney King, who said, Can we all get along? as Los Angeles burned in 1991, perhaps we can resolve this by determining who was worse: John Kennedy or Donald Trump? Advertisement The charges against Trump are fresh in the minds of the public because he is alive, and they are repeated daily by his detractors. Most recently, they include the claim that he is a pedophile because he appears in old photos with Jeffrey Epstein. Democrats are unmoved by Trump having barred Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago club in 2003 after learning that Epstein pressured an 18-year-old employee to have sex, hardly a pro-pedophilia position. Advertisement Image created using AI. What about JFK? Among numerous other extramarital affairs while he was president, he became involved with 19-year-old White House intern Mimi Alford. He had sex with her on her fourth day on the job in 1962, beginning a relationship that continued for 18 months. He also asked her to perform oral sex on his special assistant, Dave Powers, which she did. Kennedys interest eventually cooled, leading Alford to leave college after her sophomore year with a good deal of psychological damage. Advertisement Theres also the charge that Trump and his father, Fred, declined to rent apartments to black applicants but subsequently offered them to whites. The Trumps settled the case without an admission of guilt. Trump subsequently claimed, What we didnt do was rent to welfare cases, white or black. JFK had his own racial issues. As Alford notes in her book, Once Upon a Secret: My Affair With John F. Kennedy and its Aftermath, Kennedy tried to walk a fine line on the issue of civil rights, fending off pressure to sign an executive order prohibiting racial discrimination and dragging his heels on a national voting rights act. Kennedys brother Robert, his Attorney General, authorized a wiretap of Martin Luther King, Jr. According to Robert Kennedy, Jr., JFK was involved in the decision, although he wanted the surveillance to refute FBI director J. Edgar Hoovers claim that a King advisor was a communist, a convoluted theory that strains credulity. Advertisement On a personal level, the Kennedys have a dirty little racial secret of their own. Beginning in 1928, the family summered at their compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. In 1945, Eugenia Fortes, a black woman, walked onto the local beach with a friend. A policeman told them to move because they were on a white beach. Fortes refused, becoming the Rosa Parks of Cape Cod. The story doesnt end there. The next year, white homeowners tried to buy the beach from the Town to prevent further non-white encroachments. Fortes stood up at a Town Council meeting and unmasked the plan for what it wasa ploy to deprive people access to the beach based on their race. The beach remains public to this day, and Fortess courage is memorialized by a monument that discreetly leaves out residents complicity. Advertisement In sum, the name Kennedy Center is an inappropriate grassy knoll for Trump-haters to die on, and we should find another name for our nations premier public arts facility. Coolidge Center has a nice ring to it. Con Chapman is the author of Queer Street: The Curious Connections Between Boxing and the Homoerotic, forthcoming from Lutterworth Press. This last year was the most glaring example of the 21st century clash of cultures that now exists between two world powers a dual culture that has heretofore been based on democratic principles. Advertisement I am speaking, of course, of the United States of America and Europe. Many will blame the leadership style of President Trump with the way the U.S. is handling its relations with Europe. Others will say that the real division is about an idea whose time has passed with Realpolitik the new reality. Advertisement I am speaking of predictability as the lynchpin of harmonious relations between Europe and America. In reality, the Europeans want to believe that the world can come together like the old Coca-Cola commercial from 1971 that showed young people singing "I'd like to teach the world to sing ". Advertisement How wrong they were. Many of the world's leaders that had come to power were never going to trade that power and control for the uncertainty of democracy, not in the Soviet Union, China, the Middle East, Africa or Latin America. That kind of togetherness could only be found on Madison Avenue among the image-makers. But somehow, Europe took the bait, and while the U.S. was mired in the Vietnam conflict, the EU and NATO grew in importance. Why? Because solidarity of purpose (defense and trade) appealed to countries that had lived with tyranny and dictatorships on their doorsteps for years. It also appealed to the smaller powers that realized that they needed to combine forces to defend themselves from communism. Advertisement All of that is totally understandable, and no one can blame the Europeans for closing ranks and circling the wagons. The mistake they did make was to assume that by doing so, they could somehow keep the Russian hordes at bay long enough to make them change their ways. Europe worked hard to change things on the ground, such as its support for the Solidarity movement in Poland that ultimately started a chain reaction that would cause the Cold War thaw of 1989 with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Unfortunately, it assumed that after one big wall fell that no new walls or barriers to democracy would be created. Advertisement Europe lived in a bubble of its own making. A false sense of security prevailed among the EU members which they took advantage of by not investing in their military, preferring instead to let the Americans foot the bill (nearly 70% of all NATO's budget). Advertisement Europe lived on the edge of a double-edged sword. It refused to acknowledge that dictatorships and power politics would resurface outside the EU or that they would have to challenge them at a later date. Nor did they envision that millions of people in impoverished parts of the world would crash their European borders and demand asylum. In short, Europe suffered both an ideological crisis as well as a predictability crisis. Their assumptions that oligarchs and dictators would somehow experience epiphanies and realize that the rule of international law was inviolable and that borders would be respected were rooted in ignorance of two Millennia's worth of human experience. American presidents played their part as protectors for nearly seventy years (in NATO) until Russia decided to invade Crimea. Then President Obama drew a "red line in the sand" which never led to anything. Russia and power politics had won and the Europeans and the Americans did little except apply sanctions. Then, in 2025, Trump decided to call the European NATO members out for not paying their fair share of NATO's costs, at 5% of GDP. He did something unorthodox and very un-European. He threatened the organization and indicated that the U.S. was tired of footing the bill and that European NATO members had better dig deep in their pockets and pay the amount they agreed to pay. The Europeans were shocked that an American president would be so bold, but they dug deep and committed themselves to paying more for NATO's sake. Now we must fast-forward to the next round of confrontation with Europe, the purchase or takeover of a Danish possession, Greenland. This totally upset the European laws-based apple cart and created a diplomatic firestorm. Decades of predictability became the victim in the U.S. engagement with European leaders. The Europeans had been playing a form of contract bridge for generations and now all of a sudden the Americans (Donald Trump) were forcing them to play Texas hold 'em. The tiny constitutional monarchy of Denmark was now being pressured by the United States to "stand and deliver." To them, it was like being accosted by an international highwayman. Acting predictably, the Danes sought cover under international law and existing agreements between themselves and Greenland, but also reached out to their European brethren to come to their aid. Realizing that Trump actually meant business, the Danes started showing more interest in their possession, and the flirting continued until the Greenlanders held their elections in March of 2025. The result was an impressive performance by the Greenland "separatist" party, Naleraq, which now won eight out of 31 possible mandates and 25% of the total votes. They trailed only the leading party, the "Demokraatit" (the social democrats, similar to the Danish Social Democrat Party) by two mandates or seats or 30% of the Greenland vote. Trying to shore up Greenland's support for the Danish status quo position on Greenland, the Danish prime minister has been engaging in a "charm offensive" by traveling to Nuuk, the island's capital just yesterday. She's also been in constant communication with NATO's General Secretary Mark Rutte and the president of the European Commission, Ursula van der Leyen. Again, it is a totally predictable European response. The question is: "Will it work to stave off the ambitions of Donald Trump to "have" Greenland?" It may buy the Danes and the Europeans a little time, but whether or not it will, their predictability will be their downfall when dealing with a president who has a power-based, pressure-first negotiating style. Knowing the Europeans as I do (I have lived and/or worked in ten European countries), I would seriously doubt that they are able to abandon long-held preferences for predictable international engagement when it comes to thorny issues like that of Greenland or for that matter, Ukraine. Adopting a different modus operandi is something that takes years and maybe generations to achieve and we do not have years to wait and see. Stephen Helgesen is a retired American diplomat specializing in international trade. He has lived and worked in 30 countries over the course of 25 years under the Reagan, G.H.W. Bush, Clinton, and G.W. Bush administrations. He is the author of fourteen books, seven of them on American politics, and has written more than 1,500 articles on politics, economics, and social trends. He now lives in Denmark and is a frequent political commentator in Danish media. He can be reached at: [email protected]. Andy Burnham is considered one of the favourites to replace Keir Starmer were the prime minister to be toppled. Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters (Photograph: Phil Noble/Reuters) Keir Starmers allies are urging him to block Andy Burnham from running in the Gorton and Denton byelection, after the Greater Manchester mayor declared his intention to stand, setting up a potential fight for the prime ministers political future. Burnham said on Saturday he wanted to contest the seat after the sitting MP, Andrew Gwynne, said he intended to stand down. Burnhams allies including ministers, MPs and trade union chiefs say that as one of the countrys most high-profile and popular Labour politicians, he must be allowed to fight the seat and attempt a return to parliament. But with the Manchester mayor having made no secret about his leadership ambitions, those close to the prime minister were on Friday night urging him to take steps to prevent Burnham standing. If Keir doesnt make the call [to block Burnham], its game over, said one. Another added: Andys candidacy is not going anywhere. It will cost too much to fight the Manchester mayoralty and there is no guarantee we would win it. The fight over Labours future crystallised on Saturday evening, when Burnham submitted his application to run in the seat alongside a letter to the partys ruling national executive committee (NEC). He wrote in the letter: I see this byelection as the frontline of that fight for the Manchester Way and I feel I owe it to a city which has given me so much to lead it from the front, despite the risks involved. He said he wanted to run a hopeful and unifying campaign. If selected, he would face strong challenges from Reform UK and the Green party. The NEC could meet as soon as Sunday morning to decide whether to let Burnham resign from the mayoralty and to put himself forward to the local party for selection as their candidate. While NEC members are free to cast their votes however they wish, the prime ministers allies have a majority on the committee and are expected to vote against Burnham should those around Downing Street make it clear thats what they want. One person with knowledge of the committees processes said: There are significant cost implications to having a mayoral selection and byelection, its reasonable to expect mayors to serve their term. Related: Starmer faces pressure not to block Andy Burnhams return to parliament The byelection was called this week after the resignation of the former minister Gwynne, who announced he was standing down because of ill health. Gwynne sat as an independent after being suspended from Labour over offensive WhatsApp messages. It has long been rumoured that Burnham would mount a bid to replace Gwynne. Days before the partys conference in Liverpool last year, Burnham told the Telegraph that Labour MPs had contacted him over the summer, asking him to stand, after becoming concerned at Starmers growing unpopularity. Polling suggests Starmer is one of the least popular Labour prime ministers ever and Labour MPs are increasingly concerned about how his leadership will impact Mays local elections. In his letter, Burnham said Greater Manchester faced a direct threat to everything [it] has always been about from a brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other, perceived as a reference to the growth of the populist right. Some polling has suggested Burnham is the only Labour candidate who could see off a challenge from Nigel Farages party. Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, and Labours deputy leader, Lucy Powell, both told the Fabian Societys conference on Saturday that Burnham should be allowed to stand. Khan told the event in central London: Im a firm believer in the best team having all the talent playing for them, and if Andy wants to return to parliament, I will try and make some time between now and the byelection to knock on some doors for him. Meanwhile Powell, who represents the neighbouring Manchester Central constituency, said the NEC should be wary of blocking Burnham from standing. She said it should be up to Burnham and party members in the constituency whether he is allowed to be the Labour candidate. She praised Burnham as incredibly popular and as having changed Manchester for the better. She said: It should be up to Andy and the local members who will select their candidate, and our members are very discerning. Powell also acknowledged Labour could easily lose to either Reform or the Green party if the wrong candidate was selected. In that context, I always want to see the very best candidate, the person who can most help Labour win in that very difficult byelection, she said. I want to see the best candidates come forward and be able to come forward and help us win. Related: Can Andy Burnham calm the anger in a Manchester seat Labour fears losing? Health secretary Wes Streeting, perceived as Burnhams biggest rival for the leadership should Starmer be deposed, refused to say whether he would support Burnhams candidacy. This is a decision for the party, not for the cabinet, he said. I have been told in no uncertain terms that is my answer to the question. This is a really critical byelection. We have to work hard to earn peoples trust and to earn every vote. We want the best possible candidate for that byelection. However, he added: In the last day or so, without having indicated whether he wants to run, Ive seen some pretty unkind things said about Andy, as usual from people who dont put their names on this sort of briefing. I think that is a disgraceful way to treat someone who is a Labour mayor, part of our team and part of our movement. Two members of the government have now said they think Burnham should be allowed to run. Energy secretary Ed Miliband, who led the party between 2010 and 2015, said: I very much hope the local party will have the option of selecting Andy Burnham as the candidate. Miatta Fahnbulleh, parliamentary undersecretary of state in the housing, communities and local government, said: Weve got the fight of our lives on our hands to beat Reform, which we have a moral duty to the country to do, and we need our best team on the pitch. So if he wants to put his hat in the ring and if he can persuade his members and persuade the electorate to bring him in then I think he would be an asset. Other ministers believe it would be a mistake to allow Burnham to run. I know No 10 is inept but surely they are not inept enough to allow a man to enter parliament for the sole purpose of challenging the prime minister, one said. Another said that it would be a big decision for the national executive committee, who will have to consider the prospect of a costly mayoral byelection. If he stands, it will be to go on the backbenches until the prime minister decides to give him a role, one Starmer ally added. These are the facts he needs to consider. There is no vacancy for leader if that is where his ambition lies. Very few in the PLP [parliamentary Labour party] would welcome the distraction of any talk of a leadership challenge. Another backbench MP added: We are gearing up for crucial elections across the country. We really dont need a Burnham circus taking resources away he needs to put the party before personal ambition for a change. Besides, a mayoral byelection would cost around 5m. It simply wouldnt be right to cut short his term in this way. The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. If you have something to share on this subject, you can contact us confidentially using the following methods. Secure Messaging in the Guardian app The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said. If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select Secure Messaging. SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post If you can safely use the Tor network without being observed or monitored, you can send messages and documents to the Guardian via our SecureDrop platform. Finally, our guide at theguardian.com/tips lists several ways to contact us securely, and discusses the pros and cons of each. Arsenal face Manchester United at Emirates Stadium (London Standard) Arsenal will are boosted by the return of Piero Hincapie, but Riccardo Calafiori misses out against Manchester United this afternoon. Calafiori and Hincapie both returned to full training on Friday but only the latter is involved with the Italian along with Kai Havertz and Christian Norgaard left out of the matchday squad. CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW ARSENAL VS MANCHESTER UNITED LIVE! Mikel Arteta had said he would make a late decision on their involvement. Their return would mean only Max Dowman is unavailable. Hincapie is handed an immediate recall which means Jurrien Timber returns to right-back after a brief spell at left-back. Gabriel, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard did not start in midweek against Inter Milan but come back into the side here. A brace at the San Siro for Gabriel Jesus is enough for him to keep his place despite Viktor Gyokeres scoring off the bench. Gabriel Jesus scored twice in Arsenals win over Inter Milan (AFP via Getty Images) Arteta has kept his faith in Gyokeres in recent weeks, keen to give him the chance to come good, and it would have been a surprise if he got the nod again. A tough call has been made on the left wing, where Leandro Trossard keeps his place even though Gabriel Martinelli looked incredibly sharp off the bench against Inter. Arteta says Havertz is very close to a return amid reports Arsenal have concerns over his long-term fitness. Well, he is very close, said Arteta. Obviously, he has been out for a long time, almost a year, for different reasons, and now we have to be very smart in the manner that we manage that load, the minutes. I am sure in the next few weeks he is going to play in minutes. I cannot tell you which competition because that will depend as well on the game context, and it is a context that is positive to throw him in or not with his qualities. It is great that we have him. We can use him in different positions. We will see him in different positions and we are really happy to have him. Confirmed team news Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Jesus. Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, White, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Eze, Martinelli, Madueke, Gyokeres. New British FBI team to tackle terrorism and gang crime in major police shake-up A new national police force dubbed the "British FBI" will take over counterterror, fraud and criminal gang investigations as part of a major shake-up of policing to be announced by the home secretary. The National Police Service (NPS) will fight complex and serious crime, such as terrorism, fraud, and organised crime in order to give overstretched local forces more time to focus on everyday offences, such as shoplifting and phone theft. The NPS will combine the work of the National Crime Agency and regional organised crime units under one super-force. Shabana Mahmood, who is set to reveal widespread reforms to policing in a white paper on Monday, said she will lure world-class talent to the force, adding: "The current policing model was built for a different century. "Some local forces lack the skills or resources they need to fight complex modern crime such as fraud, online child abuse or organised criminal gangs. The government is expected to radically reduce the number of police forces in England and Wales from its current level of 43. Shabana Mahmood speaks with police officers during a walkabout in Lambeth, south London ahead of a major shake-up of policing in England and Wales (PA) The Home Office wants to launch a direct entry scheme into senior roles to persuade professionals in the tech and finance sectors to lend their skills to the police. Police forces are also expected to face new targets for crime fighting under the changes, with those performing poorly named and shamed. Other police forces that will be part of the NPS include Counter Terror Policing (CTP), led by the Metropolitan Police, police helicopter resources run by West Yorkshire Police and the National Roads Policing. Ms Mahmood added: "We will create a new National Police Service dubbed the British FBI deploying world-class talent and state-of-the-art technology to track down and catch dangerous criminals. In doing so, local forces will be able to spend more time fighting crime in their communities." Mahmood during a tour of the Lambeth Central Communications Command Centre, south London. (PA) The NPS will be headed up by a national police commissioner who will become the most senior police chief in the country. Once up and running, it will set standards and training for policing and buy new technology such as facial recognition on behalf of all police forces. The service would share technology, intelligence and resources across borders and be created in stages, working alongside the NCA, CTP and regional organised crime units for the transition. Backing the plans, former head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Neil Basu, said it will be "far more capable as one national security system dealing more effectively with major crime, organised crime and terrorism in all its forms". It comes as officers in the City of London said they remained confident that they would keep their national responsibility for fraud under restructuring plans ahead of the announcement. Mahmood is expected to cut the number of police forces and centralise counterterror operations (PA) Head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley has previously supported the idea of the national responsibility for counterterrorism being removed from his force. In a joint statement from the Met, CTP and the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), they said they support a joint police service, but added: This transformation, however, must be delivered with care. Its success depends on maintaining strong connections with local policing and the communities we serve. And Graeme Biggar, director general of the National Crime Agency, is also supporting the proposals. He said: "The overall policing system is out of date. Crime has changed, technology has changed, and how we respond needs to change. "As part of reform, we need a single, stronger national law enforcement body, building on the NCA and others, to more coherently tackle organised crime, fraud, terrorism and the new international and online threats we face. Ministers have already announced plans to scrap police and crime commissioners in 2028 to save at least 100m and help fund neighbourhood policing. Instead, mayors and council leaders will take up the responsibilities of policing arrangements. A performer with a robot arm at Walk My World, Budapest (Baline Hirling) I was sure I was in the wrong spot. Ridiculously underdressed for a Hungarian winter evening, I rechecked my phone as I searched for the entrance to Walk My World, an immersive circus and dance show based on Virgils Aeneid. I was looking forward to an evening of gods and monsters. But all I could see was the entrance to a multistorey car park. Budapest is a popular weekend break destination for British holidaymakers. Most come to soak up the thermal baths and marvel at the architecture, as well as drink cheap beer in the citys famous ruin bars. But among these well-trodden excursions, there are plenty of cultural activities tourists can enjoy, too: museums dedicated to centuries of history, modern art galleries, and, as I was about to find out, thrilling live performances. After a few panicked messages, someone from the team found us. I was taken up a flight of stairs into the mythical world. Walk My World purports to be the largest immersive attraction in Europe (Nagy Attila) Read more: This seaside town is home to some of Britains strangest attractions Founded by Recirquel, a contemporary circus company, Walk My World allows audience members to walk around freely, following characters and storylines as they choose. They say theatre is different every night, but audiences of Walk My World can literally see two different shows on two consecutive nights. Billed as Europes largest immersive attraction, I was excited to see how it would transform my city break into something entirely different. Once inside, we sat down in the Chaos Bar, styled like a dimly lit jazz joint, as we waited for the performance doors to open. We were each given a black mask to wear, designed to replicate welders masks that factory workers would have worn here a few decades ago. I loved the freedom of choosing my own characters to follow and stories to pursue. Id be watching a muscular man walk a tightrope when a woman in red would catch my eye. Along with a few other audience members, Id follow her into a small corner where shed dance, but then I would see two characters in my peripheral vision and follow them. It may be based on an ancient story, but Walk My World brings together past, present and future. Mid-century trinkets and ephemera were dotted around the industrial space: dead frogs in jars, vintage typewriters, rotary telephones, gas masks. And there were plenty of futuristic elements. The famous Trojan Horse, for instance, was played by a robot, literally. A huge mechanical arm moved as freely and gracefully as the human performers. Towards the end of the show, Bence Vagi, the director, miraculously found me and guided me to watch its stunning closing sequence. I wont spoil it, but suffice it to say, after more than two hours of separate storylines and side-plots, all the performers gathered in the main space and performed some pretty incredible acrobatics, which made me dizzy just watching them from my safe position on the floor. Back in the bar area outside, Bence told me that he and Virgil share a birthday, 15 October, so perhaps they were kindred spirits through the centuries. Henry said the attraction was the best part of his trip (Henry Roberts) Read more: Independent Travels Go-To Guide for 2026 I asked Bence whether he felt like one of the gods depicted in the show, wandering around this universe he had created. He paused for a moment; it seemed that the idea had never occurred to him. No. I dont feel like a god, he finally replied. I cant intervene. Weve rehearsed for so long, but once the performance starts, theres nothing I can do. I just have to watch and let it happen. But weve got brilliant performers, some of whom have been working on this project for years now, so I trust them. The show is never the same twice (Balint Hirling) I spent the next day exploring some of the citys more popular spots. In the rooftop pool of the Rudas baths, I enjoyed a panoramic view of the city. In the shadow of Gellert Hill, it was impossible not to be taken away by the citys beauty. Afterwards, I wandered through the citys Jewish Quarter and in the evening visited more than one of Budapests famous bars. It was a pretty wonderful trip, but made better because I did something thats not in the guidebooks. Indeed, any live performance be it music, theatre, or a site-specific, genre-bending, partially-robotic circus wont be available forever. Next time I visit Budapest, Buda Castle will still be there, but Walk My World might not be. Im glad I got to experience it while I could. The time spent there was the most memorable of the weekend. How to do it Wizz Air offers flights from London Gatwick to Budapest. Flight time is around two-and-a-half hours. Prices start at 33. Walk My World runs until 29 March. Tickets are available on its website. Where to stay Verno House is a charming boutique hotel in the centre of Budapest. Guests can book the Verno Experience, a full days itinerary to see the best of the city. Rooms start at 130 per night. Henry was a guest at Verno House Carbon monoxide scare at Florida school sends at least 22 students to hospital, officials say More than 20 students were taken to the hospital after a Carbon monoxide scare at a Florida school, according to officials. Everyone at Cypress Junction Montessoris middle school building in Winter Haven, Florida, was evacuated Friday morning after carbon monoxide detectors went off inside. Multiple students were taken to the hospital as a precaution, including 11 who were transported by ambulance and 11 who were taken by school bus, the Winter Haven Fire Department told The Independent. All the students were checked at the scene by medical professionals, and those taken for further treatment either had prior medical issues or were experiencing symptoms that were distressing to them, the fire department said. Cypress Junction Montessori is a public charter school that teaches preschool through 8th grade. The Independent has reached out to the school for comment. More than 20 students were taken to the hospital after a Carbon monoxide scare at a Florida school, according to officials (Google Earth) There turned out to be no gas leak inside the school, but rather the carbon monoxide detectors were detecting something outside, quite a distance from the middle school building, according to the fire department. Ventilators were put inside the school as a precaution, and the air quality was deemed all good, the fire department said. Sisters, Luna and Coral Brooks, from the elementary school building, had begun to worry that carbon monoxide would reach their classrooms. There were also a lot of police and we were also about to have a fire drill so there was a lot going on. Everybody was OK. But there was a gas that is bad, it was in the other building, Luna told Spectrum Bay News 9. Everyone at Cypress Junction Montessori in Winter Haven, Florida, was evacuated Friday morning after carbon monoxide detectors in the school went off (file photo) (Emily Elconin/Getty Images) Luna and Corals father, Phillip Brooks, said that Cypress Junction Montessoris principal, Dr. Kris Newman-Lake, had been in constant contact with parents. The principal has been emailing the parents all day, kind of keeping us up to date as they can, you know, as things develop. But yeah, its never a good day when you see your kids' school on the news with fire trucks and police cars everywhere, he told the outlet. New year, new Keir. At least, that was the plan. The prime minister started 2026 with a promise of renewal and a vow the UK would turn a corner after a dismal first full year in power. In a video released on New Years Day, he pledged to bring down living costs and get Britain back on track, in an attempt to rescue his relationship with disillusioned voters and his own disgruntled MPs. Well, just over three weeks into the new year, its fair to say Sir Keir Starmer hasnt started as hed hoped. While the prime ministers allies might claim his attention has been diverted by the ongoing international crises over Venezuela and Greenland, this year has started much like last year ended. There have been more humiliating U-turns on business rates for pubs and compulsory digital ID, Labour remains stagnant in the polls, miles behind Nigel Farages Reform, and murmurings about whether Starmer is the right man to lead the party have grown louder. Meanwhile, Sir Keirs attempts to woo his own MPs by inviting them to drinks at the prime ministers grace and favour country house, Chequers, have hit a stumbling block. Some of them are even planning to boycott the event. If I went, it would only be to read him the riot act, one Labour MP told The Independent, and I dont think it is the right venue for that. Others feel snubbed. My invite is not for weeks, another complained. Clearly, I am not top of the list. One previously loyal minister was in despair when talking to The Independent: We just dont seem to know what we are doing, where we are going. Colleagues go out on the morning round (on the broadcasters) to defend something and then find out we have changed our minds. Its chaotic. Keir Starmer could soon have possible leadership rival Andy Burnham in parliament (PA Archive) The mood within the party remains despondent, but the need for Sir Keir to curry favour with his backbenchers has become even more urgent now that a potential path has opened up for a return to parliament for Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, the man many want to replace Sir Keir as Labour leader and prime minister. The spectre of the return of Mr Burnham to parliament is dominating the conversation in the party a man that one backbencher described as the only person who can save us from Nigel Farage and fascism. Speculation had swirled around Westminster for months that Andrew Gwynne, the MP for Gorton and Denton, would quit, allowing Mr Burnham to be elected as an MP in the resultant by-election. Mr Gwynne announced on Thursday that he was stepping down, although the mayor of Greater Manchester has yet to throw his hat in the ring. And on Saturday, Mr Burnham confirmed he would be seeking permission to stand. But a vote, which would take time to organise, opens up the possibility that his rival could arrive in the Commons just as the prime minister reaches his lowest ebb, after what are widely expected to be disastrous Scottish and Welsh elections and English council elections, including London at the start of May. The issue now is whether Sir Keir and his powerful chief of staff Morgan McSweeney will even let Burnham stand. There are murmurings of mechanisms like an all-women or all-Bame shortlist being used to prevent him from throwing his hat into the ring. A senior minister and Burnham ally warned The Independent as far back as September last year that Starmer would block Burnhams candidacy and has since confirmed that they think this will happen. After all, the Greater Manchester mayor would not be just running to be an MP but running to be prime minister. Speculation is mounting in Westminster that Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham could use an upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton to return to parliament (PA Wire) But angry MPs have already made it clear they are not willing to put up with such Machiavellian machinations and there will be a backlash. One ally said: I think the backlash against Andy being blocked would be so bad that MPs would be up in arms and it would probably hasten Starmers departure. Others are less convinced. Andy who? said one MP. Now is not the time for these games. But why Burnham, and not one of the other candidates already in parliament? The Greater Manchester mayor now appears to have the backing of the Socialist Campaign Group of MPs, as well as other groups across the party. MPs who support him believe that, given the public mood, if the prime minister is replaced, it will have to be by someone untarnished by Starmers government and its unpopular decisions. That would rule out Sir Keirs former deputy Angela Rayner. She left government last year after it emerged that she had failed to pay enough tax on a new flat. But she is thought to believe that that is not a fatal barrier to her return to government potentially in the top job. The problem is that she is no longer a minister because she was forced to resign over her taxes, rather than because she resigned on principle over welfare or two-child benefit, one MP noted. It would also take out health secretary Wes Streeting, whose position as a leadership candidate appears to have been strengthened by attacks against him from Starmers allies. And then theres Ed Miliband, who remains popular with Labour members. Friends insist he was inoculated against the top job by a previous, unsuccessful stint as Labour leader between 2010 and 2015, though this has failed to quell speculation over his future. Briefings against the health secretary Wes Streeting appear to have made his position stronger (PA Wire) When it comes to Mr Burnham, two issues remain. Even if he is allowed to run as the Labour candidate, could he actually win the by-election, at a time when Labour is so far behind Reform in the opinion polls? Meanwhile, during any run for parliament, his campaign would be so high-profile that he would have a target on his back, as one ally put it. George Galloways threat to run and speculation Green leader Zack Polanski would have a go, as well as former Reform chair Zia Yusuf, has been taken as confirmation that a by-election would not exactly be straightforward to win, as one ally noted. Regardless of whether Mr Burnham returns to Westminster, there are various other pitfalls awaiting the beleaguered prime minister. The peril Sir Keir faces is perhaps represented by the Monday flight from Glasgow Airport, which carries the bulk of Scottish MPs down to London to start the parliamentary week. Just before Christmas, this flight revealed a dividing line within the party. Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, was holding an event in Scotlands biggest city, when the split over views on Starmers future became apparent. As one MP said: MPs who wanted [another leader] went to Anass event, those who still support Keir took the flight south. They added: There werent many people on that flight. There appears to be a resignation among some that Starmer will go this year, largely as a result of Labours struggle in the polls. A number of MPs across the north of England and the Midlands tell the same story. If there was an election tomorrow, I would lose my seat to Reform, said one MP whose seat was safe even in the 2019 wipeout election, when Boris Johnson led the Tories to a massive victory. Another told a similar story: If I lose my seat, I will be the first Labour MP in 100 years to do so; I really dont want that. But I would certainly lose to Reform at the moment. Even loyalists are now beginning question whether Starmer will take them into the next election. One MP said: Look, I dont think we should be talking about ditching Keir in May or even this year. The Tories showed us that it does not solve any problems and sends us into a doom loop. But if the polls are still bad a year before the election, then I would be the first to say to Keir I think you need to give somebody else a go. At his first dinner with Labour MPs and their partners at Chequers earlier this month, Sir Keir served chilli and rice. The prime minister will be hoping that an enjoyable evening of food and wine in a stately home at the foot of the Chiltern Hills will at least partly win his disgruntled Labour MPs away from potential rivals. Those who attend, that is. BOGOTA, Colombia, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) (the "Company" or "Ecopetrol") reports that on January 22, 2026, the Colombian National Tax and Customs Authority ("DIAN") notified Ecopetrol of Resolution 000571 (the "Resolution"), in accordance with its interpretation and customs procedures. By means of this Resolution, DIAN confirmed its prior decision issued in the Official Correction Assessment 6224-2078 dated August 25, 2025, which mandated the payment of certain Value Added Tax (VAT) on gasoline imports and a penalty, which together amount to COP 5.3 trillion, plus interest for late payment, accrued between 2022 and 2024. As previously communicated, Ecopetrol has expressed its disagreement with DIAN's decision and interpretation of the laws. Given that such difference in regulatory interpretation between DIAN and the Company remains, Ecopetrol expects to pursue the appropriate legal actions in accordance with current tax and customs regulations. This legal dispute has been managed in a collaborative manner and within a framework of joint work between the company and the tax authority. Ecopetrol reaffirms its commitment to fully comply with its customs and tax obligations and will respect the decisions issued by the competent authorities in resolving this matter. ------------------------------------- Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 19,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. For more information, please contact: Investors Relations Office Email: [email protected] Head of Corporate Communications (Colombia) Marcela Ulloa Email: [email protected] SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A. The surf around Tamraght is often calm, which is ideal for beginners. Photograph: Chris Werret (Photograph: Chris Werret) I cant remember when my terror of waves began in earnest. Maybe it was a singular incident that triggered it, like that monster wave in Biarritz, France, almost 20 years ago that body-slammed me on to the seabed, taking all the skin off my chin. More likely is that my transition from fearless to frightened had been more of a slow creep, and a perfectly rational one when you consider the danger of riptides, hidden rocks, sharks and concussion. But for me, I feel it goes deeper. Almost inevitably my job will have had something to do with this. Nearly two decades of working as a journalist reporting on the very worst things that human beings can do to other human beings in a wide array of contexts has definitely eroded my sense that I can keep myself and others safe from harm in a dangerous world. In recent years, I have found that any bit of sea with waves above waist-height makes it a no-go zone for me, even though Im a good swimmer and love being in water. On holiday Im often left fretting on the shoreline, while my family joyfully rides the waves without me. This makes me very sad. So when I recently found myself about to change jobs for the first time in 14 years, I decided that I needed a circuit break and that this circuit break should be a week-long trauma surfing retreat in Morocco. Here, I figured, I could process some of the emotionally shredding content Id exposed myself to while, hopefully, finally facing up to my fear of waves. The company behind the retreat I signed up to is Resurface. Founded by psychologist Josh Dickson, who specialises in trauma, recovery and personal growth, the idea is to provide a holistic experience by combining morning yoga and surf lessons with afternoon group therapy work. In a call before the retreat, Josh said his intention is to create a flow state, where the body and the mind are able to work together towards healing and renewal, bolstered by the sunshine, cold water and a disconnection from the rigours of our everyday lives. Surfing is not just excellent physical exercise, it requires the surfer to be immersed in nature, concentrating fully on what theyre doing moment to moment. It also triggers an array of helpful hormones endorphins, dopamine and serotonin for mood boosts, and adrenaline and norepinephrine for thrills and focus. All of these help to create the perfect set up for therapeutic work. We travelled to beautiful beaches around Tamraght, where the waves were so tiny it was difficult for even me to be frightened I had initially booked on to one of Resurfaces first Reset retreats, designed to promote resilience and prevent burnout. Yet for various complicated reasons, I instead ended up on its first EMDR (eye movement, desensitisation and reprocessing) group retreat. Developed in the 1980s by US psychologist Francine Shapiro, the basic aim of EMDR is to help reduce distressing emotions connected to particular memories or past traumas that the body might be holding on to. The theory is that traumatic events are not neurologically processed in the same way as healthy memories, and so they can resurface and intrude. EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation for example, rapidly moving your eyes from one point to another or tapping your body left then right at the same time as concentrating on a traumatic event. This, the theory goes, allows the brain to process and store the memory normally. Obviously doing this in a group setting, among strangers, feels pretty intimate and exposing, so it was with some trepidation that I arrived in the small surf town of Tamraght, just north of Agadir, one sunny October afternoon to begin the retreat. Tamraght is lovely. The quieter, more chilled sister of the flashier surf tourism hotspot Taghazout, a couple of miles to the north, its dusty streets are full of busy restaurants, ceramics and surf shops, and with a lovely seafront where you can hang out with the beach camels. Learning to catch a wave, nearly always failing and then paddling straight back out to try again, was a meditation in itself That night, at Riad dar Haven, our beautiful and welcoming home for the six days of the retreat, our cohort an eclectic, multi-generational bunch met for a dinner of chicken with green olives and lemons cooked by the resident chef. The next morning, after a short introductory session with Josh featuring some fairly excruciating but fun ice-breaking exercises, we piled into the mini van and headed down to the beach where we struggled into wetsuits and divided into groups. Some of us had never surfed (myself included), others were more experienced. Our teachers, led by local surf instructor Youness Arhbi, were excellent patient, funny and obviously experienced at convincing first-timers with cement hips that we had a chance of standing up on our huge foam learner boards. Every morning we travelled to different, beautiful beaches around Tamraght, where the waves were so tiny it was difficult for even me to be frightened. I found the experience of being in the cold, salt water for three or four hours at a stretch exhausting yet exhilarating. And, although I was definitely not a natural, the process of learning to catch a wave, nearly always failing and then paddling straight back out to try again, was a meditation in itself. After the lessons, our group of 12 would all sit together on the beach, the sun on our faces, eating lunch and sharing the triumphs and frustrations of our surfing exploits. Then we would pile in the bus and head back to the riad where we would begin the afternoons therapy session. At the beginning of the week, this part of the day felt pretty exposing, but Josh was thoughtful, confident and knowledgable in leading us through the process. At first, I didnt find EMDR particularly transformational, although it was interesting that what came up during the sessions was often not the memory or event I had decided to focus on at the beginning. However, as the week progressed, I was surprised to discover that these sessions became the most transformational thing about the retreat for me. As for the surfing, I ended the week being almost as rubbish as when I started, but it didnt really matter After years of slowly and corrosively losing faith in the world, I found real hope and connection in sharing with a group of people willing to face up to their own personal heartbreaks, traumas and pain. It was a balm that did more to restore my faith and hope in people than any amount of self-reflection could offer. As for the surfing, I ended the week being almost as rubbish as when I started, but it didnt really matter. On my last day, the waves had changed, and although they could not credibly be described as big, they were big enough for me to feel scared. Yet with our instructors encouragement and a bit of cathartic sobbing on the beach when it all got too much I persevered. And just once, in the last half-hour of the lesson, I managed to clamber awkwardly to my feet and stand up. As I raised my arms in the air in triumph, I heard cheering from the beach and watched as the group rose to their feet and joined me in celebration. The trip was provided by Resurface, which offers seven-night surf therapy retreats from 2,500pp, including accommodation, transfers, all meals, surf lessons, therapy sessions and activities; the next trips starts on 11 April People walking past the site of a Russian drone strike in Odesa on Monday. Photograph: Nina Liashonok/Reuters (Photograph: Nina Liashonok/Reuters) In the Benedikt cafe in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, one wall is covered by a giant map with countries and territories cut out of lacquered wooden pieces, with Greenland at its apex. The waiter has not been following news of the Greenland crisis and Donald Trumps desire to annex the Danish territory. But the echoes of the Russian president, Vladimir Putins imperial land grab of the waiters own country are clear to him. Theyre crazy. The pair of them. For those paying more attention in Ukraine, amid Russian airstrikes, the freezing cold and power cuts, the correspondences are not only clear, but often alarming even if for now Trump has switched from sabre rattling to trying to rationalise a vague and incoherent deal he thinks he struck for the territory with Nato. Related: Russia keeps up demands for Ukraine land before three-way talks in UAE There are three basic problems, said Oleksandr Merezhko, the chair of the Ukrainian parliaments committee on foreign policy and inter-parliamentary relations and an expert on international law. Firstly, it is a distraction from the situation we are in now. And any distraction among our European partners weakens the coalition supporting us. It weakens Nato, and it weakens transatlantic solidarity. Then there is the question of how Trumps demands and actions undermine the post-second world war international rules-based order. As an international lawyer, one of the key principles is that territorial integrity is sacrosanct. We support the territorial integrity of Denmark. And what I am afraid of is [that the Greenland issue plays into] Putins idea of dividing the world into spheres of influence. Leo Litra of the New Europe Center, wrote for Ukrainska Pravda this week: US actions regarding Greenland effectively legitimise aggressive territorial claims by stronger states against their neighbours (and not only their neighbours). This is precisely the logic underpinning Russias aggression. Such policies have met with unequivocal condemnation until now. Developments surrounding Greenland pose a direct threat to Ukraines defence in its war against Russia and force a fundamental reassessment of Europes entire security architecture, as well as its relationship with its principal ally, the United States a role Washington has long played. It is also little secret to Ukrainians how the Greenland crisis has been playing in Russia and what the logic of the Kremlins framing means for them. The Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said on Monday: Regardless of whether its good or bad and whether it complies with international law or not, there are international experts who believe that if Trump takes control of Greenland he will go down in history, and not only the US history but world history. Without discussing whether its good or bad, its hard not to agree with these experts, Peskov added. On Tuesday, the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, echoed, in reference to Greenland, some of the arguments Moscow has used to justify its illegal invasion of Ukraine. In principle, Greenland isnt a natural part of Denmark, he said. Russian-controlled bot networks have been used to amplify Kremlin disinformation on Ukraine through the prism of Greenland, including a fake video of the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with the false claim he backed sending Ukrainian troops to defend the Arctic territory. For ordinary Ukrainians the crisis that has swirled around Greenland underlines another issue of concern, even amid continuing high-profile diplomacy to end the war: a sense of European exhaustion with the conflict and a dangerous waning of attention. For Zelenskyy, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this week, the Greenland crisis was emblematic of a dithering and divided Europe buffeted by more powerful forces. Just last year, here in Davos, I ended my speech with the words Europe needs to know how to defend itself, Zelenskyy said. A year has passed, and nothing has changed. He added: Europe remains in Greenland mode: maybe someone somewhere will do something. Others, however, see the refocusing of attention as evidence of exhaustion with the war in Ukraine, four years after Russias invasion. As a Ukrainian who has been living in a state of war for four years now, I feel not so much Europes indifference as its war fatigue, said Oleksii Striapko, an IT specialist in Kharkiv. When new crises arise, such as those in the Middle East, tensions in the Arctic, Donald Trumps statements about Nato, Greenland or the quick end to the war, the media and politicians naturally switch their focus. The information space cannot withstand constant concentration on one conflict for years. And Trumps statements undermine the sense of stability. Europe is increasingly thinking not only about Ukraine, but also about its own security without the guaranteed support of the US. The world has entered a phase of parallel conflicts. Ukraine is no longer the only big war even if it remains so in terms of scale and consequences. Some are more sanguine, seeing Trumps comments and ambitions in terms of a wider rhetorical critique of Europe, also being pushed aggressively by the US vice-president, JD Vance. In the context of global events, I believe Europe can consolidate around the problem on the continent, namely Russias war against Ukraine, said Bohdan Honcharenko, an entrepreneur in Kyiv. The challenges with Greenland are not something to be afraid of, because military intervention is impossible without the approval of the US Congress, so these are just Trumps attacks on Europe. He repeated a thought also offered by Merezhko: that the crisis may contain a silver lining in persuading Europeans that they need to take responsibility for the continents security, including over the issue of Ukraine and the Russian threat to Europe. Were strong in technology, drone security, modern combat tactics and other military aspects. Therefore, the consolidation of Europe around Ukraine will strengthen, and accordingly, our support will grow. So panic is unnecessary. FBI officer who tried to investigate ICE officer who fatally shot Renee Good resigns: report The FBI officer who tried to investigate the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who fatally shot Renee Good has resigned, according to a new report. Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother of three, was shot multiple times by ICE agent Jonathan Ross while behind the wheel of her car earlier this month in Minneapolis. Goods death and other immigration officer-involved shootings prompted mass protests against President Donald Trumps aggressive deportation efforts. Tracee Mergen, a supervisor in the FBIs Minneapolis field office, attempted a civil rights inquiry into Ross, but has now resigned amid pressure from leadership in Washington, D.C., to drop the case, The New York Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The Independent reached out to the FBIs National Press Office and Minneapolis field office, but both declined to comment on personnel matters. The FBI officer who tried to investigate the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who fatally shot Renee Good has resigned, according to a new report (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images) The Trump administration has defended Ross. Trump previously claimed on social media that Good viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense. The situation is being studied, in its entirety, but the reason these incidents are happening is because the Radical Left is threatening, assaulting, and targeting our Law Enforcement Officers and ICE Agents on a daily basis, the president said. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has called the Trump administrations self-defense claims bulls***. He said he believed this was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying. Earlier this month in Minneapolis, Renee Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, was shot multiple times by ICE agent Jonathan Ross (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) At the same time that the FBI brass is reportedly trying to stop an investigation into the Good shooting, the Department of Justice has issued subpoenas to at least five top Democratic Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Frey, as the agency appears to investigate whether state and local officials conspired to impede federal agents from immigration enforcement. This Justice Department investigation, sparked by calls for accountability in the face of violence, chaos, and the killing of Renee Good, does not seek justice. Walz said in a statement Tuesday. It is a partisan distraction. Frey wrote on X Tuesday, When the federal gov weaponizes its power to intimidate local leaders for doing their jobs, every American should be concerned. Tracee Mergen, a supervisor in the FBIs Minneapolis field office, reportedly attempted a civil rights inquiry intoRoss, but had resigned amid pressure from leadership in Washington, D.C., to drop the case (Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images) Several top prosecutors in Minnesota resigned last week because of the Justice Departments unwillingness to probe Ross, and also its demand to investigate Goods widow, Becca, The New York Times previously reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter. Becca said that she and Good had stopped to support their neighbors during an ICE operation on January 7, the day her wife was fatally shot. We had whistles, Becca said, per MPR News. They had guns. Protester shot dead by federal agents in Minneapolis was an American citizen and licensed gun owner, city officials say A 37-year-old man is dead after federal agents opened fire on the streets of Minneapolis on Saturday morning, the third shooting by agents thats taken place this month during the Trump administrations ongoing Minnesota crackdown. The victim has been identified by his family as Alex Pretti, a resident of South Minneapolis and an intensive-care nurse. Federal officials have offered an account of the shooting as an attempted mass attack on law enforcement, though so far little public evidence supports their claims. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the shooting took place around 9am as agents were conducting a targeted operation against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault. In the course of the operation, DHS said, a man in possession of a 9mm handgun then approached agents, with what DHS has claimed without additional public evidence was an intent to massacre law enforcement. Homeland Security shared an accompanying photo of a tan pistol with an optical sight in its announcement of the shooting. Family members have identified Alex Pretti, 37, of South Minneapolis, as the man who died in Saturdays shooting (Associated Press) Trump advisor Stephen Miller alleged Pretti was a domestic terrorist who tried to assassinate federal law enforcement. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said in a press conference on Saturday that the deceased man was an American citizen, whose only previous contact with law enforcement was for traffic violations and that he appeared to be a licensed gun owner. Brief clips of the encounter that have surfaced on social media do not show Pretti approaching officers with a gun drawn. The footage captures a group of agents wrestling with a man on a city street before at least 10 shots are fired. A video from another angle appears to show Pretti yelling at agents after they push a woman to the ground. The full circumstances that led up to the shooting are not yet known. The man died as a result of the shooting, OHara later confirmed. A photo of the 9mm gun allegedly possessed by the victim in the shooting in Minneapolis on January 24 (Department of Homeland Security) I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a tweet. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now. During a press conference on Saturday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem alleged that state officials had encouraged community members to impede law enforcement, prompting incidents like todays shooting. When asked about why federal officials have deemed the shooting an attempted attack, Noem pointed to the gun and ammunition recovered on the scene. I don't know of any peaceful protester that shows up with a gun and ammunition rather than a sign, she told reporters. This is a violent riot when you have someone showing up with weapons and are using them to assault law enforcement officers. The Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear arms, and Minnesota is an open-carry state. It is not a crime to possess a weapon at a protest. Tensions have been high after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis earlier this month (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) The shooting further escalated tensions that were already high in the city after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot Renee Good earlier this month. She, too, was 37 years old. State officials have pushed to investigate Saturdays shooting, but claim federal officials on the scene blocked them from obtaining evidence, even though they had a warrant. Were in uncharted territory here, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension superintendent Drew Evans said at a press conference on Saturday. Its been a longstanding understanding, both within our state and across the country, that entities like the BCA that conduct 80-plus-percent of officer-involved shooting investigations across the United States are asked to do these investigations of federal agents involved in officer-involved shootings." Secretary Kristi Noem did not specifically answer a question at a press conference on Saturday about whether state officials were blocked, but suggested the Trump administration was avoiding cooperating with the Walz administration. The White House has criticized the Democrat for fraud in government programs in Minnesota and because local police do not provide back-up to ongoing immigration operaitons. Who would trust Gov. Walz at this point? Noem added. We need to partner with people who truly understand that the law is the law. A crowd gathered at the scene of the shooting shortly after reports first emerged (Getty) Federal officials also alleged blocked state investigators from investigating Goods killing, according to the BCA. A senior FBI agent and a group of top federal prosecutors in Minnesota have resigned over alleged pressure from Washington not to pursue an investigation of the agent who shot Good. After Saturdays shooting, an angry crowd gathered and screamed profanities at federal officers, calling them cowards and telling them to go home. One officer responded mockingly as he walked away, telling them: Boo hoo. Agents elsewhere shoved a yelling protester into a car. The intersection where the shooting has been blocked off, and Border Patrol agents were on the scene, wielding batons. Community members protested against federal agents on Saturday after the showing, and riot control munitions were used to disperse the crowd (Getty Images) More than 2,000 federal officers are being deployed in the state as part of the Trump administrations ongoing immigration and anti-fraud crackdown in the state. More than 3,000 people have been arrested as part of the operation since December, according to DHS. The ongoing mission has been met with heavy protests. On Friday, police arrested about 100 clergy demonstrating against immigration enforcement at Minnesotas largest airport, and several thousand gathered in downtown Minneapolis despite Arctic temperatures to protest the crackdown. Cherri-Ann Austin-Saddington, a former prison officer who had sex with a convicted rapist up to 40 times while on duty Isabelle Dale was a teenager when she joined the prison service. Within months of starting work as an officer at HMP Coldingley she had sworn undying love to two prisoners, had sex with one of them in the prisons chapel, and became engaged to him. Dale went on to conspire with prisoners to smuggle drugs into another jail, the supposedly high-security HMP Swaleside, and even had a prisoners street name tattooed on her neck. She was sentenced this week to three and a half years for her crimes, with the judge calling her a thoroughly devious and untruthful and manipulative young woman, who he believed had joined the prison service with a view to becoming involved in criminal activities with prisoners. Dales case is far from unique. In just the last year we have seen prison sentences for Megann Gibson, for her sexual relationship with a prisoner at HMP Wealstun, Morgan Farr Varney, who had a sexual relationship with a prisoner at HMP Lindholme, Katie Evans for an intimate relationship with an armed robber at HMP Doncaster, and even a prison governor, Kerri Pegg, after she formed a romantic relationship with a prisoner at the jail she ran. Infamously, one officer, Linda De Sousa Abreu, was filmed having sex with a prisoner in his cell at HMP Wandsworth while another inmate watched. These kinds of relationships are becoming much more common. While only nine women were caught having sex with prisoners between 2017 and 2020, at least 45 have been caught since 2021, and the number of staff investigated for inappropriate relationships with prisoners has almost tripled in five years. Relationships like this do huge harm to the reputation of the prison service, and also make our jails less safe. Often these women also become involved in smuggling drugs or other contraband for their lovers. The more drugs in our jails, the more violence. There seems to be a reluctance to grapple with why these relationships happen, and why were seeing more of them. The truth is that many women who choose to work in prisons are there because they have an unhealthy fascination with criminals. Not all female officers of course, but enough for it to be a serious problem. Anyone whos spent time in mens prisons recognises the type. Too friendly with prisoners, often appearing to flirt with them, spending time in the mens cells. In 2020 I was a prisoner at HMP Wandsworth, serving a sentence for fraud. There was one officer on my wing who was of this type. She would press up against us as she passed on the landings, tell inmates she was bisexual and discuss what she found attractive in women. When she found cells where men had sexy photos of women on the walls shed ask them which features they particularly desired. It should go without saying that women like this should not be anywhere near our mens prisons. Whether naively fascinated or thoroughly devious they are at very great risk of being corrupted. Former prison officer Isabelle Dale, who had sex with her convict boyfriend in a jails prayer room - Social media An effective hiring system would screen such women out, but of course the prison service is struggling to maintain staffing numbers and seems happy just to be hiring people, so more drastic measures are needed, changing who is eligible to work as a prison officer. Our society used to realise this. As recently as the 1980s prison officers couldnt join the service until they were 25 and cross-posting, where female officers worked in mens prisons, and vice versa, was almost unheard of. In 1988, the Consultative Agreement on Cross-Posting changed the rules so that almost all prison officer positions were open to both sexes. Then in 1999 the rules were changed so that 18-year-olds could become prison officers. These changes, combined with the more recent collapse in order across the prison estate have created the situation in which young women with an unhealthy interest in prisoners are securing jobs working with them. Its time for the prison service, and the British state to get real. Not everyone is suitable for every job, and in some cases it is not practical to screen individually every applicant. Some environments work better when they are single sex. Just as the military has legal exemptions from equalities law in order to ensure combat effectiveness of the armed forces, so the prison service should move to end cross-posting. Sir Keir Starmer has been forced to delay his Chagos Islands deal following a backlash from Donald Trump. The Bill enshrining the deal to hand the Indian Ocean territory to China-friendly Mauritius in law was due to be voted on in the Lords on Monday, but Labour have pulled it amid fears of a defeat by Tory peers. The Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill will be rescheduled until a later date, after the Conservatives tabled an amendment calling for a pause "in light of the changing geopolitical circumstances". US President Trump on Tuesday called the agreement a "great act of stupidity", despite his government having previously been content with the terms. It is not yet clear what date it will next be debated in the Lords. The archipelago in the Indian Ocean will be handed over to Mauritius under the deal. But Britain will lease back a military base on the island of Diego Garcia, which is jointly used with the US, for at least 99 years. A Labour source in the Lords claimed Trump's remarks had no bearing on the decision to reschedule the Bill for another day. They said: "It is simply a response to Tory peers having flexed their much greater numbers in the House by tabling a wrecking amendment to a Government Bill just hours before the end of business ahead of a scheduled debate on the next sitting day." But critics have warned without US support the deal is effectively dead. Trump is said to have changed his mind after warnings from his defence chiefs that the deal would make Diego Garcia less secure. Conservative peer Daniel Hannan said: 'We have secured a breathing space. It is now up to Trump and the people around him. If the President sticks to what he said this week, the deal is off. 'If he allows himself to be talked around by the State Department's permanent officials, it will come back. 'It is, I admit, a humiliating thing for Britain that the final decision should be in the hands of our American allies. We ought to have put a stop to the whole business ourselves. 'Still, for the first time in 14 months I am starting to think we might win.' The Tory amendment, which has not appeared on Parliament's website but was seen by the Press Association, calls for the Government to ensure the Chagos deal does not breach a 1966 treaty signed with the US which confirms British sovereignty of the islands. It would also ensure ministers give the Chagossian people, banished from the islands in the 1960s and 1970s, a "formal" say over the deal. The Conservatives have warned that pressing ahead could breach international law and damage relations with Washington. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said the plan cannot progress while this issue remains unsolved. The Chagos Bill is currently in the later stages of parliamentary scrutiny known as "ping pong", where it bounces back and forth between the Commons and Lords as they attempt to amend elements of it. Credit: AK Arkwright / Facebook US immigration officers shot a man dead during an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis. Graphic footage, taken by a bystander on Saturday, showed the moment the 37-year-old was gunned down by federal agents in front of screaming protesters. The video showed at least four masked federal agents wrestling the man, who was identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, to the ground before two others joined the skirmish and began hitting him. Moments later, several gunshots were heard, and the agents were seen springing to their feet. The man, who authorities claimed was armed, was seen lying motionless on the floor in the video. He was later confirmed dead by police. It is unclear from the footage who was responsible for the gunshots. The victim was identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37 - Michael Pretti The deadly shooting comes less than three weeks after Renee Good, a mother of three, was shot and killed in her car by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. As in the immediate aftermath of Goods case, which led to widespread protests, the details of what happened in Saturdays shooting are disputed. Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, called the shooting a tragic situation but claimed the shots were defensive because the agent had been fearing for his life. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials claimed the individual had been armed, with a gun and two magazines, when he approached agents who had been looking for an illegal alien wanted for violent assault. The agency claimed in a statement: An individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The officers attempted to disarm the suspect, but the armed suspect violently resisted. Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Jacob Frey, the Minneapolis mayor, said multiple ICE agents had pummelled him and shot him to death. Pretti was an intensive care nurse at the Veterans Administration (VA) who cared deeply about people and was upset by Mr Trumps immigration crackdown, his family said. In a statement, Prettis parents, Michael and Susan, said they were heartbroken and angry about their sons death and accused the Trump administration of telling sickening lies about the circumstances of the shooting. Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital, they said. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately he will not be with us to see his impact. I do not throw around the hero term lightly. However his last thought and act was to protect a woman. They claimed Pretti was clearly not holding a gun when he was attacked by Trumps murdering and cowardly ICE thugs and had his hands raised above his head when he was shot. The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting, they said. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Credit: Reuters Governor Tim Walz confirmed he had ordered the deployment of the Minnesota National Guard to Minneapolis following the shooting. Todd Blanche, the deputy US attorney general, blamed Minnesota officials for creating an escalation which he said led to the avoidable tragedy, and said a federal investigation was ongoing. Ms Noem claimed that Mr Walz and Mr Frey had refused to work with the federal authorities. They instead choose to encourage the destruction of their city and the crime against their people, she claimed. It appears that they want chaos to distract from the theft and the fraud and the corruption of their city. Brian OHara, the citys police chief, said officials had identified the person who was killed and said he had no criminal record. The only interaction that we are aware of with law enforcement has been for traffic tickets. And we believe he is a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, he told a press conference on Saturday. Later on Saturday, Mr OHara said the situation in Minneapolis was stable and peaceful after an earlier deterioration. Individuals began erecting barricades, throwing glass bottles, ice chunks and at least two separate fires were started in the immediate vicinity, he said. Minneapolis police had to escort firefighters so that they could safely extinguish those fires. A gun said to have been recovered at the scene - X Donald Trump, who threatened to use the Insurrection Act to deploy troops to the area, blamed local politicians and police for the shooting, while sharing a picture of the pistol on his Truth Social platform. 12,000 illegal alien criminals, many of them violent, have been arrested and taken out of Minnesota. If they were still there, you would see something far worse than you are witnessing today, he said. Writing on X, US vice president JD Vance said: When I visited Minnesota, what the ICE agents wanted more than anything was to work with local law enforcement so that situations on the ground didnt get out of hand. The local leadership in Minnesota has so far refused to answer those requests. A second video taken by a passing motorist appeared to show the moment officers confronted Pretti. Wearing a cap and camel-coloured coat, he was seen filming an ICE agent before being pushed away. The video ended shortly after other agents arrived at the scene. A second video appeared to show the moment officers confronted Pretti Testimony by two witnesses included in a lawsuit filed on Saturday by the Minnesota branch of the American Civil Liberties Union against Ms Noem states that a man, implied to be Pretti, had gotten in an altercation with ICE agents before being gunned down. The first witness, identified only as a local resident and childrens entertainer who specialises in face painting, alleged that the man had attempted to help another demonstrator who had been shoved to the ground by immigration officers, who then pepper sprayed the group. I didnt see him touch any of them he wasnt even turned toward them. It didnt look like he was trying to resist, just trying to help the woman up, claimed the witness. I didnt see him with a gun. They threw him to the ground. Four or five agents had him on the ground and they just started shooting him. They shot him so many times. Another witness, identified as a 29-year-old paediatrician, claimed ICE agents had initially refused to allow them to assess Pretti and that the agents said they did not know if the victim had a pulse. Instead of administering CPR, the officers appeared to be counting his bullet wounds, the witness said. When the witness was permitted to examine Pretti, they said they counted at least four bullet wounds and did not feel a pulse, then began to perform compressions. Mr Walz, a Democrat, described the shooting as sickening. He wrote on X: I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. This is sickening. The president must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now. Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate Minority Leader, said his caucus would block a spending bill to provide funding for DHS, characterising the legislation as woefully inadequate to rein in the abuses of ICE. Protesters clad in protective gear clashed with federal officers - Tim Evans/Reuters Federal officers deployed pepper spray as protesters chanted - Abbie Parr After the shooting, an angry crowd gathered and screamed profanities at federal officers, calling them cowards and telling them to go home. One agent responded mockingly as he walked away, telling them: Boo hoo. Officers elsewhere shoved a yelling protester into a car. Around three or four tear-gas bombs were deployed on the crowd, according to the New York Times. Protesters moved back but continued to chant: I smell Nazis. The shooting happened a day after thousands of demonstrators protesting a government crackdown on immigrants crowded the citys streets. Agents fired tear gas as demonstrators chanted I smell Nazis - Tim Evans/Reuters Governor Walz demanded Mr Trump pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota - Tim Evans/Reuters Protesters have gathered daily in the Twin Cities since Jan 7, when Good was shot dead. Mr Trump claimed the woman violently, wilfully and viciously ran over the ICE officer, who seems to have shot her in self-defence. His version of events has been challenged by Goods supporters and family, who denied she had user her car as a weapon, insisting she was attempting to escape the scene. The Telegraph analysed the video, which shows Good appeared to move her car away from the ICE agent, with whom she made no contact, casting doubt on the White Houses account. Extensive video footage has been used by both sides to support their cases, and the controversy has shown no signs of abating. The Trump administration has thrown its full weight behind ICE agents - Tim Evans/Reuters Minneapolis is the scene of a showdown between ICE and opponents to their operations - Tim Evans/Reuters Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who fired three times through the windows of her car, has received more than $1m (735,000) in donations from supporters. Saturdays shooting adds to intense scrutiny around federal immigration enforcement activity in the city as tempers between protesters and agents continue to flare. Federal officers have repeatedly squared off with community members and activists who track their movements. Mr Frey said: How many more residents, how many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end? How many more lives need to be lost before this administration realises that a political and partisan narrative is not as important as American values? How many times must local and national leaders plead with you, Donald Trump, to end this operation and recognise that this is not creating safety in our city? Later, Mr Frey said he had formally requested help from the National Guard to help city police officers. He said: The chaos that we are seeing is caused directly by ICE, border control and this federal administration, and urged protesters to remain peaceful. Lets not counter Donald Trumps chaos with our own version of chaos here. I understand that people are angry. Im angry. I understand that people are experiencing trauma. Mr Frey confirmed on social media that he had requested a restraining order in federal court to force ICE to halt its operations in Minneapolis. Iranian authorities are charging families extortionate amounts to retrieve their dead - AFP Farhad was blinded by the gas canister that struck his face when a bullet pierced his neck. Iranian security forces had fired on him during clashes with anti-regime protesters on the streets of Tehran. His friends screamed his name as he lay in a pool of blood. Meanwhile, his phone buzzed in his pocket with the unanswered calls from his parents. Two weeks after his death, his body remained out of reach from his parents in a government morgue held hostage by the Iranian authorities. In what has become a routine case of blackmail, officials are demanding Farhads mourning family sign a document declaring he wasnt a protester at all. They claim he was a member of the security forces, mown down in cold blood by violent anti-government rioters. Some families are refusing to play ball. Milad, whose name has been changed over fears for his safety, told The Telegraph: I will never sign their documents. The entire system is built on lies. The government is built on lies. I sacrificed my son for freedom. My heart is burning. He left this world like a lion. His refusal to sign means that his sons body remains in a government morgue, held hostage by the Iranian authorities. Milad is not alone. Witness accounts collected by The Telegraph show a campaign of government murder, coercion, harassment and blackmail to depict dead protesters as the very people who killed them. Some of the families of the nearly 5,000 protesters killed during the protests are being told they must pay up to 16,000 to be allowed to bury their loved ones, The Telegraph understands. If they say they were part of the regime, the fee is waived. Families of the protesters are blackmailed into accepting the regimes version of events to bury their loved ones - Atta Kenare/Getty For some, their children are buried without them knowing. One family spent four days searching hospitals and morgues for Javad, a 25-year-old university student who went out on the streets of Shiraz to protest with friends and never returned. On the fifth day, officials from the intelligence ministry called. He was dead, they were told, killed by other protesters. The distraught family were told hed already been buried and they were shown his grave, located in a section for security forces killed in the protests. He wasnt killed by protesters, said Javads uncle, who The Telegraph is not naming due to safety concerns. He added: The people he went out with were all his friends. They began clashing with repressive forces and lost him they did not know he had been shot. Doctors told us he was shot in the chest. He is no martyr of the Islamic Republic. The regimes crackdown on protesters has prompted mass demonstrations across the world - Henry Nicholls/AFP Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, the director of Norway-based Iran Human Rights, said his colleagues have documented multiple cases across the country following the same pattern. He said the regime aims to conflate the number of security forces killed and reduce the number of protesters killed. Mr Amiry-Moghaddam added: One reason for this practice is that the regime seeks to avoid international pressure for killing protesters. Another motive is to prepare the ground for future executions of protesters. Families will later be coerced into publicly demanding the execution of those responsible for the deaths, rather than exposing the reality that protesters were killed and then falsely portrayed as security force members. A funeral ceremony for members of Irans security forces in Tehran. The regime claimed they were killed during recent nationwide protests - Stringer/Getty But some families, like Farhads, are refusing to sign the documents brought to them by the security forces. For them, Iranian authorities are charging extortionate amounts for them to retrieve their relatives bodies. The fees vary depending on what officials determine the families can afford. One family was forced to pay more than 8,000 to retrieve their loved ones body, The Telegraph understands. Another was told to pay 16,000 and sign a statement declaring their son was a Basij member required to both pay and lie as the full price of grief. They look at peoples bank accounts, and whoever is wealthier, they demand more money from them, one witness said. The ransoms appear designed not just to generate revenue but to test families willingness to comply. Those who pay demonstrate submission, while those who refuse are forced to face indefinite separation from their dead. More than 2,570 people have been killed in the Iranian regimes escalating crackdown on the nationwide protests - Reuters The coercion begins the moment families start searching for their dead loved ones. Multiple witnesses have described a bureaucratic nightmare at Behesht-e Zahra cemetery in Tehran, where authorities initially deny bodies exist, then direct families to massive halls functioning as mass morgues. Alireza Rahimi, 26, was a shop owner in Tehran known for his fairness and kindness. On Jan 8, security forces shot him in the back. His familys search for his body revealed the scale of death and the sadistic efficiency of the states response. Alireza Rahimi, 26, was shot in the back by the Iranian security forces Families who couldnt locate bodies in the halls were directed outside to refrigerated trucks ice cream delivery vehicles and dairy transporters forced into service as mobile morgues because the hangars ran out of space. Rahimis family eventually found him with the help of an ambulance driver they paid to navigate the bureaucracy. His death certificate lists the cause as impact with a hard object, instead of a gunshot wound the official lie extending to medical documents. In Hamedan, 25-year-old Amir Bayat was killed by direct government fire during protests. Authorities refused to return his body to his widow unless the family identifies him as a Basij member. Amir Bayat, 25, was killed by direct government fire during protests in Hamedan In Nazarabad, 38-year-old Alireza Robat Jazei ran a shop. He had just got engaged when he was shot in the back. His family was faced with the same demand: sign a lie or forfeit the body. For families who retrieve bodies whether by succumbing to lies or ransoms the pressure continues through burial. Alireza Rahimis friends and family members held a birthday ceremony for him out of grief. They played music instead of religious songs. Neighbours gathered to clap and chant his name. Credit: X/@abdolah_abdi Back in Rey, Farhads father remains firm in his refusal. Farhad had been learning Spanish. He practised his conjugations at night after work and stumbled over the future tense. His textbook remains open on his desk, a bookmark holding his place in a lesson he will never finish. His fiance hasnt spoken since learning of his death. Doctors say its psychological shock a complete withdrawal from a reality too painful to process. His mother wakes up sometimes and forgets, just for a moment, that hes gone. She calls his name before remembering. Then her body gives out again, collapsing under grief too heavy to carry. I did not raise my son to die for dictators, his father said. He had no role in the IRGC, Basij or any part of the regime. A spokesman for the British Government said: We utterly condemn the terrible violence being used by the Iranian regime against those exercising their right to peaceful protest. The Government has already sanctioned the IRGC in its entirety, as well as more than 550 Iranian individuals and entities, and set out a robust package of measures to tackle threats from the Iranian regime. Mr Burnham (left) said it was a difficult decision to put himself forward for the by-election - Hollie Adams Sir Keir Starmer is facing a growing mutiny after Andy Burnham declared his intention to return to Westminster. Leading Labour figures, MPs and grassroots members came out in support of the Mayor of Greater Manchester in a co-ordinated campaign on Saturday after he announced his intention to run in the Gorton and Denton by-election. A Labour committee controlled by the Prime Ministers allies will decide on Sunday whether to block Mr Burnhams return to Parliament, amid fears that he will use his return to the back benches to mount a leadership challenge. Those close to Sir Keir are now faced with the dilemma of blocking Mr Burnham from standing as an MP risking a backlash from his supporters or permitting his return and effectively allowing a leadership challenge. Loyalists on the NEC have suggested Mr Burnhams return could be blocked by introducing rules that only allow women or ethnic minorities to be shortlisted for the by-election seat. However, Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary who also chairs the NEC, warned on Sunday that the public will not forgive Labour if it indulges in psychodrama. She dismissed suggestions that Mr Burnhams return to Westminster would destabilise the Prime Minister, and praised the Mayor for being a fantastic figure in Greater Manchester. But any move to prevent Mr Burnham from standing as an MP will now put Sir Keir at odds with senior party figures. On Saturday, Ed Miliband heaped praise on Mr Burnham, saying he would be a massive asset in Parliament. Meanwhile Lucy Powell, the deputy Labour leader, and Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, also backed Mr Burnhams return to Westminster. Wes Streeting, who is seen as a potential leadership candidate himself, said that anonymous briefings against Mr Burnham were a disgrace, adding that he was part of the team and should not be treated like that. It comes as the Prime Minister prepares to head to China this week, meaning he will be absent from Downing Street as his leadership is plunged into crisis and his party into a potential civil war. Mr Burnham who is known as the King of the North has made no secret of his ambitions to become Prime Minister. In the run-up to the Labour Party conference last year he said many MPs had urged him to mount a leadership challenge against Sir Keir. Andrew Gwynne, the suspended Labour MP, confirmed this week that he would step down from his north-west England seat of Gorton and Denton, opening the door for Mr Burnham to seek a return to Westminster via a by-election. Announcing his intention to run, the Manchester mayor promised that he would not undermine the Prime Ministers leadership. As a current Labour mayor, Mr Burnham must seek the express permission of the National Executive Committee (NEC) to stand. The 10-member committee is expected to announce its decision within the next 24 hours. There was mounting support for Mr Burnhams return to Westminster throughout Saturday, with Left-wing politicians and friends of Mr Burnham insisting he should be allowed to become an MP. He will be a massive asset Speaking at the Fabian society conference, Mr Miliband said: I think Andy has done an outstanding job in Greater Manchester. I think he will be a massive asset in Parliament, so my view on this is that I very much hope that the local party will have the option of picking Andy as a candidate. Asked whether it raised questions about Sir Keirs leadership, he added: Not in my view. I think its really important Keir needs the best team serving under him, and the Labour Party needs to look outwards and not inwards and it needs to be loyal to Keir and it needs to get on with the job of serving the country. Speaking at the same event, Sir Sadiq said he would knock some doors for him if his Greater Manchester counterpart decided to stand in an upcoming by-election. He added: If Andy Burnham wants to be a member of Parliament, Andy Burnham should be a member of Parliament. Ms Powell told the socialist gathering: I think its going to be maybe the most consequential by-election of this Parliament. And in that context, I would want to see the very best candidate to help Labour win in that very difficult by-election. I want the best candidate to come forward and someone who will be able to move forward to help us win. Shortly after he announced his candidacy Mainstream, a newly formed soft-Left group endorsed by Mr Burnham, launched a petition directed to Shabana Mahmood, the NEC chairman, calling for a fair, democratic and open selection in Gorton and Denton. In an email sent to members, Mainstream said: Local party members, and the people of Gorton and Denton, must have the opportunity to select and elect the strongest possible Labour candidate to take on Reform with no qualified candidates excluded. Its worrying. We must unite Several Labour backbenchers, including Karl Turner and Nadia Whittome, piled pressure on Sir Keirs supporters not to block the northern Mayors return to Westminster. In a series of social media posts, Labour MPs warned of a rupture in the party if Mr Burnham was blocked from standing. This idea of attempting to block Andy Burnham from standing is going to cause the most raving row by the reaction of some Labour MPs, Mr Turner said. Its very worrying. We must unite. Ms Whittome said: Sorry but if the most unpopular Labour government in history intervenes to block our only senior Labour politician with a net positive public approval rating in doing so risking handing victory to a far-Right party thats putting petty factionalism before the country. The last person at Labour HQ had better turn the lights off on their way out. Ian Byrne, a Labour MP, said the party should be begging Mr Burnham to stand, adding: Keeping Reform out of Gorton and Denton is imperative. Bring on the super sub Chris Webb, another Labour backbencher, added: Blocking Andy Burnham from Gorton & Denton will have serious lasting consequences. When youre 20 down at half time, you bring on the super sub to help the team win. Kim Johnson, an MP on the Left of the party, said: Blocking Andy to satisfy factional interests would be a serious mistake & would have long-lasting consequences. Cat Smith, a former frontbencher, told the BBC on Saturday morning that party members not Labour HQ should decide who stood in the forthcoming by-election. It would be disappointing if No 10 blocked strong candidates from standing, she concluded. But the Prime Ministers allies on the NEC have been ramping up their rhetoric about the Greater Manchester Mayors unsuitability to run as an MP. You cant really find anyone on the NEC that thinks it is a great idea for him to stand, one said. There are innumerable reasons why it is a really terrible idea. They explained that the Labour Party was absolutely skint at the moment and it would be costly to run a mayoral election campaign, should Mr Burnham vacate the post to run as an MP. However, the MP acknowledged that blocking Mr Burnhams return could come at a hefty cost for Sir Keir. Nothing that you do in politics comes without a price, a source said. If we did this, what signals does it send? Is the publicity worse? A Labour insider told The Telegraph that there is no way Mr Burnham will be approved by the NEC as the numbers arent there. I have today written to the Chair of Labour's National Executive Committee seeking permission to enter the selection process for a candidate for the forthcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. Read my letter here. pic.twitter.com/TwKgADsuSB Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) January 24, 2026 Mr Burnham issued a lengthy statement on Saturday evening, explaining why he wanted to return to Westminster after nine years as Manchester mayor. He said it had been a difficult decision but he had given careful thought to what was in the best interests of the Labour Party and of Manchester. Praising Sir Keir, Mr Burnham said: The progress already made on rail renationalisation, bus re-regulation, the housing crisis and devolution is truly impressive. My role in returning would be to use my experience to help it go further and faster, as well as communicate the difference it is making. I would be there to support the work of the Government, not undermine it, and I have passed on this assurance to the Prime Minister. Mr Burnham said he would run a hopeful and unifying campaign that would focus on being honest about the alienation people feel from politics. An elderly man is fighting for life after being hit by an e-scooter whose rider then fled the scene. The pedestrian, in his 80s, suffered serious injuries in a collision with the electric vehicle travelling westbound along The Vale, Ealing. Metropolitan Police officers, alongside the London Ambulance Service, attended the smash at around 2.30pm on Friday. A force spokesman said: A man in his 80s was treated and taken to hospital where he remains in a life-threatening condition. The driver of the e-scooter stopped briefly before abandoning the scooter and heading off on foot along The Vale towards Acton. Detective Sergant Fiaz Janjua, from the Mets Serious Collison Investigation Unit, added: Our investigation is ongoing, and we continue to review CCTV footage from the area at the time of the incident. E-scooter crash on The Vale, Ealing (Google Maps) However, we are appealing to the public for assistance and ask that anyone who witnessed the accident to contact police as soon as possible. Any information could be helpful to the investigation. On Thursday morning, an e-scooter rider in his 20s died after a collision with a No 136 bus on Southampton Way, Peckham. In 2024, there were 1,312 collisions involving e-scooters across the UK. Six people died in those crashes. Anyone with information is asked to call the Serious Collision Unit on 0207 960 8041 or 101, quoting reference CAD4159/23Jan. 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The US Department of Homeland Security said Border Patrol agents fired in defence at a 37-year-old white resident who approached them with a handgun and two magazines. He was identified by his parents as Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse born in Illinois. Police Chief Brian OHara told reporters he is believed to be a US citizen. He did not release the name of the man, who he said was a lawful gun owner with no criminal record. Footage circulating on social media and aired on cable news stations showed people wearing masks and tactical vests wrestling with a man on a snow-covered street before shots are heard. Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse born in Illinois (Supplied) In the video, the man falls to the ground, and several more shots are heard. Later, clips from the area showed immigration agents deploying tear gas on a growing crowd of onlookers. BREAKING: The man fatally shot by a federal officer in Minneapolis was ICU nurse Alex Pretti, his parents say, according to the Associated Press news agency. Latest: https://t.co/oY4iGn5lcO Sky 501 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/3kbB0WHlNS Sky News (@SkyNews) January 24, 2026 On his Truth Social media platform, President Donald Trump defended the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers involved. He alleged without the full facts being established: This is the gunmans gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why werent they allowed to protect ICE Officers? The Mayor and the Governor called them off? It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves Not an easy thing to do! Mayor Jacob Frey called for an immediate end to the Trump administrations immigration enforcement operations in the state. Handgun Department of Homeland Security says was recovered from dead man (via REUTERS) Frey said at a news conference: How many more residents, how many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end? The state governor and two senators also called for federal agents to leave. US President Trump has been briefed on the shooting, a White House official told Reuters. OHara said there was a volatile scene at the site of the shooting and asked people to avoid the area, adding: Please do not destroy our city. A person is tackled by federal agents amid protests in Minneapolis (Getty Images) The nearby Minneapolis Institute of Art said it had closed for the day due to safety concerns. Protesters retreat after federal agents fire tear gas in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Getty Images) The shooting came one day after more than 10,000 people took to the frigid streets to protest the presence of the 3,000 federal agents who have been ordered to the state by Trump. Residents have been angered by several incidents, including the killing of 37-year-old American woman Renee Good, plus the detentions of a US citizen taken from his home in his underwear and schoolchildren, including a five-year-old boy. The 37-year-old Minnesota resident, who was shot by federal authorities in Minneapolis Saturday morning, was identified as Alex Pretti, who worked as an ICU nurse. CBS News Minnesota reporter Jonah Kaplan reports Pretti worked for Veteran Affairs. pic.twitter.com/YP3Ag1E7ZM CBS News (@CBSNews) January 24, 2026 On Thursday, Vice President JD Vance visited Minneapolis to show support for immigration officers and to ask local leaders and activists to reduce tensions, saying ICE was carrying out an important mission to detain immigration violators. Alex Pretti. Photograph: Dimitri Drekonja (Photograph: Dimitri Drekonja) The Minnesota man who was killed by federal agents on Saturday has been identified as Alex Pretti, 37, a registered nurse working in the intensive care unit at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, which serves veterans. It is the second fatal shooting this month in Minneapolis, in addition to another non-fatal shooting, amid a major crackdown in Minnesota by federal agents. Related: 37-year-old US citizen shot and killed by federal agents in Minneapolis Pretti attended nursing school at the University of Minnesota, where he was also a junior scientist beginning in 2012, according to his LinkedIn profile. Friends and colleagues expressed shock at his killing, describing Pretti as a kind, caring person who cared deeply about his work. He wanted to help people, said Dimitri Drekonja, chief of infectious diseases at the VA hospital and professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, who worked with Pretti at the hospital and on a research project. He was a super nice, super helpful guy looked after his patients. Im just stunned. He described Pretti as an outstanding nurse and a hard worker, quick with a joke and an infectious spirit. He was such a good dude, Drekonja told the Guardian. I just love working with him. Prettis family, meanwhile, have pushed back on the Trump administrations account that Pretti had threatened to attack officers with a gun. We are heartbroken but also very angry, said Michael and Susan Pretti, Alexs parents, said in a statement shared with the media. The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting, the family statement continued. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trumps murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper-sprayed. Please get the truth out about our son, Prettis parents urged. He was a good man. Michael Pretti described his son to the Associated Press as someone who cared about people deeply, and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, as millions of other people are upset. He felt that doing the protesting was a way to express that, you know, his care for others, the elder Pretti said. Videos circulating online on Saturday show Pretti directing traffic and filming federal agents, his right hand holding up his phone and his left hand empty. Another video shows him being wrestled to the ground by several law enforcement officers before appearing to be shot several times. At least two officers can be seen with their weapons drawn. Other videos show Pretti seemingly coming to the defense of a legal observer who was shoved to the ground by a federal officer. That officer then sprays Pretti with a chemical agent, repeatedly, before tackling him to the street along with other agents. As at least five agents surround Pretti on the ground, one appears to fire a shot at him at close range, followed by a volley of more shots, after which his body goes still. From what I can see, he was trying to help pull someone away, which is just totally in character for him, Drekonja said. Police chief Brian OHara later said during a press conference on Saturday that Prettis only known previous interaction with law enforcement was for traffic tickets. OHara also noted Pretti was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. Prettis parents, who lived in Wisconsin and are now in Colorado, told the AP that during a recent conversation with their son, they warned him about being careful during protests. We had this discussion with him two weeks ago or so, you know, that go ahead and protest, but do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically, Michael Pretti said. And he said he knows that. He knew that. When Pretti was in nursing school, Drekonja hired him to help support a study on preventing C diff, a devastating bacterial infection. He was instrumental in completing our trial, Drekonja said. He was always asking the rest of the team what he could do. He was always trying to do what he could to free up space for others. Pretti obtained his nursing license in 2021, and it was active through 2026. He also assisted on research in 2016. The Minnesota Organization of Registered Nurses (MNORN) released a statement about Prettis death that said: Today, our nursing community is grieving. We have lost a fellow registered nurse to an act of violence connected to immigration enforcement. Regardless of where each of us stands on the issues surrounding this moment, the loss of a nurse, a caregiver, a colleague, a human being cuts us deeply. This message is not about politics. It is about mourning a life taken too soon and honoring the calling we all share. As nurses, we understand loss in a way others may not understand. We know how quickly life can change, how fragile safety can feel, and how pain reaches far beyond one individual to families, coworkers, patients, and communities. When one nurse is lost, all of us feel it. Dr Aasma Shaukat, who told the Washington Post that she hired Pretti at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System about a decade ago, recalled him to be the sweetest, kindest, gentlest soul you ever met. He was very bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, he wanted to get into the health care field, work with patients and be a nurse, she told the Post. He did wonderful. Did his work really well, was a team player. Shaukat also said Pretti always stood for people and human rights, helping fellow citizens and just being a good citizen of society and the communities that he lived in. Of the videos circulating on the shooting, Shaukat told the paper: It just feels so wrong. Knowing Alex, he was probably trying to protect or help or shield somebody from the agents. He had not a single mean bone in his body; always spoke about doing the right thing. Pretti loved mountain biking, and he and Drekonja always talked about biking together on the trails they both frequented. He found humor in life, and thats whats just so sad about seeing this, Drekonja said. Its just a huge tragedy. Victoria Bekiempis contributed reporting When Iowa dog mom Jayna Johnson rescued a deaf, all-white Great Dane puppy whom she named Samsyhn, he was just four months old. She knew he'd be a massive dog when he grew up, but not even she could have predicted that he'd be this big. At 140 pounds and about 40 inches tall, Samsyhn could be in the running for the World's Tallest Dog (living). This three-year-old could still put on more weight as he continues to grow, but he's more than ready to get the Guinness Book of World Records on the phone. There's only one problemhe's scared of the tape measure that's needed to make it official! What a silly boy! Between his impressive height and his tape measure phobia, Samsyhn really is a gentle giant. No wonder everyone in his neighborhood has fallen head over heels for him! This big boy may live a chill life with his family in Cedar Falls, Iowa, but when he's out and about, he's more of a celebrity than a pet. With his massive size, he turns heads everywhere he goes! Given how many people, including his daycare friends, were shocked by his height, it's surprising Jayna hadn't tried to measure him before. Related: Moment 'World's Tallest' Great Dane Meets 'World's Shortest' Chihuahua Is Sheer Perfection When he started to grow and have growth spurts, we actually joked here about his size, about him becoming the largest dog, Jayna told KPLC. Once his pals at Fast Tracks daycare discovered that the tallest living dog measures 39 inches from the top of their shoulders to the ground, they knew they had to get Samsyhn's measurements, too. This sweet deaf dog steals hearts everywhere he goes, and now he's got thousands of new fans on the Internet, too. When he overcomes his fear of tape measures, he'll have so many people cheering him on! White Great Danes As Jayna explained in the news segment, Samsyhn's all-white coloring isn't normal for a Great Dane. The same gene that gives this pup his snowy-colored coat is also responsible for his deafness! This phenomenon has been thoroughly studied in dogs and cats of many breeds, which is why it is so important for breeders to be careful and thorough when matching male and female dogs. It can impact vision, hearing, skin, and a lot of health issues later in life," Jayna added. "Some of them, their organs wont develop all the way. They might die at a young age, and hes at higher risk now for a lot of health issues throughout his life." Samsyhn and his mom are using their fifteen minutes of fame to remind others of the importance of ethical dog breeding. Perhaps one day soon, they'll take their platform even further if he's officially crowned the World's Tallest Dog! 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 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A Minneapolis protester allegedly bit off a Homeland Security agents finger on Saturday, the same day a Border Patrol officer fatally shot ICU nurse Alex Pretti, Department of Homeland Security officials said. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin shared graphic photos on X showing the officers bleeding finger alongside the severed portion preserved in a jar. In Minneapolis, these rioters attacked our law enforcement officer and one of them bit off our HSI officers finger, McLaughlin wrote. He will lose his finger. She also posted images of two individuals allegedly involved in the attack, though their roles and identities remain unclear. President Donald Trump reshared McLaughlins posts on Truth Social but did not comment directly on the incident at the time of publication. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin claimed Saturday that a Homeland Security agent will lose his finger after a Minneapolis protester allegedly bit it off (Getty Images) The incidents come amid escalating protests in Minneapolis following a series of violent encounters during federal immigration enforcement operations, which have already resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens. Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, was shot and killed Saturday morning by federal agents during an immigration operation. Pretti, a U.S. citizen with no criminal record beyond minor traffic offenses, had been taking part in protests against the federal crackdown when he became involved in a confrontation with multiple officers. Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot dead by federal agents during an anti-ICE demonstration on Saturday (AP) Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara confirmed Prettis identity and said he was a lawful gun owner with a carry permit. Federal authorities, including DHS, claimed that Pretti approached Border Patrol agents armed with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun and two magazines and violently resisted attempts to disarm him, prompting an officer to fire in what officials described as defensive action. Border Patrol leadership characterized the encounter as one in which the individual appeared intent on causing maximum harm. However, local officials and bystander video present a more nuanced picture, showing Pretti being wrestled to the ground and struggling with multiple agents before he was shot. Questions remain about the precise circumstances of the shooting, including the presence and use of his firearm at the time. Prettis death marks the second fatal shooting by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis in less than three weeks, following the killing of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good during a separate incident, and another man being shot in the leg while fleeing immigration officials days later. Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, promises, in his request for permission to stand in a by-election to return to Westminster, to support the work of the government, not undermine it. But his very presence in the House of Commons would be a distraction for the prime minister. Sir Keir Starmer has scored successes on the international stage in recent days. He pushed Elon Musk to disable his pornographic AI. He stood firm against Donald Trump on Greenland, and demanded an apology for the US presidents slur on allied forces in Afghanistan. The Independent wants to see him do better on the domestic front and it remains to be seen whether he will make the most of his parliamentary majority to deliver sufficient change before the run up to the next general election. At that point, it might become necessary to consider all means necessary to defeat Nigel Farage. We do not believe that it would be in the national interest that the leader of Reform should become prime minister. Trying to avert such an outcome, particularly if it were secured by about 30 per cent of the vote, would justify exceptional measures. If Sir Keir is at that point such a drag on the Labour ticket that his continued leadership makes such an outcome more likely, then the question of replacing him will arise. For the next two years, however, leadership plotting is divisive, damaging and premature. However much Mr Burnham may protest that his only desire is to help the government go further and faster in improving the country and to communicate the difference it is making, he will be the focus of such plotting. Sir Keir has been prime minister for just 18 months. He has made mistakes, and he has been forced to raise taxes to stabilise the public finances that were left to him in a frankly shameful state by Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt. But replacing the prime minister now, even if it could be achieved with the minimum of fuss, which it could not, would do nothing to secure better government. On the contrary, it would present the Labour Party as a panicky, disunited rabble, and suggest that many of its leading figures had learned nothing from the instability of the Conservative Party changing prime ministers four times in six years. As things stand, it is not even clear that Mr Burnham would be a better prime minister than Sir Keir. Mr Burnham may be a better communicator. He has a more relaxed and authentic style of speaking. He is unusually popular for a contemporary British politician, with a positive reputation in his northwestern heartland that is reflected in the rest of the country. He has a decent record as mayor of integrating public transport and of fighting for the interests of his city during the pandemic. But these are superficial claims to the highest office. Mr Burnham has no alternative economic strategy apart from hinting that he would like to borrow more to pay for even higher public spending. The smallest step in that direction would be disastrous for a country that needs to go the opposite way. His record of ministerial office he was health secretary for 11 months after brief tenures of more junior posts was hardly so stellar that the nation is crying out for him as someone who could finally deliver some meaningful change. If all that he has to offer is a fresh face and a different accent, then the time to do that might be much closer to the next election, when he has served his third term as mayor, and Sir Keir has been given a fair chance to prove himself. If Labours national executive committee refuses to grant exceptional permission to allow a mayor to break his promise to the people of a city-region, it will be acting in the national interest. Now is not the time to undermine the prime minister. Outraged residents in a New York town have demanded the resignation of a school board member they claim is an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. Christopher Harrigan is a trustee on the Mahopac Central School Districts Board of Education. He had been a resident of Mahopac since 2012 and has nearly 20 years of law enforcement experience, according to his member profile. Harrigan has been at the center of a recent controversy about his day job. A group protesting immigration enforcement in Putnam County has claimed that Harrigan has been participating in ICE arrests. The Independent could not verify that Harrigan is an ICE agent and has reached out to him for comment. Things got heated at a school board meeting on Thursday when some attendees raised concerns about a conflict of interest with Harrigan as a trustee. "How can you ensure safety when one of your own is working for an organization that is terrorizing children and families?" Mahopac resident Laura Ferrelli said, per ABC7. Outraged residents in Mahopac, New York, have demanded the resignation of Christopher Harrigan, a school board member they claim is an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer (Mahopac Central School District) President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown in cities across the United States has caused tensions to rise between anti-ICE protesters and federal agents. Most recently, there has been public outcry after a five-year-old boy and his father were detained by ICE agents in Minnesota. Liam Ramos and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, who the Department of Homeland Security has called an illegal alien from Ecuador, were detained Tuesday afternoon as they returned home from the childs preschool. DHS said Conejo Arias had fled, abandoning Ramos, when federal agents approached him and that, for the childs safety, an ICE officer remained with the child while the other officers apprehended Conejo Arias. The familys lawyer, Marc Prokosch, told reporters that the father was not an illegal migrant and that he was seeking asylum. Mary Granlund, the school board chair for Columbia Heights Public Schools, who witnessed the ICE operation, told reporters that another adult who lived at the familys house said they would take Ramos. President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown has included the detention of five-year-old Liam Ramos and his father (Courtesy of Columbia Heights Public Schools) Meeting attendee, Bailia Lemonik, told Mahopacs school board Thursday, We cannot have an individual who is responsible for that fear on our school board, ABC7 reported. But the majority of attendees supported Harrigan. "A trustee's career outside district duties should not be weaponized against them," Mahopac resident Kate Bellantoni said, according to the news outlet. The school board has also backed Harrigan. Board President Michael Mongon said at the meeting, "This Board of Education stands united behind trustee Chris Harrigan and will not be entertaining his removal. Pep Guardiola bemoaned refereeing standards as he called for an explanation as to why Manchester City were denied in penalty in Saturdays victory over Wolves. City comfortably saw off the Premier Leagues bottom side 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium to end a run of four games without a win. It cut Arsenals lead at the top of the table to four points but Guardiolas most pointed post-match comments were over an officiating decision that went against them. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had complaints despite victory (Martin Rickett/PA) (Martin Rickett) Referee Farai Hallam, who was taking charge of his first Premier League game, refused City a spot-kick with the score 1-0 after Omar Marmoush flicked the ball against Yerson Mosqueras arm. The VAR asked Hallam to review his decision on the pitchside monitor but he decided to stick by his original verdict, considering Mosqueras arm to have been in a natural position. Guardiola was enraged and suggested the incident compounded frustration on top of a long list of injuries and a decision not to send Manchester Uniteds Diogo Dalot off for a foul on Jeremy Doku in last weeks derby defeat. The City manager said: These (last) two seasons I had the feeling, why dont I have the players? That is my only regret. I would love to have the players to fight against that. They won despite them. The referee made a huge debut. Now everybody will know him. I think its the first time they go to the TV and disallow what is a normal position of the arms. I am pretty sure (referees chief) Howard Webb is going to appear in the media with an explanation why it is not a penalty and what they have done against United. I think it is the first time they have done it but the situation was a little bit of a doubt. That is why Jeremy could not play (against Bodo/Glimt) in Norway, for the action from Dalot. Manchester Citys Antoine Semenyo celebrates scoring (Martin Rickett/PA) (Martin Rickett) Im waiting. Howard Webb come tomorrow and explain why its not a penalty. Bring me back the (injured) players please to fight (as) we have done since day one. Marmoush put City ahead after six minutes and Antoine Semenyo doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time. Semenyo also hit the woodwork in the second half but Wolves did show some spirit and hit the bar themselves through Mosquera late on. Guardiola said: The energy was really good in the first half. The last 20-25 minutes were a bit flat but, considering the amount of games, it was a good result and hopefully we can take good energy for our game on Wednesday. Wolves manager Rob Edwards felt Hallam made the correct decision. He said: I thought his arm was in a natural position. I thought fair play to Farai in his first game in the Premier League to be able to make that call. I think it was the right call. My concern is that the VAR made him go to the screen and wasted four or five minutes. Pool and facade of the Gran Hotel Mas den Bruno in Spain (PA) Escaping the well-trodden tourist trails of Barcelona's coastline, a winding mountain road leads to a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Catalonia. Vineyards cling to steep slopes, and vibrant wildflowers dot the landscape, hinting at the unique destination ahead. Just an hour's drive southwest from Barcelona Airport, the Gran Hotel Mas den Bruno emerges from behind a final bend, its distinctive red facade a welcome sight. This boutique hotel, opened just two years ago by the Stein Group, is a sensitive adaptation of an 18th-century estate. Guests can relax on private terraces adorned with climbing vines, a tranquil extension of the surrounding landscape. Inside, the spa pays homage to the estate's history, designed around the original olive press, a relic of a bygone era that still stands today. Pool and facade Gran Hotel Mas den Bruno, Torroja del Priorat, Tarragona, , Spain (PA) Even a widespread freak power cut across the Iberian Peninsula and large swathes of France does little to dampen spirits. Sitting in the sunshine, admiring the views with my wine cocktail, I can think of worse places to be stuck. While Im sure the hotel staff dont share my relaxed reaction, theres very little disruption, and a barbecue is produced to support the efforts of the kitchen. Everything is down but our attitudes, Im told, as undaunted chefs prepare a meal of multiple courses. The power cut also does not impact me being able to enjoy a relaxing massage in the hotel spa, and a dip in the indoor pool, blissfully bathing in both the warm water and the rays of sun coming through the windows. Crispy lamb terrine, roasted potatoes and mushrooms prepared by chefs at the Gran Hotel Mas den Bruno despite a power cut (PA) Dinner is even more impressive at the Vinum restaurant, with a stunning meal of grilled tuna cheek and a crispy lamb terrine produced by chefs wearing head torches. A taste of the fruits of the land A hot and challenging landscape means that not every variety of grape can thrive in this region. But in 2000, the nearby Priorat Winery was granted the top wine region grade, matching Rioja. Chief executive, Sheri, takes us to survey the vines dotted up and down the hill. Next we see where the new crops will be harvested in the autumn, how they are crushed to extract the juice and processed along the way until they reach the barrel room. The barrel room at the Perinet Winery in the Priorat region of Spain (PA) Wines from 2018 and 2019 are currently being sold, but we get the chance to sample some of the younger wines at various stages still waiting to mature and finally be bottled. Dining with 180 degree views While the Priorat isnt the best-known area of Spain for most holidaymakers coming from the UK, it is well-loved by wine connoisseurs and adventurers. Cyclists and climbers come for the quiet roads and many rockfaces. There is also plenty to fascinate history lovers, including the ruins of the Carthusian Monastery of Escaladei. Abandoned in the 18th century, in recent years it has been opened to the public to visit. Courtesy of virtual reality headsets, it is possible to slip back in time to when the monastery was bustling with monks offering prayers and growing crops. Writer Rebecca Black enjoys the views from the eaterie Refugi in the village of Siurana in Spain (PA) However my favourite visit is to the village of Siurana, dramatically perched on top of a hill. We spot plenty of climbers across the cliff faces as we approach the village that earned its place in history as the last Moorish stronghold in Catalonia before it fell in 1153, leaving behind the remains of the castle as well as dramatic legends. At the extreme of the village is Refugi restaurant, which offers tapas and wine to diners while they enjoy a remarkable panoramic view of the dramatic mountains around it. How to plan your trip Gran Hotel Mas den Bruno hosted Sarah Marshall for this trip. Doubles at Gran Hotel Mas den Bruno cost from 360 per night including breakfast. Visit masdenbruno.com or call +34 877 676 070. Gentileschis Judith Beheading Holofernes (Uffizi Gallery/Wikimedia) A rare self-portrait by the Italian Old Master painter Artemisia Gentileschi, completed when she was just 20 years old, will be auctioned next month and could fetch up to $3.5m (2.6m). One of the most notable figures in the history of art, Gentileschis life has been the subject of as much fascination as her work, as she rose to fame across Europe in the 17th century at a time when few women artists were formally recognised. Trained in Rome with her father, the painter Orazio Gentileschi, she lived a secluded life while rapidly developing her talent and skills, working contemporaneously with Caravaggio. In the self-portrait being auctioned by Christies in February, she represents herself as the fourth-century martyr saint Catherine of Alexandria a depiction she would repeat in another painting a year or two later, which currently hangs in the National Gallery in London. In both, she can be seen holding a symbol of martyrdom, the palm frond, and wearing a crown, pointing to Catherines royal birth. Recounted in Jacobus de Voragines collection of 153 hagiographies, The Golden Legend compiled around 1259 Catherines story goes that she successfully defended her faith to more than 50 esteemed philosophers summoned by the Roman emperor Maxentius, and converted them all. Artemisia Gentileschis self-portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria on display at the National Gallery (The National Gallery/CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) She was sentenced to death, bound to revolving wheels studded with spikes, but was freed by divine intervention. Letizia Treves, the global head of research and expertise in Old Masters at Christies, said that by endowing Saint Catherine with her own features, Gentileschi created an intimate union between artist and subject. Gentileschis portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria, which is being auctioned by Christies (National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design/Wikimedia) Many of Artemisias paintings feature women from the Bible and ancient history as their main protagonists, she said. Such subjects were by no means unusual at the time, but Artemisia brought a particular realism and psychological depth to her heroines strength, passion and vulnerability. Gentileschi left Rome following the notorious trial in which fellow painter Agostino Tassi, who had been invited into the family home as her tutor, was found guilty of raping her but not forced to serve his sentence. The case, in which the 17-year-old Gentileschi and her father pressed charges against Tassi, was unprecedented at the time and widely publicised; she was tortured during the seven-month trial and cross-examined by her attacker. She asserted herself as a formidable artist upon arriving in Florence, where she established her own studio and gained a measure of independence upon marrying a little-known Florentine artist, Pierantonio Stiattesi. There, she secured commissions from important collectors, including members of the Medici family. In July 1616, she was made the first female member of the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno in Florence. However, her work, which was frequently misattributed or neglected for centuries, was not propelled into contemporary mainstream discourse about art until the 1970s, following the publication of Linda Nochlins essay Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists? Gentileschis Judith Heheading Holofernes (Uffizi Gallery/Wikimedia) Since then, and particularly in the wake of the MeToo movement, her work has become a source of study and fascination, while her life has also been made the subject of novels, plays and films. Particularly, her work Judith Beheading Holofernes (1612-1613) has led to her being dubbed a proto-feminist icon, thanks to its powerful image of a woman beheading a powerful man. In 2020, she was the subject of a landmark exhibition at the National Gallery, helping to propel her into the public consciousness. The self-portrait will be auctioned by Christies during Classic Week at Christies New York on 4 February 2026, and be on view to the public from 29 January at Christies Rockefeller Center Galleries. Michael Jager, head of the European Taxpayers Association, said Donald Trump was unpredictable, and that this meant our gold is no longer safe in the Feds vaults. Photograph: Michael Dalder/Reuters (Photograph: Michael Dalder/Reuters) Germany is facing calls to withdraw its billions of euros worth of gold from US vaults, spurred on by the shift in transatlantic relations and the unpredictability of Donald Trump. Germany holds the worlds second biggest national gold reserves after the US, of which approximately 164bn (142bn) worth 1,236 tonnes is stored in New York. Emanuel Monch, a leading economist and former head of research at Germanys federal bank, the Bundesbank, called for the gold to be brought home, saying it was too risky for it to be kept in the US under the current administration. Given the current geopolitical situation, it seems risky to store so much gold in the US, he told the financial newspaper Handelsblatt. In the interest of greater strategic independence from the US, the Bundesbank would therefore be well advised to consider repatriating the gold. Related: World stock markets brace for turbulence after Trumps latest tariff shock Stefan Kornelius, the spokesperson for Friedrich Merzs coalition government, said recently that withdrawal of the gold reserves was not currently under consideration. But Monch is only the latest in a string of economists and financial experts to argue that such a move would be in keeping with the greater strategic independence that Europes largest economy has been seeking from the US in recent months. Michael Jager, the head of the European Taxpayers Association (TAE) as well as the Association of German Taxpayers, has also said Berlin should make its move, arguing that the USs stated desire to seize Greenland should concentrate minds. Trump is unpredictable and he does everything to generate revenue. Thats why our gold is no longer safe in the Feds vaults, Jager told the Rheinische Post. What happens if the Greenland provocation continues? The risk is increasing that the German Bundesbank will no longer be able to access its gold. Therefore, it should repatriate its reserves. Jager said he had written last year to the Bundesbank and the finance ministry, urging them to bring our gold home. Until recently the gold issue has been the preserve mainly of the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD), which has repeatedly urged the return of the gold for patriotic reasons. But it has increasingly crept into the mainstream discourse. Katharina Beck, the finance spokesperson for the opposition Greens in the Bundestag, has also spoken out in favour of relocating the gold bars, calling them an important anchor of stability and trust, which must not become pawns in geopolitical disputes. However, Clemens Fuest, the president of the Institute for Economic Research (Ifo) and one of the countrys most prominent economists, warned against such a move, saying it could lead to unintended consequences and would only pour oil on the fire of the current situation, he told the Rheinische Post. Germanys total gold reserves are worth almost 450bn. Just over half are held at the Bundesbank in Frankfurt am Main, 37% in the vaults of the US Federal Reserve in New York and 12% at the Bank of England in London, the global centre of gold trading. The Bundesbank says it regularly undertakes an audit of the supplies of gold it holds in storage. Speaking last October at the International Monetary Funds (IMF) autumn meetings in Washington DC, the Bundesbank president, Joachim Nagel, assured attenders there was no cause for concern over the German gold held at the US Federal Reserve. Related: World is entering time of great power politics, warns German chancellor Frauke Heiligenstadt, the parliamentary group spokesperson on financial policy for the Social Democrats, junior partners in the government, said that while she understood concerns about the gold reserves, there was no need for panic. Germanys gold reserves are well diversified, she said. Because half of them are located in Frankfurt, our ability to act is guaranteed. Having gold in New York made sense, she added, because Germany, Europe and the US are closely linked in terms of financial policy. But, amid Trumps hardening rhetoric towards his western partners, an increasing number of Merzs Christian Democrats have been speaking out in favour of relocation. Due to the Trump administration, the US is no longer a reliable partner, Ulrike Neyer, a professor of economics at the University of Dusseldorf, told the Rheinische Post. Fires broke out in several buildings hit by drone debris while heat and water services in parts of the capital were interrupted, Kyivs mayor said. Photograph: Ukrainian emergency services/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Ukrainian emergency services/AFP/Getty Images) Russia launched a major drone and missile attack targeting Ukraines two largest cities, Kyiv and Kharkiv, early on Saturday, as US, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met in the United Arab Emirates for a second day of tripartite peace talks. Peace efforts? Trilateral meeting in the UAE? Diplomacy? For Ukrainians, this was another night of Russian terror, the countrys foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, said after the latest Russian assault on critical infrastructure. Cynically, Putin ordered a brutal massive missile strike against Ukraine right while delegations are meeting in Abu Dhabi to advance the America-led peace process. His missiles hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table. This barbaric attack once again proves that Putins place is not at (US President Donald Trumps) Board of Peace, but in the dock of the special tribunal, Sybiha wrote on X. Despite the the latest wave of attacks, the talks in Abu Dhabi resumed on Saturday morning. When talks broke up later in the day, both sides suggested they were open to more dialogue, with Zelenskyy describing the talks as constructive, suggesting another round of talks could be held perhaps as early as next week. With Kyiv and other cities in the midst of widespread outages of heat, water and power after Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, officials in the capital said one person had been killed and at least 15 injured in strikes that continued until morning. Engineers in Kyiv face the huge task of reconnecting apartment buildings to heating. They said 6,000 of the citys apartment blocks were without heat on Saturday morning, 4,000 more than in previous days, including many that had recently been reconnected. Initial estimates suggested that at least 1.2 million consumers were without power across the country, including 800,000 in Kyiv. The Ukrainian air force said Russia had used 396 drones and missiles in the attacks, and officials warned that up to 80% of the country faced emergency power cuts in the immediate aftermath of the attack. The Russian strikes, which took place in the middle of the first tripartite talks of the war, come in tandem with Moscow continuing to insist it must control the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine, underlining doubts that it is serious about peace. Speaking in the aftermath of the strikes, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said agreements on air defence made with Trump in Davos this week must be fully implemented. Zelenskyy and Trump met at the World Economic Forum on Thursday and discussed air defence support for Ukraine, but neither leader specified afterwards what had been agreed. Related: A distraction, a threat: how Ukrainians have viewed the Greenland crisis Kyivs mayor, Vitali Klitschko, said: Currently, one person is known to have died and four to have been wounded, he wrote in a social media post, adding that three of the injured had been admitted to hospital. Fires broke out in several buildings hit by drone debris while heat and water services in parts of the capital were interrupted, he said. The strikes come amid a worsening mid-winter energy crisis focused on the capital, where many have been left without heat and power for a prolonged period. Klitschko said on Friday about 1,940 residential buildings in Kyiv were without heating after renewed attacks, adding and this may not be the most difficult moment yet. His office said about 600,000 residents had fled the city temporarily during the January power crisis that has left entire blocks across the city in darkness. The head of Kyivs military administration, Tymur Tkachenko, reported strikes in at least four districts. A medical facility was among the buildings damaged. Kyiv has already endured two mass overnight attacks this year that have knocked out power and heating to hundreds of residential buildings. Emergency workers were still engaged in restoring services to residents, with overnight temperatures dropping to -13C (9F). In Kharkiv, a frequent target 30km (18 miles) from the Russian border, the citys mayor, Ihor Terekhov, said 25 drones had hit several districts over two and a half hours, with at least 14 people injured. Writing on Telegram, Terekhov said the drones had struck a dormitory for displaced people, a hospital and a maternity hospital. The first known direct contact between Ukrainian and Russian officials on the US-backed proposal also began on Friday. Ukraines chief negotiator, Rustem Umerov, said the discussions had focused on the parameters for ending Russias war and the further logic of the negotiation process. An initial US draft drew heavy criticism in Kyiv and western Europe for sticking too closely to Moscows line, while later iterations prompted pushback from Russia for floating the idea of European peacekeepers. Both sides say the fate of territory in the eastern Donbas region is one of the main sticking points in the search for a settlement to a war that has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions and decimated parts of Ukraine. A brace by Chanka Zimba helped Scottish League One leaders Inverness fight back from a goal down to win 3-1 at home to Alloa. Alloa could have moved to within a point of pace-setters Inverness with a victory and went ahead after 23 minutes through Lewis Stewart. It remained 1-0 to the visitors at half-time, but Zimba levelled in the 53rd minute before Jordan Alonge completed the turnaround with 21 minutes left. Zimba added his second three minutes later to wrap up the points for Caley Thistle. It piled the pressure on Stenhousemuir ahead of their late kick-off at Kelty, but the title-chasing visitors showed their mettle with a hard-fought 2-0 win. Stenhousemuirs cause was boosted in the 16th minute when Keltys Jack Brydon was sent off for giving away a penalty for a foul on Matthew Aitken. Aitken dusted himself down to score from the spot before Dale Carrick added a second in the 41st minute and it proved enough to move Stenhousemuir back level on points with the leaders. Queen of the South remain third after a comprehensive 5-1 thrashing of 10-man East Fife. Jack Stott broke the deadlock for Queens in the 10th minute and Kai Kennedys penalty on the stroke of half-time doubled the visitors advantage. Matty Douglas grabbed a third in the 54th minute before Alan Trouten was dismissed for East Fife and Brennan Dickenson added a fourth. Freddie Rowe scored a consolation for the 10 men before Jordan Allans late spot-kick completed the scoring. Second-half goals by Oli Shaw and Kyle MacDonald earned Hamilton a crucial 2-0 victory over relegation rivals Cove Rangers to open five-point gap to the bottom two. Robbie Leitch was on target as Clyde stunned Scottish League Two leaders Spartans with a 2-1 home win. Spartans still boast a five-point advantage to second-placed East Kilbride after they lost 2-0 at Stranraer. Bottom-of-the-table Edinburgh were denied a precious victory after Josh Dixon struck four minutes into stoppage time to rescue a 2-2 draw for Annan. Ninth-placed Dumbarton were unable to capitalise after they conceded twice in the last 10 minutes to draw 2-2 with Elgin. Elsewhere, Stirling claimed a 1-0 victory away to Forfar thanks to Ryan Shanleys 71st-minute strike. Sir Keir is facing a historic mutiny - Paul Ellis/AFP Andy Burnhams announcement that he intends to stand for election to Parliament came laden with praise for Sir Keir Starmer and the truly impressive progress made by his Government, and with assurances that the Manchester Mayor would seek to support this work, not undermine it. These sentiments did little to disguise the substance of the move as the first shot in a new Labour civil war. The Prime Minister is now trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea. If Mr Burnham is permitted to stand and likely win as Labour candidate, he will immediately provide an alternative leader for the increasingly dissatisfied Left of the party to rally behind. If, on the other hand, Sir Keirs allies on the National Executive Committee follow through on their threats to block his candidacy, the result will be uproar. The pitch was rolled for Mr Burnhams announcement by public displays of support from London Mayor Sadiq Khan, deputy leader Lucy Powell, and a string of MPs, all of whom made clear their view that Sir Keir should not stand in his way. For all of Sir Keirs failings as a national politician, he has been ruthless and efficient in manipulating the Labour party to his own ends. Having won the contest to succeed Jeremy Corbyn, he set about purging the former leaders backers from the party, diminishing their influence at each turn, rewriting rules and stacking committees to shore up his own support. That he is now facing thinly concealed manoeuvring carried out with the aim of putting an alternative leader in place speaks to how his grip on the party has slipped as public discontent with the Government has grown. The Labour party is well adrift of Reform in the polls, with the Conservatives mounting a fightback and support for the Greens surging. It is failing to deliver on its core promises, and despite a crushing majority seems paralysed in parliament. Small wonder that Left-wing MPs seeking to keep their seats are looking for an alternative. While the truth of Mr Burnhams performance in Manchester is much less positive than he claims, he has managed to construct a narrative which contrasts well with Sir Keirs hesitant, legalistic approach to governing, and moreover one with appeal to voters: he is preferred as Prime Minister over his rival by a large share of the public. Whichever choice Sir Keir now makes will leave his position dangerously vulnerable. The Labour party is not so regicidal as its Conservative sibling: no Labour prime minister has ever faced a formal leadership challenge, let alone a successful one. Yet there is a first time for everything, and a combination of dismal domestic performance and a wildly unstable international situation has led to evident discontent in the partys ranks. Either Sir Keir puts Mr Burnham in position to launch his bid, or blocks him, creating the conditions for an alternative candidate such as Ed Miliband or Angela Rayner to capitalise on the anger of his supporters. The timing could hardly be worse. In the coming week, Sir Keir will travel to China in an attempt to rally investment. His attention will be on international relations; his domestic opponents will have free rein to make trouble. And far more talented politicians have suffered as a result of this dynamic. In November 1990, Margaret Thatcher visited Paris for a conference on European security while a leadership challenge unfolded at home. As Alan Clark fulminated: the Lady herself is away, out of the country. Its absolute madness whos running the campaign? Whos doing the canvassing? Whos putting the pressure on? These concerns were justified. Mrs Thatcher fell just shy of the decisive margin which would have secured her against needing to proceed to a second ballot, and was deposed. Had she been present in London to organise her supporters, she might well have won over the two MPs she needed to end the contest there and then. It is a parallel which is likely to discomfit Sir Keir. The Prime Minister is already on the defensive; now he will be on the defensive while half-blind to affairs in Westminster with his opponents organising against him, his authority openly challenged and the ramifications of whichever decision he makes still unfolding. It would not be surprising if the situation rapidly slipped further from his grasp, leaving his party embroiled in the sort of chaotic civil war that signalled the collapse of the Conservative party. Sir Keir has pressed ahead obsessively with this surrender - Andy Rain/EPA How small our leaders are, how petty and parochial. For all Sir Keir Starmers bluster about national resilience, he is overwhelmed by events, prattling about school breakfasts and home insulation while the West crumbles and British territory is haggled over by foreigners. If you want a one-word summary of Starmers unfitness, try Chagos. China is building runways on every reef it can find, yet he is handing sovereign British territory to a Chinese ally. Our armouries have been emptied by the Ukraine war, our Armed Forces stretched to capacity, yet he is offering billions of pounds to a state that had already been paid to renounce its claim to the Chagos archipelago. We are so burdened by tithes, tolls and taxes that whacking up rates raises no more revenue, instead pushing wealth-creators overseas; yet he is increasing our national debt so that Mauritius can abolish its national debt. We fret about our alliance with the United States, the mainstay of our security since 1941; yet he is prejudicing its single greatest physical manifestation, the Permanent Joint Operating Base. And for what? To abase our country before a court whose jurisdiction in such cases had been expressly excluded? To humour the human rights lawyers whom he counts as his closest friends, one of whom acted for the Mauritian government and another of whom he appointed as his Attorney General? To flaunt his contempt for flags with Union Jacks in the corner? The rest of the world has come sharply to the realisation that government by international tribunals and technocracies is over. If the US, Russia and China reject that system, it is worthless. Britain alone is scurrying about trying to find an international court that it can still surrender to. How did we end up here? Mainly through bad luck. Voters were furious with the last government, partly because they were angry about the economic impact of the lockdown and partly because of a series of unforced Tory errors. In their rage, they did not look especially closely at the alternative. A quirk of our electoral system and the fact that two Right-wing parties were contesting every constituency gave an unprepared Labour Party more than 400 seats. That partys lack of seriousness was obvious from the start. Remember Rachel Reeves telling every interviewer that she was going to be a model for little girls? Or David Lammy, cross at not being able to swank about being the first black foreign secretary, instead pathetically celebrating being a black working-class man from Tottenham in the job? It seemed unbearably shallow, and it was. After 14 years in opposition, Labour MPs thought governing would be easy. Getting rid of the evil Tories would, of itself, make Britain better. They had convinced themselves that they were fighting austerity, when in fact the lockdown had taken levels of taxation and spending to a post-war high. As other countries brought their budgets back towards 2020 levels, they went on a spree, increasing benefits, giving pay rises to state employees, putting more people on the Government payroll, jacking up the minimum wage, making it harder for firms to hire and fire. They appear genuinely mystified by the consequent contraction and at the international powerlessness that comes from economic decline. Russia and China are in full guns-before-butter mode; but in Britain, everything is geared around higher welfare payments. It is cheques before choppers, dole before drones, payouts before payloads. Which is a real problem in a dangerous world. It doesnt matter whether we spend three, five or ten per cent of our GDP on defence when our GDP is falling. It is not just that ministers display the fiscal responsibility of so many student activists. They think like student activists in every way. Even now, they are working the phones, trying to return the US to its previous position, when it was prepared to go along with what Donald Trump has now called Britains act of GREAT STUPIDITY. Perhaps they will succeed. Heaven knows, there are lifers in the State Department, the so-called striped-pants, who share their decolonise obsessions. Either way, how telling, and how horribly demeaning, that Starmer is prepared to stand up to Trump only in his determination to cede British territory. Starmer has U-turned 13 times since the election. But, to the bewilderment of normally Labour-friendly pundits and to the despair of his MPs, he has pressed ahead obsessively with this surrender. One after another, the off-ramps presented themselves, but he sped past them all: repeated demands by Mauritius for more money; a ruling by a different UN body that the deal should be put on ice; the formation of a Chagossian government in exile to oppose the deal; defeat in the House of Lords; the revelation that Mauritius would fish in the worlds purest marine conservation zone. Nothing held him back. Why is he so unwontedly determined? Everyone can see how uncomfortable defending the abject deal makes his ministers. They did not go into politics to betray a poor, black, dispossessed population, who had been turfed out of their homes by a previous Labour government. I think the best explanation was given by Starmer himself to his biographer, Tom Baldwin: There is no version of my life that does not largely revolve around me being a human rights lawyer. Other countries are backing away from that ideology, either because the lawyers over-reached or because they can see that the system is broken. But Britain, on everything from net zero to immigration, continues to apply self-harming policies in the spirit of a medieval penitent. While British embassy officials in DC wheedle and beg to be allowed to surrender, other voices are being raised. Some belong to recognised political figures: Boris Johnson was in town not long ago; Nigel Farage had had an obviously productive dinner with Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, in Davos; Kemi Badenoch briefed the Speaker, Mike Johnson, in Westminster. Other friends of the Chagossians including me have been explaining the danger to senators, presidential advisers, newspaper editors, diplomats and anyone else we know in Washington. With so many levers being pulled, there is a chance that one of them will work. After all, the deal is terrible for the US. It prejudices the security of a critical base. It opens the door to leasing adjoining islands to unfriendly powers, because Mauritius has no interest in the archipelago beyond the money it might generate. After the Greenland row, it was perhaps to be expected that the Trump administration would take a dim view of replacing a freehold with a leasehold though, tellingly, when Trump said so, he assumed Britain must be selling the archipelago, it being inconceivable to him that anyone would actually pay to surrender territory. It is humiliating to be reduced to depending on the American president to preserve our territory. We should have put a stop to this nonsense ourselves at the beginning. But, tragically, we have the worst possible team in charge right now, Eloi in a world of Morlocks. What next? We should drive a stake through the heart of the proposal. We should exercise our sovereignty responsibly, allowing Chagossians to return to the outer atolls (they accept that Diego Garcia itself is off limits) and re-establish a permanent population, putting ownership of the islands beyond doubt. We should restore our relationship with Washington. Rarely can we have looked so pathetic in our allies eyes. We should prevent the fanatics who did this from trying again. By fanatics, I mean human rights lawyers Starmer, Richard Hermer, Philippe Sands and the FCDO quislings who pursued the deal from the start. These men have diminished our country morally, and have come damn close to diminishing it literally. They must never again be allowed near the levers of power. Rory found the hike to be extremely peaceful (Rory Buccheri) As I pitched my tent among the toothpick-shaped trees, I thought about the words of my hiking guide. Nature belongs to everyone in Sweden. We have a right to access and a duty to be guardians to our natural world, he said. Its easy to envy that attitude, known in Swedish as allemansratten. Living in England, a country where half of the landmass is owned by less than one per cent of the population, the freedom to pitch anywhere is refreshing. And refreshing is what I was after. The Camino de Santiago, the historic Spanish pilgrimage route, is remarkably popular more than 500,000 people walked it last year. But as global temperatures keep rising and overtourism affects Spain and Portugal, I wanted to discover an alternative. Following guide Daniel Nilsson through the woods (Rory Buccheri) In the footsteps of hundreds of thousands before me, I decided to walk the Romboleden, the oldest pilgrimage in the Nordics and Swedens longest hiking route. The 560-mile path crosses forests, lakes, villages and the open sea, connecting Trondheim, in Norway, to the Swedish town of Koping, next to Stockholm. Swapping the sweltering Camino with its cooler, Nordic equivalent, I embarked on a journey that replaced sun-bleached cobblestones with blueberry-filled, mossy paths. Rather than seeking an audience with the king, or praying the Gods to bless my crops (all legitimate Romboleden reasons), I walked my stress away while immersed in the gorgeous nature. Centenary woodlands, a lake carved from a meteor 377 million years ago, and even bears, were all protagonists on my journey. Like the medieval peasants before me, I chose to focus on a section of the Romboleden that crosses my favourite region of Sweden. Aptly nicknamed Sweden in miniature, I started in central Dalarna, where three hiking trails converge: the Romboleden, the Fabodleden and the Siljansleden. I dutifully signed the Romboleden Guest Book and then followed the trail marked with the pilgrimages signature red cross. Paths are clearly marked and signage was revamped last year in preparation for more visitors. Soon, I discovered that pilgrims are not the only ones who trod this path. Walking towards Lake Siljans largest island of Solleron, I was accompanied by wilderness guide Daniel Nilsson, who shared local lore on the ancient route. Every year in spring, farmers would leave the island and walk hundreds of thousands of kilometres through the forest, to bring their cattle up to mountain pastures where they could graze. The route passes tranquil lakes and deep forests (Rory Buccheri) Read more: Doctors are now prescribing Sweden, so I ditched my phone for Scandi wilderness You can still visit these open farmsteads, called fabod and learn more about the Unesco-listed Fabodkultur in a dedicated open-air museum opposite Sollerons main church. This nomadic lifestyle inspired me to embrace slow travel, especially on the stretch to Gesunda Re-Lax, a lakeside village. Red huts, large wooden gnomes, a midsummer maypole and even a tiny ceramics gallery fringe the lake. But the best was yet to come. Waking up in the warm embrace of my duvet, I stepped into the biting cold to check off a bucket list experience. At 6am I joined the team at Lindangets Natural Reserve to observe (and ring) birds on their winter migration route. As the thick fog lifted from the lake, the sky finally let its azure, pink, and golden light filter out. And with a feathery step inspired by the 54 birds ringed on that morning I set off to walk from Orsa to Fryksas. Rory with Magnus Stromberg from Lindangets Natural Reserve (Lindangets Faltstation) Walking through a silent forest clad in tree trunk carcasses, I felt an eerie sense of respect. This pine was probably born in the 1700s, Daniel chips in. Once it falls, it will live another 400 years before going back to soil and during those years it will be home to fungi, microbiomes, insects, moss. It will be a universe for biodiversity. While this hiking trip can be done alone, having a guide to teach me how to forage for berries, build a fire and prevent me from stepping into a fresh bear poop was much more than a break from solitude. Alongside Daniel, I learned about local stories I wouldnt have noticed otherwise. That includes the story of Swedens most famous painter, Anders Zorn, who was born here before going on to have a successful career, painting portraits of American presidents. Walking through a silent forest, Rory felt an eerie sense of respect (Daniel Nilsson) Read more: This new walking trail is the best way to see the Lake District without a car Eager to trace the artists steps, I headed to Mora, a charming lakeside city famous for hosting the Vasaloppet, the worlds biggest cross-country ski race, and for the Zorn House an ode to extravagance, and an incredible glimpse into the life of a 20th-century artist. Horse, carriage, boat: those were all valid means of transportation to complete the Romboleden back in the day. Short of an equine companion, I hopped on a five-hour train to Stockholm for my return. As I left the great north behind me, I revelled in the comforts of rail travel. Still anticipating to spot a moose any minute, I kept my eyes fixed on the gaps between spruce trees out of the window. I could swear that I saw one... but more likely I dreamt it, as the train lulled me gently back to the capital. How to walk the Romboleden pilgrimage route When? Summer and early autumn are the ideal times to walk the route, with temperatures between 15C and 27C. Avoid Swedens moose hunting season from 1 September to 31 October. Its safe to hike during the hunting break, in the third and fourth weeks of September. Mapping it: The free Naturkartan app shows all walking trails in Sweden, including the Romboleden. More information can be found on the Romboleden website. How to get there SAS has multiple daily flights from Manchester and London Heathrow direct to Stockholm, taking around two and a half hours. Where to stay Double rooms overlooking Lake Siljan at Hotel Villa Langbers start at 82 and have sauna access. In the summer, you can enjoy the floating room in Kungshaga Hotel (280), or choose its indoor, cosy lake-view rooms (80). For your own wooden chalet with a view of the blue mountains and Orsa Lake in Fryksas, cottage stays at Smidgarden start at 140. Rory was hosted by Visit Dalarna and Visit Sweden Thedeviluno emerged as a genuine contender for Cheltenham Festival honours with a commanding display in the Virgin Bet Daily Extra Places River Don Novices Hurdle at Doncaster. Second to Willie Mullins Doctor Steinberg in a Grade Two at Navan last time out, the Paul Nolan-trained gelding went on his way as a 15-2 chance on Town Moor, for what looked a very competitive Grade Two. He was given an ultra-patient ride by Sean OKeeffe, who was at pains to keep his mount on the bridle as long as possible. Ruth Jeffersons Country Code was the only one to make a race of it and at one point they were separated by the width of the track. But when they came together it was the Irish challenger who displayed stamina in abundance to win by five lengths. Paddy Power cut the winner to 14-1 from 33s for the Albert Bartlett. Sean was super-cool on him. When they jumped off and went a good gallop in that ground I thought they had to ease off at some stage, said Nolan. To be fair I could see Sean was coming up to challenge going well, but there was the horse on the other side challenging too and I didnt know if hed go past, but I could see Sean hadnt fully gone for him. He just had loads of horse at all stages. I was disappointed when he got beat at Navan last time, without sounding cocky, but the horse he beat the first day (Skylight Hussle) has won a Grade One, so hopefully all roads lead to the Albert Bartlett now. We had Latest Exhibition just beaten in it by Monkfish a few years ago (2020) and he was just unfortunate to bump into a machine a few times, but he did win his Grade One so Im hoping to god if this fella is half as good well be happy. The afternoon got even better for Nolan on his first visit to Town Moor when Feet Of A Dancer justified 7-4 favouritism in the Virgin Bet A Good Bet Yorkshire Rose Mares Hurdle. Fourth in the Pertemps Final in March, she certainly deserved a big prize and yet again OKeeffe excelled, delaying his challenge to beat fellow Irish raider Dream On Baby (Emmet Mullins), who tried to make all. She cam home two lengths clear with Jessica Harringtons Jetara back in third meaning a clean sweep of the places for the Irish. She deserved that pot, its great for her. We were two or three lengths in front of the second last time over two and a half and theyve almost run to the pound over three, said Nolan. Shes in the Stayers but shes a stone and a half to find so you have to be realistic, although the Stayers can throw up the odd strange result. Shes obviously in the mares race, but you might have Lossiemouth and Wodhooh in that. Its great shes won a graded race and we were trying to stay away from Ireland really! Title chance: Paddy Pimblett takes on Justin Gaethje in the main event at UFC 324 (Adam Davy/PA Wire) Paddy Pimblett fights Justin Gaethje in a huge main event at UFC 324 tonight. It is another major career step for the Liverpool favourite known as Paddy the Baddy, as he challenges for the UFCs interim lightweight title on the biggest stage in Las Vegas. CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW UFC 324: GAETHJE VS PIMBLETT LIVE! Pimbletts stock has continued to rise since he aced what was expected to be by far his sternest test in the octagon to date at UFC 314 in Miami last April, dominating a bloodied Michael Chandler and delivering a vicious third-round knockout of the former three-time Bellator champion. That signature victory sent an emphatic message through the division and boosted his already lofty standing, taking him to No5 in the UFCs lightweight rankings. However, Pimbletts repeated calls for a showdown with arch-rival and current lightweight king Ilia Topuria have yet to be answered, with uncertainty still reigning over when exactly the two-weight champion will be back having been dealing with personal issues in the aftermath of his brutal first-round stoppage of Charles Oliveira last summer. Topurias continued absence has led to the need for an interim champion at 155lbs, who will be crowned as the headline act of the UFCs first event under their new seven-year broadcast deal with Paramount+ said to be worth 5.7billion. The decision to put Pimblett up against the No4-ranked Gaethje has not been well received by some, most notably Arman Tsarukyan, who has been controversially overlooked despite sitting at the top of the rankings. Oliveira and Max Holloway are at second and third respectively as things stand. It is another marquee UFC name that Pimblett - unbeaten in the promotion in seven fights since debuting in 2021 - will hope to add to his list of wins, though Gaethje is not quite the formidable force of old at 37 having lost the symbolic UFC BMF title with a last-gasp knockout by Holloway at UFC 300 before bouncing back with a second decision win over Rafael Fiziev last March. Suga Sean OMalley is in the co-main event at the T-Mobile Arena as he looks to quickly get back into bantamweight title contention after back-to-back defeats by Merab Dvalishvili, facing Chinas Song Yadong. MMA icon Amanda Nunes was due to make her high-profile return to the UFC this weekend two-and-a-half years after retiring, though her meeting with Kayla Harrison had to be postponed after the womens bantamweight champion underwent neck surgery earlier this month. Natalia Silva has stepped in for Alexa Grasso to fight Rose Namajunas, while heavyweights Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Derrick Lewis collide and Ipswichs sixth-ranked featherweight Arnold Allen is on the main bill against Jean Silva of Brazil. What time is Paddy Pimblett fight? For fight fans in the UK, the main card at UFC 324 is due to begin at 2am GMT in the early hours of Sunday morning (January 25). That is 9pm ET and 6pm PT on Saturday night in the United States. Pimblett and Gaethje are the main event and expected to make their respective walks out to the octagon at approximately 4:25am GMT, though that will obviously depend on the length of the preceding four fights. The main prelims begin at 12am GMT, which is 7pm ET and 4pm PT. The early prelims get underway from 10pm GMT, 5pm ET and 2pm PT. A photo of Liam Conejo Ramos during an ICE Out protest in New York City on 23 January. Photograph: Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images) This week, ICEs detention of a five-year-old boy wearing a Spider Man backpack in the Minneapolis suburb of Columbia Heights quickly became a defining image of the Trump administrations hardline immigration enforcement. Furious critics, including many local politicians, seized on Liam Ramoss ordeal as glaring evidence that Trumps mass deportation campaign has little to do with crime and a lot to do with terrorizing children and their families. A homeland security spokesperson said ICE officers took the boy into custody only after his father fled during an attempted arrest. The superintendent of the school district in Columbia Heights said another adult living in the home was outside during the encounter and had pleaded to take care of Liam so the boy could avoid detention, but was denied. But Liam Ramoss detention is not an isolated incident. Its part of a uniquely aggressive push to detain more unauthorized immigrant families, a turbocharging of a policy discontinued five years ago. ICE booked about 3,800 minors into immigrant family detention from January to October 2025, including children as young as one or two years old, according to a Guardian analysis of records obtained by the Deportation Data Project. More than 2,600 of those minors were apprehended by ICE officers, which usually means they were apprehended somewhere inside the country rather than at the border. Those numbers mark a major shift. Previous administrations used family detention mostly to detain parents and children crossing into the United States together by land. Minors in ICE custody have special legal protections dating from a 1997 consent decree called the Flores Settlement. Under the terms of that settlement, ICE does not detain unaccompanied children. A child immigrant accompanied by a parent may be held in a detention center with somewhat higher standards than other adult facilities, but the settlement generally requires ICE to release them if the government cannot swiftly deport them. But the Trump administration is increasingly locking up families detained in high-profile immigration sweeps taking place in major cities across the country, according to Becky Wolozin, an attorney with the National Center for Youth Law. This is not people showing up at the border at this point, Wolozin said. Its people being arrested who live in the United States, who have permission to live in the United States. Now, theyre starting to re-interview people who have refugee status. Theres no status that protects people any more. Even US citizens are getting arrested. It is as horrible as it looks Many minors may spend several days detained in places that arent equipped to care for children, said Sergio Perez, the executive director for the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law. His organization, which represents child migrants covered by the Flores Settlement, has taken declarations from families detained for days at improvised sites in airports or office buildings. In some cases, children were forced to use the bathroom under the watch of guards of the opposite gender, Perez said. What youre seeing is places with no medical care, places where the lights never go out, places where the children are not allowed to go outside, places where the food is abhorrent and places where people are not treated with the dignity required by the law, Perez said. Were seeing more imprisonment of families and children for longer periods of time and under more and more deplorable conditions. Most children detained with a parent eventually end up at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas, which is managed by the private prison contractor CoreCivic. Family detention centers are supposed to offer a less-jail-like setting for children, offering access to education and playgrounds. Last year, the Trump administration also detained families at a separate facility in Karnes, Texas, though its not clear whether ICE continues to hold families there. Homeland security did not respond to a request asking how many family detention centers it currently operates. As a lawyer representing immigrant child detainees in the ongoing litigation over their rights under the Flores Settlement, Wolozin has toured the Dilley family detention center. Constructed during Barack Obamas second term in response to the high numbers of Central American families who began arriving at the US-Mexico border in 2014, the 2,400-bed Dilley facility is by far the largest family detention center in the country. Ramos and his father are now detained there, according to their lawyer. Many of the people who wind up there, Wolozin said, have pending asylum claims and work authorizations that prove they have complied with existing immigration laws, but were arrested anyway. Many were detained at the border patrol checkpoints that dot the highways within 100 miles (160km) of the US-Mexico border, not knowing that their work authorizations or paperwork showing they had applied for asylum or some other form of relief from removal would no longer keep them from getting detained there. Liam Ramoss father appears to fit that pattern. His family, Ecuadorian nationals, presented themselves at the US-Mexico border using the CBP One app and then made a claim for asylum, saying they faced persecution in their home country, according to his lawyer, Marc Prokosch. They did everything right when they came in, Prokosch said this week at a press conference. ICE didnt care about the fact that they had those pending claims, and just arrested them. The boys apprehension typifies the new policy of targeting immigrant families, regardless of their pending immigration claims, Wolozin said. It is as horrible as it looks, Wolozin said. Hes coming home from school and now he can get abducted and detained for who knows how long and sent to somewhere he might not be safe. Its making the United States worse than wherever they came from the first place. Columbia Heights school officials said that ICE officers had also apprehended three other minors, according to Reuters two 17-year-olds and a 10-year-old. 100% designed to hurt kids The modern family detention policy dates to the George W Bush administration, which established two detention centers one in Pennsylvania, the other in Texas to house unauthorized immigrant families together while they awaited deportation. Barack Obama scaled back family detention shortly after taking office, then dramatically increased it after the number of Central American mothers traveling with children began to surge in 2014. The first Trump administration inherited that capacity and tried unsuccessfully to overturn the provisions of the Flores Settlement in court in order to detain immigrant families until their immigration cases concluded. The first Trump administration also implemented a short-lived and widely repudiated family separation policy of prosecuting unauthorized immigrant parents who crossed into the United States with their children, which routed the parents into jails and their children into shelters run by the office of refugee resettlement. The Biden administration halted family immigrant detention in 2021. Now, Trump and Republicans in Congress are once again attempting to scrap the Flores Settlements restrictions. Last years One Big, Beautiful spending bill directs ICE to hold families until such aliens are removed, which directly contradicts the settlement. The bill quadrupled ICEs immigrant detention budget to $45bn and allowed any portion of that appropriation to be used to detain families. These are just families, Wolozin said. Theyre not dangerous. They are really trying, by and large, to follow the ever-changing rules. This is totally, 100% unnecessary and 100% designed to hurt kids. Trump climbs down over slur on UK soldiers in Afghanistan after backlash Donald Trump has climbed down over his slurs against British soldiers in Afghanistan after sparking widespread outrage for his false claims made about Nato allies. The US president has now paid tribute to the great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom, after previously claiming Nato allies stayed away from the front lines during the war in Afghanistan. Sir Keir Starmer raised Mr Trumps comments directly with the US president during a phone call on Saturday afternoon, Downing Street confirmed. The prime minister had joined Prince Harry, veterans and politicians from across the political spectrum in condemning Mr Trumps false claims, with Sir Keir calling them appalling and demanding an apology. Critics have pointed to both the number of non-US coalition deaths in Afghanistan and Mr Trumps own avoidance of military service in Vietnam. The US president this week also suggested he is not sure that the USs Nato allies would be there if we ever needed them, and he claimed that America had never needed its Nato partners, despite being the only member state to have ever invoked the alliances all for one, and one for all clause, in the wake of 9/11. Sir Keir Starmer raised Donald Trumps comments about Nato troops in Afghanistan directly with the US president in a conversation on Saturday (PA Wire) But in a post on social media on Saturday afternoon, the US president said: The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America. In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. Its a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA). We love you all, and always will! President Donald J Trump. Following Sir Keirs conversation with Mr Trump on Saturday, a Number 10 spokesperson said the prime minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home and told the US president: We must never forget their sacrifice. British soldiers with the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) pose prior to a night patrol in Kabul in 2008 (AFP/Getty) Kemi Badenoch stated that the role of Nato allies in the conflict should never have been questioned in the first place. In a statement posted on X after Mr Trump issued his fresh comments, the Conservative leader said: Im pleased President Trump has now acknowledged the role of the British armed forces and those brave men and women who gave their lives fighting alongside the US and our allies. It should never have been questioned in the first place. Former defence secretary Grant Shapps told the Independent he was relieved that President Trump has finally acknowledged the sacrifice of British troops in Afghanistan, who fought and died alongside the US after 9/11 the only time Natos Article 5 has ever been invoked. But he warned: A president who repeatedly disrespects allies risks them not being there when it matters in the future. Ex-defence minister Tobias Ellwood said the anger felt on this side of the Atlantic has been heard in the White House - given Trump has never before climbed down so fast. This does not, however, overshadow the offence and ignorance of making these crass comments in the first place. Mr Trump, who famously avoided the draft for the Vietnam War five times in the 1960s and 1970s, suggested in an interview with Fox News that Nato allied troops stayed a little off the front lines in Afghanistan. More than 1,100 non-US coalition fighters died in the conflict that began in 2001, according to veteran charity Help for Heroes, the overwhelming majority of them being from Nato countries, while more than 2,300 members of the US armed forces were killed. The UK suffered the second-highest number of military deaths, behind the US. On Friday, the Duke of Sussex, a former Army Air Corps co-pilot gunner who undertook two frontline tours to Afghanistan, weighed in on Mr Trumps remarks, saying the sacrifices of Britons who fought and died in the country deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect. Harry making pre-flight checks in his cockpit at Camp Bastion, southern Afghanistan, in 2012 (PA) Harry paid tribute to the 457 British personnel who died in the conflict, after Sir Keir earlier also said he would never forget their courage, their bravery and the sacrifice they made for their country". Hitting back at Mr Trumps claims on Friday, the prime minister said: I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling, and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured. Earlier, No 10 said the US president was wrong to diminish the role of Nato troops, including British forces, in Afghanistan and said their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Ms Badenoch had called Mr Trumps comments complete nonsense, adding that it was a disgrace to denigrate the memory of British soldiers who died in the conflict. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said how dare Mr Trump question the sacrifice of British soldiers and commented that the US president avoided military service five times. Armed forces minister and former commando Al Carns, who served five tours in Afghanistan, described Mr Trumps comments as ridiculous. The mother of a young British rifleman killed in Afghanistan said the president had no compassion whatsoever for anyone who doesnt serve him. Lucy Aldridge, whose son William died aged 18, told The Mirror the US presidents remarks were extremely upsetting. Donald Trump and British prime minister Keir Starmer at a press conference at Chequers on 18 September 18, 2025. Photograph: Leon Neal/Reuters (Photograph: Leon Neal/Reuters) The UK prime minister Keir Starmer has accused Donald Trump of diminishing the sacrifice of fallen British soldiers, as the US president faced a fierce backlash from UK political leaders and families of veterans over his comments about Nato troops. In an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Trump said: [Nato will] say they sent some troops to Afghanistan and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines. That prompted widespread condemnation across the political spectrum and resurfaced questions about Trumps own avoidance of military service in Vietnam. Starmer said on Friday: I consider President Trumps remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling, and Im not surprised they caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured. He also suggested Trump should apologise not something the US president is known to do. A total of 3,486 Nato troops died in the 20-year Afghanistan conflict, of whom 2,461 were US service personnel. Four-hundred and fifty-seven British troops died. Canada recorded 165 deaths, including civilians. The PMs remarks represented an escalation of tensions with Trumps administration after the president had earlier in the week criticised the UK for giving up the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. On Friday night, the government was forced to delay its bill on the Chagos Islands in the House of Lords. Starmer accuses Trump of diminishing sacrifice of Nato troops in Afghanistan Starmers decision to call the presidents Afghanistan remarks appalling risks a further diplomatic rupture with the White House, but No 10 made the decision to speak out amid fury among veterans groups and the families of soldiers who lost their lives. Read the full story Trump supporters back bid to annex Greenland: Our president is a negotiator Trumps call to annex Greenland has roiled markets and flabbergasted half the world. But the presidents supporters in conservative communities to the degree that this issue has their attention at all are apt to accept his political argument as genuine. Read the full story Trump says US armada heading to Middle East as Iran death toll put above 5,000 Trump has said an American armada is heading towards the Middle East and that the US is monitoring Iran closely, as activists put the death toll from Tehrans crackdown on protesters at 5,002. Read the full story US immigration agents detain two-year-old Minnesota girl Federal immigration agents detained a two-year-old girl and her father in Minneapolis on Thursday afternoon. By the evening, a federal judge had ordered the girl be released by 9.30pm. But federal officials instead put both of them on a plane heading to a Texas detention center. Read the full story Death of Cuban migrant in Texas facility officially classified as homicide The death of a Cuban migrant inside a Texas immigration detention facility has been officially classified as a homicide, according to an El Paso county autopsy report. Read the full story Trumps pay-to-play politics fuel a new gilded age, experts say Donald Trumps pay-to-play governing and fundraising style is helping forge a new gilded age where many super rich donors to Trumps Maga Inc Pac and other top Trump causes are reaping big political and financial gains, including lax regulations, federal contracts and other benefits, say scholars and analysts. Read the full story What else happened today: Catching up? Heres what happened Thursday 22 January. Trump responds to latest fatal DHS shooting of US citizen in Minneapolis with rant against Tim Walz, Jacob Frey and Ilhan Omar President Donald Trump has responded to the latest shooting death of a U.S. citizen at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis with a rant about alleged Democrat corruption. Trump wrote a post on Truth Social less than two hours after a 37-year-old legal firearm owner was gunned down by federal agents on Saturday morning. The post accompanied a picture of the gun that the victim carried. This is the gunmans gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why werent they allowed to protect ICE Officers? The Mayor and the Governor called them off? the post began. It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves Not an easy thing to do! Why does Ilhan Omar have $34 Million Dollars in her account? And where are the Tens of Billions of Dollars that have been stolen from the once Great State of Minnesota? The victim of the shooting has been identified as Alex Pretti, according to The Minnesota Star-Tribune. (Getty Images) The president has long been critical of Minneapolis Rep. Ilhan Omar, a U.S. citizen who was born in Somalia, and encouraged her to go back to her home country. We are there because of massive Monetary Fraud, with Billions of Dollars missing, and Illegal Criminals that were allowed to infiltrate the State through the Democrats Open Border Policy. We want the money back, and we want it back, NOW, Trump continued. Those Fraudsters who stole the money are going to jail, where they belong! This is no different than a really big Bank Robbery. Much of what youre witnessing is a COVER UP for this Theft and Fraud. The Mayor and the Governor are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric! Instead, these sanctimonious political fools should be looking for the Billions of Dollars that has been stolen from the people of Minnesota, and the United States of America. LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB! 12,000 Illegal Alien Criminals, many of them violent, have been arrested and taken out of Minnesota. If they were still there, you would see something far worse than you are witnessing today! The president quickly followed up that post by saying: AMONG OTHER THINGS, THIS IS A COVER UP FOR THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS THAT HAVE BEEN STOLEN FROM THE ONCE GREAT STATE (BUT SOON TO BE GREAT AGAIN!) OF MINNESOTA! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP. Rep. Kelly Morrison D-Minn., Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., arrive at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building for anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis earlier this month (AP) For her part, Omar has already responded to Saturdays shooting, calling it an execution by immigration enforcement. I am absolutely heartbroken, horrified, and appalled that federal agents murdered another member of our community. It is beyond shameful these federal agents are targeting our residents instead of protecting them, Omar added. The lawmaker accused the Trump administration of administration is trying to beat us into submission rather than protect us. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said a 37-year-old man was killed but declined to identify him. He added that information about what led up to the shooting was limited. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that federal officers were conducting an operation as part of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown and fired defensive shots after a man with a handgun approached them and violently resisted when officers tried to disarm him. OHara said police believe the man was a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry. A photo of the 9mm gun allegedly held by the victim in the shooting in Minneapolis on January 24 (Department of Homeland Security) The police chief appealed for calm, both from the public and from federal law enforcement. Our demand today is for those federal agencies that are operating in our city to do so with the same discipline, humanity and integrity that effective law enforcement in this country demands, the chief said. We urge everyone to remain peaceful. We recognize that there is a lot of anger and a lot of questions around what has happened, but we need people to remain peaceful. The shooting happened amid widespread daily protests in the Twin Cities since the Jan. 7 shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good, who was killed when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fired into her vehicle. Saturdays shooting unfolded just over a mile away from where Good was shot. After the shooting, an angry crowd gathered and screamed profanities at federal officers, calling them cowards and telling them to go home. One officer responded mockingly as he walked away, telling them: Boo hoo. Agents elsewhere shoved a yelling protester into a car. Protesters dragged garbage dumpsters from alleyways to block the streets, and people who gathered chanted, ICE out now, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (pictured) and several guided-missile destroyers will arrive in the Middle East in the coming days. Photograph: Eric S Powell/AP (Photograph: Eric S Powell/AP) Donald Trump has said an American armada is heading towards the Middle East and that the US is monitoring Iran closely, as activists put the death toll from Tehrans crackdown on protesters at 5,002. Speaking on Air Force One as he returned from the World Economic Forum in Davos overnight, he said: We have a lot of ships going that direction, just in case. Id rather not see anything happen, but were watching them very closely we have an armada heading in that direction, and maybe we wont have to use it. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and several guided-missile destroyers are due to arrive in the Middle East in the coming days. Additional air defence systems are being deployed, most likely around US and Israeli airbases. The UK said it would send RAF Eurofighter Typhoon jets from 12 Squadron to Qatar, at Dohas request. Iran will treat any attack as an all-out war against us, and we will respond in the hardest way possible a senior Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters on Friday ahead of the arrival of the US aircraft carrier strike group. The US president pulled back from attacking Iran two weeks ago, despite promising help is on its way, largely because he felt he had been given no military option that would prove decisive in securing regime change in Tehran. He was also urged to hold back by the Gulf states. In an update on Friday, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said the death toll from the Iranian crackdown on protesters had reached 5,002 comprising 4,716 demonstrators, 203 government-affiliated people, 43 children and 40 civilians not taking part in the protests. Related: He hoped Trumps help would arrive: why protesters in Iran feel betrayed The agencys numbers have been accurate in previous unrest in Iran and rely on a network of activists there to verify deaths. HRANA said at least 26,541 people had been arrested. The protests started on 28 December when traders took to the streets in Tehran in response to a sudden dip in the value of the rial. As they spread, demands expanded to include calls for an end to the countrys government, creating the most serious and deadliest unrest in the country since the 1979 revolution. Speaking at an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Volker Turk, the UN commissioner for human rights, said thousands of people, including children, had been killed on the streets and in residential areas. He said video evidence showed there were hundreds in morgues with fatal injuries to their heads and chests, while hundreds of security personnel had also been killed. He urged Iran to end their brutal repression, including summary trials, and urged a complete moratorium on the use of the death penalty. Turk decried Irans judiciary chief this week saying there would be no leniency for the thousands detained, saying it was a chilling development. I am deeply concerned by contradictory statements from the Iranian authorities about whether those detained in connection with the protests may be executed, he said, pointing out that Iran remains among the top executioner states in the world, with at least 1,500 people reportedly put to death there last year. The Iranian authorities have sought to delegitimise the protests by claiming rioters infiltrated peaceful protests. None of this would justify resorting to disproportionate use of force or coercing families, Turk said. He claimed there had been 100 forced confessions and a lack of transparency about proceedings, with those arrested including lawyers, human rights activists, cafe owners, athletes and actors. The internet shutdown was the longest recorded in Iran and had severely restricted communications making it difficult for families to check on the welfare of their loved ones, he said. Mai Sato, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, demanded to be able to visit Iran for a thorough investigation. The Iranian people have shown enormous courage by talking truth to power, she said, and urged the international community to reciprocate. Lethal force can only be used as a last resort to protect life and must be lawful, necessary and proportionate. Ive received countless videos showing security forces using lethal force against unarmed protesters. The protest movement has largely petered out in the face of the crackdown, which was accompanied by an unprecedented internet blackout, though chants of death to the dictator are taking place at bitter and often well-attended funerals. Videos are still trickling out from inside Iran showing how security forces were given licence to shoot to kill protesters, especially from 5-8 January. One of the main reformist newspapers, Ham-Mihan, has been shut down for printing two stories: one on the pursuit of protesters in a hospital and the other detailing the severity and brutality of the suppression more widely. Many leading reformists have not been able to express their views on the crackdown, and the few that have been allowed to address wider audiences seem to be blaming both sides for a collapse in social solidarity brought on by a crash in the exchange rate. The extent to which these problems are caused by sanctions or internal inefficiency is debated. In his longest reflection to date on the violence, the Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist elected 18 months ago, claimed the civil and just protest of the people was turned into a bloody and violent battle due to a conspiracy by those who wish Iran ill will. Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, took credit while in Davos for the protests, saying US sanctions had led to the unrest and that maximum economic sanctions worked because in December, their economy collapsed. He added: We saw a major bank go under. The central bank has started to print money. There is a dollar shortage. They are not able to get imports, and this is why the people took to the streets. This is economic statecraft, no shots fired, and things are moving in a very positive way here. Trump has repeatedly left open the option of new military action against Iran after Washington backed and joined Israels 12-day war in June aimed at degrading Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. But the prospect of immediate American action seemed to have receded in recent days, with both sides insisting on giving diplomacy a chance. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi, who heads Irans Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters, which coordinates the army and the Revolutionary Guards, warned the US on Thursday that any military strike on Iran would turn all US bases in the region into legitimate targets. Donald Trump has threatened to immediately hit Canada with a 100 percent tariff on all goods and products, should they make a deal with China. If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a Drop Off Port for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken, the president wrote in a Truth Social post Saturday morning. China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life. If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A. The new strategic partnership between China and Canada was announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier this month and promises to expand trade and mutual investment between the two nations, while focusing on areas such as agriculture, agri-food, energy, and finance. Donald Trump has threatened to immediately hit Canada with a 100 percent tariff on all goods and products, should they make a deal with China (Getty Images) Following a meeting between two leaders, which marked the first visit by a Canadian leader to China in nearly a decade, 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. Trump initially had said that agreement was what Carney should be doing and its a good thing for him to sign a trade deal before seemingly changing his mind Saturday. It comes shortly after both Trump and Carney gave remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last week. In his own remarks, Carney warned of an era of great power rivalry and suggested that the U.S.-led world order was over and was not coming back. "If great powers abandon even the pretense of rules and values for the unhindered pursuit of their power and interests, the gains from transactionalism will become harder to replicate," Carney said. In remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Carney warned of an era of great power rivalry and suggested that the U.S.-led world order was over and was not coming back (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) We understand that this rupture calls for more than adaptation. It calls for honesty about the world as it is, he continued. We know the old order is not coming back. We shouldnt mourn it. Nostalgia is not a strategy. Though he did not mention Trump by name or the U.S. specifically, the speech was seen as a rebuke of the presidents policies, including his tariff regime, his previous threats to force Canada to become the 51st state of the United States, and his efforts to acquire Greenland. Days later, Trump wrote online that he was disinviting Canada from his Board of Peace, established to help the rebuilding and transition of power in Gaza. Dear Prime Minister Carney, Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday. Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canadas joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time. Carneys office said he planned to accept Trumps invitation to the Board of Peace, Reuters reported last week. The Independent has contacted the White House and Carneys office for comment on the presidents tariff threats. Mark Carney wants to make Canada a leader in a new global trading order that will reduce market dependence on Donald Trumps US - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100 per cent tariffs on Canada if it goes ahead with its planned trade deal with China. The US president warned that Canada would be eaten alive if Mark Carney, its prime minister, carried through his plans to trade more closely with Beijing. Mr Carney is trying to foster a new global trading order by working more closely with China after Mr Trump upended long-standing trade relationships by imposing sweeping tariffs on goods imported to the US last year. If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a Drop Off Port for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform. China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life. If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100 per cent Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the USA. Mr Carneys deal with Xi Jinpings China would reduce Canadian import duties on electric vehicles - Adrian Wyld/AP Last week, Mr Carney took his trade diversification push further than his European allies by signing a deal with China. He aims to project Canada as a potential leader in a new global trading order that will reduce the worlds dependence on the US. The move undermines Mr Trumps quest to reshape global trade by isolating Beijing throughout the Western Hemisphere, which his administration views as its backyard. Ottawas trade deal with Beijing has cut the 100 per cent tariffs on electric vehicles that Canada imposed on China in concert with Washington. Canada will initially allow in up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles at a tariff of 6.1 per cent on most-favoured-nation terms, Mr Carney said. The US president and Canadas prime minister traded barbs at the World Economic Forum in Davos, with Mr Carney urging other middle powers to band together in the face of economic coercion by greater powers. Soon afterwards, Mr Trump withdrew an invitation for Canada to join his Board of Peace. Forging alliances has taken on new urgency for countries such as Canada as Mr Trumps foreign policy grows more aggressive and unpredictable. Mr Trumps push to wrest sovereignty over Greenland from Denmark, a fellow Nato member, prompted the European Union to weigh hitting back with its own measures. Mr Carney, the former head of the Bank of England, won an election last year promising to create new economic alliances to help Canada survive Mr Trumps tariffs. The European Union is also intensifying its trade diversification efforts, signing a deal with South American trade bloc Mercosur after 25 years of talks. Meanwhile, Mr Trump continues to look to Venezuela as a solution to his domestic economic headache. On Friday, he told the New York Post that the US had taken the oil that was on seized Venezuelan tankers and that it would be processed in American refineries. Lets put it this way they dont have any oil. We take the oil, he said. US carries out first boat strike in the Pacific since Maduro raid, killing two The U.S. military on Friday carried out a lethal strike on an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, U.S. Southern Command announced. The attack marked the first known U.S. strike in the region since the military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro earlier this month. The Friday strike killed two people and left one survivor, the military said. Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations, the military wrote on X. The military directed the U.S. Coast Guard to activate search and rescue protocols for the survivor. The U.S. on Friday blew up an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific, reviving its Latin American airstrike campaign following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro (U.S. Southern Command) Video of the strike shows aerial footage of a low motorboat exploding with what appears to be a person standing on its bow. Fridays attack brings the estimated death toll of the Trump administrations air strike campaign in the region to 125 people. Earlier this week, the military seized what it said was a sanctioned, Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the Caribbean, its seventh such operation since the campaign began last fall. The operation has attracted controversy throughout, with critics accusing the U.S. of violating international law and using military force against non-combatants. The administration also faced scrutiny for a September double-tap strike in which an initial survivor was killed. The Trump administration defends the strikes and insists the U.S. is in a legally sanctioned armed conflict with criminal groups it alleges are narco-terrorists. The U.S. has claimed a variety of rationales for its Latin American military campaign against Nicolas Maduro (pictured) and drug groups, from combatting cartels to punishing Venezuela for nationalizating U.S.-linked oil interests (@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social) Both houses of Congress have attempted to check President Trumps Venezuela campaign, after the Maduro raid was conducted without prior legislative approval. A Senate resolution to block further strikes within Venezuela failed earlier this month, and a tied House vote this week failed to advance a similar war powers resolution. In addition to air strikes and boat seizures, the military deployed a secret sonic weapon during the special forces raid that captured Maduro, President Trump said this week. The Trump administration also said this week it is facilitating talks with oil companies to revitalize Venezuelas degraded oil infrastructure. Critics accuse the U.S. military of breaking international law by targeting non-combatants, but the Trump administration insists it is in a legally recognized armed conflict with drug cartels (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) President Trump accused the country of stealing U.S. oil assets as part of the countrys long-term nationalization process, which began in the 1970s. He has said that after the Maduro capture, the U.S. will indefinitely control Venezuelan oil sales. (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire) Parts of Scotland face continued flooding and travel disruption this weekend under a yellow weather warning for rain. The Met Office alert, covering Grampian, Angus, and Perth, began at midnight and will last until 9 am on Sunday. By Saturday morning, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) had 11 flood warnings and four flood alerts active across the region. A Met Office spokesman noted: "Following a three-day spell of very wet weather across this region, with some places having seen in excess of 100mm, a further day of fairly persistent and at times heavy rain is expected, before easing during Saturday night." The Scottish Environment Protection Agency has 11 flood warnings and four flood alerts active (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Wire) Many places are likely to see a further 20-30mm of rain, and a few spots could see 50mm. Above 400-500 metres, however, a lot of this will fall as snow, with rain confined to areas of ground below this level. Those in the affected area have been told to check if their home is at risk of flooding and take the appropriate precautions. ScotRail said that speed restrictions would be in place on the line between Aberdeen and Inverness due to the adverse weather, leading to slower journey times. New: Due to adverse weather, @NetworkRailSCOT have implemented speed restrictions along the Inverness - Aberdeen route. This will mean extended journey times and/or alterations. Speed restrictions remain in place until 11:00 tomorrow. Please check your journey before you travel. pic.twitter.com/258qwFIkj5 ScotRail (@ScotRail) January 24, 2026 The line towards Dundee was also blocked by a fallen tree. South of the border, a yellow warning of rain and wind in south-west England and southern Wales is in force until 10pm on Saturday. Heavy rain and strong winds across parts of south-west England and South Wales are expected to ease on Saturday morning. The heavy rain brought travel disruption in Scotland on Thursday, with many roads affected by flooding. Yellow weather warning issued Rain across eastern parts of Scotland Saturday 00:00 Sunday 09:00 Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/RD7Lf2jlbN Met Office (@metoffice) January 23, 2026 Three people in Aberdeenshire had to be rescued from their stranded vehicles by firefighters. Two people were rescued from a minibus on the B977 near Kintore at around 8.30am on Thursday while one person was brought to safety from a car in a separate incident at around the same time near Banchory. The Scottish Government Resilience Room met on Thursday to discuss the weather situation. Justice Secretary Angela Constance, who chaired the meeting, said: I would urge people to pay attention to flood alerts, weather forecasts and to consider travel updates in their area. Sir Keir Starmer, pictured with John Healey, has been urged to increase defence spending - Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire Britain can no longer count on Americas protection and must take charge of its own defence, a former head of the Civil Service has warned. The crisis over Greenland is a wake-up call for European nations to seek fresh alliances, Lord Sedwill, Britains former adviser on national security, said. Writing in The Telegraph, he said successive governments had relied on Washington to underwrite our security, but warned that such a guarantee can no longer be assumed. Donald Trumps willingness to threaten a Nato ally over Greenland shows that the post-Cold War security architecture is fracturing, he said. He has become the latest figure urging Sir Keir Starmer to rapidly boost defence spending. A truck flies the Greenland flag amid tensions with the US - Sean Gallup/Getty The Prime Minister has pledged 2.5 per cent of GDP by April next year, but critics argue this is not enough. Defence chiefs are preparing large cuts after an internal Ministry of Defence assessment found a 28bn shortfall over the next four years. Along with a commitment for bigger defence budgets sooner, European leaders must move to integrate their armed forces, Lord Sedwill said. Civil society must also be prepared to meet the challenges of a hostile world, including moves to educate engineers, boost sovereign manufacturing and protect critical infrastructure, he writes. Citing Darwins principle of survival of the fittest, he said that Western societies must recognise that peace is not the norm but requires constant effort to maintain. Lord Sedwill said middle-sized countries should unite to make Europes forces a more credible deterrent - Jamie Lorriman That will entail hard choices, including cuts to welfare funding. Europe spends ten times on the welfare state our investment in defence, he said. The cross-bench peer has been a lynchpin of Britains security strategy across some of the most senior roles in government. Between 2017 and 2020, he was national security adviser and also served as cabinet secretary and head of the Civil Service. He now sits on the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy. While Mr Trump has withdrawn the threat of tariffs, his quest for Greenland is not over and the disruption will have emboldened Russia and China, Lord Sedwill wrote. The presidents shift towards protecting the US homeland is not an aberration, he said, but a familiar thread of American foreign policy. Donald Trumps Greenland talks could have emboldened Vladimir Putin - Andrew Harnik/Getty He said that, amid rising isolationism, Washington might be unwilling to protect Europe in a crisis or unable to do so if it coincided with another in the Pacific. In preparation to act without Americas support, he said European nations should heed the words of Mark Carney, Canadas prime minister, who urged middle-sized countries to join together in a speech at Davos. New alliances will require substance, not just statements, Lord Sedwill warned. In particular, Europe needs to integrate its armed forces so they are not a mishmash but a streamlined, efficient force. Europe operates 17 types of main battle tank; America has one. We have 20 different fighter aircraft; they have six. Reducing such overlap will make Europes armed forces a more credible deterrent against Vladimir Putin, Lord Sedwill wrote. An alliance that cannot operate as a coherent force will not deter a determined adversary, he said. European Nato must therefore accelerate defence investment, military interoperability and defence industrial integration. Not as an alternative to Nato, but to reinforce Nato. Lord Sedwill made the intervention as the United States published its new defence strategy, which formally downgraded support for Europe and made Greenland a key security concern. The Pentagon document was the latest warning from the Trump administration that Europe will be expected to pay more for its own defences. Wolves have had their strictly protected conservation status downgraded in the EU after numbers almost doubled in 10 years. Photograph: Danny Green/naturepl.com (Photograph: Danny Green/naturepl.com) Juha Kujala no longer knows how many reindeer will return to his farm from the forest each December. The 54-year-old herder releases his animals into the wilderness on the 830-mile Finnish-Russian border each spring to grow fat on lichens, grass and mushrooms, just as his ancestors have done for generations. But since 2022, grisly discoveries of reindeer skeletons on the forest floor have disrupted this ancient way of life. The culprits, according to Kujala: wolves from Russia. Oblivious to the tensions between the two countries sparked by Moscows invasion of Ukraine, large animals such as wolves and bears move freely across the heavily forested frontier. Most go unnoticed, but on the Finnish side, a record level of wolf attacks on reindeer last year has sparked concern among some herders. They suspect that Russian wolf numbers have exploded after hunters were sent to the frontline in Ukraine, driving the predators to search for new territory in Finland. The last year has been the worst ever for wolf attacks in this area. The reindeer are an easy catch for them, says Kujala, whose reindeer are spending the winter at his farm near Kuusamo. You can see the signs that it is wolves: they go for the throat and the legs. When youve seen enough dead ones, you can tell. My home is 38km from the Russian border. When it snows, you can see the tracks coming from their side, he adds. A record 2,124 reindeer were killed by wolves in 2025, according to the Reindeer Herders Association of Finland, which says those found are likely to be a fraction of the true total. Many share photos of the skeletons they find in the forests, which have often been chewed clean to the bone. Despite the herders suspicions about Russian wolves being to blame, the authorities say it is hard to be definitive about the reasons behind the jump in predation. There is almost no contact across the border between Finland and Russia, and it is impossible to get answers to basic questions from the Russians about what might be behind the rise in attacks. Finnish herders say they are no longer able to collect reindeer that have crossed the border, which was commonplace before Russias invasion of Ukraine. Until last June, the wolf was a strictly protected species in the EU after it was nearly hunted to extinction in many countries. But its conservation level was downgraded after numbers almost doubled across Europe from 11,193 to 20,300 between 2012 and 2023. Roughly 65,500 livestock a year are thought to be killed by the predators, prompting some EU states to increase culling. Related: In the hills of Italy, wolves returned from the brink. Then the poisonings began Finland lifted its ban on wolf hunting at the start of 2026, instead implementing a hunting quota system to limit population growth. Ilpo Kojola, a wolf specialist with Finlands Natural Resources Institute, says: The wolf is a species that can increase rapidly. They are usually pretty limited by hunting in Russia so thats why it is possible that the war in Ukraine has had some role in the change. But its impossible to be conclusive because, of course, there could be some other reason that we do not have solid evidence for. The increase in attacks is close timing with the war in Ukraine Ilpo Kojola The Finnish wolf population was about 430 in spring last year, according to official statistics, and is part of the same subspecies as those in Russia, which is home to an estimated 60,000. Kojola says there is a precedent for the rapid increase in Russias wolf population when, during the second world war, numbers doubled after millions of men were sent to fight against Nazi Germany on the Soviet Unions western front. There was another spike when the USSR collapsed. We dont know how big a role the soldiers stationed at garrisons on the border played in wolf hunting in the area. But the increase in attacks is close timing with the war in Ukraine, he says. Mia Valtonen, a senior scientist with the Natural Resources Institute, is responsible for the genetic testing of wolves shot to control populations. She says a majority of the wolves shot in Finland in recent years do not appear to be from the country, but researchers cannot be certain as a genetic record of their entire wolf population has not yet been completed. We cannot say for sure that most of these wolves come from Russia. Its likely, but we cannot say it for sure, she says. Kujala and other herders who regularly find dead reindeer in the forest dismiss the scientific caution, calling for greater protection from attacks. We do not hate the wolves but we need balance, Kujala says. The reindeer spend most of their time out in nature. Around my farm, there is a big 50km section for them to roam in. Its impossible to protect them all the time. We need them healthy and strong. This is our life, its our job, its how we live. Its been like this for hundreds of years. Find more age of extinction coverage here, and follow the biodiversity reporters Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield in the Guardian app for more nature coverage A man was shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on Saturday morning, the second fatal shooting in just over two weeks by federal authorities in the city. The incident follows the Jan. 7 killing of Renee Good by a federal agent less than three miles away, and comes as the city was already convulsed by mass protests calling for an end to the surge of immigration agents in the state. The victim was named as Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident and intensive care unit nurse who treated veterans. His family said he was motivated to join protests after Good's killing. Several videos of the shooting show an altercation taking place around 9 am when a woman protester was pushed to the ground by a Border Patrol agent. When Pretti attempts to stand between the agent and the woman, the agent pepper-sprays him in the face. More agents join the fray and tackle Pretti to the ground as he is disoriented. As a group of agents restrain Pretti on the ground, one emerges from the melee with a gun, and soon after, a shot rings out, then several more in quick succession. At least 10 shots were fired in around five seconds, including several as Pretti lay motionless on the ground. Read more: Minnesotans Shutter Businesses and Call Off Work in Economic Blackout Day to Protest ICE President Donald Trump responded to the shooting in a lengthy post on Truth Social that called immigration agents "patriots" and claimed they were in Minneapolis because of "massive Monetary Fraud" and "Illegal Criminals that were allowed to infiltrate the State." Alex J. Pretti, the man who was shot by a federal officer in Minneapolis on Jan. 24, 2026. Michael Pretti/AP Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said at a press conference on Saturday afternoon that Pretti had not been in trouble with the police before. "The only interaction that we are aware of with law enforcement has been for traffic tickets and we believe he is a lawfully gun owner with a permit to carry," OHara said. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) gave a detailed account of the shooting in a statement that was contradicted by several videos shot by bystanders at the scene. The agency said it was carrying out a "targeted operation" when an individual approached U.S. Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, pictures of which it shared with the media. It said officers attempted to disarm the man, but he "violently resisted." "Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject but was pronounced dead at the scene," the statement continued. It added: "[T]his looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement." But several videos showing the lead-up to the fatal shooting show Pretti filming a group of Border Patrol officers with his phone in his right hand, with his left hand empty. The video shows an agent pepper-spraying Pretti in the face and, together with several other officers, dragging him to the ground. That is when the fatal shooting occurs. Read more: Fatal ICE Shooting Sparks Scrutiny of Killings in Trumps Immigration Crackdown The incident is the latest in a series of shootings in which the DHS claims the victim was threatening the life of an agent, only for video evidence to later contradict the claim. After the shooting of Renee Good, the DHS accused her of attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill theman act of domestic terrorism, only for video evidence to show her turning her car away, and the agent positioned to the side of her vehicle when he fired the fatal shot. Several other federal officials gave accounts of events that were similarly inaccurate to those given by DHS. Pretti's parents, Michael and Susan Pretti, found out about the death of their son when they were called by an Associated Press reporter. As of Saturday evening, the family had still not heard from anyone at a federal law enforcement agency about their sons death, according to the AP. In a statement released to the media, the family criticised the "sickening lies told about our son by the administration." "Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trumps murdering and cowardly ICE thugs. He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed," the statement said. Saturday's shooting prompted a wave of anger from local politicians, many of whom have been calling for the Trump Administration to bring an end to its immigration surge following weeks of violent encounters with Minnesotans, including the use of pepper spray and the arrest of peaceful protesters. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the shooting as "sickening" and called on President Trump to end his immigration crackdown in the state. I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening, Walz said in a post on X. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now. Later, he urged people protesting the shooting to do so peacefully. We want peace, they want chaos, the governor said of the federal government. We cannot and will not give them what they want. Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar said: To the Trump administration and the Republicans in Congress who have stood silent: Get ICE out of our state NOW. O'Hara, in his press conference, called for greater discipline from the estimated 3,000 federal immigration agents in the city. "Our demand today is for those federal agencies that are operating in our city to do so with the same discipline, humanity and integrity that effective law enforcement in this country demands," he said. A few hundred protesters gathered at the scene of the shooting in south Minneapolis by noon, where they scuffled with federal agents who had blocked off the intersection. Protesters screamed "I smell Nazis" at the federal agents and shouted at them to "go home." The agents deployed tear gas and used pepper-spray as they fought running battles with protesters. The shooting comes a day after thousands took to the streets across Minnesota on Friday, closing down businesses and calling out of work in a mass protest against the Trump Administrations immigration crackdown in the state. The Ice Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom demonstration, organized by community leaders, members of the clergy, and labor unions, called for a no work, no school, no shopping economic blackout. Trump, in his Saturday afternoon post, accused Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Walz of "inciting Insurrection." "Where are the local Police? Why werent they allowed to protect ICE Officers? The Mayor and the Governor called them off? It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves Not an easy thing to do!" he wrote. As night fell across Minneapolis, many residents set out candles in their windows to memorialize Pretti. Several vigils were held across the city. A New York Times reporter visited one at Painter Park, near Prettis home, where more than 100 people gathered with candles and sang the opening lines to 'This Little Light of Mine.' Contact us at letters@time.com. A 37-year-old man is dead after federal agents opened fire on the streets of Minneapolis on Saturday morning, the third shooting by agents thats taken place this month during the Trump administrations ongoing Minnesota crackdown. The victim has been identified by his family as Alex Pretti, a resident of South Minneapolis and an intensive-care nurse. Federal officials have offered an account of the shooting as an attempted mass attack on law enforcement, though so far little public evidence supports their claims. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the shooting took place around 9am as agents were conducting a targeted operation against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault. In the course of the operation, DHS said, a man in possession of a 9mm handgun then approached agents, with what DHS has claimed without additional public evidence was an intent to massacre law enforcement. Homeland Security shared an accompanying photo of a tan pistol with an optical sight in its announcement of the shooting. Family members have identified Alex Pretti, 37, of South Minneapolis, as the man who died in Saturdays shooting (Associated Press) Trump advisor Stephen Miller alleged Pretti was a domestic terrorist who tried to assassinate federal law enforcement. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said in a press conference on Saturday that the deceased man was an American citizen, whose only previous contact with law enforcement was for traffic violations and that he appeared to be a licensed gun owner. Brief clips of the encounter that have surfaced on social media do not show Pretti approaching officers with a gun drawn. The footage captures a group of agents wrestling with a man on a city street before at least 10 shots are fired. A video from another angle appears to show Pretti yelling at agents after they push a woman to the ground. The full circumstances that led up to the shooting are not yet known. The man died as a result of the shooting, OHara later confirmed. A photo of the 9mm gun allegedly possessed by the victim in the shooting in Minneapolis on January 24 (Department of Homeland Security) I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a tweet. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now. During a press conference on Saturday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem alleged that state officials had encouraged community members to impede law enforcement, prompting incidents like todays shooting. When asked about why federal officials have deemed the shooting an attempted attack, Noem pointed to the gun and ammunition recovered on the scene. I don't know of any peaceful protester that shows up with a gun and ammunition rather than a sign, she told reporters. This is a violent riot when you have someone showing up with weapons and are using them to assault law enforcement officers. The Second Amendment guarantees the right to keep and bear arms, and Minnesota is an open-carry state. It is not a crime to possess a weapon at a protest. Tensions have been high after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis earlier this month (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) The shooting further escalated tensions that were already high in the city after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot Renee Good earlier this month. She, too, was 37 years old. State officials have pushed to investigate Saturdays shooting, but claim federal officials on the scene blocked them from obtaining evidence, even though they had a warrant. Were in uncharted territory here, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension superintendent Drew Evans said at a press conference on Saturday. Its been a longstanding understanding, both within our state and across the country, that entities like the BCA that conduct 80-plus-percent of officer-involved shooting investigations across the United States are asked to do these investigations of federal agents involved in officer-involved shootings." Secretary Kristi Noem did not specifically answer a question at a press conference on Saturday about whether state officials were blocked, but suggested the Trump administration was avoiding cooperating with the Walz administration. The White House has criticized the Democrat for fraud in government programs in Minnesota and because local police do not provide back-up to ongoing immigration operaitons. Who would trust Gov. Walz at this point? Noem added. We need to partner with people who truly understand that the law is the law. A crowd gathered at the scene of the shooting shortly after reports first emerged (Getty) Federal officials also alleged blocked state investigators from investigating Goods killing, according to the BCA. A senior FBI agent and a group of top federal prosecutors in Minnesota have resigned over alleged pressure from Washington not to pursue an investigation of the agent who shot Good. After Saturdays shooting, an angry crowd gathered and screamed profanities at federal officers, calling them cowards and telling them to go home. One officer responded mockingly as he walked away, telling them: Boo hoo. Agents elsewhere shoved a yelling protester into a car. The intersection where the shooting has been blocked off, and Border Patrol agents were on the scene, wielding batons. Community members protested against federal agents on Saturday after the showing, and riot control munitions were used to disperse the crowd (Getty Images) More than 2,000 federal officers are being deployed in the state as part of the Trump administrations ongoing immigration and anti-fraud crackdown in the state. More than 3,000 people have been arrested as part of the operation since December, according to DHS. The ongoing mission has been met with heavy protests. On Friday, police arrested about 100 clergy demonstrating against immigration enforcement at Minnesotas largest airport, and several thousand gathered in downtown Minneapolis despite Arctic temperatures to protest the crackdown. A Florida killer was kicked out of her own sentencing hearing when she bizarrely declared that the courtroom was a satan synagogue and launched multiple outbursts, forcing the judge to remove her. Amanda Cook, 41, was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday after she was convicted of brutally bludgeoning her 64-year-old roommate to death in 2019. Before she learned her fate, Cook entered the Naples courtroom spewing nonsense as she was escorted by several court officers. Saw my attorney, I need a military tribunal. This is a satan synagogue, the orange jumpsuit-clad murderer said, according to video from WBBH. Amanda Cook is brought into a Naples courtroom, yelling ahead of her sentencing hearing on Jan. 22, 2026. Gulf Coast News Cook shouts from her seat in the courtroom before a judge kicked her out. Gulf Coast News Collier Circuit Judge Joseph Foster began to read Cooks sentence, but was disrupted over the crazed womans antics and had her removed from the hearing. Whoa! Whoa! Just got busted! Get down, theyre coming in! Cooked screamed as several court officials tossed her out of the room. A jury had found Cook guilty of second-degree murder with a dangerous weapon in December. Cook, then-35, used a 9-pound cast-iron microphone stand and attacked her roommate, Karen Leiti, inside their North Naples apartment on July 3, 2019, according to court records viewed by The Post. Whoa! Whoa! Just got busted! Get down, theyre coming in! Cooked screamed as several court officials tossed her out of the room. Gulf Coast News After the deadly assault, Cook fled to her mothers nearby home. The murderer eventually returned to her apartment with her mother, who called 911 on her daughter to report the gruesome crime scene. Collier County Deputies responded to the apartment at around 2:10 a.m., where they discovered Leiti dead on the living room floor. Cooked claimed the roommates got into an argument before Leiti fell over a speaker and onto the floor, becoming unresponsive, the booking document states. Collier County Sheriff's Office Collier County Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Manfred Borges ruled Leiti suffered blunt force trauma to the head, not consistent with a simple fall. Cook was arrested and charged with murder evincing depraved mind not premeditated, according to court records viewed by The Post. Investigators recovered the suspected murder weapon that matched the wounds to Leitis injuries. The victims DNA was recovered from the base of the stand, with Cooks fingerprints and traces of DNA just above the base and at the top of the stand. Leitis injuries were described as being consistent with those typically seen by victims of high-impact vehicle crashes, Borges testified during the trial, the Collier County Sheriffs office announced. Joshua Wolfe/Biddeford Buzz Immigration officers outside the home of Cristian Vaca NEED TO KNOW Maine resident Cristian Vaca captured an ICE agent on camera outside his front door warning, "We're gonna come back for your whole family" Vaca, an Ecuador native who says he has a work permit and upcoming immigration hearing, told The Associated Press afterward that he was "terrified" during the encounter and it made him concerned about his son ICE launched a new immigration enforcement operation in Maine on Tuesday, Jan. 20, amid growing unease over the agency's aggressive actions in Minnesota One day after Immigration and Customs Enforcement launched a new operation in Maine, Ecuadorian immigrant Cristian Vaca was faced with a harrowing warning from federal agents standing outside his front door. In cellphone footage taken by Vaca from inside his Biddeford home at the end of an interaction with immigration officers, an ICE agent puts his face against the window of the front door and says, "We're gonna come back for your whole family, OK?" Vaca, a native Spanish speaker who later described the encounter as terrifying, calmly responded, "OK, no problem" and continued filming as the agents returned to their vehicles. Vaca spoke to The Associated Press after the video was posted to social media on Wednesday, Jan. 21, saying in an interview translated from Spanish, "What happened is that in the morning, around 10 or 11, I looked out the window and they were taking photos." Their threat was always was to come back for my family. If I didn't leave and go with them, they would come back for my family. The threat was always against my family," he told the AP. "Honestly, I felt terrified, like any person in this situation when your family is threatened," he added, "and it made me think about my son and his innocence, that he didn't know what was happening while I was interacting with them." Vaca said he came to the United States from Ecuador in September 2023, and had a hearing scheduled with a judge in his immigration case but his court date got postponed. He said he has a work permit and Social Security number. PEOPLE sought comment from the Department of Homeland Security on the circumstances surrounding officers' visit to Vaca's residence. Officials from the DHS confirmed on Wednesday that they had kicked off a new immigration enforcement operation in Maine on the day prior titled, "Operation Catch of the Day." In a statement shared with CBS News, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin insisted that the operation is targeting immigrants who are both in the United States illegally and have committed crimes. She also accused Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills a 2026 Senate candidate of failing to cooperate with federal authorities. On Friday afternoon, DHS told PEOPLE that "the brave men and women of ICE" arrested more than 100 people in the first three days of the operation. Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty A Portland, Maine, business protests ICE's arrival in January 2026 The Maine immigration raids come amid widespread criticism of ICE's actions in other cities around the nation, most recently in the Minneapolis area where U.S. citizen Renee Good was fatally shot in her vehicle on Jan. 7, a Venezuelan man was shot in the leg during an arrest on Jan. 14, and anti-ICE protesters have faced reported brutality. Footage of agents clashing with protesters, crashing into vehicles and going up to homes in Minneapolis have spread through social media, and Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota if necessary to squash anti-ICE protests with military force. This week, a viral image showed 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos being detained by agents in a Minneapolis suburb after his father, an Ecuadorian immigrant, was targeted while the two were returning home from Liam's preschool. After his father had been detained, ICE agents allegedly asked Liam to knock on the door to his home to see if any other people were inside, essentially "using a 5-year-old as bait, The Washington Post reported, citing Columbia Heights Public Schools. The school district claimed that another adult living in the home, who had been outside at the time, begged the agents to leave Liam with them, but ICE agents refused, according to the outlet. Liams older brother, a middle school student, returned home 20 minutes later to find his father and little brother had been taken away, the paper noted. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Data obtained by University of California, Berkeleys Deportation Data Project has shown that nearly 75,000 people arrested by ICE during Trump's first nine months in office had no criminal record. That data, which was compiled by an internal ICE office and made public in a lawsuit filed against the agency, showed that almost one-third of those arrested in that timeframe had no criminal record. For those who had been convicted in the past, the data doesn't distinguish between minor offenses and violent crimes. Though data on how many Americans have been swept up in immigration arrests remains incomplete, ProPublica identified more than 170 cases where U.S. citizens were detained at raids and protests in the first nine months of Trump's second presidency. Read the original article on People Enterprise Rent-A-Car is the latest company to find itself facing backlash amid anti-ICE protests in Minnesota. Shutterstock People are calling Enterprise rental locations in Minnesota as part of an anti-ICE protest. A campaign urged people to "ICE OUT Enterprise" and disrupt its operations by reserving rental cars and then later canceling. A viral video shows protestors with signs outside an Enterprise in the state ahead of a "business blackout" on Friday. Enterprise is the latest company caught in the crosshairs of anti-ICE protests. A video showing protesters lined up outside of a Minnesota Enterprise Rent-A-Car location went viral earlier this week on TikTok, part of an "Ice out Enterprise" protest campaign. Organizers encouraged participants to disrupt Enterprise's operations by reserving rental cars and then canceling the bookings shortly before pickup a tactic they say is designed to draw attention and strain vehicle availability that could be utilized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. "Enterprise is renting cars to ICE agents and profiting from the violence that agents are bringing to our communities," Minnesota organizers associated with the Sunrise Movement, a progressive climate and social justice advocacy group, posted on social media. The post asked protestors to "please be polite to employees when you contact them." An Enterprise employee working the counter at one of the rental car company's Saint Paul, Minnesota, locations confirmed to Business Insider on Friday that protesters had been calling the store. The employee declined to comment further, citing the company's media policy. "I've called and told them I was disappointed that they were collaborating with ICE," a commenter on Instagram said. "They answered the phone super quickly," another added. "I was told a complaint would be logged right away." The viral video, which was posted on Thursday, had more than 323,000 views on TikTok as of publication. It shows a line of demonstrators holding signs reading "No cars for ICE" and "Cancel ICE contracts now." It's unclear if Enterprise has any contract with ICE. Enterprise did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. The effort is part of a "week of actions" in Minnesota leading up to a "business blackout" on Friday to protest ICE's presence in the state. The Sunrise and Sunrise Twin Cities groups didn't respond to requests for comment from Business Insider. The video has also drawn reactions from conservative commentators on X. "Anti-ICE leftists are now booking and canceling car reservations at Enterprise to protest them renting cars to ICE," wrote Chaya Raichik, who operates the popular Libs of TikTik account on X, in a post with more than 208,000 views. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Business Insider in a statement that "dangerous" protest efforts had led to a rise in violence against ICE officers. "ICE officers act heroically to enforce the law and protect American communities with the utmost professionalism," she said. Enterprise is the latest major corporation to face consumer pressure as immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota has drawn widespread protest. Earlier this month, Hilton removed a franchisee from its portfolio after a video that purported to show a hotel employee refusing to provide immigration enforcement officers rooms. In a statement, the hotel chain criticized the operator and said its corporate policy was to make all locations "a welcoming place for all" and that it does "not discriminate against any individuals or agencies." Minneapolis-based Target has also faced heat from activists who accused the retailer of cooperating with immigration officials. The retailer denied those claims an internal memo obtained by Business Insider. "Target does not have cooperative agreements with any immigration enforcement agency," human resources chief Melissa Kremer wrote to employees. "We're listening and working to de-escalate where possible." Enterprise, which runs around two dozen locations in the Twin Cities, is still facing calls from Minnesota-based protestors. Read the original article on Business Insider [BBC] At least seven people have died and more than 80 others are missing after a landslide hit Indonesia's West Java province, officials said. The landslide occurred in the West Bandung region, south-east of the capital Jakarta, following days of intense rainfall. More than thirty homes were destroyed after "landslide material buried residential areas, causing fatalities and affecting local residents", Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency said in a statement. Flooding, landslide and extreme weather alerts have also been issued for the broader region. The landslide hit the village of Pasirlangu around 02:30AM on Saturday (19:30 GMT). Two dozen people were evacuated safely from the affected region, according to Abdul Muhari, communication chief of the National Search Agency. Images shared by local news outlets showed homes buried under mud and debris. Irans Revolutionary Guard commander on Saturday said the country has its finger on the trigger at the U.S. after President Trump said an armada will head toward the Middle East. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard and dear Iran stand more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, to execute the orders and directives of the Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour said according to Nournews, a news outlet with ties to Irans Supreme National Security Council. Pakpour also warned the U.S. and Israel to avoid any miscalculation. On Thursday, Trump told reporters on Air Force One that the U.S. is sending an armada to the region in response to Iranian troops cracking down on massive anti-government protests. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency stated on Friday that over 5,100 Iranians have been killed as part of the crackdown. Trump said he stopped Iran from executing 837 people, having previously warned the U.S. will take military action if people were killed. He urged demonstrators in Tehran to take over the countrys institutions in a Truth Social post, where he also announced that he called off meetings with Iranian officials. I said if you hang those people, youre going to be hit harder than youve ever been hit, Trump said Thursday. They actually said they canceled it. They didnt postpone it, they canceled it. So that was a good sign. But we have an armada. We have a massive fleet heading in that direction and maybe we wont have to use it, well see. So far, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three other destroyers headed west from the South China Sea earlier this week. A Navy official said the strike group reached the Indian Ocean on Friday. The president previously said it was time to look for new leadership in Iran following weeks of protests. Trump told Politico that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was guilty of the complete destruction of the country and the use of violence at levels never seen before. In order to keep the country functioning, even though that function is a very low level, the leadership should focus on running his country properly, like I do with the United States, and not killing people by the thousands in order to keep control, Trump said. He called Khamenei a sick man who should stop killing people. Khamenei has accused Trump and Israel of backing the protests, claiming they are a foreign plot to devour Iran. In one of a series of posts on the social platform X, the supreme leader wrote that Iran extinguished the fire of the sedition, but that isnt enough. The US must be held accountable. We do not intend to lead the country toward war, Khamenei wrote in another post. However, we will not just let go of the criminals inside the country either. Worse than the internal criminals are the international criminals! We will not let go of them either. The Associated Press contributed. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Traces of Denmarks 250-year imperial reign are still visible on St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and the smattering of tiny islets that today make up the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cities and street signs hold Danish names, like Frederiksted; buildings feature yellowish-red bricks brought on boats across the Atlantic; and the stone facades of sugar plantations where enslaved Africans were forced to labor still stand. Theyre interspersed with evidence of the islands' vibrant Caribbean culture from colorfully costumed dancers to drum-driven melodies and the McDonald's and Home Depot stores that reflect its now century-long status as an unincorporated territory of the United States. As President Donald Trump negotiates a "framework of a future deal" with Denmark for access to Greenland, some residents of the tropical territory say they feel like they're rewatching their own past. Greenlanders march in defiance of Trumps efforts to claim the island People attend a protest against President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in front of the U.S. consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 17, 2026. More: Trump says US getting 'total access' to Greenland History never repeats itself in the same way, but it shows up in a different form, said Stephanie Chalana Brown, an Afro-Caribbean visual historian with deep roots in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Brown said her ancestors were among the first enslaved by Danish colonial powers, and she is now among a cohort of people working to secure reparations from Denmark. As slaves, then as residents of the Danish-turned-United States territory, Brown said her relatives were sold without their consent. A century later, she worries residents of Greenland are facing the same threat her ancestors did: not having a seat at the table over decisions on the future use of their lands. I understand it because the same thing happened to my relatives, Brown said. I don't want to see it happen to another place. A cruise ship is docked on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, October 22, 2025. The annexation of the Virgin Islands More than a century ago, President Woodrow Wilson bought the islands, then called the Danish West Indies, from Denmark for $25 million after threatening to take them by force. At the time, a war was raging in Europe and the United States was seeking to assert its dominance in Latin America. Using many of the same arguments Trump has in jockeying for control of Greenland, Wilson said he wanted the islands for strategic reasons: to secure new trade routes and prevent adversaries from dominating the region. The nations rival then wasnt China or Russia but Germany, the aggressor in World War I. The war heightened fears that Germany would absorb Denmark and its territories a perceived threat to the United States. After the 1917 purchase, the islands served for decades as a strategic Caribbean outpost for the United States military and a hub of naval operations. But the Navy air station on the territory closed in 1948, and the islands never became the significant military asset once envisioned. Boats fill a marina on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, October 22, 2025. More: Greenland isn't the first territory America wanted from Denmark. Here's another. The roughly 26,000 inhabitants scattered across St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas in 1917 were not given a say in the acquisition, though Denmark did hold a referendum for its mainland residents. After the transaction, it took more than a decade for Virgin Islanders to gain United States citizenship. Islanders were given the right to vote for their own governor in 1970. Today, like residents of other U.S. territories, citizens in the Virgin Islands cannot vote for president and do not have a voting representative in Congress. Virgin Islanders reflect on Greenland Felipe Ayala, a member of the St. Thomas Historical Trust, said hes heard conversations about Trumps Greenland desires, but mostly in private circles. People, he said, are more focused on the international actions happening right in their backyard. Two Navy aircraft carriers, the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Iwo Jima, docked in the U.S. Virgin Islands in December to aid in the Trump administrations efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and later to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. The ships marked the first major Navy presence on the island in decades. Some residents welcomed the ships and the sailors they brought, as a welcome economic boost for the island, Ayala said. Others were frightened. When we step off our porches, most of the houses overlook the harbor and the bay, he said. To see aircraft carriers and knowing the political climate of the region, it took us a little off guard. Tourists pose for a selfie at the Charlotte Amalie Overlook with the U.S. Navy USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier (CVN-78) in the background, in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, December 1, 2025. In the aftermath of his military actions in Venezuela, Trump ratcheted up calls to annex Greenland and refused to rule out doing so through military force. Trump on Jan. 23 appeared to walk back some of that rhetoric, saying that the United States would have total access to the Arctic island through a deal he was negotiating. He conceded that he may not end up formally acquiring Greenland. It's possible. Anything's possible," Trump said of U.S. ownership. The details of the emerging agreement remain murky. So does the role Greenlands own legislature is playing in the discussions. For Brown and other Virgin Islanders with ancestry tied to Danish colonialism, the recent discussions over Greenlands future have spurred heightened empathy and concern for the 57,000 inhabitants of the 836,000-square-mile island with a climate much different from their own. Stephanie Chalana Brown, 42, is an Afro-Caribbean visual historian in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Is he bringing them to the table to talk about policies? she asked of Trumps plans for America's military footprint on the island. Those things weren't extended to Virgin Islanders. Most Greenlanders are Inuit, an Indigenous people who also live in Alaska and Canada. Greenlandic, the language they speak, is vastly different from Danish. And their traditions are distinct from those found in Denmark, Western Europe and America. If the United States builds up its military presence on Greenland, Brown also said she worried the island could experience some of the same Americanization she says is happening in the Virgin Islands. You see the washing of our children's identity away, where you know they're learning about American culture from the influence of things like television and radio, she said. We are losing our own Caribbean identity. I hope that doesnt happen to them as well, Brown said of Greenland. Contributing: Michael Loria, Francesca Chambers and Kim Hjelmgaard Karissa Waddick, who covers America's semiquincentennial for USA TODAY, can be reached at kwaddick@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The Virgin Islands, bought by the US, have a message for Greenland As many people across the United States hunker down amid a raging winter storm on Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25, their power may unexpectedly go off. With heavy snowfall already in cities like Little Rock, Arkansas, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, frigid conditions and inclement weather from the storm are expected to impact most of the nation east of the Rocky Mountains, ushering in some of the coldest temperatures seen in years, forecasters have indicated. The storm, emanating from Texas and Oklahoma on Friday evening, Jan. 23, hit the southern region with significant sleet and snow. Forecasters, who have warned of "catastrophic" ice accumulation, said that on Saturday, the system is expected to push toward Virginia, dumping possibly over a foot of snow on parts of the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic as New England experiences double-digit subzero temperatures. Heavy snowfall and ice could affect hundreds of thousands of people, who may not be prepared if the storm knocks out their electricity. Here are some tips for those who may experience a power outage during the winter storm. See stunning photos from the massive winter storm blanketing the US Much of the nation east of the Rocky Mountains is hunkered down for what could be the worst winter storm of the season, followed by some of the coldest temperatures seen in years. The storm began out of Texas and Oklahoma Friday evening, hitting the region with heavy sleet and snow. Forecasters have warned of "catastrophic" ice accumulation. On Saturday, the system is expected to push towards Virginia, dumping a foot of snow or more on parts of the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic, while New England sees double-digit subzero temperatures. See the dramatic scenes of frigid cold temperatures, beginning here with an image of a jogger on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 24, 2026. Winter storm path: Live updates as brutal mix of snow, ice hits millions How to prepare for a power outage According to the American Red Cross, here is what your emergency preparedness kit should include: Coolers, either Styrofoam or reusable Ice, for packing food to keep it colder and safer to consume longer A digital food thermometer to check internal temperatures Water, specifically at least a gallon per person per day, for two weeks. You can fill up bathtubs with non-drinking water. Flashlights and batteries, but not candles, because if used, they can be an extreme fire risk Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, when possible First aid kit Seven-day supply of medications and medical items Cell phone and power-banks Copies of personal documents, emergency contact numbers and extra cash Full tank of gas in your car Emergency crews prepare for the winter storm Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Conestee Park in Mauldin, South Carolina. The major winter storm is expected to bring .5-1 inch of ice as well as snow. You can shop now: Planning for severe weather? Here's what to pack in your go-bag What to do during a power outage Checking your food is one of the most important things to do during a power outage, as the time spent without electricity can determine if the items in your fridge or freezer should be discarded. If your power is out for less than two hours, perishable food should still be safe to consume. If the power is out for longer than four hours, food in the fridge should be thrown away and not eaten. According to the American Red Cross, food is safe if it's in an unopened freezer for up to 48 hours, only if the freezer is full. Food is also safe if it's been in the freezer for 24 hours and the freezer is mostly empty, the nonprofit said. Here are some more tips for anyone dealing with a power outage: Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors shut as much as possible, and go through the food in the fridge first before the freezer. Eat your non-perishable food last. If power is expected to be out for more than 24 hours, place some foods into ice-filled coolers to prolong quality and ensure safe consumption. Keep your other food covered in dry, cool areas. Turn off all unnecessary electrical equipment and unplug them. Turn off and unplug any appliances you were using when the power went out to avoid power surges when it turns back on. Leave one light on so that it will light when the power returns. Do not leave the house unless necessary, such as a medical emergency. Traffic lights will also be out, and driving conditions could be dangerous. When using a portable generator, only attach equipment directly to the generator's outlets; do not attach the generator to your home's electrical system. Review the generator's safety instructions before use, and make sure you have carbon monoxide alarms. Never use a generator, grill, camp stove, gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside the home, and keep them away from doors, windows and vents that let air inside. No more bread and water? The psychology behind why we panic-buy before storms How to keep warm during a power outage To keep warm during a power outage, especially during a winter storm or on a cold day, avoid opening and closing doors to prevent losing heat. Staying in one room may be the safest precaution for you, your family and pets, as it will help retain body heat. Layering up with sweaters, jackets, socks, hats, gloves and blankets can also help. Materials like wool and silk hold heat better than cotton. While it may be tempting, do not use your stove or oven to heat your home. Gas ovens pose a dangerous carbon monoxide risk that can lead to poisoning or death, while electric ovens can be a fire hazard, melting knobs or igniting nearby flammable items. Another tip to stay warm is to keep your windows closed and covered, especially at night. Blinds and curtains act as a buffer between the cold air near the window and the interior of your home. During the day, open the blinds and curtains so that the sun's heat can come inside. Cold air can also sneak into your home through the seams around doors, so using rolled-up towels or rags can create a seal to prevent this. Track power outages What to do when the power comes back on Once power has been restored, it's important not to approach any electrical power lines. If you spot any power lines still down, report them to local officials. American Red Cross officials suggest never tasting food to see if it's still edible after a power outage. Instead, throw away any food that was above 40 degrees for more than two hours, or has an unusual odor, color or texture, especially produce and meat. If the freezer has remained below 40 degrees and ice crystals are still inside, the food can be refrozen. Appliances, lights, charging cords or other electrical items can be plugged back in once power is restored. Contributing: Terry Baddoo & Cody Godwin / USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What to do if you lose power during winter storm. Here are some tips. House Speaker Mike Johnson pushed back when asked about President Donald Trumps slurring of words and seemingly mixing up Greenland with Iceland during his speech at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday. The Independent spoke to Johnson ahead of votes ahead of votes Thursday morning, to which Johnson questioned why he was being asked about Trumps mental fitness. Is this a serious question? This president sleeps about three hours a night, Johnson said. He outwears Everybody in this building by a factor of two or three. He's gotten more done in the first year of his presidency than anybody in history. I cannot even believe you asked me that question. The president spoke at the World Economic Forum on Thursday where he railed against U.S. allies and NATO, though he said he would not use military force to take Greenland. During that speech, he also seemed to confuse Greenland, an autonomous territory which is governed by the kingdom of Denmark, with Iceland, the nordic European nation. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., expressed frustration when asked about President Donald Trumps physical health issues. (AFP/Getty) Our stock market took the first dip yesterday because of Iceland, so Iceland has already cost us a lot of money, he said of Greenland. Later, he tried to say the people of Greenland supported him. Until the last few days, when I told them about Iceland, they loved me. They called me Daddy, Trump said in during the conference in Davos. The president has also shown visible signs of physical decline. During a press conference earlier this week in the White House briefing room, his voice sounded increasingly hoarse and his words were slurred. In addition, multiple photos have shown bruises on Trumps hands or heavy makeup on his hands. Trump, who became the oldest man to assume the presidency in 2017 and then again in 2025, will turn 80 in June. A poll from YouGov earlier this month found that 49 percent of Americans thought that Trump was too old to be president. Multiple photos have shown Trumps hands with heavy makeup on them. (AFP via Getty Images) At the same time, some have questioned Trumps wellbeing and the questions are like those that surfaced about President Joe Biden before Bidens disastrous June 2024 debate where his voice was weak and he made rambling incoherent remarks. That led to Biden stepping aside as the Democratic nominee for president. His vice president Kamala Harris would later lose the election to Trump. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump pushed back on claims about his health, saying he bruises easily because he takes a higher dose of aspirin than normally-recommended amount because I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. He later said that he was in PERFECT HEALTH and that he had ACED his cognitive examination. California Gov. Gavin Newsom jetted to Switzerland recently for the World Economic Forum and used the global stage to take aim at the Trump administration, a move that quickly spawned a string of viral moments and mockery. Trump administration officials and the president himself converged on Davos, Switzerland, to meet with global government and business leaders to discuss the economy at large, and as President Donald Trump upped the ante on pressuring European leaders to ink a deal for the U.S. to acquire Greenland. Trump dominated headlines as foreign dignitaries met with the deal-maker-in-chief at the high-profile annual forum, with Newsom simultaneously working to counter his longtime political foe. Fox News Digital took a look back at Newsom's top moments that earned him millions of views on social media as Trump supporters and others lambasted the governor for his political stunts and commentary. Treasury Chief Unloads On Gavin Newsoms Davos Stunt, Mocks Governors Brain The Size Of A Walnut Shortly after arriving in Switzerland, Newsom told the media from the sidelines of the annual meeting that he "should have brought a bunch of kneepads for all the world leaders" interacting with Trump, calling them "pathetic" as he reprimanded that they "have a backbone" against the White House. Read On The Fox News App Trump Keeps Macron Under Spotlight As Greenland Talks Grind Forward From Davos "This is diplomacy with Donald Trump. He's a T. rex. You mate with him, or he devours you, one or the other," Newsom said Tuesday. "The Europeans could be (devoured) if they continue down this path and process. They need to stand tall, stand firm, stand united." "Look, a year ago we should have been having this conversation, and they didn't. And now you're paying the price exactly what any one objective observer would have anticipated we'd be where we are today." Video of his remarks quickly spread across social media, generating millions of views as MAGA supporters scratched their heads over the remarks or mocked Newsom for what critics called an "odd" or "vivid" or "bizarre MELTDOWN" online. Commentator Stephen A. Smith slammed Newsom for taking shots at Trump while on foreign soil, arguing the " America first" mentality should transcend domestic political differences while on a world stage. "I have no problem with Gavin Newsom being candid and open about his feelings about our president on United States soil. To go over to another country, Switzerland, to go over there and to be in the presence of other European leaders, speaking against the President of the United States I'm not down with that," Smith said on his podcast, Fox News Digital previously reported. Gov. Gavin Newsom walked back his office's comments slamming ICE agents during a podcast interview. (Getty Images) Newsom received widespread backlash from conservatives online after left-wing billionaire donor Alex Soros posted a photo of the pair to social media Tuesday. "So glad hes here calling out world leaders for believing appeasement works when it comes to Trump," Soros captioned the photo of the pair. "It doesnt. It only emboldens him to become more chaotic and destructive. World leaders could take a page out of Newsoms book. Its time to stand tall, stand firm, and stand united before its too late." The photo sparked mockery and condemnation from Trump officials and social media commenters, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent quipping that Newsom is like "Patrick Bateman meets Sparkle Beach Ken." "He's here this week with his billionaire sugar daddy, Alex Soros, and Davos is the perfect place for a man who, when everyone else was on lockdown, when he was having people arrested for going to church, he was having $1,000 a night meals at the French Laundry," Bessent continued during a Wednesday press conference. "Gavin Newscum auditioning to be Alex Soros next sugar baby is a waste of time all the money in the world could not make Newscums pitiful presidential dreams come true," White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said. "Someone confiscate Alex Soros' Instagram account," Tim Miller, "The Bulwark Podcast" host and MSNBC analyst wrote in response to Newsom and Soros showing off their friendship in Switzerland. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. President Donald Trump is also expected the high-profile economic meeting. (Getty Images) Newsom took to X Wednesday and claimed he had been barred from speaking at an event in Davos, Switzerland, with his office pinning blame on the White House. "Under pressure from the White House and State Department, USA House (a church acting as the official U.S. pavilion) is now denying entry to @CAGovernor Gavin Newsom to speak with media after Fortune the official media partner invited him to speak," Newsom's press office said Wednesday. Newsom was invited to speak at USA House in Davos, which served as the U.S.' main hub at the World Economic Forum and focused on celebrating America's upcoming 250th anniversary as a nation but was denied entry. "California was just denied at the USA House. Last we checked, California is part of USA," Newsom posted on X. The White House weighed in shortly after, taking aim at the governor for spending time in Europe and not at home in California. Newsom has long been viewed as a potential 2028 Democratic candidate for the White House. "No one in Davos knows who third-rate governor Newscum is or why he is frolicking around Switzerland instead of fixing the many problems he created in California," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told Fox News of the remarks. California Governor Gavin Newsom listens to President Donald Trump address the World Economic Forum in the Davos Congress Center on Jan. 21, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The California governor had yet another viral moment Wednesday when he attended Trump's speech to the forum and was spotted smirking. Trump called Newsom out by name amid his remarks Wednesday, which overwhelmingly focused on his administration's first-year wins and heightened calls for the U.S. to acquire Greenland. Stephen A Smith Shreds Newsom For Violating 'America First' With Disparagement Of Trump In A Foreign Country "We're going to help the people in California. We want to have no crime," Trump said during his summit address. "I know Gavin was here. I used to get along so great with Gavin when I was president. Gavin's a good guy, and we're going to. If he needed it, I would do it in a heartbeat. I'd love to see. We did help them a lot in Los Angeles, a lot with the early, early in my term when they had some problems. But we would love to do it." Newsom was spotted in video footage and photos standing on the sidelines of the speech while listening to Trump, including appearing to smirk during the president's address. California Gov. Gavin Newsom holds a knee protector at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. After claiming that he should have brought kneepads for world leaders as they interact with Trump, Newsom whipped out a pair of what he called "Trump signature series kneepads" during a World Economic Forum session moderated by Ben Smith, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Semafor. "It's not what we should be doing. But you've got to point out the absurdity ," Newsom said of the political prop. The governor said the Trump administration has heightened its personal attacks against him, pointing to Bessent's "Patrick Bateman meets Sparkle Beach Ken" remark as evidence. Click Here To Download The Fox News App "We're deeply in their head. I think the affordability agenda appears to be I'm living rent-free in the Trump administration's head," he said of the Trump administration. Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom's office on Friday regarding his series of viral moments but did not immediately receive a reply. Fox News Digital's Alec Schemmel contributed to this report. Original article source: Newsoms Davos detour: 5 cringe moments that overshadowed the high-profile summit Day 90 of the "Walk for Peace" brought the Venerable Buddhist monks to Jordan Lake State Park in Apex, North Carolina. (Photo Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) With a massive winter storm just hours away, North Carolinians found warmth and hope Friday in a message of peace from a procession of Buddhist monks. Thousands of people lined their route as they approached the Triangle area in chilly rain. This was Day 90 of a 2,300 mile journey from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to encourage loving kindness and compassion. The walk is led by Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, who urged the audience of more than a thousand gathered at Jordan Lake to concentrate on the present moment, breathing in and out. That is mindfulness, he said. Do not multitask anymore. Do one thing at a time. Renee McHugh of Apex acknowledged it was easy to feel overwhelmed in todays deeply partisan country. She said this message resonated. Were so plugged into whats going on in the world that we hear everything now, said McHugh. Back in the day, you could kind of buffer it, and you cant anymore. So when something good like this happens, I need to go see that. Frauke Rona-Bowler was born in Germany, but has called North Carolina home for 30 years. Like McHugh, she was hungry for hope. I started following them online a little bit, and its the only thing of positivity that I see when Im online, so I wanted to be part of it. It was important to be here today. Rona-Bowler said. Jim Curtis drove 50 miles from Southern Pines to hear the monks, and said he wasnt disappointed. I had such a sad feeling about the way things are, and I see a group of individuals trying to make us think better, and I was inspired, said Curtis. Curtis said it was encouraging to see so many people committed to peace. It is wonderful when you think sometimes, youre the only one, he said. And then I see all kinds of people around me, various colors, various genders, young and old. Pannakara told the audience that in all lives there will be moments of suffering, greed, hatred, and anger, but the key is to slow down and quiet the monkey mind the restless, wandering thoughts many people have. For those still feeling anxious, he offered a simple daily task. Every day when you wake up, get a piece of paper out, write out the statement, Today is going to be my peaceful day,' Pannakara said. Write it down, read it over and over, he told listeners. Tell the universe that today is our peaceful day, my peaceful day, so that no one can mess it up except ourselves. And please, dont mess it up. As a small token to represent inner peace and a blessing, the monks offered the people gathered to hear them in Apex woven peace bracelets at the end of the program a wearable reminder to maintain a calm, positive mindset. The Venerable Buddhist monks and their dog Aloka, who continues to recover following surgery in South Carolina, will continue their Walk for Peace through North Carolina this weekend. A support team is ready to make adjustments in the schedule if the weather becomes too dangerous. Click below to view full-size resolution of NC Newslines photo gallery of the Buddhist monks. North Carolinians line U.S. 64 to catch a glimpse of the monks. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) A crowd of more than one thousand gathered at Jordan Lake on Jan. 23 to hear from the Venerable Buddhist monks. Renee McHugh of Apex (left) said the country was hungry for hope. Jim Curtis and Frauke Rona-Bowler met for the first time at the peace march and embraced the monks' message of positive mindfulness. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) A woven peace bracelet is offered as a blessing for those seeking mindfulness. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) A woven peace bracelet is offered as a blessing for those seeking mindfulness. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) An emotional moment in seeing the monks. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) One of the monks offers a broad smile as he departs on the next leg of the journey to Washington, D.C. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) "Thank you, men of peace." (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) A simple gift of flowers for the Buddhist Monks. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) A simple gift of flowers for the Buddhist Monks on the Walk for Peace. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) The venerable monks depart Jordan Lake State Park on Day 90 of their trek. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) The venerable monks depart Jordan Lake State Park on Day 90 of their trek. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) The venerable monks depart Jordan Lake State Park on Day 90 of their trek. (Photo: Clayton Henkel/NC Newsline) ISRAEL-US-TRUMP-DIPLOMACY (Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images) President Donald Trump revealed the U.S. military used a secret weapon he calls The Discombobulator during the January raid that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. Trump made the disclosure in an interview with the New York Post from the Oval Office. He said the weapon disabled enemy equipment during the Jan. 3 operation in Caracas. The Discombobulator. Im not allowed to talk about it, Trump told the outlet. The president said Venezuelan forces armed with Russian and Chinese rockets failed to mount any defense. (RELATED: Trump Calls Off Planned Second Wave Of Attacks On Venezuela) They never got their rockets off. They had Russian and Chinese rockets, and they never got one off. We came in, they pressed buttons and nothing worked. They were all set for us, Trump said. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt appeared to acknowledge the weapons use on Jan. 10 when she shared an eyewitness account on social media. The account came from an unnamed Venezuelan guard who claimed to have witnessed the attack. The guard described radar systems suddenly shutting down before drones and roughly eight helicopters carrying about 20 U.S. soldiers arrived at the military base. He said American forces then deployed something he could not identify. It was like a very intense sound wave. Suddenly I felt like my head was exploding from the inside, the guard said in the account Leavitt shared. We all started bleeding from the nose. Some were vomiting blood. We fell to the ground, unable to move. Trump previously confirmed the weapons existence during an interview, Mediaite reported. He told host Katie Pavlich that nobody else has it. The disclosure came amid reports that the Biden administration purchased a pulsed energy device in its final weeks for an eight-figure sum, according to CNN. The Pentagon has tested the backpack-sized device for over a year. Some investigators believe it may be linked to Havana Syndrome. Maduro is currently detained at a federal facility in Brooklyn as he faces drug trafficking and terrorism-related charges, the Post reported. Trump said he has developed a strong relationship with Venezuelas interim leader Delcy Rodriguez. We have a great relationship with the new president, Trump said. Shes been terrific. Booming flash bangs and fireworks rattled the frigid windows of Michelle Gross home in North Minneapolis. "It sounded like a war zone outside," Gross said about the confrontation between federal agents throwing grenades and protesters lighting firecrackers on Jan. 14, after a man was shot. "I really feel like our federal government is out to get us. I never, ever thought I would say anything like this." Gross, 68, the longtime leader of the nonprofit Communities United Against Police Brutality, said she had seen some changes with the Minneapolis Police Department and the community, six years after the murder of George Floyd. But now, she said, that burgeoning goodwill will evaporate unless she sees the police stand up to ICE and other federal authorities. Federal agents continue surge of immigration enforcement in Minnesota US Customs and Border Protection agents arrest a man after not providing documents proving he's a citizen of the United States while patrolling a neighborhood during immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minn. on Jan. 11, 2026. A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good on the streets of Minneapolis on Jan. 7, leading to huge protests and outrage from local leaders who rejected White House claims she was a domestic terrorist. "I think the Minneapolis Police, a department that is desperately in need of rehabilitating their reputation, could be the heroes if they stand up to the feds," Gross said. "Some people feel they are either letting ICE attack the community by standing by, or they are helping them." Tensions may only intensify after ICU nurse Alex Pretti of Minneapolis was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents on Jan. 24. The Department of Homeland Security said Pretti, a licensed gun owner, had a handgun and approached Border Patrol agents during a targeted operation. He "violently resisted" when officers tried to disarm him, and an agent shot him in self-defense, the DHS said. Videos of the scene did not show Pretti drawing his gun at any point. "I think it is horrific. What we have is an assault by the government on our community," Gross said hours after the Jan. 24 shooting. "I am outraged beyond belief." Reactions also came swiftly from city and state leaders as Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Gov. Tim Walz urged President Donald Trump to end the operation known as "Operation Metro Surge." "How many more residents, how many more Americans need to die, or get badly hurt for this operation to end?" Frey said at a news conference after watching videos of the shooting. "How many more lives need to be lost before this administration realizes that a political and partisan narrative is not as important as American values? "How many times must local and national leaders plead with you, Donald Trump, to end this operation and recognize that this is not creating safety in our city?" Frey continued. He said that he's tired of hearing that the local leaders and the community are impeding the federal officers' operation, which he says are false narratives. "That is what weakens our country. That is what erodes trust in both law enforcement and democracy itself," Frey said. Trump says mayor and governor are 'inciting insurrection' In response, Trump asked in a Truth Social post why local police did not protect ICE officers. "The Mayor and the Governor called them off? It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves Not an easy thing to do!" Trump said. Trump also accused Frey and Walz of inciting violence. "The Mayor and the Governor are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric!" Trump said. "Instead, these sanctimonious political fools should be looking for the Billions of Dollars that has been stolen from the people of Minnesota, and the United States of America. LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB!" A difficult spot for local law enforcement Confrontations between the public and federal officers across the country have put local police in a difficult spot. If they side with immigration officers, they will alienate area residents, who they need as crime-fighting allies. If they side with local residents, they put themselves at odds with larger, better-armed federal forces. Courts may eventually resolve some of the power imbalance, but in the meantime, local police have a tightrope to walk. "I get with local law enforcement that their hands are somewhat tied, and they dont want to be caught up in this, but at the same time, they dont want to close the door to at least having effective communication with the federal agents and ICE and CBP agents that are working in their jurisdiction," said Jill Snider, a retired New York Police Department officer and a resident senior fellow at the R Street Institute on pubic policy. "I have a lot of empathy for local law enforcement right now." Federal, local officers acting like adversaries As tensions remain high in Minneapolis, Snider said she's worried about other ICE operations, including Portland, Oregon, where more than 1,100 immigration arrests have been made since January 2025, and two protesters were shot by federal officers in 2026. Her concerns also extend to the state of Maine, where federal officials said they made more than 100 arrests in the first three days of what they call "Operation Catch of the Day." In both states, local law enforcement is not cooperating with federal officers. In Maine, a new law limiting police involvement in immigration enforcement took effect months earlier than anticipated after Gov. Janet Mills allowed the measure to become law in December. "It seems clear that the relationship between local law enforcement and the Justice Department has become adversarial, and these tensions seem like theyve been intentionally created and enflamed by the federal government," said Stacey Young, a former 18-year employee of the Department of Justice who served as a senior attorney in the Civil Division and later in the Civil Rights Division. "We're likely to see a continued erosion of trust in American communities like Minneapolis and Portland." U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents stand guard during a protest outside the Whipple Federal Building, more than a week after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good on January 7, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 16, 2026. Regular citizens likely don't understand the difference between local police and federal officials, painting them both with the same brush, said Snider, who also teaches at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. Many federal officers in Minneapolis are also wearing jackets loudly labeled "Police," which could add to the confusion. Snider worries that if the agencies are operating in silos or at cross purposes, it could cause more harm than good, especially for local police. "This could lead to fewer people willing to call 911 if they are the victim of a crime, theyre maybe less likely to cooperate if they are a witness to a crime, and police really rely on that type of information from the general public when they are trying to solve crimes," Snider said. "Now, it seems more and more people are becoming skeptical of any actions that law enforcement is taking." Minneapolis still recovering from George Floyd's murder Minnesota state Sen. Aisha Gomez, a Democrat whose district includes the south Minneapolis neighborhoods where Pretti and Renee Nicole Good were fatally shot by federal officers, said the Minneapolis police department has made progress to improve relations with the community. But that progress is fragile, she said, and she is concerned by the local police's behavior during and immediately after Pretti's shooting. "Im frustrated when I see the police with their backs toward ICE and their faces pointed toward the community," said Gomez tearfully on Jan. 25. "Just that posture. It could be seen as a misinterpretation of betrayal. Its a misinterpretation of where the real danger to our community is coming from. "The real danger for us is behind the police," said Gomez, referring to federal authorities. Frey told CNN on Jan. 22 that his city worked well for years with federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Attorneys Office and they successfully drove down violent crime together. Frey cited a partnership that has worked especially well in North Minneapolis, where shootings are now at a record low. "If this [situation with immigration officers] were about safety, there would be a whole lot of opportunity to partner up and do it. But this is not about safety, its not even about immigration," Frey said. "What we are seeing right now, this is about political retribution, and its about causing chaos on our streets. No, its not helpful." Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara (R) shakes hands with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (L) after he addressed the findings of a Justice Department investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department during a press conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 16, 2023. The Department of Justice released a damning report today on the Minneapolis police following the murder of George Floyd by former police officer Derek Chauvin in 2020. The F-bomb heard across America: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey tries to break ICE Minnesota state House Republican floor leader Harry Niska, of suburban Ramsey, in a Jan. 15 statement accused state Democratic leaders of using "extreme and reckless rhetoric," and said the unnecessary tension between local and federal officials could be easily defused. "Here in Minnesota, the solution is straightforward," Niska said. "Defying federal law and demonizing federal law enforcement is not working and is only making the situation worse." Either way, local police are in the middle, trying to strike "a delicate balance," said Michael Burbank, a vice president of law enforcement initiatives at the Center for Policing Equity. "More communication, compassion, and transparency are needed to make people understand whats happening for everybody's sake," Burbank said. "And perhaps less rhetoric, from both sides." Since former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was accused and later convicted of killing George Floyd, the department has been under a microscope, he noted. The police departments of Minneapolis and neighboring St. Paul have 1,400 officers combined; there are reportedly 3,000 immigration officers in the region at the moment. Minnesota state Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, whose North Minneapolis district was the site of the second federal agent shooting on Jan. 14, recalled a resident asking him whether they could get through this unprecedented crisis. "I told them I think we will get through this, but the question is what sort of shape will we be in when we get to the other side?" Champion said, as he was out in his district in freezing temperatures, trying to calm residents down. "And Im not just talking about what's happening in Minneapolis and Minnesota, Im talking about the entire nation." Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara told CNN on Jan. 22 that he's seen several videos of federal officers using force with residents in ways that "do not align at all with Minneapolis Police policy or, in general, law enforcement training in the state of Minnesota." O'Hara said those actions have an impact on all law enforcement, including the Minneapolis Police and its relationship with the community. "The cops in this town have worked very hard over the last five years to try and rebuild the trust that was completely lost in 2020," he said. "Those officers lived for years through a time where, you know, they couldn't even go to local businesses and feel welcome. "They felt ostracized wherever they went in this city," O'Hara continued. "They worked very, very hard to change the relationship with the community, and the concern is that what is happening here today is jeopardizing their hard work." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will ICE affect police-community relations in Minneapolis? Scot Peterson (left), former school resource officer for Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and Adrian Gonzales, former Uvalde school district police officer. - AP Since the mass shooting at Columbine High School in 1999, the law enforcement protocol for responding to active shootings is to stop the attacker as quickly as possible. Yet twice in recent years in Parkland, Florida, and in Uvalde, Texas school police officers have allegedly failed to follow that protocol. In both instances, prosecutors criminally charged the officer for their alleged inaction. And in both cases, a jury found them not guilty of all charges. While the details differ, the acquittals of Scot Peterson in Parkland and Adrian Gonzales in Uvalde demonstrate how difficult it is to prosecute law enforcement officers and suggest many jurors do not regard hesitation during a school shooting as a crime, legal experts said. The acquittals also offer insights into the upcoming trial of former Uvalde schools police chief Pete Arredondo on charges of child abandonment. Before hearing from the officers perspective, its easy to blame them for not responding quickly, said Jeremy Eldridge, a criminal trial defense attorney and former prosecutor in Baltimore. But after hearing testimony, jurors tend to have more empathy. It becomes a lot more difficult once that officer is humanized to blame that officer for, frankly, the actions of another, he said, referring to the shooter. The acquittals of these officers also contrast with the successful prosecutions in Michigan and Illinois against the parents of mass shooters. Together, the verdicts in these cases indicate prosecutors are focusing on a broader cast of defendants after a mass shooting but juries so far seem more willing to grant deference to police than to the parents of shooters. However, Eldridge said he doesnt think the two acquittals will dissuade prosecutors from bringing charges in similar future cases. The public is always looking for accountability, he said, and that has increasingly extended to people other than the shooter. Similarities of Parkland and Uvalde trials Gonzales trial stemmed from the massacre of May 2022, when an 18-year-old gunman entered Robb Elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, and killed 19 children and two teachers. It took 77 minutes for law enforcement to stop and kill the shooter even though Gonzales was at the school more than a minute before the massacre began. A memorial outside Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, pictured on July 13, 2022. - Kaylee Greenlee Beal/Reuters Prosecutors alleged Gonzales failed to locate, engage or delay the gunman when he arrived at the school and while the shooter was still outside. When he got there, a teachers aide told him what the shooter was wearing and the direction he was heading, before they both heard gunshots. Those gunshots from the parking lot were 59 seconds before the gunman walked into the school building, CNNs analysis found. His defense highlighted what he did do, such as calling for help, finding a map and helping evacuate students from other parts of the school. Gonzales said he never saw the gunman and did not fire a shot. After the shooting, he told investigators he heard the gunfire but didnt know where it was coming from. The jury also heard Gonzales say in an interview with investigators that he got tunnel vision in the moment and made a mistake. Gonzales was found not guilty of 29 counts of child endangerment after a trial that included dozens of witnesses and his taped interview with investigators. He would have faced six months to two years in prison for each count if convicted. This was just the second criminal prosecution of an officer responding to a school shooting. Peterson, the former sheriffs deputy in Parkland, was found not guilty of child neglect, culpable negligence and perjury for staying outside the school building during the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Prosecutors accused Peterson of ignoring his training and taking cover for more than 45 minutes outside the school as 17 people, including 14 students, were killed inside. His defense, led by Mark Eiglarsh, argued he was not properly equipped to confront a shooter with an AR-15, he couldnt pinpoint the location of the gunfire and he did not legally qualify as a caregiver because he was a law enforcement officer. Scot Peterson was found not guilty on all charges in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on June 29, 2023. - Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun-Sentinel/Pool/AP Eiglarsh told CNNs Laura Coates that the Peterson and Gonzales cases had key similarities. There is definitely a reasonable doubt about whether (Gonzales) even saw the shooter go in (to the school), he said. Thats the same thing that happened with my case. Prior to Gonzales trial, Eiglarsh told CNN there was a wide gap between an officer failing to follow proper protocol and acting criminally. A lot of officers are damned if they do, damned if they dont. In other words, they go in right away, do what theyre supposed to do in their minds. They get in trouble if things dont go right because they didnt wait for someone to tell them what to do, he said. And conversely, inactivity now gets criminalized. The challenge for prosecutors Prosecutors generally face an uphill battle when charging police officers, as juries tend to be reluctant to second-guess officers acting in the heat of the moment, the legal experts said. Thats especially true in a case accusing them of inaction, Eldridge said. There are certainly cases where an officer not following his training can result in serious bodily injury and is criminal, but were not just talking about not following training, he said. Were talking about hesitation. Were talking about running towards danger, and I think that analysis is very difficult once the officer is humanized in front of a jury. The challenge for state prosecutors is they are focused on analyzing the officers actions with 20-20 hindsight, while the defense is focused on what the officer was thinking in a fast-moving, high-pressure situation, Eldridge said. People want law enforcement to run into danger, but they might have given their reasons, as we have seen in two prosecutions, about why they hesitated, he said. Thousands of mourners hold candles during a candlelight vigil for the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, on February 15, 2018. - Rhona Wise/AFP/Getty Images Especially in smaller jurisdictions like Uvalde, there is a lot of pressure on elected officials to bring charges as a form of accountability, Eldridge said. He described the child endangerment charges in Uvalde as a creative use of the law. But I think what the juries are showing is that being creative with the law may not be effective in these situations, he said, reiterating he still expects to see similar prosecutions in the future. Ven Johnson, a Detroit attorney who represented families in a civil lawsuit over the 2021 shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan, said law enforcement has a hard decision to make in those intense moments. If they enter an active situation right away, they could be putting themselves and other students in danger, he said. He said he believes the resolution to the Uvalde case might make prosecutors more hesitant to bring charges against police for alleged inaction. A prosecutor in the future will say, you know, Im not going to charge this guy because even if I charge him I likely wont win, so therefore that would make me look bad, he said. Still, he believed the prosecution did the right thing in pressing charges. Uvalde chief on trial next These issues will all be at play in Arredondos upcoming trial in Uvalde, but one of the key differences is he was in a leadership position that day. The former Uvalde schools police chief has pleaded not guilty to 10 felony charges of child endangerment for allegedly failing to recognize the incident as an active shooting and failing to take proper action to intervene, the indictment says. A trial date has not been set. During the shooting, Arredondo made a decision to treat the gunman as a barricaded subject and not confront him for over an hour, even after it was confirmed children were trapped in a classroom with the shooter. Arredondo was described in a Justice Department report as the de facto on-scene commander. However, Arredondo has said he did not see himself as the incident commander and instead was responding as a police officer. Prosecutors may have a stronger case because Arredondo was the chief of the Uvalde schools police department, while Gonzales and Peterson were low-level officers, Eldridge said. That decision-making authority is going to make all the difference in the world in that prosecution, he said. If the officers are responding to your direction, and theyre holding off from action as a result of your decision, then I think that juries are going to be less likely to empathize. Gonzales acquittal may also come into play in the minds of jurors, according to Johnson. Former Uvalde school district police officer Adrian Gonzales, right, embraces his attorney Jason Goss after the jury found Gonzales not guilty on January 21, 2026. - Sam Owens/The San Antonio Express-News/Pool/AP The jurys also going to know that these families of the victims have had no justice so far, he said. So maybe that jury will be more inclined to convict so the families get some level of justice. No matter what, the case will be emotional. Every prosecution reopens old wounds for families who lost children, Eiglarsh said. I still havent recovered from that trial, he said of the Parkland case. I still think about the loss that those people suffered, and I think about everyday walking into that courtroom feeling that loss yet having to go to battle. It was brutal. I dont ever want to do anything like that again. CNNs Shimon Prokupecz and Matthew J. Friedman contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Rachel Duffy seemed to relish her role as a traitor [BBC/PA] Spoiler warning: This article contains details about what happened in The Traitors final. She's only gone and done it. Rachel has won and she brought her fellow traitor Stephen along with her. The final of the hit BBC show will go down as one of the best yet - it had viewers on the edge of their sofas wondering if the pact between the woman from Northern Ireland and the Scot would hold. They promised they would never vote for each other and they stayed faithful to that. Yes, Stephen was briefly tempted by the money, as Rachel predicted, but he did not want to disappoint his steely partner who, secret traitor curveball aside, had controlled the whole game. The 42-year-old will be remembered for her calm, cool and collected game play. They are the first pair of traitors to win, and she's the first female traitor to pocket the gold. Will she also make Traitors history as the best ever? The final six, from left to right, Jack, Rachel, Faraaz, Stephen, Jade and James [BBC/PA Wire] It is doubtful that even her opponents would deny Rachel a place in the Traitors' hall of fame. Upon finding out her identity, most were shocked to the core, with many conceding that she deserved to win - she had "played a blinder" was the consensus. Dr Kevin Hochard predicted she would win. He's head of psychology at the University of Chester and one of the hosts of the podcast, The Psychology of The Traitors. He said Rachel had to be very adaptable because she walked in not knowing there was going to be a secret traitor - a first for the show - and that set her apart. She faced more pressure than other traitors and for that, he puts her above gold-standard traitor Harry, from season two, who also won the show. "Adaptability is one of the key things that makes a good traitor because you've just got to keep on rolling with the punches," he said. And roll Rachel did. She had to fend off a very public bombshell from fellow traitor Fiona, an attempted assassination by fiery faithful Harriet and a chest of chance for survival with James. Hochard said she had been willing to take risks and had managed to talk Stephen into taking them too. He also remarked on her timing - how she dropped in bits of information at the right moment, or within earshot of the right people. For instance when she brought up the now infamous line about her FBI profiling training at the round table. This turned out to be a little bit of an exaggeration. "When you drop a bit of information like that at the last minute, there's only one thing that it's designed to do, which is to try and and say to people - no, no, trust me because I'm the expert. "If she had told them beforehand, they could have digested it and actually weighed it up. But they don't have the time. They're under pressure." Rachel, who is a director of communications in real life, claimed she had taken a course in microexpressions. However Connor Pell, a lecturer who hosts the podcast alongside Hochard, is not convinced it would have done her any good. "If you're in the castle, you're moving around, you're doing activities, you're trying to navigate lots of different relationships there," he said. "So you're not going to be staring at someone's face 24/7. But it does have a veneer of credibility." 'Major revenge plays' The pair agree that Rachel was brilliant at reading the room, re-direction and reflecting on what she was doing. Pell says she was also "incredibly likeable" - like Stephen - and had a good deal of social capital in the castle. Her main strength, he said, was resilience. His prediction was for Stephen to win. Katie McGaughey, from the School of Psychology at Queen's University Belfast, said one of the most impressive aspects of Rachel's game play was how she repeatedly survived and even benefited from the "major revenge plays" against her. She's talking here about the moves by Fiona and Harriet, and in both cases McGaughey said Rachel "didn't panic or scramble". "Instead, she immediately took control of the narrative. Psychologically, that matters," she said. "Rachel's real skill has been emotion regulation under threat - she doesn't mirror aggression, she reframes it." Former faithful and fan favourite Diane Carson, who hails from Northern Ireland, also spoke of Rachel's coolness. "She's a very clever player and she has proved herself as such," she said. "She's swayed everyone every time. She beat off two very fierce attacks from Harriet and Fiona and remained calm, whereas they weren't as calm." Did Rachel's accent make her more believable? Rachel was also an expert in side-eyes and quips (when she asked Ross 'Was Hugo that dramatic in the turret') - and there was a definite Northern Irish-ness to them. Much was made of the Welsh contestants in the previous series and whether certain accents were more trustworthy than others. Dr Chris Montgomery is a senior lecturer in dialectology at the University of Sheffield and his area of expertise is in how people perceive accents. He does watch the show, albeit a late adopter to the Traitors phenomenon, and he said Rachel's accent probably helped her initially. He said over the last 50 years, studies have consistently shown that Scottish, Welsh and Irish (north and south) accents are rated highly for pleasantness, "read trustworthiness, friendliness and authenticity to a certain extent". "Studies that look at this tend to also look at a prestige or status ranking. And actually for that, Northern Irish does slightly less well. And that's kind of interesting in relation to the Traitors." While he joked that there's not much research on accents and treachery, he said people with an accent from Northern Ireland could be perceived as less prestigious perhaps and therefore less likely to be devious. Rachel may have had the accent, the intelligence and the temperament but in the end, it all came down to having friends in the right places. Slaven Vlasic/Getty for Wonder Project) Scott Foley NEED TO KNOW Scott Foley chatted with PEOPLE at the N.Y.C. premiere of his new show, It's Not Like That Foley admitted that his Scandal castmates are still active in their group chat and revealed who sends the wildest messages The ABC series ran from 2012 to 2018 The Scandal group chat is still alive and well. Scott Foley says that he and his former castmates are still in constant communication, and reveals to PEOPLE which of them sends the most out-of-pocket texts. Probably Katie Lowes. I mean, she just doesn't care. That's her motto in life, and she's so beautiful and talented, and we just let her do what she wants, the Felicity actor says at the Jan. 21 premiere of his new show, It's Not Like That, in New York City. Kelsey McNeal/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Kerry Washington and Katie Lowes on "Scandal" Foley, 53, starred in the ABC drama as one of Kerry Washingtons love interests, Jake Ballard, the White House Chief of Staff and Command of B613. The actor joined the series, which ran from 2012 to 2018, in the second half of season 2 before becoming a series regular. Foley notes that, as an actor, the main goal is to have long-term success on a project, but the lasting relationships are a welcome byproduct. You always hope that A, the job is long-running, right? It means I don't have to go look for more work. But in that equation, the benefit of having a long-running show is that you really get to know each other," Foley tells PEOPLE. "And this was a show where we not only spent a ton of time on set with each other, but off set," he continues. "We enjoyed each other's company, and I'm so grateful for all the connections that I have made with these people. We have a text chain. I talk to them all the time." In fact, during the event, Foley was surprised with a video from Washington, who voiced her support for the project and told him how "proud" she was. Scandal ran on ABC for seven seasons, and in addition to Foley, Lowes and Washington, it featured Tony Goldwyn, Darby Stanchfield, Bellamy Young, Jeff Perry, Joe Morton and Guillermo Diaz. When talking with PEOPLE in 2018, Foley shared that his most memorable Scandal moment was flying on a private jet to the Bahamas with Washington. Byron Cohen/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Scott Foley and Kerry Washington Theres always a new element thrown at me. Like when Olivia agrees to go away with Jake. They put us on a plane to the Bahamas. It was just Kerry [Washington] and me and a very skeleton crew," he said. "That was my most memorable time." "Because Scandal was at the time really popular and we didnt want the storyline to get out, Disney flew us on a private jet down there," he added. "It was a really amazing experience and its something that I will never forget." Its Not Like That premieres with two episodes on Sunday, Jan. 25, on Prime Video. Read the original article on People Gov. Josh Shapiro has declared a state of emergency in Pennsylvania ahead of a winter storm that is expected to bring heavy snowfall and bitterly low temperatures to a large swath of the country. Shapiro signed the emergency declaration proclamation Jan. 23. It will enable state agencies to more quickly draw down funding to respond to potential emergency situations arising from the storm. More: Winter storm warning issued for the Poconos as heavy snow is forecast Our teams at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation have been working to prepare to support Pennsylvanians as this winter storm impacts our commonwealth," Shapiro said in a statement. Today, I signed a disaster declaration for the entire commonwealth to ensure our agencies have all necessary resources ready to go. Stay off the roads if you can, be safe, and follow instructions from PEMA and your local authorities. Erie Downtown Partnership Ambassador Derek Smith weathers single-digit temperatures Jan. 23 to clear snow near a bus stop in the city of Erie. State lawmakers doubled the amount of funding available for disaster response, from $20 million to $40 million, in the 2025-2026 state budget. This declaration gives PEMA the flexibility to pre-position resources, streamline coordination, and respond quickly if conditions deteriorate this weekend, PEMA Director Randy Padfield said in a statement. At the same time, we urge Pennsylvanians to do their part by preparing ahead of the storm, staying informed, and making decisions that protect themselves and others. PEMA's Commonwealth Response Coordination Center was activated Jan. 23 and will be staffed for the duration of the storm. Motorists are advised not to travel during this storm. While the disaster declaration does not explicitly prohibit travel, motorists should be aware of local-level road restrictions that may be in place. Separately, PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission said they will implement Tier 4 vehicle restrictions effective Jan. 25 at 12:01 a.m. Matthew Rink is a USA TODAY Network Pennsylvania investigative journalist. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: PA Gov. Shapiro enacts emergency measures ahead of winter storm The four-year-old daughter of the Virginia mother murdered in a twisted rape fantasy frame-job allegedly orchestrated by her philandering husband and their sultry Brazilian au pair asked the nanny just hours after the killing if she was going to marry her father. The four-year-old daughter of the Virginia mother murdered in a twisted rape fantasy plot allegedly orchestrated by her philandering husband and their sultry Brazilian au pair asked the mistress nanny hours after the killing if she was going to marry her father. The young girl posed the startling question to the naughty nanny 25-year-old Juliana Peres Magalhaes soon after her mom, Christine Banfield, was found dead in their Northern Virginia home, a police victim advocate who witnessed the odd exchange testified Thursday, the Washington Post reported. Are you going to marry my daddy, the motherless youngster asked Magalhaes. Brendan Banfields four-year-old daughter asked her nanny if she was going to marry her father just hours after the pair allegedly killed her mom. AP The advocate said the au pair then replied, I wish. The witness explained the eyebrow-raising interaction was the first sign she believed Christines IRS agent husband, Brendan Banfield, was hiding something, the outlet reported. The chilling new details emerged as Brendan, 40, stands trial, accused of stabbing his 37-year-old wife to death and fatally shooting a would-be patsy inside the couples Herndon home on Feb. 24, 2023. The chilling new details emerged as Brendan, 40, stands trial, accused of stabbing his 37-year-old wife to death and fatally shooting a would-be patsy inside the couples Herndon home on Feb. 24, 2023. Christine Banfield/Instagram He was cuffed in September 2024 and charged with staging a rape attempt to get rid of his wife and run off with their daughters much-younger live-in nanny, with whom he had been having a lusty affair. Brendan and Magalhaes allegedly lured a supposed attacker 38-year-old Joseph Ryan to their home by posing as Christine on a fetish website, where they pretended she was looking for someone to live out a violent rape fantasy with, prosecutors alleged in his explosive murder trial last week. Ryan then snuck into the home with a knife while the husband was allegedly lying in wait with his IRS-issued handgun. Brendan and the au pair deliberately burst into the bedroom in the middle of the orchestrated assault and fatally shot Ryan in the head, then allegedly used his blade to stab Christine in the neck and face until she died, Magalhaes testified after striking a plea deal. Juliana Magalhaes and Brendan Banfield allegedly staged a rape attempt to get rid of Christine Banfield. Commonwealth of Virginia The illicit pair made it appear the husband had heroically tried to save his wifes life, prosecutors alleged. Brendan allegedly decided to murder Christine just two months after he began sleeping with Magalhaes, then 21, because he didnt want to pay for a divorce and thought she was a terrible mother who wasnt good for their young daughter. Magalhaes moved into the home with her alleged killer lover hanging her lingerie in Christines closet and sleeping each night in the very bed where the mother had been murdered. The illicit nanny was arrested in October 2023 and charged with murder. She pleaded guilty to manslaughter the following year a month after Brendan was arrested. Brendan allegedly decided to murder Christine just two months after he began sleeping with Magalhaes, then 21, because he didnt want to pay for a divorce. Amanda Oliveira Rubinstein/Facebook The illicit nanny was arrested in October 2023 and charged with murder, pleading guilty to manslaughter a year later. Fairfax County Police She will be sentenced after Brendans anticipated weeks-long trial, during which his defense argued she was only arrested to flip her against her ex-flame. Banfield, who no longer works for the IRS, faces life in prison if convicted. South African opposition politician Julius Malema, Economic Freedom Fighters leader appears at court for a pre-sentencing hearing after being convicted of charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in public, in East London, South Africa, January 23, 2026. REUTERS/Siyabonga Sishi South African opposition politician Julius Malema, Economic Freedom Fighters leader appears at court for a pre-sentencing hearing after being convicted of charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in public, in East London, South Africa, January 23, 2026. REUTERS/Siyabonga Sishi By Johnnie Isaac EAST LONDON, South Africa, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Thousands of supporters of South African opposition politician Julius Malema gathered outside a court on Friday as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party leader awaited sentencing for firing a rifle in the air at a rally in 2018. A prison sentence exceeding 12 months, upheld through all appeals, would disqualify Malema from parliament - a blow to the EFF, which is popular among young South Africans critical of government efforts to address racial inequalities that have persisted since the end of white minority rule. He faces a possible prison sentence of up to 15 years, but could be given a more lenient sentence, such as community service, if the court thinks there are mitigating factors. The 44-year-old politician was convicted in October of charges including unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a weapon in a public place. He had pleaded not guilty, arguing the gun was a toy. It was unclear whether the sentencing would happen on Friday but supporters outside the East London Magistrate's Court held aloft placards reading "We stand with Julius Malema," many wearing the EFF's trademark red berets. MALEMA COULD BE BARRED FROM BEING A LAWMAKER The far-left EFF - the fourth-biggest party in parliament, with 10% of seats - advocates nationalising mines and seizing land from white farmers. Independent political analyst Melanie Verwoerd said the EFF would struggle without him, citing opinion polls that show people strongly associate the party with Malema, one of South Africa's most prominent politicians. Malema featured in a tense White House meeting last year, when U.S. President Donald Trump confronted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa with explosive false claims of mass killings of white South Africans. Trump played Ramaphosa a video of Malema singing the liberation chant "Kill the Boer" and suggested he should be arrested. Afrikaner lobby group Afriforum, which pushed for charges against Malema over the 2018 firearm incident, argues the chant is an explicit call to murder Afrikaners, descendants of predominantly Dutch settlers. South Africa's courts have ruled against attempts to have it designated as hate speech, on the basis that it is a liberation struggle song, not a literal incitement to violence. (Additional reporting by Anathi Madubela in Johannesburg;Writing by Alexander Winning;Editing by Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo and Philippa Fletcher) An aerial view shows the al-Aqtan prison after government troops took control of it from the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, SDF, in Raqqa, northeastern Syria, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed) RAQQA, Syria (AP) Syrian government forces took control Friday of a prison housing members of the Islamic State group in the north of the country, after hundreds of Kurdish fighters who were guarding the facility evacuated the area as part of a recent deal. Syrias Interior Ministry said in a statement that the governments prisons authority is now in charge of al-Aqtan prison, north of the northern city of Raqqa, and that the files of the detainees are being reviewed. Al-Aqtan is the second prison to come under government control after being abandoned by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF. Syrian troops entered Shaddadeh prison on Monday near the border with Iraq, from where 120 IS detainees managed to flee amid the chaos. Most of them have been recaptured, state media said. Syria's interim government signed an agreement last March with the SDF for it to hand over territory and to eventually merge its fighters with government forces. In early January, a new round of talks failed to make progress over the merger, leading to renewed fighting between the two sides. A new version of the accord was signed over the weekend, and a four-day ceasefire declared on Tuesday. The move into al-Aqtan prison comes two days after the U.S. military said that it has started transferring some of the 9,000 IS detainees held in more than a dozen detention centers in northeast Syria controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, in northeast Syria. The SDF was the main force fighting IS in Syria over the past decade, and in March 2019 captured the last sliver of land that the extremists held. During the battles against IS, thousands of extremists and tens of thousands of women and children linked to them were taken and held in prisons and at the al-Hol camp, which government forces took control of on Wednesday. The capture of al-Aqtan prison came after government forces surrounded it from all sides earlier this week during a two-week offensive against the SDF. Raqqa governor Abdul-Rahman Salama said there are up to 2,000 detainees at al-Aqtan, but it wasn't immediately clear how many of them are linked to IS. Deputy Interior Minister Maj. Gen. Abdul-Qader Tahan visited the prison on Friday to see the conditions of the detention center and the detainees, state television reported. Negotiations had been ongoing for days, after which a deal was reached to open a corridor for the nearly 800 SDF fighters to head west toward the region of Kobani, which is still controlled by the U.S.-backed group. Residents of besieged city greet returning fighters Hundreds of people gathered on the sides of snow-covered streets in Kobani waving their hands and some flashing victory signs to welcome the fighters who arrived in vans, buses and pickup trucks. Some people opened fire in the air to welcome the fighters who had been under siege for days. The SDF said in a statement that with the support of the U.S.-led coalition, the force has completed the transfer of its fighters assigned to securing al-Aqtan Prison to safe locations. The SDF said that al-Aqtan prison holds detainees from the IS terrorist organization. The fighters arrived in Kobani as the region is under siege by government forces from three sides, while the border crossing with Turkey from the north remains closed as it has been for years. Kobani resident Mihemet Bozan told The Associated Press that he had to drive 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from the town to be able to get a cellular signal. Amid freezing temperatures, there is no fuel for heating and the area is running out of diesel needed by bakeries to make bread, he said. Conditions are very difficult, Bozan said, adding that bakeries that are working have long lines of people waiting. Within a week people will end up without food or water, he said referring to the siege. The government push into northeast Syria in early January led thousands of mainly Kurds to flee into the northeastern province of Hassakeh, which has a large Kurdish community. A four-day ceasefire was declared Tuesday night, after several previous truces collapsed. As part of a deal signed Sunday by interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, the U.S.-backed force should merge into the ministries of defense and interior. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said in a statement on Tuesday that the SDFs role as Syrias primary anti-IS force has largely expired since the new government is both willing and positioned to take over security responsibilities. The U.S. isn't interested in prolonging a separate SDF role, he said. On Wednesday, U.S. and Iraqi officials said that Iraq had requested that IS detainees be transferred to Iraq, and Washington accepted the idea. The Syrian government welcomed the deal to transfer the prisoners after it was made public on Wednesday saying it will help in the process. UN gets access to camp for IS family members Representatives from the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR were able to gain access to al-Hol camp, which houses family members of accused IS militants, on Friday along with Syrian government officials, after a three-day interruption caused by the volatile security situation inside the sprawling facility, U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said. SDF fighters had been guarding the camp but abandoned their posts amid this week's fighting. Government forces have now taken over security at the camp. Haq said U.N. trucks carrying bread entered the camp and the U.N. has been able to partially restore water supplies with help from UNHCR and the U.N. childrens agency UNICEF. He said the U.N. refugee agency aims to manage the camp. As for the situation in Kobani, Haq said U.N. humanitarian officials report that all roads connecting to the city are currently closed and interruptions to the power supply, water and Internet are hampering peoples access to basic services. Associated Press journalists Bassem Mroue in Beirut and Edith Lederer at the United Nations contributed. A 2-year-old girl was taken into ICE custody with her father on Thursday. - Family Photo A 2-year-old girl was taken into ICE custody with her father on Thursday in Minneapolis and flown to Texas before she was returned to her mother Friday afternoon, a family lawyer said. The childs transfer to Texas took place despite a court order requiring her immediate release, according to the affidavit filed by the family attorney. The toddlers father, identified as Elvis Tipan-Echeverria, remains in custody, the familys attorney Kira Kelley told CNN Friday evening. The father and daughter were on the same flight returning to Minnesota on Friday afternoon, Kelley said. The child is out of detention as of this afternoon, and recovering from this horrific ordeal, Kelley said. The toddler and her father were initially being held at a federal facility in Minneapolis on Thursday after agents pursued their vehicle in a targeted enforcement operation, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told CNN Friday. Lawyers for the family identified that facility as the Whipple Federal Building. The building has served as the backdrop of tense standoffs between agents and protesters following the death of Minneapolis resident Renee Good earlier this month. The father and the toddler, identified only as C.R.T.V. in court documents, are citizens of Ecuador, and the child has lived in Minneapolis since her arrival in the United States as a newborn and has a pending asylum application. The incident comes as outrage continues to grow over federal agents taking 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos in the driveway of his home in Minneapolis this week during the Trump administrations immigration crackdown in the state. The boy was later put on a plane with his father to a family detention facility in Texas, where they remain. During the encounter with Tipan-Echeverria and his daughter, DHS said the father was driving erratically with a child in the vehicle. The father would then park the vehicle when federal agents attempted to take him into custody; however, he refused multiple lawful commands to open his door or lower his window, the agency said. The toddler and her father had just returned home from the store and were inside their vehicle when ICE agents entered the backyard and driveway area of the home without a warrant, the affidavit says. One agent broke the glass on the window of Tipan-Echeverrias vehicle while the toddler was also inside before the father and daughter exited the car, the affidavit says. CNN has reached out to DHS to inquire about the removal of the father and toddler to Texas, and the claim that agents had taken both without a warrant. Protesters at scene as ICE detained father with child Video from the incident, which took place just after 1 p.m., shows people surrounding armed and masked federal agents and what appeared to be a federal vehicle. One man was heard yelling, They were carrying a child in that! seemingly referring to the federal vehicle. Some of the people at the scene started backing away as federal agents deployed what seemed to be a chemical agent. As the federal agents drove away, protesters continued to yell at them. Help him! one person yelled out. Roughly 120 people surrounded the agents blocking them in and preventing exit during the arrest, DHS said. Agitators in the crowd then began to throw rocks and garbage cans toward the agents and child, prompting agents to deploy crowd control measures to safely clear the area, the statement continued. DHS noted that obstructing and assaulting law enforcement is a felony and federal crime. Federal agents attempted to give the child to the mother, who was in the area, but she refused, DHS claimed. Federal agents took care of the child who the mother would not take, before the father and child were reunited at a federal facility, DHS said. However, the familys lawyer said the childs mother was standing outside and was near her husband as the couple were calling out to each other and the father tried to bring the child to her mother, but ICE agents would not allow it, the affidavit said. Upon seeing ICE agents approach her, the mother stepped back inside the house and was terrified, according to the affidavit. At that point, the father and his child were placed in the back of an ICE vehicle, which did not have a car seat, the affidavit said. The allegations from DHS about the girls mother refusing to take custody of her child echo a similar statement from the agency in the case of Liam, saying the boys mother also refused to take custody of him. But Liams mother, according to Pastor Sergio Amezcua, who has been helping her with the case, was terrified of the agents outside her door. Child flown to Texas despite court order In the case of Tipan-Echeverria and his daughter, attorneys for the family said: Needless to say, she has no criminal history, in an emergency petition to immediately release the toddler from federal custody to Kelley, who signed a notarized delegation of parental authority with the mother and custodial guardian. The court granted the petition to immediately release the child, transferring custody of her temporarily to the attorney for the purpose of retrieving the infant from immigration detention, by 9:30 p.m. Thursday, the court documents said. The court order determined the risk of irreparable harm to maintain child in custody under the circumstances described in the pleadings are overwhelming. The father and his child were on a commercial airline flight to Texas by 8:30 p.m. that same day, despite the order issued at 8:11 p.m. that they should not be removed from Minnesota, their lawyer said in the affidavit, citing a conversation with a DHS counsel. The agency then told the familys attorney that it would fly the child back to Minnesota on Friday, the affidavit says. Kelley, the family lawyer, said she had not been able to contact her clients since they were taken into custody, according to the affidavit. A federal court order has barred ICE from sending the father outside of Minnesota while court proceedings play out, Kelleys statement said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump gives. And he takes away. Offended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's increasingly assertive posture toward the U.S., Trump revoked an invitation to join his Board of Peace. Many Western allies are suspicious of the organization, which is chaired by Trump and was initially formed to focus on maintaining the ceasefire in Israel's war with Hamas but has grown into something skeptics fear could rival the United Nations. Appearing at the World Economic Forum, Trump spoke of imposing tariffs on Switzerland which he ultimately lowered because the country's leader rubbed me the wrong way during a phone call. Before shelving sweeping tariffs on multiple European countries, Trump pressed Denmark to say yes to the U.S. push to control Greenland and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no and we will remember, he said, imperiling the NATO alliance. Over his decades in public life, Trump has never been one for niceties. But even by his standards, the tumult of the past week stood out because it crystallized his determination to erase the rules-based order that has governed U.S. foreign policy and by extension most of the Western world since World War II. The president and his supporters have dismissed that approach as inefficient, overly focused on compromise and unresponsive to the needs of people contending with rapid economic change. But in its place, Trump is advancing a system that is poorly understood and could prove far less stable, driven by the whims of a single, often mercurial, leader who regularly demonstrates that personal flattery or animus can shape his decisions. Returning to the U.S. from Davos, home to the World Economic Forum, Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said the phrase she heard over and over was that we are entering this new world order as she described a sense of confusion among allies. It may be you just had a bad telephone call with the president and now you're going to have tariffs directed at you, she told reporters. This lack of stability and reliability, I think, is causing what were traditionally reliable trade partners to be saying to other countries, Hey, maybe you and I should talk because Im not sure about whats going on with the United States. The Trump-centric approach to governing The Trump-centric approach to governing is hardly surprising for someone who accepted his first Republican presidential nomination in 2016 by declaring that I alone can fix the nation's problems. As he settles into his second term with a far more confident demeanor than his first, he has delighted supporters with his to-the-victor -goes-the-spoils style. Steve Bannon, Trump's former adviser, recently told the Atlantic that Trump is pursuing a maximalist strategy and that he must keep going until you meet resistance. And we havent met any resistance, Bannon said. That's certainly true in Washington, where the Republican-controlled Congress has done little to check Trump's impulses. But leaders of other countries, who have spent much of Trump's administration trying to find ways to work with him, are increasingly vocal. Carney is quickly emerging as a leader of a movement for countries to find ways to link up and counter the U.S. Speaking in Davos ahead of Trump, Carney said, Middle powers must act together because if you are not at the table, you are on the menu. In a world of great power rivalry, the countries in between have a choice: to compete with each other for favor or to combine to create a third path with impact, he continued. We should not allow the rise of hard powers to blind us to the fact that the power of legitimacy, integrity, and rules will remain strong if we choose to wield it together. Trump did not take kindly to those remarks, responding with threats in Davos before yanking the Board of Peace invitation. Canada lives because of the United States, Trump said. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements. Some leaders are pushing back Carney, however, was unbowed, speaking of Canada as an example to a world at sea as he crafted a potential template for other world leaders navigating a new era. We can show that another way is possible, that the arc of history isnt destined to be warped toward authoritarianism and exclusion, he said in a speech before a cabinet retreat in Quebec City. In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer blasted Trump on Friday for insulting and frankly appalling comments in which he expressed doubt that NATO would support the U.S. if requested. The president seemingly ignored that the only time Article 5 of NATOs founding treaty, which requires all member countries to help another member under threat, was invoked was after the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. Referring to non-US troops, Trump told Fox Business Network, You know, theyll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, or this or that, and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines. Starmer, noting the 457 British personnel who died and those with life-long injuries, said he will never forget their courage, their bravery and the sacrifice they made for their country. Denmark, which Trump has belittled as ungrateful for U.S. protection during World War II, had the highest per capita death toll among coalition forces in Afghanistan. His tactics have raised fears that Trump is imposing long-term damage on the U.S. standing in the world and encouraging countries to rethink their alliances and deepen their ties with China. Carney already traveled there earlier this month to meet with President Xi Jinping. Chinas leadership watched an American president fight with allies, insult world leaders, and engage in bizarre antics, and thought to themselves this is nothing but good for us, Jake Sullivan, former President Joe Biden's national security adviser, said in an email. The administration is showing no sign of backing down. The Pentagon released a defense strategy late Friday telling allies to handle their own security. And Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if the country went ahead with its China trade deal. Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, a Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, was in Davos and participated in a bipartisan delegation to Denmark with Murkowski that was intended to show unity amid Trump's bid for Greenland. Recalling his conversations with other leaders, he told reporters on Friday that Trump has shown he only backs down when countries like China showed toughness and a resiliency. Those who were accommodating and who negotiated in good faith, like the EU, which did not impose retaliatory tariffs, seemed to have not won any of his respect, Coons said. They can reach their own conclusions, but it would seem to me that trying to find a way to accommodate him when the foundation of his demands about Greenland is unhinged seem to me to suggest a course of action. ___ Associated Press writers Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska, Rob Gillies in Toronto and Pan Pylas in London contributed to this report. The Canadian and U.S. flags flutter at the Lansdowne Port of Entry next to the Thousand Islands Bridge in Lansdowne, Ontario, Canada February 12, 2025. REUTERS/Patrick Doyle/File Photo By Bo Erickson and Katharine Jackson WASHINGTON, Jan 24 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday he would impose a 100% tariff on Canada if it follows through on a trade deal with China and warned Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that a deal would endanger his country. "China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A." In a video on Saturday, Carney urged Canadians to buy domestic products, but did not directly mention Trump's tariff threat. With our economy under threat from abroad, Canadians have made a choice to focus on what we can control, Carney said. We cant control what other nations do, we can be our own best customer. The Canadian prime minister this month traveled to China to reset the countries' strained relationship and reached a trade deal with Canada's second-biggest trading partner after the U.S. Immediately after Carney's China trip, Trump sounded supportive. "It's a good thing for him to sign a trade deal," Trump told reporters at the White House on January 16. "If you can get a deal with China, you should do that." There is no pursuit of a free trade deal with China. What was achieved was resolution on several important tariff issues," Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, said on Saturday in a post on X. The Chinese embassy in Canada said in a statement to Reuters that China was ready to work with Canada to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. U.S.-Canada tensions have grown in recent days following Carney's criticism of Trump's pursuit of Greenland. MORE PRESSURE ON CANADIAN INDUSTRIES On Saturday, Trump suggested China would try to use Canada to evade U.S. tariffs. "If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a 'Drop Off Port' for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken," Trump said, using a title for Carney that refers to Trump's past calls for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state. In a second Saturday post, Trump said, "The last thing the World needs is to have China take over Canada. Its NOT going to happen, or even come close to happening!" If Trump makes good on Saturday's threat, the new tariff would greatly increase U.S. duties on its northern neighbor, adding pressure to Canadian industrial sectors such as metal manufacturing, autos and machinery. Relations between Carney and Trump seemed relatively placid until the Canadian leader this week spoke out forcefully against Trump's pursuit of Greenland. Carney subsequently at the World Economic Forum called on nations to accept that a rules-based global order was over and pointed to Canada as an example of how "middle powers" might act together to avoid being victimized by American hegemony. Carney, during his speech in Davos, Switzerland, did not directly call out Trump or the U.S. by name. However, the prime minister said middle powers must act together because if you are not at the table, you are on the menu." Many world leaders and industry titans present at the Switzerland confab responded with a standing ovation. Trump shot back in his own Davos speech and said Canada lives because of the United States, a statement that Carney rejected on Thursday. "Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership in the economy, in security and in rich cultural exchange," Carney said in Quebec. "Canada doesn't live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian." Since then, Trump has dug in against Canada, revoking its invitation to his Board of Peace that he wants to deal with international conflicts and Gazas future. After Carneys election last year, Trump and Carney shared a congenial tone. "I think the relationship is going to be very strong, Trump said at the time. But Trump this month dismissed the mega trade deal between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico up for renegotiation in July as irrelevant. Trump has issued many tariff threats since returning to the presidency, though in several cases he has paused them during negotiations or relented entirely. This week, Trump backed off his recent threat to impose stiff tariffs on European allies after the NATO chief and other leaders promised to step up security in the Arctic. "We hope the two governments can come to a better understanding quickly that can alleviate further concerns for businesses who face the immediate consequences of torqued up uncertainty, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's Matthew Holmes said in a statement. (Reporting by Bo Erickson and Katharine Jackson in Washington, and Caroline Stauffer in Toronto; Additional reporting by Divya Rajagopal in Toronto; Editing by Sergio Non, Tomasz Janowski, Rod Nickel, Diane Craft and David Gregorio) Concerns about Donald Trump's cognitive health have been mounting as of late.MEGA Donald Trump's health is allegedly getting worse, according to a top doctor, RadarOnline.comcan reveal. Dr. Vin Gupta, a medical analyst for NBC News and former Chief Medical Officer at Amazon, spoke out about the Prez's cognitive health. A Doctor Said Donald Trump Appears to Be 'Getting Worse' Donald Trump's father was diagnosed with dementia in his 80s.MEGA According to Gupta, Trump's family has a well-documented history of age-related dementia. He noted he's seeing a "trend line," and it appears to be "getting worse." Trump's father was diagnosed with dementia in his 80s and was said to be struggling to recognize his family members. He passed away in 1993 at the age of 93 from pneumonia, which was complicated by Alzheimer's disease. While Gupta acknowledged he has not seen Trump's medical records, he noted Trump, at times, has struggled to express his thoughts or regulate speech, which are things required for fulfilling the job of the president. A Doctor Called Out Donald Trump's 'Word-Finding Difficulties' Donald Trump has been losing his 'train of thought,' according to a doctor.MEGA Gupta specifically called out Trump's "word-finding difficulties." "The fact that he has inattention, he loses his train of thought. Everybody is describing these speeches as meandering, covering 30 different topics in the course of, say, 2 minutes," he elaborated. The doctor also pointed out Trump mixing up Iceland and Greenland during his address at the World Economic Forum and his message to Norways Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre as examples of alarming behavior. In his note, Trump blamed Norway for not giving him the Nobel Peace Prize. "The fact that he would even put a letter like that out there in the public domain has caused a lot of alarm," Gupta shared. "Who does that? That is not even behavior for him that we think would meet a standard of decorum or just proper behavior." Donald Trump Is 'Acting Unreasonable,' According to a Doctor Donald Trump's 'behavior changes' and 'acting unreasonable' are 'consistent' with diagnoses of early Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia, according to a medical professional. MEGA Gupta continued addressing Trump's letter to Stre, insisting it "crossed a line of proper adult behavior" and thus should have had a "more thorough public assessment of his neurological fitness." As far as rumblings, the Don could be showing signs of early Alzheimer's or frontotemporal dementia, Gupta admitted a lot of his behavior is "consistent with those diagnoses." "The acting out, behavior changes, lashing out, acting unreasonable," he shared. "One could say this is his core fundamental personality based on what weve seen over, frankly, his entire adult life, but its getting worse." Gupta also called out Trump's gait and how carefully he walks down a red carpet and the stairs of Air Force One as worrisome. "He does seem like hes walking gingerly, [its] hard to know what to make of that. But when you couple that with all these other signs of his cognitive performance, it makes one wonder whats actually happening behind the scenes," he added. Donald Trump's Niece Addresses Her Cognitive Health 'I think that Donald has had undiagnosed, untreated, psychiatric disorders,' his niece shared. MEGA Mary Trump, Donald's niece, also spoke out about concerns regarding his health, noting in a recent interview his cognitive health is "rapidly getting worse" in recent months. "I think that Donald has had undiagnosed, untreated, psychiatric disorders for many, many years, predating his first administration," she shared. "But given his advancing age, clearly there seem to be some indications that he has some cognitive issues. Hence all of the cognitive tests he's taking. And the MRIs we've heard about, but I have no specific information about. "And just his behavior-the way he speaks, his inability to reign himself in, his inability to stay on topic. And oftentimes, it seems that he's not exactly aware of where he is or the audience he's speaking to." Prince Harry and British Prime Minister Kier Starmer on Friday slammed President Donald Trump's comments after he claimed troops from NATO allies were "a little off the front lines" during fighting in Afghanistan. Harry, a British Army captain deployed to Afghanistan twice in 2008 and 2012, said in a statement that when NATO invoked Article 5 for the first and only time in its history to assist U.S. troops in Afghanistan -- America's allies "answered that call." "I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there. The United Kingdom alone had 457 service personnel killed," he said. John Stillwell/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Britain's Prince Harry shows off his flight helmet as he makes his early morning pre-flight checks at the British controlled flight-line at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, December 12, 2012. "Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost," he said. EU leaders talk coordination over Greenland as Trump readies for Davos "Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace," Harry added. His comments came after Trump repeated claims downplaying the help NATO allies provided in military operations against the Taliban following the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the U.S. In an interview with Fox News on Thursday in Davos, Switzerland -- amid this week's tensions with NATO over his efforts to acquire Greenland -- Trump said, "We never needed them." "We have never really asked anything of them," he said. John Stillwell/WPA Pool via Getty Images - PHOTO: Prince Harry sits in the front seat of the cockpit of an Apache Helicopter Pilot/Gunner at the British controlled flight-line in Camp Bastion, October 31, 2012 in Afghanistan. "They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines," Trump added. In response to a request for comment on the reactions from world leaders, White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers provided a statement reading: "President Trump is absolutely right the United States of America has done more for NATO than any other country in the alliance has done combined." More than 3,500 NATO troops died in Afghanistan, according to icasualties.org, a website that tracked combat deaths by country. The majority of those -- nearly 2,500 -- were U.S. troops with thousands more wounded. But while Americans took the heaviest hit, other countries suffered similar losses in terms of per capita. Britain, whose population is about one-fifth the size of the U.S., says it lost more than 457 troops in the conflict while Denmark, whose population is 2% of the U.S., said 44 of its soldiers were killed. Leon Neal/Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announce an agreement between the two countries as they hold a press conference conference at Chequers at the conclusion of a state visit, September 18, 2025 in Aylesbury, England. Starmer told reporters Friday that Trump's remarks were "insulting and frankly, appalling." "I'm not surprised they've caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured. And in fact, across the country," the British leader said. Taliban leaders respond to Prince Harry's reported claim in 'Spare' he killed 25 fighters in Afghanistan Starmer paid tribute to the British personnel killed and wounded. "I will never forget their courage, their bravery and the sacrifice that they made for their country," he said. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk also blasted Trump's comments in a post on X on Friday. The country lost 44 soldiers during the operations, according to Poland's Ministry of National Defence. John Moore/Getty Images - PHOTO: British Marines take cover while blasting a whole in a wall during an anti-Taliban operation near Kajaki in the Afghan province of Helmand, March 18, 2007. "On December 22, 2011, in Ghazni, Afghanistan, I took part in the farewell ceremony for the five fallen Polish soldiers. The American officers who accompanied me then, told me that America would never forget the Polish heroes. Perhaps they will remind President Trump of that fact," Tusk said. Trump has in recent weeks repeated his claim that NATO countries wouldn't come to defense of the U.S., despite the fact that Denmark, in particular, fought alongside the U.S. after the 9/11 attacks. Leon Neal/Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announce an agreement between the two countries as they hold a press conference conference at Chequers at the conclusion of a state visit, September 18, 2025 in Aylesbury, England. "The big fear I have with NATO is we spend tremendous amounts of money with NATO, and I know we'll come to their rescue, but I just really do question whether or not they'll come to ours," Trump said on Wednesday during his address at the World Economic Forum. -ABC News' Zoe Magee, Karen Travers, Justin Fishel and Tierra Cunningham contributed to this report. Members of the delegations from the United States, Ukraine and Russia participating in the UAE-hosted trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi on January 24, 2026. - UAE Government/Handout/Reuters The first trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States concluded in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, as all sides struck an optimistic tone following two days of discussions. US officials described the talks which saw officials from all three countries sit down together for the first time since Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022 as having surpassed expectations and said the mood in the room was very upbeat, very positive, very constructive. One US official said the meeting marked a significant step forward after months of quiet diplomacy, stressing that while a final deal is not guaranteed, progress would not have been possible without face-to-face talks. Getting to this place was a really big step, the official said, adding that the parties were probing each others positions and working creatively toward solutions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a statement that a lot was discussed, and it is important that the conversations were constructive, adding that further meetings could take place as early as next week. The central focus of the discussions was the possible parameters for ending the war, the Ukrainian leader said. He added that US officials had suggested formalizing these parameters and the security conditions required to achieve them. All sides agreed to report back in their capitals on each aspect of the negotiations and to coordinate further steps with their leaders, he said. Provided there is readiness to move forward and Ukraine is ready further meetings will take place, potentially as early as next week. US officials echoed that assessment, acknowledging that significant issues remain. De-escalation is important. Yes, territory is important, as well, but weve eliminated lots of things that the parties couldnt agree on before Geneva, the US official said, referring to an earlier round of peace talks in Switzerland that failed to produce agreement. Its important for us to keep up the momentum. The parties agreed that the next round of talks would begin February 1, once again in Abu Dhabi, according to US officials. After the meeting, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told state news agency TASS that Moscow wants to develop a plan that fully corresponds to the fundamental understandings reached by Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump during their summit in Alaska last year. The negotiations were conducted in English and Russian, TASS reported, citing a source. The parties discussed buffer zones and various control mechanisms, but the issue of territories remains difficult, according to TASS. Meanwhile, a UAE government spokesperson said the talks had a positive and constructive atmosphere and saw Ukrainian and Russian representatives engage directly on elements of a US-proposed peace framework. Russia sent a military team, including a top spy and military intelligence chief, to attend the talks in Abu Dhabi; Ukraine sent top negotiators, including diplomats and security officials; and the US was represented by Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff, Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Josh Gruenbaum, the Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner. Witkoff and Kushner previously met with Putin for about four hours in Russia, US officials said Saturday, describing the meeting as very, very productive. Security, prosperity, frozen assets, territory and de-escalation were discussed in the conversation with Putin, which also included Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, the US officials said. Going into the talks, it was widely understood that territory was the remaining key issue to be resolved. The Kremlin had reiterated Russias stance that Ukraine must withdraw from the Donbas region in the eastern part of the country, which Kyiv has repeatedly rejected. The Donbas region is formed of the two coal-rich areas of Donetsk and Luhansk that used to make up Ukraines industrial heartland. And it was in the Donbas, which has a significant Russian-speaking population, that Putins mission to destabilize and conquer Ukraine started in 2014. The area also contains the fortress belt of industrial cities, railways and roads that form the backbone of Ukraines defense and supply the front line. Kyiv has spent years fortifying this area, and losing it would leave the rest of eastern Ukraine wide open. The Trump administration has previously pressured Ukraine to accept a peace deal, despite widespread concerns such an arrangement could favor Moscow. Nearly four years since launching a full-scale invasion of its neighbor, Russia occupies around 20% of the territory recognized under international law as part of sovereign Ukraine. That includes almost all of the Luhansk region, and parts of the Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Large Russian attack overnight Hours after negotiators from Kyiv, Moscow and Washington had finished their first day of talks in the UAE on Friday, Russia launched its biggest overnight aerial attack on Ukraine this year, local authorities said Saturday. Between the two rounds of talks, missile and drone attacks targeted the Ukrainian capital, according to the countrys air force, which activated air defenses. CNN journalists in Kyiv reported hearing explosions. At least one person died and four people were wounded by the strikes, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. He added that falling debris had caused fires and damaged buildings, with nearly 6,000 apartment blocks losing heat and other parts of the city cut off from water supply. As of Saturday morning local time it was minus 12 degrees Celsius (10 degrees Fahrenheit) in Kyiv. Saint'Egidio Christian community volunteers give out free hot meals to elderly people in Kyiv, Ukraine, on January 23. - Efrem Lukatsky/AP Ukraines second-largest city, Kharkiv in the northeast, also came under attack with strikes damaging a maternity hospital and a dormitory for displaced people, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. At least 19 people were wounded, including one child. In total, Russia launched more than 370 drones and 21 missiles overnight, with other targets including Sumy and Chernihiv, Zelensky said Saturday. He added the attacks focused on Ukraines energy sector, which is critical during the cold winter. Denys Shmyhal, Ukraines energy minister, said Saturday evening local time that more than 800,000 people in Kyiv were without power due to emergency power cuts following the strikes. CNNs Nick Paton Walsh, Nina Subkhanberdina, Victoria Butenko, Darya Tarasova, Helen Regan and Ivana Kottasova contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Nicole La Nicholette Pardo is seen in an image released by the Sinaloa Attorney Generals Office after a viral video appears to show her being abudcted at gunpoint. - Sinaloa Attorney Generals Office A US-Mexican influencer who disappeared in the northwestern Mexican state of Sinaloa on Tuesday has been found alive and in good health, the Sinaloa Attorney Generals office said Saturday. In a post on social media, the prosecutors office thanked the public for its assistance in finding Nicole La Nicholette Pardo and confirmed that the US dual national had been located safely. Earlier this week, a viral video circulated online appearing to show Pardo being abducted at gunpoint in broad daylight. Footage purportedly recorded by cameras on her Tesla vehicle a lilac Cybertruck shows several armed men violently forcing Pardo into a waiting car. On Friday, the Sinaloa Attorney Generals Office circulated a missing persons bulletin saying that Pardo was last seen on January 20 in the Isla Musala neighborhood of Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa. CNN geolocated the footage of her apparent abduction to that same neighborhood. Mexican Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch said Thursday that the vehicles allegedly involved in Pardos disappearance were being tracked and that state authorities reported the incident immediately to the federal government. According to what appears to be her Instagram account, the young woman splits her time between Culiacan and Phoenix, Arizona. Public records show she has an address in Phoenix. On Friday, a spokesperson for the US State Department said it is aware of reports of the situation and is actively monitoring it. The Trump Administration has no greater priority than the safety and security of US citizens, and the State Department stands ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance to Americans in need abroad, the spokesperson said. Pardo is a 20-year-old US-Mexican dual national, according to the Sinaloa Attorney Generals Office. She is a prominent voice online, where she has amassed more than 180,000 followers on Instagram and more than 145,000 on TikTok. She also has a YouTube channel and an OnlyFans account. Her posts often show aspects of her personal life, including buying luxury vehicles, and her participation in local events, like the Saladazo, a motorized route through rural roads and natural areas south of Culiacan. She is also referenced in the 2022 corrido song La Muchacha del Salado, recorded by Grupo Arriesgado, which has accumulated over 27 million views on YouTube. Pardos disappearance comes amid heightened violence against women in Sinaloa and across Mexico. According to official figures from the Attorney Generals Office, the state ended 2025 with 72 femicides, the highest number recorded in the last seven years and more than double the 31 recorded cases in 2024. More broadly, Sinaloa has seen 7,000 of the 132,000 disappearances reported across Mexico since the first cases were recorded in 1952, according to a national register. This story was updated on Saturday to include the latest information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media during the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 22, 2026. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo WASHINGTON, Jan 24 (Reuters) - The United States has taken the oil that was on seized Venezuelan tankers and will process it in U.S. refineries, President Donald Trump said in a New York Post interview that was published on Saturday. "Lets put it this way they dont have any oil. We take the oil, Trump told the newspaper. The oil is being refined in "various places" including Houston, he said. The U.S. military has seized seven Venezuela-linked tankers since the start of Trump's month-long campaign to control Venezuela's oil flows. Trump said on Tuesday that his administration had taken 50 million barrels of oil out of Venezuela, and was selling some of it in the open market. (Reporting by Katharine Jackson; Editing by Sergio NonEditing by Tomasz Janowski) Two people hold a rainbow Pride flag in a neighborhood street. Photo: Alexander Grey / Unsplash (The Center Square) Democrats in the Virginia Legislature proposed a bill requiring public schools to include diversity, equity and inclusion topics in their curriculum. House Bill 614, introduced this month by Delegate Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, would require all public elementary and secondary schools within Virginia to adjust their history and social science classes to include more inclusive history material. The bill's summary includes racial minorities, immigrants, women, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, or "any other group of individuals that the Board of Education deems appropriate, in order to affirm such communities and promote a more holistic understanding of history." The bill states these changes are necessary to ensure comprehensive, accurate and inclusive education. It also requires schools to provide teachers with instructional materials to observe history-related months, including Black History Month, Womens History Month and LGBTQ+ History Month. The goal of the bill is to allow teachers to be equipped with culturally responsive strategies for teaching inclusive history and for addressing complex or difficult historical topics, the bill states. The Center Square reached out to the Virginia Department of Education for comment and was told that it is not commenting on proposed legislation outside of committee hearings at this time. March 1, 2027, is the state's scheduled review of its Standard of Learning, where the new DEI material and curriculum guidelines must be implemented to explicitly include the political, economic, social and cultural contributions of the communities described, the bill states. By the 2028-2029 school year, the Standards of Learning assessments must include practice questions relating to lessons that align with inclusive history standards. The Center Square reached out to Rasoul's office for a comment, but did not receive a response. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Minnesota Governor Tim Walz activated the National Guard on Saturday to support local law enforcement as protests intensified following the fatal shooting of a man by a federal agent in south Minneapolis. The Hennepin County Sheriffs Office requested the Guards help to relieve deputies who have been stretched thin managing crowds at the Whipple Federal Building, a site of daily demonstrations since the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent earlier this month. The situation escalated quickly after a U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and killed an armed 37-year-old Alex Pretti around 9 a.m. near Nicollet Avenue and East 26th Street. READ: Minnesota Business Owner And CNN Host Clash Over Concentration Camp Comment While police declined to immediately release his name, Prettis parents identified him to local media as an intensive care unit nurse. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara noted that information remains limited but stated that investigators believe Pretti was a "lawful gun owner with a permit to carry." This description stands in stark contrast to the account from federal officials. The Department of Homeland Security described the incident as a "targeted operation" gone wrong, claiming Pretti approached agents with a handgun and "violently resisted" disarmament. Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino said the agentan eight-year veteranfired in self-defense fearing a "massacre," pointing to the suspect's extra magazines as evidence of intent to do "maximum damage." The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shared a photograph of the man's gun with two magazines. (ICE) President Donald Trump seized on the event to blast state leadership. Taking to Truth Social, Trump accused Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of "inciting insurrection" and covering up billions in financial fraud. He shared photos of the gun recovered at the scene, demanding, "Where are the local Police? Why werent they allowed to protect ICE Officers?" Trump framed the federal presence as a necessary crackdown on crime and financial theft, calling the local leaders "sanctimonious political fools." READ: Bovino Says Armed Man Wanted To Massacre Agents As Minnesota Governor Wants Feds Gone The shooting has reopened wounds in a city already on edge. It occurred just over a mile from where Renee Good was killed by an ICE agent on January 7. That earlier shooting had already sparked weeks of unrest, and Saturdays death drew hundreds more protesters out into the frigid streets. With federal officials claiming self-defense against a would-be mass shooter and local families mourning a nurse, the arrival of the National Guard marks a critical turning point in the standoff between Minnesota and Washington. Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage. Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox This is the moment that residents in Rio de Janeiro joined forces to thwart a thief who attempted to rob a Nova Iguacu City store. Surveillance footage from Tuesday (20 January) shows a man in a motorcycle helmet approaching the cashier and gesturing to the register. When the woman tries to force him out, the robber pushes her to the back of the store and a struggle ensues. The suspect flees after another woman comes in from the back, but is chased out by the cashier. The man tries to escape on his motorcycle, but bystanders swarm from all directions and begin attacking the man. January 22, 2026: The four year war in Ukraine has not caused any significant protests or unrest among the population. The loss of 1.2 million soldiers killed, disabled or missing was becoming a problem, until the government began hiring foreigners to die for Russia in Ukraine. The waves of economic sanctions were supposed to cause so much popular unrest that Russia would be forced to get out of Ukraine. The sanctions failed because of cheating and that Russia simply turned to neutral or pro-Russia nations like India, most of South America and many other areas not aligned with NATO members. If Russians missed a favorite Western consumer or commercial item, the non-NATO world could supply you with an adequate substitute, Even NATO country items could be obtained, with a surcharge added to pay for the extra intermediaries or sometimes directly. Russian leader Vladimir Putin also has loyal and capable allies in the 80 governors of Russian provinces, regions and major metropolitan areas. Its the governors who recruit the troops, and take care of those who are disabled and the families of soldiers who were killed. In return, the governors have considerable autonomy. They dont get grief from Moscow unless a governor or his associates are involved in a major corruption scandal. Putin will tolerate minor corruption because that is the grease that keeps the political machine going. Anyone who gets greedy has to be punished and it is the central government who ultimately has to take care of that. This system works because it is the latest version of an ancient system that worked for the monarchy as well as nearly 70 years of Communist rule and now the quasi democracy of the Russian Federation. This system can fail if there are economic or political problems the central government cannot handle. Thats happened many times in the last thousand years of Russian history. Those disasters are remembered and noted in the Russian media and speeches given by officials. If you dont forget you are less likely to repeat past mistakes. Police say they are not expecting to find any more survivors from the landslide [Reuters] Rescue efforts for six missing people buried by a landslide in New Zealand on Thursday have been called off, with efforts now moving to recovering bodies, police have said. "Tragically it is now apparent that we will not be able to bring them home alive," Anderson said, adding that formal identification is underway. Two teenagers are among those who remain unaccounted for, with the youngest aged 15 years old. Search teams located human remains beneath dirt and debris on Friday evening, Police Superintendent Tim Anderson said, after a landslide hit a popular campsite in Mount Maunganui. "This is heartbreaking news for the families and the dozens of people who have been working day and night, hoping for a positive outcome," Anderson said. In a separate incident, two people died - a grandmother and her grandchild - in a different landslide at Welcome Bay, nearby Mount Maunganui, public service broadcaster Radio New Zealand (RNZ) reported. Heavy rain has fallen on New Zealand's North Island for days, with more wet weather forecast for the area over the weekend. Police said conditions have added to the difficulty of rescue efforts, and described the scene at Mount Maunganui as "incredibly challenging... to work through". Fire and emergency services worked through the night to locate those unaccounted for at the campsite before the operation was formally handed over to police on Saturday. The safety of workers on the ground is of "upmost importance", Anderson said. Police have confirmed the names of the six individuals unaccounted for as Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, from Morrinsville, Mans Loke Bernhardsson, 20, from Sweden, Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, from Rotorua, and Susan Doreen Knowles, 71, from Ngongotaha. The youngest victims have been identified by police as Sharon Maccanico, 15, from Auckland and Max Furse-Kee, 15, from Auckland. Members of the public lay floral tributes at scene of the landslide in Mount Maunganui [Reuters] Chief Coroner Judge Anna Tutton confirmed the identification process is underway, but warned it would likely be "complex" and "painstaking". "We will work very carefully - and as quickly as we can - to reunite families," she said. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the site on Friday. He said it was "inspiring" to see the show of community support as locals helped clear debris in flood-hit areas. Mount Maunganui is a sacred Maori site and one of the most popular campgrounds in New Zealand. It has been repeatedly hit by landslides in recent years. President Donald Trump greets Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney during a summit on Gaza in Sharm el-Sheikh on October 13, 2025. (Evan Vucci / POOL / AFP via Getty Images) President Donald Trump continued to deliver trade whiplash, saying Saturday that the U.S. will impose a 100% tariff on Canada if it reaches a trade deal with China. In a social media post, he warned Canada not to become a Drop Off Port for Chinese goods meant for the U.S. China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life, Trump added. If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A. The office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Last week, China and Canada reached an agreement to lower trade barriers. It includes cuts to Chinese tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural products, and reduced Canadian tariffs on 49,000 Chinese EVs. When asked about the deal, Trump voiced his approval. Well, thats OK, thats what you should be doing. I mean, its a good thing for him to sign a trade deal. If you can get a deal with China, you should do that, right? he said Jan. 15. Days later, Carney delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that warned of a rupture in the world order after Trump threatened tariffs on NATO allies unless they backed his plan to take over Greenland. Without calling out Trump by name, Carney also denounced using tariffs as leverage, financial infrastructure as coercion, supply chains as vulnerabilities to be exploited. Trump backed down from his NATO tariffs and agreed to a framework for a deal on Greenland as well as his planned Golden Dome missile shield, though the administration hasnt provided more details. Reports indicate that it could involve mineral and basing rights. Last year, Trump vowed to hit Canadaalong with the rest of the worldwith tariffs. But they dont apply to imports covered under U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade pact. It wasnt clear from Trumps social media post on Saturday if a 100% tariff on Canada would remove that exemption. It also wasnt clear what constitutes a trade deal between Canada and China, given the two countries had already reached an agreement earlier. The White House didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The latest announcement follows a recent trend of Trump signaling a renewed willingness to wield tariffs. In addition to the NATO tariffs, he said earlier the U.S. will impose secondary levies on countries that trade with Iran as he seeks to squeeze Tehran amid anti-regime protests. That could blow up his tariff ceasefire with China, which imports oil from Iran. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has yet to decide on Trumps ability to apply tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which is a linchpin of his trade policy. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty; Taylor Hill/FilmMagic NEED TO KNOW The Late Show host Stephen Colbert questioned President Donald Trump's $1 billion fee to join his "Board of Peace," and made a dig at his parent company in the process Now, admittedly, the idea of paying a billion dollars to obey Donald Trump seems a little steep," Colbert said on The Late Show. "After all, CBS got to do it for just 16 million Trump formed his new Board of Peace to address global conflicts, though few Western nations have expressed interest in his group Stephen Colbert slammed President Donald Trumps $1 billion fee to join his vague new Board of Peace," likening the price tag to Paramount's controversial donation to the president. On Thursday, Jan 22, Trump, 79, was joined by a small group of world leaders as he signed the charter for his Board of Peace, a new international body to address global conflicts, with the president personally working as the boards inaugural chairman. The ceremony took place at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Trump gave little detail on what the board plans to do but said, it would work with the United Nations to ensure peace in the Middle East and hinted at wider ambitions, CBS News reported. Joining the charter reportedly requires a lofty $1 billion membership fee, though it remains unclear what the money will be used for, according to multiple outlets. Few Western nations have expressed interest in joining the new group, which is mostly made up of countries in the Middle East, Asia and South America. Nations who have accepted Trump's invite, according to CNN, include Albania, Argentina, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The executive board has been filled out with appointed members: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, billionaire businessman Marc Rowan, World Bank Group president Ajay Banga and U.S. deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel. The board will be indefinitely chaired by Trump. On Thursday, Jan 22, during his monologue on The Late Show, Colbert, 61, called Trumps billion-dollar entry fee for the Board of Peace a little steep, then taking a jab at his own employer by saying that CBS agreed to obey the president for far less. Why, you may ask, is this even happening? Good question, me, Colbert prefaced his roast. Especially because the Board of Peaces mission would overlap with the United Nations aim of maintaining international peace and security. So, Trump is literally just doing model UN. Now, admittedly, the idea of paying a billion dollars to obey Donald Trump seems a little steep," the comedian added. "After all, CBS got to do it for just 16 million. 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. Colbert has previously been critical of CBS' decision to settle a lawsuit with Trump for $16 million, which will be donated to his future presidential library. Three days before CBS made the shocking announcement that The Late Show would be canceled after its current season, Colbert criticized the networks parent company for agreeing to settle a lawsuit with Trump. The president had accused journalists at 60 Minutes of deceptively editing a 2024 interview with his election opponent, Kamala Harris. I believe this kind of complicated financial settlement with a sitting government official has a technical name in legal circles: its 'big, fat bribe,' " Colbert said on The Late Show last July. Later in the week, Colbert revealed his show would be retired, with CBS insisting it was purely a financial decision. Trump celebrated the news of Colbert's ousting on Truth Social soon after, writing, "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired" before saying, "I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next." Read the original article on People Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan, left, and Justice Gregory Moeller listen to oral arguments from attorney Jeremy Chou from law firm Givens Pursley on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in Boise. | Sean Dolan, IdahoEdNews.org BOISE (IdahoEdNews.org) Some members of the Idaho Supreme Court appeared skeptical Friday that the Idaho Constitution prohibits the state from funding private education. Justices heard oral arguments in a lawsuit challenging the Parental Choice Tax Credit. GOP lawmakers and Republican Gov. Brad Little created the $50 million private school choice program through House Bill 93 last year. A coalition that includes the Idaho Education Association and Moscow School District asked the Idaho Supreme Court to declare the program unconstitutional and block the state from implementing it. Thousands of students have already applied for the state funds. On Friday, the five-member Supreme Court grilled the coalitions attorneys from the get-go. Many of their questions focused on the central argument in the case: whether the Idaho Constitutions mandate that the state fund a public school system prohibits it from also supporting private schools. Article IX Section 1 of the state constitution says that the Idaho Legislature has a duty to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools. The plain language of this provision requires a system of public schools, Marvin M. Smith, an attorney with Hawley Troxell who represents the coalition, told the court. The coalition in recent months has argued that the tax credit funds a separate education system thats private, tuition-based and not open to all students. The coalition also contends that the tax credit violates the public purpose doctrine implicit in the Idaho Constitution. This legal principle requires that the state spend taxpayer dollars in the public interest, not in private interests. A few justices expressed doubts that Article IX Section 1 should be interpreted to rule out investments in education beyond the public system. Justice Colleen Zahn said she doesnt see anything in the provision that would prevent it. Im struggling with your argument, she said. The justices also asked about: Standing Zahn and Justice Gregory Moeller also probed whether the coalition has sufficient standing to challenge the tax credit. The courts historical standard for standing is that qualified petitioners must demonstrate a real injury from the law being challenged, Zahn said. But some members of the coalition have only pointed to a hypothetical injury tied to the tax credit. Along with the teachers union and school district, the coalition includes two advocacy groups the Committee to Protect and Preserve the Idaho Constitution and Mormon Women for Ethical Government and several individuals. These include: Jerry Evans, former Republican state superintendent, Marta Hernandez, a public school teacher in Cassia County, Kristine Anderson, mother of two children with special needs in the Madison School District, Alexis Morgan, an Eagle mother of two public school children who says her daughter was rejected from a private school because of her familys religious beliefs, and Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen, a Republican lawmaker from Idaho Falls who voted against HB 93 during last years legislative session. Asked which of these petitioners has the best claim to standing, Smith pointed to the parents who have already suffered discrimination from private schools. In briefs filed with the court leading up to Fridays hearing, the coalitions attorneys argued that public school enrollment and state funding will decline as a result of the tax credit. Smith said Friday that state agencies, like the attorney generals office, werent willing and ready to challenge the program. If not us, who? he said. Justice Gregory Moeller speaks during oral arguments at the Idaho Supreme Court on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, in Boise. | Sean Dolan, IdahoEdNews.org What constitutes maintaining a system? Justices had fewer questions for the states attorneys, who argued that the Idaho Constitution sets a floor for supporting a public school system and not a ceiling that would limit other investments. But Moeller dissected their claim that the tax credit doesnt rise to the level of maintaining a separate system of schools. Attorney General Raul Labradors deputy solicitor general, Michael Zarian, defended the Idaho State Tax Commission, the agency responsible for administering the Parental Choice Tax Credit. Jeremy Chou, an attorney from Givens Pursley, represented the Idaho Legislature, which intervened in the case. Zarian told the court that the tax credit supports more than private school tuition. It also covers tutoring, books and other expenses for both private- and home-schoolers. And the state reimburses parents, not schools, for these expenses. Its not maintaining a system of schools, Zarian said. There is one standard that schools must meet to qualify as an eligible expense for the tax credit, however. The state will only reimburse expenses from private schools or home-school settings that are either accredited or maintain a portfolio that shows students are learning math, English, science and social studies. Moeller wondered whether this requirement would constitute maintaining a separate system of schools. The state plays absolutely zero role in ensuring the quality or the subject-matter or the accreditation of any non-public school? Moeller asked. Thats correct, Chou responded. While teaching math, English, science and social studies is a condition of qualifying for the voluntary tax credit, its not a state regulation that private educators must follow, he said. Idaho Launch Justice Robyn Brody asked the coalitions attorney how other programs would be implicated if the court agreed that the state only has a duty to fund public schools. Brody pointed to Idaho Launch, the state scholarship that covers tuition at both public and private colleges, universities and workforce training programs. The coalitions challenge only considers K-12 funding, Smith said, while Idaho Launch deals with higher education. But Brody said the court should consider other programs as well. Isnt that part of our job? she said. To look at, what are the ripples across the pond that our decision will have? Thousands have applied for tax credit Applications for the tax credit opened Jan. 15. As of Wednesday, the Tax Commission had received more than 4,650 applications covering more than 7,300 students, according to a news release from the agency. Many applications made claims for multiple students per household. The application window will remain open through March 15, unless a law change or court order halts the program, a Tax Commission spokesperson said in a news release. Its unclear what would happen with the applications if the Idaho Supreme Court halts the program. A district court judge in Utah last year declared the Beehive States private school choice program unconstitutional. The teachers union there challenged the Utah Fits All Scholarship on similar grounds to the Idaho coalitions case against the Parental Choice Tax Credit that public dollars are reserved for public schools. The Utah judge, Laura Scott, didnt issue an injunction, however. She allowed the $100 million program to take effect as the state appealed her ruling to the state supreme court, KPCW reported. The appeal is ongoing. But the Idaho Supreme Courts ruling whenever it comes should be the final word on the coalitions challenge to the Parental Choice Tax Credit. The U.S. Supreme Court typically doesnt hear cases that center on state constitutions. This article was originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on Jan. 23, 2026. The post Idaho Supreme Court grills challengers of private education tax credit appeared first on East Idaho News. Employees of KIFI Local News 8 cutting the ribbon as part of its 65th anniversary celebration. | Daniel V. Ramirez, EastIdahoNews.com IDAHO FALLS KIFI Local News 8 turned 65 on Friday and was honored locally and regionally for its decades of informing and educating eastern Idaho residents. According to Local News 8, the station first aired on Jan. 23, 1961, as an NBC affiliate. Outside the station at 1915 N. Yellowstone Highway in Idaho Falls, the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony as part of its America 250 celebration. Gov. Brad Little and Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw both issued proclamations to recognize Local News 8. KIFI has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to public service, community connection, and journalistic excellence, serving as a training ground for generations of journalists covering our state, nation, and the world, Burtenshaw said in her proclamation. Both Burtenshaw and Little acknowledged Local News 8s history of firsts, including being the first TV station in eastern Idaho to use color studio cameras in 1967 and the first in the region to broadcast in stereo sound. KIFI has been a lifeline for eastern Idahoans during times of emergency and crisis, Little said. EastIdahoNews.com spoke with anchor and journalist Linda Larsen and General Manager Kalvin Pike about the news stations anniversary. Meterologist Jeff Roper and Anchor Megan Lavin live at the noon broadcast for Local News 8. | Daniel V. Ramirez, EastIdahoNews.com Larsen said that, with the anniversary coinciding with the United States birthday, it was a celebration of media, the U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment. It was just an absolute honor for us to be able to be a part of that, and for us to be the first celebration of the year, and the first celebration for the new mayors, Larsen said. It was a beautiful thing to me to be able to feel that energy. For Pike, the celebration was a reminder of all the work that had been done by those who worked at the station, past and present. The exciting part is where theyve gone from here, because weve had people that have gone on to major markets from their little start in Idaho Falls, Pike said. Were just grateful for all of their contributions, and, of course, grateful for the people who invite us into their homes every morning, afternoon and evening. Pike said its interesting seeing the community approach the stations anchors and reporters when theyre out covering stories. Larsen said people have approached her who say they feel like theyre best friends, even though she doesnt know them at all. I always tell them there is no greater compliment that they could give me than that, she said. There is nothing that they could say that would warm my heart any more than that. Larsen said there is a weight placed on journalists to deliver the right information to the community a community Local News 8 staff loves. Everything were doing is for that, Larson said. We all feel very honored to be in a community with journalists who are committed to getting the story out, getting the story correct, and making sure that the people in our community have the information that they need to conduct their lives in the best way that they can. The post Its KIFI Local News 8 Day. News station celebrates 65-year milestone appeared first on East Idaho News. An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Mayor Zohran Mamdani smiling while wearing a navy blue The Issue: Mayor Mamdanis call for ICE to be abolished during an interview on ABCs The View. Many of the illegal immigrants in America are hardened criminals, yet Mayor Mamdani is providing cover for many of them and therefore threatening life, liberty and the right to happiness in America (Mad Mamdani calls to abolish agency, Jan. 21). This twisted socialist should be sent to Somalia with no right of return. Also, former President Joe Biden and former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas should be jailed for ignoring immigration laws and allowing these illegal immigrants into the USA. T. Birnbaum Manhattan Mamdani, on The View, called for the abolishment of ICE. Is going on The View the best way to spend his time? He needs to stay in City Hall and figure out how hes going to run the city and make us prosper again. Were sitting on millions of dollars in budget deficit, and this clown is going on talk shows. Gene OBrien Whitestone Id like to know how Mamdani thinks wed be able to find illegal immigrants who commit terrible crimes like murder and rape without ICE. If he is expecting local police departments to handle it, hes dreaming. ICE is an organization specifically trained to deal with illegal immigrants. There wouldnt be enough police to handle what ICE does. The bottom line: Our mayor really has no idea what hes talking about, nor how to govern a city as big as New York. Rob Johann Woodhaven Mamdanis opposition to ICE, an arm of the federal government, is practically a violation of the terms of his naturalization and the oath he took to support the Constitution as a naturalized citizen. Coming to America is the opportunity of a lifetime, but like all rights, it entails responsibilities. One of which, at a minimum, should be refraining from joining organizations like the Democratic Socialists of American, whose sole purpose is to destroy America. David Rabinovitz Brooklyn Mamdani has made it clear hes all for abolishing ICE. Im not a reporter, but Id like to ask him the following questions: What is your alternative to the removal of people here illegally? What is your level of comfort with serious criminals living amongst us? I said it before, and Ill say it again: This mayor is the last nail in the coffin for New York City. Phil Serpico Queens The Issue: Rep. Ilhan Omars soaring net worth as fraud scandals are uncovered in Minnesota. Rep. Ilhan Omar must be so grateful to the wonderful country of America for allowing her to become a part of the wealthy class (Don: Send Omar to jail or Somalia, Jan. 20). Her Somali constituents are also grateful for the billions of dollars Minnesota has received via federal funding allowing them to thrive in the day-care business, transportation services and grocery stores, most of which dont even exist. Ilhans adamant denial and obnoxious treatment of those who make these allegations is quite telling. Its about time for our government leaders to take control of monetary wrongdoing by elected officials. Alice Daly Mahopac Its about time the feds investigated Omars rising wealth. Omar and her husband Tim Mynett have gone from nearly broke to being worth $30 million in one year. Her husband also runs Rose Lake Capital, which has seen a massive increase in assets. Theres a Somali social-services scandal going on in Omars district, and Congress better get some answers to all of this soon. The people are fed up with being robbed when paying taxes. Thomas Patrick Folan Nesconset Want to weigh in on todays stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to letters@nypost.com. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style. The U.S. warned the transitional council in charge of Haiti against making changes to the troubled country's government late Wednesday SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico The U.S. warned the transitional council in charge of Haiti against making changes to the troubled countrys government late Wednesday, as pressure mounts for the unelected body to move toward elections for the first time in a decade. In a statement posted on X, the U.S. Embassy in Haiti wrote that The United States would consider that any person who supports such a destabilizing initiative, which favors the gangs, would be acting against the interests of the United States, the region, and the Haitian people, and will take appropriate measures accordingly. The U.S. Embassy added that such a maneuver would undermine efforts to establish a minimal level of security and stability in Haiti, where gang violence is surging, and poverty is deepening. Haitian soldiers keep a watch outside the venue where businessman Laurent Saint-Cyr is set to be designated as president of Haitis Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. REUTERS The statement came as some members of the council are at odds with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime, although it wasnt immediately clear why. The council met behind closed doors earlier Wednesday and again on Thursday. The U.S. Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs wrote on X Thursday night that Haitis chronic instability is a result of corrupt Haitian politicians who use gangs and other armed groups to create chaos in the streets and then insist on a role in government to turn down the chaos they themselves have created. Real stability will come when political leaders get their power from the support of voters rather than their ability to sow chaos. The members of the (council) who have followed this path are not Haitian patriots. They are criminals like the gangs they conspire with, the bureau wrote. A spokesman for the prime ministers office said he could not comment on the situation. The councils seven members with voting powers did not return messages asking for comment. Haitis Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime walks with security at a Mass in honor of Pope Francis in Port-au-Prince. REUTERS Meanwhile, Laurent Saint-Cyr, the councils leader, said in a statement that he opposes any push to undermine government stability ahead of Feb. 7, when the council is provisionally scheduled to step down. As major institutional deadlines for the Nation approach, any initiative likely to fuel instability, confusion or a breakdown of trust carries serious risks for the country, he wrote. Haiti cannot afford to make unilateral decisions or engage in short-sighted political calculations that would compromise the stability and continuity of the State, as well as the well-being of the already sorely tested population. Unelected council was put in charge to quell chaos Its the latest episode in years of political chaos that erupted after Haitis last elected president, Jovenel Moise, was slain at his home in July 2021. The council has been one of the countrys top authorities since April 2024. It was created with the help of Caribbean leaders after powerful gangs forced the closure of Haitis main international airport and targeted key state infrastructure in a series of unprecedented attacks that eventually led former Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign. Laurent Saint-Cyr shakes hands with Alix Didier Fils-Aime. AFP via Getty Images The council was charged with selecting Haitis prime minister in a bid to quickly bring some stability to the beleaguered country. Fils-Aime is the third person chosen by the council. A businessman and former head of Haitis Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he was appointed in November 2025 after the council fired previous leader Garry Conille. The council is supposed to step down by Feb. 7, but its unclear if that will happen. Critics say some council members are trying to stay in power longer, and many fear the move could unleash a fresh round of violent protests. The Feb. 7 deadline was approved in early 2024 on the assumption that Haiti would have held general elections to elect a new president. Gang violence has prevented officials from holding elections so far, although they are tentatively set for August, with a runoff to be held in December. UN Security Council meets to discuss Haiti A new U.N. report released Wednesday noted that national stakeholders remain divided over the transitional governance architecture that is to lead the country to elections. Earlier on Wednesday, the U.N. Security Council met to discuss the unraveling situation in Haiti. Haiti has entered a critical phase in its process of restoring democratic institutions, said Carlos Ruiz-Massieu, special representative of the U.N. Secretary General in Haiti. The country no longer has time to waste in prolonged infighting. Panamanian Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba noted at the meeting that Haiti is at a critical juncture, with only 18 days left for the transitional presidential councils mandate to end. Panamanian Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba noted at the meeting that Haiti is at a critical juncture, with only 18 days left for the transitional presidential councils mandate to end. AP The persistent nature of violence remains of utmost concern, he said. Several U.N. Security Council members noted that Haiti needs to quickly move toward a democratic transition as gangs continue to seize control of more territory. Theres a need to approach this deadline with a sense of responsibility to sustain continuity of state and avoid any disruptions that may undermine the operation of national institutions, said Ericq Pierre, permanent representative of Haiti to the United Nations. Gangs control an estimated 90% of Port-au-Prince, Haitis capital, and they have seized swaths of land in the countrys central region. More than 8,100 killings were reported across Haiti from January to November last year, with figures likely underreported owing to limited access to gang-controlled areas, according to the U.N. report. Fritz Alphonse Jean, a member of Haitis Presidential Transitional Council (CPT), speaks during a press conference in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 25 November 2025. Mentor David Lorens/EPA/Shutterstock Haitis National Police has been trying to quell gang violence with help from a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police that remains understaffed and underfunded. The mission is transitioning into a so-called gang suppression force that would have the power to arrest suspected gang members. Haitis government also has been working with a private military contractor to launch drone strikes targeting suspected gang members, but which have also killed civilians. The strikes killed more than 970 people from March to December last year, including 39 civilians, 16 of them children, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. January 24, 2026: In late 2024 China stopped selling drones and drone components to Ukraine. Ukraines solution was to ramp up production by its domestic drone manufacturers and obtain more drones and parts from the United States and NATO countries. These drones werent as rugged as the Chinese Mavic 3 and 4 models, but they could provide an adequate temporary solution. Eventually China relented and resumed shipments. It was either that or see the non-Chinese drone manufacturers grow even more competitive. One result of the Ukraine War was the emergence of inexpensive drones as a decisive weapon, as well as a reconnaissance and surveillance system. Drones have been around for decades, but they were complex, expensive, and difficult to operate. That changed in the 1990s when General Atomics introduced its one-ton Predator drone. These were widely used by American and allied forces, along with the larger 4.2-ton Reaper. The second stage of the revolution came in 2016 when the Chinese firm DJI introduced the Mavic quadcopter drone. These were cheap, costing from $300 to thousands of dollars, depending on accessories. By the 2020s, most quadcopter drones cost about $500. More importantly, suppliers provided drone components, so you could buildand often designyour own. In 2023, a year after Russia invaded Ukraine, Ukrainians were building their own drones, often at home or in scattered workshops. By late 2024, Ukrainians were producing over 150,000 drones a month. Ukraine now aims to produce over 1.5 million drones monthly. By purchasing Chinese and other components in bulk, thousands of Ukrainian men and women are building these drones for the armed forces or for someone they knew in the military. Troops at the front also build and modify drones to fit their immediate situations. For the soldiers, designing better drones is often a matter of life or death. The Ukrainians have stayed ahead of the Russians in drone technology and production. The Russian government discourages or even outlaws individuals building drones and instead centralizes drone production. Since Russia invaded in 2022, Ukrainian weapons manufacturers have grown nearly 400 percent. Ukraine produced nearly five million drones in 2025. In 2026 that is expected to be 20 million drones. Its more than the drones themselves. Ukraine has developed novel ways of using larger drones to attack key Russian industrial targets that are thousands of kilometers from the Ukrainian border. There are also applications of drone technology to ground combat. Ukrainian infantry are increasingly augmented with combat robots to carry out high risk attacks. In more than one instance, defending Russian soldiers surrendered to the robots. These technologies are also being used in long range missiles, driverless ground vehicles to carry supplies in the combat zone and even bring back wounded soldiers. There will be wider and more effective use of ground combat robots operated by AI/Artificial Intelligence augmented software. Ukrainian manufacturers also produce artillery, rocket launchers and most other types of weapons and military equipment. For over a century Ukraine has been a major producer of weapons, including aircraft and missiles. When Ukraine became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991, they had nuclear weapons and missiles to carry them. A 1994 agreement between Ukraine, Russia, Britain and the United States had Ukraine getting rid of its nuclear weapons in return for guarantees from Russia that they would never attack Ukraine and if they did Britain and the Americans were obliged to aid Ukraine in resisting the attack. This experience complicates any future Russian offers to settle the Ukraine war via a treaty. In short, Russia cannot be trusted. Vladimir Putin did not take control of Russia until 1999 and apparently feels he is not responsible for observing the 1994 agreement. Putin has more serious problems with Ukraine. While Russia is suffering from four years of increasingly stringent economic sanctions, the Ukrainian economy is rapidly growing. Ukrainian production of military equipment is rapidly expanding and attracting investments from NATO countries, especially the United States. Ukraine currently produces over 70 percent of the weapons it uses to fight the Russians. Since these weapons have proven themselves in combat, they are attractive choices for other nations looking for innovative and affordable weapons. There are more than 500 defense related companies in Ukraine and most are looking for export customers or coproduction deals where other nations produce Ukrainian designed weapons. Ukraine regularly demonstrates that they can rapidly develop, produce and get into combat new systems. Any problems that develop, the Ukrainian manufacturer will quickly fix. Ukraine has become the gold standard for defense production and that has brought in over $100 billion in foreign investment. By invading Ukraine, Russia has created a neighbor that became militarily and economically stronger and free to trade with NATO nations while Russia is crippled by economic sanctions. Today's news: false information about Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is still circulating in Taiwan. The military ship USS Cincinnati has arrived in Ream, Cambodia, for the first time. The repatriation order for thousands of Burmese people in the United States has been suspended. In Tajikistan, police are trying to put an end to the phenomenon of spontaneous markets, where mainly migrants who have returned from Russia work. CHINA This morning, Beijing announced that 75-year-old Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia of the Central Military Commission and another high-ranking official are under investigation for suspected serious disciplinary violations, a euphemism that usually refers to corruption. Zhang Youxia, the son of a Chinese civil war veteran, was considered very close to President Xi Jinping. JAPAN TAIWAN The Taiwan FactCheck Center, which investigates online misinformation, said that false claims are spreading on Taiwanese social media that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's grandfather served as an officer in the Imperial Japanese Army during the invasion of China. The posts began circulating after Takaichi told Parliament in early November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute a threat to Japan's survival. CAMBODIA This morning, the USS Cincinnati arrived at the Ream naval base in Cambodia. This is the first time a US Navy warship has docked at the facility since China completed the base's renovation last year. The USS Cincinnati will remain near the coast until January 28 to participate in sporting events and other activities in the nearby city of Sihanoukville. US MYANMAR A US federal judge yesterday ordered the Trump administration to extend the protection program for those fleeing Myanmar. About 4,000 people are at risk of being deported and forced to return to Myanmar, where a military junta has been in power for nearly five years and a fierce civil war is raging. In November, the United States declared Myanmar a safe country following the military's decision to hold elections, which were considered a sham by much of the international community. PAKISTAN Reuters has confirmed that the fire at a shopping mall in Karachi, which lasted two days and killed nearly 70 people, was the result of regulatory standards that had not been met for over a decade. In the last review two years ago, local authorities warned that the situation was disastrous. Several court cases had highlighted a failure to comply with safety standards in 1992, 2015, and 2021. RUSSIA In early 2026, the American Foundation for Defense of Democracies published a report denouncing Russia's aggressive campaign to recruit young women from Latin America to work in the Alabuga special economic zone in Tatarstan, in factories producing drones for use in the war against Ukraine, after an initial phase in which women from Africa were sought, in what amounted to human trafficking and forced labor. TAJIKISTAN In Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, for the second consecutive month, the police are dispersing and closing down the spontaneous daily markets that have multiplied in many neighborhoods of the city in recent years. For thousands of people from the provinces, these markets are the only chance to earn some money, especially for migrants repatriated from Russia, and these measures may provoke very heated reactions. by Shafique Khokhar Lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari was arrested along with her husband while on her way to court. Both are involved in a series of proceedings related to social media posts and demonstrations in front of judicial institutions. The arrest has sparked strikes by bar associations. Some observers speak of yet another worrying sign for the rule of law and freedom of expression in Pakistan. Islamabad (AsiaNews) The arrest of lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha, has raised new alarms about the state of fundamental freedoms in Pakistan. The two were detained by police in Islamabad on Friday while on their way to court, in an operation that immediately provoked a reaction from bar associations and broad sectors of civil society. The arrest is part of several pending legal proceedings. On the one hand, Mazari and Chattha were due to appear before a trial court in a case related to social media posts, for which their bail had been revoked earlier this month and arrest warrants had been issued, including under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. On the other hand, the pair are involved in separate proceedings relating to protests and clashes that took place in recent days outside the headquarters of the Bar Association and near the Islamabad High Court, a case that has also been taken up by an anti-terrorism court. In the days leading up to their arrest, Mazari and Chattha had spent three consecutive nights in the offices of the president of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, saying they feared imminent arrest. The news of their detention sparked an immediate protest by the bar associations, which announced a strike in dissent. The arrests were also confirmed by Shireen Mazari, Imaan's mother and former federal minister, who denounced serious irregularities in a series of messages posted on X. Fascism at its peak, she wrote, sharing videos showing police officers chasing and intercepting the two lawyers' vehicle. Shireen Mazari said that no First Information Report was shown at the time of the arrest and that the couple was taken to locations that were not initially disclosed. She also denounced the use of force during the arrest and claimed that the two were brought before the Anti-Terrorism Court without being able to consult their lawyers in a timely manner. A few hours before the arrest, speaking to a social media news channel, Imaan Mazari said she was not afraid of detention but demanded that the authorities act strictly, in accordance with the Constitution and the law. On Friday morning, she added that she was prepared to face even a long prison sentence, even up to 14 years, as long as she was guaranteed a fair trial. Tell us what our crimes are, she said, explaining that she had asked the court to disclose the charges. We will not allow any violation of our constitutional rights. Speaking to AsiaNews, Samson Salamat, president of Rwadari Tehreek, harshly criticized what had happened. Unfortunately, the leader of the blasphemy business, Rao Abdul Raheem, is free, while Imaan Mazari, the voice of the oppressed, is arrested, he said. In our country, the mastermind behind the Army Public School tragedy, in which 142 innocent students and teachers were killed, has escaped custody, while Professor Junaid Hafeez has been in prison for years on false charges of blasphemy. Salamat also recalled the lynching of Mashal Khan and the attacks in Jaranwala, where 26 churches and hundreds of homes were burned and all the accused were released on bail. It is a shame for our country that only healthy voices like Imaan Mazari and other human rights activists have to face cruelty and threats, he added. Activist and writer Aslam Taseer also reacted harshly, calling the arrest shameful. We strongly condemn the illegal and arbitrary arrest of the couple. This blatant abuse of power is an attack on justice, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law, he said. Those who raise their voices for human rights are sabotaged by the state: this is not a good sign for any democracy. Having different opinions and fighting legally for rights is not a crime. Saad Raja, a political analyst on social media, who spoke to AsiaNews, was of the same opinion. Imaan Mazari is a lucid and powerful voice against unlawful blasphemy charges and for missing persons in Pakistan, he said. We should thank the state: by arresting her, it has given even more strength and visibility to her voice. Sooner or later she will be released, but now she will be heard and admired by many more people. Raja added: Imaan Mazari is a kind face of this country. She has never insulted anyone, she does not lead any armed organization, but she expresses political opinions, which is her right. She is fighting against accusations of blasphemy and has become a hope for 400 families who are direct victims of this system. She has no weapons: she fights for the Constitution and for justice in the country. by Stefano Caprio The poet and translator Irina Jurcuk, a native of the city of Kharkov on the border between the two countries, the epicentre of the ongoing conflict, has published her book The Overpass in Kiev, an anthology in which she combines texts by contemporary Russian and Ukrainian authors with translations and her own bilingual rhymes. It is a way to rediscover one's true identity, without being destroyed by abuse and claims. The underlying issue in the eternal conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has been going on for four years on the ground and four centuries in people's minds (one could say for over a millennium since the founding of Kievan Rus'), is the clash between two worldviews, two visions of human relations and relations between peoples: that of the collectivist East and that of the personalist West, in the many variations in which they can be defined. The conflict concerns the territories on both sides of the river of European history, represented by the Danube, the Dnieper and the Volga, and is heightened by the confrontation between the different interpretations of Latin and Byzantine Christianity, Russian Orthodox and Ukrainian Orthodox Christianity, Christianity and Islam, and the many linguistic and cultural differences. The Russians do not consider Ukrainian to be a real language, but the comparison extends to Polish, Czech, Bulgarian, Serbian, Croatian and other variants of the Slavic languages, each of which considers itself to be the mother tongue to which all others must refer. All Orthodox Slavs use the sacred dimension of Church Slavonic, which recalls the common roots of Old Slavonic, even managing to argue over the variable pronunciation of formulas that are now barely comprehensible to the faithful during liturgies, which remain the prerogative of the clergy as a means of asserting the institutional superiority of the Church over the State. The great Russian culture of past centuries has now been consigned to oblivion by the most insipid propaganda, which merely exploits slogans and quotations from Pushkin, Gogol and Dostoevsky to demonstrate the artistic greatness of the artificial Russian world, while on the Ukrainian side, these great names of the past are demonised and accused of having inspired the imperial policies of the tsars, the Soviet communists and Putin's sovereignists, imposing the language of the enemy. This eliminates any possibility of understanding and dialogue, refusing to believe that the other has its own cultural, social and religious dignity, and everything is reduced to aggressive assertions of increasingly artificial identities, as is now the case in the world of technological communication, which is reflected in social relations at all levels, including military operations, diplomatic negotiations and dominant political ideologies. An attempt to re-establish bridges of real and profound communication is offered by a bilingual Russian-Ukrainian poet and translator, Irina Jurcuk, a native of the city of Kharkov on the border between the two countries, the epicentre of the ongoing conflict. She has been living in Germany for years, working as a doctor and writing poetry in both Ukrainian and Russian, for adults and children. After winning numerous literary awards in Ukraine and internationally, her book Nadzemnyj perekhid, The Overpass, was recently published in Kiev. It is an anthology in which she combines texts by contemporary Russian and Ukrainian authors with translations and her own bilingual rhymes. Jurcuk says she was inspired by the poetic charm of her native language and the desire to expand the limits of her abilities, moving from translation work to creative expression. Bringing together the different dimensions of Russian and Ukrainian culture also coincided with the need to psychologically distance herself from the frightening reality of war, using immersion in translation as a mechanism for escaping tragedy. In this way, one can try to build a bridge between languages and eras, between contemporary and future generations of Ukrainians, rediscovering one's true identity in language, without being destroyed by abuse and claims. It suffices to recall a term that is now overused in all latitudes, that of genocide, which the states in conflict accuse each other of. The main motivation for the genocide of Russians in Donbass, which for Moscow justifies the special military operation, is precisely linguistic, imposing on Russian speakers in the region the use of only the Ukrainian language, just as Ukrainians believe they have been subjected for centuries to the genocide of Russification from which they must free themselves once and for all, recalling the prohibition of the Ukrainian language by Russian emperors in the 19th century and the subsequent waves of erasure of Ukrainian identity by the Soviets, including the suppression of the Greek Catholic Church and the Russian-speaking domination of patriarchal Orthodoxy. The aim of the anthology is therefore to rise above (nadzemnyj) all the diatribes and battles, to try to limit the damage as much as possible and rediscover the true expression of both languages and cultures, thanks in part to the different musicality of sounds in different formulations, using poetic tools that break down the barricades, says Jurcuk. Composing verses is the best way to use languages, and translation forces us to look at each word very carefully, analysing its meaning in the context of the rhyme, rather than simply reporting its formal equivalent. Even with a good knowledge of a foreign language, it is inevitable to constantly consult dictionaries and choose to use forms that are very different from the conventional ones, especially when it comes to languages that are very close to each other, such as Russian and Ukrainian, as was the case in the past with the Greek-Latin, Romance, Anglo-Saxon languages and so on, with the result of improving one's own native language. Translation always runs the risk of betrayal, but it is only in this way that the process of tradition is accomplished, in the different variants of the same term from the Latin tradere. In times of traditional values proclaimed from the heights of political and religious pulpits, literary and poetic endeavour can truly rediscover the authentic value of traditions, of which language is an essential vehicle. As Jurcuk explains, translation is a small life in the space and time of poetry, trying to avoid the pitfalls of loss of meaning or to bring it over to one's own side, different from that of the author. In times of increasingly sophisticated machine translation, a new space for mutual understanding is opening up, demonstrating that technology solves nothing without the contribution of the individual. There is currently no dialogue between the cultures and literatures of Russia and Ukraine, and it will be difficult to reconnect for who knows how long, at least a few decades, assuming that military operations end sooner or later. Jurcuk quotes a verse by a Ukrainian poet writing in Russian, according to which in the future, the library / will be a danger to men / and in the blinding 21st century / it will be in the fire of phenomena, obviously in an English translation that does not respect the original Russian or even the Ukrainian translation, but always emphasising how books and words are becoming less and less certainties and more and more weapons of mass destruction. Ukrainian literature in general, and poetry in particular, are developing as never before in history, and the war has further accelerated the pace of creativity, with a great awareness of the need to dissociate oneself more and more from Russia. The Russian language, which all Ukrainians know and speak fluently, has become a traumatic factor in their tragic daily lives, from which they must distance themselves completely. It often happens that Russian spoken at home out of habit is censored in public because of the shame it causes to hear it, and not everyone has the opportunity to switch entirely to expressing themselves in Ukrainian, a native language long repressed and now the language expressing a desire for radical change. President Volodymyr Zelenskyj himself, before running for president in 2019, took a course in Ukrainian, being Russian-speaking by family heritage. However, the new Ukrainian culture does not want to be determined solely by the reaction of protest against the aggressor, but seeks to define an identity projected onto a future that is yet to be written and proclaimed, knowing full well that Russia's pressure will not stop at missiles and territorial conquests, but will try in every way to regain the self-awareness of a people from whom the Russians themselves originate and with whom they are still closely related. Language will increasingly be the immune defence in a living organism, says Irina Jurcuk, who seeks to maintain a bridge over the abyss between the two peoples, with a dedication necessary not only to Russians and Ukrainians, but as an example to enemy peoples all over the world, using the language of both to rediscover common and greater truths, as in these verses she composed under the roar of bombs destroying homes: ... The science of escape, the experience of survival, the sheet tightened like a noose, and I dream: every blow in the universe is a direct blow to me... by Nirmala Carvalho Activists from the extremist group Vishwa Hindu Parishad demonstrated in front of Holy Cross Convent School in Dharmanagar, demanding that a Hindu puja be celebrated on campus, forcing the school administration to call the police and suspend classes. The principal denounces a climate of growing intimidation. The bishop of Agartala tells AsiaNews: These kinds of requests and accusations are unfounded and are a way to create divisions. Dharmanagar (AsiaNews) - The request to celebrate a religious ritual inside a Catholic school has sparked tensions and protests in the Indian state of Tripura, turning the educational institution into a new battleground for identity. On Thursday, activists from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) demonstrated in front of the Holy Cross Convent School in Sakhaibari, Dharmanagar, demanding that the Saraswati Puja, the Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, be allowed to be celebrated on campus. According to VHP leaders, over 70% of the students enrolled at the school belong to the Hindu community and wish to celebrate a holiday that, they say, has deep religious and cultural significance. The organization argued that the request was motivated by respect for the students' faith and traditions and was not intended to create religious divisions. However, the school administration rejected the request, citing the internal regulations of the Holy Cross educational network, which prohibit the performance of religious rituals of any denomination on school campuses. The administration specified that this rule has been in force since the school's foundation and is applied uniformly. As protests intensified outside the school gates, the authorities deployed police forces to prevent incidents and maintain public order. As a precautionary measure, the school administration suspended classes for the day to ensure the safety of students and staff. A meeting with parents was also convened on campus to explain the school's position and seek a peaceful solution. During the meeting, the atmosphere became tense: some parents expressed support for the request to celebrate Saraswati Puja within the school. The situation escalated when some parents reportedly surrounded the principal, an episode that was then joined by VHP activists who entered the campus. The police intervened to restore calm: no injuries were reported and the situation was subsequently stabilized through discussions between the school administration and local authorities. The VHP reiterated its request that Saraswati Puja be celebrated on Basant Panchami, emphasizing the religious significance of the date and assuring that the observance would be peaceful and led by the students. The school, for its part, reaffirmed its respect for all faiths but said it was bound by institutional policies prohibiting religious functions on campus, reiterating that the decision was administrative and not religious in nature. In an interview with AsiaNews, Sister Pushpa B.S., principal of Holy Cross Convent School in Dharmanagar, denounced a climate of growing intimidation. This was the second attack, she said. The first time, the crowd arrived on January 16 and demanded that the puja be celebrated. They also made unfounded accusations of forced conversions and made negative and offensive comments about my religious practices, saying that I do not follow the culture. They warned me that I would face serious consequences if I did not give in to their demands. The nun added that on January 22, they returned with a larger crowd and reiterated their demand that the puja be held in our school. Sister Pushpa recalled that the institute has 686 students and serves the local community for the most part, while only a small percentage of the students are Christian, belonging to other denominations. Through our educational apostolate, she emphasized, we continue to contribute significantly to nation building by providing quality education based on values. The bishop of Agartala, Monsignor Lumen Monteiro, also expressed strong concern about what happened. First of all, this school is a Christian minority educational institution and we are Indians, proud citizens of India, who uphold values and serve generations through our educational apostolate in Agartala, he told AsiaNews. As bishop of the diocese of Agartala, he added, I strongly affirm that these kinds of requests and accusations are unfounded and represent a way to create divisions. By continuing to introduce accusations and incidents, we are becoming enemies of one another. This is not the way to prepare for Republic Day, the day our Constitution came into force, which guarantees the rights of minorities. Monsignor Monteiro called the accusations of forced conversions unfounded and false, pointing out that the request to celebrate the puja came on the eve of Republic Day, when we celebrate the Constitution of our beloved India. He also recalled that this school is run by the Bethany Sisters in the diocese of Agartala and enjoys the constitutional rights and duties enshrined for all Indian citizens. According to the bishop, the request was made by partisan interests, also considering that that day was already a holiday and the puja could have been celebrated in appropriate places. The educational institution run by the Bethany Sisters is a very popular school, he added. We offer quality education and a system of values to students. No religious activities take place within the school, and this request is absurd. The bishop finally warned of the social consequences of what is happening. Unfortunately, many parents are forced to take sides in this situation, and even parents who are well integrated into society have to show which side they are on. This is dangerous and causes tension and community disharmony in a society that is otherwise peaceful. Specialist trainees from Kazakhstan attend training session in Tianjin Xinhua) 10:49, January 24, 2026 Trainees from Kazakhstan attend a lecture at a dispatching center of Tianjin Rail Transit in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Jan. 23, 2026. Some 20 specialist trainees from Kazakhstan recently attended a hands-on training session for operations in light-rail dispatching hosted by the Tianjin Rail Transit. Spanning 21.39 kilometers with 18 stations, the light-rail line in Astana, the first of its kind in Kazakhstan, is fully built based on China's technology protocols. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Trainees from Kazakhstan attend a lecture at a dispatching center of Tianjin Rail Transit in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Jan. 23, 2026. Some 20 specialist trainees from Kazakhstan recently attended a hands-on training session for operations in light-rail dispatching hosted by the Tianjin Rail Transit. Spanning 21.39 kilometers with 18 stations, the light-rail line in Astana, the first of its kind in Kazakhstan, is fully built based on China's technology protocols. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Trainees from Kazakhstan are pictured during a hands-on session at a training center of Tianjin Rail Transit in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Jan. 23, 2026. Some 20 specialist trainees from Kazakhstan recently attended a hands-on training session for operations in light-rail dispatching hosted by the Tianjin Rail Transit. Spanning 21.39 kilometers with 18 stations, the light-rail line in Astana, the first of its kind in Kazakhstan, is fully built based on China's technology protocols. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Trainees from Kazakhstan are pictured during a hands-on session at a training center of Tianjin Rail Transit in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Jan. 23, 2026. Some 20 specialist trainees from Kazakhstan recently attended a hands-on training session for operations in light-rail dispatching hosted by the Tianjin Rail Transit. Spanning 21.39 kilometers with 18 stations, the light-rail line in Astana, the first of its kind in Kazakhstan, is fully built based on China's technology protocols. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Trainees from Kazakhstan are pictured during a hands-on session at a training center of Tianjin Rail Transit in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Jan. 23, 2026. Some 20 specialist trainees from Kazakhstan recently attended a hands-on training session for operations in light-rail dispatching hosted by the Tianjin Rail Transit. Spanning 21.39 kilometers with 18 stations, the light-rail line in Astana, the first of its kind in Kazakhstan, is fully built based on China's technology protocols. (Xinhua/Li Ran) An instructor (L) communicates with a trainee from Kazakhstan at a dispatching center of Tianjin Rail Transit in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Jan. 23, 2026. Some 20 specialist trainees from Kazakhstan recently attended a hands-on training session for operations in light-rail dispatching hosted by the Tianjin Rail Transit. Spanning 21.39 kilometers with 18 stations, the light-rail line in Astana, the first of its kind in Kazakhstan, is fully built based on China's technology protocols. (Xinhua/Li Ran) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) January 24, 2026: Syrias new leader Ahmad al-Sharaa has forced the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces/SDF o ut of the area and is regaining control over the oil fields and natural gas extraction facilities in Deir ez-Zor and Al-Raqqah provinces. These are expected to be back in production by the end of the year. To complete the repairs and upgrades to the oil and gas facilities will require foreign investment. There must be assurances that the country will remain peaceful to keep the foreign investments coming. Ahmad al-Sharaa is rebuilding the Syrian armed forces. He believes the key factor is obtaining men who are good Moslems, literate, physically fit, and unquestionably loyal to him. Initially that means only Sunni Moslems who had not served in the Assad military were eligible. There were some other restrictions, like not being able to smoke while on duty. Another aspect of recruit training is the weeklong refresher course on Islam. Al-Sharaa believes the religious indoctrination will ensure that all recruits completing basic training will be loyal. Only 600 of the first batch of 1,400 recruits completed the training. The Shia minority, especially the Alawites and the Kurds were not eligible for military service. The Assads, who ruled Syria for over sixty years, were Alawite. The Kurds have their own American-backed army and control about a third of Syria. If al-Sharaa wants to control all of Syria, he will have to make a deal with the Kurds. He has already made peace with the United States and all of Syrias neighbors, including Israel. Al-Sharaa is creating new armed forces that will hopefully defend Syria and help maintain order within Syria if necessary. With that degree of internal security, foreign investors will return to help rebuild the economy. Last year Ahmad al-Sharaa became the first Syrian leader to visit America. He met with the U.S. president and discussed the future of Syrian American relations. Sharaa discussed U.S.-Syrian cooperation suppressing ISIS Islamic terrorists. Sharaa seeks to make peace with all his neighbors. Relations with Russia were resumed, along with plans to restore Russian use of bases at Hmeimim and Tartus. Trade agreements with Russia were restored and Russia is resuming previous trade and business relationships and contracts. Because of damaged power stations, Syria has frequent rolling blackouts. A drought reduced food production and Russia resumed food exports to Syria. Considering Ahmad al-Sharaas efforts, the U.S. Britain and most other Western nations removed their designation of Ahmad al-Sharaa as an Islamic terrorist. Ahmad al-Sahara took control of Syria in late 2024 as the Assad government of Syria was driven into Russian exile by an eleven-day offensive organized by Islamic terrorists belonging to Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham/HTS and led by Ahmad al Sharaa. Turkey and Ukrainian special forces helped. This was an unexpected combination that no one inside or outside Syria saw coming. The Assads had ruled Syria since 1970 and seemed firmly in control until they werent. Thirteen years of war were a factor. Heavy losses among Alawite soldiers who were the backbone of the Assad military was another factor. The Alawites realized that the wars were never going to end unless Assad had no troops to do the fighting. HTS/Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leaders realized this and expected the Alawite troops to stand aside. They did and HTS had its eleven-day conquest of Syria. HTS does not control the entire country and neither did the Assads. About 40 percent of Syria is controlled by Kurds, who had American support in an U.S. effort to destroy or greatly diminish Islamic terrorist groups in Syria. There were some American troops working with the Kurds and that helped keep the Assads and HTS out of the Kurdish region. HTS faced its most difficult task as it sought to establish a new government in Syria. There were still several minorities to deal with, including the Kurds and Alawites. HTS had one chance to approach these many minorities with a peace deal and assurances that minorities and their interests would be part of the new government. The peace and government reorganization was threatened by some HTS leaders who supported Islamic Sharia government or another kleptocracy like the one that made the Assads rich. When the Assads left Syria, most of their $5 billion dollar fortune was stashed in various foreign bank accounts. The Assads may have to give some of that cash to Russia because the HTS government is offering the Russians renewed access to their Khmeimim air base and Tartus naval base in western Syria. There are still a few Russian soldiers at those bases, mainly to prevent looters from trashing the facilities. In the end, the most difficult task for HTS was to establish a new government and get the economy going. The United States, Britain and Germany negotiated with HTS to establish diplomatic relations and resume foreign aid deliveries. HTS has a limited number of trusted Syrian officials and needs a lot more to establish a national government loyal to HTS and somewhat resistant to the Middle Eastern culture of corruption. Each minority in Syria wants a fair allocation of government jobs for its people. That is thousands of jobs to deal with. HTS left many current incumbents in their jobs and hoped these men and women would not become a problem. HTS leaders had little experience running a national government, but many worked in the HTS government that, for over a decade, ruled most of Idlib Province in northwestern Syria. In Syria as a whole there were many different power structures. For example, in Kurdish Syria there is a Kurdish government but the real power resides with a few Kurdish militia leaders. There are similar situations in other parts of Syria. HTS had to adapt to this rather than trying to eliminate governmental systems that worked for decades. No government was the worst situation and HTS sought to ensure that there was some kind of functioning government throughout Syria. Otherwise HTS was not controlling the country, but pretending to. 24 January 2026 20:50 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more For years, the idea of Moldova rejoining Romania hovered in the realm of sentiment, whispered at commemorations, debated in cafes, and carefully avoided in official speeches. Then President Maia Sandu said the quiet part out loud. By framing her hypothetical vote for reunification not as a romantic return to history but as a matter of security, Sandu signaled that Moldovas most sensitive question has entered a new phase. In a region reshaped by war, identity alone no longer explains political choices; survival does. Moldovas predicament is emblematic of small states caught between geography and geopolitics. Culturally intertwined with Romania yet shaped by centuries of Russian and Soviet rule, the country embodies a dual legacy: shared history on one bank of the Prut, enforced separation on the other. What has changed is not the past, but the present. Russias war against Ukraine has reframed neutrality as vulnerability and turned once-theoretical debates into strategic calculations. Experts speaking to AzerNews caution that symbolism should not be confused with imminence. Cultural affinity may provide the emotional logic for reunification, but law, security guarantees, frozen conflicts, and great-power reactions impose far stricter limits. The renewed debate, they argue, is less about whether Moldova belongs with Romania, and more about how a fragile state navigates an increasingly unforgiving security environment without losing its sovereignty in the process. How likely is it that Moldova rejoins Romania? From an institutional and political standpoint, Sebastian Schaeffer, Director at the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM), argues that unification remains unlikely in the short to medium term. While cultural, linguistic, and historical arguments for reunification are deeply rooted, political consent is not. Support fluctuates on both sides of the Prut River and remains below the level required to make a binding referendum politically viable, particularly in Moldova. What has shifted, however, is not the probability of unification but the legitimacy of openly discussing it. Russias war against Ukraine has transformed unification from a taboo subject into a contingency scenario. President Maia Sandus statement that she would personally vote for unificationexplicitly framing it as a response to mounting geopolitical pressures and the difficulty of sustaining democracy as a small statemarks a significant change in official discourse. Unification is now increasingly framed not as romantic nationalism, but as a security insurance option of last resort. Even so, Moldovas strategic trajectory remains focused on EU integration as a sovereign state rather than an imminent merger with Romania. Andrew Korybko, Moscow-based political analyst, by contrast, contends that the unification question is already largely moot in practical terms. In his view, Moldova has become a de facto member of NATO despite its constitutional neutrality, while those Moldovan citizens who genuinely wish to (re)join Romania already hold Romanian citizenship. This dual citizenship grants them access to EU residency, employment, and political participation, effectively delivering many of the benefits unification would otherwise provide. As a result, Korybko sees Sandus stated preference for unification as unlikely to translate into concrete action, particularly given contested electoral processes and the political risks of attempting to engineer a referendum whose outcome could not be easily controlled. NATOs Article 5, EU Article 42(7), and the Transnistria dilemma Schaeffer underscores that, in principle, NATOs Article 5 would apply only to Romanias internationally recognized territory at the moment of unification. In practice, Transnistria becomes decisive. NATO has consistently avoided importing unresolved territorial conflicts, meaning that any unification would almost certainly require a prior legal clarification excluding Transnistria from the transferred territory. Otherwise, the Alliance would inherit a frozen conflict involving Russian troopssomething it has systematically avoided. As a result, Transnistria would either remain outside Article 5 coverage or block the process entirely. More importantly, Schaeffer argues that the debate is overly focused on NATO. He points instead to Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union as increasingly consequential. NATOs political cohesion can no longer be treated as immutable, as demonstrated by recent burden-sharing disputes and the political shock triggered by US President Donald Trumps January 2026 push to acquire Greenland. While Article 5 remains the cornerstone of European defence, its credibility ultimately depends on political will, particularly in Washington. By contrast, Article 42(7) obliges EU member states to provide aid and assistance by all means in their power if a member state suffers armed aggression. Its legal language is explicit, embedded in EU primary law, and politically difficult to ignore once invoked. Crucially, it extends collective security obligations to EU states outside NATO, such as Austria, Ireland, and Cyprus. A MoldovaRomania unification would therefore place Moldova immediately under the EUs mutual assistance framework, creating a European security backstop that is often underestimated in NATO-centric debates. Korybko approaches the same issue from a strategic and perceptual angle rather than a legal one. He argues that Moldova is already part of Romanias broader security space and lacks only the psychological comfort associated with popular interpretations of Article 5. In his reading, the legal distinctions between NATO and EU clauses matter less than how Moscow interprets intent. Any move toward formal unification would likely be viewed in Russia as a signal of hostile designs toward Transnistria. From this perspective, unification is dangerous not because of what treaty articles technically apply, but because it could be perceived as paving the way for NATO involvement in a territory where Russian peacekeepers are present. The feasibility of ceding Transnistria Schaeffer describes the idea of ceding Transnistria in exchange for faster integration with Romania or Western institutions as legally and politically fraught. While not entirely impossible in theory, it would require constitutional amendments, a referendum, and international recognition. Politically, transferring territory to Russia is implausible and deeply toxic. Ukraine, meanwhile, has no interest in annexing Transnistria while fighting to preserve its own territorial integrity. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized that territorial concessions are Ukraines most difficult challenge and that legitimizing occupied territories would undermine international law and set a dangerous precedent. Beyond legal constraints, Schaeffer highlights economic realities. Transnistria is not driven by ideology but by the incentives of its ruling oligarchy. Official Moldovan data shows that roughly three quarters to over four fifths of Transnistrian exports go to the EU, with Romania, Italy, Poland, and Germany among the main destinations. Imports from the EU account for nearly half of total imports. This makes the EUnot RussiaTransnistrias most important economic partner. The local elite benefits from ambiguity, with smuggling networks, preferential EU market access via Moldova, and regulatory grey zones forming the backbone of their revenue streams. Formal annexation by Russia would disrupt this business model and expose the region to sanctions, sharply reducing incentives for radical status changes. Korybko largely sidesteps the legal feasibility question, arguing instead that territorial cession is strategically irrelevant. In his view, Transnistrias value lies precisely in its unresolved status. Any attempt to formalize its fatewhether through cession, annexation, or reintegrationwould upset the delicate balance that allows it to function as a geopolitical buffer. For Moscow, ambiguity is preferable to resolution, especially when unresolved territories can be used to shape narratives and constrain opponents strategic choices. Casus belli or political defeat? Schaeffer assesses that Russia would most likely interpret a MoldovaRomania unification as a political defeat rather than a casus belli. Moscow lacks both the geographic access and military capacity to wage a conventional war against Romania, a NATO member. Any direct confrontation would carry unacceptable escalation risks and likely trigger a broader clash with the Alliance. Instead, Russia would frame unification as a hostile act and exploit it politically through propaganda, disinformation, economic pressure, and political destabilization. More broadly, Moscow could instrumentalize unification as part of a revisionist narrative, pointing to it as a precedent to justify its own claims over Ukraines occupied territories by arguing that border changes driven by security concerns or historical narratives are selectively legitimized by the West. Korybko agrees that outright war is unlikely but places greater emphasis on escalation risks linked to Transnistria. He argues that while unification itself may not trigger conflict, it could be interpreted as a precursor to dismantling the existing status quo around the breakaway region. In that sense, the danger lies less in unification as a legal act and more in its potential to catalyze a broader NATORussia crisis under conditions of heightened mistrust. The risk of escalation in Transnistria Schaeffer concludes that Russias ability to preemptively escalate in Transnistria is more limited than often assumed. The region is geographically isolated, dependent on Moldova and Ukraine for access, and hosts a relatively small Russian military presence with constrained logistics. A serious escalation would be difficult to sustain and would directly threaten the economic interests of the Transnistrian elite, whose revenues depend on uninterrupted trade with the EU. Consequently, Moscow is more likely to exploit Transnistria politically rather than militarily, using it as a tool for freezing options and sustaining ambiguity rather than as a launchpad for war. This contrasts with Gagauzia, where identity politics and pro-Russian narratives resonate more strongly and where political obstruction may pose a greater challenge to unification scenarios. Korybko similarly views escalation as unlikely but frames Transnistria as a strategic deterrent rather than a liability. He argues that the region functions as a warning mechanism, signaling that certain red linesparticularly those involving NATOs proximity to Russian peacekeepersshould not be crossed. While Moscow may avoid military escalation, it could still leverage Transnistria diplomatically and rhetorically to constrain Moldovas choices and deter any moves perceived as deliberately provocative. 24 January 2026 15:10 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Russias prominent figures linked to the Kremlin continue to challenge the sovereignty of the former Soviet republics. As is known, pro-government journalist Solovyov opened Pandoras box, calling for a special military operation, similar to the Ukrainian war, in Armenia and Kazakhstan. Later, Russias Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova walked back his words, describing them as the thoughts of an independent journalist. In the wake of Zakharovas comments, another public figure, Aleksandr Dugin, went further, calling for the annihilation of the sovereignty of all countries in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, labeling their sovereignty trash. Despite widespread protests in the media of the affected regions, the Kremlin did not disapprove of Dugins words as it had previously. In contrast, Nikolai Sergeyevich Valuev, an MP and former boxer, added fuel to the fire by supporting Dugins statements on camera. All of this indicates that the Kremlin is opening a new chapter in its relations with the former Soviet republics. Experts and political analysts are trying to read between the lines of Dugin's interview, which provides important clues about the Kremlins new policy. Notably, the omission of Ukraines and Moldovas sovereignty in the interview draws special attention. Some interpret this as Russia having accepted defeat and now going the extra mile to maintain its leverage in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Speaking to Azernews on the issue, Raza Syed, editor of the London Post, shared his thoughts on the issue and noted that the statements by Alexander Dugin and Vladimir Solovyov represent a calculated escalation in Russia's ideological warfare, revealing both strategic anxieties and potential future vectors of confrontation. He noted that while neither figure formally sets state policy, their proximity to Kremlin narratives requires treating their rhetoric as a form of high-level political signaling. On the omission of Ukraine and Moldova, interpreting this as Russia accepting a loss of influence is an oversimplification. A more nuanced reading suggests these nations are not subjects of theoretical debate but active, contested fronts. Ukraine remains the primary military theater where Russia's ambitions have been costly but not abandoned. Moldova faces persistent hybrid pressure via Transnistria. Dugin's silence likely indicates these are operational realities, not ideological targets. His explicit focus on the South Caucasus and Central Asia signals a recalibration of priorities, a pivot toward regions where Russia perceives greater vulnerability among local elites and less immediate Western deterrence. It is less a concession in Eastern Europe than a pragmatic, and aggressive, attempt to shore up influence in what Moscow still considers its "near abroad," where tools like the CSTO and EEU provide leverage, he opined. Regarding future conflict, the editor told that Solovyovs invocation of a "special military operation" is profoundly alarming and cannot be dismissed as mere bluster. It serves multiple functions: normalizing the concept of intervention for domestic audiences, testing international red lines, and applying psychological coercion against governments in Yerevan and Astana. Armenia, disillusioned after Nagorno-Karabakh, and Kazakhstan, navigating a delicate multi-vector foreign policy, are clear targets for such destabilizing rhetoric. This pattern mirrors pre-2022 propaganda techniques used against Ukraine. However, critical context tempers immediate alarm. The Kremlin has historically allowed propagandists like Solovyov to voice extreme positions as pressure valves and trial balloons, occasionally walking them back officially, as seen with Maria Zakharova's disavowals. Russia's current military and economic constraints also limit its capacity for simultaneous, large-scale invasions, Raza Syed underscored. He said that ultimately, these statements are best understood as early warning indicators of a shifting strategic focus. They expose Moscow's imperial anxieties as it confronts a diminished role in Europe and seeks to reassert dominance in regions where Chinese and Turkish influence is growing. The rhetoric itself becomes a weapon of hybrid warfare, fostering a climate of uncertainty and intimidation. While not a definitive blueprint for imminent invasion, it creates a permissive environment for future coercion, ranging from political destabilization to limited military interventions. The international response must be one of calibrated vigilance, firmly upholding the sovereignty of these nations through diplomatic and security partnerships while recognizing that Moscow's rhetoric often aims to provoke overreaction. The goal is to deter conflict without conceding to psychological manipulation, Raza Syed concluded. 24 January 2026 09:48 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more US President Donald Trump announced Friday that Vice President JD Vance will visit Azerbaijan and Armenia in February, Azernews reports. "In February, Vice President Vance will travel to both Countries to build on our Peace efforts, and advance the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP)," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He thanked Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for upholding a peace agreement that was signed in August. "We will strengthen our strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, a beautiful Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation with Armenia, Deals for our Great Semiconductor Makers, and the sale of Made in the U.S.A. Defense Equipment, such as body armor and boats, and more, to Azerbaijan," Trump added. The TRIPP initiative was agreed at a White House summit on Aug. 8, involving Pashinyan, Aliyev and Trump, to reopen regional transport links by connecting mainland Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan via Armenia. 24 January 2026 11:19 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more An unmanned aerial vehicle illegally entering Azerbaijani airspace from Iran has been neutralized near the state border, Azernews reports via the State Border Service. According to the information, the incident occurred in the service area of the Horadiz border detachment of the Border Troops Command. The UAV was being used to transport narcotics from the Islamic Republic of Iran into Azerbaijan. As a result of coordinated operational and search measures carried out jointly by the State Border Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the drone was detected in a timely manner and neutralized before completing its mission. An inspection of the scene revealed 6 kilograms and 600 grams of marijuana attached to the UAV. Operational and investigative measures are currently ongoing to identify those involved in the attempted drug smuggling operation. Samsung's Galaxy S26 series is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated smartphone launches of the year, and a newly surfaced One UI 8.5 leak may have revealed its biggest innovation yet. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is now strongly linked to a long-rumored feature called Privacy Display, signaling Samsung's next step in on-the-go screen security. One UI 8.5 Leak Accidentally Confirms Privacy Display Samsung appears to have unintentionally confirmed the existence of Privacy Display in a recent blog post detailing upcoming Good Lock improvements for One UI 8.5. While highlighting updates to popular modules such as LockStar, QuickStar, Home Up, and Game Booster+, a screenshot briefly revealed a new "Privacy Display" toggle inside the Quick Settings panel, per 9to5Google. The toggle was positioned between the music widget and Nearby Devices, strongly suggesting that the feature is already integrated at the system level and being prepared for public release, most likely with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. What Is Samsung's Privacy Display? Privacy Display is designed to mimic the effect of a physical privacy screen protector, but entirely through software and display technology. When activated, the feature restricts viewing angles, making screen content difficult to see from the sides while remaining clear to the user directly in front of the device. This functionality is especially useful for reading messages, checking emails, or accessing sensitive apps in public places such as trains, elevators, cafes, or crowded offices. Smart Automation Could Set It Apart Early leaks suggest Privacy Display may go beyond simple manual control. Samsung is reportedly working on automatic activation, allowing the feature to turn on intelligently in high-risk environments like public transportation or busy areas. If true, this would make Privacy Display one of the most practical privacy-focused features on any flagship smartphone. Users are also expected to retain full control, with options to enable the feature manually, schedule it, or let One UI handle activation based on context. Major Differentiator for the Galaxy S26 Ultra If Samsung delivers Privacy Display as expected, it could become one of the Galaxy S26 Ultra's standout selling points. While competitors focus heavily on camera upgrades and AI tools, Samsung appears to be addressing a real-world privacy concern that affects everyday smartphone use. The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch in late February, following Samsung's typical flagship release cycle. 24 January 2026 11:40 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more US President Donald Trump has announced plans to sell US-made defense equipment to Azerbaijan, while reaffirming Washingtons support for the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. According to Azernews, Trump made the statement in a post on his Truth Social platform, praising Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for adhering to the peace agreement signed in August last year. I want to thank President Aliyev of Azerbaijan, and Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia for upholding the Peace Agreement we signed last August, Trump wrote, describing the conflict as a nasty war that has now been replaced by prosperity and peace. Trump also announced that US Vice President JD Vance will travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia in February to further advance what he called the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. According to the US leader, Washington plans to deepen its strategic partnership with Baku, pursue a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement with Armenia, support US semiconductor companies, and move forward with defense exports to Azerbaijan. These include the sale of Made in the U.S.A. defense equipment, such as body armor and boats, and more, to Azerbaijan, Trump noted. 24 January 2026 16:29 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more In 2025, Azerbaijan exported 956.7 thousand tons of crude oil and petroleum products obtained from bituminous rocks to Germany, with the total value of shipments reaching 502 million US dollars, Azernews reports. According to the State Customs Committee, cited by Azernews, this marked a noticeable decline compared to the previous year. In value terms, exports to Germany fell by 224 million US dollars, while physical volumes decreased by 208.3 thousand tons year-on-year. By comparison, in 2024 Azerbaijan exported 1.165 million tons of oil and petroleum products to Germany, worth 726 million US dollars. Despite the contraction, Germany remained one of Azerbaijans key destinations, ranking fifth among the countries importing Azerbaijani oil and petroleum products during the reporting period. Overall, Azerbaijan exported 23.4 million tons of crude oil and petroleum products to 21 countries worldwide in 2025. The total export value stood at 12.1 billion US dollars. Compared to 2024, export revenues declined by 2.4 billion US dollars, while physical volumes showed a modest increase of 215 thousand tons. Oil and petroleum products continued to dominate Azerbaijans foreign trade structure, accounting for nearly half of the countrys total export volume in 2025, underscoring their central role in national export earnings despite shifting market dynamics. 24 January 2026 17:53 (UTC+04:00) In 2025, Azerbaijan exported 803.4 thousand tons of crude oil and petroleum products obtained from bituminous rocks to Portugal, earning $430.7 million from these shipments, Azernews reports, citing the State Customs Committee. This marked a 31.8 percent decrease in value and a 20.1 percent drop in volume compared to the same period in 2024. Historical comparison: In 2024, Azerbaijan exported 1,165 thousand tons of oil and petroleum products to Portugal, valued at $726 million. Data from 2023 show that Portugals imports from Azerbaijan were significantly lower than in both 2024 and 2025; overall volume declined to around 631 300 tons in 2023 from about 1.1 million tons in 2022, according to Portugals National Statistical Institute data. The value of those imports in 2023 was estimated at around 404.6 million, down from about 816.5 million in 2022 (equivalent to roughly $440 million and $890 million, respectively, based on average yearly exchange rates). Despite the drop in exports to Portugal, Azerbaijans overall shipments of crude oil and petroleum products remained robust in 2025, with 23.4 million tons exported to 21 countries worldwide, generating $12.1 billion in revenue. Compared with 2024, export revenues declined by $2.4 billion (16.2 percent), while physical volumes rose modestly by 215 thousand tons (0.9 percent). Exports of these products accounted for 48.28 percent of Azerbaijans total export volume in 2025. Portugal ranked sixth among the destinations for Azerbaijani oil and petroleum products last year, reflecting its continuing role as a notable, albeit smaller, market for Bakus energy exports. 24 January 2026 10:51 (UTC+04:00) Top international airlines have cancelled flights to the Middle East amid rising geopolitical tensions. Dutch KLM, Lufthansa, and Air France are among the major international carriers that have suspended flights to the region over fears of a military confrontation between the US and Iran, Azernews reports. Major destinations like Israel, Dubai, and Riyadh are among those hit due to the cancellations. Citing the geopolitical situation, Air France said that it will temporarily stop service to Dubai. Meanwhile, Dutch airline KLM stopped flights that would require them to enter the airspace of Iran, Iraq, and other countries in the region. The sudden flight disruption is caused by a risk of the US using military force against Iran, raising fears that the superpower could engage in a confrontation with Tehran, ostensibly over a violent crackdown on recent protests that erupted in the Islamic Republic against the Ali Khamenei regime. US President Donald Trump has said that a US "armada" was heading toward Iran, despite earlier indications that downplayed chances of military action. The White House confirmed last week that Tehran had paused the execution of protesters, but that doesn't appear to have changed the US's military preparations. 24 January 2026 13:53 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine early Saturday, targeting major cities and critical energy infrastructure even as delegations from Ukraine, Russia and the United States were meeting in Abu Dhabi for Washington-brokered peace talks, Azernews reports citing Reuters. Ukraines foreign minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of acting cynically, saying the timing of the assault demonstrated Moscows disregard for diplomacy. This barbaric attack once again proves that Putins place is not at the board of peace, but at the dock of the special tribunal, Sybiha wrote on X. According to Ukraines air force, Russia fired 375 drones and 21 missiles, striking Kyiv and Kharkiv in several waves. At least one person was killed and 23 others were injured. The attacks once again focused on energy facilities, cutting electricity and heating supplies across large parts of the capital during sub-zero temperatures. Ukraines deputy prime minister said around 800,000 residents in Kyiv were left without power following the strikes, adding to the strain after repeated mass attacks since the start of the year that have damaged hundreds of residential buildings. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday that it was too early to draw conclusions from the first day of talks, urging Russia to demonstrate genuine readiness to end the war. The negotiations were expected to resume for a final day on Saturday. Moscow, however, showed no sign of softening its position. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia continued to insist that Ukraine relinquish control over the remaining eastern territories of Donbas, including parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Putins demand that Ukraine surrender roughly 5,000 square kilometres of Donetsk still under Kyivs control remains a major obstacle to any agreement. Zelenskiy has repeatedly ruled out territorial concessions, arguing that Russia has failed to seize the areas militarily despite years of attritional warfare. Polls indicate limited public support in Ukraine for giving up land as part of a settlement. Russia maintains it is open to a diplomatic solution but says it will pursue its objectives by military means as long as negotiations fail to deliver results. 24 January 2026 14:47 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban claimed on Saturday that Ukraine is "openly interfering" in the upcoming parliamentary election in his country, scheduled for April 12, by issuing what he described as "threats", Azernews reports. Writing on X, Orban reiterated that Hungary has the right to decide, independently from the rest of the European Union, if it wants to provide aid to reconstruct Ukraine after a ceasefire with Russia is achieved. "We do not want Hungarian families' money to be sent to Ukraine, and we do not want Hungary to be dragged into a war," he said. Orban's reaction came after, during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized his stance. After Orban said Hungary would not agree to Ukraine joining the EU for the next 100 years, Sybiha responded that "your master in Moscow won't last 100 years," referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. 24 January 2026 15:24 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more India has moved swiftly to contain a fresh outbreak of the Nipah virus in the eastern state of West Bengal, after several confirmed casesincluding infections among doctors and nursesraised concerns about hospital-based transmission. Local authorities have placed dozens of people under home quarantine, while infected patients are being treated in medical facilities in and around Kolkata. At least one patient is reported to be in critical condition. Nipah is no ordinary virus. Classified by the World Health Organization as a high-risk pathogen, it has no approved vaccine or specific cure. Although human infections remain rare, outbreaks tend to provoke outsized anxiety among public health officialsand for good reason. When Nipah appears, it does so abruptly, spreads quietly at first, and can turn deadly with alarming speed. What is the Nipah virus? Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic disease, meaning it jumps from animals to humans. Its natural hosts are fruit bats of the Pteropus genus, widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia. Spillover to humans often occurs through contact with bats or animals infected by bats, or by consuming fruit or other food contaminated with bat saliva, urine, or droppings. Once inside the human population, the virus can also spread from person to person, particularly through close contact with bodily fluidsa fact that makes hospital settings especially vulnerable. Symptoms that hide in plain sight One of Nipahs most dangerous traits is how ordinary it looks at the start. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incubation period usually ranges from four to 21 days, though longer delays have been documented. Early symptoms often resemble a common flu: fever, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. Some patients also develop respiratory problems, including cough, breathing difficulties, or pneumonia, but these signs can appear at different stages and with varying severity. The illness becomes far more serious when it reaches the brain. Encephalitisinflammation of the brainis the defining and most feared complication of Nipah infection. Days or even weeks after the initial symptoms, patients may develop confusion, altered consciousness, seizures, or fall into a coma. In some cases, meningitis has also been reported. Nipahs lethality sets it apart from many other emerging infections. Fatality rates have ranged from around 40 to as high as 75 per cent, depending on the outbreak and the viral strain involved. Even survival does not always mark the end of the ordeal. Health authorities in the UK and elsewhere warn that survivors may suffer long-term neurological consequences, including persistent seizures or lasting personality changes. In rare instances, encephalitis can recur months or even years later, due to relapse or reactivation of the virus. Why West Bengal matters? India has encountered Nipah before, most notably in southern states, where aggressive contact tracing and isolation helped prevent wider spread. The appearance of the virus in West Bengalparticularly with infections among healthcare workersunderscores both the effectiveness and the limits of modern disease surveillance. Rapid response can contain outbreaks, but the absence of a vaccine means prevention still relies heavily on early detection, strict infection control, and public awareness. For now, the numbers remain small. Yet Nipahs history suggests that complacency is not an option. In a world still shaped by the memory of COVID-19, even a handful of cases is enough to remind governments that the next health crisis rarely announces itself loudlyit starts quietly, on the margins, before demanding full attention. 24 January 2026 15:57 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the United States and hosted by the United Arab Emirates, have resumed, TASS reported on Saturday, Azernews reports. Among those present in Abu Dhabi are United States President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and, allegedly, Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) head Kirill Dmitriev. Meanwhile, RIA Novosti reported, citing a source, that the meeting will not be open to the press. However, they added that it is unclear if there will be a press conference after. 24 January 2026 17:27 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The talks that were taking place today in Abu Dhabi between Russian, Ukrainian and US representatives to end the war in Ukraine have come to an end, the AFP news agency reported, citing a Ukrainian negotiator, Azernews reports. Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti said the Russian teams had returned to their hotels, whereas the US delegation headed to the airport. It was not clear whether there was any progress made. The next round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the United States, is set to resume next week, once again in Abu Dhabi, Barak Ravid of Axios reported on Saturday. According to Ukrainian sources, the talks were "positive" and "constructive." Previously, the main mediators, United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner left for and landed in Israel for a meeting with that country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, RIA Novosti reported that the Russian delegation has left the negotiating site and returned to its hotel. However, Russian state media report on some outcomes from the Abu Dhabi meeting, but has yet to disclose any progress. 24 January 2026 18:27 (UTC+04:00) United States President Donald Trump threatened on Saturday to impose a 100% tariff on Canada if it reaches a trade deal with China, Azernews reports. "If Governor [Canadian Prime Minister Mark\ Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a 'Drop Off Port' for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life." Trump has recently been critical of Carney after the latter seemingly accused the US of "using economic integration as weapons." Carney even described Ottawa's relations with Beijing as "more predictable" than those with the Washington. Trump then claimed that Canada "lives" because of the US and called for gratitude. Millions of Microsoft users encountered major disruptions as Outlook, Teams, Microsoft 365, and additional services experienced widespread outages. The issues reportedly began around 11:37 a.m. PT and persisted into the evening, leaving businesses and employees struggling to access essential tools. Microsoft has yet to provide an estimated time for full service restoration. Which Services Are Affected According to CNET, the outage impacts a range of Microsoft 365 applications, including: Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Teams Microsoft Defender Microsoft Purview Other core productivity apps Users have reported degraded performance or complete inability to access these services, affecting remote work, corporate communication, and daily operations that rely on Microsoft's cloud infrastructure. Read more: Apple Is Reportedly Working on a Siri Chatbot Version Microsoft's Response and Guidance Microsoft acknowledged the problem via the Microsoft 365 admin center, describing it as a "potential issue impacting multiple Microsoft 365 services." Administrators can follow updates under alert MO1221364 for ongoing guidance. The Service Health Status page also confirms service degradation, warning users about reduced functionality across affected platforms. How to Stay Updated While Microsoft has not shared a public timeline for resolution, users and IT teams can monitor the Microsoft 365 Admin Center for alerts and the Service Health Status Page for ongoing updates Businesses are advised to notify employees and implement contingency workflows until services return to normal. 24 January 2026 18:55 (UTC+04:00) The Syrian government has formally requested Turkiyes assistance in developing oil fields recently restored to the control of Syrian authorities. These areas, including major energy-producing sites, were previously under the control of the PKK/YPG terrorist organization, also known as the Peoples Protection UnitsSDF, Azernews reports, citing Turkish media. Syria has expressed a clear interest in cooperating with Ankara to tap into its oil resources. Turkiyes Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, confirmed the request, noting that discussions with the Syrian side regarding potential collaboration on oil field development are underway. Background For several years, large parts of northeastern and eastern Syria, particularly oil-rich regions in Deir ez-Zor and Hasakah provinces, were controlled by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, dominated by the YPG, which Turkiye considers an extension of the PKK terrorist organization. These areas became a key source of revenue for the SDF, while Damascus remained largely cut off from its own energy resources. The balance began to shift as Syrian government forces, supported by allied local tribes and facilitated by changes in the regional security environment, gradually reasserted control over several strategic locations. In parallel, Arab tribal discontent with SDF governance, forced recruitment, and control over oil revenues weakened the groups hold on territory. In some areas, negotiated withdrawals and local agreements allowed Syrian state institutions to return without large-scale fighting. Before the war, oil accounted for a large share of Syrias economy, with fields like Al-Omar once producing hundreds of thousands of barrels per day. Over the years of conflict, output fell sharply as control fragmented among various factions. The recent government gains mark a significant step toward reestablishing unified energy governance and securing revenue streams previously outside state control. 24 January 2026 19:56 (UTC+04:00) United States President Donald Trump identified what he previously described as the secret weapon used during his country's military operation in Venezuela as "The Discombobulator," but noted that he is "not allowed to talk about it" although he "would love to", Azernews reports. In an exclusive interview published by The New York Post (NYP) on Saturday, Trump explained that, thanks to the Discombobulator, the Venezuelan army "never got their rockets off. They had Russian and Chinese rockets, and they never got one off. We came in, they pressed buttons and nothing worked. They were all set for us." Furthermore, Trump claimed that his administration has "a great relationship" with Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez, who served as vice president under Nicolas Maduro, whom the US arrested during the operation. "She's been terrific," Trump said. 24 January 2026 19:24 (UTC+04:00) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described on Saturday the ceasefire negotiations between his country and Russia, mediated by the United States and held in Abu Dhabi, as constructive, Azernews reports. Writing on X, Zelensky remarked that the parties discussed conditions needed to end the conflict. He hailed the fact that all sides agreed to resume the talks, possibly next week. He added that the military experts involved in the negotiations mapped out the list of issues to be discussed at the next meeting. Earlier in the day, Zelensky urged Ukraine's allies to provide his country with more military assistance after Russia again targeted its energy infrastructure. Previously, the Russian Foreign Ministry claimed that Moscow's troops struck a plant that produces long-range drones in an attack it described as retaliatory. 24 January 2026 20:20 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The US Department of Defense has released a new national defense strategy, describing Russia as a persistent but manageable threat to NATOs eastern members, Azernews reports. The Pentagon noted that despite Moscows demographic and economic challenges, its ongoing war in Ukraine demonstrates that Russia still retains significant military and industrial capabilities. However, the strategy asserts that Russia can no longer claim hegemony in Europe. The document also highlights China as the second most powerful country in the world, emphasizing that Washington aims to counter Chinas influence in the Indo-Pacific with strength, not direct confrontation. The Pentagon noted that China, despite internal economic and social challenges, continues to expand its military capabilities and demonstrates an ability to spend effectively on defense. The strategy reflects a dual focus for US defense planning: maintaining NATOs deterrence in Europe while preparing for strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. What does the NDS say? "As US forces focus on homeland defense and the Indo-Pacific, our allies and partners elsewhere will take primary responsibility for their own defense with critical but more limited support from American forces," the strategy says. In the Indo-Pacific region, the document says, the Pentagon is intent on preventing Chinese dominance over the US or its allies, but the strategy urges "respectful relations" with Beijing. It says combating Chinese territorial ambitions "does not require regime change or some other existential struggle. Rather, a decent peace, on terms favorable to Americans but that China can also accept and live under, is possible." Notably, the document does not mention Taiwan, a US ally that China claims as its territory. The document describes Russia as "a persistent but manageable threat to NATO's eastern members for the foreseeable future" and calls on the US's NATO allies to "take the lead" in defending Ukraine against Moscow's invasion "with critical but more limited US support." Other points in the strategy include the statement that "border security is national security," with the Pentagon set to "prioritize efforts to seal our borders, repel forms of invasion, and deport illegal aliens." The paper also says that the Pentagon will provide Trump with options to "guarantee US military and commercial access to key terrain" in different parts of the world, including in Greenland, which Trump has vowed to take over. The contrast between the 2026 NDS and its immediate predecessor is made strikingly obvious from the outset, with the current document peppered with pictures of Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, both together and alone. The previous NDS, released under President Donald Trump's predecessor Joe Biden, did not feature a single picture either of the then president or the defense secretary at the time, Lloyd Austin. The current strategy document is also full of praise for Trump and his alleged achievements in "[rebuilding] the American military to be the worlds absolute bestits most formidable fighting force," while denigrating previous administrations for "eroding our militarys readiness and delaying modernization." Very notably, the 2026 NDS makes no mention of climate change as an existential threat, while the one released under Biden contains a whole section on the issue. Among other things, the 2022 document states: "Climate change is creating new corridors of strategic interaction, particularly in the Arctic region. It will increase demands, including on the Joint Force, for disaster response and defense support of civil authorities, and affect security relationship with some Allies and partners." The 2022 NDS also accords a much higher priority to the threat posed by China, calling its actions in the Indo-Pacific and beyond the most "comprehensive and serious challenge" to US security. It also emphasized what it called the "acute threat" of Russia, accusing Moscow of seeking to "reimpose an imperial sphere of influence." 24 January 2026 22:59 (UTC+04:00) Chinese automaker Chery has acquired Nissans manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, South Africa, including land, buildings, and an adjacent plant, marking a major shift in the local automotive industry, Azernews reports. As part of the deal, most of Nissans employees in the area will be offered positions with Chery under similar terms, protecting jobs and ensuring continuity of the local supply chain. Nissan Africa CEO Jordi Vila explained that the decision was influenced by external factors affecting plant utilization and long-term profitability. He emphasized that the move considers the interests of employees, partners, and customers. Despite the sale, Nissan will continue its sales and service operations in South Africa and plans to introduce several new models in 2026, including the Nissan Tekton and Nissan Patrol. The acquisition allows Chery to strengthen its footprint in Africa while maintaining employment stability and operational continuity in the region. Seaside Event Brings Sea Rescue History of Oregon / Washington Coast To Life Published 01/21/26 at 4:55 p.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Seaside, Oregon) The long, storied history of life-saving services on two coastlines comes to life this month, as an esteemed and beloved north Oregon coast history series starts the new year. The Seaside Museum and Historical Society will open its 2026 History and Hops series with a presentation on the early U.S. Life-Saving Service and its work along the Pacific Northwest coast. The event takes place Thursday, January 29, at 6 p.m. at Seaside Brewing Co. Katy Menne, Education Director at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, will serve as the evening's speaker. She will outline the origins of the Life-Saving Service along the Oregon coast, which was the predecessor to the modern U.S. Coast Guard. She looks into its role in assisting mariners in distress near the nation's shorelines not just this region. The work was demanding and often dangerous, carried out by crews known for discipline, skill, and a strong sense of duty. Menne will also discuss former station locations in Oregon and Washington and share accounts from those who served in what became known as the Graveyard of the Pacific. Setting up for the breeches Buoy Drill. CRMM Collection Menne has been with the Columbia River Maritime Museum since 2022. Before relocating to Oregon, she worked in museums in South Carolina and North Carolina. She holds a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in teaching from the University of South Carolina. In 2020 she was recognized as the Emerging Museum Professional for the Southeastern Museums Conference. MORE SEASIDE Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating and enjoy the menu at Seaside Brewing Co. Funky to Kooky Facts About Oregon Coast Lighthouses - Seaside, Cannon Beach, Oceanside, Newport, Florence, Reedsport, Coos Bay, Port Orford The Seaside Museum and Historical Society, founded in 1974, is a nonprofit educational institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Seaside and the surrounding region. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact Emily Halverson at 503 738 7065 or email seasidemuseum@gmail.com. Station Cape Disappointment. CRMM Collection History and Hops is presented by the Seaside Museum with support from the Seaside Public Library. The series runs on the last Thursday of each month from September through May at Seaside Brewing Co. Admission is free and open to the public. More information is available at www.seasideoregonmuseum.com. Hotels in Seaside - Where to eat - Seaside Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) New at Neskowin: Vacation Rental a Gateway to Secluded, Even Exotic Stretch o... Neskowin North is just killin' it with oceanfront glory and a unique beach. Neskowing lodging reviews, Pacific City reviews, Pacific City hotels Yachats' Adobe Resort: Legacy Oregon Coast Biz, Once a Motel, Shifts Again wi... Started in the 1950s, now a big name gets bigger. Yachats lodging reviews Oregon coast on the downlow (rates, that is), in Lincoln City and Cannon Beach Exceptional hotel deals in Cannon Beach and Lincoln City. Cannon Beach reviews, Lincoln City reviews Oregon Coast Hotels Oregon Coast Hotels and hotel reviews: Astoria hotels, Seaside hotels, Cannon Beach hotels, Manzanita hotels, Nehalem hotels, Wheeler hotels, Rockaway Beach hotels, Garibaldi hotels, Tillamook hotels, Oceanside hotels, Pacific City hotels, Lincoln City hotels, Depoe Bay hotels, Newport hotels, Waldport hotels, Yachats hotels, Florence hotels, Reedsport hotels, Winchester Bay hotels, Coos Bay hotels, Bandon hotels, Gold Beach hotels, Brookings hotels More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Wildlife Officials Offer Rewards in Multiple Oregon Gray Wolf Poachings Published 01/23/26 at 5:55 a.m. By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff (Portland, Oregon) A string of poaching incidents in Oregon have wildlife officials concerned and increasingly publicizing rewards for information leading to the arrest of any suspects. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) are reporting more illegal killings of gray wolves. This past week, USFW officials said they are investigating the illegal killing of a federally protected gray wolf in Lake County, near the Klamath County line in Oregons Yamsay Mountain area. The agency says the wolf, a radio-collared male known as OR186, was found dead on public land on October 7, 2025, roughly 10 miles from Jackson Creek and Upper Buck Creek campgrounds. Because gray wolves west of Highway 395 are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, the Service is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest, conviction, or civil penalty. There are numerous others still being sought by Oregon officials. From February through March 2024, Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Troopers located the remains of a female gray wolf, a male gray wolf, a juvenile gray wolf, two golden eagles, a cougar and a coyote in the Lightning Creek drainage, which is a tributary to the Imnaha River, ODFW said. Other incidents with rewards: Prairie City: A $12,100 reward or five ODFW preference points is offered for information on a yearling wolf shot from a roadway south of Prairie City around May 18-19, 2024. Wallowa County: A $38,700 reward is available for tips on the poisoning of three wolves and two golden eagles found between February and March 2024 near Imnaha in the Lightning Creek drainage. Bly: A $60,000 reward is offered for information on three endangered wolves found dead east of Bly on Dec. 29, 2023, including two members of the Gearhart Mountain Pack. Anyone with information about any of these cases should call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (503) 682-6131, or the Oregon State Police Dispatch at (800) 452-7888, or the Turn In Poachers TIP Line at *OSP (*677) or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Callers may remain anonymous. In the Oregon Coast Range, only a small trace of the gray wolf has been found, with just a handful of tracks reported back in 2022. Oregon Coast Hotels - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews) Lincoln City Hotel Sees Lively Upgrade to Its Already Dynamic Oregon Coast Vibes Surfland Hotel turned into a glossy yet adventurous, innovative place. Lincoln City hotel reviews Where Primeval Forest Vibes Meet Oregon Coast Sands at Twin Tierra Del Mar Re... This pet friendly set of dreamy homes exemplifies the teensy burgh's best. Lodging reviews, hotels Brookings Hotels - Close to Harris Beach, Samuel H. Boardman Brookings Hotels, Brookings Hotel Reviews Waldport Hotels - Oregon Coast Waldport lodging news, Waldport hotel news, Seal Rock hotel reviews, Waldport hotel reviews, vacation rentals Near Port Orford More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles) Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Has the City of Washington, NC been managed by their elected local government, and their bureaucrats, in a fiscally responsible manner to better serve the people who pay their ever advancing property taxes? 8.33% Yes, rising property taxes are a necessity to maintain a progressive city.91.67% No, excessive funding of a poorly managed government can become a shell game of corruption.0% I am afraid to say. Up to 25mm of rain could fall in some places (Stock image PA) Two weather warnings have been issued for more heavy rain across Northern Ireland in the coming days. The Met Office has released a yellow alert for Saturday evening, and a second warning for Tuesday. Up to 60mm could fall in some places, forecasters have said, which may lead to flooding and disruption. The first warning is in force through Saturday night and into Sunday morning, from 6pm until 9am. Up to 25mm of rain could fall in some places (Stock image PA) News Catch Up - Thursday 22 January The Met Office said: A region of rain and showers, heavy at times, associated with a slow moving area of low pressure is expected to drift across Northern Ireland overnight Saturday into Sunday. "10-20 mm is expected widely and in a few spots as much as 25 mm could fall in a 9-12 hour period, leading to localised flooding and difficult driving conditions. It will also become windy with easterly winds gusting 30 to 35 mph inland and to 45 to 55 mph on some coasts and over high ground. Winds will ease after midnight. A second alert is in place for Tuesday, again affecting all six counties. The Met Office said: Outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, will spread across Northern Ireland during Tuesday, clearing to showers later in the day. "Rainfall totals are expected to reach 15-25 mm widely, with 40-60 mm possible across high ground. "With wet conditions leading up to this period the rain will fall onto saturated ground and may be accompanied by strong southeasterly winds, accentuating impacts in places. Five people across Northern Ireland were rescued in two separate incidents involving cars trapped in flood water on Friday. Two people were rescued and their car towed after getting trapped on Caugheys Road in the Dromore area of Co Down, while three people were rescued in a separate incident in Tandragee, Co Armagh, in the early hours of the morning. Our journalists have their say on gridlocked Belfast: It is no surprise the city is the UKs most congested The city has been named UKs most congested, but is it really as bad as all that? Well, unless you get on your bike or hop aboard a bus, the verdicts pretty damning Sam McBride, Jessica Rice, Ciaran Dunbar, Gabrielle Swan, and Brett Campbell on their way to the Belfast Telegraph Staff Reporters Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 09:05 It will come as no surprise to many commuters that Belfast has been crowned the UKs most congested city. Police investigating the murder of a man in Coleraine are carrying out more searches in the area. It comes as a senior detective issued another appeal for information about the violent death of Wayne Reid. Detective Chief Inspector Hazel Miller urged people to speak out and help ease the torturous burden on Mr Reids family. Mr Reid, who formerly lived in Scotland, was found dead at a house in Society Court in the Co Londonderry town on January 12. Detectives believe the 43-year-old was assaulted in the early hours of January 10 and later died as a result of his injuries. Wayne Reid was found dead at an address in the Society Court area of Coleraine. Today, officers are conducting searches in Coleraines Lisnablagh Road and surrounding areas. Ms Miller said: The last two weeks have been torturous for Waynes family and loved ones. We will continue to work relentlessly to bring those responsible to justice. "Over recent days, weve carried out extensive door-to-door enquiries in the local area. Weve been speaking with pedestrians and members of the local community. Officers have also carried out multiple searches, with searches still ongoing today in the Lisnablagh Road and surrounding areas. Ms Miller added: Residents will continue to see a police presence in the area, and Im keen to take the opportunity to thank the local community for their ongoing support. Im appealing to anyone who has information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to do the right thing and contact us on 101, quoting reference 552 of 12/01/26. Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage, can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal. The funeral of Wayne Reid (43) takes place in Ballymoney. Stephen Davison Nine people have arrested in relation to Mr Reids murder, with one man charged to court and seven people released on bail. On Monday, Darrell Joseph Shaw (33), of no fixed abode, appeared in court charged with murder and was refused bail. Mr Reids funeral took place on Monday. Reverend Dr Richard Murray, who conducted the service, said Mr Reid was originally from Scotland. He worked as a sheet metal worker there before getting into sales when he moved here. The minister added: His parents were very good to him and right to this day they are an example of parental love for their child. Little-Pengelly pens letter to organiser objecting to Irish language rap trio Unionist politicians including the deputy First Minister have criticised the inclusion of Irish-language rap group Kneecap in this years AVA Festival line-up in east Belfast, with some writing letters of complaint to organisers. AVA is an annual two-day music event, which attracts around 10,000 fans per day, and usually takes place between the end of May and start of June. The Belfast Telegraph understands that the Kneecap trio rappers from west Belfast and Derry will be announced as the festivals headline act for 2026 in the near future. The festival is usually held on the Titanic Slipways, which is available to hire from the team behind the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction. The presence of the group at the festival will be viewed by many as the event taking a political stance In August, Emma Little-Pengelly sent a letter to Titanic Belfast CEO Judith Owens, after she was contacted by a constituent. The deputy First Minister noted that Kneecap had been cancelled from events previously including for the promotion of terrorist organisations, and questioned whether hosting them would contribute to community cohesion and good relations. Read more Protesters gather as appeal against decision to throw out Kneecap terror case heard in London court Ms Little-Pengellys DUP colleague David Brooks told this newspaper that the bands presence at the festival would be interpreted by many as a political statement. Issues relating to the AVA festival were raised by the public and elected representatives, particularly given members of the group were facing criminal charges at that time, he said on Friday. Whilst no longer facing the courts, the presence of the group at the festival will be viewed by many as the event taking a political stance. Many people, not least those in some nearby communities will interpret that as a message that they are not welcome at the festival. Kneecap and insert top left, Emma Little-Pengelly, bottom left, David Brooks and top right, Jim Allister Thousands flock to Belfast for Kneecap hometown gig: 'They've given the Irish language a new lease of life' Titanic Belfast, AVA organisers, and Kneecap have all been contacted for comment. North Antrim MP Jim Allister has also written to Titanic Belfast urging it to withdraw any involvement with the festival if Kneecap remains on the bill. The TUV leader said that his office had been contacted about the bands appearance, describing Kneecap as repugnant and accusing them of promoting violence and hatred. I would implore Titanic Belfast to seriously consider the refusal of consent to involvement and affiliation with this event in any capacity if Kneecap is included in the line-up, his correspondence said. I would ask you to consider the potential repercussions and tarnishing of your brand by any affiliation with this divisive group on giving a platform to such an abhorrent group with their hate speech and promotion of violence. Kneecaps Liam Og O hAnnaidh, centre, at a previous hearing (Aaron Chown/PA) In 2024, Kneecaps Liam Og O hAnnaidh, better known as Mo Chara, was accused of displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November that year. In a statement posted on social media, Kneecap said: We deny this offence and will vehemently defend ourselves. But the case was thrown out in September last year, with chief magistrate Paul Goldspring ruling proceedings were instituted unlawfully. However, the CPS appealed this decision, and on Wednesday January 14, the High Court in London reserved their judgment in the challenge to throw out the terror case against the 28-year-old. At the end of the hearing earlier this month, Lord Justice Edis said the judgment making clear whether the original ruling would stand will be published online. US president Donald Trump is seeking to focus on US dominance of the Western hemisphere (AP) The US administration has released a priority-shifting National Defence Strategy, telling Americas allies to take control of their own security. The move by the Pentagon reasserts the Trump administrations focus on dominance in the Western Hemisphere above a long-time goal of countering China. The 34-page document, the first since 2022, was highly political for a military blueprint, criticising partners from Europe to Asia for relying on previous US administrations to subsidise their defence. It called for a sharp shift in approach, focus, and tone. The document said US defence secretary Pete Hegseths department will provide credible options to guarantee US military and commercial access to key terrain (AP) That translates to a blunt assessment that allies should take on more of the burden countering nations from Russia to North Korea. For too long, the US government neglected even rejected putting Americans and their concrete interests first, reads the opening sentence. The move caps off a week of animosity between US president Donald Trumps administration and traditional allies such as Europe, with Mr Trump threatening to impose tariffs on some European partners to press a bid to acquire Greenland before announcing a deal that lowered the temperature. As allies confront what some see as a hostile attitude from the US, they will almost certainly be unhappy to see that American defence secretary Pete Hegseths department will provide credible options to guarantee US military and commercial access to key terrain especially Greenland and the Panama Canal. Following a tiff this week at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, with Canadian prime minister Mark Carney, the strategy at once urges cooperation with Canada and other neighbours while still issuing a stark warning. The document states: We will engage in good faith with our neighbours, from Canada to our partners in Central and South America, but we will ensure that they respect and do their part to defend our shared interests. The document marks a shift in tone and focus towards traditional US allies (AP) And where they do not, we will stand ready to take focused, decisive action that concretely advances US interests. Much like the White Houses National Security Strategy that preceded it, the defence blueprint reinforces Mr Trumps America First philosophy, which favours non-intervention overseas, questions decades of strategic relationships and prioritises US interests. The US National Defence Strategy was last published in 2022 under then-president Joe Biden and focused on China as Americas pacing challenge. The strategy simultaneously courts help from partners in Americas backyard, while warning them that the US will actively and fearlessly defend Americas interests throughout the Western Hemisphere. It specifically points to access to the Panama Canal and Greenland. It comes just days after Mr Trump said he reached a framework of a future deal on Arctic security with Nato leader Mark Rutte that would offer the US total access to Greenland, a territory of Nato ally Denmark. Danish officials said that formal negotiations have yet to begin. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Mr Trump previously suggested that the US should potentially consider retaking control of the Panama Canal and accused Panama of ceding influence to China. Asked this week if America reclaiming the canal was still on the table, Mr Trump demurred. I dont want to tell you that, the US president responded. Sort of, I must say, sort of. Thats sort of on the table. The Pentagon also touted the operation that ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro earlier this month, saying all narco-terrorists should take note. The new policy document views China which the Biden administration saw as a top adversary as a settled force in the Indo-Pacific region that only needs to be deterred from dominating the US or its allies. The goal is not to dominate China; nor is it to strangle or humiliate them, the document says. It later added: This does not require regime change or some other existential struggle. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The document also said: President Trump seeks a stable peace, fair trade, and respectful relations with China, following efforts to climb down from a trade war sparked by the administrations sky-high tariffs. It says it will open a wider range of military-to-military communications with Chinas army. The strategy, meanwhile, makes no mention of or guarantee to Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own and says it will take by force if necessary. The US is obligated by its own laws to give military support to Taiwan. By contrast, the Biden administrations 2022 strategy said the US would support Taiwans asymmetric self-defence. In another example of offloading regional security to allies, the document said: South Korea is capable of taking primary responsibility for deterring North Korea with critical but more limited US support. For Europe, while saying that Russia will remain a persistent but manageable threat to Natos eastern members for the foreseeable future, the defence strategy asserts that Nato allies are much more powerful and so are strongly positioned to take primary responsibility for Europes conventional defence. The document said the Pentagon will play a key role in Nato even as we calibrate US force posture and activities in the European theatre to focus on priorities closer to home. The US has already confirmed that it will reduce its troop presence on Natos borders with Ukraine, with allies expressing concern that the Trump administration might drastically cut their numbers and leave a security vacuum as European countries confront an increasingly aggressive Russia. Victoria Beckham, for all her inappropriate footwork, has come out at number one put that in your breakfast bap and toast it, Brooklyn The Beckham battle raged this week and after all the drama, Posh fans proved that there are no innocents in this particular headline war Brooklyn, David and Victoria Beckham Lindy McDowell Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 18:00 It takes something to knock Donald Trump and his threat of Arctic invasion down the headlines, but this week that unlikely feat was pulled off by a man whose previous achievements amounted to taking blurry photos of elephants and sharing with the world his recipe for egg and sausage in a bap. JD Vance: How the once proud Scots-Irish hillbilly embraced Catholicism What role did a Sligo family with a very un-conservative history play in the US vice presidents rise to become Donald Trumps heir apparent? By Tom Deignan Convert: US vice president JD Vance meets Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in May last year. Photo: Simone Risoluti/Getty Tom Deignan Sat 24 Jan 2026 at 09:30 Last St Patricks Day, JD Vance stunned reporters by casually strolling through the White House alongside a guest in a conspicuous white robe. 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? BOSTON Gov. Maura Healey announced Thursday that 27 bridges in Western Massachusetts will be repaired under the states Accelerated Bridge Program, following advocacy by state Rep. Leigh Davis, who filed legislation to revive and expand the initiative with a focus on rural communities. Im announcing tonight that we have a program, ABC, accelerating bridge construction. It's going to open up closed bridges and make repairs faster, so people can get moving again, Healey said during the State of the Commonwealth address Thursday night. And we are going to do that all over the state. Davis, of Great Barrington, proposed legislation last year to restart the Accelerated Bridge Repair program, which previously completed hundreds of bridge projects with a focus on rural communities like those in Berkshire County. The 10-year program, which ended in 2018, reduced the number of structurally deficient bridges from 543 to 432 and created thousands of jobs, Davis said. Since its end, rural areas have continued to struggle with aging infrastructure. In South County, recent closures of the Brookside Road and Kellogg Road bridges have disrupted travel and emergency services. The funding is a part of the Legislature's $8 billion, 10-year transportation investment plan set to fix our broken transportation system. Ive challenged my team to move as quickly as they can on all of this, Healey said. How we get around and how quickly we get around, or dont, matters. It matters to people in our lives. It matters to our economy. We have to get this done. The program wasnt part of Healeys prepared remarks, which briefly mentioned accelerating bridge construction to reopen closed bridges and speed repairs. The unexpected announcement and mention of her legislation had Davis cheering in the chamber. Its a big deal that shes responding, Davis said. I was in my seat in the chamber, and then she was talking about transportation, and then she said we're gonna do the accelerated bridge construction, and it's going to be 27 bridges. And then I was like, 'woo hoo.' Davis said she had pitched the program directly to Healey in March because she knows how crucial the bridge crisis is in Berkshire County. She urged the Healey administration to include the acceleration program in the $8 billion transportation plan. It's about time that we ... revive it and focus it on Western Mass.," Davis said, "because we're just so far behind the curve right now. Its not yet clear what Western Massachusetts bridges Healey was referring to, but Davis said she suspects many will be in the 18 towns she represents. The man who was shot by police in Hinsdale has died of his injuries The man who was shot Wednesday during a confrontation with police has died, according to a family member. Meanwhile, well wishes continued to circulate on social media for the two wounded officers the Hinsdale police chief and a sergeant. What began as a wellness check at a Hinsdale residence resulted in the death of a 27-year-old man in the throes of mental health crisis. Most of the members of this community torn by this tragedy already know what sad details are publicly available. Yet more than two weeks after a police-involved shooting shook a small Berkshire town, law enforcement officials are still withholding basic information that the public deserves to know. 'A kind, loving person': Family remembers Biagio Kauvil after fatal police shooting Earlier this week, the Proprietors Lodge was filled with people who knew Biagio Kauvil, who was fatally shot by a police officer earlier this month in Hinsdale during a response to a mental health crisis that authorities said escalated into a struggle. I dont ever want B to be defined by his mental illness." On Jan. 7, officers from the Hinsdale and Dalton police departments arrived at an Off South Street residence to check on Biagio Kauvil, a New York man who was reportedly experiencing paranoia and delusions and had locked himself inside a bedroom. Eventually, after determining they needed to take Mr. Kauvil into custody, police breached the bedroom door. They then saw that Mr. Kauvil was holding a handgun. Officers tried to restrain Mr. Kauvil first against a wall and then on a bed. Amid the chaos, Mr. Kauvil repeatedly told the officers just kill me, and at some point the gun in Mr. Kauvils hand fired once, sending a bullet through Hinsdale Sgt. Dominick Crupis hand and into Police Chief Shawn M. Boynes bulletproof vest. The officers twice deployed a taser, which apparently failed to subdue Mr. Kauvil, before another Hinsdale officer fired two rounds from a service weapon; one round struck Sgt. Crupi in the elbow, and the other struck Mr. Kauvil in the head. All the above information is known from public police reports and a news conference given by Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue two days after the incident. Yet more than two weeks later, officials still have not identified the officer who fired the shot that killed Mr. Kauvil. We understand that an investigation is ongoing, and we appreciate the importance of thoroughly pursuing that probe as well as not prejudging it, and so its understandable that the DAs Office hasnt yet determined or announced whether there will be charges for any of the involved officers. Fatal shooting by police followed 46 seconds of chaos in a Hinsdale bedroom, the DA says. Here's what we know and don't know The chaos that erupted Wednesday morning in Hinsdale left a New York man dead, a police sergeant with multiple wounds requiring surgery; and a police chief likely still alive thanks to a bulletproof vest. It's unclear who fired the fatal shot. Yet we cannot fathom why it would take weeks to merely acknowledge which officer pulled the trigger. At the Jan. 9 news conference, District Attorney Shugrue said that he wouldnt confirm that crucial detail until a ballistics report is finalized. However, thanks to officer eyewitnesses and body camera footage, he was able to offer much more granular details at the very same news conference two days after the incident. Since all available evidence suggests only one officer used their firearm, waiting for the ballistics report seems more like a stalling tactic than a valid reason to withhold this critical information from the public. We see no legitimate reason for that official opacity at this juncture. Indeed, given the many shootings cases that have been covered in these pages, we imagine if this were a case of a civilian firing a fatal gunshot, officials would have named that individual by now whether criminal charges were being considered. Even the appearance of sliding standards of transparency is dangerous. On principle, we ought to expect law enforcement to be as transparent if not more so when it comes to sensitive and serious incidents involving public servants. And in practice, failing the reasonable expectations to inform the public in a timely manner merely fuels speculation and rumor-mongering, which is ostensibly what the DA said he was trying to mitigate at the Jan. 9 news conference. Inevitably, that speculation spreads from the details of tragic incidents like this one to the question of what officials are trying to hide by keeping the public in the dark. Again, we do not wish to prejudge the investigation of a complex incident with heartbreaking results. We only want the utmost transparency from officials on behalf of a community stunned by this tragedy because tragic and controversial incidents like police-involved shootings are when transparency matters most. 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 US actor Dave Bautista said he had great chemistry with Jason Momoa in their latest film The Wrecking Crew. Speaking to the Press Association at a UK special screening of his latest film, the 57-year-old praised his positive relationship with his co-star, who he loves working with. Bautista stars in the action film as James, who reunites with his estranged half-brother Jonny (Momoa) to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding their fathers death. The pair also produced the film together, and Bautista reflected on how the project came to be. He said: This wasnt a project that came to us put together. The reason we developed it is because we realised we loved working together. We have such great chemistry on-screen and off-screen. The retired professional wrestler-turned-actor added: Jason is really funny, and we wanted to lean into that. Advertisement He described the new film as entertaining, and added: I think people need to see a film like this. Its a feel-good film. Its an entertaining film, with a strong message. Bautista wore a black ensemble to the screening, dressed in a double-breasted jacket and trousers, paired with a white shirt and blue tie, and brown boots. Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista at The Wrecking Crew UK special screening (Yui Mok/PA) Momoa also praised his co-star and co-producer, and told PA he loves working with Bautista, adding: We really get on, its pretty stress free, we have a great time. He said: Hes fun to produce with. Hes a great guy, hes a good man. The 46-year-old wore a pink ensemble to the screening, dressed in a corduroy blazer and trousers, paired with a dark pink T-shirt and brown leather shoes. The Hawaii-born star also said he enjoyed filming in his birthplace, and said: Thats just going home, right? Anytime I can go home and make a movie [in Hawaii], thats the biggest praise. Momoa has worked with Bautista on Apple TV+ sci-fi series, See, as rival brothers (Yui Mok/PA) Momoa has worked with Bautista on Apple TV+ sci-fi series See, as rival brothers, and they have also both appeared in Dune (2021). Eight nations have territory in the Arctic: Russia, the United States, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. Here is an overview of their military assets. Russia Half of the landmass in the Arctic is Russian territory. Since 2005 Moscow has re-opened and modernised tens of Soviet-era military bases, both on its Arctic mainland and on the islands off its northern coast. Russia maintains a high state of readiness at its nuclear testing site on Novaya Zemlya, an Arctic archipelago, although it has not conducted a test involving a nuclear explosion since 1990. Last October, it carried out a test launch of its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile from Novaya Zemlya. In the European Arctic, the Kola Peninsula hosts about two-thirds of Russia's second-strike nuclear capabilities - its ability to answer a nuclear attack with its own - according to Mathieu Boulegue, a senior fellow for the Transatlantic Defense and Security Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis. Advertisement The area is also home to Russia's Northern Fleet, headquartered in Severomorsk, which operates six of the country's 12 nuclear-armed submarines, according to data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The other six are operated by the Pacific Fleet based in Vladivostok. The only way for the Northern Fleet to access the North Atlantic is via the Barents Sea, between the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago and the northern coast of Europe. Keeping that access free is therefore essential to Moscow. United States and Canada Since 1957, the US and Canada have jointly defended against threats to their homeland, including from nuclear missiles, via the North American Aerospace Defense Command, known as NORAD. They are modernising NORAD, according to the IISS: Canada is procuring two over-the-horizon radar systems covering the Arctic and polar approaches, with the first due to reach initial operating capability by 2028. President Trump is keen to develop a new missile defence system, called Golden Dome, for which he says Greenland is crucial. Washington has the Pituffik Space Base in northern Greenland under a defence agreement with Denmark. Otherwise, most of its Arctic forces are located across eight bases in Alaska and count approximately 22,000 military personnel, according to IISS and the US Northern Command. Canada has five Arctic bases, including Alert, a signals intelligence station on Ellesmere Island that is the world's northernmost permanently inhabited settlement. South of the Arctic Circle, Canada operates a base at Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, which hosts a ranger patrol group and an air base. Canada is building a facility on Baffin Island to refuel offshore patrol ships - though the project has sustained numerous delays. The US, meanwhile, is expanding existing port facilities at Nome, Alaska, according to IISS. Advertisement Denmark Denmark's Joint Arctic Command, headquartered in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, counts around 150 military and civilian personnel. JAC is also present at the Kangerlussuaq air base as well as four smaller military stations in eastern and north-eastern Greenland. JAC has one liaison officer at Pituffik. Its Sirius dog sled patrol - derided by Trump - is a military unit that conducts long-range reconnaissance in the extreme conditions of northeastern Greenland. Sweden and Finland Sweden has no bases north of the Arctic Circle, but has an air force base at Lulea, on the northern coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, and an army base with two regiments in Boden, some 40 km (25 miles) inland. Finland has an air base in Rovaniemi, on the Arctic Circle, and a Jaeger Brigade base further north in Finnish Lapland. Since joining Nato, the two countries have been integrating their militaries with the rest of the alliance. Norway Norway is Nato's monitor for a vast maritime area of some 2 million sq km (770,000 sq miles) of the North Atlantic, including the Arctic. Many of its military installations are above the Arctic Circle. It has four air bases, including one for its new F-35 fighter jets, two navy bases, a string of army bases and a reception centre for Nato allies coming for reinforcement in case of attack. There are no military installations on Svalbard, Norway's Arctic archipelago. Iceland The North Atlantic island is a Nato member but has no military, only a coastguard service. It hosts US Navy P-8A Poseidon maritime-patrol aircraft in a rotational deployment, based at Keflavik air base, near Reykjavik. Nato fighter jets periodically rotate at Keflavik to keep Icelandic airspace secure. The deployment usually lasts two to three weeks, three times a year. The homes that were most impacted by Storm Eowyn last year have been dealing with consistent power cuts as communities look to rebuild after a historically damaging storm. As The Irish Times reports, Joan Comer from Dunmore in Co Galway counted 20 power cuts since Storm Eowyn. We havent got any explanation as to why it happened. It could be for an hour or a day. "We dont know if it is a demand. Maybe it is because we are in a not-so-remote place in rural Ireland we seem to have been forgotten about. Whatever damage was done has not been properly repaired. The highest wind speed ever recorded in Ireland a 184km/h gust in the early hours of January 24th last year was noted at Mace Head, Co Galway. Advertisement Storm Eowyn divided the country into two. On the east coast, the damage was short-lived, and people returned to normal living within two days; along the west coast from Galway through Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo a trail of devastation ensued. At the peak of the storm, 768,000 electricity customers were affected. According to ESB Networks, approximately 10 per cent of customers (about 75,000) were left without power for more than a week. In its annual review, Met Eireann stated that the strength of Storm Eowyn was partially down to climate change and that more powerful storms could be expected in the future. Many people still bear the psychological scars of Storm Eowyn. It was a time when hundreds of thousands of people were stripped of the necessities of modern living, and many for prolonged periods of time. Electricity, heating, water, internet and telephone connections all went down. The well-known broadcaster and Connemara resident Mairin Ni Ghadhra was trapped in her home for three days, with trees down on both laneways. She couldnt get to work in Raidio na Gaeltachta or even text the station to say she couldnt come in. It was quite literally a perfect storm. People did not understand after the fact why more help did not come quicker. It took off the blinders for many of us, she says. We hear local politicians regularly saying that not enough has been done. Where are the emergency hubs we have been promised? The Government is drawing up plans for 400 such emergency hubs across the country capable of keeping communities going during extreme weather events. Advertisement A pilot programme was put in place during Storm Amy (October 3rd, 2025), when eight hubs were established in Donegal. Every local authority has been furnished with a guide to community support centres, and the Government will be putting plans in place with all local authorities in March. These hubs cannot come quickly enough for communities fearing the next big storm. One of the worst-affected places was the village of Carna in Connemara. During the night of the storm, the roof of Maureen Folans house blew off. In an exercise in digital Meitheal, a GoFundMe account started by a friend raised more than 100,000, and the house is now being rebuilt. Kevin Igoe of Igoe Agri and Engineering in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, discounted his last remaining generator before Storm Eowyn because he could not get it sold. If I had 250 of them, I could have sold them, he says. After two days, I gave up jotting down names. You dont even need a storm. The power is going out regularly around us. One of the worst-affected counties was Leitrim. Some homes were without electricity for 20 days. Much of the blame for the extended outages was put on the proliferation of commercial forestry in the country. Ireland Over 9,300 children waiting for first contact from disability teams Read more It comes as every household in the State is to receive a booklet in the next few weeks advising how to prepare for extreme weather emergencies and loss of essential services. The household resilience booklet has been prepared by the Office of Emergency Planning in the Department of Defence. It was a recommendation of the review group that examined the response to Storm Eowyn that hit Ireland a year ago today. The review group said households should have a checklist of actions to take to keep safe, warm, fed and hydrated in the event of loss of power, water and communications for up to 72 hours. A robber with 228 previous convictions who raided a Dublin petrol station armed with a knife has been given a three-year, three-month sentence with the final six months suspended. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard the victim left her job as a result of the robbery. Lee O'Brien (39) of Reuben Walk, Rialto, Dublin 8, pleaded guilty to robbery at Circle K, Dundrum Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14, on June 3rd, 2021. OBrien has 228 previous convictions for offences including robbery, possession of knives, theft, burglary, assault, as well as drugs and road traffic offences. He was not on bail at the time of this offence as he had recently been released from custody. Passing sentence on Friday, Judge Orla Crowe said this had been a deliberate and organised offence with OBrien changing his clothes and bringing a knife to the shop. Advertisement She said it had been a deeply frightening offence for the victim, which impacted her job. She said the woman had been doing a service for everyone and had to contend with this behaviour. Judge Crowe noted since going into custody, O'Brien has attempted to detox and was looking for a suspended portion to the sentence. She took into account that he has apologised. She said the case had been delayed by Covid and could have been dealt with earlier, but noted he had also taken a trial date, failed to appear and took a bench warrant. Judge Crowe imposed a three year and three month sentence with the final six months suspended. Sergeant Donal Tully told Liam Dockery BL, prosecuting, that OBrien approached a staff member at the counter armed with a knife and demanded all the notes in the tills. A total of 350 was handed over. Sgt Tully said CCTV in the area was reviewed and OBrien was seen running into an apartment where he changed clothes and left on a bike. A backpack was retrieved from where he had been seen to delay behind a tree and his DNA was found on a cap and hoodie inside. OBrien was identified on the CCTV footage and arrested in June 2023. The injured party did not submit a victim impact statement, but the court heard she left her job as a result of the incident. Sgt Tully agreed with Karl Monahan BL, defending, that the case had been delayed coming forward due to Covid and he had already been sentenced for matters which pre-dated and occurred around the same time as these offences. Advertisement Ireland Intruder jailed for breaking into house and sexually and physically assaulting woman Read more The garda agreed with counsel that his client had long-standing drug difficulties and most of his offending was bound up with that. Mr Monahan said OBrien had a difficult start in life and began dabbling with drugs at an early age after ending up in an industrial school, before beginning to use heroin and committing offences to get money for drugs. He said OBriens life had been blighted by drugs and he was sick of the cycle he was in. Counsel said his client apologised for the offence and to the lady in question for the shock she experienced. He said O'Brien was hopeful of putting his house in order. A Nigerian-Irish politician who was left shocked and visibly shaken after being spat at in a racial attack on Friday night said she wasn't going to allow anyone to drive her out of her 'home'. Meath Co Councillor Yemi Adenuga was verbally assaulted while she walked back to her car in Navan's town centre in an incident she has described as 'frightening and disturbing.' The incident occurred after she returned to Navan from meetings in Slane to help a few residents with various issues. The Fine Gael councillor said she was so used to hearing 'derogatory' things said to her and 'brushes them off like water', but to get spat on was hugely concerning. As she walked to her car, she said that as a man passed, he turned and asked if she was 'Yemi' Advertisement "Usually I get stopped on the streets of Navan by residents looking for me to help with something, so it is not unusual to be stopped and have a chat with people, so I thought this was one of those kinds of conversations," she said in a social media post shortly after the incident. "She said 'Shame on you, Shame on you for trying to teach u,s Irish people how to live our lives in our own country." Shocked, Yemi said she asked the man what he meant, and he told her he had heard her making comments on the radio, suggesting how people should live. He then said: "You're not welcome here. You're not my councillor, and I don't recognise you, and if you're not happy with how things are, you can go to the 'f##k back to where you come from" "That wasn't the worst part, she said. "He spat on me." "I'm still trying to gather myself because too many things went through my head." Cllr Adenuga said she would like to thank two passing people who intervened to make sure she was ok. The man then left, shouting repeatedly that she was not welcome here and she should 'get the hell out of our country." "This happened in my town, in a place where I have served as a re-elected public representative for seven years. I have given and continue to give my service and commitment to the people of this town. "I've experienced all matters and all forms of discrimination and attack, both online and offline. People are saying derogatory things to me. I'm so used to hit now, I brush it off like water, but to get spat at!" She added that if this incident can happen to a public representative, it could happen to anyone. Cllr Adenuga said she has reported the incident to the gardai. "Something needs to change. This is too close to home for comfort. It needs to stop." "Ireland is my home. This is my home, and by God, I'm not going to let anyone tell me otherwise or drive me out of here because this is my home." Renowned editor and journalist Paddy Clancy has died aged 82. Mr Clancy was one of Irelands most respected journalists and had a lengthy career, holding executive positions in both Irish and British national newspapers and radio over a 62-year-long career. He passed away at Sligo University Hospital, surrounded by his family on Friday. He was the Bureau Chief for The Irish Sun until his retirement, along with being a regular columnist for that paper and rival title The Irish Mirror. The outspoken journalist was also news editor at the former Century Radio when it began operations and was the voice of RTE Radios It says in the papers for many years. Mr Clancy also presented the Ocean Current current affairs show on Saturday mornings on Ocean FM. He was also given a lifetime achievement award for work in media. Advertisement Some of his reporting included Bloody Sunday in 1972 whee 14 people lost their lives, and from war-ravaged Somalia in 1990. Originally from Bridge Street, Sligo town Mr Clancy lived in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal for many years. His first journalism job was in the Sligo Champion. The popular journalist previously wrote: In between there was a multiplicity of adventures that brought me to the wilds of the African jungle, the mysterious Orient, the dry Sahara desert, the gauchos of Argentina, and even the Oval Office in the White House. Tributes have begun pouring in from many others working in journalism and from political circles. Gerry Curran, President of the National Union of Journalists in Ireland and the UK described Mr Clancy as a thoroughly decent guy. So helpful. Dave OConnell, editor of the Connacht Tribune, said: End of an era. Very sad news. PR executive and former RTE journalist Paul Allen said: Very sad news, Paddy was a legend! Thoughts and prayers for family and friends. The bloodiest crackdown on dissent since Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution is slowly coming into focus, despite authorities cutting off the Islamic Republic from the internet and much of the wider world. Cities and towns smell of smoke as fire-damaged mosques and government offices line streets. Banks have been torched, their cash machines smashed. Officials estimate the damage to be at least 125 million dollars (92.2 million), according to an Associated Press tally of reports by the state-run IRNA news agency from more than 20 cities. The number of dead demonstrators reported by activists continues to swell. Since January 8-9, 2026, when the Iranian authorities committed mass unlawful killings on an unprecedented scale to crush the popular uprising calling for an end to their repressive rule, they have waged a coordinated, militarized clampdown to prevent further dissent and hide Amnesty International USA (@amnestyusa) January 23, 2026 For two weeks, Iran offered no overall casualty figures. Then on Wednesday, the government said 3,117 people were killed, including 2,427 civilians and security forces. That left another 690 dead that officials identified as terrorists. That conflicts with figures from the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which put the death toll on Saturday at 5,137, based on activists inside Iran verifying fatalities against public records and witness statements. Advertisement It said 4,834 were demonstrators, 208 were government-affiliated personnel, 54 were children and 41 were civilians not participating in protests. Observers claim thousands of people have been killed in the crackdown (AP) Activists warn Iran is engaging in the same tactics it has used for decades, but at an unprecedented scale opening fire from rooftops on demonstrators, firing metal birdshot into crowds and sending motorcycle-riding paramilitary Revolutionary Guard volunteers in to beat and detain those who cannot escape. Raha Bahreini of Amnesty International said: The vast majority of protesters were peaceful. The video footage shows crowds of people including children and families chanting, dancing around bonfires, marching on their streets. The authorities have opened fire unlawfully. The killing of peaceful protesters as well as the threat of mass executions have been a red line for military action for US president Donald Trump. An American aircraft carrier and warships are approaching the Middle East, possibly allowing Mr Trump to launch another attack on Iran after bombing its nuclear enrichment sites last year. That risks igniting a new war in the Middle East. People have demonstrated in cities such as Berlin in solidarity with the Iranian protesters (AP) Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard is more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, its commander said on Saturday. Nournews, a news outlet close to Irans Supreme National Security Council, reported on its Telegram channel that the commander, Gen Mohammad Pakpour, warned the United States and Israel to avoid any miscalculation. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards and dear Iran stand more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, to execute the orders and directives of the Commander-in-Chief, Nournews quoted Pakpour as saying. Advertisement Irans mission to the United Nations did not respond to detailed questions from the AP regarding the suppression of the demonstrations. The demonstrations began on December 28 at Tehrans historic Grand Bazaar, initially over the collapse of Irans currency, the rial, then spread across the country. Tensions exploded on January 8, with demonstrations called for by Irans exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi. Witnesses in Tehran told the AP before authorities cut internet and phone communication that they saw tens of thousands of demonstrators on the streets. As communications failed, gunfire echoed through Tehran. American forces are approaching the Middle East (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian M. Wilbur/U.S. Navy via AP) Many witnesses said they had never seen such a large number of protesters on the streets, said Bahar Saba of Human Rights Watch. Iranian authorities have repeatedly shown they have no answers other than bullets and brutal repression to people taking to the streets. Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, a deputy interior minister speaking on state TV on Wednesday, acknowledged the violence began in earnest on January 8. More than 400 cities were involved, he said. Iranian authorities have unleashed an unprecedented deadly crackdown to crush protests & cut all internet access to conceal their crimes. Call on the international community to urgently act to end further massacres of protesters in Iran. Act now https://t.co/zokiddHLhK Amnesty International (@amnesty) January 15, 2026 By January 9, Revolutionary Guard general Hossein Yekta, previously identified as leading plainclothes units of the force, went on state TV to warn mothers and fathers to keep their children home. Tonight you all must be vigilant. Tonight is the night for keeping mosques, all bases everywhere filled with Hezbollahi, Gen Yekta said, using a word for followers of God that carries the connotation of fervent supporters of Irans theocracy. Advertisement Already weakened by the 12-day war Israel launched against Iran in June, the authorities decided to fully employ violence to end the demonstrations, experts said. I think the regime viewed it as this was a moment of existential threat and that they could either allow it to play out and allow the protests to build and allow foreign powers to increase their rhetoric and increase their demands on Iran, said Afshon Ostovar, an expert on the Revolutionary Guard and professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterrey, California. Or they could turn out the lights, kill as many people as necessary and hope they could get away with it. And I think thats what they ultimately did. Federal immigration officers shot and killed a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, drawing hundreds of protesters to the streets in a city already shaken by another fatal shooting weeks earlier. The details surrounding the shooting were not immediately clear, but Minnesota governor Tim Walz said the man was shot amid the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. He was identified by his parents as Alex Pretti, 37, an intensive care unit nurse. Alex J Pretti was named as the man shot by a federal officer in Minneapolis on Saturday (Michael Pretti via AP) Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara urged people to remain peaceful and not to destroy the city. Mr OHara said there was limited information about the shooting. He called on people to leave the area and said it is not sustainable. Our demand today is for those federal agencies that are operating in our city to do so with the same discipline, humanity and integrity that effective law enforcement in this country demands, the chief said. Advertisement We urge everyone to remain peaceful. We recognise that there is a lot of anger and a lot of questions around what has happened, but we need people to remain peaceful in the area. Federal immigration officers deploy pepper spray at observers in Minneapolis (Abbie Parr/AP) The Minnesota National Guard was assisting local police amid growing protests. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin told the Associated Press that the person had a firearm with two magazines and that the situation was evolving. She said officers fired defensive shots after a man with a handgun approached them and violently resisted when officers tried to disarm him. Protests were growing throughout the day (Abbie Parr/AP) Mr OHara said the mans only previous interaction with law enforcement as far as he knew was for traffic tickets. And we believe he is a lawful gun owner with a permit to carry, he said. The officer who shot Mr Pretti is an eight-year Border Patrol veteran, federal officials said. Family members said Mr Pretti was an intensive care nurse at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital who had participated in protests following the killing of Renee Good in the city on January 7th. He cared about people deeply and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE, as millions of other people are upset, said his father Michael Pretti. He thought it was terrible, you know, kidnapping children, just grabbing people off the street. He cared about those people, and he knew it was wrong, so he did participate in protests. Mr Pretti was a US citizen who like Ms Good, court records showed he had no criminal record. It is a campaign of organised brutality against the people of our state. And today, that campaign claimed yet another life Tim Walz In a statement issued later on Saturday Mr Walz called immigration enforcement organised brutality. The federal occupation of Minnesota long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. It is a campaign of organised brutality against the people of our state. And today, that campaign claimed yet another life, Mr Walz said. Advertisement He said the state, and not the federal government, will lead the investigation into the death of Mr Pretti. Minnesotans and our local law enforcement have done everything we can to de-escalate. The federal government must de-escalate. I once again call on the president to remove the 3,000 agents from Minnesota who are sowing chaos and violence. The shooting happened amid widespread daily protests in the Twin Cities since the shooting of Ms Good, 37, who was killed when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) officer fired into her vehicle. Saturdays shooting unfolded just over a mile away from where Ms Good was shot. I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now. Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) January 24, 2026 Several bystander videos of the shooting emerged soon after. Mr Pretti is seen with a phone in his hand but none appears to show him with a visible weapon. One bystander video obtained by The Associated Press is understood to show at least seven officers surrounding the man, before shots are heard and the officers back away. Mr Walz, a Democrat, said in a social media post that he had been in contact with the White House after the shooting. He urged President Donald Trump to end what the Department of Homeland Security has called its largest-ever immigration enforcement operation. Advertisement Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now, Mr Walz said in his post on X. The DHS distributed a photo of a handgun they said was on the person who was shot. After the shooting, an angry crowd gathered and screamed profanities at federal officers, calling them cowards and telling them to go home. One officer responded mockingly as he walked away, telling them: Boo hoo. Agents elsewhere shoved a yelling protester into a car. Protesters dragged rubbish bins from alleyways to block the streets, and people who gathered chanted, Ice out now, referring to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Theyre killing my neighbours! Minneapolis resident Josh Koskie said. Federal officers wielded batons and deployed flash bangs on the crowd. Gov Tim Walz speaks during a news conference after the shooting (Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via AP) The intersection where the shooting took place was blocked off, and Border Patrol agents were on the scene wielding batons. The shooting happened a day after thousands of demonstrators protesting against the crackdown on immigrants crowded the citys streets in frigid weather, calling for federal law enforcement to leave. Mr Trump posted a long statement about the shooting on his Truth Social account, in part accusing the citys mayor and the governor of inciting insurrection. The Mayor and the Governor are inciting Insurrection, with their pompous, dangerous, and arrogant rhetoric! he wrote. Instead, these sanctimonious political fools should be looking for the Billions of Dollars that has been stolen from the people of Minnesota, and the United States of America. LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB! 12,000 Illegal Alien Criminals, many of them violent, have been arrested and taken out of Minnesota. If they were still there, you would see something far worse than you are witnessing today! When I visited Minnesota, what the ICE agents wanted more than anything was to work with local law enforcement so that situations on the ground didn't get out of hand. The local leadership in Minnesota has so far refused to answer those requests. pic.twitter.com/XUGIhXxUv7 JD Vance (@JDVance) January 24, 2026 Vice President JD Vance responded to the shooting in a post on X and said that when he visited Minneapolis this week, what the ICE agents wanted more than anything was to work with local law enforcement so that situations on the ground didnt get out of hand. He accused local officials in Minnesota of ignoring requests from ICE agents to work with them. Federal officials refused to co-operate with local officials on an investigation into the shooting death of Renee Good. Advertisement US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was born and raised in Minnesota, posted on X to thank God for the patriots who work for Ice and said we have your back 100%. The Pentagon chief added: Shame on the leadership of Minnesota and the lunatics in the street. ICE MN. Congressman Bennie Thompson, the top Democrat on the US House Homeland Security Committee, called for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be impeached and denounced statements from the administration about the man DHS agents killed. Apparently, the Trump administration and its secret police only support the First and Second Amendments when its convenient to them, Mr Thompson said in a statement. Mr Thompson called on Demorats in the Senate to vote against a funding bill for DHS that passed the lower chamber last week. This is un-American and has to stop, Mr Thompson said. The House must immediately take steps to impeach Kristi Noem. Prince Harry has said British soldiers who served and died in Afghanistan deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, after US president Donald Trump claimed Nato allies stayed away from the front lines in the conflict. Mr Trump suggested in an interview with Fox News that Nato allied troops stayed a little off the front lines in Afghanistan. The president also claimed America had never needed its Nato partners, despite being the only member state to have ever invoked the alliances all for one, and one for all clause, in the wake of 9/11. I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there Duke of Sussex Former soldier Harry, who carried out two frontline tours to Afghanistan, said in a statement on Friday evening: In 2001, Nato invoked Article 5 for the first and only time in history. It meant that every allied nation was obliged to stand with the United States in Afghanistan, in pursuit of our shared security. Advertisement Allies answered that call. I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there. The United Kingdom alone had 457 service personnel killed. Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost. Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace. Harry making pre-flight checks in his cockpit at Camp Bastion, southern Afghanistan, in 2012 (John Stillwell/PA) During his decade-long full-time military career, Harry fought the Taliban in 2007 and returned to Afghanistan for a second tour of duty in 2012, and qualified as an Apache aircraft commander. He began training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in May 2005. He became a Cornet in the Blues and Royals, joining the Household Cavalry regiment and, in May 2006, began training to become a troop leader of an armoured reconnaissance unit. He spent four-and-a-half months learning how to be a recce soldier at Camp Bovington in Dorset. In February 2007, the British Ministry of Defence confirmed Harry would be heading to Iraq on a six-month deployment, making him the first royal for 25 years to serve in a conflict zone. Yet three months later, just before Harry was due to leave, he was pulled out of the tour of duty after intelligence revealed insurgents were specifically planning to target him and it was too dangerous to allow him to go. Harry was reportedly devastated and considered quitting, but the hope of going to Afghanistan in the future kept him in the Army. Advertisement In late 2007, he was able to undertake a 10-week tour of duty fighting the Taliban in dangerous Helmand Province, operating as a battlefield air controller behind enemy lines. The secret mission, however, ended early after it was leaked on the internet. Upon his return, Harry was dubbed the Warrior Prince, Harry the Brave, and One of Our Boys by the press for fighting for his country. Harry was promoted from second lieutenant to lieutenant in April 2008. Hoping to go back to Afghanistan, he retrained and qualified as an Apache helicopter pilot after rigorous training in Britain and America. He was promoted to the rank of captain in April 2011 and and also awarded his Apache Badge from the officer in command of his Squadron at the same time. I consider President Trumps remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured and, in fact, across the country Sir Keir Starmer In September 2012, he made it back to Afghanistan for a 20-week stint which gave him the chance to use his Apache flying skills and head out on operations in his role as co-pilot gunner. Kensington Palace officially confirmed Harrys departure from the Army in March 2015, marking the end of 10 years of service. Mr Trumps recent remarks have drawn widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum in the UK, with critics pointing to both the number of UK deaths in Afghanistan and highlighting Mr Trumps avoidance of military service in Vietnam. World Trump remarks about British troops insulting and appalling, Starmer says Read more Speaking in Downing Street, UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said the comments were frankly appalling and signalled the US president should apologise. He said: I consider President Trumps remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured and, in fact, across the country. Mr Starmer further said he would apologise if he had said the words used by Mr Trump. Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard is more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, its commander has said, as US warships head towards the Middle East. Gen Mohammad Pakpour warned the United States and Israel to avoid any miscalculation, in comments reported on Telegram by Nournews, a news outlet close to Irans Supreme National Security Council. The Revolutionary Guard has been key in putting down recent Iran-wide anti-government protests that have left thousands of people dead. While people in Iran are still reeling from the grief and shock of the unprecedented massacres during protest dispersals, the Iranian authorities are waging a coordinated attack on the rights of people in Iran to life, dignity and fundamental freedoms in a criminal bid to Amnesty International (@amnesty) January 23, 2026 Gen Pakpour was quoted as saying: The Islamic Revolutionary Guards and dear Iran stand more ready than ever, finger on the trigger, to execute the orders and directives of the Commander-in-Chief. Meanwhile, the number of people reported by activists as having been arrested jumped to more than 40,000, as fears grow some could face the death penalty. Advertisement Tension remains high between Iran and the US in the wake of a bloody crackdown on protests that began on December 28, triggered by the collapse of Irans currency, the rial. Protests swept the country for about two weeks. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran, setting two red lines for the use of military force: the killing of peaceful demonstrators and the mass execution of people arrested in the protests. Mr Trump has said Iran halted the execution of 800 people detained in the protests. He has not elaborated on the source of the claim which Irans top prosecutor, Mohammad Movahedi, strongly denied on Friday in comments carried by the judiciarys Mizan news agency. Worldwide protests and commemorations have taken place over the crackdown (AP) On Thursday, Mr Trump said aboard Air Force One that the US is moving warships toward Iran just in case he wants to take action. We have a massive fleet heading in that direction and maybe we wont have to use it, Mr Trump said. A US Navy official said on Thursday that the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other warships travelling with it are in the Indian Ocean. Mr Trump also mentioned the multiple rounds of talks American officials had with Iran over its nuclear programme before Israel launched a 12-day war against the Islamic Republic in June, which also saw US warplanes bomb Iranian nuclear sites. He threatened Iran with military action that would make earlier American strikes against Iranian uranium enrichment sites look like peanuts. Advertisement They should have made a deal before we hit them, Mr Trump said. The tension has led at least two European airlines to suspend some flights to the wider region. Air France cancelled two return flights from Paris to Dubai over the weekend. Irans security forces have carried out mass killings after protests escalated on January 8. Despite a nationwide internet shutdown, Human Rights Watch has been able to verify videos and gather witness accounts. Read now: https://t.co/HKrsttOX6J pic.twitter.com/4LJOuabjQq Human Rights Watch (@hrw) January 16, 2026 The airline said it was closely following developments in the Middle East in real time and continuously monitors the geopolitical situation in the territories served and overflown by its aircraft in order to ensure the highest level of flight safety and security. It said it would resume its service to Dubai later on Saturday. Luxair said it had postponed its Saturday flight from Luxembourg to Dubai by 24 hours in light of ongoing tensions and insecurity affecting the regions airspace, and in line with measures taken by several other airlines. It told the AP it was closely monitoring the situation and a decision on whether the flight will operate tomorrow will be taken based on the ongoing assessment. Arrivals information at Dubais international airport also showed the cancellation of Saturday flights from Amsterdam by Dutch carriers KLM and Transavia. Some KLM flights to Tel Aviv in Israel were also cancelled on Friday and Saturday, according to online flight trackers. Thousands of people have died after a crackdown onanti-government protests in Iran, figures show (UGC via AP) Although there have been no further demonstrations in Iran for days, the death toll reported by activists has continued to rise as information trickles out despite the most comprehensive internet blackout in Irans history, which has now lasted more than two weeks. On Saturday, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency put the death toll at 5,137, with the number expected to increase. Advertisement The activist agency on Saturday also increased the total number of people arrested to 40,879 a significant jump from the more than 27,700 people in its previous update. The groups figures have been accurate in previous unrest and rely on a network of activists in Iran to verify deaths. That death toll exceeds that of any other round of protest or unrest there in decades, and recalls the chaos surrounding Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution. Irans government offered its first death toll on Wednesday, saying 3,117 people were killed. It said 2,427 were civilians and security forces, and labelled the rest as terrorists. In the past, Irans theocracy has undercounted or not reported fatalities from unrest. There have been fears Iran could apply the death penalty to arrested protesters, as it has done in the past. Iranian judiciary officials have called some of those being held mohareb or enemies of God a charge that carries the death penalty. It had been used along with other charges to carry out mass executions in 1988 that reportedly killed at least 5,000 people. At a UN Human Rights Council special session on Iran held in Geneva on Friday, Volker Turk, the UNs high commissioner for human rights, expressed concern over contradictory statements from the Iranian authorities about whether those detained in connection with the protests may be executed. He said Iran remains among the top executioner states in the world, with at least 1,500 people reportedly executed last year a 50% increase over 2024. More than 8,000 flights across the US have been cancelled over the weekend as a major storm bears down on the country, threatening to knock out power for days and snarl major roads. Roughly 140 million people are under a winter storm warning from New Mexico to New England. The US National Weather Service has warned of widespread heavy snow and a band of catastrophic ice stretching from east Texas to North Carolina. I have been briefed on the Record Cold Wave and Historic Winter Storm that will be hitting much of the United States this weekend. The Trump Administration is coordinating with State and Local Officials. FEMA is fully prepared to respond. Stay Safe and Stay Warm! President DJT https://t.co/t524rfMjvj Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 24, 2026 Forecasters say damage, especially in areas pounded by ice, could rival that of a hurricane. By Friday night, the edge of the storm sent freezing rain and sleet into parts of Texas while snow and sleet fell in Oklahoma. After sweeping through the South, the storm is expected to move into the north-east, dumping about a foot of snow from Washington through New York and Boston, the weather service predicted. Advertisement Governors in more than a dozen states sounded the alarm about the turbulent weather ahead, declaring emergencies or urging people to stay home. Volunteers in Chicago are distributing supplies to homeless people during dangerously cold temperatures (AP) Texas governor Greg Abbott told residents on the social media platform X that the state transport department was pre-treating the roads, and told residents: Stay home if possible. More than 3,400 flights were delayed or cancelled on Saturday, according to the flight tracking website FlightAware. More than 5,000 were called off for Sunday. Utility companies braced for power outages because ice-coated trees and power lines can keep falling long after a storm has passed. Travelers: Be prepared for winter storms. View our free resources and stay informed about flight delays and cancellations.https://t.co/HZRU2cN6mv #flightaware #aviation #winterstorm FlightAware (@flightaware) January 23, 2026 The US Midwest saw wind chills as low as minus minus 40C, meaning that frostbite could set in within 10 minutes. The US federal government put nearly 30 search and rescue teams on standby. Officials have more than seven million meals, 600,000 blankets and 300 generators placed throughout the area the storm is expected to cross, officials said. Texas, stay weather aware this weekend. I have activated state emergency response assets, deployed resources statewide, and TxDOT crews are pre-treating roads. Prepare in advance. Stay home if possible. Use heaters safelynever use generators indoors. Stay safe. Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) January 23, 2026 President Donald Trump said via social media on Friday that his administration was coordinating with state and local officials and FEMA is fully prepared to respond. After the storm passes, it will take a while to thaw out. Ice can add hundreds of pounds to power lines and branches and make them more susceptible to snapping, especially if conditions are windy. In at least 11 southern states from Texas to Virginia, a majority of homes are heated by electricity, according to the US Census Bureau. Power outages are certain for some, especially in areas where the heaviest ice will accumulate on trees and powerlines. The cold can be deadly--but even without power, there are still ways to warm things up. Closing blinds and curtains and closing room doors can help contain pic.twitter.com/hzdSXesqWO National Weather Service (@NWS) January 23, 2026 A severe cold snap five years ago took down much of the power grid in Texas, leaving millions without power for days and resulting in hundreds of deaths. Mr Abbott vowed that will not happen again, and utility companies are bringing in thousands of employees to help keep the lights on. The US administration has released a priority-shifting National Defence Strategy, telling Americas allies to take control of their own security. The move by the Pentagon reasserts the Trump administrations focus on dominance in the Western Hemisphere above a long-time goal of countering China. The 34-page document, the first since 2022, was highly political for a military blueprint, criticising partners from Europe to Asia for relying on previous US administrations to subsidise their defence. It called for a sharp shift in approach, focus, and tone. The document said US defence secretary Pete Hegseths department will provide credible options to guarantee US military and commercial access to key terrain (AP) That translates to a blunt assessment that allies should take on more of the burden countering nations from Russia to North Korea. For too long, the US government neglected even rejected putting Americans and their concrete interests first, reads the opening sentence. Advertisement The move caps off a week of animosity between US president Donald Trumps administration and traditional allies such as Europe, with Mr Trump threatening to impose tariffs on some European partners to press a bid to acquire Greenland before announcing a deal that lowered the temperature. As allies confront what some see as a hostile attitude from the US, they will almost certainly be unhappy to see that American defence secretary Pete Hegseths department will provide credible options to guarantee US military and commercial access to key terrain especially Greenland and the Panama Canal. Following a tiff this week at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, with Canadian prime minister Mark Carney, the strategy at once urges cooperation with Canada and other neighbours while still issuing a stark warning. The document states: We will engage in good faith with our neighbours, from Canada to our partners in Central and South America, but we will ensure that they respect and do their part to defend our shared interests. The document marks a shift in tone and focus towards traditional US allies (AP) And where they do not, we will stand ready to take focused, decisive action that concretely advances US interests. Much like the White Houses National Security Strategy that preceded it, the defence blueprint reinforces Mr Trumps America First philosophy, which favours non-intervention overseas, questions decades of strategic relationships and prioritises US interests. Advertisement The US National Defence Strategy was last published in 2022 under then-president Joe Biden and focused on China as Americas pacing challenge. The strategy simultaneously courts help from partners in Americas backyard, while warning them that the US will actively and fearlessly defend Americas interests throughout the Western Hemisphere. It specifically points to access to the Panama Canal and Greenland. It comes just days after Mr Trump said he reached a framework of a future deal on Arctic security with Nato leader Mark Rutte that would offer the US total access to Greenland, a territory of Nato ally Denmark. Danish officials said that formal negotiations have yet to begin. PCS was brokenWe fixed it. We listened to warfighters, removed failed leadership, and built a permanent solution. pic.twitter.com/n3S8q7nYMu Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) January 23, 2026 Mr Trump previously suggested that the US should potentially consider retaking control of the Panama Canal and accused Panama of ceding influence to China. Asked this week if America reclaiming the canal was still on the table, Mr Trump demurred. I dont want to tell you that, the US president responded. Sort of, I must say, sort of. Thats sort of on the table. The Pentagon also touted the operation that ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro earlier this month, saying all narco-terrorists should take note. The new policy document views China which the Biden administration saw as a top adversary as a settled force in the Indo-Pacific region that only needs to be deterred from dominating the US or its allies. The goal is not to dominate China; nor is it to strangle or humiliate them, the document says. Advertisement It later added: This does not require regime change or some other existential struggle. These are unprecedented times. We cannot allow Trumps hunger for power and control to erode our democracy or our humanity. We must fight back together.pic.twitter.com/DXcKYtGQLn Jennifer Siebel Newsom (@JenSiebelNewsom) January 22, 2026 The document also said: President Trump seeks a stable peace, fair trade, and respectful relations with China, following efforts to climb down from a trade war sparked by the administrations sky-high tariffs. It says it will open a wider range of military-to-military communications with Chinas army. The strategy, meanwhile, makes no mention of or guarantee to Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own and says it will take by force if necessary. The US is obligated by its own laws to give military support to Taiwan. By contrast, the Biden administrations 2022 strategy said the US would support Taiwans asymmetric self-defence. In another example of offloading regional security to allies, the document said: South Korea is capable of taking primary responsibility for deterring North Korea with critical but more limited US support. For Europe, while saying that Russia will remain a persistent but manageable threat to Natos eastern members for the foreseeable future, the defence strategy asserts that Nato allies are much more powerful and so are strongly positioned to take primary responsibility for Europes conventional defence. The document said the Pentagon will play a key role in Nato even as we calibrate US force posture and activities in the European theatre to focus on priorities closer to home. The US has already confirmed that it will reduce its troop presence on Natos borders with Ukraine, with allies expressing concern that the Trump administration might drastically cut their numbers and leave a security vacuum as European countries confront an increasingly aggressive Russia. Donald Trump has said UK soldiers who fought in Afghanistan were among the greatest of all warriors after previously drawing criticism for his claims Nato troops stayed away from the front lines during the conflict. The US president provoked outrage earlier this week when he told Fox News that America had never needed its Nato partners, adding that its allied troops had stayed a little back. UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer described the remarks as insulting and frankly appalling, and officials confirmed he had raised the comments directly with the US president in a conversation on Saturday. In a social media post shortly after their conversation, the US president praised the very brave UK soldiers in Afghanistan. He wrote: The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America! Advertisement In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. Its a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the USA!). We love you all, and always will! UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer had called Mr Trumps comments insulting (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Speaking in Downing Street on Friday, Mr Starmer had said he was not surprised that Mr Trumps remarks caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured. Britain's Prince Harry also weighed in on the comments and said the sacrifices of British soldiers deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect. UK armed forces minister and former commando Al Carns, who served five tours in Afghanistan, described Mr Trumps comments as ridiculous. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Mr Trumps comments were complete nonsense, adding that it is a disgrace to denigrate the memory of British soldiers who died in the conflict. On Saturday, she posted on X that she was pleased the president has now acknowledged the role of the British armed forces and those brave men and women who gave their lives fighting alongside the US and our allies. She added: It should never have been questioned in the first place. Im pleased President Trump has now acknowledged the role of the British armed forces and those brave men and women who gave their lives fighting alongside the US and our allies. It should never have been questioned in the first place. pic.twitter.com/7Fy9A9ucsP Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) January 24, 2026 The UK suffered the second highest number of military deaths 457 in the Afghanistan conflict, behind the US, which saw 2,461 deaths. World Meghan backs Harry following Trumps remarks about British troops Read more In total, Americas allies suffered 1,160 deaths in the conflict, around a third of the total coalition deaths. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said how dare Mr Trump question the sacrifice of British soldiers and commented that the US president avoided military service five times. Mr Trump has previously been criticised for avoiding being conscripted to fight in Vietnam thanks to being diagnosed with bone spurs in his heels a claim that has been subject to doubt. UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said Donald Trumps remarks about British troops in Afghanistan were insulting and frankly appalling and signalled the US president should apologise. Britain's Prince Harry also weighed in on the presidents comments, and insisted the sacrifices of British soldiers who served and died in Afghanistan deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect. Mr Trump suggested in an interview with Fox News that Nato allied troops stayed a little off the front lines in Afghanistan. The president also claimed America had never needed its Nato partners, despite being the only member state to have ever invoked the alliances all for one, and one for all clause, in the wake of 9/11. His remarks have drawn widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum in the UK, with critics pointing to both the number of UK deaths in Afghanistan and highlighting Mr Trumps avoidance of military service in Vietnam. Speaking in Downing Street, Mr Starmer paid tribute to the 457 British personnel who died in Afghanistan, and those who were injured. He said: I consider President Trumps remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured and, in fact, across the country. If I had misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologise Sir Keir Starmer Mr Starmer said he would apologise if he had said the words used by Mr Trump. In response to comments from Diane Dernie, mother of severely injured veteran Ben Parkinson, he said: Ive made my position clear, and what I say to Diane is, if I had misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologise and Id apologise to her. Advertisement She had earlier told the Press Association: I can assure you, the Taliban didnt plant IEDs (improvised explosive devices) miles and miles back from the front line. Mrs Dernie, whose son Ben suffered horrific injuries when an Army Land Rover hit a mine near Musa Qala in 2006, also said the US presidents comments were the ultimate insult and called on Mr Starmer to stand up to Mr Trump over them. Paratrooper Mr Parkinson, from Doncaster, is widely viewed as the most severely injured British soldier to have survived the war. The blast left the former lance bombardier in 7 Para RHA with both legs amputated, a twisted spine and brain damage. Harry, a former Army Air Corps co-pilot gunner who undertook two frontline tours to Afghanistan, said: In 2001, Nato invoked Article 5 for the firstand onlytime in history. Advertisement It meant that every allied nation was obliged to stand with the United States in Afghanistan, in pursuit of our shared security. Allies answered that call. I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there. The United Kingdom alone had 457 service personnel killed. Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost. Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace. The Royal British Legion said the service and sacrifice of British personnel in Afghanistan cannot be called into question, and that it condemns any comments that undermine their extraordinary contribution. The charitys director general Mark Atkinson added: The dedication and sacrifices of the men and women in the British Armed Forces from the UK, Commonwealth, and beyond, to protect our freedoms and support our allies deserves our deep and ongoing respect and gratitude. Our nations support for our Armed Forces is never in doubt. The Royal British Legion through our ongoing work to recognise, remember, and support the Armed Forces community, ensures that their unique contribution is not forgotten. This recognition is shared across communities, cultures, and faiths. UK defence minister and former commando, Al Carns, who served five tours in Afghanistan and was awarded the Military Cross for gallantry, said Mr Trumps comments were ridiculous. The former Royal Marines colonel, without referring to Mr Trump by name, added: I served five tours in Afghanistan, many alongside my American colleagues. We shed blood, sweat and tears together. Not everybody came home. Advertisement These are bonds, I think, forged in fire, protecting the US, our shared interests, but actually protecting democracy overall. Armed Forces minister Al Carns (Andrew Matthews/PA) Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Mr Trumps comments were complete nonsense which could weaken the Nato alliance. She said: I spoke to parents of young men who had lost their lives in Afghanistan and I think it is a disgrace to denigrate their memory like that. The row has again tested the transatlantic relationship, which has come under intense strain following Mr Trumps threats to slap tariffs on European nations opposed to his ambitions to annex Greenland. He later backed down after a meeting with Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte in which he said they formed the framework for a deal over Arctic security, announcing further import taxes would no longer be imposed. The UK suffered the second highest number of military deaths 457 in the Afghanistan conflict, behind the US, which saw 2,461 deaths. In total, Americas allies suffered 1,160 deaths in the conflict, around a third of the total coalition deaths. Mr Trump has previously been criticised for avoiding being conscripted to fight in Vietnam thanks to being diagnosed with bone spurs in his heels a claim that has been subject to significant doubt. US president Donald Trump has dismissed concerns about a large dark-coloured bruise on his hand, saying he "clipped it on the table". Mr Trump has been pictured with bruises and makeup covering them on his right hand, but the bruised hand pictured this week was his left. We saw the bruising on your hand. Are you OK? a reporter asked the president on his flight home to the United States from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Mr Trump replied: "Im very good, I clipped it on the table. So, I put a little what do they call it? cream on it. But I clipped it. Air Force One was leaving Shannon Airport at the time after a stopover to refuel. Mr Trump, 79, will become the oldest sitting president in US history when he turns 80. Despite this, there has not been the same focus on his health as his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden. Advertisement US president Donald Trump holds up his hand after being asked about it by a reporter while speaking to journalists while in flight on Air Force One, travelling from Shannon, Ireland en route to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 22nd. Photo: Mandel Ngean/AFP via Getty Images Mr Trump reacts furiously whenever his health is raised, and personally criticised New York Times reporters who recently wrote a story about reports of his diminished energy. Amid previous interest in bruises on his hand, Mr Trump previously linked them to aspirin use. I would say take aspirin if you like your heart. But dont take aspirin if you dont want to have a little bruising. I take the big aspirin. And when you take the big aspirin, they tell you youll bruise." Mr Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency last summer, a condition that is common among older adults that occurs when veins have trouble moving blood back to the heart. World Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs over trade deal with China Read more He has said he takes more aspirin than doctors recomment. The doctor said, You dont have to take that, sir. Youre very healthy. I said, Im not taking any chances, he told reporters. Europe is still reeling from Mr Trump's speech at Davos. He ruled out US military action in Greenland, but proceeded to criticise the European Union for not handing the autonomous Danish territory over. Some diplomats fear the rambling speech marks the end of the traditional EU-US relationship. Top US envoys met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, urging his government to move into the second phase of the ceasefire in Gaza. Mr Netanyahu met US President Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Mr Trumps son-in-law and Middle East adviser, according to the prime ministers office, which did not give details of the discussions. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe the talks, told reporters the envoys had been working closely with Mr Netanyahu on recovering the remains of the last hostage in Gaza, and on the next steps for demilitarising the territory. The US is anxious to keep the Trump-brokered deal moving, but Mr Netanyahu faces pressure to wait until Hamas returns the remains of the last hostage in Gaza. Jared Kushner, left, and Steve Witkoff in Davos, Switzerland, earlier in the week (Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone via AP) The biggest signal of the second phase would be the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Ali Shaath, the head of a future technocratic government in Gaza that is expected to run day-to-day affairs, said on Thursday the border crossing will open in both directions this coming week. Advertisement There was no confirmation from Israel, which said it would consider the matter this week. The crossings Gaza side is currently under Israeli military control. The family of Ran Gvili, whose body is still in Gaza, urged more pressure on Hamas. President Trump himself stated this week in Davos that Hamas knows exactly where our son is being held, the family said Saturday. Hamas is deceiving the international community and refusing to return our son, the last remaining hostage, in what constitutes a clear violation of the agreement it signed. Hamas said Wednesday it has provided all information it has on Mr Gvilis remains to ceasefire mediators, and accused Israel of obstructing search efforts in areas it controls in Gaza. The ceasefire took effect on October 10. People hold up pictures of Ran Gvili, whose body has been held in Gaza (Leo Correa/AP) Egypts top diplomat pressed for an immediate opening of the Rafah crossing with the director of Mr Trumps new Board of Peace in Gaza, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday, including the ability of Palestinians to enter and exit the territory. Foreign Minister Bader Abdelatty spoke by phone with Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza, the ministry said in a statement. Advertisement They discussed the implementation of the ceasefires second phase, including the deployment of an international monitoring force, the opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the strip, the statement said. The Egyptian minister said implementing the second phase is a key entry point to launch Gazas reconstruction. The statement did not say when the crossing will open for travellers and the evacuation of sick and wounded. Israel is expected to discuss opening the Rafah crossing during Sundays Cabinet meeting. Palestinian Mohanad Eslem, 22, cuts firewood for sale in front of his shop near al-Bureij camp, central Gaza (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) Also on Saturday, an Israeli strike killed two Palestinian teenagers in Gaza, according to hospital authorities. The boys, cousins aged 13 and 15, were searching for firewood, according to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, which received the bodies. The boys were killed in the area that Israels military has said is safe for Palestinians, about 500 metres from the Yellow Line, which separates the Israeli-controlled areas in eastern Gaza from the rest of the strip, said a relative, Arafat al-Zawara. They were targeted directly, not through any fault of their own, he told The Associated Press outside the morgue. Israels military said it had targeted several militants who crossed the Yellow Line and planted explosives, threatening troops. It denied that those killed were children. Advertisement The desperate search for firewood is forcing many Palestinians to approach areas close to the Yellow Line as they seek anything that can be burned, including rubbish and plastic, to cook and to warm themselves. There has been no central electricity in Gaza since the first few days of the war that began with the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7 2023, and fuel for generators is scarce. Hundreds of thousands of people are living in tent camps and war-damaged buildings in Gaza as temperatures drop at night and storms blow in from the Mediterranean. At least nine children have died of severe cold in the past weeks, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Since the ceasefire, more than 480 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, according to the ministry. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by UN agencies and independent experts. Israel disputes its figures but has not provided its own. Advertisement CultureMoviesCinema From its first preview on stage, producers were contacting me to make it a film Kerrie O'Brien January 24, 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 Production on the movie adaptation of human rights lawyer turned writer Suzie Millers award-winning play, Prima Facie, is underway. The sharp and devastating work stars Cynthia Erivo as a brilliant young barrister who defends men accused of sexual assault who is then herself assaulted. Miller, who also wrote the films screenplay, has recently returned from London where filming is taking place. How was it being on set? I found that most of my work was done prior to the production going into the shoot, and as such, I had spent a very long period on my own writing, speaking with producers, talking visual ideas with the director, Susanna White, and Cynthia Erivo, who stars in the show. Both are strong women with clear ideas, and were both so respectful of my process and the writing. They were so supportive of the writing that there wasnt much more for me to do on set. Prima Facie stars Cynthia Erivo. Nicola Dove/Embankment Films When the production began, the producers, Australians Greer Simpkin and David Joswey of Bunya Australia, Kevin Loader of UK Free Range Films, and Embankment UK, gave us the green light to have a few weeks of rehearsal. This was an absolute gift: we could read the scenes with various actors, and I engaged in meaningful discussions with all of them, especially Susanna and Cynthia. I was able to sculpt and craft some of the scenes and dialogue specifically around the cast, allowing the actors to embody the role. I love actors, and I love directors, and as I come from theatre, Im a big collaborator, so that part of the process was enjoyable and familiar to me. Once the shoot began, there were so many people on set and on location. We shot all over London and built the Old Bailey courtroom in a studio. The whole scheduling and moving parts of a film are extraordinary. And while the numbers in a company for West End plays are in the 100s, it was amazing to see all the crew on the film at work constantly. I found myself present throughout much of the shoot, sometimes bowing out to go home and do some work. For a writer, it was much less stressful than a large theatre rehearsal and production. Advertisement Overall, I found the experience extraordinary; the producer was inclusive of all the artists, everyone was so collaborative, and there was an incredible feeling on set of unity and dedication to making this film for the one in three women who are subjected to gendered sexual violence. There were tears, laughter and fantastic discussions. Every single person who worked on the film was someone who completely believed in what we were all doing. How was working with Cynthia? Working with Cynthia was a gift, she is such an accomplished actor and at the peak of her career. Having intense discussions about the issues the screenplay raised were bonding and life-changing for us all. Much of this talk infused elements of the film. I adored the time with her, and with the other actors all top in their craft - and of course with my director Susanna, who has been with me on this project since the beginning. During the rehearsal period, where we could share intimacies and create the bonds for the main character, Tessas, family, everyone brought their stories and trust. Jodie Comer in the British production of Prima Facie. Helen Murray How different is writing for film versus theatre? In theatre, youre wrangling with ideas and hanging a story on those ideas so that the story engages an audience to interrogate the subtext and the social issues that run alongside. In film, youre writing a story told through a visual language, so the script must provide the space and the provocations to allow a director to create their own visual language with an audience. Were you able to flesh out the characters more? Absolutely. In the theatre script, there is one person playing every single role Jodie Comer did that magnificently. In the screenplay, every single character must be cast, and as such, needed even more nuance, visual elements and backstories, so that different actors could embody each role. Advertisement The elements and life experience as a Black woman that Cynthia and so many of her cast mates bring also allowed for a different set of dynamics and perspectives. The women on set who shared their life experiences and shaped the film are so very much part of the screen version of Tessas family dynamics, her and her friends lifestyles, and show us a unique version of the story where the law is an even more difficult obstacle with intersectionality; that is where gender, class and race meet in the legal system that was not built for any of these aspects of people. Related Article Pop culture Human beings ache to be in each others company: Why sharing stories matters The play dealt with gender and class, and now we have worked together to create a further lens, pushing the story further into the experience of all women. Because sexual violence happens everywhere and to women of all backgrounds, and the law has so many blinkers when it comes to class, gender and race, it is infused with many of the barriers that prohibit access, understanding and voice that the rest of the community is infused with. Did you ever imagine the play would be adapted for film? Once the play went to an audience, I realised that it had a much bigger part to play than I had ever dreamt. When I first sat in my small, dark office to write Prima Facie as a play, I wasnt even sure that it would reach an audience. From its first preview on stage, producers were contacting me to make it a film. I was excited to start thinking about it as a screenplay because it lends itself so perfectly to the screen. The film is so different to the play, in particular because there are a number of actors playing the many roles that the play had one actor invent, and while both the first actors who played Tessa, Sheridan Harbridge and Jodie Comer, did an extraordinary job, seeing those [characters] come to life in their full embodiment, laughing and crying, having their own story and infusion from different actors is a complete reimagining of the story. It is not like having a play go to screen, it is like an entire reinvention. The Booklist is a weekly newsletter for book lovers from Jason Steger. Get it delivered every Friday. Advertisement EnvironmentClimate changeRenewables The SA miracle: How one Australian state leads the world on renewables Nick O'Malley and Bianca Hall January 25, 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 A decade after blackouts crippled South Australia, forcing intensive care beds to close, traffic to seize, and industry to shut down, the state is on the cusp of completing a green energy revolution of global significance. In little more than two decades, renewable energy in the South Australia grid has leapt from about 1 per cent to almost 75 per cent in net terms, and the state is within reach of achieving its goal its legislated target of 100 per cent green power by 2027. South Australia leads the world in renewable energy. Artwork by Matt Davidson Im convinced we can [reach it], Im convinced we can, Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis told this masthead. Weve got approved, sitting on the books with development approval, about $20 billion worth of renewable energy. So I have no doubt whatsoever we will be able to achieve [the target]. Advertisement Not everyone is as optimistic as Koutsantonis that the target will be met on time, but few doubt the states extraordinary achievement. Energy nerds tracking power generation in the National Energy Market the system that most of us call the grid, which provides power to South Australia and the eastern states have been able to see that on any given day, South Australia is often relying largely on renewables, and often exporting excess power to the east. On December 1, the Facebook group NEM Watch celebrated a record when the state hit 100 per cent net renewable energy consumption for an entire week. Last year, there were 289 days during which renewables met the entire consumption demand for the state for part of the day. Its globally significant, says Richie Merzian, chief executive of the Clean Energy Investor Group. You have a major jurisdiction that now can operate a grid on such high levels of renewables with really modest connection back into the rest of our national grid Its extraordinary. Its right up there along with Denmarks achievements. Advertisement Indeed, the International Energy Agency ranked South Australia alongside Denmark as leading the world in integrating high volumes of renewables into its grid in a report in 2024. If any region was going to win a global renewables race, South Australia once seemed an unlikely contender. It is the driest state in the worlds driest continent, devoid of the rivers and dams that in some countries drive turbines and store energy. It lacks the geothermal energy resources that Nordic nations have tapped to drive their ambitious green transitions. New Vestas wind turbines will be used at Tilt Renewables Palmer wind farm in South Australia. When a new Labor government took office in 2002, determined to begin a transition, South Australia relied entirely on fossil fuels for its electricity. By 2016, the state was producing 48 per cent of its energy from renewable resources. Later that year, disaster struck in the form of gale force winds, two tornados and at least 80,000 lightning strikes. Three out of four interconnectors linking Adelaide to the rest of the state, and 23 transmission line pylons, were damaged. Advertisement The states grid was shut down in part by safety features designed to protect generators leaving some homes without electricity for days. The blackout was used as evidence by some that renewable energy was unreliable at best and a danger at worst. One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts demanded governments exit all climate change policies, while then-treasurer Scott Morrison cited the blackout as evidence that Labor would return the state to the dark ages. Then-treasurer Scott Morrison brandishing a lump of coal in Federal Parliament in 2017, after the South Australian blackouts. AAP Despite the setback, which was later found not to be the fault of renewables, South Australia maintained its focus on transition, even under a subsequent Liberal government. After the blackouts, the state was determined not only to ensure that it could provide enough power, but that the system be made stable even without the big old power stations that once provided grid security. Advertisement This is where a pair of billionaires swaggered in with a social media exchange that has had global consequences. Elon Musk had speculated online that he could use Tesla batteries to fix South Australias stability problems. In March 2017, Atlassian chief Mike Cannon-Brookes responded via Twitter. How serious are you about this bet? If I can make the $ happen (& politics), can you guarantee the 100MW in 100 days? he tweeted to Musk. Musk took the bait. Tesla will get the system installed and working 100 days from contract signature or it is free. That serious enough for you? Less than 100 days later, what was at the time the worlds biggest battery by a factor of three was up and running. Within two years, it had paid for itself. Today, far larger batteries are being thrown up around the state and the world, not only stabilising grids but storing green power made during the midday gluts for use during evening peaks. Advertisement This balancing act has been crucial to South Australias efforts, says Koutsantonis. The question for us, like every other jurisdiction, is, how do we integrate that into a system that is safe and secure and that can provide power when its needed? Energy Minister and Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis. Ben Searcy In the past year, net 73.5 per cent of the states energy use relied on renewables, and renewables as an overall proportion of the states energy sources hit 75.3 per cent. The biggest proportion was wind, with turbines accounting for 46 per cent of South Australias energy use. Advertisement Solar accounted for 27.6 per cent of the states energy sources, and the vast majority of that (22.3 per cent) was rooftop solar. While new technology and infrastructure have made this green revolution possible, much of the energy produced has come from the states households. Most of the heavy lifting has physically been rooftop solar, says Koutsantonis. And the rooftop solar penetration in metropolitan Adelaide in South Australia is dramatic. Its getting really close to one in two houses. The lessons the rest of the country can learn from South Australia (which goes to the polls in March) are mixed. One, says Koutsantonis, is that gas must remain an ingredient in the energy mix as jurisdictions transition from highly polluting fossil fuels to renewables. Advertisement It is crucial, he says, to have a readily deployable alternative to firm the system when solar and wind do not provide sufficient power loads. This is the great contradiction amongst a lot of activists. Without gas-fired turbines sitting idle with gas and pipelines, and gas fields being mined, we cant get to 100 per cent net renewables, he says. AGLs Torrens Island power station in South Australia. Daniel Kalisz Otherwise, well have to have fossil fuels in the system until we can find that breakthrough technology until then, its going to be gas because gas is the only [fuel] that can respond quickly, and its relatively cheaper than having baseload coal on 24/7. Renewable energy and energy systems analyst Dr Dylan McConnell is not convinced South Australia will achieve its legislated target to reach on a net annual basis 100 per cent of consumption coming equivalently from renewable energy. Advertisement But he says the state will come close, and predicts it could reach that goal within six to12 months of the legislated timeframe. So how has South Australia done it? Beyond incentives for rooftop solar, the state has exploited its natural advantages, and early permissive planning regimes, and South Australia, says McConnell, simply has really good wind. But policy has also been crucial, says Merzian. Even when a Liberal government was installed in 2018, the new premier, Steven Marshall, stayed the course. This consistency has been crucial, says Jean-Christophe Cheylus, chief executive of the Australian operations of Neoen, the French-based global renewables giant that has invested $2 billion into wind, solar and battery assets in South Australia. Advertisement Early incentives to switch to renewables and permissive planning regimes for new renewables particularly wind played a role too. Neoens Goyder South wind farm is generating at its full capacity of 412 MW, and is set to boost South Australias wind capacity by 20 per cent. The project has been under way since 2018. That might seem relatively long, but for [a] wind farm project, this is actually very short and very efficient. In other states, he says, the permitting process would have dragged on for 10 years or more. He also notes that local councils, which have challenged renewables development in other states, have supported the industry in South Australia. Stage 1 of Neoens Goyder South wind farm. Communities that have battled drought for years have welcomed Neoen and the jobs and investment it brings to the regions. Advertisement The state is an outlier. NSW has about 43 per cent renewable-sourced power, while Victoria has 48.6 per cent and Queensland, 34 per cent. It might be a little bit unfair to South Australia, but its also historically true, that one of the main reasons theyve had such a success with renewable energy is really good renewable energy resources really good wind, McConnell says. Related Article Exclusive Renewables For the first time, renewable energy is supplying most of our power And they also have, historically, and still to some extent today, been the sort of highest-priced region [for fossil-fuel supplied power]. Since the adoption of renewables, power prices in South Australia have dropped to generally below NSW and Queensland. Advertisement Still, its not all smooth sailing in the windy state. In the past year, South Australia imported 11 per cent of its energy, mostly from the brown-coal heavy Victorian market. Underscoring the difficulties of a rapid transition to renewables, the government in August asked AGL to extend the life of its Torrens Island gas generator for two years, after warnings from the energy regulator that the state could face energy shortages without ready reserves of back-up gas. This is partly because Project EnergyConnect, the $4.1 billion electricity cable linking NSW to South Australia, needed to bring renewables into the system, has been beset by delays. The Liberals state branch in June voted to formally reject net zero targets. Advertisement But Koutsantonis says the state cannot afford not to go down this path. When you look at the way the energy market is structured, you have to recover the cost of every new investment, whether its a coal-fired generator or a wind farm or more transmission lines, he says. Related Article Updated Energy Nations largest coal-fired power plant closure delayed by two more years Suppose I gave you a counterfactual and said, Lets suspend reason, lets suspend scientific endeavour and say climate change is not real, wed be going through an even more expensive transition now by building a whole new fleet of coal-fired power stations. And that cost would be being passed on to consumers, and it would be the same level of angst now as there is with renewables about costs in the grid because of that transition. So this happens in electricity systems every 30 to 40 years anyway. Advertisement According to Merzian, the benefits of South Australias green energy revolution extend far beyond climate and energy policy. Yes, its energy prices are falling along with its carbon emissions, but its stable and ongoing support for the transition has attracted $20 billion in investment from global energy giants. Richie Merzian, pictured at The Financial Reviews Energy and Climate Summit. Oscar Colman Excess energy can be exported to Victoria and NSW, he says. Cheylus notes that Neoens South Australia wind farms are being used to decarbonise the ACT. But in the longer term, says Merzian, South Australias green power will be used to boost its heavy industry. Green steel and hydrogen plants can effectively export renewable electrons embedded in their products around the world. If its going to be hitting 100 per cent next year, the trick is not to stop there, but to keep going. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter. CLARIFICATION An earlier version of this story said that Neoen was still developing its Goyder South wind farm. Its been updated to say the wind farm is generating at its full capacity. Persecution is one of the ugliest behaviours people are capable of, and weve been doing it since the dawn of humanity. In fact, it is more widespread today than at any point in history, yet few in the secular West realise that much the most endangered group is Christians. Some 400 million Christians, more than one in seven, are at daily risk of persecution, especially in Africa and Asia. According to a 2019 British government report, they make up 80 per cent of those being persecuted for their religion. Christianity began in persecution, and Christians are the most persecuted believers today 160,000 killed in Nigeria alone in the past 15 years. Getty Images Genocide by Muslim groups in Nigeria alone has claimed 160,000 Christian lives in the past 15 years, yet Western media usually reports this as ethnic conflict, if it even notices. The causes, as always, are complex and mixed, but there is no doubt that religious conquest is the main motivation behind groups such as Boko Haram. Aid agency Open Doors has just published its annual World Watch List of the 50 most dangerous countries to be a Christian. North Korea is top again, as it mostly has been since the survey began two decades ago. Its danger rating is 97 out of 100. Advertisement Exclusive NationalPregnancy Firebrand independent senator Fatima Payman expecting a baby Hamish Hastie January 24, 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 Like many West Australians, FIFO is a way of life for firebrand independent senator Fatima Payman and husband Jacob Stokes. And like tens of thousands of WAs FIFO families, Payman will now be dealing with an added layer of complexity to her gruelling lifestyle between Perth and Canberra by May a baby girl. Fatima Payman with her husband Jacob Stokes. Ross Swanborough Paymans northern suburbs Perth home is already adorned with gifted baby clothes and toy animals ahead of the arrival of their baby, which she said they were trying for, but were shocked at the news regardless. I was in the [Perth] office and felt nauseous. I thought, This is weird and strange and did a test it was quite the surprise, but were very, very excited, she said. Advertisement Payman will be the first WA senator to give birth while serving, but will join a raft of other mums in the chamber, including new Labor senator Ellie Whiteaker, who also juggles a toddler with her state Labor MP husband David Scaife. Stokes, who quit his job as a Labor staffer in the Cook government after Payman left the party in 2024 over its stance on Gaza, said the addition of a baby wouldnt be anything the pair couldnt handle after the past two years. Weve been through a lot already, and this, if anything, is an exciting challenge compared to some of the other challenges weve had to go through, he said. For me, its just doing what Ive done the last two years since I left the Labor Party and thats just being as strong a support network as I can, which, at the moment, has been making sure she sleeps, eats and drinks. Payman will stop travelling to Canberra from Easter and wont return until its safe for her baby to fly, but she doesnt intend to pull her workload back, which is where her former boss, Anthony Albanese, comes in. Advertisement Payman has been in a long-running dispute with Albanese over electorate office staffing levels since her sensational exit. The prime minister sets staffing levels in the crossbench, and Payman said she had requested more than her currently allotted five full-time staff to match her crossbench colleagues who had teams of six and seven but had received silence to date. She said she would write again to request extra staff to assist her in balancing her baby with her work. Im definitely not letting the pregnancy or the baby hold us back, but that just means that its going to be a lot on the team. Were already under-resourced, understaffed, she said. Im just hoping that the prime minister is not going to, you know, not keep us in this weird sort of limbo around resourcing and support. Advertisement Related Article Political expenses The MPs who spent more than $100,000 and the ministers who spent $0 on family travel He is quite vocal in his support for modern-day Australia and working women, and being able to support them during their pregnancy and maternity leave journeys, and the paid parental leave was a huge achievement for them. Im hoping as the announcement is made public he can soften a little bit and realise that as the only independent senator for WA, I need to be able to effectively do my job and represent West Australians, regardless of whether Im having a baby and how much time Ill need to recover post-delivery. Payman plans to enlist the help of Stokes and their mothers after their girl is born, but that has been complicated by the recent focus on MP travel entitlements. Payman came in second on the list of MPs who have spent the most on family travel, which she conceded was not great. Advertisement I agree it doesnt pass the pub test, and thats something that well need to keep in mind on how we travel and how often, she said. The debate around parliaments suitability for new mothers has been raging for decades and hit a crescendo in 2017 when Greens senator Larissa Waters became the first woman to breastfeed in the chamber. Payman said she believes as a workplace, Parliament House has come a long way for new mums, and a babys presence in the chamber wasnt an alien concept. Its a constant process of improving every workplace to make sure that women dont have to choose between, do I want to keep my career, or can I start a family? she said. I guess well put it to the test when we write to the prime minister to see what he reckons. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Tracing their mothers story from a Slovakian village to the death camps of Poland, Rachelle Unreich and her sisters set down stones of remembrance and found triumph, defiance and kinship. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A When my two sisters and I travelled to our late mother Miras home village of Spisska Stara Ves in Slovakia last August, it was exactly as we had imagined: a pastoral town, set against the backdrop of the Tatras mountains, just as she had described. One main road anchored by the gothic 14th-century church, dotted with modest homes, a few restaurants, a couple of grocery stores, all diminutive against the dramatic green landscape. My sister Jeannette had a moment of recognition, as if this place itself was embedded in her DNA. No wonder I love living in the country, she said, making the connection between this tiny outpost and her semi-rural home in Melbourne, at an address Mira simply called Whoop-Whoop. But we were not there on a picturesque summer holiday. Instead, we had come together with our cousins from three corners of the world to lay down memorial stones in honour of our grandparents and their children, our parents. In that family of seven, five were captured by the Nazis. Of those five, only my mother, Mira Blumenstock, returned. Although so much of Spisska Stara Ves is unchanged since that time, the Blumenstock family home is no longer standing. In its place is the Kulturny Dom the municipal cultural centre with its own library and impressive auditorium. To look at it, flanked by bright flowerbeds and a grassy town square, you would never know what happened there. This is why we were laying the stones. Mira Blumenstock is pictured with her parents Genya and Dolfie, and her older brother Yanchi and sister Olga. Only Mira survived the Holocaust. In that exact spot, on September 3, 1944, loud knocking rattled Miras front door late at night. Partisans! a voice shouted. But that wasnt who had come. Nazis had been given a tip-off that eight Jewish families remained in this little enclave, out of an original 300-strong Jewish community before the war. Among those already deported was my aunt Olga, a 26-year-old newlywed, never to be seen again. On this night, when the Nazis ambushed their home, my grandfather, Dolfie, jumped through a window only to be fatally shot when he landed. My grandmother Genya and her two youngest children Mira, 17, and her 21-year-old brother Yanchi were carted off to Plaszow concentration camp. Genya would be executed within hours of arriving; Yanchi was killed in the next camp he was transferred to. Mira, still a teenager, survived four camps including Auschwitz and a death march. Advertisement It was my sister Lilianne who had come up with the idea of laying Stolpersteine into the pavement at this location, outside our grandparents home. They are small brass memorial blocks in the case of the Blumenstock family, seven in all separately engraved with each persons name and details of their fate. The familys stumbling stones. There are now 116,000 such stones all over Europe, the brainchild of artist Gunter Demnig, in what is the largest decentralised memorial project in the world. They are called Stolpersteine, or stumbling stones, because Demnig wanted people to stop in their tracks: not only with their feet, but with their hearts. Another reason perhaps apocryphal when it comes to Demnigs choice is often cited. In Nazi Germany, when someone tripped on a cobblestone the antisemitic joke was uttered: A Jew must be buried here. Demnig also found inspiration from the Jewish text known as the Talmud, where it is written: A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten. The mayor of Spisska Stara Ves held a dignified ceremony for the laying of the stones, and it was touching for us to see how many townspeople turned up, dressed in their finery. A quartet of musicians played Jewish songs including tunes from Fiddler on the Roof. The familys memorial blocks in the pavement of Spisska Stara Ves. In the speech he delivered, Mayor Jan Kurnava said that the stones give a voice to those whose voices were taken away [and] it is our duty to remember not only the tragedy, but also that these people were our neighbours, our friends, our classmates, our fellow citizens. Their names belong to the history of our town, and their stories are part of our shared memory. Advertisement Among those who attended was a man of 90, who arrived on his bicycle. He was just nine when my grandfather was shot dead, and remembered the day that the townspeople collected Dolfies body and buried him, crafting together a funeral at the Jewish cemetery. I was shocked to learn it was an open casket, which is not something done under Jewish burial law. But of course by that time there were no Jews left to supervise. Upon our arrival in the town, our first stop was Dolfies gravestone, which Mira and her two surviving brothers had restored. It is striking and dignified, and sits in painful contrast to the disorder of several fallen tombstones there, the writing on them muddied and weathered. The family gathers at their grandfathers grave in Spisska Stara Ves. From left: Rachelle Unreichs sister Lilianne, Rachelle, her cousin Michael, her sister Jeannette and cousin Shoshi. So many people cautioned me about this trip in which I traced my mothers steps: not just to Spisska Stara Ves, but to the High Tatras, where she loved to holiday, and to Poland, where Dolfie had been born. They said that I would be constantly aware of the blood beneath the streets, given that more than 90 per cent of Polish Jews some 3 million were killed during the Holocaust, but that proved not to be the case. In Krakow, I could appreciate the winding streets, the grassy pockets of park, the old buildings, some of which with their tiers, icing-like scrollwork and pastel colours made me think of wedding cakes. In Poland, I visited two concentration camps, both of which Mira had suffered through. I had thought Plaszow was only an open site, with nothing left of the camp, but that wasnt entirely true. The grounds also form part of the Plaszow museum, and walking around them, you get a sense of the camps scale and size, with a number of small markers or remnants and signs explaining them further. My tour guide works at the museum and helped me research Miras story. He showed me where she would have stood when she first arrived, and where she had been separated from her mother in the selection, when prisoners were put into two groups those to live, and those to die. The statue at the site of Plaszow concentration camp. It was where Rachelle Unreichs grandmother Genya was murdered. Advertisement What I did not expect was to climb a hill and to reach a cavity at the top. Covered in grass and flanked by a towering statue, it was clearly sacred ground. It took me a while to realise that this was also the site of Genyas death: the pit she was made to walk over, crossing on a wooden plank, shot when she was suspended above it. Given that the Nazis burnt the bodies to hide evidence of their crimes, her ashes must still be there, buried deep in the earth. Some might find this horrific, but not me: I was raised with the Holocaust on both sides of my family tree, and all four of my grandparents were murdered. I never expected to visit Genyas final resting place, or to have a place where I could pay my respects and pray. Mira and her older brother Yanchi, who did not survive the Holocaust. I said a different kind of prayer when I visited Auschwitz. Nothing prepares you for the scale of it, or its industry. Although now it is packed with tourists, nothing can sanitise the horror. One can see the brutal conditions under which the prisoners lived, especially in Block 11, the camp prison. There, four people were forced into tiny standing cells, unable to sit down, where the air is stiff the entire area has only a five-by-five centimetre covered opening and in which they often died of starvation or suffocation. It was impossible to imagine my vibrant mother Mira, still a teenager, famously dimpled and beautiful, wandering around this camp. It is an inhuman place. While on the tour, I had been carrying a copy of the book I wrote about Mira, A Brilliant Life, which features a photo of her on the cover, atop a yellow Jewish Judenstern transposed to look like a shining star. The book on Miras life brought light to a place of horror. Advertisement Advertisement NationalNSWCity life Western Sydney has a bus shelter problem. The former Soviet Union could help Ellie Busby January 24, 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 Few would draw inspiration from the former Soviet Union for a blueprint of suburban life in Australia, but there is one architectural marvel that could set a design benchmark for western Sydney: bus shelters. Shadow minister for environment Jacqui Munro believes the bus shelters, which became pockets of artistic rebellion against state control, could inspire the design of future western Sydney bus stops to offer not just shade, but a sense of community pride. Jacqui Munro stands at a bus stop that has no shade or seating in Penrith, where temperatures often reach up to 40 degrees. Wolter Peeters It would be up to councils to engage in that kind of process, but being proud of our local environment is really important, [from] having a sense of place and to having a sense of community, she said. Photographs taken by Christopher Herwig and documented in a series of two books called Soviet Bus Stops show that the Soviet-era bus shelters, many of which have now been removed, reflected the community they were made for featuring everything from vibrant colours and mosaics, to structures resembling traditional hats, birds and a lightbulb. Its a far cry from the often shadeless bus stops scattered across western Sydney. Advertisement The design potential of bus shelters is timely: last week, temperatures in parts of western Sydney reached more than 40 degrees and then rain soaked the region in the days that followed. Related Article Sydney councils Tinsel and Christmas cards: Emmas push for more bus shelters in western Sydney In December, the Herald reported that 75 per cent of bus stops lack shelters in the Blacktown City Council LGA. Advocacy organisation Sweltering Cities revealed in 2024 that only 30 per cent of bus stops in Penrith had shelter, shade and a seat compared to 66 per cent in Sydneys inner west. With more hot and wet days ahead, the opposition is backing calls from Sweltering Cities for the state government to put $20 million towards building about 2000 shelters in western Sydney. Advertisement Western Sydney is bursting at the seams in some places, and its rapidly growing in many places. That means that appropriate infrastructure needs to be delivered not tomorrow; it needs to be delivered today, Munro said. [Bus shelters are] such an easy thing to deliver to councils that would make so much of a difference to millions of people across greater western Sydney. A bus stop in Doonside has only a single seat and no shade. Wolter Peeters The state government decides where bus stops are located and the provision of bus shelters is the councils responsibility. Blacktown Mayor Brad Bunting previously said a single bus shelter could cost up to $30,000. The government said it would fund the delivery of some bus shelters in western Sydney, but would not reveal the exact amount. A spokesman said more detail would emerge in coming weeks. Advertisement Transport Minister John Graham said: Bus passengers need protection from heat, sun and rain, which is why we are working with western Sydney councils to identify and install new bus shelters. The former government had three terms in office to improve life for western Sydney bus users, but never funded bus stops or bought a single bendy-bus. Cherry-picking a large number from a report they didnt write shows little has changed in that regard. The Sydney Morning Herald has a bureau in the heart of Parramatta. Email parramatta@smh.com.au with news tips. Advertisement NationalQueenslandMental health Craigs daughter stopped eating, talking and sleeping. What he did next could help other parents Courtney Kruk January 25, 2026 8:45am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A When Craig Stanley-Jones six-year-old daughter suddenly stopped talking, eating and sleeping, he was at a loss for where to turn for help, despite almost two decades working in mental health. The Brisbane dad called a 24-hour child and youth mental health support line. They told him his options were limited, encouraging him to ask for the Acute Response Team (ART) if they decided to take her to hospital. Raising Minds chief executive Craig Stanley-Jones hopes to help other parents and carers navigate the often complex youth mental health system. Courtney Kruk Days after their daughter became unwell, Stanley-Jones and his wife took her to emergency. Advertisement We turned up at the hospital after making a call at 4 oclock in the morning, he says. We started telling the intake nurse about her symptoms but she said, Im not sure if we can help you. She was about to turn us away [when I asked] about the ART team. And her face just lit up. Related Article Updated Gender Kids public hospital gender care ban extended despite inherent risks Stanley-Jones daughter spent weeks in hospital and was later diagnosed with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. The episode was triggered by a combination of her neurodevelopmental conditions and a sharp change in routine. Just saying those words got us [into the hospital], but what if you were someone who just turned up and didnt have that information, how would you get your child help? Stanley-Jones says. Advertisement He spoke to other people who had faced similar challenges navigating mental health systems for their kids. We decided we needed an organisation, and hence Raising Minds was formed in December 2022. From left to right: Raising Minds chief executive Craig Stanley-Jones, peer facilitation team leader Karen McCann and senior peer facilitator Sonya Farrugia. Courtney Kruk Raising Minds is a peer-led, lived-experience organisation offering workshops, information and resources. Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression affect an estimated one in seven Australian children aged between four and 17, with half of all adult mental illness beginning before the age of 14. Advertisement Stanley-Jones estimated 50,000 young people a stadium full of kids in Queensland who, alongside their families and carers, would benefit from their work. Benefit in the sense of navigating the mental health system, finding the right service, [and] getting an understanding of the education system as well. While some parents home-school as a preference, Stanley-Jones says he hears from many families who have abandoned mainstream school as a result of their childs neurodevelopmental or mental health challenges. The difficulty in keeping a kid going to school or engaged in school is part of the journey, and some of our workshops are just focused on navigating the education system, he said. Advertisement Home-schooling registrations have nearly doubled in Queensland since 2020, with about 11,800 students registered for home education as of August 2025. Related Article Education Home-school overhaul welcomed as state bows to parent power A survey of parents in 2023 revealed 61 per cent of the children being home-schooled in the state had a disability or health issue, including ADHD, autism or a mental health condition. Raising Minds has secured federal funding with Parent to Parent Association Qld Inc, a not-for-profit assisting people with disabilities and their families, to run the Resilience in Reach project which includes the delivery of nearly 60 workshops across Queensland. There are organisations working with parents, families, carers and kin in Queensland in the mental health space, but not in that child and youth space, which is very different, Stanley-Jones said. Advertisement Not everyone has the resources or knows where to turn to. Were trying to provide the torch in terms of the way ahead for people to find their way. If you, or someone you know, needs support you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. 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 major police investigation has been launched after the sudden death of a man on the Gold Coast on Friday. In a statement, Queensland Police said initial information indicates about 11.40am police were called to a property on Roundelay Drive to conduct a welfare check but a 55-year-old man was found dead at the home. A crime scene was declared about 8.30pm on Friday night. Investigations to determine the cause of the mans death are currently under way. Police ask anyone one with information about the incident, CCTV or dashcam vision should contact Policelink. Advertisement Exclusive NationalVictoriaPublic transport Hundreds injured in Melbournes e-scooter trial, new data shows Patrick Hatch January 24, 2026 12:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A More than 500 people reported being injured including 17 seriously in crashes while riding or being hit by a hired e-scooter during Melbournes controversial 2-year experiment with hire scheme operators Lime and Neuron. Data obtained by The Age reveals for the first time the number of injured riders and pedestrians recorded after the e-scooter trial was launched across inner Melbourne in early 2022. A Neuron scooter in South Melbourne on Friday. The scheme is still operating in the Port Phillip council area. Luis Enrique Ascui The City of Melbourne abruptly cancelled its contract with Lime and Neuron in August 2024, with Lord Mayor Nick Reece saying scooters were creating havoc on CBD footpaths. Lime and Neuron withdrew from the City of Yarra in March last year after the council increased its daily fee to from $1 to $5 per scooter to cover the cost of managing the scheme, but they continue to operate in the City of Port Phillip. Advertisement The state government declared the hire-scooter trial a success and legalised both hire schemes and privately owned e-scooters in July 2024. But it refused at the time to release information on the number of crashes and injuries recorded. Data obtained by The Age via a freedom-of-information request shows Lime and Neuron received 558 reports of injuries involving its scooters across the three local council areas between February 2022 and August 2024. Of those injuries, 180 people required medical treatment. Sixteen were admitted to hospital for more than 24 hours, and one scooter rider suffered life-threatening injuries. There were no fatal crashes. Pedestrians and other third-parties hit by hire scooter riders accounted for 37 injuries, including 15 who needed medical treatment and four who were admitted to hospital treatment for more than 24 hours. Advertisement The data shows Lime and Neuron also received 4837 complaints about poorly parked scooters and recorded 407 water vehicles meaning scooters that were dumped in rivers, lakes or the ocean. Lime and Neuron said the injury data showed their scooters were a relatively safe form of transport, considering customers took 9.4 million trips over that period, with 99.994 per cent of journeys ending safely and 0.073 serious injuries reported per 100,000 kilometres travelled. However, Reece said ending the e-scooter contract was absolutely the right decision. Too many people were being injured, and we acted to put safety first, he said. Unsafe riding and abandoned scooters blocking footpaths created real risks for pedestrians. The data does not capture privately owned e-scooters, which have been involved in fatal crashes in Victoria and have become the focus of public concern along with high-powered e-bikes. Advertisement Will Peters, head of Asia Pacific for Lime, said that unlike privately owned e-scooters, its devices were speed-limited to 20km/h, insured and operated with public oversight. Related Article E-Scooters The e-scooter loophole that left crash victim struggling to get by We are proud of the e-scooter service we provided in Melbourne, helping tens of thousands of residents and visitors travel more sustainably throughout the city, he said. A spokesperson for Neuron said Melbourne was one of its busiest cities worldwide for e-scooter trips before the City of Melbourne suspended its partnership. The vast majority of riders were behaving responsibly, the spokesperson said. But for those injured, the harm has been significant and long-lasting. Advertisement Adelaide woman Julia Miller suffered a broken shoulder and elbow when she was hit by a Lime scooter rider near the MCG in April 2022. Almost four years later, the 63-year-old still has limited use of one arm and sometimes uses a walker because of difficult balancing and related neck pain. Its been a major impact on my life in terms of everyday function, she said. Julia Miller, who was hit by a hire scheme scooter near the MCG, pictured in 2022. Ben Searcy Miller said she was glad to see the City of Melbourne eventually ended the scooter schemes, but said councils should have put more resources into ensuring they were used safely. These are big, heavy machines. If you jump on a bicycle you know how to ride it, but anyone can ride a scooter without knowing how to use it, she said. Miller is pursuing compensation from Lime for her injuries. Advertisement Pedestrians hit by hire scooters early in the trial found they were unable to claim on Lime and Neurons insurance policies if the rider was not wearing a helmet or breaking other road rules. Nick Mann, principal at compensation firm Polaris Lawyers, said his firm had received numerous inquiries from people seriously injured by e-scooters. Mann said the insurance policies had improved but still had critical gaps which are likely to leave people without coverage if they are injured by a rental scooter. We continue to recommend that Lime and other private rental companies should be required to pay to register e-scooters with the TAC scheme to provide better protection for injured Victorians, he said. Port Phillip Mayor Alex Makin said he was comfortable continuing to work with Lime and Neuron, with hire scooters providing a valuable service to cover gaps in the public transport network. Makin said there were 31,000 hire scooter trips and five reported minor incidents in December. E-scooter usage appears to be unequivocally responsible, he said. Advertisement Makin said safety and amenity concerns had been addressed by Lime and Neuron implementing footpath-riding detection technology, slow-riding and no-go zones and no-parking zones. Theres a greater level of comfort with how e-scooters are used in our community, Makin said. Hopefully, that serves as a benchmark for if the state government looks at a whole-of-Melbourne approach in terms of what should be implemented. Loading Victoria Walks chief executive Sarah Pilgrim said the hire scheme should only be expanded if there were effective measures to keep scooters off footpaths, along with enforceable parking rules, better on-road riding infrastructure, national safety standards and no-fault insurance for injured third-parties. When fast, heavy devices are introduced into [footpaths], even a small number of crashes can have very serious outcomes, Pilgrim said. When people dont feel safe in public space, they walk less, and that has serious consequences for physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection. Advertisement The injury data is based only on reports made to Lime and Neuron by riders or third parties, and could include false reports but also may not include injuries that were unreported. Lime and Neuron included the injury data in monthly reports to each council during the trial. Related Article Road safety Pedestrian fatalities reach 17-year-high. This trend could be why The Age lodged a freedom-of-information request to the City of Melbourne seeking those monthly reports in July 2024. The council agreed to provide the documents but Lime and Neuron took action in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to prevent their release, arguing they contained sensitive commercial information. During mediation at VCAT, the two companies agreed to release a combined incident dataset. Transport Accident Commission data shows that across the same February 2022 to August 2024 period, there were 13 road deaths in the Melbourne, Yarra and Port Phillip council areas, all of which were pedestrians hit by vehicles. Advertisement Lime and Neuron said water vehicles were remotely deactivated and thoroughly tested before returning to service. Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter. Sign up to receive it every Friday. Advertisement PoliticsFederalSharks Exactly what we need: Call for shark danger rating system Mike Foley January 25, 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 When the First Fleet sailed into Sydney Harbour in 1788, it abounded with marine life. Early settler journals recount sailors hauling in nets filled with hundreds of pounds of fish. One specimen weighed the equivalent of 150 kilograms and dwarfed those back home in Britain. A teeming foodchain supported big apex predators. Diarist George Worgan, a surgeon on the First Fleet, reported enormously large sharks that are very numerous. The astonishing video of a bull shark leaping from Sydneys Parramatta River last week recalls these early colonial accounts. The shark leaps out of the Parramatta River while Kings School rowers train in Sydney earlier this week. Scientists say decades of environmental protections are taking effect and the ecosystem is becoming cleaner and healthier. The 2006 ban on commercial fishing in Sydney Harbour is also increasing fish stocks. Advertisement But four shark attacks in the past week have revived the debate over shark culls and netted beaches. Related Article Sharks Yes, shark bites are becoming more common, but its complicated Experts who criticise these methods as false hope say the spate of attacks shows why Australia instead needs a shark danger rating system, like the fire danger rating systems used since the 1960s. A clean break with pollution There were 44 fatal shark attacks on Sydneys beaches and in its harbour from 1788 until 1962. Since then, there have been just three, beginning with actress Marcia Hathaway, who was killed by a shark at Middle Harbour in 1963. Advertisement Sydney Harbour was known as a dirty waterway for nearly 200 years, with run-off from heavy industry and sewerage. But stricter environmental protections mean it is starting to clean up and marine life is returning. A rare southern right whale delighted Sydneysiders when it entered the harbour in the winter of 1999. Now they are frequent visitors, sighted by tourists on whale watching cruises. Swimming in Sydney Harbour also used to be less common. But Barangaroos Marrinawi Cove, which opened in 2023, shows that, as the harbour cleans up, more people than ever are swimming in it and increasing the potential for shark encounters. People swim at Marrinawi Cove earlier this month. Dominic Lorrimer Global warming is also playing a part. Bull sharks, among the most dangerous for swimmers, now arrive in Sydney about a month earlier and stay a fortnight longer than they did 15 years ago due to rising ocean temperatures. The sharks prefer water that is above 22 degrees. Advertisement Since 1851, when records start on the Australian Shark-Incident Database, there have been 54 bull shark interactions in Sydney, as well as 25 with white sharks, three with whalers, three with tiger sharks, 33 with wobbegongs, and one with a grey nurse shark. Professor Culum Brown, a shark expert at Macquarie University, told this masthead in November that the rise in swimming was a driving factor. Its not the number of sharks thats going up its environmental changes and increases in the number of people who are engaging in water sports, he said. With climate change, you can swim off Sydney pretty much all year round now. Rating system not that hard to do Advertisement Greens senator Peter Whish-Wilson, a marine conservation campaigner, chaired Australias only parliamentary inquiry into shark management in 2017. Since then, there have been three shark fatalities in Sydney: at Little Bay in 2022, at Dee Why in September, and from an attack in Vaucluse last weekend. Surfers return to Dee Why beach a week after Mercury Psillakis was killed by a shark while surfing with friends. Sitthixay Ditthavong Whish-Wilson blamed the lack of action for a shark rating system on the reluctance of politicians to assume responsibility for the consequences of an ultimately uncontrollable natural phenomenon. Like the fire danger system, shark ratings would have consistent standards nationally, with state agencies using their current monitoring systems to issue low, medium and high alerts in their jurisdictions. Advertisement Warnings would be based on factors that drive the likelihood of human-shark interactions, including water temperature, murkiness, rainfall, recent shark sightings and encounters, ocean currents, and the presence of bait fish close to shore. I dont think itd be that hard to do, and its exactly what we needed [for] warning people in Sydney last week, said Whish-Wilson. As a surfer myself, and being a father of two surfers, I would certainly use a system like that. Sydney University Associate Professor Christopher Pepin-Neff has lobbied state and federal governments for more than a decade to implement a national warning system. Advertisement He said that while there was no guarantee people would adhere to warnings, such a system would at least enable them to make an educated choice. Related Article Sharks Tear gas for sharks: Non-lethal barriers proposed for Australian beaches They can make informed decisions as beachgoers and surfers. Whats lacking now is the platform to provide that information, Pepin-Neff said. Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt said human safety was his priority and local authorities were best placed to provide shark danger warnings. Public safety messaging needs to be clear, consistent and communicated in a way that doesnt confuse the community, Watt said. Advertisement Last week, Sydney copped 127 millimetres of rain in 24 hours. This created a particular risk because bull sharks enter estuaries to hunt the smaller fish that congregate to feed after downpours. Pepin-Neff said Sydney should have had a high danger rating for at least three days after the rain. Related Article Vale Shark attack victim Nico Antic, 12, dies in hospital Australian Marine Conservation Society shark scientist and shark campaigner Leonardo Guida said a warning system would be a useful safety measure, but must be designed with community input to generate buy-in. Bull sharks have lived in Sydney Harbour for millennia and a healthy Sydney Harbour, however thats achieved, is really important for peoples work, play, and culture, he said. In order to coexist with a healthy harbour, we have to look at evidence-based measures that can improve safety. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Australia head of oceans Richard Leck agreed there was a lot of opportunity for Australia to develop much better systems to inform beachgoers in real time when conditions increase the risk of shark attacks. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Our fortnightly Environment newsletter brings you the news, the issues and the solutions. Sign up here. What are the US presidents actual plans? And what of bringing about dignity for the people of Gaza and security for Israelis and Palestinians? Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A Washington: In November, US President Donald Trump was hosting a lavish dinner for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman when he casually mentioned his grander plans for a fledgling Board of Peace. Its covering Gaza, but itll end up covering large portions of the world, he told his White House audience. What had, until then, been a vehicle to oversee the rebuilding of Gaza after two years of Israeli bombardment in its war against Hamas - and perhaps an attempt to forge peace between Israelis and Palestinians - was quickly transforming into something broader and more nebulous. By the time this weeks World Economic Forum in Davos rolled around, many were speculating the US president wanted the Board of Peace to replace the United Nations. It might, he said before he left Washington, complaining that the UN had not helped with any of the eight wars he claims to have ended. [But] I believe youve got to let the UN continue because the potential is so great. In Davos, Trumps envoy-for-everything, Steve Witkoff, was also bullish on the boards remit. We have created a sense of hope for what the future can bring in Gaza, and all other places where the Board of Peace will operate, he said. The signing ceremony also unveiled the Board of Peace logo, which bears a close resemblance to the UNs logo, except that the map is edited to show only the Americas, its gold-coloured, and it is set in a golden laurel wreath. What, then, are Trumps actual plans? And where does this leave the imperative tasks of bringing about dignity for the people of Gaza and security for Israelis and Palestinians? Donald Trump hinted at his broader plans for the Board of Peace during a dinner for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in November. AP Advertisement Whos in, and whos missing? The 18 men and one woman who joined Trump on stage to inaugurate the board in Davos hardly represented a roll call of major world leaders. Among them were Argentinas President Javier Milei, Hungarys Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Azerbaijan. Absent were major world powers, Western democratic countries, Israel and the Palestinian Authority although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wanted by the International Criminal Court on war crimes charges, has indicated he will join, as will Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose full-scale invasion of Ukraine is about to enter its fifth year. A great group of people, Trump enthused from the podium in Davos. Every one of thems a friend of mine I like every single one of them. The board could be one of the most consequential bodies ever created, he said. Once it was fully formed, we can do pretty much whatever we want to do, but it would work with the UN rather than trying to replace it. Comically, Trump also claimed that he was honoured to have been asked to chair the board. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would consider Trumps invitation for Australia to join the group, but it was not a priority given legislative matters following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. Advertisement Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney, who stunned Davos by calling time on the rules-based international order and American hegemony, also raised doubts about the Board of Peace. We need to work on the actual structure, Carney said, arguing it would be better designed to solve the immediate problems in Gaza, rather than its seemingly global mandate. (On Friday, Trump withdrew the invitation for Canada to join.) The signing ceremony unveiled the Board of Peace logo, which bears a close resemblance to the UNs logo, except that the map shows only the Americas, it is coloured gold and it is set in a golden laurel wreath. Getty Images Richard Haass, president emeritus at the Council on Foreign Relations, told CNN the board was a pretty ragtag bunch. The mission of this outfit is a little bit suspect, he said. They want to move beyond Gaza, but its not like theyve succeeded in Gaza. The grunt work of the organisation is likely to be overseen by its executive, which the White House unveiled last week. It comprises US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (whose resume continues to expand), Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, Witkoff, former British prime minister Tony Blair, World Bank president Ajay Banga, billionaire asset manager Marc Rowan and Trumps deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel. Trump has also appointed to the board two senior advisers: Aryeh Lightstone, who previously advised Trumps first-term ambassador to Israel, and Josh Gruenbaum, a former director of private equity firm KKR whom Trump tapped for a key role in the US General Services Administration. Advertisement Sarah Yerkes, a senior fellow in the Middle East program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, says there are a few positive signs the inclusion of Banga, a serious figure in global finance, and investment gurus, given the amount of money that will be required to rebuild Gaza. But there are no Israelis or Palestinians on the executive itself, nor diplomats or people with deep experience in the region. Blairs inclusion is ridiculous, Yerkes says. Hes kind of a joke. Theres a lot of people out there that have the credentials of a Tony Blair who have actually worked on the conflict and could come in. The fact Israel is not yet participating in the board at large should be a massive red flag, she says. They are setting themselves up for failure. New plans for Gaza Plans for the redevelopment of Gaza released by the White House and President Donald Trumps Board of Peace. In Davos, Kushner unveiled a more detailed version of Trumps plans for Gaza. A new master plan involves progressively rebuilding the territory, starting with Rafah in the south in phase 1A, and working north to Gaza City in phase 4. The plan shows New Gaza occupied by rebuilt cities, residential areas, industrial zones with data centres and advanced manufacturing, a seaport, an airport and a narrow strip of high-rise towers on the coast which Trump has previously called a potential Riviera of the Middle East. Advertisement Meanwhile, a slide promoting New Rafah promised 100,000 homes, 200 education centres, 180 cultural and religious centres and 75 medical facilities. In the beginning, we were toying with the idea of saying, Lets build a free zone, and then well have a Hamas zone, Kushner told the audience. Then we said, You know what, lets just plan for catastrophic success. Hamas signed a deal to demilitarise, thats what were going to enforce. People ask us what our plan B is we do not have a plan B. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the presentation about Gazas future at the World Economic Forum. Getty Images The PowerPoint presentation suggested Gaza would have a gross domestic product of $US10 billion ($14.6 billion) by 2035, and an average annual household income of $US13,000. It would attract $US25 billion of investment in utilities and public services alone, creating more than 500,000 jobs in construction, agriculture, services and the digital economy. In the Middle East, they built cities like this in three years, Kushner said. Stuff like this is very doable if we make it happen. Plans for the redevelopment of Gaza released by the White House and President Donald Trumps Board of Peace. Advertisement Advertisement Updated WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America US reels after second citizen fatally shot by federal agents in three weeks Michael Koziol Updated January 25, 2026 4:33pm ,first published January 25, 2026 3:22am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Minneapolis: The US is reeling and a political reckoning is looming after an American citizen was shot dead by federal agents in Minneapolis, less than three weeks after Renee Good was killed in the same city by another immigration enforcement officer. Shocking video captured the moment the man, later identified by his family as Alex Pretti, was wrestled to the footpath by federal agents before an officer fired several gunshots and Pretti stopped moving. Alex Pretti, 37, was shot by a federal officer in Minneapolis on Saturday. Michael Pretti Pretti was an intensive care nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Minneapolis. He was born in Illinois. In a statement, his parents Michael and Susan Pretti said their son was a kindhearted soul whose last act was to protect a woman at the incident scene. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact, they said. Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man. Advertisement As with Good on January 7, the circumstances of Prettis death were immediately and hotly contested by the warring sides of American politics, despite footage that showed an outnumbered Pretti on the ground and seemingly without a weapon in hand. WARNING: VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC CONTENT Loading The Department of Homeland Security said Pretti was carrying a 9mm semi-automatic handgun when he approached the officers as they were conducting a targeted operation against an illegal immigrant with a criminal record on Saturday morning, local time, in a suburb of Minneapolis. The officers attempted to disarm the suspect, but the armed suspect violently resisted. More details on the armed struggle are forthcoming, DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. Advertisement Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. But footage of the incident appears to show Pretti holding a phone, not a gun. While DHS said he approached officers with a weapon, they did not say whether he was brandishing it when he was killed. Federal agents point weapons at protesters near the site of the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. AP Both Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino avoided answering that question directly when asked at separate news conferences following the shooting. An investigation was under way into the details of the incident, they said. Advertisement Bovino said it looked like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement. Minneapolis police chief Brian OHara said Pretti was licensed to hold the firearm, and it is legal to carry such a weapon in the state of Minnesota. Pretti had no criminal record other than minor traffic infringements, he said. Federal agents fired tear gas during clashes with anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis on Saturday, US time. AP Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the footage of the incident clearly showed more than six masked agents pummelling one of our constituents, shooting him to death. He pleaded with US President Donald Trump to end ICEs special enforcement operation in Minneapolis, saying a great American city was being invaded by its own federal government. Advertisement How many more residents, how many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end? Frey said. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he had spoken with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles following the shooting and demanded she withdraw ICE from the state. The state must conduct the investigation, he told her. Loading Minnesotas justice system will have the last word on this. It must have the last word on this, Walz said. The federal government cannot be trusted to lead this investigation. The state will handle it, period. Walz said he had seen the sickening video from several angles. Its a campaign of organised brutality against our state, he said. This needs to be the event that says: enough. Advertisement Hundreds of protesters who swarmed to the location where Pretti was killed clashed with federal agents on Minneapolis frosty streets throughout the afternoon. Officers repeatedly fired tear gas and pepper balls at demonstrators, who yelled shame and f--- ICE. Local police deemed it an unauthorised gathering and dispatched officers to the scene. The city also requested assistance from the Minnesota National Guard, and Walz said it had been activated. A protester is pepper sprayed at close range while being detained near the site of the shooting. AP Tensions between ICE and anti-ICE activists in Minneapolis have been extraordinarily high since Good was fatally shot on January 7. Confrontations have been occurring daily amid ICEs ongoing special enforcement operation, which the Trump administration has vowed to intensify. In the Good case, Noem said within hours of the incident that the 37-year-old mother was participating in domestic terrorism and that the ICE agent shot her in self-defence, despite footage casting doubt on that narrative. Advertisement A similar narrative played out on Saturday. Homeland Security adviser Stephen Miller called Pretti a domestic terrorist and a would-be assassin. He said Democrats had been fuelling anti-ICE activity for months. Vice President JD Vance said ICE wanted to work with local police to defuse tensions, but it was barred by the states Democratic leaders. This level of engineered chaos is unique to Minneapolis, he said. It is the direct consequence of far-left agitators, working with local authorities. Protesters advance towards federal agents with their hands up near the site of the fatal shooting. AP In a lengthy social media post, Trump posted a photo of the gun that allegedly belonged to the deceased man, blaming Walz and Frey for inciting insurrection with pompous, dangerous and arrogant rhetoric. These sanctimonious political fools should be looking for the Billions of Dollars that has been stolen from the people of Minnesota, and the United States of America, Trump said, referring to alleged welfare fraud by migrants in the state. LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB! Advertisement Democrats, including centrists who have opposed moves to abolish ICE, said they would try to block a funding bill for the DHS that recently passed the House of Representatives but is yet to pass the Senate. Related Article Analysis Trump's America In Trumps America, the right to bear arms now puts a target on your back Hakeem Jeffries, leader of the Democrats in the House of Representatives, said Trump and the Republican Party were trying to gaslight the nation. Trust your eyes. Not extremist lies. The video exposing the brutal slaying of VA nurse Alex Pretti speaks for itself, he said. Masked and lawless DHS agents have brutally killed another American citizen in Minneapolis. Donald Trumps extremists have unleashed this carnage on the streets of America. They must all be held criminally accountable to the full extent of the law. Advertisement Some Republicans also expressed unease about what unfolded. Republicans on the House committee on homeland security reiterated their request for ICE and Border Patrol leadership to testify before Congress. Republican senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana said the events in Minneapolis were incredibly disturbing and called for a joint federal and state investigation. The credibility of ICE and DHS are at stake, he said. We can trust the American people with the truth. With AP Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement Updated WorldNorth AmericaExtreme weather More than a million without power as massive winter storm hits US Steve Gorman and Blake Brittain Updated January 26, 2026 3:29pm ,first published January 24, 2026 3:47pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Washington: A powerful winter storm spread a paralysing mix of heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain from the Ohio Valley and mid-South to New England on Sunday, local time, compounded by bitter, Arctic cold gripping much of the US east of the Rockies. Winter storm warnings were posted for most of the eastern third of the United States, covering 118 million people, as the deep freeze strained energy supplies in some areas, and the National Weather Service predicted widespread, prolonged travel disruptions. Loading An estimated 157 million Americans were warned to bundle up against cold ranging from sub-zero temperatures along the Canadian border to below-freezing as far south as the Gulf of Mexico. The Arctic blast was accompanied by gusty conditions that sent wind-chill conditions a measure of how cold it feels based on the rate of heat loss from the body plunging as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 45 degrees Celsius) in the northern Plains. Advertisement Deep snow, thick ice Some of the heaviest snowfall, up to 30.5 centimetres or more since the storm developed on Friday, was measured on Sunday in parts of Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The US Capitol weathers heavy snow in Washington, DC. Bloomberg A bulldozer piles up snow in Boston, Massachusetts. Bloomberg New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she had mobilised National Guard troops in New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley to assist with the states emergency storm response. Advertisement The onslaught of snow, ice and winds hit air travel especially hard, with major carriers forced to cancel more than 11,000 US flights scheduled for Sunday, according to an industry tracking service FlightAware.com. Ronald Reagan National Airport, located in northern Virginia just across the Potomac River from Washington, was effectively closed altogether. Airports serving other major metropolitan areas, including New York, Philadelphia and Charlotte, North Carolina, had at least 80 per cent of their Sunday flights cancelled, FlightAware data showed. Power outages were widespread across the South, where freezing rain deposited layers of ice up to 2.5-centimetres thick, toppling tree limbs and transmission lines. Advertisement More than 1 million homes and businesses in eight states from Texas to the Carolinas were without electricity at the height of the storm on Sunday, according to utility data posted online. Tennessee bore the greatest brunt of energy cuts, accounting for about a third of all the outages. More than 800,000 electricity customers remained without power as of 9.29pm EST (1.29pm AEDT Monday), according to PowerOutage.us. A delivery worker rides a bike during the storm. Bloomberg Federal, state governments declare emergencies In parts of the mid-Atlantic, heavy snow early in the day gave way to sleet and freezing rain, adding to treacherous driving conditions and making it more difficult for street crews to safely clear road surfaces. View post on X Advertisement Heavy ice was reported by the weather service to be accumulating across the interior sections of the Eastern seaboard as far south as Atlanta, as the low-pressure system driving the storm moved through the Appalachian Mountains. Calling the storm historic, US President Donald Trump on Saturday approved federal emergency disaster declarations for a dozen states, mostly in the mid-South. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia declared weather emergencies on Saturday. New Yorkers out in the storm. Ying Xiang Tan People ice skate in the Boston Common. Bloomberg The Department of Energy on Saturday issued an emergency order authorising the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to deploy backup generation resources at data centres and other major facilities, aiming to limit blackouts in the state. On Sunday, the DOE issued an emergency order to authorise grid operator PJM Interconnection to run specified resources in the mid-Atlantic region, regardless of limits due to state laws or environmental permits. Advertisement While the storm system was expected to drift away from the East Coast into the Atlantic on Monday, more Arctic air was forecast to rush in behind it, prolonging bitter cold, icy conditions over the next few days, the weather service said. An American Airlines plane at LaGuardia Airport in New York. Bloomberg The situation with this storm is pretty unique, just because its going to stay cold for a period of time, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on the Fox News Sunday Briefing program. This ice that has fallen will keep those [power] lines heavy, even if they havent gone down immediately. Reuters Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Extreme weather USA Arctic Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaOrganised crime Modern-day El Chapo: Fugitive Olympian accused of murder and running major drug ring arrested Amy Taxin , Russ Bynum and Julie Watson January 24, 2026 12:31pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Ontario, California: Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, a top FBI fugitive accused of moving more than 60 tonnes of cocaine into the US annually and orchestrating several killings, was arrested in Mexico and then flown to California, officials said. Wedding, 44, turned himself in at the US embassy in Mexico City. FBI Director Kash Patel said his arrest came after US investigators worked with authorities in Mexico, Canada, Colombia and the Dominican Republic for more than a year. Ryan Wedding competing for Canada during the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games. Getty Images Officials say Wedding moved cocaine between Colombia, Mexico, Canada and Southern California, and they believe he was working under the protection of the Sinaloa Cartel one of Mexicos most powerful drug rings. Authorities said his aliases included El Jefe,, Public Enemy and James Conrad Kin. Patel described Wedding as the largest narco-trafficker in modern times, akin to notorious drug lords such as Joaquin El Chapo Guzman and Pablo Escobar. Advertisement Hes the modern-day El Chapo, Patel told a news conference on Friday, California time, comparing Wedding to the legendary former Sinaloa cartel kingpin, who is imprisoned in the US after pleading guilty to drug-trafficking charges. Wedding was previously convicted in the US of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to prison in 2010, federal records show. He now faces charges related to running a multinational drug trafficking ring and the killings of a federal witness and three other people. An image taken from video and provided by the FBI shows Wedding being taken off a plane at Ontario International Airport in California on Friday. AP It was not immediately known if Wedding had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. He had no lawyers listed in federal court records for the cases pending against him. US authorities believe the former Olympian, who competed in a single event for his home country in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, had been hiding in Mexico for more than a decade before his apprehension. Advertisement Wedding was added to the FBIs Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list last March, and authorities had offered a $US15 million ($22 million) reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction. When you go after a guy like Ryan Wedding, it takes a united front, and thats what youre seeing here, said Patel, who declined to give details about the arrest. He praised Mexicos government and global partnerships for their roles in the operation. Wedding is expected to appear in federal court Monday, said Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI field office in Los Angeles. Davis said 36 people have been arrested in connection with the drug ring Wedding is accused of running, and authorities seized large volumes of drugs, weapons and cash, along with millions of dollars worth of automobiles, motorcycles, artwork and jewellery from Wedding and others charged in the case. Advertisement Wedding was indicted in the US in 2024 on federal charges of running a criminal enterprise, murder, conspiring to distribute cocaine and other crimes. FBI director Kash Patel takes questions during a press conference on the tarmac. MediaNews Group via Getty Images The indictment says Wedding ran a billion-dollar drug trafficking group that was the largest supplier of cocaine to Canada. The group obtained cocaine from Colombia and worked with Mexican drug cartels to move drugs by boat and plane to Mexico and then into the US using semitrailers, the indictment said. It said the group stored cocaine in Southern California before sending it to other US states and Canada. The murder charges accuse Wedding of directing the 2023 killings of two members of a Canadian family in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment, and for ordering a killing over a drug debt in 2024. Advertisement Last November, Wedding was indicted on new charges of orchestrating the killing of a witness in Colombia to help him avoid extradition to the US. Loading Authorities said Wedding and co-conspirators used a Canadian website called The Dirty News to post a photograph of the witness so he could be identified and killed. The witness was then followed to a restaurant in Medellin in January and shot in the head. Weddings arrest was also applauded in Canada, where he faces separate drug trafficking charges that date back to 2015. Gary Anandasangaree, Canadas minister of public safety, called it a significant step forward in an international fight against illegal drugs. Related Article Trump's White House White House posts altered image showing arrested protester crying Advertisement Patel identified a second apprehended fugitive as Alejandro Rosales Castillo, a 27-year-old US citizen charged with murder in the 2016 killing of a North Carolina woman. He also faces a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. According to the FBI, Castillo was arrested a week ago in Mexico. Mexico has increasingly sent detained cartel members to the US as it attempts to offset mounting threats by US President Donald Trump, who said last month US forces will now start hitting land south of the border to target drug trafficking rings. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Organised crime Crime Mexico USA FBI Olympics Canada Stephen Maguire Renowned editor and journalist Paddy Clancy has died aged 82. Mr Clancy was one of Irelands most respected journalists and had a lengthy career, holding executive positions in both Irish and British national newspapers and radio over a 62-year-long career. He passed away at Sligo University Hospital, surrounded by his family on Friday. He was the Bureau Chief for The Irish Sun until his retirement, along with being a regular columnist for that paper and rival title The Irish Mirror. The outspoken journalist was also news editor at the former Century Radio when it began operations and was the voice of RTE Radios It says in the papers for many years. Mr Clancy also presented the Ocean Current current affairs show on Saturday mornings on Ocean FM. He was also given a lifetime achievement award for work in media. Some of his reporting included Bloody Sunday in 1972 whee 14 people lost their lives, and from war-ravaged Somalia in 1990. Originally from Bridge Street, Sligo town Mr Clancy lived in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal for many years. His first journalism job was in the Sligo Champion. The popular journalist previously wrote: In between there was a multiplicity of adventures that brought me to the wilds of the African jungle, the mysterious Orient, the dry Sahara desert, the gauchos of Argentina, and even the Oval Office in the White House. Tributes have begun pouring in from many others working in journalism and from political circles. Gerry Curran, President of the National Union of Journalists in Ireland and the UK described Mr Clancy as a thoroughly decent guy. So helpful. Dave OConnell, editor of the Connacht Tribune, said: End of an era. Very sad news. PR executive and former RTE journalist Paul Allen said: Very sad news, Paddy was a legend! Thoughts and prayers for family and friends. STANDING in the hallway of Carlow College of Music, its founder, Majella Swan, is surrounded by the faces of students past and present the walls are lined with framed pictures of concerts and prize givings. The college continues to celebrate its 35th anniversary this year since it was founded in 1990 by Majella and her friend Maggie Brady, who has since passed away, but whose contributions are remembered affectionately. As Majella walks down the hall, she stops at nearly every photo or award to talk about the students in question. She takes one small photo off the wall. This lady was in her 90s and she took up piano again after learning it as a child. She passed away last year. She was such a lovely woman and so good. She gave money to support children who wanted to learn but dont have the full fee, Majella said. Mrs Pamela Young. She had to go by Mrs Pamela Young because I was younger than her, so I had to address her by her full name. Majella carefully hangs the photo back up on the wall and continues on. Thats Brian Kehoe, one of my full-time teachers. He studied here, went on to study music and has come back now to work with us, Majella said. Theres a great sense of pride there. Its lovely to see that they have had the interest to continue in their studies. Brian is one of a number of former students who have returned to the college as teachers over the years. Majella next stops in front of some collages of different trips that the Carlow Youth Orchestra, which she began in 1996, has taken over the years. Majella in full flight as she conducts young musicians during the Carlow College of Music concert "Meet the Orchestra" in Visual Photo: Michael O'Rourke Weve travelled the world, you know. We were in Prague in 2005, teamed up with an orchestra in Belgium. We have been to Slovenia. A big highlight for the orchestra is playing in the Association of Youth Orchestras Festival. Weve played in that at least four or five times. Its held in the National Concert Hall in Dublin. Weve got a good few achievement awards for that. Today, Majella runs the Carlow Youth Orchestra for older children and because of demand has since started The Staves, an orchestra for younger children. She also runs a choir for primary aged children called Sing It Out, a brass ensemble named No Strings Attached, and a guitar club. When asked if she thought that the college would still be going strong 35 years after she started it, Majella said: No, I didnt. I was just trying to keep going, you know. Majella and Maggie started by giving lessons to students in two rooms above Majellas fathers shop, Swans Supermarket on Kennedy Street. In 1993, Majella and her husband Stephen bought their home and Majella began to give lessons out of their house, but eventually the demand was such that they built the annexe. Today Majella employs 16 different music teachers and lessons are given in the annexe, in Askea parish centre and Presentation College. While there is much to celebrate as the college looks back on its 35 year anniversary, Majella admits that running an arts organisation can be challenging financially. For the last 13 years, the college has put on a two-day music festival where each student is encouraged to perform at least one piece. Each year, Majella invites a professional music adjudicator to judge the performances. Its quite costly to put on the music festival by the time you pay the adjudicator and the venue and all that, so I never make ends meet for it. It would be nice to have some financial support to run the music festival, Majella said. Staffing is a source of near constant stress for Majella as she said: If youre looking for a particular instrument and you have to go outside Carlow, its quite tricky to get teachers to come to Carlow for just a few hours of teaching. If you lose a teacher, trying to get a replacement can be quite tricky. I have found that in the last few years, even getting a commitment from teachers who might say you know, Im just coming for the year, whereas I like to keep the teacher longer because that continuity is very important. Despite all the stresses and strains of running an arts organisation, Majella says that what has kept her going for the past 35 years is thinking about the bigger picture in terms of the long-term, positive impact on a childs life. If youre giving a child the opportunity to learn an instrument, I do think its a gift for life. I suppose because Im passionate about music, I forget about all the negatives and just keep going, Majella said, Hopefully, Ill keep going as long as Im able to. Ryo Orikasa is quickly becoming one of the great poets of animation. His works from early pieces like Writings Fly Away and Echo Chamber, and the music video The State of Things, to the trilogy of award winners Datum Point, Miserable Miracle, and his latest, The Graffiti all explore literature and the beauty and fragility of the written word. In films like Miserable Miracle and Writings Fly Away, the text itself becomes a character, dancing and darting, forming and collapsing on the screen. Orikasas road to animation was, not surprisingly, unconventional. It wasnt until university, when he was about eighteen, that he really encountered the art form. He found an article in a manga magazine that introduced the work of Czech animator Jan Svankmajer. There was a still from one of his films, and I was immediately drawn to it. I bought a DVD of his work around 2005, and I still feel his influence very strongly. Orikasa was especially attracted to the earlier films from the 1960s to 1980s, like The House of Usher, based on Edgar Allan Poe. He used literature very directlyEdgar Allan Poe, Lewis Carrolland the way he referenced and transformed literary works into animation was really inspiring for me, Orikasa says. Up to that point, I hadnt seen much animation at all, but I read a lot of literature. So when I finally found Svankmajer, it felt like a bridge between what I was already interested inbooksand this new territory of animation. During his third year at university, Orikasa started attending film and video classes at Image Forum. I studied at a university in Ibaraki Prefecture, about two hours from Tokyo. In my third year there, I started attending classes at Image Forum in Shibuyaa kind of informal school for experimental film and video. At Image Forum I took workshops with different people, including Nobuhiro Aihara. After graduating from Ibaraki University, I entered Tokyo University of the Arts in 2009. With Orikasas student film, Writings Fly Away (Scripta volant), his voice is already there, especially his fascination with text and literature. Orikasa traces that focus back through his early work. At some point I realized, Ah, my interest is really in writing, and that this was something I wanted to pursue inside animation. Writings Fly Away is loosely based on Oscar Wildes story, The Happy Prince. Theres a famous story that when he was nine years old Jorge Luis Borges translated Oscar Wildes The Happy Prince from English into Spanish, says Orikasa. The translation was so good that it was published in the newspaper. People suspected his father must have done it, but it was really Borges himself. The Happy Prince is about a statue that gives away its eyes to the townspeople. Borges did this translation as a child, and it became his first published work. It feels miraculous that someone who would later lose his vision began his literary life by translating a story about eyes and sacrifice. That paradox, that strange symmetry, became the inspiration for Writings Fly Away. The movement from clear letters to blurred, fragmented text in the film is very much tied to that blindness. In the film, lines appear across the page as they are spoken by the narrator, each new line erasing the previous one. Soon, the letters begin to dance across the frame. The word tears cries black on the frame. The word swallow sprouts wings and flies. With each new page the words become more abstract and erratic, eschewing the orderly left-to-right progression, sometimes appearing bunched together in corners of the frame. The text becomes increasingly abstract, taken over by pictures. It might be an homage to Borges it is a story about not having eyes, after all but Orikasas interpretation also inserts his voice as a visual, experimental artist. The shift from drawn work to clay in Datum Point (2015) came partly from Svankmajer. Looking back, I think Svankmajers House of Usher, especially his use of clay, did influence me, he says. Datum Point is based on the work of Japanese poet Yoshiro Ishihara. He once wrote that writing a poem is like kneading clay. Theres a very physical resistanceyou have to push through it. That idea of kneading, of wrestling with a lump of language, really stayed with me. Writing felt like a material struggle, and clay gave me a way to embody that in animation. Datum Point (2015) is a calm, Zen clay animation that captures the serenity of the sea, the soothing rush of the waves, the Heraclitean reminder that all is in motion, never the same. Waves of clay rush across the screen in different directions, forming different shapes before vanishing beyond our sight lines. They move fast, without pause, yet theres no fear: its a hypnotic, almost soothing aggression. Words begin to form in the waves. Everything gathers, as though in search of a form, but the formlessness the urgent rush for the form is the form itself. Like identity, theres no fixed state; its a fluid, constantly shifting process. The drone of Shun Owadas soundscape lulls us along the way. Silence, or something close to it, is crucial to the film. When I read Ishiharas original poems, I simply didnt hear anything, Orikasa says. No voice came to mind. There are recordings of him reciting his work, but I always felt that he wasnt especially interested in performance. So for Datum Point, silence felt right. If I had forced a voice onto it, it would have betrayed that initial experience of readingof not hearing. Throughout Orikasas work, there is a shift in technique, but he says it is not something he does consciously. Its more that each original text I work with demands a different technique. In trying to respond honestly to the text, I end up developing new methods. The style shifts because the literary source is different. In Miserable Miracle (2023), Orikasa draws from Henri Michauxs book of poetry and drawings about his experiences with mescaline. I read Henri Michauxs work in Japanese translation around 2012, he says. Of course its made of nothing but letters on a page, but when I read it I had an overwhelming flood of images. The structure of Michauxs book struck him. On the page there are essentially two rows of text: a main text and, running alongside it, something like notes, summaries, or parallel thoughts. They overlap and contradict each other. Michaux said this form reflected his experience of writing under the influence of mescaline, when several streams of thought run at once. Words appear and start to vibrate and darken. Letters take on human forms and walk across the page. Hasty sketches of mountains form, collapse, and merge. Then whiteness, followed by a sea of words floating about. Suddenly there is a shift to colour as the narrators voice occasionally breaks in two basically a guy on a drug trip, it seems. At times the voice feels like too much, pulling us away from private moments with the imagery, but maybe thats the point: written words, voices, drawings, colours all colliding. A cleaning woman interrupts with a knock. He wants to punch her. The letters make violent gestures. A beautiful collage of bubbling, torn colour shapes appears, then everything breaks apart and turns to black. The writing, the drug trip its finished. The miracle of the miserable has concluded. Finding the balance between sound and image is always tricky. Very difficult, Orikasa admits. My usual process is to record the voice first and then build the animation around it. Later I sometimes listen only to the voice and think, Maybe this alone is enough. Maybe the audience can imagine the images without me drawing them. Im still exploring that relationshipthe distance, or lack of distance, between sound and image. Ideally, my films could stand on the voice alone, but often I find myself drawn to adding other sounds or music as I work. With The Graffiti (2025), Orikasa returns to Japanese literature. Rakugaki (The Graffiti) is the second installment in the Bungaku Bideo series, which fuses Japanese literature with animation. For this short, he selects a prose poem by Makoto Takayanagi, narrated by the poet himself. The poem evokes a restless night wandering urban streets until the tired dawn reveals a blot of black graffiti. The speaker describes repeated, futile attempts to erase the markonly for it to reappear. Orikasas delicate pencil and ink-on-paper drawings capture the blurred fragility of Takayanagis words. The film unfolds into a dance between written and spoken language and image, celebrating graffiti-stained urban spaces and the new meanings they impart, like theatrical stage sets. The speaker could be a city cleaner doomed to scrub away the graffiti or a passerby in the throes of insomnia. Words are merely written on the surfaces of things, says Orikasa, but I had the intuition that when the words change to something completely different, this world would also radically change. Looking across his films, it might seem like Orikasa is constantly changing styles, but for him its simply a matter of following the text. It doesnt come from a strategic desire to change style, he says. It comes from following the demands of each text. With Graffiti, for example, I felt the writer used words like objects. I wanted to use something very tangible that I could feel with my hands. In the end, most of the objects in Graffiti are not clay but Styrofoam. The amount of legible lettering in my recent films has actually been decreasing. There are more patterns and more purely visual elements now. In a way, all of my works up to this point may have been a long preparation for saying goodbye to wordsmoving beyond literal text. His process is a mixture of planning and improvisation. There are always things I can decide in advance and things I cant, he explains. If I know which text Im working with, I can estimate how many frames Ill need and how long the film will be. But how those frames are filledwhat happens in each shotis often improvised. Datum Point was the most shocking example of this. I spent about a year shooting it. For the first two months I did some previews, but for the next ten months I didnt preview anything. I didnt use Dragonframe or do line tests. I just kept shooting, like working with film stock, and only at the end did I finally see what Id done. The same is true, to a degree, for Miserable Miracle. I try not to go back and fix things. I think of the act of making the film as one continuous event, and the finished film is simply a recording of that event. Most recently, Orikasa has started collaborating with Boris Labbe on a project. This is my first co-directed work, he says. Boris was making his first VR piece, Ito Meikyu, based loosely on a tale from The Tale of Genji and The Pillow Book, and he needed Japanese calligraphyJapanese text as a visual element. Thats how he invited me. Through all these shifts, Orikasa keeps returning to writing: words that move, blur, vanish, and sublimely stain the silence they emerge from. Director William David Caballero has spent the past twenty years of his life and career documenting his Puerto Rican family their lives, their struggles, their connection, and kindred qualities through hybrid documentary works that fuse live-action footage, 2D and 3D animation, and physical miniature models. The first of these projects to hit the festival circuit, the short Victor & Isolina, documented his grandparents separation through recorded duologue and screened at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. Caballero returned to Sundance in 2022 with the follow-up short Chilly and Milly, which explored the impact of his fathers kidney failure on his parents. This year, Caballero brings his feature debut, TheyDream, to Sundance. Produced by Colibri Creative Media, the film will world premiere on Friday, January 23. Working in collaboration with his mother, the filmmaker recreates, reconstructs, and rotoscopes key experiences and moments of family members who are no longer with them. A testament spoken in the language that comes most naturally to its artist, the film is a poignant portrait of remembering, healing, self-discovery, and self-acceptance. The director also gave us access to an exclusive clip from the film, seen below: Ahead of the films premiere, Cartoon Brew sat down with Caballero to discuss the many techniques, tools, and memories at play in his intrinsically singular film. Cartoon Brew: Whats it like to share something so deeply personal in the form of this artistic document, which will be seen by thousands of people? Why is it your personal impulse to share your personal histories with people far beyond your own family, and what does that artistic act mean to you? William David Caballero: Its difficult growing up as a Puerto Rican in the United States, especially when I did, in the 80s and 90s. Puerto Rico is an island thats been dominated and, in many ways, disrespected by the United States. And beyond that, I grew up in the South. That was really a culture shock for my family, who grew up in New York City. We were somewhat poor. My parents were disabled, and I lived in a trailer in my grandmothers backyard. So by American societal standards, it kind of seemed like our stories werent meant to be important or relevant, and that we were deemed to be living in the shadows. When I turned on the TV, I never saw authentic representations of people who looked like me. I remember feeling there was something very wrong about that. As time went on, I decided I could be someone who creates work in opposition to that. It all started with me making a short film, and then a short series, about my grandfather, featuring 3D-printed miniatures of him. I was so incredibly moved when people who saw the film who were White, Black, Arabic, Asian, Jewish, people from other ethnicities would say, Wow, your grandfather is just like my grandfather. I realised that our family resonates with the universality of familial archetypes, and the more I presented them in their true humanity, the more I realised this film could be a bridge that connects different audiences who may not even know what a Puerto Rican familial dynamic is like. And thats how you build acceptance. Ive always felt that diversity is an incredibly beautiful word, even though a certain president of ours thinks its evil. Having made those short films, what made you decide to develop this concept into a feature? I felt it was a natural evolution of doing these shorts, and that a feature would challenge me to tell a story that could grow and evolve, with different arcs within it. I think its easier to make a short, because theres less payoff to think about. With a feature, you can set something up in the first five minutes that gets paid off 60 minutes later, so its a lot to think about. This film would encompass all of the short films that came before it and speak to the nature of craft. It enabled us to go back and forth in time a lot; well be in the present one moment, then in 1987, then in 1994. It gave me more time to tell a story that unfolds over many different periods in the history of our family. Could you outline for us the different animation styles, materials, and software you used to create this film? I used Adobe Creative Suite for much of the editing, and After Effects for compositing. I have a strong team of animators who use a variety of different programs. The 3D animators use Blender and Unreal. We used EbSynth extensively for rotoscoping. The sets are all physically built in miniature. I like that this project combines sleek 3D and 2D animation with more tactile miniature filmmaking, because I think the miniature work makes people really want to peer deeply into it. You want to pick up the couch. You want to pick up the characters. It makes them feel alive. So I think its a nice hybrid of both. How long did the process take in total? In pre-production, I had a lot of anxiety because Id gotten funding for a story about myself, and I kept thinking, How do I start this project? What framing device do I use? It was really nerve-wracking. I kept saying, Ill figure it out tomorrow. It wasnt procrastination. Nothing really made sense yet. Then life happened, and we lost a member of our family. A few months later, another family member passed away. And I realised that, no matter what, this film is about grief. Its a creative exploration of grief. I storyboarded almost everything in this film. It involved working with a very small but passionate team, making sure they had everything they needed, and ensuring that everything fell into place. We did production and post-production simultaneously because I also edited the film. They would send me materials, and I was usually the one in After Effects putting everything together. Pre-production started in late 2021, and all the way up to January of this year, we were still finalising the film about two weeks before Sundance started. How did it feel to recreate yourself, your family, and your home in miniature form? What was that like for you emotionally? I was stunned when our miniature set designer created a 1/12-scale version of our kitchen and living room in the trailer. Theres something incredibly realistic but also playful about miniatures. Its my favourite thing about them. It reminds me of playing with toys as a kid, but in a way where I can tell stories. It felt like combining my childhood hobby with my adult passion. I was able to reframe my familys stories and bring conversations back to life in the places where they actually happened. Theres a scene of my dad having a low blood sugar attack, and I put him sitting in a chair thats just like the one he uses at home. Thats his chair when he eats dinner; thats where he sits. Its using animation to show positions and presence, and to recreate moments from the past. What do you feel is the power of recreating reality in animation? I love telling big stories using small figures and small sets. Documentary can be more than something told with a camera, an interview shot from the front, then from the side, properly lit. I think most Americans, if you ask, Do you want to see an action movie or a documentary? assume the action movie will have more suspense and momentum, while documentaries have a reputation for being slow or lacklustre. I want to change that and attract more people, especially younger audiences, who are drawn in by strong visuals. The visuals only work if the story is there. I think this film succeeds because it tells a story that is both very personal and universal. That combination creates something truly unique. Thats what I constantly strive for: to tell stories that resonate with warmth and truth. Was it instinctual knowing which animation style to use for each person, memory, or moment? At what point did you decide, This moment is this style, that moment is that style? We didnt get all the funding up front; it came in over many years, and the initial funding was small. My original idea was to have everything 3D-printed, but that takes an enormous amount of time to print and paint, and I knew it wouldnt be practical. So I thought, what if I hire artists and animators who work in their own unique styles? I was fortunate to work with two Puerto Rican animators, one with a more cartoony style, the other with a more graphic-novel realism. Another collaborator animates in 3D felt. I realised I should play to their strengths and allow the film to embrace multiple styles. I worried it might be problematic, but the feedback showed otherwise. People loved how it moved from one style to another. Its a powerful way of pushing the medium, mixing things up, and showing how flexible animation can be in telling a story filled with love, creativity, and exploration. How does it feel to rotoscope yourselves performing as your own relatives? Theres such a detailed study of mannerisms involved. One of the major aspects of the film is that my mother and I perform and rotoscope members of our family who are no longer with us. Theres something fascinating about lip-syncing as these people are trying to capture their mannerisms. My mother rotoscopes as my grandmother, something shed never done before. I was worried she might be stiff or unable to capture her essence. But after just an hour and a half of rehearsals, she got it. Once we drew over her, I knew it was Grandma. Exactly. I do the same with my father. We grew up adopting their mannerisms, the way they moved and spoke. In many ways, were the best custodians of that body language. I hope this approach can be extended to other projects, allowing people to recreate their loved ones in similar ways. When a project is this personal and formally ambitious, how do you know when its finished? I live by a quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupery, author of The Little Prince: an artist achieves perfection not when theres nothing left to add, but when theres nothing left to take away. There are four fully animated scenes we spent months on that didnt make the final cut, which was painful. With narrative films, you know the ending from the script. With documentaries, especially personal ones, you dont. In some ways, the story only truly ends when you die. I found an ending that felt right and discussed it with my team. Someone suggested it could go on for another year, but I felt this was the right moment to stop. This is the story I wanted to tell for now. I can always make another film later. Learning to trim and edit is an art in itself. Younger filmmakers often struggle with letting go, killing our babies, as the saying goes. We get attached to scenes because of the time we spent on them. But if they dont serve the narrative, they have to go. The film as a whole matters more than any single beautiful moment. What has making this film done for you as an artist and as a person? It feels like a blur. I remember getting the initial funding and thinking, I have to make a 90-minute film with this much money? How? I didnt think anyone else would fund it. And then suddenly Im here, at Sundance, talking to you. Im filled with love, knowing this journey brought me closer to my mother. This film will resonate with people on many levels. In my twenties, no one was interested in my work. I had to believe in myself and push forward, even when projects went nowhere. But I learned. I strengthened my voice. Telling big stories with small figures and sets has become my calling card. Three of my projects have screened at Sundance since 2017. Thats a huge creative confidence booster. What do you hope the film does for audiences? I hope it helps people connect to their families and loved ones. Ill be 43 next month. This is the period of life when you start losing elders and thinking about your own mortality. One day you realise youre suddenly growing a grey beard and wonder when that happened. Beyond that, given the political climate in the United States, I hope people remember our shared humanity. If audiences can see themselves in my family, maybe it helps build bridges. As an American, Im horrified by stories of ICE deportations based on skin colour or accents. Its abhorrent. My duty as an artist is to create work that says: were just like you. Maybe youve never met a Puerto Rican and only know stereotypes; this film can challenge that. Thats the power and beauty of documentary filmmaking. TheyDream premieres at the Sundance Film Festival on January 23. Sign up to get our news digest delivered directly to your inbox twice a week. Premiering on January 30 at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, the cyberpunk CG short Acid City arrives as a compact yet unusually dense feat of worldbuilding: a 12-minute animated documentary set in a floating megacity adrift in a vast acidic ocean. Directed by Jack Wedge and Will Freudenheim and produced under their New Yorkbased banner Laser Days Studio, the film occupies a deliberately unstable space between speculative fiction, documentary, and environmental anthropology. It mixes real voices recorded across New York City with bespoke scripted dialogue, giving texture to a high-concept story that feels disturbingly close to our shared reality. We caught up with Wedge and Freudenheim before their trip to the Netherlands, and the duo gave Cartoon Brew exclusive access to the films first trailer, seen below. On paper, the films premise is simple: a documentary crew visits a dystopian, futuristic city that shouldnt exist and records how people survive there. In practice, Acid City becomes something more authentic and more relatablea pseudo-documentary thats layered, referential, and emotionally protective of its subject. I wanted the movie to feel like a memory, Wedge explains. I wanted it to feel like Ive been here before like it reminds the audience of their own home. That sense of familiarity is central to the films strategy. Despite its genre trappings, Acid City is not a distant sci-fi nightmare, but an instantly recognizable urban ecology pushed just far enough to expose the fragility of the systems the world relies on for survival today. The filmmakers collaborative relationship stretches back to adolescence. Will and I met when we were 13 in an orchestra class, Wedge says. Science fiction was always something that really bound us together from the get-go. That shared obsession matured into a studio practice rooted in what Wedge calls environmental storytelling: worldbuilding where environments arent just a setting, but a living character. For Laser Days, science fiction is less about prediction than reflection. We pay very close attention to whats happening all around the world, Wedge notes, and we take inspiration from it and put it into our animation. Science fiction is just becoming the news. That sensibility shapes every frame of Acid City. The city itself is a collage. Its composed of many different real places all across the world, Wedge explains, citing the duos native New York City as its emotional core, alongside places like Karachi and Tokyo, as well as cinematic touchstones like Blade Runner and Akira. Freudenheim describes the process of mining influence as a kind of new-age archaeology. We extracted a lot of data from Google Maps and pulled together clumps of different cities, then merged them together, he says. From that, we spawned all the buildings that became the megacity of Acid City. Reference boards, architectural sampling, and a constantly reused internal asset library allowed the city to grow organically, accumulating history even within the constraints of a short film. Presented as a documentary, many of the voices we hear in Acid City belong to water scientists, emergency responders, children, and passersby recorded across New York City, interwoven with invented characters performed by voice actors. Wedge and Freudenheim describe following water scientists into natural cave systems in Georgia and Tennessee, recording groundwater sampling expeditions and folding that research into the films speculative logic. The result is a hybrid form that recontextualizes real perspectives and scientific research within a psychedelic, surreal animated worldgrounding the films invention in lived experience. The films documentary veneer gives it a feeling of protectiveness toward its fictional subjects, acknowledging the worst parts of Acid City while insisting on its worth. According to Wedge, That was a big goal of what we were trying to do. Acid City is an island nation, so there was a lot of research that went into how this place would actually exist. Rather than indulging in fictional poverty porn or post-apocalyptic tourism, the film focuses on the endurance of the human spirit, community, resilience, and adaptation. Segments explore how infrastructure, culture, and belief systems might mutate under extreme heat, water scarcity, and overcrowding. The characters themselves embody that mutation in a literal way. Rendered with deliberately imperfect motion capture and stylized, sometimes sickly bodies, they blur the line between aesthetic choice and biological consequence. Many of them are meant to feel a little bit sick, Freudenheim explains, like the place theyre from is also kind of harming them and mutating them. Wedge pushes the idea further: Maybe its regular people who have just been eating polluted materials for too long what happens when youve been living in that kind of environment over a number of generations? The film never settles on a single answer, presenting a cast of characters more diverse than can be found in even the most metropolitan cities in 2026. Technically, the character imperfections are inseparable from the films production limitations. Acid City was created almost entirely by Wedge and Freudenheim using motion-capture suits, Blender, and Unreal Engine. There was no animation team, Wedge says. To make a movie about a megacity, you had to find a way to contain it, or else wed still be working on it today. Rather than hiding the limitations of a two-person crew, the film embraces them: clipping, rough edges, and graphic artifacts become part of the citys texture. One of the films most striking dimensions is its attention to spirituality. According to the directors, much of that material was ultimately cut for length. Wedge describes countless discussions about how belief systems would evolve under the films environmental and societal conditions. We were thinking a lot about how spirituality would work in Acid City, he says. Freudenheim recalls a removed sequence centered on a sunset ritual involving immersion in water, noting that all cultures have a spiritual connection to water, whether its scarce or not. References ranged from real-world religious practices in extreme climates to speculative fiction like The Water Knife, which had a profound impact on how the filmmakers imagined future water wars and the rituals that might arise from their fallout. That blend of pragmatism and mysticism reflects a broader storytelling ambition. We hope Acid City encourages people to acknowledge and respect these systems of non-human intelligence that exist all around us, which make our existence possible, the filmmakers wrote in their press notes for the short. Premiering at Rotterdam on January 30, Acid City marks a major milestone for Laser Days Studio: their first fully original, independent IP after years of commercial and collaborative work. For Wedge and Freudenheim, the short is a foundation they plan to build on going forward. Were working on a new short and developing a feature, Wedge says, and all of it is about water and science fiction. Practically, Acid City is a proof of concept. Narratively, its much more: a warning, certainly, but not one without hope. All the shit and despair that come with cyberpunk dystopias are present, but so too are characters full of empathy, love, and ambition. Davos meeting calls for dialogue, cooperation amid global changes Xinhua) 10:57, January 24, 2026 Borge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum (WEF), delivers closing remarks at the WEF Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 23, 2026. The WEF concluded its 2026 annual meeting here on Friday. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 concluded here on Friday, with participants widely stressing that a rapidly changing world requires more dialogue and stronger cooperation amid global challenges. At the final panel discussion of the meeting, Director-General of the World Trade Organization Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the trade sector has suffered "the most severe shock in 80 years," noting that global trade rules have been weakened. She said the world cannot go back to how it was, calling for greater resilience in both the public and private sectors to cope with future uncertainty. Speaking on how to manage risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI), Okonjo-Iweala underscored the necessity of global cooperation. "There are certain problems we just cannot solve in this world alone," she said, adding that "no one country or even one region can be responsible for regulating or putting the guardrails on AI." European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said, "We have to be careful about the distribution of wealth. We have to be careful about the disparity that is getting deeper and bigger," adding, "If we don't pay attention to that, we are heading for real trouble." Noting that trust has been eroded to some extent, Lagarde called for rebuilding confidence through dialogue. Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan also emphasized the need to expand dialogue and cooperation, urging support for institutions such as the WEF, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. In closing remarks, WEF President Borge Brende said dialogue is essential to moving the world forward, noting that strengthening markets, facilitating engagement, addressing conflicts and achieving inclusive growth all depend on decision-makers talking to each other. Borge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum (WEF), delivers closing remarks at the WEF Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 23, 2026. The WEF concluded its 2026 annual meeting here on Friday. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva (L) speaks at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 23, 2026. The WEF concluded its 2026 annual meeting here on Friday. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (3rd L), International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva (2nd L), European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde (2nd R), Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al Jadaan (3rd R) and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla (1st R) attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 23, 2026. The WEF concluded its 2026 annual meeting here on Friday. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, speaks at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 23, 2026. The WEF concluded its 2026 annual meeting here on Friday. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala speaks at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 23, 2026. The WEF concluded its 2026 annual meeting here on Friday. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) U.S. entrepreneur Elon Musk speaks at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) U.S. entrepreneur Elon Musk (L) speaks at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Lian Yi) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) The Chattanooga Airport, which has announced several new direct flights recently, is losing one. Allegiant said it is cutting four routes, including the local one to Las Vegas. Other direct service cut by Allegiant is between Oakland, California, and Kalispell, Montana. Las Vegas flights to Grand Forks, North Dakota, will also be trimmed. However, it may be that Allegiant will pick the Las Vegas flights back up after the summer. Wayne Hartman, who works on the Allegiant counter in Chattanooga, said, "It is a fact that Allegiant will pause its flight to Las Vegas. The last flight for this season will be on May 2nd. "The service is not permanently canceled. Allegiant has provided this excellent service for two years. The airline for the last two years has suspended the flight for the summer months. The service will resume later in the year. Allegiant does this regularly and is not unusual. Many routes are considered seasonal by Allegiant. The flight to Punta Gouda/Fort Myers will continue to operate until April 26th. That flight is also considered to be a seasonal flight. "Allegiant's new service to Fort Lauderdale will begin on February 12th. The flight will operate on Thursday and Sunday. It is scheduled through August the 16th. "The flights to Sanford/Orlando and Tampa/St.Pete/Clearwater operate year round. Information about Allegiant flights is available on its app and on the website. "Allegiant just announced that has acquired Sun Country Airlines. Sun Country is based in Minneapolis and operates much like Allegiant. Its focus is the leisure market. "Allegiant has served Chattanooga since October 2007." Due to the continued inclement weather and threat of hazardous road conditions, Hamilton County Schools will be closed on Monday, school officials said. School Age Child Care sites will be closed, and extracurricular activities are canceled. Due to freezing temperatures and the possibility of dangerous road conditions, city of Chattanooga refuse and bulk trash pickup decisions will be made on Monday at 8:30 a.m. followed by a press release at 9 a.m. The City of East Ridge offices and Library will be closed on Monday. Local and state emergency agencies continue to report dangerous travel conditions, including low visibility from fog, low-hanging tree limbs, freezing drizzle, and the potential for black ice as temperatures rapidly decline throughout the area overnight. Residents are strongly encouraged to remain weather-aware and avoid unnecessary travel to allow public safety and emergency crews to respond efficiently to weather-related incidents and roadway concerns. All properties scheduled for Monday garbage pick-up will be collected on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. To ensure prompt service, please make sure to place your trash carts at the curb the night before your scheduled pickup date. Essential public safety services, including East Ridge Fire Department and East Ridge Police Department, will continue normal operations. www.eastridgetn.gov or follow the City of East Ridge on official social media channels. For more updates and additional information regarding City of East Ridge closures or schedule adjustments, please visitor follow the City of East Ridge on official social media channels. Chattanooga City Court is closed Monday. Red Bank Court is closed Monday and cases will be given new dates. All City of Chattanooga facilities and programs will be closed on Monday. Essential employees will continue to report to work as usual. All Hamilton County Health Department locations will be closed on Monday due to winter weather. Officials said, "Stay updated on our social media channels for information on when services will resume. Additionally, keep an eye on local news outlets for the latest weather updates." Hamilton County Government offices will be closed Monday. Essential services will continue as appropriate, and first responder agencies are operating as normal. The status of Hamilton Countys constitutional offices is as follows: Hamilton County Mayors Office/General Government CLOSED Grand Jury CLOSED Circuit Court CLOSED County Clerk CLOSED Circuit Court Clerk CLOSED Juvenile Court CLOSED Chancery Court CLOSED Juvenile Court Clerk CLOSED Clerk and Master CLOSED District Attorneys Office CLOSED Criminal Court CLOSED Public Defenders Office CLOSED Criminal Court Clerk CLOSED Assessor of Property CLOSED General Sessions Court CLOSED Register of Deeds Office CLOSED General Sessions Court Clerk- Civil Division CLOSED Trustees Office CLOSED General Sessions Court Clerk- Criminal Division CLOSED Sheriffs Main Office CLOSED. County officials said, "Thank you for your patience and understanding. Hamilton County leadership will monitor conditions and provide updates as new information becomes available." Follow the Hamilton County Mayors Office (@HamCoTNGov) soci " All Bradley County Government offices will be closed on Monday. Essential services will remain operational. A note to the UTC Community said: The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for the Chattanooga / Hamilton County area from 12:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Monday, January 26, and again from 6:00 p.m. Monday, January 26, through 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Very cold wind chills are expected. Use caution when outdoors and wear appropriate cold-weather clothing. Slick conditions are possible overnight and Monday morning, with patches of freezing rain or drizzle possible this evening. Water remaining on sidewalks, parking lots, and roadways is likely to freeze overnight as temperatures drop. The safety of the University community remains our top priority. While campus and downtown Chattanooga are generally clear, outlying areas and higher elevations are expected to continue experiencing hazardous conditions. Out of an abundance of caution, the University will modify campus operations during this weather event. Modification to Campus Operations All classes and activities scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, are CANCELLED. For employees, this will be an unscheduled administrative closure. Essential Employees should report to campus as directed by their supervisor. Other Modifications: Mocs Dining (Aramark) will operate on a modified schedule: Main Campus Crossroads Dining Hall: OPEN from 9:00 AM 7:00 PM. UC Food Court: CLOSED Freshens: CLOSED Starbucks: OPEN from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. South Campus Subway: OPEN from 11:00 AM 7:00 PM. South Campus POD: OPEN from 11:00 AM 7:00 PM. West Campus Einstein Bros: CLOSED Local Restaurant Row (Chef Express): OPEN from 11:00 AM 7:00 PM. West Campus POD: OPEN from 11:00 AM 7:00 PM. Campus Recreation Aquatic and Recreation Center (ARC) will be OPEN from 12:00 PM 4:00 PM. The pool will be closed. Sports Complex will be CLOSED. Mail & Print Services will be CLOSED. Mocs Express (Campus Shuttle) is SUSPENDED. All other CARTA buses are beginning service at 10:00 AM, dependent on road conditions. University Center will be CLOSED. UTC Bookstore will be CLOSED. UTC Library will be OPEN from 12:00 PM 4:00 PM. All Activities and Events are CANCELLED. Organizers will communicate if these activities or events are to be rescheduled and, if so, on what dates and times. Emergencies: Students living ON-CAMPUS should call the UTC Police at (423) 425-HELP/4357. Students living OFF-CAMPUS should call 911. Students, faculty, and staff experiencing a mental health crisis should call the UTCares line at (423) 425-CARE/2273. Personal Safety Students who are unable to travel to campus safely due to local road conditions are encouraged to prioritize their safety and notify their course instructors as soon as possible. Faculty will work with students to provide reasonable accommodations. Students are expected to complete required coursework in accordance with guidelines set by their instructors. who are unable to travel to campus safely due to local road conditions are encouraged to prioritize their safety and notify their course instructors as soon as possible. Faculty will work with students to provide reasonable accommodations. Students are expected to complete required coursework in accordance with guidelines set by their instructors. Faculty members who are unable to travel to campus safely due to local road conditions are encouraged to prioritize their safety and contact their Department Head or School/Program Director as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements, consistent with the UTC Faculty Handbook. who are unable to travel to campus safely due to local road conditions are encouraged to prioritize their safety and contact their Department Head or School/Program Director as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements, consistent with the UTC Faculty Handbook. Staff members who are unable to travel to campus safely due to local road conditions are encouraged to prioritize their safety and contact their supervisor as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements for documenting annual leave or seeking authorization to contribute to services remotely to the extent feasible. Updates Any further modifications to campus operations will be shared via the UTC-Alert system by 1/26/2026 by 5:00 PM. To view the latest alerts, visit the UTC-Alert Status website. To learn more about the UTC-Alert system, visit www.utc.edu/utc-alert. A storm that began with light snow turned to heavy rain and wind on Sunday. Warnings remained of icy conditions. That was to be followed by bitter cold. EPB reported on Sunday morning that there were 168 outage incidents with over 5,200 customers affected. By mid-afternoon Sunday, the number of those without power had dropped to over 4,300. It was announced earlier that all Hamilton County Schools campuses would be closed on Saturday and Sunday. All district and community-sponsored events are canceled. Schools will communicate with families to reschedule district events. Officials said, "Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to keep our students and staff safe." Bradley County and Cleveland Schools will be off Monday and Tuesday. Other schools closed through Tuesday include Dayton, Meigs, McMinn, Polk and Rhea County. Due to the potential for hazardous travel conditions, all campuses of Georgia Northwestern Technical College will be closed on Monday. All classes, activities, and events are canceled. Erlanger Baroness, Erlanger East, Erlanger North, Erlanger Western Campus, and Erlanger Bledsoe are still open, officials said. All in-person only classes and activities at UTC scheduled for Saturday are cancelled. Hybrid and Online-only classes may still be held virtually at the discretion of the faculty member. For employees with assigned Saturday hours, this will be an unscheduled administrative closure. Essential Employees should report to campus as directed by their supervisor. Mocs Dining (Aramark) will operate on a modified schedule. Main Campus Crossroads Dining Hall: Open from 9:00 AM 7:00 PM. UC Food Court: CLOSED Freshens: CLOSED Starbucks: CLOSED Subway: Open from 11:00 AM 7:00 PM. South Campus POD: 11:00 AM 7:00 PM. Einstein Bros: CLOSED Local Resturant Row: CLOSED West Campus POD: Open from 11:00 AM 7:00 PM. Aquatic and Recreation Center (ARC) will be OPEN from 12:00 PM 4:00 PM. Sports Complex will be CLOSED. Crossroads Dining Hall: Open from 9:00 AM 7:00 PM. UC Food Court: CLOSED Freshens: CLOSED Starbucks: CLOSED Subway: Open from 11:00 AM 7:00 PM. South Campus POD: 11:00 AM 7:00 PM. West Campus Einstein Bros: CLOSED Local Resturant Row: CLOSED West Campus POD: Open from 11:00 AM 7:00 PM. Aquatic and Recreation Center (ARC) will be OPEN from 12:00 PM 4:00 PM. The pool will be closed. Sports Complex will be CLOSED. South CampusWest CampusCampus RecreationMail Services will be CLOSED per their normal schedule.Mocs Express (Campus Shuttle) and other CARTA buses are SUSPENDED.University Center will be CLOSED.UTC Bookstore will be OPEN from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.UTC Library will be OPEN from 12:00 PM 4:00 PM.All in-person events scheduled to take place are CANCELLED. Organizers will communicate if these events are to be rescheduled and, if so, on what dates and times.SundayAll in-person activities scheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2026 are CANCELLED.For employees with assigned Sunday hours, this will be an unscheduled administrative closure. Essential Employees should report to campus as directed by their supervisor.Mocs Dining (Aramark) will operate on a modified schedule.Main CampusSouth CampusCampus Recreation Mail Services will be CLOSED per their normal schedule. Mocs Express (Campus Shuttle) and other CARTA buses are SUSPENDED. University Center will be CLOSED. UTC Bookstore will be CLOSED per their normal schedule. UTC Library will be OPEN from 12:00 PM 4:00 PM. All events scheduled to take place are CANCELLED. Organizers will communicate if these events are to be rescheduled and, if so, on what dates and times. Emergencies: Students living ON-CAMPUS should call the UTC Police at (423) 425-HELP/4357. Students living OFF-CAMPUS should call 911. Students, faculty, and staff experiencing a mental health crisis should call the UTC CARE line at (423) 425-CARE/2273. Personal Safety Students who are unable to travel to campus safely due to local road conditions are encouraged to prioritize their safety and notify their course instructors as soon as possible. Faculty will work with students to provide reasonable accommodations. Students are expected to complete required coursework in accordance with guidelines set by their instructors. Faculty members who are unable to travel to campus safely due to local road conditions are encouraged to prioritize their safety and contact their Department Head or School/Program Director as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements, consistent with the UTC Faculty Handbook. Staff members who are unable to travel to campus safely due to local road conditions are encouraged to prioritize their safety and contact their supervisor as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements for documenting annual leave or seeking authorization to contribute to services remotely to the extent feasible. Updates Any further modifications to campus operations will be shared via the UTC-Alert system by 1/25/2025 by 5:00 PM. To view the latest alerts, visit the UTC-Alert Status website. To learn more about the UTC-Alert system, visit www.utc.edu/utc-alert. I have now viewed numerous videos of masked ICE agents conducting searches, seizures and arrests. In my view, ICE comes across as overly aggressive for most of the situations at hand and I must confess I am not a fan of masked federal agents running around our communities either. Its not my idea of what America should be about. However, I also know, based on my experience, we may not always see the whole situation in a short video and there may be times when the level of force viewed is justified. Generally, though, when dealing with people, I have found its better to work toward deescalating situations rather than escalating them. What I do not find as justifiable in these videos is the constant unprofessional language masked ICE agents are using toward fellow human beings, especially the constant use of the F word toward citizens and non-citizens alike. A truly educated, law enforcement professional can get the necessary messages across without the constant use of the F word toward others and without subjecting impressionable young Americans and others to that type of language from government agents and normalizing it in the public discourse. We as Americans are better than that. When I was sheriff, I did not tolerate that type of language being routinely used in public by my deputies and the leadership of ICE shouldnt tolerate it either. This crude language diminishes ICEs overall stature and effectiveness as a professional law enforcement agency. If one wants to be viewed as a professional, they should conduct themselves in a professional manner, including the language used in public. The constant use of the F word in public by these representatives of the federal government and more importantly representatives of the American people is not professional, should not be normalized and is a matter of public concern. Tim Gobble Former elected sheriff Former federal agent * * * I thank Former Sheriff Gobble for his thoughts and example. I remember in the 1990's when former President George Bush publicly scolded the NRA after the organization accused federal agents of the kind of behavior that we now see enacted in HD color today in the 2020's. President Bush defended federal professionals then. Whatever fraction (I hope a small number but fear much larger) of ICE agents behave this way, they are squandering the good will that greater men than them worked to earn. These agents are paid by, serve and represent the taxpayers of the greatest republic on the face of the planet today. They should act like it. We should expect our elected federal representatives to hold them to that standard. David Sean Kelman * * * From what I've seen on the Web of ICE agents at work, and U.S. police of all kinds in the heat and excitement of action, I can honestly say that I wouldn't understand half the things the cops were saying. Oh, yeah, to my shame I have known the words they're using, but I expunged that kind of vulgarity and profanity and obscenity from my speaking and listening vocabulary when I was a very young man. Now, truly, those words simply pass over my head and are not really heard, not acknowledged in any way. Sadly, (1) the cops in their great authority and aggravation aren't in any mood to explain themselves to tender ears, and (2) they probably don't have the ability to express themselves any other way. Also, of course, it's always hard to understand anybody who's hiding behind a full face mask. That practice just isn't right and should be prohibited. Larry Cloud Walker County and the city of LaFayette will open warming shelters at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday for those impacted by the storm. The warming shelters will have cots, bottled water and snacks. Residents planning to stay overnight should bring their own bedding, including sheets, blankets, and pillows. Warming shelters will be located at: Rossville Community Center (301 Williams Street, Rossville) LaFayette Church of God (1002 South Main Street, LaFayette) Also at noon on Saturday, Nickajack Road and Dougherty Gap Road were closed to through traffic. Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will close Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center, Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center and Point Park due to potentially hazardous ice conditions, starting Saturday and through Sunday. The park plans to re-open once conditions allow employees to safely conduct a park assessment. The park is closing facilities out of an abundance of caution for the safety of park staff and visitors. The park encourages visitors and commuters to exercise caution when traveling on park roadways or traversing park grounds, especially during icy or snowy conditions as they can become extremely dangerous. Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center is located at 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center and Point Park are located at 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, Tn. Updated information may be found by selecting the alerts tab on the parks homepage ( www.nps.gov/chch ) or by following the parks social media accounts on Facebook (@chickamauganps) or Instagram (@chickamauganps). The Georgia Department of Public Health Northwest Health District office in Rome and health departments in Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Paulding, Polk, and Walker counties will be closed Monday due to anticipated hazardous weather. Walker County Government offices, including the landfill and transit, will be closed Monday due to the threat of hazardous travel conditions and dangerously cold weather. Out of an abundance of caution, city of Dalton offices and non-emergency services will be closed on Monday. The Public Works Department has decided not to perform garbage and recycling collections on Monday and will instead perform Monday's collections on Tuesday. All other collections will take place as usual. Temperatures are expected to fall well below freezing overnight into Monday morning which creates the potential for the formation of ice on wet roadways. The Dalton Public Works Department will be working to keep roadways as clear as possible, but we urge motorists to avoid driving unless it is absolutely necessary. Non-mission critical city of Dalton employees should not report to their work site on Monday. Catoosa County Courts, including State, Superior, Magistrate, Probate, Juvenile, and Municipal Court will be closed Monday and scheduled to reopen Tuesday, weather permitting. The order from Chief Superior Court Judge Brian House aligns with Governor Brian Kemps State of Emergency Declaration due to forecasts for icy conditions and possible power outages. The Catoosa County Tax Commissioner Offices in Ringgold and Fort Oglethorpe will be closed Monday. Catoosa County Senior Center, Catoosa County Health Department, and Catoosa County Courts will also be closed Monday. All other Catoosa County Government offices and services will be open Monday. Catoosa County Transit/Trans-Aid will be closed Monday, January 26. The Catoosa County transfer station will be closed Monday, January 26 and will not accept trash. This is due to the Bradley County and Sand Valley landfills that accept Catoosa trash being closed. Neo Langston did not appear in court as a witness for a grand jury investigating Celeste Rivas Hernandez's death. He was arrested in Montana for his failure to appear. In September 2025, the LAPD found the body of a 14-year-old girl inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd, an R&B artist who rose to fame on TikTok. While netizens have spent months combing through photos they believe connect the arist to the deceased teen, an arrest has not been made. Well, D4vd hasnt been arrested in connection with the murder, at least. Montana police just assisted the LAPD by bringing in Neo Langston, one of the musicians associates. His arrest is connected to the case, but not in the way you might think. Who is Neo Langston Neo Langston is categorized by some as an aspiring streamer, though his followings on both Twitch and Instagram are relatively small. Most of his fame, as of late, comes from his friendship with D4vd. Langston, who streamed under the name NeoTheAsian, has addresses in both California and New York, though he was spotted often in photos with D4vd. D4vd never spoke about his connection to the streamer. Still, online sleuths believe Langston was part of his inner circle. Neo, along with many other people who made up D4vds social circle, no longer follows D4vd on social media. D4vd, for his part, no longer follows Langston, either. It is unclear exactly when they stopped following each other on social media. Disconnected from D4vd digitally has not helped him avoid the murder investigation swirling around him, though. Why was Neo Langston arrested? On January 23, Neo Langston was arrested in Helena, Montana, on an out-of-state warrant. According to several outlets, Langston was arrested for failing to appear as a witness. Based on information obtained by TMZ, the streamer was expected to testify in front of a grand jury about Celeste Rivas Hernandezs death, but failed to appear in court. Instead, it seems, he left the state of California entirely. He is being held without bail. The next legal steps for the streamer remain unclear. A grand jury has been hearing evidence since December and has reportedly spoken with several people associated with D4vd. Getting everyone into the courtroom, however, has apparently been a bit of a battle. Reports of uncooperative witnesses surfaced as early as December 2025. Could another arrest be on the way? While Langstons arrest is the biggest update in the case in months, it might not be the last arrest of a witness. Several weeks ago, TMZ reported that a female witness had failed to appear as required. At the time, the outlet suggested legal action might be taken against the uncooperative witness, but they failed to name names. While its possible that the publications source had the gender of the witness wrong, its equally possible that a second witness is failing to cooperate with the investigation. If thats the case, a second arrest of this type could be in the works. Whether an arrest warrant will be issued for D4vd in connection with Celeste Rivas Hernandezs murder remains unknown. A grand jury is still meeting on the matter and will need to speak with the uncooperative witnesses before making a recommendation. It could take several more weeks for the group to make a final recommendation. Throughout the investigation, D4vd has remained quiet. He has not made a public statement and remains quiet on social media. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors eviction date is looming. Several months back, the former prince was ordered to leave behind the Royal Lodge in favor of a much more far-flung residence. The date of January 25 is drawing near. While it originally looked like the ex-prince would follow his big brothers orders, rumors now suggest the newest Mountbatten-Windsor will opt for an even more far-flung locale. He may leave the United Kingdom altogether and take up residence in the Middle East. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor wouldnt be the first disgraced royal to do it. His ex-wife, however, does not appear to be along for the ride. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could move to Bahrain The former prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is going to have to make a final decision on where to move sooner rather than later. While hes been suspiciously quiet since King Charles kicked him out of the Royal Lodge, reports suggest hes been planning a big move that will take him far from the royal family. This week, several outlets reported that the former prince is planning to establish a new life in Bahrain. Bahrain is an island nation in the Persian Gulf. It is nearly 4,000 miles from London. While it might seem like a pretty obscure choice for the formal royal, it actually isnt. Mountbatten-Windsor reportedly has ties to the House of Al Khalifa, the ruling family of Bahrain. The nation has also welcomed other exiled royals. Former King Juan Carlos I of Spain is said to live in the Middle Eastern nation. According to Forbes, Juan Carlos I left Spain amid allegations of financial corruption. It is also far from the media spotlight that the former prince should be extremely wary of these days. Logically, it works. Where is Sarah Ferguson headed? Sarah Ferguson had been living with her infamous ex-husband since around 2008, despite having split from him back in the 1990s. She seemed perfectly comfortable in the Royal Lodge, but all good things must come to an end. Ferguson was served the same eviction proclamation as her famous ex, and while she and her former prince, Andrew, reportedly get along just fine, they wont move into a new home together again. While the former prince is rumored to be headed to Bahrain, Ferguson is allegedly moving to Portugal. Related Prince Andrew Is Being Sent to Live in a Haunted House Back in November, shortly after the eviction orders were issued, the Daily Record revealed that Ferguson was likely headed to Melides, Portugal, where her daughter, Princess Eugenie, and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, spend half the year. Princess Eugenie and Brooksbank also have a residence in London, though there is no indication that Ferguson would reside there as well. Additional rumors suggest the mother of two royal princesses has also been househunting in the Windsor area. Still, Portugal seems like her most likely landing spot, at least while she sorts out what to do next. When King Charles issued the move order, he did not offer Ferguson housing. According to insiders, only his brother was given the option to move to Sandringham. From the sounds of it, Andrew wont be taking that offer anyway. Home News Armed man fatally shot by ICE agent in Minneapolis Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz renews claim that ICE agents will be prosecuted A man was fatally shot by a Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on Saturday as DHS law enforcement officers were in the process of apprehending a criminal illegal immigrant as part of a targeted operation. During a press briefing Saturday afternoon, Gregory Bovino, head of the U.S. Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection in Minneapolis, said at 9:05 CT, law enforcement were arresting a man named Jose Huerta Chuma, whose criminal history includes domestic assault to intentionally inflict bodily harm, disorderly conduct in driving without a valid license, when an individual approached Border Patrol officers armed with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. Officers attempted to disarm the man, but he violently resisted, DHS said in a statement on X. Additional details about the struggle were still being reviewed. Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots, DHS added. Emergency medical personnel at the scene provided aid, but the man was pronounced dead, the agency said. DHS said officers recovered two magazines from the man and that he was carrying no identification. The SHS added that the man appeared intent on inflicting mass harm on law enforcement officers. Federal officials said approximately 200 people later gathered near the scene, obstructing and assaulting officers. Crowd-control measures, including the deployment of tear gas and pepper spray, were used for the safety of the public and law enforcement, DHS said. In a press conference, Police Chief Brian OHara identified the man who was fatally shot as a 37-year-old white male and a resident of Minneapolis who appeared to be a U.S. citizen. OHara also said the man had a legal permit to carry the firearm. OHara also urged protesters not to destroy our city in retaliation. The shooting comes amid heightened tensions in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent earlier this month, which sparked protests statewide. Good used her SUV to block residential traffic before driving into an ICE agent who shot her as he was being hit by her vehicle. He was found to have internal injuries. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz criticized the federal operation, while U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., accused Democratic leaders of endangering law enforcement officers through their rhetoric. Walz renewed his claim that ICE agents will be prosecuted, saying, We are creating a log of evidence for the future prosecution of ICE agents and officials who are responsible for this. This situation is evolving, and more information is forthcoming, DHS said. This is a developing story. Home News Evangelicals decry Egypt's new Easter paid leave policy. Heres why Quick Summary AI Summary Evangelicals condemn Egypt's new Easter paid leave policy for excluding public sector employees. Legal petition seeks national recognition of Easter Sunday as a public holiday for all citizens. Critics argue the policy revives sectarianism and violates constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. An artificial intelligence-powered tool created this summary based on the source article. The summary has undergone review and verification by an editor. See Summary Egypts new decree granting Easter paid leave to Christian private-sector workers has drawn condemnation from Evangelical leaders and rights advocates for excluding public employees and dividing holidays by denomination. A legal petition is now pending before the Administrative Court seeking full recognition of Easter Sunday as a national public holiday for all citizens. The Dec. 30 ministerial decision introduced Easter leave for private-sector Christian employees, a first in Egypts legal framework, where Sunday is otherwise a regular workday, according to the legal advocacy group ADF International, which welcomed the move as a step forward in protecting freedom of worship. However, the leave does not apply to those working in the public sector, including government institutions and schools. Christian employees in those sectors must still attend work or class on Easter Sunday, forcing many to choose between professional obligations and observing their most sacred religious day. ADF International calls for national recognition of Easter, in line with Islamic holidays observed across both the public and private sectors. The case cites Egypts constitutional guarantees of religious freedom under Articles 53 and 64, as well as international treaties that prohibit religious discrimination in employment. Advocates say Easter was previously recognized as a national holiday under the monarchy, and that such recognition continues in several other Middle Eastern countries. They argue that reinstating that status in Egypt would reinforce equality in civic life and religious observance. The 2026 decree sparked backlash for codifying different leave entitlements for different Christian sects, granting five holidays to the Coptic Orthodox Church and only three to Catholic and Evangelical communities, according to Manassa News. Lawmakers and rights defenders say this classification revives sectarianism not seen since the 1950s, when Egyptian documents listed a citizens denomination and public holidays included Jewish observances. Critics argue the policy ignores Egypts official stance that religious denomination is not recorded on national IDs and contradicts the constitutional principle of equal citizenship. MP Nancy Naeem, of the Republican Peoples Party, publicly questioned the legal basis of the sectarian allocation. She accused the Ministry of Labor of introducing unnecessary division and asked who had advised such a move. Rights lawyer Khaled Ali criticized the language of the decree, objecting to terms like Christian brothers and the division of holidays by sect. He said the policy violated Egypts 2014 Constitution, which prohibits religious discrimination, and warned that such official language signals institutional bias. Ishak Ibrahim of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights called the policy legally lazy, noting it appeared to replicate a 1953 framework designed for a different religious and political era. He was quoted as saying that todays celebrations of events like New Year's Day are national, not sectarian, and added that Easter is already designated a national holiday by the 2026 presidential decree. The decree also omits holidays widely celebrated across Christian traditions, such as the Feast of the Ascension and Epiphany. Critics say that framing Easter as a sectarian rather than a national holiday erases the diversity of Egypts Christian population and deepens the marginalization of minority sects. Evangelical and Catholic leaders expressed optimism that the decision could be changed through dialogue. Bishop Ishaq was quoted as saying that the church remained hopeful that Egypts political leadership would revise the policy in line with justice and equality. A final court hearing is expected to examine whether the current leave structure imposes unequal burdens on Christians and contradicts both domestic law and Egypts commitments under international labor and human rights agreements. An earlier Open Doors report said Christians in Egypt continue to face difficulties establishing churches and places of worship, even as the government has legalized a growing number of churches through official registration. The report said Christians, Shia Muslims, Ahmadis and other minority faith groups face legal and administrative restrictions that constrain how they express and practice their beliefs. Home News NHS drops case against Christian nurse accused of misgendering pedophile Quick Summary AI Summary NHS drops disciplinary case against nurse Jennifer Melle for 'misgendering' a male who self-identifies as female. Hospital officials closed the case after months of internal proceedings and public pressure from politicians. Melle plans to challenge the Trust's handling of her case at an employment tribunal in April. 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 British nurse investigated for misgendering a trans-identified pedophile has had the disciplinary case against her dropped. The case was closed by hospital officials after months of internal proceedings and public controversy. Jennifer Melle, 40, who worked at St. Helier Hospital in Surrey, southern England, for 12 years with a previously clean record, had the disciplinary case against her closed, according to the U.K.-based group Christian Concern. The hospitals move followed pressure from politicians across party lines, including a petition and a letter signed by eight Members of Parliament urging the Trust to halt its action against Melle. She had been facing a disciplinary hearing over her conduct toward a convicted pedophile inmate she had treated. The patient, a man who identifies as a woman, responded to Melles clinical language with racial abuse and a physical threat, prompting security intervention. Despite being the target of the abuse, Melle received a written warning in October 2024 and was referred to the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a potential risk for not using the patients self-declared gender identity. Hospital officials suspended her within days of her case gaining national attention in March 2025. She was removed from duty, escorted off the premises, and told she was under investigation for a potential data breach. No details about the alleged breach were provided at the time. Melle believes the accusation was a pretext to punish her for going public with her story and said the Trusts response ignored whistleblower protections. A planned disciplinary hearing in December 2025 was cancelled after Conservative MP Claire Coutinho intervened with a letter to hospital leadership. In it, she called the proceedings against Melle a grave injustice and urged the Trust to reconsider. Eight MPs signed a petition supporting Melle. The signatories included Rebecca Paul, Rosie Duffield, Joani Reid, Mary Glindon, Tonia Antoniazzi, Danny Kruger, Carla Lockhart and Jim Shannon. A second internal hearing took place this month, ending with the decision not to take further action. Melle remains scheduled to appear at an employment tribunal in April to challenge how the Trust handled her case. Speaking outside the Trusts Epsom Gateway offices, Melle said she was relieved and thanked supporters who stood by her during the proceedings. She called the experience an incredibly long and painful journey. She also referred to a recent case involving nurses in Darlington, northern England, who were found to have been discriminated against for objecting to a male staff member using the womens changing rooms. That case ended in a legal win for the nurses earlier this month. Melle said the outcome in both cases marked a turning point and called on the health secretary to align NHS policy with legal standards affirming biological sex. She has also criticized the Royal College of Nursing, her union, for declining to intervene in her case and advising her only to write a personal reflection. Hospital management updated its policies during Melles suspension, explicitly classifying misgendering as a breach of conduct. Colleagues who had initially expressed support were later instructed not to speak publicly about the case or communicate with Melle. Melle remains supported by the Christian Legal Centre, the legal arm of Christian Concern, and is pursuing legal action on grounds of harassment, discrimination, victimisation and violations of her rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Home Opinion 10 ways how NOT to pray As we enter into a new year, many churches are going on extended times of fasting and prayer. Hence, it is imperative that we teach people how to pray and how not to pray since prayer is one of the most sacred privileges given to believers. Through prayer, we commune with the creator of the universe and align ourselves with His divine will. Yet, many of our prayers go unanswered not because God is unwilling to hear, but because we are praying in ways that contradict His principles. Jesus Himself warned that not all prayer is effective, and that even the religious can pray in vain. Below are 10 ways not to pray, drawn from Scripture and the wisdom of the Spirit. 1. Praying with many words but little faith In Matthew 6:7, Jesus warned, When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do, for they think they will be heard for their many words. The problem is not the length of prayer, but the motive behind it. Some people believe that the more they talk, the more God will listen, as if prayer were a negotiation. But God is not impressed by verbosity He is moved by faith and sincerity. 2. Praying while harboring sin in the heart Psalm 66:18 declares, If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. Likewise, Psalm 50 warns against those who recite Gods covenant while living in rebellion. Prayer loses its potency when our hearts are set on sin. God is not deaf to the cries of the repentant, but He resists the proud who cherish disobedience. Jesus even told us to leave our gift at the altar and be reconciled to our brother before we pray (Mt.5:23,24). He also admonished us to forgive before we pray (Mark 11:25). If we approach God while secretly nurturing sinful desires bitterness, lust, or pride our prayers become hollow. True prayer begins with repentance, not requests. 3. Speaking to God without listening back Many believers use prayer as a monologue instead of a dialogue. We speak to God but never pause long enough to hear His response. Yet throughout Scripture, those who walked with God were listeners first Abraham, Moses, Elijah, and even Jesus withdrew to quiet places to hear the Fathers voice. Consequently, prayer that does not make room for divine response is incomplete. God desires relationship, not routine. When we cultivate stillness before Him, His Spirit interprets our burdens, brings clarity, and often redirects our desires toward His purposes. 4. Praying against the will of God In 1 John 5:14-15, we are told, If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. The key phrase is according to His will. Prayer that contradicts Scripture will always fail, no matter how passionately it is spoken. We cannot ask God to bless things that His Word forbids. For example, I have heard of people praying to marry a person who is already the spouse of another person! We also should not pray for blessings while ignoring the commands to love, serve, and walk humbly. The power of prayer is in alignment when Heaven and earth agree, miracles happen. 5. Praying if it be Thy will when His will is already revealed There are times when the phrase if it be Thy will expresses humility and submission. But when it comes to matters God has already revealed in His Word, it becomes a statement of unbelief. i.e. We should not pray if it be your will please save me. Also, since both Isaiah 53:45 and Matthew 8:1617 clearly show that Christs atonement included both physical and emotional healing, praying Lord, if it be Your will, heal me is to question what He already accomplished through the cross. Faith begins where the will of God is known. When Scripture has revealed His will, we should declare it with confidence, not doubt it with hesitation. (Although, we should allow the Spirit to show us if there are any reasons God would withhold healing. However, I have never seen anybody physically healed when they prayed, if it be thy will, please heal me.) 6. Advising God instead of trusting Him Too often, we treat prayer like a boardroom meeting, giving God suggestions on how to solve our problems. Yet Isaiah 40:13 asks, Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as His counselor has taught Him? God does not need our advice He needs our surrender. Prayer should transform our will to match His, not persuade Him to accept ours. 7. Telling God stories instead of making supplications Some believers spend their entire prayer time recounting events that God already knows. They narrate the situation, list every problem, and rehearse every offense, but never actually make a faith-filled request. Jesus said, Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him (Matthew 6:8). God does not need a play-by-play report of your life He wants you to come boldly to the throne of grace with specific petitions (Hebrews 4:16). Instead of storytelling, present your needs and expectations with confidence. Prayer is not information for God; its transformation for you. 8. Praying in the flesh instead of in the Spirit Romans 8:2627 teaches that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness interceding for us according to the will of God. Likewise, Jude 20 exhorts believers to pray in the Holy Spirit. This means our prayers must flow from divine inspiration, not human impulse. Prayers in the flesh can be driven by reciting long prayer lists, by mere emotion, by fear, or by ego. Prayers in the Spirit are birthed from intimacy with God and illumination. When we allow the Spirit to guide our words, He aligns our desires with the Fathers will and empowers our intercession with Heavens authority. 9. Merely saying prayers without seeking God God is not looking for people who merely say prayers; He is looking for seekers. In Jeremiah 29:13, He promises, You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. Prayer that is mechanical or robotic, lacks the passion that moves Heaven. To say prayers is religion; to seek God is relationship. True prayer is an encounter, not an exercise. Scripture admonishes us to earnestly seek Him (Psalms 27:4; 42:1,2; 63:1; Hebrews 11:6) 10. Using repetitive prayers that lack meaning Jesus directly rebuked mindless repetition in Matthew 6:7. He was not condemning perseverance (Luke 18:1) but mechanical repetition the kind of prayer that repeats words without faith or understanding. Repetition without faith becomes superstition. Conclusion: The spirit of true prayer At its core, prayer is not about technique its about a relationship. God is not grading our eloquence; Hes responding to our sincerity. The purpose of prayer is not to manipulate Heaven but to manifest Gods heart on earth. Home Opinion Pro-abortion James Talaricos deceptive campaign for the Senate James Talarico identifies as a Christian. The Democratic Representative from Texas flaunts his murky religious identity at every media opportunity. Hes proud to be a Presbyterian seminarian! Well, Bruce Jenner identifies as a woman. Don Lemon identifies as a journalist. And Thamsanqa Jantjie identified as a deaf interpreter at Nelson Mandelas memorial service. Self-identity isnt always reality. Austin Presbyterian Seminarys religion is less G-O-D and more D-E-I. It proclaims on its website: The Seminary welcomes people of all races, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, gender expressions, and socioeconomic status to learn and study at this school of the church. While we continue to strive for even greater racial and ethnic diversity, [note: not Biblical fidelity] the faculty and students we attract are a rich source of inspiration and challenge to the dominant culture. The school is directly part of the Presbyterian USA denomination, which is, of course, pro-abortion, pro-BLM, pro-LGBT, and pro-illegal immigration. Losing his religion Recently, Rep. Talarico was asked by New York Times columnist Ezra Klein a simple and straightforward question: Do you believe Christianity to be more true than other religions. A Christ follower would have simply said: Yes. In John 14:6, Jesus said: I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Yet Talarico said, I believe Christianity points to the truth. I also think other religions of love point to the same truth and so, I see these beautiful faith traditions as circling the same truth about the universe, about the cosmos, and that truth is inherently a mystery. The same truth about Jesus? Yeah. No. And if truth is such a mystery, how does one know when something points to it? This is the same seminarian who falsely claimed on Joe Rogans show that God asked Mary for consent. He didnt. But she did verbally submit to Gods beautifully compassionate plan for humankinds salvation. Talarico pathetically tried to turn Christs conception into a pro-abortion narrative. Maybe he was smoking weed with Joe. Aborting the truth It explains why truth is not Talaricos forte. Pro-choice policies lead to fewer abortions.This is how the politician absurdly summed up his stance in a recent podcast interview. Its about as insane as saying pro-slavery policies led to fewer slaves. His pro-abortion rhetoric is easily debunked. Its such common propaganda, but he knows mainstream media and friendly podcasters wont fact-check him on anything. Here are three key lies about Texas and abortion he tells. Lie #1 Women are being denied basic healthcare. False. Abortion is not basic healthcare. Even the Institute of Medicine of The National Academies found that a first trimester abortion is a known immutable medical risk factor associated with preterm birth. (Of course, they stuffed it all the way back on page 625 of the 772-page study.) Preterm births, or babies born early, have higher rates of deaths and disabilities per the CDC. A new study in 2025 shockingly revealed that abortion was associated with an 81% increase in hospitalizations for psychiatric disorders, a 157% increase in substance use disorders and 116% increase in suicide attempts compared with other pregnancies. Saying elective abortion is healthcare is like saying that slavery was jobcare. It may be euphemistically satisfying, but its a lie. Lie #2 Women are dying in ER parking lots because doctors are afraid to provide basic healthcare. No, women are not. The actual issue is that a few women have tragically died because of medical folks choosing to be political instead of professional. Texas allows an emergency abortion to save a womans physical life. The law is not ambiguous, but several doctors and hospital systems have deliberately feigned ignorance of the clear exceptions language in the September 2021 Texas Heartbeat Act (SB8) which was reiterated in the June 2025 Life of the Mother Act (SB31): This chapter does not require a physician to delay, alter or withhold medical treatment provided to a pregnant female if doing so would create a greater risk of the pregnant females death, or substantial impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant female. This also includes an ectopic pregnancy, or removing a dead, unborn child whose death was caused by a spontaneous abortion [miscarriage]. Lie #3 We have more black mothers dying in our state than in any other state in the country. When Texas was forced to fund the nations largest abortion chain, Planned Parenthood, the Black maternal mortality rate (MMR) skyrocketed. Courts finally allowed Texas to defund the abortion giant in 2012, but from 2001-2012, Black MMR rates in the Lone Star state more than tripled from 27.1 to 92.8 deaths per 100,000 live births! The Supreme Court overturned Roe in 2022, and abortion became illegal in Texas. According to the CDC, the states overall MMR rate was 28.2 that year. Radically pro-abortion states like New Jersey, New Mexico and my state of Virginia have similar and even higher rates: 26.0, 28.0 and 32.7, respectively. High MMR, regardless of color, is not because of lack of access to abortion but lack of access to the truth. Older age and obesity are two leading factors in maternal mortality. In 2022-2023, women ages 35-39 had MMR rates more than twice as high (30) as women 25 and younger (12.9). The CDC reports that obesity rates were 14.5% for Asian women, 39.6% for White women, 45.7% for Hispanic women, and 57.9% for Black women. Nationwide, there are an estimated 859 maternal deaths each year. In Texas, there were 102 total tragic pregnancy-associated deaths in 2019. Both Texas and the CDCreport that 80% of those deaths were preventable. Abortion is never recommended as the solution. Better actual healthcare is. It would have been accurate if Talarico had sounded the alarm that abortion is the number one killer in the Black community. It outnumbers the top 10 causes of death, combined: 409,615 versus 301,243 in 2022. But that would be too truthful for a Democratic politician whoops, Presbyterian seminarian, running for Congress. Home Opinion The Trump admin. must stop undermining pro-life culture Pro-life advocates from around the world converged on Washington, D.C., on Jan. 23 for the 53rd annual March for Life. While we are grateful for President Trumps pro-life record, we are alarmed that since last years march, his FDA appointees have authorized a new abortion pill, limited successful treatments for children facing life-threatening conditions, and dragged their feet on implementing stronger womens health protections against the abortion industry. Last September, the FDA inexplicably approved a new generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, produced by Evita Solutions LLC, which has stated, [W]e seek to normalize abortion. Despite deep concerns about mifepristones initial approval in 2000 and its harms to pregnant women, the Trump FDA granted the new abortion pill an Abbreviated New Drug Application, which skips the clinical trials required for name-brand drugs. Yet at the same time, the FDAs Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Director Vinay Prasad a self-described Sanders/Warren liberal briefly stopped young Duchenne patients from receiving Elevidys, a genetic treatment for their degenerative Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive, degenerative disorder that decimates childrens muscles and brain before shortening their lives. On Prasads watch, the FDA has taken negative actions against treatments for such similar conditions as Barth syndrome, Hereditary Angioedema, and Sanfilippo syndrome. Prasad only reinstated Elevidys in November with limited distribution, although the FDA granted it traditional FDA approval after it demonstrated statistically significant benefits in clinical trials. The new abortion drug approval violates the FDAs promise to investigate mifepristone. Indeed, it is unclear whether you are conducting an independent safety review at all, Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., wrote FDA Commissioner Marty Makary last month. Limiting genetic treatments for incurable neuromuscular conditions violates the spirit of President Trumps pioneering Right to Try legislation. Both actions ignore the testimony of the vulnerable and victimized. I was on the shower floor SCREAMING, throwing up, bleeding everywhere, testified one woman after taking the abortion drug cocktail. [T]he pain was unbearable and unimaginable and I have had brain surgery!!! (Emphases in original.) Waiting times for gene therapies can cause children to suffer permanent and irrevocable loss of strength, function, and lifespan. Dr. Cara ONeill of the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation has recounted how her daughter, Eliza, went from talking in full sentences, singing and coloring to struggling to speak even single words and having increasingly uncontrollable screaming and crying spells, sometimes lasting all night. President Trump, who revels in calling himself the most pro-life president in history, should take action. First, he must clear house at the FDA. Personnel is policy, as he learned too well from such first-term staffers as John Bolton, Christopher Wray, and Rod Rosenstein. The Wall Street Journal described Vinay Prasad as a Bernie Sanders acolyte in MAHA drag who favors UK-style rationing and has declared, I stand on the side that sees abortion as health care. Prasad is free to hold these views or his FDA post, not both. Second, it can give the parents of terminal children greater freedom to extend their childrens lives. And the second Trump administrations FDA can reinstate the health standards put in place by the first Trump administration. The Biden administration removed the requirement that abortionists check for life-threatening conditions like ectopic pregnancy in person before dispensing abortion pills. The Trump administration can reinstate this at once, yet it continues to allow abortionists to mail drugs illegally to pro-life states. [T]he FDA is facilitating this criminal conduct, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill told the Senate last week. In this area, President Trump still lets President Bidens autopen overrule his administration. Thats creating a political problem for his successor with Christian and pro-life voters, who gave the president 91% of their vote in 2024. Continued nonfeasance and malfeasance threaten to shatter his historic MAGA coalition. By raising these issues, pro-life advocates would be acting in the best tradition of the March for Lifes founder, Nellie Gray, who confronted President Ronald Reagan for signing a budget containing some abortion funding for the District of Columbia. President Trump can deliver for his voters by taking a firm grip of an FDA that has expanded abortion pill trafficking, handed the Biden-Harris administration a policy win, and eliminated hope for suffering children. Restoring the promise of life to innocent children is precisely why we march. This article was first published in the DC Journal. Tesla is likely to win regulatory approval in Europe and China for its driver-supervised Full Self-Driving system as early as next month, CEO Elon Musk said on Thursday, as the electric automaker looks to boost software revenue amid slowing vehicle sales. While regulatory progress on FSD and early robotaxi deployments point to momentum in Teslas AI ambitions, the technology remains nascent relative to a valuation that far outstrips those of many technology and automotive companies. Related: Tesla Robotaxi Rides Without Safety Monitors Begin in Austin We hope to get Supervised Full Self-Driving approval in Europe, hopefully next month, and then maybe a similar timing for China, Musk said at his first appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Tesla has been seeking approval for the system in Europe, where tougher vehicle safety rules and a fragmented regulatory framework have slowed deployment compared with the U.S. Dutch vehicle authority RDW said in November it expected to decide on FSD in February. Tesla had said once it secures approval in the Netherlands, other EU countries can recognize the exemption and allow a rollout ahead of a formal EU approval. Related: Lemonade Launching Autonomous Vehicle Insurance In China, the smart features similar to FSD remain restricted to a limited number of vehicles as the U.S. automaker had to halt the software update deliveries last March, citing the need for additional regulatory approval. Tesla made a long-awaited update to its autopilot software in China last February. But some owners expressed disappointment that the system for which they paid more than $9,000 came with operational restrictions. FSD is classified as an advanced driver assistance feature that requires drivers to remain attentive, and regulators have scrutinized it amid concerns over the safety and oversight of automated driving technologies. Robotaxi Update Boosts Shares Separately, Musk said Tesla has started robotaxi rides in Austin, Texas, without safety monitors. The service started in June with a Tesla employee in the front passenger seat overseeing the cars behavior. Shares of the automaker closed 4.2% higher on Thursday after social media posts about the driverless robotaxi rides circulated. Tesla operates a ride-hailing service in California and has received permits to test and deploy its robotaxis in Texas, Arizona and Nevada. While the deployment in Austin without safety monitors represents progress, Teslas robotaxi ambitions remain well short of earlier targets to operate in several major U.S. cities, highlighting the regulatory and safety hurdles that hinder rapid rollouts. Registration of Teslas vehicles fell 11.4% in California last year, with its market share of new cars in the U.S. state slipping below 10%, according to a report by the California New Car Dealers Association. The company reported a second consecutive drop in vehicle deliveries in 2025, ceding its position as the largest electric vehicle maker in the world to Chinas BYD 002594.SZ. Humanoid Robot Ambitions Musk has repeatedly said much of the artificial intelligence developed for autonomous vehicles will also underpin Teslas planned humanoid robots. Musk said on Thursday that he expects robots to outnumber humans. He said on Thursday that Tesla expects to sell its Optimus humanoid robots to the public by the end of next year, later than the timeline he had previously outlined. Industry experts and executives have said scaling humanoid robots for real-world use is technically complex, in part because of a lack of data needed to train the AI models that underpin robot behavior. For Optimus, what they (the market) need is credible evidence of scalable manufacturing, a regulatory path, and unit economics if possible, said Ken Mahoney, CEO of Mahoney Asset Management, a Tesla shareholder. (Reporting by Sriram in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Zhang Yan in Shanghai; Editing by Arun Koyyur and Jamie Freed) This story was updated at 11.27 p.m., Jan. 24 CLEVELAND, Ohio - Winter Storm Fern is on track to hit northern Ohio late Saturday through Monday morning, with widespread snow accumulations expected to create hazardous travel conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Cleveland area until 10 a.m. Monday. On Saturday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency. Hes urging residents to stay inside during the storm. Travel will become increasingly difficult throughout Sunday as roads become snow-covered and visibility is reduced. Snow is expected to reach western parts of the region just before midnight, spreading eastward to Cleveland by 2-3 a.m. Sunday. The heaviest snowfall will occur after noon on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Total accumulations of 9-11 inches are likely for much of the region with up to a foot in areas from Mount Vernon to Youngstown by Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Visibility may drop to a quarter mile. Behind the storm system, dangerously cold air will surge into the region. By Monday morning, temperatures will plummet to single digits with wind chills near minus 10 degrees. Tuesday morning is expected to be even colder, with actual temperatures falling below zero across the entire region and wind chills between minus 15 and minus 25 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The cold weather pattern is expected to persist through the end of next week. High temperatures are not expected to rise above 20 degrees, with morning lows near or below zero. Wind chills will be minus 10 to minus 15 degrees most mornings. There will be elevated risks of cold exposure and potential damage to infrastructure. Residents should prepare for this extended period of severe winter weather by ensuring heating systems are functioning properly, protecting exposed pipes, and limiting time outdoors during the coldest periods. The prolonged cold creates elevated risks for cold exposure and potential damage to infrastructure. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. VILLAREAL, Spain - Real Madrid visits Villareal in Spanish La Liga action today Monday, Jan. 24 at Estadio de la Ceramica in Villareal, Spain. The Spanish version of this match is available to watch on multiple streaming services for free. How do I watch Real Madrid vs. Villareal for free? This match will broadcast live in Spanish on ESPN Deportes at 3 p.m. Eastern (9 p.m. Central European Time). Fans who have parted ways with their local cable provider can catch this game for free by utilizing a free trial from DIRECTV, which also offers $40 off your first month. FuboTV has a free trial and $25 off your first month. The most flexible option is Sling TV, which now offers new users a Day Pass for $4.99, Weekend Pass for $9.99, Week Pass for $14.99, Monthly for $45.99 and Season Pass for $199.99 for five months and $45.99 per month thereafter. This match is available in English on the ESPN app streaming service, which now offers an Unlimited Plan for $29.99 per month (or $299.99 for entire year) and the Select Plan for $12.99 per month (or $129.99 for entire year). The ESPN app replicates its previous coverage of select games and broadcasts on ESPN Plus. Los Blancos (15-2-3) sit second at the table with 48 points, behind only FC Barcelona. They are one point behind their Catalan rivals and seven points ahead of Villarreal entering todays match. Manager Xabi Alonso was sacked following a loss in the Supercopa final. After a shaky start at the Bernabeu, the club has appeared to find its groove under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa. The 15-time European Champions have won two in a row since their shocking performance against Albacete in the Copa Del Rey. Real Madrid has notched 43 goals this season while conceding only 17. The powerhouse has totaled over 100 more shots than Villarreal, giving the offense an ample amount of opportunity to strike. Rodrygo is back in the lineup after dealing with a muscle injury for the last three matches. Fresh from the Africa Cup of Nations, Brahim Diaz is expected to come off the bench. Madrid remains without Eder Militao, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger and Ferland Mendy. Aurelien Tchouameni will also miss out on the match after picking up his fifth yellow card of the La Liga season. Madrid claimed a 3-1 victory over Villarreal back in October. Watch Real Madrid vs. Villarreal for free on DIRECTV Perched third in the standings, Villarreal (13-4-2) is looking for a marquee victory over the Spanish heavyweight. Despite their recent 2-0 loss to Real Betis, manager Manuel Pellegrinis Yellow Submarine have collected 25 out of a possible 30 points and remain a formidable presence in La Liga play. Villarreal has compiled a respectable 37 goals this season while relinquishing just 19. Santi Comesana and Santiago Mourinho are both suspended for this match, joining a sidelined Willy Kambwala, Logan Costa and Pau Cabanes. Alfonso Pedraza will have a late fitness test. Villarreal has not defeated Real Madrid since the 2022-23 season. Watch Real Madrid vs. Villarreal for free on FuboTV What is Real Madrid projected XI today? Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Guler, Camavinga, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Junior. What is Villarreal projected XI today? Junior; Navarro, Foyth, Veiga, Pedraza; Buchanan, Gueye, Parejo, Moleiro; Moreno, Mikautadze. What are the latest odds for Real Madrid vs. Villarreal? RM: +100, V: +235, Draw: +290 Odds from DraftKings Heres more information on how to watch Real Madrid vs. Villarreal on TV and streaming services. What: Spanish La Liga: Real Madrid vs. Villarreal When: Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 Time: 3 p.m. Eastern (9 p.m. Central European Time) Where: Estadio de la Ceramica | Villarreal, Spain Channel: ESPN Deportes Best streaming options: FuboTV (free trial and $25 off your first month), DIRECTV (free trial and $40 off your first month), Sling TV (half off first month and daily, weekend, weekly, monthly and season pass) and ESPN Streaming Nvidia director Persis Drell, an engineering professor at Stanford, resigned on Wednesday after just over a decade on the chipmaker's board of directors, the company said in a filing with the SEC on Friday. Drell, 70, stepped down to pursue a "new professional opportunity," Nvidia said, and not because of a disagreement with company or any matter related to its operations or policies. Drell, who served on the compensation committee, is the first Nvidia board member to depart since astronaut Ellen Ochoa resigned in June. The board now has 10 directors, including CEO Jensen Huang. Drell owns close to 143,000 Nvidia shares, worth about $26 million, according to the latest holdings report. She was paid about $344,000 for her work with Nvidia last year, including almost $259,000 in stock awards, the company's annual report said. Nvidia's stock price is up over 22,000% since the end of 2015, emerging as the most valuable company in the world thanks to the artificial intelligence boom. Drell sold about 40,000 shares last year. Drell has been a professor at Stanford since 2002, serving as the dean of the engineering school from 2014 to 2017 and as Stanford's provost from 2017 to 2023. She was also director of Stanford's particle accelerator, called SLAC, from 2007 to 2012. Correction: This story has been revised to reflect that Persis Drell is 70 years old. A previous version misstated her age. WATCH: Chinese AI models adapt without Nvidia U.S. President Donald Trump (R) speaks to Apple CEO Tim Cook (L) as he attends a reception for business leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting on Jan. 21, 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images Moving between panels, hotel lobbies, and meetings this week, it often felt like two conferences were happening in the same snowy Swiss village. In one Davos, the mood was strikingly optimistic. Executives and investors spoke about artificial intelligence moving from hype to production, terms like "world models" and "physical AI" were being thrown around, with discussions about the enormous pools of capital ready to back it. In the other, a number of conversations seemed to end up back at tariffs, Greenland, geopolitical tensions, and a growing sense that the global rules investors have relied on for decades are shifting in real time. Both worlds overlapped constantly. Often, in the same conversation. "What Davos highlighted this year is not a crisis of innovation, but a crisis of coherence and loss of trust," Chavalit Frederick Tsao, chairman of Singapore-based family-run trading business Tsao Pao Chee, said on the sidelines. "Technology is advancing faster than our collective wisdom." That tension between swift innovation and political uncertainty defined much of the week. First came Trump ... On Wednesday, thousands queued for more than an hour to hear U.S. President Donald Trump's address at the Congress Hall. I stood in line for 90 minutes. Inside, the atmosphere felt more like a concert than a policy forum. watch now Trump's speech swung between humor, provocation, and unpredictability. But when he turned to Greenland insisting the U.S. needed to acquire the Arctic island the mood in the room changed. People who laughed moments before turned quiet. Some shook their heads; others exchanged uneasy glances. In the next few hours, Greenland and tariffs dominated conversations and seemed to have moved on from AI infrastructure and energy investments to trade leverage and political risk. ... Then came Musk The very next day, Elon Musk returned to Davos after years away from the forum. In a packed session, Tesla 's CEO outlined an ambitious vision for robotaxis, humanoid robots, and AI development. He said Tesla's driverless robotaxis would be "very, very widespread" in the U.S. by the end of 2026. He also predicted AI could surpass human intelligence as soon as this year. watch now For many attendees, it reset the mood. Afterward, conversations moved to data centers, battery storage, computing power, and how cities and grids will cope with the expected surge in demand for energy. The contrast with the day before was stark. One day, Davos was trying to understand the geopolitical implications of Trump's speech. Next, it was back to talking about the technological future at full speed. That whiplash kept showing up in interviews throughout the week. Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, deputy CEO of Abu Dhabi-based investment giant Mubadala, told CNBC's Dan Murphy the investment stance into 2026 could be summed up in two words: "conviction driven." "So it's not chaotic, but the world is becoming more fragmented, without a doubt," he said. "That will come with its own opportunity, but pitfalls as well As long as you can deploy capital in a methodical, strategic, conviction-driven sort of manner, then I think you're going to be ahead of the pack" Meanwhile, Joe Kaeser, chair of Siemens Energy, framed AI as an industrial opportunity rather than a race for consumers. "There is no such continent in the world which has as much data on industrialization, mechanization, and automation as Europe," he told CNBC. "Combine that with computing power, and Europe has the best options to define where the physical and the virtual come together." Kaeser said leaders were still waiting to see whether policy announcements would translate into action. "The jury is still out on whether things will be executed as announced," he said. "But if one of the very important players is not willing to play, it's bad for everybody." Countries tried to reassure investors For finance ministers and other policymakers, much of the Davos message this year was about reassurance. Enoch Godongwana, South Africa's finance minister, highlighted recent credit upgrades, his country's removal from the U.S. Financial Action Task Force's gray list, and political stability, before the conversation turned to managing ties with Washington and trade talks. watch now "The number one risk for South Africa's economy is the geopolitical situation," he told CNBC. "It is difficult to predict, and we don't know its implications." Saudi Arabia's finance minister, Mohammed Al-Jadaan, returned repeatedly to the need for dialogue. "What businesses need is certainty," he said, adding that disputes should be resolved through dialogue. Two Davos, side by side CAROL LOOMIS: To what extent do the changing dynamics in the consumer food market change your view on the long-term potential for Kraft Heinz? WARREN BUFFETT: Yeah, actually, what I said was, we paid too much for Heinz I mean Kraft I'm sorry the Heinz part of the transaction, when we originally owned about half of Heinz, we paid an appropriate price there. And we actually did well. We had some preferred redeemed and so on. We paid too much money for Kraft. To some extent, our own actions had driven up the prices. Now, Kraft Heinz, the profits of that business, 6 billion we'll say very, very, very roughly I'm not projecting, I'm not making forecasts but 6 billion pretax on 7 billion of tangible assets is a wonderful business. But you can pay too much for a wonderful business. We bought See's Candy. And we made a great purchase, as it turned out. And we could've paid more. But there's some price at which we could've bought even See's Candy, and it wouldn't have worked. So, the business does not know how much you paid for it. I mean, it's going to earn based on its fundamentals. And we paid too much for the Kraft side of Kraft Heinz. Additionally, the profitability has basically been improved in those operations over the way they were operating before. But you're quite correct that Amazon itself has become a brand. Kirkland, at Costco, is a $39 billion brand. All of Kraft Heinz is $26 billion. And it's been around for on the Heinz side it's been around for 150 years. And it's been advertised billions and billions and billions of dollars, in terms of their products. And they go through tens of thousands of outlets. And here's somebody like Costco, establishes a brand called Kirkland. And it's doing 39 billion, more than virtually any food company. And that brand moves from product to product, which is terrific, if a brand travels. I mean, Coca Cola moves it from Coke to Cherry Coke and Coke Zero and so on. But to have a brand that can really move and Kirkland does more business than Coca Cola does. And Kirkland operates through 775 or so stores. They call them warehouses at Costco. And Coca Cola is through millions of distribution outlets. So, brands the retailer and the brands have always struggled as to who gets the upper hand in moving a product to the consumers. And there's no question, in my mind, that the position of the retailer, relative to the brands, which varies enormously around the world. In different countries, you've had 35 percent, even, maybe 40 percent, be private-label brands in soft drinks. And it's never gotten anywhere close to that in the United States. So, it varies a lot. But basically, retailers certain retailers the retail system has gained some power. And particularly in the case of Amazon and Walmart and their reaction to it, and Costco and Aldi and some others I can name has gained in power relative to brands. Kraft Heinz is still doing very well, operationally. But we paid too much. If we paid 50 billion, you know, it would've been a different business. It'd still be earning the same amount. You can turn any investment into a bad deal by paying too much. What you can't do is turn any investment into a good deal by paying little, which is sort of how I started out in this world. But the idea of buying the cigar butts that are declining or poor businesses for a bargain price is not something that we try to do anymore. We try to buy good businesses at a decent price. And we made a mistake on the Kraft part of Kraft Heinz. Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met in Abu Dhabi on Friday to tackle the vital issue of territory, with no sign of a compromise, as Russian airstrikes plunged Ukraine into its worst energy crisis of the nearly four-year war. Kyiv is under mounting U.S. pressure to reach a peace deal in the war triggered by Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, with Moscow demanding Kyiv cede its entire eastern industrial area of Donbas before it stops fighting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the territorial dispute was a central issue for the tripartite talks, including Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. officials, which were scheduled to conclude on Saturday. "The most important thing is that Russia should be ready to end this war, which it started," Zelenskiy said in a statement on the Telegram app, adding he was in regular contact with the Ukrainian negotiators, but it was too early to draw conclusions from Friday's talks. "We'll see how the conversation goes tomorrow and what the outcome will be." Rustem Umerov, the secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council and the head of its delegation, said in a statement the talks had discussed parameters for ending the war and the "further logic of the negotiation process." The negotiations come a day after Zelenskiy met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Zelenskiy said on Friday that a deal on U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine was ready, and that he was only waiting on Trump for a specific date and place to sign it. Ukraine has sought robust security guarantees from Western allies in the event of a peace deal to prevent Russia, which has shown little interest in ending the war, from invading again. In this article TME 1698-HK MSFT Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Fabricio Bloisi, chief executive officer of Prosus NV, during a Bloomberg Television interview at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. The annual Davos gathering of political leaders, top executives and celebrities runs from January 20 to 24. Photographer: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images DAVOS, Switzerland I spent the week talking to tech executives at the World Economic Forum in Davos about their priorities for the year ahead and the big themes they see shaping investor sentiment. Like last year, AI dominated the conference. But this year, the discussions went beyond AI models or which chatbot is better, shifting instead to how enterprises will adopt the technology and what future developments are on the horizon. All of these could be key to revenue and share prices of the world's biggest technology firms. Enterprise AI adoption Adoption of AI by businesses will increase this year, but the approach will differ markedly from 2025. Many companies were doing pilot projects with AI that didn't go into full production last year. Then, businesses were adopting AI, such as chatbots provided by Microsoft , OpenAI and others. There was a fear of missing out or FOMO, Dowson Tong, CEO of Tencent 's cloud group, told CNBC in an interview this week. Instead, businesses will be more selective with the type of AI they're adopting. "This year, when we talk to customers, I think they're being a lot more pragmatic. I think they've gone past the phase of FOMO," Tong said. "And today, I think many of our customers are a lot more specific." Raj Sharma, global managing partner for growth and innovation at EY, said businesses will need to reimagine whole processes that can be done with AI. "That's when you will start seeing the value," Sharma told CNBC in an interview. Agentic AI This was one of 2025's biggest buzzwords and is poised to stay front and center. Agentic AI broadly refers to the concept of AI systems that are able to carry out tasks on behalf of people. The ultimate goal is to have sophisticated agents that work autonomously with very little user interaction. Technology executives told me that agents are being implemented, but there are varying degrees of scale and capabilities. It also really depends on which industry you're referring to. Some uses of agents within business are carrying out simple processes, while others are carrying out more sophisticated workflows. watch now "I think these agents are not autonomous. I don't think we have reached the point where we can replace a human employee," Uljan Sharka, CEO of startup Domyn said. The most bullish on the tech was Fabricio Bloisi, the CEO of Prosus. He said that Prosus has 30,000 agents currently running, and in the next five years there could be companies that are run by agents. "I don't think it's a hype and hope," Bloisi said in an interview with CNBC's Dan Murphy and me this week. Geopolitics The impact of geopolitical volatility was the subject of many of the conversations I had this week. "One thing that we are not talking about in the AI world, and that will become a big issue, a big deterrent, or a big accelerant, is where the [geopolitical] issues are," EY's Sharma said. watch now China's tech advancements in areas such as AI and chips, were also among the talking points. In an interview for CNBC's new podcast, The Tech Downland, with Steve Kovach, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis said he thinks China's AI models are just months behind the U.S. and Western models. Physical AI US President Donald Trump speaks to the press upon returning to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 13, 2026. President Donald Trump on Saturday warned Canada that the U.S. would impose 100% tariff on goods sold in the U.S. if the country strikes a trade deal with China. "If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the U.S.A.," the president wrote in a Truth Social post. Trump also suggested Saturday that China would try to use Canada to try to avoid paying U.S. tariffs. "If Governor Carney thinks he is going to make Canada a 'Drop Off Port' for China to send goods and products into the United States, he is sorely mistaken," Trump stated. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada and China reached a preliminary deal to remove trade barriers and lower tariffs. Under the tentative agreement, Beijing cut tariffs on some Canadian agricultural products, while Ottawa increased the quotas for imports of Chinese electric vehicles, applying the most-favored-nation tariff rate of 6.1%. Just a week ago, Trump had voiced his support for Carney on the China trade deal. "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 on Jan. 16. "Canada's government has transparently outlined that the agreement with China is fundamentally about domestic consumers and businesses in Canada and China, not schemes aimed at other markets," Matthew Holmes, executive vice president and chief of public policy of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce said in a statement. "A structured and stable relationship with China or any other country ... are not to replace our deeply rooted relationship with the United States that continues to be overwhelmingly good for workers, consumers and North American competitiveness," he added. The White House and the office of the Canadian prime minister didn't immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment. Ukraine and Russia ended a second day of U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi on Saturday without a deal. Future meetings were mooted after overnight Russian airstrikes that knocked out power for over a million Ukrainians amid subzero winter cold. Statements following the talks did not indicate that any agreements had been reached, but both Moscow and Kyiv said they were open to further dialogue. "The central focus of the discussions was the possible parameters for ending the war," President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X after the meeting. "As a result of the meetings held over these days, all sides agreed to report back in their capitals on each aspect of the negotiations and to coordinate further steps with their leaders," he said, adding that further meetings could take place as early as next week. A UAE government spokesperson said there was face-to-face engagement between Ukraine and Russia - rare in the almost four-year-old war triggered by a full-scale Russian invasion and tackled "outstanding elements" of Washington's peace framework. A spokesperson for Ukraine's lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, told reporters just before 5 p.m. Abu Dhabi time (1300 GMT) that the discussions had concluded. Bombardment of Ukraine before second day of talks The bombardment of Ukraine's capital Kyiv and its second largest city Kharkiv by hundreds of Russian drones and missiles prompted Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha who was not at the talks to accuse Russian President Vladimir Putin of acting "cynically." "This barbaric attack once again proves that Putin's place is not at (U.S. President Donald Trump's) Board of Peace, but in the dock of the special tribunal," Sybiha wrote on X. "His missiles hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table." Saturday was scheduled to be the final day of the talks, billed by Zelenskyy as the first trilateral meeting under the U.S.-mediated peace process. The UAE statement said the talks were conducted in a "constructive and positive atmosphere. "(They) included direct engagement between Russian and Ukrainian representatives on outstanding elements of the U.S.-proposed peace framework, as well as confidence-building measures aimed at supporting progress toward a comprehensive agreement," it added. Kyiv is under mounting Trump administration pressure to make concessions to reach a deal to end Europe's deadliest and most destructive conflict since World War Two. Zelenskyy had said on Friday that it was too early to draw conclusions from the first day of meetings in Abu Dhabi, and he had urged Russia to show it was ready for peace. U.S. peace envoy Steve Witkoff said at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos this week that a lot of progress had been made in the talks and only one sticking point remained. However, Russian officials have sounded more skeptical. Russia wants all of Donbas A federal agent cordons off the area as people gather at the scene of a shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 24, 2026. Tim Evans | Reuters Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Saturday called on President Donald Trump to end sweeping Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the state after a second fatal shooting this month by federal agents in Minneapolis. "I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning," Walz wrote in a post on X. "Minnesota has had it. This is sickening. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now." At a briefing Saturday afternoon, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said authorities had identified the victim as a 37-year-old white male and Minneapolis resident, adding that the man had no known criminal history beyond traffic citations. The man was later identified as ICU nurse Alex Pretti by his parents and the Associated Press. An undated handout image of Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by U.S. immigration agents as they tried to detain him in Minneapolis, Minnesota, obtained by Reuters on Jan. 25, 2026. U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs | Via Reuters "The only interaction that we are aware of with law enforcement has been for traffic tickets, and we believe he is a lawful gun owner with a permit," O'Hara said, though he noted details surrounding the encounter remain under review. O'Hara said his department has been in touch with the Department of Homeland Security, but that it has not provided specific details around the incident itself. The latest shooting adds to a tense standoff between Minnesota authorities and federal immigration agents that has persisted for weeks. Earlier this month, an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident, during an enforcement action, which triggered widespread protests and accelerated political backlash against the federal operation. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks by a screen showing an image of a handgun that the Department of Homeland Security says was recovered from a man who was shot during his arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during a press conference at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Response Coordination Center in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 24, 2026. Nathan Howard | Reuters "At 9:05 AM CT, as DHS law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault," a DHS spokesperson said in a statement on X. "An individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, seen here." Federal agents attempted to disarm the suspect but the suspect violently resisted, DHS said: "More details on the armed struggle are forthcoming." About 200 protestors arrived at the scene, the department said, and "crowd control measures were deployed for the safety of the public and law enforcement." Customs and Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino said in a news conference Saturday afternoon that the federal agent involved in the shooting has been with the agency for eight years. Tear gas clouds during clashes between federal agents and community members at the scene of a shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 24, 2026. Tim Evans | Reuters Trump responded to the shooting in a Truth Social post, defending the federal operation and condemning criticism of his immigration enforcement surge. "This is the gunman's gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why weren't they allowed to protect ICE Officers?" he wrote. "The Mayor and the Governor called them off? It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves Not an easy thing to do!" In a news conference Saturday evening, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem portrayed Pretti as a man intent on violence against federal agents: "This looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and to kill law enforcement." When asked if the 37-year-old ever pointed his weapon at federal agents, Noem sidestepped the question and instead asked why an individual would bring a gun to a protest. But despite Noem's claims, multiple videos by bystanders and observers at the scene of the shooting published on social media appear to tell a different story. In one video obtained by The Associated Press, protesters can be heard blowing whistles and shouting profanities at agents on Nicollet Avenue. The video shows an officer shoving a person who is wearing a brown jacket, skirt and black tights and carrying a water bottle. That person reaches out for a man and the two link up, embracing. The man, wearing a brown jacket and black hat, seems to be holding his phone up toward the officer. The same officer shoves the man in his chest and the two, still embracing, fall back. The video then shifts to a different part of the street and then comes back to the two individuals unlinking from each other. The video shifts focus again and then shows three officers surrounding the man. Soon, at least seven officers surround the man. One is on the man's back, and another, who appears to have a canister in his hand, strikes a blow to the man's chest. Several officers try to bring the man's arms behind his back as he appears to resist. As they pull his arms, his face is briefly visible on camera. The officer with the canister strikes the man near his head several times. A shot rings out, but with officers surrounding the man, it's not clear from where the shot came. Multiple officers back off of the man after the shot. More shots are heard. Officers back away and the man lies motionless on the street. In another video, seen by CNBC, it appears a federal officer removes a weapon from the man on the ground before any shots are fired. The DHS said it is planning to investigate the shooting, rather than the FBI, two sources told MS Now. In response to a request from Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt, Walz on Saturday afternoon agreed to activate the Minnesota National Guard to support first responders. "The Minnesota National Guard's role is to work in support of local law enforcement and emergency responders, providing additional resources. Their presence is meant to help create a secure environment where all Minnesotans can exercise their rights safely, including the right to peacefully protest," according to the sheriff department's statement. Minneapolis officials urged the public to avoid the area and remain calm as local law enforcement and state patrol units arrived to separate protesters from the ICE personnel, The Minnesota Star Tribune reported. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., joined the governor's call for ICE to end its operations in Minnesota. "The world is watching. Thousands of citizens stopped and harassed. Local police no longer able to do their work. Kids hiding. Schools closed. Get ICE out of Minnesota NOW," she said in an X post. But Trump administration officials placed the blame for the shooting on the armed man. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller called Pretti a "domestic terrorist," claiming that he "tried to assassinate federal law enforcement." Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Get ready to set sail, hop a plane, and more in 2026 with this new luxury luggage at your side. It is no secret that traveling causes some serious wear and tear on the mind and body, from long layovers to cancelled flights, but what really goes through it when traveling is your luggage. NORTVI Essential Carry-On Time to hit the sky in style with Nortvi's luxury luggage pieces. The Essential Carry-On is the perfect cabin-sized travel companion and comes in six colors, which include many stunning neutrals. With hundreds of five-star reviews, this luggage find is quickly becoming a must-have for travel junkies everywhere. Shop Carry-ons get rolled through the thick of it, and checked bags, well, who knows what happens to them! If you are prepping for a busy year of travel, we bet you are in some serious need of new high-quality luggage, and lucky for you, Nortvi is just the place. 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This weekend Keir Starmer is facing a similar dilemma. Should he strike down Andy Burnham, blocking him from standing in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election and turning him into Labour's newest martyr? Or should he step aside, let him run and take the risk the King of the North sweeps back into Westminster and seizes his throne? It's still not entirely clear which option the Prime Minister is leaning towards. But one thing is apparent. In the process of trying to grapple with their Burnham conundrum, Sir Keir and his allies have already begun to completely lose their marbles. In the hours after the confirmation Andrew Gwynne was stepping down, clearing the path for Burnham's return, Downing Street's reaction became increasingly hysterical. Friendly journalists were briefed the markets would be tipped into freefall by his candidacy. Others were told that the cost of running a new Manchester mayoral contest would be too prohibitive. As the day wore on, various, and ever-more outlandish, ruses were floated for ensuring his exclusion from the contest. An all-woman shortlist could be imposed, one Starmer supporter declared. Even though they are never utilised by Labour in by-elections. A second ally popped up to claim an all-BAME shortlist would be drawn up. Despite the fact such a list would be illegal under equalities legislation. By the evening, Starmer's 'friends' had dropped the pretence that there was any objective rationale to their prospective gerrymandering. 'One way or another we will block Andy Burnham,' they baldly announced. Keir Starmer faces a dilemma. Should he strike down Andy Burnham, or should he step aside, let him run and take the risk the King of the North sweeps back into Westminster and seizes his throne? writes Dan Hodges One Burnham backer told me: 'They would be insane to block him. It would cause chaos. Starmer wouldn't be able to survive it.' Whether they will, or even have the ability to, is another matter. Speaking to ministers and MPs over the past 48 hours, it's clear the mood within the party is shifting firmly in favour of allowing Burnham to run. As one Burnham backer told me: 'They would be insane to block him. It would cause chaos. Starmer wouldn't be able to survive it.' One minister who is supportive of the Prime Minister agreed. 'I actually think it would be a mistake to block him. It just boosts Burnham and the rebels. And it doesn't solve any of the fundamental issues.' Some Burnham supporters have floated a compromise, in the form of a 'loyalty oath'. As one told me: 'It would be reasonable to expect a by-election candidate to make clear their public support for the party leader. And in any case, Andy's not going to win a by-election on Friday then launch a leadership challenge the following Monday. So it would actually buy Keir a bit more time to see if he can stabilise things.' But compromise is not the prevailing mood in Downing Street. Inside the No 10 bunker, the feeling is one of kill or be killed. 'They basically want Andy's head on a spike,' one MP told me. Which only goes to further underline the level of dysfunctionality currently attending the Prime Minister's political operation. Battered by collapsing poll ratings, constant rebellions and a series of chaotic policy U-turns, Starmer's advisers have lost any ability to think rationally. If they do block Burnham, there will be only one outcome. Labour will implode in an orgy of recrimination. Starmer will be humiliated, and taunted on a daily basis by his political rivals. Defeat at the hands of Reformat the subsequent by-election would be likely. As would Starmer's defenestration in the local elections that followed. At which point his premiership would be doomed anyway. And that is just the internal perspective. Again, it needs to be reiterated that we are talking about a Prime Minister who won a landslide majority over 18 months ago. But the British people are now nothing but a strange, amorphous blob to him. At best an irrelevance, at worst a dangerous impediment to his increasingly desperate attempts to cling to power. That is the only explanation for Downing Street's current strategy of self-immolation. Just think about this for a moment. Inside No 10, grown men and women are actually saying to themselves: 'Our public support has collapsed to 14 per cent. Reform are running riot. The Greens are surging. The Tories are back from the dead. We're facing a potentially terminal by-election challenge. 'I know: let's publicly block one of the few candidates who is quite popular in the North and has a chance of actually holding that seat! And let's say the reason we're doing it is because we want to promote the diversity, equality and inclusion agenda!' If Keir Starmer blocks Andy Burnham, he won't just be sticking two fingers up at Red Wall Britain. He'll be throwing it to the ground, kicking it in the goolies and spitting, 'Greetings from north London, you ungrateful Northern oiks.' This is the point the Starmer premiership has reached. There is no longer any meaningful agenda. Or policy programme. Or vision. Or coherent plan for turning the political tide. The only strategy the Prime Minister and his aides apparently have left is to find ways of actively preventing the British people from voting for his opponents. The local elections. The Burnham selection. The pattern is becoming set. This is now the Starmer way. Fix. Deceive. Stitch-up. Gerrymander. Do anything but let people actually pass judgment on him and his benighted leadership of the country. And it's a strategy that is destined to end only one way. Keir Starmer cannot run away from the electorate, his own MPs and his party activists for ever. At some point soon there will be a reckoning. And if he blocks Andy Burnham, then it is only a matter of time before Wes Streeting or Angela Rayner or another Labour Padawan steps up to take his place. Darth Vader foolishly ignored Obi-Wan's warning. And he paid the ultimate price. The Prime Minister is now backed into an identical corner. The Force is with Andy Burnham. Ask any man if he wants to marry his mother and he'll probably tell you the idea makes his skin crawl but, according to psychological research, it's not always an outcome they can avoid. Almost a week after Brooklyn Beckham, 26, sensationally disowned his parents in a six-page Instagram statement, one leading psychotherapist told the Daily Mail that she believes the true root of the Peltz-Beckham vs Beckham feud is a power struggle between two very similar women. Dr Joy Conlon, psychotherapist at Coyne Medical and expert in behavioural psychology, said: 'There becomes a loyalty conflict, where you have two confident women, there is an overt and covert power struggle. 'You end up in a situation where the man is trying to keep both of these women happy, turning up for their mother like they always have done, but now trying to do the same for their partner who is equally as emotionally demanding.' On Monday, Brooklyn laid bare the deep chasms which lurk beneath the glossy veneer of 'Brand Beckham'. In an excoriating Instagram post, he painted a vivid picture of a dysfunctional family unit where love has to be earned through photo opportunities and social media posts. But he saved the most vitriol for his mother, Victoria, who he accuses of trying to sabotage his marriage to heiress Nicola both before, during and after their $3million wedding ceremony in Miami. On paper, the two women couldn't be more different. Brooklyn Peltz-Beckham with his mother Victoria (centre) and wife Nicola (left) Nicola, 31, grew up the daughter of a billionaire, with big dreams of making it as a Hollywood star. And although 51-year-old Victoria's dad famously drove a Rolls Royce, her childhood in Hertfordshire was distinctly less stellar. Until she found fame as one fifth of the Spice Girls, she dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer. However, observers have noted similarities in Nicola and Victoria's personalities both are self-possessed, driven, image conscious, loyal to their loved ones and fiercely ambitious. They have each been described as demanding, notes Dr Conlon. There may also be some similarities between Victoria's relationship with husband David, 50, she adds. Posh and Becks, as they're affectionately known, are known to enjoy ostentatious displays of affection - from their lavish wedding, to tattoos devoted to one another. The same, it turns out, could be said of Brooklyn and Nicola. It's these sorts of parallels, says Dr Conlon, which can lead men to inadvertently end up marrying their mothers. Brooklyn and Nicola wed in a $3million ceremony in Miami in April 2022 And it can be most acutely seen play out for ones who have grown up being parented by an 'intense' woman what might seem controlling or even coercive to an outsider, feels familiar, loving and safe to him. There is no suggestion that Brooklyn's relationships are in any way abusive. However, speaking generally, Dr Conlon explained: 'A man raised by a mother with narcissistic or emotionally unstable traits learns very early that love is unpredictable, conditional, and dependent on his behaviour. 'His nervous system becomes calibrated to that emotional rhythm. 'So when he later meets a woman who evokes that same emotional tone, confidence mixed with unpredictability, warmth mixed with withdrawal, his body reads it as recognition, not danger. 'He is not consciously choosing his mother again. He is unconsciously choosing the emotional climate he learned to survive in so later in life, attraction is guided by familiarity rather than logic. 'His nervous system is drawn to women who evoke a similar emotional tone to what he knew growing up.' Dr Conlon also points out that Brooklyn will have seen a similar level of tension play out between his mother and his paternal grandmother. The two women have been noted to have similar personalities 'Frameworks of relationships are also important,' she said. 'In Beckham's case David also fell out with his parents over his marriage to Victoria and their relationship has been full of drama so is this really surprising?' Tension between a man's partner and his mother can often be made worse if they both have strong, demanding personalities, or demonstrate narcissistic traits. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition characterised by 'a pervasive pattern of grandiosity', according to official sources. People diagnosed with NPD have 'a constant need for admiration' and display 'a lack of empathy', according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM. It is estimated that up to one in 20 people in the UK may suffer from the disorder to some degree, according to research, and some experts claim it is underdiagnosed. Specialists also warn that narcissists can be abusive because their behavior can manifest in various forms of emotional, psychological, and even physical abuse. Should a man choose a partner on the grounds that she reminds him of his mother, then it can lead him to becoming trapped between two narcissistic, or at the very least, high maintenance women - and each of them will vie for dominance over his life. On Monday, the eldest Beckham son, 26, launched an extraordinary online attack on his parents, accusing David, 50, and Victoria, 51, of trying to 'ruin' his marriage There is no suggestion that either Victoria or Nicola suffer these disorders. But in the case of Brooklyn, there is evidence there has been an ongoing power struggle for his affection and attention. One potential example of Nicola positioning herself as Brooklyn's new 'number one woman' came in 2024, when she stepped out wearing a vintage Dolce & Gabbana leather jacket, which was the exact same one worn by VB in 2001. When quizzed if she had borrowed it from her mother-in-law, Nicola revealed that her own mother had bought it for her from a fashion auction after she had become enamoured with the vintage pap shot of her now husband as a child. Dr Conlon said: 'Both women may unconsciously compete for emotional dominance. 'The man will be triangulated, positioned as mediator, or forced into loyalty binds. The same emotional rules apply in both relationships: approval is conditional, boundaries provoke backlash, and self-expression carries risk.' People seeking emotionally familiar partners also explains why we often see sons fall out with their mothers shortly after marriage. 'When a man marries or commits deeply to a partner, the emotional hierarchy shifts. If his mother has narcissistic traits, this can feel like a profound threat to her positioning. She may experience the partner as competition rather than addition,' said Dr Conlon. At Paris Fashion Week 2024, Nicola sported a jacket once worn by her mother-in-law Victoria pictured in D&G biker jacket with a tearful Brooklyn in 2001 Furthermore, she questions if Victoria saw her eldest son as a 'surrogate husband.' Dr Conlon said: 'When you have a husband who is often away, this can be with work or with other partners, then a mother becomes emotionally attached to a son and this is often the eldest. 'So this is often the root of tension when the son's hierarchy shifts towards their partner.' It's not only celebrities who end up tied in knots because of their mother and choice of partner, Dr Conlon regularly sees the same patterns play out in her clinic. She said: 'Many men present in the therapy room as a result of recurring life experiences, that causes them much confusion, "I do not understand why I keep ending up in the same type of relationship, with the same type of woman." 'What is happening is they are meeting a different woman each time, but creating the same emotional experience over time modelled on their relationship with their mother.' 'One man I worked with came to therapy in his early forties after his third long term relationship ended. Each partner was different in background and personality, yet the emotional experience was identical,' says Dr Conlon. 'He described feeling confident at the start of relationships, filled with enthusiasm, excitement for his partner and then slowly becoming anxious, self-doubting, and overly focused on his partner's moods. Dr Conlon says that Brooklyn was likely a surrogate husband for Victoria before his marriage He found himself constantly checking whether she was okay and adjusting his behaviour to prevent conflict. 'As we explored his childhood, he spoke of his mother, who in many ways was wonderful, she was loving but emotionally unpredictable. She needed admiration and to be the centre of attention. 'She struggled with boundaries and criticised him if he said or did anything that displeased her, which was quite often. When she was happy, the household felt warm and connected. When she was not, everyone felt it. As a child, he learned to focus on keeping her regulated. Because if she was ok, then he was ok. As an adult, he kept repeating the same role. This is not a carefree environment. It is a rigid controlling environment that would make any child or adult man unhappy.' Luckily though she says that these patterns can be changed, although it does take time and commitment. However it is not just mothers that have narcissistic tendencies that Dr Conlon says can impact future relationships. 'If you have your mum on a pedestal and idolise her, that can also lead to challenges in relationships,' she says. 'You create a framework where you focus on the partner's good qualities and internalise the bad as your own failings.' In his statement Brooklyn went as far as to say he has been 'controlled by a family that values public promotion above all else' and that since being with Nicola, he has found 'peace' Despite these patterns heavily informing our romantic relationships, Dr Conlon does believe that these patterns can be broken. She explains that some habits can help to break these generational cycles. For this to happen, she says that someone needs to learn to 'develop emotional literacy, learn to tolerate guilt without collapsing, learn to draw and hold healthy boundaries, prioritise your needs and experience relationships that are steady rather than intense,' she said. 'This work is not easy. It asks someone to give up what is familiar in favour of what is healthy. But with time, support, and commitment, it is entirely possible to curate a life and relationships that are chosen consciously rather than inherited unconsciously.' Thousands of men with advanced prostate cancer in England are set to benefit from a life-extending drug that can be taken at home after it was given the go-ahead for NHS use. Talazoparib, also known as Talzenna and made by Pfizer, is a once-daily pill that has been recommended for people whose cancer has spread by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice). It should be taken alongside enzalutamide - another pill which blocks the effect of the hormone testosterone on prostate cancer cells - and is suitable for patients who cannot have chemotherapy, or cannot tolerate other standard treatments. The move has been hailed as a 'real lifeline' for men with the disease. Talazoparib works by blocking certain enzymes from repairing damaged DNA in cancer cells, causing them to eventually die. Trials have shown that people taking the drug with enzalutamide lived almost nine months longer, and also had more time before their cancer got worse. Nice estimates that about 2,400 people in England are eligible for the drug, which is available on the NHS from today. Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: 'We are continuing to focus on what matters most to people by recommending this effective treatment that can make a huge difference to the lives of people with advanced prostate cancer. Thousands of men with advanced prostate cancer in England are set to benefit from a life-extending drug that can be taken at home after it was given the go-ahead for NHS use (FIle image) 'Talazoparib plus enzalutamide can be taken at home, so provides a convenient and flexible treatment option for people who can't have chemotherapy and are not able to take other medicines so have limited treatment options.' The recommendation from Nice comes days after new analysis found that prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK. Prostate Cancer UK found that 64,425 men were diagnosed with the disease in 2022, compared with 61,640 people with breast cancer, which had previously been the most common cancer. The figures are a 24% rise on the previous year when 51,823 men were diagnosed with the disease. Prostate cancer officially became the most common cancer in England a year ago, but new figures from Scotland, with data from Wales and Northern Ireland, enabled the UK-wide figure. Amy Rylance, assistant director of health improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, said: 'When hormone therapy stops working for a man with advanced prostate cancer, who is unable to have chemotherapy, it can be hugely distressing. 'Their treatment options become more limited, and they face a lot of uncertainty. 'That's why the fact this treatment is now approved is so exciting. 'For these men, having talazoparib approved is a real lifeline, and research shows that men who receive talazoparib alongside enzalutamide get almost nine months more of life with their loved ones than men just on enzalutamide. 'We know that for men with some genetic variations, like BRCA and HRR, the treatment can be even more effective.' Little treasures they may well be but looking after the grandchildren on a regular basis can be bad for your mental health, according to research. A study has shown it significantly raises the risk of depression, especially in older grandparents tasked with looking after demanding youngsters under the age of six. Researchers blamed the physical and financial strain of keeping infants entertained while their parents are at work. Around five million grandparents regularly take on childcare responsibilities, according to the charity Age UK. Just under 90 per cent of these babysit at least once a week. But in one in ten cases, they look after grandchildren at least once a day in some instances for five years or more. The majority get involved to help their own children work more to support the young family. Age UK says so-called 'gran-nannying' has enormous benefits for older couples, keeping them mentally and physically active and curbing loneliness. But the latest study, by a team of psychologists at the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, suggests not all grandparents experience positive effects. A study has shown that looking after grandchildren significantly raises the risk of depression, especially in older grandparents tasked with looking after demanding youngsters under six Researchers quizzed more than 400 elderly couples on how often they looked after their grandchildren and whether they suffered any problems with low mood. The findings, published in the journal BMC Psychology, revealed no links with depression among younger grandparents in their fifties. But among those in their sixties, there was a significant increase in risk especially if the grandchildren were under six. The researchers said: 'For these people, taking care of grandchildren may put more emotional and physical pressure on them and take a lot of time and energy. 'And caring for a grandchild may burden the caring grandparents financially, with older people facing financial problems due to retirement and reduced income. 'This can aggravate depression.' The results support previous studies which suggest babysitting can lead to marital strife among grandparents. A 2020 study at the University of Massachusetts Boston found a key factor for this was grandmothers being left to do the bulk of the hard work like feeding and bathing young children while granddads instead focused on fun activities and play. A beloved TikTok star with nearly one million followers has reportedly been found 'brutally' beaten to death in a forest. Ko Tin Zaw Htwe, 25, from the Asian country Myanmar, had become a popular internet sensation known online as Irrawaddy or Ayarwaddy. Htwe - described as one of the 'few openly queer creators from Myanmar' - often shared clips of himself dancing, reviewing products, showcasing his outfits and participating in popular trends and he raked in millions of views for his videos. According to Thai publication Thairath, police discovered his body on January 20 in a wooded area of the Mae Sot district of Thailand. There was reportedly dried blood on his face and a 'blood-stained wooden stick was found nearby, believed to be the murder weapon,' per Thairath. Superintendent of Mae Sot Police Station told the outlet that a suspect had been arrested in connection with Htwes death but the investigation is still ongoing. A source alleged that Htwe left his home - located in the Thai border town of Mae Sot - in the middle of the night on January 18 after getting a phone call and never came back. Htwe's last video was shared on January 19, one day before his tragic death, and showed him dancing as he excitedly showed off his new 'elephant jacket.' A beloved TikTok star with nearly one million followers has reportedly been found 'brutally' beaten to death in a forest Ko Tin Zaw Htwe, 25, from the Asian country Myanmar, had become a popular internet sensation known online as Irrawaddy or Ayarwaddy Many of his fans and friends have been sharing their devastation over the news. One of his friends described him as 'kind hearted' in a touching tribute shared on Facebook while another said 'his heart was so pure.' 'Did you really get killed? We were very close when we were working in a coffee shop in Yangon before [you became] a celebrity as Ayarwaddy,' the latter wrote. 'When the shop closed at night, he [shared his] snacks [with me]. His heart was so pure ... I feel so sad.' It comes as social media also comes to grips with the tragic passing of Indonesian influencer Lula Lahfah. The 26-year-old content creator died on January 23, according to CNN - with police telling the publication an influencer with the same initials as Lahfah had been found dead at an apartment in the Dharmawangsa region of South Jakarta that day. Metro Jaya Police's head of public relations Kombes Budi Hermanto told the outlet in a message translated into English: 'It's true that an influencer with the initials LL was found dead at the Essence Dharmawangsa Apartment.' 'The victim was found by security officers at around 6:44 PM WIB on Friday, January 23, 2026. Htwe - described as one of the 'few openly queer creators from Myanmar' - often shared clips of himself dancing, reviewing products, showcasing his outfits and participating in trends According to Thai publication Thairath, police discovered his body on January 20 in a wooded area of the Mae Sot district of Thailand 'Currently, South Jakarta Police Criminal Investigation Unit officers are still processing the crime scene (TKP) to investigate the incident and are coordinating with the family.' Weeks prior she allegedly suffered health issues and was in the hospital on New Year's on account of physical discomfort, according to CNN. On Friday, Weird Genius, a musical group of which Lahfah's boyfriend Reza Oktavian is a member of, announced a show cancellation in light of 'unfortunate news' involving one of the bandmembers. Millions of people currently follow Lahfah online, where she shares content about fashion, fitness, beauty and more. When Stefan Merrill Blocks two daughters were born, they had, he says, beautiful, blonde, fluffy hair. It was the same sort of hair that Block had had when he was young. Now, the 44-year-old novelists children are five and eight and their hair has turned brown as theyve aged. Block remembers watching this shift. I felt a sadness over the loss of those sweet first years, but also a lot of joy. I thought, you know, be yourself. It doesnt sound hugely consequential, a childs hair getting darker but it was for Block. When he was nine years old, and his own hair had changed from blond to brown, his mother decided to colour it. She started with a lightening spray and, when that only turned things orange, she covered his head with hydrogen peroxide. Block remembers the feeling of the bleach: painful, itchy, excruciating. Afterwards, his hair was bright yellow a garish imitation of what it had been when he was born. Block, who is speaking over Zoom from his home in New York, details this event in his book, Homeschooled. The memoir recalls the five-year period when his mother removed him, aged nine, from primary school in Texas to educate him herself. It is a relevant story: since Covid, homeschooling has increased both in the US (by 48 per cent) and in the UK (by 136 per cent). The reasons are varied 23 per cent of families in England say homeschooling is a lifestyle choice; 14 per cent say its due to their childs mental health; 13 per cent say its because of dissatisfaction with school. And it is a tangled story, too. While he was homeschooled, Blocks mother subjected him to behaviour that was plainly abusive. But, until she died of lung cancer in 2020, their relationship stayed a close one: she was tricky but she was also totally and obsessively loving. Blocks family his homemaker mother, therapist father and elder brother moved from Indianapolis to Plano, Texas, when he was eight. He liked his new school but his mother became convinced it was stifling his creativity. So she pulled him out. Blocks brother Aaron was allowed to remain in formal education the family line was that he and his father were structured people who did well in institutions. Block and his mother, meanwhile, were creative types who needed freedom. Stefan with his mother in 1987, aged five. His hair started to turn from blond to brown at nine... at which point she decided to colour it using lightening spray and then bleach Texas in the 1990s had precisely zero rules or systems to moderate homeschooling, and Blocks days with his mother were often spent doing very little. Sometimes they went to libraries to read and write stories, but sometimes they spent entire afternoons shopping in TK Maxx. A lot of the time Block sat in his room, alone watching sitcoms, visiting internet chatrooms, pressing the needle of a compass into his hip until he drew blood. He rarely saw other children besides his brother, meaning his mother became both his educator and entire social life. She could be confusing company. When Block was 12, his mother became convinced by a study that said crawling improved fine motor skills. His handwriting was bad, so, in an effort to improve it, he was made to crawl. For months Block moved around his house like an infant; his palms and knees became scored with carpet burns. It seems obvious that someone should have seen what was happening to Block and stopped it. But reality was thornier. At home, his mother was characterised as eccentric but adoring. No one, including Block, thought that what she was doing was abuse. Today he thinks his mothers rationale was unclear. By being made to crawl, Block was, literally being infantalised but says: I dont think that my mother would ever have, on any conscious level, been like, I was so much happier when Stefan was crawling [as a baby]. When he was 14, Block asked to rejoin school. His parents agreed but his mother made him wheel around a filing cabinet instead of using a backpack and, because his handwriting was still poor, she got him a 1980s typewriter rather than a notebook and pen. He wonders, again, about her motivations. I think she was worried about my handwriting being a liability. Block pauses. But, you know, theres another way of looking at it, which is that its so obviously going to be social poison, that it almost feels deliberate like it was a trap she was sending me into. She wanted him to fail at school. She wanted me to stay at home. Stefan today. Realising his childhood had been strange happened slowly, by degrees, he says Mother and son in 2006, when he was 24... despite everything, Block says he is not entirely against homeschooling Block left Texas for New York when he was 19 and remained close, in a complicated sort of way, to his parents. Realising that his childhood had been strange happened slowly, by degrees. When I ask if he forgives his mother, he says yes. She had been suffering, too. She was misdiagnosed with polio as a child and had a deep mistrust of institutions; she was sexually assaulted at university; her father drank too much; in her later life she drank heavily herself. Forgiveness is automatic. Whats harder for me is to not be forgiving. Whats harder for me is to hold on to anger. To hold on to the truth that this was wrong. After his mother died, Block, his father and brother could be more honest with each other. We had this code of silence around the topic of my mother for her whole life. And it was only as she was dying that the first cracks in that started to appear. Still, he was worried to show them the first draft of his book. Especially his dad. The idea of it was so upending to our family structure. Blocks father called him after finishing every chapter. He was shaken. He was surprised, but he was also deeply empathetic. He adds: I dont want to speak for my dad, but he told me, after reading it, he wished he had done more to help [me] in that situation. But he trusted [my mother], her decisions and her opinions and just thought that she knew what was best. How does he think his mother would have reacted to the book? I dont think its an exaggeration to say that she probably would not have survived this book. I was so central to the story that she told herself of her own life. And those [homeschooling] years were so happy and so critically important for her. The thought that what I was experiencing I was receiving as isolation and abuse, that would have been so painful to her. Today Block is not entirely against homeschooling. For some children those with special needs who arent getting support at school, those who are bullied homeschooling can be a wonderful refuge or a temporary measure. But, there have to be checks on socialisation, on academic competency, on physical and psychological wellbeing. (In Blocks native Texas, homeschooling rules have barely changed from the 1980s: theres essentially no oversight whatsoever.) Still, children need to be around other children. When I think about what happened in my childhood, I think there were moments that appear abusive in a physical way. But the most painful thing that happened to me was the isolation, he says. I remember the loneliness of those years so acutely. Block and his wife have sent their own daughters to school: the younger to a small nursery and the elder to a big state primary. With the latter he was, like all parents, nervous for her first day but she loved it, she fitted right in. He attends every school event and, recently, he found himself brought to tears watching a Halloween parade, his child dressed up in a costume, waddling along with her classmates. I am reliving what I didnt get through watching her, he says. And I am so happy for her. Homeschooled by Stefan Merrill Block is published by Wilton Square Books, 18.99. To order a copy for 16.14 until February 8, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK delivery on orders over 25. When Keionna Dickerson went to the hospital for severe stomach pains in July, it never occurred to her that she was about to have a baby. She had no baby bump and had regular periods for the last nine months. So when doctors told her that she was in active labor, she was surprised, to say the least. 'I had no symptoms. I had regular periods. I really didn't have a bump at all I was the same size,' she told the Daily Mail during an exclusive chat. Dickerson, 31, from Milan, Tennessee, who already had three kids, had gone to the emergency room because she had developed intense cramps. 'I was at work and was having really bad pain in my stomach and couldn't work so I went to the hospital to see what was going on,' she explained. Doctors began running tests and discovered that she was 35 weeks pregnant and about to give birth. 'I had no clue I was pregnant. I was in active labor and didn't know it,' she said. Keionna Dickerson went to the hospital for severe stomach pains in July, and was shocked to learn that she was in active labor Hours after arriving at the hospital expecting to be treated for a stomach bug, Dickerson gave birth to a baby boy, who she named Champion Doctors noticed that her baby's heart rate was dropping so they scheduled an emergency C-section. Hours after arriving at the hospital expecting to be treated for a stomach bug, Dickerson gave birth to a baby boy, who she named Champion. Dickerson suffered from something known as cryptic pregnancy. Studies suggest about one in 475 pregnancies go unnoticed until about 20 weeks gestation, while about one in 2,500 pregnancies go unnoticed until delivery. Cryptic pregnancies typically affect either young women who have never experienced a pregnancy, or women who believe they've gone through the menopause and who choose not to use contraception. Women with erratic menstrual cycles are also more likely to miss signs they are expecting. This is especially true among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where small cysts grow on the ovaries. The hormone imbalance often leads to irregular or non-existent periods. Yet there are some women who will continue to have monthly bleeds throughout their pregnancy. In this case, a scan at the local GP may be the only method of confirmation. Dickerson said she had no baby bump and had regular periods for the last nine months. She's seen (left) when she was seven months pregnant Dickerson opened up about her shock birth on TikTok last month and the video went viral, gaining more than 1.5 million views Dickerson opened up about her shock birth on TikTok last month and the video went viral, gaining more than 1.5 million views. Many people rushed to the comment section to share their fears over cryptic pregnancies. 'Dang, those cryptic pregnancy are terrifying,' wrote one user. 'My biggest fear... oh my please never,' added another. 'This is my worst nightmare,' shared someone else. 'New fear unlocked,' read a fourth comment, while a fifth said: 'Cryptic pregnancies are crazy.' Moms and dads all across the globe have been mocking Brooklyn Beckham's messy feud with his parents David Beckham and Victoria Beckham. The former chef, 26, sent the internet into a tailspin after he shared a shocking bombshell rant to social media last week in which he accused his parents Victoria, 51, and David, 50, of trying to ruin his relationship with wife Nicola Peltz, 30. He also sensationally claimed that his mother danced 'inappropriately' on him during his 2022 nuptials to the billionaire heiress. Since then, a viral trend has emerged on social media that has seen hoards of parents poking fun at the drama. Moms and dads have been sharing clips of themselves enjoying enjoying happy memories with their kids as proof that they are good parents 'just in case' their children one day grow up and decide to attack them online. 'Just leaving this here in case my son decides to write very serious allegations about us on his Instagram Stories in 20245...' one mom wrote alongside a now-viral video that showed her partner giving their infant a back massage as he sat on his lap and watched a movie on a First Class seat of an airplane. Another mom posted a clip of her baby sitting on a chair by the pool while feasting on French fries and chicken fingers with a similar caption. 'Just leaving this here in case my son decides to write a very serious Instagram Stories in 20245,' she wrote. oms and dads all across the globe have been mocking Brooklyn Beckham's messy feud with his parents David Beckham and Victoria Beckham. Brooklyn is seen with his wife Nicola Peltz The former chef, 26, shared a shocking bombshell rant to social media last week in which he accused his parents Victoria, 51, and David, 50, of trying to ruin his relationship with Nicola 'Just leaving this here in case my son decides to write a very serious Instagram about me in 20 years!' a third mom penned as she shared a video that showed her lifting her toddler up in the air on a beach. The eldest son of Victoria and David shared the explosive statement on Monday via his Instagram Stories. In it, Brooklyn said he was left 'humiliated' after his mom stopped him from dancing with his new wife at their wedding, insisting he take to the floor with her instead. He penned: 'My mom hijacked my first dance with my wife, which had been planned weeks in advance to a romantic love song. 'In front of our 500 wedding guests, Marc Anthony called me to the stage, where in the schedule was planned to be my romantic dance with my wife but instead my mom was waiting to dance with me instead.' He continued: 'She danced very inappropriately on me in front of everyone. I've never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life. 'We wanted to renew our vows so we could create new memories of our wedding day that bring us joy and happiness, not anxiety and embarrassment.' Fat Tony, the DJ who performed at Brooklyn and Nicola's wedding party in April 2022, later recounted the exact details of the dance during an appearance on This Morning. Since then, a viral trend has emerged on social media that has seen hoards of parents poking fun at the drama. Brooklyn is pictured in 2024 Moms and dads have been sharing clips of themselves enjoying enjoying happy memories with their kids as proof that they are good parents 'just in case.' The Beckham family is pictured Tony, a longtime friend of the Beckhams, claimed that Marc was to blame, revealing the musician had called Victoria to the dance floor with her son and instructed him, 'place your hands on your mother's hips.' Tony said: 'What happened was, basically, Marc Anthony was performing on stage, he then called Brooklyn onto stage. 'Brooklyn went on to the stage, and the next minute everyones expecting Nicola to go up and do the first dance, and then Marc asked for the most beautiful woman in the room to come to the stage - and then he says "Victoria, come to the stage."' He revealed that Brooklyn looked 'devastated' at the fact his first dance was with Victoria and not his wife, adding that Nicola left the room 'crying her eyes out.' Tony went on: 'Brooklyn is stuck there on stage, and they do this dance, and Marc Anthony says "put your hands on your mother's hips" and it was a Latin thing, and the whole situation was really awkward for everyone in the room 'Ive done an awful lot of Beckham parties in the past, and they are a very dancing close-knit family and love to dance, right? So you know, what we deem as "inappropriate" is not how Brooklyn feels. 'This is all about how Brooklyn feels. If he feels that it was inappropriate and awkward, it was inappropriate and awkward. 'Whats sad is that this is the bit that everyone's taken from the statement, and kind of whitewashed everything else that went on.' Elsewhere in his statement Brooklyn claimed that his parents had been 'trying endlessly' to ruin his relationship with Nicola since before their wedding. He also blasted his 'sham' family dynamic and claimed his parents' love is only decided by 'how much you post on social media.' 'My family values public promotion and endorsements above all else. Brand Beckham comes first,' he wrote. 'Family "love" is decided by how much you post on social media, or how quickly you drop everything to show up and pose for a family photo op even if it's at the expense of our professional obligations. 'We've gone out of our way for years to show up and support at every fashion show, every party, and every press activity to show "our perfect family!" 'But the one time my wife asked for my mum's support to save displaced dogs during the LA fires, my mom refused.' A CNN report from Minneapolis was abruptly cut short after correspondent Sara Sidner struggled to breathe live on air as federal agents deployed tear gas during protests following a fatal shooting. CNN anchor Fredricka Whitfield attempted to handover to Sidner during a broadcast Saturday, but the screen filled with smoke as Sidner coughed and fought for breath. 'I'm trying to breathe. Hold on,' Sidner could be heard saying, the camera pointing upward and blurred. Whitfield quickly pulled away from the live shot, explaining the gravity of the situation. 'You know what, it's very difficult to speak when you're in the middle of this,' Whitfield said. 'I was told that I should toss to her, but I feel badly right now because she's in the middle of trauma being in the middle of all of this tear gas. This is what happens. You can't speak. You can barely breathe. If you're lucky you can swallow some water, at least remove yourself from the situation.' Sidner later confirmed on social media that she had been gassed and said she had taken refuge inside a nearby donut shop. The chaotic scene unfolded after a Border Patrol agent officers fatally shot a 37-year-old man in Minneapolis during a law enforcement operation, an incident captured on video that sparked hours of protests and clashes with police and federal agents. The shooting occurred just after 9am near Glam Doll Donuts at the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue, during what authorities described as a struggle involving multiple federal agents. A CNN report from Minneapolis was abruptly cut short after correspondent Sara Sidner (pictured) struggled to breathe live on air Federal agents stand near police tape as demonstrators gather near the site of where state and local authorities say a man was shot by federal agents earlier in the morning in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday 'I'm trying to breathe. Hold on,' Sidner could be heard saying, the camera pointing upward and blurred Sidner found shelter in the nearby donut shop and took to Instagram to explain what happened Video from the scene shows agents wrestling the man to the ground before one agent fires multiple shots into his chest. The agent then retreats as other officers scatter. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the man was armed with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun and two magazines, and that the firearm was later recovered by federal authorities. DHS said officers attempted to disarm the man after he approached them with the weapon and 'violently resisted,' prompting what the department described as 'defensive shots.' The man was pronounced dead at the scene despite medical aid. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said the victim was believed to be a 37yearold white US citizen who lived in Minneapolis. He was later identified by the Minnesota Star Tribune as Alex Jeffrey Pretti. O'Hara said the man's only known prior contact with police involved parking violations and that he was believed to have had a permit to carry a firearm. Minnesota law allows permit holders to openly carry handguns in public. Federal officials said the shooting occurred during what began as a 'targeted operation against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault,' though city officials have questioned the federal government's actions and authority at the scene. O'Hara said ICE agents attempted to have local police leave the area, a request he refused, insisting that Minneapolis police preserve the scene for evidence collection. As news of the shooting spread, hundreds of protesters gathered near the scene, with authorities later declaring an unlawful assembly. A Minneapolis man who was gunned down during a struggle with federal agents has been identified by local media as Alex Jeffrey Pretti Pretti is a registered nurse, US citizen and a resident of Minnesota who had a gun license according to officials According to DHS and local officials, dumpsters and restaurant furniture were used to block streets, at least two small fires were set, and officers deployed tear gas, flashbangs, and pepper spray to manage the crowd. Witnesses were transported to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, and Minnesota State Patrol troopers assisted with crowd control. City and state leaders sharply criticized the federal operation. Mayor Jacob Frey called the Trump administration's immigration crackdown an 'invasion' by masked agents acting with impunity and urged President Donald Trump to remove federal agents from Minneapolis. Governor Tim Walz said he had spoken with the White House and demanded an end to the operation, calling it 'sickening.' Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Ilhan Omar also issued statements condemning federal immigration enforcement tactics, with Omar calling the shooting 'an execution by immigration enforcement.' Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said her office is working with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to coordinate a state response and investigate the shooting. A protester appeared to be detained after an ICE agent reportedly shot a man several times in Minneapolis Local police identified the man as a white 37-year-old US citizen from Minneapolis Your browser does not support iframes. She also launched a portal for the public to submit video and other evidence related to the incident. The killing marks the third shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis in recent weeks. On January 7, an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, and about a week later another federal agent shot and wounded a man during a separate enforcement action, further intensifying scrutiny of federal law enforcement activity in the city. Investment trust Aberdeen Asia Focus is a bit different to most other funds that trawl Far Eastern stock markets in search of winning companies. Its emphasis is on finding successful investments outside of the big Asian tech firms which attract most attention from investors. And it's an approach that manager Gabriel Sacks believes makes the 530 million stock market-listed fund an ideal portfolio diversifier. 'Our emphasis on smaller companies means we can help investors obtain a deeper and broader exposure to Asia,' he says. 'It's something different. Yes, it's an easy part of the Asian market to ignore, and most people do. But it can be rewarding, especially as Asia is where the world's stellar growth emanates from.' The fund's performance numbers back Sacks' argument. Over the past five years it has delivered an attractive return of 82.5 per cent and 30.2 per cent over the past year. In the process, it has outperformed the two other trusts Fidelity Asian Values and Scottish Oriental Smaller Companies which fish in the same pond. Aberdeen Asia Focus is run by Sacks from London, assisted by colleague Xin-Yao Ng, who is based in Singapore. The pair also draw upon the expertise of a 40-strong Aberdeen investment team based across Asia. The fund, comprising 60 stocks with an average market capitalisation of 3.5 billion, has no investments in Japan or Australasia. Its biggest country position is in India. Its assets are spread across 13 stock markets, 12 of which are Asian. The exception is its holding in UK-listed MP Evans Group which owns plantation crops in Indonesia. 'We're relatively underweight in markets such as India, South Korea and Taiwan and overweight in both China and Vietnam,' says Sacks. 'But market diversification for us is key, as is our focus on identifying quality companies. 'There are specific risks in the markets we look at which demand caution for example, regulatory risk in China. 'Yet, all the time, we are wanting to buy companies at a reasonable price which will then go on and grow.' Among its success stories is Taiwanese tech company Chroma ATE, its sixth-biggest holding. Chroma manufactures testing equipment for the power industry across Asia, but it has now broadened out into providing semiconductor stress-testing solutions for US tech giants such as Nvidia. Its shares are up nearly 200 per cent over the past year. 'Its earnings have gained momentum,' says Sacks, 'with a resulting re-rating of the shares. We've taken some profits along the way.' Another success is Vietnamese retailer Mobile World Investment, which the fund bought a stake in last year. 'We like the management,' says Sacks. 'And it's scaling up both its grocery business, Bach Hoa Xanh, and pharmacy chain An Khang.' The shares are up 45 per cent over the past year. The trust pays a quarterly dividend, equivalent to an annual income of around 1.7 per cent. In the last financial year, Asia Focus paid dividends totalling 6.43p a share. The first quarterly dividend for this year (to the end of July) was 1.6p, the same as last year. The fund's annual charges are 0.91 per cent and will fall if the assets keep growing. The market ticker for the shares is AAS, and the market identification is BMF19B5. Bargain hunters may like the fact that the trust's shares, priced at around 3.80, are trading at a 10.5 per cent discount to the value of the underlying assets. Sacks joined Aberdeen 17 years ago and also runs emerging markets portfolios for the company. Ruth Sunderlands warning on the dangers of continually talking down London could not be more timely. This is not simply a question of reputation. Confidence matters. When it ebbs, investment decisions are delayed, risk rises and growth slows, with real consequences for peoples livelihoods. In house building with major projects taking decades to come through and investors often committing hundreds of millions in capital on schemes that aid the citys standing and people equally. We know that confidence is key. In the last two years weve helped 2billion of capital to be invested in London and we hope to bring 1billion-plus in 2026 to build the new homes and new places that the capital needs. And we could do with confidence on our side. For much of the past decade, this pessimism about London has become so commonplace that it is rarely challenged. This is a bizarre position for a city that continues to rank at or near the top of global league tables for places to visit, live, study and invest in. So lets check those facts. Appealing: London's appeal rests on deep foundations: relative stability, legal certainty and financial infrastructure What the data consistently shows is that London remains a magnet for talent, employment and opportunity. As we approach the tenth anniversary of the Brexit vote, many of the dire predictions of 2016 have not materialised. Global firms continue to invest. Skilled workers compete to come here. Graduates choose to stay. Far from hollowing out, the city has adapted and grown. Nor is Londons appeal confined to its traditional strengths. It remains the worlds leading financial centre, but it is also now one of the foremost global hubs for AI. That position is built on the depth of innovation in our universities, the concentration of venture capital and the fact that London hosts the largest ecosystem of AI companies outside San Francisco. This is not just about prestige; it is about knowing the next generation of global companies, and opportunity, will be built here. Beyond this, Londons universities continue to act as engines of social mobility and global influence. The citys music, fashion, art and sporting scenes also set trends that resonate far beyond the UK, reinforcing Londons status as a cultural as well as an economic capital. Then there is safety. No global city is risk-free but, by international standards, London remains a safe place to live, work and raise a family and importantly, one where the picture is improving rather than deteriorating. The citys appeal rests on deep foundations: relative stability, legal certainty, financial infrastructure and this is why London maintains its appeal as a safe haven. These are traits that outlast market and political cycles and, dare I say it, governments. Walk along the Thames on a sunny day, have a curry on Brick Lane or take in a show at the West End. You will see a city still attracting millions of visitors and supporting nine million residents; dynamic, diverse and very much alive. This is not the profile of a city in decline. It is the mark of a city with the resilience to outlast market cycles, fads and political feuds. We are backing London and we are proud to stand up and say so - to secure its success for future generations. Adam Lawrence is the chief executive of London Square. The UK boss of controversial tech firm Palantir has slammed its woke critics for trying to get the firm banned from the NHS. Louis Mosley said critics were 'so ideological' they were calling for a ban, even if the firm might help their relatives get treatment. Speaking to The Mail on Sunday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Mosley said more than 80,000 patients had now had an operation they would not otherwise have had thanks to its data technology even at its early stage of being rolled out. But the firm's products are used by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in the US which has been criticised for its actions, including the shooting of unarmed US citizen Renee Good and by the Israeli armed forces in Gaza. Palantir was also co-founded by Peter Thiel, a leading backer of Donald Trump. Controversy: Palantir's products are used by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency in the US and by the Israeli armed forces in Gaza Mosley said most people were unable to 'divorce the software and whether it works from the politics of the founders'. He said: 'There's unfortunately a subset of people who are so ideological that they would have Palantir banned from the NHS.' His comments come after Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party, called for the firm to 'pack its bags and get the hell out of the NHS'. Mosley admitted that ICE was 'amazingly controversial' but noted Palantir had been working with the agency since 2011, when Barack Obama was president. In Israel, Hamas's October 7 attacks in 2023 gave a 'clear cut case for a just war response', so Palantir would support that. But he added: 'We're often accused of having supported targeting in Gaza, which we haven't done.' Palantir has 1,000 employees in Britain, its largest concentration outside the US, and data contracts with the Ministry of Defence. In the NHS, its software helps to collate information held by trusts into the Federated Data Platform as even within one hospital patients may have to give their name, address and details of their ailments to different people. He said: 'There is a focus on bringing down waiting lists and shifting the focus from treatment to prevention so they never have to go to hospital in the first place.' Sometimes the truth hurts. Scott Bessent, the US Treasury secretary, was characteristically direct last week in Davos when asked about Danish pension funds selling US government securities. 'Denmark's investment in US Treasury bonds, like Denmark itself, is irrelevant,' he said. Ouch. Actually, I think there are reasons to be concerned about the US fiscal deficit, reflected in the yield on the country's ten-year debt being the second-highest of a G7 country, after the UK. Those fears are acknowledged by my colleague Alex Brummer. But the jab at Denmark caught the contempt in which Europe is regarded, not just by the present administration, but in a more measured form by the global investment community. There are exceptions of course, and many European companies are doing wonderfully. As for Denmark, it is not only a delightful place to live, ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, it is also home to Novo Nordisk, at one stage last year Europe's most valuable company, thanks to its diabetes and weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. Livewire: We have the most expensive electricity of any major economy in the world four or five times that of the US and double the average level on the Continent But the general rule is that if you want to invest in growth don't put your money in the Continent. The UK is in a strange, intermediate position. We are not doing as well as we should be, but in high-tech investment we rank third after the US and China, raising more cash for start-ups than France and Germany combined. At a macro-economic level, despite everything, our growth last year seems to have been equal third with France in the G7 nations, after the US and Canada. If you believe the forecasts, we will remain third after the US and Canada, but pulling clear of France for another three years. The trouble is that being third is not very good. It's only about 1.5 per cent growth a year. That's not enough to lift living standards, or dent our massive national debt. The fact that the big European countries are expected to do even worse is small comfort. So how can we up our game? Beware of one-size-fits-all answers, as there are a string of things holding us back, including over-regulation, planning controls, business taxes and so on. But one issue that has not received enough attention is the damage to our economy from absurdly high energy prices. We have the most expensive electricity of any major economy in the world four or five times that of the US and double the average level on the Continent. We see that in our household bills, and that is bad enough. But what we are less aware of is the extent to which we are running down our manufacturing base. Steel, chemicals, car plants, all use a lot of power. So swathes of industry are shutting down or cutting back. Our chemical industry is effectively shutting down. Scotland is particularly hard hit as next month ExxonMobil will close the UK's last ethylene cracker in Fife and Ineos has shut the last remaining synthetic ethanol plant just across the Firth of Forth in Grangemouth. In the past five years we have shut ten big chemical complexes. It has been done in the push for Net Zero emissions, but as Ineos chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe says: 'De-industrialising Britain achieves nothing for the environment. It merely shifts production and emissions elsewhere.' We are a hugely successful service economy. Nearly 60 per cent of our exports are services, the highest proportion of any big country, and in terms of absolute value second only to the US. But we need industry too. Aside from the social and economic costs of killing what were until recently thriving enterprises, it cannot make strategic sense to make ourselves dependent on imports of gas and oil when we still have lots under the North Sea. Or, for that matter, relying on electricity via undersea cables that could be sliced by a hostile foreign power in a few hours. It's tempting to blame it all on Energy Minister Ed Miliband, and he carries some blame. But his policy was inherited from previous governments. It's nuts. I am not surprised when people in the present US administration sneer at us, but I am depressed that our successive politicians can be so seriously stupid. Theft of Pokemon cards has become so common shops cannot afford the security needed to deter shoplifters, a retail boss has said. Gavin Peck, head of High Street chain The Works, which operates about 500 outlets in the UK, told The Mail on Sunday he had stopped selling the collectibles due to shoplifters' obsession with them. 'Most of what we sell is quite low value so to invest in the technology is just cost-prohibitive,' he said of anti-theft measures. 'We put higher-priced or more theft-prone items near the till, but we have one or two colleagues in a store at any time. It's quite easy to get around that.' On the case: A scene from the 2019 Pokemon film Detective Pikachu He said security costs had run into the 'low millions of pounds' and it had become more cost-effective to withdraw the cards. His comments come after the MoS reported last year that criminal gangs had forced HMV to pull Pokemon cards from its shop floors and online. Boss Phil Halliday said at the time that demand for the cards was so intense that even its delivery vans were being targeted by thieves. Pokemon cards, which depict cartoon creatures used by their 'trainers' to fight each other, surged in popularity in the 1990s and still attract new fans, with rare varieties attracting huge resale price tags. Albanian drug dealers are selling mobile phones linked to their customer base on TikTok for more than 300,000, an investigation reveals. Criminal gangs have built up such lucrative lines of British users buying drugs via a single phone number that the device itself can be worth many hundreds of thousands of pounds. And they are advertising the phones on social media to other Albanian criminals in the UK keen to benefit from a ready-made stream of customers. The criminals even offer potential buyers the chance to test the phones before they commit, and insist that the mobiles are safe from law enforcement interference. The Mail identified one account, named 'Albanian Postcode' which offers a phoneline based in Brighton and Hove for sale for 300,000. The page promises the number receives orders for up to 900 grams of cocaine each week. It states in Albanian: 'The number is switched on for 24 hours for workers (drug dealers) to deliver by taxis. 'We can offer this number to prospective buyers for a week or two if they pay a deposit. 'Only serious buyers get in touch.' Another, named shqipepostcode1 or Albanian Postcode1, purports to have a phone based in Barking, east London that received between 350 and 400 orders for cocaine each week. Mobile number on sale in Barking and Dagenham, the advert states in Albanian. Price of the number: 220K but we can drop that price. Tickets (cocaine) we have sold all the time on 50s (half gram of cocaine). We give this phone to be tested up to two weeks. We are selling the number due to not managing it any longer. Another advert from an account named shqipet_e_pikave, or Albanian 'Points' - a slang term for cocaine - posted nine separate adverts for phones with existing customer bases across Britain. One stated: Working (drugs) number for sale in Gloucester. Price 140,000 sterling. Estimated sale of 250 doses per week. With a guarantee with the right to test it. You can monitor for a day the person who has the phone. The Mail identified one account, named 'Albanian Postcode' which offers a phoneline based in Brighton and Hove for sale for 300,000. Another profile, named shqipepostcode1 or Albanian Postcode1, purporting to have a phone based in Barking, east London that received between 350 and 400 orders for cocaine each week. Mobile number on sale in Barking and Dagenham, the advert states in Albanian. Price of the number: 220K but we can drop that price. Tickets (cocaine) we have sold all the time on 50s (half gram of cocaine). We give this phone to be tested up to two weeks. We are selling the number due to not managing it any longer The Mail found other adverts purporting to be selling phones covering Manchester, Kent, Essex, Brighton, Southampton and across the Midlands and greater London. Another advert on the same account offered a phone for sale in Leicester for 90,000. It continued: In one week from the contacts we sell 120/140 pika (grams of cocaine) and 750 grams of grass (cannabis). This number is without any problem (from law enforcement). With the right to test it and guarantee. Get in touch for more information. Other posts on the China-based platform include adverts to recruit Albanian drug runners in the UK. The Mail found such adverts purporting to be selling phones covering Manchester, Kent, Essex, Brighton, Southampton and across the Midlands and greater London. An Albanian taxi driver who once worked as a drug runner in Birmingham explained that he would deliver up to 30 grams of cocaine a day across the city. The man, who has now returned to Tirana and asked to remain anonymous, said he would receive a call from the 'boss' controlling the 'line' ordering him to drop the drugs to a buyer. I would go into the city centre of Birmingham about eight times a day to deliver, he said. Clients would get into my car, I would drive a few minutes and do the deal then they would get out. One of my clients was a doctor. He took lines of cocaine in my car, saying he wanted to have as much as possible because his wife would take it all once he got home. My boss had a supply chain that ran through the Netherlands and employed 12 drivers like me across Birmingham. I used to get 1,700 a week for this, tax free, with the petrol paid for me. Klevis Arifi, 21, and Asllan Cani, 28, were jailed in September for a combined five years after police seized 35,000 of cocaine from their flat in Maidstone, Kent. Leke Gjergjaj, Genald Sekja, Julian Palushi, Eugen Aliaj, Ricardo Rupi, and Pjeter Gjergjaj were jailed for more than 77 years after Scotland Yard recovered a shotgun, 36kg of cannabis and 500,000 worth of cocaine in Hackney, northeast London. Albanian gangsters smuggle hundreds of millions of pounds earned through illicit activity out of Britain back into their home country every year, the National Crime Agency said. Frank Glen, the agencys Western Balkans threat lead, said Albanian organised criminal gangs (OCGs) were highly sophisticated and had a significant presence in South America where they could buy high-purity cocaine at source. Albanian OCGs typically operate in loose networks and forge links with other OCGs to commit offences and they have a reputation for reliability and delivery, he said. They are generally very quick to move their illicit profits back to Albania for investment or to safely hide from authorities. The higher tier criminal networks often station lower-ranking members in countries like the UK where there is a huge customer base for drugs, he added. A law enforcement source said Albanians gangs were now firmly established as running substantial drugs operations across the length of the UK aside from Liverpool, where more traditional British gangs still dominate. The authorities work with social media platforms but policing pages that offer illegal services is like 'whack-a-mole' with new profiles emerging every time others are shut down, they added. In September, six Albanian drug dealers were jailed for more than 77 years after Scotland Yard recovered a shotgun, 36kg of cannabis and 500,000 worth of cocaine in Hackney, northeast London. Leke Gjergjaj, Genald Sekja, Julian Palushi, Eugen Aliaj, Ricardo Rupi, and Pjeter Gjergjaj were jailed at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 12. Ervis Doksani, 22, was jailed last month over possession with intent to supply class A drugs, after he was caught with of 108 grams of cocaine in Brighton. Klevis Arifi, 21, and Asllan Cani, 28, were jailed in September for a combined five years after police seized 35,000 of cocaine from their flat in Maidstone, Kent. The UK has one of the highest rates of cocaine use in the world with more than 1,000 deaths per year. A spokesman from TikTok said it had banned the accounts identified by the Mail. The platform employs tens of thousands of safety professionals who speak more than 70 languages, including Albanian, and removes most illegal content before it is reported, they added. The cost of Scotlands battle against obesity has rocketed to a record high partly thanks to Donald Trump. The countrys NHS is now spending almost 3 million a month handing out weight-loss injections, The Scottish Mail on Sunday can reveal. Since the jabs became available on prescription a year ago, demand has soared as overweight Scots seek help to shed the pounds. New figures show that in September almost 20,000 pre-filled injections of Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy were prescribed to patients. Yet in the same month, the cost to the Scottish health service jumped massively not just because of demand, but also because of a controversial America First policy implemented by the US President. Mr Trump ordered American pharmaceutical firms to sell their drugs to US citizens and healthcare providers at the lowest possible prices. As a result, at the start of September, Mounjaro manufacturer Eli Lilly, which had sold the drug more cheaply in Britain than in the US, hiked its UK prices with a massive and immediate impact on the budget of Scotlands NHS. Our analysis shows that overnight, the average cost to the NHS of prescribing a Mounjaro injection more than doubled, from 99 to 215. Last night, the Scottish Government said it had asked UK ministers to try and keep drug prices as low as possible, and insisted that protecting the NHS in Scotland is a red line in any US-UK negotiations. Mr Trump ordered American pharmaceutical firms to sell their drugs to US citizens and healthcare providers at the lowest possible prices New figures show that in September 2025 almost 20,000 pre-filled injections of Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy were prescribed to patients Medical experts say weight-loss injections remain a vital tool in the battle against obesity Meanwhile, medical experts said weight-loss injections remain a vital tool in the battle against obesity. Dr Naveed Sattar, professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow, said: The drugs dont simply help patients lose weight, but also hugely reduce their risk of kidney disease, heart failure, heart attacks, sleep apnoea, liver diseases, knee-pain and fatigue. Prescriptions for these drugs are money wisely spent. Last year, the Scottish NHS began offering weight-loss drugs on prescription to the most severely overweight patients who are also suffering from other weight-related conditions. Official NHS prescribing data reveals the growing demand and cost to the health service. Last January, 8,207 jabs were prescribed, costing the NHS 692,000. By August, the number of monthly prescriptions had almost doubled to 15,648, while the cost had risen to 1.4 million. But in September, prescriptions hit 18,251 while the monthly cost jumped disproportionately to 2.71 million. Mounjaro is the most commonly prescribed weight-loss jab in Scotland. Ozempic and Wegovy are manufactured by a Danish firm so were not affected by the US price hike. In August, the Scottish NHS prescribed 7,460 doses of Mounjaro costing 746,110, an average of 100 each. In September, 9,505 doses cost 2,046,000 215 each. 26th Chinese medical team arrives in Rwanda to boost health cooperation Xinhua) 11:00, January 24, 2026 Ndayizigiye Jean Marie Vianney (4th L, front), permanent secretary in Rwanda's Ministry of Health, poses for photos with members of the 25th Chinese medical team during a ceremony in Rwanda, in Kigali, Rwanda, Jan. 22, 2026. The ceremony marking the arrival of the 26th Chinese medical team in Rwanda and the departure of the 25th team was held in the capital of Rwanda on Thursday night, highlighting sustained cooperation between Rwanda and China in the health sector. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua) KIGALI, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony marking the arrival of the 26th Chinese medical team in Rwanda and the departure of the previous team has been held in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, highlighting sustained bilateral cooperation in the health sector. At the ceremony on Thursday night, Ndayizigiye Jean Marie Vianney, permanent secretary in Rwanda's Ministry of Health, praised Chinese medical teams for their services. "Whether in hospitals, clinics, or communities, your work embodies resilience, excellence, and selflessness. Your service does not go unnoticed," he said. He said that their contribution represents the strong and growing partnership between Rwanda and China, particularly in the health sector, adding that this collaboration has brought skills and knowledge exchange, as well as a lasting impact, "strengthening our shared vision of healthier and more resilient communities." Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi said the medical teams stand as a powerful testament to the deep bonds between the two peoples, noting that this year, more doctors and nurses have arrived in Rwanda, elevating the bilateral health cooperation to new heights. Wang Yongxiang, head of the 25th Chinese medical team in Rwanda, said that team members have worked side by side with Rwandan colleagues in clinics, operating rooms, and wards. Over the past year, the Chinese medical teams have helped build an orthopedic specialty system and a standardized pain management clinic at Kibungo Hospital, and have transferred techniques such as traditional Chinese acupuncture, painless labor, and infection control to local doctors, bringing sustainable benefits to both the local healthcare system and the Rwandan people, Wang said. Li Junsheng, a member of the 25th Chinese medical team in Rwanda, has participated in several batches and received a special award from the Ministry of Health in grateful recognition of his "11 years of dedicated service to the people of Rwanda." According to Han Hongyang, head of the newly arrived 26th Chinese medical team, the team consists of 19 members covering eight clinical departments like surgery, orthopedics, anaesthesia, obstetrics and gynaecology, nursing, and traditional Chinese medicine. Since 1982, China has dispatched 26 medical teams to Rwanda, providing daily medical services at Masaka Hospital and Kibungo Hospital. Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi speaks during a ceremony marking the arrival of the 26th Chinese medical team in Rwanda and the departure of the 25th team in Kigali, Rwanda, Jan. 22, 2026. The ceremony was held in the capital of Rwanda on Thursday night, highlighting sustained cooperation between Rwanda and China in the health sector. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua) Ndayizigiye Jean Marie Vianney, permanent secretary in Rwanda's Ministry of Health, speaks during a ceremony marking the arrival of the 26th Chinese medical team in Rwanda and the departure of the 25th team in Kigali, Rwanda, Jan. 22, 2026. The ceremony was held in the capital of Rwanda on Thursday night, highlighting sustained cooperation between Rwanda and China in the health sector. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua) Li Junsheng, a member of the 25th Chinese medical team in Rwanda, receives a special award from Rwanda's Ministry of Health during a ceremony marking the arrival of the 26th Chinese medical team in Rwanda and the departure of the 25th team in Kigali, Rwanda, Jan. 22, 2026. The ceremony was held in the capital of Rwanda on Thursday night, highlighting sustained cooperation between Rwanda and China in the health sector. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) It was a hidden gem in Grand Teton National Park for years but now Delta Lake has become overrun with influencers and locals are not happy. Getting to the tranquil alpine lake in the Wyoming park is not for the faint-hearted, as the stunning scenery awaits beyond a challenging and dangerous hike. The approximately 10-mile round-trip is often steep and requires an off trail scramble towards the end, but content creators think the breathtaking views are all worth it for the perfect Instagram post. Longtime climber and member of The Teton Climbers' Coalition, Christian Beckwith, told Daily Mail that locals who once loved the secluded spot now avoid the lake, after people 'in flip flops' with speakers and booze have transformed it into a 'party destination.' '[It] kind of blew up over the last ten years or so,' he said. 'Delta Lake became a place where the locals don't go because of its status as "Instagram Lake."' When Beckwith visited in the summer he was shocked at the number of people there, describing it as a 'jaw-dropping spectacle,' with wear and tear on the trails displaying that they had been 'loved to death.' 'It's truly a beautiful place. It's just gorgeous, but we were taken aback by the number of people, how it was just a different type of park user,' he said. A visitor poses with the beautiful scenery of Delta Lake as a backdrop (file photo) In 2025, the park saw 5,203,057 visitors, a 3.6 percent increase from 2024 Rangers have urged hikers to follow 'leave no trace' principles but in 2020 this bear box showed just how much the trail was used as it was found stuffed full of trash In 2025, the park recorded a total number of 5,203,057 visits, a 3.6 percent increase from 2024. Recreational visits saw a 16.89 percent increase, while non-recreational visits, those in the park commuting, carrying out work or research, increased just shy of five percent, according to National Park Service data. Beckwith said the volume of visitors had resulted in a number of informal overlapping trails that deviate from the main path, a phenomenon known as 'braiding.' 'I was finding used toilet paper on the sides of the trail. There's one section that has just been pulverized into dust,' he recalled, saying the sight left him 'shocked.' 'We're used to such a high caliber park experience here,' Beckwith said. 'All the other trails are just exquisite and pristine.' Grand Teton National Park services shared photos in 2018 of littered toilet paper following numerous reports from park employees of rubbish being strewn everywhere. In 2020, a bear box was found full of trash as the rangers urged hikers to follow 'leave no trace' principles. And in May last year, volunteers picked up around 980 pounds of litter across eight miles of trail. Morgan Hill, a travel content creator, told Daily Mail that she has visited the park numerous times and Jackson Hole is one of her favorite spots Park rangers have encouraged people to 'leave no trace' on their visits to keep the park beautiful for everyone A photo of a fox that had captured a rogue Pringles can was shared in 2022 by the park to its Facebook page with the caption: 'Although it may be slightly amusing... the sad truth is that the fox in the photo may be removed (euthanized) if [it] continues to pursue human food.' The post explained how wild animals that get used to seeking out human food can become dangerous or aggressive and expose visitors to diseases, including rabies. However, social media content creators visiting the park have refuted claims that visitors like themselves are ruining it. Morgan Hill, a travel content creator, told Daily Mail that she has been to the park numerous times and Jackson Hole has become one of her favorite spots. '[It's] a very special place to us,' she began. 'Two summers ago, we decided to come out to Jackson Hole, and really just became infatuated with this place. 'Once we got to the top of Delta Lake, I mean, it's a view that will take your breath away,' she said. 'It's my favorite hike in the world. We've done it twice now.' Hill said that on their way up they 'passed a few people,' but on their second time up 'there wasn't many people up there.' 'We spent probably the last 30 minutes of that hike with no one else up there. It was so peaceful. It's so quiet,' she said. The lake offers breathtaking views that provides the perfect backdrop for Instagram photos Content creator Morgan Hill believes that Delta Lake's difficulty to get to helps to keep away some of the less passionate park goers, who may be more inclined to disrespect the land Hill (pictured) said she can understand that there's backlash to the increase in visitors but believes the outdoors is for everyone Hill believes in the 'leave no trace' mantra and added: 'I know that there are people on either side of the line here. It's either don't tell anyone about any of the hidden hikes, "we don't want anyone to know about this." They hate content creators and influencers sharing this stuff. 'Then there's people like me. I understand if something is getting too packed, you do have to maintain that. There are people out there that don't care. They'll leave their trash. 'But we are so passionate and help everyone, leave no trace. You pack it in, pack it out. This is not our home. There's wildlife out here, it can danger them. But I'm a big believer that our world was created to explore.' Hill believes that Delta Lake's difficulty to get to helps to keep some people away. 'This is a hard hike to get to. Several people have turned around where there's a sign that says this is not a maintained trail. You know, you're on your own, it poses the risk of death,' she said. 'If my husband wasn't with me the first time, I would have said over my dead body,' she admitted. Filmmaker Devon Dodd who hiked to Delta Lake in August told Daily Mail: 'I would say it's inaccessible to somebody who isn't used to that kind of strenuous hike, but I was honestly surprised by the amount of people that were up there. 'My friend told me when he was up there probably like a few months before us, there wasn't a soul up there. There was probably like 30 people up at the top of the lake when we were there.' In May of last year, volunteers picked up around 980 pounds of litter across eight miles of trail Park services shared photos of toilet paper discarded in Grand Teton National Park in 2018 This photo of a fox with a can of Pringles was shared by the park in 2022 on Facebook Dodd said his trip was during peak season, and added: 'I wasn't expecting, you know, a clear lake but yeah, we were there during pretty heavy tourism season so I can't complain that much.' He too had believed Delta Lake was more of a hidden gem and said that its growing popularity presented a 'double-edged sword.' He explained that having people promote the outdoors was important for America but added: 'On the other hand it can accelerate visitation. There's going to be a lot more people visiting a place once they've seen a video on it on TikTok or Instagram. 'There's a lot of people without the education or preparation needed to protect those kind of fragile environments. '[At Delta Lake] It's mostly rocks but you can definitely tell the strain that's been put on it, just in the erosion of the footpaths.' Dodd said Delta Lake was just one example of how fragile hiking mountains can be overwhelmed quickly when visitation outpaces national park management. To try and cope with increased visitors, the Teton Climbers' Coalition has partnered with the national climbing advocacy group Access Fund. According to the Vice President of Partner Projects Ryan Kelly, the goal of the project is to create a 'single durable route' to avoid the current system of informal braided trails. Filmmaker Devon Dodd said he was surprised by the amount of people he encountered when he undertook a trek there Delta Lake is located in Glacier Gulch and is fed rock flour from the Teton Glacier, which turns the water turquoise 'That's where we see impacts to vegetation and the potential for erosion from exposed soil,' Kelly told Daily Mail. 'By finding the most durable route and consolidating use through that, through minor trail improvements and some minimal signage, you get everyone going on the same route. You can really improve the experience up there.' Work on the restoration efforts is set to begin in June. Grand Teton National Park Foundation committed to raising $61,200 for the first phase of the project. Australia has the highest migrant share in the Anglosphere, with UN data revealing almost one in three residents was born overseas - a demographic shift that places the nation among the most immigrationheavy societies in the developed world. More than 7.1 million foreignborn people now call Australia home, pushing it ahead of the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada when measured by population share. Only a handful of smaller European nations exceed Australia's proportion of migrants, and most are uncommon cases shaped by geography, labour needs or small population size. Global migration by numbers United Nations data from 2024 paints a stark picture of global movement with 304million people - or 3.07 per cent of the global population - residing outside their country of birth. The US hosts the largest foreign-born population at 52million, followed by Germany (17.8million), Saudi Arabia (13.7million), France (13million), and the UK (11.8 million). Australia sits just behind Russia with 7.1million immigrants, but when measured as a share of population, the story flips dramatically. With 30.1 per cent of its population foreign-born, Australia outpaces major developed nations, including Switzerland (28.8 per cent), New Zealand (28.2 per cent), Austria (25.5 per cent), Iceland (25.1 per cent), and Ireland (23.1 per cent). Australia ranks 39th in the world for percentage of migrants in their population however amongst advanced economies like the US, UK and Germany it outpaces all develop nations The faithful celebrate Christmas Holy Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican where 100 per cent of its citizens are immigrants, the highest in the world This makes Australia one of the most migrant-heavy societies among advanced economies, with only a handful of places sitting above it and most are unique outliers. At the very top are microstates like Vatican City, Monaco and Liechtenstein, along with Gulf guest-worker hubs like Qatar and the UAE at around 75 per cent, and mobility-driven territories like Singapore (48.7 per cent) and Hong Kong (41.3 per cent). But these topranking jurisdictions aren't directly comparable to mainstream nations. Their unusually high migrant shares reflect structural quirks such as tiny populations, special administrative status, or heavy reliance on temporary labour that naturally skew the ratios. Once those outliers are set aside, Australia's position becomes more striking. Unlike the microstates and Gulf economies built on transient workforces, Australia's migration program is designed for permanent settlement, helping place the nation firmly within the global top dozen. That scale of longterm migration is now feeding into a broader national conversation with a recent Resolve Political Monitor survey finding 53 per cent of voters want immigration paused. Those concerns are emerging as the nation faces rapid population expansion. Futurologist Rocky Scopelliti (pictured) said the next decade's policy test is simple: can Australia scale housing, infrastructure and cohesion as fast as it scales population Mr Scopelliti said housing was central to the politics of migration Australia is on track to reach between 35 million and 38 million people by 2050, according to futurologist Rocky Scopelliti, who says the final tally will hinge heavily on net overseas migration. Mr Scopelliti argued the key issue is not just the size of the future population, but its shape. 'By 2050, Australia won't just be bigger - it will be older, more diverse and more cityconcentrated,' he said. 'The big question is whether our housing and infrastructure systems evolve at the same speed as our demographics.' Mr Scopelliti said housing was central to the politics of migration. He said the next decade's policy test was simple: can Australia scale housing, infrastructure and cohesion as fast as it scales population. 'The housing story is the sociallicence story. If we don't build enough homes fast enough, the politics of migration will be decided in the rental market,' he said. 'Migration isn't the problem or the solution it's an amplifier. If the system is wellgoverned, it amplifies prosperity. If housing and services are broken, it amplifies stress.' Commuters tap on at Strathfield Station (pictured) in Sydney He said Australia's reliance on migration, while economically beneficial, risked becoming politically unsustainable when people felt systems around them were failing. 'It's usually not because people reject migration in principle, but because they experience system failure,' he said. 'Migration becomes politically unsustainable when people conclude the system has lost control, especially housing, even if the macroeconomics still add up.' He said pressure points were already visible, pointing to long emergency department wait times, childcare shortages and overcrowded public transport. 'When people feel economically secure and the system works, diversity reads as strength. When they feel squeezed, identity politics becomes a proxy battleground played out in workplaces, schools, suburbs and social media,' he said. Scopelliti described Australia's dependence on migration as both a strength and a vulnerability, especially if global mobility slows or geopolitical tensions rise. He added attitudes to diversity tend to shift depending on people's economic security. 'Australianness won't disappear, it'll be renegotiated. The risk of backlash rises when living standards and trust fall.' Commentator Michael Yardney (pictured) said sharply rising concern over migrant numbers in Australia had led to an uplift in support for Pauline Hanson's One Nation Pauline Hanson (pictured) waving to her supporters during an anti-immigration rally in Melbourne in November 2025 Commentator Michael Yardney said Australia's history with anti-immigration fears goes back as far as the Lambing Flat riots in New South Wales in 1860, when white miners attacked and drove off about 2,000 Chinese miners. 'What characterises almost all these moments is a period of economic recession and rising unemployment,' he wrote. 'Generally, when unemployment rises, so does the number of Australians who feel migrant numbers are too high.' He said there was a 'burst of concern' during the Asian Financial Crisis in the late 90s, coupled with rising concern about the number of asylum-seekers arriving by boat. 'In that period Pauline Hanson was disendorsed by the Liberal Party and then founded the One Nation Party in 1997,' he said. 'There is currently sharply rising concern over migrant numbers in Australia, so it is not surprising that support for One Nation has risen.' Immigration is expected to remain politically contentious, with the federal opposition keen to keep the heat on the government over the number of migrants entering Australia. The Coalition, which is yet to release its migration policy, has flagged it will seek to include a tougher language test for aspiring migrants to Australia in its policy. The ABS said on average, the overseas-born population has been growing at a faster rate than the Australian-born population, since the beginning of post-World War II migration. The top five most common countries of birth for those not born in Australia are England, India, China, New Zealand, and the Philippines. No little boy should have to endure the type of unspeakable abuse Logan Gifford suffered aged 10 at the hands of his own mother. And while Gifford, who is now 28, has managed to build a life and family for himself in Las Vegas after putting his mother Doreene behind bars, there is one constant reminder of his horrific past. Doreene got pregnant after raping Gifford in 2014 and gave birth to a disabled baby boy. It slowly dawned on Gifford that the youngster he saw as his brother may also be his son. Heartbreakingly that boy, who is now 16 and suffers from developmental difficulties, as well as scoliosis, also has questions about how he was brought into the world. When introduced to Gifford's baby daughter last year, the youngster asked: 'Is that my niece or sister?' It is a question Gifford is desperate to answer himself. One paternity test came back negative. Another was inconclusive and said the youngster's father may be Gifford's own dad, but that the two men's DNA is just too similar to definitively say. Gifford is trying to raise the $30,000 needed to pay for a sophisticated DNA test that would settle the matter once and for all, but progress on his GoFundMe page is slow. 'I lose a piece of myself over this every day,' Gifford said, after a judge legally declared him the boy's dad in 2025, so he could continue to care for him. 'This isnt about me, its about my brother and someday hes going to thank me for figuring this out,' he says. Logan Gifford (left) has fought to determine if the boy he knew in his childhood as his brother (center) may actually be his son, fathered through their mother's sickening incestuous abuse Late last year, Gifford welcomed a baby daughter with his wife, but revealed his mother's abuse has plagued his family for another generation. His brother questioned when he held the infant: 'Is this my sister or my niece?' Gifford's case captured national headlines when his pedophile mother Doreene was jailed in 2015. He has since disowned her and built a successful career as a dealmaker for the Nevada Republican Party, with devoted wife NAME and daughter NAME by his side. He gives his son just as much love as his daughter, even though the youngster, who suffers from developmental disabilities, may be the product of an abusive sex act that has forever traumatized him. Gifford wonders if his brothers disabilities are a result of incest, with children born to close relatives at much higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities. Gifford's mother Doreene was eventually charged in 2015, and after entering an Alford plea - a guilty plea that does not acknowledge guilt but concedes that a trial would likely end in conviction - she was sentenced to eight to 20 years in prison. She was granted parole in 2024 after serving nine years, and currently resides in Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts sex offender registry, Doreene currently works at Positive Action Against Chemical Addiction (PAACA) a substance abuse charity. Gifford says he finds it 'ridiculous' his mother is now able to walk the streets freely and is classified as only a Level Two offender - meaning she is deemed by authorities to have a 'moderate' risk of re-offending. 'Its a double standard,' he said. 'If my my mother were my father and I were a girl, I cant help but feel this would be different.' Gifford's mother Doreene was eventually charged in 2015, and after entering an Alford plea she served nine years of a 20 year sentence. She currently resides in Massachusetts, and Gifford says he finds it 'ridiculous' his mother is now able to walk the streets freely and is classified as only a Level Two offender Gifford says his fight to finally determine if his brother is his son has been agonizing, as various paternity tests have come back inconclusive or have been inadmissible in court. 'This isnt about me, its about my brother, and someday hes going to thank me for figuring this out,' he says Gifford, bottom right, was raped by his mother Doreene, center, between the ages of 10 and 16 Gifford recalled sickening details of his mother's abuse in his interview with the Daily Mail, many of which are too graphic to reproduce. He says his mother forced him to watch pornographic films involving dead bodies when he was 12. Gifford says his mother attempted to give him drugs so she could re-enact the same type of scene. Gifford, who says he still refers to his possible son as his brother 'unless necessary', says he feels obligated to get to the truth due to his brother's health issues. 'I think there is a moral obligation for my brother to get answers because he is entitled to know why he is disabled he needs help, and he deserves peace of mind over his health records.' Gifford now takes care of his brother, who suffers from a number of disabilities including motor issues, learning difficulties and scoliosis Gifford pictured as a boy. He says his mother's first rape happened around the time of the 2008 presidential election Despite the trauma he has suffered, Gifford rebuilt his life and is a successful political consultant in Nevada Gifford's brother struggles with certain aspects of everyday life such as tying his shoelaces but his schoolwork has dramatically improved since his older brother took him under his wing. 'Just because he has special needs, hes still a teenager,' he continued. 'This is a child who is six foot tall, 200+lbs, when I got him he was severely overweight, but hes lost over 40lbs since hes been with us. 'He doesnt appear disabled, he oozes charisma. I took him to go get blood work the other day and he was flirting with the tech... Thats the stuff that people dont see.' In the years since Doreene's horrific abuse, Gifford says his brother 'fundamentally understands' the history behind their family and the reasons they have been in court, but he has tried to protect him from the 'excruciating details.' I dont allow him to read the articles, I dont allow him to see my TikTok but he fundamentally understands,' he said, referencing Gifford's social media accounts where he has shared his horrific past. 'He doesnt need to know what happened to me, but he understands there is a strong possibility that he could be my son.' Gifford is hopeful the DNA mystery will finally be solved in the near future and says that whatever the result, he is determined to help his brother overcome their shared trauma so he can move on with his life. Fresh from storming the Minnesota church pews, his eyes ablaze with the adrenaline of confrontation, William Kelly sat in his car to catch his breath and address his followers. The 36-year-old recounted his protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in the state with messianic zeal and said he'd targeted a Southern Baptist congregation in St Paul because a pastor preaching there was an ICE official. 'Just like Jesus did we went into that church and we flipped tables - peacefully,' he said. Terrified parishioners saw it rather differently. As Kelly and around 20 others marched through the aisles of Cities Church shouting 'justice for Renee Good' - the Minnesota woman shot dead by an ICE agent on January 7 - churchgoers clung to each other in their seats. Kelly, filming for his 230,000 social media followers, shoved his camera into the face of a shocked young woman and berated her: 'You drink your coffee, you've got your jewelry, you've got your nice clothes, but what do you do to stand for your Somali and Latino communities?' One frightened young boy was in tears, quivering in his father's arms as his mother stroked his arm. The demonstrators stood with palms aloft, chanting 'hands up, don't shoot'; the furious pastor yelled: 'Shame on you! This is a house of God!' On Thursday, Kelly and two other demonstrators, civil rights activists Nekima Levy Armstrong and Chauntyll Louisa Allen, were arrested by federal agents - after Justice Department officials said they were weighing charges associated with the illegal obstruction of religious services. That's exactly what Kelly, now the face of a particularly combative brand of anti-ICE protests, may have wanted. 'Come and get me Pam Bondi,' he dared Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday, 'You f***ing traitorous b****. All power to the people.' To Kelly's growing online audience, this is what they've come to see. William Kelly is pictured (center, in the hi-vis vest) in Minneapolis on January 17 as a group of protestors confront influencer Jacob Lang In recent weeks, they've watched as Kelly harassed congregants at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's evangelical church in Washington DC, harangued Trump voters on the streets and turned up at anti-ICE demonstrations from New Orleans to Charlotte and Alabama. It's quite a transformation for a man who just two months ago by all accounts was a humble homesteader documenting life on his farm on his YouTube channel, DaWokeFarmer. Now, the Daily Mail has uncovered details of Kelly's sudden activist awakening. On September 21 Kelly launched his social media profile, showcasing his rural lifestyle without revealing his actual location. Living in a simple log cabin with his wife Ariel Hauptman, 34, Kelly raised chickens, baked bread and grew crops, accompanied by his Australian cattle dog Duke and fluffy gray cat Luna. He and Hauptman frequently described the expansive wooded estate with a creek running through it as 'paradise,' joyfully showing off a new chicken coop and laughing at his attempts to fell a tree. Kelly loved the wildlife that surrounded him, filming a spectacular spider, a butterfly and a lone cardinal. On Saturday November 8 he posted a clip of a 'decent white buck in the yard,' cooing softly at the deer. Then came the abrupt pivot. The next clip, posted on Saturday November 15, is titled: 'F@$K YOU NAZI!!!' - Hauptman films Kelly as he runs down a Washington DC street holding the Stars and Stripes, chasing a car which has driven away from the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank. From that point onwards the deer, chicks and peaceful wooded walks do not make a return. What happened between November 8 and November 15 - what flipped Kelly's switch - is unclear. Asked by the Daily Mail, he refused to answer. But it has been a lucrative career move: in the mere 70 days between publicly launching his activist career and roaring through Cities church he has earned over $106,000, or more than $1,500 a day. His social media profile provides convenient links to his Cash App and GoFundMe where he solicits donations for 'expenses' such as 'food and shelter.' Donations soared by more than 50 percent after Kelly's arrest on Thursday. 'I am honored that the people support me for standing up for the Constitution,' he told the Daily Mail by email, refusing to answer more detailed questions about his motivation or aims. Though he has been open with his followers about his past. Kelly, who records show went to high school in Connecticut, said he joined the army at the age of 18, in 2007, to escape poverty. He said he was deployed once and left the army in 2011, describing his military career as unremarkable. The Daily Mail has reached out to the US Army to confirm Kelly's service. 'I went to Iraq as a private. I left Iraq as a private. I'm nobody,' he said. 'I didn't go to Ranger school. I didn't do any high speed s***, I wasn't airborne.' His battles with al-Qaeda fighters, he says, left deep scars. He is open about the lasting trauma of war and says his confronting of National Guard members in DC, screaming at them for refusing to disobey 'illegal' orders, is meant as a warning to other service members not to repeat the mistakes he made. 'For years I struggled because of PTSD. For years I struggled because of my depression after f****** what I did in Iraq,' he said. 'I'm not proud that I took part in an illegal war. I'm not proud that I helped with the killing of 500,000 at least Iraqi civilians. We went into Iraq for nothing. 'So I'm not here to brag about my service. I'm here to stand up for the Constitution and hopefully help people wake up.' Online, Kelly posts videos of himself tending to his land in a bid to share the realities of his homesteading lifestyle Don Lemon spoke with Kelly in Minneapolis. In the video posted online, Kelly said he was there to 'stand up for immigrant rights' In one clip filmed inside the church, Kelly addressed church-goers as part of his mission to defend immigrants: 'You drink your coffee, you've got your jewelry, you've got your nice clothes, but what do you do to stand for your Somali and Latino communities?' In another video, Kelly films himself repeatedly asking a man on the street who he voted for. He claims his protests are in defense of the Constitution On Sunday December 7 he filmed parishioners as they entered Secretary Pete Hegseth's evangelical church, shouting that one woman was 'a little Nazi f****** b****,' and screaming at another man: 'You think you're the master race?' On December 17, in his now-hallmark cowboy hat, he turned up in Senator Tommy Tuberville's office and demanded a meeting with the Republican from Alabama 'to ask when is my PTSD going to be curable.' Tuberville has been an advocate for PTSD-treatments for veterans. In front of the White House, he accosted a man walking with his young son and asked who he voted for. When the man replied Trump, Kelly screamed at him: 'F*** you, you f****** Nazi-a** piece of s***! F*** you, you traitorous b****!' A law enforcement officer arrived on the scene to escort the father away from Kelly, who later defends his intimidation of the man and his son, saying: 'He needed to be scolded because his mother did not raise him right,' and calls the Secret Service agent who separated them 'a pedophile protector.' On Christmas Eve he posted a calmer clip, urging people to check in on their friends. 'The holidays can be tough for people: They might not be working, and work might be the only thing that keeps them going,' he said. 'Myself, I have mental health issues. I face really bad depression, folks. It takes my wife to keep me going; it takes my friends to keep me going.' He said his new-found public activism was now his life's work. 'I don't have a plan. I'm just winging it. I just want to resist this tyranny, resist this fascism,' he said. 'Sometimes I wonder what I'm doing here. Sometimes I want to give up. Sometimes I want to just disappear back into obscurity and go back to the woods where I belong. But y'all keep me going.' By early January that journey took him to Minnesota, to join the protests there. He filmed himself in the snow at night, his beard frozen, his stare intense. He visited a Somali mosque and praised the welcome he received. On Wednesday he filmed himself in a 'F*** Trump' woolen hat, railing against Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, and calling her a terrorist. 'Let's not get distracted from what's going on here,' he declared. 'All power to the people.' A schoolboy alleged to be the father of his former teacher's baby appeared to publish a cryptic message about DNA tests before results came in. Naomi Tekea Craig, 33, was arrested on January 6 after allegedly engaging in persistent sexual conduct with a teenage boy in Mandurah, a coastal city 70km south of Perth, between 2024 and 2025. The married music teacher, who has been charged with penetrating a teenage schoolboy during what police allege was ongoing sexual abuse, has since given birth to a baby that police allege was fathered by her victim. Ms Craig was working at the private, co-educational Frederick Irwin Anglican School in Meadow Springs at the time of the alleged offending. However, she was pregnant with her second child and on maternity leave when she was arrested. Police have now confirmed DNA testing has taken place, with the results allegedly establishing that the newborn is the child of her alleged victim. Daily Mail can reveal the boy, who provided a DNA sample to investigators, made reference to a DNA test being conducted weeks before the baby was born. Naomi Tekea Craig was arrested after allegedly engaging in persistent sexual conduct with a teen The married music teacher has been charged with penetrating a schoolboy Just weeks before Ms Craig gave birth, he posted on social media about the possibility of a child in the future, adding a cryptic comment about a DNA test. The whole message cannot be published for legal reasons. Daily Mail does not suggest Ms Craig is guilty of the allegations, simply that she has been charged and her case is before the courts. Meanwhile, former students of the teacher told Daily Mail that they were shocked by the news, claiming that Ms Craig had a great reputation. 'She was my favourite teacher,' one student said. 'Everyone was just so shocked about it all because she always used to come outside and chat to all the kids at recess and lunch.' Another student said: 'She joined at the start of 2024 and was a very popular music teacher. Then she got suspended and honestly we just never thought something like that could happen.' At the time of her arrest, Ms Craig was charged with two counts of sexual penetration of a child over 13 and under 16, possessing child exploitation material, and persistent sexual conduct with a child under 16. WA Police confirmed to Daily Mail that detectives are expected to lay an additional three charges when Ms Craig next appears at Mandurah Magistrates Court on January 27. The additional charges will include one count of sexually penetrating a child of or over 13 and under 16, one count of indecent dealings with a child over 13 and under 16, and one count of indecent dealings with a child under 13. Former students of the teacher told Daily Mail that they were shocked by the news Ms Craig already had one child with her husband Ms Craig has not yet entered a plea for any of the charges. It is understood the alleged victim is no longer a pupil at Frederick Irwin Anglican School, which caters for students from kindergarten to Year 12. Following the arrest, Principal Tracey Gray sent a letter to parents and carers confirming the alleged victim is not a current student. 'I regret to inform you that a teacher from our school has been arrested by police and charged with child-related offences,' Ms Gray wrote. 'The teacher has been instructed not to attend the school. 'The information available to the school suggests that there is no need for any concern for any children at the school.' According to an online work biography, Ms Craig began employment at the school in 2024, having previously worked as an independent private music teacher. The Daily Mail has previously revealed that Ms Craig is a married mother who also goes by Ms Woods, her marital surname. Principal Tracey Gray sent a letter to parents and carers confirming the alleged victim is not a current student Posts on the school's social media pages reveal Ms Craig, who was known to students as Ms Woods, was actively involved in their music events, including choirs, concerts, and shopping centre carols. She was listed as being on maternity leave in a newsletter dated December 10, which has since been removed from the school's website. Beyond the brutality, newly released images of the Idaho murders reveal something more devastating still. Vivid, joyful lives full of friendship and potential - erased. This week, the Daily Mail has published a series of crime scene photos - all previously unseen and only briefly released online by police before being swiftly taken down. We downloaded the files in full before they disappeared. Bryan Kohberger, now 31, killed four people on the night of November 13, 2022: best friends Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, both 21, and Xana Kernodle and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, both 20. The new images confirm what friends and family have long said: these four University of Idaho students lived loudly, loved openly and wore their hearts on their sleeves. Inside their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, the walls are lined with affirmations and hopeful slogans. Photos of friends and family are pinned up in bedrooms. References to love, joy and belonging appear throughout the home. Many of the nearly 3,000 images show not violence, but exuberant life. Ethan Chapin 20, a freshman from Mount Vernon, Wash, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, a senior from Rathdrum, Idaho, Xana Kernodle, 20, a junior from Post Falls, Idaho and Madison 'Maddie' Mogen, 21, a senior from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Newly released photos show just how vivaciously the students lived, with a beer pong table at the center of a gruesome murder scene The home on King Road was the students' 'happy place' ... until it wasn't The living space was decorated with twinkling lights and a hanging saying: Saturdays are for the girls High heels lie scattered across floors, closets bulge with brightly colored clothes, outfits are abandoned in the rush to get ready and go out on the town. Their house on Kings Road had a reputation for loud parties. In some photos, a beer pong table sits ready in the lounge, red plastic cups still upright. Empty cans of soda, beer and other alcoholic drinks lie scattered across floors and counters, boxes of Coors Light stacked like furniture. Amid the party environment, there were personal touches everywhere. In Mogen's softly-lit bedroom, bright pink cowboy boots sit proudly on a windowsill. Flowers, mirrors and books crowd the space. Among them, a copy of Colleen Hoover's bestseller It Ends With Us rests on a shelf, half-buried in the clutter. On her bed, a Moon Journal notebook. In Goncalves's room, an Idaho sweatshirt hands on a chair. There's also crate and toys for her beloved goldendoodle Murphy - who was found unharmed the morning after the killings. A sign on the living room of the party-loving students home promised 'good vibes' Mogen's pink cowboy boots sit eerily still on the windowsill with a decorative 'M' initial 'The universe has big plans for me' ran one of the feelgood captions on Mogen's wall, along with 'life is made of small moments like this' A 'moon journal notebook' for chronicling her thoughts was found on Mogen's bed In Kernodle's room, a yellow stuffed toy recalls happier times before the fateful night. Life moved fast in that house. It was full. Mogen and Goncalves had been best friends since sixth grade, often described as more like sisters. Kernodle and Chapin, friends said, were the 'perfect pair.' Their personalities lived on the walls. Positive slogans hung throughout the home, now reading like cruel irony. In the kitchen, a sign declares: 'This is our happy place.' An illuminated piece in the lounge reads: 'Good vibes.' In Mogen's bedroom, a postcard offers quiet optimism: 'The universe has big plans for me and it's time to claim them.' Perhaps the most haunting of all is striped wall hanging that reads: 'Saturdays are for the girls.' It was a Saturday night when Mogen and Goncalves went out for the last time, enjoying another lively evening in Moscow before heading home. Hours later, Kohberger arrived and turned celebration into carnage. Closets bulge with clothes, outfits abandoned in the rush to get ready and go out In Goncalves's room, a crate and toys for her beloved goldendoodle, Murphy Notebooks left around the house show that they also got their heads down to study at times Empty bottles of Bud Light from one of the last night's of revelry ever enjoyed by the four unlucky students The student home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, where the murders were committed Best friends Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen Bryan Kohberger appears at the Ada County Courthouse during his sentencing hearing It is that contrast that sticks out. Kohberger, dressed in black and wearing a mask, would have walked past the 'happy place' sign as he entered the student home through an unlocked backdoor at around 4am. Past the good vibes. Past reminders of youth, friendship and plans for the future. He ignored them all. Other images detail what came next: obscene violence. Bloodstains. Smears. Splatter. The aftermath of an attack so ferocious it defies comprehension. The house itself has since been demolished. Reduced to rubble. But the images ensure it will never truly disappear. A former Georgia school superintendent is facing renewed scrutiny after records revealed he charged a $2,600 Chick-fil-A order to a taxpayer funded credit card. Dr. Devon Horton, the former superintendent of DeKalb County Schools, spent an eyewatering $120,000 on meals and purchases. Documents obtained by WSB-TV detail the scope of Horton's spending, which included: $11,000 during a single visit to Sam's Club, $8,700 on one check at Jason's Deli, $4,500 and $3,100 during two visits to Bambinelli's Italian Restaurant, $3,000 at Honey Baked Ham and $2,600 charged in a single transaction at Chick-fil-A. In total, Horton spent more than $120,000 on the District's purchasing card in just two years. The expenditures did not require prior school board approval under district rules. State officials questioned how the spending went unchecked, while the school district has launched a forensic audit into Horton's use of public funds and says it remains committed to transparency and fiscal responsibility. The spending revelations come as Horton faces mounting legal trouble on multiple fronts including a federal indictment in Illinois on fraud and embezzlement, a recent domestic violence arrest in Georgia, and an ongoing forensic audit into his use of district funds. Dr. Devon Horton, the former superintendent of DeKalb County Schools, spent more than $120,000 on a DeKalb County Schools purchasing card over a two-year period, records show Horton is alleged to have charged $2,600 in a single transaction at Chick-fil-A Horton resigned from DeKalb County Schools in October, just weeks after his federal indictment became public despite having received a contract extension months earlier that raised his salary to $360,000 and extended his term through 2028. Horton's spending in Georgia surfaced after he was indicted in October 2025 by a federal grand jury in Chicago on 17 felony counts, including wire fraud, embezzlement and tax evasion. Prosecutors allege that while serving as superintendent of Evanston-Skokie School District 65 in Illinois he issued more than $280,000 in contracts to three longtime associates between 2020 and 2023 and received more than $80,000 in kickbacks in return. The indictment further alleges Horton stole more than $30,000 from the Illinois district by using a purchasing card to buy personal meals, gift cards, vehicle expenses and travel, and then failed to report the income on his tax returns. Horton pleaded not guilty to all charges with his next status hearing in Illinois scheduled for February 4. He faces more than 10 years if convicted. Last week, Horton was arrested in Georgia on charges of cruelty to children in the third degree and aggravated assault using strangulation, according to DeKalb County officials. He was booked into the DeKalb County Jail on Saturday, where he remained until Monday morning. A police spokesperson said officers responded to Horton's $735,000, six bedroom home after receiving a domestic violence call. Horton has pleaded not guilty to all federal charges and is scheduled for a status hearing on February 4 Horton was arrested in Georgia on charges of aggravated assault and cruelty to children in the third degree after a domestic violence call last weekend Horton was booked into the DeKalb County Jail at 1:38pm on Saturday, according to jail records An arrest warrant obtained by Decaturish alleges Horton placed his hand on his wife's neck during the dispute. His wife told officers she felt like she was going to faint. A five-year-old child in the home told police he saw Horton put his hand around her neck and push her toward a wall. Police said there were no visible injuries. Horton's attorney Terence Campbell disputed the characterization of the incident. 'No child was involved in the argument in any way, other than the mere fact they were at home when it occurred,' Campbell said. 'Dr. Horton is a loving and devoted father to his children.' A district spokesperson said DeKalb County Schools 'remain committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the appropriate stewardship of public funds.' The spokesperson confirmed the board approved a forensic audit into Horton's spending less than a month after his resignation yet months later, the results of that audit have still not been released. The school district also emphasized the arrest was unrelated to its operations. 'The DeKalb County School District is aware of the reported arrest of former superintendent Dr. Devon Horton, which stems from an alleged incident not related to the school district,' a spokesperson said. 'The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.' A transgender Oregon lawmaker died after suffering internal bleeding from stomach ulcers that her doctor said were brought on by stress linked to her job and a bitter recall election, according to family members and friends. Claire Hall, a longtime Lincoln County commissioner, collapsed at her home in Newport late on January 2 and was rushed to a hospital in Portland where she died two days later at the age of 66 after doctors were unable to stop the hemorrhaging. Her death came just days before voters were set to decide whether to remove her from office in a highly charged recall campaign that had drawn tens of thousands of dollars and inflamed political divisions across the coastal county. Hall was one of Oregon's most prominent openly transgender elected officials. 'People kept kicking dirt, and she was prepared for it, but her body was not,' said Georgia Smith, a friend who previously worked in health care in Lincoln County, to The Oregonian. Hall's death came just days before voters were set to decide whether to remove her from office following a highly charged recall campaign that had drawn tens of thousands of dollars and inflamed divisions in the coastal county. The recall election had become increasingly contentious, fueled by disputes over funding at the district attorney's office, limits on public comment, and Hall's clash with another commissioner accused of workplace harassment. Claire Hall, one of Oregons most prominent openly transgender elected officials, died at 66 after suffering internal bleeding from stomach ulcers Halls doctor said stress linked to her job and a heated recall election contributed to the ulcers that caused her death Recall supporters said the effort was bipartisan and focused on governance, not identity. Lincoln County District Attorney Jenna Wallace, who signed the recall petition as a private citizen but was not part of the campaign, said the effort had nothing to do with Hall's gender. 'The recall was about her conduct as a commissioner, not her gender identity,' Wallace said. Hall's niece, Kelly Meininger, said transphobic abuse circulated online as the election neared. 'The comments and the dead naming - it's just nasty,' Meininger said. 'She helped more people come to terms with their own struggles, and emboldened other people to live their lives as their authentic self.' Following Hall's death, the county clerk called off the recall election, saying there was no reason to count votes already cast. Hall's public journey began in 2018, when she shared her gender identity publicly for the first time. 'I always had a feeling that Claire was different, so when she came out, I was ecstatic,' Meininger said. 'I was her biggest champion, and she was my superhero.' Claire Hall, who lived publicly as Bill Hall before transitioning, became one of Oregons most visible transgender elected officials. Hall publicly transitioned in 2018 After transitioning in 2018, Hall spoke openly about identity, visibility and public service as a transgender lawmaker Hall later became a trailblazing figure in Oregon's LGBTQ political landscape, alongside Stu Rasmussen, the nation's first openly transgender mayor. In September, Hall broke her hip and shoulder after tripping over an electrical cord in the county courthouse, forcing her to attend meetings remotely as the recall fight intensified. According to Meininger, neighbors put up recall signs near Hall's home. Despite the turmoil, Hall's policy legacy was substantial. During her tenure, Lincoln County secured $50 million to build 550 affordable housing units, according to state data. Projects included Wecoma Place, a 44-unit complex for wildfire-displaced residents, Surf View Village, a 110-unit development in Newport, and a Toledo project that reserved housing for homeless veterans. Halls family said she remained committed to public service even as opposition grew increasingly hostile Loved ones said Hall was emotionally resilient but physically overwhelmed by the stress she endured Hall also helped establish the county's first wintertime shelter in 2023, providing beds and meals. 'Claire helped bring the winter shelter to life, not just through policy and planning, but by standing shoulder to shoulder with the people we serve,' Chantelle Estess, a Lincoln County Health & Human Services manager said. Friends say the recall fight cut deeply. Bethany Howe, a former journalist and transgender health researcher who worked closely with Hall, said the opposition wounded her profoundly. 'She loved the people that she served. The idea that she wasn't going to be able to do that anymore, and possibly be replaced,' Howe said, 'it just hurt her heart.' Hall was born September 27, 1959, in Northwest Portland, the daughter of a US Marine and a postman. She earned degrees from Pacific University and Northwestern University, worked in journalism and radio before entering politics in 2004. A lifelong 'Star Trek' fan and voracious reader, Hall once wrote that stress was inseparable from public service. A public memorial for Hall will be held next Saturday, January 31, at in Newport. Terrified New Yorkers flooded Whole Foods in a lastminute panic buy, venturing out in freezing conditions Saturday as a potentially historic snowstorm threatens to bury the city under up to 18 inches of snow. New York City is forecast to get more than one foot of snow over the weekend from Winter Storm Fern, forcing locals to rush to their nearest grocer. The Daily Mail was at the Whole Foods Market on 28th Street and Madison Avenue on Saturday afternoon, where water, crackers and canned goods were already off the shelves. 'It's my first snow[storm] here in New York City, so I'm kind of scared,' Tommy Andrades, 21, said. Shoppers were acting 'kind of crazy,' he said, as they scrambled to secure their final groceries before the deluge. Andrades who is originally from Colombia described the frigid day, where temperatures were around 15 degrees Fahrenheit. 'The wind is something that kind of explodes in my face, and that's inside of my bones,' he told the Daily Mail. He said: 'It's something that, honestly, is kind of hard to explain but you can feel the moment that you're out.' The Whole Foods Market on 28th Street and Madison Avenue in Manhattan as New Yorkers rushed to buy last minute groceries ahead of Winter Storm Fern Canned goods were rushing off the shelves, with the storm bringing up to 18 inches of snow over the weekend Andrades said his family told him to buy chicken, meat and canned beans. 'Everything,' he explained. 'In case the storm is bad and you can't even get out.' The Big Apple, which has been placed under a winter storm warning, could see up to 18 inches of snow, forecasters have predicted per CBS News. However the National Weather Service has given more modest predictions that Manhattan is at a 94 percent chance of getting six inches of snow and at a 48 percent chance of getting up to 12 inches. Alex Amine, 25, lives across the street from the Whole Foods. He initially brushed off concerns about the weather until today. 'I was kind of underplaying it, but my mom called and she said I gotta come to Whole Foods and get ready for it,' he told the Daily Mail. He said his mom feared the grocer would already be sold out, but 'it's better than I thought it was.' Amine was buying meat, cheese and eggs. He was still searching for more groceries on the packed second floor. 'And then I got pistachios, he added. 'Trying to be healthier.' New York has been placed under a winter storm warning. More than 20 other states have also issued disaster or emergency declarations New Yorkers and millions of Americans have been advised to take precautions and avoid travel this weekend In New York, JFK Airport has a 90 percent chance of getting six inches and a 60 percent chance of getting one foot of snow. LaGuardia Airport has a 92 percent chance of 12 inches. Abby Laufer, 70, told the Daily Mail that she was 'very relaxed' about the incoming storm. However, she could not say the same for everyone back home. 'I happen to be having houseguests this Sunday who are supposed to leave on an airplane on Monday, and I don't think they're going anywhere,' Laufer said. 'So I said, I'd better go buy some food in case I'm cooking for them,' she added. Ahead of the snow, Laufer said she had never seen this Whole Foods location so crowded. 'I would rather go to Trader Joe's, but they're gonna be crazy today,' she quipped. However, Laufer said she would also be making full use of the downtime afforded by the inclement weather. 'I have chicken, and I'm going to make coq au vin,' she said. 'I'm taking advantage. I don't cook that much, but it's nice to cook.' New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the entire state on Friday, with the storm set to arrive over the weekend Alex Amine, 25, (right) told Daily Mail reporter Wilko Martinez-cachero that his mother was the one who rushed him to Whole Foods ahead of the snowstorm A few minutes from the Whole Foods on 32nd Street and Broadway, other New Yorkers shunned the icy weather for a cold treat. Locals filed into Chinese fast food chain Mixue, which offers tea and ice cream. Jessica Sun, 19, told the Daily Mail she had never felt so cold in her life. 'It's good,' she said about the food. 'It's pretty nice.' Julia Placides, from the Philippines, told the Daily Mail that she was experiencing the historic cold in only her second visit to New York. 'I thought I was ready for it,' she said. 'I thought I was bundled up enough. I wasn't.' Her friend said the two still planned to spend the entire day outside despite the bitter cold. 'I don't think I've ever been this cold, but we still got our ice cream, so it's still kind of manageable,' Isa Flojo, of Jersey City, said. Millions of Americans have been advised to take precautions and avoid traveling this weekend as meteorologists predict heavy snow and frigid temperatures. More than 20 states have issued disaster or emergency declarations ahead of Fern. The potentially historic winter storm could crush trees and power lines, knocking out power for days and making moving around very difficult New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for the entire state on Friday. As of Saturday morning, snow had already started falling in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri and Minnesota. Nearly 3,700 flights had been canceled around the country, with nearly double on Sunday at around 6,300. The storm is expected to move into the Northeast by Sunday, where it will bring frigid temperatures and dangerous travel conditions. Forecasters have warned that the cold deluge could crush trees and power lines. Power and heat could be knocked out for days. Major metropolitan hubs including New York City could potentially get enough snow to make travel extremely difficult or borderline impossible. Fox News anchor Jesse Watters riled up viewers when he claimed that the United States owns the moon. Watters was on the panel of 'The Five' when they were discussing President Donald Trump's attempt to acquire Greenland. He said that the United States' destiny was to take the arctic territory away from Denmark. 'We have to secure Greenland, it will happen. The United States always secures our interests. Economically, militarily, either by force or purchase.' Watters cited Alaska, the Philippines and the Marshall Islands following World War II as examples. He then added: 'We got the moon, I think we own it! I know we own it.' The rest of the panel started to chuckle at Watters' point but he continued to say that the US would have its way. 'When the world changes, we change. So globalism's dead, we have to protect our own supply lines, we have to protect ourselves from missiles coming from China and we're gonna' do it whether they like it or not,' he said. Fox News anchor Jesse Watters riled up viewers when he claimed that the United States owns the moon 'We got the moon, I think we own it! I know we own it,' Watters said on The Five Watters then aped the president's line that Denmark 'cannot defend' Greenland from any attacks. 'They live under our security umbrella. It is a big, beautiful umbrella. Do they want to live under it or not? We are offering them $700billion!' He added that the Danish royal family and Europeans are 'dying to do this deal' with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 'Once Bessent and Lutnick and Rubio get into a room with all these guys and knock their heads together, we're getting Greenland.' Many liberal outlets and social media accounts rolled their eyes at Watters, with Huffington Post calling his claim 'universally stupid.' 'I've never used the term "blithering idiot," but it applies to this man,' said one social media poster. Another added that Watters was the 'biggest buffoon on cable news.' However, there was some defense for the tone of his statement, with one account writing: 'Pretty sure he's joking when he said we own the moon.' Watters was on the panel of The Five when they were discussing Donald Trump's attempt to acquire Greenland On Wednesday, Trump said he had agreed 'the framework of a future deal' regarding the control of the island, which he claims is vital for American security, after talks with NATO chief Mark Rutte. Trump added that he was suspending plans to slap tariffs on Britain and other countries resisting his Greenland grab. Markets in the US rallied on his announcement, having climbed on his earlier proclamation that he would not use force to take the 'big, beautiful piece of ice'. And the Daily Mail can reveal he is mulling making the inhabitants of Greenland (population 57,000) an offer of $1million each if they vote to join the United States. Last night, Nato military officers were discussing an arrangement where Denmark would cede 'small pockets of Greenlandic' territory to the US, where it could build military bases. Senior officials compared the proposal to UK military bases in Cyprus which are treated as sovereign British territories according to The New York Times. Trump told reporters it was 'the ultimate longterm deal'. When asked how long, he replied: 'Infinite. There is no time limit. It's a deal that's forever.' Donald Trump on Wednesday dropped his threat to invade Greenland following a furious bustup with Britain and other NATO allies He had earlier written on his Truth Social social media platform: 'Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of Nato, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. 'This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all Nato Nations.' Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the US owning Greenland is a 'red line' that will not happen. He said Copenhagen would keep ownership of Greenland, despite Trump's earlier demand for negotiations on an 'acquisition'. 'It's not going to happen that the US will own Greenland. That's a red line,' Rasmussen told national broadcaster DR. Trump's apparent climbdown on the imposition of tariffs over the Greenland dispute will fuel critics who coined the term TACO, short for 'Trump Always Chickens Out'. The row that has played out over the last fortnight has raised serious questions about the survival of Nato and yesterday plunged Britain's 'special relationship' with the US into crisis. During a rambling address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump sought to often belittle his allies. In a reference to America's role in the Second World War, he told his mainly European audience: 'Without us, you'd all be speaking German, with maybe a little Japanese.' France, Canada and even neutral Switzerland, the host of the summit, came in for some tough shots. The President later said that 'bad things' would happen to Britain and Europe unless they clamped down on immigration and halted the drive for green energy. 'They have to change their ways,' he said. Trump claimed that America 'never got anything from NATO', despite the deaths of British and Danish troops fighting to liberate Afghanistan from the Taliban. The special President Donald Trump $1 coin - which is being minted to mark the country's 250th birthday - appears to be getting a more classic design, as opposed to the 'fight, fight, fight' imagery originally shared by the Treasury Department. Several new designs of the controversial Trump coin, which Democrats are pushing to get blocked, were submitted to the Commission of Fine Art, the independent agency that advises the federal government on design aesthetics. The trio of coin designs are all close-ups of Trump's face - with the word 'Liberty' over his head and the years 1776 to 2026 listed below. Each one has the president looking in a different direction. Commission members voted at a meeting Thursday morning to recommend the version that's a side-profile of Trump, as long as it's to the president's liking. They were concerned about the look of Trump's hair in the other proposed designs. 'The plate of hair up there is not accurate,' said commission member, James C. McCrery, of the design where Trump is looking forward. McCrery was the original pick to design Trump's ballroom, but was replaced by Shalom Baranes, who has more experience handling major federal construction projects. The Commission of Fine Arts voted Thursday to recommend this design to President Donald Trump for a controversial $1 coin to mark the country's 250th birthday The Treasury Department originally shared this design for the coin in October that showed President Donald Trump's pose after surviving an assassination attempt McCrery was among five new appointees to the Commission of Fine Arts, which is also reviewing the ballroom design, that Trump selected earlier this month after firing the former members in October. Commission member Roger Kimball said the side-profile version of the coin 'has a statesmen-like quality to the coif of the hair.' The panel selected the coin back to have a classic eagle design, with members recommending cutting the Liberty Bell from the proposed sketch so that it looked less busy. Democrats have been trying to push back on this effort, pointing to the historic precedent of never putting a living president's face on U.S. currency. In December, Democratic Senators Jeff Merkley and Catherine Cortez Masto co-sponsored a bill that would prevent a president from putting their visage on money. 'President Trump's self-celebrating maneuvers are authoritarian actions worthy of dictators like North Korea's Kim Jong Un, not the United States of America,' Merkley said in a statement at the time of the bill's release. He referred to the coins as an 'abuse of taxpayer dollars' that turned the United States into a 'strongman state.' 'While monarchs put their faces on coins, America has never had and never will have a king,' Cortez Masto chimed in. 'Our legislation would codify this countrys long-standing tradition of not putting living Presidents on American coins.' Join the debate What does putting a living president's face on a coin say about America's values and history? The Commission of Fine Arts members rejected these two $1 Trump coin designs. The one on the right was rejected due to the look of the president's hair The Commission of Fine Arts members selected this design to be the back of the Trump $1 coin, but without the Liberty Bell image With a Republican majority in Congress, the bill is unlikely to pass before the coins are minted later this year. At the meeting Thursday morning, commission members were told that only three people had provided public comment - and they were all against putting Trump's face on a $1 coin. The representative from the US Mint, Megan Sullivan, a senior design specialist according to her LinkedIn, was asked about the legality of putting Trump's face on it. She answered that she could only speak in 'generalities,' as she's not an attorney, but said the legal research has been done by the Mint and the Treasury Department. 'And they have determined that this does not violate any laws, that this is perfectly legal,' she said, pointing to a piece of legislation that allowed for commemorative coins to be made for the U.S.'s Semiquincentennial. The coin design will also be examined by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. The final decision will technically need to be made by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. It's unclear when that decision will be made and the ultimate decider - Trump - hasn't publicly weighed in with a preference. Britain's fraud squad has been urged to probe a catastrophic 4.6billion Net Zero scheme which is feared to have left thousands of homes unsafe. In a scathing report, MPs have criticised the Governments botched insulation scheme that left more than 30,000 properties with defects. The Commons public accounts committee (PAC) has branded the home retrofit scheme the most catastrophic fiasco and found that fraud probably played a major role. The committee has warned that some of the defects pose immediate health and safety risks and has urged the Government to refer it to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). MPs on the committee also took aim at Ed Milibands Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), saying senior officials took two years to recognise the scale of the problem. More than 4.6billion is estimated to have been spent under two household energy-saving schemes: the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme and the Great British Insulation scheme. The cost is borne by energy suppliers, but passed on to consumers as higher bills. Despite the huge costs, the schemes have been derailed by poor installation. The ECO programme, which aimed to improve energy efficiency and slash bills, instead left between 32,000 and 35,000 homes with faulty insulation. In some cases, this caused structural issues, damp and mould. MPs have criticised Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, saying senior officials took two years to recognise the scale of the problem MPs warned that fraud was likely to have played a major role in the poor quality of insulation. Energy regulator Ofgem has identified a fraud rate of 1.75 per cent of the work conducted equivalent to more than 80million. But MPs said this figure was likely to be a significant underestimate. Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the PAC chairman, called ECOs failure the most catastrophic fiasco that he had seen in his 12 years on the committee. He said: Potentially thousands of people are now living with health and safety risks in their homes and despite Governments protestations, we have nowhere near enough assurance that they are not financially exposed to unaffordable bills to repair the defective works. Ministers have said no household should have to pay to fix the issues, with the original installer liable to foot costs of up to 20,000 covered by guarantee. But the PAC report warned households do not have any real assurance that the repair costs will be covered where they exceed this cap. The cross-bench group was sceptical that the original installers and guarantee providers will be able to survive the potential scale of claims, citing cases with damage put at more than 250,000. Minister for energy consumers Martin McCluskey said: Every household with external wall insulation installed under these two schemes are being audited, at no cost to the consumer. A DESNZ spokesman said: It is categorically untrue there are widespread health and safety risks for the vast majority, this means a home may not be as energy efficient as it should be. Josef Mengele, the Angel of Death, entered Block 11 in the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp on a cold, wet afternoon in October 1944. He had no need to be there, other than devotion to the minutiae of his murderous task, and a perverted pride in his impact on those he had already condemned. About 800 Hungarian Jewish boys, aged largely between 13 and 17, were crammed into that bare, wooden barracks measuring 116ft by 36ft. The bunks had been removed following an outbreak of scarlet fever that had sent the previous occupants to the gas chambers. The boys were seized by a combination of terror and morbid fascination. They had not eaten for nearly two days. Many wept or prayed with desperate intensity. Everything about Mengele, from his haughty demeanour to his black leather overcoat, pristine white gloves and highly polished boots, was designed to intimidate and impress. It was just another day in the life of this infamous SS physician who oversaw the extermination programmes. The boys were merely a means to an end, in fulfilling a quota of a minimum of 5,000 deaths a day. During the selection procedure, deciding who would be next for the gas chamber, Mengeles fingers moved from the knuckles upwards in a contemptuous flicking motion. The ritual was hypnotic, theatrical, dehumanising and deadly. Mengele used these selections to seek out raw material for his research into racial purity personally administering deadly injections of phenol, petrol, chloroform or air. Josef Mengele, the Angel of Death, used inmates at Auschwitz for his research into racial purity personally administering deadly injections of phenol, petrol, chloroform or air A like-minded Nazi guard was Irma Grese, a notorious sadist and sexual pervert who was alleged to have had an affair with Mengele A like-minded Nazi guard was Irma Grese, a notorious sadist and sexual pervert who was alleged to have had an affair with Mengele. She would slash women inmates across their breasts with a cellophane whip or beat them with a rubber truncheon and frequently sent healthy prisoners to the gas chambers. She also enslaved attractive young inmates, sexually abusing them before becoming bored and despatching them to their deaths. The date of the boys planned deaths, Tuesday, October 10, 1944, had been set Simchat Torah, one of the most festive days of the Jewish calendar. The youngsters were among an estimated 424,000 Hungarian Jews deported between May and July 1944 to Auschwitz-Birkenau after Hungary passed anti-Jewish laws as part of its alliance with Hitler. On that fateful day, Winston Churchill was in Moscow, confirming the Soviet Unions entry into the war against Japan, and dividing up the Balkans with Joseph Stalin. Although the boys deaths were seemingly to be a formality in a killing field where around a million Jews and another 120,000 undesirables spent their final moments, remarkably, 51 were reprieved. This was the only recorded instance of a group of Jewish inmates being removed from a gas chamber. My new book, written with Naftali Schiff, a leading collator of Holocaust testimony whose work has been authenticated by eminent Holocaust scholars, tells that story using interviews with the survivors, of whom Hershel Herskovic, now 98 and living in London, was believed to be the only one still alive until Mordechai Eldar, now 95, was discovered living in Israel. That something so life-affirming, so miraculous, as this story of survival can happen amid such evil is sobering and inspiring. It begs the question what we, in a subsequent generation, would do with a second chance at life. The boys were terrified, because they knew the subtext of being ordered to congregate for a headcount on the evening of October 9. Mengele had their identity cards stamped with a solitary German word, gestorben. It meant dead, or died. To reinforce the point, Mengeles clerk scored a line through a ledger containing their names. Yaakov Weiss, who though only 13, had emerged as a natural leader of the boys, thought to himself: We are finished. We have been crossed off the list of the living. The entrance gate of Auschwitz concentration camp that reads 'Arbeit Macht Frei' (Work Sets You Free) Auschwitz commandant Richard Baer, Josef Mengele and Rudolf Hoess, former commandant of the camp, in 1944 Wailing gathered in volume. Dressed in striped uniforms and wooden clogs, everyone was waiting for the summons that came at noon the following day, when guards burst in screaming, Raus, raus!, an order amplified by indiscriminate use of whips and sticks. Marched to Crematorium 5 by 25 bayonet-wielding SS men, the boys were stripped and waited several hours before being herded into the gas chamber. The Sonderkommando Jewish prisoners who postponed their own execution by burning corpses and spreading ashes had prepared the chamber, clearing bodies from the previous round of killings, and closing the air vents. Tins of Zyklon B had arrived in a truck with deceptive Red Cross markings five minutes after the boys entered the disrobing room. The gas chambers heavy front doors hermetically sealed by felt began to close, snuffing out the last of the light. Eternal darkness was about to descend. Mordechai Eldar, then 14, was among those selected to die. He steeled himself for what he said was my final day, consoling himself that he would be reunited with his parents. Then three German officers, including another infamous SS doctor, Heinz Thilo, arrived on motorbikes and ordered that the doors be re-opened. Unlike those whose desperation led them to surge towards fresh air, Yaakov Weiss held himself back as the guards created a corridor, pushing the boys towards one wall. Older occupants of the chamber were herded the other way. Yaakovs brain was suddenly racing. He later recalled: Were the guards simply looking to see whether the youngsters were healthy enough or strong enough to be gassed? Or didnt they have enough gas for us? Did they want to use dogs on us instead? Were they taking us out to shoot us? Its only a matter of how they want to dispose of us. SS-Obersturmfuhrer Johann Schwarzhuber, who oversaw the gassing programme and would later be executed for war crimes, grabbed the first boy by the shoulders, felt his biceps and ordered him to do ten knee-bends and sprint to a nearby wall and back. Seemingly satisfied with this illustration of his fitness, the Nazi turned him around, and pushed him away, to form a new line for those reprieved, on the right. Sruli Salmanovitch, a Transylvanian boy, was next to be inspected. He was relatively small. The German guard asked him his age. Nearly 100, the lad answered. He was to pay for this defiance with his life. The SS officer shoved him to the left and led him to the gas chamber, screaming: You pig! Is that the way to speak to me? Children pictured behind a barbed wire fence after the liberation of the camp A 15-year-old Russian inmate, Ivan Dudnik, is helped out of Auschwitz by rescuers Nachum Hoch, a boy from an Orthodox Jewish family in Transylvania, was asked to do the set of exercises that would decide whether he had a future. He did enough to convince the SS officer of his usefulness and stumbled towards the first boy to be saved. There seemed no obvious pattern in those who were given an apparent reprieve. The boys had long since been stripped of their dignity. Those who had been rejected were starting to understand the probability of their fate; they began to cry until they were beaten into relative silence. This selection process was no act of mercy, though it seemed apparent that some of them might survive. Suddenly, SS-Obersturmfuhrer Schwarzhubers tone darkened. He motioned in the direction of those condemned on the left-hand side and laced his words with menace: Throw them into the oven. The gas chamber doors closed on them once again, yet 51 would live to see another day. Their number included one boy, who had hidden beneath clothing before stealing into the ranks of those who had been saved. Yaakov tried, and failed, to block out the despair of the doomed. Their screams reached the heavens, he recalled. They knew this was it. The 51 would not know why they had been spared, and what they were needed for, until they returned to barracks. Their only clue came from a member of the Sonderkommando, who murmured: You are saved because Dr Mengele needs you to work. A second Sonderkommando member was incredulous: No one has left here alive. You are the first. This has never happened. The truth emerged a little later, when Mengele entered the block. Hershel Herskovic, here showing his number tattoo, was among those who escaped the gas chambers, after being told that Josef Mengele needed them for work Miracle by Michael Calvin & Naftali Schiff (Bantam, 22), is published this week He told the boys a train, loaded with potatoes, had arrived at the railway. It would be the youngsters job to help send some to frontline German troops. Mordechai Eldar believed the Germans were just trying to save their own skins. The 51 were merely an insurance policy. In an interview two years ago, he said that because the war was nearing its end, the Nazis realised they would have to answer for the gassing programme. Also, they were running out of people to work. By now, many of those in Birkenau were half-dead. Once the potatoes were loaded on a convoy of trucks, the boys were told to dig trenches in driving rain to plant the remaining potatoes. Mordechai Eldar later remembered: The SS soldiers guarded us and forbade us to eat the potatoes. Whoever did so and was caught was severely beaten. He reasoned that the aim was to produce a crop of potatoes before Russian troops arrived, but as he calculated, it was futile. The camp was starting to be wound down. The boys no longer noticed the flames from the chimneys, nor the smell from the ovens. With Germany losing the war, Crematorium 4 was dismantled by the end of 1944 after plans were made to blow up three other crematoria. The SS duly began the process of covering their tracks by destroying prisoner records, burning all ledgers containing arrival details. Pits containing human ashes were bulldozed. However, though saved from the gas chambers, a new ordeal awaited the boys: they were forced to evacuate and herded on to the road to march or die. When Auschwitz was evacuated between January 17 and 21, 1945, most of the remaining 200 or so Hungarian boys were ordered to walk westwards. They had no food or water. The SS shot anyone who stumbled, hesitated or dared to break ranks. Some, frozen and hungry, died. Dugo Leitner, another of the 51, who passed away in July 2023, vividly recalled sustaining himself by eating slugs: How we chewed those big, bubbly ones. Another 35-mile march into Austria, on which around a quarter of the 20,000 prisoners died, was the precursor to eventual freedom when many were finally coaxed back to health in a military hospital. Hershel Herskovic remembers the pity in the eyes of their American liberators in early May 1945 when they came across one survivor: He could no longer walk, and his eyes were bulging. They saw us and shook their heads. They obviously didnt think there was any way we could live. Among those boys who survived the gas chamber and march of death, one went on to become a teacher in New York, another a rabbi in Manchester, another the owner of a paper-products firm in Canada and another a lieutenant-general in the Israel Defence Forces. Avigdor Neumann, an eye witness to the 51s reprieve, regularly revisited Auschwitz to share his experiences. He said: We went through all Hell. But you can turn away from all those troubles, and start off a new life, because God will help you. My message is that your strength is nothing, your wisdom is nothing, your wealth is nothing. The main thing is to hold on, to have belief, to be a good person. Wolf Greenwald, another of the 51, harboured one regret. He felt cheated that Dr Mengele managed to evade justice. The Nazi monster drowned in 1979 after suffering a stroke while swimming in Brazil. Hershel Herskovic had been blinded by a combination of typhus and the brutality of an SS guard, who hit him repeatedly in the head with a rifle butt. But he moved to London and built a property business. A photo of him went viral during the Covid epidemic when, at the age of 93, he got a Covid jab in the arm bearing his Auschwitz tattoo. Eighty years on from that horrific ordeal, supported by a grey cushion in a bay window on the top floor of his London home, he said: Never give up, whatever the circumstances. Do your best to prevail. Doing something positive, or thinking positively, creates an environment of hope and expectation. If you give up, you are easily lost. A new poll has revealed that most Aussies don't want the Australia Day date to be changed, just days out from the national public holiday. As protesters gear up for Invasion Day rallies across the nation on Monday, a survey of 1,050 voters by Freshwater Strategy published on Saturday, found 87 per cent of people believe it is important to have an annual day to celebrate Australia. Within that, 57 per cent said it was 'very important' to have a celebration each year, while only 30 per cent said it was 'somewhat important'. The poll asked whether Australia Day should be on January 26 - which marks the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney Harbour in 1788, when Governor Arthur Phillip raised the Union Jack at Sydney Cove. For many Australians, particularly Indigenous and First Nations people, the day is seen as 'Invasion Day' or a 'Day of Mourning'. But more than two thirds (70 per cent) supported Australia Day being held on January 26, while just 12 per cent want the date changed. Freshwater Strategy head of research Jordan Meyers said there was a lack of alternative dates and that Aussies were accustomed to celebrating the national public holiday in the third week of January. 'It's become ingrained into our culture,' he told The Daily Telegraph. A poll found 87 per cent of people believe it is important to have an annual day to celebrate Australia on January 26 (pictured, celebration on the Gold Coast in January 2025) 88 per cent of Aussies surveyed said that they are proud to be Australian 'My whole life, it's always been January 26 and there's definitely a ritual and build-up around that amongst Australians. And I think people are very attached to that [date] fundamentally.' Mr Meyers conceded that Australia Day evokes different sentiments for many Aussies. 'The reality is that an overwhelming majority think that it is important that we have a national day and celebrate our country,' he said. 'I mean, you've got 88 per cent of people saying that they're proud to be Australian. 'That's pretty clear across age and gender groups, and, you know, supporters of different parties as well.' Just 11 per cent of those surveyed said they were not proud to be Australian. The survey also found that most felt that being 'truly Australian' is defined by respect for national values (74 per cent) and laws (72 per cent). Citizenship was only important to being 'truly Australian' for 57 per cent, while 55 per cent believed it meant contributing to the community. For many Australians, particularly Indigenous and First Nations people, the day is seen as 'Invasion Day' or a 'Day of Mourning' (pictured, Invasion Day rally in Melbourne in 2025) One third (33 per cent) said being born in Australia was important. Mr Meyers said shared values included having a go and having a sense of humour, being down to earth, resilience, mateship and sportsmanship. 'Fundamentally, people do value our freedom and the community spirit that it's still very strong elements for Australians,' he said. 'We're seeing well over 80 per cent of Australians are associating all these terms with Australia today and believe it represents who we are as a people.' It comes as protesters gear up for Invasion Day rallies in major cities across the nation on Monday, calling for the national holiday to be scrapped or moved. Despite NSW Police extending its protest ban another fortnight, hundreds are expected at Sydney's Hyde Park for the annual protest, which opposes the national holiday marking the First Fleets arrival in 1788. There has also been a renewed push to change the date of Australia Day, with more than 14,000 people backing a proposal. The petition, launched by Indigenous-owned fashion label Clothing The Gap, calls for the creation of an 'Australian Long Weekend' by moving the holiday to the second-last Monday in January each year. Under the proposal, the public holiday would always fall between January 18 and January 24 to ensure it does not coincide with January 26. A sweltering heatwave has several states on high alert for bushfires as another braces for a tropical cyclone to make landfall. Total fire bans have been declared across South Australia and Victoria on Saturday, with temperatures in the coming days to rival those recorded in the Black Summer of 2019-20. Moderate fire danger ratings are in place across inland NSW with temperatures set to soar past 40C in Sydney's west on Sunday. Meanwhile northern WA is bracing for a different extreme weather event, with Tropical Cyclone Luana expected to make landfall on Saturday afternoon. SA's Yorke and Eastern Eyre peninsulas face catastrophic fire danger, making blazes almost impossible to contain if they break out. Major fires will test the state's firefighting capabilities, SA Country Fire Service chief officer Brett Loughlin warned. 'In those sorts of circumstances, not everyone will see a fire truck, not every call to triple zero will get the response that you would normally see,' he told reporters. Parts of eastern and south Australia will swelter through an extreme heatwave this long weekend. The hottest areas are in purple Cyclone Luana off northern WA is expected to make landfall in the coming hours Victoria is forecast to record temperatures between 38C and 44C statewide, with wind gusts expected to peak at 70km/hr in some areas. The mercury in Adelaide is predicted to peak at 43C, while Melbourne is set to top 40C. Play at the Australian Open on the four largest courts will start an hour earlier to beat the heat, while the Tour Down Under's iconic Willunga Hill stage has been dropped due to the bushfire danger. Bushfires at Walwa and Dargo in northeast Victoria that were sparked on January 9 in scorching conditions are still burning at watch and act level. There was potential for new fires to start and spread quickly in forecast conditions, Victorian CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said. 'We understand it is a long weekend, and many Victorians will be enjoying the great outdoors,' he said. 'But we will be declaring several total fire bans over the course of this heatwave event and with that comes shared responsibility.' Shallow winds will bring some reprieve to Australia's southeast from Saturday afternoon, with the mercury set to rise again from Monday. Sydneysiders will flock to the beach on Sunday, as temperatures soar into the mid-30s Women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka felt the 40C heat in her round three clash at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Friday Parts of Victoria will edge towards 50C on Tuesday, with a forecast top of 48C at Ouyen, about 400km northwest of Melbourne. That's 0.8C off the state temperature record, set on Black Saturday in 2009. Moderate fire danger ratings are in place across inland NSW, with extreme ratings expected in the Northern Slopes and Central Ranges from Monday. Temperatures in Dubbo will hover in the low-to-mid 40s over the next week, with similar conditions across the regions. People in a remote area east of the Western Australian town of Mandurah were told to flee on Friday evening as bushfires burned at emergency level. Off the coast of northern WA, a tropical low was forecast to become a category one tropical cyclone. Tropical Cyclone Luana is tipped to intensify to a category two on Saturday before likely crossing between Broome and Kuri Bay. Communities in the warning area have been told to prepare for potential wind gusts up to 130km/h, heavy rain, flash flooding and dangerous storm tides. Sydney Saturday: Max 28. Min 17. Sunny. Light winds becoming northeasterly 20 to 30 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the late evening. Sunday: Max 33. Min 20. Sunny. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h during the afternoon then shifting south to southeasterly 25 to 30 km/h during the evening. Monday: Max 27. Min 21. Partly cloudy. Winds southerly 20 to 30 km/h tending southeasterly during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening. The bureau said new records for January - or the entire year - could be set for some areas in northern Victoria, western NSW, and southern Queensland due to the heat Melbourne Saturday: Max 40. Min 14. Sunny. Light winds becoming northwest to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h in the morning then tending west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the late evening. Sunday: Max 24. Min 19. Partly cloudy. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning southerly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning. Monday: Max 30. Min 14. Cloud clearing. Light winds becoming south to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day. Brisbane Saturday: Max 29. Min 23. Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h in the evening then becoming light in the late evening. Sunday: Max 35. Min 22. Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. The chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then tending northerly during the evening. Monday: Max 37. Min 23. Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening. Friday: Max 36. Sunny. Winds north to northeasterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the middle of the day then becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h in the late evening. Adelaide Saturday: Max 42. Min 24. Mostly sunny. Winds northeasterly 20 to 30 km/h turning north to northwesterly 25 to 40 km/h in the morning then tending southeast to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h in the late afternoon. Sunday: Max 36. Min 19. Mostly sunny. Light winds. Monday: Max 43. Min 21. Sunny. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Perth Saturday: Max 26. Min 14. Sunny. Light winds becoming southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening. Sunday: Max 25. Min 17. Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Light winds becoming westerly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Monday: Max 23. Min 17. Medium chance of showers in the morning. Mostly sunny afternoon. Light winds becoming southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning then tending southerly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening. Canberra Saturday: Max 35. Min 10. Sunny. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening. Sunday: Max 39. Min 14. Partly cloudy. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Monday: Max 35. Min 15. Sunny. Light winds becoming northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then tending easterly 20 to 30 km/h during the afternoon. Darwin Saturday: Max 32. Min 25. Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h in the early afternoon then becoming light in the late afternoon. Sunday: Max 32. Min 25. Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. A thunderstorm likely in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Monday: Max 32. Min 25. Partly cloudy. High chance of showers. A thunderstorm likely. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening. Hobart Saturday: Max 28. Min 11. Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming north to northeasterly 20 to 30 km/h in the morning then shifting westerly 15 to 20 km/h in the late evening. Sunday: Max 20. Min 15. Partly cloudy. Winds westerly 15 to 20 km/h turning southerly 20 to 30 km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Monday: Max 24. Min 11. Sunny. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 25 km/h during the day then tending northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening. A fugitive who allegedly shot dead his heavily pregnant ex-girlfriend and two others could be receiving help from others to remain in hiding, as the large-scale manhunt ramps up. Julian Ingram, 37, allegedly gunned down his ex Sophie Quinn, 25, in a black Suzuki hatchback, alongside her new boyfriend John Harris, 32, in Lake Cargelligo, 600km west of Sydney on Thursday. He then allegedly went to another residence and killed her aunt Nerida Quinn, 50, and seriously injured her 19yearold neighbour, Kaleb MacQueen. Ingram has been on the run since the alleged murders, with about 100 police officers searching for him in the surrounding areas. Ms Quinn, who separated from Ingram last year and was in a relationship with Mr Harris at the time of her death, was due to give birth in March to a baby boy. Ingram remains on the run on Saturday as the large-scale search involving 100 police widened. 'We attended two premises in Euabalong last night and unfortunately, were unable to locate the offender,' NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Holland told reporters. 'At this point, our area is widening, and we are looking at other locations in the broader districts from information supplied to police.' The desperate manhunt for an alleged gunman widened on Saturday. Pictured are police in Lake Cargelligo on Friday Mum-to-be Sophie Quinn, 25, was allegedly murdered by Julian Ingram on Thursday Police haven't ruled out that Julian Ingram could be receiving help to remain in hiding Police haven't ruled out the theory that Ingram could be receiving assistance to remain on the run. 'That's one of the avenues of our investigation,' Holland said. 'As we said before, Mr Ingram has worked in the area for a long time. 'He was known to a lot of people in the area, and he's well known among the community. 'It is possible he is seeking help from people he knows, and we're making contact with known associates, trying to cut down those possibilities. 'But I can't confirm whether he has access to anyone else, but there is the possibility that people are assisting him to obviously avoid police apprehension.' He added that the locals have been 'fantastic' in their assistance with ongoing police investigations. 'We've got multiple lines of inquiry coming through,' Holland said. 'There is the possibility that the people are assisting him to obviously avoid police apprehension,' Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland said Police specialists will ramp up the manhunt on Saturday He reiterated that Lake Cargelligo is not in lockdown and that locals are free to move about the town. 'They just need to use extreme caution with the knowledge in the back of their minds that this offender is still on the loose, Holland said. 'He is still armed we believe, and that there is a possibility they could come across him.' Ingram is described as between 165cm and 170cm tall, with a medium build, short dark hair and brown eyes. He was last seen driving a Ford Ranger utility with NSW registration DM-07-GZ, which has council signage, a metal tray back, high-visibility side markings and an emergency light bar on the roof. Police haven't ruled out the possibility that Ingram may have since switched vehicles. Anyone who sees Ingram is urged not to approach him and to contact Triple Zero immediately. It comes after it was revealed that Ingram appeared at Lake Cargelligo Local Court on December 3 over allegations he stalked, intimidated and assaulted Ms Quinn and damaged her property. About 100 police officers are involved in the manhunt for Julian Ingram Court records, obtained by the Daily Mail, show he pleaded not guilty and was granted bail on the condition that he report to Lake Cargelligo Police Station every day and not go within 100m of her home or workplace. Records also show Ingram was a known domestic violence offender at the time, having pleaded guilty in 2021 to assaulting another woman in Griffith. When a reporter asked Holland during a press conference on Friday why Ingram was granted bail, he replied: 'A risk assessment would have been done at the time. 'At that time, he had not committed a violent offence in the last five years and, therefore, deemed fit. 'Where we can, we obviously grant people bail. We don't want to keep them in custody. With strict bail conditions and AVO in place, it's deemed suitable.' Among the treasured photos they have left of their daughter is a professional portrait which captured her extraordinary beauty. In the dark days that have passed since Cyane Panine was killed in the horrific fire which engulfed a Swiss bar on New Year's Eve, her grieving parents Jerome and Astrid have held on to it tightly, desperately trying to blot out other images which emerged from that terrible night. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail this week, they make clear that the most unbearable of them all is one which has made worldwide headlines. It shows 24-year-old Cyane, a waitress at Le Constellation in the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, wearing a crash helmet and sitting on the shoulders of a colleague, clutching bottles of champagne plugged with lit sparklers which, it is believed, set fire to soundproofing foam on the bar's ceiling. No matter that the young Frenchwoman was simply following orders from one of the bar's owners to 'get the atmosphere going'. The implication that 'La Fille au Casque' 'the girl in the helmet' was somehow to blame for the inferno which killed 40 and left more than 100 with serious burn injuries, is one which is compounding the family's unending grief. This week, at home in Sete, south of France, Jerome and Astrid spoke to the Daily Mail in the hope of reclaiming their beloved daughter as one who 'shone and captivated' rather than as a poster girl for a disaster for which the bar's owners are under criminal investigation. They recall Cyane as a happy, bright, hard-working young woman who, as a girl, adored riding horses, playing with her dogs and who made friends with ease amid the family's frequent trips abroad. The implication that Cyane Panine - dubbed 'the girl in the helmet' was somehow to blame for the deadly inferno at a Swiss bar which killed 40 and left more than 100 with serious burn injuries, is one which is compounding the family's unending grief Cyane Panine, 24, was filmed wearing the crash helmet from Dom Perignon, the Champagne brand, as she was lifted onto the shoulders of Mateo Lesguer, 23, the in-house DJ Aged nine she moved to Australia with her parents and elder sister Eoline for six months. At 11, she accompanied her family on an extraordinary round-the-world sailing adventure, backed by Unesco, to promote water conservation. 'Cyane was spontaneous, radiant and full of heart,' her heartbroken mother, a 64-year-old photographer, says. 'She possessed a beauty that went beyond the physical. She embodied it. She trusted people without the slightest suspicion. She paid the ultimate price for this with her life.' Her 59-year-old father, a hydrologist and expert in water conservation, describes her as 'such a vital presence'. He says: 'I cannot accept that my daughter is remembered only as the girl with the helmet, with flares in her hands.' As well as paying tribute to their child, who was born in 2001 and named Cyane for the colour of her eyes and the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean where the yacht-owning family spent so many happy days, the couple are full of contempt for the French owners of Le Constellation Jacques and Jessica Moretti and what they see as attempts to exploit their daughter. Since the disaster, Mr Moretti, 49, a convicted pimp and fraudster who has spent time in prison and a decade ago was convicted of employing staff illegally, has likened Cyane to a 'stepdaughter', while his 40-year-old wife Jessica, a former actress and model, has described her as being like 'a little sister'. Both have insisted that they are also grieving her death while facing charges of manslaughter, bodily harm and arson, all by negligence. Because of his criminal record, Mr Moretti is being held in 'pre-trial detention', while his wife has been forced to wear an electronic tag as inquiries continue. Cyane's parents recall her as a happy, bright, hard-working young woman who as a youngster made friends with ease amid the family's frequent trips abroad Cyane was named for the colour of her eyes and the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean where the yacht-owning family spent so many happy days At 11, Cyane accompanied her family on an extraordinary round-the-world sailing adventure, backed by Unesco, to promote water conservation. Pictured: Cyane with her sister Eoline, and their parents Astrid and Jerome They face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of manslaughter. Given that Cyane had complained to her family of being forced to work long hours with no breaks and spoke of being physically and mentally exhausted, such statements are hard to stomach for the Panines. According to the family's lawyer, Sophie Haenni, Cyane wasn't on familiar terms with the Morettis. Text messages reveal she addressed them using the formal 'vous' rather than 'tu'. Cyane, says the lawyer, didn't even have an employment contract and, after spending several winter ski seasons in Crans-Montana, had previously contacted 'the workers' protection service' over her employment conditions with the Morettis. She also claims Cyane received no safety training at work and had no idea that the sound-insulation foam on the ceiling which Jacques Moretti himself fitted during renovations a decade ago was highly flammable. She was told to put on the crash helmet, a gimmick supplied to bars by champagne-maker Dom Perignon which would have prevented her seeing the catastrophic events unfolding around her. 'Cyane is without question a victim,' Ms Haenni said last week. She is representing the family at a criminal inquiry being held in the Swiss town of Sion amid allegations that a basement fire exit was locked on the night of the blaze and that renovations were carried out without the correct permissions. It has already emerged that no fire safety inspections had been carried out at the bar since 2019 despite laws requiring annual checks. Above all else, Jerome and Astrid are struggling to understand how their happy-go-lucky daughter, raised with such love and care, could have died in such awful circumstances. She wasn't even meant to be at Le Constellation that night. A dramatic video captured the moment the ceiling of a Swiss ski bar caught fire Footage shows an individual desperately trying to extinguish the fire, but within seconds it takes hold, erupting into a deadly fireball that engulfed the packed bar The French owners of Le Constellation Jacques and Jessica Moretti face charges of manslaughter, bodily harm and arson, all by negligence Cyane, who travelled to Crans-Montana in late November, started work on the morning of New Year's Eve at another of the Morettis' businesses, a gourmet burger restaurant called Le Senso, before being sent to 'Le Constel' as the couple's hugely popular ski bar was known to its young wealthy clientele. For almost the entire evening she was on the ground floor, welcoming guests and directing them to tables for which wealthy young customers had to agree to a minimum spend of around 900. Many were sent to the basement in the bar which Jacques Moretti renovated in 2015, expanding what was a simple cafe into a lively bar and disco. During that time he is alleged to have narrowed the basement staircase from three metres to just one. It was Jessica Moretti who, not long after 1am on January 1, asked Cyane to go down into basement to help colleagues with an order for a large number of bottles of champagne for tables. According to an account she gave to investigators last week, Mrs Moretti encouraged Cyane to 'get the atmosphere going' by putting on the helmet. Other staff put on Guy Fawkes masks and stuck sparklers in champagne bottles. This theatrical display was a regular feature at the bar. Footage recorded on mobile phones in those final few seconds show Mrs Moretti at the back of a crowd of cheering revellers gathered around Cyane as she is held aloft by 27-year-old barman Matthieu Aubrun, who is wearing one of the Guy Fawkes masks. Mrs Moretti was filming as the first flames erupted on the ceiling above Cyane. According to a woman named only as Louise, the sole employee to escape without injury: 'There were seven or eight of us in that column carrying bottles. Cyane led the way, perched on Matthieu's shoulders, just like she'd done before. Everyone was in costume.' Cyane, blinded by the helmet she is wearing, appears still tragically unaware of what is going on above her. High quality photographs show the very first moments of the Swiss Constellation Bar fire in Crans-Montana As flames raced across the dimpled foam insulation, groups of young people carry on singing along to a song by urban French rapper Lacrim. A couple of teenagers try to smother the flames with items of clothing before fleeing the bar. The time was 1.26am. According to Louise: 'We lost between 30 and 35 seconds. With the music playing, people weren't yelling 'fire!' We had our backs turned and couldn't see it.' Louise escaped up the main staircase. Barman Matthieu was badly burnt, taken to hospital and placed in an induced coma. The crucial seconds which pass between the onset of a disaster and the moment people realise the urgent need to get out are known to experts as 'pre-evacuation time'. At Le Constellation this narrow window of time was particularly critical. Smoke and heat spread throughout the entire basement creating a 'flash-over' during which the entire room exploded into flames. By then, Jessica Moretti had already left the bar. According to accounts by lawyers for the families of the dead, she has told investigators that she shouted 'everyone out' and appears to have been one of the first to leave before calling the fire department and her husband, who told her to drive herself home. She is said to have been caught on CCTV cameras carrying the till with the night's takings. Many of those left behind tried to leave the basement up the narrow staircase at the same time, creating a massive bottleneck. An investigating source estimates that around 85 per cent of the dead were trapped on the tiny staircase installed ten years earlier by Mr Moretti, which collapsed into the basement. Pictured: Emergency services at the scene of the blaze on New Year's Eve An investigating source estimates that around 85 per cent of the dead were trapped on the tiny staircase installed ten years earlier by Mr Moretti, which collapsed into the basement. As staff, Cyane would have known there was a second door which should have offered an escape route. She and several others attempted to escape through it, unaware it had been locked. The Morettis insist it was a 'service door' rather than a fire exit. Cyane's parents, tortured by thoughts of their trapped daughter's final moments, have since claimed it was locked to stop party-going teens trying to sneak in without paying the exorbitant table fees. According to Jerome: 'If the door had been open, maybe there wouldn't have been deaths.' Mr Moretti himself claims he was the one who broke down the door which was 'locked from the inside and on a latch'. He claims to have found Cyane suffocating among a pile of bodies and pulled her out with the help of her boyfriend. That boyfriend, who has given his name only as Jean-Marc, says he carried Cyane to a nearby bar and tried in vain to resuscitate her 'as much as we could'. While her death is one of many devastating losses of young life that night, for her parents her final, terrifying minutes are an agonising contrast to the happy, sun-filled childhood she spent with them, in particular their three-and-a-half years at sea. They set off in their 15-metre catamaran, Nomadeus, from Port Camargue on the French Riviera in October 2012 with the aim of encouraging educational links between schools and discussions about water conservation. A cartoon of Cyane and her sister appeared on the hull of the boat and the project was promoted via a website with the tagline: 'Follow two children sailing around the world on a water mission.' This voyage of a lifetime took the family across the Atlantic, up the Amazon, then through the Panama Canal and on to the Seychelles and Madagascar. After returning to France, the family settled back in Sete, where Jerome and Astrid opened an award-winning micro-brewery and bar called Brasserie La Singuliere where, when she was old enough, Cyane sometimes worked. As she entered her teens, her remarkable beauty became ever more evident. In 2021, she was chosen to appear in an art project featuring the portraits of 1,000 women in Sete. That same year, Astrid Panine called a photographer friend and asked him to do a photoshoot with her daughter. Recalling that time, Vincent Chambon (www.studiochambon.fr) remembers her as 'strikingly beautiful'. The portfolio of photographs they produced together were, he says, just for her family. After the confines of Covid lockdowns, Cyane had found work in Crans- Montana as a waitress, starting that winter. It was a seasonal job she returned to each year. For Jerome and Astrid the story of their daughter's life races towards that terrible moment behind the locked door at Le Constellation where it was cut short with what they now describe as 'unimaginable suddenness'. Last weekend, after bringing Cyane back to Sete, Jerome helped carry his daughter's coffin into a memorial service attended by 1,000 people. Walking close behind him, sobbing uncontrollably, Astrid wore a bright blue scarf over her black mourning clothes in remembrance of her daughter. She describes her as 'an elusive butterfly; the kind one longs to catch and immortalise,' before talking again about how she would like her beloved child to be remembered in the midst of a tragedy which has left so many parents utterly bereft. Not as 'La Fille au Casque' but, she begs, as a 'real and profound' reminder of 'all young people who are cut down in their prime'. A decorated Marine veteran fatally shot during a Facebook Marketplace deal gone wrong used his final moments to tell his family he loved them. Michael Ryan Burke, 42, lay bleeding to death inside his Columbia, Missouri, home on Sunday after being shot during what police say was a robbery tied to the sale of a cellphone. As his injuries worsened, Burke managed to find the strength to send one last text message to his mother and sister. 'I am dying, I love you,' his final message read. Burke later died in hospital from his injuries but the former Marine managed to call 911 providing them with a description of his attackers ultimately leading to their swift arrests. Burke's longtime friend and fraternity brother Jerry Reifeiss, who had known him for more than two decades, said his final heartbreaking text is consistent with the man he knew. 'That was just Ryan. He always put people in front of him and wanted to make sure people knew how he felt,' Reifeiss told KRCG. Reifeiss said Burke knew his wounds were severe but fought to remain conscious long enough to leave a trail for police and a message for his family. Michael Ryan Burke, 42, lay bleeding inside his house on Sunday night after being shot during what police say was a robbery tied to the sale of a cellphone As his injuries worsened, Burke managed to send one last text message to his mother and sister, pictued Alexis Baumann, left, Kobe Aust, center and Joseph Crane all 18, along with an unidentified male juvenile, were allegedly involved in the killing 'He didn't want to go on to the next life and pass away without providing some information to us here that would bring justice to these people and let people know he always loves them,' he said. Prosecutors say three 18-year-olds, Alexis Baumann, Kobe Aust, and Joseph Crane, along with an unidentified male juvenile, were allegedly involved in the killing. All four were arrested within days and charged with second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and first-degree burglary, according to police and court records. Crane faces two additional charges - unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. The juvenile also faces an additional charge for unlawful use of a weapon. The three 18-year-olds are being held without bond in the Boone County Jail while the juvenile is being held at the Boone County Juvenile Office. 'I'm very happy the police did their job and were able to get these people very quickly, assuming these are the correct people,' Reifeiss said. Friends are struggling to comprehend how Burke, who survived dangerous military missions, was killed during a routine online sale. Reifeiss described Burke as a decorated Marine who carried the same resolve into civilian life that once drove him to enlist. n Burke, 42, lay bleeding inside his Columbia, Missouri home on Sunday night after being shot Friends are struggling to comprehend how Burke, left, who survived dangerous military missions, was killed during a routine online sale After his military service, Burke pursued missionary work, including spending time spent in Uganda, and traveled widely After his military service, Burke pursued missionary work, including time spent in Uganda, and traveled widely. He also worked security for the Trump administration, Reifeiss said. Graduating from the University of Missouri where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity Burke double-majored in psychology and sociology. In a 2016 Facebook post, Burke reflected on his education. 'I am thankful for the education I received at the University of Missouri because, in my experience, it's not so much a weapon but the training of the mind that makes a man dangerous,' he wrote. Friends say he was especially passionate about volunteer work aimed at combating human trafficking, a cause he supported during his travels. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help pay for funeral expenses. The White House is evaluating aggressive new strategies aimed at a transition of power in Cuba, potentially including a complete halt of all oil deliveries to the island nation, according to three sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Politico. This harder line is being championed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other administration officials critical of the Cuban regime, according to the sources. Although no final determination has been reached, this strategy is expected to be included in a list of options provided to President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling Cuba's communist system. A complete ban on oil shipments would be a major escalation from the administration's previous focus on disrupting Venezuelan exports, which have traditionally been Cuba's top source of crude. There is some friction on whether or not Trump should proceed with such a bold move, with Cuba's economy already having taken a serious hit with the drawback of Venezuelan oil shipments. One person familiar with the plan told Politico that 'Energy is the chokehold to kill the regime.' 'Deposing the country's communist government - in power since the Cuban revolution in 1959 - is '100 percent a 2026 event' in the administration's eyes,' the source added. This plan would be legally authorized under the Helms-Burton Act (officially the 1994 LIBERTAD Act). This law is what officially mandates and defines the U.S. restrictions on Cuban commerce and financial activities. The view of a Cuban tanker ship at Matanzas Bay in Matanzas, Cuba, 21 January 2026. The closure of Venezuelan oil supplies after the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by US forces has heightened Cuba's fuel shortages, leading to long queues at gas stations and renewed concerns over energy and supply disruptions on the island Although no final determination has been reached, this strategy is expected to be included in a list of options provided to President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling Cuba's communist system A person watches the oil tanker Ocean Mariner, Monrovia, arrive to the bay in Havana, Cuba Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined President Trump in expressing a surge of optimism that the end of the Castro-founded government is imminent Following U.S. efforts to seize sanctioned Venezuelan cargo, Mexico has emerged as the leading provider of oil to Cuba. These enforcement actions by Trump has disrupted the long-standing energy bond between Havana and Caracas. Currently, according to data from the International Energy Agency, imported fuel accounts for about 60 percent of Cuba's total oil consumption. Mexico charges Cuba for imported oil. Fresh off the high-stakes operation that saw Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro taken into custody, the Trump administration has clearly shifted its crosshairs to Cuba. Top administration officials are reportedly convinced that the island's iron-fisted communist government is finally primed for a fall, arguing that Havana's economy is currently at its most vulnerable state in decades. Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined President Trump in expressing a surge of optimism that the end of the Castro-founded government is imminent. Hardline GOP members had already signaled their support for a total ban on Cuba's energy supplies. During a short interview last week, Senator Rick Scott emphasized this stance, saying, 'There should be not a dime, no petroleum. Nothing should ever get to Cuba.' The administration's logic is simple: now that Venezuela's economic lifeline has been severed following Maduro's dramatic exit, Cuba is standing on financial quicksand. Cuba's embassy and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An Indian couple were handed a $200,000 settlement after they were told to stop microwaving curry in a shared office kitchen. Aditya Prakash and his fiancee Urmi Bhattacheryya were handed the sum after accusing the University of Colorado at Boulder of discrimination and retaliation after a Prakash was told to stop microwaving what a staff member described as 'pungent' curry in the anthropology department. The confrontation, centered on a dish of palak paneer, ultimately led to the revocation of the couple's PhD funding and a federal lawsuit alleging 'food racism.' The university has now agreed to pay the couple a combined $200,000 to settle the case, while denying any liability. As part of the agreement, the couple received their master's degrees and are barred from studying or working at the university in the future. Prakash, an Indian citizen who was pursuing a doctorate in cultural anthropology, said the confrontation unfolded in September 2023. He was heating up his meal when an administrative assistant remarked, 'Oof, that's pungent,' and told him there was a rule against microwaving strong-smelling food. Prakash said the rule was not posted anywhere. When he later asked which foods qualified, he said he was told sandwiches were acceptable but curry was not. Aditya Prakash, left, and Urmi Bhattacheryya, right, were both doctoral students in the university's anthropology department when they claim there were the victims of 'food racism' The University of Colorado, Boulder agreed to pay $200,000 to settle a federal civil-rights lawsuit while denying any wrongdoing Prakash said that it was the kind of remark that makes many Indians living in Western countries hesitant to open their lunches in shared spaces. When he told the staff member he did not appreciate the comment, he said she began shouting. Two days later, Prakash and four other students, including Bhattacheryya, deliberately reheated Indian food in the same microwave. What followed, the lawsuit alleged, was swift and punitive. Prakash said he initially tried to minimize the encounter. 'Food is just food,' he recalled telling the staff member. 'I'll be out in a minute.' But when he sat down to eat afterward he said, 'I felt the food sort of turned to ash in my mouth.' The episode resurfaced during a class discussion on cultural relativism that Bhattacheryya was leading as a teaching assistant. The dispute began after a staff member objected to the smell of Prakash's palak paneer lunch The couple alleged they faced a 'pattern of escalating retaliation' after complaints were raised about Indian food being microwaved on campus The engaged couple have since returned to India and say they may never return to the US Soon after, the department circulated an email advising members to avoid preparing food with 'strong or lingering smells.' Prakash replied to the entire department, calling the suggestion discriminatory and questioning why it was acceptable for another employee to heat chili in a crockpot. When someone told him broccoli would also be inappropriate in a microwave, Prakash shot back: 'How many groups of people do you know that face racism on a daily basis because they eat broccoli?' Over the following year, Prakash and Bhattacheryya said their academic standing collapsed without warning. According to the lawsuit, faculty advisers dropped them unexpectedly. They were reassigned to advisers outside their fields. They were told they were making insufficient progress, denied course credit transfers, stripped of teaching assistantships, and ultimately lost their doctoral funding. The university cited poor performance and unmet requirements which Prakash disputed. Urmi Bhattacheryya said she was subjected to racist abuse online after posting online Bhattacheryya was also pursuing a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology and worked as a teaching assistant Prakash was a PhD student in cultural anthropology and an Indian citizen studying in the US 'We were 4.0 G.P.A. students,' he said. 'And the department at every level started trying to sabotage us and started trying to paint us as somehow maladjusted.' In May 2025, the couple filed a civil-rights lawsuit in US District Court in Denver, alleging discrimination and retaliation. In September, the university agreed to settle. Under the terms of the agreement, Prakash and Bhattacheryya received a combined $200,000 payout and were awarded their master's degrees. The university denied all liability and barred the couple from studying or working there again. The couple, who are engaged, have been living in India since October. The University of Colorado, Boulder said federal privacy laws prevent it from discussing specifics but insisted it acted appropriately. 'When these allegations arose in 2023, we took them seriously and adhered to established, robust processes to address them, as we do with all claims of discrimination and harassment,' the university said in a statement. It added that the anthropology department had worked to rebuild trust and foster 'an inclusive and supportive environment for all.' Prakash told the BBC the lawsuit was never about financial gain. CU Boulder said it followed 'established, robust processes' when the discrimination claims emerged in 2023 'It was about making a point - that there are consequences to discriminating against Indians for their 'Indianness',' he said. Prakash said the microwave incident reopened an old scar. He recalled being isolated by classmates in Italy as a teenager because of the smell of Indian food in his lunchbox. 'I felt very diminished, because I was not marked by my identity in any way,' he said of the Colorado incident. 'Up until this point, I was just another PhD scholar.' He and Bhattacheryya say they may never return to the US. 'No matter how good you are at what you do, the system is constantly telling you that because of your skin color or your nationality, you can be sent back any time,' Prakash said. 'The precarity is acute.' The case has also sparked widespread attention in India, where many have shared their own experiences of being ridiculed abroad over food smells and ignited conversations about similar discrimination within India itself. Food, scholars note, has long been used as a proxy for exclusion. Krishnendu Ray, a food studies scholar at New York University, said complaints about smell have historically been used to mark groups as inferior. 'In some ways, this kind of thing happens whenever there is an encounter across class, race and ethnicity,' Ray said, noting how Italian immigrants were once derided in the US for smelling of garlic and wine. Hope were high but expectations low last night as envoys from Ukraine, Russia and the United States met together for the first time. The Kremlin crushed optimism by vowing never to budge from its demand for the whole of the Donbas territory in eastern Ukraine. Negotiators from the three countries were meeting in United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi the first time they have held trilateral talks to try to end the war since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. But it was not even clear if the bitterly divided Moscow and Kyiv delegations would be in the same room. Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and White House envoy Steve Witkoff are the middlemen hoping to broker a deal after hundreds of thousands of deaths. President Trump who only yesterday renewed his boast that he will end the war insisted both Ukraine and Russia 'want to make a deal'. Yet even as the talks got under way, Putin ordered military strikes plunging Ukraine into its deepest energy crisis of the four-year war, targeting power and heating to major cities including Kyiv amid minus 10C conditions. The Russian president is determined that any deal will see him given the Donbas, even though his troops have failed to win it through nearly 50 months of grinding warfare. Vladimir Putin (pictured) is determined that any deal will see him given the Donbas, even though his troops have failed to win it through nearly 50 months of grinding warfare Ukrainian servicemen firing at Russian positions with a BM-21 'Grad' Soviet rocket launcher early in the morning at the Druzhkivka district of the Donetsk area, Ukraine, January 21 2026 But Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out surrendering land. He appeared cautiously optimistic about the outcome of the talks, describing the meetings expected to last two days as 'a step', but fell short of calling it a positive one. A source close to the Kremlin said Moscow considers that Trump and agreed in Alaska last year that Russia could control all of Donbas and freeze the current front lines elsewhere in Ukraine's east and south. The other big issue at the talks is what the US would do if Russia were to invade Ukraine again. Five people have been arrested in connection with the shooting of an Indiana judge and his wife, with one of the suspects due to stand trial in his court days after the incident. Judge Steven Meyer, 66, and his wife Kimberly were shot inside their in Lafayette, a small city about 63 miles northwest of Indianapolis on Sunday. The Lafayette Police Department has since charged 38-year-old Raylen Ferguson, 43-year-old Thomas Moss and 32-year-old Blake Smith with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder, along with a slew of other crimes. Amanda Milsap, 45, and Zenada Greer, 61, were also charged with less serious offenses that involved obstructing justice and bribery. Court records show Moss was a defendant in a domestic violence case being heard in the court Meyer presides over. His jury trial was scheduled to begin two days after Meyer was shot. Court documents obtained by WTHR show that Milsap's role in the conspiracy was to offer Moss's alleged domestic violence victim, his ex-wife, $10,000 not to testify in his upcoming case. The woman told police that Moss and a gang offered her this money days after the shooting. Investigators say it was Ferguson who fired multiple shots into the closed front door of Meyers' home. Meyer was hit in the arm, and Kimberly was hit in the hip. Both of them sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are now in stable condition. Smith was identified as a 'high-ranking member' of the Indiana chapter of the Phantom Motorcycle Club, a known gang, according to court records. Smith bought a gun on January 5 that matched the one found near the crime scene, per a probable cause affidavit. A partial serial number was also found on the gun. The Lafayette Police Department announced the arrests of five people in connection with the shooting of Tippecanoe Superior Court Judge Steven Meyer (pictured) and his wife, Kimberly Thomas Moss, left, Raylen Ferguson, center, and Blake Smith, right, were all charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder, along with a slew of other crimes. Police believe the motive for the shooting was to impede Moss's upcoming domestic violence trial that Meyer was overseeing Amanda Milsap, left, and Zenada Greer, right, were also charged with less serious offenses that involved obstructing justice and bribery. Milsap is accused of offering Moss's ex-wife $10,000 not to testify against him at trial Through prior investigations, police established that Smith is a known associate of Moss, though it is not clear if Moss or Ferguson are members of the Phantom Motorcycle Club. Police said Greer was connected with all three men on social media and court records indicate that she was in the car Ferguson was driving on the day of the shooting. Court records showed Meyer and his wife told police there was suspicious activity two days before the shooting, when a man knocked on their door saying he was delivering them food despite the couple not ordering anything that night. Meyer did not open the door and told the man he had the wrong house. Surveillance footage from the home led investigators to believe that the man holding the food had 'the same distinct pattern/cadence as Ferguson' when he allegedly approached the front door on the day of the shooting. Police also found a silicon mask near the shooting scene that had DNA belonging to Ferguson on it, according to tests done by the Indiana State Police Laboratory. The charges against Smith, Ferguson and Moss were given a gang enhancement due to the alleged involvement of the Phantom Motorcycle Club. The gang was the subject of a federal racketeering investigation in 2015. Six members were convicted and many of them received lengthy prison sentences. Pictured: Police arrive at the Meyer home following the shooting Pictured: The Tippecanoe County Courthouse, which is located in Lafayette The domestic violence case against Moss he allegedly tried to circumvent dates back to June 2024. Moss was charged with three felony counts of domestic battery, three felony counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two felony counts of intimidation and felony criminal recklessness. On June 19, 2024, Moss's ex-wife, who he was living with at the time, told police Moss hit her in the back of the leg with a broomstick, according to court recordsobtained by Fox News. According to her, Moss said, 'He would hit her harder the next time if she did not follow his instructions.' Moss's ex-wife also alleged that he fired a gun into the floor in October 2022 after a dispute with their son. Court documents indicate that police found multiple bullets in a closet behind the living room and in the bathroom. Moss has previously been convicted of battery resulting in serious bodily injury, criminal recklessness while armed with a deadly weapon, criminal mischief and criminal trespass. In a statement after the shooting, Meyer reiterated his confidence in the judicial system. 'This horrific violence will not shake my belief in the importance of peacefully resolving disputes. I remain confident we have the best judicial system in the world, and I am proud to be a part of it,' he said. Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush announced Friday that her office has requested a special judge to oversee the criminal proceedings against the five defendants allegedly involved in the criminal conspiracy against Meyer. A special judge is necessary because the case is being heard in Meyer's courtroom. Meyer cannot preside over a case where he was the victim. The special judge is expected to be appointed on Monday. A Texas Congressman gave a look inside the detention center where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took a five-year-old Minnesota boy after he was controversially detained. Photos of Liam Ramos went viral after he was seen wearing a bunny-shaped beanie with tears streaming down his face while being held by his backpack, as ICE agents descended on his home and arrested his father. Amid protests and accusations the boy was kidnapped, GOP Representative Tony Gonzales shared a video of the conditions of the center Ramos was taken to in Dilley, Texas. 'In the coming days, youll see a lot of grandstanding by politicians at the Dilley ICE Center in my district, #TX23. Its all for show. I've been there & seen the state-of-the-art facilities & protocols that @ICEgov follows. Gonzales responded to accusations that the Dilley facility has been plagued by allegations of prolonged stays in grim conditions, including a lack of access to water, according to CNN. The 30-second clip shows children quietly either studying, reading books or using computers in a well-lit library room, before cutting to a classroom and then a gymnasium. Kids are also seen utilizing an picnic area and shooting hoops on an outdoor court and at all times, attended to by adults. 'Our ICE agents & CBP personnel are doing their jobs, & yet again, Democrats are doing everything they can to spin the truth against law enforcement,' Gonzales added. The arrest drew renewed scrutiny to President Trump's immigration crackdown in Minnesota just weeks after the fatal shooting of anti-ICE protester Renee Nicole Good. A Texas Congressman gave a look inside the detention center where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took a fiver-year-old Minnesota boy after he was controversially detained Photos of 5-year-old Liam Ramos went viral after his father's arrest Ramos and his father were taken to an immigration processing center in Dilley, Texas (pictured) - a facility designed to house migrant families together plagued by allegations of prolonged stays in grim conditions, including a lack of access to water As the images of Ramos being arrested went viral, Vice President JD Vance alleged that officers had no choice but to detain the youngster because his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, 'abandoned' his son and attempted to flee. In a post to X, ICE said agents 'kept the child safe in the bitter cold', and alleged that they made multiple attempts to get Ramos's family inside to take custody of him, but 'they refused.' But a lawyer for the family, Marc Prokosch, has denied that Arias tried to flee the scene. Prokosch told a press conference on Thursday that Ramos and his father entered the US from Ecuador in December 2024 and had a pending asylum case, adding that his family had no deportation order or criminal record. The Daily Mail has reached out to Prokosch for comment on the video shared by Congressman Gonzales. Following the arrest, federal officials said Arias insisted on keeping his son with him and confirmed that they were taken to an immigration processing center in Dilley, Texas - over 1,300 miles from their home in Minnesota. The attorney for the family insists that they followed established protocol to pursue a legal asylum claim, including presenting themselves to authorities at the border and showing up for all court hearings. 'This family was not eluding ICE in any way,' Prokosch said. 'They were following all the established protocols.' Liam Ramos, a five-year-old Minnesota boy detained by ICE during the arrest of his father, has been transported to a facility in Texas as his case sparks controversy across the nation Amid protests from liberals and accusations the boy was kidnapped, GOPR epresentative Tony Gonzales shared a video of the conditions of the center Ramos was taken to in Dilley, Texas The Daily Mail has contacted ICE for comment on its plans for Ramos and his father, and whether they will be deported or transferred back to Minnesota. The incident has sharply divided opinions over how the arrest unfolded, with Republicans offering a different version of events to Minnesota officials. According to the Columbia Heights Public School District, where Ramos was a student, the arrest of Ramos came as he was arriving home from pre-school. As they detained his father - allegedly after he tried to flee - an ICE agent walked with the young boy to his door and asked to see if anyone else from his family was home. Zena Stenvik, the Columbia Heights Public Schools superintendent, disputed the version of events put forward by ICE over what happened next - claiming that someone from Ramos's home asked to take the young boy inside, but was refused. Although ICE alleged that they detained the boy because nobody would take custody of him, school board member Mary Granlund told a press conference that she was on the scene during the arrest, and told officers she could take him. According to Granlund, the ICE officers did not allow her to take custody of the child, and chose to detain him instead. Stenvik grew emotional at the press conference as she questioned: 'Why detain a five-year-old? You can't tell me that this child is going to be classified as a violent criminal.' Gonzales (pictured) accused liberals of lying about law enforcement and ICE's methods Ramos was seen in images that circulated social media this week wearing a bunny-shaped beanie and appearing upset as ICE agents descended on his home The incident has sharply divided opinions over how the arrest unfolded, as Vice President JD Vance alleged that Ramos's father tried to flee ICE agents and 'abandoned' his son Marc Prokosch, an attorney for the family, has denied that Ramos's father tried to flee the scene, and insists that they followed established protocol to pursue a legal asylum claim when they entered the US from Ecuador in December 2024 In a speech Thursday in Minnesota, Vice President JD Vance said ICE agents had 'no choice' but to detain Ramos because his 'father ran.' 'What are they supposed to do?' he said of ICE agents on the scene. 'Are they supposed to let a five-year-old child freeze to death?' Vance disputed Prokosch's depiction of Arias as a legal asylum seeker, instead portraying him as an 'illegal alien' who deserved to be arrested even with his young son by his side. 'If the argument is that you can't arrest people who have violated laws because they have children... that doesn't make any sense,' he said. US Border Patrol senior official Gregory Bovino added that immigration operations in Minnesota were 'targeted' only at 'individuals who pose a serious threat to this community.' Officials have not elaborated on the threat they believe Arias posed to the community, and his attorney says he had no criminal record. The Ecuadorian government told CBS News that its consulate in Minneapolis has contacted ICE over Ramos's arrest, and said it is 'monitoring the situation of the child in order to safeguard their safety and well-being.' Police had been speaking to him before the fall A critical police investigation is underway after a man plunged to his death from a unit balcony in Sydney's south-west. Police were called to the Hamilton Road complex in Fairfield shortly after 2am on Saturday after a woman reported a domestic and family violence-related incident. Officers arrived to find a 55-year-old man straddling the balcony railing of a seventh-floor unit. Police on the ground began negotiating with the man while waiting for specialist officers to arrive at the scene when he fell. The man suffered critical injuries and died at the scene, despite paramedics' efforts to revive him. A 46-year-old woman, who was inside the unit, was treated by paramedics for shock and minor injuries. Police have established a crime scene, and investigations remain ongoing. A critical incident team will probe the circumstances surrounding the death. A man fell to his death from a seventh-floor unit in Fairfield early Saturday morning Police were called to the complex after reports of a domestic and family violence-related incident (stock image) The investigation will also be subject to an independent review by the Professional Standards Command and oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. A young nurse has had her registration cancelled and struck off the register after 'improper conduct' during night shifts at a nursing home, including falling asleep on the job up to six times. Chimzuruoke Okembunachi, 25, started work as a registered nurse at Hardi Aged Care (HAC) in Guildford in western Sydney in February 2024. But after a month on the job, she was suspended and resigned from her position. The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal on Tuesday found Ms Okembunachi guilty of professional misconduct and ordered the cancellation of her nurse registration. The tribunal panel heard that Ms Okembunachi had been rostered for night shifts from 13 to 27 March 2024. On each shift, the panel noted that Ms Okembunachi was the only registered nurse supervising three or four assistants-in-nursing (AIN) and 100 elderly residents. But, on six of these nights, she failed to discharge her duties and responsibilities as she slept while on duty. The tribunal heard that on three occasions, the nurse failed to give a patient her regular dose of morphine because she was asleep. Chimzuruoke Okembunachi (pictured) has had her registration as a nurse cancelled She was found guilty of professional misconduct by a tribunal after sleeping during night shifts at Hardi Aged Care (HAC) in March 2024 The tribunal heard Ms Okembunachi failed to carry out her duties on six nights as she was asleep, often in the nurses' station During her fifth night shift from March 21 to 22, Ms Okembunachi was awoken by an AIN who turned on the light in the nurses' station, the tribunal heard. But, a minute later, the nurse turned the light back off. The tribunal also heard that the nurse told an AIN to give a male patient Panadol on March 15 to help get rid of his foot pain, despite the assistant not being authorised to administer the medication. The assistant reportedly asked Ms Okembunachi: 'Are you sure? We are not allowed to provide medication directly.' The nurse's reply, the tribunal noted, was 'It's okay sister, just give it to him.' Ms Okembunachi was then reported to her bosses by two nurses on March 27, and was informed via email the next day that her employment had been suspended and requested a meeting. Twenty minutes after she received the email, Ms Okembunachi tendered her resignation and declined to attend the meeting. After a complaint to the Health Care Complaints Commission, which brought the tribunal case against the nurse, her nursing registration was suspended. The Nigerian-born nurse was working at the aged care facility while studying medicine Ms Okembunachi told the tribunal she accepted it was her responsibility to give medication to residents while working the night shifts Born in Nigeria, Ms Okembunachi moved to Australia in 2018 and graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Science at University of the Sunshine Coast in 2021. She then embarked on a graduate degree in medicine at Western Sydney University, (WSU) which she balanced with her work at HAC while suffering from migraines. During her second degree, Ms Okembunachi had to take a leave of absence after failing the mid-year anatomy exam. She then returned to her studies in 2024. Early that year, the tribunal heard that her younger sister required an expensive surgery for a scoliosis condition, which cost their father about $60,000. 'These events caused me significant stress and influenced my decision to cease agency work in favour of more permanent employment,' Ms Okembunachi told the tribunal. 'In hindsight, I should have not applied for, or accepted, the position at Hardi. 'I should have recognised that I had a lot of stressors going on in my life, family, health and school, and so working night shifts during the week was putting patients' safety at risk.' Ms Okembunachi also told the tribunal that she accepted it was her responsibility to give medication to residents. The tribunal panel said Ms Okembunachi's actions 'had the potential to endanger the lives of patients under her care' 'When I slept on night shift, I failed in supervising those staff members and the residents,' she told the hearing. She has not worked as a nurse since her suspension but is still studying for a medicine degree. Her father has been supporting her financially and, since February 2025, she has also been receiving a Centrelink Student Allowance, the tribunal noted. During the hearing, Ms Okembunachi said she hoped to return to nursing and, if allowed to keep working, would not do night shifts while studying at university. However, the tribunal panel made an order to cancel Ms Okembunachi's nursing registration on Tuesday. 'The acts of the practitioner had the potential to endanger the lives of patients under her care,' the findings read. 'In our view, any order short of deregistration would be an inadequate response to the seriousness of the practitioners misconduct.' But the panel did note that Ms Okembunachi had been 'clearly remorseful and contrite... and conspicuously honest in her evidence'. She cannot apply for review of the cancellation order for at least nine months. Daily Mail has contacted Ms Okembunachi for comment. A former Florida police officer was arrested last week after he allegedly poisoned his ex-girlfriend's dog because he 'didn't like' the animal, she said. Edwin Campuzano, 22, is accused of feeding poison pellets to Milo, a 3-year-old Maltese poodle, in May of last year. His then-girlfriend, Paula Fernandez, was away on a trip to California, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department. At the time, Campuzano was an full-time officer with the Bartow Police Department, though he is not employed there anymore. Before his arrest, he was looking to start a new job in January at the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Fernandez explained during a press conference on Friday that her neighbor called her on May 30 to tell her that Milo had died. 'I'll never forget that call. I'll never forget that day. I just felt my heart drop, and it just didn't make sense because I made sure to say bye to him in the morning before I got on my flight and he was perfectly fine,' she said. 'He was a completely sweet boyfriend to me. We hardly argued. There were no signs for me other than the fact that he didn't like Milo,' Fernandez added. 'That's what makes this so much scarier.' Now that she believes he was responsible, she is disturbed that Campuzano's behavior did not change after the dog's death. She said he brought over flowers to the house that day for Fernandez, along with her mother and sister. Milo, 3-year-old Maltese poodle, died last May after he was allegedly poisoned by Paula Fernandez's ex-boyfriend Edwin Campuzano, 22, is accused of feeding poison pellets to the dog while Fernandez was away on a trip to California. He was arrested on January 16 'He did this knowing that my family was going to be gone for a week and none of us got to say bye to him. [Milo] died a painful death and he died alone,' she said. The neighbor was the first to notice the pellets in Milo's food bowl, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, who stood beside Fernandez at the lectern. Chronister said Fernandez saved the pellets and took pictures of them to send to people who might know what they are. She was told they were likely rodent poison. On December 17, Fernandez asked Campuzano, who she was still dating at the time, to take a look at his credit card statement, Chronister said. She found an $8.01 charge at a tractor supply store, then went down to the store to investigate. According to Chronister, she found a gopher poison that costed $8.01. The store then pulled up Campuzano's receipt showing that he in fact bought the poison, Chronister said. Fernandez spoke at a press conference on Friday to tell the public what happened to Milo. With Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister at her side, she explained that she secured crucial evidence against Campuzano that led to his arrest The neighbor was the first to notice the pellets in Milo's food bowl, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister 'I've learned that this poison on any other animal that it's not intended for is an extremely painful death,' Chronister added. 'He bought this poison two days before she left town knowing that his intentions were to kill this poor, innocent animal.' The same day Fernandez found all this out, she called the sheriff's department. By January 16, the department issued a warrant and arrest Campuzano without incident. 'He did not make any statement. And equally as important, at no time did he ever show any sense of remorse,' Chronister said. Chronister added that Campuzano has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty, given that his alleged actions were 'deliberate, cruel, and very calculated'. 'This badge that we wear doesnt protect us from wrongdoing. It holds us to a higher standard of accountability. And our suspect, at 22 years of age, is going to learn that real quick,' he added. Donald Trump sparked outrage and revulsion today for his slur that hero British troops shied from danger in Afghanistan. The US President was accused of 'trampling on the memories' of Britain's 457 war dead with his claim they had stayed 'a little off the frontlines'. Downing Street led a chorus of condemnation as Sir Keir Starmer branded Mr Trump's remarks 'insulting and frankly appalling,' suggesting he should apologise. Following the President's incendiary interview with US media, decorated veterans, MPs from all parties and the families of soldiers killed and wounded lined up to vent their hurt and anger. Many pointed out that Mr Trump himself had repeatedly swerved military service in Vietnam. Doug Beattie, a former Army captain who won the Military Cross in Afghanistan, said: 'I will not allow anybody to trample over the memory of those men and women who I served alongside, who gave so much. 'We need to stand up to him, stand up to his bullying. This is a man who doesn't understand service because he dodged the draft and now he is insulting those who served their country.' Prince Harry, who was twice deployed to Afghanistan in his ten-year military career, joined the condemnation, saying: 'I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there. 'Thousands of lives were changed for ever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost. Prince Harry (pictured), who was twice deployed to Afghanistan in his ten-year military career, joined the condemnation, saying: 'I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there' The coffin containing the body of British Army soldier L/cpl Paul 'Sandy' Sandford from the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment is carried by his fellow soldiers during his repatriation ceremony on June 9, 2007 in Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan Donald Trump (pictured) sparked outrage and revulsion for his slur that hero British troops shied from danger in Afghanistan Your browser does not support iframes. Donald 'dodged draft five times' during the Vietnam War in 1960s Donald Trump has long been accused of 'draft dodging' after receiving five deferments during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Four were for academic reasons and one for bone spurs, or calcium build-up in the heels. During his first presidential campaign, suspicions arose when he was asked about it but could not recall which heel had been affected. He later said the issue had been 'temporary' and 'minor', adding that 'over a period of time, it healed up'. Documents held in US archives suggest he received student deferments while in college, followed by a medical exemption, aged 22, after graduating. Mr Trump, now 79, was assessed eight times for military service but was never enlisted, one of the records shows. His former lawyer Michael Cohen testified to Congress in 2015 that Mr Trump had told him: 'You think I'm stupid, I wasn't going to Vietnam.' Mr Cohen, who worked as a fixer for Mr Trump before his first presidential election campaign, told the House Oversight Committee: 'Mr Trump claimed (his medical deferment) was because of a bone spur, but when I asked for medical records, he gave me none and said there was no surgery. He told me not to answer the specific questions by reporters but rather offer simply the fact that he received a medical deferment.' Advertisement 'Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.' President Trump just days after clashing with Nato allies over his bid to take control of Greenland told Fox News he was 'not sure' the military alliance of Western countries would be there for America 'if we ever needed them'. In what was taken as a cheap shot at his country's closest friends, he claimed: 'We've never needed them... we have never really asked anything of them. They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan. And they did they stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines'. His comments triggered outrage, with ministers dispensing with diplomatic protocol. Al Carns, the Armed Forces minister and a former commando who served five tours in Afghanistan, said Britain had fought 'shoulder to shoulder' with US troops after America asked Nato allies to come to its aid following the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Mr Carns raged: 'This is utterly ridiculous. We shed blood, sweat and tears together. Not everybody came home. I'd suggest whoever believes these comments come have a whisky with me, my colleagues, their families and importantly, the families of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for both of our nations.' Calvin Bailey, Labour MP and a former RAF Wing Commander, was awarded a US Air Medal for serving with American special ops in Afghanistan. He blasted: 'The notion that we weren't in and amongst the front line, albeit I was a pilot, is for the birds.' Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, meanwhile, accused the President of talking 'flat-out nonsense', adding: 'Their sacrifice deserves respect, not denigration.' Sir Jeremy Hunt, former foreign secretary, called Mr Trump's remarks 'totally unacceptable, factually wrong and deeply disrespectful'. In his response to the US President, Sir Keir said: 'I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured and, in fact, across the country. If I had misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologise.' Diane Dernie, the mother of ex-Paratrooper Ben Parkinson who is regarded as the most severely injured British soldier to have survived in Afghanistan, decried Mr Trump as 'a childish man trying to deflect from his own actions'. Ex-paratrooper Mr Parkinson, now 41, suffered horrendous injuries when an Army Land Rover hit a mine near Musa Qala in 2006. Ms Dernie added: 'Come and look at the life that Ben leads 19 years on, still fighting for his care, still fighting to have a decent life, recovering from a recent operation. [Keir Starmer] has got to stand up for his own Armed Forces, and he's got to absolutely refute what Donald Trump said. 'Call him out. Make a stand for those who fought for this country and for our flag.' British Army soldiers from the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment get ready to patrol during strike operation Southern Beast on August 4, 2008 in Maywand District in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan Diane Dernie, whose son Ben Parkinson is regarded as the most severely injured British soldier to survive in Afghanistan, decried Mr Trump as 'a childish man trying to deflect from his own actions' Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said: 'Trump avoided military service five times. How dare he question their sacrifice.' Reform UK leader Nigel Farage a personal friend of the President wrote on X: 'Donald Trump is wrong. For 20 years our Armed Forces fought bravely alongside America's in Afghanistan.' The US is the only Nato member to have invoked the collective security provisions of Nato's Article 5 clause that an attack against one member is an attack on all. It was triggered after the September 11 attack on the World Trade Centre in 2001, which led to a US-led invasion of Afghanistan that lasted 20 years. The UK's 457 military deaths was the second-highest toll after America's 2,461 deaths. John Healey, the Defence Secretary, said: 'Nato's Article 5 has only been triggered once. The UK and Nato allies answered the US call. And more than 450 British personnel lost their lives in Afghanistan. Those British troops should be remembered for who they were: heroes who gave their lives in service of our nation.' Health minister Stephen Kinnock said Mr Trump's comments were 'deeply disappointing' and he was 'sure [Sir Keir] will be raising this issue with the President'. But No10 sources said there were no plans for the PM to phone Mr Trump or summon the US ambassador for a dressing down at the Foreign Office. Lucy Aldridge, whose rifleman son William Aldridge, 18, was Britain's youngest soldier to die in Afghanistan, in 2009, said: 'We live the trauma daily for the rest of our lives. Trump is so out of touch with the reality and what it costs in human life. He has no compassion whatsoever for anyone who doesn't serve him.' Even mortified US veterans joined in the condemnation. Ben Hodges, the former Commanding General of the US Army in Europe, told Times Radio: 'This is about as angry as I've been in quite some time... I hope that people listening to the programme will not think that all Americans believe that. There's no American soldier that believes what our President said.' There was no reaction to the furore from Mr Trump, who instead spent his day posting on social media about his wife Melania's upcoming Amazon documentary and a cold weather front set to hit the US this weekend. Angela Rayner is set to throw her weight behind Andy Burnham's bid to return as an MP on Saturday. The former deputy prime minister is preparing to publicly back the Manchester mayor at Labour's North West regional conference, it was reported on Friday night. The issue of where Mr Burnham could stand in a looming by-election was on Friday gearing up to be a North-South battle, making Ms Rayner's intervention potentially explosive. But former health secretary Mr Burnham will have to make his mind up quickly. The Labour Party set a deadline for candidates to seek approval from the National Executive Committee (NEC) of 5pm on Saturday afternoon, with applications due by midnight on Sunday. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer was put on notice by Labour's Jo White, the head of a group of 43 Red Wall MPs. She warned there should be no 'London stitch-up' to stop Mr Burnham contesting the by-election for the Gorton and Denton seat in Greater Manchester after it was vacated by disgraced former minister Andrew Gwynne on Thursday. One Labour figure said the fight would be the 'Andy v Keir show' and that they expected Sir Keir's powerful chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, to block Mr Burnham when the ruling NEC puts together the longlist of candidates. Ms White warned on Friday against interference from No 10. 'Let the North decide who their Labour candidate should be. A London stitch-up will be a disaster for Labour,' she wrote on X. Angela Rayner pictured canvassing in Birmingham with Labour mayor Andy Burnham in May last year. On Saturday she is set to throw her weight behind him in his bid to return as an MP Meanwhile, Andrea Egan, the new Unison general secretary, criticised 'control-freakery' in the party, writing on X: 'I'm sure all trade unionists expect a democratic process for Gorton & Denton in which local party members decide who they want to represent them.' Mr Burnham kept his silence on Friday but is due to face questions at Saturday's conference. He previously said that 'people shouldn't rush to conclusions', before Mr Gwynne officially stepped down. Mr Gwynne announced he was vacating his seat this week, on health grounds. He was suspended from the party last February over offensive WhatsApp messages. Mr Burnham faces numerous hurdles to fight the seat, including having to stand down from his current role, being approved by the NEC and seeing off Reform UK. While Labour won the seat with 51 per cent in 2024, it is now a three-way marginal. Reform has vowed to 'throw everything' at the seat, and Green Party leader Zack Polanski is said to be eyeing it, introducing another curveball that could split the Left-wing vote. On Friday, health minister Stephen Kinnock said Mr Burnham was doing a good job as mayor, with the thinly-veiled suggestion that he should stay in that post. And deputy PM David Lammy also warned that the party did not want another leader because it would result in an election. Mr Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017, was the MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017, and has stood for the Labour leadership on two occasions. Brits will now be able to test for genes linked to cancer following the development of a world-leading tool by the NHS. The health service has created a database of 120 genes known to increase the chances of the disease. Patients and their family members will be able to compare their genes to the database - allowing carriers to receive tailored treatment to improve their odds of recovery. Relatives with the genes are set to be offered frequent check-ups, with experts hailing the development as ushering in a 'new era' of personalised medicine and screening - starting with prostate cancer. The Daily Mail has been campaigning for earlier diagnosis of prostate cancer and a full screening programme. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the scheme as part of efforts to 'modernise our NHS so it is fit for the 21st century'. He told the Telegraph: 'One in every two people will get cancer in their lifetime but that does not mean the chances are random. 'Many people face a higher risk through the genes they inherit. The health service has created a database of 120 genes known to increase the chances of the disease (file image) Health Secretary Wes Streeting (pictured) described the scheme as part of efforts to 'modernise our NHS so it is fit for the 21st century' The Daily Mail has been campaigning for earlier diagnosis of prostate cancer and a full UK-wide screening programme 'And while we cannot do anything about inherited genes, we can do something about what we do with that information.' Mr Streeting added that by launching the 'world-leading' genetic register, 'personalised and preventative' care could be offered sooner. He said: 'This register won't just supercharge innovation - it will be life-changing and life-saving, allowing the NHS to develop individual care, fast-track screening and tailored information to enable more cancers to be caught earlier.' Under the programme, relatives will be able to see if they have the 'Jolie' gene - a faulty gene that may run in families. The faulty DNA was named after actress Angelina Jolie who underwent preventative surgery after discovering she had it - and therefore carried a heightened risk of breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. The measures form part of a National Cancer Plan to improve early diagnosis and boost survival, with Britain currently lagging behind in international league tables. The genetic register will be used to fast-track thousands more people for screening and testing, while making access to personalised therapy and trials. As a result, patients will be offered testing to see if specific gene faults are present when cancer is found - making them more responsive to particular treatments. Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS England, said: 'We are entering a new era of cancer prevention with pioneering research and testing helping us to discover more about how genes influence our chances of developing cancer - and this register could help ensure thousands more people can be offered screening, tests and the latest treatments. 'Finding out you have an inherited risk of cancer can be life-changing, but it also supports people to access tailored advice on risk-reducing steps and vital monitoring, to increase the chances of any cancers being picked up early or even preventing the disease altogether.' The NHS National Inherited Cancer Predisposition Register follows the creation of the Lynch syndrome register, which has ensured thousands of people diagnosed with Lynch syndrome are identified and offered routine preventative screening, NHS England said. The database could be used to expedite access to earlier screening and testing, as well as personalised treatment for thousands of patients. Patients could also be tested to determine if their genetic profile means their cancer would be more responsive to particular treatments. Claire Rowney, chief executive of Breast Cancer Now, said the system could have the potential to 'transform lives'. 'We are delighted to see the UK Government commit to creating a comprehensive national database for people at an increased risk of cancer, to facilitate better access to earlier, more frequent screening and to risk-reducing treatments,' she said. 'This is something Breast Cancer Now has been calling for, and it has the potential to transform the lives of women who are at increased risk of breast cancer due to their family history or genetics, by making sure they are offered the right support and treatment to help manage their risk.' Some 64,425 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022, the latest year figures are available, compared with 61,640 with breast cancer, the charity Prostate Cancer UK found. That was a 24 per cent rise on the previous year (2021) when 51,823 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, the charity said. The disease officially became the most common cancer in England last January, but new figures from Scotland, with data from Wales and Northern Ireland, recently enabled a UK-wide figure. Prostate Cancer UK said a 42 per cent rise in diagnoses in the past decade is thanks to increased awareness of the disease by charities, the NHS and high-profile figures. The charity is calling on the NHS to adopt wider screening using the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. It is also running a major clinical trial, expected to report within two years, into whether combining PSA with other tests, such as rapid MRI scans, could lead to a recommendation for population-wide screening for all men. Food giant Danone has recalled a batch of its baby formula product over fears it could contain a toxin which causes vomiting and stomach cramps. Only one batch of its Aptamil baby formula sold in the UK is affected but additional batches in other countries are also impacted. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an urgent warning after the cereulide toxin, which can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps if consumed, was found in the product distributed in the UK. They said infants and children should avoid the product and parents should contact their GP if they have done so already. Darren Whitby, head of incidents and resilience at the FSA, said: 'We want to make parents, guardians and caregivers aware that Danone has recalled a batch of Aptamil First Infant Formula (800g). 'If you have purchased batch 31-10-2026 of Aptamil First Infant Formula 800g, with a best-before date of October 31 2026, the FSA's advice is that you should not feed infants or young children with this product. 'If you have fed this product to a baby and have any concerns about potential health impact, you should seek advice from healthcare professionals by contacting your GP or by calling NHS 111. 'Cereulide is a toxin produced by food poisoning bacteria Bacillus cereus and can cause food poisoning symptoms which can be quick to develop and include vomiting and stomach cramps.' Food giant Danone has recalled a batch of its baby formula product over fears it could contain a toxin which causes vomiting and stomach cramps The product has also been exported to a number of EU countries, and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has notified the European Commission of the recall. An ingredient, ARA oil, which was manufactured in China, was contaminated with cereulide and added as an ingredient in base powder used to make infant formula and follow-on formula. Danone said it 'never compromises on food safety'. In a statement, the company said: 'In light of the current situation in the industry, some local food safety authorities are evolving their guidance. 'This is a targeted recall, mainly in Europe, of only a very limited number of specific batches of infant formula products. 'This does not impact any Danone products in the Irish market and our infant formula products can be purchased and used as normal.' It added: 'As a responsible manufacturer, and to comply with the latest guidance, we have voluntarily recalled an isolated batch of Aptamil First Infant Milk in the UK. This affects batch number/expiry 31-10-2026, which was on shelf in the UK for approximately two weeks in July 2025.' Earlier this month, Nestle widened its global baby formula recall over fears they may be contaminated with the same dangerous toxin which has affected Danone. Food giant Nestle has widened its global baby formula recall, just days after first pulling products from shelves over fears they may be contaminated with a dangerous toxin The update, issued on January 8, expanded on the precautionary recall announced days prior, adding further SMA infant and follow-on formulas and revising batch numbers and best-before dates. The original recall was triggered after Nestle identified that specific batches of its SMA products may contain cereulide, a toxin produced by certain strains of Bacillus cereus bacteria. In its latest guidance, the FSA warned parents to stop using affected products immediately, even if their baby shows no signs of illness. The watchdog stressed that cereulide is highly heat-resistant, meaning it is unlikely to be destroyed by boiling water or during normal formula preparation. The expanded recall covers a wider range of SMA products, including SMA Advanced First Infant Milk, SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk, SMA Anti-Reflux, SMA Comfort, SMA Lactose Free and SMA ALFAMINO, across multiple pack sizes. Some ready-to-feed liquid formulas are also affected. In its consumer recall notice, the company said it was voluntarily recalling specific batches as a precautionary measure because of the possible presence of cereulide. 'The safety and wellbeing of babies is our absolute priority,' a Nestle spokesperson said. The firm urged parents and caregivers not to feed the affected products to their baby, even if no symptoms have been observed. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said the affected products may contain cereulide - a toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain and, in extreme cases, death RECALLED PRODUCTS: CHECK YOUR BABY FORMULA Danone has recalled the following baby formula due to possible contamination with cereulide toxin. Danone Aptamil First Infant Formula Pack size: 800g Batch codes: 31-10-2026 Best before: October 31 2026 Nestle has recalled the following SMA infant and follow-on formula products because of the possible presence of cereulide toxin. Bath codes can be found on the base of the tin or box for powdered formulas or base of the outer box and on the side or top of the container for ready-to-feed formulas: SMA Advanced First Infant Milk Pack size: 800g Batch codes: 51450742F1 52319722BA 52819722AA Best before: May 2027, May 2027, May 2027 SMA Advanced Follow-On Milk Pack size: 800g Batch codes: 51240742F2 51890742F2 52879722AA Best before: May 2027, July 2027, July 2027 SMA Anti Reflux Pack size: 800g Batch codes: 51570742F3 52099722BA 52099722BB 52739722BA Best before: June 2027, April 2027, June 2027, June 2027 SMA ALFAMINO Pack size: 400g Batch codes: 51200017Y3 51210017Y1 51220017Y1 51250017Y1 51390017Y1 51420017Y2 51430017Y1 51460017Y1 51690017Y2 51690017Y3 51700017Y1 51710017Y1 51740017Y1 52760017Y5 52790017Y1 52860017Y1 53100017Y3 53110017Y1 53140017Y1 53140017Y2 53150017Y1 Best before: April 2027, May 2027, May 2027, May 2027, May 2027, May 2027, May 2027, May 2027, May 2027, June 2027, June 2027, June 2027, June 2027, June 2027, October 2027, October 2027, October 2027, November 2027, November 2027, November 2027 November 2027, November 2027 SMA First Infant Milk Pack size: 800g Batch codes: 51170346AA 51170346AB 51340346AB 51580346AA 51590346AA 52760346AB 52760346AD 52780346AA 51590346AB 52750346AE Best before: April 2027, April 2027, May 2027, June 2027, June 2027, October 2027, October 2027, October 2027, June 2027, October 2027 SMA First Infant Milk Pack size: 400g Batch codes: 51350346AA 52750346AD Best before: May 2027, October 2027 SMA First Infant Milk Pack size: 1.2kg Batch codes: 51340346BE 52740346BA 52750346BA Best before: November 2026, April 2027, April 2027 SMA LITTLE STEPS First Infant Milk Pack size: 800g Batch code: 51220346AD 51540346AC 52740346AD Best before: May 2027, June 2027, October 2027 SMA Comfort Pack size: 800g Batch codes: 52620742F3 51240742F3 51439722BA 51479722BA 51769722BA 52049722AA Best before: September 2027, May 2027, May 2027, May 2027, May 2027, May 2027 SMA First Infant Milk Pack size: 200ml Batch codes: 52860295M 52870295M 53220295M 53230295M 52870295M 53030295M 53040295M 53070295M 53080295M Best before: October 2026, October 2026, November 2026, November 2026, October 2026, October 2026, October 2026, November 2026, November 2026 SMA First Infant Milk Pack size:70ml Batch code: 53170742B1 Best before: November 2026 SMA Lactose Free Pack size: 400g Batch codes: 51150346AB 51500346AB 51719722BA 51759722BA 51829722BA 51979722BA 52109722BA 53299722BA 53459722BA Best before: April 2027, May 2027, April 2027, April 2027, April 2027, April 2027, April 2027, August 2027, April 2027 Advertisement Cereulide poisoning is rare but taken seriously by regulators because symptoms can develop rapidly and the toxin cannot be neutralised by heat. Unlike many food-borne bacteria, cereulide is not destroyed by cooking or reheating. In a widely reported case in 2019, a student died after eating pasta contaminated with Bacillus cereus, highlighting the potential severity of exposure in rare circumstances. The FSA said that even if babies show no immediate signs of illness, parents should stop using the affected products as a precaution, because symptoms can develop quickly. Parents who have bought any of the affected formulas are advised not to feed them to babies. Refunds are available through Nestle, and a full, updated list of affected products and batch codes can be found on food.gov.uk and Nestle's UK website. An Argentine ambassador refused to speak in front of a map labelling the Falkland Islands as British, forcing officials to cover it up with a Post-it note. Ian Sielecki, the country's ambassador to France, refused to answer questions at the French national assembly's foreign affairs committee in Paris on Wednesday. He claimed he could not 'speak freely' in front of the map before comparing British presence on the archipelago to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 'Thank you very much for receiving me,' he said, before adding: 'I have a small problem, which is in fact a major problem for my country.' Pointing to the map behind him, he told MPs: 'I have just noted that I am seated in front of a map that shows the Malvinas Islands as part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. 'I cannot, as a representative of the Argentine state, speak freely in front of that map.' 'Doing so would mean legitimising a situation that constitutes an attack on my country's sovereignty, on the dignity of the Argentine nation and a flagrant violation of international law.' Committee chair Bruno Fuchs replied 'everyone knows this is disputed territory', adding the map was not supposed to assign sovereignty. An Argentine ambassador refused to speak in front of a map labelling the Falkland Islands as British, forcing officials to cover it up with a Post-it note Ian Sielecki, the country's ambassador to France, refused to answer questions at the French national assembly's foreign affairs committee in Paris But Mr Sielecki, who was educated in the UK and France, compared the dispute to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 'It would be like asking the ambassador of Ukraine to speak in front of a map showing Luhansk or Crimea as a legitimate part of Russia,' he said. After a few moments of awkward silence, French officials placed a yellow Post-it note over the Falkland Islands on the map. The Falklands, which sit 370 miles from Argentina, remain a tense subject in Argentine politics Argentina launched an invasion of the island in 1982 prompting a 74-day war which saw 649 Argentine serviceman and 255 British soldiers die. Argentina still continues to claim sovereignty over the islands despite a referendum in 2013 showing just 3 people were in favour of ending their status as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom. But there are fears that Argentina could use Donald Trump's new 'peace board' as a vehicle to make a new claim on the Falkland Islands. The UK is worried that Argentine president Javier Milei, a close supporter of Mr Trump, could use the US leader's control of the body to further his country's baseless claim to the territory. Alarm bells are starting to ring over Trump's plans for an organisation ostensibly set up to end the war in Gaza but which critics say is being designed to replace the United Nations. Mr Trump intends to chair it, and has been inviting up to 60 world leaders to join him, including Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Government ministers have publicly said the UK will refuse to join if Putin is a member. The US military said on Friday they had carried out their first deadly strike on alleged narcoterrorists since the raid that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro earlier this month. US Southern Command said on social media that the boat was 'engaged in narco-trafficking operations' and that the strike killed two people and left one survivor. It said it notified the Coast Guard to launch search and rescue operations for that person. A video accompanying the post announcing the latest strike shows a boat moving through the water before exploding in flames. Previous US strikes have come under heat from Democrats over alleged 'double tap' strikes which have targeted survivors. The US military has focused lately on seizing sanctioned oil tankers with connections to Venezuela since the Trump administration launched an audacious raid to capture Maduro and bring him to New York to face drug trafficking charges. With the latest military action, there have been 36 known strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats in South American waters since early September that killed at least 117 people, according to announcements from the US military and Trump. The majority of those of strikes have occurred in the Caribbean Sea. This image from video provided by U.S. South Command, shows a vessel accused of trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean shortly before it was destroyed by the U.S. military, killing two and injuring one, on Jan. 23, 2026. (U.S. Southern Command via AP) With the latest military action, there have been 36 known strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats in South American waters since early September that killed at least 117 people, according to announcements from the US military led by Pete Hegseth and Trump The last reported boat strikes occurred in late December, when the military said it struck five alleged drug-smuggling boats over two days, killing a total of eight people while others jumped overboard. Days later, the Coast Guard suspended its search. The US conducted a large-scale operation in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, on January 3 that led to the capture of Maduro and his wife, who were then flown to New York to face federal drug trafficking charges. Maduro, before his capture, said the US military operations were a thinly veiled effort to oust him from power. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that the US strikes targeting alleged smugglers are having an enormous impact on slowing drug trafficking routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. 'We've stopped - virtually stopped almost 100 percent of all drugs coming in by water,' Trump said in remarks on Thursday at the World Economic Forum at Davos. In the wake of his capture of Maduro, Trump has leveraged the remaining members of the regime into making deals on oil. Days after the capture of Maduro, Trump announced a deal with the Venezuelan regime to give the US 30 to 50 million barrels of oil which could be worth up to $2billion. 'I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America,' he posted to Truth Social. Trump also announced that he will be in control of the money made off the oil's sales - which at market price, could be worth up to $2billion according to Reuters. The US military has focused lately on seizing sanctioned oil tankers with connections to Venezuela since the Trump administration launched an audacious raid to capture Maduro and bring him to New York to face drug trafficking charges 'This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!' Trump has placed Energy Secretary Chris Wright in charge of executing the plan which is scheduled to begin immediately. 'It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States,' he wrote. Trump has largely put his team in charge of relations with Venezuela, while sidelining Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Trump had largely dismissed Machado's prospects, saying 'it would be very tough for her to be the leader' and claiming she 'doesn't have the support or the respect within the country.' His comments caught Machado's team off guard, according to people close to her. Machado's proxy candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won more than twothirds of the vote in last year's election, which Maduro refused to honor by stepping down. US officials say Venezuela's vast oil wealth offers both an incentive for Rodriguez to engage with Trump and a source of leverage if she doesn't. The US has since turned its attention to trying to achieve Trump's plot to purchase Greenland while keeping an eye out on a repressive regime in Iran that had been executing protesters. An FBI agent who tried to investigate the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent quit after her bosses allegedly pressured her to drop it. Tracee Mergan followed in the footsteps of several federal prosecutors in resigning over the probe into Jonathan Ross' shooting of 37-year-old Good on January 7. Mergen was a supervisor in the FBI's Minneapolis field office who had begun a civil rights inquiry into Ross' actions. She was allegedly pressured by top brass in Washington to shut down the probe and led to Mergan leaving her position. The Daily Mail has reached out to the FBI and the Good family's legal team for comment. Her departure continues the friction between local and federal officials' actions in the wake of the shooting. Roughly half a dozen federal prosecutors in Minnesota resigned and several supervisors in the criminal section of the Civil Rights Division in Washington gave notice of their departures amid turmoil over the federal probe. The Justice Department has said it doesn't believe there is currently any basis to open a criminal civil rights investigation into the killing. An FBI agent who tried to investigate the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent quit after her bosses allegedly pressured her to drop it Tracee Mergan followed in the footsteps of several federal prosecutors in resigning over the probe into Jonathan Ross' shooting of 37-year-old Good on January 7. Pictured: FBI Director Kash Patel Among the departures in Minnesota is First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson, who had been leading the sprawling investigation and prosecution of fraud schemes in the state. At least four other prosecutors in the Minnesota US attorney's office joined Thompson in resigning amid a period of tension in the office. The Justice Department said those prosecutors had requested to participate in an early retirement program 'well before the events in Minnesota,' and added that 'any suggestion to the contrary is false.' They are the latest in an exodus of career Justice Department attorneys who have resigned or been forced out over concerns over political pressure or shifting priorities under the Trump administration. Hundreds of Justice Department lawyers have been fired or have left voluntarily over the last year. The decision to keep the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division out of the investigation into the matter marks a sharp departure from past administrations, which have moved quickly to probe shootings of civilians by law enforcement officials for potential civil rights offenses. An FBI probe of Renee Good's death is ongoing. The quick pronouncement by administration officials before any meaningful investigation could be completed has raised concerns about the federal government's determination to conduct a thorough review of the chain of events precipitating the shooting. Joe Thompson (pictured), the federal prosecutor leading the massive Somali fraud investigation, resigned from the Minnesota US Attorney's Office. Roughly half a dozen federal prosecutors in Minnesota have quit over the probe Federal officials have instead reportedly launched an investigation into Good's partner Rebecca following accusations that she impeded an ICE agent in the moments before her wife's death Minnesota officials have also raised alarm after federal officials blocked state investigators from accessing evidence and declared that Minnesota has no jurisdiction to investigate the killing. Federal officials have instead reportedly launched an investigation into Good's partner following accusations that she impeded an ICE agent in the moments before her wife's death. According to insiders familiar with the investigation speaking to NBC News, the Justice Department is now moving forward with an investigation into Good's grieving widow, Rebecca. The probe will reportedly focus on Rebecca's ties to activist groups and actions leading up to her wife's death, according to the report. Good, 37, was shot three times through the window of her car by Ross in Minneapolis on January 7 after she refused to get out of her vehicle. In footage that swept social media capturing the moments leading up to the shooting, Rebecca appeared to struggle with the car door before telling her wife to 'drive' as an ICE agent attempted to coax Good from her vehicle. Witnesses said the couple had attended the protest to film and act as legal observers, and the footage showed Rebecca confronting and taunting ICE agents seconds before they opened fire. Good's Lawyer told NBC News 'there has been no contact from the FBI or federal officials indicating Becca Good is the subject of an investigation.' Good (left) and Rebecca (right) were reportedly at the scene to act as legal witnesses Her family is accusing federal immigration officers of killing the Minneapolis mother of three as she attempted to follow agents' instructions, and have hired the same law firm that represented George Floyd's family to press for answers and accountability. Her loved ones said in a statement they want Good, 37, remembered as 'an agent of peace' and urged the public not to use her death as a political flashpoint, according to the Chicago-based firm Romanucci & Blandin. The firm said it is investigating Good's death and will release information in the coming weeks. Family members say the couple had just dropped off their 6-year-old child at school and stopped to observe the law enforcement activity. Video shows a red SUV driven by Renee sitting perpendicular and blocking part of the road. She is pressing the horn repeatedly. A short time later, a truck carrying immigration officers pulls up, two get out and one of them orders Renee Good to open her door. She reverses briefly, then turns the steering wheel toward the passenger side as the officer says again, 'get out of the car.' Almost simultaneously, Becca, standing on the passenger side and trying to open the door, shouts, 'drive, baby, drive!' 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 Governor Tim Walz and others based on videos of the confrontation. The Justice Department has also launched an investigation in Walz and Frey. Officials allege the Democrat pair conspired to impede federal agents through public statements. The shooting has escalated an already tense situation in the city, with protests of ICE agents happening daily in Minneapolis. This past weekend, several stormed into a Christian church to interrupt Sunday services over their belief that one of the pastors was employed by ICE. A rock climber who planned on scaling a 101-storey tower without ropes live on Netflix has put his attempt on hold for 24 hours amid safety fears. Alex Honnold said he would climb Taiwan's 1,667 feet skyscraper - formerly the world's tallest building - on Saturday morning in his signature free solo style. The much-anticipated event caused excitement but led to some fans questioning the 40-year-old's plans as he is a married father of two girls. Netflix has now announced that viewers will have to wait until Saturday at 8pm ET, 1am on Sunday in Britain, due to wet weather conditions in the city. The streamer said in a statement: 'Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding.' Built in 2004, Taipei 101 features mostly glass curtain walls, with balconies near the top. Mr Honnold is known for his iconic ropeless ascent up Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, documented in 'Free Solo'. He said: 'When you look at climbing objectives, you look for things that are singular. Alex Honnold (pictured) said he would climb Taiwan's 1,667 feet skyscraper - formerly the world's tallest building - on Saturday morning in his signature free solo style Built in 2004, Taipei 101 features mostly glass curtain walls, with balconies near the top Due to weather, we are unable to proceed with todays #SkyscraperLIVE event. It has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 24 at 8 PM ET | 5 PM PT. Safety remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding. pic.twitter.com/FtNvSug48y Netflix (@netflix) January 24, 2026 'Something like El Capitan where it's way bigger and way prouder than all the things around it.' Mr Honnold would not be the first climber to ascend the skyscraper but would be the first to do so without a rope. French rock climber Alain Robert scaled the building on Christmas Day in 2004, as part of the grand opening of what was then the world's tallest building. He took nearly four hours to finish, almost twice as long as what he anticipated, while nursing an injured elbow and battered by wind and rain. Mr Honnold, who has been training for months, has said he does not think the climb will be hard. He said he had practiced the moves on the building. Speaking on a climbing podcast, he added: 'I don't think it'll be that extreme. 'We'll see. I think it's the perfect sweet spot where it's hard enough to be engaging for me and obviously an interesting climb.' The much-anticipated event caused excitement but led to some fans questioning the 40-year-old's plans as he is now a married father of two girls The building has 101 floors, with the hardest part being the 64 floors comprising the middle section - the 'bamboo boxes' that give the structure its signature look. Divided into eight, each segment will have eight floors of steep, overhanging climbing followed by a balcony that Mr Honnold would be able to rest on. The 'Skyscraper Live' broadcast is expected to be on a 10-second delay. James Smith, an executive with event producer Plimsoll Productions, said he consulted safety advisers almost immediately after he first spoke with Mr Honnold about attempting the climb. Mr Smith works with a risk management group for film and TV called Secret Compass, which has supported productions such as filming penguins in Antarctica and helping Chris Hemsworth walk across a crane projecting from an Australian skyscraper's roof. Mr Smith and Mr Honnold will be able to communicate throughout the event. They will have cameramen positioned inside the building, various hatches and places to bail during the climb and four high-angle camera operators suspended on ropes. Mr Smith said: 'These people all know Alex. They trust Alex. They're going to be close to him throughout the whole climb. 'They're going to get us kind of amazing shots, but they're also there just to keep an eye on him, and if there's any problems, they can kind of help.' Mr Honnold is known for his iconic ropeless ascent up Yosemite National Park's El Capitan, documented in 'Free Solo' Mr Honnold is a household name among rock climbers even in Taiwan, and a Taiwanese rock climber said he has students who have only been climbing for a year or two who are excited to watch The production also commissioned professional weather forecasters to provide updates leading up to the climb. Previously, Mr Smith had said: 'There's currently a small chance of light rain in the morning. Ultimately, if conditions are bad, Honnold won't climb.' Taiwanese rock climber Chin Tzu-hsiang said at his local gym that he had grown up always looking up at the Taipei 101 and wondering if he could climb it. Mr Honnold is a household name among rock climbers - including in Taiwan, and Chin said he has students who have only been climbing for a year or two but are excited to watch. Based on watching Mr Honnold in his other climbs, Chin said he trusted him to prepare for the challenge and not to recklessly take risks. 'For Alex Honnold to finish the climb, it's like he's helping us fulfill our dream,' Chin said. Speaking on the anticipated risk, Mr Smith said: 'This will be the highest, the biggest urban free solo ever. 'So we're kind of writing history and those events, I think, have to be broadcast and watched live.' Mr Honnold would not be the first climber to ascend the skyscraper but would be the first to do so without a rope Climbers to have died from free-soloing, include an 18-year-old rock climber from Texas who fell last June in Yosemite Subbu Vincent, director of media and journalism ethics at Santa Clara University, said Mr Honnold had a 'back-off clause' and the production aspect of the event did not increase the risk he was taking already. Mr Vincent said he believed the delay was crucial in the live broadcast so it could be stopped immediately if something went wrong. 'I don't think it's ethical to proceed to livestream anything after,' Mr Vincent said. Climbers to have died from free-soloing, include an 18-year-old rock climber from Texas who fell last June in Yosemite. A trend called 'roof-topping' - where people gain access to the tops of skyscrapers, often illegally, to take photos of themselves dangling from the edge - has also led to several deaths. Jeff Smoot, who authored the book 'All and Nothing: Inside Free Soloing,' shared the concerns. But he said the general public might not understand that embracing risk had always been a significant part of climbing culture. Mr Smoot began climbing in the 1970s after watching legendary climbers like John Long and John Bachar free-solo regularly. 'From the public's perspective, this is thrill-seeking. From the climber's perspective, it's a meditative art form,' Mr Smoot said. When he first heard Mr Honnold would be ascending Taipei 101 without ropes, Mr Smoot asked why there were no ropes, why there why it was taking place live and why it was happening at all. But, he added: 'If it wasn't dangerous, would people want to watch?' Piper James had water in her lungs when she died The autopsy of a Canadian teenager who was found dead on K'gari Island has revealed she was bitten by dingoes before she died, as authorities continue their search for answers. The body of Piper James, 19, was discovered on the shore of Queensland's island, formerly known as Fraser Island, on Monday surrounded by a pack of 10 dingoes. Two men travelling in a four-wheel drive found the teen unresponsive at 6am near the Maheno Wreck, with multiple defensive injuries on her body. Preliminary autopsy results found physical evidence consistent with drowning. However, it also found evidence of 'pre-mortem' dingo bites, raising the possibility that Ms James attempted to escape the native dogs by fleeing into the surf. There were extensive post-mortem bite marks. The coroner found no evidence that any other person was involved. 'Pre-mortem dingo bite marks are not likely to have caused immediate death,' a spokesman for the Coroners Court of Queensland told The Courier Mail. The coroner is now awaiting pathology results to further assist in determining the cause of death, a process expected to take several weeks. The body of 19-year-old Piper James (pictured) was discovered on the shore of K'gari Island, formerly known as Fraser Island, on Monday morning An initial autopsy found evidence consistent with drowning and 'pre-mortem' dingo bites Ms James had been travelling in Australia with her friend Taylor (both pictured) for six weeks The release of the preliminary report means Ms James' body can now be released to her family, while further tests are undertaken. Piper's father Todd and his wife, Angela, will soon make their way to Australia and have both been invited to K'gari to attend an Indigenous smoking ceremony for their daughter. Mr James posted an update on social media from his family on the status of his daughter's initial autopsy results. 'Autopsy completed but further tests required to determine if the fluid found in her lungs was inhaled or not,' he wrote on social media on Saturday. 'These tests should be able to tell us whether or not it was a drowning. 'Next week Piper's body will be repatriated home back to Campbell River, where a celebration of her life will be held. Dates will follow. 'We are so very grateful for the overwhelming amount of support that [my wife] Angela and I are receiving. It can be so very dark at moments.' Taylor's mother, Marjorie Stricker, said Ms James' death had shattered their families Rangers have increased patrols across the island following the tragedy Piper's father Todd and his wife, Angela, will soon make their way to Australia and have both been invited to K'gari to attend an Indigenous smoking ceremony for their daughter Ms James' body was found washed up on Seventy Five Mile Beach just one hour after she told friends she was heading out for an early-morning swim at about 5am. Originally from Campbell River in British Columbia, Ms James had been travelling around Australia with her best friend Taylor for six weeks. They had been to Sydney, Cairns and the Whitsundays before arriving on the popular island. Taylor's mother, Marjorie Stricker, said Ms James' death had shattered their families. 'When the girls first left for Australia, we told them to always call, that there were no problems we couldn't face together, and that safety was the most important thing,' she said. 'This isn't how this was meant to play out. What has happened cannot be undone. It cannot be fixed.' Ms Stricker said it was time to honour Ms James, who she said had befriended her daughter at a young age when both dreamed of coming to Australia. On Thursday, Ms James' family established a GoFundMe page to raise money to bring their daughter home. It had raised almost $8,000 by Saturday afternoon. The James family has shared a GoFundMe page to raise money to bring their daughter home (Piper pictured with her father Todd James) Rangers had warned of 'heightened dingo activity' in the area where Ms James died only weeks before her death 'When the girls first left for Australia, we told them to always call, that there were no problems we couldnt face together, and that safety was the most important thing,' the page states. 'This isnt how this was meant to play out, but what has happened cannot be undone. It cannot be fixed. 'But we can honour Piper her free spirit, her kindness, and her way of moving through the world.' Rangers have increased patrols across K'gari in the wake of the tragedy. Authorities had warned of 'heightened dingo activity' in the area where Ms James died only weeks before her death, after reports of wild dogs ripping tents, approaching campers and stealing food and personal belongings. The warning remains in place on K'gari for the summer holiday period until January 31. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has ruled out restrictions on visitor numbers to K'gari, the world's largest sand island. But the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation and environmental groups have been calling for a cap on tourists, due to mounting safety concerns and damage to the World Heritage site's fragile environment. Dingoes are culturally significant to the Butchulla people, who know them by the traditional name Wongari. None of the six people who are still missing after a devastating landslide tore through a New Zealand campsite are expected to survive. A series of landslides hit Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park on the North Island following record-breaking rain on Thursday. Human remains have been found by rescue crews who are still searching several impacted locations around Mount Maunganui, near the city of Tauranga. Voices were heard by first responders coming from under the rubble on the day of the landslide but none have been heard since. Among the six people still unaccounted for are two 15-year-olds, Max Furse-Kee and Sharon Maccanico, who were both studying at Pakuranga College in east Auckland. Others still missing include Lisa Anne Maclennan, 50, Mans Loke Bernhardsson, 20, Jacqualine Suzanne Wheeler, 71, and Susan Doreen Knowles, 71. Rescue efforts are no longer underway; instead, officials are now carrying out a recovery operation, police Superintendent Tim Anderson said. 'The likelihood of someone being alive is highly unlikely according to the experts, but you could never rule that out,' Supt Anderson said. Landslides hit Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park in New Zealand on Thursday There are six people still missing in the rubble but rescue teams say it is not likely any have survived Police Superintendent Tim Anderson said affected families have been notified and offered support Supt Anderson said rescue crews had been 'focused solely on saving lives' but that was no longer likely. 'Search teams have been working through the slip layer by layer, but tragically it is now apparent that we will not be able to bring them home alive,' he said in a statement. 'This is heartbreaking news for the families and the dozens of people who have been working day and night, hoping for a positive outcome. 'We informed the families of this news this morning and were continuing to provide them with wraparound support. They are going through something very few people could understand, and we ask that they be given space to grieve.' NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the site and said he was devastated to confirm the news 'we have all been dreading'. 'To the families who have lost loved ones - every New Zealander is grieving with you,' he said. 'They are grieving incredibly hard, and I know that New Zealand grieves with them.' Luxon first visited the landslide site to check on first responders and meet affected families on Friday. NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the impacted site on Friday Emergency workers are still clearing debris at one site after a follow-up landslip which hindered their efforts The campsite was wiped out by the landslide on Thursday A makeshift vigil is now forming near the landslide in Mount Maunganui Max Furse-Kee's mother posted an update to social media after learning that her son had been impacted by the landslides. 'Devastatingly my Max was one of the people trapped in the Mt Maunganui slip on Thursday morning,' she told the New Zealand Herald. 'While he is still missing and we have no definite answers we know that when we do there will be no good news. 'Hug your babies, life can change in a moment.' Tributes have begun flowing in from locals including children, who are forming a makeshift vigil near the landslide in Mount Maunganui. Thirty-five emergency workers operating heavy machinery are now removing debris from a section of the search area where another partial slip happened Saturday. The area is being continuously reassessed to ensure safety for workers before any search efforts resume. More rain is forecast to pummel the area over the weekend, which could further hinder these efforts if rescue crews are required to withdraw from the slip area. Elsewhere, two others were killed after a landslip wiped out a Welcome Bay home in the Bay of Plenty region, roughly 100km east of Hamilton. The parents of 12-year-old Nico Antic, the boy was attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour, have confirmed that he has died in hospital. Nico was jumping into the water from a six-metre rock ledge at Rose Bay's Nielsen Park, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, at about 4.20pm last Sunday when he was mauled by a suspected bull shark. Both his legs were severely injured in the attack, and he survived only because one of his friends risked his life by jumping into the water and dragged Nico back onto the rocks. But days later, his parents Lorena and Juan Antic shared a statement via The Children's Hospital at Randwick on Saturday with some sad news. 'We are heartbroken to share that our son, Nico, has passed away,' they wrote. 'Nico was a happy, friendly, and sporty young boy with the most kind and generous spirit. He was always full of life and that's how we'll remember him. 'We would like to sincerely thank the first responders and the teams at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, for everything they did to care for Nico. We would also like to thank everyone in the community for their support and kind messages. 'We ask you [to] please respect our privacy during this exceptionally difficult time.' The family of 12-year-old Nico Antic (pictured), who was attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour, has confirmed he has died in hospital Nico was jumping into the water from a six-metre rock ledge at Nielsen Park, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, when he was mauled by a suspected bull shark Nico Antic (pictured with his dad) has been described as a 'happy, friendly, and sporty boy' Authorities suspect Nico Antic was bitten by a bull shark (stock image) Nico was just weeks away from celebrating his 13th birthday next month. The brave young friend who dragged him out of the water last Sunday has since described how Nico fought for his life during the incident. 'He kept fighting and breathing in my arms and he never gave up for a second,' the friend told 7News on Friday. 'He was the most stubborn person I know and I'm grateful I was there for his last moments awake. 'There was a brief second where Nico woke up while he was bleeding and he just looked at me and then stopped and I thought I lost him, and I'm so surprised he fought for so long.' Family friend Victor Pineiro set up a fundraiser on Tuesday to help the family cover expenses, which has collected more than $238,000. 'Nico was attacked by a shark on Sunday in Sydney Harbour and sustained life-threatening injuries,' he said, describing it as the 'worst possible outcome'. Friends on social media said earlier this week that Nico's extended family live overseas and will have to travel to Australia to say their goodbyes. 'Fly high Nico, you were such a nice kid and a gun at rugby,' one friend wrote, 7News reports. The friend of Nico, who pulled him from the water, said he never stopped fighting Nico's parents Lorena and Juan thanked first responders for everything they did in trying to save his life Pictured: A map of the shark attacks on the NSW coast between Sunday and Tuesday 'It hurts to see you go this early. No one deserves to lose their life this young.' Another said: 'I dont know what Ill do without you... Every time I was with you, you made everything feel more fun, no matter what it was. 'Still cant accept that youre gone, it doesnt feel real.' The attack was the first in a spate of four shark encounters across NSW in three days. On Monday, an 11-year-old boy had an encounter with another shark, which took a large bite out of his surfboard in Dee Why, near Manly in Sydney's northern suburbs. That same evening, Andre de Ruyter, 27, was attacked by a bull shark while surfing in Manly. He was rushed to hospital with critical leg injuries but has since recovered. On Tuesday, a 39yearold was attacked at Point Plomer on the NSW Mid North Coast. Andre de Ruyter (pictured) was rushed to hospital with critical injuries after an attack by a bull shark while surfing in Manly on Monday. He has since made a recovery After four shark bites were confirmed within a 48-hour period, authorities ordered the closure of several beaches along the New South Wales coastline including Nielsen Park (pictured) The shark bit through the man's wetsuit and took a chunk out of his board. He reportedly drove himself to Kempsey District Hospital. All of Sydney's northern beaches were closed for several days this week before reopening ahead of the Australia Day long weekend. Manly Beach was briefly closed again on Saturday morning after a shark was spotted about 7am. It has since reopened. Garie Beach at the Royal National Park, further south, was also evacuated and closed by authorities after three sharks were sighted. NSW's shark management program, given a $2.5million boost in December, includes SMART drumlines and drone patrols at 50 beaches during school holidays. Extra freshwater in the harbour after recent heavy rain, combined with the splashing effect from people jumping off a rock face, created a 'perfect storm' for Sunday's shark attack, Superintendent Joseph McNulty said. 'I would recommend not swimming in the harbour or our other river systems across NSW at this time,' he told reporters before the Dee Why incident was reported. Heavy swell has also prevented the operation of SMART drumlines, which have notified authorities of shark activity along most of the NSW coast since Sunday. A teacher who allegedly pressed a handgun against the head of one of his students has been suspended and is fighting to keep his job. The Queensland teacher allegedly pressed the gun onto one student as another watched, according to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal documents. The father was stood down due to the risk he allegedly posed to children regarding the incident. He has also been charged with going armed so as to cause fear and common assault and has been suspended since December 2025. The Queensland College of Teachers fronted the tribunal stating the man had posed an unacceptable risk of harm to children. It asked the tribunal board to continue the teacher's suspension as required by law. However, the teacher in question asked the tribunal to dismiss the matter and end his suspension until a criminal matter was decided, the Courier Mail reported. 'It is alleged that the teacher assaulted a child by pushing him and holding a handgun to his head to intimidate him and in the presence of another child,' the tribunal said on Friday. A male teacher has been suspended from his position after he allegedly pressed a handgun against a student's head (stock image) 'The police advise that there is CCTV footage of the alleged incident.' Defending himself, the teacher said police reports showed he was not a threat to children. 'The fact that he was released on bail shows that the police are satisfied that he is not a threat to children, the claims as to possession of a firearm are "unsubstantiated" (and) he has no previous complaints in relation to his conduct and no previous criminal history,' the man submitted, the publication reported. 'The teacher further states that he is a devoted father, an active member of the community, and needs to continue to provide financially for his family.' Queensland's College of Teachers said the suspension was necessary in order to 'protect the interests and welfare of children'. 'The man should have his suspension upheld because there is a lack of evidence to show he does not pose an unacceptable risk of harm to children,' it said. The College argued that although the students were not physically harmed, the teacher did not acknowledge any psychological harm the alleged incident may have caused. 'That reflects a lack of insight on the part of the teacher into the nature of potential harm that might be inflicted on children.' A senior member of the tribunal, Ned Aughterson, ordered the suspension to continue. Mr Aughterson said he was not satisfied that the teacher did not pose an unacceptable risk of harm to children. A fourth person has been charged in connection with the disappearance and alleged murder of a cybersecurity expert last year. Brisbane father Andrew Burow vanished from an inner city apartment on August 24, before his badly beaten body was discovered in Maidenwell on September 2. Police have alleged the 56-year-old was driven to as many as eight different locations and tortured before his death. Burnt alcohol wipes, zip ties, a mobile phone and a piece of paper with details of Mr Burow's family were found in a fire pit on a rural property during the investigation. A 44-year-old Lake Macdonald man is the latest to be charged over the matter, with one count each of torture, deprivation of liberty and extortion. He is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 5, following his arrest on Friday. Three other men aged 26, 38 and 57 have already been charged with murder, kidnapping, extortion and misconduct with a corpse by interfering. Police will allege the 26-year-old, North Lakes man Billy John Howard, and Mr Burow knew each other. Another man has been charged over the alleged torture and murder of Andrew Burow Forensic investigators at the scene in Maidenwell, where his remains were found Another of the men, 38-year-old Anthony Perrett, is a former CFMEU delegate who was named in an ongoing royal commission last year. It was alleged at the inquiry that Perrett personally drove witnesses to interviews with union investigator Geoffrey Watson SC. The witnesses were fitted with recording devices. CFMEU administrator Mark Irving KC said it was an intimidation tactic designed to ensure witnesses didn't 'squeal'. There is no suggestion the CFMEU is in any way connected to Mr Burow's murder. Meghan Markle has shared a picture of Prince Harry serving in Afghanistan as she appeared to criticise Donald Trump's insult that British troops shielded from danger during the conflict. The Duchess of Sussex posted a photo of her husband sitting in the front seat of a military helicopter, alongside images taken at the Invictus Games, an event Harry founded in 2014 to celebrate wounded military personnel. The images were uploaded to her Instagram story just hours after Prince Harry launched his own personal attack on Mr Trump, saying that British soldiers who sacrificed their lives ought to be treated with 'respect'. The US president has been at the centre of criticism this week after he said that NATO troops stayed 'a little off the frontlines' in Afghanistan. Mr Trump added in the interview with Fox News that 'we've never needed them' and 'we have never really asked anything of them'. Prince Harry last night joined decorated veterans, MPs from all parties and the families of soldiers killed in venting their hurt and anger at Mr Trump's comments. The Duke, who was twice deployed to Afghanistan in his ten-year military career, said: 'I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there. 'Thousands of lives were changed for ever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost. This is the image of Prince Harry that Meghan uploaded to her Instagram story showing him serving in Afghanistan Harry is pictured at the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017 in another image shared by Meghan The Prince, who was known as 'Captain Wales' in the military, served in Afghanistan between 2007 and 2008 and in 2012 'Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.' The Prince, who was known as 'Captain Wales' in the military, served in Afghanistan between 2007 and 2008 and in 2012. He flew an Apache attack helicopter during his second tour and later revealed in his memoir Spare that he had killed 25 Taliban fighters. Harry was first deployed to Helmand province as a forward air controller in 2007, but his first trip was cut short when an Australian magazine broke a media embargo on reporting that he was serving out there by mistake. However, he returned in 2012 with the Ministry of Defence publicising his second deployment on the understanding that the media would allow him to get on with the job at hand. After he learnt to fly Apache helicopters, Harry was deployed to Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan in 2012 where he stayed for 20 weeks. Harry trained to fly in the front seat as the mission or aircraft commander but the majority of the time he operated the Apache's sights, sensors and weapons systems. Harry wrote in Spare that he flew on six missions that resulted in the 'taking of human lives'. He said he did not think of those killed 'as people' but instead 'chess pieces' he had taken off the board. The pictures were uploaded to Meghan's Instagram story just hours after Prince Harry launched his own personal attack on Trump Donald Trump (pictured) sparked outrage and revulsion for his slur that hero British troops shied from danger in Afghanistan Competitors from the United States and Denmark compete during their semi final wheelchair rugby match at the Invictus Games in Toronto. This image was shared by Meghan Trump's comments on NATO's troops in Afghanistan came just days after he clashed with his allies over his bid to take control of Greenland. His remarks triggered outrage, with ministers dispensing with diplomatic protocol. Al Carns, the Armed Forces minister and a former commando who served five tours in Afghanistan, said Britain had fought 'shoulder to shoulder' with US troops after America asked Nato allies to come to its aid following the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Mr Carns raged: 'This is utterly ridiculous. We shed blood, sweat and tears together. Not everybody came home. 'I'd suggest whoever believes these comments to come have a whisky with me, my colleagues, their families and importantly, the families of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for both of our nations.' Calvin Bailey, Labour MP and a former RAF Wing Commander, was awarded a US Air Medal for serving with American special ops in Afghanistan. He blasted: 'The notion that we weren't in and amongst the front line, albeit I was a pilot, is for the birds.' Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, meanwhile, accused the President of talking 'flat-out nonsense', adding: 'Their sacrifice deserves respect, not denigration.' Your browser does not support iframes. Sir Jeremy Hunt, former foreign secretary, called Mr Trump's remarks 'totally unacceptable, factually wrong and deeply disrespectful'. In his response to the US President, Sir Keir said: 'I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured and, in fact, across the country. 'If I had misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologise.' Diane Dernie, the mother of ex-Paratrooper Ben Parkinson who is regarded as the most severely injured British soldier to have survived in Afghanistan, decried Mr Trump as 'a childish man trying to deflect from his own actions'. Ex-paratrooper Mr Parkinson, now 41, suffered horrendous injuries when an Army Land Rover hit a mine near Musa Qala in 2006. Ms Dernie added: 'Come and look at the life that Ben leads 19 years on, still fighting for his care, still fighting to have a decent life, recovering from a recent operation. [Keir Starmer] has got to stand up for his own Armed Forces, and he's got to absolutely refute what Donald Trump said. 'Call him out. Make a stand for those who fought for this country and for our flag.' There has so far been no reaction to the furore from Mr Trump, who instead has posted on social media about his wife Melania's upcoming Amazon documentary and a cold weather front set to hit the US this weekend. The US administration has told its allies including the UK to take control of their own security as part of its new defence strategy. The 34-page National Defence Strategy document, the first since 2022, criticised partners from Europe and Asia for relying on previous US administrations to subsidise their defence. It called for 'a sharp shift - in approach, focus, and tone'. That translates to a blunt assessment that allies should take on more of the burden of countering nations from Russia to North Korea. 'For too long, the US government neglected - even rejected - putting Americans and their concrete interests first,' reads the opening sentence. It comes after Trump threatened to impose tariffs on some European partners to press a bid to acquire Greenland before announcing a deal that lowered the temperature. Trump also blasted the UK in recent days for 'an act of great stupidity' in signing the strategically important Chagos Islands away. The new policy document views China, which the Joe Biden administration saw as a top adversary, as a settled force in the Indo-Pacific region that only needs to be deterred from dominating the US or its allies. The goal 'is not to dominate China; nor is it to strangle or humiliate them', the document says. It later added: 'This does not require regime change or some other existential struggle.' The 34-page National Defence Strategy document, the first since 2022, criticised partners from Europe and Asiafor relying on previous US administrations to subsidise their defence. Pictured: Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn of the White House The move by the Pentagonreasserts the Trump administration's focus on dominance in the Western Hemisphere above a long-time goal of countering China. Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping The move by the Pentagon(pictured) reasserts the Trump administration's focus on dominance in the Western Hemisphere above a long-time goal of countering China . The move by the Pentagon reasserts the Trump administration's focus on dominance in the Western Hemisphere above a long-time goal of countering China. The strategy adds that American defence secretary Pete Hegseth's department will provide 'credible options to guarantee US military and commercial access to key terrain' - especially Greenland and the Panama Canal. And while the strategy at urges cooperation with Canada and other neighbours, it issues a stark warning that they must 'do their part to defend our shared interests'. This week, a back-and-forth between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, ended with Carney publicly repudiating Trump for saying that 'Canada lives because of the United States.' The document states: 'We will engage in good faith with our neighbours, from Canada to our partners in Central and South America, but we will ensure that they respect and do their part to defend our shared interests. 'And where they do not, we will stand ready to take focused, decisive action that concretely advances US interests.' Much like the White House's National Security Strategy that preceded it, the defence blueprint reinforces Mr Trump's 'America First' philosophy, which favours non-intervention overseas, questions decades of strategic relationships and prioritises US interests. The US National Defence Strategy was last published in 2022 under then-president Joe Biden and focused on China as America's 'pacing challenge'. The strategy warns that the US will 'actively and fearlessly defend America's interests throughout the Western Hemisphere'. It specifically points to access to the Panama Canal and Greenland. It comes just days after Mr Trump said he reached a 'framework of a future deal' on Arctic security with Nato leader Mark Rutte that would offer the US 'total access' to Greenland, a territory of Nato ally Denmark. Danish officials said that formal negotiations have yet to begin. Mr Trump previously suggested that the US should potentially consider retaking control of the Panama Canal and accused Panama of ceding influence to China. Asked this week if America reclaiming the canal was still on the table, Mr Trump said: 'I don't want to tell you that. 'Sort of, I must say, sort of. That's sort of on the table.' The Pentagon also touted the operation that ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro earlier this month, saying 'all narco-terrorists should take note'. The document also said: 'President Trump seeks a stable peace, fair trade, and respectful relations with China,' following efforts to climb down from a trade war sparked by the administration's sky-high tariffs. It says it will 'open a wider range of military-to-military communications' with China's army. The strategy, meanwhile, makes no mention of or guarantee to Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own and says it will take by force if necessary. The US is obligated by its own laws to give military support to Taiwan. By contrast, the Biden administration's 2022 strategy said the US would 'support Taiwan's asymmetric self-defence'. In another example of offloading regional security to allies, the document said: 'South Korea is capable of taking primary responsibility for deterring North Korea with critical but more limited US support.' For Europe, while saying that 'Russia will remain a persistent but manageable threat to Nato's eastern members for the foreseeable future', the defence strategy asserts that Nato allies are much more powerful and so are 'strongly positioned to take primary responsibility for Europe's conventional defence'. The document said the Pentagon will play a key role in Nato 'even as we calibrate US force posture and activities in the European theatre' to focus on priorities closer to home. The US has already confirmed that it will reduce its troop presence on Nato's borders with Ukraine, with allies expressing concern that the Trump administration might drastically cut their numbers and leave a security vacuum as European countries confront an increasingly aggressive Russia. The deadline is looming for Andy Burnham to decide whether he will launch a bid to return to the Commons as an MP. The Greater Manchester mayor has until 5pm today to make a decision over whether he will contest the Gorton and Denton by-election. If Burnham does put his name down and claims the seat in the North West, it would enable him to mount a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer. It comes as Angela Rayner was last night said to be preparing to publicly back the Manchester mayor at Labour's North West regional conference. The former Deputy Prime Minister has reportedly told colleagues that she is supportive of allowing Burnham to run. Andrew Gwynne, the former MP for the Greater Manchester seat, formally quit on Friday, paving the way for a by-election in Gorton and Denton to take place. Mr Burnham, long viewed as a potential rival to Sir Keir's leadership, now finds himself facing a short time window to decide whether to contest the seat. Applicants must put their name forward before midnight on Sunday. But, as a regional mayor, Mr Burnham faces the extra hurdle of having to ask permission by 5pm on Saturday of Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC), a body whose membership includes many Starmer loyalists. A selection process is expected to take place over the course of next week, ending with a hustings and NEC endorsement by Saturday January 31. Angela Rayner pictured canvassing in Birmingham with Labour mayor Andy Burnham in May last year. On Saturday she is set to throw her weight behind him in his bid to return as an MP Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer was put on notice by Labour's Jo White, the head of a group of 43 Red Wall MPs. She warned there should be no 'London stitch-up' to stop Mr Burnham contesting the by-election for the Gorton and Denton seat in Greater Manchester after it was vacated by disgraced former minister Andrew Gwynne on Thursday. One Labour figure said the fight would be the 'Andy v Keir show' and that they expected Sir Keir's powerful chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, to block Mr Burnham when the ruling NEC puts together the longlist of candidates. Ms White warned on Friday against interference from No 10. 'Let the North decide who their Labour candidate should be. A London stitch-up will be a disaster for Labour,' she wrote on X. Meanwhile, Andrea Egan, the new Unison general secretary, criticised 'control-freakery' in the party, writing on X: 'I'm sure all trade unionists expect a democratic process for Gorton & Denton in which local party members decide who they want to represent them.' Mr Burnham kept his silence on Friday but is due to face questions at Saturday's conference. He previously said that 'people shouldn't rush to conclusions', before Mr Gwynne officially stepped down. Mr Gwynne announced he was vacating his seat this week, on health grounds. He was suspended from the party last February over offensive WhatsApp messages. Mr Burnham faces numerous hurdles to fight the seat, including having to stand down from his current role, being approved by the NEC and seeing off Reform UK. While Labour won the seat with 51 per cent in 2024, it is now a three-way marginal. Reform has vowed to 'throw everything' at the seat, and Green Party leader Zack Polanski is said to be eyeing it, introducing another curveball that could split the Left-wing vote. On Friday, health minister Stephen Kinnock said Mr Burnham was doing a good job as mayor, with the thinly-veiled suggestion that he should stay in that post. And deputy PM David Lammy also warned that the party did not want another leader because it would result in an election. Mr Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017, was the MP for Leigh from 2001 to 2017, and has stood for the Labour leadership on two occasions. KLM and Air France have suspended flights to the Middle East after Iran warned that it will treat any US strike as an act of full-scale war. The comment from Iran came as Washington moved an aircraft carrier strike group and other military assets into the region, fuelling fears of a major escalation. Air France said it will temporarily stop service to Dubai due to the geopolitical situation, and Dutch airline KLM said it would not fly through the airspace of several countries in the region, including Iraq and Iran, according to the Netherlands' state broadcaster. A senior Iranian official issued the latest threat just days before the arrival of the American forces, saying Tehran is bracing for the 'worst-case scenario'. The show of force comes almost two weeks after Donald Trump publicly urged Iranian protesters to continue demonstrating against the regime - protests in which thousands have reportedly been killed by security forces - and vowed that 'help is on the way'. Speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, the official said: 'This military build-up - we hope it is not intended for real confrontation - but our military is ready for the worst-case scenario. This is why everything is on high alert in Iran.' He then delivered a warning to Washington, adding: 'This time we will treat any attack - limited, unlimited, surgical, kinetic, whatever they call it - as an all-out war against us, and we will respond in the hardest way possible to settle this.' Trump said on Thursday that the US had an 'armada' heading toward Iran but insisted he hoped it would not be used, as he renewed his warnings to Tehran against killing protesters or restarting its nuclear programme. Washington moved an aircraft carrier strike group and other military assets into the region, fuelling fears of a major escalation. (pictured: The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transits the Atlantic Ocean, February 1, 2018) An anti-US mural on a building in Tehran, Iran, January 24, 2026 Dutch airline KLM said it would not fly through the airspace of several countries in the region, including Iraqand Iran, according to the Netherlands' state broadcaster (stock) 'If the Americans violate Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, we will respond,' the Iranian official said, though he declined to specify what form that response might take. Following the threats, Air France said it was 'constantly monitoring the evolution of the geopolitical situation in the territories served and overflown by its aircraft' to ensure 'the highest level of safety and security' for its flights. 'Air France is monitoring the situation in real time and will provide further updates on its flight schedule,' the French airline said. KLM told Dutch public broadcaster NOS on Friday that it had suspended flights until further notice to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Dammam, and Riyadh and would not fly through the airspace of Iraq, Iran, Israel, and several countries in the Gulf. The airline did not disclose the reason for the suspensions and said it was in touch with Dutch authorities, according to NOS. The US has repeatedly deployed additional forces to the Middle East during periods of heightened tension, moves often framed as defensive. However, a major military build-up last year preceded US airstrikes against Iran's nuclear programme in June, while another surge of forces in the Caribbean came shortly before Washington launched military action against Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro. The rising tensions come as the Pentagon published a new national defence strategy that included a stark assessment of Iran. The document warned Tehran may once again attempt to acquire a nuclear weapon - something US officials have long accused Iran's leaders of pursuing. It also accused Iran of having 'the blood of Americans on its hands' and reaffirmed Washington's support for Israel. The strategy document stated: 'Although Iran has suffered severe setbacks over recent months, it appears intent on reconstituting its conventional military forces. 'Iran's leaders have also left open the possibility that they will try again to obtain a nuclear weapon, including by refusing to engage in meaningful negotiations.' It added: 'Nor can we ignore the fact that the Iranian regime has the blood of Americans on its hands.' The document concluded that Iran 'remains intent on destroying our close ally Israel, and that Iran and its proxies routinely instigate regional crises that not only threaten the lives of American servicemembers in the region but also prevent the region itself from pursuing the kind of peaceful and prosperous future that so many of its leaders and peoples clearly wish for'. It follows weeks of Iran's bloody crackdown on dissent in the country, the scale of which is just coming into focus despite authorities cutting off the Islamic Republic from the internet and much of the wider world. Cities and towns smell of smoke as fire-damaged mosques and government offices line streets. Banks have been torched, their ATMs smashed. Officials estimate the damage to be at least 92.5million, according to an Associated Press tally of reports by the state-run IRNA news agency from over 20 cities. The number of dead demonstrators reported by activists continues to swell. Families and residents gather at the Kahrizak Coroner's Office confronting rows of body bags as they search for relatives killed during the regime's violent crackdown on nationwide protests Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He insisted on January 9 that the Islamic Republic would 'not back down' in the face of protests Activists warn it shows Iran engaging in the same tactics it has used for decades, but at an unprecedented scale - firing from rooftops on demonstrators, shooting birdshot into crowds, and sending motorcycle-riding paramilitary Revolutionary Guard volunteers in to beat and detain those who can't escape. 'The vast majority of protesters were peaceful. The video footage shows crowds of people - including children and families - chanting, dancing around bonfires, marching on their streets,' said Raha Bahreini, of Amnesty International. 'The authorities have opened fire unlawfully.' The killing of peaceful protesters - as well as the threat of mass executions - has been a red line for military action for Trump. The demonstrations began on December 28 at Tehran's historic Grand Bazaar, initially over the collapse of Iran's currency, the rial, then spread across the country. Tensions exploded on January 8, with demonstrations called for by Iran's exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi. Witnesses in Tehran said that before authorities cut internet and phone communication, they saw tens of thousands of demonstrators on the streets. As communications failed, gunfire echoed through Tehran. 'Many witnesses said they had never seen such a large number of protesters on the streets,' said Bahar Saba of Human Rights Watch. 'Iranian authorities have repeatedly shown they have no answers other than bullets and brutal repression to people taking to the streets.' Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, a deputy interior minister speaking on state TV Wednesday, acknowledged the violence began in earnest on January 8. 'More than 400 cities were involved,' he said. By January 9, Revolutionary Guard General Hossein Yekta, previously identified as leading plainclothes units of the force, went on Iranian state TV and warned 'mothers and fathers' to keep their children home. 'Tonight, you all must be vigilant. Tonight is the night for keeping mosques, all bases everywhere filled with `Hezbollahi,' Yekta said, using a word for 'followers of God' that carries the connotation of fervent supporters of Iran's theocracy. Already weakened by the 12-day war Israel launched against Iran in June, the authorities decided to fully employ violence to end the demonstrations, experts said. 'I think the regime viewed it as this was a moment of existential threat and that they could either allow it to play out and allow the protests to build and allow foreign powers to increase their rhetoric and increase their demands on Iran,' said Afshon Ostovar, an expert on the Revolutionary Guard and professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. 'Or they could turn out the lights, kill as many people as necessary... and hope they could get away with it. And I think that's what they ultimately did.' In Iran, one of the main ways theocracy can squash demonstrations is through the Basij, the Guard's volunteer arm. Iranian state media have repeatedly aired images of mosques damaged in the protests without exploring their links to the Basij. 'Most neighborhood Basij bases are co-located with mosques and most neighborhood Basij leaders are associated with the mosque leadership,' Ostovar said, adding that demonstrators 'going after regime targets' associated with repression would have considered them 'a legitimate part of it.' Protesters set fire to a car in Tehran. Even by the regime's own estimates, between two to three thousand have been killed, making it one of the greatest massacres in the Islamic Republic's history In Tehran, most protesters were armed with nothing more than the courage to take a stand A protester in Zurich lights a cigarette off a picture of the Ayatollah. As 2026 dawned, Iranians fought not only for their own freedom, but for a world that rejects Islamist barbarism, that looks to the future rather than the past, and that believes in a democratic order Videos show Basij holding long guns, batons, and pellet guns. Anti-riot police can be seen wearing helmets and body armor, carrying assault rifles and submachine guns. The videos show police firing shotguns into crowds, something authorities deny despite corpses showing wounds consistent with metal birdshot. Scores have reportedly suffered blinding eye wounds from birdshot - something seen in the protests around the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini. Iran's semiofficial ILNA news agency reported that Tehran's Farabi Eye Hospital, the premiere clinic for eye injuries, called in 'all current and retired doctors' to help those injured. We 'received accounts that the security forces were just firing relentlessly at protesters,' said Bahreini of Amnesty International. 'They're not just targeting one or two people to create a climate of terror for people to disperse... but just relentlessly firing at thousands of protesters and chasing after them, even as they were fleeing, so that more people were just collapsing to the ground with severe gunshot wounds. For two weeks, Iran offered no overall casualty figures. Then on Wednesday, the government said 3,117 people were killed, including 2,427 civilians and security forces. That left another 690 dead that Pourjamshidian identified as 'terrorists.' That conflicts with figures from the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, which put the death toll on Saturday at 5,137, based on activists inside Iran verifying fatalities against public records and witness statements. It said 4,834 were demonstrators, 208 were government-affiliated personnel, 54 were children, and 41 were civilians not participating in protests. Death tolls in Iran have long been inflated or deflated for political reasons. But the fact that Iran's theocracy offered any death toll - and gave a number beyond any other political unrest to strike the country in the modern era - underlines the scale of what happened. Traditionally, Iranians hold memorial services for their late loved ones 40 days after their deaths - meaning the country could see renewed demonstrations around February 17. Online videos from Behesht-e Zahra, the massive cemetery on the outskirts of Tehran, show mourners chanting: 'Death to Khamenei!' Satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC show large numbers of cars daily at Behesht-e Zahra's southern reaches, where those killed in the demonstrations are being buried. Elaheh Mohammadi, a journalist at Tehran's pro-reform newspaper Ham Mihan, recently noted it had been shut by authorities. She said journalists were working on stories about Behesht-e Zahra they weren't able to publish. 'We send out a message to let people know we're still alive,' Mohammadi wrote online. 'The city smells of death.' 'Hard days have passed, and everyone is stunned; a whole country is in mourning, a whole country is holding back tears, a whole country has a lump in its throat.' Government plans to increase the cost of tourist visas will deliver a fresh blow to Britains beleaguered pubs. Industry experts fear plans to increase the cost of visas from 475 to 506 will have a dramatic impact on the number of people visiting Britain, which in turn will impact on overall tourist spend. It is believed the increased visa costs combined with plans to increase the cost of electronic travel authorisation (ETA) could wipe out more than 1.5 billion of tourist spend, much of it in pub and hospitality sector. Kate Nicholls, the head of UK Hospitality told the Telegraph newspaper: Inbound tourism is the closest thing you can get to free money in the economy. It is our second largest services export earner foreign visitors spend more eating and drinking out at our pubs and restaurants than all of our food and drink exports put together and socialising like a local is the top attraction and generates jobs growth and investment across all parts of the UK. The new changes come as pubs struggle to cope with increased costs posed upon them by the Labour government. The Chancellor Rachel Reeves is under pressure to lower the cost of business rates for pubs and other businesses in the hospitality sector. In recent months a number of wealthy individuals have begun buying up pubs which are valued by their communities, but which are now facing the threat of closure. Kate Nicholls, the head of UK Hospitality said: Inbound tourism is the closest thing you can get to free money in the economy. It is our second largest services export earner.' Industry experts fear plans to increase the cost of visas from 475 to 506 will have a dramatic impact on the number of people visiting Britain, which in turn will impact on overall tourist spend Lady Loretta Rothschild, wife of financier Lord Nathaniel Rothschild (pictured together), is the latest to take over her local, buying The Seven Stars in Bottlesford in Wiltshire, two hours outside London Graham Thomson, former licensee of the Seven Stars (pictured), said the pub had been on its knees when he sold it Lady Loretta Rothschild, wife of financier Lord Nathaniel Rothschild, is the latest to take over her local, buying The Seven Stars in Bottlesford in Wiltshire, two hours outside London. Graham Thomson, former licensee of the Seven Stars, said the pub had been on its knees when he sold it. He added that Rothschilds purchase reflected the trend where the money keeps going away from the common man but said he was happy the pub would survive. A spokesperson for Lord Rothschild, who has been teetotal for 27 years, said: The Rothschild family have a deep affinity with the local area and farm 3,500 acres near to where the Seven Stars inn is situated. 'The pub is a critical part of the local community, and it was on Lady Rothschilds initiative that the decision was taken to save it. Meanwhile, financier Michel de Carvalho and his wife Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken of the brewing dynasty, who is worth $17.2bn, own the 19th century Woolpack Inn in Totford, Hampshire. De Carvalho said they had 100 per cent bought the pub to keep it in the community and did not want to turn it into some elegant gastropub where the locals feel excluded. He added: A lot of friends of mine have bought a pub as an ego-trip so that they can walk in and say: Im the owner of the pub, and everyone says, Oh, thank you, milord. That is absolutely not what we do. Gulf War hero John Nichol today lambasted Donald Trump's 'ludicrous' and 'demonstrably false' claim that NATO troops dodged the frontline in Afghanistan. Former RAF navigator John Nichol, who was held as a prisoner of war during the First Gulf War after his Tornado jet was shot down, branded the US President a 'braggart' and a 'pub bore'. In a stinging broadside on X, Mr Nichol, 62, who along with pilot John Peters suffered days of torture by Saddam Hussein's henchmen, said: ' I wonder if he knows, understands, even cares, what is true? 'To those he has hurt, insulted, vilified, I send you my deepest condolences for your loss, and gratitude for your service.' Veterans have reacted with fury after Mr Trump claimed NATO troops stayed 'a little off the frontlines' in Afghanistan. A total of 457 British personnel died in Afghanistan, with over 2,600 wounded, including 616 seriously or very seriously injured. In an interview with Fox News in Davos, the President criticised NATO, saying he was not 'sure' the alliance would 'be there if we ever needed them'. He added: 'We've never needed them. 'They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines.' Gulf War hero John Nichol today lambasted Donald Trump's 'ludicrous' and 'demonstrably false' claim that NATO troops dodged the frontline in Afghanistan Former RAF navigator John Nichol, who was held as a prisoner of war during the First Gulf War after his Tornado jet was shot down, branded the US President a 'braggart' and a 'pub bore' Mr Trump is seen in his interview with Fox News where he made the remarks about UK troops Sir Keir Starmer has suggested the President should apologise for his 'insulting and frankly appalling' remarks, while the Duke of Sussex, who undertook two tours of Afghanistan, said British 'sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect'. Other critics have accused Mr Trump of being a 'draft dodger', who received five deferments during the Vietnam War, including for a bone spur in his heel. Joining the chorus of disgust, Mr Nichol, now a prolific author, has published a hard-hitting 350-word criticism of the President's inflammatory remarks. 'I have been mulling if I should comment on President Trump's inane comments about NATO involvement in Afghanistan,' he wrote. 'Although 35 years ago, during the US-led first Gulf War, I was lying, handcuffed & blindfolded - literally 'shoulder to shoulder' - with a US colleague on a concrete floor in an Iraqi interrogation bunker, I rather feel it should be the current generation who express any anger at the President's ludicrous, demonstrably false utterings. 'Which is why I earlier shared some posts from others. 'But perhaps I will reflect like this - I watched Trump's press conference in the wake of the terrible tragedy when a US helicopter collided with a civilian airliner last January in disbelief. 64 people lost their lives but it seemed to be about him - his expertise, his knowledge, what he thought had happened. Much of what he said was incorrect. 'So I realised back then that it was going to be pointless trying to analyse any upcoming word-salads. Flt Lt John Peters and Flt Lt Adrian Nichol are pictured at RAF Laarbruch after their first flight together since being shot down during the Gulf War Mr Nichol's extraordinary ordeal at the hands of Saddam Hussein's torturers featured in the best-selling book Tornado Down, which he co-wrote with Mr Peters Lieutenants John Peters and John Nichol (right) are pictured at the Gulf war memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral in 1996 'Everything is clearly about him; his expertise in every subject, his grasp of all situations. His need to say something, anything, to show he is the best, the cleverest, the smartest, the most knowledgeable kid on the block. 'The pub-bore, the braggart, the know-it-all, pontificates on anything and everything in the hope of bolstering their own, clearly very low, self-esteem.' Mr Nichol's extraordinary ordeal at the hands of Saddam Hussein's torturers featured in the best-selling book Tornado Down, which he co-wrote with Mr Peters. The pair ejected over the Iraqi desert when their Tornado was hit by a missile on the first day of the 1991 Gulf War. After being captured, they were tortured with cigarettes and rubber truncheons. Battered and bruised, they were paraded in front of TV cameras and forced to denounce the war - under threat of death. Freed after seven weeks, after Iraq's defeat, they told of having heard the terrifying screams of other prisoners ringing through the now infamous Abu Ghraib jail, 20 miles west of Baghdad. Writing on X, Mr Nichol added: 'I wonder that, in the President's mind, that it doesn't matter if what he says is factually correct? 'I wonder if he knows, understands, even cares, what is true? He is saying some words, which in his mind, seems to suggest that he's important and people will admire him, laud him. 'The fact that everyone around him then applauds this character trait, thanking him for his 'leadership' at every turn, just amplifies his desire, his need to continue. He's got want he wants - in his mind - attention, praise, admiration. So to sum up, trying to analyse Trump's ramblings is like trying to play chess with a pigeon. Somewhat interesting at first, but ultimately, truly pointless and rather frustrating.' Andy Burnham has announced he intends to stand for Parliament amid speculation he may be planning to launch a Labour leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer. The Greater Manchester mayor has asked for permission to contest the Gorton and Denton by-election, which could take place as early as next month. The by-election was triggered on Thursday after the sitting MP, Andrew Gwynne, announced his resignation from Parliament on health grounds. Mr Burnham is seen as the leading candidate to replace Sir Keir as Labour leader and Prime Minister. He can only mount a leadership challenge as a Labour MP - meaning he will first have to quit as Mayor and then win the by-election in the north-west constituency. However, there are still several hurdles he must clear, including gaining permission from party bigwigs and beating both Reform UK and the Greens at the polls. As a serving regional mayor, Mr Burnham has had to request permission from Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) to be able to run, with the deadline to make the request set at 5pm today. Minutes after this expired, Mr Burnham took to social media to confirm he had written to the NEC to ask to run in the by-election. In a lengthy statement, he said he had taken the 'difficult decision' having 'given careful thought to what is in the best interests of our Party and the city-region I represent', adding that now was 'the moment to mount the strongest possible defence of what we stand for'. Andy Burnham has announced he will stand for Parliament amid speculation he may be planning to launch a Labour leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer Angela Rayner pictured canvassing in Birmingham with Mr Burnham in May last year Mr Burnham said he plans to run a 'hopeful and unifying campaign with broad appeal to voters', as he hit out at 'poison' politics - a veiled swipe at the rise of the right under Nigel Farage's Reform UK. He said: 'There is now a direct threat to everything Greater Manchester has always been about from a brand of politics which seeks to pit people against each other. 'It brings with it a poison we should not let enter our city-region. I see this by-election as the frontline of that fight for the Manchester Way and I feel I owe it to a city which has given me so much to lead it from the front, despite the risks involved.' Mr Burnham went on: 'In my current job, I have tried to pioneer a different way of doing things with some success. But I have learnt in my nine years as Mayor that Manchester won't be able to be everything it should be without similar changes at a national level. This is why I feel the need to go back. 'When so many people in a city-region like this are struggling to afford the daily basics, they are surely right to question why the country gave away control of them in the first place, in whose interests it is run and why no government of any colour has corrected these things for them.' He added: 'My role in returning would be to use my experience to help [government] to go further and faster, as well as communicate the difference it is making. I would be there to support the work of the Government, not undermine it, and I have passed on this assurance to the Prime Minister.' The NEC could feasibly still block his candidacy, with reports suggesting allies of the Prime Minister are eyeing up just that, either out of fear it would destabilise the Government or to prevent another by-election for the Greater Manchester mayoralty. If he is given the green light to contest the seat, Mr Burnham would then have to see off competition from other parties to win the seat, which is now seen as a three-way marginal between Labour, Reform and the Green Party. Today high-profile figures within the Labour party called for Mr Burnham to be allowed to stand. Mr Burnham is seen as the leading candidate to replace Sir Keir as Labour leader and Prime Minister Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, speaks on stage during the Fabian Society New Year Conference in London Most explicit was Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, who told the Fabian Society conference today he thought Mr Burnham should be permitted to run and that he would campaign for him. He said: 'I think if Andy Burnham wants to be a member of Parliament, Andy Burnham should be allowed to be a member of Parliament. 'I'm a firm believer in the best team having all the talent playing for them, and if Andy wants to return to Parliament, I will try and make some time between now and the by-election to knock on some doors for him, or whoever the candidate is.' Earlier, Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell told the same conference that the decision on whether Mr Burnham should be the candidate ought to be 'up to Andy and the local members'. Both also reiterated their support for Sir Keir Starmer, with Ms Powell urging the party to 'get behind' the Prime Minister. Meanwhile Ed Miliband paid tribute to Andy Burnham's 'outstanding job' as mayor, adding he hoped Labour members in Gorton and Denton would have the option of choosing him as their candidate in the upcoming by-election. The Energy Secretary told the conference: 'I'm one of Keir's biggest allies, I'm one of his oldest friends in politics, and my view about this is Keir needs the best possible team serving under him in Parliament. 'And I think Andy has done an outstanding job in Greater Manchester. 'I think he will be a massive asset in Parliament, so my view on this is that I very much hope that the local party will have the option of picking Andy as a candidate.' He denied that the move would raise further questions about Sir Keir's leadership of the party. Mr Miliband added: 'My view about this is Keir needs the best possible team serving under him in Parliament. 'The Labour party needs to look outwards and not inwards and it needs to be loyal to Keir and it needs to get on with the job of serving the country.' Other MPs backing Mr Burnham reportedly include Chris Webb, Kim Johnson, Nadia Whittome, Karl Turner, Kate Osborne and Tony Vaughan. Sir Keir Starmer has been warned against a 'London stitch-up' that would prevent leadership rival Andy Burnham from returning to Westminster Andy Burnham's career so far... Andy Burnham was born in Liverpool and has previously said he joined the Labour Party when he was just 14. His first job was unpaid as a reporter for the Middleton Guardian, which ended acrimoniously when he claims he told his editor to 'shove it' after being made the 'whipping boy'. Mr Burnham studied at Cambridge University, where he met his wife Marie-France van Heel who he would go on to marry in 2000. By the age of 24 he had turned to politics to become Tessa Jowell's researcher and later became MP Chris Smith's special adviser until 2001. He then served as the MP for Leigh until 2017 and he has stood for the Labour leadership on two occasions. Mr Burnham has been the mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017. Advertisement Speculation has intensified of a possible return to Westminster for Mr Burnham since Andrew Gwynne announced he would resign as an MP on health grounds on Thursday. Mr Gwynne was suspended by Labour last year after The Mail on Sunday uncovered a series of offensive WhatsApp messages he had sent, including one in which he said he hoped for the death of an elderly constituent who complained about bin collections. He is reported to have cut a deal to retire on health grounds in return for assurances about his MP's pension. Commons sources suggested the deal would see Mr Gwynne - who is only 51 - paid up until pension age, at which point he would receive a full Parliamentary pension. That package could be worth around 1million, according to one insider. Mr Burnham, who is widely believed to have ambitions to lead the party, previously served as an MP for Leigh between 2001 and 2017. He studied at Cambridge University and turned to politics at the age of 24 to become Tessa Jowell's researcher. Mr Burnham has stood for the Labour leadership on two previous occasions. On Friday, several Labour MPs warned against using the NEC to block Mr Burnham from standing in Gorton and Denton. Jo White, who chairs the Red Wall group of Labour MPs, said: 'Let the North decide who their Labour candidate should be for the Gorton and Denton by-election. A London stitch-up will be a disaster for Labour.' Crewe and Nantwich MP Connor Naismith said: 'Gorton and Denton deserves the best possible choice of candidates. 'I agree with the Prime Minister that our attention should be on delivering for the public, not speculating about future leadership contests. 'Any decision made to limit the choice would be wrong.' A member of the NEC told the BBC's Newsnight she agreed with the parliamentarians. Gemma Bolton, a constituency members' representative on the committee, told the programme it would be 'outrageous' to block Mr Burnham should he stand, adding it would 'show a real weakness' in Sir Keir's leadership. Cat Smith, the Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre, said it would be 'disappointing' if Number 10 were to block strong candidates from being able to be considered in the Gorton and Denton constituency. Ms Smith told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I don't know the decision that's being made at Number 10, but what I do know is that Labour Party members in Gorton and Denton are the people who should be deciding who the Labour candidate is for the by-election and that the voters in Gorton and Denton are the people that will make the decision on who that person is when the by-election happens. 'I think it would be disappointing if Number 10 were to block strong candidates from being able to be considered by the party members in Gorton and Denton, to be able to choose their candidate in this by-election.' Burnham's possible route to Westminster Andy Burnham would FIRST have to secure a waiver from Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC) in order to give up his role as Mayor of Greater Manchester to run for Parliament or (more likely) quit the job before putting himself forward. SECOND, he would have to make it on to the longlist for the seat. This should, in theory, be relatively straightforward given his public profile. NEXT he would have to pass an interview stage with an NEC panel made up of five members (three officers of the NEC, a representative from the regional board and a local constituency representative) in order to make it on to their shortlist. This could be a potential stumbling block given the current makeup of the NEC, which is said to be aligned with the Prime Minister. They are said to be considering making the shortlist women or BAME candidates only. Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester speaks at a fringe meeting during the Britain's Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool in September Step FOUR for Mr Burnham, after being selected as a candidate on the shortlist, would be selection by Constituency Labour Party members. If he makes it this far, it is hard to imagine a scenario in which Mr Burnham does not win a ballot of Manchester Labour members at a selection meeting. THEN, finally, he would have to actually win the by-election as a Labour candidate. This is not such an easy feat while Reform UK is surging in the polls and the Greens are hovering close-by. Advertisement Winner of The Traitors Stephen Libby received a hero's welcome as he returned home to the Outer Hebrides. Residents of the Isle of Lewis celebrated the triumph of their local 'happy chappy' who bagged the prize money alongside co-conspirator Rachel Duffy - the first time a pair of Traitors have won the show. Those who know the 32-year-old insist he is honest by nature, and would have found it 'quite difficult' to deceive his fellow contestants. Stephen and Rachel lied their way to victory in the BBC reality gameshow after forming a pact early on, where they agreed never to write each other's names on their slates. They outmanoeuvred all the faithful contestants to ensure they were the final two standing at the round table in the final, which pulled in a peak audience of 9.6 million. The two Traitors remained faithful to each other and so will split the prize pot of 95,750, taking home 47,875 each. Stephen, a cybersecurity consultant, hails from the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides but now lives in London. He went back to the island's capital Stornoway last week ahead of the final episode airing, visiting the Blue Lobster cafe where his father Donald's woodcraft and pop-art work is on display. Stephen Libby returned home to the Isle of Lewis and visited the Blue Lobster Cafe, as pictured here with his father Donald's artwork Stephen has an honest nature, according to those who know him, and would have found the need to deceive difficult The Traitors winners Stephen Libby and Rachel Duffy each scooped 47,875 on the hit BBC series The cafe shared a video of a cloaked Stephen winking at the camera while drinking a coffee, and said they are 'so extremely proud of this island lad for representing the Isle of Lewis with such impeccable style & so very graciously'. Jayne Macritchie, owner of the Blue Lobster, said Stephen's family is 'ecstatic' at his win, and that the island community was gripped by the final episode on Friday evening. She said: 'I was completely glued, I've never watched it before. We were all glued.' Ms Macritchie knows Stephen from his youth on Lewis and said he would have struggled with need to deceive. She said: 'He's just such a lovely, happy chappy. He's such a genuine person. 'I'm pretty sure he would have found it quite difficult.' She said she never doubted that Stephen would stick to his pact with Rachel, a director of communications from Newry in Northern Ireland. Ms Macritchie said: 'I think as an islander, keeping a promise to someone is quite important. 'I feel the Celts are all similar in their ways and their loyalties.' The Sandwick Bay Candles gift shop across town posted a picture of a new candle they have developed in Stephen's honour, bearing the message 'There's a traitor on this island.' The shop wrote: 'Think I may have to make some more of these now. Go Stephen!' Stephen grappled with his trust in Rachel, wondering whether she would maintain her side of the pact Rachel was brilliant at deceiving her fellow contestants, but in the end remained faithful to Stephen Tour company Heb360 also posted online to congratulate Stephen, saying: 'The Islands are full of surprises.' Eilidh Laing, vice-chairwoman of the HebCelt festival, which celebrates music and culture in the Outer Hebrides, said it was a 'fantastic surprise' for the close-knit island community. She said you could see Stephen's 'internal moral conflict' etched across his face right to the end. She continued: 'I'm so pleased he did it, he's such a lovely guy and I think that really came through. 'The whole community was completely behind him.' Ms Laing added: 'I think islanders might be underestimated a lot of the time. I think he proved a lot of people wrong about that. 'Islanders are incredibly resilient people.' Stephen and Rachel spoke about their dramatic victory on Friday night's instalment of spin-off show, The Traitors: Uncloaked, where they relived the nail-biting final with their fellow contestants. Asked how it felt watching the final episode back, Rachel admitted the experience left her emotional. She said: 'I was so nervous for Stephen, so watching it back, it made me cry.' Stephen added: 'I didn't know what I was going to do, watching it back, I can see in my face. I'm just so proud of the decision that I made, proud of myself and Rachel.' Earlier in the series, Stephen had expressed doubts over whether Rachel would keep her side of the pact they made never to write each other's names on their slates at the roundtable. But speaking after their win, the pair explained why they remained loyal to the agreement, despite moments of uncertainty. Rachel said: 'I knew from the minute it came out of my mouth I wouldn't break the pact and I thought this is a new game for me I'm not breaking it.' Stephen added: 'It's so hard to trust someone in there whose job it is to lie and so I was really struggling to see how Rachel could hold onto that pact for the whole game which is why to the end I was wobbling.' Six arrests have been made after a man was shot and a gun was found in Manchester's Gay Village. Emergency services rushed to Manchester city centre, where police found a man, aged in his 20s, with a gunshot wound to his leg inside a property at around 5am this morning. Armed officers descended on the scene and uncovered a gun inside the property on Richmond Street, which runs adjacent to Canal Street, with detectives believing the shooting was 'targeted'. Six men - aged between 23 and 26 - have been arrested on suspicion of affray and firearms offences. They all remain in police custody for questioning. The man's injuries are believed not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said. Investigations are now underway, with a cordon in place on Richmond Street this morning. Forensic officers are working within the cordon and have been spotted going in and out of an apartment block. A Mercedes G-Class vehicle - or 'G-Wagon' - has also been pictured within the cordon. Emergency services rushed to Manchester city centre, where police found a man, aged in his 20s, with a gunshot wound to his leg inside a property at around 5am this morning Armed officers descended on the scene and uncovered a gun inside the property on Richmond Street, which runs adjacent to Canal Street, with detectives believing the shooting was 'targeted' Superintendent Stephen Wiggins, from GMP's city of Manchester division, said: 'This will undoubtedly be a concerning incident to be waking up to, not just for those who live and work in the city centre, but for the whole of Greater Manchester. 'Once the call came in, our officers acted quickly, making to the scene to established what had unfolded at the address on Richmond Street, detaining six individuals who we believe have been involved in this incident. 'We have managed to recover a firearm at the address. 'Since 2023, our colleagues in the Serious Crime Division have taken 168 firearms off our streets in Greater Manchester, underlining how serious we take gun crime across the force. 'I would like to reassure the community that we believe this is a targeted incident, and there is no wider threat to the general public.' Any witnesses, or anyone with CCTV or information, should contact GMP on 0161 856 4259 or 101 quoting log 600 of 24/01/2026. You can also report information via LiveChat on our website or through the independent charity Crimestoppers - anonymously - on 0800 555 111. At least one person was killed and more than a dozen were hospitalized after a gas explosion in a high-rise New York City apartment building early Saturday. The four-alarm fire in the Bronx started around 12.19am and spread to multiple apartments in the 17-story dwelling, per the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). City authorities said the blaze on the top three floors of 3485 Bivona Street was caused by 'some kind of gas explosion' which remained under investigation. One civilian, who is still unidentified, was declared dead on arrival. The fire also injured 14 others including one person who was left in a critical condition, according to the FDNY. 'It was a very, very difficult night on a very cold night, which caused even more difficulty,' FDNY Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore said Saturday. Bonsignore said fire officials received a call reporting the smell of gas shortly after midnight. A unit was dispatched to investigate and the blast happened about 15 minutes later. At least one person died and more than a dozen were hospitalized following a gas explosion in a 17-story New York City apartment building on Saturday The blaze on the top three floors of 3485 Bivona Street was caused by 'some kind of gas explosion,' the city's deputy mayor for housing and planning Leila Bozorg said More than 230 fire and EMS personnel responded to the fire. About 150 homes were being evacuated In addition to one fatality and a person described as 'critically ill', five others were seriously injured and eight suffered minor injuries. All were taken to local hospitals. 'Our EMTs, paramedics and firefighters work very hard to best outcome for all our patients,' Kathleen Knuth, FDNY deputy assistant chief, said. About 150 homes were being evacuated early Saturday amid 12F conditions and the American Red Cross responded to assist displaced residents. More than 230 fire and emergency medical personnel were sent to the scene. FDNY Chief of Department John Esposito described the risk of the blaze and praised firefighters for their work. 'It was a very, very dangerous operation for our firefighters who performed incredibly on those upper floors, searching and protecting civilian life,' Esposito said. He said some firefighters were briefly trapped in an elevator. The fire was reported in five apartments on the 16th floor and five on the 17th floor. One firefighter was later taken to Jacobi Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries, the FDNY said. Fire officials received a call reporting the smell of gas in the building in the early morning, with the explosion happening shortly thereafter The fire was considered under control shortly before 5am. The New York City Department of Buildings said it was at the scene of the blast City officials urged residents to take fire safety precautions as frigid conditions grip New York City. The warning comes as a winter storm is expected to bring subzero wind chills and potentially the heaviest snowfall in years. 'If this happened tomorrow during the snowstorm, this is a much, much more complicated and dangerous event,' Zach Iscol, the city's emergency management commissioner, said. 'Not just for the residents, but also for our firefighters and first responders.' He added: 'New Yorkers really need to do their part, not just staying off the roads, but also practicing fire safety.' The NYC fire department posted on X at 1.33am that it was responding to the blaze and posted a photo of the building engulfed in flames. The fire was considered under control by 4.52am. Leila Bozorg, the deputy mayor for housing and planning, said the building 'had some kind of gas explosion, the cause of which is still being investigated.' 'It's an incredible tragedy,' she added. 'We're sending all our thoughts to the families involved.' City officials said a reception center was open at Cornerstone Academy - about five minutes away from 3485 Bivona Street - to assist displaced residents. New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani said that he was with families affected by the blast. 'The fire is under control, but searches, inspections, and utility restoration are ongoing,' he wrote on X. Mamdani added: 'Please avoid the area. My heart is with everyone affected, and I'm deeply grateful to our first responders.' The New York City Department of Buildings also said it was at the scene of the fire. A photo posted shortly after 8am showed the building's upper floors severely damaged, with its facade charred by the blaze. A man was stabbed and cars and businesses were smashed up as fights broke out between groups of people of Syrian and Kurdish heritage in Manchester this week. At least four people were arrested after hundreds descended on the city's iconic Curry Mile for a second night of protests, led by the local Kurdish community, on Wednesday. Disorder first broke out on Tuesday following a protest in the Rusholme area of the city, with police putting in place a Section 34 dispersal order. Clashes between protesters and police took place as there were reports of confrontations between the Kurdish community and local Syrian residents and businesses. One local businessman told how a group began trying to smash his premises' windows, while a staff member inside Chandni Jewellers said they were 'shocked' by the disorder. 'It was crazy, it was swarms of people about,' he said. 'We actually had to drop the shutters, it was too many people. I'm not conscious of any tensions in the area and I think it was to do with events in the Middle East - but we were shocked to see it.' On Wednesday around 300 people attended a peaceful protest in Exchange Quay. But during the event a 23-year-old man was stabbed and rushed to hospital. A police officer faces off with a man during clashes in Manchester this week as members of the Kurdish community protested events in Syria There were protests on Tuesday and Wednesday which saw four people arrested and one person stabbed His injuries were not life-threatening and a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said that no arrests have yet been made in connection with the incident. During the day three people were arrested on suspicion of affray. Disorder also broke out in a separate incident on Wednesday, with footage from around 11pm on Wilmslow Road showing large numbers of officers at the scene. Videos circulating on social media showed car and business windows being smashed and kicked in by crowds of young men. Greater Manchester Police put in place Section 60 and Section 34 orders to help maintain the peace, which gave officers greater powers to stop and search individuals and to order people to leave the area or face arrest. A gathering of around 40 people ensued in the evening, with one arrest made in connection with a breach of the Section 34 order, Greater Manchester Police said. Ex Tory MP-turned Reform member Nadhim Zahawi took to social media on Saturday to condemn the scenes, while sharing a tweet which falsely stated six people had been stabbed in the city. The incident referred to actually took place in Antwerp, Belgium, after six were knifed while attending a Kurdish demonstration. According to Greater Manchester Police, the protests were largely peaceful but some disorder did occur Videos online showed groups of people smashing car windows and windscreens with their feet Several hundred people attended the events, with three arrests made for affray and one for breach of a Section 34 order Sharing a video of events in Manchester this week which contained the misleading claim, Mr Zahawi said: 'Our streets have been taken over because criminals/wrong doers who do not respect our laws feel they can easily get away with it and that there are no severe consequences to their violent actions and law breaking. 'We must act fast & hard. Britain is broken, this is a national emergency.' The initial disorder broke out on Tuesday following a largely peaceful protest connected to clashes in Syria between the government and the majority Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the north east of the Middle Eastern country. Syria is recovering from the aftermath of a long-running civil war that eventually saw the nation's long serving dictator Bashar Al-Assad flee the country in late 2024. Rebels led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa, a former jihadist and now the country's president, seized the capital city of Damascus and have been trying to consolidate their control over the country ever since. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is led by Syria's large Kurdish community, seized control of areas of the north east of the country during the conflict. Chief Superintendent David Meeney of the City of Manchester said: 'Whilst we will always work to facilitate peaceful protests, we will act against those that engage in disorder and create disruption for our communities. 'We are taking preventative steps to ensure this disorder does not continue. Officers are engaging with local people and listening to their concerns, with additional patrols on the streets to make sure this type of criminality does not continue. 'The Section 60 and 34 powers are in place to assist us in doing just that, and have been expanded to other areas of the city for everyone's safety. 'There is also a young man in hospital recovering from stab injuries, and we are appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident at Exchange Quay, or who has any footage or helpful information to come forward with this. 'Anyone with information is urged to contact Salford CID on 0161 856 5235 quoting the log number 3222 of 21/01/2026. Alternatively, you can submit information via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.' BMW's next-generation SUV is drawing unusually strong early demand, including from many first-time BMW buyers. BMWs new iX3 is drawing strong orders, often from buyers who havent test-driven it. Germany's Der Spiegel says orders beat expectations, prompting the introduction of an earlier-than-planned second shift in Hungary. German data suggests that around one in three iX3 buyers are new to BMW. The BMW iX3 represents a major departure from how the manufacturer has been making cars. Its design has been divisive inside and out, yet many buyers are placing orders without a test drivesome probably without even seeing the car in person. On paper, the iX3 looks like BMWs most complete electric vehicle yet. Technically, its a major leap over BMWs earlier EVs, with a new 800-volt platform that brings faster charging, higher efficiency, a stronger emphasis on driving dynamics and more software definition. Strong early demand suggests its landing with buyers. We reported in October that the iX3 had racked up over 3,000 orders in Germany alone, and that was before the international first-drive event, when journalists published their initial impressions. Once they were published, orders picked up even more, also helped by the customer events it organized around Europe, giving prospective buyers a closer look at the car and sampling some features, even without driving it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Der Spiegel reports, citing unnamed sources inside BMW, that the Bavarian automaker received more iX3 orders than it was expecting in 2025. The report says those "very high order volumes" have prompted BMW to add an additional shift to the factory where the iX3 is being built earlier than initially planned. The source adds that in Germany, around one in three buyers have never owned a BMW, which makes the fact that they are buying one without a test drive all the more unusual. In late 2025, some reports claimed the iX3 was nearly sold out for its first year of production. BMW confirmed to me that the model is in very high demand, but noted that these reports were exaggerated and the order books were still open. The Hungarian plant has an annual capacity of 150,000 units, a level it may not reach in its first full year of production, though an extra shift could push output above the initially planned level. Stay informed with our newsletter every weekday back Subscribe For more info, read our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The iX3 will have fierce competition, though, including from its biggest rival. The Mercedes-Benz GLC With EQ Technology is also doing well so far. It cant match the BMW on charging speed or range, but its also a leap forward for the brand and a strong contender. Just like the new electric CLA sedan, the GLC EQ no longer looks like a jelly bean and its design is far closer to that of the manufacturers conventional car lineup. Judging by the early success of these two crossovers, car buyers are getting excited for a new era of more advanced electric vehicles that are better than their predecessors in just about every way. As we've reported before, thanks to models like the iX3 and GLC, 2026 is when the real EV war begins. Britain is planning to seize more Russian oil tankers and use profits running into hundreds of millions of pounds to fund Ukraine's fight against President Putin, the Mail on Sunday can reveal. Senior Government sources told the MoS they expect each seized tanker in Russia's sanctions-busting 'shadow fleet' would raise tens of millions money that would be denied to Moscow and instead help Ukraine battle back. The dramatic change in approach comes after the Grinch, which was travelling from the Arctic port of Murmansk in northern Russia, was boarded last Thursday in a daring joint UK-French raid in the Mediterranean. It was flying the Comoros flag, but French maritime authorities said a search of the vessel 'confirmed the doubts as to the regularity of the flag'. Defence Secretary John Healy revealed the UK navy had provided 'tracking and monitoring' support, with HMS Dagger monitoring the tanker through the Straits of Gibraltar. The MoS understands that Britain's special forces are on standby to target more of Russia's shadow fleet, with UK sanctions imposed on 544 vessels. Defence sources hope this high-stakes move will turn the tables on Russia with the money going to Kyiv's defences instead of pouring into the Kremlin's coffers. File photo of a French navy operation seizing a Russian oil tanker with the help of British intelligence on January 22 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks to the media in the briefing room of 9 Downing Street in central London on January 19 Pictured: The scene from the French Navy operation on Thursday A senior government source said: 'This would be a game changer, not only depriving Putin of illegal oil revenues to fund his war, but flipping the proceeds of that oil back to Ukraine as they continue to fight back.' Oil revenue is a critical part of Russia's economy, and Moscow's shadow fleet has been used to dodge Western sanctions and bankroll Putin's war machine. But the UK approach is seen as high risk. Defence experts believe Russia could retaliate by seizing British-flagged tankers or upping its own economic and legal warfare against the West. Moscow has already explicitly said that using Russian assets to fund Ukraine is 'outright theft' and a 'special kind of casus belli' [justification for war]. But the MoD has calculated the seizures are proportionate and fall within internationally agreed sanctions. This move follows similar action taken by the US, which has repeatedly seized oil shipments tied to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for violating sanctions. The shipments were then sold under court-approved forfeiture orders. The MoS understands that Britain's special forces are on standby to target more of Russia's shadow fleet, with UK sanctions imposed on 544 vessels. Photo from the previous operation The US said previously that 'these actions have deprived Iran of more than 5,300,000 barrels of petroleum products and $294 million attributable to IRGC.' It comes as Washington-led talks in Abu Dhabi involving delegations from Russia, Ukraine and the US appear to have stalled. According to insiders, progress has been made but the key issue of territory remains unresolved. Overnight, Russia targeted civilians, with deadly missiles raining down in a 'barbaric' attack on Kyiv, leaving one dead and 15 injured, and Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, was also hit. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the 'brutal' strike 'cynically' ordered by Russian leader Vladimir Putin - had 'hit not only our people, but also the negotiation table.' Russia's shadow fleet consists of ageing oil tankers used secretly to ship crude around the world by switching flags, disabling tracking systems and obscuring ownership to evade Western sanctions. The MoD said: 'Deterring, disrupting and degrading the Russian shadow fleet is a priority for this government. 'Alongside our allies, we are stepping up our response to shadow vessels - and we will continue to do so.' Tom Keatinge, Director of the Centre for Finance & Security at RUSI, said: 'This would be a significant development in the UK's support for Ukraines fight against Russia a step we would welcome. 'It shows the MoD is becoming more muscular in Britains defence against the Kremlins shadowy forces and taking the upper hand over the more cautious approach of the Foreign Office. 'For too long, Russia has used its illegal armada to dodge sanctions and fuel its illegal war. Hopefully, this robust action will make that much harder.' She's usually pictured wearing stylish clothes and designer outfits at promotional events. However, Scots actress Gayle Rankin is worlds away from her usual demure look in scenes from her latest film. The House of the Dragon actress is starring in bonkers new comedy The Incomer, which was filmed in the Highlands and features Hollywood star Domhnall Gleeson. In a scene shared at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, Rankins character can be seen tucking into a cooked seagull while Gleesons character - an avowed vegan - looks on in horror. Set on a fictitious remote island, off the northeast coast of Scotland, The Incomer centers on orphaned siblings who have grown up in isolation, without the comforts of modern mainland life. Rankin best known from the Greatest Showman and Outlander star, Grant ORourke take on the roles as the eccentric brother and sister. While Harry Potter star Gleeson plays an awkward council worker, who arrives to uproot the siblings to the mainland. The awkward scene shows the trio gathered round a dimly lit dining table with a plate of roast seagull in the centre. Gleesons face is filled with fear as he stares at the bird. He is then asked by ORourke, Do you not like the gull? to which he responds, Im vegan. Domhnall Gleeson and Scots actress Gayle Rankin at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah where The Incomer was screened In the eerie scene from The Incomer, Rankins character can be seen tucking into a cooked seagull The comedy is set on an island off the northeast coast of Scotland The pair then comically question the council worker about the term, mixing up his moral beliefs with the belief that the creature exists. The comedy, written and directed by Edinburgh based Louis Paxton, stars several other Scottish actors including Michelle Gomez, John Hannah and Emun Elliott. Its not just Scottish actors representing the nation at the arts festival, a total of seven films produced or co-produced in the country are being showcased at the US festival this year a record-breaking turnout. With Isabel Davis, executive director of Screen Scotland dubbing it as an unprecedented year. She told BBC Scotland: Weve had good years before, with two or three titles but this is definitely a breakout year. Sundance is a global platform for films. Its incredibly influential, with industry eyes on the most exciting new work thats coming out. The British Film Institute description of the film reads: Set on a remote Scottish island, the film follows siblings Isla and Sandy (Rankin and ORourke) who have lived a totally normal life for decades, hunting seabirds, chatting to mythic creatures and defending their isle from dreaded Incomers. Their world is upended with the arrival of Daniel (Gleeson), an awkward council worker, come to uproot them to the mainland. While Daniel brings strange new discoveries, Isla and Sandy teach the outsider the ways of the gull. Together, the trio are forced to confront the truth about their respective isolation. US President Donald Trump has revealed details of a mystery weapon he has coined 'The Discombobulator,' that was used in the capture of Venezuela's former leader Nicolas Maduro. In an interview with the New York Post he revealed the tool's name just days after he gave hints about the sonic weapon that 'nobody else' had. Trump has suggested that the debilitating device could be used against America's enemies after proving successful in the January 3 capture of Maduro. 'I'm not allowed to talk about it,' Trump told the New York Post from the Oval Office. 'I would love to.' He offered that the weapon 'made [enemy] equipment not work' and lauded its effectiveness. 'They never got their rockets off,' Trump said. 'They had Russian and Chinese rockets, and they never got one off.' He added: 'We came in, they pressed buttons and nothing worked. They were all set for us.' Venezuelan officials said more than 83 people, including 47 soldiers, were killed during the successful capture mission. US President Donald Trump revealed a new weapon that he dubbed 'The Discombobulator.' He told the New York Post that he was 'not allowed to talk about it' However, Trump said the mystery weapon 'made [enemy] equipment not work' and praised how effective it was One US service member was injured by return fire but there were no American fatalities. Earlier this week, Trump demurred while lavishing the strength of the US military during an interview with NewsNation anchor Katie Pavlich on Tuesday. He said that only the US military has access to the sonic weapons by noting, 'It's something I don't wanna nobody else has it.' When Trump was asked if Americans should be 'afraid' of the secret weapon, he responded: 'Well, yeah.' 'But we have weapons nobody else knows about.' Trump added. 'I say it's probably good not to talk about it, but we have some amazing weapons.' An account previously shared by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on January 10 also claimed that a 'very intense sound wave' disabled Venezuelan forces and Cuban bodyguards on the night of Maduro's arrest. 'Stop what you are doing and read this' Leavitt wrote on X, alongside five emojis of the American flag. The 'absolutely chilling' testimony was attributed to an unnamed 'Venezuelan security guard loyal to Nicolas Maduro.' Trump has claimed that the US military has 'weapons nobody else knows about,' but did not give more details White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared an account from an unnamed Venezuelan security guard saying the weapon used in Maduro's capture caused nosebleeds and vomiting He claimed that his own weapons were rendered useless by the American military's new weapon. 'Suddenly I felt like my head was exploding from the inside,' the account said. It added: 'We all started bleeding from the nose. Some were vomiting blood. We fell to the ground, unable to move.' The guard supposedly said that he had 'never seen anything like it.' 'We couldn't even stand up after that sonic weapon or whatever it was,' he added. The soldier's remarks reposted by Leavitt described the capture mission as a 'massacre.' Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured and then taken by helicopter to the USS Iwo Jima warship. The former Venezuelan leader is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn awaiting trial on federal charges. Maduro has pleaded not guilty to narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices He has been charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. Maduro's indictment alleged that he allowed 'cocaine-fueled corruption to flourish for his own benefit, for the benefit of members of his ruling regime, and for the benefit of his family members.' He has pleaded not guilty, as has his wife. Kremlin officials have demanded that the US provide more information about the sonic weapon used in the raid to capture Maduro. Putin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said his government would begin investigating Trump's comments regarding the device. Pressure mounted on Sir Keir Starmer to ditch his terrible plan of surrendering the Chagos Islands amid mounting opposition from his own Labour MPs. The Prime Minister faced calls to heed the concerns of Donald Trump and scrap the plan entirely not just pause it. Senior Labour backbench MP Dan Carden said: This is not about obeying Trump - it's about using common sense and doing the right thing for the country. The plea came after the surprise news on Friday that Sir Keir was pulling the next stage of legislation needed to ratify the controversial territory which includes a giant joint UK/US military base to Mauritius. The Bill was due to be discussed in the House of Lords on Monday but the draft law was withdrawn just days after the US president came out strongly against the handover. It also came after Tory peers demanded to know if the agreement complied with international law, with the Tories warned it would break a UN treaty between the UK and US in 1966 which stated: 'The territory shall remain under UK sovereignty.' But the Government insist that the deal which critics say could eventually cost the UK 35 billion in payments to Mauritius, more than 10 times the Governments estimate - will still go ahead. A Government spokesman said: The Government remains fully committed to the deal to secure the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia, which is vital for our national security. This is irresponsible and reckless behaviour by peers, whose roles is to check legislation, not interfere with our national security priorities. Pressure mounted on Sir Keir Starmerto ditch his terrible plan of surrendering the Chagos Islands amid mounting opposition from his own LabourMPs. Pictured: Diego Garcia, the largest of the islands Members of the Chagossian community gather in Parliament Square in June 2025 in protest against the UK handover of Chagos Islands to Mauritius The plea came after the surprise news on Friday that Sir Keir was pulling the next stage of legislation needed to ratify the controversial territory which includes a giant joint UK/US military base to Mauritius But the Mail on Sunday has learnt that some Labour MPs have increasing concerns about the plan and now want it scrapped all together. Mr Carden, who earlier last week abstained on the proposal, came out against it entirely last night. He said: The Government should drop the Chagos deal. National security and the sovereignty of British territory have to be our top priority. The Government should snatch this victory from the jaws of surrender. The Liverpool Walton MP added: Since the Government came to this agreement with Mauritius in October 2024, the world has changed. This is no time to risk national security or sovereignty. We need to use our common sense and protect ourselves and the rights of the Chagossians who are relying on us to do the right thing. Your browser does not support iframes. Former Labour Minster Graham Stringer, who has already criticised the handover, branded the deal terrible and urged Sir Keir to rethink. He said: Given that we now know that the US administration is definitely against this, I expect more Labour colleagues will now come out against this terrible plan. No Labour candidate in the next election will proudly put on their electoral leaflets how we have given 35 billion to Mauritius while our health service and military are so short of money. The Blackley and Middleton South MP added: Starmer needs to turn this pause in the legislation into a complete stop to this terrible idea. To the frustration of Labour Ministers, Mr Trump last week branded the UK's plan to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands as an act of great stupidity despite having previously endorsed it. In the Commons, Sir Keir made clear that Mr Trump was criticising the Chagos deal now to put pressure on him over the UKs opposition to the US presidents ambitions to seize Greenland. President Donald Trump has warned Canada it would be 'eaten alive' if it strikes a deal with China, threatening 100 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods entering the US. On Saturday, Trump launched a sharp warning on Truth Social to Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney over plans to make the country a 'Drop Off Port' for Chinese imports into the United States, saying they are 'sorely mistaken'. 'China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric and general way of life,' the president wrote. 'If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100 percent Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the USA,' he added. Trump's latest threat comes days after Carney's speech to global leaders at Davos, Switzerland, where he warned that the postWorld War II 'rules-based order' led by the US and its allies is 'fading'. 'Every day we're reminded that we live in an era of great-power rivalry. That the rules-based order is fading. That the strong can do what they can, and the weak must suffer what they must,' the Canadian Prime Minister said. Trump has previously talked about making Canada the 51st state and posted this week an altered image of a map of the US that included Canada, Greenland, Venezuela and Cuba as part of its territory. The president said at Davos that Canada gets many 'freebies' from the US and 'should be grateful,' but added that Carney's speech showed he 'wasn't so grateful'. President Donald Trump warned Canada it would be 'eaten alive' if it strikes a deal with China and threatened 100 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods entering the US The threat comes a week after Carney travelled to China and secured a new 'strategic partnership' with the Communist regime, aimed at boosting trade and investment. Pictured: workers on a silk production line in Fuyang City, Anhui Province Prime Minister Mark Carney is pictured speaking at the beginning of a Cabinet Planning Forum at the Citadelle in Quebec City on Thursday The Canadian Prime Minister condemned coercion by great powers against smaller nations during his 15-minute speech - without once mentioning Trump by name. Carney told Davos attendees that smaller powers should build a 'dense web of connections' through multilateral cooperation, offering a counterbalance to Trump's Greenland strategy. 'Great powers can afford for now to go it alone. They have the market size, the military capacity, and the leverage to dictate terms. Middle powers do not,' Carney said. 'In a world of great power rivalry, the countries in between have a choice: compete with each other for favor or to combine to create a third path with impact,' he added. '(We) argue the middle powers must act together because if we're not at the table, we're on the menu.' Carney's historic comments followed a trip to China last week, during which he secured a new 'strategic partnership' with the Communist regime, aimed at boosting trade and investment. This marked the first visit to China by a Canadian prime minister in six years. 'As the world's second-largest economy, China presents enormous opportunities for Canada in this mission,' according to the Canadian Prime Minister's website. Carney said that the move to meet with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji - the chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee - represented Canada 'recalibrating' its ties with China 'Central to this new partnership is an agreement to collaborate in energy, clean technology, and climate competitiveness,' the announcement added. 'Canada and China are both energy superpowers focused on expanding two-way energy cooperation reducing emissions and scaling up investments in batteries, solar, wind, and energy storage.' While in Beijing, Carney held meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, the chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee. The Canadian Liberal didn't mince words, revealing the meeting represented Canada 'recalibrating' its ties with China. Carney explained that the move would position Canada for a 'new world order,' one in which it begins distancing itself from its longtime southern ally. He said the partnership will also tackle 'global governance' - a field Carney said Trump has completely walked away from. 'At its best, the Canada-China relationship has created massive opportunities for both our peoples,' the Prime Minister said following the meeting. 'By leveraging our strengths and focusing on trade, energy, agri-food, and areas where we can make huge gains, we are forging a new strategic partnership that builds on the best of our past, reflects the world as it is today, and benefits the people of both our nations,' he added. Carney said the partnership with China will also tackle 'global governance' - a field the PM said Trump has completely walked away from Trump has previously talked about making Canada the 51st state and posted this week an altered image of a map of the US that included Canada, Greenland, Venezuela and Cuba as part of its territory Together, they pledged to collaborate on law enforcement - targeting drug trafficking, cybercrime and money laundering - as well as expanding cultural exchanges. 'They will also explore further opportunities for cultural exchanges and partnerships - including supporting museums, digital content creators and visual artists to increase travel exchanges and cultural ties,' the Prime Minister's website said. Carney also approved an agreement between Destination Canada - Canada's tourism board - and China Media Group to encourage more Chinese tourists to visit the northern country. According to the Prime Minister, the agreement comes at a crucial time as Canada prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 26, expected to draw hundreds of international visitors. He also welcomed President Xi's commitment to grant Canadians visa-free travel to China, making trips easier and likely boosting tourism between the two countries. 'Finally, to build on this momentum, Canada has set an ambitious goal to increase exports to China by 50 percent by 2030,' according to Carney's website. 'To achieve this outcome, Prime Minister Carney and President Xi discussed increasing two-way investment in clean energy and technology, agri-food, wood products, and other sectors,' it added. Carney and Trump traded jabs at Davos, culminating in Carney's public rejection of Trump's remark that 'Canada lives because of the United States'. The president said at Davos that Canada gets many 'freebies' from the US and 'should be grateful,' but added that Carney's speech showed he 'wasn't so grateful' 'Canada doesn't live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian,' Carney responded after leaving the elite forum. He said that Canada and the US have built a remarkable partnership in the areas of economy, security and rich cultural exchange, but said 'we are masters in our home, this is our own country, it's our future, the choice is up to us.' Carney also left Davos before Trump inaugurated the Board of Peace, which aims to 'support efforts to maintain a ceasefire in Israels war with Hamas.' However, Trump subsequently disinvited Carney from his board, posting to Truth Social and writing to the PM: 'Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada's joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time.' Carney had already spoken about the invitation earlier this week, admitting that Canada had 'preconditions' before paying the $1billion membership fee to 'help rebuild Gaza'. In a speech before a cabinet retreat in Quebec City, Carney said staying true to Canada's values is key to maintaining its sovereignty. 'We can show that another way is possible, that the arc of history isn't destined to be warped toward authoritarianism and exclusion; it can still bend toward progress and justice,' Carney said. Carney said 'Canada must be a beacon - an example to a world at sea.' 'China will eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric and general way of life,' the president wrote to Truth Social on Saturday He added that in a time of rising populism and ethnic nationalism, Canada can show how diversity is a strength - not a weakness. 'There are billions of people who aspire to what we have built: a pluralistic society that works,' Carney said. The Prime Minister said Canada delivers shared prosperity and has a democracy that chooses to protect the vulnerable against the powerful. 'It's a great country for everyone. It is the greatest country in the world to be a regular person. You don't have to be born rich, or to a landed family. You don't have to be a certain color or worship a certain god,' he said. Part of a historic pier has been washed away by Storm Ingrid, as powerful gusts and heavy downpours continue to cause disruption across the UK. Pictures show huge chunks missing from Teignmouth Grand Pier, built in 1865, after it was struck by strong waves and rain throughout the night. Teignmouth mayor, Councillor Cate Williams, said it was 'sad' to see parts of the pier destroyed after it had 'taken a real battering'. The Met Office has warned that further heavy rain through Saturday is likely to cause some flooding and transport disruption in Devon and Cornwall. A yellow weather warning, also covering parts of Scotland, southern Wales and Northern Ireland, is in place until 10pm. Flooding remains a major risk, with the Environment Agency issuing 16 warnings and 135 alerts for England today. A Met Office spokesman said: 'With ground conditions saturated in many places, further flooding of roads and flowing water from fields is likely even with modest amounts of rainfall, leading to difficult driving conditions and roads potentially becoming impassable at times. 'Although not as strong as yesterday, winds approaching gale force during Saturday morning may continue to exacerbate impacts at times, particularly along the English Channel coastline.' Pictures show huge chunks missing from Teignmouth Grand Pier, built in 1865, after it was struck by strong waves and rain through the night Teignmouth mayor, Councillor Cate Williams, said it was 'sad' to see parts of the pier destroyed after it had 'taken a real battering' A yellow weather warning for rain is in place until 10pm covering southwest England, southern Wales, parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland Forecasters have also warned of 'wintry hazards' next week for the north and east of the UK, with the chance of snow for some places. There is also another Met Office yellow warning for rain covering large parts of southwest England and south Wales from 6pm on Monday to 2pm on Tuesday. Teignmouth mayor, Councillor Cate Williams, told BBC that the pier was already in poor condition and that has survided previous storms and worls wars. She said: 'It has lost part of the pier structure itself, that has dissolved and gone away into the sea. 'It's an old pier and it was needing some attention and I suppose age and wear and tear has taken its toll. 'It has survived many weather conditions as well as world wars. It's sad when you look at it now to see some of it now missing.' Great Western Railway urged people not to travel between Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot on Saturday morning as the lines would be suspended. The company said disruption would be expected until 7pm on Saturday following severe weather affecting the Dawlish sea wall. The line between Par and Newquay has also been closed, with disruption expected until 5pm. Dog walkers pass strong waves hitting the coastline of Lyme Regis in Dorset yesterday afternoon Dog walkers in strong winds at Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth, Cornwall, yesterday morning Waves crash against South Shields Lighthouse in South Tyneside yesterday morning Flooding remains a major risk, with the Environment Agency issuing 16 warnings and 135 alerts for England today Yellow weather warnings in place on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Your browser does not support iframes. Martin Wrigley, the MP for Newton Abbott, said: 'Seeing the damage to the sea wall in Dawlish is really disappointing. 'That means the railway line will need fixing before it can be reopened but hopefully they will get it done quickly. 'Network Rail need to do more to make our railway fully resilient.' Elsewhere, the Met Office warned parts of northeast Scotland could face further flooding and travel disruption as a yellow weather warning for rain continues into the weekend. The Met Office weather warning covering the Grampian, Angus and Perth regions came into effect at midnight and is in place until 9am on Sunday. On Saturday morning, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency had 11 flood warnings and four flood alerts active. A Met Office spokesman said: 'Following a three-day spell of very wet weather across this region, with some places having seen in excess of 100mm, a further day of fairly persistent and at times heavy rain is expected, before easing during Saturday night. 'Many places are likely to see a further 20-30mm of rain, and a few spots could see 50mm. 'Above 400-500 metres, however, a lot of this will fall as snow, with rain confined to areas of ground below this level.' Those in the affected area have been told to check if their home is at risk of flooding and take the appropriate precautions. ScotRail said that speed restrictions would be in place on the line between Aberdeen and Inverness due to the adverse weather, leading to slower journey times. The line towards Dundee was also blocked by a fallen tree. Three people in Aberdeenshire had to be rescued from their stranded vehicles by firefighters. Two people were rescued from a minibus on the B977 near Kintore at around 8.30am on Thursday while one person was brought to safety from a car in a separate incident at around the same time near Banchory. The Scottish Government Resilience Room met on Thursday to discuss the weather situation. Justice Secretary Angela Constance, who chaired the meeting, said: 'I would urge people to pay attention to flood alerts, weather forecasts and to consider travel updates in their area.' Three people have been arrested outside Crowborough training barracks after protesters blocked a vehicle leaving the army camp, which is being used to house asylum seekers. About 27 men have been housed at the camp, where the Home Office plans to accommodate up to 500 men as it bids to end the use of asylum hotels. The move has sparked opposition from neighbours of the camp, and the local authority, Wealden District Council, has said it is considering legal action. Sussex Police said the arrests followed two incidents at the entrance to the East Sussex camp on Friday, January 23. A force spokesman said: 'The gathering was initially peaceful, however when a vehicle was leaving the site, three individuals were threatening and intimidatory. 'The individuals caused an obstruction, shouted abuse, and struck the vehicle, alarming the driver and passengers.' A 36-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman, both from Crowborough, and a 54-year-old man from Newhaven were arrested on Saturday on suspicion of an offence under section 4a of the Public Order Act and are currently in police custody, the spokesman said. Chief Superintendent James Collis said: 'We know that the use of the Crowborough training camp for asylum accommodation has caused concern within the community. Flags of the United Kingdom in Crowborough, East Sussex, after the first 27 illegal migrants were moved into Crowborough Training Camp Three people have been arrested outside Crowborough training barracks after protesters blocked a vehicle leaving the army camp, which is being used to house asylum seekers People enter a building at Crowborough army training camp, repurposed by the UK government as an accommodation centre for asylum seekers, in Crowborough, January 23, 2026 'Sussex Police has engaged with lawful protesters regularly over their concerns and will continue to enable the right to peaceful protest. 'However, last night there was a small group of people within the gathering that acted in a threatening and intimidatory manner to people going about their lawful business at the entrance to the site. 'This behaviour is not acceptable, and we will not tolerate abusive or threatening behaviour. 'Our officers are working hard to ensure everyone in and around Crowborough and at the camp are kept safe. Where individuals seek to commit criminal acts, they can expect to face robust action from the police. 'We have increased our police presence in Crowborough and the surrounding area to provide a clear point of contact for the public for engagement and reassurance, which will continue over the coming weeks. 'Any incidents will be responded to based on threat, harm, and risk in line with our existing processes for preventing crime and responding to calls for service across Sussex. 'We will continue to work with our partners to support the local community and encourage anyone with concerns to speak with officers in the street or at their local police station. 'The Home Office retains responsibility for the site, its security and its occupants, and we encourage anyone with concerns relating to the site to contact the Home Office in the first instance.' On a visit to Crowborough on Thursday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood vowed to defend any legal challenge 'vigorously'. The site accommodates single adult male illegal migrants who are claiming asylum in the UK and will be scaled up to hold more than 500 Sussex Police said the arrests followed two incidents at the entrance to the East Sussex camp on Friday January 23 She told broadcasters: 'I understand the strength of feeling, but I do also believe that getting out of asylum hotels is absolutely crucial for the country. 'We should never have used asylum hotels to house illegal migrants into this country.' Ms Mahmood has been tasked with speeding up efforts to close asylum hotels and has argued that using military sites is a vital part of ending that plan. Crowborough is one of two military sites the Government announced last year that it would use to house asylum seekers, along with Cameron Barracks in Inverness in the Highlands. Latest Home Office figures show the number of asylum seekers being temporarily housed in hotels increased by 13 per cent to 36,273 at the end of September. On Thursday, the Government said 197 hotels were being used to house asylum seekers as of January 5, down from more than 400 at its peak under the previous government. The Crowborough accommodation has 24/7 security with CCTV and strict sign-in processes for residents, the Home Office said. They will also have completed health and police checks before arriving at the base. A Border Patrol agent shot a 37-year-old American citizen dead in Minneapolis in a killing caught on camera. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the Daily Mail that the victim was armed with two magazines, and that the gun has since been recovered by federal authorities. The shooting occurred during what appeared to be a struggle involving multiple agents just after 9am Saturday morning near Glam Doll Donuts at 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. Video shows agents wrestling the man to the ground before one federal agent fires multiple shots into his chest, after which the agents scatter. This marks the third shooting in recent weeks involving federal agents in Minneapolis - coming after an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Nicole Good on January 7 and another federal agent wounded a man about a week later. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said the person shot is believed to be a 37-year-old white US citizen who lived in the city. The Minnesota Star Tribune identified him as Alex Jeffrey Pretti. During the news conference, O'Hara said the man's only contact with police, to their knowledge, was related to parking tickets. The chief said officials have identified the man - who is believed to have had a gun permit - though his name has not yet been released. Minnesota law allows permit holders to openly carry handguns in public without concealing them. A Border Patrol agent shot a 37-year-old American citizen dead in Minneapolis on Saturday morning in a killing caught on camera The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the Daily Mail that the suspect was armed with two magazines, and that the gun has since been recovered by federal authorities The shooting occurred during what appeared to be a struggle involving multiple agents just after 9am Saturday morning near Glam Doll Donuts at 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue Video showed the agents wrestling the man to the ground before one federal agent fired multiple shots into his chest Your browser does not support iframes. DHS shared a photo of the firearm which was seen lying on the passenger seat of a car. Minneapolis city officials have since addressed the emerging news on X, stating they 'are aware of reports of another shooting involving federal law enforcement in the area.' 'We are working to confirm additional details,' the department's post read. 'We ask the public to remain calm and avoid the immediate area.' President Donald Trump has also been briefed on the shooting, a White House official told the New York Times. DHS has since shared its account of the shooting on X, saying the deadly incident began as a 'targeted operation against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault.' 'An individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun,' the department wrote. 'The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted.' 'Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject but was pronounced dead at the scene,' the statement added. 'The suspect also had 2 magazines and no ID - this looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.' During Saturday's news conference, Chief Brian O'Hara said the man's only contact with police, to their knowledge, was related to parking tickets The chief said officials have identified the man - who is believed to have had a gun permit - though his name has not yet been released Minnesota law allows permit holders to openly carry handguns in public without concealing them Several witnesses were transported to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building as ICE agents tried to order local police to leave the scene, but Chief O'Hara refused DHS also wrote that 'about 200 rioters arrived at the scene and began to obstruct and assault law enforcement,' leading to the deployment of crowd-control measures. The city's police department and officials with the Minnesota State Patrol are on scene and working to keep hundreds of observers and protesters separated from the federal agents. As crowds continue to gather, the Minnesota State Patrol declared an 'unlawful assembly,' in the vicinity of the fatal shooting, according to CBS News. Protesters are blocking streets with dumpsters and restaurant furniture while shouting 'ICE go home!' at agents, with the area still secured with police tape, according to the Star Tribune. At least two flash-bangs have gone off as agents only continue to push back protesters with tear gas, with the fumes still lingering in the air, the outlet reported. Protesters are remaining on the scene, screaming behind barriers, banging on dumpsters and running backwards whenever officials deploy tear gas. Residents are shouting at agents, calling them 'Nazis' and insisting that all immigrants are welcome, while others are frantically trying to move their parked cars out of the area. Chief O'Hara said during the press conference that two small fires have been set, and police and fire departments are working together to extinguish them. Residents are shouting at agents, calling them 'Nazis' and insisting that all immigrants are welcome, while others are frantically trying to move their parked cars out of the area DHS has since shared its account of the shooting on X, saying the deadly incident began as a 'targeted operation against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault' DHS also wrote that 'about 200 rioters arrived at the scene and began to obstruct and assault law enforcement,' leading to the deployment of crowd-control measures 'An individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun,' DHS said. 'The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted' One protestor, who the New York Times said either dropped or threw his sunglasses, was met with pepper-spray to the face. 'This is not OK for our city,' Joy, a 55-year-old resident at the scene told CBS News. 'This is when we show our resolve as a city because we're better than this. We are under attack by this administration right now and this is not OK. It's just not.' Several witnesses were transported to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building as ICE agents tried to order local police to leave the scene, but Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara refused. O'Hara has instructed his officers to preserve the scene, with Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stating that her office is working alongside the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) to coordinate a state response. 'The scene must be secured by local law enforcement for the collection and preservation of evidence,' Moriarty said, according to the Tribune. 'We expect the federal government to allow the BCA to process the scene,' she added. Moriarty has also launched a secure portal for people to submit video and other evidence from the scene of Saturday's shooting. During Saturday's news conference, Mayor Jacob Frey called the Trump administration's immigration crackdown an 'invasion' by masked agents acting with impunity. Mayor Jacob Frey called the Trump administration's immigration crackdown an 'invasion' by masked agents acting with impunity Chief O'Hara said during the press conference that two small fires have been set, and police and fire departments are working together to extinguish them Mayor Frey singled out Trump, demanding that he 'be a leader' and 'take action now and remove these federal agents' 'How many more residents, how many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end?' Frey declared, adding that the operations are 'not creating safety in our city.' He then singled out Trump, demanding that he 'be a leader.' 'Put Minneapolis, put America first,' Frey said, urging the president to 'take action now and remove these federal agents.' Governor Tim Walz responded on X with a blistering demand directed at President Donald Trump. 'I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening,' Walz wrote. 'The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota,' he added. 'Now.' In another statement to X, Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote: 'There has been another shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis and I am working to get more information.' 'To the Trump administration and the Republicans in Congress who have stood silent: Get ICE out of our state NOW,' she added. As crowds continue to gather, the Minnesota State Patrol declared an 'unlawful assembly,' in the vicinity of the fatal shooting Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stating that her office is working alongside the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) to coordinate a state response Chief O'Hara has instructed his officers to preserve the scene One protestor, who the New York Times said either dropped or threw his sunglasses, was met with pepper-spray to the face Minnesota Representative IIhan Omar shared the video to X and wrote that it appears to be 'an execution by immigration enforcement.' 'I am absolutely heartbroken, horrified, and appalled that federal agents murdered another member of our community. It is beyond shameful these federal agents are targeting our residents instead of protecting them,' she wrote. Omar claimed that the incident 'isn't isolated or accidental,' and said that the Trump administration is 'trying to beat us into submission rather than protect us.' 'This administration cannot continue violating constitutional rights under the guise of immigration enforcement. ICE and CBP must leave Minnesota immediately,' the rep wrote. 'Their presence is terrorizing our communities, violating rights, and taking lives with zero accountability,' she added. 'Minnesota was once a place of refuge, and Trump has turned it into a war zone where unchecked federal forces murder our neighbors.' Senator Erin Murphy, the top Democrat in the state's Senate, issued a statement demanding an end to the federal operation. 'ICE is a brutal invading force that acts without accountability or the most basic respect for human dignity or life,' she said. 'These agents of violence need to be brought to justice.' In a statement, Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote: 'To the Trump administration and the Republicans in Congress who have stood silent: Get ICE out of our state NOW' Minnesota Representative IIhan Omar shared the video to X and wrote that it appears to be 'an execution by immigration enforcement' In a statement, Senator Erin Murphy, the top Democrat in the state's Senate, wrote: 'ICE is a brutal invading force that acts without accountability or the most basic respect for human dignity or life' 'The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota,' Governor Tim Walz wrote on X. 'Now' Saturday's fatal shooting comes just a week after an ICE agent, who DHS said feared for his life, fired a 'defensive shot' at illegal migrant Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in Minneapolis, striking him in the leg. Sosa-Celis was taken into custody after a targeted traffic stop turned violent, according to DHS. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents tried to pull him over, but Sosa-Celis allegedly sped off, crashed into a parked car and then fled on foot. A pursuit ensued and agents tried to detain him, but he resisted arrest and violently assaulted an officer, the Trump administration said. A struggle broke out, bringing both Sosa-Celis and the officer to the ground. That's when Alfredo Alejandro Ajorna and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledzema allegedly came out of a nearby apartment and began to attack the agent with a snow shovel and broom handle. Sosa-Celis managed to escape while the other suspects carried out their attack. He then picked up the shovel or broom and started to strike the officer. The three suspects, all Venezuelan nationals who entered the US under the Biden administration, ran back inside and barricaded themselves in the apartment. They were later arrested by ICE officials and charged with attempted murder. The Daily Mail has reached out to DHS and the Minneapolis Police Department for comment. A British mother-of-three has been killed in Spain as police arrested her ex-partner on suspicion of murder. The 33-year-old woman, who has not been named, was attacked at around 11.40am local time in the La Paca area of Alhaurin el Grande in Malaga. The woman is said to have called for help from a property, prompting neighbours to enter her home to find her lying on the floor in a pool of blood. Emergency services rushed to the scene after they raised the alarm, but she was sadly pronounced dead. Officers discovered a kitchen knife at the scene which was taken away as part of their investigation. A man, known by the initials J.A.R., who is understood to be the victim's ex-partner, has been arrested. He reportedly fled the scene but handed himself in a short time afterwards, telling officers he had 'done something terrible'. Local media reported that the woman had three young children who were in the house at the time of the attack. The 33-year-old woman was attacked at around 11.40am local time in the La Paca area of Alhaurin el Grande (pictured) Emergency services rushed to the scene after they raised the alarm, but she was sadly pronounced dead (Pictured: Alhaurin el Grande) Emergency services were called around 11.40am local time, after the victim ran outside her house and screamed for help. By the time, paramedics arrived, she was back inside the house, where they tried but failed to save her. A kitchen knife was found near her body, it was reported. Her three children, an 11-year-old boy and seven-year-old twins, fled the house at the time of the attack into a communal garden where they begged for help. It is thought they assisted in calling for help for their mother, who was declared dead at the scene. One witness said that the eldest called his grandmother to tell her: 'Dad has killed Mum.' Neighbours claimed that the couple's relationship had been on the rocks prior to the woman's death and they had been in the process of separating. They told local media organisation Sur that the woman had been out with friends on Friday afternoon, and that her partner had sent repeated messages throughout the evening trying to find out where she was. The man had also been made the subject of restraining orders that prohibited him from contacting or seeing the victim in any way, it was reported. The suspect - identified as a local Spanish man called Juan A R - fled the scene in his car, and then drove near a prison, where he handed himself in. He is believed to have told guards: 'Arrest me, I have done something very bad', adding that he had 'lost his mind' after stabbing his ex-partner. The man was subsequently arrested by the Guardia Civil police, suspected of murder. So far, little has emerged of the suspect, but Spanish media reported that he was a former semi-professional footballer who previously played in Spains Tercera Federacion. It also emerged last night that the victim was registered on VioGen, which is Spains monitoring and safeguarding system for women who face gender or domestic violence. It is believed Juan had a restraining order against him, and was banned from communicating with her. But despite the court orders, he apparently had been harassing his ex-wife for several months, and even sent a barrage of text messages to her on Friday evening while she was out before turning up at the house yesterday morning. In a statement, local police said: 'The Civil Guard is investigating the death of a woman in Alhuarin el Grande. Her ex-partner has been arrested as the suspected perpetrator.' Alhaurin el Grande Town Council said: 'The Alhaurin el Grande Town Council expresses its deepest sorrow for the murder of a woman, around thirty years old and of British nationality, which occurred in our municipality this morning. 'From the City Council, we extend our deepest condolences and support to the family and loved ones of the victim, as well as our strongest condemnation and outrage at this act of gender violence, a social scourge that seriously violates human rights and that we must eradicate with the involvement of the entire society.' An official day of mourning has been announced for Monday, January 26, the local authority added. A Cold War relic perched on a rapidly crumbling cliff has finally succumbed to the relentless forces of nature, after a nuclear bunker collapsed into the sea. The brick-built structure near Tunstall, East Yorkshire - believed to be almost 70 years old - was originally designed as a monitoring post in the event of a nuclear war, but had been teetering on the brink as the coastline beneath it steadily disappeared. Amateur historian, Davey Robinson, who has been filming the bunker's final days, said he believed it fell at some point during the night as erosion took its toll. The dramatic collapse comes amid warnings that the area has some of the fastest eroding coastline in the UK, according to the Environment Agency. The clifftop bunker was one of a number of nuclear monitoring posts around the UK, according to the historical research group Subterranea Brittannica. Known as the Tunstall ROC (Royal Observer Corps) Post, it is believed to have been built in 1959 and decommissioned in the early 1990s, after the end of the Cold War. It includes two small underground chambers intended for short-term occupancy, mainly by volunteers. Robinson and his partner, Tracy Charlton, said videos of the bunker on their YouTube channel had attracted attention from around the world as viewers followed its slow demise. The brick-built structure near Tunstall, East Yorkshire - believed to be almost 70 years old - was originally designed as a monitoring post in the event of a nuclear war, but had been teetering on the brink as the coastline beneath it steadily disappeared The dramatic collapse comes amid warnings that the area has some of the fastest eroding coastline in the UK, according to the Environment Agency People view a decommissioned cold war nuclear observation post has fallen on to the beach after clinging perilously to the cliff face for the last month on January 24, 2026 in Tunstall 'The story of it just captured people's hearts,' Robinson said. 'So many people have been invested in it - it's not just bricks and mortar, it's something else.' Latest footage shows the bunker now sitting at the foot of the cliff, where it appears to be largely intact despite the dramatic fall. Robinson said that even though he knew the collapse was inevitable, 'it was really shocking to see her just tumble down like that'. 'It was really quite emotional and sad,' he added. Describing the structure as a stark reminder of the wider problem, Robinson said it was a 'symbol of erosion in this area', adding that they would continue to document what happened going forward. East Riding of Yorkshire Council had previously urged people to avoid the area, both at the clifftop and on the beach, and warned the public to 'always maintain a safe distance to the base of eroding cliffs due to the risks associated'. The Holderness coastline is eroding at an average annual rate of about 6.5ft, according to the Environment Agency. Around three miles of land is thought to have been lost since Roman times - including 23 villages - according to Internet Geography, underscoring the scale of the threat facing the coast. Before the tumble, a spokesperson from the council said: 'Recognising the risk posed by the structure, the council would ask that people avoid the area, both at the cliff top and at the beach as it descends the cliff. 'The council would also remind visitors and residents to always maintain a safe distance to the base of eroding cliffs, due to the risks associated. The nuclear-era lookout bunker near Tunstall on the East Yorkshire coast, pictured just days from slipping into the sea, on January 15 'East Riding council does not have any statutory responsibilities connected to the structure. The structure sits on an area of privately owned land. 'This location lies within Policy Unit E (Rolston to Waxholme) of the Shoreline Management Plan. 'The approach for this location remains at "no active intervention". 'Therefore, the coast is undefended in this area, which allows coastal processes to continue. 'The Ministry of Defence originally requisitioned the land to build the structure. But following its closure, the land was returned to the landowner, which included any military infrastructure upon it. 'The responsibility for this infrastructure therefore belongs to the landowner, and the management responsibility for the rural beach in this area sits with the Crown Estate.' Barron Trump repeatedly rang and FaceTimed a London woman throughout the day and night, her jealous ex-boyfriend has claimed in court. Matvei Rumiantsev, 22, is on trial in the UK for allegedly raping and beating the woman, who is friends with the president's youngest son. She previously told Snaresbrook Crown Court that Barron saved her life by contacting the emergency services after he allegedly witnessed her being attacked over FaceTime. Rumiantsev denies raping or strangling the woman. But he admitted it was 'hard not to be jealous' and the ongoing communication between them in late 2024 and early 2025 became a source of tension in their relationship. Rumiantsev told the court he had been unfairly portrayed as losing his temper over their friendship. 'She was frankly leading him on,' the former wrestler claimed. 'I'm being portrayed as a highly jealous person who loses his temper. I can't say I wasn't jealous. I considered her actions towards him wrong. It wasn't fair either to him or to me.' Rumiantsev said he was used to his ex receiving regular calls from the 'quite persistent' American by the night of the alleged attack on January 18, 2025. Barron Trump, the youngest son of President Donald Trump, repeatedly rang and FaceTimed a London woman throughout the day and night, her jealous ex-boyfriend has claimed in court Russian national Matvei Rumiantsev is accused of repeatedly punching Barron's female friend in a flat in London while President Trump's son was on a FaceTime call to her from the US 'Throughout the day, she had missed calls from him [Barron],' he told the court. 'The US is in a different time zone, so he was calling her in the morning, and then he apparently slept, and then he was calling in the evening.' The court heard Rumiantsev became upset after discovering the woman had referred to Barron as 'sweetheart' in messages, telling jurors the nickname made him feel 'unwell'. He allegedly he 'flew into a rage' after spotting Barron FaceTiming the woman in the early hours of January 18, before answering the call and attacking her as Barron watched in horror from across the Atlantic, jurors heard. Barron called the UK's emergency line 999 from America and spoke to the police, urging them to help his female friend. The victim claimed he saved her life, and that his FaceTime call to her that night was a 'sign from God'. Rumiantsev is charged with raping the woman on two occasions, assault, actual bodily harm and obstruction of justice. Police rushed to his home in Poplar, east London, in the early hours after Barron called 999 at 2.23am. Rumiantsev said he was used to his ex receiving regular calls from Barron (right) President-elect Donald Trump takes the oath of office as Barron Trump and Melania Trump look on during his second inauguration last year 'I'm calling from the US, uh I just got a call from a girl, you know, she's getting beat up,' Barron told the operator, the court heard. 'This was happening about eight minutes ago. I just figured out how to, how to call someone. Uh, uh it's really an emergency.' The President's son had allegedly watched on FaceTime as Rumiantsev grabbed the woman by the hair and pushed her to the floor, shouting 'you are not worth anything'. Rumiantsev called the woman a 'slut' and a 'whore' and kicked her in the stomach when she was on the floor, jurors heard. The woman told officers she had been slapped, punched, kicked and strangled during the assault. She told cops that the Russian would deliberately get her drunk and have sex with her without consent. She said she had asked him why he did this to her and he responded: 'You never want to do this with me so I make you drink and do this to you.' Fascination surrounds Barron's role in saving the woman as he remains remarkably private despite being the son of the most famous man in the world. The six-foot-seven college student is Trump's fifth child, and the President's only child with his third wife, Melania. The young Trump told investigators that he met the girl 'on social media.' Barron broke up with an unidentified girlfriend in November, according to reports, and is currently single. His peers at New York University's Stern School of Business have previously told news outlets that he is a 'ladies man.' Melania has keenly guarded Barron's privacy ever since Trump's first term and sources close to the family often deny or downplay reports about his life. The vacuum of information has led to vicious gossip linking him to toxic influencers from the far-right 'incel' community. The New York Times last month reported that Andrew Tate fostered a relationship Barron to bolster his efforts to flee a sex trafficking investigation in Romania. Barron and Tate spoke over a Zoom call in 2024, according to mutual friend Justin Waller, who says he was also dialed in. Tate, who now lives in Florida, reportedly told Barron that the criminal charges were an attempt to silence him. Donald Trump has paid tribute to the UK's 'great and very brave soldiers' - after sparking fury with claims British troops dodged the Afghanistan front line. In a statement, the US President said: 'The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America! 'In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. 'It's a bond too strong to ever be broken. The U.K. Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the U.S.A.!). We love you all, and always will! President DONALD J. TRUMP.' Earlier this week Mr Trump was accused of 'trampling on the memories' of Britain's 457 war dead with his claim they had stayed 'a little off the frontlines'. The President made no mention of the Danes or other NATO soldiers who died in the country. Downing Street led a chorus of condemnation as Sir Keir Starmer branded Mr Trump's remarks 'insulting and frankly appalling,' suggesting he should apologise. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch today said she was 'pleased' the president had 'now acknowledged the role of the British armed forces and those brave men and women who gave their lives fighting alongside the US and our allies'. She added, 'It should never have been questioned in the first place' - after previously branding the comments 'complete nonsense'. It is understood Sir Keir raised Mr Trump's remarks about Nato troops in Afghanistan directly with the US president in a conversation today. In a statement, the US President said: 'The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America!' Of British troops in Afghanistan the US President said 'they were among the greatest of all warriors' The coffin containing the body of British Army soldier L/cpl Paul 'Sandy' Sandford from the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment is carried by his fellow soldiers during his repatriation ceremony on June 9, 2007 in Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan A Number 10 spokesman said the Prime Minister 'raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home', and told Mr Trump 'we must never forget their sacrifice'. The two men also discussed the war in Ukraine, which approaches its fourth anniversary, and the Prime Minister 'reiterated that international partners must continue to support Ukraine in its defence against Putin's barbaric attacks'. They also touched on the UK-US relationship and the need for 'bolstered security in the Arctic', with Sir Keir saying this was 'an absolute priority for his Government'. Following the President's incendiary interview with US media, decorated veterans, MPs from all parties and the families of soldiers killed and wounded lined up to vent their hurt and anger. The UK suffered the second highest number of military deaths - 457 - in the Afghanistan conflict, behind the US, which saw 2,461 deaths. In total, America's allies suffered 1,160 deaths in the conflict, around a third of the total coalition deaths. Many pointed out that Mr Trump himself had repeatedly swerved military service in Vietnam. Doug Beattie, a former Army captain who won the Military Cross in Afghanistan, said: 'I will not allow anybody to trample over the memory of those men and women who I served alongside, who gave so much. 'We need to stand up to him, stand up to his bullying. This is a man who doesn't understand service because he dodged the draft and now he is insulting those who served their country.' Prince Harry, who was twice deployed to Afghanistan in his ten-year military career, joined the condemnation, saying: 'I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there. 'Thousands of lives were changed for ever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost. 'Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.' President Trump - just days after clashing with Nato allies over his bid to take control of Greenland - told Fox News he was 'not sure' the military alliance of Western countries would be there for America 'if we ever needed them'. Prince Harry (pictured), who was twice deployed to Afghanistan in his ten-year military career, joined the condemnation, saying: 'I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there' Your browser does not support iframes. In what was taken as a cheap shot at his country's closest friends, he claimed: 'We've never needed them... we have never really asked anything of them. They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan. And they did - they stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines.' His comments triggered outrage, with ministers dispensing with diplomatic protocol. Al Carns, the Armed Forces minister and a former commando who served five tours in Afghanistan, said Britain had fought 'shoulder to shoulder' with US troops after America asked Nato allies to come to its aid following the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Mr Carns raged: 'This is utterly ridiculous. We shed blood, sweat and tears together. Not everybody came home. 'I'd suggest whoever believes these comments come have a whisky with me, my colleagues, their families and importantly, the families of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for both of our nations.' Calvin Bailey, Labour MP and a former RAF Wing Commander, was awarded a US Air Medal for serving with American special ops in Afghanistan. He blasted: 'The notion that we weren't in and amongst the front line, albeit I was a pilot, is for the birds.' Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, meanwhile, accused the President of talking 'flat-out nonsense', adding: 'Their sacrifice deserves respect, not denigration.' Sir Jeremy Hunt, former foreign secretary, called Mr Trump's remarks 'totally unacceptable, factually wrong and deeply disrespectful'. British Army soldiers from the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment get ready to patrol during strike operation Southern Beast on August 4, 2008 in Maywand District in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan Diane Dernie, whose son Ben Parkinson is regarded as the most severely injured British soldier to survive in Afghanistan, decried Mr Trump as 'a childish man trying to deflect from his own actions' In his response to the US President, Sir Keir said: 'I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured and, in fact, across the country. If I had misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologise.' Diane Dernie, the mother of ex-Paratrooper Ben Parkinson who is regarded as the most severely injured British soldier to have survived in Afghanistan, decried Mr Trump as 'a childish man trying to deflect from his own actions'. Ex-paratrooper Mr Parkinson, now 41, suffered horrendous injuries when an Army Land Rover hit a mine near Musa Qala in 2006. Ms Dernie added: 'Come and look at the life that Ben leads - 19 years on, still fighting for his care, still fighting to have a decent life, recovering from a recent operation. [Keir Starmer] has got to stand up for his own Armed Forces, and he's got to absolutely refute what Donald Trump said. 'Call him out. Make a stand for those who fought for this country and for our flag.' Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said: 'Trump avoided military service five times. How dare he question their sacrifice.' Reform UK leader Nigel Farage - a personal friend of the President - wrote on X: 'Donald Trump is wrong. For 20 years our Armed Forces fought bravely alongside America's in Afghanistan.' Earlier this week Mr Trump dropped his threat to invade Greenland following a furious bustup with Britain and other Nato allies. Donald Trump on Wednesday dropped his threat to invade Greenland following a furious bust-up with Britain and other Nato allies Nato military officers were discussing an arrangement where Denmark would cede 'small pockets of Greenlandic' territory to the US, where it could build military bases Speaking after talks with Nato chief Mark Rutte, the US President said he had agreed 'the framework of a future deal' regarding the control of the Arctic island, which he claims is vital for American security. Mr Trump added that he was suspending plans to slap tariffs on Britain and other countries resisting his Greenland grab. Markets in the US rallied on his announcement, having climbed on his earlier proclamation that he would not use force to take the 'big, beautiful piece of ice'. And the Daily Mail revealed he was also mulling over making the inhabitants of Greenland (population 57,000) an offer of $1million each - 750,000 or 850,000 - if they vote to join the United States. On Wednesday night, Nato military officers were discussing an arrangement where Denmark would cede 'small pockets of Greenlandic' territory to the US, where it could build military bases. Senior officials compared the proposal to UK military bases in Cyprus which are treated as sovereign British territories. Mr Trump told reporters it was 'the ultimate longterm deal'. When asked how long, he replied: 'Infinite. There is no time limit. It's a deal that's forever.' He had earlier written on his Truth Social social media platform: 'Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of Nato, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. 'This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all Nato Nations.' Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the US owning Greenland is a 'red line' that will not happen. He said Copenhagen would keep ownership of Greenland, despite Mr Trump's earlier demand for negotiations on an 'acquisition'. 'It's not going to happen that the US will own Greenland. That's a red line,' Mr Rasmussen told national broadcaster DR. Mr Trump's apparent climbdown on the imposition of tariffs over the Greenland dispute will fuel critics who coined the term TACO, short for 'Trump Always Chickens Out'. The row that has played out over the last fortnight has raised serious questions about the survival of Nato and yesterday plunged Britain's 'special relationship' with the US into crisis. During a rambling address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mr Trump sought to often belittle his allies. In a reference to America's role in the Second World War, he told his mainly European audience: 'Without us, you'd all be speaking German, with maybe a little Japanese.' Nigel Farage today vowed that Reform would 'throw everything' at the by-election to defeat Andy Burnham. The party leader also confidently predicted that his party were 'favourites' to emerge victorious. Reacting to Mr Burnham's announcement, Mr Farage told the Mail on Sunday: 'If the King in the North thinks he can waltz back down to Westminster; he's got another thing coming. 'We will throw everything at this contest.' There have already suggestions that Zia Yusuf, the party's high-profile head of policy, could be the party's candidate. However, Mr Farage confirmed on Saturday that the party had yet to decide on who would stand. At the last General Election, Reform's Lee Moffitt with 5,142 votes was a distant second behind Andrew Gwynne, then Labour, who won with 18,555. But since then, Reform has soared in the national opinion polls to suggest that Mr Farage has a realistic chance of becoming Prime Minister after the next election. Nigel Farage today vowed that Reform would 'throw everything' at the by-election to defeat Andy Burnham Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has declared his intention to stand in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election Reports this weekend have claimed that Workers' Party leader George Galloway will stand in the upcoming election Local sources said that dozens of Reform activists were already knocking on doors in the Denton part of the constituency. Backers of Mr Burnham privately pointed out that the Manchester mayor is very popular across the region. But Mr Farage on Saturday raised the spectre that Labour's vote in the by-election would be split by the challenge of left-wing firebrand George Galloway. Reports this weekend claimed that Workers' Party leader Mr Galloway will stand in the forthcoming contest. Just under two years ago, Mr Galloway inflicted a bloody nose on Labour in another North-West seat by overturning a big majority in the 2024 Rochdale by-election although Labour narrowly won the seat back a few months later in the general election. And Mr Farage said: 'Not only would Andy Burnham have to fight Reform, but George Galloway will split his vote. 'Burnham's got to take on Reform and George Galloway, and I would say that Reform are favourites.' Mr Galloway's fiercely pro-Gaza stance is likely to win him support among the Gorton and Denton's constituency Muslim community where just under 30 per cent are Muslim votes. An ally of Mr Galloway told the Express on Friday: 'If it's Burnham [for Labour], I'd expect George to throw his hat into the ring. 'He likes the headlines 'If George does stand he would do some serious damage [to Labour.' They also said that Mr Galloway would enjoy significant support for his historic role opposing Tony Blair's wars in the Middle East. Mr Galloway was approached for comment. The man shot dead during a struggle with federal agents in Minneapolis has been identified as an intensive care nurse who treated critically ill military veterans. Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was killed shortly after 9am Saturday after an altercation involving multiple federal officers. Minneapolis police confirmed the deceased was a white, 37yearold Minnesota resident and US citizen. Pretti's friends have since confirmed his identity to the Daily Mail as they paid tribute to the 'good, kind' who they say was 'executed' by a Border Patrol agent. The University of Minnesota alumnus most recently listed himself as a junior scientist on LinkedIn. He worked as a nurse for the Veterans Health Administration at the Minneapolis VA hospital and earned a reported $90,783 in 2023, according to public records. I worked with him daily for years at the VA hospital, Ruth Anway, a Minneapolisbased nurse, told the Daily Mail. He was an ICU nurse. He worked with veterans. He was a really good guy. He definitely did not deserve to get killed. A Minneapolis man who was gunned down during a struggle with federal agents has been identified by local media as Alex Jeffrey Pretti Pretti is a registered nurse, US citizen and a resident of Minnesota who had a gun license according to officials The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the Daily Mail that the deceased was armed with two magazines, and the gun has since been recovered by federal authorities (pictured) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the Daily Mail that agents were in the area attempting to apprehend, an illegal alien wanted for violent assault when they were approached by Pretti. According to DHS, Pretti was armed and carrying a gun with two magazines at the time he was detained. The agency later released a photograph of a ninemillimeter semiautomatic handgun it said was recovered during the clash. Officials claimed officers attempted to disarm Pretti but that he violently resisted before a Border Patrol agent fired the fatal shot. Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene. DHS said he did not have identification on him at the time. Video from the scene shows agents wrestling with Pretti and taking him to the ground moments before the shooting. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said Pretti had no serious criminal history, with records showing only minor parking violations. OHara added that he was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit. Anway said Pretti was politically engaged and deeply informed. He was always keeping up with the news and always just really well informed about what was going on, she said. Pretti is seen facing off with federal agents before he was shot dead A protester appeared to be detained after a Border Patrol agent reportedly shot a man several times in Minneapolis Your browser does not support iframes. We would always talk about everything going on in the world. As a friend who just saw my friend get killed, I just want to say he was a good guy, she said. Anway last saw Pretti a few months ago. She recalled working with Pretti on January 6, 2021, as the US Capitol was attacked. I remember we were working together and I just looked at him and said, What is going on? This is crazy, she said. She said Pretti strongly believed in political activism and standing up for what he saw as injustice, adding that she believed those convictions explained why he was at the scene on Saturday. I just know he was there because he felt conviction, she said. Whitney Weisser, 37, a colleague of Pretti's who attended nursing school with him at the Minnesota Technical & Community College, said he was an 'amazing' person. 'I know it's a cliche but he really was one of the nicest people I've ever met,' Weisser told the Daily Mail. 'He was rebuilding his life when I met him. He went back to nursing school forn a new career.' Weisser and Pretti attended nursing school together from 2019 through 2021. She said he was previously a researcher, but wanted to be a nurse so he could help people. 'He was the most protective guy. If any of us dealt with anything inappropriate from a patient or a coworker or anyone, he was there. He would always protect the person being bullied,' Weisser emotionally recalled. 'That's what he was doing today, protecting a woman who was being bullied.' Weisser said Pretti was 'smart as hell' and wouldn't pick a fight with an officer. She said she believed he wanted to protect people. Dr. Dimitri Drekonja, chief of the Infectious Diseases Section at the Minneapolis VA and a professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, also paid tribute to Pretti in a Facebook post. Alex Pretti was a colleague at the VA, Drekonja wrote. We hired him to recruit for our trial. He became an ICU nurse. I loved working with him. He was a good, kind person who lived to help - and these f***ers executed him. Local police identified the man as a white 37-year-old US citizen from Minneapolis A federal agent and a protestor pictured face to face amidst widespread protests Drekonja said he felt a whitehot rage after learning of Prettis death, adding that Pretti worked closely with critically ill veterans and was known for his positive attitude. He had such a great attitude, he wrote. Wed chat between patients about trying to get in a mountain bike ride together. Will never happen now. Pretti had been living in Minneapolis but also had ties to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Colorado. The shooting marks the third recent incident involving federal agents in Minneapolis. It follows the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a US citizen, on January 7, and another incident in which a federal agent wounded a man about a week later. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned Saturdays killing, calling it another horrific shooting by federal agents deployed as part of a broader immigration crackdown. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening, Walz said on X, calling on the White House to end the operation. Saturdays shooting sparked immediate protests, with bystanders yelling profanities at federal officers and telling them to leave the city. Minneapolis has faced rising tensions amid the federal enforcement presence and ongoing protests - a backdrop shaped by prior highprofile police killings, including the death of George Floyd in 2020. Federal authorities identified the man they were initially seeking Saturday as Jose HuertaChuma, an Ecuadorian national. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino said HuertaChuma has a criminal history that includes domestic assault, disorderly conduct and driving without a license, though federal court records did not list any cases under his name. There are few reasons to stop a Catholic mass - but one priest has been praised after pausing to embrace a tearful churchgoer who had just learnt his grandson had died. Father Carlos Henrique had just begun the rite of communion in a church in Tubarao Brazil, when an elderly man approached the steps of the altar while crying uncontrollably. Without hesitation, the priest halted the prayer and looked up at the man, before carefully placing the communion wafer back onto the table and hugging his congregant. As others step in to help, the priest then kissed the elderly man's hand in a gesture of emotional comfort. The tear-jerking moment, which was caught on video, has since gone viral and been viewed more than 250,000 times on social media platforms. Speaking to local media outlet Rede98. Father Henrique said: 'At that moment, I was surprised and a little scared by his behavior, but I soon realized he needed support. 'So, I left the communion, paused, and went to him to hug and comfort him, without yet knowing what had happened. 'It was then that I learned, from the people who were assisting him, that he had tragically lost his grandson.' Father Carlos Henrique had just begun the rite of communion in a church in Tubarao Brazil, when an elderly man approached the steps of the altar while crying uncontrollably Without hesitation, the priest halted the Mass prayer and looked up at the man, before carefully placing the communion wafer back onto the table and hugging his congregant The tear-jerking moment, which was caught on video, has since gone viral and been viewed more than 250,000 times on social media platforms The elderly man had been informed of the devastating news during the Holy Mass service. Seeing his state of grief, other community members helped the elderly man to a quieter place and offered him water, with the priest coming to speak to him shortly afterwards. The priest told media outlet G1: 'It was only after I finished the communion rite and went to him that I learned of his grandson's death. 'He was desperate, seeking help. I don't know how they broke the news, I only know that it was all very difficult for him.' The Minneapolis mayor has demanded that President Donald Trump 'be a leader,' just hours after a US citizen was shot dead by federal agents. Just after 9am Saturday morning, a Border Patrol agent fatally shot 37-year-old American citizen Alex Jeffrey Pretti near Glam Doll Donuts at 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in a killing caught on camera. The deadly incident marks the third shooting in recent weeks involving federal agents in Minneapolis, following the January 7 killing of a woman by an ICE officer and another shooting about a week later that left a man wounded. During a Saturday briefing, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the video he saw showed six federal agents 'pummeling' a man and then shooting him multiple times in the chest. He then branded the Trump administration's immigration crackdown an 'invasion' by masked agents acting with impunity, before singling out the president. 'Put Minneapolis, put America first,' Frey said, urging the president to 'take action now and remove these federal agents.' 'How many more residents, how many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end?' he added, emphasizing that the administration's ongoing operations are 'not creating safety in our city.' 'How many more lives need to be lost before this administration realizes that a political and partisan narrative is not as important as American values? How many local and national leaders must plead with you, Donald Trump, to end this operation?' Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey demanded that President Donald Trump 'be a leader,' just hours after a US citizen was shot dead by federal agents A Border Patrol agent fatally shot 37-year-old American citizen Alex Jeffrey Pretti on Saturday The victim has been identified by local media as Alex Jeffrey Pretti (pictured) Frey branded the Trump administration's immigration crackdown an 'invasion' by masked agents acting with impunity Your browser does not support iframes. The mayor said US citizens have seen such operations carried out around the world - but 'never here in America,' where a city is being invaded by its own federal government. 'I'm done being told that our community members are responsible for the vitriol in our streets. I'm done being told that our local elected officials are solely responsible for turning down the temperature,' Frey declared. Just yesterday, Frey noted, the city saw 15,000 people peacefully protesting in the streets and 'standing up for their neighbors.' 'Not a single broken window, not a single injury,' the mayor said. 'Those peaceful protests embody the very principles that both Minneapolis and America was founded upon.' He shifted focus to the 'mass militarized force' of unidentified agents in the streets, arguing that such actions are what 'weaken our country.' Frey said that the administration's crackdown is undermining public trust in law enforcement - and in democracy itself. 'So to everyone listening, stand with Minneapolis. Stand up for America. Recognize that your children will ask you what side you were on. Your grandchildren will ask you what you did to act to prevent this from happening again,' the mayor said. 'This is not what America is about,' he added. 'This is not a partisan issue. This is an American issue.' Pretti is a registered nurse, US citizen and a resident of Minnesota who had a gun license according to officials. He is pictured shortly before the shooting 'How many more residents, how many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end?' Frey said Frey said that if the goal of Trump's administration and the agents was to bring peace, calm and prosperity to the city and country, their actions are having the 'complete opposite' effect 'This administration and everyone involved in this operation should be reflecting. They should be reflecting right now and asking themselves: What exactly are you accomplishing?' Frey said that if the goal of Trump's administration and the agents was to bring peace, calm and prosperity to the city and country, their actions are having the 'complete opposite' effect. 'To President Trump, this is a moment to act like a leader. Let's achieve peace. Let's end this operation and I'm telling you, our city will come back and safety will be restored,' he said. At a separate press conference, Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino said the officer who shot the man had been serving with the Border Patrol for the past eight years. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the Daily Mail that Pretti was armed with two magazines, and that the gun was recovered by federal authorities. Circulating video showed agents wrestling Pretti to the ground before one federal agent fired multiple shots into his chest - after which the agents scattered. He was pronounced dead the scene, officials said at Saturday's press briefing. At a separate press conference, Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino said the officer who shot the man had been serving with the Border Patrol for the past eight years The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the Daily Mail that Pretti was armed with two magazines, and that the gun was recovered by federal authorities Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed at a news conference that the man shot was a 37-year-old white individual with no serious criminal history, aside from some parking tickets O'Hara said Pretti was a 'lawful gun owner' with a permit. Minnesota law allows permit holders to openly carry handguns in public without concealing them Law enforcement sources also said Saturday that their records show Pretti had no serious criminal history. O'Hara said Pretti was a 'lawful gun owner' with a permit. Minnesota law allows permit holders to openly carry handguns in public without concealing them. Records also showed that Pretti attended the University of Minnesota, and state records indicate he was issued a nursing license in 2021 that remains active through March 2026. DHS has since shared its account of the shooting on X, saying the deadly incident began as a 'targeted operation against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault.' 'An individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun,' the department wrote. 'The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted.' 'Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject but was pronounced dead at the scene,' the statement added. 'The suspect also had 2 magazines and no ID - this looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.' DHS also wrote that 'about 200 rioters arrived at the scene and began to obstruct and assault law enforcement,' leading to the deployment of crowd-control measures. Records showed that Pretti attended the University of Minnesota, and state records indicate he was issued a nursing license in 2021 that remains active through March 2026 DHS has since shared its account of the shooting on X, saying the deadly incident began as a 'targeted operation against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault' 'An individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun,' DHS said. 'The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted' The city's police department and officials with the Minnesota State Patrol were deployed to the scene and worked to keep hundreds of observers and protesters separated from the federal agents. Federal agents were seen firing tear gas and pepper balls just hours after the shooting. As crowds continued to gather, the Minnesota State Patrol declared an 'unlawful assembly,' in the vicinity of the fatal shooting. Protesters were seen blocking streets with dumpsters and restaurant furniture while shouting 'ICE go home!' at agents, as the area remained secured with police tape. Residents and protesters remained on the scene, shouting at agents and calling them 'Nazis,' while insisting that all immigrants were welcome in the city. Chief O'Hara said during the press conference that two small fires were set, and that police and fire departments were working together to extinguish them. Several witnesses were transported to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building as ICE agents tried to order local police to leave the scene, but O'Hara refused. Multiple people were arrested, though it remains unclear exactly how many protesters were detained at the scene. Chief O'Hara said during the press conference that two small fires were set, and that police and fire departments were working together to extinguish them Protesters were seen blocking streets with dumpsters and restaurant furniture while shouting 'ICE go home!' at agents, as the area remained secured with police tape Several witnesses were transported to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building as ICE agents tried to order local police to leave the scene, but O'Hara refused Multiple people were arrested following Saturday's fatal shooting. Agents are pictured detaining a man Governor Tim Walz responded to the shooting on X with a blistering demand directed at President Trump. 'I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening,' Walz wrote. 'The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota,' he added. 'Now.' In another statement to X, Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote: 'There has been another shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis and I am working to get more information.' 'To the Trump administration and the Republicans in Congress who have stood silent: Get ICE out of our state NOW,' she added. Senator Erin Murphy, the top Democrat in the state's Senate, also issued a statement demanding an end to the federal operation. 'ICE is a brutal invading force that acts without accountability or the most basic respect for human dignity or life,' she said. 'These agents of violence need to be brought to justice.' Protests have picked up in Minneapolis in recent weeks as ICE continues to occupy the city following the death of Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an agent on January 7. The fatal shooting also comes just a week after an ICE agent, who DHS said feared for his life, fired a 'defensive shot' at illegal migrant Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in Minneapolis, striking him in the leg. Storm Ingrid will continue to batter Britain next week with heavy downpours and high winds set to cause disruption. The storm, which struck Britain with 60mph gusts and activated flood alerts amid rail line shutdowns, has wreaked havoc in the South West and washed away part of a historic pier in Devon. Huge chunks of Teignmouth Grand Pier, built in 1865, went missing after it was hit by strong waves and rain throughout Friday night. Teignmouth mayor, Councillor Cate Williams, said it was 'sad' to see parts of the pier destroyed after it had 'taken a real battering'. The wet weather will continue this weekend for many, with yellow weather warnings for heavy rain in place across parts of South West England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. A yellow warning is in place for an area covering Somerset, Devon and Cornwall and much of south Wales until 10pm on Saturday, while separate warnings in Northern Ireland and Scotland will run until 9am on Sunday. Some 20-40mm of rainfall is expected across most of the South West - while some exposed locations could see up to 50mm, the Met Office said, with a risk of flooding to areas battered by rain in recent days. Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said: 'It's been a contrasting picture depending on where you live, but if you haven't seen rain so far this weekend, the likelihood is that you will see some tonight or through Sunday.' Storm Ingrid will continue to batter Britain next week with heavy downpours and high winds set to cause disruption Huge chunks of Teignmouth Grand Pier, built in 1865, went missing after it was hit by strong waves and rain throughout Friday night The storm, which has struck Britain with 60mph gusts and activated flood alerts amid rail line shutdowns, wreaked havoc in the South West Your browser does not support iframes. He added: 'Generally, it's a bit of a mixed picture through the next few days. We've got a strong jet stream powering across the north Atlantic, fuelled by a big temperature contrast across north America. 'As it comes across the Atlantic, it gets stormy across the UK. So, unfortunately, the weather is looking very much unsettled right the way across the coming week.' Mr Morgan said high winds could cause travel disruption and flooding in the week ahead, adding that Tuesday is likely to be a particularly blustery and wet day - and further rainfall warnings are likely. 'There is also a small chance we will see some disruptive snow, mainly across the higher ground of northern England and Scotland on Tuesday, and so, locally, if you are travelling highland routes, that could also be problematic with snow falling,' he said. Storm Ingrid, as named by the Portuguese national weather service IPMA, caused chaos with powerful waves in parts of the South West on Saturday. In the Devon coastal town of Teignmouth, part of its Victorian pier collapsed with the force of the waves. The town's mayor, Cate Williams, said Teignmouth had seen unusually high winds and strong waves which damaged benches, flower beds and paving stones near the seafront - as well as the historic pier. Ms Williams said: 'Ingrid really gave the pier a battering... it's been quite an interesting day, everyone's been really supportive of the town. Storm Ingrid hits Dawlish train station on Saturday as high waves pound the train track with Devon taking the brunt of the high winds and rain A walker clings on to a lamp post as Storm Ingrid hits Devon on Saturday Teignmouth mayor, Councillor Cate Williams, said it was 'sad' to see parts of the pier destroyed after it had 'taken a real battering' Waves crash against South Shields Lighthouse in South Tyneside on Friday morning Dog walkers pass strong waves hitting the coastline of Lyme Regis in Dorset on Friday afternoon The Environment Agency has issued 13 flood warnings which remained in place across south west England at 5pm on Saturday 'It [the pier] has worked its way through previous storms and wars and all sorts of things, but it has got a bit old and the legs and structures have been beaten by Ingrid.' 'It's really sad... it's such a focal point of our town,' she added. The Environment Agency has issued 13 flood warnings which remained in place across south west England at 5pm on Saturday, meaning flooding is expected, while 135 flood alerts indicated flooding is possible in many parts of the country. Major disruption to railway services in south-west England is expected to last all day on Saturday, National Rail said, as passengers face cancellations and delays. Forecasters have also warned of 'wintry hazards' next week for the north and east of the UK, with the chance of snow for some places. There is also another Met Office yellow warning for rain covering large parts of southwest England and south Wales from 6pm on Monday to 2pm on Tuesday. William Shakespeare was a 'black Jewish woman', a new book has claimed. The real playwright is identified as the historical figure Emilia Bassano in The Real Shakespeare, by an LSE graduate and feminist historian. She was a poet with connections to the Tudor court and wrote the Shakespearean canon of plays using the pen-name 'Shakespeare', according to the book. But her work is said to have been stolen from an uneducated interloper - William Shakespeare - from Stratford-upon-Avon. The book's author Irene Coslet argues that the idea of a 'white' genius was preferred to Bassano's identity as a black female playwright. She was the mistress of Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, Elizabeth Is Lord Chamberlain and patron of the Lord Chamberlains Men, the theatre troupe Shakespeare made famous. Some writers believe that she may be the inspiration for the 'Dark Lady' addressed in Shakespeares sonnets. During Shakespeare's own lifetime, his authorship was never questioned and he was even hailed as a genius 'for all time' by his rival Ben Jonson. Feminist historian Irene Coslet argues that the idea of a 'white' genius was preferred to Bassano's identity as a black female playwright The Real Shakespeare claims that Emilia Bassano (pictured) had her work stolen by an uneducated interloper But there have been suggestions that fellow playwright Christopher Marlowe may be among those responsible for Shakespeare's considerable volume of work. The playwright's background as a humble man from Warwickshire with little formal education has further led some to question how he ascended to become a literary genius. This is addressed in Ms Coslet's book, where she writes: 'Historians have not managed to explain how the Stratford man, a semi-illiterate moneylender, managed to gain such a level of erudition.' In contrast to Shakespeare, Ms Coslet claims that Bassano gained the necessary expertise from her 'diverse identity' as a Jew and a Moor - a person of north African origin who also had family ties to Venice. The author also states that 'English-speaking world has a mother with a multi-cultural identity', and that Bassano was the 'mother of a civilisation'. While Ms Coslet's book recognises that Bassano is shown as a light-skinned woman in portraits, it argues that her skin may have been deliberately lightened in line with what were the beauty standards. The historian told The Telegraph: If Shakespeare was a female of colour, this would draw attention to issues of peace and justice in society. What if women had a pivotal role and a civilising impact in history, but they have been silenced, belittled and erased from the dominant narrative? Join the debate Is this theory bold scholarship or pure revisionism? Portrait of William Shakespeare (pictured) who was born in Stratford in 1564 It is not the first time an author has claimed Shakespeare was a woman. American author Jodi Picoult also argued that Bassano, the first woman in England to publish a book of original poetry, was the real Bard. In her book By Any Other Name, which was published in 2024, Ms Picoult claims Shakespeare 'sold his name to people who wanted to hide themselves as writers'. The consensus among scholars is that Shakespeare was born in Stratford in 1564 to a glove-maker. He attended the local grammar school and at the age of 18 married the 26-year-old Anne Hathaway. Shakespeare, who was mentioned among the London theatre scene by 1592, died in 1616 - almost 30 years before Bassano's death. Sadiq Khan has hailed the 'benefits' of immigration in a lengthy statement - insisting people who call London dangerous are 'callous' and 'cruel'. The longstanding mayor said there had been a 'drastic fall' in the legal movement of people into the country, despite the more than 450 per cent rise since the early 1990s. His comments, published on the social media platform X, followed a speech he gave this morning at London's Guildhall - where he further sang the praises of diversity. Sir Sadiq accompanied his post this afternoon with the caption 'it's time to reset the immigration debate'. He said: 'For too long the immigration debate has been dictated by the hysteria, hatred and fearmongering of the far-right. 'They paint a dystopian picture of London as a city that's fallen. And let's be frank - they do so because they can't stand what London represents - a city that's diverse, progressive and thriving.' Sir Sadiq went on: 'The drastic fall in legal migration provides a unique opportunity for progressives to reset the immigration debate - and take the public with us.' The London mayor said there was a 'clear path' that could 'allow us to highlight the benefits of immigration'. Sadiq Khan (pictured) has hailed the 'benefits' of immigration in a lengthy statement - insisting people who call London dangerous are 'callous' and 'cruel' The London mayor said there was a 'clear path' that could 'allow us to highlight the benefits of immigration' (file image) Sir Sadiq said: 'For too long the immigration debate has been dictated by the hysteria, hatred and fearmongering of the far-right' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. In his speech today to the Fabian Society's new year conference, Sir Sadiq launched a scathing attack on Reform and Conservative politicians, who he claimed 'can't stand what London represents - a city that's diverse, progressive and thriving, with a Mayor who happens to be Muslim'. Responding to the comments, Reform chairman Zia Yusuf said: 'Sadiq Khan has given a speech at the Fabian Society declaring mass untrammelled immigration is actually amazing and turned off replies. Peak Labour politics.' Sir Sadiq's stern words followed a furore last month after the Labour politican, who became mayor of London in 2016, was called a 'horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor' by US President Donald Trump. In his criticism, Mr Trump had also suggested 'many' states in Europe 'will not be viable countries any longer' and said immigration policies across the continent were 'a disaster'. Sir Sadiq hit back at the remarks, claiming the attacks on Europe and London were 'grooming' and 'radicalising' extremists in Britain. He said: 'My concern about when President Trump says some of the things he does is he normalises and brings to the mainstream views that I think are unacceptable.' Earlier this month, Sir Sadiq released new data which he said suggested London is 'safer than ever'. Opponents claimed the evidence was 'cherry-picked' after the mayor pointed to figures revealing the capital's murder rate had fallen to its lowest level in decades. During an interview with POLITICO's Dasha Burns, Trump accused Sir Sadiq of 'doing a terrible job' and claimed that London had become 'a difference place' under his leadership Sir Sadiq Khan has previously accused Trump of being 'racist, sexist, misogynistic and Islamophobic' He insisted the Metropolitan Police data disproved suggestions from Mr Trump and other right-wing politicians that crime in London was out of control. Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley also accused 'pundits' of damaging the city's reputation and said 'people who live and work in London generally feel safe'. But while declining murder rates were welcome, other data showed crime including shoplifting, phone snatching and sexual offences had all increased under Sir Sadiq's leadership. Susan Hall, Conservative leader of the London Assembly, claimed he had 'chosen to cherry-pick data in order to cover his record failure as our Mayor'. She told the Daily Mail: 'Whilst knife homicides may be down, they represent just a small number of outcomes from knife offences. 'In reality, most Londoners who encounter a knife - such as a robbery - are significantly less likely to see action on that matter, and the number of knife offences in London continues to climb.' The comments came as Daily Mail analysis revealed someone moves out of London every 75 seconds. Almost 415,000 residents upped sticks to the Home Counties or beyond in 2024. Offset by the 287,000 who ventured in the opposite direction, London's internal net migration stood at nearly -128,000 - one of the highest figures on record. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Experts say young families have been left with no choice but to flee due to cost-of-living pressures and rising property prices. Soaring crime rates in 'lawless London' may also have played a role, commentators say. Reform's candidate for Mayor of London, Laila Cunningham, told the Daily Mail: 'Sadiq Khan has allowed criminality to flourish in London and it's holding this city back. 'Not only do young people no longer want to live here, many are now moving away. 'It's hard not to conclude it's because they simply don't feel London is a safe place where you can raise a family.' Today's speech at the Guildhall stepped up a war of words between Sir Sadiq and Ms Cunningham - who sparked controversy with her call for women in London wearing the burka to face being stopped and searched by police. In his speech to the conference, Sir Sadiq said: 'The resurgence of far-right populism and nativism means that the idea that we can be diverse, united and prosperous is under threat like never before. 'The White House's "National Security Strategy" recently made the preposterous claim that Europe is at risk of "civilisational erasure". In May, Keir Starmer suggested uncontrolled immigration risked the UK becoming an 'island of strangers' as he unveiled proposals for curbing numbers 'Over here, Reform and the Tories are dancing to the same tune. 'They paint a dystopian picture of London as a city that's fallen. And let's be frank - they do so because they can't stand what London represents - a city that's diverse, progressive and thriving, with a Mayor who happens to be a Muslim. 'The fact that this is the greatest city in the world makes a mockery of their entire worldview. So they construct lies, seek to manufacture an enemy, pit citizens against one another for political gain, and stoke fear by blaming 'the other' for all of society's ills.' He concluded by saying legal migration 'is crucial to the future success of our capital and country'. Last year Sir Sadiq insisted he would not have used the phrase 'island of strangers' after Keir Starmer faced backlash over comments on immigration. Critics accused Sir Keir of emulating Powell's 1968 'Rivers of Blood' speech, when the then-senior Tory said white British people could find themselves 'strangers in their own country' as a result of migration. Sir Sadiq said: 'The sort of language I use is different to the language used by others. That's not the sort of words I would use.' In his speech to the conference, Sir Sadiq said: 'The resurgence of far-right populism and nativism means that the idea that we can be diverse, united and prosperous is under threat like never before' He added that he thought Sir Keir was referring to 'promises made by Brexiteers' and recent high levels of migration, and not 'that contribution we make to this multicultural capital city and country.' Around 1.27million foreign nationals moved to the UK in 2023 - enough people to fill a city the size of Birmingham. Germany, now centre of Europe's anti-immigration fightback, took 1.22m, followed by Spain (1.1m), Italy (378,000) and France (295,000). The House of Commons Library presented the data last month in a wide-ranging report on migration, using figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and the EU's Eurostat equivalent. Britain's immigration figures have since fallen, taking fewer than 900,000 in the year to June 2025. Amid the conflicting accounts, critics were roused once more when London ranked highly on The Spectator Index earlier this month as among the 'world's best cities to live in' for 2026. Police are now probing the deaths of six patients who contracted infections while being treated at Scotlands scandal-hit 1bn superhospital, the Mail on Sunday can reveal. The deaths of three adults and three children at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital; (QEUH) are being investigated in the wake of one of Britains worst NHS scandals. Last week The Mail on Sunday revealed that NHS bosses had sensationally admitted that contaminated water at the hospital was likely to have caused serious infections in young cancer patients after denying any connection for the last six years. The revelations sparked calls for a criminal investigation into those NHS chiefs in charge at the time, as well as any government ministers who are found to have known about problems but took no action, and claims that the newly-built hospital had opened too early after officials had come under pressure to accept patients before it was ready. It was revealed in 2021 that police were investigating four deaths after being contacted by Crown Office prosecutors, and later the death of Andrew Slorance was also announced as under investigation. However, the Mail on Sunday can reveal that another mans death is now actively being probed by police. The six deaths under investigation are: 10-year-old Milly Main who died in August 2017 after a tube delivering medication became infected with stenotrophomonas maltophilia - a bacteria linked to the hospitals water system. She had been in remission from leukaemia when she caught the infection. Deaths at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital are being investigated in the wake of one of Britains worst NHS scandals Gail Armstrong, 73, from Glasgow, who contracted cryptococcus - a bacterial infection linked to bird droppings - while having treatment for blood cancer. She died in January 2019. 63-year-old Tony Dynes, a father-of-two from East Kilbride died in May 2021 after contracting two infections, aspergillus and stenotrophomonas, while being treated for lymphoma. Scottish Government adviser Andrew Slorance, 49, from Edinburgh, died in December 2020 after contracting Covid while awaiting a bone marrow transplant. He had also contracted aspergillus - caused by breathing in spores of mould linked to soil and dust while in the QEUH. A 10-year-old unnamed boy who died in December 2018 after contracting cryptococcus - a fungal disease caused by breathing in spores - in the hospital. A three-year-old unnamed child who died after catching an infection in August 2017. The wives of Mr Dynes and Mr Slorance said they felt as though they were the invisible widows in the QEUH scandal, and fear that other patients could have contracted infections like aspergillus, which they believe is linked to the sites flawed ventilation system, and have never been informed. Both women only discovered the extent of their husbands infections after their deaths. Mr Dynes, who had lymphoma, died on May 21, 2021 and only after his death did his widow Maureen Dynes discover he had contracted a bacterial infection called Stenotrophomonas maltophilia the same bug schoolgirl Milly Main contracted four years earlier, and which a review has said was likely linked to the hospitals water system. While in ward 4B at the QEUH, a specialist unit for stem cell transplant patients, Mr Dynes also twice contracted aspergillus an infection from mould spores associated with dust and soil. Mrs Dynes, 54, said she welcomed the investigation into her husbands death but warned cases like his risk being forgotten among the QEUH scandal after NHSGGC accepted there was more likely than not a causal connection between some infections in child cancer patients between 2016 and 2018, and the contaminated water system. Milly Main, 10, died in August 2017. She had been in remission from leukaemia Andrew Slorance, 49, from Edinburgh, died in December 2020 They have made no such admission for adult patients, for any cases outwith 2016-2018, or accepted ventilation problems could have been linked to infections from airborne pathogens, such as aspergillus and cryptococcus a bacteria associated with pigeon droppings. Mrs Dynes said: I feel like there are cases which are being forgotten, particularly adults who died and those who got infections that their families believe are connected to ventilation problems at the QEUH. NHSGGC has accepted there was an issue with water and that it is likely to have been connected to some infections in children, over a two-year period of time. There are more families who have not got any acknowledgement or any acceptance from the health board about their relatives cases, like Tony. It feels sometimes as if Im the invisible widow. I wont stop fighting to find out what happened to Tony and why I wasnt told about his Stenotrophomonas infection. I also want to know how the aspergillus infection impacted Tonys treatment and his survival chances. My real fear is that these types of cases will continue to go unreported, and there are other people who have contracted these infections and have died, and their families still do not know. Tonys case was not reported to me I didnt know about the danger of aspergillus or how serious it was until I heard an interview where it was discussed years later. I think there will be people whose loved ones passed away during their cancer treatment, who maybe now cant go that far back and star asking questions, or ask for a police investigation because they died too long ago. Itll be too late to obtain any categorical proof. It haunts me. Mrs Dynes, a childminder from East Kilbride, has found support in fellow widow Louise Slorance, whose government adviser husband Andrew also contracted aspergillus while waiting for a bone marrow transplant at the QEUH in October 2020. The father of five died two months later, on December 5, after becoming infected with coronavirus. It was only after her husbands death that Mrs Slorance discovered he had earlier been treated for an aspergillus infection. The 49-year-old said the public inquiry had allowed NHSGGC to buy time and it could prevent other families from seeing justice. Gail Armstrong, 73, from Glasgow, died in January 2019 Tony Dynes, a 63-year-old father-of-two, died in May 2021 She said: As this has been going on so long, other people may have been encouraged to come forward but theres no accountability now, and its going to be very hard for them to get any justice. 'All of the health boards deflection and denial throughout this entire process and the public inquiry has just bought them time, which makes it harder for people to get the evidence they need. Theres no way to obtain tissue samples, youre reliant solely on someone else agreeing to look at evidence and giving you an answer based on a balance of probabilities. Even that isnt guaranteed. I dont think anybody can understand the range of emotions, depth of emotions, the conflicting emotions all the timeThe only thing that keeps you sane is being able to talk to other people affected, like Maureen who knows what the experience is like.. The Crown Office confirmed that Mr Dynes death was now the sixth death at the QEUH to be investigated. A spokesman said it has received a report in connection with the death of a man on 21 May 2021 in Glasgow. He added: The investigation into the death is ongoing and the family will continue to be kept updated in relation to any significant developments. Read Mark Carney's full speech on middle powers navigating a rapidly changing world 'We actively take on the world as it is,' says PM at World Economic Forum meeting Read Mark Carney's full speech on middle powers navigating a rapidly changing world | CBC News Below are Prime Minister Mark Carney's remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday. (In French): It's a pleasure and a duty to be with you at this turning point for Canada and for the world. Today, I'll talk about the rupture in the world order, the end of a nice story and the beginning of a brutal reality where geopolitics among the great powers is not subject to any constraints. But I also submit to you that other countries, particularly middle powers like Canada, are not powerless. They have the capacity to build a new order that embodies our values, like respect for human rights, sustainable development, solidarity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. The power of the less powerful begins with honesty. It seems that every day we're reminded that we live in an era of great power rivalry. That the rules-based order is fading. That the strong can do what they can, and the weak must suffer what they must. This aphorism of Thucydides is presented as inevitable as the natural logic of international relations reasserting itself. And faced with this logic, there is a strong tendency for countries to go along to get along. To accommodate. To avoid trouble. To hope that compliance will buy safety. It won't. So, what are our options? In 1978, the Czech dissident Vaclav Havel, later president, wrote an essay called The Power of the Powerless. And in it, he asked a simple question: How did the communist system sustain itself? And his answer began with a greengrocer. Every morning, this shopkeeper places a sign in his window: "Workers of the world, unite!" He doesn't believe it. No one does. But he places the sign anyway to avoid trouble, to signal compliance, to get along. And because every shopkeeper on every street does the same, the system persists. Not through violence alone, but through the participation of ordinary people in rituals they privately know to be false. Havel called this "living within a lie." The system's power comes not from its truth but from everyone's willingness to perform as if it were true. And its fragility comes from the same source: when even one person stops performing when the greengrocer removes his sign the illusion begins to crack. Friends, it is time for companies and countries to take their signs down. For decades, countries like Canada prospered under what we called the rules-based international order. We joined its institutions, we praised its principles, we benefited from its predictability. And because of that we could pursue values-based foreign policies under its protection. We knew the story of the international rules-based order was partially false. That the strongest would exempt themselves when convenient. That trade rules were enforced asymmetrically. And we knew that international law applied with varying rigour depending on the identity of the accused or the victim. This fiction was useful. And American hegemony, in particular, helped provide public goods: open sea lanes, a stable financial system, collective security and support for frameworks for resolving disputes. So, we placed the sign in the window. We participated in the rituals. And we largely avoided calling out the gaps between rhetoric and reality. This bargain no longer works. 'A rupture, not a transition' Let me be direct: We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition. Over the past two decades, a series of crises in finance, health, energy and geopolitics have laid bare the risks of extreme global integration. But more recently, great powers have begun using economic integration as weapons. Tariffs as leverage. Financial infrastructure as coercion. Supply chains as vulnerabilities to be exploited. You cannot "live within the lie" of mutual benefit through integration when integration becomes the source of your subordination. The multilateral institutions on which middle powers have relied the WTO, the UN, the COP the very architecture of collective problem solving, are under threat. And as a result, many countries are drawing the same conclusions that they must develop greater strategic autonomy: in energy, food, critical minerals, in finance and supply chains. And this impulse is understandable. A country that cannot feed itself, fuel itself or defend itself has few options. When the rules no longer protect you, you must protect yourself. But let's be clear-eyed about where this leads. A world of fortresses will be poorer, more fragile and less sustainable. And there's another truth: if great powers abandon even the pretense of rules and values for the unhindered pursuit of their power and interests, the gains from "transactionalism" will become harder to replicate. Hegemons cannot continually monetize their relationships. Allies will diversify to hedge against uncertainty. They'll buy insurance, increase options in order to rebuild sovereignty sovereignty that was once grounded in rules, but will be increasingly anchored in the ability to withstand pressure. This room knows, this is classic risk management risk management comes at a price. But that cost of strategic autonomy of sovereignty can also be shared. Collective investments in resilience are cheaper than everyone building their own fortresses. Shared standards reduce fragmentation. Complementarities are positive sum. And the question for middle powers, like Canada, is not whether to adapt to the new reality we must. The question is whether we adapt by simply building higher walls or whether we can do something more ambitious. Canada was amongst the first to hear the wake-up call, leading us to fundamentally shift our strategic posture. Canadians know that our old, comfortable assumptions that our geography and alliance memberships automatically conferred prosperity and security that assumption is no longer valid. And our new approach rests on what Alexander Stubb has termed "values-based realism" or, to put another way, we aim to be principled and pragmatic. Principled in our commitment to fundamental values: sovereignty and territorial integrity, the prohibition of the use of force except when consistent with the UN Charter and respect for human rights. And pragmatic in recognizing that progress is often incremental, that interests diverge, that not every partner will share our values. So we're engaging broadly, strategically, with open eyes. We actively take on the world as it is, not wait around for a world we wish to be. We are calibrating our relationships so their depth reflects our values. And we're prioritizing broad engagement to maximize our influence, given the fluidity of the world order, the risks that this poses, and the stakes for what comes next. And we are no longer relying on just the strength of our values, but also on the value of our strength. We are building that strength at home. Since my government took office, we have cut taxes on incomes, on capital gains and business investment. We have removed all federal barriers to interprovincial trade. We are fast-tracking a trillion dollars of investment in energy, AI, critical minerals, new trade corridors and beyond. We are doubling our defence spending by the end of this decade and we're doing so in ways that build our domestic industries. And we are rapidly diversifying abroad. We've agreed a comprehensive strategic partnership with the EU, including joining SAFE, the European defence procurement arrangements. We have signed 12 other trade and security deals on four continents in six months. In the past few days, we have concluded new strategic partnerships with China and Qatar. We're negotiating free trade pacts with India, ASEAN, Thailand, Philippines and Mercosur. We're doing something else. To help solve global problems, we are pursuing variable geometry in other words, different coalitions for different issues based on common values and interests. So on Ukraine, we're a core member of the coalition of the willing and one of the largest per-capita contributors to its defence and security. On Arctic sovereignty, we stand firmly with Greenland and Denmark and fully support their unique right to determine Greenland's future. Our commitment to Article 5 is unwavering. So we're working with our NATO allies including the Nordic-Baltic Eight to further secure the alliance's northern and western flanks, including through Canada's unprecedented investments in over-the-horizon radar, in submarines, in aircraft and boots on the ground. Canada strongly opposes tariffs over Greenland and calls for focused talks to achieve our shared objectives of security and prosperity in the Arctic. On plurilateral trade, we're championing efforts to build a bridge between the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the European Union, which would create a new trading block of 1.5 billion people. On critical minerals we're forming buyer's clubs anchored in the G7 so the world can diversify away from concentrated supply. And on AI we're co-operating with like-minded democracies to ensure we won't ultimately be forced to choose between hegemons and hyperscalers. This is not naive multilateralism. Nor is it relying on their institutions. It's building coalitions that work, issue by issue, with partners who share enough common ground to act together. In some cases, this will be the vast majority of nations. What it's doing is creating a dense web of connections across trade, investment, culture on which we can draw for future challenges and opportunities. 'Middle powers must act together' Middle powers must act together because if we're not at the table, we're on the menu. But I'd also say that great powers can afford, for now, to go it alone. They have the market size, the military capacity and the leverage to dictate terms. Middle powers do not. But when we only negotiate bilaterally with a hegemon, we negotiate from weakness. We accept what's offered. We compete with each other to be the most accommodating. This is not sovereignty. It's the performance of sovereignty while accepting subordination. In a world of great power rivalry, the countries in between have a choice: compete with each other for favour or to combine to create a third path with impact. We shouldn't allow the rise of hard power to blind us to the fact that the power of legitimacy, integrity and rules will remain strong if we choose to wield them together. Which brings me back to Havel. What would it mean for middle powers to "live the truth"? First it means naming reality. Stop invoking "rules-based international order" as though it still functions as advertised. Call it what it is: a system of intensifying great power rivalry where the most powerful pursue their interests using economic integration as a weapon of coercion. It means acting consistently, applying the same standards to allies and rivals. When middle powers criticize economic intimidation from one direction but stay silent when it comes from another, we are keeping the sign in the window. It means building what we claim to believe in. Rather than waiting for the old order to be restored, it means creating institutions and agreements that function as described. And it means reducing the leverage that enables coercion. Building a strong domestic economy should always be every government's immediate priority. And diversification internationally is not just economic prudence it is the material foundation for honest foreign policy. Because countries earn the right to principled stands by reducing their vulnerability to retaliation. 'Honesty about the world as it is' So Canada has what the world wants. We are an energy superpower. We hold vast reserves of critical minerals. We have the most educated population in the world. Our pension funds are amongst the world's largest and most sophisticated investors. In other words, we have capital, talent, we also have a government with the immense fiscal capacity to act decisively. And we have the values to which many others aspire. Canada is a pluralistic society that works. Our public square is loud, diverse and free. Canadians remain committed to sustainability. We are a stable and reliable partner in a world that is anything but. A partner that builds and values relationships for the long term. And we have something else. We have a recognition of what's happening and a determination to act accordingly. We understand that this rupture calls for more than adaptation. It calls for honesty about the world as it is. We are taking the sign out of the window. We know the old order is not coming back. We shouldn't mourn it. Nostalgia is not a strategy. But we believe that from the fracture, we can build something better, stronger, more just. This is the task of the middle powers. The countries that have the most to lose from a world of fortresses and the most to gain from genuine co-operation. The powerful have their power. But we have something too the capacity to stop pretending, to name reality, to build our strength at home and to act together. That is Canada's path. We choose it openly and confidently. And it is a path wide open to any country willing to take it with us. https://youtu.be/btqHDhO4h1 A brave whistleblower who helped to expose the infections scandal at Scotlands 1 billion superhospital last night revealed that the toll her six-year battle for the truth took on her saw her rushed to the same hospital with a stress-related heart condition. Dr Penelope Redding, one of three female medics who tried dozens of times to raise their concerns about the water and ventilation systems at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in Glasgow, told how her family begged her to give up the fight for the sake of her health but she battled on regardless. During her struggle to highlight concerns about the hospital, Dr Redding who was employed as a consultant microbiologist and infection control medic was admitted to the QEUH coronary care unit with stress-related heart problems. She told The Mail on Sunday: I was trying repeatedly to get my voice heard and the stress of it was making me ill. It is surreal that I ended up being treated for a stress-related heart condition in the very hospital where the management wouldnt listen to the risks the whistleblowers were raising about immunocompromised patients there. After that I said I would stop [my involvement], but I realised that it was more stressful to give up than to play a part in pushing for the issues to be understood, accepted and resolved. I found the stories from the patients and families very compelling, and I couldnt abandon them. The 75-year-old said her retirement has been dominated by the scandal and subsequent Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, which has lessened the time she has had to spend with her family particularly her grandchildren. Vindicated whistleblowers Dr Penelope Redding, left, and Dr Christine Peters Dr Redding said she found the stories of families, such as Andrew Slorance - pictured above with his wife Louise - very compelling She said: My ability to live the retirement I had hoped for has been curtailed. Its emotionally draining to be reminded again and again of all the things that have happened. However, the patients and families have been through much more than me. Her colleague and fellow whistleblower Dr Christine Peters also revealed the terrible toll the battle to raise concerns with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has taken on her life. Dr Peters, who still works at the hospital, said: There was just a culture of bullying. I was shouted at, I was told I was head of nothing when I had introduced myself at a meeting as head of the department for microbiology at the QEUH. I was sidelined, made to feel as though I was bonkers because I was experiencing mental health difficulties, as a result of the stress of trying to deal with whistleblowing and raising concerns. But the doctor said her stress over the past decade is nothing in comparison to what families have endured. She added: My own suffering in this cant be compared to what they have gone through, but I find it hugely distressing to think that some of their suffering was avoidable. Ive not fully considered the negative impact the last ten years have had on my life, but the hardest thing is when I allow myself to think about the impact on my family, especially my children. Ive found the attitude of NHSGGC regarding mental illness to be particularly disturbing, but consistent with a stigmatisation of staff who are open about their mental health when theyre put through ill treatment. Its unacceptable. Dr Peters, Dr Redding and Dr Teresa Inkster, all microbiologists who worked as infection control doctors, have been lauded for their role in speaking up about the hospitals ventilation and water systems presenting a risk to sick patients. They raised the alarm dozens of times, to various levels of management, but each time were painted as troublemakers. Their fears were tragically confirmed when patients, mainly those being treated for cancer, started contracting rare infections. Some, including schoolgirl Milly Main, grandmother Gayle Armstrong and Scottish government adviser Andrew Slorance, died. Dr Peters and her colleagues were bullied, belittled and dismissed for years for daring to flag concerns about what they, now justifiably, believed were catastrophic safety failures at the heart of Scotlands largest ever hospital building project. But as revealed by The Scottish Mail on Sunday, last week NHSGGC, via their lawyers, admitted the trio had been failed as whistleblowers and gave them an unreserved apology. Ten-year-old Milly Main pictured with her mother Kimberly Darroch It came just months after NHSGGCs former medical director Jennifer Armstrong claimed the women had been more focused on proving themselves right than on the patients. Dr Peters said the entire process had been deeply damaging and she still feels as though she is being victimised in her job today. The 51-year-old from Glasgow said: I do not have any confidence whatsoever that there is any change in culture. I hear a lot of claims being made about change. Unfortunately Ive heard this many times over the last decade always implying the past is over, moving forward, all is well. This hasnt been borne out so far. For true change there must be rigorous scrutiny, by external bodies, to make sure recommendations made by the inquiry are followed through and to make sure that other people who could find themselves in a situation like mine are listened to and taken seriously in future. For Dr Peters, the health boards apology has been no comfort, but she said: It has brought a degree of relief, that these unfounded claims have been completely withdrawn but I havent received that apology directly only via the conduit of the inquiry. To have horrendous accusations made about me at a high-profile public inquiry... it felt like a trial of me personally when all I had done was my job. I raised correct patient safety concerns. Theres been no explanation of why I was treated in such an unfair and demeaning way in public by numerous levels of line management, sanctioned at board level, for years and until the present day. When Dr Redding first started highlighting concerns about the water and ventilation systems at the QEUH, she was asked by one boss if she really wanted to end [her] career like this. Queen Elizabeth officially opens the hospital named after her in 2015 She retired in 2018, but continued to be a whistleblower even after she stopped working for the health board. She said she wanted to believe the apology from NHSGGC but said there was still a risk to patients if the culture at the health board didnt change. The same point was raised on behalf of all three whistleblowers by their lawyer, Helen Watts, KC, at the public inquiry last week. Dr Redding said: Patient safety is at risk if there isnt a culture which supports staff raising concerns. Staff still have a fear of speaking out, and thatll be a huge challenge to overcome. It has always been the case but many feel even more concerned now, having witnessed how me and my colleagues were treated. The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland, which has been supporting the whistleblowers, said: They spoke up about their grave concerns for patients safety using a whistleblowing system they believed would take them seriously. Instead, that system turned on them and made wholly false allegations about their professionalism that have caused lasting damage to their previously unblemished careers. It is a matter of deep regret that it has taken so long to reach this position. Regrettably, the three doctors remain profoundly concerned about the organisational culture within the senior infection prevention control team at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. As our senior counsel Helen Watts, KC, submitted to the inquiry, they do not have confidence that the necessary lessons have actually been learned to ensure that patient safety is better protected in the future. Donald Trump shared a photograph of what he described as a 'loaded' handgun on Saturday, accusing Minneapolis officials of abandoning federal officers hours after an American citizen was shot dead by a Border Patrol agent. Alex Jeffrey Pretti, 37, was killed in an altercation involving multiple federal officers during what the Department of Homeland Security described as a targeted enforcement action. Video shows multiple agents wrestling Pretti to the ground before one federal agent fires several shots into his chest at close range, after which the agents scatter from the scene. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed to the Daily Mail that the gun seen in Trump's image was recovered at the scene and that the man who was killed was armed at the time of the encounter. Federal officials said the firearm and magazines were taken into custody following the shooting. The image posted by Trump on Truth Social shows a semiautomatic handgun alongside extra ammunition. Trump claimed the weapon belonged to the man who was fatally shot, writing that it was 'loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go,' while questioning why local police were not present to protect federal agents. 'Where are the local Police? Why weren't they allowed to protect ICE Officers?' Trump wrote, accusing the city's mayor and Minnesota's governor of 'calling them off' and leaving federal officers to defend themselves. Donald Trump shared a photograph of what he described as a 'loaded' handgun on Saturday, accusing Minneapolis officials of abandoning federal officers hours after a 37yearold American citizen was shot and killed The image, posted on Truth Social, shows a semiautomatic handgun alongside extra ammunition. The picture of the handgun Trump shared on Truth Social Alex Jeffrey Pretti (pictured) was killed on Saturday following the altercation with agents This marks the third shooting in recent weeks involving federal agents in Minneapolis - coming after an ICE officer fatally shot Renee Nicole Good on January 7 and another federal agent wounded a man about a week later. In the same post, Trump launched into a sweeping tirade, claiming that local police were prevented from doing their jobs and that federal agents were forced to protect themselves. He alleged - without providing evidence - that Rep Ilhan Omar had '$34 million' in her account and that 'tens of billions of dollars' had been stolen from Minnesota through massive fraud, which he likened to 'a really big bank robbery.' Trump claimed the operation was necessary to recover stolen taxpayer money and accused Minnesota leaders of allowing 'illegal criminal' migrants to infiltrate the state due to Democrats' 'open border policy.' He accused the city's mayor and the state's governor of 'inciting insurrection,' calling them 'sanctimonious political fools,' and demanded that ICE be allowed to operate without interference. In a follow up post on Truth Social, the president added: 'AMONG OTHER THINGS, THIS IS A 'COVER UP' FOR THE BILLIONS OF DOLLARS THAT HAVE BEEN STOLEN FROM THE ONCE GREAT STATE (BUT SOON TO BE GREAT AGAIN!) OF MINNESOTA! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP. At a news conference, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said the man who was shot was a 37-year-old white man with no serious criminal history and a record that showed only some parking tickets. O'Hara said the man was a 'lawful gun owner' with a permit. Records show that Pretti attended the University of Minnesota. Trump followed up his original post, calling the shooting a 'cover up' to hide how much money was stolen from the state of Minnesota A Border Patrol agent shot a 37-year-old American citizen dead in Minneapolis on Saturday morning in a killing caught on camera Video showed the agents wrestling the man to the ground before one federal agent fired multiple shots into his chest During Saturday's news conference, Chief Brian O'Hara said the man's only contact with police, to their knowledge, was related to parking tickets Minnesota law allows permit holders to openly carry handguns in public without concealing them. State records show Pretti was issued a nursing license in 2021, and it remains active through March 2026. Meanwhile Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino said the agent who fired the fatal shots had been serving with the Border Patrol for the past eight years. After the shooting chaos ensued near the scene. DHS wrote that 'about 200 rioters arrived at the scene and began to obstruct and assault law enforcement,' leading to the deployment of crowd-control measures. The city's police department and officials with the Minnesota State Patrol are on scene and working to keep hundreds of observers and protesters separated from the federal agents. As crowds continue to gather, the Minnesota State Patrol declared an 'unlawful assembly,' in the vicinity of the fatal shooting. Protesters are blocking streets with dumpsters and restaurant furniture while shouting 'ICE go home!' at agents, with the area still secured with police tape, according to the Star Tribune. At least two flash-bangs have gone off as agents only continue to push back protesters with tear gas, with the fumes still lingering in the air, the outlet reported. Federal agents gather amid tear gas during clashes with community members at the scene of a shooting involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 24, 2026. Minnesota law allows permit holders to openly carry handguns in public without concealing them Chief O'Hara said during the press conference that two small fires have been set, and police and fire departments are working together to extinguish them. One protester, who the New York Times said either dropped or threw his sunglasses, was met with pepper-spray to the face. 'This is not OK for our city,' Joy, a 55-year-old resident at the scene told CBS News. 'This is when we show our resolve as a city because we're better than this. We are under attack by this administration right now and this is not OK. It's just not.' Speaking at a press conference Saturday, Mayor Jacob Frey called the Trump administration's immigration crackdown an 'invasion' by masked agents acting with impunity. 'How many more residents, how many more Americans need to die or get badly hurt for this operation to end?' Frey declared, adding that the operations are 'not creating safety in our city.' He then singled out Trump, demanding that he 'be a leader.' 'Put Minneapolis, put America first,' Frey said, urging the president to 'take action now and remove these federal agents.' Governor Tim Walz responded on X also with a blistering demand directed at President Donald Trump. DHS has since shared its account of the shooting on X, saying the deadly incident began as a 'targeted operation against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault' Several witnesses were transported to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building as ICE agents tried to order local police to leave the scene, but Chief O'Hara refused 'I just spoke with the White House after another horrific shooting by federal agents this morning. Minnesota has had it. This is sickening,' Walz wrote. 'The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota,' he added. 'Now.' In another statement to X, Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote: 'There has been another shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis and I am working to get more information.' 'To the Trump administration and the Republicans in Congress who have stood silent: Get ICE out of our state NOW,' she added. Minnesota Representative IIhan Omar shared the video to X and wrote that it appears to be 'an execution by immigration enforcement.' 'I am absolutely heartbroken, horrified, and appalled that federal agents murdered another member of our community. It is beyond shameful these federal agents are targeting our residents instead of protecting them,' she wrote. Omar claimed that the incident 'isn't isolated or accidental,' and said that the Trump administration is 'trying to beat us into submission rather than protect us.' 'This administration cannot continue violating constitutional rights under the guise of immigration enforcement. ICE and CBP must leave Minnesota immediately,' the rep wrote. Pretti is a registered nurse, US citizen and a resident of Minnesota who had a gun license according to officials Residents are shouting at agents, calling them 'Nazis' and insisting that all immigrants are welcome, while others are frantically trying to move their parked cars out of the area Your browser does not support iframes. 'Their presence is terrorizing our communities, violating rights, and taking lives with zero accountability,' she added. 'Minnesota was once a place of refuge, and Trump has turned it into a war zone where unchecked federal forces murder our neighbors.' Saturday's fatal shooting comes just a week after an ICE agent, who DHS said feared for his life, fired a 'defensive shot' at illegal migrant Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in Minneapolis, striking him in the leg. Sosa-Celis was taken into custody after a targeted traffic stop turned violent, according to DHS. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents tried to pull him over, but Sosa-Celis allegedly sped off, crashed into a parked car and then fled on foot. A pursuit ensued and agents tried to detain him, but he resisted arrest and violently assaulted an officer, the Trump administration said. A struggle broke out, bringing both Sosa-Celis and the officer to the ground. That's when Alfredo Alejandro Ajorna and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledzema allegedly came out of a nearby apartment and began to attack the agent with a snow shovel and broom handle. Sosa-Celis managed to escape while the other suspects carried out their attack. He then picked up the shovel or broom and started to strike the officer. The three suspects, all Venezuelan nationals who entered the US under the Biden administration, ran back inside and barricaded themselves in the apartment. They were later arrested by ICE officials and charged with attempted murder. The Daily Mail has reached out to DHS and the Minneapolis Police Department for comment. After years of being lied to and smeared, families who lost loved ones after they acquired infections at Scotlands flagship hospital can finally see some light in their search for answers and justice. Two huge developments in the past week have catapulted the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) scandal to the top of Scotlands news and political agenda. The first was the revelation in last weeks Mail on Sunday that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) were finally willing to admit that contaminated water at the SNPs flagship 1 billion superhospital caused serious infections in young cancer patients. The second came in a bombshell closing statement by the health board to the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry, which was established in 2019 to investigate the issues around the construction of the QEUH campus, as well as Edinburghs Royal Hospital for Children. In reference to the QEUH, it read: Pressure was applied to open the hospital on time and on budget, and it is now clear that the hospital opened too early. It was not ready. Russell Findlay asked John Swinney who had applied pressure to have the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital opened before it was ready The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry was set up in 2019 to investigate issues around the construction of the huge QEUH campus, above, as well as Edinburghs Royal Hospital for Children For the families of those affected, these revelations will have sparked relief and anger in equal measure. Relief that in their fight for the truth and answers, they had finally been formally vindicated and fury that they and NHS whistleblowers had been treated with contempt by those in authority. While we must wait for the findings and recommendations of the inquirys chair, Lord Brodie, it feels like the dam has burst in the past seven days. Its not just health board chiefs who are under scrutiny. This goes to the top of the SNP government and not just because ministers are ultimately accountable for the actions of Scotlands health boards. Despite NHSGGCs 11th hour claims last night that any pressures to complete the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on time and on budget actually came from within, it seems incredulous that there was no political leaning at all from the party in government. SNP politicians, including then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, spent much of the 2015 General Election campaign bragging about the shiny new hospital theyd built in Glasgow. The scheduled opening was ten days before polling day. It was a campaign gift to the SNP and any delay would have been a public relations disaster. For those thinking that the timing was purely coincidental, remember this: the 2015 General Election date had been set in stone for years by the coalition governments Fixed Term Parliament Act. It wasnt just called by David Cameron six weeks earlier. John Swinney denied to me at First Ministers Questions on Thursday that the pressure came from the Sturgeon government. But as the second most senior figure in that administration he would say that, wouldnt he? The First Minister later told journalists that was something for Lord Brodie to determine in his inquiry findings. Findings which, presumably, will not be published until after Mays Scottish parliament elections. What unfolded at QEUH has parallels with other recent scandals involving Scotlands public bodies. This SNP government presides over a cynical culture defined by arrogance, secrecy and cover-up. We saw it at the Covid inquiry, with Swinney and Sturgeons shameful deletion of WhatsApp messages. And just two days ago, Scotlands Information Commissioner announced he was taking legal action against the SNP government for its failure to produce documents related to the Salmond inquiry. Sadly, too many public institutions take their lead from the government that funds them. A fish rots from the head down. What does it all mean? As with so much in politics, and indeed in life, what people think of the latest Tory defections to Reform depends on what they thought already. Those who like Kemi Badenoch salute her swift and decisive move to boot Robert Jenrick out of the party before he jumped. In my poll last week, nearly seven in ten Tory-leaning voters say it shows a strong leader determined to show that her party has changed. For the first time, as many people say she would make a better prime minister than Keir Starmer as vice versa. She is also at her highest rating yet in a three-way contest with Nigel Farage, though still in third place. Meanwhile, Reform backers say the new recruits prove their party has the momentum. Others argue the days of Tory turmoil are evidently far from over. The idea that the Conservatives still haven't moved on from infighting and divisions was the prevailing view. In fact, voters can see an element of truth in all these positions. They see defectors' motives as being mixed, at best (we're talking about politicians, after all). People tend to assume that when an MP switches parties, career ambition and sour grapes play at least as big a part as principle and conviction, and Jenrick was no exception. At the same time, Conservative voters in my focus groups applauded Badenoch's tough action ('she's got balls!') but complained she didn't seem to have her party behind her and recognised Reform's coup in winning a high-profile convert. They also nodded along with Jenrick as he lamented the ways in which Britain was 'broken' and lambasted his former party for its role in the country's ruin. In other words, Jenrick might be a bounder, but he has a point; Badenoch showed leadership, but it was all grist to the Farage mill. Kemi Badenoch arrives at a Young Farmers Centre in Essex on January 23, 2026 Former Tory MP Robert Jenrick is seen at a news conference announcing his defection to Reform on January 15, 2025 There are risks for Reform, too. One of the party's 2024 voters worried about the insurgent movement being 'watered down'. And another warned: 'Don't take any more Tory has-beens.' Call it a score draw, then. But how much does it all matter? One upshot is that it makes any kind of pre-election pact between Reform and the Tories even more unlikely than it was before. The personal rivalries involved are only one reason why the prospect of such a deal is receding. When I asked voters if they would prefer a Conservative-Reform coalition or a combination of Labour, the Lib Dems and Greens, supporters of the Left-wing parties overwhelmingly preferred to be in government with each other, and Reform-leaning voters plumped for an alliance with the Tories. But Conservative voters were less sure, often saying they didn't know which would be better or worse. Many Tories are suspicious of Farage. Any such arrangement needs voters to play ball, and they don't like to be taken for granted. Outside Westminster, the latest episode of party drama hasn't changed anybody's mind because it hasn't changed anybody's life. Defections belong to the realm of games and plots the kind of politics that alienates voters, rather than the kind that affects their world. And there is plenty of the latter kind to be getting on with. Compared to recent international news, another round of political musical chairs seems petty and irrelevant. Some believe US action in Venezuela was justified, and there is broad support for seizing oil tankers in the Russian shadow fleet and for British troops joining a post-war peacekeeping force in Ukraine. But current global events and their unknowable consequences worry people. Trump's designs on Greenland were once dismissed as the product of his bizarre sense of humour. Despite the emergence of a tentative deal on the territory, tensions within Nato have cut through. The combination of all this makes many uneasy. 'I feel like we're on the edge of World War Three,' one woman told us last week. US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he returns from the World Economic Forum on January 22, 2026 Protesters attend a 'Hands off Greenland, Trump' rally outside the US Embassy on January 24, 2026 Closer to home, I found people genuinely frightened about deepfakes and the effect of social media on their children. Voters of all stripes felt governments had been reluctant to take on the tech world, but noted that the sinister capabilities of Elon Musk's Grok had roused ministers to battle. Yet this, too, prompted frustration if Labour can spring into action against an app, why can't it show the same sense of urgency over the countless other problems besetting Britain? Most have given up waiting for any such sense of purpose whether on migration, crime, growth, welfare or anything else. When I asked voters to pick from a long list of words to describe Starmer, the top choices were 'out of his depth', 'out of touch', 'weak', 'indecisive' and 'dull'. Fewer and fewer say they are now giving Labour the benefit of the doubt, and seven in ten expect the party to be out at the next election. The question is, of course, who will replace them? Whatever the voters made of the spectacle, this month's defections have provided both the impetus and opportunity for Badenoch to set out a Conservative position distinct from that of her rivals on the Right. That doesn't mean reverting to the pre-Brexit Tory party, either in policy or personnel. Today's challenges are different, but one reason for voters' despair is that nobody seems to know what to do about them. Many are worried or, like Jenrick, angry. But what they really want are answers. Lord Ashcroft is a businessman, philanthropist, author and pollster. His research can be found at LordAshcroftPolls.com A new video has revealed the moments leading up to the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was shot dead by a border agent on Saturday in Minneapolis. Footage showed Pretti just before the fatal shooting after 9am near Glam Doll Donuts at 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. Pretti could be seen confronting the agents with his phone in hand, angled in their direction. One agent backed Pretti toward the sidewalk, where the rest of the altercation unfolded. In another video, seemingly taken moments later, Pretti was seen struggling with federal agents just seconds before he was shot. As he tried to push the official away, the agent pulled out pepper spray and began unleashing the canister in Pretti's face. More agents ran toward him as Pretti and two other civilians struggled with the officers. Several officers and civilians tumbled to the ground in a pile-up as onlookers shouted and honked nearby. A Minneapolis man who was gunned down during a struggle with federal agents has been identified as Alex Jeffrey Pretti New angles showed Minneapolis shooting victim Alex Pretti confronting Ice agents before being pepper-sprayed and shot down Pretti is a registered nurse, US citizen and a resident of Minnesota who had a gun license according to officials. He is seen in footage confronting agents before the shooting As more and more agents ran toward the struggle, multiple shots rang out, killing Petti. At a news conference, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said the dead man had no serious criminal history and a record that showed only some parking tickets. Law enforcement sources said Saturday their records show Pretti had no serious criminal history. O'Hara said the man was a 'lawful gun owner' with a permit. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the Daily Mail that the victim was armed with two magazines and that the gun has since been recovered by federal authorities. DHS shared a photo of the firearm which was seen lying on the passenger seat of a car. DHS has since shared its account of the shooting on X, saying the deadly incident began as a 'targeted operation against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault.' 'An individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun,' the department wrote. 'The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted.' Pretti appeared to be filming the interaction prior to being allegedly shot Pretti is seen in the tussle with agents just moments before the deadly shooting A different angle showed at least four agents surrounding Pretti on Saturday Officers and civilians tumbled to the ground in a pile-up The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the Daily Mail that the suspect was armed with two magazines, and that the gun has since been recovered by federal authorities 'Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject but was pronounced dead at the scene,' the statement added. 'The suspect also had 2 magazines and no ID - this looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.' Records show that Pretti attended the University of Minnesota. State records show Pretti was issued a nursing license in 2021, and it remains active through March 2026. In a news conference Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino said the agent who shot him had been serving with the Border Patrol for the past eight years. The mystery behind who killed nightclubber Melanie Hall could finally be solved with the help of AI, as police launch a new review of the cold case 30 years on. Melanie, a 25-year-old clerical worker, was last seen sitting on a stool at the edge of the dancefloor speaking with an unidentified man at Cadillacs nightclub in Bath, on June 9, 1996, at about 1.10am. It was the same night England played Switzerland in the opening match of Euro 96. Her remains were not found until October 5, 2009, when a workman discovered them 28 miles north from the city, next to a slip road on the M5 near Thornbury, Gloucestershire. She had suffered a fractured skull, and reportedly had a broken jaw and cheek bone, indicating she had been subjected to a vicious assault. Her body was naked and had been tightly bound in bin bags, secured by thick blue nylon rope. Three decades on, Melanie's killer remains on the loose. Detectives at Avon and Somerset Police announced this week that have launched Operation Denmark, a fresh investigation into the unsolved murder. They remain hopeful Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology could help provide answers for the young woman's devastated family. The contents of 90 crates of evidence are currently being digitised, while police have suggested AI could be deployed to analyse the cold case. Police previously identified around 100 'persons of interest', which has now been pared down to less than 20, while alibis are being re-examined. The mystery behind who killed nightclubber Melanie Hall could finally be solved with the help of AI, as police launch a new review of the cold case 30 years on Melanie's remains were found 13 years after her disappearance - and her killer remains on the loose. Pictured: Items similar to those worn by Melanie which have never been found Police have reissued an e-fit of a man they believe may have been with Melanie in the nightclub Det Chief Insp Ben Lavender, who is leading the cold case team, told The Mirror: 'With the advancements in AI in the coming years, I am sure it will give us another way of looking into the data that we have got again in intelligent ways.' He also revealed police have created a database of the now-digitised evidence and are taking another look at CCTV footage found at the time. The force previously trialled AI in 2024 to review evidential material in 27 complex cases - with answers that would have taken detectives 81 years to solve provided within just 30 hours instead. Known as Soze, the tool helps detectives save time as well as analyse information in a more abstract way. For example, they can ask the system to show them any links between two suspects. It can also uncover insights and relationships that were not already possible, by categorizing objects, people, anomalies and patterns far faster than any human can. Previous efforts to discover the identity of Melanie's killer have involved more than 400 officers over the years, with 96 hours of CCTV footage ploughed over for clues. Eleven people were arrested but no one has ever been charged. Detectives now intend to go 'back from the beginning' to discover if any evidence was overlooked. As part of those efforts, police have re-issued the E-fit and a description of a man they believe may have been with Melanie in the nightclub. Detectives at Avon and Somerset Police announced this week that have launched Operation Denmark, a fresh investigation into the unsolved murder He is described as white, mid to late 20s, 5ft 10ins, of medium build, with dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, bushy eyebrows and clean shaven. He wore black trousers, black shoes and a brown silk shirt. It is possible he had a gold hooped earring in his right ear and wore a flashy gold watch. Police are also keen to discover what happened to the clothes Melanie was wearing the night she disappeared. She wore a pale blue silk dress, black suede mule shoes, a cream single breasted long-sleeve jacket and a black satchel-type handbag. None of these items have ever been found. Detectives are additionally set to forensically test the bags and rope that her remains were found in, with a partial DNA profile having been recovered. Mr Lavender said of the items: 'Both of those are key exhibits for us to look at exploiting all the new technology out there to see what could be found on them.' Melanie, who was a clerical worker at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, had been on a night out with her German boyfriend and a couple known to them. They went home and left Melanie on her own in the nightclub, with a witness later reporting that she had seen the 25-year-old talking to a man in the early hours of the morning. Avon and Somerset Police have released these images of earrings similar to ones belonging to Melanie Hall (left) and her ring (right) which was found near her body in October 2009 Replica of a length of rope that was wrapped around bin liners containing Melanie Hall's body Her remains were found next to the junction 14 northbound slip road of the M5 by workmen That was the last known sighting of Melanie. Her father Steve Hall previously released a powerful and moving statement detailing the impact the murder has had on their lives. In remarks released by the police, he said: 'When Melanie was murdered, it wasn't just one person's life that was taken, it changed and ruined many lives after. 'Mine, my wife's, my daughter's, my mother's there's obviously someone out there, and probably some people out there, who know what happened to Melanie. 'If they felt they could come forward with information which led to us finding out what happened to Melanie, then at least we could feel that we've done all we can do for our child. 'We're different people now. That night when she disappeared, we changed we are not the people we were before. 'We carry a deep sorrow, a deep grief. We've lost something very beautiful and very precious to us that we can't replaceit's a family with a piece missing.' Melanie's sister, Dominique, said in a Channel 5 documentary examining the case, which aired in 2023: 'I would hope that somebody might think about my mum and dad, they are both nearly 80 now, that someone might find some little drop of compassion or empathy for my mum and dadand think now would be the time to let them know and have the answers that they need.' Mr Hall said in the documentary: 'As each day went by, I wished I didn't wake up in the morning. But you do. You wake up and you got that little split second and you know something's wrong and then it kicks into your brain. 'And you think, 'oh yeah, it's Melanie'. Her sister adds in the programme: 'Weeks and months went by, you realise she's not coming back. 'As young children we were really close. She would be the more timid one of the two so I was slightly more protective. My biggest fear is that whatever it is that happened to her that she was frightened at that time.' Mr Hall added: 'In our family we will forever grieve for, and miss our lovely daughter. 'She will never fulfil her life's ambitions, never marry, never have children and my wife and I will never have another grandchild. The building formerly known as Cadillacs in Bath, the last place where Melanie was seen alive Police closed off the road after Melanie's body was discovered at the side of the M5 in 2009 'Her mother's lasting memory of her youngest daughter is the day she viewed a battered skull and a few broken bones in the coroner's office at Portishead. 'We are sure that, after all these years [those responsible for Melanie's murder] will happily take their awful secret to the grave as we will do the same with our grief.' Det Chief Insp Lavender said: 'Somebody knows what happened to Melanie whether that's just the person who killed her or they've told somebody else, or somebody else witnessed something on the evening, maybe someone returned acting suspiciously, blood was seen, anything like that, is really important to us.' Anyone with information can contact Avon and Somerset Constabulary on 101, using reference Operation Denmark, or through the dedicated Major Incident Public Portal. Two 'rioters' allegedly bit off a law enforcement officer's finger as protests continue to rage in Minneapolis, just hours after a US citizen was shot dead by federal agents. A Border Patrol agent fatally shot 37-year-old American citizen Alex Jeffrey Pretti just after 9am Saturday near Glam Doll Donuts at 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue, in a killing captured on camera. The killing set off protests in the city, with large military-style vehicles surrounding demonstrators who blocked streets with dumpsters and restaurant furniture, while federal agents fired tear gas and pepper balls in response. Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the US Department of Homeland Security, said an HSI officer will be without a finger after 'rioters' bit it off. On Saturday afternoon, McLaughlin wrote on X: 'In Minneapolis, these rioters attacked our law enforcement officer and one of them bit off our HSI officer's finger. He will lose his finger.' In an attached photo, an officer wearing an HSI uniform held out his hand, showing a chunk of his right ring finger completely missing with only blood on it. Another graphic photo appeared to show the severed piece - including the nail - placed carefully in a clear medical container. Of the four photos McLaughlin posted, two depicted the alleged unidentified 'rioters' she claimed were the culprits. Two 'rioters' allegedly bit off an HSI officer's finger amid intensifying protests in Minneapolis following the shooting death of a US citizen by federal agents A Border Patrol agent fatally shot 37-year-old American citizen Alex Jeffrey Pretti (pictured) just after 9am Saturday Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the US Department of Homeland Security said an HSI officer will be without a finger after 'rioters' bit it off The alleged amputation came after 37yearold Pretti, a University of Minnesota graduate and registered nurse, was shot to death during what appeared to be a struggle with federal agents on Saturday. The deadly incident now marks the third shooting in recent weeks involving federal agents in Minneapolis, following the January 7 killing of a woman by an ICE officer and another shooting about a week later that left a man wounded. Circulating video showed agents wrestling Pretti to the ground before one federal agent fired multiple shots into his chest, after which the agents scattered. He was pronounced dead the scene, officials said at a press briefing. Pretti worked as a registered nurse for the Veterans Health Administration at the Minneapolis VA hospital and earned a reported $90,783 in 2023, according to public records. 'I worked with him daily for years at the VA hospital,' Ruth Anway, a Minneapolisbased nurse, told the Daily Mail. 'He was an ICU nurse. He worked with veterans. He was a really good guy. He definitely did not deserve to get killed.' Anway said she worked with Pretti for about six years and also collaborated with him earlier in his career while he was in nursing school, including on a research study at the VA. 'As a friend who just saw my friend get killed, I just want to say he was a good guy,' the nurse said, adding that she last saw Pretti a few months ago. Your browser does not support iframes. Circulating video showed agents wrestling Pretti to the ground before one federal agent fired multiple shots into his chest, after which the agents scattered Pretti (pictured) was a University of Minnesota graduate and registered nurse for the Veterans Health Administration at the Minneapolis VA hospital Of the four photos McLaughlin posted, two depicted the alleged unidentified 'rioters' she claimed were the culprits 'He was always keeping up with the news and always just really well informed about what was going on,' Anway said, describing her coworker as politically engaged and deeply informed. 'We would always talk about everything going on in the world,' she added. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino said the officer who shot Pretti had been serving with the Border Patrol for the past eight years. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the Daily Mail that agents were in the area attempting to apprehend 'an illegal alien wanted for violent assault' when they were approached by Pretti. Federal authorities have since identified the man they were initially seeking as Jose HuertaChuma, an Ecuadorian national. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino said HuertaChuma has a criminal history that includes domestic assault, disorderly conduct and driving without a license, though federal court records did not list any cases under his name. DHS has shared its account of the shooting on X, saying 'an individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun.' 'The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted,' the department wrote. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino said the officer who shot Pretti (pictured) had been serving with the Border Patrol for the past eight years The agency later released a photograph of a ninemillimeter semiautomatic handgun it said was recovered from Pretti during the clash Police Chief Brian O'Hara said Pretti (pictured) was a 'lawful gun owner' with a permit. Minnesota law allows permit holders to openly carry handguns in public without concealing them 'Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject but was pronounced dead at the scene,' the statement added. 'The suspect also had 2 magazines and no ID - this looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.' The agency later released a photograph of a ninemillimeter semiautomatic handgun it said was recovered during the clash. Police Chief Brian O'Hara later confirmed at a news conference that the man shot was a 37-year-old white individual with no serious criminal history, aside from some parking tickets. Law enforcement sources also said Saturday that their records show Pretti had no serious criminal history. O'Hara said Pretti was a 'lawful gun owner' with a permit. Minnesota law allows permit holders to openly carry handguns in public without concealing them. President Donald Trump responded to Pretti's death on Truth Social, writing: 'LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOBS.' 'This is the gunmans gun, loaded (with two additional full magazines!), and ready to go - What is that all about? Where are the local Police? Why werent they allowed to protect ICE Officers?' the president wrote. Federal authorities have since identified the man they were initially seeking as Jose HuertaChuma, an Ecuadorian national Law enforcement sources said Saturday that their records show Pretti had no serious criminal history, aside from some parking tickets President Donald Trump has since responded to Pretti's death on Truth Social, writing: 'LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOBS' 'It is stated that many of these Police were not allowed to do their job, that ICE had to protect themselves - Not an easy thing to do!' he added. Trump then continued on a tangent about the alleged '34 million dollars' in Representative IIhan Omar's account and the 'tens of billions of dollars that have been stolen from the once Great State of Minnesota.' 'We want the money back, and we want it back, NOW,' Trump wrote. 'Much of what youre witnessing is a COVER UP for this Theft and Fraud.' He added: '12,000 Illegal Alien Criminals, many of them violent, have been arrested and taken out of Minnesota. If they were still there, you would see something far worse than you are witnessing today!' Protests have picked up in Minneapolis in recent weeks as ICE continues to occupy the city following the death of Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an agent on January 7. The fatal shooting also comes just a week after an ICE agent, who DHS said feared for his life, fired a 'defensive shot' at illegal migrant Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in Minneapolis, striking him in the leg. Federal agents said they were trying to detain an Ecuadorian man before the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino told reporters at a press conference on Saturday that Jose Huerta-Chuma, an illegal immigrant, has a lengthy criminal history that includes domestic assault, disorderly conduct and driving without a license. There were no federal court records listed for a man with Huerta-Chuma's name. While agents tried to arrest Huerta-Chuma, federal authorities allege that another individual, now identified as Pretti, approached with a nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun. 'The agents attempted to disarm the individual, but he violently resisted, fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, a Border Patrol agent fired defensive shots,' the Department of Homeland Security said. 'Medics on the scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject, but the subject was pronounced dead at the scene.' Pretti, a 37-year-old Minnesota resident and US citizen, was shot just after 9am near Glam Doll Donuts on the corner of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue. In one video posted to social media, Pretti could be seen confronting the agents with his phone in hand, angled in their direction. One agent backed Pretti toward the sidewalk, where the rest of the altercation unfolded. In a second video, seemingly taken moments later, Pretti was seen struggling with federal agents just seconds before he was shot. During a press conference on Saturday, Border Patrol agents revealed they were pursuing Jose Huerta-Chuma, an Ecuadorian man, in Minneapolis. They claim an individual, later identified as ICU nurse Alex Pretti, intervened while armed with a handgun Pictured: Pretti, seen wearing a black ballcap, is confronting federal immigration officers in downtown Minneapolis Pictured: Pretti was pepper sprayed and tackled to the ground by agents. The Department of Homeland Security claims that Pretti resisted being detained and an agent fired defensive shots Pretti appeared to be defending another civilian who had been shoved toward the ground. It is not clear if that person was Huerta-Chuma. Pretti tried to push a border agent away, but the agent pulled out pepper spray and unleashed it in Pretti's face. Soon after, there was a pile-on of federal officers and civilians surrounding Pretti. As this was going on, shots suddenly rang out. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Pretti was carrying two magazines. The agency later released a photograph of a handgun it said was recovered after the shooting. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Saturday evening that Pretti had 'brandished' a weapon before being shot. But that allegation has been disputed by footage that appears to show an officer remove the gun from Pretti during the scuffle, a few seconds before he was shot. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said Pretti had no serious criminal history, with records showing only minor parking violations. OHara added that he was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit. Pretti worked as a registered nurse for the Veterans Health Administration at the Minneapolis VA hospital and earned a reported $90,783 in 2023, according to public records. Records also show he attended the University of Minnesota and most recently listed himself as a junior scientist on LinkedIn. Those who worked alongside him said his death has been devastating. Friends who knew Pretti described him as a good person who was politically engaged. They were outraged by his death Pictured: People gather around a makeshift memorial for Pretti at the site where he was killed Thousands descended on the area where Pretti was killed, as protests continued against the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis I worked with him daily for years at the VA hospital, Ruth Anway, a Minneapolisbased nurse, told the Daily Mail. He was an ICU nurse. He worked with veterans. He was a really good guy. He definitely did not deserve to get killed. Anway said she worked with Pretti for about six years and also collaborated with him earlier in his career while he was in nursing school, including on a research study at the VA. As a friend who just saw my friend get killed, I just want to say he was a good guy, she said. Anway last saw Pretti a few months ago. She described him as politically engaged and deeply informed. He was always keeping up with the news and always just really well informed about what was going on, she said. We would always talk about everything going on in the world. Dr. Dimitri Drekonja, chief of the Infectious Diseases Section at the Minneapolis VA and a professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, also paid tribute to Pretti in a Facebook post. Alex Pretti was a colleague at the VA, Drekonja wrote. We hired him to recruit for our trial. He became an ICU nurse. I loved working with him. He was a good, kind person who lived to help - and these f***ers executed him. Thousands descended on the area where Pretti was killed, as protests continued against the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis. Protestors fashioned a makeshift memorial for him and held signs telling ICE to get out of their city. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has condemned a 37-year-old nurse shot dead by her officers in Minneapolis. Speaking in Washington DC hours after the killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, Noem questioned why he was carrying a legally-held weapon instead of a protest sign. 'I don't know of any peaceful protester that shows up with a gun and ammunition rather than a sign,' Noem said. 'This is a violent riot when you have someone showing up with weapons and are using them to assault law enforcement officers.' Noem went on to repeat an earlier claim that Pretti - who had no criminal record - 'brandished' his handgun at DHS agents in the moments before his killing. Pretti had a permit to carry a concealed gun. She said: 'This individual went and impeded their law enforcement operations, attacked those officers, had a weapon on him and multiple, dozens of rounds of ammunition. 'Wishing to inflict harm on those officers coming brandishing like that and impeding the work they were doing.' That version of events has already been disputed by video which shows Pretti brandishing a phone in the moments before the fatal scuffle began. Footage also appears to show an DHS agent take Pretti's handgun away a few seconds before another officer opened fire six times and killed Pretti. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claims DHS shooting victim Alex Jeffrey Pretti 'reacted violently' before he was killed Alex Jeffrey Pretti is filmed brandishing a phone at Department for Homeland Security officials moments before a scuffle erupted that ended with him being shot dead Noem told Saturday's press conference that Pretti had 'reacted violently' after getting involved in an altercation between DHS and a female protester standing close to him. Pretti and the unidentified woman were protesting the DHS arrest of an Ecuadorian illegal migrant called Jose Huerta-Chuma, who faces charges of domestic assault, disorderly conduct and driving without a license. Noem said: 'An individual approached US Border Patrol Officers with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun. 'The officers attempted to disarm this individual but the armed suspect reacted violently...this looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage and kill law enforcement.' Noem, a MAGA Republican, also blamed two of Minnesota's most senior Democrat lawmakers - Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. 'Our law enforcement are doing everything they can to protect the public. We're praying for the deceased's loved ones, family, and friends, but we also recognize that the Minnesota and the Minneapolis governor need to take a long hard look in the mirror. 'They need to evaluate their rhetoric, their conversations, and their encouragement of such violence against our citizens and law enforcement officers.' Saturday's killing comes less than three weeks after 38-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by DHS in the city after ignoring officer Jonathan Ross's order to get out of her car during a protest and trying to drive off. Pretti is seen on the ground during his final moments. His killing comes weeks after an DHS agent shot and killed 38-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis A Minneapolis man who was gunned down during a struggle with federal agents has been identified by local media as Alex Jeffrey Pretti Pretti was shot shortly after 9am Saturday near 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue in south Minneapolis. Minneapolis police confirmed Pretti was a white, 37yearold Minnesota resident and said he was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Department of Homeland Security, federal agents were in the area attempting to apprehend a man described as 'an illegal alien wanted for violent assault' when Pretti approached them. DHS said a struggle followed. The agency stated that Pretti was armed with a ninemillimeter semiautomatic handgun and carrying two magazines, and that officers attempted to disarm him before he allegedly resisted. Video from the scene shows agents wrestling Pretti to the ground moments before the shooting. Pretti's death comes less than three weeks after Renee Nicole Good, pictured, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said city police were not involved in the immigration operation and did not fire the weapon. O'Hara added that Pretti had no serious criminal history beyond minor parking violations and confirmed that he was a lawful gun owner with a valid permit. Pretti worked as a registered nurse for the Veterans Health Administration at the Minneapolis VA hospital, where he served as an intensive care nurse treating critically ill veterans. Public records show he earned approximately $90,000 in 2023. Colleagues have described him as a dedicated healthcare worker whose death has had a significant impact within the VA medical community. Saturday's shooting marks the third recent incident involving federal agents in Minneapolis. Renee Nicole Good, 37, was shot and killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7 after ignoring orders to get out of her car and trying to drive away from the scene. Wild weather across the United States continued Sunday night, with so-called 'steamnadoes' reported in Texas and blizzard conditions affecting millions. At least 24 inches of snow is set to blanket the Northeast into Monday morning, before a deep freeze and icy conditions take over in the southern region, the National Weather Service Prediction Center said. They now warn that 'catastrophic ice' is still on its way and further power outages may be forthcoming. 'The worst conditions are expected between 12PM today and 12AM Monday,' the New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services said. The storm has already brought swirling vortexes over Texas lakes that look like tornadoes and blizzard conditions in Massachusetts, where residents experienced more than three hours of 35+ mph winds and visibility less than a quarter of a mile. At least 15 people have died from the powerful tundra across the US. As officials now prepare for the worst, schools across the country, as well as government offices, have announced closures for Monday. Donald Trump backtracked on his claim that British troops had dodged the front line in Afghanistan after King Charles intervened with his 'concerns', it has been reported. The US President made pains to dampen fury sparked by comments made two days earlier when he suggested UK service personnel had 'stayed a little back, a little off the front lines'. Yesterday he retreated from that view and said: 'The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America! 'In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. 'It's a bond too strong to ever be broken. The U.K. Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the U.S.A.!). We love you all, and always will! President DONALD J. TRUMP.' Earlier this week Mr Trump was accused of 'trampling on the memories' of Britain's 457 war dead with his unpopular claims. The President made no mention of the Danes or other NATO soldiers who died in the country. Downing Street led a chorus of condemnation as Sir Keir Starmer branded Mr Trump's remarks 'insulting and frankly appalling', suggesting he should apologise, amid pressure for the Prime Minister to cancel the King's state visit to the US unless President Trump apologised. Donald Trump backtracked on his claim that British troops had dodged the front line in Afghanistan after King Charles intervened with his 'concerns', it has been reported During his state visit last year, US President Trump described King Charles as 'my friend' President Trump was told of the monarch's unease before he backpedalled over the jibe It has now been reported that King Charles - who is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces - had aired his concerns over Trump's words. A source told The Sun that Trump was told of the monarch's unease before the US President was seen to backpedal over the jibe. 'It was made very clear that the Kings concern over the hurt had been caused by the comments whether inadvertent or not.' Trump has often spoken fondly about the Royal Family and during his state visit last year described King Charles as 'my friend'. Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was 'pleased' the president had 'now acknowledged the role of the British armed forces and those brave men and women who gave their lives fighting alongside the US and our allies'. She added: 'It should never have been questioned in the first place' - after previously branding the comments 'complete nonsense'. The Prime Minister however has been facing growing calls from all sides of the British political spectrum to cancel the King's planned US tour over the remarks and a series of foreign policy moves that have been deemed controversial. King Charles is expected to travel to America in April in what would be the first visit stateside by a reigning monarch since Queen Elizabeth II was hosted by George Bush in 2007. The coffin containing the body of British Army soldier L/cpl Paul 'Sandy' Sandford from the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment is carried by his fellow soldiers during his repatriation ceremony on June 9, 2007 in Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan Conservative MP Simon Hoare said, however, that Sir Keir needs to weigh up whether such a trip could still go ahead. He told the Daily Mail: 'HM is also head of the armed forces. We have seen Trump seek to annex Canada, undermine NATO and offend those who served in Afghanistan. In all conscience I cannot see how the Government could advise for the State Visit to go ahead.' Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Calum Miller MP was equally outraged by Trump's comments. He told the Daily Mail: 'It is a disgrace to see Donald Trump insult our brave veterans and the memory of British soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan. 'By attacking the best of us, he has shown himself to be unreliable and ignorant. We cannot entrust our economy or our security to the moods of a President who governs by temper tantrum. 'Keir Starmer must seriously consider whether the state visit should go ahead. Britain should stand up to Trump and stop rewarding his erratic, bullying behaviour with the pageantry he so desperately craves.' And former BBC newsreader Simon McCoy has set up a petition with the same aim. But royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said this is something the UK 'cannot afford' to do. 'The nation is totally supportive of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's attack on Trump's comments which insulted our troops,' he told the Daily Mail. Join the debate Should Britain cancel King Charles's US visit over Trump's remarks about UK troops in Afghanistan? The Prime Minister however has been facing growing calls from all sides of the British political spectrum to cancel the King's planned US tour over the remarks 'Many feel after his insults and recent behaviour, the state visit should be cancelled. '[But] it cannot be without enraging Trump and this is something we cannot afford to do.' He added: 'Trump shoots from the hip the whole time and aims his actions at his support base in the United States, which would have little interest in the way he has antagonised Britain. We simply cannot afford to. 'The world order is undoubtedly changing. It would be wise to prepare for this with our European allies, but this will take time. 'Whatever we personally feel, we should be diplomatic in the meantime. The state visit must therefore go ahead, at least, at the moment.' The King's trip will be the first time he has visited the US since his son Prince Harry ceased to be a working royal and moved to Montecito, California, with his wife Meghan. Downing Street hopes that the royal trip, which will take place just months after Trump's 'unprecedented' second UK state visit, could provide an incentive for Trump to keep the special relationship alive. Sir Keir is unlikely to attend alongside the King, with Yvette Cooper, the foreign secretary, likely to represent the Government. It is understood Sir Keir raised Mr Trump's remarks about Nato troops in Afghanistan directly with the US president in a conversation on Saturday. A Number 10 spokesman said the Prime Minister 'raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home', and told Mr Trump, 'We must never forget their sacrifice.' The two men also discussed the war in Ukraine, which approaches its fourth anniversary, and the Prime Minister 'reiterated that international partners must continue to support Ukraine in its defence against Putin's barbaric attacks'. They also touched on the UK-US relationship and the need for 'bolstered security in the Arctic', with Sir Keir saying this was 'an absolute priority for his Government'. Sir Keir additionally used the conversation to robustly defend Greenland, telling his US counterpart it was unacceptable to threaten allies with tariffs over the issue. A source told The Telegraph it came as attitudes towards Trump are hardening in Government. 'I think a view has grown in [the] Foreign Office under Yvette that the UK should take a more assertive, independent stance like France,' they said. 'This has takers inside No 10 who think Starmer is seen as supine towards Trump.' Prince Harry (pictured), who was twice deployed to Afghanistan in his ten-year military career, joined the condemnation, saying: 'I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there' Following the President's incendiary interview with US media, decorated veterans, MPs from all parties and the families of soldiers killed and wounded lined up to vent their hurt and anger. The UK suffered the second highest number of military deaths - 457 - in the Afghanistan conflict, behind the US, which saw 2,461 deaths. In total, America's allies suffered 1,160 deaths in the conflict, around a third of the total coalition deaths. Many pointed out that Mr Trump himself had repeatedly swerved military service in Vietnam. Doug Beattie, a former Army captain who won the Military Cross in Afghanistan, said: 'I will not allow anybody to trample over the memory of those men and women who I served alongside, who gave so much. 'We need to stand up to him, stand up to his bullying. This is a man who doesn't understand service because he dodged the draft and now he is insulting those who served their country.' Prince Harry, who was twice deployed to Afghanistan in his ten-year military career, joined the condemnation, saying: 'I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there. 'Thousands of lives were changed for ever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost. 'Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.' President Trump - just days after clashing with Nato allies over his bid to take control of Greenland - told Fox News he was 'not sure' the military alliance of Western countries would be there for America 'if we ever needed them'. In what was taken as a cheap shot at his country's closest friends, he claimed: 'We've never needed them... we have never really asked anything of them. They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan. And they did - they stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines.' His comments triggered outrage, with ministers dispensing with diplomatic protocol. Al Carns, the Armed Forces minister and a former commando who served five tours in Afghanistan, said Britain had fought 'shoulder to shoulder' with US troops after America asked Nato allies to come to its aid following the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Mr Carns raged: 'This is utterly ridiculous. We shed blood, sweat and tears together. Not everybody came home. 'I'd suggest whoever believes these comments come have a whisky with me, my colleagues, their families and importantly, the families of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for both of our nations.' Calvin Bailey, Labour MP and a former RAF Wing Commander, was awarded a US Air Medal for serving with American special ops in Afghanistan. He blasted: 'The notion that we weren't in and amongst the front line, albeit I was a pilot, is for the birds.' British Army soldiers from the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment get ready to patrol during strike operation Southern Beast on August 4, 2008 in Maywand District in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan Diane Dernie, whose son Ben Parkinson is regarded as the most severely injured British soldier to survive in Afghanistan, decried Mr Trump as 'a childish man trying to deflect from his own actions' Conservative leader Mrs Badenoch, meanwhile, accused the President of talking 'flat-out nonsense', adding: 'Their sacrifice deserves respect, not denigration.' Sir Jeremy Hunt, former foreign secretary, called Mr Trump's remarks 'totally unacceptable, factually wrong and deeply disrespectful'. In his response to the US President, Sir Keir said: 'I consider President Trump's remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured and, in fact, across the country. If I had misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologise.' Diane Dernie, the mother of ex-Paratrooper Ben Parkinson who is regarded as the most severely injured British soldier to have survived in Afghanistan, decried Mr Trump as 'a childish man trying to deflect from his own actions'. Ex-paratrooper Mr Parkinson, now 41, suffered horrendous injuries when an Army Land Rover hit a mine near Musa Qala in 2006. Ms Dernie added: 'Come and look at the life that Ben leads - 19 years on, still fighting for his care, still fighting to have a decent life, recovering from a recent operation. [Keir Starmer] has got to stand up for his own Armed Forces, and he's got to absolutely refute what Donald Trump said. 'Call him out. Make a stand for those who fought for this country and for our flag.' Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said: 'Trump avoided military service five times. How dare he question their sacrifice.' Donald Trump on Wednesday dropped his threat to invade Greenland following a furious bust-up with Britain and other Nato allies Nato military officers were discussing an arrangement where Denmark would cede 'small pockets of Greenlandic' territory to the US, where it could build military bases Reform UK leader Nigel Farage - a personal friend of the President - wrote on X: 'Donald Trump is wrong. For 20 years our Armed Forces fought bravely alongside America's in Afghanistan.' Earlier this week Mr Trump dropped his threat to invade Greenland following a furious bustup with Britain and other Nato allies. Speaking after talks with Nato chief Mark Rutte, the US President said he had agreed 'the framework of a future deal' regarding the control of the Arctic island, which he claims is vital for American security. Mr Trump added that he was suspending plans to slap tariffs on Britain and other countries resisting his Greenland grab. Markets in the US rallied on his announcement, having climbed on his earlier proclamation that he would not use force to take the 'big, beautiful piece of ice'. And the Daily Mail revealed he was also mulling over making the inhabitants of Greenland (population 57,000) an offer of $1million each - 750,000 or 850,000 - if they vote to join the United States. On Wednesday night, Nato military officers were discussing an arrangement where Denmark would cede 'small pockets of Greenlandic' territory to the US, where it could build military bases. Senior officials compared the proposal to UK military bases in Cyprus which are treated as sovereign British territories. Mr Trump told reporters it was 'the ultimate longterm deal'. When asked how long, he replied: 'Infinite. There is no time limit. It's a deal that's forever.' He had earlier written on his Truth Social social media platform: 'Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of Nato, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. 'This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all Nato Nations.' Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the US owning Greenland is a 'red line' that will not happen. He said Copenhagen would keep ownership of Greenland, despite Mr Trump's earlier demand for negotiations on an 'acquisition'. 'It's not going to happen that the US will own Greenland. That's a red line,' Mr Rasmussen told national broadcaster DR. Mr Trump's apparent climbdown on the imposition of tariffs over the Greenland dispute will fuel critics who coined the term TACO, short for 'Trump Always Chickens Out'. The row that has played out over the last fortnight has raised serious questions about the survival of Nato and yesterday plunged Britain's 'special relationship' with the US into crisis. During a rambling address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mr Trump sought to often belittle his allies. In a reference to America's role in the Second World War, he told his mainly European audience: 'Without us, you'd all be speaking German, with maybe a little Japanese.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that senior public servant Greg Moriarty will replace Kevin Rudd as Australia's next ambassador to the United States. Albanese announced the decision during an appearance on ABC TV political program Insiders on Sunday. Moriarty has previously served as ambassador to Iran and Indonesia, held senior postings in Papua New Guinea, and in 2015 became Australia's first counterterrorism coordinator. Most recently, Moriarty served as Secretary of the Department of Defence, placing him at the centre of major policy developments, including AUKUS. Albanese said this experience makes Moriarty 'exceptionally wellplaced' to manage the strategic, defence and diplomatic challenges of the role. Moriarty also brings highlevel political and national security experience from his time as Chief of Staff to thenprime minister Malcolm Turnbull in 2017, a period defined by significant defence and national security activity. Before that, he served in Turnbull's office as International and National Security Adviser. Kevin Rudd will step down as Australia's ambassador to the United States on March 31, ending his posting a year earlier than planned. Kevin Rudd (pictured) will be replaced by diplomat Greg Moriarty in March Rudd was appointed to the role in March 2023. His previous comments, in which he labelled Donald Trump 'the most destructive president in history', resurfaced after Trump returned to office in 2024, putting renewed strain on relations despite Rudd's efforts to mend ties. That tension came to a head during an Oval Office exchange in 2025, when Trump told Rudd, 'I don't like you and I probably never will'. Unlike Rudd, Moriarty has no social media presence, so there are no concerns about old remarks resurfacing. Moriarty's experience as Chief of Staff under Turnbull has been seen as a bipartisan credential. Albanese also confirmed that the Trump administration had been consulted on Moriarty's appointment. Albanese praised Rudd's work in Washington. 'And I think he can look back with real pride on taking AUKUS from an idea into a reality,' he said. Moriarty (pictured) is a career public servant who served as Malcolm Turnbull's Chief of Staff 'Also the critical minerals deals, the deals on superannuation investment in the US. And building real strong links at a leadership level between Australia and the US.' Former Labor minister Stephen Conroy, who once labelled Donald Trump a 'moron', was briefly floated as a potential contender, dismissed the speculation. During the interview, Albanese revealed that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit Australia and address Parliament in March. A deal between the political parties on the Right could secure a landslide majority and torpedo the chances of a coalition of the 'Loony Left' seizing power in Britain, a major study reveals today. Research commissioned by The Mail on Sunday reveals how 15 Labour Ministers, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, would be swept away if Reform and the Conservatives agreed not to stand against each other in a string of what would then be winnable seats. The exclusive analysis by polling firm Electoral Calculus shows that such an agreement between the two parties could give them 81 seats which would otherwise be won by Left-wing rivals, based on current polling. It would see the toppling of Keir Starmer's Chief Secretary Darren Jones, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn and Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens from the Cabinet, as well as Mr Streeting. The study last night fuelled calls for parties on the Right to unite and turn their attention to winning power instead of fighting each other. It comes after a seismic You Gov poll last week suggested that a coalition of Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party would have the backing of more than half the electorate. One former Tory MP, who lost his seat to Labour in 2024 after Reform split the Right-leaning vote, last night called for an agreement between the parties 'in specific circumstances, in specific seats'. Brendan Clarke-Smith, the ex-MP for Bassetlaw, told the MoS: 'This should be an emergency response to saving the country from a potentially dreadful scenario. I know from my own experience what two Right-of-centre candidates standing in the same seat can lead to a Labour victory.' Analysts at Electoral Calculus used up-to-date polling data to project what would happen in all 650 parliamentary constituencies if an election was held tomorrow. Taking into account tactical voting, no single party would have a majority, setting the scene for horse-trading and an unstable coalition. But the study revealed that a pact between the Tories and Reform not to split the vote on the Right would deliver a combined total of 457 seats 131 more than the number needed for a majority. Nigel Farage attending a Reform UK rally in Llandudno, Wales, on November 24, 2025 Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch delivers a speech at the annual party conference in Birmingham on October 2, 2024 Crucially, 81 battleground seats projected to be won by one of the Left-wing parties, would instead become either Tory or Reform gains. Other eye-catching forecasts say that if there was a deal: Former Tory Chancellor Jeremy Hunt would see off a Lib Dem challenge and keep his Surrey seat; Reform would win Gorton and Denton the Manchester seat where Labour leadership hopeful Andy Burnham could stand; A Green Party bid to topple Hilary Benn from his seat in Leeds would fail, with Reform winning; The Tories would win back seven seats from the Lib Dems in its former 'Blue Wall', mainly in the South; 16 'Red Wall' seats projected to stay Labour in the absence of a deal, would fall to Reform. The Electoral Calculus study assumes deals are done in seats where Reform is ahead in the polls and the Tories are in third place or worse and vice-versa. It was then predicted that 80 per cent of votes would transfer between parties once one of them stood down. Martin Baxter, chief executive of Electoral Calculus, said: 'Either the Right or Left of British politics could win a massive majority if it either made an electoral pact with its allies, or even had a merger. 'Our figures show that a hypothetical Conservative-Reform alliance might win a landslide majority, though achieving such a deal has long odds against it.' The study shows that a deal would deliver Reform an extra 60 seats, and the Tories an extra 21. It would cost Labour 31 seats, the Lib Dems 24 and the Greens 12. Under current polling, Darren Jones, one of Keir Starmer's key allies, is forecast to retain his Bristol North West seat. But if the Tories step aside, it is predicted he would be defeated by Reform. Other Ministers projected to lose their seats under a deal include Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty, Science Minister Ian Murray, Treasury Minister Dan Tomlinson and Equalities Minister Seema Malhotra. Support for Nigel Farage's Reform UK has dipped in recent weeks, with its poll numbers sliding from a peak of 32 per cent to 29 per cent now. Election guru Sir John Curtice last week said that by 2028 the Tories and Reform will have to evaluate whether they are winning the battle for Right-of-centre votes or whether 'it's in their respective interest to come to an accommodation'. But both Mr Farage and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch have dismissed calls for a deal. Mr Farage last week said he will not come to an agreement 'with dishonest people that don't deserve our trust'. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. A spokesman for Mrs Badenoch said she had been clear 'there will never be a pact under her leadership'. In the wake of our research this weekend, both sides were urged to reconsider. Ex-Tory MP Nick Fletcher said: 'Reform is doing extremely well at the moment, but a lot can happen between now and the election. The polls will definitely tighten and that's when the other parties become a threat. The Right needs to come together. If we end up with five parties, it's going to be very difficult to govern.' Mr Baxter at Electoral Calculus added: 'Under our first-past-the-post system, the side which is the most united has the best chance of winning at a general election. Today, the Right is split two ways between the Conservatives and Reform, but the Left is split three-and-a-half ways between Labour, the Lib Dems, the Greens, and (a bit) Your Party. That gives the Right an advantage, even if that's softened somewhat by likely anti-Reform tactical voting.' Critics have warned that a so-called 'Rainbow Coalition' of Left-wing parties could damage Britain's standing in the world. Green leader Zack Polanski wants the UK to scrap its Trident nuclear deterrent and last week called for all the US military to leave Britain. He has said he would consider an alliance with Labour if Sir Keir Starmer stood down as leader. Former Tory Chancellor Jeremy Hunt (pictured) is expected to lose his long-held Surrey seat at the next election unless the Right-wing parties agree to unite How Hunt would be rescued from threat of Lib Dems Former Tory Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is expected to lose his long-held Surrey seat at the next election unless the Right-wing parties agree to unite. Todays analysis shows he would suffer a devastating defeat to the Lib Dems in his Godalming and Ash if Reform fielded a candidate. But if Nigel Farages party agreed not to fight the seat, he would retain it. The constituency has traditionally been seen as part of the Blue Wall of Conservative seats across affluent areas of southern England. But Hunt, who was first elected in 2005, only narrowly kept his seat in the 2024 election, winning an 891 majority over the Lib Dems. He is one of many Blue Wall Tories who have seen their support eroded over the last decade, beginning in the wake of the 2016 Brexit referendum. Electoral Calculus predict that if an election were to be held tomorrow, the Lib Dems would win 41 per cent of the vote in Hunts seat, the Tories 37 per cent and Reform UK 14 per cent. But if Reform decided to step aside and at least 80 per cent of Reform voters transferred to the Tories, Hunt would keep his seat. while Wes could be ousted by Reform At the 2024 election, Wes Streetings suburban London constituency was seen as an ideological battleground between competing factions on the Left. In the end, the Health Secretary narrowly saw off a challenge by independent candidate Leanne Mohamad, a 25-year-old British Palestinian activist who ran a robustly pro-Gaza campaign. But, remarkably, todays findings show the Ilford North seat could be taken by Reform if the two parties of the Right came to an electoral deal. After months of pro-Gaza protests outside his constituency office in North East London, Mr Streeting saw his majority slashed from more than 9,000 to just 528 in the last election. With such a slender majority less than one per cent polling suggest he will lose his seat at the next ballot, whether the Tories and Reform unite or not. If both Right-wing parties stood a candidate, Mr Streeting faces losing the seat he has held since 2015 to either another Left-wing independent pro-Gaza candidate, or someone from Jeremy Corbyns new hard-Left Your Party. But if the Right united, Reform would take the seat, assuming that 80 per cent of Conservative voters would switch to Nigel Farages party if the Tories werent on the ballot paper. If the analysis by Electoral Calculus proved right, it would be an astounding victory for Reform in a seat where almost a third of people (32 per cent) say they are Muslim. A police bomb squad raced to a Melbourne property on Sunday morning after a number of 'suspicious devices' were found. Multiple explosions were heard coming from a home on Belle Vista, in Keilor East, after police conducted a series of controlled detonations of the devices. Residents heard a 'popping sound' at 6am before another one at 6.30am and a third one later in the morning. A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the bomb response unit was deployed after officers initially located 'several suspicious devices' at around 11.30am on Saturday. 'A crime scene was established and remains in place,' she added. It comes as neighbours reported seeing 'about 20 police cars' swarm the small street on Saturday morning. 'We thought someone had been murdered,' one neighbour said. A police bomb squad raced to a Melbourneproperty on Sunday morning after a number of 'suspicious devices' were found Despite police confirming there is no perceived threat to the community, they've advised people to avoid the area. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Saturday's announcement by Andy Burnham was the culmination of months of increasingly unsubtle manoeuvring by the Manchester Mayor. But when the time came to make his move, he hesitated: did he have enough support among Labour MPs to justify the gamble of quitting the mayoralty, facing down the Prime Minister and trying to beat Nigel Farage? From late on Friday evening into Saturday morning, Labour MPs were bombarded with calls by members of Team Burnham to assess the scale of his support in the Commons. The decision had been made that if the number of MPs prepared to back a future leadership bid by him did not run into triple figures, it was not worth the risk. On Saturday night, a Labour MP, who is a supporter of Mr Burnham, said: 'The figure was well over 100, so we decided it was game on.' An MP needs to win the support of a minimum of 81 Labour MPs to stand for the party leadership. As The Mail on Sunday revealed last month, Mr Burnham struck a deal with Ms Rayner before Christmas, under which she was promised her old job back as Deputy Prime Minister if she lent her support to a victorious campaign. Sources say Angela Rayner's public backing on Friday was key to building a sense of momentum for Mr Burnham among the Parliamentary Party. Saturday's announcement by Andy Burnham (pictured) that he try to make a return to the Commons was the culmination of months of increasingly unsubtle manoeuvring Starmer and Burnham pictured together during a meeting with English regional mayors at Downing Street in 2024 Nigel Farage (pictured) has boasted that Reform UK would emerge victorious in a by-election in Gorton and Denton Informed sources also say that Ed Miliband - who on Saturday said he hoped the Gorton and Denton Labour Party would have 'the option' of selecting Mr Burnham as a candidate - would be Chancellor in a Burnham government. But many perils lie ahead for Mr Burnham before he can consider a tilt at the leadership. First, he must overcome the apparent resolve of Sir Keir Starmer's allies to stop him getting into the Commons. Members of Labour's ruling National Executive Committee (NEC) will meet to decide whether to block his candidacy - based on party rules that dictate that sitting Labour Mayors must get permission if they want to resign and stand in a parliamentary election. And resign as Manchester Mayor Mr Burnham must do if he is to win the by-election, as the law states that Mayors who are also police and crime commissioners cannot be MPs. The NEC, still majority-controlled by allies of the PM, will also review whether Labour should run the risk of a second by-election to replace Mr Burnham as Mayor amid fears it would let Reform capture the prized post. Apart from the party's own campaigning expenses, a Greater Manchester mayoral contest wouldn't come cheap for the taxpayer. The bill for the last one left the Greater Manchester Combined Authority with a bill of around 4.7million. If allowed to stand, there is also the little matter of Mr Burnham actually winning the by-election at a time of huge unpopularity for Labour generally. Reform is strong in the North-West - hence Mr Farage's boast that his party would emerge victorious. Private polling by Mr Burnham indicates that, if a by-election were held tomorrow, he would win: the ethnic make-up of the area is not Reform's natural heartland. Reform sources concede that point. But Mr Farage has vowed to 'throw everything' at the contest, and Westminster is littered with the bodies of political opponents who thought they had his measure. Mancunian Zack Polanski is also said to be considering launching a campaign for the seat Serial by-election challenger George Galloway of the Workers Party of Britain is set to run MAIL ON SUNDAY COMMENT: Andy Burnham has opened hostilities against Sir Keir Starmer. His application to stand in the Gorton and Denton by-election is plainly the first step to a leadership challenge. Sir Keir could use the rules to try to stop him, but he will look weak and frightened if he does. A contest could tear Labour apart even if Sir Keir survives. But if Mr Burnham wins, he will have no national mandate. There must then be a new General Election. Advertisement Mr Burnham could also face a challenge from the Greens' Zack Polanski, which would split the vote on the Left, as well as potentially from Left-wing serial by-election challenger George Galloway. If Mr Burnham does win the seat, he will have to summon the will to challenge Sir Keir - despite having declared yesterday that he wants to back the Government, 'not undermine it'. Unless there is a party-wide decision to have a coronation for the 'King of the North', he will almost certainly face a challenge from Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, and also perhaps Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary. Mr Burnham will also have to justify the duplicity he has employed during the past months of plotting. When The Mail on Sunday revealed last month that he was planning to cut a deal to stand in Andrew Gwynne's seat, he wrote on social media: 'Quite a lot of rubbish in the papers today. Reminds me why I left Westminster in the first place!' As a non-denial denial, it was a classic of its time. Mr Burnham did not actually say he was referring to our story. What he very conspicuously failed to write was: 'I am not hoping to return to the Commons and then topple the Prime Minister.' Because he was. Labour MPs who claim to know Mr Burnham's thinking expect him to make initial protestations of loyalty, followed - if he makes it into the Commons - by a leadership challenge in July. That would be in the wake of expected disastrous local election results that he could blame on Sir Keir. Fergie believed the Firm were conspiring 'to take the children away from her' When Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson tied the knot at London's Westminster Abbey in July 1986, nobody was more delighted than the late Queen. The former prince, since stripped of his royal titles by King Charles, was widely believed to be Her Majesty's favourite child, and she was overjoyed that he had finally found his happily ever after. So, when Andrew and Fergie approached her to discuss their separation at Balmoral just five years later, she was very 'disappointed'. Royal biographer Andrew Lownie revealed the Queen advised that the pair 'wait six months before making a decision' in his book Entitled that was published last year. But when Fergie became embroiled in controversy after scandalous images of the former Duchess of York with Texan oil tycoon Steve Wyatt surfaced, the monarch was forced to rethink her desire for the couple's reconciliation. Mr Lownie revealed how Fergie had a meltdown on board a flight to the UK when she was informed the photos of her and Wyatt, taken during a holiday together four years prior, had been leaked to the press. Horrified by the scandal, which raised questions about the 'complex' nature of Fergie's relationship with the late American businessman, the Queen instructed Fergie to cease all contact with Wyatt immediately. Fergie is believed to have disobeyed the Queen's direct order as an urgent summit was called at Sandringham on January 26, 1992, amid fears the ex-Duchess was having a 'nervous breakdown', Mr Lownie wrote. When Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson (right) came to the late Queen to discuss the prospect of divorce at Balmoral in December 1991, she was heavily 'disappointed' and advised them to 'wait six months before making a decision', according to Andrew Lownie As senior royals gathered at Sandringham to discuss the state of Fergie and Andrew's failing marriage, and the custody of their daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, 'the assumption was that the Duchess was having a nervous breakdown', Mr Lownie wrote. 'Sarah herself, according to her friend Madamme Vasso, believed "it was all part of a plot to try to take the children away from her and (she) believed there were people who wanted to discredit her, to make out that she was mentally unstable and incapable of bringing up the girls",' he added. Just five years after they tied the knot, Fergie and Andrew reached out to the Queen to discuss getting a divorce, when she advised them to hold off. However, the breakdown of their relationship was accelerated just a few weeks later, when a tranche of 120 images of Sarah and Wyatt on holiday in Morocco was leaked to the press. While seemingly innocent, the snaps raised serious questions about Fergie and Wyatt's friendship - especially after one picture showed then-one-year-old Princess Beatrice sitting on the businessman's knee. Fergie was first informed about the photos as she was about to board a flight to the UK. 'After an hour, she regained her spirits, throwing a wet flannel at her fathers new partner Lesley Player (who she had made a lady-in-waiting to help facilitate the affair), who was sitting across the aisle,' Mr Lownie revealed. As both wet towels and tissues were sent 'whizzing around the cabin', the former Duchess then proceeded to throw 'peanuts, followed by sachets of sugar and bread rolls' while 'pulling faces' at other passengers onboard. Fergie then 'cut eyeholes in an airsick bag and wore it on her head while making telephone noises', added the royal author. 'The assumption was that the Duchess was having a nervous breakdown,' wrote Lownie in his tell-all book Entitled. Meanwhile, Sarah told close friend Madamme Vasso that 'it was all part of a plot to try to take the children away from her' But the photos were no laughing matter; instead they were 'the final straw for the Royal Family', according to Mr Lownie. The Queen acted swiftly and ordered Fergie to sever all ties with Wyatt in a bid to contain the damage from the photos. However, Fergie's decision to 'ignore' the 'royal warning' eventually prompted the urgent family summit at Sandringham, spearheaded by the now rather concerned sovereign. Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, Prince Andrew, Prince Charles, Princess Diana and Robert Fellowes were all in attendance for the notorious meeting. 'Neither Philip nor Charles - never a fan of his younger brother - were sympathetic, the latter because, having initially been supportive of Sarah, he felt she was a bad influence on Diana,' wrote Me Lownie. At the forefront of discussions was the issue of separation and divorce, alongside the custody of young Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, then aged three and one. However, the royal family were said to have 'assumed' that Fergie was 'having a mental breakdown'. The former Duchess was also allegedly under the belief that they were conspiring 'to take the children away from her', according to her close friend Madamme Vasso. Just a few weeks after the Queen had advised Fergie and Andrew to hold off separating, a tranche of 120 images were leaked to the press of Sarah and American playboy Steve Wyatt, including a picture of young Princess Beatrice sat on his knee (above) The former Duchess was said to have believed that the Royal Family were trying to 'make out that she was mentally unstable and incapable of bringing up the girls', according to her former friend Madamme Vasso On January 26, 1992, an urgent family summit was held at Sandringham to discuss the state of Sarah and Andrew's failing marriage, including the issue of who would get custody over Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie (both pictured in 1992) in the case of separation or divorce Fergie had first forged a close friendship with the Greek clairvoyant in the early Nineties as she navigated her marriage troubles with Andrew. After she first consulted the faith healer, the former Duchess and Ms Vasso were said to have sat underneath a giant blue pyramid to become 'cleansed'. However, Ms Vasso later betrayed Fergie by releasing a book which aired the secrets of her alleged extramarital affairs, the squalid state of her finances and her views on her in-laws. Already obsessed with the paranormal, Fergie was portrayed as being dependent on her 'little Greek friend' - ringing at all hours of the day and night, begging her to get out the tarot cards and predict her future. Just three days after the family summit, Andrew and Fergie returned to Sandringham to inform the Queen that their marriage was over. On March 19, 1992, they publicly announced their separation. 'Last week, lawyers acting for the Duchess of York initiated discussions about a formal separation for the Duke and Duchess,' a statement released on behalf of Her Majesty read. 'These discussions are not yet completed and nothing will be said until they are.' In a desperate bid to manage the damning impact of the ensuing scandal, the Queen ordered Fergie to cut all contact with Mr Wyatt. However, she allegedly ignored this request Andrew and Fergie (pictured at Sandringham in December 1991) first broached the idea of separation with Her Majesty following the festive period Just five months after her and Andrew's separation was publicly announced, Sarah began an alleged relationship with her financial advisor and cousin by marriage, John Bryan (pictured) Just five months later, Sarah began an alleged relationship with her financial advisor and cousin by marriage, John Bryan. In August 1992, the former Duchess flew by private jet to the French Riviera with Mr Bryan and her young daughters. The holiday would culminate in a scandal so vast that it would later draw comparisons to the Abdication Crisis that had rocked the Royal Family 60 years earlier. Lying on a sunbed in St Tropez, Mr Bryan was pictured kissing and sucking Fergie's toes under the damning headline: 'Fergie's Stolen Kisses: Truth About the Duchess and the Texas Millionaire'. It remains unknown who tipped off the paparazzi about the pair's location, but the damning photographs had grave implications for a rather distraught Fergie. Indeed, according to Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell, the late Prince Philip was so enraged by the images that he temporarily 'banned' the former Duchess from all of the royal residences. In 1996, Andrew and Fergie's divorce was officially finalised, with the former Duke and Duchess now free to go their separate ways entirely. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar shortly after, Fergie detailed the reasons for their divorce. She explained: 'I wanted to work; it's not right for a princess of the royal house to be commercial, so Andrew and I decided to make the divorce official so I could go off and get a job.' In August 1992, Fergie and John Bryan became embroiled in the notorious 'toe sucking' scandal that saw the former Duchess's public image thrown into further disarray. (Pictured: Fergie appeared tearful at her first public appearance after the controversy erupted) In an interview with The Daily Mail in 2018, the former Duchess made her fond feelings for her ex-husband abundantly clear and described her and Andrew as 'the happiest divorced couple in the world' Despite the tumultuous final few years of their marriage, Andrew and Fergie have continued to spend ample amounts of time together, and have even lived in the same residence, Windsor's Royal Lodge, since 2008. This arrangement will, however, soon come to an end. After King Charles stripped Andrew of his royal titles due to his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein in October, both he and Fergie were ordered to vacate the 30-room Grade II listed mansion. In an interview with The Daily Mail in 2018, the former Duchess made her fond feelings for her ex-husband abundantly clear and described her and Andrew as 'the happiest divorced couple in the world'. 'July 23, 1986, was the happiest day of my life. Andrew is the best man I know. What he does for Britain is incredible; no one knows how hard he works for his country,' she added. 'My duty is to him. I am so proud of him. I stand by him and always will. The way we are is our fairy tale. Although we are not a couple, we really believe in each other. The Yorks are a united family.' Despite cutting his disgraced brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor out of the royal family, King Charles has remained determined to shield his nieces, Beatrice and Eugenie, from the fallout. Charles, 77, invited them to his annual Christmas festivities at Sandringham as the royal family put on a united front following the scandal surrounding Andrew's ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. However, eagle-eyed fans on X/Twitter suggested his son, Prince William, might have had some reservations about the family reunion. Footage of William, 43, leaving St Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas morning appeared to show the future King giving his cousin Eugenie, 35, the cold shoulder. As she walked beside him, William avoided making eye contact with Eugenie and instead remained focused on fixing his scarf before catching up with the Princess of Wales and his daughter, Princess Charlotte, 10. Fans on X recalled an earlier Christmas when William seemingly 'scarfed' his estranged sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, adding it's his 'go-to avoidance mechanism'. Body language expert Judi James acknowledged the future King's 'suspicious history' when it comes to using his scarf as a 'bit of business' to keep his attention diverted during 'awkward' royal run-ins. Calling his behaviour an 'act of distraction', she told the Daily Mail: 'It could be coincidental, but William usually does this when there is, what could become, an awkward moment in the offing.' Footage of William, 43, leaving St Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas morning appeared to show the future King giving his cousin, Princess Eugenie, 35, the cold shoulder As she walked beside him, William avoided making eye contact with Eugenie and instead remained focused on fixing his scarf before catching up with the Princess of Wales in front of him (right) In the short clip, William can be seen walking alongside Eugenie and Beatrice without looking in their direction as his attention remains fixed on the scarf, Ms James said. She recalled how William was 'stung' when his disgraced uncle Andrew tried to talk to him at the Duchess of Kent's funeral last September. The visibly uncomfortable interaction resulted in a 'wary poker face' from William, Ms James noted. His 'scarf behaviour' seems to be a 'polite' tactic to manage any 'social trickiness', she continued. 'As he gets to the bottom of the steps of the church, and catches us with Kate, we can even see a little tummy-pat of self-praise and, possibly, relief that he has landed in a very safe social spot again,' Ms James concluded. It comes as the Mail on Sunday reported that Eugenie has 'cut off contact' with Andrew in the wake of the scandal. A source told the MoS the rift is like that between the Beckhams: 'There is no contact at all, nothing. It's Brooklyn Beckham level - she has completely cut him off.' The last time royal fans clocked William's scarf manoeuvre was in 2018 during the Duchess of Sussex's first Christmas at Sandringham after marrying Prince Harry. A video of the couple leaving the church appeared to show Meghan trying to engage William in conversation. However, William didn't catch her eye; instead, he was intent on fixing his scarf, which he continually fidgeted with before getting into the waiting car. In the short clip, William can be seen walking alongside Eugenie and Beatrice without looking in their direction as his attention remains fixed on the scarf, body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail Some X users compared the moment to William's behaviour last December, with one person writing: 'William "scarfing" Eugenie?' He blocked all contact with her by fiddling with his scarf here for ages! 'In my opinion, it's obviously his go-to avoidance mechanism for people he doesn't like or trust!' Another replied: 'That was a distinct scarfing.' It comes after Kensington Palace announced Prince William will undertake his first official visit to Saudi Arabia next month at the request of the UK government. He is scheduled to travel to the Middle Eastern nation on Monday, February 9, before flying back to the UK on Wednesday, February 11. A royal spokesman said: 'His Royal Highness' visit comes as the UK and Saudi Arabia celebrate growing trade, energy and investment ties, and as the two nations approach a century of diplomatic relations.' While this is William's first time travelling to Saudi Arabia, he has previously visited the neighbouring countries of the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. The Prince of Wales has had a busy start to 2026 as he carried out a series of engagements in Bristol this week. William travelled to the city to promote its achievements in sustainability as a 'driving force of innovation in the UK' as he tested out a futuristic mobility scooter at a robotics laboratory. Fans on X recalled an earlier Christmas when William seemingly 'scarfed' his estranged sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, adding it's his 'go-to avoidance mechanism He also met the finalists of his Earthshot Prize, the 1million environmental award he established in 2020, who developed an innovative filtration technology system that William had installed at his offices and homes. The 199 Matter unit has been designed to stop microplastics contaminating oceans and waterways and was a finalist in last year's competition. The Prince was also shown Britain's most powerful supercomputer, which is being used to develop new drugs to combat heart disease, Alzheimer's and cancer. Earlier in the week, William joined the Princess of Wales for a joint engagement in Scotland, where they are the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay. The royal couple visited Stirling and Falkirk to promote Scottish heritage traditions, as they took a curling lesson and spent the afternoon at a tartan-weaving studio before meeting fans during a walkabout. William and Kate, who is in remission from cancer, left royal fans swooning after they noticed how the pair snuck in subtle romantic gestures while carrying out their engagements. While chatting with well-wishers on a walkabout, the pair couldn't keep their hands off one another, with William putting his arm around Kate to pose for a photo with a fan. Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Gemstone jewellery is having a moment - and the Royal Family is fully on board. From Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales to the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Sussex, senior royals have all embraced colourful gemstones, often choosing pieces with personal or symbolic meaning. Beyond their visual appeal, gemstones are often believed to promote wellbeing - from enhancing happiness to helping ease anxiety - adding another layer to their allure. After Kate stepped out wearing a striking garnet necklace this week, interest in gemstone jewellery has surged. But it was far from the first time the Princess has showcased gemstone jewellery. Below, I've rounded up the exact earrings, necklaces and rings loved by Kate, Meghan, and other royals. Not only are these pieces beautifully crafted, but many are also designed with wellness in mind - aiming to promote calm, reduce anxiety and restore balance. Auree Bali birthstone necklace Kate has worn her Auree birthstone necklace on several occasions, most recently at a reception for England's Women's Rugby team. Crafted in 9-carat yellow gold, the pendant features a disc that can be engraved with a name or special date, adding a meaningful, personal touch. Polished on one side and brushed on the other, it sits alongside a dainty garnet gemstone. Symbolising love, strength and vitality, the stone nestles beautifully against the gold. Monica Vinader Siren gemstone wire earrings Kate has been a devoted fan of Monica Vinader's affordable pieces since 2014, and is often seen wearing the Siren earrings. Crafted from 18-carat gold vermeil and hand-cut green onyx, these earrings perfectly balance refined simplicity with a touch of statement-making charm. Versatile and timeless, they work just as well for everyday wear as they do for more formal occasions. The rich green gemstone adds a subtle pop of colour, while the sleek silhouette transitions effortlessly from day to night. Astley Clarke Stilla pendant necklace It's easy to see why Kate has a fondness for Astley Clarke's lapis lazuli jewellery. The deep blue gemstone perfectly complements her iconic engagement ring, while also symbolising wisdom, intuition and spiritual growth - making it a fitting choice for royal engagements. Kate has worn the Stilla pendant necklace on nine public occasions. While the original style is now sold out, the locket version remains available and looks just as polished. Missoma mini pyramid charm hoop earrings Kate has chosen the elegant mini pyramid charm hoop earrings for eight public outings, usually keeping them for more relaxed engagements. Handcrafted from 18-carat gold vermeil, these earrings perfectly balance refined simplicity with a touch of statement-making charm. The bestselling Missoma design features rhodochrosite gemstones - known as a symbol of love and compassion - suspended from hoops with a pyramid style. Kiki McDonough Classics citrine pear drop earrings Like her late mother-in-law, Kate is a loyal fan of Kiki McDonough jewellery, with at least 26 pieces in her jewellery collection. Known for its vibrant gemstone designs, the brand's citrine pear drop earrings are a particular favourite. Simple and elegant, the earrings feature pear-shaped citrine gemstones set in 18-carat yellow gold, adding a flattering pop of colour to the face. Citrine - often referred to as the Merchant's Stone - is associated with success, creativity and joy. Shyla London Rosalia earrings Kate debuted Shyla London's Rosalia earrings in lapis at the Wales v England rugby match in March 2025. The everyday hoops feature deep blue lapis lazuli, a metamorphic rock prized for its celestial appearance, complete with gold flecks and white veining that evoke the night sky. Clearly a fan of the design, Kate also owns the pearl version. Spells of Love teardrop hoops with garnet charm Demonstrating her penchant for garnet, Kate has worn the Spells of Love teardrop hoops on no less than six occasions since 2023. The versatile earrings feature removable charms, offering a seamless transition from day to night. Garnet is a powerful stone associated with passion and vitality, though some believe it can amplify intense energy. Maya Brenner Clarity Retreat necklace Meghan has often used jewellery to convey meaning. During the coronation weekend, she wore the Clarity Retreat necklace, designed by her friend and Suits co-star Abigail Spencer in collaboration with Maya Brenner. The piece features hand-cut clear quartz - believed to amplify energy and promote inner peace - alongside a delicate 2.5mm diamond. While the original design is now sold out, the rose quartz version offers a beautiful alternative. Logan Hollowell moonstone diamond ring Meghan is a devoted fan of LA-based jeweller Logan Hollowell, and the Queen ring completes her 12-piece collection from the brand. She notably wore the piece to finish her striking all-white look at Paris Fashion Week in October. Moonstone is associated with the goddess Diana and is believed to symbolise intuition, feminine strength and new beginnings. Monica Vinader Siren gemstone stud earrings Like many members of the Royal Family, the Duchess of Edinburgh has a fondness for Monica Vinader's gemstone jewellery. She particularly favours the Siren stud earrings in rose quartz, having worn them an impressive 18 times. Rose quartz is thought to encourage loving thoughts, harmony and emotional rejuvenation - making these a subtle, wearable crystal piece. Monica Vinader Siren small ring Sophie often coordinates her look with the matching stacking rings from the same collection. One of Monica Vinader's bestselling designs, each hand-cut gemstone varies slightly, ensuring every ring is unique while delivering a captivating luminous effect. Ecksand emerald and pink sapphire dangle earrings For her official visit to Colombia with Prince Harry in 2014, Meghan chose emerald and pink sapphire earrings by Canadian jeweller Ecksand. Emeralds symbolise love, rebirth, wisdom and vitality, and are referenced in the Bible as sacred stones representing divine qualities and resurrection. Pink sapphires, meanwhile, are associated with strength, calmness and enduring love, with deeper hues signifying more intense emotion. Meghan's Ecksand earrings also carry a deeply personal meaning. The gemstones represent the birthstones of both her son Archie and Prince Harry, adding a sentimental layer to the piece. Jennifer Meyer turquoise marquise ring Meghan wore Jennifer Meyer's turquoise marquise ring on five occasions during her royal tour of Africa in autumn 2019. Handcrafted in 18-carat yellow gold, the delicate design features a marquise-cut turquoise stone and is often styled as a pinky ring. Turquoise holds deep cultural significance: among Native American tribes it is considered a sacred stone, symbolising protection, strength and a connection to the spiritual world. In Persian culture, turquoise is also associated with good fortune and is believed to offer protection against negative energy. Laura Vann Daphne drop earrings Laura Vann's statement Daphne earrings combine synthetic emerald, black enamel and delicate cubic zirconia for a dazzling Art Deco finish. Worn by Meghan in 2020, the design is thought to open the heart chakra, promoting balance, harmony and unconditional love. Emerald is traditionally linked to hope, prosperity and truth, enhancing clarity, intuition and renewal while dispelling negativity. America is packed with iconic destinations, but some of its most intriguing locations are places the public is never allowed to visit. Beyond the familiar landmarks lie heavily restricted sites, including military installations guarding national secrets, private islands closed to outsiders, and remote structures deemed too dangerous to enter. These forbidden places range from Fort Knox in Kentucky, which stores nearly half of the nation's gold reserves, to secretive islands in New York and Hawaii, underground vaults hidden inside mountains, and elite clubs accessible only to a select few. A new map has revealed where these off-limits locations are scattered across the country, highlighting sites sealed off for reasons ranging from national security to safety, preservation, and extreme exclusivity. Some are protected by armed guards and surveillance systems, others by harsh natural conditions or strict private ownership. Most Americans will never step inside them, knowing them only through rumors, conspiracy theories, or fleeting mentions in history books and headlines. Yet these places are very real, their borders enforced by tight security and firm restrictions. For curious travelers, the fact that parts of America remain completely inaccessible only adds to their mystique. Here are some of the most fascinating places in the US that tourists are not permitted to enter. Your browser does not support iframes. Fort Knox is a heavily fortified US Army post in Kentucky, famous for the US Bullion Depository which holds a large portion of America's gold reserves, along with other important treasures Fort Knox, Kentucky The phrase 'like Fort Knox' exists for a reason, as the real Fort Knox is one of the most secure places on Earth. The Army installation covers nearly 110,000 square feet and spans three counties in northern Kentucky: Meade, Hardin, and Bullitt. It stores a staggering 147.3 million ounces of gold bullion, about half of the US Treasury's entire reserve. Unsurprisingly, the site is completely off-limits to the public and heavily protected by multiple security measures. For the average visitor, it remains a symbol of ultimate security and one of the country's most famous 'no-go' zones. North Brother Island, New York City North Brother Island has a dark and complicated history. North Brother Island in NYC's East River is a deserted, forbidden island known for its dark past as a quarantine hospital The small island in the East River was unused until 1885, when Riverside Hospital opened to quarantine patients with contagious diseases. The site later became associated with tragedy, including the 1905 General Slocum disaster, which killed more than 1,000 people nearby. In 1907, 'Typhoid Mary' was quarantined there, and she later died on the island in 1938 after contracting pneumonia. Today, the island is a protected bird sanctuary, closed to the public, and access is only granted under strict and rare conditions. It was later for drug rehabilitation, now a designated bird sanctuary with ruins, accessible only by special permit for researchers Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, Oregon Perched on a basalt outcrop in the Pacific, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse has earned the nickname 'Terrible Tilly' for its dangerous location. Construction began in 1881, and the site claimed lives even before it was finished, including a master mason swept out to sea during surveying. A fierce storm during the build left workers stranded for two weeks without supplies, and a nearby shipwreck killed 16 crew members just before completion. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, known locally as Tilly, is a deactivated lighthouse located just over a mile offshore from Tillamook Head on the Oregon Coast on less than an acre of basalt rock in the Pacific Ocean The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1957 and has been closed to visitors ever since. Today, the structure can only be viewed from shore, as the conditions around it remain too hazardous for public access. Ni'ihau Island, Hawaii Niihau is off-limits because it's privately owned, since 1864, and is kept isolated to preserve traditional Hawaiian culture, language and the environment Ni'ihau, known as the 'Forbidden Island,' sits about 15 miles off the coast of Kauai and is home to around 170 residents. This gorgeous island may be home to some rare and endangered regional species, such as Hawaiian ducks, Hawaiian coots and Hawaiian monk seals, but good luck getting there. Situated just southwest of Kauai, the 1 island was first purchased by Elizabeth Sinclair in 1864, who has since passed it along to her descendants: the Robinson family. The island's estimated 130 indigenous residents, however, live there rent-free and without roads or telephone service. Visitors cannot simply arrive, as access is tightly controlled and limited to guests. Surrounded by clear blue waters, Ni'ihau remains one of America's most exclusive and mysterious destinations. Coca-Cola Vault, Georgia The Coca-Cola Vault in Georgia is located at the World of Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta, where the secret formula for Coca-Cola is housed in a specially built vault as part of a public exhibit (STOCK) The Coca-Cola secret recipe is one of the world's most valuable trade secrets, and the company guards it closely. The formula is stored in a secure vault inside the World of Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta. Visitors can view the vault as part of the exhibit, but the actual recipe is hidden behind multiple layers of protection. Only a handful of trusted employees have access, and the recipe itself is kept under strict confidentiality. For fans of the drink, the vault is a rare glimpse into a legendary secret. Langley, Virginia Langley, Virginia is best known as the location of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Headquarters Langley is known to many as the headquarters of the CIA, but its true operations remain largely hidden. Officially called the George Bush Center for Intelligence, the complex is heavily guarded and completely off-limits to the public. Only individuals with the highest security clearances can enter, and even then, access is limited. The facility's secrecy has fueled countless spy thriller stories and conspiracy theories. In reality, it remains one of the most tightly controlled sites in the country. Bohemian Grove, California Bohemian Grove is a private, 2,700-acre campground in Monte Rio, California, owned by the secretive, male-only Bohemian Club This is where wealthy and influential men from business, politics, and arts gather annually for a two-week summer retreat Bohemian Grove is a private, heavily guarded campground that most people will never enter. The 2,700-acre site hosts an annual gathering for members of the Bohemian Club, a private organization based in San Francisco. The club has counted several US presidents and high-profile figures among its members, including Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Clint Eastwood. Founded in 1872, the group hosts its male-only members each year for a secluded retreat. Because of the privacy and exclusivity, the event remains shrouded in secrecy. Club 33, California Hidden within Disneyland Park's New Orleans Square is Club 33, a private, members-only venue. Club 33 is a private Membership club founded by Walt Disney, offering various curated experiences for its Members, including access to exclusive dining locations at the Disneyland Resort The club was originally created as a private entertaining space for Walt Disney and his guests, but it opened after his death. Today, membership is extremely limited and comes with a long waitlist. The initiation fee is reported to be around $33,000, with annual dues. Granite Mountain Secret Vault, Utah The Granite Mountain Records Vault is a secure, climate-controlled archive owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), built in 1965 to store over 3.5 billion images of genealogical and historical records The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates a highly secure vault deep inside the mountains of Utah. The Granite Mountain Records Vault is located 600 feet inside Little Cottonwood Canyon and stores a massive collection of genealogical records. The facility is designed to preserve these documents for generations, and as a result, public access is not permitted. Few people even know the vault's exact location, and it is protected by strict security. Its purpose is preservation, but its secrecy makes it one of the most mysterious sites in the state. New York Stock Exchange, New York City The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), nicknamed 'the Big Board,' is the largest stock exchange in the world by market capitalization The New York Stock Exchange is one of the world's most famous financial institutions, but it has been closed to visitors since 9/11. Security measures have been tightened over the years, making public access nearly impossible. Although you can view the building from outside and visit nearby attractions like the Charging Bull statue, entry into the trading floor is restricted. For those who want a glimpse of what lies behind the doors, the nearby Federal Reserve Bank offers tours of its gold vault instead. But for most people, the inner workings of the exchange remain out of reach. This weekend's monster winter storm has been dubbed 'the worst in a lifetime' by meteorologists across the US. But it has now emerged that one stretch of the country is particularly at risk and could be uninhabitable for days. Meteorologist Ryan Hall, known as 'The Internet's Weather Man,' told the Daily Mail that he is most concerned about a 500-mile path from Nashville, Tennessee to Shreveport, Louisiana. 'This is where I think that we could see a very significant amount of ice, an amount of ice that we haven't seen in this area since 1994, and in some cases, ever, as far as we know since records began,' Hall said. He warned that the Delta region in Southeast Arkansas and western and northern Mississippi face an ice storm so extreme that it could knock out heat and electricity for up to two weeks in certain areas. Hall added that this stretch of the US, including areas like Oxford, Greenville, and Tupelo, Mississippi, should also brace for an extreme cold snap in the wake of the weekend storm. This could last for days and send temperatures well below freezing. 'If you don't have power in Mississippi and Louisiana, and you're not used to cold temperatures, and now you don't have power, and it's 10 degrees every morning, that's a big problem,' the meteorologist said. 'We've got to make sure people know that they've got to find alternative ways to heat their house. And if they don't have that, then staying in their house is not a safe, viable option. We've got to really help people find shelters.' He added that the monstrous nationwide storm will likely be bigger the 1993 superstorm that killed more than 270 people across 13 states. On Friday, January 23, the National Weather Service expanded the scope of their winter storm warnings (seen in pink) to cover more than two dozen states Ryan Hall (Pictured) is a digital meteorologist and host of the Ryan Hall, Y'all channel on YouTube 'It's going to be 2,000 miles wide, and it's going to impact over 200 million people,' Hall told the Daily Mail. 'The superstorm of 1993 was much more compact than that. It definitely impacted a lot of people, but nowhere near as many as this, and it wasn't anywhere near 2,000 miles wide.' The National Weather Service (NWS) has used words such as 'crippling' and 'potentially historic' to describe the massive storm barreling across the country - and meteorologists have almost unanimously agreed. Until now, the start of 2026 had been mild. But the return of a polar vortex over the US has brought frigid air down from Canada and Greenland, leading forecasters to swiftly shift their weather predictions for the rest of the month. That freezing cold air has now met with moisture surging from the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of America (formerly the Gulf of Mexico), creating a powerful low-pressure system that will deliver snow, ice, freezing rain, and extreme cold across 30 states. While temperatures in Florida are forecast to be in the 70s and 80s this weekend, certain parts of the Midwest and Northern Plains are expected to be over 100 degrees colder, with temperatures in Minnesota falling under 20 degrees below zero. More than ten states have declared a state of emergency, with one to two feet of snow and potentially over an inch of ice expected between Friday and Monday. Frigid temperatures as low as 50 below zero and 24 inches of snow, sleet, and ice are expected to hammer much of the country over the weekend Snow started to fall in Ohio on Friday morning as residents brace for the weekend superstorm AccuWeather's chief meteorologist, Jonathan Porter, has warned that hundreds of thousands of Americans could be left without electricity and heat as a devastating ice storm breaks power lines across the South and Southeast, from Texas to Virginia. Professional storm chaser Jaden Pappenheim said: 'Ice of this magnitude would snap trees, bring down power lines, and lead to widespread power outages that could last an extended period.' 'Unfortunately, this is not the type of storm that simply goes away the next day.' Former NOAA meteorologist Ryan Maue explained how each quarter-inch of ice adds 500 pounds of weight to the span of a utility pole's electrical wire. 'If you're younger than 40 years old, then you may be experiencing the worst winter weather of your lifetime depending upon where you are over the next 10-14 days,' Maue said in a social media post. While winter storms do hit the South, the cold weather typically doesn't last long, with snow and ice melting quickly. This makes Hall's prediction of extremely low temperatures through the following week potentially deadly for thousands in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Ben McMinn, the chief of Mississippi's Desoto County Emergency Services, said many areas are already preparing for a prolonged cold snap and urged residents to help protect each other during the storm. McMinn said anyone in the path of the storm should focus on the 'Three P's' - check on vulnerable people such as elderly neighbors and relatives, find a safe place for pets that is out of the cold and prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. A person rides a bicycle through blowing snow in Evanston, Illinois, on January 14 Governors throughout the South and Southeast have declared a state of emergency as snow and ice are expected to cause power outages and threaten lives Hall noted that early forecasts for the storm showing a much smaller system developing and only delivering a few inches of snow to most of the country were based on less detailed prediction models that people should not have taken literally. The YouTube star added that since this storm will affect around 200 million Americans, it received a great deal more attention online than smaller blizzards. This resulted in some people sharing unreliable data and misleading information. As more data landed and models were updated, predictions for a superstorm became sharper and more accurate. 'I'm really hoping that the forecast is wrong. I would love nothing more than that. But if it's not, then we've got a big problem,' Hall warned. News / Local by Staff reporter Vubachikwe Gold Mine, operated by private miner Duration Gold under the ML16 mining lease, is facing a renewed threat of invasion after more than 200 youths were allegedly mobilised to occupy sections of the concession, claiming protection from senior ruling party figures.Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial youth chairperson and Insiza North Member of Parliament Moses Langa has been cited as the political figure allegedly backing the occupation.The latest developments come as the Gwanda-based mine recently resumed operations following repeated disruptions caused by illegal mining incursions and a violent illegal strike in November 2022.A visit to the mine on January 21 revealed large groups of youths inside the claims, some erecting tents while others openly loaded truckloads of ore. Police were observed conducting an afternoon raid, during which some mining equipment was confiscated, although the operation appeared to have limited impact.Access to parts of the concession remained restricted, with reports that the youths were hostile and had previously overpowered mine security stationed at several shafts across the ML16 claim.On January 22, a group of youths reportedly blocked the road leading to the mine's main plant, disrupting traffic and halting the delivery of relief food destined for flood-affected rural communities further down the route. The group reportedly dispersed into nearby mountains upon the arrival of police.Investigations indicate that illegal mining activities within the ML16 lease have been ongoing for several weeks. Mine security earlier reported the presence of tipper trucks and a front-end loader operating in the Sweet Waters area.Later that night, officers from ZRP Gwanda Rural intercepted a front-end loader and tipper trucks loading suspected gold ore. It is alleged that a prominent gold dealer was behind the removal of the ore, with the loaded trucks later seen entering his processing plant at White Farm.Mine security reports allege that the same loader repeatedly returned to Sweet Waters over several days, removing what was described as "uncountable tons of gold ore."Vubachikwe Mine spokesperson Robert Mukondiwa confirmed that a joint operation by mine security and police met resistance from illegal miners near the Central Shaft turn-off, even after the deployment of tear gas."A lot has been happening, and we have indeed faced challenges. We have seen increased numbers invading our claims. However, we are dealing with the matter and are pursuing multiple routes, including legal processes, to bring the culprits to book and restore order," Mukondiwa said.NewZimbabwe.com was informed that on January 15, Langa allegedly addressed more than 200 youths at the Central Shaft turn-off, reportedly name-dropping the First Family and the ruling party. He was allegedly accompanied by Aldonia Gondo.During the address, Langa is alleged to have assured the youths that the area had been taken over by Zanu-PF youth leadership, that no arrests would be made, and that police would not interfere. Shortly thereafter, compressors were reportedly brought onto the site, and trucks carrying ore were seen leaving the area without hindrance.It is further alleged that a register was introduced to document illegal gold panners operating at the site, with plans made to seek formalisation of the takeover through engagements with the Ministry of Mines.This publication observed a Zanu-PF-branded truck without number plates, emblazoned with the words "Central Committee Member," parked near the site as illegal mining activities continued nearby.Gondo reportedly has an unresolved case before the Gwanda Magistrates Court for invading the mine and threatening senior mine security officer Max Ruza. Nearly a year later, the case has reportedly stalled due to repeated delays.Illegal mining activity has reportedly spread toward the Gold Duck Shaft, with concerns raised over ground instability and the risk of collapses. Additional illegal operations were reported at Churu Farm and the Low-Density Village area, where blasting was allegedly heard.On January 19, Langa and Gondo were allegedly part of a Zanu-PF youth delegation that travelled to Harare to meet Ministry of Mines officials, including Minister Polite Kambamura, in a bid to formalise the occupation of land within ML16.However, Langa denied the allegations."All these allegations are baseless, and we did not meet the ministry regarding the issues you mentioned," he said.He added that he was a law-abiding public officer who respects the rule of law."His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa always speaks about respect for the rule of law and property rights. As a provincial youth leader, what message would I be sending to the people of Matabeleland South and the nation at large?" Langa said.Gwanda Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer Mguni confirmed that a police raid had taken place but referred further inquiries to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who was not reachable by the time of publication.The latest invasion comes just a few kilometres from the venue of this year's Independence Day celebrations, which are set to be officiated by President Mnangagwa. Analysts say the alleged occupation of a mine operated by international investors undermines the government's "open for business" investment policy.Vubachikwe Mine has experienced repeated invasions over the years, often involving individuals alleged to be politically connected. Previous incidents have resulted in ore looting, sporadic violence and significant damage to investor confidence, despite periodic police operations.The standoff reflects broader challenges within Zimbabwe's mining sector, where allegations of lawlessness and political interference continue to threaten the stability of operations and investment security. A Texas plastic surgeon who performed transgender surgeries on children falsely accused her colleague of rape, a lawsuit alleged. Three years ago, Dr Eithan Haim exposed Texas Children's Hospital for secretly performing illegal sex change procedures on minors as young as 11. Dr Kristy Rialon tried to 'destroy' his career by spreading 'malicious' lies about him after he blew the whistle on their program, according to a lawsuit obtained by the Daily Mail. Blowing the lid on: Dr Eithan Haim exposed Texas Children's Hospital for secretly performing illegal sex change procedures on minors as young as 11 Rialon, 43, posted several 'anonymous defamatory reviews' on Haim's WebMD profile, alleging that he was 'mutilating and raping his patients', the complaint said. In one post, she even pretended to be a patient and detailed how he allegedly raped her, the filing stated. Rialon made the false accusations against Haim in an attempt to get the Justice Department to 'punish him' for exposing the hospital's gender transition efforts. Sickening: Dr Kristy Rialon posted several 'anonymous defamatory reviews' on Haim's WebMD profile, alleging that he was 'mutilating and raping his patients' The DOJ, FBI, and Health And Human Services department launched an investigation into the allegations in 2024, but the Trump Administration has since dismissed the case with prejudice because it was 'founded on lies, not facts or law'. Although Haim, 36, was not found guilty of any crime, his 'budding reputation' and career as a surgeon were 'severely damaged' by the allegations, the lawsuit alleged. Haim's complaint is backed by billionaire Elon Musk and his social media platform X, which the doctor alleged enabled him to 'fight back against an unjust prosecution'. Exposing the truth: Haim outed Texas Children's Hospital for secretly performing illegal sex change procedures on minors In May 2023, Haim released medical files showing that Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) staff had provided puberty blockers and other sex-change treatments to kids, even after hospital officials said they had stopped doing so in March 2022. He publicly admitted he gave the files to journalist Christopher Rufo and repeatedly said the leaked documents did not include any patient's personal information. The DOJ later accused Haim of violating the Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPPA), which protect a person's protected health information. He was indicted on four criminal charges, which have since been dismissed. Haim's new lawsuit accuses TCH, Baylor College of Medicine, Rialon, Dr Larry Hollier Jr, and TCH SVP and general counsel Afsheen Davis of 'malicious prosecution'. Accused: Dr Larry Hollier Jr (left) and general counsel Afsheen Davis (right) are also named as defendants in the suit He claims the defendants retaliated against him for 'blowing the whistle on Texas Children's Hospital's efforts to conceal the existence of their Transgender Health Program'. In addition to the fabricated WebMD reviews, which Rialon allegedly admitted to the FBI that she wrote, the complaint highlights how the trio lied 'concocted a story that Haim's disclosures to Rufo violated HIPPA'. They then 'stridently pushed that narrative during numerous meetings with federal authorities' despite knowing it was false, the complaint stated. Shocking: Haim's whistleblower documents showed that Texas Children's Hospital continued to provide sex change care for young patients after staff said they had stopped doing so The trio also found 'willing partners' at the Biden Administration's DOJ, HHS and FBI, the complaint states, 'particularly Assistant U.S. Attorney Tina Ansari'. Ansari's family has 'substantial financial and political ties' to TCH and Baylor College of Medicine, which ultimately caused her to withdraw from the case. Haim's complaint, citing her connections to the hospitals, names Ansari as a 'willing accomplice' to his unlawful prosecution. Gratitude: Haim is seeking $1,000,000 in damages. He has thanked Musk, X and his lawyers for their support The suit said: 'Because of the pretextual investigation and sham prosecution against him, Dr Haim has been blacklisted from major hospitals and surgical practices, unable to obtain valuable credentialing or privileges despite being otherwise qualified. 'Haim was forced to constantly fend off and refute false claims that he violated HIPAA and engaged in a host of other unethical behaviors, including the malicious accusations Defendant Dr Rialon made about him on WebMD and other Google physician reviews.' Haim's attorneys argue that his surgical and academic career have been 'irreparably limited' and that his 'standing in the community has been harmed to the point that he fears for his life'. He has allegedly faced numerous death threats as a result of the false accusations made against him and was forced to take additional security measures to protect himself and his family. Credibility damage: Although Haim was not found guilty of any crime, his 'budding reputation' and career as a surgeon were 'severely damaged' by the allegations, the lawsuit alleged Haim is seeking $1,000,000 in damages. He has thanked Musk, X and his lawyers for their support, which he claims is the reason 'my wife has her husband and my daughter, her father'. He tweeted: 'I am eternally grateful for Elon Musk, X Corp, and the legal teams at Schaer Jaffe and Burke Law Group for supporting me in this effort. 'The only way I was able to fight back against an unjust prosecution was to tell the truth. And the only way for people to see the truth was because of X. 'For this reason, they have proven themselves to be an incalculable force for good at a time when it's most important.' From haggis pakora in Scotland to Reggae-infused Burns celebrations in Jamaica, what began with a small supper marking the fifth anniversary of Robert Burns' death is now celebrated by more than 9.5million people across the world. This year marks the 225th anniversary of the first Burns Supper: the historic event in 1801, which has led to the annual celebration of Burns Night on a global scale, to mark Robert Burns' birthday on January 25. It has become a living and evolving tradition blending heritage, cultural expression and global voices in memory of Scotland's most famous bard. To show just how far and wide the tradition has spread, the University of Glasgow created an interactive map which shows how Burns Night is celebrated across more than 2,500 events on five continents. The traditional meal of haggis, neeps and tatties has been adapted to suit different cultures, including kosher and vegetarian options. In Portsmouth, you can enjoy cock-a-leekie soup, 'Glaswegian' pakora and Irn Bru cheesecake, while in Australia, there is a restaurant serving pulled pork red curry, haggis bon bons and Scottish-style poutine. Celebrities such as Gerard Butler, Sam Heughan, Gary Barlow, and author Daniel Bee have been spotted celebrating the Scots tradition at the annual LA Burns Bash at the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica. The map includes almost 100 celebrations in London alone, including the Prime Minister's Burns Supper at No.10. The traditional Burns Supper of haggis, neeps and tatties has been adapted to suit different cultures, including kosher and vegetarian options It allows people to share their stories, images and insights on how they celebrate Burns Night around the globe, as far away as Fiji and Hawaii. After The Traitors finale on Friday, which is filmed in the Scottish Highlands, taking place on the same weekend as Burns Night, many people are planning combined viewing parties, whisky tastings and even Traitors-inspired Highland staycations. From visiting Robert Burns's birthplace in Scotland to feasting on an Indian BBQ with a Scottish twist, a team of experts have shared some of the best places to celebrate. The Big Burns Supper, Dumfries Pauline Mackay, director of the Centre for Robert Burns Studies at the University of Glasgow, recommends The Big Burns Supper in Dumfries. The Big Burns Supper Festival is an international Scottish music festival and performing arts festival of music, theatre, comedy and cabaret which takes place annually in Dumfries in south Scotland every January. It is thought to be the largest event of its type in the world, attracting more than 26,000 people per year. The festival is the birthplace of Le Haggis, a Cabaret show, which was created in 2013 as a way to modernise Burns Suppers. The Burns Night special includes locally sourced Burns Supper, including Haggis, Neeps and Tatties and a local cheese board for afters. Graham Main, founder and executive producer of Big Burns Supper, tells the Daily Mail: 'We've been overwhelmed by how many people have come out to celebrate their heritage in a new way. The Big Burns Supper is an annual festival celebrating the life and works of Scottish poet Robert Burns 'These events play a vital role in preserving the history and traditions of Burns Night, ensuring they continue to resonate with future generations. 'Creating an immersive sound and light experience of Burns Mausoleum has helped us engage an entirely new audience and offered visitors an even more compelling reason to visit Dumfries and Galloway.' Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway 'You can explore the life of Scotland's national bard at his birthplace and the site of the first Burns Supper in Alloway, Ayrshire,' says Professor Mackay The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway starts with a journey that weaves through the village, taking you from historical buildings to landmarks known to Burns. Combined with Ayrshire's scenic coastline and rolling hills, this region offers an immersive Scottish escape where poetry, place, and landscape come vividly to life. Chris Waddell, the National Trust for Scotland's Learning Manager at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, says: 'There were nine people at the first Burns Supper in 1801, and we believe now that more than nine million people have attended a Burns Supper around the world. 'A one million percent mark-up that's not bad. It's something that's going from strength to strength. 'The main aim of a Burns Suppers is to include something that informs and educates, but most importantly, brings people together. Beyond that, it can be whatever anyone wants it to be and it endures because essentially it is about community and celebration. 'At the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, we share the legacy of Burns every day, all year-round, but Burns Night is a really special time to engage more people. 'The Trust has a variety of events taking place across the country, from the Burns Big Birthday Bash here at the Museum, to a choral performance at Falkland Palace and a Burns Supper Drive-Thru at Newhailes. Burns Cottage in Alloway is a traditional 18th-century 'clay and thatch' structure, built by Burns' father, William Burnes, in 1757 The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is an immersive museum showcasing the poet's work, legacy and personal effects 'Burns Night is for everyone and there are all sorts of events that can cater to people's interests, whatever they may be.' Chris Wood, an Edinburgh-based travel and hospitality expert and founder of Escape The Past, adds: 'The village of Alloway holds an annual Burns Night celebration complete with recitals in the cottage where he was born. 'Local inns and hotels often host suppers with haggis, neeps and tatties, whisky toasts, and readings of Address to a Haggis by guests or professional performers. 'This region has a cosy winter charm and you can combine your supper with visits to the Burns Museum and the scenic Ayrshire coast.' Ellisland Museum and Farm, Dumfries Located in the farm that Robert Burns built and lived in from 1788 until 1791, Ellisland Museum and Farm lies northwest of Dumfries near the village of Auldgirth. According to Professor Mackay, this is where Rabbie Burns wrote 'Auld Lang Syne', which she describes as 'the universal anthem of friendship and togetherness people all over the world sing at New Year, and also as a fitting conclusion to Burns Night celebrations'. Ellisland Farm, the home built and lived in by the Scottish poet Robert Burns from 1788 to 1791, is pictured Ellisland is set to host a family-friendly 'Bairns Burns Supper' on January 25, featuring games, storytelling, bagpipes and a snack-style supper, all designed to introduce children to Robert Burns' traditions in a fun and interactive way. Babur, London If you're looking for a multicultural twist on Burns Night without leaving the UK, you can celebrate at Babur, where Scottish tradition meets 'India's lost culinary heritage'. Babur is a highly-regarded, family-owned restaurant known for its quality Indian cuisine and extensive wine list For one night only, you can enjoy a five-course tasting menu featuring rare and forgotten Indian recipes, each paired with modern Indian single malt whiskies. The five-course tasting menu is 65 per person, with a whisky flight available for an additional 35 per person. Augill Castle, Cumbria With the much-anticipated Traitors finale and Burns Night falling on the same weekend, Augill Castle offers guests the chance to step into their own real-life castle experience, combining a Burns Night supper with a relaxed countryside stay. Augill Castle is a privately owned Victorian Gothic folly located in the Eden Valley, Cumbria At this Traitor's-inspired Burns Night getaway, visitors can enjoy a six-course menu Guests will enjoy a six-course Burns supper complete with a haggis ceremony, readings and traditional celebrations, all within this historic castle setting. Owner Wendy Bennett tells the Mail: 'Burns Night at Augill Castle is really special to us it's a chance to welcome guests into our home and share a tradition we've been celebrating for 28 years. 'From the haggis ceremony to the poetry and music, it's all about celebrating Scottish culture in a relaxed and friendly way. 'Preserving these customs feels important, and we hope everyone who joins us leaves with a real sense of connection.' The Royal Scotsman, Tokyo Often referred to as 'Tokyo's best-known Burns Supper', this Scottish pub is more than 5,000 miles from the birthplace of Rabbie Burns. Japanese chef Tomohiro Onuki has been hosting an annual Burns Night Supper at his Scotland-inspired pub, The Royal Scotsman, in Tokyo since 2013. The meal is complete with haggis, neeps and tatties and Burns poetry readings - as well as a bagpipe performance by Mr Onuki himself. The Royal Scotsman in the Kagurazaka area of Tokyo, Japan, is pictured Customers bring their own Mars bars to deep fry in the pub kitchens, in a nod to more contemporary Scottish culture. Caledonian Society of Jamaica, Kingston, Jamaica In 1786, Robert Burns planned to emigrate to Jamaica for work on a plantation but stayed after his poetry became successful, a decision that links him to the island. This year, the Charity Burns Night Supper held by the Caledonian Society of Jamaica will raise funds to support victims of October 2025's Hurricane Melissa, which caused widespread flooding and killed 54 in Jamaica. The celebrations blend bagpipes with Caribbean rhythms and culture, honouring Burns' near-emigration to the island in 1786. As well as the traditional Burns Supper, there is an initiative where Jamaican artists create reggae versions of Robert Burns's Scottish songs. This cultural fusion connects Burns's focus on brotherhood with Jamaica's motto, 'Out of Many, One People,' using reggae's power to bridge cultures. Queen Elizabeth 2, Dubai Fancy having your Burns supper on a luxury floating hotel? In Dubai, you can do just that... If you're looking for a unique and luxurious experience, you can celebrate Burns Night on the only floating hotel in Dubai. Guests will enjoy an elegant three-course dinner accompanied by traditional Burns poetry, followed by a lively Ceilidh after dinner. Professor Mackay says: 'However you celebrate, if you are part of the worldwide community participating in Burns Night, you can record this as part of a survey by the University of Glasgow's Centre for Robert Burns Studies. 'You can see your occasion plotted on an interactive map of global celebrations, and help contribute to a global archive of the Burns Supper as Living Heritage.' As someone who doesn't mind heights, but has a slight fear of rope-based climbing, I did briefly wonder what on earth I'd signed myself up for after agreeing to take on the UK's highest rooftop climb. On Valentine's Day, London's iconic Alexandra Palace, famous for hosting the world's best darts players, will launch Summit: Ally Pally Rooftop Adventure, officially the UK's highest roof walk, standing 130 metres above sea level. The fully guided climb, created in partnership with Wire & Sky, leads guests across the 'Ally Pally' rooftop to the Angel Plenty Statue, offering uninterrupted 360-degree views of the capital stretching as far as 25 miles. Now, I love flying, and observatory decks are very much my thing (not to mention sky-high dining in trendy restaurants). Heights, generally speaking, aren't the issue. Relying solely on a rope and harness, however, very much is. That fear stems from a short-lived rock-climbing course in secondary school, required as part of our PE curriculum, which included offsite sports. I remember being strapped in, placing my foot on the first hold and starting to climb - until the instructor not-so-helpfully yelled: 'Don't look down!' Rookie mistake. I did. And the sudden realisation that I was suspended by a single rope was enough for me to not only feel nauseous, but to call time on my climbing career for good. Fast forward 15 years to a windswept January day, I can confidently say that climbing one of London's most historic landmarks has been an absolute breeze - but also an absolute freeze. Daily Mail travel writer Jowena Riley takes on the UK's highest rooftop climb at Alexandra Palace: Summit: Ally Pally Rooftop Adventure The fully guided climb, which opens to the public on 14 February, leads guests to the Angel Plenty Statue, offering uninterrupted 360-degree views of London stretching as far as 25 miles The hour-long climb provides a provides a bird's eye view across four counties - including Hertfordshire and Kent - as well as 28 of London's 32 boroughs Our hour-long lunchtime ascent begins with a quick introduction to our expert guide, Oliver, who is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and has a reassuringly calm approach to easing people's nerves. We exit via the building's East Court entrance before we're led around the side, climbing roughly four flights of stairs before we reach an outdoor balcony area. Here, we're fitted with harnesses and carabiners - surprisingly, helmets aren't required - and carefully shown how to secure ourselves and clip though each 'stopper' along our trek. Then, we're off! The climb itself isn't quite what you might expect - it doesn't start with a straight ascent from ground level. Instead, winding staircases inside the building take you part of the way up, with the final section completed via metal stairs running from the base of the roof up to the Angel statue. As we near the summit, the views become nothing short of spectacular. I didn't experience nausea or vertigo at any point - and even one climber ahead of me, who openly shared his fear of heights, was pleasantly surprised by how manageable the climb felt. For those who have grown up in London or lived here for years, this sky-high adventure offers a perspective of the city you've probably never seen before. Before we begin our ascent, we're given step-by-step instructions by Oliver on how to fit our safety equipment on ourselves At this point, we hadn't even begun the climb (this was at the base of the roof) and we're blessed with a clear view of London's iconic skyline The ascent: This is the point the wind really picks up - it's important to wear several layers if you plan to climb on a wintry or mild spring day Pictured: My group of climbers and I brave the cold and pose for a photograph before making our way back down Reaching the summit delivers more than just a sense of achievement; it provides a bird's eye view across four counties - including Hertfordshire and Kent - as well as 28 of Londons 32 boroughs. From the rooftop, several world-famous landmarks are clearly visible, including Canary Wharf, The Shard, St Paul's Cathedral and, further in the distance, Wembley Stadium. What's more, climbers can pick their preferred favourite time of day to see London from a different perspective: a standard daytime climb, a sunset walk at golden hour, and a climb into the night to see the capital light up. Group climbs, private climbs, and educational climbs are also available. Once at the top, we pause and take in the panoramic views while Oliver shares insights into Alexandra Palace's history - who knew it was originally intended as The People's Palace, and that it's wider than Buckingham Palace? - along with pointing out the sights below. However, I should warn that the conditions for this climb in January and February are unforgiving. At certain points, the ice-cold wind leaves me numb, a feeling that only intensifies as our group reaches the summit. At one stage, a strong gust thrashes me into the railings. Oliver laughs as this happens, which, oddly, is reassuring - essentially his way of confirming we're safe. The descent: Although it might have not been ideal to take on the climb on a blustery January day, the views made every frozen second worth it Anyone can take on the summit, whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the experience The female climber behind me has the right idea: thermals, skiwear, hat, gloves and scarf. My puffer jacket, on the other hand, offers little protection against the elements. We all agree that a warm spring day or mild summer evening would be the ideal time to take on this experience. Nonetheless, the views make every frozen second worthwhile, especially when followed by a hot coffee and a portion of posh chicken goujons from the building's food outlets below. So, whether you're a seasoned pro, completely new to the experience, or hoping to conquer a long-standing fear like myself, I'd encourage anyone to tackle the Summit. A quiet, uninterrupted view of the city - a stark contrast to the noisy chaos below - can really only be truly savoured from above. Its enough to make you choke on your cornflakes. More than 100 for breakfast? But thats what it costs to experience what Four Seasons Park Lane calls Londons first Michelin-starred breakfast tasting menu, served at the Pavyllon restaurant, overseen by Yannick Alleno, one of the worlds most decorated chefs with 17 Michelin stars behind him. The five courses cost 70, but youll want to add the 20 juice pairing, plus 15 per cent service, taking you north of 100. Thats without the optional caviar at a fiver a gram for that special touch. It feels particularly extravagant when, just up the road, you can pop into The Ritz for a bowl of cereal at 9. Even a full English at Claridges will only set you back 40. Im an avocado on toast girl for a breakfast treat a full-blown spectacle before coffee sounds like torture. Still, in the name of research, I pull up a seat at Pavyllons counter with my gourmand of a son, Christian, to see whats cooking in the open kitchen beyond. Pavyllon London at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane is redefining morning dining with the capital's first-ever Michelin-starred breakfast tasting menu We start with a slice of Epiphany cake from the Viennoiserie selection, paired with cream-topped cold moka infused with Szechuan pepper, nutmeg and orange syrup. So far, so posh cake shop. But then comes the lobster croast (toasted croissant). Its delicate flavours of lobster, egg, tarragon, chervil, mustard, rocket and parmesan have my son rhapsodising: I think its my favourite breakfast dish of all time. After an exotic chia pudding matched with an apple and celery palate cleanser, my favourite course arrives: eggs royale on a lighter-than-air muffin, the gossamer hollandaise applied from a canister by senior sous chef Nicholas Bussi. He spoons on 25 worth of caviar. I toast it with a kir royale made of beetroot juice and zero-alcohol bubbly. Christian opts for ravioli filled with black pudding, duxelles mushroom and yolk, surrounded by a sausage reduction with chorizo and parsley. Hes going to need to hit the gym afterwards Bussi says its 560 calories. Who needs cornflakes? Jane Knight and her son Christian test out the capital's first-ever Michelin-starred breakfast tasting menu A twist on French Toast also features in the menu devised by decorated chef Yannick Alleno French toast rounds things off, its sweetness brought out by a juice of coconut apple extract with apple cider vinegar. Its certainly the best breakfast weve ever had. And its a great experience. As Yannick says: Diners are moving away from rigid, evening-only fine dining, and are looking for experiences that feel relaxed yet refined, making breakfast the perfect canvas. Dont just take our word for it. Sitting next to us, Lui and Sofie Hovgaard are over from Copenhagen, where Lui works as a chef. Its a fun way to eat breakfast, and the drinks pairing was good, he says. But is it Michelin starred, if the accolade is awarded to the restaurant not the meal? A spokesman says: We dont track this metric so are unable to validate it. So there you have it. Not technically Michelin starred, eye-wateringly expensive... but worth every penny. Talk about raising the breakfast bar. Netflix fans have been left gripped by a 'sensational' murder mystery series that 'exceeds all expectations' - and it's ripe for a weekend binge-watch. Japanese drama Silent Truth, directed by Fukagawa Yoshihiro and Yamamoto Daisuke, is a Japanese drama that landed on the streaming service earlier this month. The new drama follows the story of a detective called Tobina Junichi (Takeuchi Ryoma) who ends up investigating a murder in his hometown. 'When a detective returns to his hometown to investigate a murder case, he uncovers shocking connections to the primary suspect and the weapon,' Netflix's synopsis reads. There are a total of 10 episodes that are being released every week, and so far there are only two available to watch. The first episode aired on 13 January 2026, and will wrap up on 15 March 2026. Netflixfans have been left gripped by a 'sensational' murder mystery series that 'exceeds all expectations' - and it's ripe for a weekend binge-watch Silent Truth, directed by Fukagawa Yoshihiro and Yamamoto Daisuke, is a Japanese drama that landed on the streaming service earlier this month It stars Takeuchi Ryoma as Tobina Junichi and Inoue Mao as Iwamoto Makiko. They are joined by Seto Koji as Kiyohara Keisuke, Watanabe Daichi as Sakuma Naoto, Kamikawa Shusaku as Nagai Michiya, Kita Kana as Imai Hiromi. The likes of Danta Yasunori, Eguchi Noriko, Koyanagi Yu and Miura Kira also appear in the series. The show is produced by Tago Ryota and Ogaki Kazuho, and excutively produced Uchiyama Satoko. Some have taken to Reddit to share their rave reviews. 'Finished episode 1 in one go, couldn't stop.' 'I didn't really have much expectations coming from the Jaa anta high, so ep1 exceeded my expectations.' Another wrote: 'It was a good ep,' before adding: 'It's certainly intriguing.' Many have rushed online to share their positive reviews about the new drama, which hit Netflix earlier this month Meanwhile the show has received an impressive 7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. Netflix Philippines' X account shared a glimpse of what viewers can expect from the drama. The clip shows a young girl and boy running away from a body on the ground in the woods. A voice over says: 'That day, the four of us committed a crime.' A helicopter then circles the body and the voice over continues: 'The crime we committed was sealed away in a time capsule that would never be opened in the future.' A man then walks towards the camera with a gun and presses the trigger. The voice over continues: 'It's been 23 years since then. I never saw them again.' When they show shared the trailer on X, they couldn't hold back how excited they were. 'The cast, story, and songs are irresistible! Can't wait!!' 'Looking forward to the drama.' 'The preview video is so heartbreaking and thrilling! My heart skips a beat at the reunion scene between Ryoma Takeuchi and Mao Inoue. I'm so curious about the secret from 23 years ago that I can't wait for the broadcast! #DramaReunion.' 'I'm so excited!' Silent Truth is available to watch on Netflix now. The Traitors winner Stephen Libby has reportedly quit his day job to pursue a career in showbiz following his dramatic victory on the hit BBC series. The star, 32, previously worked in cyber security before joining The Traitors, and was crowned the winner of the fourth series alongside fellow Traitor Rachel Duffy. Stephen became one of the longest undetected Traitors in the show's history, despite facing several major hiccups along the way. Although the nail-biting finale aired on Friday evening, the series was filmed last year, and since then, Stephen is said to have quit his job, according to a source. Since finding fame on the show, Stephen is reportedly enjoying life in the public eye so much that he is now actively seeking a career in television. According to The Sun, an industry insider believes Stephen has 'all the ingredients' to make it in showbusiness. The Traitors winner Stephen Libby has reportedly quit his day job to pursue a career in showbiz following his dramatic victory on the hit BBC series The star, 32, previously worked in cyber security before joining The Traitors, and was crowned the winner of the fourth series alongside fellow Traitor Rachel Duffy (both pictured with host Claudia Winkleman) Highlighting his key characteristics that would work well, they said: 'His fashion has been a real talking point and hes clearly a good looking lad, who is articulate and charming. 'If he lands the right agent he could do very well out of The Traitors indeed. 'Hes the cast member you can see being on talent bookers list you can see him on MasterChef, quiz shows, and beyond.' Daily Mail have reached out to Stephen's representatives for comment. Meanwhile, his fellow Traitor Rachel could also be set for a lucrative career in showbiz, with agents lining up to sign her following their historic win. In one of the most tense finales the show has ever seen, Stephen and Rachel became the first duo of Traitors to triumph, despite fans being convinced Rachel would betray her friend to secure the entire prize pot. The pair remained loyal from the very beginning, with Stephen making a selfless decision at the final hurdle despite knowing Jack Butler would vote Rachel out. Instead, both stuck to a pact they made at the family tree not to turn on each other. Since finding fame on the show, Stephen is reportedly enjoying life in the public eye so much that he is now actively seeking a career in television According to The Sun, an industry insider believes Stephen has 'all the ingredients' to make it in showbusiness Meanwhile, his fellow Traitor Rachel could also be set for a lucrative career in showbiz, with agents lining up to sign her following their historic win The duo split the winnings, taking home 47,875 each, and were left overcome with emotion as they reflected on their journey. Rachel said: 'It is the best feeling in the world. I really thought it was such a big achievement to be the first female Traitor to make it to the final, then win.' Speaking after his victory, Stephen said: 'I can't believe I've just won The Traitors. I'm just a wee boy from the Isle of Lewis. This kind of stuff doesn't really happen to me.' To celebrate his win, Stephen threw a party for his friends and loved ones during the launch episode, with eagle-eyed fans spotting a famous face among the guests. Comedian Lou Sanders was seen attending the party. She previously won the eighth series of Taskmaster in 2019 and appeared in the Prime Video series Last One Laughing. Speculation quickly followed, with some fans suggesting Lou could help Stephen launch a television career. To celebrate his win, Stephen threw a party for his friends and loved ones during the launch episode, with eagle-eyed fans spotting a famous face among the guests - comedian Lou Sanders (pictured 2025) The Scottish cyber security consultant is a keen traveller and has visited Japan, Vietnam, Spain and New York in recent years On social media, rumours also circulated that Lou was the landlord of Stephen and his actor boyfriend, Daniel Quirke. A fan wrote: 'Stephens landlord is Lou Sanders so hes certainly got some connections that could help him launch a career from the show.' Clearing up the misconception, Daniel responded: 'Can confirm she is not our landlord, just a friend of ours.' Daniel is also a rising star and has appeared on shows, including Brave New World, The Sandman and Geek Girl.' Stephen lives in London with his boyfriend and has often caught viewers' attention with his bold fashion choices. The Scottish cyber security consultant is also a keen traveller and has visited Japan, Vietnam, Spain and New York in recent years. Lauren Phillips celebrated her 40th birthday in style over the weekend, enjoying a star-studded bash in New York City. Some of the famous guests included actor Matt Damon and his wife Luciana, Pia Whitesell and her Hollywood agent husband Patrick, and English presenter Lisa Snowdon. The radio host shared several photos of the trip on Instagram. One photo captured an excited looking Lauren and her millionaire fiance Paul O'Brien toasting the occasion, and another showed Paul laughing with Hollywood star Matt, 55. The party, which appeared to be held at an upmarket New York restaurant, was full of laughter, drinks and dancing. Matt ensured the night was festive by bringing a bunch of gold balloons. Lauren Phillips celebrated her 40th birthday in style over the weekend, enjoying a star-studded bash in New York City Some of the famous guests included actor Matt Damonand his wife Luciana, Pia Whiteselland her Hollywood agent husband Patrick, and English presenter Lisa Snowdon Lauren celebrated with Australian actress Pia Whitesell and her millionaire husband Patrick (left) The Nova 100 host captioned the post: 'New York Nights, Big Birthday Celebrations and Big pizzas'. Lauren has been engaged for almost three years but keeps her romance very private. The presenter announced her engagement to multi-millionaire partner live on-air in 2023. She shared the exciting news with her co-host, and spoke about the surprise proposal in Mykonos. Paul runs high-end aviation charter group AVMIN and has several celebrity clients, including Matt Damon, his wife Luciana Barroso, and power couple Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky. 'We went to Europe for the holidays. We had a few days in Rome just the two of us and I thought if he was going to propose, it would've been the two of us,' she began. 'Then we went to Mykonos and met up with all of our friends and turns out I was the only person who didn't know about it. He proposed in front of all our friends. I had no idea and then next minute he was down on one knee.' The brunette beauty said the public proposal was such a surreal experience that at first she thought Paul was teasing her. The party, held at an upmarket New York restaurant, was full of laughter, drinks and dancing. Pictured L - R: Paul O'Brien, Patrick Whitesell and Matt Damon Matt ensured the night was festive by bringing a bunch of gold balloons Pictured: Paul O'Brien, Matt Damon and his wife Luciana and other guests 'I think I thought he was joking. It was an out-of-body experience. I don't think I even looked at the ring. I just hugged him and cried and then we stood up and we all celebrated.' She could not contain her joy when discussing the ultra-romantic proposal. 'Everyone said, "you didnt say yes," and I'm like "of course it is a yes!" We then called my family who were at home at the time. He asked my dad. He is a gentleman,' she added. The notoriously private couple have been dating since early 2020 and lived together in Byron Bay. Paul previously dated former Sunrise host Samantha Armytage from 2018 - 2019. Lauren started dating Paul while she was living in Melbourne at the start of the Covid pandemic in early 2020. As the longest running sketch show in America, Saturday Night Live has reached a global audience since its launch in 1975. Now the series has been adapted for a British spin-off, with SNL: UK reportedly set to launch on Sky in March. There is expected to be a vast difference in the shows, notably due to the broad difference in American and English humour, but it will be interesting to see if the brand's history of making misogynistic jokes travels across the pond. Last week, SNL viewers were left outraged after Stranger Things actor Finn Wolfhard made a vulgar joke about women during his opening monologue. While reflecting on growing up on camera, he said: 'My voice changed on camera, my first kiss was on camera, and I can't actually believe I'm admitting this, but the first time I learned what a woman looks like down there - was on camera as well.' The broadcast then cut to a clip of a young Wolfhard staring in shock at the the sci-fi show's main villain, a howling monster called the Demogorgon. Why Saturday Night Live must fix its 'misogyny' problem before its UK launch (pictured: Sarah Sherman parodying Aimee Lou Wood in a controversial 2025 sketch) Last week, SNL viewers were left outraged after Stranger Things actor Finn Wolfhard made a vulgar joke about women during his opening monologue He made a crude joke about women, comparing 'what a woman looks like down there' to the Demogorgon - a monster in Stranger Things The joke did not sit well with some viewers who took to social media to express their disgust at the 'misogynistic', 'lazy' and 'sexist' joke. Yet this is far from the first time the late-night show has been criticised for making women the butt of the joke. Over its 50-year history, SNL has booked men as hosts for nearly 70 percent of its episodes, while the content has been branded misogynistic. Last year, the show was forced to apologise to British actress Aimee Lou Wood after she slammed a 'mean' sketch that mocked her teeth. Aimee received an outpouring of support from fans after she was targeted in a sketch that saw Sarah Sherman wear huge prosthetic teeth while parodying her character in The White Lotus. In the sketch, titled The White Potus, it imagined the Trump family and various political figures on holiday at the famous retreat. Walton Goggins' character Rick was reimagined as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who was seen on a rambling rant debating they take 'all the fluoride out of the water'. The camera then cut to Aimee's character Chelsea - played by Sarah - with exaggerated buck teeth, who exclaimed: 'Fluoride? What's that?' In response, Aimee took aim at the 'cheap' joke, as she wrote: 'Such a shame cuz I had such a great time watching it a couple weeks ago. Yes, take the p**s for sure - that's what the show is about- but there must be a cleverer, more nuanced, less cheap way?' She also shared messages of support from her followers, including a comment that read: 'It was a sharp and funny skit until it suddenly took a screeching turn into 1970's misogyny.' Aimee added: 'This sums up my view'. Last year, the show was forced to apologise to British actress Aimee Lou Wood aftershe slammed a 'mean' White Lotus-inspired sketch that mocked her teeth In the sketch, the camera cut to Aimee's character Chelsea - played by Sarah - with exaggerated buck teeth, who exclaimed: 'Fluoride? What's that?' Scarlett Johansson was notably shocked when husband Colin Jost made a vulgar joke about her during the 2024 Christmas special (pictured in 2025) 'I've been eating roast beef every night since my wife had the kid,' Colin said during an episode of SNL last month - with the camera cutting to Scarlett's shocked face Jennifer Aniston turned down being a Saturday Night Live cast member because it was a 'boys club' (pictured making a guest appearance in 2004) Scarlett Johansson was notably shocked when husband Colin Jost made a vulgar joke about her during the 2024 Christmas special. Colin, who shares a four-year-old son with wife Scarlett elicited a gasp from the audience when he quipped: 'Costco has removed the roast beef sandwich from its menu. 'But I ain't trippin'. I've been eating roast beef every night since my wife had the kid,' as the camera panned to Scarlett's face. Scarlett later said the gag was 'so vulgar' and 'I just cant believe that they went there,' yet insisted that she had found it funny. Jennifer Aniston has previously revealed that she turned down the chance to join the cast in the Nineties, saying: 'I had this self-righteous attitude of, "I dont know if women are treated the way they should be treated on this show. '"Its very male-dominated. I would love to be here if it was in the Gilda Radner days. She also branded SNL a 'boys club'. Meanwhile, comic legend Carol Burnett questioned if the reason she wasn't invited onto the show was to do with show creator Lorne Michaels didn't want a woman to do the honours. 'I dont know what I did to upset that man,' Carol told The New Yorker, asking: 'Do you think its misogynistic?' Yet Michaels defended the show's record on diversity, telling NPR: 'Weve been breaking those barriers from the very beginning. 'It didnt come from any place of intent or meanness, it came from looking every year for the best people we can find.' Comic legend Carol Burnett questioned if the reason she wasn't invited onto the show was to do with show creator Lorne Michaels didn't want a woman to do the honours Jane Curtin was part of the inaugural 1975 cast and was famously branded an 'ignorant slut' in a skit with Dan Aykroyd (pictured on the show in 1979) Julia Louis-Dreyfus agreed that SNL was a 'very sexist environment' when she joined the cast in the Eighties (pictured in 1983) Jane Curtin was part of the inaugural 1975 cast and was famously branded an 'ignorant slut' in a skit with Dan Aykroyd. She revealed in 2019 that the line still 'haunts' her but mused: 'It was a different time. It did not offend me. Id hear it on the street. 'But youd get catcalls on the street all the time because you were a woman. So it was a part of life.' Jane added to The Hollywood Reporter of the 'sexist' humour: 'It was stunning because in the improv group I came from in Cambridge, [Massachusetts], there was no sexism. We were all equals; we all respected each other. 'We talked about the importance of the Equal Rights Amendment. But by the time I got to SNL the Equal Rights Amendment didnt pass, which was stunning to me. And I go into this world where they hadnt even discussed an Equal Rights Amendment. 'It wasnt a part of their life; it didnt affect them. So they were still continuing in that late Fifties, early Sixties kind of culture. They hadnt evolved yet, and thats the sad thing.' Julia Louis-Dreyfus agreed that SNL was a 'very sexist environment' when she joined the cast in the Eighties, adding: 'I didnt do anything particularly great when I was there I did not come out of SNL as any kind of name.' However, she claimed thins were different when she returned to the show to host three times in 2006, 2007, and 2016, telling The New York Times: 'Since Ive gone back, I can tell you its much more of an equal-opportunity environment.' While the cast and hosts for SNL: UK have yet to be revealed there will no doubt be questions raised on whether the show can avoid any similar accusations. Daily Mail has contacted NBC and Sky for comment. The Traitors star Meryl Williams has set her sights on appearing on Celebs Go Dating after winning the BBC series changed her life. Meryl, 29, became an overnight star when she won series one of the hit show alongside Hannah Byczkowski and Aaron Evans in December 2022. Three years on, Meryl revealed how much her life has changed since she scooped 33,000, giving her the freedom to quit her job, relocate from Edinburgh to London and undergo cosmetic surgery. She has remained a fan favourite from the show and has now revealed she'd be open for more reality TV, expressing an interest in the E4 dating show. 'I've never dated anyone, so I've never had a boyfriend,' Meryl told Daily Mail, admitting that she feared being fetishised because of being born with dwarfism. 'It's my biggest fear, so I've just never put myself out there,' she explained. 'Plus being raised by a single parent - my mum's like "you will have everything [you need] on you own, never rely on a man!"' The Traitors star Meryl Williams has set her sights on appearing on Celebs Go Datingafter winning the BBC series in 2022 changed her life Meryl continued: 'I turn 30 this year, so for me it it's about figuring out dating.' She also revealed she'd be keen to return to The Traitors if there was ever an All Stars spin-off, but this time, she wouldn't want to be a Faithful. 'I wanted to be a Traitor when I first went on,' she explained. 'I feel like now after watching four seasons of the show and the celebrity version, I think I'm ready to be a Traitor.' Meryl also revealed she'd be keen to challenge herself on other shows such as I'm A Celebrity or Race Across The World, having been given the confidence to push herself to try new things after The Traitors. The prize fund was more than Meryl's yearly income working at a call centre in Scotland, yet she admitted she didn't think about the prize fund at the start. 'We never went on for the money aspect at all but I think around episode 10 me and Hannah looked at each other like "oh s**t, we can actually win."' Meryl dipped into her winnings to undergo forehead reduction surgery after years of insecurity about her brow. She was open and honest about the procedure on social media, with Meryl explaining she was transparent about her surgery in order to help others considering the operation and answer questions. Meryl revealed how much her life has changed since she scooped 33,000, giving her the freedom to quit her job, relocate from Edinburgh to London and undergo cosmetic surgery Celebs Go Dating sees relationship experts Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, Paul C Brunson and Anna Williamson help celebrities using their matchmaking services Last year, Meryl went under the knife again for breast implants and an uplift at Cosmedicare, revealing it had given her a new lease of confidence. Meryl had undergone a breast reduction aged 16 because her FF cup chest was out of proportion with her stature, leaving her struggling to find bras that fit. 'I think people shouldn't judge other people's decisions and for me, I just wanted to feel better. I didn't want to hide myself anymore. I should be confident. Now Meryl says she's finished with her cosmetic surgery plans and is preparing to enter her 30s happy and confident. 'I just feel like I'm living, I've got everything I wanted,' she mused. 'I've now moved down to London, there's my mum, my gran and my three dogs and we're just exploring this together so I feel content. Meryl revealed that watching the latest series of The Traitors brought back memories of her own time in the castle but said that it looked 'a billion times harder' than her experience. 'Even my mum said I wouldn't have got on the show this season!' she laughed. 'The missions are harder, the round table's a lot more tense. 'People have got game plans, they've watched the other seasons, they're clued up. 'Even the Faithfuls are going for the Faithfuls a lot more in this season as well, in our series we had genuine friendship and we all stayed friends after.' Meryl, 29, became an overnight star when she won series one of the hit show alongside Hannah Byczkowski and Aaron Evans (pictured alongside Claudia Winkleman) Meryl revealed her one regret from her series was not 'listening enough', admitting she was shocked watching back how many clues she missed when the show aired. 'The hard thing is a lot of people are throwing so much stuff and information at you and a lot of it is gobbledygook but some is key information.' She joked that the cast had 'trauma bonded' over their experience on the show, revealing they keep in touch to this day and discussed the latest series of the show in a group WhatsApp chat. Meryl added that it was initially a struggle adjusting to be recognised after the show, admitting she struggled because 'it was hard to differentiate between if someone is looking at me because I'm little or if they're looking at me because I was on the show.' Yet she praised the BBC's aftercare team, revealing they had access to a welfare team and that they'd be given a heads up if there were any inflammatory moments set to air that evening. Meryl also praised 'lovely' host Claudia Winkleman, noting: 'She actually wants to get to know you as an individual, not just be like "hi, what's your name" and read off cards. Nowadays, Meryl spends her days volunteering at Borders Pet Rescue, a Scottish animal rescue centre where she is ambassador, as well as working as a content creator. She often teams up with comedian Fats Timbo, who was also born with dwarfism, to make humorous but informative videos about their experiences with the condition. Meryl often teams up with comedian Fats Timbo, who was also born with dwarfism, to make humorous but informative videos about their experiences with the condition 'A lot of the time people think that I want to talk about my condition but it's like no - I just want to talk about animals!' Meryl mused. 'So I feel like that's why we do those videos. 'It's a sly way of educating without educating. A lot of people watch those videos and think "oh s**t, I've done that", like stared at me or made patronising comments. 'I relate to Fats completely and she fully gets it. I'd love to do a show or something with her because I feel like there's a lot of curiosity around the condition but there's not a lot of advocacy around it. 'You see a lot of different disabilities on TV which is amazing but not so much with my condition. There needs to be more education.' Yet as Meryl's star power continues to rise and she shows no signs of slowing down it seems like she's doing the perfect job of helping to spread awareness and educate the public. Handsome, rich, tanned and famous, Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds presents an image as the nicest of guys. He is a family man; devoted to his actress wife Blake Lively and their four children, and he is a great friend to other A-listers, including Hugh Jackman. We all know he likes to quip and joke but, until this week, nobody would have suspected that underneath the unrippled surface of his super-smooth image lies an ocean of black rage. However, as the legal action between Lively and Justin Baldoni, her co-star in It Ends With Us, approaches its endgame, the revelations are coming thick and fast. To recap: Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of the movie, shot in 2023, and lawyers for both sides faced each other in court in New York on Thursday, as Baldoni tried to have her lawsuit thrown out before the trial begins in late spring. His lawyers said her allegations were 'trivial grievances' and 'petty slights' which fall short of the legal standard. The judge will rule in due course whether the case gets thrown out or the trial goes ahead on May 18. There was also a mass unsealing this week of hundreds of exhibits including texts between Lively and famous friends such as Taylor Swift. There were also indiscreet chats involving Baldoni's PR and British actress Jameela Jamil, who had nothing nice to say about Blake, describing her as a 'suicide bomber' and a 'villain'. But perhaps the most startling, which have until now sailed under the radar, involve Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds. Blake Lively (L) and Ryan Reynolds attends the 'It Ends With Us' New York Premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on August 6, 2024 in New York City Lively has accused Justin Baldoni (pictured) of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends With US Dozens of text exchanges involving Reynolds have been unsealed, and their tone and volume is staggering. While most people write texts of just a few words, Reynolds' longest furious, expletive-laden message to one of his agents at William Morris Endeavour (WME) runs to more than 1,000 words. Another single message is over 600 words long. The bulk of his passionate invective, which dates back to last summer, is reserved for Baldoni who, as well as starring in the film, was also the writer, director and producer. His wife, we know from the release of her emails with Taylor Swift, thought Baldoni was a 'clown' and a 'doofus'. But Reynolds goes much, much further, describing him as a 'predator', 'fraud', 'sociopath', 's***ball', 'human rounding error' and 'bucket of dumb dumb juice'. When he played superhero Deadpool, Reynolds famously wrote some of the character's foul-mouthed cracks, and in real life it seems he has a propensity for rhetorical demolition and nasty invective. 'This guy is genuinely touched in some very strange ways. Like, a melon-baller lobotomy makes more sense than his self-propelled, malignant stupidity and revolting behavior,' he says of Baldoni. In another text, Reynolds writes: 'I know I sound angry but I promise you I have way more rage in the tank. I just feel depleted and exhausted and, as they say, 'Keep away from the dying animal'. Lively's team maintains that there is evidence of a smear campaign against the actress 'I can't and won't sit by watching my wife who's been asked to shape-shift around a problematic man since the very beginning of this movie complete a grand slam home run . . . Only to be dragged through the mud while people ring the 'shame bell' behind her.' Of course, Reynolds is entirely within his rights to protect the reputation of his wife. At the time, she was being slated on the internet for the perceived tone-deaf way she was promoting It Ends With Us, a film about domestic violence, as a fun girls' night out, and telling audiences 'grab your florals'. However, Reynolds' rage expressed to the most senior agents at WME, which at the time also represented Baldoni had a predictable outcome, with Baldoni being dropped by them after the film came out. It says a lot about how involved Reynolds was with the film, despite not having any official role. Is Reynolds' support of his wife just marital cheerleading or are they teaming up to destroy her co-star? Certainly the texts seem to show Reynolds insisting his wife should have the final edit of the film, get the credit for its success, and that its director and writer should write a public apology for creating a bad working environment. Some in Hollywood this week were remembering what happened to Tim Miller, the director of Reynolds' film Deadpool 2, who abruptly left the project. It was widely reported that Reynolds had insisted that he was in control of the script. The lawsuit between Lively and Baldoni certainly shines a light on who holds the power in the movie business. When one of your most successful clients is texting you twenty times on a Saturday as Reynolds did last August you had better listen. You can almost hear the fear as Warren Zavala from WME responds to a rant by his $350million client: 'First of all, I love your writing. I've read this a couple times. I think we should chat. I can't respond in a way that plays at the same level.' Dozens of text exchanges involving Reynolds (left) have been unsealed, and their tone and volume is staggering In another text to Patrick Whitesell, then one of the most senior figures at WME, Reynolds writes: 'The thing I believe both my wife and I are missing most in this debacle, is your rage. And I hope I've illustrated why that is. I have never had anything but an intense love and admiration for WME and the entire company. 'But I've also never needed WME like I do in this moment. I'm always comfortable handling my own s***. But this is a situation in which I need (along with Blake) a sense of solidarity and duty of care.' Whitesell agrees, apologises and says he will 'deploy' the next day. Interestingly, a spokesman for WME denied last year that Reynolds or Lively had put them under any pressure in their decision to terminate their contract with Baldoni. Reynolds adds that he wants 'an unqualified, unreserved, full throat apology' for Lively and the rest of the film's team and cast from Baldoni and his producing partner Jamie Heath. He goes on to draft a version of that apology that he feels would be acceptable. Reynolds writes at another point that he also wants an apology from Sony about the marketing campaign: 'They just need to f***ing go straight at this.' He sets out the statement he wants made before adding: 'And this needs to be addressed IMMEDIATELY. This is the most disturbing thing I've ever seen in this business. Sony needs to step up for real. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.' All of the above is extraordinary enough, but it's not just Baldoni in the firing line from Reynolds. Two film executives, Todd Black and Andrea Giannetti, are rudely dismissed as 'f***ing textbook, ineffectual elderly people with no ideas or thoughtful communication skills. Just blunt instruments with six catchphrases and about five key words.' For the record, he is aged 65 and she is in her fifties. And anyone whom Reynolds deems isn't adequately protecting his wife is also a prime target. 'She f***ing refused to give up on the film. She didn't sleep, she missed countless moments with her kids while sitting in edit rooms,' he texted. 'Blake under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should be asked to clean up this sloppy, cliched f***storm. The only thing they don't seem interested in is the truth. And all Blake HAS is the truth.' Baldoni pictured in December 2024 in LA Blake Lively (pictured) was previously slated on the internet for the perceived tone-deaf way she was promoting It Ends With Us Of course, preserving his Nice Guy image is essential to Reynolds' success both in the acting and commercial world. Since first appearing as Deadpool in the 2009 film X Men: Wolverine, his career has been on a high plane. But as he has risen, reports about his temper have also bubbled. He appeared to chide kindly actor Eugene Levy on a red carpet in September last year, with lipreaders saying that he told the actor: 'Bull****, man.' After Levy allegedly replied to Reynolds: 'Language. You don't need to speak so harsh.' Reynolds apparently fired back: 'Please don't ever tell me how I can talk to people.' The two men later embraced on stage. And a year previously, entrepreneur Martha Stewart surprised many when she told an interviewer that Reynolds a friend and neighbour was not a funny person. 'You want to know something? He's not so funny in real life. No, he's not so funny. He's very serious.' After reading his text messages, it's hard to disagree. Communist Party of Vietnam wraps up 14th national congress Xinhua) 11:06, January 24, 2026 This photo taken on Jan. 23, 2026 shows a scene at the first plenary session of the 14th Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee in Hanoi, Vietnam. The first plenary session of the 14th CPV Central Committee voted for the CPV Political Bureau, Secretariat and Inspection Commission on Friday, according to a communique after the meeting. (VNA via Xinhua) HANOI, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) concluded in Hanoi on Friday afternoon, Vietnam News Agency reported. The congress brought together 1,686 delegates representing over 5.6 million Party members nationwide to look back on past achievements and set development priorities for the nation in the coming period. A 200-member CPV Central Committee (CPVCC) was elected at the congress on Thursday afternoon, including 180 official and 20 alternate members. It was followed by the election of the Political Bureau, party chief, Secretariat and Inspection Commission of the CPVCC at the 14th CPVCC's first plenum on Friday morning. A resolution of the CPV's 14th National Congress was adopted at the closing session, setting targets of average annual economic growth of at least 10 percent during 2026-2030 and placing innovation, digital transformation and green growth at the core of a new development model. In his closing remark, To Lam, who has been re-elected as the general secretary of the 14th CPVCC, said that the congress outlined tasks to ensure the nation's peace and stability, drive sustainable development, and advance Vietnam's goals towards upper-middle-income status by 2030 and high-income one by 2045. This photo taken on Jan. 23, 2026 shows a scene at the first plenary session of the 14th Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee in Hanoi, Vietnam. The first plenary session of the 14th CPV Central Committee voted for the CPV Political Bureau, Secretariat and Inspection Commission on Friday, according to a communique after the meeting. (VNA via Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 23, 2026 shows a scene at the first plenary session of the 14th Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee in Hanoi, Vietnam. The first plenary session of the 14th CPV Central Committee voted for the CPV Political Bureau, Secretariat and Inspection Commission on Friday, according to a communique after the meeting. (VNA via Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 23, 2026 shows a scene during the closing session of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in Hanoi, Vietnam. The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) concluded in Hanoi on Friday afternoon, Vietnam News Agency reported. A resolution of the CPV's 14th National Congress was adopted at the closing session, setting targets of average annual economic growth of at least 10 percent during 2026-2030 and placing innovation, digital transformation and green growth at the core of a new development model. (VNA via Xinhua) General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam (C) speaks at press conference after the closing session of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in Hanoi, Vietnam, Jan. 23, 2026. The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) concluded in Hanoi on Friday afternoon, Vietnam News Agency reported. A resolution of the CPV's 14th National Congress was adopted at the closing session, setting targets of average annual economic growth of at least 10 percent during 2026-2030 and placing innovation, digital transformation and green growth at the core of a new development model. (VNA via Xinhua) General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam addresses the closing session of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in Hanoi, Vietnam, Jan. 23, 2026. The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) concluded in Hanoi on Friday afternoon, Vietnam News Agency reported. A resolution of the CPV's 14th National Congress was adopted at the closing session, setting targets of average annual economic growth of at least 10 percent during 2026-2030 and placing innovation, digital transformation and green growth at the core of a new development model. (VNA via Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 23, 2026 shows a scene during the closing session of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in Hanoi, Vietnam. The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) concluded in Hanoi on Friday afternoon, Vietnam News Agency reported. A resolution of the CPV's 14th National Congress was adopted at the closing session, setting targets of average annual economic growth of at least 10 percent during 2026-2030 and placing innovation, digital transformation and green growth at the core of a new development model. (VNA via Xinhua) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) News / Local by Staff reporter Government has secured close to 20 million (about US$23 million) to fund a major ecological restoration programme for Lake Chivero, in a move aimed at reversing decades of pollution and environmental degradation at Harare's primary water source.Lake Chivero supplies potable water to millions of residents in Harare and surrounding areas, but has suffered severe ecological decline due to years of untreated sewage, agricultural runoff and industrial effluent.The five-year rehabilitation programme will be implemented in partnership with Netherlands-based environmental technology firm LG Sonic, which specialises in chemical-free water restoration systems. The company is internationally recognised for controlling harmful algal blooms and supporting long-term ecosystem recovery in polluted lakes and reservoirs.Half of the funding has been secured as a grant from the Dutch government, significantly reducing Zimbabwe's fiscal exposure while enabling the deployment of advanced water restoration technologies expected to lower long-term water treatment costs.The initiative was announced yesterday by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, following a meeting between Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube and LG Sonic chief executive officer Mr Yousef Yousef on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland."Professor Mthuli Ncube held a productive engagement with LG Sonic CEO Yousef Yousef to discuss advanced, science-based solutions for the treatment and restoration of Lake Chivero, one of Zimbabwe's most critical water bodies supplying Harare and surrounding areas," the ministry said in a statement.The ministry noted that Lake Chivero has experienced persistent and hazardous harmful algal blooms, largely driven by cyanobacteria that release toxins threatening public health, aquatic life and water treatment processes."Cyanobacteria now dominate the lake, releasing toxins that threaten public health, aquatic life and water treatment operations, with recent fish kills underscoring the urgency for action," the statement said.LG Sonic's technology uses ultrasound to disrupt the growth cycle of harmful algae without chemicals. The system is supported by real-time water quality monitoring, enabling authorities to track oxygen levels, nutrient concentrations and algal activity while supporting gradual ecosystem recovery.The technology has been deployed in more than 60 countries and is designed to restore natural ecological balance by improving water clarity, reducing toxins and protecting aquatic biodiversity.Government said it is considering a comprehensive restoration programme anchored on chemical-free, nature-based technologies, real-time monitoring and long-term ecosystem rehabilitation."With a total investment of 19.8 million, the project is fully financed, with 50 percent structured as a grant supported by the Dutch government through Invest International, significantly reducing fiscal risk while delivering high environmental and social returns," the ministry said.Lake Chivero's pollution has largely been attributed to untreated sewage and wastewater discharges, primarily from Harare City Council, as well as effluent from surrounding urban and industrial areas. The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) has repeatedly identified the City of Harare as the lake's biggest polluter due to chronic failures in sewage treatment.The environmental crisis reached a critical point in 2024 when four rhinos and several other animals died after drinking contaminated water from the lake, highlighting the severity of toxin accumulation.The pollution has also placed heavy pressure on Harare's water treatment system, with the city spending an estimated US$3 million per month on treatment chemicals, most of which are imported.In response to worsening water quality and shortages, Government in 2023 appointed a technical committee to develop a comprehensive plan to improve water availability and quality in Harare. The committee was tasked with stabilising water production, reducing non-revenue water losses and expanding access to potable water.Harare's water challenges have had serious public health consequences, including major cholera outbreaks in 2019 and 2023, with poor sanitation and prolonged water shortages cited as key contributing factors. Kyle Sandilands has given an update on his health after being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm last year. The radio star, 54, shocked listeners in February when he revealed he required immediate surgery after doctors detected an aneurysm on his brain and a second one in his chest. Almost a year on from the bombshell diagnosis, Sandilands has given an update on his condition, revealing the outlook is good, reported The Daily Telegraph. The Australian Idol judge told the publication he has had two, six-monthly check-ups since his diagnosis, which revealed the aneurysms have not grown. 'They re-looked at all those scans and said it's good,' Sandilands said. 'It's good because when they first found it they weren't sure whether I had it for 30 years or 30 days.' Kyle Sandilands, 54, has given an update on his health after being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm last year He went on to say the chance of complications with surgery on his brain aneurysm is high, adding that doctors would have to 'cut his face off'. At this stage, doctors are keeping an eye on its size, while the aneurysm in his chest is 'not operable yet'. 'It's not small, and smaller ones than the one that I've got have bled out and had problems, but it's not really the s*** we need to get in there right now, so I plough on,' he said. Sandilands broke the news to listeners on The Kyle & Jackie O Show back in February, warning of the dangers of 'cocaine and partying.' 'On Friday, I was told by my medical team - which sounds like I'm already very sick, that I have a brain aneurysm and it requires immediate attention, brain surgery,' Sandilands said. 'My doctor said if I didn't get it checked, I would have died. A life of cocaine abuse and partying are not the way to go!' The shock jock revealed days later that surgeons would have to open his skull, rather than have keyhole surgery, to access the aneurysm, which is located on the front right side of his brain. He also said that he needed to have a second surgery to remove another aneurysm which was found in his chest. The Australian Idol judge said he has had two, six-monthly check-ups since his diagnosis, which revealed the aneurysms have not grown. Pictured with wife Tegan Kynaston 'The [brain] aneurysm is at a Y junction and it is at the top. The shape of it has limited the operation they can do. The only option to get to it is to [open the skull],' he told co-host Jackie O Henderson. 'That means I will have this huge scar from the forehead to the top of my ear and they would have to drill a hole in my skull, go into the brain and clip it off.' Sandilands said the doctor told him he will have fewer problems 'leaving it and monitoring it' until it gets bigger. 'As soon as I do any procedure my risk goes right up. He told me to take the weekend to think about it,' Kyle said, before revealing the second surgery. 'They found another one in my chest and that's a separate surgery and I have very bad calcium build-up in the heart where I'm likely to have a heart attack.' One can almost imagine the high-level conversations that have been going on at Channel 4 about who might take over from Prue Leith, who this week announced shes stepping down as a judge on The Great British Bake Off. What ingredients would make the perfect replacement? Female, ideally to balance out co-judge Paul Hollywoods macho posing. Familiar and comforting to viewers, certainly one doesnt watch Bake Off to be anything but reassured by life. Being British, too, would be perfect following in the footsteps of Prue, who although born in Cape Town has become a British institution, and the genteel Mary Berry before her. Theres one candidate who has all this along with a dollop of pure unadulterated sexiness that puts ladies man Paul Hollywood in the shade. Yes, Nigella Lawson, the original domestic goddess, hailed for putting the sauce and spice into cooking, is reportedly on the cusp of returning to mainstream British TV, six years after her last BBC series. Sources say her salary for the role would be significant and that Channel 4 are beyond excited at the prospect of luring the 66-year-old to the baking tent. Because the reality is that coquettish Nigella could be the sultry shot in the arm Bake Off so desperately needs. This week Prue Leith announced shes stepping down as a judge on The Great British Bake Off Nigella Lawson, the original domestic goddess, hailed for putting the sauce and spice into cooking, is reportedly on the cusp of returning to mainstream British TV Channel 4 bosses believe her purring innuendoes, finger-licking and come hither gaze combined with her baking know-how are the perfect combination to boost their falling ratings. A television insider tells me: It all felt a little lacklustre and like it needed a boost. There was every chance the ratings would get worse this year, so they needed to find a way to give it a bit of a zhuzh, a bit of a make-over. Someone needs to save the show and keep those ratings up. Viewers need something new. Theres one potential fly in the ointment: how will the king of innuendo, Paul Hollywood, cope with such a seismic change in personnel? On the plus side, Nigellas arrival will certainly bring the opportunity for him to spark off her wit and sex appeal. Paul is, to put it plainly, known to like women who are easy on the eye and Nigella is certainly that. But Paul turning 60 in March has been used to having far older sidekicks: Mary Berry is now 90, and Prue, 85. He has always dominated the show with his persona the judge to impress. Indeed, those who know him suggest he might not be over the moon at sharing the shows stage with such a popular co-presenter. Because if Nigella does sign on the dotted line, she will be the shows biggest star, no question. Paul has got an ego the size of Neptune, says an associate of his. He absolutely loves himself and revels in being top dog on Bake Off. Mary and Prue have been happy for him to stand out and make all the jokes. He pretends he doesnt like the attention or the Press, but really he does. But if Nigella arrives, that could all very well change. Shes a star, everyone loves her, shes beautiful and she is very, very funny. Indeed, Pauls famous soggy bottom phrase looks set to be blown out of the water by mother-of-two Nigella. The term coined by Paul and Mary in 2010 to describe an undercooked base of a pie or a filling which is too moist will be tame based on Nigellas past form. Once the deputy literary editor of the Sunday Times before she became a foodie, Oxford-educated Nigella combines a fierce intellect with a wicked some might say filthy sense of humour. Once the deputy literary editor of the Sunday Times before she became a foodie, Oxford-educated Nigella combines a fierce intellect with a wicked sense of humour Paul turning 60 in March has been used to having far older sidekicks: Mary Berry is now 90, and Prue, 85. He has always dominated the show with his persona the 'judge to impress' Take her description of custard, which, she said, should be firm but not immobile... When you press it with your fingers, it should have a little wobble still within. Soft, warm and voluptuous like an 18th-century courtesans inner thigh. Nigella will turn the show around, says an insider. She will have the viewers in stitches. Shes much more than a kind of Carry on Baking host though. Forensic in her attention to detail, her recipes are thorough, clear and lively. And on one detail she has always been emphatic: she is a cook, not a chef. Indeed, in 2014, she told how she thought she would be a failure if she went on Bake Off, saying: I dont even think Id pass the audition. I love baking, and I bake a lot... I love what I do bake, but just the words uniformity of size and shape make me quake. So far, Nigellas spokesman has refused to comment on her joining Bake Off but, tellingly, also made no denial. Channel 4 also refused to deny she was joining, while the shows producers, Love Productions, similarly declined to say the star was not signing, but did issue a statement to say that Prues replacement would be announced in due course. While Prue has made it clear that at 85 its time to step back a bit, why is now the time to step forward for Nigella? Theres a sense among her circle that she has finally recovered from her annus horribilis in 2013, which began when her then husband, art dealer Charles Saatchi, was seen with his hands around her throat outside Mayfair restaurant Scotts. Saatchi whom Nigella married in 2003, two years after the death of her first husband received a caution for the assault and the pair later split. More upset was to come during the fraud trial of two sisters, Francesca and Elisabetta Grillo, who worked as personal assistants for Nigella and Charles. During the trial, they devastatingly claimed Nigella allowed them to spend 685,000 on company credit cards to cover up her cocaine use. They were eventually found not guilty. Nigella told the court she had taken cocaine a handful of times but denied having a drug problem. She said she was not proud but would rather be honest and ashamed about what she has done, than lie about it. After that, her UK television appearances dwindled. She appeared on The Taste in the US, and then signed to Masterchef Australia as a guest judge in 2016, for which she did three series. Her last appearance in a UK TV series was Nigellas Cook, Eat, Repeat on BBC Two in 2020. Since then she has again judged on Masterchef Australia and delivered a few Christmas specials. Television sources suggest Nigella now thinks it might be time to return to our British screens, as she thinks Bake Off is an amazing opportunity. As for matters of the heart, Nigella hasnt confirmed another relationship since Saatchi. At least if she joins the Bake Off team, she may at least enjoy Paul Hollywoods flirtatious winks while matching some of his saucy quips with plenty of her own. Irina Shayk has never been shy about modelling in daring photoshoots, so her latest cover shoot should come as no surprise. The supermodel, 40, has graced this month's issue of V Magazine in a racy bondage-themed shoot. Photographed by famed videographer and artist Steven Klein, Shayk struck a series of provocative poses in several skimpy leather ensembles. In one image, she even posed completely nude in nothing more than a long leather cape. The shoot received a mixed reaction from the Russian model's fans, with some approving of the 'flawless' photos, while others felt that she'd gone too far. 'I'm sorry, but this photo makes me unhappy,' commented one. Irina Shayk has graced this month's issue of V magazine in a racy bondage-themed shoot Photographed by famed videographer and artist Steven Klein, Shayk struck a series of provocative poses in several skimpy ensembles 'Why did you agree to this?' asked another, while a third wrote, 'I didn't like this.' A fourth wrote, 'Irina always looks stunning,' while another added, 'What do you mean she's forty?!' Discussing the wild shoot inside V Magazine, Shayk said that she was playing a 'character' that she'd developed alongside Klein. 'For me, she represents a kind of wild femininity,' she explained. 'Shes bold. Shes masculine in her own way. She lives in leather. She goes out. Shes in her "yes" erafearless, unapologetic, fully herself This isn't the first time that Shayk has stripped down for a raunchy photoshoot. Exactly ten years ago, the mother-of-one posed completely naked for GQ Italia. Shayk's latest shoot comes after the Victoria's Secret veteran talked about her ex Bradley Cooper, with whom she shares a daughter named Lea De Seine Cooper, aged eight. The shoot received a mixed reaction from the Russian model's fans, with some approving of the 'flawless' photos, while others felt that she'd gone too far The 40-year-old looked bizarre in a leather mask and trousers The Russian supermodel showed off her long legs in an awkward pose Clad in leather, the brunette beauty posed next to a motorcycle In another image from the edgy shoot, Shayk submerged herself in a bathtub Last year, Shayk explained how she and Cooper help their daughter Lea 'feel comfortable' around their fame. 'She has very, very little digital access, almost down to none,' she told People magazine. Shayk said that she and the A-list actor try their best to turn their attention to 'building community, friends and just giving love.' She added, 'This is the best thing that you could give to your kid, raising them in a loving family.' And she touched on beauty standards, saying, 'There are so many beauty standards out there that of course I try to protect my daughter from.' Cooper has also said he makes his daughter a part of his filmmaking career. Shayk is pictured with her ex Bradley Cooper in 2018, a year before their split 'There's nothing weird about it,' Bradley told E! News in October. 'It's just a part of what we do, and it's kind of a nice thing. She cares so much about it.' He continued, 'Kids, they say exactly what they think, and she has a big opinion about everything. 'I love it and I care what she thinks. Even with casting, we'll look at casting auditions together.' Meanwhile, Cooper is now dating Gigi Hadid. They are 'on the same page about what they want long-term'. The 30-year-old model has been dating Bradley, 50, for two years, and the loved-up couple are both happy with where their relationship is heading. Influencer Lula Lahfah has reportedly died at just age 26. The Indonesian content creator tragically died on January 23, according to CNN Indonesia - with police telling the publication an influencer with the same initials as Lahfah had been found dead at an apartment in the Dharmawangsa region of South Jakarta that day. Metro Jaya Police's head of public relations Kombes Budi Hermanto told the outlet in a message translated into English: 'It's true that an influencer with the initials LL was found dead at the Essence Dharmawangsa Apartment.' 'The victim was found by security officers at around 6:44 PM WIB on Friday, January 23, 2026.' 'Currently, South Jakarta Police Criminal Investigation Unit officers are still processing the crime scene (TKP) to investigate the incident and are coordinating with the family.' It came just weeks after she allegedly suffered health issues, with Lahfah in the hospital on New Year's on account of physical discomfort, according to CNN. Influencer Lula Lahfah has reportedly died at just age 26 On Friday, Weird Genius, a musical group of which Lahfah's boyfriend Reza Oktavian is a member of, announced a show cancellation in light of 'unfortunate news' involving one of the bandmembers. 'With heavy hearts, we are informing you that Weird Genius will not be able to perform at the OPPO event due to the unfortunate news of one of our members (which currently not in a prime condition and shape to be on the stage) 'The situation is beyond our control, and we apologize for the inconvenience. The event cannot proceed as planned. 'We ask for everyone's understanding and forgiveness. Thank you for your understanding.' Millions of people currently follow Lahfah online, where she shares content about fashion, fitness, beauty, and more. She has 2.3 million followers on Instagram, with her bio reading: 'Life's too short for so much sorrow.' On TikTok, she has an additional 778.3K followers, where she posted her final two videos. A screenshot of one of her last videos, which showed her enjoying time with friends 2.3 million people currently follow Lahfah on Instagram On Friday, Weird Genius, a musical group of which Lahfah's boyfriend Reza Oktavian is a member of, announced a show cancellation in light of 'unfortunate news' involving one of the bandmembers One video showed her hanging out with friends while the final clip displayed her skincare routine. In the comments of her final Instagram post, fans mourned her passing. One follower wrote in a message translated into English: 'Oh my God, this isn't real, I'm really shocked, I swear.' Another wrote: 'Oh my God lul, you are the one who makes me excited to go to the gym. You are my inspiration for me to go to the gym lul. I was shocked when I heard the news.' Top Chef winner Kelsey Barnard Clarks DUI arrest on Wednesday comes on the heels of a major personal upheaval. Her divorce from Deavours Woodham Clark was officially finalized just weeks before the crash, per Page Six. According to the outlet, the chef and her now-ex ended their decade-long marriage on December 29, 2025, following a filing by Kelsey in May. The pair have agreed to joint custody of their two children, Monroe, eight, and June, five, after Deavours moved out of their family home earlier this year, the news source added. Clark, 36, was taken into custody Wednesday in Dothan, Alabama, after crashing her car into a mailbox and struggling to complete field sobriety tests, including walking in a straight line and standing on one foot. The 2019 Top Chef Season 16 winner, who also judges Netflixs Next Gen Chef, was booked on suspicion of DUI. Top Chef winner Kelsey Barnard Clarks DUI arreston Wednesday comes on the heels of a major personal upheaval Her divorce from Deavours Woodham Clark was officially finalized just weeks before the crash Clark owns downtown Dothan restaurant KBC and has authored three cookbooks: Southern Grit, Southern Get-Togethers, and The Flavor of Fire. Daily Mail has not received a response to its request for comment from reps for Clark. Clark may be eligible for a pretrial program that could prevent the DUI charge from appearing on her record. Its not yet clear whether she has retained legal representation to comment on her behalf. On the trailer for Top Chef Season 16, Clark looked directly at the camera and said, I seem like a Southern belle, but you certainly dont know the other side of me. Six months after her win, she told Alabama Life and Culture in 2019 that first impressions can be misleading. Im a kind, giving, good person, but if you knew me more than 30 minutes you wouldnt describe me as sweet, she said. People assume Im docile, but Im like, yeah, no. Winning Season 16 made her the fourth female champion in the shows history, but the path to victory came with significant personal sacrifice. As a first-time mother, Clark left her infant son in her husbands care for the nine weeks she spent filming, making only three calls home during that time. The chef and her now-ex ended their decade-long marriage on December 29, 2025, following a filing by Kelsey in May The pair have agreed to joint custody of their two children, Monroe, eight, and June, five, after Deavours moved out of their family home earlier this year She was forced to stop breastfeeding and missed many of her sons early milestones. He was walking and he was not walking when I left. And I absolutely, honest to god, lost my s*** on the phone, she told People magazine. I was just like, I want to leave. This is horrible. What have I done? My childs walking! It put me into a spiral for days. To cope, Clark focused on the reason she was competing: to provide a better future for her son. The only way I could get through it would be to block out everything. Monroe was just five months old when she was asked to take part, and while her family encouraged her, she still struggled with guilt. It was pretty brutal... my mind was wack. I would wake up when I would normally wake up to feed. I would wake up three times a night like clockwork. It was extremely weird. Even with the support of the Top Chef crew, Clark found the separation difficult. I would wake up almost in a panic, like, Wheres my baby? I dont know whats going on. Is he okay? Its almost like a lost arm. Thats how it would feel every night. Lack of sleep is not good for a body, especially in competition. I had a really hard time. Nicole Snooki Polizzi has revealed a scary medical issue that could impact the possibility of expanding her family. In an emotional TikTok video, Polizzi said shes been grappling with abnormal pap smear results and precancerous cells for the past four years. 'Ive had issues with getting abnormal results and precancerous cells on your cervix and everything. Its very stressful you guys,' Polizzi told viewers while heaving a huge sigh. She also said that she recently underwent a colposcopy and biopsy at her doctors urging. 'That hurt. It wasnt a great experience,' said the MTV star, who recently discovered the real reason for her adoption as she spoke to her birth mother for the first time. She then shared the results of the colposcopy: 'Doctor calls me and hes like, "Not looking great." He found cancerous cells on the top of my cervix.' Nicole Snooki Polizzi revealed a scary medical issue that could impact the possibility of expanding her family in an emotional TikTok video Polizzi added that shell need to go in for a cone biopsy, which is often needed to further test or treat abnormal pap smears, and shell have it done while under anesthesia. 'Im terrified,' she admitted. 'Its scary, but we have to get it done because cervical cancer is nothing to joke about.' Polizzi shared that she could possibly need to have a hysterectomy depending on how the results of the cone biopsy turn out, at which point she started to shed some tears. 'See, I knew I was going to get emotional!' she wailed. 'Obviously Im done having kids but, as a woman, the thought of getting a hysterectomy is just sad and scary,' Polizzi said. 'Getting the hysterectomy and then not being able to have kids, I think thats whats killing me. But whatever to keep me healthy and safe to be here for my kids that I have now,' she insisted. Polizzi shares sons Lorenzo, 13, and Angelo, six, and daughter Giovanna, 11, with husband Jionni LaValle, 38. She admitted that in the past she 'was not great' with staying on top of doctor appointments and was making this video to raise awareness so others didnt make the same mistake. The Jersey Shore alum shared that shell need to have a cone biopsy under anesthesia for further testing and she's 'terrified' Depending on the results of the cone biopsy, Polizzi said she may need to have a hysterectomy 'Obviously Im done having kids but, as a woman, the thought of getting a hysterectomy is just sad and scary,' the MTV star admitted Polizzi shares three three kids - Lorenzo, 13, Giovanna, 11, and Angelo, six, with husband Jionni LaValle; pictured in May 2025 'The reason why my doctors on my ass all the time is because I waited,' Polizzi moaned. 'I waited on my damn appointments because I knew I might not get great results but also because I didnt want to feel the pain. 'I didnt want to deal with the stress of having to deal with all of this. She urged her followers: 'Make sure youre fine and prevent all the bad things that could happen, like cervical cancer.' 'Its not easy being a woman and going through these uncomfortable appointments and situations,' she said, but added that shes 'going to be fine' and has her family and friends to lean on. In the videos caption, Polizzi wrote, 'Ladies we are in this together.' The mom-of-three got a ton of support from her former Jersey Shore clan. 'I love you so much you got this,' Jenni Farley encouraged her pal. The mom-of-three has gotten a ton of support from her former Jersey Shore clan including Jenni Farley, Sammi 'Sweetheart' Giancola, Deena Cortese, and Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino's wife, Lauren 'Love you! You got this,' Sammi 'Sweetheart' Giancola wrote in the comments. 'Love you, were all here for you,' Deena Cortese added. 'Nicole, wish I could hug you through the phone, thank you for sharing and Im sending you much love and prayer,' Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentinos wife, Lauren, assured her friend. Last year, Polizzi squashed rumors that she and LaValle were on the brink of divorce by posting happy family photos around the holidays. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi have turned up the heat in a sizzling cover shoot for Vogue Australia. The Australian actors put on a sultry display for two alternate covers for the magazine's February issue, which hits stands on Monday, 2 February. The first shows Margot, 35, and Jacob, 28, locked in a passionate embrace as Jacob stares longingly at his co-star. Margot wore an elaborate black and gold Versace bralette and matching shorts for the shot, accessorising with a pair of earrings from Australian label Paspaley. Meanwhile, Jacob smouldered in a plain black tank top and Versace jeans, finishing his look with Cartier earrings and a matching necklace and ring. The second cover showed the pair reclining on a couch with their arms around each other. Margot Robbie, 35, and Jacob Elordi, 28, have turned up the heat for a sizzling cover shoot for Vogue Australia They put on a sultry display for two alternate covers for the magazine's February issue, which hits stands on 2 February This time, Margot opted for a plain black Chanel bralette with a black, sheer patterned skirt. Jacob showed off his sartorial style in a fleecy Bottega Veneta jacket over a crisp white tank top. One image from the shoot showed Margot and Jacob posing in a kitchen, with the Barbie star wearing a black bralette under a pair of loose-fitting overalls. Jacob cut a dapper figure in an ivory-coloured Tom Ford suit. Margot looked absolutely stunning in another shot that showed her posing on a classic Chevy Impala convertible. She showed off her enviable figure in a form-fitting Hermes mini dress and a striking Paspaley necklace, while Jacob wore a black Bottega Veneta jacket and matching pants with a crisp white collared shirt. The pair are set to sizzle on the big screen in the latest adaptation of Emily Bronte's iconic gothic romance Wuthering Heights. In the accompanying interview, the pair, who were both born in Queensland, reflected on their journeys from the Sunshine State to Hollywood. One cover showed the pair reclining on a couch with their arms around each other Another image from the shoot showed Margot and Jacob posing in a kitchen, with the Barbie star wearing a black bralette under a pair of loose-fitting overalls, while Jacob cut a dapper figure in an ivory-coloured Tom Ford suit 'I mean, it's kind of hilarious that two Queenslanders are the lead in this iconic British literary classic,' Margot said. 'Because, we're not even from Sydney, you know? Everyone in Australia's probably like, "These couple of bogans."' Margot also admitted she dreamed she would beat the tyranny of distance and make it to Tinseltown. 'I remember thinking it was so far away and so impossible to be from the Gold Coast and make it in Hollywood,' she said. 'I think if someone had done it before me, from even just anywhere in Queensland, I think I would have gone after it sooner.' Jacob agreed, admitting to hanging around at Movie World on the Gold Coast hoping for a big break. 'I remember there was a period where I was thinking if I just hang out around Movie World, maybe Ill get cast,' he said. 'Maybe someone from the studios would walk past, having a cigarette.' Bec Judd cut a very youthful figure as she celebrated her 43rd birthday with friends this week. While the AFL WAG does not officially mark the milestone until January 27, she kicked off the festivities early in a dual celebration with her friend Steve Greene. Bec took to Instagram on Friday to share a raft of images from the soiree, which was attended by a gaggle of Bec's A-list friends. She looked absolutely stunning in a form-fitting white mini dress from the Melbourne label With Harper Lu. Exuding an air of '60s glam, the sleek Jacquard dress boasted a flirty mini hemline. Finishing at the thigh, the striking garment showed off Bec's trim and toned legs. Bec Judd cut a very youthful figure as she celebrated her 43rd birthday with friends this week Bec also wore a pair of strappy Lana Wilkinson shoes to complete the look. Leaving her brunette locks out, Bec accessorised with a pair of white-framed retro sunglasses and a luxe handbag from Spanish designer Loewe. The $1,148 woven shoulder bag featured a calfskin patch and matching shoulder strap. Bec looked very much in her element, beaming as she posed for happy snaps with the room of revellers. Among them was Bec's mother Kerrie Brown, who beamed as she hugged her daughter tightly in one photo. Another showed Bec cuddling up to lauded shoe designer Lana Wilkinson, who also cut a very chic figure for the affair. Rebecca Harding, who appeared on Bec's Vain-ish podcast this week, was also in attendance and was spotted hamming it up with Lana and stylist Chris Kontos. Fashionista Nadia Bartel was also among the partygoers and, once again, put her best sartorial foot forward. While the AFL WAG does not officially mark the milestone until January 27, she kicked off the festivities early in a dual celebration with her friend Steve Greene. Pictured with Lana Wilkinson Bec took to Instagram on Friday to share a raft of images from the soiree which was attended by a gaggle of Bec's A-list friends. Pictured with her mother Kerrie Brown Fashionista Nadia Bartel was also among the partygoers and, once again, put her best sartorial foot forward. Pictured with Jade Kisnorbo She wore a chocolate-coloured bodysuit under a pair of loose-fit jeans. Celebrity hair and make-up artist Jade Kisnorbo also put on a leggy display in a white mini skirt that she matched with a denim jacket. Melbourne radio queen Lauren Phillips cut a sunny figure in an oversized blue and white striped cotton shirt and matching shorts. She attended Bec's soiree with her aviation tycoon fiance Paul O'Brien. 'Casual night at the bowlo,' Bec captioned the celebratory images. 'Thanks to everyone who came. I dont have a photo of most of you, let alone the joint birthday boy [Steve Greene],' Bec wrote. The post was met with a flurry of early congratulations from friends and followers, including Nadia Bartel, who wrote: 'We love you so much.' Lauren Phillips also chimed in with a hearty, 'So fun! Happy birthday beauty,' while former Real Housewives of Melbourne star Jackie Gillies offered her: 'Shine and blessings.' Rebecca Harding, who appeared on Bec's Vain-ish podcast this week, was also in attendance and was spotted hamming it up with Lana Wilkinson and stylist Chris Kontos Courtney Stodden has unveiled another major change to her appearance following her recent $20,000 nose job. On Friday the 31-year-old media personality, who wants to stop underage marriages, took to Instagram to share a bikini-clad photo of herself posing on a beach at sunset. The new post showed her with brunette locks, a sharp contrast to her usual blonde hair. 'New year! New hair!' she wrote in the caption to her 323,000 followers. Her newly dyed locks were straight and damp at the ends as her ample chest nearly spilled out of stringy brown bikini. Days earlier she shared a series of photos on the beach as she modeled a black bikini and declared, 'I feel safe with myself lately.' Courtney Stodden has unveiled another major change to her appearance; pictured January 13 A new Instagram post shared on Friday shows her with brunette locks, a sharp contrast to her usual blonde hair Last fall Stodden underwent a revision rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and facial fat grafting. 'This has been the easiest recovery process thank you so much @drgarymotykie and the entire team. I feel so amazing just one week post-op. I can't wait to get the cast off for the big reveal,' she teased while sharing photos of her bandaged nose online. The former child bride also noted that her sense of smell had improved following the surgeries. 'I can breathe so much better I literally can smell everything so everybody better smell really good if you're around me,' she said. Stodden previously had her nose done in 2016 to remove a bump in her nose. She also has admitted in the past to having a breast augmentation surgery in 2013 at age 18, 14 years of lip fillers (which she dissolved in 2025), and porcelain veneers. The public figure rose to fame when she married ex-husband Doug Hutchinson when she was 16 and he was 51 in 2011. Her parents legally signed off on the wedding. Now she's on a mission to stop underage people from going through the same ordeal. In October she shared the recovery process of her $20,000 nose job Days ago Stodden shared a series of photos on the beach as she donned a black bikini The star put her pert backside on display while lying on her stomach 'I don't want this to happen to anyone else, and it scares me,' the activist told People last year as she pointed out that underage marriage with parental permission is legal throughout more than half of the country. She added, 'We're the hotbed for the dirty little secret, which are pedophiles marrying our children legally in the United States, so that's why I'm speaking out.' Stodden's divorce from Hutchinson was finalized in 2020 and she married Jared Safier, 43, in 2024. She had to reflect on tying the knot as a teen as she worked on a Lifetime biopic about her life, I Was a Child Bride: The Courtney Stodden Story, which she produced alongside her husband. 'I'm glad I did it, but boy, it's been hard to watch it,' the star shared with People. 'It's something I've lived through, and it's the PG version, it's the TV version. A lot of scenes were cut because it was too much for TV.' She noted, 'It's the craziest story I've ever heard, and it's my own.' Jerry O'Connell's stolen car has been returned to him by police after it was stolen. The 51-year-old actor took to social media on Friday to thank Malibu/Lost Hills Station for recovering his restored 1979 Cadillac. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department told PEOPLE that the vehicle was stopped by an officer after it was caught speeding on the Pacific Coast Highway on January 14. 'During the detention, the Sergeant observed that the driver appeared to be unhoused and, during questioning, was unable to identify the registered owner of the vehicle,' the department told the outlet. NBC Los Angeles reported that the car was returned to O'Connell before he knew it was missing. The man who stole the Cadillac was arrested and booked at the Malibu/Lost Hills Station before promising to appear and being released after processing. Jerry O'Connell's stolen car has been returned to him by police after it was stolen The 51-year-old actor took to social media on Friday to thank Malibu/Lost Hills Station for recovering his restored 1979 Cadillac; pictured in June 2024 O'Connell confirmed the incident in multiple posts shared on X and Instagram. He re-shared a post from the New York Post and commented, 'Just to be clear, I am not the homeless man in this story. Very grateful for @LHSLASD THANK YOU!!!' The Hollywood vet, who is married to model Rebecca Romijn, also took responsibility for the mishap. He also shared the New York Post report to his Instagram account and captioned, 'I left my keys in center console. MY BAD. This one is on me. Again, THANK YOU LOST HILLS SHERIFFS!!!' A third post shared on X read: 'Again @nypost I am not homeless and I did not steal Tom Cruise's car. Thank You Lost Hills Sheriffs for getting my car back @LHSLASD.' According to PEOPLE, four months earlier the actor was the victim of a different crime. His cell phone, wallet, and cash were stolen from a Los Angeles-area yoga studio in September. Per NBC Los Angeles, a woman took the items from O'Connell's gym shoes while he was taking a fitness class. 'I wear the same pair of dirty old sneakers to yoga class and before class I took them off and slipped my wallet and phone into the dirty shoes. 'I've done that over 100 times I know this because my app says I've taken 107 classes,' he explained to PEOPLE. O'Connell confirmed the incident in multiple posts shared online He joked on X, 'Just to be clear, I am not the homeless man in this story' O'Connell is married to model-actress Rebecca Romijn and they share daughters Charlie and Dolly, 17 Camera footage revealed the perpetrator whose identity hasn't been made public saying, 'Oh shucks, I'm late for class,' before pretending the items were hers and stealing them. She spent about $600 worth of credit before the Kangaroo Jack star was able to freeze his cards. 'The only real bummer is that I had a photo of Rebecca from high school in my wallet, a four-leaf clover Jack McBrayer had given me, a $2 bill I got while shooting Stand By Me, and my grandfather Charles Witkowski's obituary,' he told the outlet. O'Connell and Romijn tied the knot in 2007 and share 17-year-old twins Charlie and Dolly. Following their 18th wedding anniversary in July, the couple appeared on Andy Cohen Live. They confessed that a secret to their long-lasting relationship is maintaining separate bank accounts. News / National by Staff reporter A Harare Civil Court has intervened in a child welfare dispute, ordering parents to jointly cover the costs of a suitable school for their 17-year-old son, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), after allegations that the father was denying him an education.The ruling, delivered by Magistrate Hannah Fazilahmed, followed an application by Caroline Chibaya for a US$250 monthly maintenance order against her ex-husband, Alfred Mandido. Chibaya told the court that Mandido had kept their son at home for the past year, seeking traditional healing while preventing him from attending school. She expressed serious safety concerns, stating that the teenager often went missing for days under his father's care. Chibaya said she wished to place the boy in a rehabilitation-focused boarding school.Mandido, claiming to be the child's primary caregiver, offered US$50 per month in maintenance, explaining that he was a hustler with no formal employment and earned roughly US$150 monthly.Magistrate Fazilahmed ruled that both parents must share the costs equally, including school fees and uniforms, and instructed them to identify a school suitable for special needs children. The magistrate also advised Chibaya that she could not claim maintenance while the child resides with the father and urged her to seek a custody order and involve the police if the education deprivation persists. Fazilahmed emphasised that denying a child access to school is a violation of Zimbabwean law.In a separate matter, the court issued a default maintenance judgment against architect E C Matiyenga, ordering him to pay US$300 monthly for the upkeep of his two minor children, aged seven and four, after failing to appear in court. The application, filed by Faith Mushonga, originally sought US$640 per month. The magistrate considered Matiyenga's reported income of approximately US$1,000 per month and his obligations to other dependants, including four children living in the United Kingdom, before setting the monthly payment at US$300, effective January 31, 2026.The rulings highlight the court's commitment to enforcing child welfare and maintenance obligations, ensuring children receive access to education and adequate support from both parents. Lauren Sanchez was spotted leaving her hotel in Paris, France on Friday. The 56-year-old former journalist, who married billionaire Jeff Bezos last summer, was dressed to the nines in a burgundy turtleneck dress, sheer pantyhose, and high heels. She bundled up in a sleek, form-fitting eggplant-colored trench coat with a fur shawl. The star, who ended 2025 in St. Barts, carried a shiny maroon handbag as she flashed a neutral-toned manicure. Her face was fully made up in complementary warm tones and finished with a glossy lip. Sanchez's long, lustrous, brunette locks were styled in a side part and ironed straight. Lauren Sanchez was spotted leaving her hotel in Paris, France on Friday The 56-year-old former journalist was dressed to the nines in a burgundy turtleneck dress, sheer pantyhose, and high heels Last month Sanchez threw a lavish holiday soiree that doubled as a birthday bash and was attended by the Kardashian family. Reposting Khloe Kardashian's photos from the event on Instagram, she wrote: 'Holiday fun with my girls. 90s Xmas.' She wore a simple all-black outfit to the event, rocking her signature cleavage-baring look and adding a leopard print fur coat. Kardashian complimented Sanchez on the glitzy affair in her social media post. 'The perfect night hosted by Lauren, you are simply the best. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas,' she wrote online. Sanchez's birthday was on December 19. In a birthday video compilation shared online, she shared behind-the-scenes images from her summer wedding. There was a clip of her practicing her walk down the aisle in her Dolce & Gabbana dress, and another of her smiling on a balcony with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Sanchez married billionaire Jeff Bezos last summer in an extravagant Italian wedding in June Last month Sanchez threw a lavish holiday soiree that doubled as a birthday bash and was attended by Kris Jenner and Khloe Kardashian Another showed the socialite wearing a face mask while exercising, which appeared to be part of wedding preparations. 'If you had told me when I was a little girl this is what life would look like at 56, I'm not sure I would've believed you,' Sanchez wrote. She reflected on her marriage, children, book release, and trip to space, saying they have 'grounded' her 'in a way nothing else could.' Sanchez and Bezos' nuptials were attended by a slew of stars like Ivanka Trump, Oprah and Kylie Jenner. The estimated $20 million, multi-day event included a foam party on Bezos' yacht, a lavish pre-nuptial dinner and a post-wedding lunch at the iconic Harry's Bar. Victoria Beckham is said to be 'feeling betrayed' by Brooklyn's bombshell statement and dancing revelations after her years spent protecting him from 'dark stories.' In the shock update as the oldest Beckham sibling, 26, broke his silence on the family feud, he said he has no wishes to reconcile with his family and called his parents 'controlling and manipulative' saying he felt 'overwhelming anxiety.' Brooklyn went as far as to say that 'Brand Beckham comes first' and the 'family values public promotion above all else.' Over the years, Victoria, 51, has worked hard to protect Brooklyn from stories in the past that 'did not always paint him in the best of lights.' A source has now said that the fashion designer would usually avoid a family fall-out but feels her son and his wife Nicola Peltz, 30, have been 'unreasonable.' They said: 'Victoria feels betrayed because she's done everything she can to make them both feel welcome and love Nicola like another daughter.' Victoria Beckham is said to be 'feeling betrayed' by Brooklyn's bombshell statement and dancing revelations after her years spent protecting him from 'dark stories' (Victoria pictured yesterday) In the shock update, the oldest Beckham sibling, 26, said he has no wishes to reconcile with his family and called his parents 'controlling and manipulative' The source added to The Mirror: 'But she feels it's been thrown back in her face. She would normally do anything to avoid a family fallout, but she thinks they're both being unreasonable.' Daily Mail has contacted the Beckhams representative for comment. The Daily Mail's Katie Hind previously explained how the Beckhams' camp 'leapt into overdrive in Brooklyn's defence' when stories such as kiss and tells and tales of him being 'involved him with the wrong crowd' surfaced. His parents have often instructed expensive lawyers to protect him against such stories. David and Victoria would 'take back Brooklyn back in a minute' and are said to be 'horrified' by events this week, according to another source. The eldest son of the Beckham clan went nuclear on their long-running feud on Monday by posting a scathing six-page statement to his Instagram and accused his parents of intentionally trying to ruin his relationship to wife Nicola. Now, a new source reportedly close to the famous couple has said they would welcome their son back into the fold 'anytime he wants to reunite with them' - as they are 'afraid' of losing him forever. The insider said: 'They are afraid of losing their son and would take him back in a minute. They are a close family, too. Just in a different way than Nicola's family is.' Over the years, Victoria, 51, has worked hard to protect Brooklyn from stories in the past that 'did not always paint him in the best of lights' A source has now said that the fashion designer would usually avoid a family fall-out but feels her son and his wife Nicola Peltz, 30, have been 'unreasonable' (pictured in 2024) The Daily Mail's Katie Hind previously explained how the Beckhams' camp 'leapt into overdrive in Brooklyn's defence' when stories such as kiss and tells surfaced David and Victoria would 'take back Brooklyn back in a minute' and are said to be 'horrified' by events this week, according to another source (pictured in October) The source continued to tell PEOPLE: 'They love Brooklyn and are horrified about everything.' Meanwhile, a second source added to the publication: 'David and Victoria believe time will heal this. 'They know over time that Brooklyn will come back. They can't really do anything until then.' In his scathing post, Brooklyn had accused Victoria of 'dancing inappropriately' on him during his 2022 nuptials to Nicola. Their wedding DJ Fat Tony finally recounted the exact detail of the dance during an appearance on This Morning. The 60-year-old branded the incident 'really awkward' and confirmed that Nicola fled the reception in tears. Tony, a longtime friend of the Beckhams, claimed that Marc Anthony was to blame, revealing the musician had called Victoria to the dance floor with her son and instructed him, 'place your hands on your mother's hips'. He said: 'There was no slut-dropping, there was no PVC cat suits, no Spice Girl action! 'The word "inappropriate", why I said it was as well, it was the timing, this is what happened.' Tony continued: 'What happened was, basically, Marc Anthony was performing on stage, he then called Brooklyn onto stage. 'Brooklyn went on to the stage, and the next minute everyones expecting Nicola to go up and do the first dance, and then Marc asked for the most beautiful woman in the room to come to the stage - and then he says "Victoria, come to the stage".' He revealed that Brooklyn looked 'devastated' at the fact his first dance was with Victoria and not his wife, adding that Nicola left the room 'crying her eyes out'. It comes as their wedding DJ Fat Tony finally recounted the exact detail of the dance during an appearance on This Morning after Brooklyn had accused Victoria of 'dancing inappropriately' Tony went on: 'Brooklyn is stuck there on stage, and they do this dance, and Marc Anthony says "put your hands on your mother's hips" and it was a Latin thing, and the whole situation was really awkward for everyone in the room 'Ive done an awful lot of Beckham parties in the past, and they are a very dancing close-knit family and love to dance, right? So you know, what we deem as "inappropriate" is not how Brooklyn feels. 'This is all about how Brooklyn feels. If he feels that it was inappropriate and awkward, it was inappropriate and awkward. 'Whats sad is that this is the bit that everyone's taken from the statement, and kind of whitewashed everything else that went on.' Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, the DJ said at one point Brooklyn's hands were on his mother's waist while her arms were placed around his neck. The timing was inappropriate for me. It was meant to be a bride and grooms moment,' he told us. Im not speaking bad about either party in it, Im just putting the narrative straight about the dance.' Katie Price has flashed her huge engagement ring as she kissed her new fiance Lee Andrews after he popped the question whilst they holiday in Dubai. Katie, 47, left her fans stunned on Friday afternoon as she announced she was engaged for the ninth time. The mother-of-five shared a slew of snaps as she posed by a sea of red roses spelling out 'will you marry me?' She also showed off her partner's hand, which had a fresh tattoo of her name inked on, and revealed the pair were celebrating with champagne, strawberries and chocolate cake. Now, beaming Katie has flashed her massive diamond ring as she kissed Lee in a new loved-up video of them both. In the clip, taken whilst in a restaurant in the United Arab Emirates, he says: 'So Katie, here we are.' Katie Price has flashed her huge engagement ring as she kissed her new fiance Lee Andrews after he popped the question whilst they holiday in Dubai Beaming Katie has flashed her massive diamond ring as she kissed Lee in a new loved-up video of them both following the news Prompting her to show off her ring, Lee continues: 'Look how cute this girl is. Have you got anything to show the crowd Katie? On your left index finger. Let's see how sparkly that is.' As the businessman claims the ring is 25 karats, Katie can be heard saying: 'That is beautiful. I'm spoilt.' She adds: 'Do you know you've actually really spoiled me, look at that, you've absolutely spoiled me.' Katie's holiday engagement comes just over a week after the Daily Mail revealed how the former glamour model had split from her reality star boyfriend JJ Slater, 32. Insiders say cracks in their relationship had become 'too obvious to ignore' in recent months, despite Katie insisting they were going strong. They began dating in February 2024, after JJ rose to fame on E4's MAFS UK. Katie even spoke of having a child together, her sixth, but in the end, it wasn't meant to be. She announced her engagement on the day her ex-husband Peter Andre released his brand-new single Rock You Right. The mother-of-five shared a slew of snaps as she posed by a sea of red roses spelling out 'will you marry me?' She also showed off her partner's hand, which had a fresh tattoo of her name inked on, and revealed the pair were celebrating with champagne, strawberries and chocolate cake Katie has previously been engaged eight times and has three ex husbands - Peter, Alex Reid and Kieran Hayler. She agreed to marry previous partners Warren Furman (1996), Scott Sullivan (2004), Leandro Penna (2012), Kris Boyson (2018) and Carl Woods (2021), but never made it down the aisle. Katie also claimed that her 'Richard gear [sic] swept off my feet', adding 'manifesting does work' as she shared a snap of the Burj Al Arab, with an emoji of a ring. Last week, Katie broke her silence on her split when she shared a cryptic post about meeting the 'right person'. Sharing an update to her Instagram Story, she posted a series of poems and quotes about soulmates and relationships. 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.' Fans have also been left concerned for Katie over her dramatic weight loss as they said she looks 'gaunt' in her latest pictures. She addressed their fears on her podcast with her sister Sophie, explaining: 'I know I look gaunt, I look like I'm ill hence why I'm going to the doctors tomorrow. 'I don't know how many times I have to say to people, "Yes I know I've lost weight," and there's obviously a reason, I said it to the doctor. 'We all know that we're trying to sort it all out and as soon as I know then I'll let everyone know.' Emilia Fox has said she's spent the past year 'recovering and looking after herself' after her split from Jonathan Stadlen. As she stunned in a feathered gown for Woman & Home, the Silent Witness star, 51, explained how she was now feeling 'hopeful and optimistic' about her future. In the accompanying photoshoot, Emilia looked as glamorous as ever in a puffed sleeved dress before changing into a bold two-piece set. The actress, who split from the TV producer at the start of 2025, opened up about how she has worked on herself and come to terms with their seperation. She said: 'You might feel emotional about it at one point, but luckily with age, you can accept it as part of life, and know how to recover and look after yourself. 'The end of relationships are always sad, but Ive been putting into practice things that have made me feel more positive, hopeful and optimistic.' Emilia Fox has said she's spent the past year 'recovering and looking after herself' after her split from Jonathan Stadlen As she stunned in a new photoshoot for Woman & Home, the Silent Witness star, 51, explained how she was now feeling 'hopeful and optimistic' about her future Emilia added that while there are 'no new love interests' she is looking forward to the 'future and new beginnings.' She continued: 'The end of relationships are always sad, but Ive been putting into practice things that have made me feel more positive, hopeful and optimistic.' In an interview with Daily Mail's Weekend Magazine, the actress added: You can see lifes dents as harmful, or choose to think they make us who we are. 'So my attitude is that I take all the good things that happened I have nothing but lovely things to say about Jonathan, and I feel lucky to have been on that path with him and accept its time to look to a different future. Emilia, who shares her 15-year-old daughter Rose with her former partner Jeremy Gilley, previously described her relationship with Jonathan as 'amazing' but admitted they 'work hard' to make it thrive. Since 2004, she has portrayed Dr. Nikki Alexander on Silent Witness since taking over as the series lead from Amanda Burton. With the new series set for release on February 2, Emilia told of how she threw herself into work which helped her move on after the split. In a sneak preview of Silent Witness: Awakening, Nikki travels to Mexico following the violent death of her friend in a carjacking. In the accompanying photoshoot, Emilia looked as glamorous as ever in a puffed sleeved dress before changing into a bold two-piece set The BBC show - which, after 20 years, is the longest-running crime drama in the world - will head to Birmingham for the first time as Nikki sets up a new forensic centre. She will be joined by Jack (David Caves), Harriet (Maggie Steed) and Kit (Fran Mills) as they solves some of their toughest cases yet. Other guest stars include Lydia Wilson (Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue), Chris Reilly (Slow Horses), Ben Batt (Riot Women), Vinette Robinson (Boiling Point), Selin Hizli (Am I Being Unreasonable?) and Gerard Kearns (Waiting For The Out). The cast will be completed with Adam Rayner (Superman and Lois), Phaldut Sharma (EastEnders) Dino Fetscher (Fool Me Once), Cat Simmons (The Bill, Family Affairs), Chris Coghill (Slow Horses) and Mollie Winnard (All Creatures Great and Small). Martin Freeman has made a candid admission about his failed relationships, revealing he has felt 'lonely' with former partners in a way he 'couldn't explain'. The Hobbit star, 54, opened up about the warning signs that signalled trouble in his romantic life, admitting feeling isolated in a couple indicated something was wrong. 'What I do know about myself is that if you start to feel lonely in a relationship, or like, I'm on my own here somewhere in ways that you can't explain or ways that you can't sort of broach with your other half, it indicates something,' he said on the How to Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast. The actor, who rose to fame in BBC comedy The Office, split from his long-term partner, actress Amanda Abbington, 51, in 2016 after 16 years together. They had met on the set of the 2000 film Men Only and made numerous on-screen appearances together including in The Debt, The Robinsons, and most notably Sherlock, where she played his romantic partner. The couple, who never married, share son Joe, 19, and daughter Grace, 17. Martin Freeman has made a candid admission about his failed relationships, revealing he has felt 'lonely' with former partners in a way he 'couldn't explain' (pictured with ex wife Amanda Abbington in 2014) The Love Actually star, who has been in a relationship with French actress Rachel Benaissa, 31, since 2020, added that he thinks uncomfortable emotions are inevitable in any relationship. Amanda has admitted that Martin's extended absences filming The Hobbit trilogy in New Zealand - where he spent up to four months at a stretch - contributed to the breakdown of their relationship, saying 'a few things happened during the last couple of years' that proved to be 'the straw that broke the camel's back'. On the podcast, the usually-fiercely private Martin added that he believed many people suppress doubts about their relationships out of misplaced loyalty, preventing them from addressing problems. 'I think sometimes we complicate things in our own minds,' he said, 'because we think anything that approaches a questioning of our current state with our relationship, say, is a bit disloyal or something - or is a bit verboten. "I shouldn't even be thinking about it."' The Love Actually star, who has been in a relationship with French actress Rachel Benaissa, 31, since 2020, added that he thinks uncomfortable emotions are inevitable in any relationship. 'You're bound to have feelings and thoughts and memories and whatever that might be uncomfortable,' he said, admitting he has trained himself to remember that his partner can be going through a similar experience within the relationship. 'That's the other thing you forget,' he said. 'I forget that - and I'm pretty grown up. I think, yeah, of course, all the stuff that I'm feeling, so is she. She's got this entire universe in her head that I am not literally part of.' He and former Strictly Come Dancing star Amanda have maintained a cordial co-parenting relationship since their split. In a 2019 interview, the actress revealed they had navigated the break-up 'in about as civilised a manner as I've ever heard of', adding: 'We still love each other - even if we're not in love with each other.' Amanda got engaged to former Britain's Got Talent finalist, daredevil escapologist Jonathan Goodwin, in 2021 following a whirlwind romance (pictured in 2023) Martin's new partner Rachel has appeared in BBC's Normal People and This Way Up, and has formed a close bond with Martin's children. Earlier this month, she joined them at the the London premiere of Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, in which Martin stars opposite Helen Bonham Carter and Mia McKenna-Bruce. The couple have also partnered professionally, co-founding production company One Trick Pone in April last year, through which they are developing several film projects together. Amanda got engaged to former Britain's Got Talent finalist, daredevil escapologist Jonathan Goodwin, in 2021 following a whirlwind romance. The couple had initially connected on X - then Twitter - in 2012, with Jonathan proposing within 30 minutes of their first in-person meeting in Vienna. Nicola Peltz liked' Fat Tonys social media post after he publicly backed Brooklyn Beckham's account of that 'inappropriate dance' by his mum Victoria. The DJ, 60, who performed at Brooklyn and Nicola's wedding party in April 2022, branded the incident 'really awkward' and confirmed that the actress fled the reception in tears in an interview this week. It came following Brooklyn's bombshell statement in which he stated he has no wishes to reconcile with his family and claimed Victoria reportedly chose to dance 'very inappropriately on him' in front of their 500 guests. In an update uploaded to Instagram on Saturday, Tony, shared his thoughts on 'unconditional love' and snapped a photo of his pet dogs - with the Nicola hitting he heart button. Alongside the photo, taken during a walk, he wrote: 'It's good to be back home today. Thought of the day... the power of unconditional love.' Showing her support, Nicola proved they are still firm friends after he spoke out about the Beckham family drama during a TV interview this week. Nicola Peltz liked' DJ Fat Tonys social media post after he publicly backed Brooklyn Beckham's account of that 'inappropriate dance' by his mum Victoria The 60-year-old, who performed at their wedding party in 2022, branded the incident 'really awkward' and confirmed that the actress fled the reception in tears in an interview this week The eldest son of the Beckham clan went nuclear on their long-running feud on Monday by posting a scathing six-page statement to his Instagram and accused his parents of intentionally trying to ruin his relationship to wife Nicola. Their wedding DJ Fat Tony later recounted the exact detail of the dance during an appearance on This Morning. Tony, a longtime friend of the Beckhams, claimed that Marc Anthony was to blame, revealing the musician had called Victoria to the dance floor with her son and instructed him, 'place your hands on your mother's hips'. He said: 'There was no slut-dropping, there was no PVC cat suits, no Spice Girl action! 'The word "inappropriate", why I said it was as well, it was the timing, this is what happened.' Tony continued: 'What happened was, basically, Marc Anthony was performing on stage, he then called Brooklyn onto stage. 'Brooklyn went on to the stage, and the next minute everyones expecting Nicola to go up and do the first dance, and then Marc asked for the most beautiful woman in the room to come to the stage - and then he says "Victoria, come to the stage".' He revealed that Brooklyn looked 'devastated' at the fact his first dance was with Victoria and not his wife, adding that Nicola left the room 'crying her eyes out'. In an update uploaded to Instagram on Saturday, Tony, shared his thoughts on 'unconditional love' and snapped a photo of his pet dogs - with the Nicola hitting he heart button The eldest son of the Beckham clan went nuclear on their long-running feud on Monday when he accused his parents of intentionally trying to ruin his relationship to wife Nicola In response, Tony, a longtime friend of the Beckhams, claimed that Marc Anthony was to blame, revealing the musician had called Victoria to the dance floor with her son Tony went on: 'Brooklyn is stuck there on stage, and they do this dance, and Marc Anthony says "put your hands on your mother's hips" and it was a Latin thing, and the whole situation was really awkward for everyone in the room 'Ive done an awful lot of Beckham parties in the past, and they are a very dancing close-knit family and love to dance, right? So you know, what we deem as "inappropriate" is not how Brooklyn feels. 'This is all about how Brooklyn feels. If he feels that it was inappropriate and awkward, it was inappropriate and awkward. 'Whats sad is that this is the bit that everyone's taken from the statement, and kind of whitewashed everything else that went on.' Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, the DJ said at one point Brooklyn's hands were on his mother's waist while her arms were placed around his neck. The timing was inappropriate for me. It was meant to be a bride and grooms moment,' he told us. Im not speaking bad about either party in it, Im just putting the narrative straight about the dance.' Kate Hudson has revealed the glowing acclamation she got from the rea-life woman she played in her new biopic Song Sung Blue. The film stars Hudson, 46, and Hugh Jackman, 57, as married couple Mike and Claire Sardina, who started a Neil Diamond cover band in 1990s Milwaukee. Last month the Daily Mail exclusively spoke to the late Mike Sardina's son from a previous marriage, Mike Jr, who was livid over the movie and denounced its leads as 'monsters' for neglecting to make any mention of him in the film or its promotions. However Hudson has come in for gushing praise in other quarters, and this Thursday it emerged she has been nominated for best actress at the Oscars. One of the people who reacted warmly to her performance was none other than Claire, Hudson revealed in a new interview with Deadline. 'Claire is so happy and my relationship with Claire and telling her story and this love story its such a love letter to them,' said the daughter of Goldie Hawn. Kate Hudson has revealed the glowing acclamation she got from the rea-life woman she played in her new biopic Song Sung Blue; Hudson is pictured in the film Hudson and her co-star Hugh Jackman are pictured posing with the real Claire Sardina at the afterparty for the New York premiere of Song Sung Blue last month 'And I am just so grateful that Claire was and is pleased and I just cant wait to talk to her. Peoples reaction to the movie, the way its moved people, thats what I think about,' she added, noting she was 'insanely emotional' about the storyline. After Mike Jr fiercely criticized the movie to the Daily Mail last month, Hudson issued a diplomatic response, deflecting the subject entirely. ''Honestly, I dont even know out of respect for our filmmakers, I'm not the right person to speak to it,' she told the Hollywood Reporter. Meanwhile Jackman - who failed to earn recognition from the Oscars for his performance as Mike Sr - did not publicly address Mike Jr's remarks at all. Hudson's Oscar nomination is her first in 25 years, since she was in contention for best supporting actress for Cameron Crowe's rock 'n' roll movie Almost Famous. She lost out that year to Marcia Gay Harden's turn as Lee Krasner, the artist and wife of Jackson Pollock, in the biopic Pollock directed by and starring Ed Harris. This year she is facing off in a formidable category including Jessie Buckley as William Shakespeare's wife in Chloe Zhao's biopic Hamnet. Her competition is rounded out by Rose Byrne in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, Emma Stone in Bugonia and Renate Reinsve in Sentimental Value. The film stars Hudson, 46, and Hugh Jackman, 57, as married couple Mike and Claire Sardina, who started a Neil Diamond cover band in 1990s Milwaukee The real-life Mike and Claire Sardina are pictured in a publicity still for their cover band Lightning and Thunder, which dissolved in 2008 when Mike died Hudson earned the only Oscar nomination for Song Sung Blue, which was otherwise ignored including for Jackman's role and its director Craig Brewer. While her fans were delighted at her latest accolade, she was also slated on social media by others who felt her performance was less than Oscar-worthy. She came in for particular trolling by those outraged that Cynthia Erivo was snubbed for her role as Elphaba, aka the Wicked Witch of the West, in Wicked: For Good. Wicked: For Good was a notable snub in all categories, failing to net nominations even for Ariana Grande's widely acclaimed supporting performance as Galinda aka Glinda. Earlier this month, she was also in the running for the Golden Globe for best actress - comedy or musical, but lost out to Byrne for If I Had Legs I'd Kick You. Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, as the Neptunes, were the masterminds behind such hits as Snoop Doggs Drop It Like Its Hot and Britney Spears Im A Slave 4 U, but their longtime collaboration has hit a serious snag. Williams has been slapped with a lawsuit by Hugo, his childhood friend from Virginia and production partner, which was first reported by Billboard. In documents filed on Friday, January 23, Hugo is accusing Williams of freezing him out of their company. Hugo claims hes owed $1 million in damages from the 2017 N.E.R.D. album No One Ever Really Dies alone. That album turned out the number one hit Lemon with Rihanna, and also featured 1,000 with Future and Dont Dont Do It with Kendrick Lamar. Hugo alleged the music whiz-turned-fashion desigher - who launched his new collection for Louis Vuitton at Paris Fashion Week - 'engaged in self-dealing, concealed material information, and diverted revenues owed.' Daily Mail has not received a response to its request for comment from reps for Williams. Hugo and Williams grew up together in Virginia and became the masterminds behind such hits as Snoop Dogg's Drop It Like It's Hot and Britney Spears' I'm A Slave 4 U; pictured at the Grammys in February 2006 'Such willful, fraudulent, and malicious conduct warrants the imposition of punitive damages,' Hugos attorney, Brent J. Lehman, said in court documents. Hugo claims Williams has withheld royalties and documents that would help him determine what he is owed. 'Plaintiff has not received his appropriate share of royalties in connection with The Neptunes and N.E.R.D.s album sales and released music, as well as distributions from touring income, and various merchandising deals,' Lehman writes. If this seems like familiar territory, its because it is. Back in 2024, Hugo filed a lawsuit accusing his former friend of 'fraudulently' aiming to exclusively control the Neptunes name. That case continues in a federal trademark tribunal. Before everything imploded, the duo had a phenomenal run as producers, creating some of the most unique hip hop and pop sounds of the past 25 years. They crafted hits for the likes of Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, Kelis, Nelly, Snoop Dogg, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, and Usher. Williams and Hugo were also part of the hip-hop/rock group N.E.R.D., out which poured another stream of hit albums and songs between the 2000s and 2010s. In the new legal action, Hugo claims hes owed big money but hasnt seen any revenue since 2023, including a N.E.R.D. merchandising partnership and 'at least $325,000-$575,000' from No One Ever Dies with damages potentially running over '$750K to $1M,' per Billboard. Hugos lawyers say Pharrells legal team, even in recent weeks, 'promised to produce documents' in regards to the companys finances, but claim 'no documents were ever produced' that would end the conflict. Williams, 52, is being accused of withholding royalties and documents that would show what Hugo is owed; Williams is pictured in September 2024 Hugo, 51, was often described as the silent partner while Williams grabbed the spotlight; pictured in June 2022 as they were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame 'Notably, defendant Williams' counsel admitted having difficulty accessing the documents but acknowledged that such documents exist,' Hugos lawyers stated. In a nutshell, the lawsuit accuses Williams of failing to act in the best interest of his business partner and seeks a report of the royalties for both the Neptunes and N.E.R.D., and asks the court to clarify their rights as set forth in their operating agreement. 'After years of obfuscation by Pharrell and his team, Mr. Hugo had no choice but to seek substantial compensation and accountability in court,' Lehman told Billboard in an emailed statement. The lawyer added: 'We look forward to presenting the evidence and obtaining the full relief the law provides.' Supermodel Jodie Kidd's fiance Joseph Bates has bravely opened up about his struggle with alcohol as he reveals his failed attempt to go sober last year. The former Royal Marine, 40, who has been engaged to the 47-year-old catwalk icon since 2021, reflected candidly on his relationship with drinking and the 'selfishness, self-doubt, and negative tendencies' that creep in whenever he consumes alcohol. Taking to Instagram, the entrepreneur wrote: 'I stopped drinking last year for nine months. I struggled with alcohol - not so much the amount I drank (although I did go for it often), but more with how it affected how I felt and, more importantly, how I treated others.' He continued: 'Selfishness, self-doubt, and negative tendencies always crept in when alcohol was thrown into the mix, so I decided to stop.' However, after nine months of abstinence, Joseph - who has been in a relationship with pub landlord Jodie since 2017 - tried to reintroduce drinking last summer, believing he had 'changed' during his time away from alcohol. 'It had been long enough without it, so surely I had changed?' he wrote. 'Surely my monk-like thinking would never allow the 'regret fuel' to take hold again and drag me back to my historic negative ways? Supermodel Jodie Kidd's fiance Joseph Bates has bravely opened up about his struggle with alcohol as he reveals his failed attempt to go sober last year 'Oh dear. How wrong I was. After my sober lubricant renaissance, all the thoughts came flooding back. Negative self-worth and impostor syndrome ran through my veins, and I was suddenly feeling like I had years ago.' He added: 'Alcohol is a medically proven progressive tissue for those who experience detrimental thoughts and take detrimental actions when consuming it - aka, you get worse at it the more you practise it. That's f*cked up.' Following that failed attempt, Joseph - who started dating Jodie in 2017 after they met yet before through raising money for a military charity - revealed he has now been sober since last summer. 'Since that so-called renaissance last summer, I haven't drunk again. And honestly, I needed to revisit it to fully understand my allergy to it,' he wrote. 'Drastic change only happens when you truly want it. So how is life now without the oops potion, memory eraser, and bad-decision fluid? F*cking incredible.' The CEO of online therapy platform Halen went on to describe the transformative effects of sobriety on his life, saying he had 'never felt so content across all aspects of my life - work, family, and everything else my strange mind, body, and spirit interacts with'. He added: 'It's not just the clarity of thought it gives you, but the clarity of awareness - the ability to witness the most beautiful things you'd previously miss because the chimp in your mind was going absolutely bat-s***.' 'I'm simply writing this for anyone who has tried - or wanted - to kick alcohol but couldn't. For those who know it doesn't make them feel like the best version of themselves. Trust yourself. Trust the universe.' Taking to Instagram, the entrepreneur wrote: 'I stopped drinking last year for nine months. I struggled with alcohol - not so much the amount I drank (although I did go for it often), but more with how it affected how I felt and, more importantly, how I treated others' Joseph proposed to Jodie during a romantic trip to Paris in 2021, though the couple have yet to tie the knot. Former Top Gear star Jodie revealed her partner's proposal came while she was soaking in the bath at their hotel. 'I thought he was bending down to have a chat with me, but suddenly he came out with it,' she said at the time. 'I was a bit shocked.' In 2024, Jodie admitted they'd put their wedding plans on hold due to their busy work schedules. She told OK!: 'Oh my god, it is going very slowly. Very slowly! Nothing is happening in the immediate future and not because I don't want it to, but I am just so busy. I think it would be too much trying to arrange a wedding right now. Hopefully, next year.' The year before that, she had said the venue and dressmaker were sorted - 'we've just got to actually get a date'. The model was previously married to internet entrepreneur Aidan Butler for 18 months until 2007, and then author David Blakeley for just four months in 2015. Jodie, who became the owner of The Half Moon pub in Kirdford, West Sussex, in 2017, shares 14-year-old son Indio with her ex-partner, Argentinian polo player Andrea Vianini. Speaking about her relationship with Joseph in the past, Jodie has praised the former serviceman for bringing a 'wonderful calm' to her 'bonkers' life. Joseph - who has been in a relationship with Jodie since 2017 - tried to reintroduce drinking last summer, believing he had 'changed' during his time away from alcohol 'With his military background, he hasn't got any issues or ego,' she previously said. 'He brings a wonderful calm to my wonderfully bonkers life.' The couple first met when Jodie was raising money for a military charity, and she later asked Joseph to join her in Dominica to help with Hurricane Irma relief efforts in 2017. Joseph, who served with UK Special Forces including the Special Boat Service in Afghanistan, lost his father to Pick's disease (a form of Alzheimer's) when he was 17, which led him to join the Royal Marines. After leaving the military, he co-founded Halen, an app that provides access to therapy and mental health support, drawing on his own experiences with mental health challenges following his time in combat. News / National by Staff reporter Police in Masvingo are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 32-year-old woman, Oripa Chideya, who was found deceased at her grandparents' farm in Nyazvidzi, Gutu, on January 21, 2026.Masvingo Deputy Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, confirmed the incident. He said Chideya had visited her grandparents a day earlier to see her ailing grandfather.According to police, Chideya was overheard speaking with her sister on the phone about a murder case that had occurred in Harare. When her grandmother, Fellistas Chadyemhunga, asked her about the conversation, Chideya reportedly indicated that she intended to return to Harare to follow up on the matter.Later, the grandmother discovered Chideya's body at the farm and immediately alerted the police. The body was subsequently taken to Gutu Mission Hospital, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted."We are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Oripa Chideya," Assistant Inspector Patinyu said.Police said further details will be released once investigations are complete. If there is a single player who has defined this series of The Traitors, it is Rachel Duffy. On Friday, the 43-year-old became the first female to win a UK series as a Traitor, sharing victory and the 95,750 prize pot with her partner in crime, Stephen Libby. Now, following her success on the fourth series of the BBC show, Rachel has revealed to The Mail on Sunday that for the past 10 years she has been writing her first novel, and is now planning to publish it. I've written a book, its taken 10 years to write and it's about murder and lies so it's quite appropriate. Maybe now is the time to get that published, she shared. It's a contemporary fantasy novel for young adults all about Irish redheads in a magical forest and a bit of murder thrown in. Industry insiders have told the Daily Mail that likeable Rachel's income is set to rocket, as they tip the mother of three from Newry, Northern Ireland to become a millionaire and the richest Traitor yet. The Traitors winner Rachel Duffy has revealed she has spent the past 10 years writing a book about 'murder and lies' The communications director has been branded one of the show's best-ever players, hailed for her ability to gain so many friends among the Faithfuls The communications director has been branded one of the show's best-ever players, hailed for her ability to gain so many friends among the Faithfuls. And Rachel made no secret of the fact she wanted to win the show. That aim was assisted by the four months of FBI online training she had endured, or so she told her fellow contestants in the castle. I was trained by a former FBI agent so I did one of his training courses, but I did lie. I had said it was a four month online course to the guys in the castle, but it was more like a one day course and an e-book, but I still did it, I was just very loose with the phrase and it did help because it gave me something in my back pocket that I could bring up, Rachel explained. She added: It gave everybody a giggle. I mean, like the memes online have been hilarious. But no, I'm not leaving my job to go and join the FBI anytime soon! One person who will be extremely proud is Rachel's beloved mother Anne who, she says, is the reason she put herself forward for The Traitors. She revealed on last Friday's show that she entered for the sake of Anne, 70, who has dementia and was diagnosed with Parkinson's when she was in her forties. She is a huge fan of the programme and, Rachel said, had clear advice for her daughter: 'not to get caught.' On Friday, ruthless Rachel was celebrating after being crowned the winner of the fourth series of the BBC show along with her fellow Traitor Stephen Libby In a photograph, Rachel's mother Anne, who has dementia and was diagnosed with Parkinson's when she was in her 40s, is seen proudly holding up a T-shirt which says 'My daughter's a traitor' on the front Rachel said that if she were to go all the way and win the money, she would spend it on Anne, and making memories with her. She was overcome with emotion when she learned she had won 47,875. I haven't spent any of the money yet. I think I'm going to sit down with the kids, my husband and my mum and just think what could we do to have fun together, she said. Giving an update on her mother Anne, Rachel added: 'It's a hard one because the show was recorded in May so at that time her condition wasn't as severe as it is now, so she's not fit to travel as much. Were trying to do something closer to home so I can't wait to just sit in front of her and say, Mummy, what do you want to do, what can we do that you would just love? God only knows what she's going to say, but I can't wait! Rachel and Stephen became the first duo of Traitors to triumph, despite Rachel being convinced Stephen would betray her to secure the entire prize pot. She shared: He wouldn't look at me, and I thought, you've done me dirty. The thoughts in my head at that moment were hold your head high. If your name is on that plate just to keep your head up and walk out. You've done yourself proud. After her victory finally hit screens, Rachel was pictured for the first time as she headed into London following an appearance on BBC Breakfast The devious Traitor cut a chic figure in a smart grey waistcoat, a matching blazer and oversized cream trousers Then he turned it around and I just melted. I just thought, you little darling. It went from I'm gonna kill you, to I love you in the space of two seconds, but it was so tense. The pair remained loyal from the very beginning, with Stephen making a selfless decision at the final hurdle despite knowing Jack Butler would vote Rachel out. Instead, both stuck to a pact they made at the family tree not to turn on each other, and they split the money. On her win, Rachel added: It was hard fought. I didn't skip through that game at all. I worked hard and it's nice to see the hard work paying off. The series finale averaged 9.4m with a peak of 9.6m and an audience share of 54.9 per cent. This is the biggest overnight audience across the market since the final episode of The Celebrity Traitors in November 2025 and makes it the most watched overnight audience of the civilian version of the series ever. Katie Price's family were reportedly left 'stunned' after discovering her surprise engagement to entrepreneur Lee Andrews on social media, just weeks after her split from JJ Slater. The former glamour model, 46, who was declared bankrupt in 2024, flew out to Dubai on Wednesday for a lavish break with her new partner amid her ongoing financial woes. And it seems the holiday started with a bang, as Katie revealed on Friday that she is now engaged for the ninth time, teasing a glimpse of her new man and showing off her giant diamond ring. However, the news didn't just come as a surprise to fans on Instagram, but to her family too, who reportedly found out about the engagement via social media. The announcement is said to have come as a 'massive shock', with relatives said to be 'worried' that things are moving too fast, particularly as they have yet to meet Lee. A source told The Sun: 'The family found out about the engagement on Instagram they were stunned. Katie Price's family were reportedly left 'stunned' after discovering her surprise engagement to entrepreneur Lee Andrews on social media, just weeks after her split from JJ Slater (pictured with her mother Amy and sister Sophie) The former glamour model, 46, who was declared bankrupt in 2024, flew out to Dubai on Wednesday for a lavish break with her new partner amid her ongoing financial woes They added: 'Katie's family are so worried as it's all happening so fast. They were upset when she split with JJ and now they haven't even met this new man and she's engaged.' Daily Mail has contacted Katie's representatives for comment. It comes after sources told Daily Mail that the engagement news also came as a complete shock to her ex JJ, 32, who is currently in Miami with his family and has been 'healing his broken heart'. Last week, the Daily Mail revealed that Katie ended her romance with the MAFS UK star after realising she didn't see a future with him. Insiders say cracks in their relationship had become 'too obvious to ignore' in recent months, despite Katie insisting they were going strong. They began dating in February 2024, after JJ rose to fame on E4's MAFS UK. Katie even spoke of having a child together, her sixth, but in the end, it wasn't meant to be. A source previously told Daily Mail: 'Katie has had doubts for some time about whether JJ is husband material, but she hoped those concerns would fade. 'Instead, her fears only grew, and she's now accepted the relationship will not end with her walking down the aisle for a fourth time. And it seems the holiday started with a bang, as Katie revealed on Friday that she is now engaged for the ninth time, teasing a glimpse of her new man and showing off her giant ring The announcement is said to have come as a 'massive shock', with relatives said to be 'worried' that things are moving too fast, particularly as they have yet to meet Lee (seen) A source told The Sun: 'Katie's family are so worried as it's all happening so fast. They were upset when she split with JJ and now they haven't even met this new man and she's engaged' (pictured with her mother 2019) It comes after sources told Daily Mail that the engagement news also came as a complete shock to her ex JJ, 32, who is currently in Miami with his family and has been 'healing his broken heart' 'JJ was left disappointed and has already packed his bags and moved back to his home in Essex. 'He genuinely saw a future with Katie, but it seems she ultimately had a very different outlook.' The Daily Mail contacted Katie and JJ's representatives for comment at the time. Last Wednesday, Katie broke her silence on her split when she shared a cryptic post about meeting the 'right person'. Sharing an update to her Instagram Story, she posted a series of poems and quotes about soulmates and relationships. 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.' Harper Beckham shared a gushing tribute to her brother Romeo as she returned to social media for the first time since her brother Brooklyn's bombshell statement. Brooklyn is said to have devastated his famous family by releasing a six-page statement on Monday, where he revealed he has no wishes to reconcile with them, and called his parents 'controlling and manipulative'. Since Brooklyn's statement, none of the Beckham clan have addressed his comments directly, though both David and Victoria shared public social media comments reflecting on 'great memories' with their family over the weekend. And Harper, 14, took to Instagram to praise her brother Romeo on Saturday after he graced the runway for the Willy Chavarria show at Paris Fashion Week. The video, which was reposted by her brother Romeo and her father David, showed the model on the runway, and featured the caption: 'Yet again!! Another amazing show x @romeobeckham @willychavarria.' Sources previously claimed that Brooklyn was 'struggling' to stay close to his little sister, and Harper wasn't mentioned in the chef's six-page statement. Harper Beckham shared a gushing tribute to her brother Romeo as she returned to social media for the first time since her brother Brooklyn's bombshell statement Brooklyn is said to have devastated his famous family by releasing a six-page statement on Monday, where he revealed he has no wishes to reconcile with them (pictured in 2023) 'He really loves and misses Harper and wishes there was some way for him to see her without him seeing his parents,' a source told The Sun on Tuesday. 'They were really close and Harper was close with Nicola so for this drama to come between them is heartbreaking.' However, weeks prior to Brooklyn's post, he had blocked his entire family on Instagram, with Cruz claiming at the time: 'My mum and dad would never unfollow their son... Let's get the facts right. They woke up blocked... as did I.' It comes as sources said on Saturday that Victoria feels 'betrayed' by Brooklyn's bombshell statement and dancing revelations after her years spent protecting him from 'dark stories'. Over the years, Victoria has worked hard to protect Brooklyn from stories in the past that 'did not always paint him in the best of lights'. A source has now said that the fashion designer would usually avoid a family fall-out but feels her son and his wife Nicola Peltz, 30, have been 'unreasonable'. They said: 'Victoria feels betrayed because she's done everything she can to make them both feel welcome and love Nicola like another daughter.' The source added to The Mirror: 'But she feels it's been thrown back in her face. She would normally do anything to avoid a family fallout, but she thinks they're both being unreasonable.' The Daily Mail contacted the Beckhams' representative for comment. Harper, 14, took to Instagram to praise her brother Romeo on Saturday after he graced the runway for the Willy Chavarria show at Paris Fashion Week Romeo and his girlfriend Kim Turnbull were seen leaving their hotel this evening following the star's runway show Kim put on a very leggy display as she looked incredible in a low cut grey blouse and matching micro shorts Cruz also headed out in Paris during Fashion Week on Saturday and was joined by his girlfriend Jackie Apostel It comes as sources said on Saturday that Victoria feels 'betrayed' by Brooklyn's bombshell statement and dancing revelations after her years spent protecting him from 'dark stories' A source said that the fashion designer would usually avoid a family fall-out but feels her son and his wife Nicola Peltz have been 'unreasonable' (pictured in 2024) The Daily Mail's Katie Hind previously explained how the Beckhams' camp 'leapt into overdrive in Brooklyn's defence' when stories such as kiss and tells and tales of him being 'involved him with the wrong crowd' surfaced. His parents have often instructed expensive lawyers to protect him against such stories. David and Victoria would 'take Brooklyn back in a minute' and are said to be 'horrified' by events this week, according to another source. The eldest son of the Beckham clan went nuclear on their long-running feud on Monday by posting a scathing six-page statement to his Instagram and accused his parents of intentionally trying to ruin his relationship to wife Nicola. Now, a new source reportedly close to the famous couple has said they would welcome their son back into the fold 'anytime he wants to reunite with them' - as they are 'afraid' of losing him forever. The insider said: 'They are afraid of losing their son and would take him back in a minute. They are a close family, too. Just in a different way than Nicola's family is.' David and Victoria would 'take Brooklyn back in a minute' and are said to be 'horrified' by events this week, according to another source (pictured in October) The source continued to tell PEOPLE: 'They love Brooklyn and are horrified about everything.' Meanwhile, a second source added to the publication: 'David and Victoria believe time will heal this. 'They know over time that Brooklyn will come back. They can't really do anything until then.' In his scathing post, Brooklyn had accused Victoria of 'dancing inappropriately' on him during his 2022 nuptials to Nicola. Their wedding DJ Fat Tony finally recounted the exact detail of the dance during an appearance on This Morning. The 60-year-old branded the incident 'really awkward' and confirmed that Nicola fled the reception in tears. Tony, a longtime friend of the Beckhams, claimed that Marc Anthony was to blame, revealing the musician had called Victoria to the dance floor with her son and instructed him, 'place your hands on your mother's hips'. He said: 'There was no slut-dropping, there was no PVC cat suits, no Spice Girl action! 'The word "inappropriate", why I said it was as well, it was the timing, this is what happened.' Tony continued: 'What happened was, basically, Marc Anthony was performing on stage, he then called Brooklyn onto stage. 'Brooklyn went on to the stage, and the next minute everyone's expecting Nicola to go up and do the first dance, and then Marc asked for the most beautiful woman in the room to come to the stage - and then he says "Victoria, come to the stage".' He revealed that Brooklyn looked 'devastated' at the fact his first dance was with Victoria and not his wife, adding that Nicola left the room 'crying her eyes out'. It comes as their wedding DJ Fat Tony finally recounted the exact detail of the dance during an appearance on This Morning after Brooklyn had accused Victoria of 'dancing inappropriately' Tony went on: 'Brooklyn is stuck there on stage, and they do this dance, and Marc Anthony says "put your hands on your mother's hips" and it was a Latin thing, and the whole situation was really awkward for everyone in the room 'I've done an awful lot of Beckham parties in the past, and they are a very dancing close-knit family and love to dance, right? So you know, what we deem as "inappropriate" is not how Brooklyn feels. 'This is all about how Brooklyn feels. If he feels that it was inappropriate and awkward, it was inappropriate and awkward. 'What's sad is that this is the bit that everyone's taken from the statement, and kind of whitewashed everything else that went on.' Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, the DJ said at one point Brooklyn's hands were on his mother's waist while her arms were placed around his neck. 'The timing was inappropriate for me. It was meant to be a bride and groom's moment,' he told us. 'I'm not speaking bad about either party in it, I'm just putting the narrative straight about the dance.' Rosanna Arquette was agelessly luminous when she posed up a storm at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah over the weekend. The 66-year-old actress shot to fame in the 1980s, delivering a fan favorite performance opposite Madonna in the movie Desperately Seeking Susan. She remained a top-flight Hollywood figure into the 1990s, featuring for example in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction as the wife of a drug dealer who provides an adrenaline shot to save the Uma Thurman character from an overdose. However her career then declined, she alleges, because she spurned Harvey Weinstein's advances and he then had her reputation besmirched in the industry. Nevertheless she has continued acting, featuring Charli XCX's new mockumentary The Moment amid a cast that includes Kylie Jenner and Alexander Skarsgard. She demonstrated her winning sense of quirky style at the movie's Sundance premiere, bundling up in maroon fleece and a jaunty top hat. Rosanna Arquette was agelessly luminous when she posed up a storm at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah over the weekend Her still fiery hair cascaded in gentle waves over her shoulders, elegantly framing her radiant complexion as she smiled for the cameras on the red carpet. Arquette - the sister of Patricia Arquette and David Arquette - emphasized her lithe frame in a fitted outfit including a set of knee-high leather boots. Her new movie is a parody of a documentary following Charli XCX preparing for a tour, as record executives mull how to achieve a 'Brat summer forever.' 'Its not a tour documentary or a concert film in any way, but the seed of the idea was conceived from this idea of being pressured to make one,' Charli XCX explained. 'Its fiction, but its the realest depiction of the music industry that Ive ever seen,' she added while promoting the project in Vanity Fair last year. The Moment is directed by Scots filmmaker Aidan Zamiri, who previously directed the music videos for Charli XCX's songs 360 and Guess. Arquette and Skarsgard feature in the picture as invented characters, but a number of the celebrities in the cast are playing themselves. Among them is none other than Kylie Jenner, as well as Kanye West's former fling Julia Fox, I Love LA starlet Rachel Sennott and Interview editor Mel Ottenberg. She demonstrated her winning sense of quirky style at the premiere of her new movie The Moment, bundling up in maroon fleece and a jaunty top hat The 66-year-old actress shot to fame in the 1980s, delivering a fan favorite performance opposite Madonna in the movie Desperately Seeking Susan She remained a top-flight Hollywood figure into the 1990s, featuring for example in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction as the wife of a drug dealer Arquette recalled in an interview last year that Madonna 'exploded' into global superstardom 'as we were making' Desperately Seeking Susan in 1985; Arquette pictured in the film Arquette's memorable movies down the years include Martin Scorsese's After Hours, David Cronenberg's Crash and the Bruce Willis starrer The Whole Nine Yards. She herself has broken into directing, helming the 2002 documentary Searching for Debra Winger about the pressures faced by aging actresses. Arquette recalled in an interview last year that Madonna 'exploded' into global superstardom 'as we were making' Desperately Seeking Susan in 1985. 'It was pretty intense and overwhelming for her, but she handled it great. She wasnt a global superstar yet. She became one while we were doing that,' she said. 'She had hits, but then I remember looking at her on the cover of Rolling Stone on set and thinking: Wow!' Arquette recalled to the Guardian. As one of the best dressed women in the world, she is no doubt used to having to suffer for fashion. But even Amal Clooney might have found her latest look a bit of a stretch. George Clooneys lawyer wife stepped out in a pair of super-tight, thigh-high boots last week raising questions about how she managed to get them on in the first place. The 47-year-old was spotted heading out to lunch with friends in Notting Hill on Friday in an all-black ensemble that let her cognac boots take centre stage. Although the boots designer remains a mystery, Amal is a devoted vintage lover leading to speculation they are from the archives of one of her favourite designers. She is no stranger to an over-the-knee boot often pairing them with a thick cardigan or long coat to take them from risque to elegant. She styled this latest pair with a sophisticated wool mini dress, thought to be by British designer Stella McCartney. The dress, which originally cost $1,190, is available on the US version of sale site The Outnet for $476. Miss McCartney, who is a friend of the human rights lawyer, has provided outfits for some of her biggest moments, including the jumpsuit she wore for her Venice civil ceremony to George, 64, in 2014, and the yellow dress she wore to Prince Harrys wedding in 2018. Amal Clooney stepped out in a pair of super-tight, thigh-high boots last week in London She also wore a 2,250 camera bag and 350 Aly statement sunglasses by French fashion house Chloe The lawyer wore styled the boots with a sophisticated wool mini dress, thought to be by British designer Stella McCartney The 47-year-old was spotted heading out to lunch with friends in Notting Hill on Friday in an all-black ensemble To shield her from the cold, Amal chose a fringed, bohemian cardigan believed to be by another of her favourite designers, Italian fashion house Ermanno Scervino To shield her from the cold, Amal chose a fringed, bohemian cardigan believed to be by another of her favourite designers, Italian fashion house Ermanno Scervino. Although this design is from a previous season, cardigans by the label cost around 1,500. To finish the look, she wore a 2,250 camera bag and 350 Aly statement sunglasses by French fashion house Chloe, along with her 7ct diamond engagement ring by jewellery designer Harry Winston. Last year it was revealed that the couple and their twins, Alexander and Ella, have been granted French citizenship. Ever since she left This Morning, there has been speculation about what Holly Willoughby will do next. There was a brief stint hosting ITV's You Bet! and Netflix's reality show Celebrity Bear Hunt. But now, in a move that demonstrates the changing media landscape, the 44-year-old is planning an ambitious comeback that doesn't involve a big broadcaster. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the star presenter has decided to go it alone and is quietly working on a project that will see her produce her own show as well as host it. She is working with her husband Dan Baldwin's production company Hungry Bear to develop a 'multi-strand programme for digital platforms' in a move she is said to be 'thrilled and excited' about. A source close to Ms Willoughby revealed: 'The television industry has changed significantly in recent years. It is nothing like it used to be so it feels like a good time for Holly to do something a little bit different. Holly Willoughby attends the 'Celebrity Bear Hunt' Special Screening at Odeon in the West End on February 4, 2025 Holly Willoughby and Dan Baldwin at the launch of Green's Restaurant and Oyster Bar on September 1, 2009 'It's a new format, something completely new, modern and progressive. It's not a podcast. It's not something that anyone has done before. 'She'll be at the centre of things both in front of and behind the scenes. Holly is loving developing the format with a small team.' Ms Willoughby has largely been off our screens since she left This Morning in October 2023 after she was told a former security guard had planned to kidnap, rape and murder her. The sickening crime came just months after she fell out with co-presenter and friend, Phillip Schofield. She returned to ITV to host the ice-skating show Dancing On Ice alongside Stephen Mulhern, but that has been cancelled by the channel. Ms Willoughby is reported to be among the favourites to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly after they quit last year. Few retailers can ignite brand loyalty like the members-only Costco chain, but its passionate customer base can be pretty picky about their favorite big box store. The regular trip to buy everything from eternally $1.50 hot dogs to gasoline has become a ritual for those lucky enough to live near one of the 600 US locations. There's also a feeling of exclusiveness paying the $65 annual membership fee, that requires a certain level of quality, and a recent survey showed which Costcos live up to that standards and which ones maybe don't. 'Costco members don't compare locations they have their Costco. It's almost tribal loyalty,' wrote Carol Spieckerman, president of Spieckerman Retail and a retail analyst. 'They're not shopping around; they're committed.' A survey of 6,000 customers found the highest-rated Costcos clustered across the heartland and the South, while the lowest-ranked were concentrated along the East Coast. Kansas edged out Kentucky for the top spot on the list, getting high marks across the board in cleanliness, friendliness, stock quality of samples, quantity of samples and parking lots, according to FinanceBuzz. The Meridian, Idaho location tied for top of the rankings scoring at least 9 points in five of the six categories, only just falling short in parking lot quality. The other top spot was the Fortune Road store in Indianapolis, Indiana, which fell shy of getting 9 out of 10 in both sample and parking lot quality. Your browser does not support iframes. Employee handing out food sample at a Costco store, Florida. Sample quantity and quality are measures of a store's quality in the FinanceBuzz survey Crowded checkout lines at a Costco in Gaithersburg, Maryland The state with the lowest rated Costcos overall, however, is Maryland, a state that overall scored 7 or 8 across five categories, but 6.7 on parking (good for 9th to last place). 'Where bottom-rated stores tend to suffer is in the areas of sample quality and quantity or, most commonly, parking quality,' said senior data researcher for FinanceBuzz Josh Kobert. The complaints in the Baltimore and Maryland Reddits appear to bear that out, with Reddit users often noting their preferred Costco being the one with the best parking near them. 'Owings mills is sooo stressful. The lines are always out the door and parking is hard to acquire during peak times. Definitely the best one stock wise though,' one user posted on Reddit. Another Costco visitor wrote a scathing review for the Gaithersburg location: 'The parking lot is a major pain. It is usually not hard to find a spot on the first level, but one has to push the cart a very long way to get down there since stupidly there is no elevator.' But Neil Saunders, managing director and retail analyst for GlobalData Retail, doesn't see enough of a difference across the rankings. 'The variance can be down to execution at individual stores, but Costco is pretty good at creating a consistent experience,' he said, while also stating he was a little skeptical of the sample size in the survey. Members might be pretty forgiving of minor issues simply because of the sheer volume of offerings from the big box retailer. Join the debate What frustrates you most about your local Costco, and do the bargains make it worth the hassle? Few retailers can ignite brand loyalty like the members-only Costco chain Cleanliness, friendliness, stock quality of samples, quantity of samples and parking lots were all categories considered in the state Costco rankings (pictured: empty boxes of frozen vegetables in a freezer case inside a New Jersey Costco) The regular trip to buy everything from eternally $1.50 hot dogs to gasoline has become a ritual for those lucky enough to live near one of the 600 US locations Carol Spieckerman, president of Spieckerman Retail Cashback on Costco gas purchased on Costco credit cards would appeal to the cost-conscious saver, and upgrading checkout to allow purchases to be tallied up before a customer even reaches the register would help those in a hurry. Also, they even offer gold (sometimes) as another way of owning the shiny store of wealth. Spieckerman's bottom lined the retailer's success in nailing that consistency, serving areas lacking in competition and providing great value, regardless of minor distinctions in store and parking lot sizes. 'The worst Costco is absolutely like the worst pizza still delicious,' she said. Seafood chains are the latest in a wave of restaurants struggling to stay afloat as Americans tighten their purse strings and sales continue to sink. Joes Crab Shack is the latest to fall. The once-popular chain has been whittled down from about 150 locations to just 14 a nearly 90 percent collapse that mirrors Red Lobsters own decline. The Jacksonville, Florida, location will be converted by its parent company, Landrys, into a Bubba Gump Shrimp Company restaurant on January 24. 'We are grateful to our dedicated Joes Crab Shack team members and will be working to place employees at nearby restaurants while we transition the location to a Bubba Gump Shrimp Co,' Terry Turney, COO of Joes Crab Shack said in a statement. It's a fate the 35-year-old seafood staple shares with another Landry's brand, the steak joint McCormick & Schmick's, which found itself down to just 13 locations earlier this month. Joe's got its start in Houston in 1991, a beach themed casual eatery offering signature seafood boils and steam pots along with other iconic items like fried shrimp. The concept took off after Landry's acquisition in 1995 until its sale to JCS Holdings in 2006. JCS rebranded as Ignite Restaurant Group and was running 122 locations of Joe's Crab Shack when it declared bankruptcy in 2017. Landry's scooped the chain back up, and like McCormick & Schmick's, its footprint rapidly began to shrink. Joes Crab Shack (pictured) is the latest seafood restaurant chain to fall Joe's got its start in Houston in 1991, a beach themed casual eatery offering signature seafood boils and steam pots along with other iconic items like fried shrimp The staple menu has stayed largely the same over the years, with customers still choosing between crab prepared to their liking or steam pots The chain fared even worse in 2024 than Red Lobsters infamous collapse, according to National Restaurant News, shutting down a third of its locations from 30 to 20 as sales plunged 27.5 percent. The staple menu has stayed largely the same over the years, with customers still choosing between crab prepared to their liking or steam pots coastalstyle seafood boils packed with shellfish, sausage, corn, and potatoes. What has changed over time is the seafood consumers themselves. A pullback in eating out during the pandemic, along with more consumers cooking seafood at home, has strained the whole seafood restaurant industry. The GLP-1 revolution has also put a dint on restaurant eating, as the effective weight loss drugs grow in popularity, leaving Americans less hungry for massive restaurant portions. Now, if you want to find a Joe's Crab Shack for a steaming bucket of seasonal seafood, just 14 remain in seven states, but maybe it will manage to claw back some success like Red Lobster. That iconic seafood chain fell on hard times in 2024 after its well-publicized promotion, all-you-can-eat shrimp for $20, was permanently added to menu. Raising it to $27 didn't do anything to curb the American appetites. One customer even boasted of eating 108 shrimp in four hours, and others joined in the gluttony costing Red Lobster's majority owner Thai Union $11 million in just three months. The once-popular chain has been whittled down from about 150 locations to just 14 a nearly 90 percent collapse if you want to find a Joe's Crab Shack for a steaming bucket of seasonal seafood, just 14 remain in seven states Red Lobster fell on hard times in 2024 after its well-publicized promotion, all-you-can-eat shrimp for $20, was permanently added to menu (pictured: Red Lobster CEO Damola Adamolekun) Remarkably, this was the second time Red Lobster made this mistake, after a 2003 promotion for endless crab led to costing the chain $3.3 million in losses, dunking its stock price and ending the tenure of its then CEO. But seafood isn't the only restaurant brand that have been taken down in the past few years. Coffee chains, like Starbucks, which closed 400 locations during its restructuring, and fast food mainstays like Wendy's all took hits in 2025. Fast casual brands like Denny's, TGI Fridays and Applebees also haven't fared any better. Battling through shoppers at the 'world's busiest' Trader Joe's on one of the most crowded nights of the year so far was not for the faint-hearted. As a Trader Joe's novice, I wasn't prepared for the wall-to-wall crowds at the Manhattan store on Thursday during my trip to the chain retailer as people started stockpiling ahead of this weekend's incoming storm. Many of the sprawling shelves were bare or reduced to beat-up produce and squished bread. For an hour, I was shoulder checked and jostled as customers grumbled that the store at 72nd and Broadway was 'out of everything.' Carts and baskets were abandoned in corners and everyone was getting increasingly annoyed as they shopped during evening rush hour around 5pm. According to Trader Joes website, the store that's just two blocks from Central Park and opened in 2010 is 'hands down the busiest Trader Joes in the world.' It spans two levels underground, not including the aentrance floor at street level, with four escalators and two elevators. To handle the sheer shopper volume, the retailer said it has 'about thrice as many checkstands and thrice as many crew members as a typical TJs.' The Trader Joe's at Broadway and 72nd Street in Manhattan is the 'busiest in the world' according to the retailer's website Audrey Wolfson, 70, was leisurely shopping amid the chaos. She was in search of her weekly groceries in preparation for a big snowstorm Tracy Gary, 54, pictured outside of Trader Joe's with her grocery haul. She told Daily Mail she frequents this location due to its low prices Daily Mail reporter Jensen Bird visited the busiest Trader Joe's in the world on Thursday But even with so many staff, the line to check out wrapped around the top floor twice and was getting longer by the minute. Employees mumbled under their breath, calling shoppers 'stupid' for failing to move with the flow of traffic. I stood in line for 16 minutes, with a few yoghurts and a bag of apples in hand. I spoke with customers amid the hustle and bustle who explained why, despite the crowds, this Trader Joe's was the only place to go. Tracy Gary, 54, lives nearby and is a frequent customer of the 12,500sq ft store. 'I was talking to the checkout person, and she said that this is Saturday busy on a Thursday because of the snowstorm.' About 230 million people across 34 states are under a variety of weather watches, warnings and other alerts ahead of the historic storm, named Fern, that could crush trees and power lines and knock out power for days. It is due to hit New York from early Sunday morning. Gary has weathered the crowds for years because the prices are affordable and she can almost always find what she's looking for. Because the store is underground, it often lacks cell service. Customers are pictured waiting in line to check out The line wrapped around the store on Thursday. Many shoppers said it felt more like a weekend shopping day as it was so busy The store has three times more checkout staff than other stores to help deal the amount of customers The wait time was around 15 minutes on Thursday at 5pm as people shopped on their way home from work 'I feel like even when the line is really long, it moves very quickly because they play good music and the staff are really friendly... 'People get kind of aggravated... but that's just an opportunity to practice inner peace,' she said. Audrey Wolfson, 70, was unbothered by chaos. 'It's been much longer than that,' she said. The queue is infamous and has been a hot topic on local social media pages. Some have seen it wind all the way down the sidewalk. 'The line for Trader Joe's just broke me,' one New Yorker wrote on Reddit a few months ago. 'It's all the way down to Amsterdam again. I just wanted some chili lime seasoning. I guess I don't need it that badly. I just turned around and went home.' While most of the bread shelves were empty on Thursday, Wolfson managed to get her hands on a loaf of Ezekiel bread that her mother had insisted she try. 'I read that olive oil was good for you,' she said. 'So, I'm taking a piece of bread and putting olive oil on it.' Kevin Chong was also visiting Trader Joe's for the very first time and came away with souvenir tote bags, wine and chocolate Chong told Daily Mail he waited in line for 20 minutes, far longer than he typically waits for groceries Chong purchased multiple souvenir totes from the 'landmark' store Shikin Shukor and her husband Ekmar Ripin have made it a tradition to visit this Trader Joe's each time they come to New York City Wolfson visits this Trader Joe's a lot, but tries to avoid the swarms of crowds that shop right after work. She appreciates the lower prices and unique selection. Still, she often has to make another stop at Fairway Market to finish off her list. 'My pet peeve is they don't have a lot of fresh produce,' she said. Gary, too, was headed to Fairway in search of some sauerkraut. 'I'm very specific about my produce,' she said. For many, the busiest Trader Joe's in the world is a convenience. For others, it's a tourist attraction. Kevin Chong, Shikin Shukor and Ekmar Ripin were visiting New York City from Malaysia. It was 36-year-old Chong's first time at a Trader Joe's. He emerged with a paper bag full of the grocery store's famous totes, wine and chocolate. 'It's a landmark here,' he said. Customers stocked up on bread, eggs and milk ahead of a looming snowstorm in the Northeast Abandoned baskets and carts were littered next to the winding line in the store Shukor and Ripin, who are married, visit this exact store every time they come to America. 'It's tradition,' Shukor, 46, said. 'We got to Gray's Papaya and then it's Trader Joe's.' Gray's Papaya is a notable hot dog stand across the street. The couple pursues the store's spices and Asian food when they're feeling homesick. 'A few days into the city, we usually love the food, but we miss our home-cooked food,' said Shukor. 'So we're here to stock up on some Asian stuff and Trader Joe's has got a pretty neat collection.' Chinatown is a 30-minute subway ride away but they said it is too far and the world's busiest Trader Joe's is a suitable replacement. They're more than willing to wait 'as long as the line takes.' The bread shelves had been raided by shoppers keen to stock up ahead of this weekend's storm Wolfson perused the bread aisle to try Ezekiel bread which her mother recommended to her Grace Van Petten (left) and Emma Alley (right) visited Trader Joe's on Thursday to purchase ingredients for their dinner Emma Alley, 21, said she'd never been to the Broadway Trader Joe's before. She is posed with a persimmon she planned to cook for dinner Grace Van Petten, 21, lives just a few blocks away in Hell's Kitchen. Despite having other grocery stores nearby, this is her store of choice. She and her friend Emma Alley, 21, stopped by to pick up some ingredients for dinner and were astounded by the crowds. 'I usually will avoid Trader Joe's on Sundays, but I never, never saw it quite like this on a Thursday,' said Van Petten. Regardless, the trip was worth it. 'I feel like they have a lot of dishes that I could not get elsewhere, a lot of different cuisines that I may not have tried before, so I like it,' Alley said. 'I agree. I think they have the best prices,' added Van Petten. Most customers seemed more than willing to bear the wait time of the brutal line. They stared at their phones and kicked their baskets along the floor as the queue shuffled along. In some spots, the underground store lacks a mobile phone signal, leaving waiting patrons queuing without distraction. Customers pictured waiting in line to checkout at Trader Joe's on January 22 Employees were seen restocking the quickly diminishing shelves, manning the checkout and directing customers Employees held a flag indicating the end of the 15-minute line. Customers kicked their baskets along the floor as they shuffled along While shoppers on Thursday were willing to join the back of the line, which is always indicated with a member of staff holding up a huge flag, reviewers online had a more scathing opinion of how fast it moved. One wrote: 'Crazy long checkout lines. Why don't you install self-checkout like Whole Foods?' Another added: 'Abysmal. You spend most of your time waiting to pay. The queue is so long that it impedes people from doing their shopping.' While a third wrote: 'Always out of stock of the item! This is the worst location. Every other Trader Joe's I go to, I dont have a problem with getting what I need. Avoid this place.' The original Trader Joe's opened in Pasadena, California, in 1967 and quickly skyrocketed in popularity and now boasts more than 600 locations nationwide. Trader Joe's traditionally skipped out on traditional ad campaigns and commercials. Instead, it relied on unique products and seasonal items to keep customers coming back. And regardless of lines, weather forecast or stock, at the Broadway location, they do. The Daily Mail reached out to Trader Joe's for further comment. Aegon (NYSE:AEG Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities researchers at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday. Other research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. UBS Group lowered shares of Aegon from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Aegon in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Aegon in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft began coverage on Aegon in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. They set a hold rating on the stock. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded Aegon from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Aegon alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on AEG Aegon Price Performance Hedge Funds Weigh In On Aegon AEG stock traded up $0.01 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $7.71. The company had a trading volume of 3,942,590 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,307,095. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $7.68 and a 200-day moving average price of $7.59. The company has a market capitalization of $15.46 billion, a P/E ratio of -48.16, a P/E/G ratio of 0.21 and a beta of 0.78. Aegon has a 1 year low of $5.42 and a 1 year high of $8.15. A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of AEG. CWM LLC lifted its position in Aegon by 87.2% in the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 5,767 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 2,687 shares during the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its stake in shares of Aegon by 299.5% in the third quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 7,410 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $59,000 after buying an additional 5,555 shares during the period. Independence Bank of Kentucky purchased a new position in shares of Aegon in the third quarter worth $64,000. AlphaCore Capital LLC bought a new stake in Aegon during the 3rd quarter valued at $81,000. Finally, Earned Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Aegon during the 2nd quarter valued at $74,000. 4.32% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Aegon Company Profile (Get Free Report) Aegon N.V. is a multinational financial services company headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, specializing in life insurance, pensions and asset management. Established in 1983 through the merger of AGO and Ennia, Aegon has built a reputation for offering retirement solutions, savings products and protection plans aimed at helping customers secure their financial futures. The company operates under well-known brands, including Transamerica in the United States, and serves both individual and corporate clients. Throughout its history, Aegon has pursued strategic acquisitions and partnerships to strengthen its market position and broaden its service offerings. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Aegon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aegon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. News / National by Staff reporter The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Dr Amon Murwira, says Zimbabwe's participation at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos is a deliberate strategy rooted in economic diplomacy, aimed at integrating the country into the global economy and delivering tangible benefits to citizens.Speaking in an interview following Zimbabwe's engagement at the global forum, Prof Murwira said the country's presence at Davos aligns with President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa's economic diplomacy policy, which places trade, investment and peaceful international cooperation at the centre of national development.Zimbabwe's key objective at the forum, he said, was to better understand the evolving global geopolitical and economic environment in order to position the country strategically in an increasingly complex world."We normally say you have to understand the seas before you navigate your ship," Prof Murwira said. "At Davos, we focused on understanding the global political, economic and geopolitical landscape so that Zimbabwe can navigate effectively."He noted that under the Second Republic, Zimbabwe has consistently participated at the World Economic Forum since 2018 as part of efforts to re-engage the international community, restore national dignity and promote prosperity.According to the minister, discussions at Davos centred on how emerging geopolitical realities are reshaping trade, global governance and economic growth - insights he said are critical as Zimbabwe refines its global engagement strategy.Addressing scepticism about the relevance of global forums to Zimbabwe, Prof Murwira stressed that Davos is not merely an elite gathering, but a platform where decisions influencing jobs, investment, technology, energy and trade are shaped."For Zimbabwe, trade is an instrument of peace and prosperity," he said. "If we don't trade, what do we do? Do we grab and go? Trade creates jobs, builds industries and improves livelihoods."He added that Zimbabwe's participation helps position the country as a credible, stable and trustworthy investment destination, opening doors to partnerships that translate into real economic activity at home.Alongside the main Davos programme, Zimbabwe held several high-level bilateral meetings focused on concrete economic outcomes. These included engagements with Gavi, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, aimed at strengthening cooperation in vaccine manufacturing and health systems, as well as discussions with Philip Morris International (PMI) on enhancing Zimbabwe's tobacco value chain."Zimbabwe is one of Africa's leading tobacco producers, with an expected output of about 500 million kilograms this year," Prof Murwira said. "We are encouraging direct purchases from Zimbabwe and greater participation across the tobacco value chain."The minister also confirmed talks with India on energy cooperation, emphasising that energy remains a critical enabler of industrialisation, agriculture and economic development.Prof Murwira said economic diplomacy remains the backbone of Zimbabwe's foreign policy, with trade deliberately placed at its centre."That is why the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade was deliberately configured to put trade at the centre," he said. "Our foreign policy advocates peaceful coexistence, and trade is the instrument that makes that possible."He added that Zimbabwe supports reforms to the global trading system under the World Trade Organization, arguing that fair and inclusive trade is essential for global peace and shared prosperity.Davos also provided a platform for advancing Africa's interests, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which Zimbabwe views as key to industrialisation and boosting intra-African trade.For the first time, Zimbabwe participated in discussions on energy diversification, including nuclear energy as a clean and reliable option to support Africa's long-term development agenda under Agenda 2063."Technology, trade, energy and geopolitics are interconnected," Prof Murwira said. "The geopolitical landscape is where economics, peace, development and the future of humanity are negotiated."He said implementation remains the most important issue, noting that Zimbabwe's engagement at Davos supports the country's Open for Business policy and its doctrine of being a friend to all and an enemy to none.Prof Murwira also emphasised the importance of international cooperation in education, science, innovation, technology and culture, saying these areas will help Zimbabwe transform its mineral wealth into sustainable prosperity."Our goal is simple," he said. "To bring dignity, integrity and prosperity to the people of Zimbabwe through peaceful engagement with the world."The World Economic Forum in Davos brought together about 3,000 political and business leaders from more than 130 countries to deliberate on geopolitics, technology, trade and other global issues, at a time widely described as pivotal for global cooperation. Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE:ALLY Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $42.42, but opened at $40.49. Ally Financial shares last traded at $42.14, with a volume of 1,431,753 shares trading hands. Key Stories Impacting Ally Financial Here are the key news stories impacting Ally Financial this week: Get Ally Financial alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have issued reports on ALLY shares. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Ally Financial from $44.00 to $54.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Ally Financial from $43.00 to $48.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. TD Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Ally Financial in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Evercore ISI raised Ally Financial from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $48.00 to $53.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Ally Financial from a hold rating to an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $50.50. Ally Financial Stock Down 2.0% The company has a market cap of $12.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.51, a PEG ratio of 0.21 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $43.40 and a 200 day moving average price of $41.12. Ally Financial (NYSE:ALLY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 21st. The financial services provider reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.01 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $2.17 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.15 billion. Ally Financial had a net margin of 10.77% and a return on equity of 10.40%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.78 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Ally Financial Inc. will post 3.57 earnings per share for the current year. Ally Financial Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Investors of record on Monday, February 2nd will be given a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 2nd. Ally Financials payout ratio is 72.29%. Ally Financial declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Wednesday, December 10th that permits the company to buyback $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the financial services provider to reacquire up to 15.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are usually a sign that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CEO Michael George Rhodes acquired 23,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, January 23rd. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $41.68 per share, with a total value of $991,984.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer owned 49,434 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,060,409.12. This trade represents a 92.85% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.67% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ally Financial Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in Ally Financial by 19.6% in the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 11,938,680 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $467,996,000 after purchasing an additional 1,958,201 shares in the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its holdings in shares of Ally Financial by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 5,626,748 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $220,569,000 after buying an additional 226,188 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE increased its position in shares of Ally Financial by 38.9% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 3,771,190 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $146,888,000 after buying an additional 1,056,060 shares in the last quarter. ANTIPODES PARTNERS Ltd raised its stake in Ally Financial by 7.7% during the 2nd quarter. ANTIPODES PARTNERS Ltd now owns 3,500,623 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $136,360,000 after buying an additional 249,347 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new position in Ally Financial during the second quarter worth about $95,897,000. 88.76% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Ally Financial (Get Free Report) Ally Financial Inc is a leading digital financial services company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. The company offers a comprehensive suite of banking, lending, and insurance products designed for retail and commercial customers. Through its online-only platform, Ally Bank provides checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, and home mortgages, emphasizing competitive rates and user-friendly mobile and web experiences. In addition to its banking operations, Ally Financial is a major player in automotive financing and leasing. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ally Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ally Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. (OTC:ASCUF Get Free Report)s share price was up 1.9% during trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $4.40 and last traded at $4.20. Approximately 146,770 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 31% from the average daily volume of 112,225 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.12. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In ASCUF has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. TD Securities reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Arizona Sonoran Copper in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating on shares of Arizona Sonoran Copper in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, Arizona Sonoran Copper currently has a consensus rating of Buy. Get Arizona Sonoran Copper alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on ASCUF Arizona Sonoran Copper Stock Up 1.9% About Arizona Sonoran Copper The company has a fifty day moving average of $3.34 and a 200 day moving average of $2.50. (Get Free Report) Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc engages in the identification, acquisition, exploration, development, and production of base metal properties. It primarily explores for copper. The companys principal asset is the 100% owned Cactus Mine Project located in Casa Grande, Arizona. The company was formerly known as Elim Mining Incorporated and changed its name to Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc in July 2021. Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Toronto, Canada. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Arizona Sonoran Copper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arizona Sonoran Copper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shore Capital reiterated their hold rating on shares of British Land (LON:BLND Free Report) in a research report report published on Wednesday, Marketbeat reports. A number of other analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Berenberg Bank reaffirmed a buy rating and set a GBX 506 price target on shares of British Land in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Peel Hunt restated a buy rating and set a GBX 495 target price on shares of British Land in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Panmure Gordon restated a hold rating and set a GBX 424 price objective on shares of British Land in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group restated an underperform rating and issued a GBX 308 target price on shares of British Land in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Two research 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. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, British Land currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 433.25. Get British Land alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on British Land British Land Trading Down 0.2% LON BLND opened at GBX 409.80 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 0.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 44.14. British Land has a 52 week low of GBX 318.60 and a 52 week high of GBX 423. The stock has a market capitalization of 4.10 billion, a PE ratio of 9.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 6.76 and a beta of 1.55. The firm has a 50 day moving average of GBX 396.66 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 370.49. British Land (LON:BLND Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 19th. The company reported GBX 15.40 earnings per share for the quarter. British Land had a net margin of 171.35% and a return on equity of 18.53%. As a group, research analysts expect that British Land will post 29.375 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In other British Land news, insider Mark Aedy bought 2,475 shares of British Land stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 5th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 394 per share, with a total value of 9,751.50. Insiders have acquired 2,627 shares of company stock valued at $1,034,254 in the last quarter. Insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock. About British Land (Get Free Report) Our portfolio of high quality UK commercial property is focused on London Campuses and Retail & London Urban Logistics assets throughout the UK. We own or manage a portfolio valued at 13.0bn (British Land share: 8.9bn) as at 31 March 2023 making us one of Europe's largest listed real estate investment companies. We create Places People Prefer, delivering the best, most sustainable places for our customers and communities. Our strategy is to leverage our best in class platform and proven expertise in development, repositioning and active management, investing behind two key themes: Campuses and Retail & London Urban Logistics. Read More Receive News & Ratings for British Land Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for British Land and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Charles River Laboratories International (NYSE:CRL Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities researchers at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report released on Friday. CRL has been the subject of several other research reports. Barclays upped their price target on Charles River Laboratories International from $210.00 to $215.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Argus set a $200.00 target price on shares of Charles River Laboratories International in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Robert W. Baird set a $224.00 target price on shares of Charles River Laboratories International in a report on Friday, January 9th. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Charles River Laboratories International from $200.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Evercore ISI upped their price objective on shares of Charles River Laboratories International from $250.00 to $260.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $209.46. Get Charles River Laboratories International alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on CRL Charles River Laboratories International Stock Down 1.9% CRL stock traded down $4.27 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $219.77. 576,843 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 616,376. The company has a quick ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The firms fifty day moving average price is $196.95 and its 200-day moving average price is $176.28. Charles River Laboratories International has a 52 week low of $91.86 and a 52 week high of $228.88. The company has a market cap of $10.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -140.88, a P/E/G ratio of 6.70 and a beta of 1.61. Charles River Laboratories International (NYSE:CRL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The medical research company reported $2.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.32 by $0.11. Charles River Laboratories International had a negative net margin of 2.07% and a positive return on equity of 15.78%. The firm had revenue of $1 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $990.43 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.59 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down .5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Charles River Laboratories International will post 9.36 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Charles River Laboratories International Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Charles River Laboratories International by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,839,743 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $913,686,000 after acquiring an additional 27,989 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its holdings in Charles River Laboratories International by 29.1% during the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 2,291,126 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $353,750,000 after purchasing an additional 516,521 shares during the period. Ariel Investments LLC grew its holdings in Charles River Laboratories International by 28.6% during the second quarter. Ariel Investments LLC now owns 1,415,348 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $214,751,000 after purchasing an additional 314,572 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. increased its position in Charles River Laboratories International by 1.0% in the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,249,178 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $195,446,000 after buying an additional 12,035 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE raised its stake in shares of Charles River Laboratories International by 13.4% in the third quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,163,348 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $182,017,000 after buying an additional 137,335 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 98.91% of the companys stock. Charles River Laboratories International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Charles River Laboratories International, Inc is a leading provider of research models and preclinical and clinical support services for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. The companys core offerings include discovery, safety assessment, toxicology, and pathology services, as well as supply of laboratory animals and related diagnostics. Services extend across in vivo and in vitro testing, biologics testing, and support for advanced therapies, helping clients accelerate drug development from early discovery through regulatory submission. Founded in 1947 in Wilmington, Massachusetts, Charles River has grown through strategic investments and acquisitions to establish a broad portfolio of capabilities. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Charles River Laboratories International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles River Laboratories International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CrowdGather (OTCMKTS:CRWG Get Free Report) and Yelp (NYSE:YELP Get Free Report) are both small-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, dividends, earnings, profitability and risk. Valuation and Earnings This table compares CrowdGather and Yelps gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get CrowdGather alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio CrowdGather N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Yelp $1.41 billion 1.23 $132.85 million $2.26 12.49 Volatility & Risk Yelp has higher revenue and earnings than CrowdGather. CrowdGather has a beta of 14.04, indicating that its share price is 1,304% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Yelp has a beta of 0.55, indicating that its share price is 45% less volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for CrowdGather and Yelp, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score CrowdGather 0 0 0 0 0.00 Yelp 2 4 1 0 1.86 Yelp has a consensus price target of $31.29, indicating a potential upside of 10.85%. Given Yelps stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Yelp is more favorable than CrowdGather. Profitability This table compares CrowdGather and Yelps net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets CrowdGather N/A N/A N/A Yelp 10.23% 20.33% 15.23% Insider & Institutional Ownership 90.1% of Yelp shares are held by institutional investors. 36.4% of CrowdGather shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 8.0% of Yelp shares 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. Summary Yelp beats CrowdGather on 8 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About CrowdGather (Get Free Report) CrowdGather, Inc., a social networking Internet company, develops and hosts forum based Websites primarily in the United States. It monetizes a network of online forums and message boards designed to engage, provide information to, and build community around users. The company's forum community connects a network of people sharing their questions, expertise, and experiences. It also provides targeted advertising and marketing services for online customers. The company's portfolio includes approximately 350 domain names and 70 Web properties at various stages of development. CrowdGather, Inc. is headquartered in Calabasas, California. About Yelp (Get Free Report) Yelp Inc. operates a platform that connects consumers with local businesses in the United States and internationally. The company's platform covers various categories, including restaurants, shopping, beauty and fitness, health, and other categories, as well as home, local, auto, professional, pets, events, real estate, and financial services. It provides free and paid advertising products to businesses, which include cost-per-click advertising and multi-location Ad products, as well as enables businesses to deliver targeted advertising to large and high-intent audience; and business listing page products. The company also offers other services comprising Yelp Guest Manager, a subscription-based suite of front-of-house management tools for restaurants, nightlife and certain other venues, which include online reservations, a waitlist management solution that allows consumers to check wait times and join waitlists remotely, as well as through hostless kiosks, and seating and server rotation management tools; Yelp Knowledge program that offers business owners local analytics and insights through access to its historical data and other proprietary content; and Yelp Fusion, which offers free access to various basic information through publicly available APIs, and paid access to content and data for consumer-facing enterprise use. In addition, it provides content licensing, as well as allows third-party data providers to update and manage business listing information on behalf of businesses. Further, the company offers its products directly through its sales force; indirectly through partners; and online through its website and business app, as well as non-advertising partner arrangements. It has partnership with Grubhub for providing consumers with a service to place food orders for pickup and delivery. The company was incorporated in 2004 and is based in San Francisco, California. Receive News & Ratings for CrowdGather Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CrowdGather and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS Get Free Report) was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report released on Friday. Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Scotiabank lowered their price target on Essex Property Trust from $294.00 to $284.00 and set a sector outperform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Evercore ISI decreased their price objective on shares of Essex Property Trust from $279.00 to $271.00 and set a cautious rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Mizuho boosted their target price on shares of Essex Property Trust from $275.00 to $284.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and set a $290.00 target price on shares of Essex Property Trust in a report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $282.00 price target (down from $304.00) on shares of Essex Property Trust in a report on Monday, December 15th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $285.70. Get Essex Property Trust alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ESS Essex Property Trust Stock Up 0.5% Shares of NYSE:ESS traded up $1.24 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $254.19. The company had a trading volume of 589,605 shares, compared to its average volume of 495,542. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.32, a PEG ratio of 6.03 and a beta of 0.73. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $257.53 and its 200-day moving average price is $262.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 1.18. Essex Property Trust has a one year low of $243.25 and a one year high of $316.29. Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $3.97 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.96 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $473.30 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $472.11 million. Essex Property Trust had a net margin of 45.46% and a return on equity of 14.68%. During the same period last year, the business earned $3.91 EPS. Essex Property Trust has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 3.930-4.030 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 15.890-15.990 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Essex Property Trust will post 15.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Legacy Wealth Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Essex Property Trust by 3.8% during the third quarter. Legacy Wealth Asset Management LLC now owns 1,054 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $282,000 after buying an additional 39 shares during the last quarter. Huntington National Bank increased its position in Essex Property Trust by 16.1% in the 2nd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 288 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $82,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the period. Turning Point Benefit Group Inc. raised its stake in Essex Property Trust by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter. Turning Point Benefit Group Inc. now owns 1,861 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $527,000 after acquiring an additional 42 shares in the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. raised its stake in Essex Property Trust by 57.5% during the 3rd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 115 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 42 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norinchukin Bank The boosted its position in Essex Property Trust by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Norinchukin Bank The now owns 6,957 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,862,000 after acquiring an additional 44 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 96.51% of the companys stock. Essex Property Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Essex Property Trust, Inc (NYSE: ESS) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that acquires, develops, owns and operates multifamily residential properties. The company focuses on market-rate apartment communities and delivers a full suite of property services including leasing, resident services, asset management, and capital improvement programs designed to preserve and enhance longterm property values. Essex concentrates its portfolio in West Coast markets, with a significant presence in California and the Pacific Northwest. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Essex Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essex Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. FB Financial Corporation (NYSE:FBK Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday after the company announced better than expected quarterly earnings. The company traded as high as $60.92 and last traded at $60.6250, with a volume of 50496 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $58.52. The financial services provider reported $1.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.14 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $178.36 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $176.30 million. FB Financial had a net margin of 13.07% and a return on equity of 11.21%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.85 earnings per share. Get FB Financial alerts: FB Financial Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 24th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 10th will be given a $0.21 dividend. This is a boost from FB Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.19. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 10th. FB Financials dividend payout ratio is 35.51%. FB Financial News Summary Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Here are the key news stories impacting FB Financial this week: A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on FBK shares. Wall Street Zen raised FB Financial from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, November 16th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of FB Financial in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Piper Sandler cut shares of FB Financial from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and upped their price target for the company from $63.00 to $65.00 in a report on Friday. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and set a $66.00 price objective (up from $61.00) on shares of FB Financial in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, FB Financial currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $61.20. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on FBK Insider Transactions at FB Financial In other FB Financial news, major shareholder James Austin Mcpherson sold 8,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.06, for a total transaction of $510,510.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 9,484 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $569,609.04. This trade represents a 47.26% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Company insiders own 1.90% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of FB Financial A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in FBK. Savant Capital LLC boosted its position in FB Financial by 5.2% during the 3rd quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 4,977 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $277,000 after acquiring an additional 245 shares during the period. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of FB Financial by 6.3% during the third quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC now owns 4,705 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $262,000 after purchasing an additional 278 shares during the period. UMB Bank n.a. boosted its holdings in shares of FB Financial by 155.9% during the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 481 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 293 shares during the period. Quadrant Capital Group LLC grew its position in FB Financial by 4.1% during the third quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 7,613 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $424,000 after purchasing an additional 299 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC increased its stake in FB Financial by 24.5% in the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,964 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $109,000 after buying an additional 387 shares during the period. 65.40% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. FB Financial Stock Performance The companys 50 day simple moving average is $57.09 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $54.18. The stock has a market cap of $3.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.73 and a beta of 0.98. About FB Financial (Get Free Report) FB Financial Corporation, through its banking subsidiary FirstBank, is a Tennessee-based bank holding company that provides a broad range of financial services to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, and commercial clients. Established to serve the banking needs of communities across the southeastern United States, the companys core offerings include consumer and commercial deposit products, commercial lending, and mortgage services. In addition to traditional checking and savings accounts, FB Financials service portfolio encompasses treasury and cash management, equipment financing, and letters of credit to support the working capital and expansion needs of business customers. Read More Receive News & Ratings for FB Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FB Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Forestar Group (NYSE:FOR Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities researchers at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report released on Friday. Several other equities analysts have also weighed in on FOR. Citizens Jmp lifted their price target on Forestar Group from $30.00 to $35.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Zacks Research raised Forestar Group from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, September 26th. JMP Securities set a $35.00 target price on Forestar Group in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Forestar Group from $23.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Forestar Group from $33.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $32.00. Get Forestar Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Forestar Group Forestar Group Stock Performance Shares of FOR traded down $0.48 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $24.83. The stock had a trading volume of 179,718 shares, compared to its average volume of 136,961. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a quick ratio of 1.33 and a current ratio of 0.71. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $25.53 and a 200 day moving average price of $25.76. Forestar Group has a fifty-two week low of $18.00 and a fifty-two week high of $29.44. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.59 and a beta of 1.42. Forestar Group (NYSE:FOR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 20th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.30 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.21 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $273.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $265.48 million. Forestar Group had a net margin of 9.90% and a return on equity of 9.76%. The firms revenue was up 9.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.32 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Forestar Group will post 3.44 EPS for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of FOR. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of Forestar Group during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $2,003,000. Dimension Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Forestar Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,512,000. Swedbank AB lifted its stake in Forestar Group by 400.0% during the third quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 500,000 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $13,295,000 after purchasing an additional 400,000 shares in the last quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS lifted its stake in Forestar Group by 13.4% during the second quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 33,800 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $676,000 after purchasing an additional 4,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Forestar Group by 237.1% during the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 3,533 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $71,000 after buying an additional 2,485 shares during the period. 35.50% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Forestar Group (Get Free Report) Forestar Group Inc, headquartered in Austin, Texas, is a residential lot development and management company focused on delivering finished home sites to homebuilders across the United States. The company acquires, entitles and develops land for single-family and multi-family housing, managing zoning, infrastructure and environmental approvals to prepare lots for construction. Forestars integrated approach to land development spans from initial site acquisition through final lot delivery, providing homebuilders with ready-to-build parcels in a variety of markets. In addition to lot development, Forestar operates a retail homebuilding segment through joint ventures and strategic partnerships with national and regional homebuilders. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Forestar Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Forestar Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Hypermarcas (OTCMKTS:HYPMY Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $4.35, but opened at $4.5625. Hypermarcas shares last traded at $4.5625, with a volume of 271 shares trading hands. Hypermarcas Price Performance The firm has a market cap of $2.98 billion, a PE ratio of 20.43 and a beta of 0.72. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $4.51 and its 200-day moving average price is $4.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.27 and a quick ratio of 0.84. Get Hypermarcas alerts: Hypermarcas (OTCMKTS:HYPMY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter. Hypermarcas had a net margin of 12.03% and a return on equity of 6.89%. The firm had revenue of $408.83 million for the quarter. Hypermarcas Company Profile Hypermarcas SA is a Brazil-based consumer health and pharmaceutical company whose shares trade over the counter in the United States under the symbol HYPMY. Founded in the early 2000s and headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, the company operates as a holding group for a broad portfolio of branded products in the healthcare and personal care sectors. Through its various subsidiaries, Hypermarcas develops, manufactures and markets prescription and over-the-counter medications, alongside personal care, baby care, home care and nutritional supplement products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hypermarcas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hypermarcas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fintel Plc (LON:FNTL Get Free Report) insider Phil Smith bought 34,232 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, January 19th. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 219 per share, for a total transaction of 74,968.08. Phil Smith also recently made the following trade(s): Get Fintel alerts: On Tuesday, January 20th, Phil Smith acquired 33,330 shares of Fintel stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 225 per share, for a total transaction of 74,992.50. On Wednesday, January 21st, Phil Smith acquired 10,348 shares of Fintel stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 241 per share, for a total transaction of 24,938.68. Fintel Stock Up 6.3% LON:FNTL opened at GBX 255 on Friday. The companys 50-day simple moving average is GBX 210.94 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 223.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 17.73, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 0.75. Fintel Plc has a fifty-two week low of GBX 188.43 and a fifty-two week high of GBX 295. The stock has a market capitalization of 265.69 million, a P/E ratio of 42.50 and a beta of 1.17. Key Fintel News Positive Sentiment: Multiple large purchases by CEO/director-level insider Matthew Lloyd Timmins Timmins bought many parcels (multiple transactions across Jan 2021) at prices roughly GBX 228245 per share, representing tens of thousands of shares and six-figure pound totals, which supports a bullish read-through on insider confidence. Matthew Lloyd Timmins Acquires 31,491 Shares of Fintel (LON:FNTL) Stock Multiple large purchases by CEO/director-level insider Matthew Lloyd Timmins Timmins bought many parcels (multiple transactions across Jan 2021) at prices roughly GBX 228245 per share, representing tens of thousands of shares and six-figure pound totals, which supports a bullish read-through on insider confidence. Positive Sentiment: Other insiders adding to positions Phil Smith and Ian Pickford also reported multiple buys (including Phil Smith purchases across Jan 1921), reinforcing the theme of insider accumulation and likely contributing to upward stock momentum. Phil Smith Buys 34,232 Shares of Fintel (LON:FNTL) Stock Other insiders adding to positions Phil Smith and Ian Pickford also reported multiple buys (including Phil Smith purchases across Jan 1921), reinforcing the theme of insider accumulation and likely contributing to upward stock momentum. Neutral Sentiment: Market context The move occurs with volume below its 3month average and the share price trading above the 50day but around the 200day moving average; insider buying often attracts shortterm momentum but fundamentals (valuation, margins) will determine sustainability. Fintel Stock Profile Market context The move occurs with volume below its 3month average and the share price trading above the 50day but around the 200day moving average; insider buying often attracts shortterm momentum but fundamentals (valuation, margins) will determine sustainability. Neutral Sentiment: Valuation and balance-sheet notes Fintel has a relatively high P/E and liquidity ratios below 1 (current ratio ~0.75), which may temper investor enthusiasm despite insider buying; these are items investors should review before increasing exposure. Fintel Company Profile Here are the key news stories impacting Fintel this week: (Get Free Report) Fintel is a UK fintech and support services business, combining the award-winning intermediary business support services, and the leading research, ratings and fintech businesses. Fintel provides technology, compliance and regulatory support to thousands of intermediary businesses, data and targeted distribution services to hundreds of product providers and empowers millions of consumers to make better informed financial decisions. We serve our customers through three core divisions: The Intermediary Services division provides technology, compliance, and regulatory support to thousands of intermediary businesses through a comprehensive membership model. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fintel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fintel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. News / National by Staff reporter Three of the five people shot dead outside a tuck shop in Jeffsville, Atteridgeville, Pretoria, on Wednesday were brothers from Zimbabwe, police have confirmed.The deceased Moyo brothers Shein Moyo, Shelton Moyo, and Mike Nkala were killed alongside two other Zimbabwean siblings. The attack occurred at around 13:15 outside a tuck shop at Block JV, according to Gauteng police.Speaking to local media, the brothers' sister, Thandi Moyo, described the family's shock and grief. "I was on my way to a shop when I was told my siblings were among those shot dead. I felt so weak, I didn't expect it," she said. "We were told unknown people came and started shooting, then fled. We don't know the motive; we're still in shock."The family described the deceased as hardworking young men who were not involved in crime. Their uncle, Lucky Mncube, said the family is struggling to cover costs to transport the bodies back to Zimbabwe for burial, estimating it would cost at least R20,000 per body.Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as gunshots rang out. The tuck shop owner, who asked not to be named, said he and his customers fled in fear, returning only when it was safe. Residents of the area said they are living in fear and reluctant to provide details, citing concerns about possible connections to the attackers.SAPS provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni confirmed that paramedics declared all five victims dead at the scene. He said police have deployed resources to investigate the incident. "It was reported that an unknown number of suspects approached the victims, who were standing outside the tuck shop, and shot at them without saying anything. The suspects then fled the scene," he said.Authorities continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward as investigations into the motive and identity of the gunmen proceed. Shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Industrials ETF (NYSEARCA:RSPN Get Free Report) saw an uptick in trading volume on Wednesday . 146,311 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 21% from the previous sessions volume of 120,557 shares.The stock last traded at $60.5140 and had previously closed at $59.63. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Industrials ETF Stock Down 0.8% The stock has a market cap of $920.18 million, a P/E ratio of 22.94 and a beta of 1.09. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $57.35 and a 200-day simple moving average of $56.19. Get Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Industrials ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bank of America Corp DE increased its stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Industrials ETF by 11.1% in the third quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 908,585 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,972,000 after purchasing an additional 90,512 shares in the last quarter. Affinity Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Industrials ETF by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. Affinity Wealth Management LLC now owns 633,237 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,860,000 after buying an additional 4,606 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Industrials ETF by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 275,182 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,425,000 after buying an additional 2,843 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Industrials ETF by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 257,564 shares of the companys stock valued at $14,449,000 after buying an additional 1,450 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. raised its stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Industrials ETF by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 234,668 shares of the companys stock worth $13,165,000 after buying an additional 7,572 shares during the period. About Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Industrials ETF The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Industrials ETF (RSPN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in industrials equity. The fund tracks an equal-weighted index of industrial US stocks drawn from the S&P 500. RSPN was launched on Nov 1, 2006 and is managed by Invesco. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Industrials 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 Industrials ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JinkoSolar (NYSE:JKS Get Free Report) was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a sell rating in a note issued to investors on Friday. A number of other equities analysts have also recently commented on JKS. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on shares of JinkoSolar from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of JinkoSolar in a research note on Wednesday, December 24th. Roth Mkm upped their price target on shares of JinkoSolar from $17.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Zacks Research raised shares of JinkoSolar from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, UBS Group restated a neutral rating on shares of JinkoSolar in a research report on Friday, November 28th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, JinkoSolar presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $22.33. Get JinkoSolar alerts: Get Our Latest Report on JKS JinkoSolar Stock Performance NYSE JKS traded up $2.34 during trading on Friday, reaching $27.80. 1,360,421 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 703,585. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.30 and a quick ratio of 1.02. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $26.90 and a 200-day moving average price of $24.99. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.44 billion, a P/E ratio of -3.04 and a beta of 0.52. JinkoSolar has a fifty-two week low of $13.42 and a fifty-two week high of $31.88. JinkoSolar (NYSE:JKS Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, November 17th. The semiconductor company reported ($2.30) EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($2.56) by $0.26. The company had revenue of $2.27 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.72 billion. JinkoSolar had a negative return on equity of 8.96% and a negative net margin of 4.98%. Sell-side analysts forecast that JinkoSolar will post -0.24 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On JinkoSolar Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in JKS. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio increased its stake in JinkoSolar by 51.3% during the 2nd quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 33,900 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $719,000 after acquiring an additional 11,500 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of JinkoSolar by 18.2% during the 2nd quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 23,449 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $498,000 after purchasing an additional 3,608 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of JinkoSolar by 9.9% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 37,671 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $799,000 after purchasing an additional 3,394 shares in the last quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of JinkoSolar in the second quarter worth $28,000. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in JinkoSolar by 7,759.6% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 11,082 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $235,000 after purchasing an additional 10,941 shares in the last quarter. 35.82% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. JinkoSolar Company Profile (Get Free Report) JinkoSolar Holding Co, Ltd. (NYSE: JKS) is a vertically integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer headquartered in Shanghai, China. The company specializes in the design, development and production of high-performance solar modules, silicon wafers, solar cells and related components. Since its founding in 2006, JinkoSolar has become one of the worlds largest solar module suppliers, known for delivering reliable products to utility, commercial and residential customers. JinkoSolars product portfolio encompasses a broad range of monocrystalline and polycrystalline PV modules, including half-cell, bifacial and high-efficiency Tiger module series. See Also Receive News & Ratings for JinkoSolar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JinkoSolar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lsb Industries Inc. (NYSE:LXU Get Free Report) Director Barry Golsen sold 6,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.02, for a total value of $65,130.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 47,010 shares of the companys stock, valued at $471,040.20. This trade represents a 12.15% 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. Lsb Industries Price Performance NYSE LXU traded up $0.14 on Friday, reaching $9.89. 548,034 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 590,009. Lsb Industries Inc. has a 12 month low of $4.88 and a 12 month high of $10.17. The company has a market cap of $711.17 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -988.50 and a beta of 0.75. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $8.99 and its 200 day simple moving average is $8.57. The company has a quick ratio of 2.63, a current ratio of 2.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89. Get Lsb Industries alerts: Lsb Industries (NYSE:LXU Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The conglomerate reported $0.10 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.07 by $0.03. Lsb Industries had a positive return on equity of 2.70% and a negative net margin of 0.11%.The business had revenue of $155.43 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $138.30 million. As a group, research analysts predict that Lsb Industries Inc. will post -0.18 EPS for the current fiscal year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades LXU has been the subject of several research reports. UBS Group restated a neutral rating and set a $9.75 price objective (up previously from $9.50) on shares of Lsb Industries in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Lsb Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 22nd. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Lsb Industries from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $11.00 price target (up previously from $10.00) on shares of Lsb Industries in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d-) rating on shares of Lsb Industries in a report on Monday, December 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $10.25. Read Our Latest Research Report on LXU Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Lsb Industries in the 2nd quarter valued at about $2,412,000. American Century Companies Inc. grew its position in Lsb Industries by 5.9% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,880,868 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $14,671,000 after purchasing an additional 104,355 shares in the last quarter. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC acquired a new position in Lsb Industries in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $650,000. JB Capital Partners LP purchased a new stake in Lsb Industries in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $529,000. Finally, Intech Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Lsb Industries by 14.1% during the 3rd quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 24,662 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $194,000 after buying an additional 3,039 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.67% of the companys stock. About Lsb Industries (Get Free Report) LSB Industries, Inc (NYSE: LXU) is an Oklahoma Citybased manufacturer of chemical products serving the agricultural, industrial and defense markets. The company operates primarily through two segments: Fertilizer Solutions and Commodities Solutions. Through its Fertilizer Solutions segment, LSB produces primary nitrogen productsincluding anhydrous ammonia and technical-grade ammonium nitratethat are sold to fertilizer distributors and agricultural retailers across North America. Its Commodities Solutions segment manufactures and sells nitric acid, sodium nitrate and other nitrate-based compounds for industrial applications such as mining, water treatment and specialty chemical production, as well as defense-related formulations used in munitions and pyrotechnics. Incorporated in 1969, LSB Industries has grown from a single production site to multiple manufacturing facilities strategically located in the central United States. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Lsb Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lsb Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mammoth Resources Corp. (CVE:MTH Get Free Report)s stock price traded up 33.3% on Friday . The company traded as high as C$0.08 and last traded at C$0.08. 287,000 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 224% from the average session volume of 88,554 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.06. Mammoth Resources Price Performance The company has a market capitalization of C$8.52 million, a PE ratio of -8.00 and a beta of 4.02. 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 companys 50 day moving average price is C$0.05 and its 200-day moving average price is C$0.05. About Mammoth Resources (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. See Also 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. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:MHVYF Get Free Report)s stock price gapped up before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $30.0260, but opened at $31.85. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shares last traded at $31.85, with a volume of 2,071 shares. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Zacks Research lowered shares of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Wednesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Mitsubishi Heavy Industries alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on MHVYF Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Stock Down 2.5% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a current ratio of 1.27 and a quick ratio of 0.97. The firms 50 day moving average is $26.46 and its two-hundred day moving average is $26.25. The firm has a market capitalization of $97.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 58.00 and a beta of 0.48. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (OTCMKTS:MHVYF Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The company reported $0.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.14 by ($0.05). Mitsubishi Heavy Industries had a return on equity of 10.04% and a net margin of 4.63%.The firm had revenue of $6.22 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1,282.47 billion. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is a diversified Japanese industrial conglomerate engaged in the design, manufacture and servicing of large-scale capital equipment and systems. The companys activities span shipbuilding and marine propulsion; power and energy systems including gas turbines, boilers and related power-plant equipment; and industrial machinery for sectors ranging from chemicals and manufacturing to environmental control. MHI also supplies heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and other building-related equipment for commercial and industrial customers. In addition to its heavy engineering businesses, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is a major participant in aerospace, space and defense markets. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. (NYSE:ECO Get Free Report) gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $38.90, but opened at $37.69. Okeanis Eco Tankers shares last traded at $37.85, with a volume of 351,116 shares changing hands. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have recently commented on the company. Wall Street Zen raised Okeanis Eco Tankers from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 15th. Clarkson Capital raised Okeanis Eco Tankers to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 14th. Zacks Research downgraded Okeanis Eco Tankers from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, January 12th. UBS Group cut shares of Okeanis Eco Tankers from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Okeanis Eco Tankers in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $37.00. Get Okeanis Eco Tankers alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on ECO Okeanis Eco Tankers Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.33, a quick ratio of 1.69 and a current ratio of 2.00. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $36.25 and its 200-day moving average price is $31.10. The stock has a market cap of $1.24 billion, a PE ratio of 15.89 and a beta of 0.05. Okeanis Eco Tankers (NYSE:ECO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $0.77 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.29 by $0.48. Okeanis Eco Tankers had a net margin of 21.92% and a return on equity of 18.05%. The company had revenue of $90.60 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $51.29 million. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. will post 1.34 EPS for the current fiscal year. Okeanis Eco Tankers Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 11th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were given a dividend of $0.75 per share. This represents a $3.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.9%. This is a boost from Okeanis Eco Tankerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.70. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 2nd. Okeanis Eco Tankerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 125.52%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Okeanis Eco Tankers Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. BNP Paribas Financial Markets purchased a new stake in shares of Okeanis Eco Tankers in the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Quarry LP bought a new position in shares of Okeanis Eco Tankers in the third quarter worth about $29,000. State of Wyoming purchased a new position in shares of Okeanis Eco Tankers during the 2nd quarter valued at about $107,000. Verition Fund Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Okeanis Eco Tankers during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $211,000. Finally, S.E.E.D. Planning Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Okeanis Eco Tankers during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $234,000. About Okeanis Eco Tankers (Get Free Report) Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. is a Marshall Islandsincorporated, publicly traded shipping company specializing in the ownership and operation of eco-design product tankers. The company made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker ECO in May 2019 following an initial public offering. It focuses on the acquisition of newbuilding medium-range (MR) and long-range (LR) product tankers designed to deliver enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. As of its public listing, Okeanis Eco Tankers fleet comprises twelve eco-efficient vessels built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in South Korea. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Okeanis Eco Tankers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Okeanis Eco Tankers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of America upgraded shares of Oklo (NYSE:OKLO Free Report) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, MarketBeat reports. Bank of America currently has $127.00 target price on the stock, up from their prior target price of $111.00. A number of other analysts have also commented on OKLO. William Blair reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Oklo in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Oklo in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating on shares of Oklo in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Canaccord Genuity Group initiated coverage on shares of Oklo in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. They set a buy rating and a $175.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $122.00 target price on shares of Oklo in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $103.20. Get Oklo alerts: View Our Latest Report on Oklo Oklo Price Performance OKLO stock opened at $87.54 on Wednesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $90.03 and its 200-day simple moving average is $95.45. Oklo has a 12 month low of $17.42 and a 12 month high of $193.84. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.68 billion, a PE ratio of -162.12 and a beta of 0.76. Oklo (NYSE:OKLO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported ($0.20) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.13) by ($0.07). During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned ($0.08) earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Oklo will post -8.2 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity In other Oklo news, CFO Richard Craig Bealmear sold 69,841 shares of Oklo stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $78.40, for a total transaction of $5,475,534.40. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 202,072 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,842,444.80. The trade was a 25.69% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Jacob Dewitte sold 840,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $82.32, for a total transaction of $69,148,800.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 1,580,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $130,065,600. This represents a 34.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 1,552,800 shares of company stock valued at $137,543,426 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 18.90% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Oklo Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Oklo by 33.4% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 11,593,468 shares of the companys stock worth $1,294,179,000 after acquiring an additional 2,901,909 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its stake in Oklo by 71.8% during the 3rd quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 7,102,234 shares of the companys stock valued at $792,822,000 after purchasing an additional 2,968,981 shares in the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp increased its holdings in Oklo by 61.0% during the 3rd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 3,474,993 shares of the companys stock worth $387,914,000 after purchasing an additional 1,316,867 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of Oklo by 195.9% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,248,425 shares of the companys stock valued at $125,906,000 after purchasing an additional 1,488,482 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of Oklo by 454.5% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,138,658 shares of the companys stock valued at $119,743,000 after buying an additional 1,752,946 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.03% of the companys stock. Oklo News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Oklo this week: Oklo Company Profile (Get Free Report) Oklo, Inc is a California-based energy technology company specializing in the design and development of advanced nuclear microreactors. Headquartered in Fremont, the firm focuses on small modular reactor (SMR) technology that leverages fast-neutron fission and liquid-metal cooling to deliver carbon-free power. Oklos core objective is to bring compact, factory-built reactors online within a decade, offering a low-footprint alternative to traditional large nuclear plants. The companys flagship product, the Aurora microreactor, is a 1.5-megawatt electric (MWe) fast reactor cooled by a sodium alloy. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Oklo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oklo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (OTCMKTS:TNABY Get Free Report) gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $14.62, but opened at $13.65. Tenaga Nasional Berhad shares last traded at $13.73, with a volume of 300 shares traded. Tenaga Nasional Berhad Trading Up 0.0% The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $13.74 and a 200 day moving average price of $13.14. Get Tenaga Nasional Berhad alerts: Tenaga Nasional Berhad Company Profile (Get Free Report) Tenaga Nasional Berhad (OTCMKTS: TNABY) is Malaysias largest integrated electricity utility, principally engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and retail of electricity. The company operates a broad portfolio of power plants and manages the national grid infrastructure that delivers electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Its operations encompass system planning, network operation and maintenance, meter services and customer supply functions typical of a vertically integrated utility. TNBs generation assets include thermal and hydroelectric facilities and the company has been expanding its participation in renewable energy and grid modernization initiatives. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Tenaga Nasional Berhad Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tenaga Nasional Berhad and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE:AOS Get Free Report) have been assigned an average rating of Hold from the nine brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $76.50. A number of brokerages have weighed in on AOS. Jefferies Financial Group set a $75.00 price target on shares of A. O. Smith and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Stifel Nicolaus set a $80.00 target price on shares of A. O. Smith and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Citigroup decreased their price target on shares of A. O. Smith from $77.00 to $72.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of A. O. Smith in a report on Wednesday, December 24th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded A. O. Smith from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, October 18th. Get A. O. Smith alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on AOS A. O. Smith Price Performance AOS stock opened at $72.45 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $10.09 billion, a PE ratio of 19.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.48 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a current ratio of 1.54, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $68.04 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $69.62. A. O. Smith has a 12-month low of $58.83 and a 12-month high of $77.31. A. O. Smith (NYSE:AOS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The industrial products company reported $0.94 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.89 by $0.05. A. O. Smith had a return on equity of 29.34% and a net margin of 13.85%.The company had revenue of $942.50 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $946.33 million. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.82 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.4% compared to the same quarter last year. A. O. Smith has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.700-3.850 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that A. O. Smith will post 3.76 EPS for the current year. A. O. Smith Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Investors of record on Friday, January 30th will be given a dividend of $0.36 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 30th. This represents a $1.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. A. O. Smiths payout ratio is 38.81%. Institutional Trading of A. O. Smith A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of A. O. Smith by 19.6% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 939,302 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $61,393,000 after purchasing an additional 154,201 shares during the period. Wedmont Private Capital boosted its position in A. O. Smith by 7.1% in the 2nd quarter. Wedmont Private Capital now owns 3,456 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $240,000 after buying an additional 230 shares during the last quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC grew its stake in shares of A. O. Smith by 30.4% during the second quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 9,246 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $628,000 after acquiring an additional 2,157 shares in the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of A. O. Smith by 118.5% during the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,075 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $71,000 after acquiring an additional 583 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ridgewood Investments LLC increased its position in shares of A. O. Smith by 19.1% during the second quarter. Ridgewood Investments LLC now owns 6,291 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $413,000 after acquiring an additional 1,009 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.10% of the companys stock. About A. O. Smith (Get Free Report) A. O. Smith Corporation, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a leading manufacturer of water heating and water treatment products for residential and commercial applications. Since its founding in 1874, the company has built a reputation for producing reliable, energy-efficient water heaters, boilers and pressure vessels. Its product portfolio encompasses gas, electric, condensing and tankless water heaters, as well as specialty boilers designed to meet a variety of building and industrial needs. The company operates through two primary segments: North America and Asia. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for A. O. Smith Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for A. O. Smith and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Boot Barn (NYSE:BOOT Get Free Report) and J.Jill (NYSE:JILL Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, dividends, profitability, institutional ownership, risk, analyst recommendations and valuation. Volatility and Risk Boot Barn has a beta of 1.61, indicating that its stock price is 61% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, J.Jill has a beta of 0.94, indicating that its stock price is 6% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get Boot Barn alerts: Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for Boot Barn and J.Jill, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Boot Barn 0 4 11 0 2.73 J.Jill 2 2 2 0 2.00 Dividends Boot Barn presently has a consensus target price of $206.08, suggesting a potential upside of 12.00%. J.Jill has a consensus target price of $18.00, suggesting a potential upside of 13.67%. Given J.Jills higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe J.Jill is more favorable than Boot Barn. Boot Barn pays an annual dividend of $0.50 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.3%. J.Jill pays an annual dividend of $0.32 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. Boot Barn pays out 7.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. J.Jill pays out 14.6% 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. J.Jill has increased its dividend for 1 consecutive years. J.Jill is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Boot Barn and J.Jills gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Boot Barn $2.07 billion 2.71 $180.94 million $6.76 27.22 J.Jill $600.98 million 0.40 $39.48 million $2.19 7.23 Boot Barn has higher revenue and earnings than J.Jill. J.Jill is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Boot Barn, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares Boot Barn and J.Jills net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Boot Barn 10.05% 18.11% 9.94% J.Jill 5.60% 36.33% 9.75% Insider & Institutional Ownership 40.7% of J.Jill shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.7% of Boot Barn shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 4.4% of J.Jill shares are owned by 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 Boot Barn beats J.Jill on 11 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. 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. About J.Jill (Get Free Report) J.Jill, Inc. operates as an omnichannel retailer for women's apparel under the J.Jill brand in the United States. It offers apparel, footwear, and accessories, including scarves and jewelry. The company markets its products through retail stores, website, and catalogs. J.Jill, Inc. was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts. Receive News & Ratings for Boot Barn Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boot Barn and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. News / National by Staff reporter Ngoni Mwazha, the son of the late African Apostolic Church leader Archbishop Paul Mwazha, has appeared in court facing charges of contempt of court after allegedly defying a High Court order barring him and 16 others from holding church gatherings at designated shrines in Eastview, Harare.The State alleges that Mwazha and his co-accused unlawfully conducted worship services at African Apostolic Church shrines in Eastview phases 2, 3 and 12, in direct violation of a 2022 High Court order. The ruling reportedly prohibited the group from visiting or convening meetings at the specified sites without authorisation.The matter is being heard before Harare magistrate Kudzanai Kapurura.Mwazha and the co-accused have denied the charges, disputing the existence of African Apostolic Church shrines in Eastview as claimed by the complainant. They also challenged the complainant's standing, arguing that Jacob Mazo does not have the authority to report the matter on behalf of the church.In their defence, the accused maintained that they are bona fide members of the African Apostolic Church and have never been expelled through any formal disciplinary process. They insisted that their actions are consistent with the teachings and faith practices established by the late Archbishop Mwazha."The accused persons, in the exercise of their faith, do not act through the individuals mentioned in High Court order HC 537/22 but instead worship in accordance with their belief in Jesus Christ, as taught by Archbishop Paul Mwazha of Africa, the servant of God and leader of the church," the defence submitted.The defence further argued that the High Court order does not amount to a blanket prohibition on worship at the shrines. Instead, they said it merely outlines procedures to be followed when holding gatherings, including obtaining consent from the church's leadership."The order confirms the procedure that church members must follow whenever they intend to hold gatherings by obtaining consent from the Archbishop Paul Mwazha of Africa. It is unimaginable that non-members of the church would be required to seek such consent," the defence argued.The trial is set to continue on January 29, when the final witness is expected to testify. Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta, S.A.B. de C.V. Sponsored ADR (NYSE:VTMX Get Free Report) shares saw strong trading volume on Thursday . 109,626 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 120% from the previous sessions volume of 49,832 shares.The stock last traded at $32.4090 and had previously closed at $32.28. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta from $35.00 to $39.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Wall Street Zen raised Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, October 26th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Scotiabank downgraded shares of Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta from a sector outperform rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta in a research note on Wednesday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Reduce and an average target price of $33.33. Get Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta Trading Down 0.4% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 2.97 and a current ratio of 2.97. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $31.15 and a 200-day simple moving average of $28.96. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 1,595.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.16 and a beta of 0.70. Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta (NYSE:VTMX Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $0.29 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.50 by ($0.21). Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta had a return on equity of 0.19% and a net margin of 1.83%.The firm had revenue of $72.43 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.30 billion. On average, analysts predict that Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta, S.A.B. de C.V. Sponsored ADR will post 2.2 EPS for the current year. Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced an annual dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 27th. Investors of record on Friday, January 16th will be issued a $0.2041 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 63.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 16th. This is an increase from Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vestas previous annual dividend of $0.20. Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vestas payout ratio is presently 850.00%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. ABC Arbitrage SA increased its holdings in shares of Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta by 252.0% in the second quarter. ABC Arbitrage SA now owns 199,263 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,458,000 after buying an additional 142,660 shares in the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets lifted its holdings in shares of Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta by 38.1% during the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 37,116 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,017,000 after purchasing an additional 10,236 shares during the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta by 6.6% in the 2nd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 321,442 shares of the companys stock valued at $8,803,000 after purchasing an additional 19,967 shares during the period. Finally, Centersquare Investment Management LLC increased its stake in Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta by 4.9% in the 3rd quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC now owns 366,102 shares of the companys stock worth $10,357,000 after purchasing an additional 17,110 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 6.61% of the companys stock. Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta Company Profile (Get Free Report) Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta, trading as VTMX on the New York Stock Exchange, is a Mexico-based real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in the development, acquisition and management of industrial properties. The companys portfolio primarily consists of warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities tailored to multinational corporations, logistics operators and other businesses seeking modern, well-connected industrial space in Mexico. Vestas core business activities include the design and construction of build-to-suit projects, the leasing of speculative and multi-tenant properties, and sale-leaseback transactions that convert existing facilities into long-term lease arrangements. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Construction Bank (OTCMKTS:CICHY Get Free Report) and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (OTCMKTS:IDCBY Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, risk, profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and valuation. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for China Construction Bank and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., as provided by MarketBeat. Get China Construction Bank alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score China Construction Bank 0 1 0 0 2.00 Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. 0 0 0 0 0.00 Risk and Volatility China Construction Bank has a beta of 0.13, indicating that its stock price is 87% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. has a beta of 0.14, indicating that its stock price is 86% less volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation and Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio China Construction Bank $188.88 billion 1.35 $46.68 billion $3.60 5.42 Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. $219.33 billion 1.28 $50.89 billion $2.74 5.74 This table compares China Construction Bank and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd.s top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. has higher revenue and earnings than China Construction Bank. China Construction Bank is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd., indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares China Construction Bank and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd.s net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets China Construction Bank 25.63% 9.81% 0.78% Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. 24.10% 8.96% 0.71% Dividends China Construction Bank pays an annual dividend of $0.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.1%. Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.8%. China Construction Bank pays out 22.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. pays out 21.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Summary China Construction Bank beats Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. on 7 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks. About China Construction Bank (Get Free Report) China Construction Bank Corporation provides various banking and related financial services to individuals and corporate customers in the People's Republic of China and internationally. It operates through Corporate Finance Business, Personal Finance Business, Treasury and Asset Management Business, and Others segments. The company accepts various deposits, such as foreign currency, all in one accounts, RMB, corporate term and notification, and corporate demand deposits, as well corporate deposits by agreement. Its loan products include personal business, car, and housing loans; and SME, traditional credit, commercial draft, buyer credit, and RMB credit line loans. The company also offers credit cards; physical gold for personal investment and personal gold accounts; foreign exchange services; certificate treasury and savings bonds, securities deposit accounts, and securities services, as well as bank-securities transfer and book-entry treasury bond over the counter transaction services; and wealth management products. In addition, it provides collection, salaries payment, third-party collection and payment, insurance agency, and remittance services; international settlement and financing, and FI services; securities and fund settlement services; guarantee-based, consulting and advising, and factoring services; fund custody services; and e-banking services. Further, the company offers institutional services comprising services for government agencies, social security, banks cooperation, bank-securities cooperation, bank-insurance cooperation, and services for non-banking financial institutions. China Construction Bank Corporation was founded in 1954 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. About Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. (Get Free Report) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides banking products and services in the People's Republic of China and internationally. The company operates through Corporate Banking, Personal Banking, and Treasury Operations segments. The Corporate Banking segment offers financial products and services to corporations, government agencies, and financial institutions. Its products and services include trade financing, deposit, corporate wealth management, custody, and various corporate intermediary services, as well as corporate loans. Its Personal Banking segment provides financial products and services to individual customers. This segment's products and services comprise personal loans and cards, deposits, and personal wealth management and intermediary services. The Treasury Business segment is involved in the money market transactions, investment securities, and proprietary and foreign exchange transactions businesses. It also offers e-banking services, investment banking, financial leasing, and insurance services. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited was incorporated in 1984 and is based in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. Receive News & Ratings for China Construction Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Construction Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cushman & Wakefield PLC (NYSE:CWK Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $17.40 and last traded at $16.94, with a volume of 171483 shares. The stock had previously closed at $17.03. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have issued reports on CWK. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Cushman & Wakefield from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. UBS Group boosted their price target on Cushman & Wakefield from $12.00 to $17.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Barclays reissued a positive rating and set a $19.00 price target on shares of Cushman & Wakefield in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Citizens Jmp lifted their price objective on Cushman & Wakefield from $16.00 to $19.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and set a $19.00 target price on shares of Cushman & Wakefield in a report on Friday, January 16th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $18.56. Get Cushman & Wakefield alerts: Read Our Latest Report on CWK Cushman & Wakefield Trading Down 2.5% The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $16.18 and a two-hundred day moving average of $15.29. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.89 and a beta of 1.47. Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE:CWK Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.29 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.28 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $2.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.51 billion. Cushman & Wakefield had a net margin of 2.23% and a return on equity of 14.69%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 11.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.23 earnings per share. Cushman & Wakefield has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.180-1.230 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Cushman & Wakefield PLC will post 1.2 EPS for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Cushman & Wakefield A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of CWK. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its stake in shares of Cushman & Wakefield by 39.6% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 98,508 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,007,000 after purchasing an additional 27,940 shares in the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its holdings in Cushman & Wakefield by 4.5% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 136,261 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,393,000 after buying an additional 5,929 shares during the last quarter. United Services Automobile Association acquired a new stake in Cushman & Wakefield during the 1st quarter worth approximately $139,000. Jane Street Group LLC grew its holdings in Cushman & Wakefield by 1,821.3% during the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 279,397 shares of the companys stock worth $2,855,000 after acquiring an additional 264,855 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Focus Partners Wealth acquired a new position in Cushman & Wakefield in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $218,000. Institutional investors own 95.56% of the companys stock. About Cushman & Wakefield (Get Free Report) Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global commercial real estate services firm headquartered in Chicago. The company provides a wide range of services to occupiers and investors, specializing in transaction management, property management, facilities management and project management. Its clientele spans corporate occupiers, landlords, investors and government entities seeking solutions to optimize their real estate portfolios and operations. The firms core offerings include leasing advisory for office, industrial, retail and multifamily properties, as well as capital markets advice on acquisitions, dispositions and debt and equity placements. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Cushman & Wakefield Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cushman & Wakefield and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Davidson Kahn Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in APi Group Corporation (NYSE:APG Free Report) by 48.9% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 92,080 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 30,239 shares during the period. APi Group comprises about 1.8% of Davidson Kahn Capital Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 16th largest holding. Davidson Kahn Capital Management LLCs holdings in APi Group were worth $3,165,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bares Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of APi Group in the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. bought a new stake in APi Group in the third quarter valued at about $31,000. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in APi Group in the third quarter valued at about $32,000. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in APi Group by 50.0% in the third quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,275 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after buying an additional 425 shares during the period. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in APi Group by 547.2% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,275 shares of the companys stock worth $65,000 after buying an additional 1,078 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 86.62% of the companys stock. Get APi Group alerts: APi Group Trading Down 1.4% Shares of NYSE:APG opened at $41.81 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $17.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 114.02 and a beta of 1.70. APi Group Corporation has a 12 month low of $20.50 and a 12 month high of $43.26. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $39.70 and its 200 day simple moving average is $36.71. The company has a quick ratio of 1.41, a current ratio of 1.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84. Insider Transactions at APi Group APi Group ( NYSE:APG Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.41 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by $0.02. APi Group had a net margin of 3.44% and a return on equity of 21.86%. The firm had revenue of $2.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.01 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.51 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts forecast that APi Group Corporation will post 1.83 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other news, Director Anthony E. Malkin bought 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $39.58 per share, with a total value of $118,740.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 7,000 shares in the company, valued at $277,060. This represents a 75.00% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Martin E. Franklin sold 340,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 approximately $684,583,631.10. This trade represents a 1.76% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders have purchased 7,000 shares of company stock valued at $275,720 and have sold 900,000 shares valued at $32,342,000. 17.00% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have recently commented on APG shares. Barclays upped their price target on APi Group from $42.00 to $44.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Citigroup restated a buy rating and set a $49.00 price objective (up previously from $45.00) on shares of APi Group in a report on Monday, January 12th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating on shares of APi Group in a report on Tuesday, December 23rd. UBS Group set a $49.00 price target on shares of APi Group and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, CJS Securities raised APi Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $43.24. View Our Latest Research Report on APG About APi Group (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. Read More 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. Delta Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 4,245 shares of the railroad operators stock, valued at approximately $1,003,000. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Five Oceans Advisors boosted its stake in Union Pacific by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Five Oceans Advisors now owns 1,183 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $272,000 after purchasing an additional 44 shares during the period. Howard Capital Management Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Union Pacific by 2.0% during the 3rd quarter. Howard Capital Management Group LLC now owns 2,252 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $532,000 after acquiring an additional 45 shares during the period. St. Johns Investment Management Company LLC raised its stake in Union Pacific by 1.6% in the second quarter. St. Johns Investment Management Company LLC now owns 3,012 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $693,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. Hanson & Doremus Investment Management boosted its position in shares of Union Pacific by 2.5% during the 3rd quarter. Hanson & Doremus Investment Management now owns 1,880 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $444,000 after acquiring an additional 46 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Silver Oak Securities Incorporated increased its stake in shares of Union Pacific by 4.5% in the 3rd quarter. Silver Oak Securities Incorporated now owns 1,065 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $252,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. 80.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Union Pacific alerts: Union Pacific Stock Performance NYSE:UNP opened at $229.67 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $136.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.51, a P/E/G ratio of 2.66 and a beta of 0.99. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $231.23 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $226.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.75, a current ratio of 0.75 and a quick ratio of 0.60. Union Pacific Corporation has a 1 year low of $204.66 and a 1 year high of $256.84. Union Pacific Dividend Announcement Union Pacific ( NYSE:UNP Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The railroad operator reported $3.08 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.99 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $6.24 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.24 billion. Union Pacific had a net margin of 28.73% and a return on equity of 42.23%. Union Pacifics revenue for the quarter was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.75 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Union Pacific Corporation will post 11.99 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th were issued a $1.38 dividend. This represents a $5.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 46.90%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on UNP shares. UBS Group set a $253.00 price objective on Union Pacific and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 3rd. TD Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Friday, October 24th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $245.00 price objective on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Barclays reissued an overweight rating and set a $285.00 target price (up from $270.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Finally, 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 note on Thursday, October 23rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating and eleven have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Union Pacific has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $258.18. Read Our Latest Analysis on Union Pacific Union Pacific Profile (Free Report) Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) is one of the largest freight railroad companies in the United States. Its principal operating subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad, has roots that trace back to the Pacific Railway Act of 1862 and the construction of the first transcontinental rail link completed in 1869. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and operates as a holding company for rail transportation and related services. Union Pacifics core business is the movement of freight by rail across an extensive rail network serving the western twothirds of the United States. Featured Articles 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. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd raised its position in Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN Free Report) by 25.2% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 280,247 shares of the energy companys stock after acquiring an additional 56,493 shares during the period. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltds holdings in Devon Energy were worth $9,825,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in DVN. TD Asset Management Inc lifted its position in shares of Devon Energy by 6.4% in the second quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 267,322 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $8,504,000 after acquiring an additional 16,106 shares in the last quarter. Natixis increased its position in Devon Energy by 101.4% during the 2nd quarter. Natixis now owns 73,902 shares of the energy companys stock worth $2,351,000 after purchasing an additional 37,211 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC raised its stake in Devon Energy by 70.0% in the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 336,861 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $11,810,000 after purchasing an additional 138,717 shares during the last quarter. Stephens Inc. AR lifted its holdings in Devon Energy by 90.4% in the 2nd quarter. Stephens Inc. AR now owns 72,546 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $2,308,000 after purchasing an additional 34,448 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Scott & Selber Inc. purchased a new position in Devon Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at about $2,455,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.72% of the companys stock. Get Devon Energy alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of Devon Energy from $33.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Tuesday. Scotiabank lowered shares of Devon Energy from a sector outperform rating to a sector perform rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $47.00 to $41.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Mizuho boosted their price target on Devon Energy from $40.00 to $43.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Siebert Williams Shank reduced their price target on Devon Energy from $52.00 to $46.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on Devon Energy from $43.00 to $37.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have issued a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $44.31. Devon Energy Trading Up 1.7% DVN stock opened at $38.63 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48. The company has a market cap of $24.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.09, a PEG ratio of 3.44 and a beta of 0.60. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $36.57 and a 200-day simple moving average of $34.81. Devon Energy Corporation has a 52 week low of $25.89 and a 52 week high of $39.19. Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The energy company reported $1.04 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.93 by $0.11. Devon Energy had a return on equity of 18.14% and a net margin of 15.56%.The firm had revenue of $0.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.10 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.10 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that Devon Energy Corporation will post 4.85 EPS for the current year. Devon Energy Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were paid a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 15th. Devon Energys payout ratio is currently 22.59%. Key Headlines Impacting Devon Energy Here are the key news stories impacting Devon Energy this week: Devon Energy Company Profile (Free Report) Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE: DVN) is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The company focuses on the exploration, development, production and marketing of hydrocarbons, including crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and natural gas. Devon operates as an upstream energy company that acquires, evaluates and develops onshore resource plays using a combination of drilling, completion and production optimization techniques. Core business activities include identifying and developing energy reserves, operating well programs and managing reservoir performance to generate production and cash flow. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DVN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Devon Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Devon Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DSV (OTCMKTS:DSDVY Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $139.07 and last traded at $138.95, with a volume of 5497 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $135.87. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts recently weighed in on DSDVY shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of DSV in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Zacks Research upgraded DSV from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of DSV in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get DSV alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on DSDVY DSV Price Performance The company has a current ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $124.04 and its 200 day simple moving average is $115.10. The company has a market capitalization of $66.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 47.04, a P/E/G ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 1.32. DSV (OTCMKTS:DSDVY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $1.24 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.08 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $11.19 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.38 billion. DSV had a net margin of 4.23% and a return on equity of 10.92%. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that DSV will post 3.97 EPS for the current year. About DSV (Get Free Report) DSV A/S (OTCMKTS:DSDVY) is a Danish global transport and logistics company that provides end-to-end supply chain solutions to businesses across a wide range of industries. The firms core services include road transport, air freight, ocean freight, freight forwarding, contract logistics and warehousing, together with customs clearance, distribution and valueadded services designed to support complex international supply chains. Founded in the mid-1970s in Denmark, DSV has grown through a mix of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, notably strengthening its global freight and forwarding capabilities through transactions such as the acquisitions of UTi Worldwide and Panalpina. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for DSV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DSV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DuPont de Nemours (NYSE:DD Free Report) had its target price raised by Royal Bank Of Canada from $48.00 to $51.00 in a report released on Wednesday morning,MarketScreener reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the basic materials companys stock. DD has been the topic of a number of other reports. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of DuPont de Nemours from $100.00 to $50.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Morgan Stanley reduced their target price on DuPont de Nemours from $80.00 to $44.00 in a report on Monday, November 10th. UBS Group boosted their price target on DuPont de Nemours from $46.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Mizuho raised their price objective on DuPont de Nemours from $44.00 to $46.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of DuPont de Nemours in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $45.99. Get DuPont de Nemours alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on DD DuPont de Nemours Stock Performance DD opened at $44.15 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 1.63 and a current ratio of 2.00. DuPont de Nemours has a 52-week low of $22.50 and a 52-week high of $44.96. The firm has a market cap of $18.50 billion, a P/E ratio of -24.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.25 and a beta of 1.08. The businesss fifty day moving average is $41.03 and its 200-day moving average is $35.63. DuPont de Nemours (NYSE:DD Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The basic materials company reported $1.09 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.04 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $3.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.12 billion. DuPont de Nemours had a negative net margin of 6.17% and a positive return on equity of 7.81%. DuPont de Nemourss revenue was down 2.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.18 earnings per share. DuPont de Nemours has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.430-0.430 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that DuPont de Nemours will post 4.38 EPS for the current fiscal year. DuPont de Nemours declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase plan on Thursday, November 6th that allows the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the basic materials company to buy up to 12.2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are generally an indication that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued. DuPont de Nemours Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 28th were paid a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 28th. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. DuPont de Nemourss dividend payout ratio is currently -43.48%. Insider Buying and Selling In other DuPont de Nemours news, CEO Lori Koch sold 9,011 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $39.46, for a total transaction of $355,574.06. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 288,326 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,377,343.96. The trade was a 3.03% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP Erik T. Hoover sold 6,005 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $39.79, for a total transaction of $238,938.95. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 112,101 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,460,498.79. The trade was a 5.08% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders own 0.61% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On DuPont de Nemours Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of DuPont de Nemours by 6.7% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 50,867,267 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $3,962,560,000 after acquiring an additional 3,203,044 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its holdings in DuPont de Nemours by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 18,363,975 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,259,585,000 after purchasing an additional 842,852 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of DuPont de Nemours by 4.8% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 10,782,760 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $736,487,000 after purchasing an additional 496,691 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. lifted its position in shares of DuPont de Nemours by 28.2% in the 3rd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 8,828,110 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $687,710,000 after purchasing an additional 1,942,589 shares during the period. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its stake in shares of DuPont de Nemours by 1.4% in the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 7,096,122 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $552,788,000 after purchasing an additional 98,590 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 73.96% of the companys stock. DuPont de Nemours Company Profile (Get Free Report) DuPont de Nemours (NYSE: DD) is a global science and engineering company that develops and supplies specialty materials, chemicals and industrial biosciences for a wide range of markets. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company traces its origins to 1802 and has evolved through more than two centuries of innovation. In recent history DuPont participated in a major combination with Dow Chemical and subsequent reorganization that refocused the company on differentiated, specialty businesses built around science-based solutions. DuPonts operations center on advanced materials and technologies used by manufacturers and OEMs in industries such as transportation, electronics, construction, industrial manufacturing and worker safety. See Also Receive News & Ratings for DuPont de Nemours Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DuPont de Nemours and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edge Financial Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report) by 237.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 19,603 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 13,792 shares during the quarter. Edge Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares Gold Trust were worth $1,427,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Citigroup Inc. increased its position in iShares Gold Trust by 809.1% during the 2nd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 5,108,818 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $318,586,000 after buying an additional 4,546,835 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 67.5% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 10,919,614 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $680,947,000 after purchasing an additional 4,398,605 shares during the period. Prudential Financial Inc. increased its stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 2,152.7% in the second quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 3,494,106 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $217,892,000 after purchasing an additional 3,339,000 shares in the last quarter. Packer & Co Ltd bought a new stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust during the 3rd quarter valued at $156,463,000. Finally, PFG Advisors lifted its stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 4,797.3% during the 2nd quarter. PFG Advisors now owns 1,432,369 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $89,323,000 after buying an additional 1,403,121 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 59.67% of the companys stock. Get iShares Gold Trust alerts: Key Headlines Impacting iShares Gold Trust Here are the key news stories impacting iShares Gold Trust this week: iShares Gold Trust Stock Performance iShares Gold Trust Profile Shares of iShares Gold Trust stock opened at $93.79 on Friday. iShares Gold Trust has a fifty-two week low of $51.52 and a fifty-two week high of $93.95. The company has a market capitalization of $79.13 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.53 and a beta of 0.09. The company has a fifty day moving average of $82.31 and a 200 day moving average of $73.79. (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 Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IAU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Gold Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Gold Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. decreased its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 63.6% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 6,202 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,824 shares during the period. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $4,794,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Mn Services Vermogensbeheer B.V. increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.4% in the 3rd quarter. Mn Services Vermogensbeheer B.V. now owns 305,688 shares of the companys stock valued at $233,240,000 after acquiring an additional 4,300 shares during the period. Coordinated Financial Services Inc. grew its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 82.8% in the 3rd quarter. Coordinated Financial Services Inc. now owns 532 shares of the companys stock valued at $406,000 after purchasing an additional 241 shares during the last quarter. Dash Acquisitions Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 207.0% in the third quarter. Dash Acquisitions Inc. now owns 1,489 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,211,000 after purchasing an additional 1,004 shares during the period. Birch Financial Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 18.9% during the third quarter. Birch Financial Group LLC now owns 1,425 shares of the companys stock worth $1,087,000 after purchasing an additional 227 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UniSuper Management Pty Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 13.8% during the third quarter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd now owns 164,787 shares of the companys stock worth $125,732,000 after purchasing an additional 19,987 shares during the period. 82.53% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Stock Down 2.1% Eli Lilly and Company stock opened at $1,065.05 on Friday. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $623.78 and a fifty-two week high of $1,133.95. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.01 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 52.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 0.35. The stocks fifty day moving average is $1,057.19 and its two-hundred day moving average is $880.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a current ratio of 1.55. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.42 by $0.60. The business 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%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 53.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.18 EPS. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. Analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be paid a dividend of $1.73 per share. This is a positive change 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 dividend yield of 0.6%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is 29.35%. More Eli Lilly and Company News Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In LLY has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Guggenheim cut their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,163.00 to $1,161.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. HSBC reissued a hold rating and set a $1,070.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Erste Group Bank raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,171.00 to $1,290.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,050.00 to $1,150.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $1,174.61. Read Our Latest Analysis on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) is a global pharmaceutical company founded in 1876 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and therapies for patients worldwide. Eli Lilly maintains operations and commercial presence across North America, Europe, Asia and other regions, serving both developed and emerging markets. The company has been led in recent years by President and Chief Executive Officer David A. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. News / National by Staff reporter Two South African nationals who robbed a Bulawayo fuel service station of more than US$4 000 at gunpoint have been sentenced to a combined 16 years' imprisonment.Nonjabulo Wisdom Nyoni (30) and Chrisvision Ncube, both from Johannesburg, were convicted of armed robbery and each sentenced to eight years in prison when they appeared before Bulawayo regional magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube.The court suspended two years of each sentence for five years on condition that the accused do not commit a similar offence during that period. A further two years were suspended on condition that they pay restitution amounting to US$3 058 and R550 by August 31. This leaves each with an effective four-year jail term.The firearm used in the commission of the offence was forfeited to the State.In passing sentence, the magistrate dismissed the accused persons' alibi defence, ruling that the evidence against them was overwhelming."Looking at the sequence of events and the time, it is clear that the complainants were not mistaken. The testimony of an independent witness who identified the jackets belonging to you cannot be disputed," said Mr Ncube."You both failed to call your witnesses, and a forensic analyst positively identified you from the CCTV footage."Prosecutor Mr Sehliselo Khumalo submitted that the offence was well planned and involved the use of a firearm, warranting a deterrent custodial sentence."Cases of armed robbery are rampant, and this offence was committed during the day, showing that the accused are a danger to society," he said."The Government is making efforts to lure investors, but such actions scare investors away. Although they are first offenders, they started at the deep end."The court heard that on October 4 last year, Nyoni, Ncube and an accomplice identified only as Mduduzi, who is still at large, raided Redan Fuel Service Station at the corner of Plumtree Road and Gladstone Road in Bellevue, Bulawayo.The trio arrived in a Honda Fit and confronted the station supervisor. One of the accused grabbed him by the neck while pointing a firearm at his head and demanded money. Fearing for his life, the supervisor threw a satchel containing cash onto the ground as instructed.The assailants then ordered him to lie down before fleeing with US$4 405 and R1 350, threatening to shoot him.Police were alerted and detectives from the Homicide Section launched investigations that led to the arrest of Nyoni and Ncube. During the operation, officers recovered a pistol, US$1 322 and R770.Investigations to locate and arrest the third suspect are ongoing. GAP (NYSE:GAP Get Free Report) was upgraded by research analysts at Argus to a strong-buy rating in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday,Zacks.com reports. A number of other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. UBS Group upgraded GAP from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the stock from $26.00 to $41.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Evercore ISI upped their price objective on shares of GAP from $25.00 to $28.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Barclays restated an overweight rating on shares of GAP in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Telsey Advisory Group upgraded GAP from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $26.00 to $32.00 in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of GAP in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $30.15. Get GAP alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on GAP GAP Stock Performance NYSE GAP opened at $27.10 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.72, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. The company has a market capitalization of $10.08 billion, a PE ratio of 12.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.02 and a beta of 2.31. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $26.44 and its 200 day moving average price is $23.45. GAP has a twelve month low of $16.99 and a twelve month high of $29.29. GAP (NYSE:GAP Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The company reported $0.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.58 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $3.94 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.90 billion. GAP had a net margin of 5.57% and a return on equity of 24.91%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.72 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that GAP will post 2.02 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity at GAP In other GAP news, Director Elisabeth B. Donohue sold 3,000 shares of GAP stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.11, for a total value of $81,330.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 1,000 shares in the company, valued at $27,110. The trade was a 75.00% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, insider Julie Gruber sold 30,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $28.00, for a total value of $840,000.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 37,395 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,047,060. This trade represents a 44.51% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 1,349,044 shares of company stock valued at $36,857,065 in the last ninety days. 30.56% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On GAP Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of GAP. LSV Asset Management increased its position in GAP by 101.0% in the 2nd quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 3,184,477 shares of the companys stock valued at $69,453,000 after acquiring an additional 1,600,041 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers increased its holdings in shares of GAP by 2.5% during the second quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 607,470 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,249,000 after purchasing an additional 15,053 shares during the period. CX Institutional bought a new stake in shares of GAP during the third quarter valued at about $6,053,000. 111 Capital acquired a new stake in GAP in the second quarter worth about $353,000. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its position in GAP by 5.3% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 2,899,563 shares of the companys stock valued at $63,239,000 after buying an additional 145,427 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.81% of the companys stock. About GAP (Get Free Report) Gap Inc is a global specialty retailer renowned for its portfolio of apparel and accessories brands, including Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Athleta. The company designs, sources and markets clothing across a broad price range and style spectrum, catering to men, women and children. Its offerings extend from everyday wardrobe essentials such as denim, tees and outerwear to performance and lifestyle pieces, reflecting each brands distinct identity and price point. Founded in San Francisco in 1969 by Donald and Doris Fisher, Gap Inc has grown into one of the worlds largest apparel companies. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for GAP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GAP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. General Motors (NYSE:GM Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) had its target price lifted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $85.00 to $100.00 in a research note published on Wednesday morning,Benzinga reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has an overweight rating on the auto manufacturers stock. GM has been the subject of a number of other reports. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their target price on General Motors from $77.00 to $86.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on shares of General Motors from $50.00 to $55.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Tigress Financial lifted their price objective on shares of General Motors from $88.00 to $92.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of General Motors from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of General Motors from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $54.00 to $90.00 in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have given a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, General Motors presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $80.00. Get General Motors alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on General Motors General Motors Stock Performance NYSE:GM opened at $79.65 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a current ratio of 1.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $74.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.03, a PEG ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $78.57 and a 200 day moving average price of $65.77. General Motors has a fifty-two week low of $41.60 and a fifty-two week high of $85.18. General Motors (NYSE:GM Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The auto manufacturer reported $2.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.32 by $0.48. General Motors had a return on equity of 12.29% and a net margin of 1.62%.The company had revenue of $48.59 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $44.60 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $2.96 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down .3% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts forecast that General Motors will post 11.44 EPS for the current year. Insider Transactions at General Motors In related news, CAO Christopher Hatto sold 15,697 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.00, for a total value of $1,098,790.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 12,007 shares in the company, valued at $840,490. The trade was a 56.66% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.54% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in General Motors by 11.5% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 110,759,703 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $5,450,485,000 after buying an additional 11,418,367 shares during the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. lifted its stake in shares of General Motors by 3.3% in the 3rd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 31,322,758 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $1,909,748,000 after acquiring an additional 989,189 shares during the period. Capital World Investors boosted its holdings in shares of General Motors by 8.2% in the third quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 18,130,519 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $1,105,420,000 after acquiring an additional 1,366,467 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of General Motors by 5.5% in the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 14,252,689 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $868,986,000 after acquiring an additional 748,831 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Viking Global Investors LP increased its stake in shares of General Motors by 81.1% during the second quarter. Viking Global Investors LP now owns 13,018,874 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $640,659,000 after acquiring an additional 5,830,050 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.67% of the companys stock. Key Headlines Impacting General Motors Here are the key news stories impacting General Motors this week: General Motors Company Profile (Get Free Report) General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) is a global automotive manufacturer headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, that designs, builds and sells cars, trucks, crossovers and electric vehicles, and provides related parts and services. Founded in 1908, GM has long been one of the worlds largest automakers and has evolved into a multi-brand company whose primary marques include Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac and Buick. Beyond vehicle manufacturing, GMs operations encompass vehicle financing, connected services and advanced mobility initiatives. GM develops and markets a broad portfolio of products and technologies, including internal-combustion and battery-electric vehicles, vehicle components and on-board connectivity services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for General Motors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Motors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in United Rentals, Inc. (NYSE:URI Free Report) by 4.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 18,129 shares of the construction companys stock after purchasing an additional 767 shares during the quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in United Rentals were worth $17,307,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of URI. Woodline Partners LP boosted its position in shares of United Rentals by 40.0% during the 1st quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 5,518 shares of the construction companys stock worth $3,458,000 after purchasing an additional 1,577 shares in the last quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its holdings in United Rentals by 2.8% in the second quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 3,956 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,980,000 after acquiring an additional 106 shares in the last quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of United Rentals by 20.1% during the second quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 1,565 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,179,000 after acquiring an additional 262 shares in the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio raised its position in shares of United Rentals by 33.4% during the second quarter. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio now owns 29,514 shares of the construction companys stock worth $22,236,000 after purchasing an additional 7,394 shares during the period. Finally, Mather Group LLC. lifted its holdings in shares of United Rentals by 9.6% in the 2nd quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 1,180 shares of the construction companys stock worth $889,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.26% of the companys stock. Get United Rentals alerts: United Rentals Price Performance URI opened at $917.28 on Friday. United Rentals, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $525.91 and a fifty-two week high of $1,021.47. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $843.26 and a 200 day moving average of $885.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 0.90. The firm has a market cap of $58.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.59, a PEG ratio of 1.99 and a beta of 1.69. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades United Rentals ( NYSE:URI Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The construction company reported $11.70 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $12.43 by ($0.73). United Rentals had a net margin of 15.83% and a return on equity of 31.30%. The company had revenue of $4.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.16 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $11.80 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that United Rentals, Inc. will post 44.8 EPS for the current year. A number of research analysts have weighed in on the stock. KeyCorp reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of United Rentals in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of United Rentals in a report on Wednesday. Robert W. Baird raised United Rentals from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and lifted their target price for the company from $888.00 to $1,050.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on United Rentals from $995.00 to $1,071.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday. Finally, Citigroup increased their target price on shares of United Rentals from $950.00 to $1,090.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $970.76. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on United Rentals About United Rentals (Free Report) United Rentals, Inc (NYSE: URI) is a leading equipment rental company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. The firm provides rental solutions and related services to construction, industrial, commercial, and municipal customers. Its business model centers on providing access to a broad fleet of equipment on a short-term or long-term basis, enabling customers to avoid the capital expenditure of ownership and to scale equipment use to match project needs. The companys product and service offerings span general construction equipment and a range of specialty categories, including aerial work platforms, earthmoving and excavation machines, material handling equipment, pumps, power and HVAC systems, trench and shoring solutions, and tools. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding URI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for United Rentals, Inc. (NYSE:URI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for United Rentals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United Rentals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. raised its position in shares of General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD Free Report) by 606.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 10,822 shares of the aerospace companys stock after acquiring an additional 9,290 shares during the period. iA Global Asset Management Inc.s holdings in General Dynamics were worth $3,690,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. State Street Corp grew its stake in shares of General Dynamics by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 11,140,437 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $3,249,220,000 after buying an additional 119,664 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of General Dynamics by 25.2% in the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 3,439,720 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,003,444,000 after acquiring an additional 691,340 shares during the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. grew its position in General Dynamics by 0.4% in the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 2,385,573 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $695,776,000 after acquiring an additional 9,283 shares in the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. increased its stake in General Dynamics by 2.5% during the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 1,712,190 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $499,377,000 after acquiring an additional 41,349 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its position in General Dynamics by 1.0% during the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,598,847 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $466,320,000 after purchasing an additional 16,459 shares during the period. 86.14% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get General Dynamics alerts: General Dynamics Trading Down 0.6% GD stock opened at $363.60 on Friday. General Dynamics Corporation has a 12 month low of $239.20 and a 12 month high of $369.70. The firms 50-day moving average is $346.14 and its 200 day moving average is $332.80. The company has a market capitalization of $98.22 billion, a PE ratio of 23.56, a P/E/G ratio of 1.81 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. General Dynamics Announces Dividend General Dynamics ( NYSE:GD Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The aerospace company reported $3.88 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.69 by $0.19. General Dynamics had a net margin of 8.18% and a return on equity of 18.27%. The business had revenue of $12.91 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.49 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.35 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 10.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that General Dynamics Corporation will post 14.83 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 6th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 16th will be issued a dividend of $1.50 per share. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 16th. General Dynamicss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 38.89%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other General Dynamics news, VP David Paddock sold 20,360 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $334.92, for a total value of $6,818,971.20. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 36,644 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,272,808.48. This represents a 35.72% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 1.50% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have recently weighed in on GD. Citigroup boosted their target price on General Dynamics from $371.00 to $389.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Robert W. Baird set a $390.00 price objective on shares of General Dynamics in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Sanford C. Bernstein restated a market perform rating and issued a $398.00 target price on shares of General Dynamics in a report on Monday, January 12th. Vertical Research upgraded shares of General Dynamics from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $400.00 price target on the stock in a report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Susquehanna reissued a positive rating and issued a $420.00 price objective on shares of General Dynamics in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, General Dynamics has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $366.70. Get Our Latest Stock Report on General Dynamics About General Dynamics (Free Report) General Dynamics is a major American aerospace and defense contractor that designs, manufactures and supports a broad range of products and services for government and commercial customers worldwide. Headquartered in the United States (Reston, Virginia), the company supplies platforms and systems used by armed forces, civil authorities and private operators across multiple domains including air, land, sea and cyber. Its principal activities span several operating businesses: a business aviation unit that develops and supports Gulfstream business jets; land systems that produce armored combat vehicles and related logistics and sustainment services; marine systems that design and construct submarines and surface ships for navies; and mission systems and information technology operations that provide command-and-control, communications, cybersecurity and systems-integration services. Read More 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. iA Global Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 22,263 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $3,849,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. OFI Invest Asset Management boosted its position in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 37,575.7% in the third quarter. OFI Invest Asset Management now owns 271,265 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $46,896,000 after buying an additional 270,545 shares during the period. World Investment Advisors lifted its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 412.7% in the 3rd quarter. World Investment Advisors now owns 11,003 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,902,000 after acquiring an additional 8,857 shares in the last quarter. Cim Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in Digital Realty Trust by 99.6% during the 2nd quarter. Cim Investment Management Inc. now owns 22,734 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,997,000 after acquiring an additional 11,345 shares during the period. CUSHING ASSET MANAGEMENT LP dba NXG INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT grew its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 100.0% during the 3rd quarter. CUSHING ASSET MANAGEMENT LP dba NXG INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT now owns 34,000 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $5,878,000 after acquiring an additional 17,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board increased its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 7,356,429 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,282,446,000 after purchasing an additional 211,692 shares during the period. 99.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Digital Realty Trust Price Performance NYSE DLR opened at $159.27 on Friday. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $129.95 and a fifty-two week high of $184.65. The stocks 50-day moving average is $157.21 and its two-hundred day moving average is $166.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 2.02 and a quick ratio of 2.02. The firm has a market cap of $54.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 41.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.69 and a beta of 1.11. Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement Digital Realty Trust ( NYSE:DLR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $1.58 billion during the quarter. Digital Realty Trust had a return on equity of 6.41% and a net margin of 23.67%. On average, analysts anticipate that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will post 7.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were paid a $1.22 dividend. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. Digital Realty Trusts payout ratio is presently 126.10%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently commented on DLR shares. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Digital Realty Trust from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Scotiabank cut their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $206.00 to $189.00 and set a sector outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Morgan Stanley started coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $195.00 price target on the stock. Wolfe Research raised Digital Realty Trust from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $194.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Digital Realty Trust from $200.00 to $210.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have given a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $193.22. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Digital Realty Trust Insider Activity In related news, Director Mary Hogan Preusse sold 4,166 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $157.42, for a total transaction of $655,811.72. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Digital Realty Trust Company Profile (Free Report) Digital Realty Trust, Inc (NYSE: DLR) is a real estate investment trust that owns, acquires and operates carrier-neutral data centers and provides related colocation and interconnection solutions. The company focuses on large-scale, mission-critical facilities that support the physical infrastructure needs of cloud providers, enterprises, network operators and content companies. Digital Realtys offerings are designed to enable secure, reliable and highly available IT infrastructure with an emphasis on power density, cooling, and physical security. Digital Realtys product set spans wholesale data center space, turnkey build-to-suit facilities, and retail colocation suites, complemented by interconnection services that allow customers to establish private and public connections to networks, cloud on-ramps and other ecosystem partners. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DLR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Health Care ETF (NYSEARCA:RSPH Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as $33.50 and last traded at $33.5240, with a volume of 13614 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $33.26. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Health Care ETF Price Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $779.70 million, a P/E ratio of 21.06 and a beta of 0.84. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $32.16 and its 200-day simple moving average is $30.40. Get Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Health Care ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Health Care ETF A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in RSPH. HighTower Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Health Care ETF by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 2,267,935 shares of the companys stock valued at $66,655,000 after purchasing an additional 21,832 shares during the period. Walled Lake Planning & Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Health Care ETF by 1.5% during the 3rd quarter. Walled Lake Planning & Wealth Management LLC now owns 413,772 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,161,000 after buying an additional 6,046 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Health Care ETF by 99.0% during the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 327,886 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,568,000 after buying an additional 163,110 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can increased its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Health Care ETF by 0.5% during the second quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 176,582 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,153,000 after buying an additional 828 shares during the period. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Health Care ETF by 4.3% in the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 137,564 shares of the companys stock worth $4,014,000 after buying an additional 5,632 shares in the last quarter. About Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Health Care ETF The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Health Care ETF (RSPH) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in health care equity. The fund tracks an equal-weighted index of US health care companies taken from the S&P 500 Index. RSPH was launched on Nov 1, 2006 and is managed by Invesco. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Health Care 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 Health Care ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. FPC Investment Advisory Inc. reduced its holdings in shares of iShares Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEV Free Report) by 12.0% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 88,113 shares of the companys stock after selling 11,971 shares during the period. iShares Europe ETF accounts for about 3.5% of FPC Investment Advisory Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 9th biggest holding. FPC Investment Advisory Inc.s holdings in iShares Europe ETF were worth $5,770,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Flow Traders U.S. LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Europe ETF in the second quarter valued at $59,097,000. Barings LLC grew its stake in iShares Europe ETF by 6.0% during the 2nd quarter. Barings LLC now owns 723,437 shares of the companys stock worth $45,757,000 after purchasing an additional 41,244 shares in the last quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC grew its stake in iShares Europe ETF by 30.6% during the 2nd quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 401,731 shares of the companys stock worth $25,409,000 after purchasing an additional 94,166 shares in the last quarter. Jane Street Group LLC grew its stake in iShares Europe ETF by 121.3% during the 2nd quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 358,224 shares of the companys stock worth $22,658,000 after purchasing an additional 196,368 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in iShares Europe ETF by 63.6% during the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 283,126 shares of the companys stock worth $17,908,000 after purchasing an additional 110,024 shares during the period. Get iShares Europe ETF alerts: iShares Europe ETF Price Performance IEV stock opened at $71.11 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $68.28 and its two-hundred day moving average is $66.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.48 and a beta of 0.91. iShares Europe ETF has a 1 year low of $51.30 and a 1 year high of $71.14. iShares Europe ETF Company Profile iShares Europe ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P Europe 350 Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P Europe 350 (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the stocks of companies in the countries, which includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IEV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Europe ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Europe ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited (LON:JAR Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Saturday . The company traded as high as GBX 74.77 and last traded at GBX 74.77, with a volume of 200 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 62.50. Jardine Matheson Price Performance The business has a fifty day moving average of GBX 66.53 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 62.58. The firm has a market cap of 221.09 million, a P/E ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 0.40. The company has a quick ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 71.64. Jardine Matheson Company Profile (Get Free Report) Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates in motor vehicles and related operations, property investment and development, food retailing, health and beauty, home furnishings, engineering and construction, and transportation businesses in China, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It also involved in the restaurants and hotels, financial services, heavy equipment, mining, and agribusinesses. The company offers aviation and transport services; and engineering, sourcing, and contracting services, as well as invests in, develops, and manages residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Jardine Matheson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jardine Matheson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jennison Associates LLC increased its stake in shares of Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC Free Report) by 203.1% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 3,918,994 shares of the insurance providers stock after purchasing an additional 2,625,847 shares during the period. Jennison Associates LLCs holdings in Truist Financial were worth $179,176,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Truist Financial by 15.8% during the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. now owns 95,827 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $4,381,000 after purchasing an additional 13,081 shares during the last quarter. Myriad Asset Management US LP bought a new position in Truist Financial during the third quarter valued at approximately $417,000. Oak Hill Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Truist Financial by 4.7% during the 3rd quarter. Oak Hill Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 14,494 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $663,000 after buying an additional 650 shares in the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its stake in Truist Financial by 5.3% in the 3rd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 11,623 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $531,000 after acquiring an additional 584 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Facet Wealth Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Truist Financial during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $201,000. 71.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Truist Financial alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In TFC has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $58.00 target price on shares of Truist Financial in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Truist Financial in a report on Monday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Truist Financial from $55.00 to $56.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Argus lifted their price target on Truist Financial from $54.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday. Finally, Robert W. Baird cut Truist Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $54.20. Insider Activity In related news, Director K. David Jr. Boyer sold 5,160 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.45, for a total value of $239,682.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 10,153 shares of the companys stock, valued at $471,606.85. This represents a 33.70% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock. Truist Financial Trading Down 1.5% TFC opened at $49.57 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 0.87. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $48.75 and its 200-day moving average price is $46.17. Truist Financial Corporation has a one year low of $33.56 and a one year high of $51.51. The stock has a market cap of $63.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.01, a P/E/G ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 0.89. Truist Financial (NYSE:TFC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 21st. The insurance provider reported $1.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.09 by ($0.09). Truist Financial had a net margin of 17.09% and a return on equity of 9.03%. The business had revenue of $5.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.32 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.91 EPS. Truist Financials revenue was up 3.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts forecast that Truist Financial Corporation will post 4 EPS for the current year. Truist Financial Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th were given a $0.52 dividend. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. Truist Financials payout ratio is 55.91%. Truist Financial declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock buyback plan on Tuesday, December 16th that allows the company to buyback $10.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the insurance provider to purchase up to 15.7% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are usually an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Truist Financial Profile (Free Report) Truist Financial Corporation is an American bank holding company that provides a broad range of financial services through its primary subsidiary, Truist Bank, and other operating units. The company offers traditional retail banking products and services such as deposit accounts, consumer and residential mortgage lending, and credit and debit card services. Truist also serves commercial clients with middle-market and corporate lending, treasury and payment solutions, and specialty finance products. Beyond core banking, Truist operates wealth management, asset management, insurance and capital markets businesses. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Truist Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Truist Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jennison Associates LLC trimmed its position in shares of Axis Capital Holdings Limited (NYSE:AXS Free Report) by 8.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,334,450 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 115,686 shares during the period. Jennison Associates LLCs holdings in Axis Capital were worth $127,840,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of AXS. Covestor Ltd grew its stake in Axis Capital by 19.9% in the third quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,080 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $104,000 after purchasing an additional 179 shares during the last quarter. Olympiad Research LP increased its position in shares of Axis Capital by 25.6% in the third quarter. Olympiad Research LP now owns 2,906 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $278,000 after buying an additional 592 shares in the last quarter. VELA Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Axis Capital by 12.4% in the third quarter. VELA Investment Management LLC now owns 49,970 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $4,787,000 after acquiring an additional 5,512 shares during the last quarter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH lifted its stake in Axis Capital by 65.6% in the 3rd quarter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH now owns 90,005 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $8,622,000 after purchasing an additional 35,641 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Axis Capital by 4.7% in the third quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC now owns 6,352 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $566,000 after purchasing an additional 285 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 93.44% of the companys stock. Get Axis Capital alerts: Axis Capital Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:AXS opened at $101.99 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $7.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.43, a PEG ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 0.65. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $103.25 and its 200 day simple moving average is $98.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a current ratio of 0.67. Axis Capital Holdings Limited has a one year low of $84.81 and a one year high of $110.34. Axis Capital Dividend Announcement Axis Capital ( NYSE:AXS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The insurance provider reported $3.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.72 by $0.53. Axis Capital had a net margin of 16.08% and a return on equity of 18.99%. The firm had revenue of $1.67 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.33 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.71 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Axis Capital Holdings Limited will post 11.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were issued a dividend of $0.44 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $1.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.7%. Axis Capitals payout ratio is currently 14.55%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have recently commented on AXS shares. Royal Bank Of Canada started coverage on Axis Capital in a research report on Monday, November 24th. They set an outperform rating and a $125.00 price target for the company. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Axis Capital from $119.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Weiss Ratings downgraded shares of Axis Capital from a buy (a-) rating to a buy (b) rating in a report on Thursday. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Axis Capital from $118.00 to $124.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and set a $110.00 price objective on shares of Axis Capital in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold 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 $121.89. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on AXS About Axis Capital (Free Report) AXIS Capital Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides various specialty insurance and reinsurance products in Bermuda, the United States, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Insurance and Reinsurance. The Insurance segment offers professional insurance products that cover directors' and officers' liability, errors and omissions, employment practices, fiduciary, crime, professional indemnity, medical malpractice, and other financial insurance related coverages for commercial enterprises, financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations, and other professional service providers; and property insurance products for commercial buildings, residential premises, construction projects, property in transit, onshore renewable energy installations, and physical damage and business interruption following an act of terrorism. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AXS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Axis Capital Holdings Limited (NYSE:AXS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Axis Capital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Axis Capital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. News / National by Staff reporter Chief Chikwanda could set an unprecedented record if he succeeds in collecting all the cattle reportedly demanded from farmers and villagers ahead of his installation, following controversy over contributions requested from communities under his jurisdiction.A letter dated January 9 and signed by Headman Makamure's secretary, Francis Ngoma, directed all farmers under Chief Chikwandabelieved to number more than 200to contribute towards the chief's installation. The letter listed the required donations as five chicks, one head of cattle for beef, and meal-meal for food.Ngoma confirmed that he authored the letter and said farmers were complying, with some paying in cash or in kind."We are very happy with the cooperation from the farmers in preparation for the installation of our Chief this January," Ngoma said."Those who do not cooperate, the Chief will decide what to do with them since ivhu riri ravo ndivo vachavona kuti vodii navo, but we don't expect anything like that."He added that such contributions were standard practice during the installation of a chief, as all subjects were expected to assist.Sources close to the chieftainship said Chief Chikwanda is scheduled to be installed on January 29.However, Masvingo District Development Coordinator Joyce Chikugu condemned the demands, saying the actions of the headman or his secretary were unlawful."That is unlawful and I have spoken to Chief Chikwanda, who said he was not aware of the letter. It was done by some people without his knowledge, and those who paid against their will should be refunded," Chikugu said.Chief Chikwanda-elect, born Silas Chikwanda, also distanced himself from the controversy, telling The Midweek Watch that he had no intention of forcing his subjects to contribute towards his installation.Headman Makamure acknowledged the existence of the letter but said it was mistakenly worded."The letter was erroneously written. It was not supposed to make contributions mandatory, but voluntary. We will make the necessary corrections," he said.Despite these assurances, several village heads said they were being coerced to pay US$200 each towards the installation by their respective headmen, a demand they said had caused resentment as many could not afford the amount.Lawyer Omen Mafa described the demands as illegal."There is no law in this country that compels farmers or villagers to donate towards the installation of a chief," he said.A commentator from Great Zimbabwe University said the incident reflected a broader pattern of abuse of power by traditional leaders, whom she said had become "untouchable" under the Second Republic."There is a lot of abuse of power by traditional leaders across the country. Some openly engage in partisan politics despite the Constitution requiring them to be apolitical, yet they face no consequences," she said, speaking on condition of anonymity."Traditional leaders should be respected, but they are not above the law." Jennison Associates LLC lifted its position in International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM Free Report) by 199.0% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 597,242 shares of the technology companys stock after buying an additional 397,494 shares during the quarter. Jennison Associates LLCs holdings in International Business Machines were worth $168,518,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of IBM. Hunter Associates Investment Management LLC lifted its position in shares of International Business Machines by 26.5% during the third quarter. Hunter Associates Investment Management LLC now owns 16,465 shares of the technology companys stock worth $4,640,000 after purchasing an additional 3,450 shares in the last quarter. Westfuller Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in International Business Machines during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $200,000. Lockheed Martin Investment Management Co. grew its stake in shares of International Business Machines by 25.6% in the third quarter. Lockheed Martin Investment Management Co. now owns 38,300 shares of the technology companys stock worth $10,807,000 after acquiring an additional 7,800 shares in the last quarter. Flagship Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of International Business Machines by 5.2% during the third quarter. Flagship Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,538 shares of the technology companys stock worth $716,000 after acquiring an additional 126 shares during the period. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust raised its stake in shares of International Business Machines by 7.8% in the third quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 10,890 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $3,073,000 after acquiring an additional 787 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.96% of the companys stock. Get International Business Machines alerts: International Business Machines Trading Down 0.8% IBM opened at $292.43 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.97, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a current ratio of 0.93. International Business Machines Corporation has a one year low of $214.50 and a one year high of $324.90. The company has a market cap of $273.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.98, a PEG ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 0.70. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $302.13 and its 200-day simple moving average is $282.69. Key Headlines Impacting International Business Machines International Business Machines ( NYSE:IBM Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The technology company reported $2.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.45 by $0.20. The firm had revenue of $16.33 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.10 billion. International Business Machines had a return on equity of 37.76% and a net margin of 12.09%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.30 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 EPS for the current fiscal year. Here are the key news stories impacting International Business Machines this week: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts recently commented on IBM shares. UBS Group reissued a sell rating on shares of International Business Machines in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. Wall Street Zen cut International Business Machines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, January 11th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of International Business Machines in a research note on Thursday. Morgan Stanley reduced 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 report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Oppenheimer assumed coverage on shares of International Business Machines in a report on Friday, November 21st. They set an outperform rating and a $360.00 price target for the company. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $306.86. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on IBM About International Business Machines (Free Report) International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is a global technology and consulting company headquartered in Armonk, New York. Founded in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) and renamed IBM in 1924, the company has evolved from early electromechanical machines to a diversified technology provider serving enterprises and governments worldwide. IBM is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IBM. IBMs principal businesses encompass cloud computing and software, infrastructure and systems, consulting and technology services, and research and development. Recommended 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. Jennison Associates LLC boosted its stake in shares of Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE Free Report) by 30.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 2,196,844 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 515,599 shares during the quarter. Jennison Associates LLCs holdings in Sempra Energy were worth $197,672,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. West Wealth Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Sempra Energy by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. West Wealth Group LLC now owns 10,207 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $942,000 after purchasing an additional 112 shares in the last quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Sempra Energy by 24.4% in the second quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 642 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $49,000 after buying an additional 126 shares during the last quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in Sempra Energy by 51.2% in the second quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 375 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 127 shares in the last quarter. Mendel Money Management raised its stake in Sempra Energy by 1.6% in the second quarter. Mendel Money Management now owns 8,476 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $642,000 after buying an additional 130 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Tritonpoint Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in Sempra Energy by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter. Tritonpoint Wealth LLC now owns 5,999 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $458,000 after buying an additional 132 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.65% of the companys stock. Get Sempra Energy alerts: Sempra Energy Trading Up 0.2% Shares of SRE stock opened at $85.92 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $89.60 and its 200 day moving average price is $86.71. The firm has a market capitalization of $56.08 billion, a PE ratio of 26.36, a P/E/G ratio of 2.29 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 1.59 and a quick ratio of 1.56. Sempra Energy has a 1-year low of $61.90 and a 1-year high of $95.72. Sempra Energy Dividend Announcement Sempra Energy ( NYSE:SRE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The utilities provider reported $1.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by $0.27. The company had revenue of $3.15 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.99 billion. Sempra Energy had a net margin of 15.63% and a return on equity of 8.67%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 13.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.89 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Sempra Energy will post 4.76 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 11th were given a dividend of $0.645 per share. This represents a $2.58 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 11th. Sempra Energys payout ratio is presently 79.14%. Insider Transactions at Sempra Energy In related news, CFO Karen L. Sedgwick sold 7,564 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.29, for a total value of $698,081.56. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 41,280 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,809,731.20. This represents a 15.49% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CAO Dyan Z. Wold sold 1,510 shares of Sempra Energy stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $91.38, for a total transaction of $137,983.80. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 3,481 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $318,093.78. The trade was a 30.25% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 19,396 shares of company stock worth $1,785,606 over the last ninety days. 0.27% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have weighed in on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group set a $89.00 price objective on shares of Sempra Energy and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. UBS Group reiterated an outperform rating and set a $100.00 price target on shares of Sempra Energy in a research note on Thursday. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $95.00 price target on shares of Sempra Energy in a research report on Wednesday. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $112.00 price objective (down previously from $115.00) on shares of Sempra Energy in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Barclays reissued an overweight rating and issued a $97.00 target price (down from $98.00) on shares of Sempra Energy in a research report on Thursday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $95.83. Get Our Latest Report on Sempra Energy About Sempra Energy (Free Report) Sempra Energy is a San Diegobased energy infrastructure company that develops, owns and operates businesses delivering electricity and natural gas. Its operations include regulated utility services that provide electric and gas distribution to residential, commercial and industrial customers, as well as nonregulated infrastructure businesses that develop and manage large-scale energy assets. The companys product and service portfolio spans electricity and natural gas delivery, transmission and storage, liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, power generation and electric transmission projects. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SRE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Sempra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sempra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report) had its target price raised by Argus from $210.00 to $240.00 in a research report released on Friday,MarketScreener reports. JNJ has been the subject of a number of other reports. Wolfe Research lifted their price objective on Johnson & Johnson from $225.00 to $240.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Johnson & Johnson from $205.00 to $220.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday. Raymond James Financial increased their price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $174.00 to $209.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $230.00 to $240.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday. Finally, UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Monday, January 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $226.18. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Johnson & Johnson Johnson & Johnson Trading Up 0.8% JNJ stock traded up $1.80 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $220.29. 6,950,408 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 7,719,097. Johnson & Johnson has a 12-month low of $141.50 and a 12-month high of $222.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $530.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.94, a PEG ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 0.34. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $208.35 and a 200-day simple moving average of $188.93. 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 issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 21st. The company reported $2.46 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $2.46. Johnson & Johnson had a net margin of 28.46% and a return on equity of 33.34%. The firm had revenue of $24.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $24.14 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $2.04 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Johnson & Johnson has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.430-11.630 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Johnson & Johnson Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 24th will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 24th. Johnson & Johnsons payout ratio is 47.06%. Institutional Trading of Johnson & Johnson A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of JNJ. Clark Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 51.6% during the 2nd quarter. Clark Asset Management LLC now owns 8,884 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,357,000 after acquiring an additional 3,025 shares during the period. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina increased its stake in Johnson & Johnson by 8.3% in the 2nd quarter. Treasurer of the State of North Carolina now owns 1,234,945 shares of the companys stock valued at $188,638,000 after purchasing an additional 94,957 shares in the last quarter. Talbot Financial LLC raised its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 4.6% during the third quarter. Talbot Financial LLC now owns 138,424 shares of the companys stock worth $25,667,000 after purchasing an additional 6,143 shares during the last quarter. Liberty One Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Johnson & Johnson by 83.9% during the third quarter. Liberty One Investment Management LLC now owns 366,813 shares of the companys stock worth $68,040,000 after purchasing an additional 167,353 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Winnow Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Johnson & Johnson in the second quarter valued at $295,000. 69.55% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Key Headlines Impacting Johnson & Johnson Here are the key news stories impacting Johnson & Johnson this week: Johnson & Johnson Company Profile (Get 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. 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 weigh in compared to its competitors? We will compare Live Oak Bancshares to related businesses based on the strength of its dividends, institutional ownership, profitability, earnings, risk, valuation and analyst recommendations. Profitability This table compares Live Oak Bancshares and its competitors net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Live Oak Bancshares alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Live Oak Bancshares 10.09% 9.91% 0.75% Live Oak Bancshares Competitors 7.90% 7.47% 0.84% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Live Oak Bancshares and its competitors, 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 31 178 219 26 2.53 Insider and Institutional Ownership As a group, State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies have a potential upside of 1.92%. Given Live Oak Bancshares competitors higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Live Oak Bancshares has less favorable growth aspects than its competitors. 64.0% of Live Oak Bancshares shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 72.2% of shares of all State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies are held by institutional investors. 23.4% of Live Oak Bancshares shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 6.7% of shares of all State Commercial Banks Fed Reserve System companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Live Oak Bancshares and its competitors top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Live Oak Bancshares $1.04 billion $77.47 million 17.64 Live Oak Bancshares Competitors $701.49 million $95.99 million 39.41 Live Oak Bancshares has higher revenue, but lower earnings than its competitors. Live Oak Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its competitors, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Dividends Live Oak Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $0.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.3%. Live Oak Bancshares pays out 5.4% 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 60.6% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Volatility & Risk 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 competitors have a beta of 1.01, meaning that their average stock price is 1% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Live Oak Bancshares beats its competitors on 8 of the 15 factors compared. About Live Oak Bancshares (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. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp lifted its holdings in shares of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE Free Report) by 28.5% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 3,335,267 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 740,115 shares during the period. NextEra Energy comprises 0.6% of Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corps investment portfolio, making the stock its 24th biggest holding. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp owned approximately 0.16% of NextEra Energy worth $251,779,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of NEE. Tripletail Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in NextEra Energy in the third quarter valued at $25,000. Activest Wealth Management increased its holdings in NextEra Energy by 79.7% in the second quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 354 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 157 shares in the last quarter. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of NextEra Energy during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Goodman Advisory Group LLC purchased a new position in NextEra Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Finally, Quaker Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in NextEra Energy by 200.0% during the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 386 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 772 shares in the last quarter. 78.72% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get NextEra Energy alerts: NextEra Energy Price Performance Shares of NYSE:NEE opened at $84.84 on Friday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $82.25 and a 200-day simple moving average of $78.57. NextEra Energy, Inc. has a 52 week low of $61.72 and a 52 week high of $87.53. The company has a market cap of $176.69 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.02, a P/E/G ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a quick ratio of 0.45, a current ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30. Insider Activity at NextEra Energy NextEra Energy ( NYSE:NEE Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The utilities provider reported $1.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.04 by $0.09. NextEra Energy had a return on equity of 12.42% and a net margin of 24.72%.The firm had revenue of $7.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.13 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.03 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that NextEra Energy, Inc. will post 3.68 EPS for the current year. In other news, EVP Ronald R. Reagan sold 10,826 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.00, for a total transaction of $920,210.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 15,643 shares in the company, valued at $1,329,655. This represents a 40.90% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Armando Pimentel, Jr. sold 145,140 shares of NextEra Energy stock in a transaction on Monday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.91, for a total value of $12,178,697.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 162,693 shares in the company, valued at $13,651,569.63. The trade was a 47.15% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Corporate insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts recently commented on NEE shares. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and issued a $96.00 price objective (up from $84.00) on shares of NextEra Energy in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of NextEra Energy from $94.00 to $97.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating and set a $104.00 target price on shares of NextEra Energy in a report on Wednesday. New Street Research set a $84.00 price target on NextEra Energy in a report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, UBS Group set a $91.00 price objective on NextEra Energy and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, NextEra Energy currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $91.94. View Our Latest Research Report on NEE More NextEra Energy News Here are the key news stories impacting NextEra Energy this week: NextEra Energy Profile (Free Report) NextEra Energy, Inc (NYSE: NEE), headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, is a leading clean energy company with both regulated utility operations and competitive renewable generation businesses. The companys principal operating subsidiaries include Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a regulated electric utility serving customers in Florida, and NextEra Energy Resources, which develops, constructs, owns and operates a large portfolio of wind, solar and energy storage projects. Together these businesses provide electricity supply, transmission and distribution services as well as utility-scale renewable generation and related services. NextEras activities cover the full lifecycle of power assets, from project development and construction to operation, maintenance and asset optimization. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for NextEra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NextEra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp grew its position in Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. Sponsored ADR (NYSE:YMM Free Report) by 76.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 10,647,830 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 4,611,050 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp owned approximately 1.02% of Full Truck Alliance worth $138,102,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Invesco Ltd. grew its stake in Full Truck Alliance by 5.3% in the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 32,594,356 shares of the companys stock valued at $384,939,000 after acquiring an additional 1,628,785 shares during the period. Greenwoods Asset Management Hong Kong Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Full Truck Alliance by 10.8% during the 2nd quarter. Greenwoods Asset Management Hong Kong Ltd. now owns 28,794,527 shares of the companys stock valued at $340,063,000 after purchasing an additional 2,799,386 shares in the last quarter. Aspex Management HK Ltd grew its position in shares of Full Truck Alliance by 47.7% in the 2nd quarter. Aspex Management HK Ltd now owns 22,455,623 shares of the companys stock valued at $265,201,000 after purchasing an additional 7,246,996 shares during the period. Alkeon Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Full Truck Alliance by 5.7% during the 2nd quarter. Alkeon Capital Management LLC now owns 14,698,535 shares of the companys stock worth $173,590,000 after purchasing an additional 790,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Davis Selected Advisers raised its holdings in Full Truck Alliance by 48.8% during the 2nd quarter. Davis Selected Advisers now owns 11,635,925 shares of the companys stock worth $137,420,000 after buying an additional 3,816,581 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 39.02% of the companys stock. Get Full Truck Alliance alerts: Full Truck Alliance Price Performance Shares of NYSE:YMM opened at $9.82 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $10.89 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $11.97. Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. Sponsored ADR has a one year low of $9.45 and a one year high of $14.07. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.27 billion, a PE ratio of 18.52 and a beta of 0.22. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have recently weighed in on YMM. Morgan Stanley set a $14.00 price target on shares of Full Truck Alliance in a report on Monday, November 17th. Jefferies Financial Group set a $13.00 target price on shares of Full Truck Alliance in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Industrial Alliance Securities set a $8.00 target price on Full Truck Alliance in a report on Monday, January 12th. Barclays cut their price target on Full Truck Alliance from $13.00 to $12.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut Full Truck Alliance from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $11.00 to $8.00 in a research report on Monday, January 12th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $12.71. View Our Latest Report on Full Truck Alliance About Full Truck Alliance (Free Report) Full Truck Alliance (NYSE: YMM) operates a leading digital freight platform in China, connecting shippers with a vast network of independent truck drivers. The companys core offering centers on load matching, enabling cargo owners to find suitable carriers quickly through a mobile and web-based interface. By streamlining the booking process, Full Truck Alliance helps reduce downtime and improves overall asset utilization for both shippers and drivers. The platform features real-time route optimization, electronic waybills, digital payment solutions and in-app communication tools. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Full Truck Alliance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Full Truck Alliance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mn Services Vermogensbeheer B.V. lifted its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 1.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 347,000 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 5,000 shares during the quarter. UnitedHealth Group makes up about 0.8% of Mn Services Vermogensbeheer B.V.s holdings, making the stock its 20th biggest position. Mn Services Vermogensbeheer B.V.s holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $119,819,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in UnitedHealth Group during the second quarter worth about $3,837,207,000. Berkshire Hathaway Inc acquired a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,572,193,000. Dodge & Cox raised its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 117.7% during the 2nd quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 8,750,560 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $2,729,912,000 after acquiring an additional 4,730,192 shares during the last quarter. Lone Pine Capital LLC acquired a new stake in UnitedHealth Group in the second quarter worth $528,273,000. Finally, Amundi lifted its holdings in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 33.8% during the 2nd quarter. Amundi now owns 6,191,871 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $1,904,372,000 after purchasing an additional 1,565,245 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.86% of the companys stock. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: UnitedHealth Group Stock Up 0.6% UNH opened at $356.46 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average is $332.07 and its 200 day moving average is $323.33. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a fifty-two week low of $234.60 and a fifty-two week high of $606.36. The firm has a market capitalization of $322.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.60, a PEG ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.82 and a quick ratio of 0.82. UnitedHealth Group Dividend Announcement 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, topping the consensus estimate of $2.87 by $0.05. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 19.23% and a net margin of 4.04%.The business had revenue of $113.16 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $113.19 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $7.15 EPS. The firms revenue was up 12.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 8th were issued a $2.21 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 8th. This represents a $8.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.5%. UnitedHealth Groups payout ratio is currently 46.14%. Key UnitedHealth Group News Here are the key news stories impacting UnitedHealth Group this week: Positive Sentiment: Mizuho reiterated a Buy on UNH and kept a $430 price target, highlighting the importance of the upcoming Medicare Advantage 2027 Advance Notice as a potential tailwind for enrollment and margins. Mizuho reiterates Buy Mizuho reiterated a Buy on UNH and kept a $430 price target, highlighting the importance of the upcoming Medicare Advantage 2027 Advance Notice as a potential tailwind for enrollment and margins. Positive Sentiment: Retail sentiment on Reddit and X has moved from deeply bearish to neutral over the past week, helping shares recover after retail-driven selling earlier this month. Reddit sentiment shift Retail sentiment on Reddit and X has moved from deeply bearish to neutral over the past week, helping shares recover after retail-driven selling earlier this month. Neutral Sentiment: Morgan Stanley trimmed its price target slightly (from $411 to $409) but kept an Overweight rating, signaling continued analyst confidence despite a small technical cut to the target. Morgan Stanley target change Morgan Stanley trimmed its price target slightly (from $411 to $409) but kept an Overweight rating, signaling continued analyst confidence despite a small technical cut to the target. Neutral Sentiment: Recent commentary and market moves note UNH has outperformed the broader market in short-term trading, reflecting mixed buying interest ahead of the Jan. 27 catalyst. Outperforms broader market Recent commentary and market moves note UNH has outperformed the broader market in short-term trading, reflecting mixed buying interest ahead of the Jan. 27 catalyst. Negative Sentiment: UnitedHealth executives faced tough questioning from Congress on healthcare affordability a reminder of political/regulatory risk that could pressure policy outcomes or public perception. Congressional grilling UnitedHealth executives faced tough questioning from Congress on healthcare affordability a reminder of political/regulatory risk that could pressure policy outcomes or public perception. Negative Sentiment: UnitedHealth announced it will rebate 2026 ACA plan profits to customers, which could weigh on near-term margins and highlights ongoing regulatory/competitive pressure in the individual market. ACA profit rebate UnitedHealth announced it will rebate 2026 ACA plan profits to customers, which could weigh on near-term margins and highlights ongoing regulatory/competitive pressure in the individual market. Negative Sentiment: Analysts warn of rising medical costs and a higher medical cost ratio (MCR) heading into Q4 results several pieces advise caution until the Jan. 27 release when clearer margin and cost detail will arrive. Cost pressures warning Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts recently commented on UNH shares. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $267.00 to $400.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on UnitedHealth Group in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $406.00 price target on the stock. Zacks Research raised UnitedHealth Group from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Leerink Partners set a $410.00 price target on UnitedHealth Group and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Evercore ISI raised UnitedHealth Group to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $386.33. Get Our Latest Analysis on UNH About UnitedHealth Group (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 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. PFG Investments LLC boosted its position in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 12.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 280,558 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 30,084 shares during the period. PFG Investments LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $7,149,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of PFE. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. raised its stake in shares of Pfizer by 14.0% during the 3rd quarter. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. now owns 73,703 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,900,000 after purchasing an additional 9,026 shares in the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new stake in Pfizer in the third quarter valued at approximately $3,019,000. Mn Services Vermogensbeheer B.V. grew its position in Pfizer by 1.8% in the third quarter. Mn Services Vermogensbeheer B.V. now owns 2,159,000 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $55,011,000 after acquiring an additional 38,800 shares in the last quarter. Coordinated Financial Services Inc. increased its stake in shares of Pfizer by 29.0% during the 3rd quarter. Coordinated Financial Services Inc. now owns 11,800 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $301,000 after purchasing an additional 2,650 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators raised its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 12.4% during the 3rd quarter. Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators now owns 47,113 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,200,000 after purchasing an additional 5,203 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.36% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Trending Headlines about Pfizer Here are the key news stories impacting Pfizer this week: Pfizer Stock Down 1.7% Shares of PFE stock opened at $25.65 on Friday. Pfizer Inc. has a 12 month low of $20.92 and a 12 month high of $27.69. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The firm has a market cap of $145.82 billion, a PE ratio of 14.91 and a beta of 0.47. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $25.40 and a 200-day moving average of $25.01. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by $0.08. Pfizer had a net margin of 15.65% and a return on equity of 20.17%. The business had revenue of $16.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.94 billion. Pfizer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.000-3.150 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current year. Pfizer Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Investors of record on Friday, January 23rd will be paid a $0.43 dividend. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 100.00%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In PFE has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. TD Cowen reiterated a hold rating on shares of Pfizer in a report on Tuesday, December 30th. Scotiabank assumed coverage on Pfizer in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They set a sector outperform rating and a $30.00 price target for the company. Citigroup initiated coverage on Pfizer in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. They set a neutral rating and a $26.00 price objective on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered Pfizer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, September 28th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of Pfizer from $32.00 to $28.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $27.88. Get Our Latest Analysis on PFE About Pfizer (Free Report) Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) is a multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, the company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and vaccines for human health. Its activities span discovery research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and global commercial distribution across multiple therapeutic areas. Pfizers portfolio and pipeline cover oncology, immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, rare diseases, hospital acute care and anti-infectives, along with a substantial vaccine business. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:RCRUY Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $10.79, but opened at $10.45. Recruit shares last traded at $10.77, with a volume of 123,625 shares trading hands. Recruit Price Performance The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $10.93 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $11.02. The stock has a market cap of $84.29 billion, a PE ratio of 12.39 and a beta of 1.65. Get Recruit alerts: Recruit (OTCMKTS:RCRUY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.12 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $6.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.12 billion. Recruit had a return on equity of 27.53% and a net margin of 12.26%. Equities research analysts expect 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. Featured Articles 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. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. lowered its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Free Report) by 6.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,024,772 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 74,616 shares during the quarter. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $86,032,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in WFC. Access Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 472.4% in the 3rd quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC now owns 332 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 274 shares in the last quarter. McElhenny Sheffield Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the second quarter valued at $27,000. Grey Fox Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Wells Fargo & Company in the third quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Kilter Group LLC acquired a new position in Wells Fargo & Company during the second quarter worth $31,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.90% of the companys stock. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have recently commented on WFC shares. Argus boosted their target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $94.00 to $101.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $92.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Evercore ISI reduced their price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $110.00 to $105.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $100.00 price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, Wolfe Research reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $109.00 target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $94.87. Wells Fargo & Company Trading Down 1.2% WFC opened at $87.00 on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company has a 1-year low of $58.42 and a 1-year high of $97.76. The stock has a market capitalization of $273.11 billion, a PE ratio of 13.88, a PEG ratio of 0.95 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a current ratio of 0.90, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $90.33 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $84.97. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.66 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $11.97 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.63 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 17.27% and a return on equity of 12.90%. Wells Fargo & Companys quarterly revenue was up 4.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.43 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 7th were given a $0.45 dividend. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 28.71%. Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile (Free Report) Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified, U.S.-based financial services company headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1852 by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo, the firm has evolved from its origins in express delivery and pioneer-era banking into one of the largest full-service banks in the United States. The company provides a broad range of financial products and services to individual, small business, commercial, and institutional clients. Charles W. Scharf serves as chief executive officer. Wells Fargo operates across several core business segments, including consumer banking and lending, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth and investment management. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. News / National by Staff reporter The Zanu-PF Youth League has issued a stern warning to party members against divisive conduct at public rallies and on social media, amid growing factional tensions within the ruling party.In a statement, Zanu-PF Secretary for Youth Affairs, Tino Machakaire, condemned the use of hate speech, inflammatory remarks, and public grandstanding, saying such behavior undermines party unity and distracts from its mission of national transformation."The Youth League calls upon the party rank and file to be champions of peace and tranquillity. Where differences arise, members should resolve them maturely and strictly within established party structures," Machakaire said. "The reckless use of hate speech, inflammatory statements, and public grandstanding only breeds confusion, undermines discipline, and weakens the unity of the party."He stressed that Zimbabwe cannot be built through intolerance and disorder and reaffirmed the Youth League's commitment to the politics of production and development, reflecting President Emmerson Mnangagwa's mantra: "Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo."Machakaire warned that factionalism and divisive rhetoric are distractions that derail Zanu-PF's revolutionary mission, emphasizing that the Youth League, as the party's vanguard, will defend party unity and loyalty to its leadership.The warning follows controversial remarks by Mnangagwa's investment adviser, Tempter Paul Tungwarara, at a rally in Nyanga over the weekend. During the event, which was held under the banner of an Empowerment Fund, Tungwarara publicly criticised Zanu-PF central committee member and party benefactor Kudakwashe Tagwirei, claiming he had pressured Mnangagwa to dismiss Vice-Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi.Tungwarara's tirade, which included cash handouts to two Manicaland constituencies, reportedly unsettled senior party leaders. Zanu-PF Deputy National Youth League Commissar Taurai Kandishaya questioned Tungwarara's role at domestic political rallies, noting his official mandate was limited to serving as Presidential Investment Adviser to the United Arab Emirates."Manicaland is not part of the UAE. Is it?" Kandishaya asked, challenging Tungwarara's involvement in local political mobilisation.Tungwarara's remarks, interpreted as a direct attack on Tagwirei, were applauded by some rally attendees, including Zanu-PF politburo member Christopher Mutsvangwa, a known critic of Tagwirei. Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa warned that Tungwarara risks being drawn into internal factional battles, suggesting his attack was part of a broader strategy by figures aligned to Vice-President Chiwenga's faction.Mnangagwa, reportedly unimpressed by Tungwarara's public statements, has moved to rein in the adviser in an attempt to contain factional tensions and restore discipline within the party ahead of the 2028 elections.With succession politics intensifying, analysts say Zanu-PF faces a delicate balancing act between maintaining unity and managing competing ambitions, including those of Tagwirei, Tungwarara, and Vice-President Chiwenga.The Youth League's warning underscores the ruling party's determination to clamp down on internal divisions as Zimbabwe approaches a politically sensitive period. Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $429.58 and last traded at $424.97, with a volume of 109198 shares. The stock had previously closed at $420.30. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts recently commented on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $450.00 to $470.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Rockwell Automation from $400.00 to $404.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, January 16th. TD Cowen raised their price target on shares of Rockwell Automation from $275.00 to $330.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Barclays upped their target price on Rockwell Automation from $435.00 to $450.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Oppenheimer lowered shares of Rockwell Automation from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Rockwell Automation presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $406.69. Get Rockwell Automation alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on ROK Rockwell Automation Stock Performance The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The firm has a market capitalization of $46.90 billion, a PE ratio of 54.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.98 and a beta of 1.52. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $399.62 and a 200 day moving average price of $367.51. Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The industrial products company reported $3.34 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.94 by $0.40. Rockwell Automation had a net margin of 10.42% and a return on equity of 32.69%. The business had revenue of $4.63 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.19 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.47 earnings per share. The companys 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. Research analysts expect that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 9.35 earnings per share for the current year. Rockwell Automation Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th were paid a $1.38 dividend. This is an increase from Rockwell Automations previous quarterly dividend of $1.31. This represents a $5.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. Rockwell Automations payout ratio is currently 72.06%. Insider Activity at Rockwell Automation In other news, SVP Matheus De A. G. Viera Bulho sold 476 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $402.02, for a total value of $191,361.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president owned 2,401 shares in the company, valued at approximately $965,250.02. This represents a 16.55% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, VP Terry L. Riesterer sold 800 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $392.00, for a total transaction of $313,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president directly owned 1,234 shares in the company, valued at $483,728. This trade represents a 39.33% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold 88,053 shares of company stock valued at $34,718,919 in the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.76% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ROK. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC lifted its position in Rockwell Automation by 7.1% during the 3rd quarter. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC now owns 440 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $154,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares during the period. Equitable Trust Co. raised its position in Rockwell Automation by 1.1% during the third quarter. Equitable Trust Co. now owns 2,598 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $908,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. J. Safra Sarasin Holding AG grew its holdings in Rockwell Automation by 2.2% during the 3rd quarter. J. Safra Sarasin Holding AG now owns 1,384 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $484,000 after buying an additional 30 shares during the last quarter. Fragasso Financial Advisors Inc raised its stake in Rockwell Automation by 3.6% in the 3rd quarter. Fragasso Financial Advisors Inc now owns 902 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $315,000 after purchasing an additional 31 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC lifted its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation by 3.3% during the third quarter. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC now owns 1,015 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $355,000 after buying an additional 32 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.75% of the companys stock. 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. Simplicity Wealth LLC cut its holdings in Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:GOVI Free Report) by 60.5% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 38,771 shares of the companys stock after selling 59,421 shares during the quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLC owned approximately 0.10% of Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF worth $1,076,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Royal Bank of Canada grew its holdings in Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF by 6.6% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 306,796 shares of the companys stock worth $8,535,000 after acquiring an additional 18,953 shares during the last quarter. Sowell Financial Services LLC lifted its position in shares of Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF by 8.1% during the second quarter. Sowell Financial Services LLC now owns 16,467 shares of the companys stock worth $452,000 after purchasing an additional 1,234 shares in the last quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF by 11.2% during the second quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC now owns 186,626 shares of the companys stock worth $5,127,000 after purchasing an additional 18,790 shares in the last quarter. Total Clarity Wealth Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF by 48.7% during the second quarter. Total Clarity Wealth Management Inc. now owns 204,530 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,618,000 after purchasing an additional 66,960 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF by 28.2% in the second quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 31,721 shares of the companys stock valued at $871,000 after purchasing an additional 6,973 shares in the last quarter. Get Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF alerts: Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF Stock Performance GOVI stock opened at $27.54 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $27.70 and a 200 day moving average price of $27.65. Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF has a fifty-two week low of $26.40 and a fifty-two week high of $28.62. Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF Cuts Dividend About Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 23rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th were given a dividend of $0.0887 per share. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 20th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.9%. (Free Report) The Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF (GOVI) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks an index that invests in an equal-weighted 30-year ladder of US Treasury securities. GOVI was launched on Oct 11, 2007 and is issued by Invesco. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GOVI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:GOVI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Equal Weight 0-30 Year Treasury ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (NYSE:SPH Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Thursday, January 22nd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 3rd will be given a dividend of 0.325 per share by the energy company on Tuesday, February 10th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.6%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 3rd. Suburban Propane Partners has decreased its dividend by an average of 0.1%per year over the last three years. Suburban Propane Partners has a dividend payout ratio of 76.5% indicating that its dividend is currently covered by earnings, but may not be in the future if the companys earnings decline. Get Suburban Propane Partners alerts: Suburban Propane Partners Stock Up 0.7% Shares of NYSE:SPH opened at $19.58 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.30 billion, a PE ratio of 11.94 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.02, a quick ratio of 0.31 and a current ratio of 0.55. Suburban Propane Partners has a 52-week low of $17.30 and a 52-week high of $22.24. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $18.92 and a 200 day moving average of $18.66. About Suburban Propane Partners Suburban Propane Partners ( NYSE:SPH Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The energy company reported ($0.62) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.51) by ($0.11). The firm had revenue of $211.38 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $227.00 million. Suburban Propane Partners had a return on equity of 16.31% and a net margin of 7.44%. (Get Free Report) Suburban Propane Partners L.P. (NYSE: SPH) is a publicly traded master limited partnership headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, that provides propane and related energy services to residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers. As one of the largest propane retailers in the United States, the company delivers propane gas, heating oil, diesel fuel and natural gas throughout its service territories. In addition to fuel distribution, Suburban Propane offers HVAC installation, maintenance and repair services, as well as safety inspections and equipment leasing to support customers energy needs. The companys core business centers on the delivery of propane for space and water heating, cooking and agricultural applications. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Suburban Propane Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suburban Propane Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas lessened its position in shares of America Movil, S.A.B. de C.V. Unsponsored ADR (NYSE:AMX Free Report) by 23.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,500,700 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock after selling 455,700 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas holdings in America Movil were worth $31,515,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of AMX. Hilltop National Bank purchased a new stake in shares of America Movil during the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Advantage Trust Co purchased a new position in America Movil in the second quarter valued at $30,000. Trust Co. of Vermont acquired a new stake in America Movil in the third quarter valued at $31,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in America Movil by 142.3% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,103 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 1,235 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of America Movil during the 2nd quarter worth about $54,000. 6.30% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get America Movil alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have recently weighed in on AMX. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of America Movil in a research report on Wednesday. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $24.30 price objective on shares of America Movil and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of America Movil from $21.00 to $23.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of America Movil from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, January 17th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of America Movil 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, two have given a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, America Movil has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $22.34. America Movil Price Performance Shares of AMX opened at $20.76 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 0.81. America Movil, S.A.B. de C.V. Unsponsored ADR has a fifty-two week low of $13.10 and a fifty-two week high of $23.68. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $21.32 and a 200-day simple moving average of $20.61. The company has a market capitalization of $62.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.87 and a beta of 0.78. About America Movil (Free Report) America Movil is a Mexican telecommunications company headquartered in Mexico City that provides a broad range of communications services. Established in the early 2000s out of the expansion of the Slim familys telecommunications holdings, the company is a major provider of mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband internet and pay-television services in the region. Its operations span retail consumer services as well as wholesale and enterprise solutions, positioning it as an integrated communications provider across multiple customer segments. The company markets services under several regional brandsmost notably Telcel in Mexico and Claro across many Latin American marketsand offers both prepaid and postpaid mobile plans, fixed and mobile broadband, fiber-to-the-home where available, and video/broadcast distribution services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AMX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for America Movil, S.A.B. de C.V. Unsponsored ADR (NYSE:AMX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for America Movil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for America Movil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas lifted its position in Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW Free Report) by 88.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 377,974 shares of the medical research companys stock after purchasing an additional 177,010 shares during the quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas owned about 0.06% of Edwards Lifesciences worth $29,395,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in EW. Brighton Jones LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences in the 4th quarter valued at about $266,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 24.4% during the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 10,954 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $857,000 after purchasing an additional 2,146 shares in the last quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC bought a new position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences in the second quarter worth approximately $315,000. Fifth Third Bancorp raised its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 8.5% in the second quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 23,870 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,867,000 after purchasing an additional 1,865 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ballentine Partners LLC raised its stake in Edwards Lifesciences by 18.8% in the second quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 6,072 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $475,000 after purchasing an additional 963 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.46% of the companys stock. Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts: Edwards Lifesciences Stock Performance NYSE EW opened at $83.70 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $84.99 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $80.80. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation has a 12-month low of $65.94 and a 12-month high of $87.89. The firm has a market cap of $48.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.08, a PEG ratio of 3.22 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a quick ratio of 3.29, a current ratio of 4.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06. Analysts Set New Price Targets Edwards Lifesciences ( NYSE:EW Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The medical research company reported $0.67 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.59 by $0.08. The company had revenue of $1.55 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.49 billion. Edwards Lifesciences had a return on equity of 14.70% and a net margin of 23.25%.Edwards Lifesciencess revenue for the quarter was up 14.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.67 EPS. Edwards Lifesciences has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.560-2.620 EPS and its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.580-0.640 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Edwards Lifesciences Corporation will post 2.45 EPS for the current year. A number of research firms have commented on EW. Evercore ISI reissued an outperform rating and issued a $94.00 price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating and issued a $101.00 target price (up from $96.00) on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Mizuho increased their target price on Edwards Lifesciences from $90.00 to $100.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Raymond James Financial raised Edwards Lifesciences from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $96.00 price target for the company in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus set a $110.00 price objective on Edwards Lifesciences and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $96.82. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Edwards Lifesciences Insider Buying and Selling at Edwards Lifesciences In related news, VP Daniel J. Lippis sold 1,019 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, January 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.70, for a total transaction of $87,328.30. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 22,002 shares in the company, valued at $1,885,571.40. This represents a 4.43% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 11,340 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $85.66, for a total transaction of $971,384.40. Following the sale, the vice president directly owned 31,870 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,729,984.20. The trade was a 26.24% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 57,824 shares of company stock worth $4,863,323. 1.29% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Edwards Lifesciences Profile (Free Report) Edwards Lifesciences is a medical technology company focused on products and therapies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring. The company designs, develops and manufactures prosthetic heart valves and related delivery systems used in both surgical and minimally invasive (transcatheter) procedures. Its portfolio addresses a range of valvular conditions, with an emphasis on technologies that enable transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as an alternative to open-heart surgery. In addition to transcatheter heart valvesincluding the widely recognized SAPIEN familyEdwards offers surgical tissue valves and ancillary devices used by cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists and hospital teams. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas raised its stake in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report) by 14.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 114,504 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 14,137 shares during the quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas owned about 0.05% of Travelers Companies worth $31,972,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Associated Banc Corp boosted its stake in Travelers Companies by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Associated Banc Corp now owns 2,734 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $731,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares during the last quarter. Fifth Third Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 1.0% in the third quarter. Fifth Third Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,093 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,143,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares during the period. ORG Partners LLC raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 5.6% in the second quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 776 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $207,000 after purchasing an additional 41 shares during the period. Park Place Capital Corp boosted its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 33.1% during the second quarter. Park Place Capital Corp now owns 165 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 41 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nilsine Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Travelers Companies by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. Nilsine Partners LLC now owns 9,737 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,719,000 after buying an additional 41 shares during the period. 82.45% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Travelers Companies Stock Down 0.3% TRV stock opened at $277.62 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a current ratio of 0.33 and a quick ratio of 0.35. The stock has a market capitalization of $61.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.08, a P/E/G ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 0.52. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $230.43 and a fifty-two week high of $296.85. The business has a 50-day moving average of $285.19 and a 200-day moving average of $275.65. Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement Travelers Companies ( NYSE:TRV Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, January 21st. The insurance provider reported $11.13 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $8.34 by $2.79. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 20.70% and a net margin of 12.88%.The firm had revenue of $12.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.13 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $9.15 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 3.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.02 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 10th will be issued a dividend of $1.10 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 10th. This represents a $4.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.6%. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 17.30%. Travelers Companies declared that its board has authorized a share buyback plan on Wednesday, January 21st that authorizes the company to repurchase $5.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the insurance provider to purchase up to 8.3% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Trending Headlines about Travelers Companies Here are the key news stories impacting Travelers Companies this week: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages recently commented on TRV. Roth Mkm raised their price objective on Travelers Companies from $300.00 to $320.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on Travelers Companies from $307.00 to $285.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday. Zacks Research lowered Travelers Companies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on Travelers Companies from $285.00 to $295.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, October 19th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $301.20. Get Our Latest Report on TRV Insider Buying and Selling at Travelers Companies In related news, CFO Daniel S. Frey sold 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $278.25, for a total value of $6,956,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 26,932 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,493,829. This trade represents a 48.14% 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. Also, Vice Chairman William H. Heyman sold 2,000 shares of Travelers Companies stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $287.50, for a total transaction of $575,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 255,086 shares in the company, valued at $73,337,225. The trade was a 0.78% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 46,295 shares of company stock worth $13,011,918. Company insiders own 1.46% of the companys stock. Travelers Companies Profile (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 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report). 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. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. trimmed its holdings in shares of The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX Free Report) by 4.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 119,498 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after selling 5,246 shares during the period. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc.s holdings in TJX Companies were worth $17,272,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in TJX. Lavaca Capital LLC acquired a new position in TJX Companies in the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in TJX Companies during the second quarter worth approximately $28,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute purchased a new stake in shares of TJX Companies during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new position in shares of TJX Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. Finally, Capital A Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of TJX Companies by 776.7% in the 2nd quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 263 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 233 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.09% of the companys stock. Get TJX Companies alerts: TJX Companies Stock Down 0.2% TJX opened at $153.17 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $153.91 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $142.75. The company has a quick ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. The company has a market cap of $170.09 billion, a PE ratio of 33.81, a P/E/G ratio of 3.22 and a beta of 0.75. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $112.10 and a 52 week high of $159.48. TJX Companies Announces Dividend TJX Companies ( NYSE:TJX Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $1.28 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.22 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $15.12 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.80 billion. TJX Companies had a return on equity of 58.30% and a net margin of 8.68%.The companys revenue was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.14 EPS. TJX Companies has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 1.330-1.360 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 4.630-4.660 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 4.18 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 5th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 12th will be given a $0.425 dividend. This represents a $1.70 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 12th. TJX Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 37.53%. Insider Buying and Selling at TJX Companies In other TJX Companies news, Director Amy B. Lane sold 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $151.40, for a total transaction of $75,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 22,212 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,362,896.80. This represents a 2.20% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 30,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $148.81, for a total transaction of $4,464,300.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 535,143 shares of the companys stock, valued at $79,634,629.83. This trade represents a 5.31% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 54,863 shares of company stock worth $8,226,366 over the last three months. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on TJX shares. Wall Street Zen raised shares of TJX Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, January 11th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on TJX Companies from $163.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. BTIG Research reissued a buy rating and issued a $165.00 target price on shares of TJX Companies in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Robert W. Baird set a $168.00 price target on TJX Companies in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, TD Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of TJX Companies in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and twenty-two have given a Buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, TJX Companies currently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $163.86. Read Our Latest Report on TJX Companies TJX Companies Company Profile (Free Report) TJX Companies, Inc is a leading off-price retailer of apparel, footwear, home fashions and other consumer goods. The company operates multiple retail concepts that offer discounted brand-name and designer merchandise, including well-known banners such as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls in the United States, HomeGoods for home furnishings, TK Maxx in parts of Europe, and Winners and Homesense in Canada. Merchandise categories span womens, mens and childrens apparel, accessories, beauty, home decor, kitchenware and small furniture, with frequent changes in assortment that create a treasure-hunt shopping experience for consumers. The companys business model centers on opportunistic buying, purchasing excess, irregular or out-of-season inventory from manufacturers, department stores and other suppliers, and passing savings to customers through lower prices. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TJX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for TJX Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TJX Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tranquilli Financial Advisor LLC raised its stake in Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF (NYSEARCA:DFAX Free Report) by 8.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 268,779 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 20,698 shares during the period. Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF makes up approximately 5.0% of Tranquilli Financial Advisor LLCs holdings, making the stock its 2nd biggest position. Tranquilli Financial Advisor LLC owned 0.09% of Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF worth $8,434,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Trust Co. of Vermont bought a new stake in shares of Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF in the third quarter valued at about $36,000. Olistico Wealth LLC bought a new stake in shares of Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $45,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $53,000. Copia Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $56,000. Finally, Nemes Rush Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF by 41.6% in the second quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC now owns 1,954 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,000 after purchasing an additional 574 shares in the last quarter. Get Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF alerts: Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF Price Performance Shares of DFAX stock opened at $34.66 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $10.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.59 and a beta of 0.74. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $32.72 and a 200 day moving average price of $31.51. Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF has a one year low of $23.16 and a one year high of $34.68. Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF Company Profile The Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAX) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in small-cap stocks. The fund actively invests in non-US companies around the globe, with a focus on small- cap stocks. DFAX was launched on Mar 6, 2008 and is managed by Dimensional. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DFAX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF (NYSEARCA:DFAX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dimensional World ex U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TrueMark Investments LLC grew its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report) by 343.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 160,416 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 124,265 shares during the period. Novo Nordisk A/S makes up 1.5% of TrueMark Investments LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 13th largest holding. TrueMark Investments LLCs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $8,901,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. JLB & Associates Inc. lifted its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 0.7% in the third quarter. JLB & Associates Inc. now owns 219,624 shares of the companys stock worth $12,187,000 after buying an additional 1,426 shares during the period. Vantage Investment Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 17.5% in the 3rd quarter. Vantage Investment Partners LLC now owns 533,565 shares of the companys stock worth $29,608,000 after acquiring an additional 79,441 shares in the last quarter. Northstar Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 31.1% in the 3rd quarter. Northstar Asset Management Inc. now owns 222,348 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,338,000 after purchasing an additional 52,791 shares during the period. AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLC boosted its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 1.3% during the third quarter. AAFMAA Wealth Management & Trust LLC now owns 15,130 shares of the companys stock valued at $840,000 after purchasing an additional 201 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 18.8% in the third quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 3,405 shares of the companys stock worth $189,000 after purchasing an additional 538 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 11.54% of the companys stock. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Down 0.0% NYSE:NVO opened at $62.22 on Friday. 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 firm has a market cap of $277.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.09 and a beta of 0.66. Novo Nordisk A/S has a fifty-two week low of $43.08 and a fifty-two week high of $93.80. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $52.13 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $54.80. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Novo Nordisk A/S ( NYSE:NVO Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $1.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.77 by $0.25. Novo Nordisk A/S had a net margin of 32.76% and a return on equity of 73.50%. The firm had revenue of $11.79 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.98 billion. Analysts predict that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. NVO has been the subject of several recent research reports. Morgan Stanley reissued an underweight rating and set a $42.00 price objective on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Monday, December 29th. HSBC reissued a hold rating and set a $54.00 price objective on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Thursday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Novo Nordisk A/S presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $56.21. Read Our Latest Report on Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk A/S Company Profile (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. TrueMark Investments LLC increased its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 14.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 15,650 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after buying an additional 2,024 shares during the quarter. TrueMark Investments LLCs holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $4,371,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of TSM. Lockheed Martin Investment Management Co. grew its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 256.5% in the third quarter. Lockheed Martin Investment Management Co. now owns 177,900 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $49,686,000 after acquiring an additional 128,000 shares during the last quarter. Kingdom Financial Group LLC. acquired a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $254,000. Union Heritage Capital LLC boosted its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 103.0% in the 3rd quarter. Union Heritage Capital LLC now owns 13,400 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $3,742,000 after purchasing an additional 6,800 shares in the last quarter. Vantage Investment Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $14,964,000. Finally, Facet Wealth Inc. acquired a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $412,000. 16.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Performance Shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing stock opened at $334.73 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $1.73 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.43, a P/E/G ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 1.29. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a twelve month low of $134.25 and a twelve month high of $351.33. The companys fifty day moving average is $303.97 and its 200 day moving average is $277.04. The company has a quick ratio of 2.47, a current ratio of 2.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( NYSE:TSM Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The semiconductor company reported $14.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $32.50 billion during the quarter. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 36.18% and a net margin of 45.13%. Sell-side analysts forecast that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be paid a $0.9678 dividend. This is an increase from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. This represents a $3.87 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings payout ratio is presently 23.57%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing this week: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In TSM has been the subject of several research reports. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, January 17th. Argus upgraded shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Susquehanna raised their price objective on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $300.00 to $400.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. TD Cowen boosted their price objective on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $325.00 to $370.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Freedom Capital upgraded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $381.67. Read Our Latest Stock Report on TSM Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is a leading pure-play semiconductor foundry that provides wafer fabrication and related services to the global semiconductor industry. Founded in 1987 by Morris Chang and headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, TSMC manufactures integrated circuits on behalf of fabless and integrated device manufacturers, offering contract chip production across a broad set of technologies and products. TSMCs service offering covers logic and mixed-signal process technologies, specialty processes for radio-frequency, power management and embedded memory, and advanced nodes used in mobile, high-performance computing and AI applications. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. News / National by Staff reporter Zimbabwe's judiciary has not been a neutral arbiter in the country's political and governance crises but has, at critical moments, enabled misrule, political manipulation and the judicialisation of politics, leading legal experts have argued.These views emerged during a discussion held on Friday titled "The Future of Zimbabwe's Judiciary: Lessons from the Malaba Era", where legal practitioners reflected on the tenure of Chief Justice Luke Malaba, who is due to retire in May following the controversial extension of his term.Participants argued that Malaba's era illustrated how courts can be transformed into instruments of political power through selective application of the law, constitutional avoidance and lawfare, ultimately undermining the rule of law.Human rights lawyer Doug Coltart described Malaba's legacy as conflicted, noting that it was initially marked by strong jurisprudence but later overshadowed by decisions and administrative conduct that weakened constitutional principles."If we look back at Malaba's tenure, not just as Chief Justice but as a judge, we see someone with real intellect who understood the law," Coltart said.He cited landmark judgments such as the Mudzuru ruling, which outlawed child marriage, and Malaba's dissenting opinion in the Jealousy Mawarire case, where he opposed an early election in 2013 and defended constitutionalism."That dissent showed courage and independence," Coltart said.However, he argued that the extension of Malaba's term as Chief Justice fundamentally undermined those achievements."I am pained that his legacy will likely be defined by the extension, which violated core constitutional principles, particularly the idea that incumbents should not benefit from changes to tenure," he said.Coltart warned that Malaba risks being remembered less for his jurisprudence and more for refusing to step down when his term ended."Judges like South Africa's Pius Langa knew when it was time to go, and they went. The fact that we are still debating Malaba's retirement tells you something has gone wrong," he said.Constitutional lawyer Dr Musa Kika said Malaba's long rise through the judicial ranks meant his later conduct could not be attributed to ignorance of the law."He knew the law. What happened was not out of ignorance," Kika said.Kika argued that the Malaba era demonstrated that courts are not politically neutral spaces."The law and the courts are not innocent of politics. Much of the misgovernance and misrule we have seen in Zimbabwe has been enabled and facilitated by the courts," he said.He noted a pattern of selective independence, where courts delivered sound judgments in less sensitive cases but ruled politically in constitutional, electoral and human rights matters."That is not how the rule of law works," Kika said, adding that courts increasingly relied on technicalities to avoid substantive rulings on politically sensitive issues, despite constitutional provisions prioritising substance over form.According to Kika, this amounted to lawfare the use of legal processes to wage political battles."The judiciary has been used to capture Parliament, dismantle political opponents and legitimise executive power," he said.He cited controversial episodes during Malaba's tenure, including a 2020 directive requiring judges to submit judgments to heads of courts for approval, later withdrawn after public outcry, and a 2025 proposal to send judges to the Chitepo School of Ideology, which was also reversed following backlash.Kika also criticised the Liberal Democrats v President of Zimbabwe ruling, delivered after the 2017 military intervention, in which the court held that former president Robert Mugabe had resigned voluntarily."That judgment effectively legitimised the coup and reflects dubious jurisprudence common where courts bend to executive whims," he said.Legal practitioner and political analyst Dr Vusumuzi Sibanda offered an even harsher assessment, saying Malaba's tenure had caused lasting institutional damage."I am not even willing to acknowledge what he did right," Sibanda said.Sibanda, who was the applicant in the Liberal Democrats case, said the experience left deep personal and professional scars."To have costs awarded on a matter that was clandestinely withdrawn, and then be told nothing can be done, that leaves scars," he said.He questioned whether Malaba met the "fit and proper" standard for judicial leadership, particularly in light of the term extension."If you preside over a system that perpetuates suffering, there is nothing ethical about that," Sibanda said.He accused the judiciary under Malaba of rubber-stamping Executive decisions rather than acting as a check on state power."The judiciary is meant to restrain abuse of authority, not assist it," he said. "For me, Malaba's tenure has been a nightmare."Sibanda said the Malaba era offers hard lessons for the future of Zimbabwe's judiciary, particularly the need for individual judicial independence, transparency and respect for constitutional limits on power.Without structural and cultural reforms, he warned, the courts risk continuing to serve political interests rather than constitutionalism, further eroding public trust in the justice system. TrueMark Investments LLC acquired a new stake in BankUnited, Inc. (NYSE:BKU Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 165,974 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $6,334,000. TrueMark Investments LLC owned approximately 0.22% of BankUnited at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Strs Ohio bought a new position in BankUnited during the 1st quarter valued at about $28,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC bought a new stake in BankUnited in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $34,000. Bayforest Capital Ltd raised its stake in BankUnited by 32.3% during the 2nd quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd now owns 1,111 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 271 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of BankUnited by 7,588.9% during the 3rd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,384 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $53,000 after buying an additional 1,366 shares during the period. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of BankUnited by 141.9% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,531 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $54,000 after buying an additional 898 shares during the period. 99.70% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get BankUnited alerts: Trending Headlines about BankUnited Here are the key news stories impacting BankUnited this week: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently commented on BKU shares. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on BankUnited from $42.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Raymond James Financial set a $55.00 price target on BankUnited in a research note on Wednesday. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price objective on shares of BankUnited from $48.00 to $53.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of BankUnited in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Piper Sandler upped their target price on shares of BankUnited from $42.00 to $52.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, BankUnited currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $52.91. Read Our Latest Research Report on BKU BankUnited Stock Performance Shares of NYSE BKU opened at $47.57 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $3.57 billion, a PE ratio of 13.44 and a beta of 1.30. BankUnited, Inc. has a 1 year low of $28.21 and a 1 year high of $52.11. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $44.76 and a 200-day moving average price of $40.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.82 and a quick ratio of 0.83. BankUnited (NYSE:BKU Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 21st. The financial services provider reported $0.94 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.85 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $288.20 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $279.76 million. BankUnited had a return on equity of 9.09% and a net margin of 14.14%.During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.91 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that BankUnited, Inc. will post 3.13 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. BankUnited Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be paid a dividend of $0.31 per share. This represents a $1.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. BankUniteds payout ratio is presently 35.03%. About BankUnited (Free Report) BankUnited, Inc is a bank holding company based in Miami Lakes, Florida, operating through its subsidiary BankUnited, National Association. The company provides a broad range of commercial banking products and services, including deposit accounts, commercial lending and treasury management. It serves middle-market and small-business clients, offering tailored financing solutions across a variety of industry sectors. The banks lending portfolio includes commercial and industrial loans, commercial real estate loans and construction financing, as well as residential mortgage lending. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BKU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BankUnited, Inc. (NYSE:BKU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BankUnited Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BankUnited and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd increased its stake in shares of American Express Company (NYSE:AXP Free Report) by 5.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 115,245 shares of the payment services companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,145 shares during the period. UniSuper Management Pty Ltds holdings in American Express were worth $38,280,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of American Express during the 2nd quarter valued at $1,897,335,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of American Express by 31,595.9% in the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,742,009 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $555,666,000 after acquiring an additional 1,736,513 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in American Express by 11.1% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 13,487,316 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $4,282,984,000 after acquiring an additional 1,349,746 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its position in American Express by 26.1% in the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 3,125,133 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $988,676,000 after purchasing an additional 646,039 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Provident Trust Co. grew its stake in shares of American Express by 136.6% during the 2nd quarter. Provident Trust Co. now owns 1,108,971 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $353,740,000 after purchasing an additional 640,214 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 84.33% of the companys stock. Get American Express alerts: American Express Stock Performance AXP opened at $361.76 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $249.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.28, a PEG ratio of 1.54 and a beta of 1.15. American Express Company has a 1-year low of $220.43 and a 1-year high of $387.49. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $368.05 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $342.30. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78, a current ratio of 1.61 and a quick ratio of 1.59. American Express Announces Dividend American Express ( NYSE:AXP Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The payment services company reported ($11.85) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.56 by ($15.41). American Express had a net margin of 14.97% and a return on equity of 33.41%. The firm had revenue of ($17,139.00) million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.91 billion. Equities analysts forecast that American Express Company will post 15.33 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 10th. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd will be issued a $0.82 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 2nd. This represents a $3.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.9%. American Expresss payout ratio is currently 22.01%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. BTIG Research reaffirmed a sell rating and set a $328.00 price target on shares of American Express in a research report on Monday, January 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and set a $420.00 target price on shares of American Express in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Truist Financial upped their target price on shares of American Express from $395.00 to $420.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. UBS Group set a $385.00 price target on shares of American Express in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $395.00 price objective on shares of American Express in a research report on Tuesday. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $353.95. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on American Express Insiders Place Their Bets In other American Express news, CMO Elizabeth Rutledge sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $360.21, for a total transaction of $18,010,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief marketing officer directly owned 85,577 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,825,691.17. This trade represents a 36.88% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.20% of the stock is owned by insiders. American Express Company Profile (Free Report) American Express is a global financial services company primarily known for its payment card products, travel services and merchant network. Founded in 1850 as an express mail business, the company evolved through the 20th century into a payments and travel-focused organization. Its core activities include issuing consumer and commercial charge and credit cards, operating a global card acceptance and processing network, and providing travel-related services and customer loyalty programs. American Express issues a range of products for individuals, small businesses and large corporations, including personal cards, business and corporate cards, and cobrand partnerships with airlines, hotels and retailers. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Westfuller Advisors LLC acquired a new position in The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 6,133 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $668,000. Other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Teacher Retirement System of Texas grew its holdings in Bank of New York Mellon by 7.1% during the 3rd quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 251,824 shares of the banks stock worth $27,439,000 after acquiring an additional 16,679 shares in the last quarter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 13.6% in the third quarter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. now owns 36,040 shares of the banks stock valued at $3,927,000 after buying an additional 4,324 shares during the last quarter. New Wave Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 5.0% in the 3rd quarter. New Wave Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 7,556 shares of the banks stock worth $823,000 after purchasing an additional 357 shares in the last quarter. Millington Financial Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. Millington Financial Advisors LLC now owns 29,331 shares of the banks stock valued at $3,118,000 after acquiring an additional 318 shares during the period. Finally, Fiducient Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon in the third quarter valued at approximately $218,000. 85.31% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Bank of New York Mellon Trading Down 2.1% Shares of BK opened at $117.71 on Friday. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation has a twelve month low of $70.46 and a twelve month high of $125.89. The company has a current ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. The firms 50-day moving average is $115.93 and its two-hundred day moving average is $108.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $82.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.89, a PEG ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 1.11. Bank of New York Mellon Dividend Announcement Bank of New York Mellon ( NYSE:BK Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The bank reported $1.91 earnings per share for the quarter. Bank of New York Mellon had a net margin of 13.62% and a return on equity of 14.37%. The company had revenue of $5.07 billion for the quarter. On average, research analysts predict that The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation will post 6.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 5th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be paid a $0.53 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. Bank of New York Mellons dividend payout ratio is presently 28.61%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth BK has been the subject of several recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $106.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. Evercore ISI upped their target price on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $91.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. BMO Capital Markets started coverage on Bank of New York Mellon in a report on Friday, October 3rd. They issued an outperform rating and a $125.00 price target for the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b+) rating on shares of Bank of New York Mellon in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $124.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four 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 target price of $131.92. Get Our Latest Report on Bank of New York Mellon Bank of New York Mellon Profile (Free Report) Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon) is a global financial services company headquartered in New York City that provides a wide range of asset servicing, custody, and related financial infrastructure solutions to institutional clients. Its core businesses include custody and asset servicing, clearing and collateral management, treasury services, securities lending, corporate trust services, and depositary receipt administration. The company also offers investment management and advisory services through its asset management arm and provides technology-enabled solutions for trade processing, foreign exchange, and liquidity management. BNY Mellon serves a broad client base that includes asset managers, pension funds, corporations, banks, broker-dealers and sovereign entities. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd boosted its stake in shares of Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL Free Report) by 15.5% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 96,693 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 12,970 shares during the quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltds holdings in Dell Technologies were worth $13,708,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of DELL. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $528,279,000. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Dell Technologies by 628.5% during the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,374,078 shares of the technology companys stock worth $168,462,000 after purchasing an additional 1,185,454 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its position in Dell Technologies by 37.1% during the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 3,203,732 shares of the technology companys stock worth $392,802,000 after purchasing an additional 867,071 shares in the last quarter. Jennison Associates LLC grew its holdings in Dell Technologies by 189.4% in the third quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 1,187,965 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $168,418,000 after purchasing an additional 777,541 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Boston Partners increased its position in shares of Dell Technologies by 15.0% in the second quarter. Boston Partners now owns 5,904,843 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $725,586,000 after buying an additional 771,966 shares in the last quarter. 76.37% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Dell Technologies alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently commented on DELL shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Dell Technologies from $165.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Mizuho lifted their target price on shares of Dell Technologies from $170.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. Bank of America increased their price target on shares of Dell Technologies from $160.00 to $163.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 26th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of Dell Technologies in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. They set a buy rating and a $165.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Piper Sandler reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Dell Technologies in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Eighteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $161.26. Insider Activity at Dell Technologies In related news, Director Egon Durban sold 71,000 shares of Dell Technologies stock in a transaction 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 approximately $161,935,755.36. This trade represents a 5.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 42.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Dell Technologies Trading Down 1.5% NYSE DELL opened at $115.36 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $126.48 and its 200 day moving average price is $133.62. Dell Technologies Inc. has a twelve month low of $66.25 and a twelve month high of $168.08. The company has a market capitalization of $76.45 billion, a PE ratio of 15.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 1.03. Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The technology company reported $2.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate 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 business had revenue of $27.01 billion for 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 companys quarterly 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. Equities analysts predict that Dell Technologies Inc. will post 6.93 EPS for the current year. Dell Technologies Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be issued a dividend of $0.525 per share. This represents a $2.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 20th. Dell Technologiess dividend payout ratio is presently 28.00%. 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. Featured Articles 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. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd grew its holdings in Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report) by 621.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 23,908 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after purchasing an additional 20,596 shares during the quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltds holdings in Motorola Solutions were worth $10,933,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in MSI. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in Motorola Solutions in the 4th quarter worth approximately $208,000. Sivia Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Motorola Solutions in the second quarter worth $210,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its position in Motorola Solutions by 29.4% during the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,739 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $731,000 after acquiring an additional 395 shares during the period. Fifth Third Bancorp raised its stake in Motorola Solutions by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 13,902 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $5,845,000 after purchasing an additional 41 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norden Group LLC bought a new stake in Motorola Solutions in the 2nd quarter valued at $238,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.17% of the companys stock. Get Motorola Solutions alerts: Motorola Solutions Stock Up 1.0% NYSE MSI opened at $401.60 on Friday. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a 1-year low of $359.36 and a 1-year high of $492.22. The company has a market capitalization of $66.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.23, a PEG ratio of 2.97 and a beta of 1.00. The stocks 50 day moving average is $378.22 and its two-hundred day moving average is $421.55. The company has a current ratio of 1.03, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.59. Motorola Solutions Increases Dividend Motorola Solutions ( NYSE:MSI Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The communications equipment provider reported $4.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.85 by $0.21. The business had revenue of $3.01 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.99 billion. Motorola Solutions had a return on equity of 118.48% and a net margin of 18.71%.Motorola Solutionss quarterly revenue was up 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $3.74 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 13.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were paid a $1.21 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. This represents a $4.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.2%. This is a boost from Motorola Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.01. Motorola Solutionss dividend payout ratio is presently 38.84%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Piper Sandler upgraded shares of Motorola Solutions from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $465.00 to $443.00 in a report on Monday, January 5th. Barclays lowered their price target on Motorola Solutions from $509.00 to $495.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Motorola Solutions in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Northcoast Research raised Motorola Solutions from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $450.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Monday, December 1st. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $491.86. View Our Latest Stock Report on Motorola Solutions Motorola Solutions Company Profile (Free Report) Motorola Solutions, Inc is a provider of mission-critical communications and analytics solutions for public safety and commercial customers. The company designs, manufactures and supports a range of communications equipment and software aimed at enabling first responders, government agencies and enterprises to coordinate and operate reliably in high-pressure environments. Its offerings emphasize secure, resilient connectivity and situational awareness for organizations that require dependable voice, data and video communications. Product lines include land mobile radio (LMR) systems and handheld and vehicle-mounted radios used by police, fire and emergency medical services; broadband push-to-talk and LTE-based solutions; command-and-control center software for incident management and records; and video security and analytics systems. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MSI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Motorola Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Motorola Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. If you spend $1.3 trillion or whatever on a military budget, you can say abhorrent, cruel things to the underling allies who barely spend pennies on their military. Starmer is not respected by Trump, therefore he deserves the vitriol and denigration. Sure, Kier Starmer tried to placate Trump best he could and crawled so far up his arsehole he could see the cheeseburgers but he eventually got shat out. Trump calls this tough love, hes trying to knock some sense into the sad, weak bumbling woke Marxists he has to deal with as allies. Even the Don, partial to fawning fake love, could see through the commie Marxist trying to gain favour. Narcissists see through everything. In Afghanistan, over 450 British soldiers gave their lives, but apparently, according to Trump, they were in the back chilling out drinking cups of tea and not in the front lines in Helmand surrounded by grizzly Afghans armed to the fucking teeth and with bloodlust in their eyes. Just like 1842, the Brits retreated from Afghanistan in defeat along with the rest of them during the disgraceful Biden retreat. Remember tough love. Trump is just giving out the tough love.